Bobby Karl Works The Room: John Prine, Amanda Shires, Sturgill Simpson Lead Americana Awards Winners

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Amanda Shires. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 572

At the Americana Awards, it’s not about who wins; it’s about great music performances.

This year’s event, staged at the Ryman on Thursday night (Sept. 13), was characterized by one standing ovation after another. In fact, if you didn’t earn an S.O., you were practically a failure.

For me, the musical highlights included The Drive-By Truckers incendiary, snap-crackle-rock delivery of “What It Means;” the crystalline, trio-harmony rendition of The Everly Brothers’ “So Sad” by Graham Nash with The Milk Carton Kids; the kick-ass, country-rocking “Time Don’t Wait” by Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives; the ethereal meditation on mortality by Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires on “If We Were Vampires” and the folk-rock gem “Cleopatra” by The Lumineers.

In between, they handed out the 2017 Americana Music Honors & Awards to both newcomers and legends.

Host Jim Lauderdale kicked things off with the honky-tonker “Sweet Time.” Next up was Emerging Artist nominee Brent Cobb with the rousing, outlaw-style “Ain’t a Road Too Long.”

Allison Moorer and sister Shelby Lynne presented the Instrumentalist of the Year award to Charlie Sexton. “I’m still in shock to be here,” he said.

Lori McKenna offered her stately, somber, downbeat ballad “Wreck You.” It was a nominee for Song of the Year, and she was a nominee for Artist of the Year.

You could argue that the night belonged to John Prine. He drew a standing ovation the moment he walked on stage. In presenting the Trailblazer Award to Iris DeMent, he said, “To me, her voice was right out of Heaven, so original, yet at the same time, it sounded like an old friend.”

Iris DeMent and John Prine. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

She wept as she accepted the honor from her pal and sometime duet partner. “It’s been a pretty good life,” she stated, before sitting at the piano to perform the sweet, pastoral waltz “Morning Glory.”

Then DeMent and Prine sang their 1999 duet “In Spite of Ourselves.” It drew another standing ovation, and Prine earned yet another when he sang “Lake Marie” with his band. There was another s.o. in store when he was later named Artist of the Year.

“I’d like to thank the little record company that could [his own] Oh Boy Records,” Prine said on that occasion. “And I want to thank the people who come to see us every weekend, ‘cause that’s the beautiful part.”

The Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive went to Bruce Bromberg and Larry Sloven, the co-founders of Hightone Records. “We deeply thank all of the Hightone artists for allowing us to participate in their careers,” said Sloven. Among Hightone’s illustrious alumni are Joe Ely, Rosie Flores, Tom Russell, Dale Watson, Robert Cray, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Buddy Miller and Dave Alvin.

Following the Fabulous Superlatives fabulous performance, Lee Ann Womack and John Oates presented the Song of the Year trophy. It went to “It Ain’t Over Yet” by Rodney Crowell. He was sidelined by illness and wasn’t present to accept.

Emerging Artist nominee Sam Outlaw did his wailing, earthy “Diamond Ring.” Then the droll Milk Carton Kids introduced Rhiannon Giddens singing her stark, minor-key “Julie.” This striking song is an imagined dialogue between a slave and her mistress during the Civil War.

Van Morrison. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Emerging Artist nominee Amanda Shires offered her languid ballad “Harmless.” Joe Henry and Billy Bragg dedicated their acoustic version of “Gentle on My Mind” to the late Glen Campbell and John Hartford.

Ken Paulson presented the Spirit of Americana Free Speech in Music Award to Graham Nash. Then came that magical “So Sad” trio moment. Nash still sings sublimely.

John Paul White introduced that relentless Drive-By Truckers performance. Emerging Artist nominee Aaron Lee Tasjan did a swampy, dark number called “Ready to Die.”

Brandy Clark and Valerie June announced that Shires was the Emerging Artist winner. “Thank you, Americana fans, because there would be no other place for me,” said Shires, who also thanked her husband, “Mr. Shires” (a.k.a. Jason Isbell).

