Industry Ink: Old Dominion, Tucker Wetmore, The Castellows, BMI, Eugene Ward
Old Dominion Celebrates Platinum At Ryman Residency
Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion was presented with some plaques ahead of their second night of shows for their recent sold-out Ryman Auditorium residency. The new hardware touted the band’s RIAA certifications for their No. 1 single “One Man Band” (seven-times Platinum) and albums Old Dominion and Happy Endings (both Platinum).
Tucker Wetmore Surprised With Platinum Plaque During TV Debut
Tucker Wetmore on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends. Photo: Nathan Congleton / ©NBCUniversal
Tucker Wetmore made his national TV debut this week on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends, delivering a performance of his Platinum-certified No.1 single “Wind Up Missin’ You.” To cap off the bucket list moment, host Jenna Bush Hager and guest host Ana Gasteyer surprised Wetmore with a Platinum/No. 1 plaque commemorating the song that launched his meteoric rise less than one year ago.
He recently wrapped a jam-packed Super Bowl LIX weekend that included a special performance at EA SPORTS™ Presents Madden Bowl and announced of his next single, “3,2,1” is due out Feb. 2.
The Castellows Visit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital
The Castellows. Photo: Angelea Yoder, VUMC
Country trio The Castellows visited Seacrest Studios located in Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville on Feb. 4. The three sisters’ in-studio interview and acoustic performance was broadcast solely throughout the hospital’s CCTV network. Along with the interview and performance, the girls met and posed for pictures with patients and their families.
‘BMI Buzz’ Returns At Bobby’s Idle Hour
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s Jackson Kiger, Jack McKeon (BMI), Gloria Anderson (BMI), Aniston Pate (BMI), BMI’s Leslie Roberts and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
BMI revitalized its longstanding “BMI Buzz” showcase Feb. 3 at its new location, Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern, featuring Gloria Anderson, Jack McKeon and Aniston Pate. The series highlights promising up-and-coming songwriters in three-song sets. Launched in 2008, the series continues BMI’s commitment to nurture and develop writers at the earliest stages of their careers and has previously hosted songwriters such as Hannah Blaylock (2009), Joey Hyde (2011), Kacey Musgraves (2009), Parker Welling (2010) and more.
The next “BMI Buzz” installment will be held April 7, with the lineup to be announced soon.
Eugene Ward Memorial Scholarship Established At Lincoln Memorial University
Eugene Ward. Photo: Courtesy of family
Lincoln Memorial University has announced the establishment of the Eugene Ward Memorial Scholarship, honoring the life and legacy of distinguished alumnus Gene Ward. The scholarship, which will be awarded annually, was initiated by a gift from his wife, Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely Ward, and will support LMU students who are working their way through school, carrying forward Ward’s legacy of service, leadership and academic excellence.
A 1956 graduate of LMU’s Business Administration program, Ward built a notable career in law and public service. Donations to the scholarship fund can be made online at LMUnet.edu/GeneWard or mailed to: Lincoln Memorial University, University Advancement Office, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752.
