Industry Ink: Brett Young, New Edition, Georgette Jones, Allison Morris

/by

Brett Young Celebrates RIAA Certifications

Brett Young with his family and RIAA plaques. Photo: BMLG

Brett Young celebrated several RIAA certifications with family, friends, co-writers and industry partners yesterday (April 25). He received plaques for “In Case You Didn’t Know” (nine-time Platinum), “Here Tonight” (double Platinum), “Sleep Without You” (double Platinum) and “You Didn’t” (Gold). Guests were treated to a preview of Young’s forthcoming music as well as a stripped down performance of “You Didn’t,” “Dance With You” and “In Case You Didn’t Know,” topped with a daddy-daughter dance starring Young’s two daughters.

The gathering took place in the midst of push week for his current chart-topping radio single “You Didn’t,” and followed the launch of his new wedding anthem, “Dance With You.” The new track, and its accompanying lyric video which features personal footage from the artist’s wedding day, garnered the most first-week streams of Young’s career with more than two million global streams and inclusion in more than 25 playlists by digital streaming partners.

New Edition Commemorates 40 Years With NMAAM Exhibit & RIAA Certifications

Pictured (L-R): New Edition’s Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, 92Q’s Sissy Brown, NMAAM’s Candice N. Jones, New Edition’s Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. Photo: 353 Media Group

R&B group New Edition made their way to Music City over the weekend to speak about their musical history and pop-up exhibit at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) during a panel hosted by Director of Marketing & Communications Candice N. Jones and Q92’s The Kenny Smoov Morning Show Co-Host Sissy Brown, ahead of their headlining show at Bridgestone Arena.

As fans enjoyed the event, NMAAM President & CEO H. Beecher Hicks III invited Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) SVP, Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones to surprise New Edition with plaques commemorating their certifications, including a rarity of three multi-Platinum albums on MCA Records.

Georgette Jones Honors Mother Tammy Wynette During Opry Tribute

Georgette Jones with Tammy Wynette’s Opry placard.

Georgette Jones, artist and daughter of music icons Tammy Wynette and George Jones, graced the historic Opry stage on April 6 to honor her mother’s passing twenty-five years ago. She performed “My Man” and “Till I Can Make It On My Own.” The tribute lineup also included Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Lauren Alaina, Lauren Mascitti, Wendy Moten and Chuck Mead.

“I know how much this would have meant to my mom,” said Jones. “It had been 13 years since I last played the Opry. At that performance, Jean Shepard announced my engagement to the world from the stage. This night, I got to share the stage with my husband Jamie for the first time. My son Kyle was there with me and my other son Ryan would have joined me but he is on active duty with the Air Force. I got to sing Mom’s favorite ”Til I Can Make It On My Own.’ Everyone was so gracious and it was beautiful to see the audience and artists shining a spotlight on my mom. I even discovered some of our former household furnishing backstage so it truly felt like coming home.”

Ahead of tribute night, she shared what the Opry meant to her and family.

“The Opry and the Ryman were very important to mom. She grew up listening to the Opry on WSM and always dreamed of having the honor of playing there. It really meant the world to her to stand in the circle and to be part of the Opry family. As a child, I ran the halls backstage along with many other artists’ children and grandchildren. I have the best memories being there not only for Opry appearances, but for award and TV shows as well. It was a big extended family environment that I am grateful to have experienced.”

Allison Morris Signs With Big Yellow Dog Music

Allison Morris

Multi-genre songwriter and Belmont University alum Allison Morris has signed a publishing deal with established independent publishing company Big Yellow Dog Music.

Morris has already made a name for herself in Music City. As a brain tumor survivor and member of the APPI community, her journey to success has been nothing short of inspiring. Her unique perspective and determination have earned her some stripes in the industry as well as the respect of her peers.

“I am thrilled to have signed with Big Yellow Dog Music,” says Morris. “Their reputation as one of the best independent publishers on Music Row speaks for itself, and I am honored to be joining their roster of talented songwriters—not to mention ALL of the amazing music I will get to make with their amazing sync team. This is an incredible opportunity for me to take my career to the next level, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Liza Anderson
Latest posts by Liza Anderson (see all)