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Grand Ole Opry Celebrates USO’s 75th Year, Announces USO Tour

May 27, 2016/by Eric T. Parker

Trace Adkins. Photo: USO photo by Eric Brandner

The Grand Ole Opry saluted the 75th anniversary of the USO on Tuesday night (May 24) and announced an Opry-themed USO Tour.

Charlie Daniels. Photo: Chris Hollo

Aimed at strengthening America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation since 1941, the USO revealed that it will send several Grand Ole Opry performers around the world this year for a Grand Ole Opry USO 75th Anniversary Concert Series.

Lee Greenwood and wife Kim introduce 92-year old World War II veteran Claude “Dutch” Mann. Photo: Chris Hollo

Trace Adkins will kick off the series with a 10-day, two-country trip to the Middle East and Europe and will again take with him the replica of the six-foot Opry House center stage circle of wood.

MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band performs. Photo: Chris Hollo

Tuesday night’s Opry performance featured Adkins, Charlie Daniels Band, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills, and the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band making its third appearance on the Opry stage. Adkins and Wills were among those who joined the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band for its last song of the night, “Wagon Wheel.”

MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band with Trace Adkins and Mark Wills. Photo: Chris Hollo

Three ASCAP Songwriters Celebrate First No. 1 Singles

May 26, 2016/by Troy_Stephenson

Pictured (L-R): Felix McTeigue, Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem. Photo: Ed Rode

ASCAP hosted a party at its Nashville office on Wednesday (May 25) to honor a trio of writers that secured their first No. 1 song. The two titles being honored — “Anything Goes” and “Sippin’ on Fire” — were recorded by Florida Georgia Line and produced by Joey Moi.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad first spoke about the huge party Florida Georgia Line threw in Las Vegas for all of their writers, producers, and others. He noted, “As fun as that was, today is about honoring these three writers for their first No. 1.”

Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad, ASCAP; Felix McTeigue; Cole Taylor; Beth Brinker, ASCAP; Matt Dragstrem; Robert Filhart, ASCAP. Photo: Ed Rode

Sistad then introduced Felix McTeigue as a co-writer on FGL’s “Anything Goes.” Other writers on the song were Craig Wiseman and Chris Tompkins. Although Wiseman was in attendance, he decided to let the spotlight solely shine on McTeigue receiving his first accolade.

Wiseman is a partner in Big Loud Mountain, which has a publishing interest in all three songs.

Pictured (L-R): Felix McTeigue, Craig Wiseman, Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem. Photo: Ed Rode

McTeigue thanked both writers and Lori McKenna for being the reasons he moved to Nashville.

ASCAP’s Beth Brinker spoke about Matt Dragstrem and how he first came to Nashville to be an artist, but decided to take the songwriter’s path while attending Belmont. He was celebrated for co-writing his first No. 1 with Cole Taylor, FGL’s “Sippin’ on Fire.”

Matt Dragstrem poses with Big Loud Mountain team. Pictured (L-R): Jordan Kolodka, Craig Wiseman, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Turner, Kimberly Gleason. Photo: Ed Rode

Matt Dragstrem poses with the Big Loud Shirt team. Pictured (L-R): Jordan Kolodka, Craig Wiseman, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Turner, Kimberly Gleason. Photo: Ed Rode

Dragstrem mentioned that this single was the very first song he wrote after receiving his publishing deal. ASCAP’s Robert Filhart introduced Cole Taylor, who was most happy that his parents made the drive up from Georgia just to be at this event. He was also cheered on by the Universal Music Publishing Group staff.

Cole Taylor poses with UMPG staff. Pictured (L-R): Missy Roberts; Ron Stuve; Cole Taylor; Kent Earls, Executive VP/GM, UMPG; Travis Gordon; Missy Roberts; and Amelia Varni

Cole Taylor with UMPG staff. Pictured (L-R): Missy Roberts, Ron Stuve, Cole Taylor, Kent Earls, Travis Gordon, Amelia Varni. Photo: Ed Rode

Also speaking at the party and distributing No. 1 hardware were Holly Lane with the CRB and Brandi Simms of CMA.

