Freddy Powers’ Memoir Will Be Published In 2017

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Freddy Powers

Freddy Powers

The memoir of the late singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Freddy Powers will be published next year.

Powers died this week at age 84 in Texas. His book, The Spree of ’83, is scheduled for publication by Waldorf Books in February 2017.

Powers co-wrote the memoir with his widow, Catherine Powers, as well as biographer Jake Brown. Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson are also contributors to the book.

Freddy Powers wrote or co-wrote the Haggard hits “A Place to Fall Apart” (1984), “Natural High” (1985), “Let’s Chase Each Other Around the Room” (1984) and “A Friend in California” (1986).

He co-produced Nelson’s million-selling LP Over the Rainbow. He also served in both stars’ bands.

DISClaimer: Elizabeth Cook, Paul Burch, Derik Hultquist Among Americana’s Top Offerings

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Elizabeth Cook

Elizabeth Cook

There is a whole lot to like in today overview of current Americana recordings.

So much so, that I’m splitting the Disc of the Day award in two. Our female winner is Elizabeth Cook, and our male prize goes to Paul Burch. These two are among the best this genre has to offer.

The DisCovery Award goes to singer-songwriter Derik Hultquist. His is the most “different” sounding record in this stack, and for that we applaud him. Don’t be surprised if pop/rock programmers aren’t smitten by him as well.

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DARRELL SCOTT/Love Is The Reason
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: Darrell Scott; Publisher: none listed; Full Light (track)
-Scott’s songwriting resume includes “Born to Fly,” “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” “Long Time Gone,” “Heartbreak Town,” “No Way Out,” “Family Tree” and “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive,” all of which are best known in versions by others. But he remains his own finest interpreter, as the performances collected on his new Couchville Sessions CD demonstrate. The album includes treatments of songs by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Peter Rowan and James Taylor, but at its heart are the nine gems from the songwriter, himself. This one is a rippling, lilting, uplifting tune sung in Scott’s characteristically warm, enveloping voice.

THE HONEYCUTTERS/On The Ropes
Writers: Amanda Anne Platt; Producers: Amanda Anne Platt; Tim Surrett; Publishers: Button Down/Windsor Forest, ASCAP; Organic (track)
– Don’t let the name throw you: This is a country combo. The group is fronted by singer-songwriter Amanda Anne Platt, who delivers the goods in a tart, yearning tone that is captivating. Her fellow band members are tight and super engaging. This title tune to The Honeycutters new CD is a portal into a myriad of alternative honky-tonking delights. The group is a cornerstone act on the Asheville, North Carolina, music scene. Sign me up for the Nashville fan club.

SAM BUSH/Bowling Green
Writers: Sam Bush/Jon Randall Stewart; Producer: Sam Bush; Publishers: Samanda Lynn/BMG/Whayasay/Reynsong, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
– How do I love him; let me count the ways: Awesome instrumentalist, hearty vocalist, great record maker, fabulous human being. Bush’s upcoming Storyman CD is all over the map, stylistically. Which is another reason to love him. Jazz, folk, blues, reggae, swing and more bubble in the mixes. This toe-tapping ode to his hometown is so rootsy and grassy it sounds like a folk song. It is immediately followed by a honky-tonk shuffle called “Handmics Killed Country Music” (co-written with Emmylou Harris and complete with Pig Robbins on piano) and then a down-home blues titled “Where’s My Love.” Go, man, go.

DERIK HULTQUIST/Dark Side Of Town
Writers: Derik Hultquist; Producers: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Publishers: Scrambler/Carnival, ASCAP; Carnival (track)
– This singer-songwriter is a real find. This clear, dark, direct song is delivered in a conversational hush that’s surrounded by an ethereal electronic soundscape. The mysterious audio settings throw his super-strong songwriting skills into high relief throughout his Southern Iron collection. Enthusiastically endorsed. Pop tastemakers also take note.

