Industry Ink: Jim Weatherly, Conway Entertainment Group, Musicians On Call

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Hall Of Famer Jim Weatherly To Be Honored With Book Reception

ASCAP, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Universal Music Publishing Group will co-host a reception and book signing honoring Hall of Fame Songwriter Jim Weatherly on the publication of his autobiography, Midnight Train.

The reception will be held Thursday, Feb. 21 from 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. at ASCAP’s Nashville office.

 

Conway Entertainment Group Inks Deal With Joe Hott

Pictured (Back Row, L-R): JoAnn Berry, Cody Payne, Tony Conway, Marie Ratzman; (Front Row): Joe Hott

Bluegrass artist Joe Hott has signed with Conway Entertainment Group for booking representation. Hott’s latest single “West Virginia Rail” has reached number one on the Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Traditional Bluegrass Song Chart and number three on Bluegrass Today‘s Weekly Airplay Chart.

 

Curb Records Artist Filmore Plays For Musicians On Call

Filmore. Photo: Dusty Barker

Musicians On Call, a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, welcomed Curb Records recording artist Filmore to share the healing power of music at the Nashville VA as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. During this special visit, Filmore went room to room to play some well-known favorites as part of Musicians On Call’s Bedside Performance Program.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been involved with Musicians on Call for a few years now as a musician, and am amazed by the impact it has both on patients and hospital staff. Playing for the veterans this past week – whose fight for our freedoms enable me to have the opportunity to make music for a living – was incredibly special. I’m so grateful to Musicians on Call, the volunteers, and all the caregivers that work daily to ensure a program like this exists for our veterans and patients across the country,” said Filmore.

TPAC Names Jennifer Turner As Next President And CEO

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Jennifer Turner

The nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center announces Jennifer Turner will be its next President and Chief Executive Officer starting May 2019.

Turner will follow Kathleen O’Brien, who will retire from TPAC in July, ending a 14-year tenure at the head of the arts center and 31 total years at TPAC. O’Brien, the first woman to lead TPAC in its almost 39-year history, started as Public Affairs Director in 1988.

“Our Executive Search Committee did an exceptional job vetting applicants in a national search and finalizing their recommendation of Jennifer. Her experience and expertise, as well as her vision for TPAC, makes her the ideal candidate for our new President and CEO,” says Tracy Kane, TPAC Board Chair. “Kathleen and her team have put TPAC in a healthy position, growing programs and services to an all-time level, and we are proud of their work. Jennifer comes in at the perfect time to continue that momentum, and Kathleen and Jennifer have already begun working toward a smooth transition and bright future for TPAC with Jennifer at the helm.”

“I am truly honored to become the next President and CEO of TPAC and work with its dedicated Board of Directors and talented staff. In the heart of a dynamic and rapidly changing community, TPAC is a vibrant organization and among the most admired in the performing arts field,” says Turner. “It’s my great privilege to be able to succeed Kathleen O’Brien, who I deeply respect, for her incredible leadership, and I am thrilled to lead TPAC into its next chapter. I’m extremely excited about the diversity of programming that TPAC offers, both on the stage and working throughout its community. I have visited Nashville several times and love the energy and sense of commitment that pervades both TPAC and its community. I look forward to moving to the beautiful state of Tennessee and immersing myself in all that the region offers.”

“For almost 31 years, I’ve been truly blessed with an amazing career at TPAC, including 14 as President and CEO. I’m so proud of the work we’ve accomplished and the fantastic team I’ve assembled to help me,” said O’Brien. “Our financial position is much healthier, and we are virtually debt-free. We’ve become independent Broadway presenters, which has strengthened our balance sheet as well as our position within the Broadway community, allowing us to develop new work for the stage. Additionally, we’ve brought our ticketing services in-house, again contributing to a strong financial position and customer service. And the cherry on top is that we’ve expanded from four to six education programs, so we are serving more within our community and in more meaningful ways.”

Turner currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Southern California. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofits arts, Turner previously was the Chief Operating Officer for the national historic landmark Auditorium Theatre in Chicago and held roles with Michigan Opera Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company and Harper College. Turner completed her undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and has a graduate degree from Roosevelt University in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management.

Music Engineer Charlie Brocco Dies

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Music engineer Charlie John Brocco died Feb. 4 in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 64.

Brocco was born in Kingston, New York on March 1, 1954 to Charles and Angela (Perry) Brocco. He graduated from Siena College in 1976 with a Bachelor in Finance.