Industry Ink: BMI Eastside Sounds, ‘Crossroads Revisited,’ Creative Nation

May 26, 2016/by Craig_Shelburne

BMI, ALT983 Deliver Eastside Sounds

Pictured: (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, ALT983’s Jess Kelley, BMI songwriter Jess Nolan and BMI’s Nina Carter

BMI’s Mason Hunter (far left), ATL983’s Jess Kelley (center) and BMI’s Nina Carter (far right) pose with the members of Nightly

BMI and Nashville radio station ALT983 hosted the latest edition of indie rock showcase Eastside Sounds on Wednesday night (May 25). Featuring soulful singer Jess Nolan and electro-pop band Nightly, the Basement East was packed with fans of both acts.

Crossroads Revisited Features Top Nashville Guitarists

Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Jerry Douglas and Sheryl Crow are among the artists featured on a new 41-track CD collection, Crossroads Revisited: Selections From The Crossroads Guitar Festival. The project will be released July 1 by Rhino Records. Founded in 2004 by guitarist Eric Clapton, the festival has featured performances from the world’s best guitarists. The new CD offers nearly four hours of live music that has not before been released on CD or digitally, culled from landmark performances from all four of the festivals, which were held in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013.

Creative Nation Creates Management Coordinator Role

Katie Barolak

Creative Nation adds Katie Barolak to their team in a newly created Management Coordinator role.

Barolak, a former intern at the Nashville-based publishing and management company is a recent graduate of Clemson University where she studied Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations.

As Management Coordinator, she will assist with management responsibilities for the company’s artist clients: Maggie Chapman, Lori McKenna and Steve Moakler.

During her time at Clemson, Barolak founded the CMA EDU program where she spearheaded programs with country artists like Frankie Ballard, Chase Bryant and Josh Turner.

Prior to graduating, Barolak also worked as an intern at G Major Management for two semesters.

The Cadillac Three’s ‘Bury Me In My Boots’ To Release In August

May 26, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

The Cadillac Three. Photo: Jessica Valiyi

The Cadillac Three played an impromptu show at Nashville venue The Basement on Wednesday night (May 26) and further surprised fans with the announcement of their upcoming album. Bury Me In My Boots is slated to release Aug. 5 on Big Machine Records.

“When we confirmed the official release date of Bury Me In My Boots, we knew our hometown had to be involved in a big way! But, we wanted all of our fans across the world to join in too,” said frontman Jaren Johnston. “Thank you all for coming out tonight to support us in person and online… and jam along!”

The trio, comprised of Johnston, Neil Mason (percussion), and Kelby Ray (lap steel), has already released tracks from the project, including “Graffiti,” “Soundtrack to a Six Pack” and “Drunk Like You.”

Johnston has penned chart-topping hits for Jake Owen (“Beachin’”), Frankie Ballard (“Sunshine & Whiskey”) and Keith Urban featuring Eric Church (“Raise ‘Em Up”). Credits also include the majority of The Cadillac Three’s catalog and singles for Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley. Mason has penned songs for Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert, to name a few.

The band signed to Big Machine Records in 2013. The label issued The Cadillac Three’s self-titled debut album in 2015.

Artist Updates: Chris Young, Cassadee Pope, Big & Rich, Thompson Square, Southern Halo

May 26, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

Chris Young, Cassadee Pope Added For New ACM Lifting Lives Club Show

Cassadee Pope and Chris Young. Photo: ACM

ACM Lifting Lives has added Chris Young, along with special guest Cassadee Pope, to the string of nationwide ACM Lifting Lives Club Shows. They will perform at CMAC Events in Canandaigua, New York, on July 2. Participating clubs have agreed to donate a portion of each ticket sold to ACM Lifting Lives, and the money raised will go to help fund organizations that are improving lives through the power of music.

