Keb’ Mo’, Yolanda Adams Among Rhapsody & Rhythm Award Winners

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Charlie Wilson, Nile Rodgers, Yolanda Adams, Mona Scott–Young and Keb’ Mo’ will receive the Rhapsody & Rhythm Award from the National Museum of African American Music at the Museum’s fifth Celebration of Legends on the evening of Thursday, May 31, at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. The Gala celebrates African-American musical and cultural trailblazers who have made significant contributions to American music across all genres.

“Charlie Wilson, Nile Rogers, Yolanda Adams, Mona Scott–Young and Keb’ Mo’ represent the talented, accomplished and decorated musical pioneers that the National Museum of African American Music seeks to elevate,” said NMAAM President and CEO H. Beecher Hicks III. “Their storied careers have a prominent place in history, and we’re proud to honor them with this award.”

As the leader of The Gap Band in his early career, Charlie Wilson and his brothers popularized upbeat funk music and recorded hits including “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” “Party Train” and “Burn Rubber on Me.” As a solo artist, Wilson has been nominated for 11 Grammys and 10 NAACP Image Awards, winning twice. He received the 2013 BET Lifetime Achievement Award, is the 2009 Billboard No. 1 Adult R&B Artist, and has eight Adult R&B No. 1 hits, including “You Are” and “There Goes My Baby.” Wilson recently released a new solo album, “In It To Win It,” which includes the lead single “I’m Blessed” featuring T.I. and “Chills,” which is the current No. 1 single on the Urban Adult Contemporary chart.

Nile Rodgers was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Rodgers formed the band Chic in 1976 and has worked with David Bowie, Madonna and Daft Punk, among dozens of other artists, and won a Grammy in 2014 as part of Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories” album. Rodgers will also receive the Music Business Association’s Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievements in 2018.

Yolanda Adams has won four Grammy Awards, four Dove Awards, six NAACP Image Awards, three BET Awards, an American Music Award and a Soul Train Music Award. She is known as the Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music, the First Lady of Modern Gospel and the Reigning Queen of Urban Gospel. Adams was Billboard’s top Gospel Artist of the Decade ending in 2009.

Mona Scott–Young is the CEO of Monami Entertainment, best known for producing the VH1 television franchise “Love & Hip Hop.” She has been the marketing mind behind visionary performers in the industry for decades, including A Tribe Called Quest, Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes. Under Scott–Young’s leadership, Monami has expanded into the realms of mobile apps and games, jewelry collections, and soft drinks.

Keb’ Mo’ is a four-time Grammy-winning artist and is a modern master of American roots music. Artists across the musical spectrum including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, the Dixie Chicks and the Zac Brown Band have recorded his songs. Keb’ Mo’ is a longtime supporter of the Playing for Change Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free music education to children in nine countries.

Nominees Announced For Third Annual AIMP Nashville Awards

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers will host its third annual AIMP Nashville Awards at The Ryman Auditorium on Monday, May 7, 2018. The evening will again feature performances and appearances from artists and industry executives, while highlighting Nashville’s independent music publishing community.

The final nominees are listed below:

AIMP NASHVILLE RISING SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Emily Shackelton
Jordan Walker
Josh Thompson
Matt McGinn
Michael Hardy
Mitch Rossell

AIMP NASHVILLE RISING ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley McBryde
Hannah Ellis
Jameson Rodgers
Jillian Jacqueline
Kassi Ashton
Steve Moakler

AIMP NASHVILLE ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR
Brothers Osborne
Devin Dawson
Jordan Davis
Luke Combs
Maren Morris
Old Dominion

AIMP NASHVILLE SONG CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Janine Appleton Ebach
Jeff Skaggs
Lee Krabel
Leslie DiPiero
Shannan Hatch
Stephanie Cox