On Sept. 5, 1982 he married Lisa Fischer and together they have two sons. Charlie and Lisa moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a recording engineer at Village Recorder studio.

In 1998, the Brocco’s with their two young sons relocated to Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Charlie began engineering at East Iris Recording Studio. Charlie lent his talents to many studios and artists throughout his career including Barenaked Ladies, Patty Griffin, Randy Houser, Will Hoge and many more. In 2014 he won a Grammy for his work on Kacey Musgraves’ Same Trailer Different Park.

Brocco was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Lisa Brocco, their children Jonathan and Cameron Brocco, and his sister Mary Ann Hoskins.

A celebration of life will be held at the Winery at Fontanel at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.

CMT Announces “Empowering Education” Initiative With Courtney Cole

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Courtney Cole

In an effort to increase the number of work-ready residents in the state, CMT has joined forces with TBR – The College System of Tennessee, for a free multi-city concert tour targeting rural areas of the state this spring to encourage Tennesseans to pursue higher education. The tour will begin on April 3 and travel to four community colleges across the state.

The partnership was announced last fall at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Presidents’ Meeting in Nashville and aims to encourage more Tennesseans to attend college—whether to earn an academic degree or a technical or occupational degree or certificate. CMT’s “Empowering Education” initiative offers four community colleges across the state the opportunity to receive additional support at a local level, including a free concert at each stop featuring CMT’s Next Women of Country artist, Courtney Cole.

“As someone who graduated from college in Tennessee, I am thrilled to be working with CMT and TBR to spread the message of the potential education has to change your life,” Cole says. “I can’t wait to tour the state, put on a really fun show, and encourage people to follow their dreams.”

Among the colleges she will visit are Dyersburg Community College (April 3), Jackson State Community College (April 4), Motlow State Community College (April 9), and Pellissippi State Community College (April 10).

Zac Brown Band To Open For The Rolling Stones In Jacksonville

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The Rolling Stones have announced that Zac Brown Band will be a special guest opening their show in Jacksonville on Wednesday, April 24 at TIAA Bank Field. Their 15-city NO FILTER tour will trek across North America in 2019, and this show will be the first time The Stones play in Jacksonville in nearly 30 years.

“We are huge fans of the Stones, it’s an honor to join them in Jacksonville and share a stage with such legendary musicians,” said the Zac Brown Band.

For ticketing information, please visit rollingstones.com.

54th Annual ACM Awards Nominees: The Full List

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Chris Stapleton, Dan + Shay, and Kacey Musgraves lead the nominees for the upcoming 54th Academy of Country Music Awards, to be held Sunday, April 7 in Las Vegas.

Reigning Male Artist of the Year, Chris Stapleton received six nominations in four categories, including his second nod for Entertainer of the Year. Stapleton is also nominated twice, as both artist and producer, for his album From A Room: Volume 2 in the Album of the Year category, which he won last year for From A Room: Volume 1. Additionally, he is nominated for Song of the Year twice, as both artist and songwriter, for “Broken Halos.” Lastly, Stapleton is nominated for Male Artist of the Year.

Dan + Shay earned six nominations, including their sixth nod for Duo of the Year. They received nominations in the Single of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year categories for “Tequila.” Dan + Shay are also nominated for Album of the Year for Dan + Shay, and Music Event of the Year for “Keeping Score” (featuring Kelly Clarkson). Additionally, Dan Smyers received 3 individual nominations as a producer in the Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year categories. He also received an individual nomination as a writer in the Song of the Year category for “Tequila.”

Kacey Musgraves earned five nominations in three categories, including a nod for Female Artist of the Year. Additionally, she is nominated in the Album of the Year Category twice, as both artist and producer, for Golden Hour, as well as in the Song of the Year category twice, as both artist and songwriter, for “Space Cowboy.” Musgraves most recently won in 2016 in the Video of the Year category for “Forever Country” and previously won in the Album of the Year category in 2013 for Same Trailer Different Park.

Earning four nominations each are Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha.

