RCA Studio A Survives To Celebrate 50th Anniversary Next Saturday

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RCA Studio A Complex. Photo: Facebook

RCA Studio A Complex. Photo: Facebook

Now that RCA Studio A has been saved from a potentially fateful demise, the historic studio complex can celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Saturday, Oct. 3.

A free “Open House” will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music, food trucks, and memorabilia on display that once belonged to the late Chet Atkins, who helped found the famous studio. Grimey’s will set up an all-day record swap in the Studio A parking lot.

Remarks will be made by proprietors and special guests, including longtime occupant of the space, Ben Folds, at 12:30 p.m. Legendary guitarist Steve Cropper will follow with a music set.

“Studio A is a cornerstone in Music Row’s history,” said Aubrey Preston, who in 2014 joined fellow entrepreneurs Mike Curb and Chuck Elcan to save the landmark from the wrecking ball. “We’re proud to throw open our doors on this special occasion so friends and fans can step inside one of America’s greatest recording studios.”

“Only a handful of studios in the world share the influence of Studio A,” said Dr. Carroll Van West, the state historian of Tennessee and director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. “Fans and the public will be treated with a rare opportunity to stand on truly hallowed musical ground.”

“A year ago, we were facing the heart-breaking prospect of losing an integral part of American music history,” Folds said. “Today, thanks to the support of the countless friends, fans, artists and musicians, Studio A will continue to be a special place where great music of all genres is created.”

Last year, Folds and songwriter-producer Trey Bruce led musicians and preservationists after a developer announced plans to demolish the building and replace it with condos and a restaurant. “Save Studio A” movement resulted in the December 2014 acquisition from partners, Curb, Elcan and Preston to protect the property.

No. 1 Party: Back-To-Back Chart Toppers For Sam Hunt

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Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, and Jerry Flowers.

It was a double celebration at The Crying Wolf in Nashville as ASCAP hosted a party to honor back-to-back (and the second and third consecutive) No. 1 songs for Sam Hunt yesterday (Sept. 23).

“Take Your Time” and “House Party” became Hunt’s second and third straight chart toppers (following his debut single “Leave The Night On”) and the songwriters and producers were recognized along with Hunt.

Mike Sistad of ASCAP first spoke about “Take Your Time,” which was written by Hunt, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally and was produced by McAnally and Zach Crowell. Sistad stated that McAnally has been very busy since his first No. 1 back in 2010. Since then, he has become an accomplished songwriter and producer. “Take Your Time” is his 13th No. 1 song. Osborne has now been credited with eight No. 1 songs.

McAnally stated, “I could stand up here and say a million good things about Sam and Josh. It’s been fun to watch this from the very beginning. Nobody deserves this or even ‘gets it’ like Sam.”

Osborne added, “On top of all these accolades, it has been a lot of fun to write with Shane and Sam.”

Also taking time to offer congratulations were members of Universal Publishing, Three Mules Music and Black River Publishing.

Sistad returned to the stage to say that “House Party” marks Hunt’s fifth No. 1 song as a songwriter along with his third as an artist.

House Party trade 9.23.15

Pictured (front row, L-R): McAnally, Flowers, Hunt, Crowell Pictured (back row, L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, UMPG’s Kent Earls, Three Mules Music’s Chris Hunter, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, UMG’s Royce Risser, Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, Hunt’s manager Brad Belanger, and Combustion Music’s Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn

The hit was written by Hunt, Crowell and Jerry Flowers. Ashley Gorley of External Combustion Music texted in his words of thanks and congratulations while challenging Crowell to make a speech that lasted more than five seconds. The remark got a laugh from the crowd while Crowell, accepting for his second No. 1 as a songwriter, spoke for about 10 seconds while simply thanking everyone involved.

It was a special day for Flowers, as he celebrated his first No. 1. Flowers has been a part of Keith Urban’s band for 22 years. Flowers said the best part of being a writer on this song was that Urban now introduces him each night on stage as “the guy that wrote ‘House Party’ by Sam Hunt.”