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ELIZABETH COOK/Straightjacket Love
Writer: Elizabeth Cook; Producer: Dexter Green; Publishers: Agent Love/Wixen, SESAC; Agent Love (track)
– Exodus of Venus is Cook’s brand new collection. She simply doesn’t know how to make a dull disc. This rousing mountain country rocker features harmony vocals by the sublime Patty Loveless. It’s great, but you can “needle drop” anywhere on this record and strike audio gold.

NED VAN GO/Lost In The Trouble
Writers: N. Hill/B. Grant/R. Becker/C. Becker/M. Webb; Producer: Michael Webb; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; DSF (track)
– This Nashville band used to lean toward a rock sound. But the addition of mandolin ace Bob Grant in 2010 led to its evolution into an Americana act. The group’s current CD, The Dirt and the Sun, features this wildly energetic crowd favorite. It brilliantly fuses rock attitude with acoustic instrumentation.

TONY JOE WHITE/Hoochie Woman
Writers: Tony Joe White/Leann White; Producer: Jody White; Publishers: Wampus Cat/Wolf Woman, BMI; Swamp/Yep Roc (track)
– This ageless cult figure still conjures magic with his groove-tastic swamp rhythms and spooky lyrics. His womper-stomper guitar sets the tone in this dark, sexy, throbbing portrait of a witchy beguiler. It leads off a splendid collection titled Rain Crow.

JENNIFER WARNES/The Well
Writers: Jennifer Warnes/Doyle Bramhall; Producers: Martin Davich/Jennifer Warnes; Publishers: Warnes/BMG, BMI; Porch Light/BMG
– I have been in love with this woman for years. Best known as a peerless interpreter—“Right Time of the Night,” “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” “Up Where We Belong” and the like—she now emerges as a songwriter of striking strength. This CD was originally recorded in 2001, but is only now getting an “official” release. Its title tune is a heartbeat pulsing meditation on nature that marries lilting instrumentation to her always caressing vocals. The album also features her silky versions of songs by Tom Waits, Billy Joel, Jesse Winchester, Cindy Walker and Arlo Guthrie, in addition to her originals. Warnes is now working on a new collection. I can’t wait.

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PAUL BURCH/Back To The Honky Tonks
Writers: Paul Burch; Producers: Paul Burch/Dennis Crouch; Publishers: Borrowed & Broke, BMI; Plowboy (track)
–Meridian Rising is a stunning achievement. Burch imagines the life of the legendary Jimmie Rodgers in a 20-tune song cycle that takes the Singing Brakeman from his Mississippi roots to his premature death from TB in a Manhattan hotel room. On this tune, he’s vowing to die as he lived, to the accompaniment of a cool little jazz combo. This whole project is absolutely essential listening. Buy it now.

JIMBO MATHUS/Play With Fire
Writers: Jimbo Mathus/Robert Earl Reed; Producer: Jimbo Mathus; Publisher: none listed; BLM (track)
– Mississippian Mathus is a mainstay of the esteemed vaudeville/folk/swing ensemble The Squirrel Nut Zippers. His new solo project is a nine-song, gumbo/voodoo delight titled Band of Storms. This track is a neo-rockabilly summons to romance featuring twang guitar, echo-chamber vocal and a cool, lingering hiss each time he sings the word “yes.” Elsewhere on the collection, you’ll find elements of blues, rock, honky-tonk and bluegrass. It’s all good.

 

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Entertainment Attorney John Beiter Joins Leaven Strand & Glover

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John Beiter

John Beiter

John Beiter, one of Nashville’s prominent music and intellectual property attorneys, has joined entertainment law firm Leavens, Strand & Glover as a partner.

Beiter will be based in the firm’s Nashville office on 17th Avenue S., which was opened by Hillel Frankel in 2015.

In his more than 20 years as an entertainment lawyer, Beiter has represented clients from recording artists and producers, record companies, songwriters and music publishers, to documentary filmmakers and book authors. He represents clients in copyright-related legislation such as the Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act and the Songwriter Equity Act. His litigation background in federal and state courts includes representing clients regarding copyright infringement and entertainment industry contracts.

