Sara Evans To Host Livestream To Benefit Performing Arts Theaters

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Sara Evans is using an upcoming livestream performance to help local venues in four states. Evans, who recently released her latest album Copy That, will offer a livestream performance on May 29 at 7 p.m. CT with a blend of new music and her own hit singles as well as a Q&A session.

The livestream will benefit local venues in Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and Wisconsin. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at onlocationlive.com.

“Participating in the Sara Evans live stream performance not only provides much needed financial help for The Pabst Theater Group during these difficult times, it also helps us to stay connected with our community and provide them with one of the very special things that has been taken away from them…the beauty of a live performance,” said Gary Witt, CEO Pabst Theater Group-Milwaukee.

“We’re really excited to bring Sara into the Omaha area and be a part of a new initiative to connect with our community,” said Andy Cassano, Vice President of Programming & Education for Omaha Performing Arts.

Local Venues Supported By Livestream Include:
Riviera Theater / The Pabst Theater Group – Milwaukee, WI
Meyer Theater – Green Bay, WI
Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – Midland, TX
Victory Theater – Evansville, IN
Orpheum Theater, Omaha Performing Arts – Omaha, NE

Brad Paisley Surprises More Than 600 Vanderbilt Nurses With "Gratitunes"

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Brad Paisley recently surprised more than 600 nurses at the virtual Vanderbilt 2020 State of Nursing to thank medical staffers helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The address was part of Vanderbilt’s ongoing recognition of National Nurses Week and 2020 being the “Year of Nurse,” which honors the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing.

In April, numerous artists in Nashville’s music community joined to send “Gratitunes” to Vanderbilt University Medical Center staffers, through messages of encouragement and musical performances. The initiative launched March 30, National Doctors’ Day, with performances from Paisley, Dustin Lynch, Jewel, Lauren Alaina and more.

To date, over 80 artists participated in the campaign reaching over 543,672 engagements. Over 1,300 Gratitunes were dedicated by fans and 5,447 songs added to the Gratitunes Spotify playlist.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Promotes Peter Brodsky

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Peter Brodsky

Sony/ATV Music Publishing has promoted Peter Brodsky to General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Business Affairs. Brodsky is based in the company’s New York office and reports to Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt.

As General Counsel and EVP, Business Affairs, Peter leads the company’s legal and business affairs department worldwide. He is responsible for building and implementing its global business strategy as well as providing guidance and counsel on all Sony/ATV legal matters. Peter also oversees Sony/ATV’s major catalog acquisitions, North American digital initiatives and strategies for licensing its catalog to digital music services and other platforms.

Platt stated, “Peter is a key member of Sony/ATV’s leadership team, and his invaluable counsel is integral to our success. His guidance on strategic business opportunities is of great benefit to our global teams and, most importantly, to our songwriters. An expert in copyright reform, Peter has been an influential advocate for the songwriting community, and I am confident he will continue to move the needle as our new General Counsel.”

“I am thrilled to continue working with Jon and the entire team at Sony/ATV as we build a new chapter for this great company. It is truly an honor to represent our unparalleled songwriters and the world’s greatest collection of songs,” said Brodsky.

In addition to his global responsibilities, Brodsky plays a vital role in U.S. legislative matters related to music publishing, such as copyright reform, and works closely with the National Music Publishers’ Association on these issues. Recently, his reform efforts included the passage of the Music Modernization Act in 2018. Brodsky is a member of the Board of Directors for ASCAP and The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC).

Prior to his promotion, Brodsky held the position of EVP, Business Affairs at Sony/ATV and has led the company’s legal and business activities since 2007. Among his many achievements, Peter played a lead role in Sony’s acquisition of EMI Music Publishing. He previously worked at BMG Music Publishing, where he led BMG’s business and legal affairs department. Peter began his career as an associate at the law firm of White & Case in New York.

Industry Ink: CMA Foundation, Behind The Boards, WFUV

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CMA Foundation Aligns With Organizations For Arts Support


The CMA Foundation has lent its voice to support the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and 53 national organizations in a unified statement that advocates for an arts education for all students.

“It is crucial that we prioritize music and arts education in school curriculums,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director and CMA Vice President, Community Outreach. “More than ever before, music is providing inspiration and support to carry students, teachers and parents through the immense uncertainty we’re experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It comes as no surprise that music is thriving in virtual learning settings. It is imperative to recognize the importance of arts education and its impact on the development of youth during this time, so that students around the country can be provided with the well-rounded education they deserve.”