Ian Fitchuk, a first-time nominee this year, picked up six nominations including a nod for Album of the Year with Kacey Musgraves as a producer for Golden Hour. Fitchuk also received five nominations across Studio Recording Award categories, including Bass Player of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year, Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year and Producer of the Year.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Luke Bryan
• Kenny Chesney
• Chris Stapleton
• Keith Urban

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
• Miranda Lambert
• Ashley McBryde
• Maren Morris
• Kacey Musgraves
• Carrie Underwood

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
• Dierks Bentley
• Luke Combs
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton
• Keith Urban

DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• LOCASH
• Maddie & Tae

GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Lady Antebellum
• LANCO
• Little Big Town
• Midland
• Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
• Danielle Bradbery
• Lindsay Ell
• Ashley McBryde
• Carly Pearce

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
• Jimmie Allen
• Luke Combs
• Jordan Davis
• Michael Ray
• Mitchell Tenpenny

NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
• High Valley
• LANCO
• Runaway June

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Dan + Shay – Dan + Shay
Producers: Scott Hendricks / Dan Smyers / Matt Dragstrem
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

• Desperate Man – Eric Church
Producers: Jay Joyce / Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

• From A Room: Volume 2 – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb / Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Nashville

• Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Ian Fitchuk / Daniel Tashian / Kacey Musgraves
Record Label: MCA Nashville

• The Mountain – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman / Jon Randall Stewart / Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Down to the Honky Tonk – Jake Owen
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Big Loud Records

• Heaven – Kane Brown
Producer: Dann Huff / Polow Da Don
Record Label: RCA Nashville

• Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Wilshire for Rock The Soul Ent
Record Label: Warner Bros. Records

• Most People Are Good – Luke Bryan
Producers: Jeff Stevens / Jody Stevens
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• Tequila – Dan + Shay
Producers: Scott Hendricks / Dan Smyers
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
• Break Up In The End – Cole Swindell
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon / Chase McGill / Jon Nite
Publishers: EMI April Music Inc. / Nite Writer Music (ASCAP) / Songs of Universal, Inc. / Plum Nelly (BMI) / Big Music Machine (BMI)/ Big Ass Pile Of Dimes Music (BMI)

• Broken Halos – Chris Stapleton
Writers: Mike Henderson / Chris Stapleton
Publishers: WB Music Corp./House of Sea Gayle Music, admin. by ClearBox Rights/Spirit Catalog Holdings, S.a.r.l. admin. by Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP); Straight Six Music (BMI)

• Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
Writers: David Garcia / Tyler Hubbard / Joshua Miller / Bebe Rexha
Publishers: BMG Platinum Songs/Kiss Me If You Can Music (BMI) (all rights administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC) Big Loud Mountain (BMI) and T Hubb Publishing (BMI). All Rights Administered by Round Hill Works. Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. on behalf of itself and Songs of the Corn and Jack 10 Publishing. Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com)

• Space Cowboy – Kacey Musgraves
Writers: Luke Laird / Shane McAnally / Kacey Musgraves
Publishers: Smack Hits/Smack Songs, admin by Kobalt Music Group ltd. (GMR)/Universal Music Works/We Are Creative NBaSmack Hits/Smack Songs, LLC, admin. by Kobalt Music Group Ltd. (GMR); Universal Music Works/We Are Creative Nation/Jake and Mack Music, admin. by Universal Music Works; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./351 Music (BMI).

• Tequila – Dan + Shay
Writers: Nicolle Galyon / Jordan Reynolds / Dan Smyers
Publishers: Beats and Banjos (ASCAP)/ WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)/A Girl Named Charlie (BMI) / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI) / Buckeye26 (ASCAP) / Jreynmusic (ASCAP)

• Yours – Russell Dickerson
Writers: Casey Brown / Russell Dickerson / Parker Welling
Publishers: BMG Platinum Songs/Kailey’s Dream / So Essential Tunes / Not Just Another Song Publishing / Hillbilly Science and Research Publishing/Trailerlily Music

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
• Babe – Sugarland featuring Taylor Swift
Producer: Roger Hunt
Director: Anthony Mandler

• Burn Out – Midland
Producer: Ben Skipworth
Director: TK McKamy / Cameron Duddy

• Burning Man – Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne
Producer: Nate Eggert
Director: Wes Edwards

• Drunk Girl – Chris Janson
Producer: Ben Skipworth
Director: Jeff Venable

• Shoot Me Straight – Brothers Osborne
Producer: April Kimbrell
Director: Wes Edwards / Ryan Silver

• Tequila – Dan + Shay
Producer: Christen Pinkston
Director: Patrick Tracy

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR*(Off Camera Award)
• Ross Copperman
• Ashley Gorley
• Shane McAnally
• Chase McGill
• Josh Osborne

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Burning Man – Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne
Producers: Ross Copperman / Jon Randall Stewart / Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• Drowns the Whiskey – Jason Aldean featuring Miranda Lambert
Producer: Michael Knox
Record Labels: Macon Music, LLC; Broken Bow Records; BBR Music Group; BMG

• Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – David Lee Murphy featuring Kenny Chesney
Producers: Buddy Cannon / Kenny Chesney / David Lee Murphy
Record Label: Reviver Records

• Keeping Score – Dan + Shay featuring Kelly Clarkson
Producers: Scott Hendricks / Dan Smyers
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

• Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Wilshire for Rock The Soul Ent
Record Label: Warner Bros. Records

INDUSTRY AWARDS:
CASINO OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
• Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, OK
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Cherokee, NC
• The Joint: Tulsa – Tulsa, OK
• Peppermill Reno – Reno, NV
• Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort – Mt. Pleasant, MI

CASINO OF THE YEAR – LARGE CAPACITY
• Casino Rama – Orillia, ON
• Grand Casino Hinckley – Hinckley, MN
• Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
• Sandia Casino Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
• WinStar Global Event Center – Thackerville, OK

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
• Boots & Hearts – Oro-Medonte, ON
• Faster Horses – Brooklyn, MI
• Stagecoach – Indio, CA
• Tortuga Music Festival – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, IL

NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
• Dusty Armadillo – Rootstown, OH
• Grizzly Rose – Denver, CO
• Joe’s on Weed St – Chicago, IL
• Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL
• Stoney’s Rockin’ Country – Las Vegas, NV

VENUE OF THE YEAR – SMALL CAPACITY
• House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
• House of Blues – Boston, MA
• Floore’s – Helotes, TX
• Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
• Surf Ballroom – Clear Lake, IA

VENUE OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM CAPACITY
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
• Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH
• Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, TN
• The Wharf Amphitheater – Orange Beach, AL
• The Anthem – Washington, DC

VENUE OF THE YEAR – LARGE CAPACITY
• Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
• BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
• Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON
• PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
• Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Noblesville, IN

DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
• Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
• Billy Brill – Billy Alan Productions
• Gil Cunningham – Neste Event Marketing
• Kell Houston – Houston Productions
• Nicole More – Wilson Events, Inc.

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
• Brent Fedrizzi – AEG Presents
• Stacy Vee – Goldenvoice
• Ed Warm – Joe’s Bar
• Adam Weiser – AEG Presents
• Jason Wright – Live Nation

STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS:
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Mike Brignardello
• JT Cure
• Ian Fitchuk
• Tony Lucido
• Glenn Worf

DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
• Matt Chamberlain
• Ian Fitchuk
• Evan Hutchings
• Aaron Sterling
• Nir Z

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Tom Bukovac
• Jedd Hughes
• Danny Rader
• Adam Shoenfeld
• Ilya Toshinsky
• Derek Wells

PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Dave Cohen
• David Dorn
• Ian Fitchuk
• Tony Harrell
• Charlie Judge
• Gordon Mote

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Ian Fitchuk
• Jenee Fleenor
• Carl Miner
• Mickey Raphael
• Ilya Toshinsky

STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
• Dan Dugmore
• Steve Hinson
• Mike Johnson
• Russ Pahl
• Justin Schipper

AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
• Craig Alvin
• Ryan Gore
• Jeff Juliano
• Vance Powell
• F Reid Shippen

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
• Buddy Cannon
• Ian Fitchuk
• Dann Huff
• Jay Joyce
• Michael Knox

Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives Join Steve Miller Band On Tour

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Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives will join the Steve Miller Band for a 34-date North American tour, beginning June 13, hitting stops in Los Angeles, New York and Boston.

Stuart is also slated to perform at the “Country Music: Live at the Ryman, a Concert Celebrating The Film By Ken Burns” concert at the Ryman on March 27, along with previously announced performers, to promote the upcoming 16-hour Country Music documentary.

Select tickets are available at martystuart.net/events.