Following The Lumineers performance, Boo Mitchell and Steve Jordan presented the Lifetime Instrumentalist award to The Hi Rhythm Section of Memphis. “We recorded something like 26 Gold and Platinum records, one behind the other,” recalled Rev. Charles Hodges in accepting for the group. “It is an honor to be receiving this. We thank you. We love you.”

“One of the great virtues of this tent called Americana is that it honors music without borders,” said Vince Gill in presenting the Lifetime Performance award to Robert Cray. Then Cray teamed up with the Hi Records gang to perform a horn-punctuated, blues blaster called “You Must Believe in Yourself.”

The Mavericks presented the Duo/Group award to Stuart and his band. “I want to say that I am so proud to be going up and down the road with these three guys,” said Fabulous Superlative Harry Stinson. “I’d like to thank my family – my mother, Gail Davies, who I inherited this [love of music] from,” added Chris Scruggs. “Every single show is always fun,” said Kenny Vaughan.

“Forty-five years ago on Labor Day weekend, I got off a Greyhound Bus,” recalled Stuart. “I went around the corner and saw this building. I wanted to be in this place.”

Album of the Year nominees Hurray for the Riff Raff performed the politically charged, third-world rocker “Pa’lante.” It had challenging shifting time signatures more suited to fist pumping than dancing.

But the Album award was presented by Elizabeth Cook and Lukas Nelson to Sturgill Simpson’s A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. He was touring in Europe and not present. Cook then brought out Margo Price to sing “Do Right By Me.” It was frisky and countrified and boosted by stellar backup vocals by The McCrary Sisters.

Robert Cray. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Jed Hilly introduced Isbell and Shires. Mike Judge announced Prine’s big win. Then Emmylou Harris presented the Lifetime Songwriter award to Van Morrison. “It’s good to be part of this gathering,” Van said tersely before launching into “Down in Your Soul.” His performance was soaked in r&b with his distinctive jazz phrasing. Following it, he walked off briskly.

The finale was dedicated to the late Don Williams as Larry Campbell and Danny Flowers led the assembled artists in singing Danny’s iconic song “Tulsa Time.”

Cheering and schmoozing were David Macias, David Ewing, Patrick Clifford, Pat Embry, John Beiter, John Milward, Jim Rooney, Jason Moon Wilkins, Martha Moore, Mojo Nixon, Mark Brown, Tom Roland, Terry Bulger, Beth Laird, Byron & Aleta Trauger, Barry Mazur, Bullethead, Kacey Chambers, Connie Smith, Gary Paczosa, Geoff Himes, Holly George-Warren, Tony Brown, Web Wilder, Shannon McCombs, Erika Wollam-Nichols and Sherod Robertson.

 

Hunter Leath Signs With Daywind Music Publishing

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(L-R): Daywind President Ed Leonard, Hunter Leath, Daywind Publishing Creative Director Joe Dan Cornett, Daywind Publishing VP Rick Shelton. Photo: Nashville Songwriter Association International

Daywind Music Publishing has signed songwriter Hunter Leath to its roster of writers.

Inspired by a vast variety of music, Leath began his songwriting career at a young age in the suburbs of Memphis. He dedicated himself to studying the writing styles of artists like Don Henley, Phil Vassar, Mac McAnally, and Billy Joel in order to develop a style that blends pop, country, and acoustic music. With this goal in mind, Hunter’s primary focus will be creating songs that will open doors within mainstream country, while also expanding Daywind Music’s reach within Christian music.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Hunter joining our Daywind family,” said Daywind Music Publishing Creative Director Joe Dan Cornet. “He has an innate ability to paint a picture with words and attach an infectious melody to a song. I look forward to sharing much success with Hunter in the future.”

“I could not be more excited to work with Joe Dan Cornett and the rest of the team at Daywind!” said Leath about the new association. “As a songwriter, having a publisher who is 100% in your corner means everything, and that’s exactly what I found there.”

