AFM Local 257, Sound Healthcare & Financial Expand Member Benefits

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The Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, and its insurance partner, Sound Healthcare & Financial, have expanded their True Group Health Insurance plan and are now offering a full array of Union Member Voluntary Group Benefits at discounted group rates for AFM 257 members.

Voluntary Group Benefits include: Dental (Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN); Vision (Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN); GapAssist Coverage – Accident, Critical Illness, Inpatient Indemnity (Symetra); Group Life Insurance (Guardian); International Travel Coverage (Crum & Forster); Pet Insurance (Nationwide); Auto and Home Insurance (MetLife); and Complete Identity Theft Protection (Secure CyberID).

“These new benefits are all part of our ongoing commitment to providing maximum value and quality services to AFM 257 members and the Nashville music community as a whole,” said Nashville Musicians Association President Dave Pomeroy. “In addition to promoting respect for musicians and getting them paid fairly for the work they do, we have created numerous ways to save union members far more than the cost of our annual dues, which are less than $300/year. We welcome inquiries from anyone and everyone who wants to learn more about the only organization that looks out for the welfare of Music City musicians.”

“Access to Group Voluntary Benefits at discounted group rates is a first for the independent musicians and music professionals in our creative community,” said Sound Healthcare & Financial Founder and CEO, RJ Stillwell. “Most professionals in music are self-employed independent contractors. We’ve been able to bring some of the biggest names in insurance together to provide Voluntary Group Benefits to AFM 257 members without an employer/employee relationship. We encourage current AFM 257 members to take advantage of these benefits and those in our music community who are not members to consider joining. There’ve never been more reasons to join the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257.”

Enrollment in the AFM 257 Union Member Voluntary Benefits is exclusively available through Sound Healthcare & Financial. More information is available at soundhealthcare.org or at 615.256.8667 / [email protected].

Monument Records Signs Pop Artist Sam DeRosa

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(L-R): Monument Co-President Shane McAnally, Sam DeRosa, Monument SVP Katie McCartney, Monument Co-President Jason Owen. Photo Credit: Robert Chavers

Pop singer/songwriter Sam DeRosa has signed to Monument Records, led by Co-Presidents Shane McAnally and Jason Owen. DeRosa releases her first official track off the label, “Pill For This,” today. DeRosa performed the track on NBC’s Songland last night.

Producers McAnally, Ester Dean, and Ryan Tedder, along with guest recording artist Charlie Puth, watched in awe as she belted out the lyrics to the heartbreakingly personal yet universally relatable track.

Working with multi-Grammy Award winning songwriter and producer Shane McAnally on the episode, the two attempted to turn “Pill For This” into something that Charlie Puth might eventually record.

As it turns out, the song was only DeRosa’s to sing. After the performance, everyone in the room knew that she couldn’t give the song away, and McAnally saw a bona fide pop artist. He promptly brought DeRosa in to Monument Records, the record label he is co-president of with Jason Owen, to meet Owen and Monument Senior Vice President Katie McCartney.

“Working with Sam on Songland gave me a front row seat to her ability to write, produce, perform, and connect. I instantly knew I wanted to work with her beyond the show, and have been amazed by her depth and heart,” said McAnally.

Watch DeRosa perform “Pill For This” on Songland.

Shanna Strassberg Joins CMT

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Talent and production executive Shanna Strassberg has joined CMT as Vice President of Music & Talent, it was announced today by Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President, Music Strategy & Talent, CMT. Strassberg will be responsible for driving music and artist integration efforts and steer strategic direction across multiple CMT brands. Based in Nashville, Strassberg assumes her position immediately and reports to Fram.

“Shanna’s stellar reputation and strong relationships within the music and television communities are unparalleled,” said Fram. “She joins us at an exciting time for the brand including the upcoming 10th anniversary of ‘CMT Artists of the Year’ and I can’t wait for her to lend her talents to this team.”