Crowell and McAnally were producers on this song as well.

Universal Music’s Royce Risser spoke and said the has never seen a career take off like Hunt’s. Members of the Country Radio Broadcasters offered statistics of radio airplay for both songs before Hunt took to the microphone. He stated that there are so many people that are thankful for these songs. “The songs have provided jobs for the crew that is on the road with us. And each night on stage, I see that these songs are providing joy to the fans that come out to see us play.”

Pictured (front, L-R): Osborne, McAnally, Hunt, Crowell. Pictured (Back, L-R): ASCAP's Mike Sistad, Black River's Dave Pacula, UMPG's Kent Earls, Three Mules Music's Chris Hunter, UMG's Royce Risser, Hunt's manager Brad Belanger, and Smacktown Music's Robert Carlton and Robin Palmer

Pictured (front, L-R): Osborne, McAnally, Hunt, Crowell. Pictured (Back, L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Black River’s Dave Pacula, UMPG’s Kent Earls, Three Mules Music’s Chris Hunter, UMG’s Royce Risser, Hunt’s manager Brad Belanger, and Smacktown Music’s Robert Carlton and Robin Palmer

Nashville Toasts ‘Women In Music City’ Honorees

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Screen Shot 2015-09-25 at 10.48.41 AMThe Nashville Business Journal celebrated some of Music City’s most powerful businesswomen during the 2015 Women In Music City awards last night (Sept. 24) at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild served as keynote speakers for the event.

Honorees are as follows:

Marcie Allen, President of MAC Presents
Brandi Brammer, Human Resources Executive of Creative Artists Agency
Debbie Carroll, Executive Director of MusiCares
Sarah Cates, Director of Development and Industry Relations of Belmont University
Legina Chaudoin, Principal of O’Neil Hagaman PLLC
Beville Dunkerley, Senior Editor of Rolling Stone Country
Lucia Folk, Vice President, Public Affairs of CMT
Cyndi Forman, Vice President, Creative of Universal Music Publishing Group
Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music Strategy of Viacom/CMT
Tracy Gershon, Vice President of A&R of Rounder Records/Manager at Red Light Management
Lisa Harless, Senior Vice President/Private Wealth Advisor — Entertainment Division of Regions Bank
Ali Harnell, Senior Vice President of AEG Live/The Messina Group
Becky Harris, Principal Partner of Huskins-Harris
Deana Ivey, Chief Marketing Officer of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Beverly Keel, Chairwoman, Department of Recording Industry/Journalism and Industry Consultant of Middle Tennessee State University
Gina Keltner, Talent Manager of Grand Ole Opry
Chandra LaPlume, Vice President and Partner of Taillight
Danielle Lares-Bouharoun, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Private Bank
Lynn Morrow, Partner and Partner-In-Charge of the Music Row Office of Adams and Reese LLP
Erika Wollam Nichols, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Bluebird Cafe
Kelly Rich, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Interactive of BMLG
Brittany Schaffer, Attorney of Loeb & Loeb LLP
Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA
Ellen Truley, Vice President of Corporate Relations of SESAC
Elizabeth “Betsy” Williams, Director of Human Resources of Universal Music Group
Sally Williams, General Manager, Ryman Auditorium; Vice President Concerts & Entertainment, Opry Entertainment Group of Ryman Auditorium/Opry Entertainment Group

Weekly Chart Report (9/25/15)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

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Dale Franklin Leadership Awards Honorees Named for 2015

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Pictured (L-R): Jo Walker-Meador, Steve Buchanan, Reba

The Dale Franklin Leadership Awards honorees have been revealed for 2015. The gala is slated to take place Monday, Nov. 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.

CMA’s legendary long-time Executive Director, Jo Walker-Meador, will receive a new award named for Leadership Music’s Founding Council. Steve Buchanan, President of the Opry Entertainment Group (a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties), has been chosen as the recipient of the Brian Williams Ambassador Award. Reba McEntire, award-winning musical artist, television personality and Broadway star, will be honored with Leadership Music’s prestigious Dale Franklin Award.