AIMP NASHVILLE PUBLISHER’S PICK
“CRAIG” (Walker Hayes)
independently published by SMACKSongs, Rarespark Media Group
“DEAR HATE” (Maren Morris/Tom Douglas/David Hodges)
independently published by Big Yellow Dog Music, Kobalt Music
“GOOD COMPANY” (Matt Alderman/Tommy Cecil/Jared Mullins)
independently published by Curb/Word Music Publishing, HoriPro Entertainment Group, Big Deal Music
“HAPPY PEOPLE” (Lori McKenna/Hailey Whitters)
independently published by Creative Nation Music, Carnival Music, Pulse Music
“I SHOULD GO TO CHURCH SOMETIME” (Brinley Addington/Michael Hardy/Sarah Turner)
independently published by HoriPro Entertainment Group, Watsky Music
“SPACE COWBOY” (Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally)
independently published by Creative Nation Music, SMACKSongs

AIMP NASHVILLE SONG OF THE YEAR
“ALL ON ME” (Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett, Austin Smith)
independently published by Neon Cross Music
“DRINKIN’ PROBLEM” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
independently published by Black River Publishing, SMACKSongs
“HEARTACHE ON THE DANCE FLOOR” (Jon Pardi, Bart Butler, Brice Long)
independently published by Song Factory, Curb/Word Music Publishing
“I COULD USE A LOVE SONG” (Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz)
independently published by Big Yellow Dog Music, Round Hill Music, Big Machine Music
“I’LL NAME THE DOGS” (Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson)
independently published by Big Loud Music, Round Hill Music, THiS Music, Big Machine Music
“MARRY ME” (Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally)
independently published by Major Bob Music, Combustion Music, Round Hill Music, SMACKSongs
“YOURS” (Russell Dickerson, Casey Brown, Parker Welling)
independently published by 3 Ring Circus Music

AIMP NASHVILLE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Gorley
Ben Hayslip
Hillary Lindsey
Jesse Frasure
Josh Osborne
Shane McAnally

AIMP NASHVILLE PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Combustion Music
Rezonant Music
Round Hill Music
SMACKSongs

 

Big Machine/John Varvatos Records Gets Pretty Vicious

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Big Machine/John Varvatos Records have announced the signing of UK band Pretty Vicious to its roster. Hailing from Merthyr Tydfil in the valleys of Wales, band members Jarvis Morgan (bass), Tom McCarthy (guitar), Brad Griffiths (vocals and guitar) and Elliot Jones (drums) may all be under the age of 21 but their music has gained support from radio throughout Europe via BBC’s Radio 1 and Xfm.

“This band lives up to its name and I cannot wait for these lethal young men to come and conquer the U.S. The British are coming…,” said Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta.

John Varvatos commented, “Pretty Vicious is one of the most exciting bands I’ve seen in the last 10 years. They have the songs, the power, and the attitude to become one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. Get ready to rock!”

“We’re absolutely buzzing to work with Big Machine and John Varvatos and can’t wait to finally play in the States with their full support and belief behind us,” said Pretty Vicious.

 

Tin Pan South 2018: Night 4

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Emily Weisband (left) performs as Natalie Hemby (right) looks on at The Listening Room Cafe sponsored by Nashville Music City Friday night. photo: Cooper Smith

Country and pop songwriters braved the colder temps this past weekend to perform during the 26th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Presented by Regions Bank.

Hit Pop singer/songwriter Ilsey arrived in Nashville early to catch some Tin Pan shows and joined Rodney Clawson‘s round with Nicolle Galyon and special guests Emily Weisband and Natalie Hemby at The Listening Room Cafe sponsored by Nashville Music City.

The sold-out JackFM show at Hard Rock Cafe sponsored by Mid-South Ford, featured former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Ingrid Andress, Jeff Cohen, Jeff Goldford, Jamie Hartman.

Jim Beavers stepped in for Trent Willmon at the sold-out Station Inn early show with Paul Bogart, Cassidy Lynn and Zach Runquist. Anthony Smith‘s late show with Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin at the same venue was also at capacity.

Proceeds from the round featuring Kris Allen, Leigh Nash, Emily West and Tony Lucca at the The Local (sponsored by Tennessee Entertainment Commission) were donated to Musicians Corner.