 

Kane Brown Goes To Washington To Raise Awareness For Rental Housing Crisis

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Pictured (L-R): Michele White, Senior Director, National Programs, Make Room, Inc; Alazne (Ali) Solis, President and CEO, Make Room, Inc; Kane Brown; Martha Earls, EFG Management; and John Zarling, EVP, Marketing and New Business, Sony Music Nashville; and Kashe Mowatt, Make Room Consultant. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Make Room USA

Kane Brown traveled to Washington, D.C. yesterday (Sept. 12) to speak at a Congressional briefing and press conference centered on bringing awareness to the plight of the 25 million Americans (including nine million children) who face housing insecurity each year. Brown has partnered with Make Room Inc., which announced the bipartisan congressional effort designating September 2017 as National Month For Renters.

Joined at a press conference by resolution sponsors Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Reps. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) and Denny Heck (D-WA), Brown and Make Room shed light on the eleven million households nationwide that spend more than half of their income just on rent, while making sacrifices such as forgoing food, healthcare, and other necessities.

“When I was younger, my mom and I lived in a car because we didn’t have anywhere to go. After graduating from high school, even though I was working, I didn’t have enough money to pay rent so I stayed with my Nana,” Brown revealed. “I’m proud to partner with Make Room to help other people who have been in similar housing situations. I just want people to know that they can make it through hard times like I did.”

Brown, in partnership with Make Room USA, noted that fans are now able to pre-order the his forthcoming Deluxe Edition of his self-titled debut album (out October 6) here now and opt to pay $25 with a portion going to Make Room after fees and wholesale are covered.

Pictured: Kane Brown spoke at a Congressional briefing and press conference in Washington, DC yesterday. Brown has partnered with Make Room to bring awareness to 25 million Americans struggling to pay rent.

 

 

 

650 AM WSM Launches 24/7 Americana Streaming Station

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650 AM WSM, the longtime radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, has launched Route 650, a new 24/7 Americana music streaming station available at wsmonline.com and via the station’s mobile app.

In addition to feature music from top Americana artists including Jason Isbell, Margo Price, and John Prine, the streaming station will also feature the Americana-based weekly show Whiskey Wednesdays, hosted by Americana duo Wild Ponies.

The 24/7 streaming station follows the 2016 terrestrial launch of of the Americana-focused show Route 650, hosted by Eric Marcum, which airs weeknights at 6 p.m. CT on 650AM and at wsmonline.com.

“Americana is beyond just a music genre, it’s a community of artists that have come together to create an outlet for great music to be heard,” said Marcum. “WSM is honored to have created and launched ROUTE 650 – our 24/7 Americana music streaming station.”

“In the process of planning this new digital station, it became clear that what our terrestrial ROUTE 650 show has become is largely the embodiment of what we envision the 24/7 stream to be, while also giving a tip of the hat to its genesis in WSM-AM,” remarked Chris Kulick, WSM General Manager.

As part of the station’s launch week programming, listeners can tune in for special behind-the-scenes interviews, content, and performances from the 18th Annual Americana Music Festival and Conference.

Jeannie Seely To Celebrate 50 Years As Opry Member On Saturday

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Jeannie Seely

On Saturday, Sept. 16, Jeannie Seely will celebrate 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

She becomes only the sixth woman in country music history to be an Opry member for five decades, joining Minnie Pearl, Jean Shepard, Wilma Lee Cooper, Loretta Lynn and Connie Smith with that distinction. Seely was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 16, 1967, exactly 50 years ago this Saturday, and is known for songs including her Grammy-winning single “Don’t Touch Me.”

The distinctive-voiced lady referred to as “Miss Country Soul” became the first – and to date, the only – Pennsylvania native to become an Opry member.

Jeannie Seely is among a select group of country artists who have scored No. 1 hits as a solo artist, as a duet partner and as a songwriter.

Her songs have been recorded by country legends Merle Haggard, Dottie West, Ernest Tubb, and Ray Price, among others. Seely’s most recent album, Written In Song, released in January.

