Free Grocery Store Launched By Brad And Kimberly Williams Paisley Earns $1.5 Million Grant

/by

Pictured (L-R): Kimberly Williams Paisley, Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner, Danielle W. Barnes, Brad Paisley and Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher

A free grocery store in Nashville that was previously founded by Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly Paisley, along with Belmont University, has been awarded a $1.5 million state grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

The store, an adjacent nonprofit of Belmont’s Ministry Center, provides local, low-income families with support through food provisions, education, health screenings, legal aid clinics, mental health counseling and music therapy.

Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “Through the work of our Ministry Center and our partnership with Brad and Kimberly on The Store, Belmont is deeply committed to providing services to underserved children and families in our community, and this 2Gen grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services will significantly enhance the scope and delivery of the services we offer. We are grateful for their belief in our work, and I’m excited to witness how this grant expands the impact our students, faculty and staff can have on our neighbors.”

“One thing we know is that when we focus on the needs of both the parent and the child together we are able to break generational cycles of poverty and build a thriving Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. “Belmont University is at the forefront of innovation in providing unique two generational wrap around services in the heart of Nashville. Partnerships such as these are vital to building strong families and communities.”

The Store is set to open early next year. Belmont students in a variety of fields, including healthcare, law, business, music therapy and more, will gain hands-on experience in their areas of study, under the direction of professional staff and faculty.

The Store Executive Director Gina Hancock added, “This grant is the glue that is bringing the work of The Store and the Belmont Ministry Center together in a way that will help us both have the biggest impact possible on the people in our community.”

Industry Ink: Steve Wariner, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Loretta Lynn

/by

Steve Wariner Inks With Adkins Publicity

Steve Wariner has joined Adkins Publicity for PR/publicity representation. Wariner’s talent was recently celebrated by Gretsch Guitars with the newly-released G6120T-SW Steve Wariner Signature Nashville Gentleman model. In October 2019, he will also be inducted into the prestigious Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Release Willie’s Reserve Cannabis Collection

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have released a special edition cannabis collection under Willie’s Reserve. The collaboration between the band and the national cannabis brand inspired by Willie Nelson’s journey as an artist and advocate will initially be sold at select LivWell retailers in Colorado until it’s released to additional retail locations throughout the state. The band initially met Nelson through their work with Farm Aid and over the years developed a friendship, connecting on the agricultural benefits of clean family farming. As part of this collaboration, the band hopes to bring attention to the positive impacts legalization has had on local economies, and opportunities in agriculture.

Loretta Lynn Documentary To Air During WNPT Pledge Drive

Lisa Harless of Regions Bank is hosting the WNPT Pledge Drive on Thursday, Aug. 22. The network will air Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl from the American Masters series at 8 p.m. that evening during the drive. The special features never-before-seen home movies, performances and interviews with Lynn, her family members, and musicians with a deep dive look at her life and career.

 

Creative Nation Signs Travis Wood

/by

Front Row (From L to R): Christina Wighton, Travis Wood, Shaina Botwin Back Row (From L to R): Jeff Skaggs, Kelsey Granda, Beth Laird, Luke Laird

Independent music publishing and management company Creative Nation has added songwriter Travis Wood to its roster.

Wood has earned several radio hits in Canada, including three No. 1 singles, 16 Top 10 singles and 10 Gold-certified singles. Among those songs are hits for James Barker Band, including the chart-topper “Keep It Simple,” and additional hits “Good Together” and “There’s a Drink For That.”

“I found Travis on Soundcloud over three years ago, when he still lived in Canada and before I even worked in publishing.  I knew then that the songs he was writing cut through, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him as my first signing at Creative Nation!” Shaina Botwin says.

“I could not be more thrilled to begin my work with everyone at Creative Nation.  It’s truly a dream come true to sign with this company and start the next chapter of my songwriting career alongside some of the most talented people in the industry,” Wood says.

“Already a seasoned songwriter, Travis’s talent and work ethic show that he is on the cusp of an incredible career.  We are excited he joined the CN team and look forward to working together,” Beth Laird says.

Carrie Underwood Teams With Joan Jett For New NBC ‘Sunday Night Football’ Show Open

/by

Carrie Underwood will star in an all-new NBC’s Sunday Night Football show opener, featuring a new rendition of the original “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” music. This marks the seventh consecutive year Underwood appears in the show opener, and this year she welcomes Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett, who makes an appearance during her performance.