“We have known John for many years and have been impressed with his skills as a litigator, intellectual property and music attorney,” said Leavens, Strand & Glover Founding Partner Peter Strand. “We are delighted that he elected to join our firm to continue the growth of our Nashville and national practices. And personally, I’m excited to add another guitar player to our firm.”

“Leavens, Strand & Glover has an incredible reputation in the entertainment industry, and I am delighted to join the team,” said Beiter. “The Nashville office has the potential to be one of the strongest in the city, and I am looking forward to being a part of this growth.”

Following law school, Beiter served as law clerk to the Honorable John T. Nixon, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. Before practicing law, he was a newspaper reporter and a songwriter for a Nashville-based music publisher. He received his J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School and a degree in journalism and English from Indiana University.

The addition of Beiter is the latest step in the firm’s significant growth over the past year. In addition to last year’s opening of a second office in Nashville, earlier this month the firm added entertainment attorney Linda Mensch as of counsel in the Chicago office.

Leavens, Strand & Glover, LLC is an entertainment, media, and intellectual property law firm concentrating on creative industries and endeavors. With offices in Chicago and Nashville, the firm represents both institutional and talent clients on transactional and litigation matters.

Randy Himes Joins The TEAM Companies

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Randy Himes

Randy Himes

Randy Himes has joined The TEAM Companies, a payroll provider for the concert tour and sound recording industries.

Formerly SAG-AFTRA Nashville Executive Director, Himes is now The TEAM Companies’ Vice President of Labor Relations and Director of Business Development. The company has recently expanded into the Southeast region.

“Labor laws, union agreements and generally what it takes to conduct business in the music world have become more and more complicated,” says Himes. “I am excited to be able to continue to work with recording artists and their representatives in my new role at TEAM. The TEAM Companies have years of music industry experience as well as tools and processes that simplify hiring and paying singers, musicians, and other folks whether they’re recording an album or out on tour.”

During his career, Himes also spent a decade as the union’s Assistant National Director for Sound Recordings. During his tenure, he was involved in negotiating worldwide streaming provisions as well as updating other aspects of the code to keep pace with the changing music landscape.

Himes was also involved in agreements including the Nashville songwriter and publisher’s demonstration recording agreements, as well as the national music video, independent artist and touring agreements and numerous specialized industry agreements, including the Armed Forces Radio and Television agreement and the artists and performers agreement for the Grand Ole Opry.

Himes can be reached at rhimes@theteamcompanies.com.

LifeNotes: Memphis Horns Star Wayne Jackson Passes

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Wayne Jackson. Photo: Waynejacksonmusic.com

Wayne Jackson. Photo: Waynejacksonmusic.com

Trumpeter Wayne Jackson, who won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 as one-half of the Memphis Horns, died on Tuesday night (June 21).

Jackson lived in Nashville and played on sessions in Music City during the 1980s. Along with fellow Memphis Horns player, saxophonist Andrew Love, Jackson performed on a reported 52 No. 1 songs, 83 million-selling albums, 116 Top 10 records and 15 Grammy-winning records.

Among the stars they recorded with were Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Neil Diamond, U2, Billy Joel, Peter Gabriel, Sam & Dave, Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield, Otis Redding and Jack White. The trumpet star also toured with Jimmy Buffett, Rod Stewart, The Doobie Brothers and Joe Cocker.

Jackson and Love were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville in 2008. Love died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease in 2012.

Wayne Jackson died in a Memphis hospital of congestive heart failure, according to his widow Amy Jackson. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

LifeNotes: Bill Ham, Founder Of Hamstein Music, Passes

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Bill Ham

Bill Ham

Bill Ham, a veteran manager, producer, songwriter and publisher, passed away in his sleep in Austin, Texas, on June 20. He was 79 years old.

Although he was best known as the longtime manager, producer and publisher of ZZ Top, Ham also made his mark in country music by managing Clint Black and publishing his songs through Hamstein Music. He was instrumental in Black’s signing to RCA Records in 1989, although the business partnership between the two men landed in court after a 1992 dispute about royalties and publishing rights.