Sold-out ACM Lifting Lives Club shows have already taken place this year at Bluebird in Bloomington, IN; Boondocks in Springfield, IL; Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, NC; Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown, OH; Joe’s Bar in Chicago, IL; Joe’s Live in Rosemont, IL; Midnight Rodeo in Springfield, MO and Stoney’s Rockin’ Country in Las Vegas, NV featuring Frankie Ballard, The Cadillac Three, Russell Dickerson, Eli Young Band, LOCASH, Old Dominion, Parmalee, The Swon Brothers and A Thousand Horses.

Thompson Square, Big & Rich Slated For Memorial Day Celebration In Nashville

In conjunction with Cumulus Media, Fontanel will host Camp NASH, a Memorial Day weekend celebration on Monday, May 30. The event will feature full performances from Big & Rich, Thompson Square, Parmalee, Chuck Wicks, RaeLynn, Breaking Southwest and more, beginning at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available for $29 general admission and $39 reserved, with 100% of all ticket proceeds going directly to The Special Forces Charitable Trust. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Love’s Travel Stops presents Camp NASH to benefit the Special Forces Charitable Trust sponsored by Nationwide Express.

Southern Halo Performs In Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Natalia Morris, Chris Young, Christina Morris and Hannah Morris.

Sister trio Southern Halo opened for duo American Young at Nashville’s 12th & Porter this week. The 45-minute set included the current single, “Rewind,” as well as the trio’s previous song “Little White Dress.” The band is based in Cleveland, Mississippi.

In Pictures: Harold Bradley Receives 2016 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award

May 26, 2016/by Craig_Shelburne

Harold Bradley (center) with daughters Beverly Bradley and Bari Bradley Brooks

Legendary Nashville guitarist Harold Bradley received the 2016 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award during a gala event at the Musicians Hall of Fame on May 17.

Pictured (L-R): Harold Bradley, Jo Walker-Meador, Mike Curb, LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Ray Walker, Ray Stevens, Joe Scaife, Bob Fisher, Charlie McCoy

Pictured (L-R): Harold Bradley, Jo Walker-Meador, Mike Curb, LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Ray Walker, Ray Stevens, Joe Scaife, Bob Fisher, Brenda Lee, Charlie McCoy

The award, founded in the name of the music industry pioneer and veteran, Cecil Scaife, is given annually to an individual whose life and work have made it possible for future generations to realize careers in the music industry.

Pictured (L-R): Cecil Scaife’s granddaughter Jaela; son Joe; grandson Tristan; Joe’s wife, Danielle.

In the early 1970s, it was Scaife’s vision to create a music business program for musicians, artists, songwriters, and future music business executives to formally learn the industry he loved so dearly. His vision grew to become the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in Nashville. Scaife died in 2009.

Del and Dane Bryant with Joe Scaife

“It’s been an unbelievable journey for me in Nashville, from my first recording session in 1946 to now. This award means a lot to me, Cecil Scaife was a wonderful guy and it was his vision to merge all this talent with the Belmont College,” Bradley stated. “I accept this award on behalf of my family and my brother Owen, who is a true visionary.”

Pictured (L-R): Becky Judd; Harold Bradley; event co-chair Pamela Davis Needham

“Harold, no one is more deserving of the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award than you are. Thank you for being such a great example to all of us,” musician and friend David Briggs remarked.

Pictured (L-R): Andy Valentine; former Cecil Scaife Visionary Award recipient David Briggs; Bergen White

“As a young artist in the studio with Harold Bradley, I knew I was in the presence of greatness,” said Brenda Lee. “For myself and countless other artists he has worked with and still works with, the hits came and continue to come when Harold Bradley is in the room.”