Marty Stuart tour dates:
March 2 – Stoughton, WI @ Stoughton Opera House
March 15 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Playhouse
March 16 – Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
March 22 – Macon, GA @ Hargray Capitol Theatre
March 23 – Live Oak, FL @ Suwannee Spring Reunion
March 27 – Nashville, TN @ The Ryman (Country Music: A Celebration of the Film by Ken Burns)
April 4 – Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere
April 5 – Phoenixville, PA @ Colonial Theatre
April 6 – Wheeling, WV @ The Wheeling Jamboree
April 10 – Houston, TX @ The Heights
April 11 – Waco, TX @ Waco Hippodrome Theatre
April 13 – Roswell, NM @ The Liberty
April 14 – Florence, AZ @ Country Thunder
June 1 – Franklin, NC @ Smoky Mountain Center For The Performing Arts
June 13 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena*
June 15 – Tulsa, OK @ River Spirit Casino – Paradise Cove Margaritaville*
June 16 – Rogers, AR @Walmart Amp*
June 21 – Alton, IL @ Liberty Bank Amphitheater Summer Concert Series*
June 22 – Dubuque, IA @ America’s River Festival*
June 24 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park “Meijer Gardens”*
June 28 – Rochester, NY @ Rochester International Jazz Festival*
June 30 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Freedom Hill*
July 12 – Prior Lake, MN @ Lakefront Music Fest*
July 14 – Duluth, MN @ Bayfront Festival Park*
July 16 – Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion*
July 18 – Baltimore, MD @ MECU Pavilion*
July 21 – Twin Lakes, WI @ Country Thunder
July 20 – Lynchburg, VA @ Riverfront Park Concert Series*
July 24 – New York, NY @ Pier 17*
July 25 – Boston, MA @ Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion*
July 27 – Rangeley, ME @ Rangeley Health & Wellness Pavilion*
July 28 – Kingston, NY @ Hutton Brickyards*
July 30 – Selbyville, DE @ The Freeman Stage at Bayside*
July 31 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap Center for Performing Arts*
August 2 – Mashantucket, CT @ The Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino*
August 3 – Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest*
August 11 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sandia Resort and Casino*
August 13 – Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom*
August 14 – Vail, CO @ Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre*
August 16 – Billings, MT @ Cove Creek Outdoor Pavilion*
August 17 – Missoula, MT @ Big Sky Brewery*
August 19 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden*
August 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre*
August 22 – Paso Robles, CA @ Vina Robles Amphitheatre*
August 24 – Stateline, NV @ Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys*
August 27 – Salem, OR @ Oregon State Fair*
August 28 – Airway Heights, WA @ Northern Quest Resort & Casino*
August 30 – Woodinville, WA @ Chateau Ste. Michelle*
August 31 – Woodinville, WA @ Chateau Ste. Michelle*
(* supporting Steve Miller Band)

Industry Ink: Big & Rich, Reviver Records, Mitchell Tenpenny, CRB, Myriad Productions

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Big & Rich Partner With Reviver Records

Big & Rich

Country duo Big & Rich have entered into a partnership with Reviver Records, where Reviver will promote the duo’s latest single, “Brand New Buzz,” to radio. Thirty Tigers will continue to represent the duo for marketing and distribution. This move reunites the duo with Reviver Records’ President Gator Michaels, who previously served as Sr. VP at Big & Rich’s former label home, Warner Bros.

“John, Kenny and I have enjoyed tremendous success in the past and we all expect that success to continue well into the future.” says Michaels.

“We are thrilled to align with Reviver Records as they continue to build momentum for ‘Brand New Buzz’,” says Big & Rich. “Gator and his team have been big believers in our music since we launched our debut single ‘Wild West Show’ in 2004, as well as the genre-bending career single ‘Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy.’ We are ready to rock this new era into the stratosphere.”

 

Mitchell Tenpenny Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R): Riser House Entertainment President Jennifer Johnson; Tenpenny’s manager Kristen Ashley; Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman; Mitchell Tenpenny; Opry Entertainment GM Grand Ole Opry/Sr. Vice President Programming and Artist Relations Sally Williams; 377/Red Light Management’s Haley McLemore; Opry Entertainment Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit; Grand Ole Opry Director of Talent Scheduling & Logistics Gina Keltner. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Riser House/Columbia Nashville artist Mitchell Tenpenny made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Feb. 16, performing his platinum-certified hit “Drunk Me.” He ended his Opry set with the tune “Walk Like Him,” which he dedicated to his father, Mitch Tenpenny, as well as his grandmother Donna Hilley, who was the former CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

 

Country Radio Broadcasters Announces Scholarship Endowment Recipients

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) has announced the recipients of two scholarship endowments, which were awarded to two universities. The two endowments, valued at $50,000 in honor of Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary event, were given to Dr. Richard Robinson of The University of Tennessee at Martin and Dr. Butler Cain of the University of North Alabama. Each received a $25,000 endowment for the 2019-20 school year.

Past recipients of the CRB endowment scholarship include Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University, Texas A&M University, Central Michigan University, University of North Texas, Green River College, and more. A CRB scholarship committee was assembled to oversee the vetting of applications. 