Jett, whose 1988 Top 10 hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You” was adapted for the original “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” SNF show open music in 2006, was invited by Underwood to appear in the new opener. Underwood will also be joined by NFL stars in the new intro.

For the first time in the series’ 14 seasons, the SNF show open was filmed inside an NFL stadium, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, serving as the “stage.” Fans will get a sneak preview of the new Sunday Night Football show open on NBC this Sunday, August 25, during halftime of the Steelers-Titans preseason game.

“I have always been a huge fan of Joan’s, and I’m thrilled that she’s joining us for the Sunday Night Football open,” Underwood said. “What better way to pay homage to the original SNF opening song than by getting to play with her on primetime’s biggest stage?”

“When Carrie brought us this idea, we immediately embraced it as a terrific way to evolve the performance, while also celebrating the song we used in our first 10 seasons of SNF,” said Fred Gaudelli, Executive Producer of NBC’s Sunday Night Football. “We were excited when Joan agreed to join us, and we can’t wait to debut the finished product.”

Garth Brooks To Receive Inaugural George H.W. Bush Points Of Light Award

/by

Garth Brooks will be the inaugural recipient of the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award for Caring and Compassion, an honor created to recognize outstanding individuals who advance solutions to the world’s toughest challenges and exemplify the extraordinary traits of its late founder and the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.

Brooks will be recognized for his caring and compassion at The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Presidents George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are serving as honorary chairs of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala, and Lauren Bush Lauren, granddaughter of President Bush and founder and CEO of FEED, and Ray Chambers, founding chairman of the Points of Light Foundation, are the co-chairs of the event.

“Garth is one of our generation’s true singer and songwriter legends—but what many people aren’t aware of, is Garth’s commitment and passion for creating viable change in communities across America,” said Neil Bush, chairman of Points of Light. “My father always admired the way Garth used his visibility to support and lift up those in need. And much like my father, Garth is a true humanitarian whose generosity comes from his empathetic compassion for others.”

In 1999, Brooks co-founded the innovative Teammates for Kids Foundation, which converts sports statistics into dollars. Teammates for Kids is funded by professional athletes who generously donate based on performance levels in their sport. To date, the foundation has grown to include nearly 5,000 professional athletes to generate funds for children’s charities, and through building Child Life Zones, supporting youth athletic programs.

Alongside wife Trisha Yearwood, Brooks has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for more than a decade. Most recently, Brooks and Yearwood spent a week working with a crew to help build 41 homes in the community of Mishawaka, Indiana, at the 35th Annual Habitat for Humanity Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. In 2016, Brooks and Yearwood were named the inaugural Habitat Humanitarians alongside President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, recognizing their work as tireless champions of the need for decent, affordable shelter in the U.S. and around the world.

“The fact that this award is a reflection of 41, his beloved Barbara, and the work they believed in is the greatest honor,” said Brooks. “An award is only as good as its recipient—my hope and goal is to make the Bush family and the Honorary Chairs proud that Garth Brooks is the first name on this award for caring and compassion.”

Industry Ink: Garth Brooks, Dan + Shay, The Time Jumpers

/by

Garth Brooks Reveals Third Dive Bar Tour Visit

Garth Brooks has revealed the third stop on his Dive Bar tour, this time at Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas, slated for Monday, Sept. 23. The show follows the Dive Bar Tour’s first two stops at Joe’s on Weed Street in Chicago in  July and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, CA last Thursday.

 

Dan + Shay Celebrate Sixth No. 1 Single

Pictured Front Row (L-R): Dan Smyers; John Esposito (WMN, Chairman & CEO); Shay Mooney. Back row (L-R): Lisa Ray (Sandbox Management); Nicolle Galyon; Scott Hendricks (WMN, EVP A&R/Creative Advisor); Rohan Kohli (WMN, Director A&R); Kristen Williams (WMN, SVP Radio & Streaming); Ben Kline (WMN, EVP/GM); Jordan Reynolds

Dan + Shay stopped by Warner Music Nashville to celebrate their sixth No. 1 single, “All To Myself,” which tops both the Billboard and Mediabase Country Airplay charts. All three singles from their current album have topped the charts, including the two-week, multi-Platinum “Tequila” and the four-week multi-Platinum hit “Speechless.”