An award-winning television and music industry executive with decades of experience booking and producing talent, Strassberg comes to CMT to work alongside Fram on all talent bookings and initiatives, including tentpoles and music specials. Her expertise includes booking and producing talent for a multitude of television shows, award programs and red carpets, holding positions as Talent Executive for Pickler & Ben; Co-Producer/Talent Booker for Bluebird: The Movie; Talent Executive, Loretta Lynn Tribute Concert (2019); PBS’ “Sound Field” and more. In 2018, she won an Emmy as producer for Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Mountains Rise.” In addition, she booked talent for almost a decade for Scripps Networks Interactive, encompassing such properties as HGTV, Food Network, GAC, DIY and Travel Channel.

In addition, CMT has promoted Donna Duncan to Director, Music Strategy; and Stacey Cato to Senior Manager, Music & Talent joined by Jordan Walker who was promoted last year to Manager. Also based in Nashville, Duncan, Cato and Walker represent a combined 30+ years of music and talent experience with the network.

She can now be reached at [email protected]

Leftover Salmon, Alanna Royale To Lead Nashville’s Dancin’ In The District

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The lineup has been announced for this year’s Dancin’ In The District at Nashville’s Riverfront Park on Oct. 10. The free, all-ages, pet-friendly event will feature headliners Leftover Salmon and Widespread Panic’s keyboard-wizard JoJo Herman and his band, Slim Wednesday, will also take the stage. Additionally, disco-funk revivalist Space Capone will make a return to the bandstand, and new powerhouse Alanna Royale will get the party started.

Neighborhood eats like Daddy’s Dogs, 8th & Roast, and King of Pops will be available on site, and local favorites Labcanna, The Dry House Braid Bar, Strings of Hope, Hippies & Gypsies, and Nashville Blanket Project will all be on hand with their goods and services.

Longtime Nashvillians will recall that Dancin’ In The District brought national artists to Nashville’s Riverfront Park from 1993-2005. The event was briefly revived for a few seasons in 2013 under the name Nashville Dancin’.

This year’s one-night-only event benefits Bonaparte’s Retreat, a dog rescue which is dedicated to providing nurturing care for adoptable dogs when their allotted time at the shelter has elapsed, and Music Health Alliance, an organization that helps connect professional musicians with the medical and financial solutions they might need. Toyota is the event’s presenting sponsor.

 

 

Carrie Underwood To Share Her Fit52 Program In New Fitness And Lifestyle Book

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Carrie Underwood is giving us all tips on how to stay fit and build positive habits toward a better life in her brand new book, Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life. The new book is due out in 2020 on Dey Street Books, an imprint of the William Morrow Group at HarperCollins Publishers.

As the founder and lead designer of the popular lifestyle and fitness brand CALIA, Underwood believes that fitness is a lifelong journey that is not about perfection. She shares her Fit52 program in the new book, a sustainable, common-sense approach to staying active, eating well, and looking as great as you feel 52 weeks a year.

Throughout Find Your Path, Underwood opens up about her personal journey towards optimal health, from her passion for sports as a kid, to the pressure to look perfect and fit the mold as she launched her career after winning American Idol, to eventually discovering the importance of balance and the meaning of true health. For her, being fit isn’t about crash diets or a workout routine that’s dreaded, but about healthy choices, simple meals put together from ingredients in the local grocery store, and making the time every day to move, love your body, and be the best version of yourself. With this book she hopes to help set her fans on a path to health and taking care of their bodies and souls, for life.

“Fitness and healthy living have been a passion of mine for years,” says Underwood.  “It took time to find my way and navigate my wellness journey, and this book will provide tips and tools to help the reader find what is practical and sustainable in his or her everyday life for all 52 weeks of the year, and help lead them toward a positive lifestyle.”

John Paul White Inks New Publishing Deal

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Four-time Grammy Award winner John Paul White has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. White, a former member of the popular duo The Civil Wars, has collaborated with and written songs for artists including Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Rodney Crowell, Eli Young Band, Ronan Keating, and more.