On Sept. 16, Seely will perform on the Grand Ole Opry, and then host Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Celebration Of Life Concert Set For Singer-Songwriter Michael Johnson

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A celebration of the life and career of Michael Johnson will be held on Sept. 19 in Nashville. Johnson died on July 25 in Minneapolis. He was 72.

The event will be held at Nashville concert venue 3rd & Lindsley, beginning at 8 p.m. The show will feature performances from Hugh Prestwood, Mike Reid, Don Schlitz, Janis Ian, Thom Schuyler, Fred Knoblock, and Bill Labounty.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. There is a suggested $25 donation at the door benefitting Music Health Alliance and MusiCares.

Johnson earned a No. 1 A/C hit with “Bluer Than Blue’ in 1978, and with “This Night Won’t Last Forever” in 1979. He also earned the hit country singles “Give Me Wings,” “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder,” “Crying Shame,” “I Will Whisper Your Name,” “That’s That,” and more. In 1985 he joined Sylvia for the duet “I Love You By Heart.” He also recorded duets with Juice Newton (“It Must Be You”) and Alison Krauss (“Whenever I Call You Friend”).

For Johnson’s full obit written by Robert K. Oermann, click here.

Granger Smith Announces New Album And Headlining Tour

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Country music chart-topper Granger Smith announced his new album When The Good Guys Win, set to be released on Friday, Oct. 27. When The Good Guys Win is his sophomore national release on BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records and follows last year’s acclaimed, Remington, which included the No. 5 “If The Boot Fits” and the No. 1 “Backroad Song” which has been certified gold by the RIAA.

When The Good Guys Win was written and edited on the road. “With most of 2016 and 2017 spent on tour, there wasn’t much time for working on an album,” says Smith. “In fact, we only spent three days in a real studio for an entire year’s worth of work. Instead, I set up a mobile studio in the back of my bus for all the writing, editing and even recording. I sang all of the lead vocals at home in Texas, and did a lot of file sharing back and forth with my co-producers. With the album evolving this way on the road, country fairs, parking lots, green rooms and hotel lobbies, it truly reflects the source of the inspiration: the fans. Without knowing it, my fans were involved in every step of this project and I believe they will hear that through the music. Looking back, I don’t think there could have been a better way to do it.”

The 14-track album is produced by Frank Rogers, Derek Wells and Granger Smith. Pre-order starts Oct. 6.

When The Good Guys Win Track Listing
1. Gimme Something – Jared Mullins, Jordan Schmidt, Justin Wilson
2. You’re In It – Frank Rogers, Justin Adams, Mark Nesler
3. Raise Up Your Glass – Frank Rogers, Matt Alderman, Ty Graham
4. Happens Like That – Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert, Tyler Hubbard
5. Still Holds Up – Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert
6. When The Good Guys Win – Deric Ruttan, Jonathan Singleton, Ben Hayslip
7. Everybody Lives – Tommy Cecil, Seth Ennis, Jay Brunswick, Jaida Dreyer
8. Stutter – Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert
9. Never Too Old – Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert
10. Love Ain’t Blind – Granger Smith, Justin Wilson, Jamie Paulin
11. 4 Wheel Drive – Granger Smith, Frank Rogers, Mike Fiorentino
12. Reppin’ My Roots – Granger Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Mirenda, Jaron Boyer
13. Don’t Tread On Me (ft. Earl Dibbles Jr) – Earl Dibbles Jr, Austin Outlaw, Chris Gainz
14. Home Cooked Meal – Granger Smith, Frank Rogers

Smith will join Luke Bryan on the “Huntin,’ Fishin,’ Lovin’ Everyday” tour starting tomorrow (Sept. 14) before launching his own headlining Don’t Tread On Me tour on Nov. 3 with supporting acts Dylan Schneider and Morgan Wallen.