 

The Time Jumpers Add Wendy Moten

In front of a sold-out crowd last night, Grammy award-winning band The Time Jumpers announced the addition of an eleventh member. Vocalist Wendy Moten was officially invited to join the band and was welcomed with a roaring round of applause at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville, TN, the Monday night home to The Time Jumpers.

The current edition of The Time Jumpers includes 10 members, each a master of his instrument.  They are Vince Gill (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), “Ranger Doug” Green (vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Brad Albin (upright bass), Larry Franklin (vocals, fiddle), Andy Reiss (electric guitar), Kenny Sears (vocals, fiddle), Joe Spivey (vocals, fiddle), Jeff Taylor (accordion, piano), and Billy Thomas (vocals, drum), and now Wendy Moten (vocals).

Moten has toured with Joe Bonamassa, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, and toured worldwide as a duet partner with Julio Iglesias for over 15 years. She has sung on hundreds of recordings and movie soundtracks. Moten also had her own record deal with EMI, during which time she toured as an opening artist for Michael Bolton.

Mac Powell Embraces Country Leanings On New Project [Interview]

/by

After winding down his 25-year run as lead singer for iconic CCM band Third Day with their 2018 tour, Mac Powell already had his sights set on his next adventure–namely, delving more deeply into his country roots with a new band, Mac Powell and the Family Reunion. 

Powell’s bandmates include Jason Hoard, longtime Third Day member Tim Gibson, and newly-added Matt McDaniel, who recently played with Brent Cobb. 

“I love the name family reunion because that’s what we want it to be–we don’t want a separation between band and audience. We want to bring as many people into the family as we can.” Powell tells MusicRow.

That includes fans of his previous CCM outfit; Powell and the Family Reunion even opened for a few of Third Day’s finals concerts last year.

“That was interesting,” Powell says with a laugh, calling from Estes Park, Colorado.

Working out of a studio in Atlanta, the group spent two days laying down the basic tracks–guitars, drums, bass. Powell says they intended for the project to become an EP, but they had amassed an arsenal of song material to work with so they kept adding songs, which would result in their recently-released project Back Again, out via Thirty Tigers.

Powell sings with the ferocity of a blowtorch, his burly and commanding pipes an instantly recognizable and commanding presence on the contemporary Christian music scene for decades. But he’s also made serious inroads into the country sphere, via two previous solo albums, 2012’s self-titled effort, and 2014’s Southpaw.

He’s collaborated with a few of his country contemporaries, including recording “Over The Next Hill” with Brooks & Dunn as part of the soundtrack for the Billy Graham biopic Billy: The Early Years in 2008. His rendition of the classic “I’ll Fly Away” on the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside Charlie Daniels was captured for How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry, also released in 2008.

He previously collaborated with Craig Morgan on Morgan’s song “Hearts I Leave Behind”;  Morgan returns the favor on Back Again with the freewheeling (and aptly titled) “Whoo!”. Powell spoke with MusicRow about the new project, which blends songs both new and familiar, all helmed by Powell’s unmistakable vocals and the ace musicianship of his seasoned bandmates.

MusicRow: You include “Mississippi” on this project, which was on your 2012 solo project. 

When we had the record, it was a short album, about 10 songs. I thought what are a couple of tracks that are my favorites and fan favorites that might give people a chance to hear a song if they had not heard it on the first couple of solo records. We added some guitar tracks, remixed it and then there is “Sitting Here Talking With You” from my Southpaw album. Written by Barry Bales and Chris Stapleton, it’s one of the few songs on that album that I didn’t write, but it just shows how much I love the song that I put it out there again. 

One of the first tracks you released from the album,“Mess Of Me,” has this great groove.

That was one of the most recent songs we recorded. Jason produced the record and we love the Everly Brothers. We love to sing those tight harmonies, and we do a bit of “Bye Bye Love” in a song of ours during our shows. I wanted to do a song that is kind of like that, but our version of it. They of course were an early influence on The Beatles so I think people hear a bit of that as well. Of course, us being ourselves, it is going to come out a little country and a little southern rock as well.

Are there any venues that are still on your bucket list?

For me, especially doing country stuff now, classic venues like Gruene Hall in Texas. I love being able to get back into those more intimate venues. There are some challenges in starting over like this, but it’s exciting to go to venues that we’ve been before but it feels fresh.

“What I Came Here For,” which you wrote with Eric Paslay, has so much energy and positivity, yet there is an undertone of longing in this track.