Behind The Boards Reveals Producer Magic


A new book Behind the Boards: Nashville by biographer Jake Brown pulls back the curtain on the Music Row hit-making machine and the producers who create the music. The book explores the in-depth relationships between artists and producers while revealing the compelling stories behind some of the biggest hits to come out of Music City. It invites readers inside for first-hand conversations with some of country’s most successful and legendary producers, including Tony Brown, Dann Huff, Buddy Cannon, Dave Cobb, James Stroud, Nathan Chapman, Shane McAnally, Jim Ed Norman, Joey Moi, Byron Gallimore, Frank Rogers, Frank Liddell, Josh Leo, Bobby Braddock, Ray Baker, and many others. Behind the Boards: Nashville will hit store shelves June 23 and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

WFUV Hosts Online Gender Equality Discussion

WFUV Public Media in New York is helping fight gender disparity in the music industry by rolling out the new EQFM initiative, striving toward a goal of 50 percent representation of women and gender minorities in its music programming, events and online features. To kick off the new initiative, WFUV is hosting an online panel discussion on June 2 at 7 p.m. ET on the subject of gender equality within the music and radio industries. Moderated by WNYC’s Julianne Welby, panelists include WFUV Program Director Rita Houston, CMT’s Sr. VP of Music Strategy Leslie Fram, NPR Music correspondent Ann Powers, music critic Alan Light, critically-acclaimed artist Amanda Shires and Margi Cheske, President of Fantasy Records.
As part of the EQFM initiative, which was partly inspired by CMT’s recent Equal Play initiative, WFUV is launching an on-air and online series that celebrates important, influential albums by women artists, while promoting the expertise of their female DJs and staffers. WFUV will also keep an even closer eye on equality when planning FUV Live concerts and sessions, Holiday Cheer for FUV, the WFUV High Line Bash and festival coverage.

Colt Ford’s Georgia Grown Summer Concert Series Set For June

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Colt Ford. Photo: Wendy Darugar

Colt Ford is returning to his home state of Georgia for the Georgia Grown Summer Concert Series in June. The shows will be held at the Jesup Drive-In Theatre June 19 and 20, and the Tiger Drive-In Theatre on June 21, 2020.

The concert series will be compliant with both local and state regulations while following social distancing guidelines. Tickets are now available for advance purchase to ensure the well being of patrons and event staff for a safe and efficient check-in process. Tickets are $125 per car and available for advance purchase at GAGrownConcertSeries.com.

“It’s gonna be good for me, the boys in my band and for our fans’ souls,” said Ford. “We are all excited to play!”

During quarantine Ford released his Chicken and Biscuits (Second Helping) 20-track album. He also released a lyric video for one of the tracks on the album, “Convoy,” that pays tribute to the truckers who keep our country running and recognizes the non-profit organization Truckers Final Mile, which aids truck drivers and their families.

Lindsey Lee Taylor Signs With Round Hill Music, JRM Publishing

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Top Row (L-R): Lindsey Lee Taylor, Jimmy Robbins, Sarah Robbins, JRM Publishing. Middle Row (L-R): Bob Squance, Mark Brown, Round Hill A&R. Bottom Row: Ashley Nite, JRM Publishing.

Lindsey Lee Taylor has signed a co-publishing deal with JRM Publishing and Round Hill Music Nashville.

Taylor is a multi-genre songwriter and artist with success in pop, sync, and country who has co-written songs for artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Lauren Alaina, Steven Tyler, Katherine McPhee, and more. In the sync world, she has written and performed songs featured on commercials for Old Navy, American Idol, Modern Family, and Blackish and has also landed placements on television series such as Reign.

“We are so excited to work with Lindsey Lee Taylor and continue our partnership with Round Hill Music,” said Sarah & Jimmy Robbins of JRM Publishing. “Lindsey Lee is a multifaceted songwriter whose work ethic is next level and we look forward to much success together.”

“I am so delighted to be working with Lindsey Lee. She is a special talent and I have always loved what she does,” said Round Hill Music Nashville’s Mark Brown. “I am also excited to collaborate with Jimmy and Sarah Robbins on this writer and expand our ongoing and successful partnership.”

Round Hill Music Nashville has celebrated 42 No. 1 songs since opening in 2014. Its roster includes Adam Sanders, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Derek Austin, Devin Guisande, Early James, Eric Arjes, Gareth Dunlop, Jimmy Robbins, Katie Pruitt, Lindsey Lee Taylor, SHEL, and Wade Kirby. Through its partnership with Big Loud, Round Hill also represents Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Jamie Moore, Joey Moi, Matt Dragstrem and Rodney Clawson.

JRM Publishing is a boutique company based out of Nashville with a roster that includes Jimmy Robbins, Eric Arjes, Derek Austin, Kyd the Band, Temecula Road, and Lindsey Lee Taylor.

 

PBS Program Will Honor Country Music’s Female Trailblazers

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Pictured: Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Suzy Bogguss

PBS stations will honor some of country music’s most trailblazing female artists during a new program, Iconic Women of Country, set to air June 1, 2020.

The program, co-produced by Transform Films and TH Entertainment, will tribute 14 legendary female artists, including Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Minnie Pearl and Brenda Lee, through classic recordings, archival footage and more.

The program’s archival footage highlights songs and artists that broke barriers and shifted the course of country music, such as Kitty Wells singing “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” the 1952 single which was recorded as an answer to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life,” and became the first song recorded by a solo female artist to become a Billboard No. 1 country hit.