Don’t Tread On Me Headlining Tour 
Nov. 3 – 7 Flags Event Center – Clive, IA
Nov. 4 – Surf Ballroom – Clear Lake, IA
Nov. 5 – The Blue Note, Columbia, MO
Nov. 10 – Grand Casino Mille Lacs – Event Center – Onamia, MN
Nov. 11 – Limelight Event Plex – Peoria, IL
Nov. 16 – The Stage on Bay – Savannah, GA
Nov. 17 – Double Dee’s Ranch – West Palm Beach, FL
Nov. 18 – The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon – Fort Myers, FL
Nov. 22 – Stampede Houston, TX – Houston, TX
Dec. 14 – The City Center – Champaign, IL
Dec. 15 – 8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis, IN
Dec. 16 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
Dec. 17 – The Machine Shop – Flint, MI
Dec. 29 – Brewster Street Ice House – Corpus Christi, TX

Cassadee Pope, Kristian Bush, Scotty McCreery Set For Cumberland Heights Concert

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A fundraising concert for Nashville’s Cumberland Heights treatment center is set for Oct. 18 and will feature performances by Cassadee Pope, Kristian Bush, Lindsay Ell, Michael Ray, Scotty McCreery and others in an “Opry-style” format at the Ryman Auditorium.

“These artists have hearts as big as their talents,” said Cumberland Heights’ CEO Jay Crosson. “We’re grateful to all the performers – and the many event sponsors – for helping The Concert for Cumberland Heights help hundreds of teens recover life.“

Cumberland Heights will host a VIP pre-party at the Hilton Downtown from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. before the show, which is being hosted by comedian Henry Cho. Tickets are on sale via ticketmaster.com, the Ryman box office, ryman.com and by phone at 800.745.3000. Cumberland Heights is offering special ticket packages through its website cumberlandheights.org, which include a pre-party with a strolling dinner at the Hilton Downtown and priority seating during the concert. Proceeds from the event support Cumberland Heights’ adolescent and young adult treatment programs which help patients set goals for recovery while helping them process life’s consequences and unmanageability.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the concert event. Prior concerts have raised $3.1 million for adolescent services.

Reba To Host ‘CMA Country Christmas’

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Reba McEntire will debut as host for the eighth annual CMA Country Christmas event from Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House. The television taping will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14, followed by the primetime event airing Monday, Nov. 27, 8/7 CT on ABC. The two-hour holiday music celebration will feature performances by McEntire and an as-yet-unannounced lineup sharing their favorite sounds of the season.

“Christmas is such a special time. It reminds me of growing up in Oklahoma and singing carols with my family,” said McEntire. “I’m just tickled to join a group of some of my best Country buddies onstage to celebrate the holiday season. This is where my love of music began.”

Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, Oct. 6 at opry.com.

CMA Country Christmas is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and Jon Macks is the writer.

Leading into the holiday season, McEntire will release My Kind of Christmas Friday, Oct. 13 on Nash Icon Records. The newly-packaged album follows last year’s limited release and includes collaborations with Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Lauren Daigle, Darius Rucker, and Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood.

My Kind of Christmas Track List:

1. Winter Wonderland
2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
3. Mary, Did You Know? (with Vince Gill and Amy Grant)
4. Jingle Bell Rock
5. O Holy Night
6. Hard Candy Christmas
7. Back To God (with Lauren Daigle) (Acoustic Version)
8. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
9. O Come All Ye Faithful
10. O Little Town Of Bethlehem (with Darius Rucker)
11. White Christmas
12. Jingle Bells
13. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
14. Silent Night (with Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood)

 

Skyville Live To Feature Graham Nash Tribute Show With Lee Ann Womack, Ricky Skaggs, More

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Online music series Skyville Live will host another unique pairing of artists featuring Graham Nash and special guests on Sept. 15. Joining the music icon for the show during AmericanaFest week will be Lee Ann Womack, Ricky Skaggs, The Milk Carton Kids, The Secret Sisters and River Whyless.

This marks Womack’s second appearance on the show in just a few weeks, as she also appeared on the Jerry Lee Lewis tribute show August 24 with George Strait, Kris Kristofferson, Toby Keith, Chris Stapleton, and Waylon Payne.

The show is filmed live in front of an audience in Skyville Live’s Nashville studio, and will also stream on AOL, Yahoo Music! and Rated Red. Full streaming details can be found at SkyvilleLive.com.