Ashley Job Joins 117 Entertainment Group

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Ashley Job

Ashley Job has been hired as Publicity Manager at 117 Entertainment Group. Job is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee, and previously worked at Webster PR, where she was instrumental in the recent All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Celebration.

117 Entertainment president/CEO Zach Farnum, who launched the company in May, is also a former Webster PR staffer.

“I’ve been impressed with Ashley’s work since I first heard about her. She’s only been in the business a short time but has accomplished so much, a quality that makes her perfect for our team. I know how much time and effort it takes to put on a major event, and she pulled Kenny Rogers’ event off with a bang,” said Farnum, adding, “She shows commitment to her clients and truly cares about the success of their careers.”

117 Publicity, headed by VP Bev Moser, represents artists including Randy Travis, Chuck Negron, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lewis Brice, Logan Mize, Tim Rushlow, Paul Bogart, Max T. Barnes, Scooter Brown Band, Moe Bandy, Johnny Lee, The Frontmen, Nashville Association of Talent Directors, and Bobby Bare.

Job can be reached at [email protected] or at 615–997-0100 x704.

Compass Records Group Acquires Red House Records

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Compass Records Group has announced the addition of Red House Records to its label family.

The 34-year-old St Paul, Minnesota-based imprint has been home to a long list of cornerstone folk and Americana artists, including The Wailin’ Jennys, John Gorka, The Cactus Blossoms, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, Eliza Gilkyson, Lucy Kaplansky, Robin and Linda Williams, and Greg Brown, the legendary Iowa-based singer/songwriter whose debut album launched the label.

Officially established in 1983 by Bob Feldman after meeting singer/songwriter Greg Brown, Red House went on to become one of the most iconic labels on the folk and Americana scene. Under Feldman’s guidance, up to his untimely death in 2006, Red House received indie music awards, numerous GRAMMY nominations and a GRAMMY award for Ramblin’ Jack Elliot’s album, South Coast, in 1995. Feldman himself became widely recognized as a leading advocate for roots music and a leader in the independent label community.

Compass co-founders Alison Brown and Garry West are long admirers of Red House and fans of its artist roster.

West said, “When we first launched Compass we were really learning the business from the ground up. Of all the people from whom we would seek advice, Bob was always the most straightforward and would tell it like it was. His support was immeasurable and we were extremely grateful for his willingness to take us under his wing. I have to admit it gave me a great feeling of accomplishment when, over time, Bob started calling me to compare notes.”

Adds Brown, “It is incredibly meaningful to us to be able to carry Red House’s legacy into the future. We are really excited to work with such a fine roster of artists and are committed to keeping Red House’s brand of folk and Americana music alive.”

“It’s a great accomplishment and I couldn’t be prouder or more grateful,” says Red House owner Beth Friend, who has kept Red House going since Feldman’s death. “We have believed in and worked hard for every artist on the label and it’s been our privilege to — as Bob used to say as he’d leave for work in the morning — ‘bring music to the people.’ This was a very personal and very difficult decision for me to make,” she says. “It’s simply time for me to bring this chapter of my life to a close and move on. Compass founders Garry West and Alison Brown were friends of Bob’s and have often commented on how his mentorship helped them in the early days of launching their own label. I know they will bring a level of care to the Red House imprint that I don’t believe I could have found in another buyer.”

2017 has been a busy year for Red House, with releases from Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams and Minnesota songwriter Charlie Parr. Most recently, Red House released the long-awaited follow-up album, Fifteen, from contemporary folk darlings The Wailin’ Jennys. The new project, which streeted on October 27, was the No. 2 album on iTunes’ Singer/Songwriter chart and No. 31 on the iTunes album chart in its first week. First quarter 2018 will include a new studio release from critically acclaimed singer/songwriter John Gorka among others.

Compass Records was founded in 1994 by Grammy-winning musician Brown and bassist/producer West. The label group, which boasts multiple Grammy, Indie and IBMA awards, has over 600 titles in its catalog from a diverse artist roster including Colin Hay, The Infamous Stringdusters, Shannon McNally, Mike Farris, Bobby Osborne and Claire Lynch and label co-founder Brown, and is also home to two seminal Irish catalogs, Green Linnet and Mulligan Records. Compass’ latest signings include NYC indie darling Elizabeth Ziman (Elizabeth and the Catapult) and rising bluegrass/Americana star Molly Tuttle.

Bobby Karl Works The 2017 BMI Country Awards

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BMI Vice President Creative, Nashville Jody Williams, 2017 BMI Icon Bob DiPiero and BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

There was a whole lot of love in the room at the 2017 BMI Awards banquet on Tuesday evening (Nov. 7).