Levi Lowery performs at SOUTH Friday night. Photo: Cooper Smith

Pictured (L-R): Anthony Smith, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin. Photo: Craig Campbell

The Lightning 100 show at The Local – Sponsored by Tennessee Entertainment Commission featured Dan Tyminski, Lucie Silvas, Ashley Ray and Sean McConnell. Photo: Brittni Talley

Jenn Schott performs at SOUTH as Erik Dylan looks on Friday night.
Photo: Cooper Smith

Danny Myrick performs at the Hard Rock Café – Sponsored by Mid-South Ford Friday night. Photo: Cooper Smith

Downtown Music Acquires Portion Of Major Bob Music

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Pictured (L-R): Emily Stephenson, Director of Global Client Services at Downtown; Steve Markland, VP of A&R Nashville at Downtown; Linda Edell-Howard of Adams and Reese LLP; Justin Kalifowitz, CEO of Downtown; Bob Doyle, Owner & President of Major Bob Music; Andrew Sparkler, SVP of Business Affairs at Downtown; Sam Powers of O’Neil Hagaman, PLLC

Downtown Music Publishing has announced a deal to acquire a portion of the song catalogs of publisher and artist development company, Major Bob Music.

Under the agreement, Downtown has acquired over 2,000 copyrights including hits such as “I Like The Sound Of That” and “Fast Cars and Freedom” by Rascal Flatts, “Crash & Burn” and “Marry Me” by Thomas Rhett, “Dirt On My Boots” by Jon Pardi, “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” and “I’ve Got A Feeling” by Billy Currington, “Where It’s At” by Dustin Lynch, “American Honey” by Lady Antebellum, “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney, “Commitment” by LeAnn Rimes, “Strange” by Reba McEntire, “Our Time Now” by Plain White T’s, and “Fly Over States” by Jason Aldean.

The deal specifically excludes the Garth Brooks catalog and any songs recorded by Garth Brooks.

On the signing, Bob Doyle, Owner & President of Major Bob Music, said, “We have found a great fit in Downtown Music Publishing. With their dedication to transparency and creative marketing services, Downtown will take great care of these catalogs.”

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be trusted by Bob to become the caretakers of these extraordinary copyrights that have defined success here in Nashville, for all these years,” said Steve Markland, Vice President, A&R of Downtown’s Nashville operation. “We have a deep commitment to finding new opportunities for songs of this caliber.”

Major Bob Music was represented in the transaction by Sam Powers and Kerry O’Neil from O’Neil Hagaman, PLLC, with legal representation from Linda Edell-Howard of Adams and Reese LLP. Downtown was represented by Jordan Keller and Sarah Smith from Keller Turner Ruth Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC.

Carrie Underwood To Debut New Single On ACM Awards

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Carrie Underwood will perform the world television premiere of her brand new, soon-to-be-released single live on the 53rd Academy Of Country Music Awards Sunday night (April 15). Underwood joins a star-studded lineup of performers and presenters on the show, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on CBS. Underwood is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Vocal Event of the Year for “The Fighter” with Keith Urban.

The 53rd ACM Awards will be hosted by Reba McEntire and will also include previously announced performers include Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Midland,Maren Morris, Jon Pardi, Bebe Rexha, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and Brett Young. Previously announced presenters include David Boreanaz, Drew Brees, AJ Buckley,Cam, Sam Elliot, Eve, Ashton Kutcher, Dustin Lynch, Nancy O’Dell, Rebecca Romijn, Max Thieriot and Lindsey Vonn.

‘2018 Billboard Music Awards’ To Air On NBC

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The 2018 Billboard Music Awards will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 20 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC. This marks the first year the show will air on the NBC network.

Tickets for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards will go on sale to the public on Thursday, April 12. Tickets to the show can be purchased online at axs.com.

Awards nominations are based on key interactions with fans, as well as album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, touring and social engagement tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound.

The awards are produced by dick clark productions, with Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman and Robert Deaton serving as executive producers.

Rezonant Purchases Extreme Writers Group Catalog

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Pictured (L-R): Michael Martin, Sr. VP, ASCAP; Tim Wipperman, CEO, Rezonant Music Publishing

Rezonant Music Publishing has purchased the Extreme Writers Group catalog.