We sat down for about three hours, and we only wrote the song in about 45 minutes because we were busy talking about our influences and our favorite writers. He brought the idea and then I worked on it more later on. I’ve never played it live yet, so I’m excited about working that into the set. Everybody can relate to it, whether you are in that place now or you will be at one time or another–this longing and not knowing the answers to our questions but not giving up and moving one step at a time.

How did you first end up singing with Craig Morgan on his album?

He was working on a song a few years ago and they were looking for the right voice to put on it. His daughter is a fan of mine and he asked her and she was like, “Yes, you have to have him sing it.” I’ve loved his music for a long time and to me, he’s one of the best country voices there is. I got to spend time with him and then got to go out on the road with him. I texted him not long ago and it was an honor to have him on the record. We wrote [“Whoo!”] on the road together and to have him sing on it made the song even better.

How did you decide who would sing which lines?

I sang the whole song, but the whole time I wanted him on it. We sent it to him and said, ‘Why don’t you try the second verse?’ And it was very different than what it is now. We had him sing a verse and chorus and then I said, ‘We don’t have a lot of interweaving between him and I,’ so we used the computers and the tracks to bounce off of each other where he would take a line or I would take a line,. Even though we weren’t in the same room together–he was outside of Nashville and I was in Atlanta–we worked it out.

Why was Thirty Tigers the way you want to go for this album and what has it been like working with them?

I’ve done two indie records and after being signed to a label for 20-something years I loved that I could do those records the way I wanted to so being with Thirty Tigers is the best of both worlds. I can make the music I want to make in the way I want to make it without a bunch of record execs telling you their opinions. With them you just go, “Here is my heart, here is my art–what are you going to do with it?” To have a team that I admire so much for the work they’ve put out the past few years, we’ve done what we can do to this point and it’s great to have a team behind us like this.

Would you want your songs to be pitched to other artists for projects?

Absolutely. Last time I was in Nashville I wrote with Sean McConnell. I’ve known and Logan Wall who wrote “Red On A Rose” on this album with me. 

We have a song that got pitched to an artist that we are excited about. We don’t know what will happen, because you know how that goes, but that hasn’t happened for me a lot in the past. So the other thing about this stage in my career, is being able to think outside of myself as an artist.

Are there other genres of styles of music would want to experiment with?

I love Tedeschi Trucks, and all the elements they bring in. Going to see them live is incredible–it’s a cross between Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers, and Earth, Wind and Fire. Susan has this amazing voice. I would love to one day get into that feel where it’s a lot more collaborations going on onstage. Maybe one day we could get to that point.

Michael Ray To Headline 18th Annual ‘CMT On Tour’

/by

CMT announced today (Aug. 20) Warner Music Nashville’s Michael Ray will headline the 18th annual “CMT On Tour,” featuring CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year nominee and BBR Music Group’s Jimmie Allen, and up-and-coming sister duo, Warner Music Nashville’s Walker County. The tour kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 17 in Greensboro, NC; tickets go on sale this Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 am CT via CMT.com.

In addition to “CMT On Tour,” Ray is currently headlining his own 29-date national tour, along with recent well-received festival performances in the UK and Australia. He recently wrapped filming of his music video for “Her World Or Mine,” the latest single off of his current album, Amos. It’s the third single from his 11-song 2018 album and follows his third No. 1, “One That Got Away.”

“Michael Ray is a proven road warrior who has developed an undeniable connection with his fans, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as headliner for this year’s tour,” said Leslie Fram, SVP, Music and Talent, CMT. “Joining the line-up are two very exciting acts: Jimmie Allen, who is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in country music, and Walker County, a young duo who promises to be one of our next strong female artists. We look forward to a fantastic tour!”

Ray states: “I’m so honored to be headlining ‘CMT On Tour’ with Jimmie and Walker County. I’ve noticed that after the CMT tour, you can see the trajectory of the year ahead, and many of the artists who have participated in the past end up having one of the best years of their careers. I think CMT has a great way of putting a package together that really sets up artists for the next chapter.”

Created in 2002, “CMT on Tour” has a history of propelling rising artists towards headliner status. Past tour participants include such acts as: Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, Miranda Lambert, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Brett Eldredge, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Keith Urban, Jake Owen and Kip Moore.