The organization’s top honorees are all widely beloved members of our country-music community. Sweet Ross Copperman won BMI’s Country Songwriter of the Year prize for the second year in a row. Super charitable Keith Urban was presented with the BMI Champion Award.

“More-laughs-than-a-stack-of-comic-books” Bob DiPiero earned a well-deserved BMI ICON Award. Winner-and-still-champion Sony/ATV-Tree picked up its 16th annual Country Publisher of the Year honor with such loved figures as Troy Tomlinson, Terry Wakefield and Tom Luteran taking the stage.

“H.O.L.Y.” was named BMI’s Country Song of the Year. Co-writers busbee and Nate Cyphert received a standing ovation as they took the stage with Florida Georgia Line. In keeping with the love-in-the-room theme of the occasion, the song’s initials stand for “High On Loving You.”

Urban and FGL were hardly the only stars in attendance. If you are a country fan, this event is heaven on earth. Walking the red carpet before the awards banquet were Chris Young, Chris Janson, Chris Lane, Chase Bryant, Lindsay Ell, Larry Gatlin (who has regained his voice), Luke Bryan, LOCASH, Easton Corbin, Aaron Watson, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer John Oates, Maddie & Tae, Michael Ray, Midland and Cole Swindell.

Brett Eldredge attends the BMI Country Awards. Photo: Getty Images for BMI

Not to mention Dan + Shay, Granger Smith, Scotty McCreery, Robert Earl Keen (his Xmas tour hits the Ryman on Dec. 28), Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, The Sisterhood, Lauren Alaina, Dustin Lynch, Hillary Williams (Hank Jr.’s daughter has just completed her first CD), Kristian Bush, Tegan Marie, RaeLynn, William Michael Morgan, Frankie Ballard and Brett Eldredge.

My biggest thrill was meeting Ashley McBryde. “You’re my favorite new artist!” I exclaimed. “Well, then, give me a hug,” she replied. She confessed that the hubbub surrounding “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” is making her head spin. “I just wanted to move to Nashville to write songs. Everything now is all, ‘What?’ Like, ‘We’re going to do the red carpet.’ ‘What?’”

You didn’t need a red-carpet walk to spot a star. Upstairs in BMI’s Music Row headquarters at the banquet, there was a celeb around every corner. Randy Travis, Randy Owen, Jake Owen, Big Kenny, Lee Roy Parnell, Lisa Stewart, Dickey Lee, Josh Turner, Little Big Town, Jack Ingram, Mac Davis, Rory Lee Feek, Billy Burnette, The Warren Brothers, Shawn Camp and Hunter Hayes were mingling among us. Patty Smyth, the lead singer of Scandal, was in the house with her tennis-celeb hubby John McEnroe.

And then there were the stars who entertained us from the stage. The first of them saluted Keith Urban.

BMI’s Mike O’Neill announced the night’s first awardee. “We honor Keith not only for his spectacular talent, but for what he does behind the scenes…for music education,” said O’Neill, citing Urban’s efforts on behalf of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grammy Foundation, Mr. Holland’s Opus Fund, ACM Lifting Lives and lobbying for music education in D.C. Maren Morris, backed by students from the Nashville School of the Arts, serenaded Urban with “But For the Grace of God.”

BMI Vice President Creative, Nashville Jody Williams, singer-songwriter Keith Urban, and BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

“I don’t know what to say about this,” said the honoree, “except I’ve been blessed by the gift of your love.”

Performance and video tributes to DiPiero were interspersed throughout the evening. The former featured Jon Pardi tearing it up on “Daddy’s Money,” Brooks & Dunn romping through “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl” and Reba McEntire slaying the crowd with the power waltz “Till You Love Me.”

Among those testifying on video were John Scott Sherrill, Woody Bomar, George Strait, Al Cooley, Vince Gill, Craig Wiseman, Robert K. Oermann, Jeffrey Steele and Gerry House, most of whom were also in the house.

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome Bob DiPiero into our BMI ICON family tonight,” said O’Neill, citing the writer’s four-decade career, 1,000 recorded songs, 50 million radio performances and membership in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Bob’s songs are ingrained in country music….He embodies the spirit of Music Row.”

Luke Bryan attends the 65th Annual BMI Country Awards at BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

“BMI has been my rock through real highs and real lows,” said Bob. “You all have saved my life. Music Has saved my life…..Music makes my heart beat.”

“You have set the bar for everybody in this room,” said Jody Williams. Jody, plus BMI Nashville execs Leslie Roberts and Bradley Collins, presided over the songwriter and publisher award presentations.