“JPW is in a league of his own. Aside from his world-class vocals and inventive melodies, he is a diverse and in-demand collaborator, a creative producer, and an astute businessman,” said Ben Vaughn, President and CEO of WCM Nashville, adding, “Really proud to welcome him to the global Warner Chappell family.”

“It was very important for me to find a partner that wholeheartedly believes in me and my work,” said White. “Ben and the entire team at Warner Chappell have a real expertise, dedication, and passion for the music. I’m grateful for their support and look forward to working together.”

The Civil Wars earned Grammy wins for Best Folk Album and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for Barton Hollow. In 2016, White released his solo album Beulah. Since 2013, he led his own label Single Lock Records, out of Florence, Alabama; the label’s roster has included Lera Lynn and the late Donnie Fritts. White co-produced Fritts’ 2015 Oh My Goodness album and Lynn’s 2018 duets collection Plays Well With Others.

In April, White released his LP, The Hurting Kind, co-produced by Alabama Shakes’ Ben Tanner with co-writing credits from Nashville songwriters Bobby Braddock and Whisperin’ Bill Anderson. White is currently touring throughout America, Europe, and Canada as he writes for his next record.

White is co-managed by Brad Oldham at Vector Management and Michael Goldstone at Mom & Pop.

Randy Travis, James Dupré To Hit The Road This Fall

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Randy Travis has joined with Outback Presents for The Music of Randy Travis Tour, which features Travis and his The Price co-star James Dupré.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Travis’ longtime touring band, along with tour manager Jeff Davis, will rejoin Travis on the road for the first time since his stroke in 2013. The show will include Dupre and the band performing all 16 of his No. 1 hits including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Travis will make a special appearance and VIP passes are available in most markets that include a meet and greet with Travis himself.

“We are incredibly excited to be back on the road and give Randy’s fans a chance to hear his music live again, and who better to sing his many hits than James Dupré?” said Mary and Randy Travis. 

The Music of Randy Travis Tour Dates:
Oct. 16 – Indianapolis, Ind. – The Murat**
Oct. 17 – Evansville, Ind. – Victory Theatre*
Oct. 18 – Macon, Ga. – Macon Auditorium**
Oct. 19 – Gulfport, Miss. – Island View Casino^
Oct. 23 – Augusta, Ga. – The Bell**
Oct. 24 – Spartanburg, S.C. – Memorial Auditorium**
Oct. 25 – Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville Auditorium**
Oct. 26 – North Little Rock, Ark. – Verizon Arena*
Oct. 28 – Nashville, Tenn. – Ryman Auditorium^
Oct. 29 – Atlanta, Ga. – Symphony Hall**
Nov. 1 – Minneapolis, Minn. – TBA^*
Nov. 2 – Green Bay, Wis. – Weidner Center***

Key:
*On Sale Now
^On Sale Fri., Sept. 6 10 A.M.
**Pre-Sale Thurs., Sept. 5 10 A.M. – 10 P.M., On Sale Fri., Sept. 6 10 A.M.
***Pre-Sale Wed., Sept. 4 10 A.M. – 10 P.M., On Sale Thu., Sept. 5 11 A.M.
^*Pre-Sale Thurs., Sept. 12 10 A.M. – 10 P.M., On Sale Fri., Sept. 13 10 A.M.

Acoustic Music Kingpin Keith Case Passes

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Keith Case.

Longtime Nashville booking agent and artist manager Keith Case died Tuesday (Sept. 3) at age 79.

His Keith Case & Associates firm was arguably the most important booker of acoustic-music in the history of Music Row. At various times, Keith represented troubadours such as Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, John Hartford, Mary Gauthier, Suzy Bogguss, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jesse Winchester, Billy Joe Shaver, Robert Earl Keen and Elizabeth Cook.