 

Myriad Productions Signs Savannah Nider

Pictured (L-R): Steve Cox (Myriad Productions), Savannah Nider

Nashville-based Myriad Productions has announced its first signing of 2019 with the addition of singer-songwriter Savannah Nider to the company’s management division. In addition to Nider, Myriad represents country music hitmaker Collin Raye, as well as rising singer-songwriters TJ Weaver and Wendy Hope.

Mike Curb Foundation, Regions Foundation Offer $1 Million Donation To National Museum Of African American Music

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The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) announced a joint gift of $1 million from the Regions Foundation and the Mike Curb Foundation, marking another milestone for the interactive new museum, slated to open in downtown Nashville later this year as part of the Fifth+Broadway development.

Each organization is contributing $500,000 toward the museum’s construction – which will feature ambitious and evolving displays in tribute to America’s most dynamic and transformative African American artists and movements. Representatives from NMAAM, the Regions Foundation and the Mike Curb Foundation were joined by elected officials and community leaders, including Senator Marsha Blackburn, state Senator Brenda Gilmore and Nashville Mayor David Briley, to announce the significant gifts and unveil new details of what the expansive, 56,000 square foot museum will share with its guests.

The museum will be home to traveling exhibits and five permanent galleries featuring 25 interactive displays that chronicle the history of African American music from the 1800s to the present day. More than 1,400 artifacts have already been collected to be showcased in the space.

“Today’s event marks a major fundraising milestone for us,” said H. Beecher Hicks, III, president and CEO of NMAAM. “After years of planning and discussions, this project will soon become a reality. We are so grateful to the Regions Foundation and the Mike Curb Foundation for helping to make this pioneering museum a reality.”

The donations made by the Regions Foundation and the Mike Curb Foundation put the museum in closer reach of its nearly $50 million fundraising goal prior to opening in early 2020. Currently, fundraising has reached nearly 75 percent of the target. In appreciation of the commitment by Regions, the grand foyer of the Museum will be named in honor of the Regions Foundation.

Pictured (L-R): Lee Blank, Nashville Market Executive for Regions Bank; David Briley, Mayor of Nashville; Marsha Blackburn, US Senator; H. Beecher Hicks, III, president and CEO of NMAAM; Brenda Gilmore, TN State Senator; Jim Ed Norman, Mike Curb Foundation

“Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve, and the National Museum of African American Music will add to the vitality of the Nashville area by honoring and recognizing the impact of African American contributions to modern American music,” said Lee Blank, Nashville Market Executive for Regions Bank. “This gift represents our support of this living, lasting legacy, which celebrates the unique journeys and immense talent of artists who have shaped music history. We know that the people of Middle Tennessee and visitors from throughout the globe will enjoy what this museum will offer for generations to come.”

Tuesday’s announcement unveiled artifacts that will be part of the permanent exhibition – one of which included sheet music by Grammy Award-winning artist Stevie Wonder.

“We’ve decided to name our gift in honor of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and highlight the impact they’ve had on our city’s rich musical history,” says Jim Ed Norman of the Mike Curb Foundation. “We think it’s fitting that all visitors to the museum will now see the ‘Fisk Jubilee Singers’ name at the Broadway entrance as it will serve as a reminder of the musical influences in our great city.”

Regions Foyer at National Museum of African American Music.

MusicRowLife: WTHO Georgia Radio Personality Steve Ferguson Passes

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Ferguson and Garth Brooks

Steve Ferguson lost his battle with cancer last night (Feb. 18); he was diagnosed with terminal bile cancer earlier this year. He served on the MusicRow reporting panel for 12 years with WTHO.

Ferguson began his radio career in 1985 with WMTZ in Martinez, Georgia, as a part-time Sunday afternoon host. In five years, he had been promoted to program director and morning drive host. In 1990 when WMTZ’s format changed to oldies, Ferguson left the station to work for WTHO in Thompson, Georgia. He served as the program director for 29 years as well as morning drive host for 18 years.

In 2010, Ferguson was awarded MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Reporter of the Year for his love and dedication to his profession. Last week (Feb. 13), he was awarded the Randy Jones Award for the same devotion to his community and career. Ferguson was also an avid musician having played bass guitar, drums and vocals.

Visitation was held Thursday (Feb. 21) at Beggs Funeral Home in Thomson, Georgia. Funeral Services were held Friday (Feb. 22).