Industry Pics: Brett Eldredge, Zach Williams, Sara Evans, Shenandoah

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Brett Eldredge Grabs RIAA Gold

Pictured (L-R): John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Brett Eldredge; Rob Baker (Longshot Management); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); Matt Signore (COO, WMN)

Brett Eldredge recently celebrated RIAA Gold certifications for two hit singles, including “The Long Way” and “Somethin’ I’m Good At.”

 

Zach Williams Celebrates RIAA Gold Certification

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Rettler, Just Management; Terry Hemmings, President & CEO, Provident Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment; Zach Williams; Blaine Barcus, VP A&R, Provident Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment

Earlier this week in Nashville, Provident Label Group/Sony Music artist Zach Williams was presented with the official gold plaque for his RIAA-certified Gold single “Chain Breaker,” surrounded by his family, management, and label team.

Sara Evans Earns NABEF Service To America Leadership Award

Pictured (L-R): Leslie Roberts (BMI Executive Director), Paul Karpowicz (Presiding Director of the BMI Board of Directors / President, Meredith Local Media Group), Sara Evans, Michael Fiorile (Chairman of the BMI Board of Directors / Chairman and CEO of The Dispatch Printing Company / Chairman and CEO of Dispatch Broadcast Group) and Pamela Williams (BMI Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Corporate Secretary of the BMI Board of Directors)

The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) presented Sara Evans with the NABEF Service To America Leadership Award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Service to America Leadership Award recognizes individuals and organizations responsible for improving the lives of others through extraordinary public service. It is considered NABEF’s highest individual honor.

 

Shenandoah Visits CMA

Pictured (L-R): CMA’s Brenden Oliver, Angela Stradler, Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon, Mike McGuire, Shenandoah’s Manager Cole Johnstone, Absolute Publicity’s Caroline Fields and Don Murry Grubbs. Photo courtesy of CMA.

Shenandoah visited the CMA Office on Music Row to perform a concert for the CMA staff to celebrate their new single “That’s Where I Grew Up,” which debuted at radio this week. Shenandoah is set to play Nash Icon’s Rhythm and Boots Fundraiser tomorrow night at 3rd and Linsley to raise money for Musicians on Call.

NASH Nights Live’s Elaina Smith Launches Series Highlighting Female Country Artists

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NASH Nights Live co-host Elaina Smith has teamed up with Nash Country Daily for an ongoing series featuring female country artists. The profiled artists will be featured on 90 websites under the Cumulus Media umbrella and more than 130 radio stations across the nation, with a reach of 400,000 people on Twitter and 180,000 people on Facebook.

In her debut post, Smith explains what readers can expect in future posts and curates her first #WomenWantToHearWomen Playlist. Each article will feature a female country artist with an accompanying opinion piece, interview, podcast, or playlist. Smith is making this a team effort, inviting readers and listeners to work with her to decide who will be featured and what they want to ask the artists.

The playlist currently features 14 artists, including Cam, Ashley McBryde, Clare Dunn, Abby Anderson, Maren Morris, Cassadee Pope, Kacey Musgraves, Stephanie Quayle, RaeLynn, Leah Turner, Lindsay Ell, Caitlyn Smith, Rachel Wammack and Kassi Ashton.

Max T. Barnes Receives Multiple BMI Million-Air Awards

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Max T. Barnes was recently presented with four Million-Air Awards from BMI, including one for his late father, Max D. Barnes, whose “Chiseled In Stone” reached one million broadcasts.

Max T. Barnes’ “A Night To Remember” and “How Your Love Makes Me Feel” have both received two million radio spins, while “Love, Me,” recorded by Collin Raye, has garnered four million radio plays.

The Million-Air Awards are given to songwriters, composers and publishers whose songs accumulate more than one million U.S. broadcast performances.

“This is a big surprise and an honor,” Barnes said. “I find it hard to imagine ‘Love, Me’ has been played four million times but I am very grateful. I know my dad received over a dozen of these but I know he would be thrilled, too!”

Ken Tucker To Join BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records As VP, Promotion

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Ken Tucker

BBR Music Group has named Ken Tucker as VP, Promotion for label imprint Wheelhouse Records. Wheelhouse Records’ roster includes Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kristian Bush, Runaway June and Walker McGuire. Tucker will begin work in his new role July 23.