Brenda Lee poses with granddaughter Tracy Hatton

“Harold Bradley represents everything you would want your son to be, everything that you would want to be. If anyone can live up to the standards of Harold Bradley, as a musician, as a man, as a person of faith, they can be a success in this world,” said label executive Mike Curb.

Harold Bradley

DISClaimer: Chris Young, Drew Baldridge, Wes Hightower Bring Stunning Tracks

May 26, 2016/by Robert K Oermann

I’m running late this week, so let me be brief. Without question, Chris Young has the Disc of the Day.

I’d give the great Wes Hightower a DisCovery Award if he wasn’t so super well known as a studio ace. So the promising-sounding Drew Baldridge gets the nod.

SCOTT BRANTLEY/How Summer Goes
Writers: Scott Brantley/Derrick Hampton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Studio Gold, BMI/ASCAP
-Very classy. He sings great. The song is put together well. The production swirls invitingly. Definitely worth your spins.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Wanna Be That Song
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Ross Copperman/Scooter Carusoe; Producers: Ross Copperman & Brett Eldredge; Publishers: Sony-ATV Countryside/Paris Not France/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room/Scrambler/Abbots Creek Music Two, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
– The magic power of music. Brett’s best yet.

REBEKAH LONG/Ain’t Life Sweet
Writers: Rebekah Long/Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Producer: Donna Ulise; Publishers: Lotta LUK/Uncle Hadley/Pop ‘N Paw, ASCAP; LUK
– She sounds like she doesn’t have a lot of lung power on this bluegrass ditty. The harmony singers help her out.

CHRIS YOUNG/Sober Saturday Night
Writers: Chris Young/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Corey Crowder/Chris Young; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Goodbye Pants/Sagequinnjude/Famlove/Sony-ATV, BMI; RCA (track)
– This man sings so wonderfully. On this power ballad, he gives a chesty shout to a heartache lyric. Vince Gill provides harmony vocal support.

DOLLY SHINE/Rattlesnake
Writer: Zack McGinn; Producers: Josh Serrato & Ben Hussey; Publishers: none listed; Vision/Thirty Tigers
– Just to be clear, there are no women in this Texas band. And certainly none named “Dolly.” There is, however, plenty of macho snarl in this atmospheric country rocker.

CHUBBY CHECKER/Lookin’ For Me
Writers: Chubby Checker/Gary Lefkowith/Mike Rogers; Producers: The Hill & HiFi; Publishers: CC/Sotto/Wax, ASCAP/BMI; TEEC
-It’s not “twist again, like we did last summer.” No, indeed. Chubby goes country with an acoustic, bluegrassy toe tapper embellished by fiddle and steel licks. It is wildly hooky and catchy. Play it.

DREW BALDRIDGE/Dance With Ya
Writers: none listed; Producer: Josh Leo; Publishers: none listed; Cold River (track)
– I like his voice. It’s strong and true. The bright horn bursts give the production some r&b oomph. The song is upbeat and all-the-way fun. Highly recommended.

RAY JOHNSTON BAND/Make Mine A Double
Writers: Steve Auburn/Hunter Hutchinson/Ray Johnston; Producer: Erik Herbst; Publishers: none listed; RJB (track)
– He’s from Texas. He can hardly sing. The band is sloppy.

WES HIGHTOWER/I’m Expecting Some Good News
Writers: Tom Shapiro/Wes Hightower; Producers: Jimmy Ritchey/Wes Hightower; Publishers: none listed; On The Boat (track)
– For those of you who read album credits, this man’s name will be instantly recognizable. He’s sung background vocals for every superstar in country music. He also writes songs, as his new Good News CD abundantly illustrates. This lead off track brilliantly showcases his winning way with a melody. It goes without saying that his vocal performance is flawless. And need I add that his studio reputation attracts an A-list cast of supporting musicians? Let me just say this: If I could be anybody in this industry, it would be Wes Hightower.