At several moments, the love in the room bubbled to the surface. Lori McKenna drew cheers and a spontaneous standing ovation when she took the stage with Tim McGraw to accept a BMI Award for her deeply moving “Humble and Kind.”

“Your grandmother, Donna Hilley, would be very proud of you tonight,” said Jody to Mitchell Tenpenny. Mitchell was one of 11 writers getting their first BMI recognition. Others included Jesse Lee, Kelly Archer, Alexander Palmer, Barry Bales and Daniel Tashian.

Two father-son songwriting teams were honored – Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett, plus Casey Beathard and Tucker Beathard.

BMI Vice President Creative, Nashville Jody Williams, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town, and BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Other songwriters in the winner’s circle included Ronnie Bowman, Sarah Buxton, Jesse Frasure, Tom Douglas, Natalie Hemby, Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley, Shy Carter, Bryan Simpson, Neil Mason, Blair Daly, Jim Beavers, Rodney Clawson and Barry Dean.

Big winner Copperman had already earned 16 BMI Awards going into the banquet. “I’m so thankful for this town wrapping its arms around me,” he said. “Thank you for taking care of my songs. I love you guys.”

We dined on chicken cordon bleu, filet mignon, asparagus spears, baby carrots and potatoes au gratin. Tables were draped with elegant pale-gray cloths with jumbo autumn roses and hybrid orange mums in massed centerpieces. The dining area’s entries were flanked by tall columns of blossoms and greenery.

Kent Blazy, Kent Earls, Jim Free, Jim McBride, David Pomeroy, David & Karen Conrad, David Ross, Melanie Howard, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, Leslie Fram, Leslie Tomasina DiPiero (“Queen Leslie,” according to Bob), Dane Bryant, Del Bryant, John Huie, John Marks, John Esposito, Bobby Braddock, Butch Baker, Al Anderson, Dean Dillon, Carson Chamberlain, Gilles Godard, Scott Siman and Steve Schnur schmoozed.

Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn perform onstage during the 65th Annual BMI Country Awards at BMI. Photo: Getty Images for BMI

Also working this friendliest of rooms were Beth & Luke Laird, Liz Rose, Jerry Crutchfield, Randy Goodman, T.K. Kimbrell, Roger Murrah, Barry Coburn, Gov. Bill Haslam, songwriter-running-for-Congress Lee Thomas Miller, Diane Pearson, Steve Dorff, Erik Dylan, Clay Myers, Arturo Buenahora, Charlie Monk, Lori Badgett, Pat Finch, Hank Adam Locklin, Biff Watson and Garth Fundis.

More love, plus thoughts and prayers, go out to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Whitey Shafer, 83, who suddenly became ill at the banquet and was transported to a hospital.

Early 2017 CMA Awards Winners Announced

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Winners in the 51st Annual CMA Awards’ Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories were announced Wednesday morning (Nov. 8) on Good Morning America.

Brothers Osborne‘s “It Ain’t My Fault,” directed by Wes Edwards and Ryan Silver, earned Music Video of the Year. Musical Event of the Year honors went to “Funny How Time Slips Away,” by Willie Nelson and the late Glen Campbell.

The 51st Annual CMA Awards will be held tonight at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will air on ABC Television Network. See a complete list of nominees.

Lee Thomas Miller’s Run For Congress Announced During BMI Country Awards

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Lee Thomas Miller

BMI president and CEO Mike O’Neill announced during Tuesday evening’s BMI Country Awards that songwriter and NSAI president Lee Thomas Miller will run for Congress, entering the race for Tennessee’s seventh congressional district. It is the seat that will soon be vacated by Marsha Blackburn.

The music industry crowd gave a standing ovation following the announcement. Miller was in the crowd at the event, but has not commented on his run at this time.

Miller has written several No. 1 country hits, including “The Impossible” (Joe Nichols), “The World” and “I’m Still A Guy” (Brad Paisley), and “You’re Gonna Miss This” (Trace Adkins), and has been nominated for three Grammy awards.

As Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) president, Miller has made numerous trips to Washington, D.C., alongside fellow songwriters, to fight for songwriters’ rights and to enlighten lawmakers to the plight of songwriters whose incomes are largely governed by consent decrees.

In recent days, Miller received a letter signed by more than 80 country artists, songwriters, and music industry executives, encouraging Miller to announce his run for the seat. Among the letter’s signees were Brad Paisley, Kix Brooks, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Brandon Heath, Rusty Gaston, Tom Douglas, Frank Liddell and more.