As part of the agreement, Warner/Chappell and Big Loud Publishing will each maintain their 50 percent ownership in Extreme. Extreme Writers Group catalog includes chart-topping songs such as “Here Comes Goodbye” (Rascal Flatts), “Why” (Jason Aldean), “I Loved Her First” (Heartland) and “Lost In This Moment” (Big & Rich). The catalog also includes George Strait’s CMA Single of the Year “I Saw God Today.” The catalog also includes Christian hits including “The Motions” and “More,” both performed by Matthew West.

Michael Martin (Sr. VP, ASCAP), Jason Houser and Tim DuBois formed Extreme Writers Group in 2000. Representing almost two dozen writers during the company’s decade of activity, Extreme helped launch the career of two-time BMI Country Songwriter Of the Year Rodney Clawson, as well as ASCAP Country Award-winning songwriters Elliott Park and Clint Lagerberg.

“Our catalog started with Tim Wipperman in 2000 and we are excited to have him involved in the next chapter,” said Martin. “We are thankful to see Extreme become part of Rezonant, a publishing company that shares our original vision to empower and inspire creative people to write songs that will have a long-term impact.”

“It’s wonderful to circle back and be able to work with the Extreme guys again,” Rezonant Music Publishing CEO Tim Wipperman said. “This catalog is full of unrecorded hits written by some of the best writers in the business. I look forward to working with Warner/Chappell and Big Loud Publishing to give these songs life.”

Social Club Misfits Launch Tour In Nashville

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Social Club Misfits

Capitol CMG recording artist Social Club Misfits kicked off their Into The Night Tour at Rocketown in downtown Nashville, Tennessee this week. The hip-hop duo will continue their 2018 tour through the end of April with stops in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Charlotte, Orlando and more.

The duo, comprised of Marty and Fern, released their album Into The Night on Feb. 9, 2018. They recently wrapped up The Roadshow tour with For King and Country, Natalie Grant, Matthew West, and Zach Williams.

“War Cry feat. Tauren Wells,” Social Club’s new radio release, is the group’s fastest rising single to date.

Into The Night Tour dates:
April 6: Lancaster, PA Chameleon Club
April 7: Elizabeth, NJ The Liberty Center
April 8: Clinton, CT Cornerstone Church
April 9: Baltimore, MD Baltimore Sound Stage
April 13: Cincinnati, OH The Underground
April 14: Oakland City, IN Oakland City University
April 15: Pontiac, MI The Crofoot
April 17: Chicago, IL New Life Covenant
April 18: Columbus, OH The Basement
April 19: Charlotte, NC The Underground
April 20: Durham, NC World Overcomers Christian Church
April 22: Jacksonville, FL Murray Hill Theatre
April 24: Orlando, FL Soundbar
April 25: Atlanta, GA Vinyl

Walker Hayes Goes Platinum

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Walker Hayes receives Platinum plaque for “You Broke Up With Me” at PlayStation Theater in NYC. Pictured (L-R): SMACK’s Robert Carlton, Walker Hayes, Monument’s Katie McCartney

On Thursday (April 5), Monument Records artist Walker Hayes was surprised with Platinum certification for his hit, “You Broke Up With Me,” in front of a sold out crowd of more than 2500 fans at PlayStation Theater as part of Kelsea Ballerini’s Unapologetically Tour. The Platinum certification signifies 1 million records sold.

As he was brought to the stage by the local radio station, NASH FM, DJs Katie Neal and Jesse Addy introduced him to the packed house as a “13 year overnight success story” and although the first single from his debut album, “You Broke Up With Me,” is now Certified Platinum, Hayes says the long journey to this point is what makes it so special.

“I’m so humbled and excited to get my first Platinum plaque,” Hayes said to his crowd as they roared with applause. “This is because of people like you who are open minded and love my music that doesn’t really fit in a box. This has been a long journey and I’m finally making the music that is true to me, so thank you for listening and buying and showing up.”

The Top 10 hit is followed by “Craig,” written by Hayes in an effort to thank a friend for his generous gift of a car when Hayes’ family was having trouble making ends meet.