CMA Fest Adds Free Stage Inside Bridgestone Arena’s Visitor Center

May 26, 2016/by Jessica Nicholson

When the temps get hot in Nashville during CMA Music Festival, fans can head to the festival’s only free, air-conditioned festival stage. The Music City Stage will be located inside the visitor center at Bridgestone Arena.

“We have had a long-standing tradition of providing live music at our visitor center during CMA Fest,” said Butch Spyridon, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NVNC). “It is a huge benefit to be adopted and embraced by CMA. In addition to upgrading our lineup, it is further validation of our ever-expanding partnership.”

“We are so pleased to present a new, official Festival stage in partnership with the NCVC,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Each of our 11 stages provides a unique experience for our fans whether it is the mainstage at Nissan Stadium, rockin’ with fan favorites at Riverfront, or smaller, more intimate performances.”

Performances on the Music City Stage will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily during the festival, held June 9-12. The lineup includes American Young, Lauren Ashley, Barrett Baber, Risa Binder, Chad Brownlee, David Adam Byrnes, Brent Cobb, Julia Cole, Raquel Cole, Dianna Corcoran, Josh Dorr, George Ducas, Kenny Foster, Mitch Goudy, Calynn Green, Haley & Michaels, Lyndsey Highlander, Joey Hyde, Jillian Jacqueline, Jukebox Mafia, Kristen Kelly, Trea Landon, Rachele Lynae, Jordyn Mallory, Paul Malysa, Doug McCormick, Tristan McIntosh, Alyssa Micaela, Michaelis, Mockingbird Sun, Norlina, Hayley Orrantia, Brandon Ray, Mary Sarah, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Kalie Shorr, Southern Halo, Cody Webb, and Hailey Whitters. Artists subject to change.

Industry Ink: YEP, Whiskey Jam, Total Assault

May 26, 2016/by Craig_Shelburne

YEP Goes Back In Time

Photo (L-R): Bradley Collins, BMI; Maggie Rose, artist; Derek Wells, band; Lucie Silvas, artist; MaryAnn Keen, YEP Board; Andrew Cohen, YEP Exec. Director/Suit Music; Cassadee Pope, artist; Josh Tomlinson, BMI; Nina Carter, BMI. Photo: Jason Myers Photography

The Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) hosted their quarterly YEP Rewind show on Tuesday night (May 24) at The Basement East. This time, the theme was ’90’s Night” and included performances by Dave Barnes, Maren Morris, Maggie Rose, Cassadee Pope, Ryan Hurd and more. The show sold out in 23 hours and benefitted Songs Against Slavery. See recap video here.

Whiskey Jam Gets International Interest

Decca Records/UK will partner with Nashville’s Whiskey Jam on June 7 to present some of the label’s newest artists. The free show begins at 7:30 p.m. Confirmed artists are Rhys Lewis and newly formed duo Ida Mae from the United Kingdom, as well as John & Jacob of Birmingham, Alabama, and Betti, a Nashville resident.

Rebecca Allen, Managing Director, Decca Records/UK, said the label has a passion for artists that “do things differently, distinctly, excellently and defiantly.” She added, “I believe this credo explains the strength of the bond between London and Nashville’s music communities, and why we chose to have this first of its kind concert in Nashville. Our team has long had an interest in and connection with all of the types of music that come out of this area. Likewise we found a kindred sprit with the great music that can be found on any given night at a Whiskey Jam presentation.”

Total Assault Adds Nashville Office

Melissa Goldberg

Total Assault, the Los Angeles-based digital marketing agency, has opened a Nashville office. Its clients include Dolly Parton, Kiefer Sutherland and developing artists Abi Ann and Matt Gary. Agency CMO/General Manager, Melissa Goldberg, has relocated to Music City to lead the new office.

“We are very excited to have boots on the ground in Nashville. While NY and LA will always be forces in music, we feel Nashville has started to establish itself as the center of the universe for the industry and we look forward to crafting the future of Total Assault as part of that world,” Goldberg said.