Bailey Zimmerman Celebrates With Double No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Run Out The Clock’s Lynn Lowe, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Reach Music Publishing’s Scott Rubin, Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow and Reach Music Publishing’s Sarah Feldman; (L-R, front row): Alex Palmer (BMI), Bailey Zimmerman (BMI), Austin Shawn (BMI/Producer), Marty James (BMI), Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

BMI brought Bailey Zimmerman and his team together on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 22) to celebrate chart-toppers “Religiously” and “Where It Ends,” the latter marking the artist’s fourth and most recent No. 1 track.

Industry members, friends and family gathered atop the BMI rooftop in the warm, fall weather before receiving an equally warm welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley and MaryAnn Keen. Keen took over as emcee and invited up the crew behind “Where It Ends,” Zimmerman, Joe London, producer Austin Shawn and Grant Averill, who was celebrating his first No. 1 as a songwriter.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Hipgnosis’ Ashley Alexander, Nice Life’s Caitlin Lytle, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow, Warner Music Nashville’s Gregg Nadel; (L-R, front row): Joe London (BMI), Bailey Zimmerman (BMI), Austin Shawn (Producer), Grant Averill (BMI), Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

On deck to congratulate their songwriters were Nice Life Music’s Caitlin Lytle, Hipgnosis’ Ashley Alexander and Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow.

Sherlow shared the room’s sentiments by praising Zimmerman’s era-defining sound before commending Shawn’s creative touch, “Bailey, you truly are a groundbreaking artist who is able to share stories that connect with all audiences, even across genres. Austin, you absolutely crushed this record. Thank you for bringing back the true guitar solo to radio singles. You are a musical scientist and your heart shines through each record that you produce.”

Next, it was time for the songwriters to speak. London stepped to the podium first, taking his moment to highlight those around him, including Averill of whom he said, “What a moment, bud. We have been working together the past few years, and I couldn’t be more proud to stand here with you celebrating your first No. 1. Seeing this track reach the top is a testament to your talent and passion for songwriting.”

Pictured Back Row: The Core team; Front Row (L-R): Joe London, Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Grant Averill; Photo: Isaac Mason

Averill echoed his sentiment, sharing that he and London’s bands used to play together in San Francisco more than 12 years ago, “It is crazy to think this is what we are doing now. I can’t believe it. Thank you so much to everyone.”

The songwriters then left the stage to make way for Marty James and Alex Palmer who, along with Zimmerman and Frank Romano, co-wrote “Religiously.” Speaking on their behalf were ASCAP’s Emilia James, Reach Music Publishing’s Scott Rubin, Run Out The Clock’s Lynn Lowe, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Warner Music Nashville’s Gregg Nadel and The Core Entertainment’s Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk.

The songwriters spoke next with James, one of the minds behind the 13-times Platinum single “Despacito,” taking the mic first, “This song is proof, for me, that songs can help you move forward in life. It is a proud day for me to have my first country No. 1 with a track that is so true to life.”

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Joe London, Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Grant Averill, MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

“I am so grateful for the team behind this song and these guys up here, who are like brothers to me,” said Shawn. “Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“Marty and I have written who knows how many songs together, 50, 100?” Palmer posed. “I think it is a testament to country music that our first No. 1 together is this one.”

Zimmerman spoke last, driving home how many people play a part in making a song go No. 1.

“A lot of people don’t get to see the behind-the-scenes aspects of these tracks. To put in so much love and time and effort into something that you don’t get recognized for is unbelievable. These parties are not only for us, they are for you and for others to see how much it takes to do what we do.”

John Nix Arledge
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