Prior to joining Wheelhouse Records, Tucker served as Apple Music’s Nashville-based music programmer. Prior to being part of a team that launched both Beats Music and Apple Music, Tucker was the Managing Editor of consumer publication Country Weekly.

A former radio programmer and air personality, Tucker served in regional and national promotion positions at Warner Bros. Nashville, championing various artists including Blake Shelton.

As a writer and editor, his work appeared in Billboard, Mediaweek, The Hollywood Reporter and Radio & Records, among other publications. A former adjunct professor at Belmont University, Tucker is a past Chairman of the Academy of Country Music, a lifetime member of the Country Music Association and a member of the Leadership Music Class of 2007.

“Since his time at Warner Bros., his knowledge-base and relationships have only grown deeper and stronger,” says Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group. “We are so excited to have someone with his broad base of experience and perspective join our family. Even more than that, I am thrilled to add someone with his integrity and heart who places such a high value on ‘win-win’ relationships. He will be an amazing leader for our Wheelhouse team and a strong passionate advocate for our artists!”

“No matter what segment of music business that Ken has been in and associated with, he has Always Excelled,” said Carson James, SVP of Promotion, BBR Music Group. “I’m so excited to have him lead our Wheelhouse Promotion Team for many years to come!”

Tucker will report to Carson James, SVP of Promotion, BBR Music Group.

BBR Music Group VP of Radio Syndication & Group Strategy, Renee Leymon, will continue to serve as the interim VP of Promotion for Wheelhouse Records. She can be contacted at [email protected] or (615) 610-2118. Prior to July 23, Tucker can be reached at [email protected] or (615) 584-7100.

Clothier Manuel To Receive Nation’s Highest Folk Arts Honor

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Photo by Yuri Figueroa

The National Endowment for the Arts has announced the newest recipients of the NEA National Heritage Fellowships, and Nashville tailor Manuel Cuevas is among the recipients. Awarded annually by the National Endowment for the Arts, the NEA National Heritage Fellowships highlight the breadth and excellence of the artistic traditions found in communities all across the U.S.

Known for his rhinestone-adorned, embroidered suits that were indispensable for country and western stars, Manuel has clothed everyone from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash, and James Dean to John Wayne. His clothes have earned exhibitions at the Frist Art Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, and are displayed extensively at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The 2018 recipients will receive a $25,000 award and be honored in Washington, D.C. at an awards ceremony on Sept. 26 and at a free concert at Sidney Harman Hall on Sept. 28, which will be streamed live at arts.gov.

The 2018 NEA National Heritage Fellows are:

  • Feryal Abbasi-Ghnaim (Milwaukie, OR)—Palestinian embroiderer
  • Eddie Bond (Fries, VA)—Appalachian old-time fiddler
  • Kelly Church (Allegan, MI)—Anishinabe (Gun Lake Band) black ash basketmaker
  • Marion Coleman (Castro Valley, CA)—African-American quilter
  • Manuel Cuevas (Nashville, TN)—tailor
  • Ofelia Esparza (Los Angeles, CA)—Chicana altarista (Day of the Dead altar maker)
  • Barbara Lynn (Beaumont, TX)—R&B musician
  • Don & Cindy Roy (Gorham, ME)—Franco-American musicians
  • Ethel Raim (New York, NY)—traditional music and dance advocate

In addition to their artistic value, each of the Heritage Fellows’ art forms also reflects the community they come from and the history of the tradition, whether it’s a material art form such as Manuel’s iconic suits and the patterns of Feryal Abbasi-Ghnaim’s embroidery or a musical art form like Don and Cindy Roy’s Franco-American music.

“The 2018 NEA National Heritage Fellows have dedicated their lives to mastering these distinctive art forms and sharing them with new audiences both within their communities and nationwide,” said Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman for the National Endowment for the Arts. “We look forward to celebrating them and their incredible artistic accomplishments this fall.”

 

Royalty Exchange Expands To Nashville

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Nick Terzo

Royalty Exchange, an online marketplace for royalties, has expanded its presence with a satellite location in Nashville.