Big Machine Label Group is the title sponsor for the 2015 event.

The Leadership Music® Dale Franklin Award, named for the first Executive Director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest attributes of leadership and leading by example. Previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009), Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson (2010), CMA (2011) and Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Alabama’s Randy Owen (2012).

“These are three exceptional leaders who have devoted their lives to the music industry,” noted Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn. “Both Jo Walker-Meador and Steve Buchanan have commanded respect and admiration throughout their careers for their integrity, their professionalism and their passion for country music’s heritage. Reba is an iconic leader who has left an indelible mark on a variety of entertainment platforms over the past four decades, including music, television, movies, and musical theater as well as being a respected entrepreneur. All three have been deeply involved in charitable endeavors as well.”

Tickets for the industry-only event will go on sale Oct. 5.

Tucker Beathard Joins Maddie & Tae Tour

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Pictured (L-R): Maddie & Tae, Tucker Beathard

Pictured (L-R): Maddie & Tae, Tucker Beathard

Maddie & Tae have invited singer/songwriter and BMLG labelmate Tucker Beathard to open their upcoming Start Here Tour. The 12-city trek begins at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on Oct. 7.

Beathard, a Dot Records artist and Big Machine Music writer, is a multi-talented drummer, guitarist and vocalist, who’s already opened shows for Eric Church, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert. He is currently working on his debut album.

Lone Star PR Adds Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Cameran Nelson To Roster

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Nashville-based PR firm Lone Star PR has added the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Texas troubadour Cameran Nelson to its current roster, which includes JT Hodges, Dailey & Vincent, Sammy Arriaga, Rich O’Toole and Kasey Lansdale.

“I am thrilled to see such tremendous growth with Lone Star PR over the past few years and am ecstatic to represent Lone Star State staples such as Cameran Nelson and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” said Heather Blankenship, president of Lone Star PR, who hails from Houston, Texas. “From attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo while growing up to interning for them in college, where I gained valuable experience, the opportunity to represent the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a dream come true.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock show and richest regular-season rodeo and 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to benefiting youth, supporting education and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentations. Lone Star PR will work with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to secure optimal coverage for this iconic Texas tradition.

Blankenship is also looking forward to working with Gino Genaro, new Vice President of Country Music Management at Thirty Tigers, who brought long-term client Cameran Nelson to join the Thirty Tigers roster. Nelson is preparing for a fall tour and the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album slated for a release this fall with Smith Music Distribution.

Charity Notes: Healing Hands Helping Heroes, Chords For A Cause

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Artists Line Up For Healing Hands Helping Heroes

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The Middle Tennessee Chapter of AORN is excited to announce that three-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and contemporary blues artist Keb’ Mo’ will join the star-studded lineup that also includes feature entertainment by the “Frontmen of Country,” Richie McDonald of Lonestar, Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart – all of the original voices behind the hits.

The event will benefit the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Middle Tennessee Chapter and REBOOT Combat Recovery and is set to take place Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at The Rosewall (1120 McGavock St) with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner buffet and program at 7:00 p.m. and entertainment to follow at 8:00 p.m.

Healing Hands Helping Heroes tables are now on sale to the public. Tables are $3,800 (table of 8) or half table (4 tickets) is $1,900. Visit https://healinghandshelpingheroes.eventbrite.com

 

Cornman Music Writers To Perform For Chords For A Cause

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Jimmy Robbins, Leah Turner, and James Slater will join songwriters from Cornman Music on Sept. 29 for a special songwriter edition of Chords For A Cause; Cornman Music & Friends, benefitting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital At Vanderbilt. Cornman Music will be represented by writers Steven Lee Olsen, Caitlyn Smith, and Josh Mirenda. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. Money raised will benefit Children’s Cancer Research.

This 3rd edition of Chords for a Cause will be hosted at B.B. Kings Blues Club on 152 Second Avenue North in Nashville. Tickets are $30 for VIP seats, or $10 for Music City Cat Seating. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Artist Updates: Kacey Musgraves, Kellie Pickler, Bellamy Brothers, Erica Nicole

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Kacey Musgraves To Anchor “Opry Goes Pink” Show

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

The Grand Ole Opry® is joining Women Rock For The Cure™ in the fight against breast cancer on Tues., Oct. 27 with its seventh annual “Opry Goes Pink” show.