CMT’s #NextWomen Of Country Inducts Nine For 2018 During Brunch Soirée

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Artists and songwriters attend CMT’s 5th Annual Next Women Of Country Event. [CLICK TO ENLARGE]

Photos: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

CMT’s Sr. VP of Music Strategy Leslie Fram welcomed a packed house to the fifth annual Next Women of Country brunch at City Winery on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

With co-host Raelynn, the fairy godmother (as Fram was referred to as) announced 11 performances, introduced Nashville’s first female Mayor Megan Barry who announced the class of nine Next Women of Country inductees, welcomed 2018 Next Women mentor Nicolle Galyon and gave the CMT Impact Award to Kelsea Ballerini.

Among the new class were performers was the a potent delivery of sass, sarcastic and swag from new UMG recording artist Kassi Ashton (“Taxidermy”) and the mesmerizing Warner storyteller who earned the only standing ovation, Ashley McBryde (“Girl Goin’ Nowhere”). A grateful Warner Music Nashville artist Bailey Bryan (“Trying To Find My Way”) was also inducted alongside Black River Record’s bluesy Abby Anderson (“With The Radio On”), raw songwriter for Word Country Hannah Ellis (“Never In Love”), and CMT’s discovery artist Kalie Shorr who performed a cover of Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” with Lindsey Ell (Class of 2014) and Kelleigh Bannen (class of 2013) to kick off the event.

Additional non-performing 2018 inductees included indie Erin Enderlin, whose album Whiskeytown Crier released in September. Sony’s The Sisterhood (Ruby Stewart & Alyssa Bonagura) were also present as inductees, as was SMACK Records’ Jo Smith.

CMT’s Next Women of Country 2018 inductees with Mayor Megan Barry

CMT’s Next Women of Country 2018 inductees with Leslie Fram

“Can you believe it’s been five years,” exclaimed a deservingly proud Fram. “Next February we will start our fourth Next Women of Country tour, plus our digital series and of course so much more. We couldn’t have done it without every single person in this room, the CMT staff, and the artists.”

The first songwriter round included six performers, including McBryde and Ellis.

2014 inductee Danielle Bradbery previewed “Worth It,” a track from her I Don’t Believe We’ve Met project, due out in December. 2017 inductees Monroe (Whitney Duncan, Ashlee Hewitt & Shelby McLeod) performed a new song “Coke and Rum” while Jillian Jaqueline promoted her latest single, “God Bless This Mess.” The Voice contestant Natalie Stovall, urged the audience to continue watching her TV program because she’ll be able to release new music after the season, including “Wine Or Whiskey,” a song she performed at the afternoon event.

Nicolle Galyon

Mayor Megan Barry

RaeLynn introduced mentor Galyon, who gave a short speech for her 2018 responsibility, which include meeting with the songwriter and artist class of 2018 to offer advice.

“I’m a mentor because I’m the oldest one here,” joked Galyon. “Most everything I know about being a woman in the music business is simply by watching other women in the music business. I learned from Natalie Hemby that the end of a record/publishing deal is usually the beginning of something better for you. I learned from Jessi Alexander the year you have a baby could possibly be the biggest year of your career. I learned from Lori McKenna that how you treat people in this town will be your greatest success. Being a mentor to me feels more like being a bridge between those women.”

Pictured (L-R): Nicolle Galyon, Kelsea Ballerini, Leslie Fram

A surprised Ballerini was presented with the CMT Impact Award for a female artist who has unapologetically impacted songwriting, recording, radio airplay, record sales, media impressions and touring in county music over the past year.

“They told me I was presenting Leslie [Fram] an award,” exclaimed Ballerini, who will be up for CMA Female vocalist the next evening, and was the recipient of ASCAP’s Vanguard award the previous night. “I’m just stoked to be a chick in country music right now. It’s the best time.”

The event concluded with the final songwriter round of five performers, including Anderson, Ashton and Bryan.

The round also spotlighted Carly Pearce (“Every Little Thing”) a 2017 inductee whose current Gold-certified single is at No. 3 and the debut BMLG album hit the sales charts last month at No. 4. Pearce’s 2017 classmates Runaway June (“Wild West”) concluded the round, and event. A music video for “Wild West” will debut on CMT this Saturday (Nov. 11). Lauren Alaina, whose movie Road Less Traveled premieres Friday (Nov 10) on CMT, was also in attendance.

Superstars Set To Perform On ‘CMA Country Christmas’

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Iconic entertainer Reba McEntire will lead an evening of superstar performances as host of CMA Country Christmas.