Loretta Lynn—who, in 1972, became the first female artist to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year honor—performs “You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man.” The program highlights Patsy Montana (real name Ruby Blevins) who became the first female country artist to have a million-selling record with her self-penned 1935 hit “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.” Also featured are Lynn Anderson‘s mega-crossover hit “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden,” which in 1971 earned a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, as well as Jeannie C. Riley‘s 1968 smash “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” which made Riley the first female artist to rule both the country and pop charts simultaneously with the same song.

Current female country hitmakers are featured, including Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and many more, reflecting on a signature song from each legend, as well as performances of those songs that inspired and moved them.

“It has been such an honor to be able to pay tribute to these women,” says Barb Hall, Producer and Vice President of TH Entertainment. “Their music gave a voice to women’s life experiences, and as much as I love their music, their stories are such a source of inspiration.”

“Transform is proud to partner with Barb Hall and TH Entertainment to bring the stories of these women to light,” says Nick Stuart, President and CEO of Transform Films®. “Her expertise and passion have resulted in a special that will appeal to music fans of all kinds.”

Universal Music Group Nashville will offer a bundle that includes a DVD of the program alongside extra exclusive features, a CD, and a Hatch Show Print.

“There couldn’t be a more important time to spotlight iconic women of country music than now,” shares Universal Music Group Nashville President, Cindy Mabe. “Their influence and stories of overcoming continue to impact, support and build the next generation of country music. Our rich musical history is magnified by these incredible women’s stories and music that changed culture. Country music wouldn’t be relevant without them.”

Nashville’s St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Postponed

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The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and 1/2 Marathon has been rescheduled for this Winter due to the coronavirus pandemic and will now take place Nov. 21, 2020.
The marathon was originally slated for April. All registered participants of the marathon will be receiving an email with further information regarding the change and will have their event registration automatically moved to the new November date.

For runners who cannot race on the Nashville date in November, they can transfer free of charge to a Rock ‘n’ Roll race in a different city, or wait until 2021. Additional races are listed below:

Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon: Sept. 5-6, 2020
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon: Oct. 3-4, 2020
Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon: Oct. 17-18, 2020
United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington D.C. Half Marathon: Nov. 7-8, 2020
Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 Marathon: Nov. 7-8, 2020
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon: Dec. 5-6, 2020
St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & 1/2 Marathon: April 24-25, 2021

For additional information on the race go to RunRocknRoll.com.

Bucky Baxter, Steel Guitarist For Bob Dylan And Founding Member Of The Dukes, Passes At 65

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Nashville instrumentalist Bucky Baxter passed away in Florida on Monday (May 25) at age 65.

Best known as the longtime steel guitarist for Bob Dylan, the Nashville picker also recorded with mainstream country stars, Americana performers, bluegrass acts and pop/rock artists. He was the father of critically applauded Americana singer-songwriter Rayland Baxter, on whose albums he also appeared.

Born William Baxter, the multi-instrumentalist came of age in New Jersey. Already accomplished on guitar, dobro and other stringed instruments, Bucky Baxter took up steel guitar playing in the 1970s.

He rose to prominence in Nashville as a founding member of Steve Earle’s band The Dukes. As such, he performed on Earle’s breakthrough albums Guitar Town (1986), Exit 0 (1987), Copperhead Road (1988) and The Hard Way (1989).

During his early years on Music Row, he also backed rock greats R.E.M. and country hit makers Suzy Bogguss and Sara Evans.

While on the road with The Dukes, Baxter met Dylan, who asked him for steel guitar lessons. He joined Dylan’s band in 1992, touring constantly and appearing on a string of the superstar’s albums, including the Grammy-winning Time Out of Mind (1997).

He left Dylan’s group in 1999 and returned to Nashville session work. His resume during the next decade included playing on albums by Los Lobos, Ben Folds, Joe Henry and Webb Wilder. He was a particular favorite of bluegrass artists Shawn Camp and Kathy Chiavola, rocker Ryan Adams (with whom he toured) and Americana star Jim Lauderdale.

Baxter also released a solo album, 1999’s Most Likely No Problem.

Since 2010, Bucky Baxter had continued to pursue a musically eclectic career. He played on recordings by Will Hoge, Billy Ray Cyrus, Greta Gaines, Old Crow Medicine Show and Kacey Musgraves, among others during the past decade.

Rayland Baxter has included his father’s instrumental talents on both of his career-launching albums, 2015’s Imaginary Man and 2018’s Wide Awake. Rayland announced his father’s death on Tuesday (May 26).

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Gabby Barrett Makes History With Over 10 Million Single-Week Streams

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Gabby Barrett. Photo: Robby Klein

Warner Music Nashville artist Gabby Barrett is now the first female country artist to top 10 million single-week streams, with 11.3 million streams this week for her single, “I Hope,” which continues to sit atop the Country On-Demand Streaming chart for a seventh consecutive week.

On country radio, “I Hope” recently became the first debut single from a female artist to reach No. 1 since 2017.

Country music superstar Trisha Yearwood dropped by (virtually) the CMT Hot 20 to surprise Barrett with the news of her streaming record. Barrett will release her debut full-length album Goldmine on June 19.