Chris Janson Celebrates Second Chart-Topper, “Fix A Drink”

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Chris Janson, Chris DuBois and producer Brent Anderson.

Warner Music Nashville artist Chris Janson celebrated his second No. 1 song, “Fix A Drink,” with a celebration at BMI’s Nashville office on Tuesday (March 6). Janson co-wrote the track with Ashley Gorley and Chris DuBois. The track marks Gorley and DuBois’ 36th and 17th No. 1s, respectively

“I cry at these things,” said Janson, who will soon be inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He thanked BMI’s David Preston for believing in him early on in his career. “When I was still singing at Tootsie’s, they told me to go over to BMI. David Preston signed me on over there, and I thought I was famous,” he said. “I wasn’t then, but when you do get success, you find out the benefits of it.”

He also praised Warner Music’s Cris Lacy for pulling off a risky radio promotion move. “Cris called me up the evening before we were going to send a different song to radio, and she said, ‘We are going with “Fix A Drink” instead.’ Thank you for that.”

Among those celebrating were ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMI’s Preston, Warner Music Nashville president/CEO John Esposito, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, and Sea Gayle Music’s Jake Gear and Christina Wiltshire. ole’s John Ozier, who represents Chris Janson for publishing, presented Janson with a new iPad to commemorate the chart-topping hit.

Others on hand to celebrate included the Country Music Association’s Brandi Simms, and Country Radio Broadcasters’ Kurt Johnson. MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson honored the songwriters with No. 1 Challenge Coins, to commemorate their success on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart.

“There are two components of success–incredible talent and an incredible work ethic,” said Robertson. “You set such a great example to all of us in the business.”

Top (L-R): BMI’s David Preston, Sea Gayle’s Christina Wiltshire, Warner Bros.’ John Esposito, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Sea Gayle’s Jake Gear, Combustion’s Chris Farren, Ole’s John Ozier and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel. Bottom (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Chris Janson, Chris DuBois and Brent Anderson

Pinnacle Bank announced a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of the songwriters.

“Thank God for putting these men in my life and it’s an honor to share this with them,” DuBois said of his fellow songwriters. He also thanked producer Brent Anderson. “I’ve heard him harmonize to a car alarm, and to a phone ringing. There is no end to what he can do,” DuBois quipped.

Gorley praised Janson for not only his commitment to his career, but his commitment to wife Kelly and to their kids. “Chris and Kelly are a great example of mixing life and career, and keeping their family first,” Gorley said. “Chris Janson is one of those few artists that you really can’t wait to see how he pulls off a song in his live show. Nobody pulls off songs better live.”

Janson not only praised everyone on his team, from publisher to manager to label execs, but he brought everyone on stage for a group photo to celebrate the occasion.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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