Ham was born in 1937 in Waxahachie, Texas. He began his music career as a record promoter for Bud Dailey Distributing in Dallas before encountering a Houston-based group called Moving Sidewalks, which was opening a concert for the Doors in 1968. Ham formed Lone Wolf Management to manage them.

Soon after the band’s dissolution, Billy Gibbons, their front man, founded ZZ Top with Bill Ham continuing his role as manager. After some personnel changes, the band’s enduring line-up of Gibbons (guitar) bassist/vocalist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard solidified and continues to this day.

Ham’s vision for what ZZ Top could become was an instrumental trigger to the band’s massive success. His role was critical in shaping their image as “that little ol’ band from Texas.” A 1970 contract with London Records ensued and he became the group’s producer in the studio as well as, on occasion, a songwriting partner.

Ham’s business relationship with ZZ Top ended in 2006. Upon hearing of his death, the members of ZZ Top issued the following statement: “We were saddened to hear of Bill Ham’s passing. His early vision and continuing encouragement were invaluable; his efforts and energy will always remain deeply appreciated.”

In addition to owning the music publishing rights to ZZ Top’s catalog, Ham created Hamstein Music. Since 1987, Hamstein has accrued over 100 Top 10 singles in country music, which include 60 No. 1 records, all penned by writers signed to Ham’s company.

These writers include Clint Black, Hayden Nicholas, Frankie Miller, members of Little Texas, Tom Shapiro, Chris Waters, Rick Giles, Chuck Jones, Tommy Barnes, Stephen Allan Davis, Billy Kirsch, Tony Martin, Reese Wilson, Lee Thomas Miller, Monty Criswell, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and others. In 2002, Ham sold Hamstein Music’s copyrights and publishing assets to Mosaic Media Group in a multi-million dollar transaction.

Ham’s latest venture had been a return to country music and the Nashville publishing business. He recently had launched Wolftracks Music Publishing Company and signed songwriters Presley Tucker and Spencer Bartoletti, professionally known as the group Reverie Lane. They are also signed to Lone Wolf Management.

Joel Crouse Signs Management, Publishing Deals With Iconic Entertainment Group

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(Pictured L-R): IEG's Fletcher Foster, Joel Crouse, IEG's Larry Beckwith

(Pictured L-R): IEG’s Fletcher Foster, Joel Crouse, IEG’s Larry Beckwith

Iconic Entertainment Group (IEG) has signed Joel Crouse to an artist management and publishing deal. The IEG roster also includes Kelsea Ballerini and Levi Hummon.

Crouse formerly recorded for Show Dog-Universal. He released the Top 40 country single “If You Want Some” in 2013, followed by an album in 2014. His new music will take a “harder-rock” direction, according to the management company. In addition to writing on his own, Crouse has been writing with Desmond Child, Marti Frederiksen, Lincoln Parris and Jeffrey Steele.

Born in Massachusetts, Crouse began writing songs at age 16, signed his first recording deal at 19 and honed his live chops on the road, even selected to open shows on Taylor Swift’s RED Tour.

“Joel is a bona fide star,” says IEG President/CEO Fletcher Foster. “He pours limitless energy and passion into his live shows. He is a true lover of all kinds of music and it’s exciting to watch as he melds them together to create his own distinctive sound. And that’s why we’re proud to welcome him to the IEG roster.”

“As Iconic celebrates its second year, we are excited to sign someone as talented as Joel as we continue to expand into a multi-genres entertainment company,” says IEG Chairman Larry Beckwith.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Reveals 12 Nominees

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Nashville Songwriters Hall of FameThe nominees for two Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame categories have been announced on the organization’s Facebook page.

Nominees in the Songwriter category include: Aaron Barker, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Frank Dycus, Alex Harvey, Jim McBride, Gary Nicholson, Jim Rushing and Russell Smith.

Nominees in the Songwriter/Artist category include: Arthur Alexander, Amy Grant, Townes Van Zandt and Tony Joe White.