Leading the Nashville office is Royalty Exchange VP of Strategic Development Nick Terzo, who has relocated from the company’s Denver, Colorado, headquarters to establish the new division. Terzo has held roles at such labels as Maverick Records, Columbia Records, and Hollywood Records, in addition to starting his career at ASCAP.

Also relocating to Nashville is Artist Relations Manager Clayton Dickson, while Nashville resident Dustin Bank rounds out the team as Royalty Administration Manager.

“Nashville is the songwriter capital of the country, so we felt it only fitting to bring the financial solutions we’ve created for them directly to this community,” said Royalty Exchange CEO Matthew Smith. “Nick’s lifelong dedication to artist advocacy and lasting industry relationships make him the ideal choice to spearhead our mission in this vibrant city.”

“The craft of songwriting is essential to the continued existence of the music we all love,” said Terzo. “I’m honored to play a small part in supporting songwriters’ careers and their art through fair, meaningful financial options. I’m looking forward to working more closely with both songwriters, their representatives, and the organizations that support them.”

Chris Young Adds 15 Dates To 2018 Headlining Tour

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Chris Young has extended his Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour, adding 15 more dates through December. The shows will kick off Oct. 25 in Evansville, Indiana, with stops in Milwaukee, Detroit, Baltimore, Long Island and more before wrapping Dec. 8. Special guests Dan + Shay, Morgan Evans and Dee Jay Silver will join Young on the added dates.

At its close in December, the “Chris Young Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour” will have played 55 arena shows from coast to coast.  Tickets and VIP packages for the added dates go on sale Thursday, June 28, and American Express Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public June 26 through June 27. A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will also be available for sale starting June 21. Various packages include premium tickets, access to a pre-show VIP Hang (includes an exclusive performance and special Q&A session), limited-edition lithographs, autographed memorabilia and much more.

A complete listing of tour dates, tickets and VIP packages can be found at ChrisYoungCountry.com.

Oct. 25 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center**
Oct. 26 – Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin Entertainment & Sports Center**
Oct. 27 – Champaign, IL – State Farm Center**
Nov. 1 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens**
Nov. 2 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena++
Nov. 3 – Dayton, OH – Wright State University Nutter Center**
Nov. 8 – Norfolk, VA – Constant Convocation Center++
Nov. 9 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center**
Nov. 10 – Syracuse, NY – The Onecenter War Memorial Arena**
Nov. 29 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena**
Nov. 30 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena**
Dec. 1 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena**
Dec. 6 – Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena+
Dec. 7 – Long Island, NY – NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum ~
Dec. 8 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena*+

**with Dan + Shay, Morgan Evans and Dee Jay Silver
*+ Dan + Shay and Morgan Evans
++with Morgan Evans and Dee Jay Silver
+Morgan Evans
~ support acts to be announced soon

Emmylou Harris Earns Lifetime Achievement Honor

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Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy via a star-studded TV event next month.

Harris joins native Tennessean Tina Turner, plus the British rock group Queen, the seminal New Orleans band The Meters, pop singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, vintage “jump blues” stylist Louis Jordan and renowned “Wrecking Crew” drummer Hal Blaine in being honored by the Academy. Their special will tape in Los Angeles at The Dolby Theater on Saturday, July 14.

Also in the spotlight will be this year’s Trustees Awards winners, film composer John Williams, Fillmore concert impresario Bill Graham and famed Sire Records founder Seymour Stein. In addition, the special will salute this year’s Technical Grammy recipients, recording-studio innovators/inventors Tony Agnello and Richard Factor.

The Louis Jordan and Bill Graham awards are posthumous. Collectively, the Lifetime, Trustee and Technical honors are known as the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards.

“This year’s Special Merit Awards recipients are a prestigious group of diverse and influential creators who have crafted or who have contributed to some of the most distinctive recordings in music history,” said Neil Portnow, the Academy’s President/CEO. “Their outstanding accomplishments and passion for their craft have created a timeless legacy.”

In addition to Harris, the TV special will feature appearances by Trisha Yearwood, Sammy Hagar, Ledisi, Angela Bassett, Henry Rollins, Mickey Dolenz and Herb Alpert. More performers and presenters will be announced in the weeks to come.

The show will air this fall as part of the PBS Great Performances series of specials.