“CMT On Tour Presents: Michael Ray’s Nineteen Tour” dates* are as follows:

10/17/19 – Greensboro, NC – Cone Denim Entertainment Center
10/18/19 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
11/1/19 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live
11/2/19 – Fort Wayne, IN – The Clyde Theatre
11/22/19 – Lexington, KY – Tipsy Cow Bar
11/23/19 – Macon, GA – The Crazy Bull
12/5/19 – New York, NY – The Gramercy Theatre
12/6/19 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
12/7/19 – Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert

*Additional cities to be announced at a later date.

TIDAL Adds Playable Video Sharing To Instagram Stories

/by

Global streaming and entertainment platform, TIDAL, announced today (Aug. 20) a series of enhancements to its social sharing capabilities. Starting today, TIDAL members are able to share the platform’s robust catalog of music to both Instagram and Facebook Stories, while playable video content can be shared to Instagram Stories.

TIDAL members using iOS and Android devices will see the new sharing option across all content when clicking the three-dot menu and selecting “share.” Songs, albums, artists and playlists will be shared to Instagram and Facebook Stories as a still image, while videos will post with a :15 second preview to Instagram Stories and as a still image to Facebook Stories.

TIDAL members have access to 60 million songs, upwards of 250,000 music videos, thousands of performance videos, hundreds of original video series’ and more to post across their social media network. The expansion and enhancement of user features allows for seamless integration into members’ everyday lives. Elevating the user experience is paramount to TIDAL’s mission and the launch of these capabilities will enable members to join in on the unique music conversations occurring across social platforms. As an industry leader in its delivery of exclusive original content, this new feature will spotlight the platform’s broad scope of offerings.

“We see members every day sharing their favorite TIDAL content across social media,” said Lior Tibon, COO TIDAL. “With TIDAL’s leading video catalog, it became a priority to better showcase the content and assimilate into other popular apps—we’re proud to continue leading the way for video content amongst our peers.”

TIDAL members can start exploring videos to share in TIDAL’s New Video Arrivals playlist. The new feature is beginning to be rolled out with members across the globe receiving the update throughout the week.

Kane Brown Commemorates Fourth No. 1 “Good As You” With Co-Writers

/by

Pictured (L-R, top row): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Universal’s Troy Tomlinson, Warner Chappell’s Will Overton and Taperoom’s Kelly Bolton and Ashley Gorley; (L-R, bottom row): BMI songwriters Brock Berryhill, Will Weatherly, Kane Brown, Shy Carter and Taylor Phillips. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

Co-writers for the Kane Brown No. 1, “Good As You,” came together at the BMI office on Music Row to celebrate the hit on Monday (Aug. 20). The romantic tune was the second No. 1 for Will Weatherly and Taylor Phillips, and the first No. 1 for Brock Berryhill. It was Brown’s third No. 1 as a writer, as his fourth as an artist. “Good As You” was one of many of Shy Carter‘s No. 1 hits in a plethora of genres.

BMI’s Josh Tomlinson served as MC for the gathering for the 100% BMI song. “To all of you guys, BMI is so proud of to represent all of you. We always love getting to celebrate with these parties, but when it’s all in the family it’s even more fun. I’m proud to get to talk about all of you.”

Tomlinson sent a message from the absent Dann Huff that the producer was proud to be a part of Kane’s record.

David Smith gave Pinnacle Bank’s presentation. “This one’s extremely special for us because two and half years ago, I hired a girl named Sara Berryhill, who would tell me about her husband that wrote music. We’ve been cheering you on ever since, buddy, we’re so proud,” Smith said to Brock Berryhill. Pinnacle Bank made a donation to the Boys & Girls Club on behalf of the songwriters.

Sr. VP of Promotions at RCA Nashville, Dennis Reese, thanked his promotion team that drove the song up the charts. He also spoke highly of Kane’s influence on country radio.

BMG’s Chris Oglesby stepped on stage to talk about the ever-charismatic Shy Carter. “The day this was written, Shy flew to St. Louis to perform a gig. Woke up at 6 o’clock the next morning, drove two hours with some dude he never met before in his life to Springfield, Illinois to get on a bus to write with you guys. Thanks for having him on there.”

Oglesby also made sure to recognize the radio promotion team at RCA Nashville. “What you guys do every day is the lifeblood of the music publisher,” Oglesby said. “Martha, the other thing that we need are opportunities. You have given us multiple opportunities, for that we are forever grateful,” he said to Kane’s manager, Martha Earls.