He also booked the bluegrass acts Blue Highway, The Seldom Scene, King Wilkie, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Sierra Hull, The Steeldrivers, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Steep Canyon Rangers and Ralph Stanley; acoustic experimentalists David Bromberg and Dan Tyminski; gospel legends The Fairfield Four and a number of other roots, Americana and folk artists.

He was a key figure in developing the career of Alison Krauss & Union Station.

Case has also been associated with Matraca Berg, Mike Ferris, Rhonda Vincent, Pete Wernick, Hot Rize, Tim & Mollie O’Brien, The Del McCoury Band, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Jeannie Kendall, Ronnie Bowman, The Greencards, Gurf Morlix and Slaid Cleaves.

Many of Case’s clients were in the soundtrack cast of O Brother Where Art Thou, which was the Grammy Album of the Year in 2000.

Keith Case began his career as a booking agent in Denver. He moved to Nashville in 1982 and formed his own company two years later. Case was a founding member of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), as well as an important figure in the Folk Alliance organization. He was also a mentor to Denise Stiff, the longtime manager of Krauss, Tyminski and Sarah Jarosz.

When he retired, Keith Case & Associates was renamed KCA Artists. He helped his company’s operations move to The Cumberland Music Collective, which is the agency run by Case’s former vice president Lee Olsen.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Apple Music Releasing Exclusive Live EPs From Up Next Artists

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Apple Music is releasing exclusive live EPs by Ashley McBryde, Bad Bunny, Daniel Caesar, Khalid, King Princess, Lewis Capaldi, and Omar Apollo throughout the summer as part of Apple Music’s Up Next Live, a series of intimate performances from past and present Apple Music Up Next artists.

The albums were recorded live at Apple retail stores around the world, and all shows were hosted after hours in local Apple stores in Milan, San Francisco, Brooklyn, Paris, London, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Performances kicked off July 9 with global sensation Bad Bunny at Apple Piazza Liberty in Milan and wrapped up in Washington D.C. with a performance by Khalid at Apple Carnegie Library.

The Apple Music Up Next monthly program showcases some of the best new artists in the world. Each month, Apple Music tastemakers and editors identify one artist to feature, then utilize the power of the platform to raise awareness of that artist to Apple Music’s growing audience of music fans. Apple Music Up Next also includes a deeply curated companion playlist full of incredible new artists across genres from all over the world.

TG Sheppard Readies First Country Solo Project In Over 20 Years

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TG Sheppard is set to release his latest album, Midnight in Memphis, on Sept. 20. The new album is his first solo country project in more than two decades.

Produced by Sheppard with Buddy Hyatt, the 13-track compilation features a tune written by his wife, singer-songwriter Kelly Lang, and a title track that was written by his dear friend, Sir Barry Gibb.

“Two years seems like a long time to spend on an album, but when you’ve had as much fun as I’ve had making this one, it goes quickly,” says Sheppard. “Hard for me to believe it’s been this long since my last solo country album. You might say, it was actually 22 years in the making.”

Midnight in Memphis reminisces on Sheppard’s time spent in Memphis where he met and became friends with the King, Elvis Presley. As an tribute to his late friend, the album includes two tracks depicting the life and impact of Elvis. Sheppard, who has 21 No. 1s to his credit, releases Midnight in Memphis on the heels of his latest “Priscilla-approved” single, “I Wanna Live Like Elvis.” The country legend also recently debuted The TG Sheppard Show, airing Fridays from 3-6 p.m./ET on SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio Channel 19.

Midnight in Memphis Track List: 
1. I Wanna Live Like Elvis
2. Black Coffee
3. We Hours
4. Addicted to You
5. Say Hello to Heaven
6. I’m a Song
7. I Was Losing You
8. Good Man
9. Thanks to You
10. 100% Chance of Pain
11. Midnight in Memphis
12. Sober
13. The Day Elvis Died