Harris was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. On Oct. 5, 2018, the museum will open a major new exhibit devoted to her career.

Ed Cash, “What A Beautiful Name,” Capitol CMG Publishing Honored At 2018 BMI Christian Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Al Andrews of Porter’s Call, Capitol CMG’s Brad O’Donnell, Songwriter of the Year Ed Cash, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Capitol CMG’s Karrie Dawley, Capitol CMG’s Jimi Williams, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: Steve Lowry

Songwriter Ed Cash was the evening’s top winner during the 2018 BMI Christian Awards, held Tuesday evening (June 19) at the BMI offices in Nashville. The celebration feted the top 25 songs played on U.S. Christian radio during the past year, honoring the writers and publishers behind the top songs in Christian rock, contemporary Christian, inspirational, southern and urban gospel.

Cash was named Songwriter of the Year, having penned the hits “Home,” “Jesus,” and “My Victory.” Cash was also on hand to offer a performance of “Home.”

The evening was hosted by Jody Williams, VP, Creative, Nashville and Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Creative, Nashville.

“Every year the BMI Christian Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate and honor all genres of inspirational music and the impact its creators have made on the music industry and on its fans around the globe,” says Roberts. “It is always a privilege for us at BMI to dedicate an evening to the great accomplishments and successes of the talented songwriters and artists that create this incredible music that inspires, comforts, entertains, uplifts and challenges us as human beings to live more spirit-filled lives.”

Tauren Wells

Soulful singer Tauren Wells, who recently performed in Music City as part of Chris Tomlin’s Good Friday Nashville concert, offered a rendition of “Hills and Valleys,” while newcomer Riley Clemmons performed “Broken Prayers.”

The Song of the Year title went to “What a Beautiful Name” written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood and published by Capitol CMG Paragon. The song topped Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart on February 25, 2017 and held the top position for 38 weeks, making it the second-longest-leading number one in the history of the chart. “What a Beautiful Name” has also earned two Dove Awards and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 60th annual GRAMMY Awards.

For the second consecutive year, Capitol CMG Publishing (Capitol CMG Paragon, Meaux Mercy Publishing, River Oaks Music Company, Songs of Universal, Inc., Sparrow Song, Universal Music-Brentwood Songs, Worship Together Music) took home the Publisher of the Year award. The company had the highest percentage of copyright ownership among the year’s most-performed songs, including “Home,” “Jesus,” “Living in the Promised Land,” “Love Broke Through,” “Oh My Soul,” “One Step Away,” “The Lion and the Lamb,” and “What a Beautiful Name.”

Williams also honored Porter’s Call founder and executive director Al Andrews, for his work in counseling recording artists. Porter’s Call, a Franklin, Tennessee-based organization, supports and counsels recording artists and families through various issues. BMI songwriters the Warren Brothers, Charlie Worsham, Brandon Heath and Chris Tomlin also sent in video tributes for Andrews and Porter’s Call.

Riley Clemmons

Moo TV Accepting Applications For General Manager Position

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Moo TV, the company that specializes in the hardware and operations that drive the touring video components for many of the largest and most successful tours, is seeking to fill its General Manager position.

Moo TV President Scott Scovill says, “We have an amazing team in place. We are running smooth and organized, and we aren’t looking to fix any glaring problems. Our culture is a source of great pride and we feel strongly that Moo TV is a great place to work. We had one area in particular we felt that we could improve and that is the GM spot. We look forward to seeing what new leadership in that position might bring.”

Industry veteran Craig Stahl has stepped in as the interim GM until the position is filled. The Steel Mill, CenterStaging LA, CenterStaging NY, and Moo Creative make up Moo TV’s family of companies.

Moo TV is seeking a GM with the following characteristics:

  • A history of confident leadership and autonomous operations.
  • A natural communicator that can communicate clearly and effectively up and down stream.
  • The ability to analyze financials and understand how to budget a large operation.
  • An individual that will be a great fit for a family style culture.
  • A firm understanding of the Nashville music business landscape, preferably someone who is strongly networked throughout the music community.
  • Utmost integrity and absolute honesty is required.

All serious inquiries should be directed to: [email protected]. The company states that all submissions will be kept confidential.