Tape Room Music’s Kelly Bolton spoke on behalf of Weatherly—or affectionally known as DJ Weatherman.

Warner Chappell’s Will Overton stepped up to the mic to speak about Weatherly, Berryhill and Phillips. “If you don’t know Taylor now, I know you will soon. He will find you and find a way to meet you,” Overton joked. “Taylor is the ultimate hustler.

“Two things stood out to me when I met Brock,” Overton continued. “He wasn’t just a hard worker, he was a grinder. Brock’s day starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 4 a.m. the next morning. Also, Brock really cares about his family, his friends, his co-writers, his publishers.”

Warner Chappell presented plaques after the ceremony, as well as whiskey decanters.

Newly appointed Chairman/CEO of UMPG Nashville, Troy Tomlinson, gave his first No. 1 presentation as the leader of the UMPG Nashville team. He spoke very eloquently about the importance of the song, beginning with a Tom T. Hall quote. “I didn’t have this written down but I was standing there watching all this and I thought of this quote from Tom T. Hall,” Tomlinson said. “He said, ‘Every generation of songwriters needs to write for their generation and everything will work out okay.’ And I think that is what is on display here right now, a whole new generation of songwriters.

“Kane, I got to watch you but only from a distance before I came to Universal. Your talent is obvious, and anybody that doesn’t see that is not looking. You actually have the ability to expand this genre, and the amazing part is you have the ability to expand our culture. Not just the genre, but our culture.”

Tomlinson thanked Dann Huff for his production, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman and Jim Catino for their passion, the RCA Nashville promotion staff for their hard work, BMI for hosting the party, and Warner Chappell for the whiskey decanters that he hoped to be included on.

“Martha, what you have done and what you and Kane have done together is enviable. Some managers work their entire careers and never have the type of relationship that you two do, one that’s built on trust and respect. To both of you, congratulations,” Tomlinson said.

UMPG made a donation to MusiCares in honor of “Good As You.”

Pictured (L-R): BMI songwriters Brock Berryhill, Will Weatherly, Kane Brown, Shy Carter and Taylor Phillips. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI

“I want to thank Kane, first of all,” Weatherly said when he stepped up to the mic. “I would not have two No. 1’s without him. I really appreciate what you’ve done for me. You’ve changed my life.”

Weatherly also thanked his publishers Tape Room Music and Warner Chappell, Kane’s management team, Sony Nashville, the radio promotion team, and former UMPG Exec. VP/GM, Kent Earls, who was in attendance.

“Kent, I remember at the ‘Heaven’ No. 1 party, you were talking about booking Shy on the bus. All of this happened because of a small moment like that, I appreciate that. You’ve been very good to me, and I appreciate that,” Weatherly said.

“This is the proud one for me. To have one with two of my best friends,” Phillips said to Kane and Berryhill. Berryhill and Phillips met at an album release party, and Phillips reported that they had written nearly 200 songs since their meeting a year and a half ago.

“Thank you for the friendship, thank you to the boys for writing a song with me, thanks to the wives and girlfriends that gave us the inspiration, Katelyn—for Kane wanting to be as good as you, that song would never have happened without you, my family, my friends, my co-writers, love all y’all,” Phillips concluded.

“This is my first one so I had to write some stuff down,” Berryhill said. “Kane, I’ve already texted you and told you all this, but you have changed our lives. Thank you, brother. These guys up here are four of the most talented dudes I know.

“My beautiful wife for moving here with me,” Berryhill continued. “We’ve been doing this for almost 10 years. I love you.”

Berryhill echoed the thanks of the management team, label, and publishers.

Carter brought his beautiful children up to the stage. He then lead the party goers in singing the chorus of “Good As You.”

“I want to thank Oglesby and Kos for having that dude come pick me up,” Carter joked. “He had a nice car.

“Kane, you know you’re my boy. Since the beginning, we’ve been holding this shit down!” Carter said. He had the crowd in stitches. Carter’s adorable daughter then dropped the mic for him.

“The plan was to take the mic before you got it,” Kane joked.

“I just want to thank these guys,” he said. “They’re my boys. Shoutout to my managers, Martha, Shawn, Nikki, my beautiful wife—I love you so much, everybody over at Sony, Kent Earls—I love you to death.

“Thank y’all for coming, let’s get another one,” Kane concluded.