The selection for the Veterans category is underway. Because it is an in-house process separate from the ballot, only the winner is announced.

There will be four inductees in the class of 2016: two songwriters, one veteran, and one songwriter/artist. The inductees will be announced in July.

LifeNotes: “A Place To Fall Apart” Songwriter Freddy Powers Passes

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Freddy Powers

Freddy Powers. Photo: Facebook.com/thefreddypowers

Songwriter, producer and ace musician Freddy Powers has died at age 84.

Powers was a confederate of such country stars as Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. His songs include the Haggard hits “A Place to Fall Apart” (1984), “Natural High” (1985), “Let’s Chase Each Other Around the Room” (1984) and “A Friend in California” (1986), several of which he co-wrote with the superstar.

Powers and Haggard were also among the co-writers of the 1983 George Jones hit “I Always Get Lucky With You.” Freddy Powers’ songs were also recorded by Big & Rich, Suzy Bogguss, Ray Charles and Stoney LaRue.

Among Freddy Powers’ production credits is the 1981 Willie Nelson LP Over the Rainbow, a platinum seller. He was in Nelson’s band for a time and played guitar on several albums by both Haggard and Nelson.

Like Nelson, he was came of age musically in the Texas honky tonks. In Ft. Worth, he got to know guitarist Paul Buskirk, another close collaborator with Nelson. All three men shared an affinity for expanding country’s sonic landscape to include swing and jazz.

Freddy Powers had a long residency in Las Vegas in the 1970s, performing in a nightclub act that combined country, comedy and Dixieland jazz.

After reconnecting with Nelson and co-producing his landmark LP, Powers was invited to California by Haggard. They lived on neighboring houseboats on Lake Shasta, and Powers’ songwriting abilities blossomed. He also became a guitarist in Haggard’s band for 20 years.

Songwriting success led to TV appearances on Austin City Limits and elsewhere. Freddy Powers even co-hosted a talk show for the Austin Music Network cable channel.

He issued the solo CD The Country Jazz Singer in 2000. His gypsy jazz style was also captured on such recordings as 2004’s My Great Escape.

Freddy Powers died in Texas on Tuesday, June 21, following a 12-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He founded the Freddy Powers Parkinson Organization to raise funds for research and to aid fellow Texans who had the disease. He is survived by his wife Catherine.

Industry Ink: CAA, Who Knew, Belcourt Theatre

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CAA Promotes Two In Nashville Office

caa_logoCreative Artists Agency has promoted Nashville-based trainees Sabrina Butera and Sam Forbert to agents in its music department.

Butera now books college dates across all genres, and has been with CAA for slightly over five years.

Forbert will begin working with teams booking country tours and has been with the agency for three years.

 

Who Knew Presents Events Panel On July 21

Who Knew logoNetworking series Who Knew will welcome speakers from the CMA, Pilgrimage Music Festival, Americana Music Association, and iV Audio Branding for its next session, which will be held July 21 at 3rd & Lindsley.

Speakers will include Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern, Pilgrimage Music Festival Partner and Better Than Ezra guitarist Kevin Griffin, SAE Nashville Music Business Program faculty chair Dr. E. Michael Harrington, Americana Music Association executive producer Jed Hilly, Music City Roots senior producer Craig Havighurst, and iV CEO Steve Keller. They will share their professional wisdom and insight into what it takes to be a leader in the Nashville music industry.

Tickets are on sale for $10 (early bird price) at eventbrite.com. Tickets will be $15 beginning June 29 and $20 at the door.

 

Belcourt Plans July 22 Reopening

Belcourt logo

The Belcourt Theatre will reopen on July 22 after a renovation and preservation project on its 90­-year-­old building that has been underway since the beginning of the year. The Nashville landmark and renowned art house cinema’s reopening programming schedule will be announced soon.

The Belcourt closed its doors to undertake the renovation after the last screening on Dec. 24, 2015, the theatre’s first major work in 50 years. The project’s cost is $5 million. To date, the Belcourt Campaign has raised approximately $4.2 million in gifts and pledges from individuals, foundations and businesses.