Joining her on the show will be Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, CB30, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young. The sold out, eighth annual event will be recorded at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on Nov. 14 and air Monday, Nov. 27, 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.

Coinciding with Reba hosting the show for the first time, fans can expect a new look and feel this year. She will perform a song from her new Nash Icon Records album, My Kind of Christmas, which features collaborations with Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Lauren Daigle, Darius Rucker, and Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood.

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.

Warner Music Nashville Promotes Ben Kline, Victoria Nugent

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Ben Kline, Victoria Nugent

Warner Music Nashville has promoted two executives. Ben Kline will transition from VP, Revenue & Artist Services to SVP, Global Revenue & Touring. Meanwhile, Victoria (Torie) Nugent moves from Senior Director to VP, Research & Analytics. Both positions will report to COO Matt Signore.

Kline will now oversee WMN’s full-service International Department in its marketing efforts and global release strategies for Warner Music Nashville artists including Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Charlie Worsham, Dan + Shay, RaeLynn and more. Established in early 2017, WMN’s International Department bolsters international relations for the WMN roster while working with Warner Music Group counterparts in more than 50 territories across the globe. Kline will additionally lead the effort as the label continues to develop a touring department that will maximize the opportunities for WMN artists on the road.

“Ben has always been the head of revenue and this promotion acknowledges our commitment to driving the business from every revenue source, everywhere in the world. In order to do that we need a fully-staffed team here in Nashville completely connected to all our affiliations,” said Signore.

Nugent will continue to provide the entire WMN team with insights into fan demographics and behavioral data. She will also offer an increased focus on broader industry and genre-level trends, while also assisting the WMN Finance team with ROI and marketing spend analysis.

“Torie is the perfect partner to this effort, as data will be critical to evaluating the viability of all opportunities,” Signore says. “She has the unique ability to combine marketplace and competitive data with her knowledge of our artists and marketing strategy to form strong analysis for decision-making.”

Signore says, “I’m incredibly fortunate to be on the same team with Ben and Torie. In addition to being top notch execs, they are amazing human beings and true friends.”

Parallel Music Publishing Renews Agreement With Blake Chaffin

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Pictured (Front row, L-R): Blake Chaffin; Denise Stevens, Partner, Loeb & Loeb; Chip Petree, Partner, Ritholz, Levy, Fields; (Back row, L-R): Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing; Travis Myatt, Parallel Music Publishing

Parallel Music Publishing recently renewed its agreement with rising songwriter Blake Chaffin. His growing list of singles includes Logan Mize’s “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time,” written with Mize and Kelly Archer; and Brantley Gilbert’s current single, “The Ones That Like Me,” written with Gilbert and Bobby Pinson. It was recently announced that Gilbert’s 2018 tour will share the same title.

Chaffin has accumulated notable cuts including “Still Yours” on Ryan Beaver’s album, Rx , written with Luke Dick; and “Down Home,” written with Brent Cobb, who recorded it for his album Southern Family.

“I owe so much to Tim Hunze and the rest of the team at Parallel for sticking with me, to get to this point,” said Chaffin. “I’m honored to be a part of the songwriting community in Nashville. I like playing with words for a living.”

Hunze added, “I’m so impressed with what we’ve been able to achieve in the first deal and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish with this new one.”

Parallel’s current roster includes Chaffin, Alex Hall, Lance Carpenter, Jennifer Schott, Jesse Lee, Michael Lotten, and Michael White. The company has scored No. 1 hits with Kelsea Ballerini’s “Love Me Like You Mean It,” Michael Ray’s “Kiss You In The Morning” and The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two.”

Fifth Annual Leadership Music Virtual Food Drive Launches Today

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For the fifth year, Leadership Music is organizing a Virtual Food Drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. This year’s drive begins today (Nov. 7) and continues through Friday, Nov. 17. Over the past four years, Leadership Music alumni and friends have supplied more than 240,000 meals for the 1 in 7 people who are hungry in Middle Tennessee. For every dollar donated, Second Harvest can provide four meals.

“The Leadership Music family and friends on Music Row are always incredibly generous in supporting our mission through their Virtual Food Drive,” says Jaynee Day, president and CEO of Second Harvest and a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 2012. “This drive continues to set the bar as one of our top Virtual Food Drives year after year.”

To donate, click on the link below and contribute in one of two ways: either by “shopping” for a certain category of food (peanut butter, pasta, etc.) or making a straight contribution ($50, $75, etc.). If you are a Leadership Music alum, you may donate through your class year. If you are a Friend of Leadership Music, you may donate through the tab Friends of Leadership Music.

To donate, visit shfbmt.convio.net/goto/leadershipmusic2017