Grammy, ACM, and CMA award-winner Kacey Musgraves will flip the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night as Musgraves and others including Opry members Terri Clark and Montgomery Gentry perform in support of breast cancer awareness.

 

Kellie Pickler Sets Premiere Date For New Reality Series

Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler‘s upcoming reality series for CMT, I Love Kellie Pickler, is set for a Nov. 5 premiere date. The show will air at 10 p.m. ET.

I Love Kellie Pickler focuses on Pickler’s relationship with family and friends, including husband and songwriter Kyle Jacobs. Ryan Seacrest is an executive producer on the show.

 

The Bellamy Brothers Launch Second Leg of 40th Anniversary Tour

Bellamy Brothers. Photo: Jarrett Gaza

Bellamy Brothers. Photo: Jarrett Gaza

The Bellamy Brothers are headed to Europe this week to launch the second leg of their 40th anniversary tour, with concert dates in Norway and Switzerland, before returning stateside for 20 additional shows before the year’s end.

The duo recently celebrated four decades in the industry with the release of Bellamy Brothers: 40 Years, a two-disc set including 20 re-recorded versions of their classic songs, as well as 20 new tunes.

 

Erica Nicole Performs National Anthem For NY Mets Game

Country artist Erica Nicole recently performed the National Anthem for the NY Mets vs. Miami Marlins at Citi Field on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

She was asked to perform the anthem through her relationship with organization Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD). Nicole performed with a veteran and a service dog on the field.

Photo: Erica Nicole, Hector Torres and Tuna

Photo: Erica Nicole, veteran Hector Torres and dog Tuna

DISClaimer: Praise For Craig Morgan, Mo Pitney, Home Free

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Photo: Joseph Llanes

Leaves are falling and the fall releases are beginning to drop, too. One thing we do not have this week is a first-timer to the column. So I have no DisCovery Award recipient.

That being the case, let’s spread the love around with our Disc of the Day award. Absolutely, for certain, that belongs to mighty voiced Craig Morgan.

But if we want to salute a baby act, save some applause for Mo Pitney, whose sophomore single is a thing of perfect wonder. And for a left-field pleasure, give a listen to the imaginative vocal arranging skills of Home Free.

RACHELE LYNAE/Quicksand
Writers: Rachele Lynae/Danick Dupelle/Patricia Conroy; Producers: Jamie O’Neal/Rachele Lynae; Publishers: Rachele Lynae/Bend That Note/Emerson Drive/Patricia Conroy, ASCAP/SOCAN; Momentum
-She’s warning her girlfriend about a guy who is big trouble while the band rumbles around her in a ruckus. After such a rocking ride, the abrupt ending might give you whiplash.

Home Free

Home Free

HOME FREE & THE OAK RIDGE BOYS/Elvira
Writers: Dallas Frazier; Producers: Darren Rust/Home Free; Publishers: Sony-ATV Acuff Rose, BMI; Columbia (track)
-Home Free is the a cappella quintet that won on TV’s The Sing Off. They warble like perfectly harmonizing birds and have enormous talent for creatively re-arranging country classics like this one. If you think you’ve heard this song enough times already, trust me, you haven’t. This gives it a completely fresh sound. Elsewhere on the new Country Evolution CD are equally inventive re-workings of “9 to 5,” “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Friends in Low Places,” “Fishin’ in the Dark” and more.

REBA McENTIRE/Until They Don’t Love You
Writers: Shane McAnally/Lori McKenna/Josh Osborne; Producers: Tony Brown/Reba; Publishers: Universal/Smack Ink/Hoodie Songs/One Little Indian Creek/Songs of Black River, ASCAP/BMI; Starstruck/Nash Icon (track)
-Lots of rhythm. Not much melody.

CRAIG MORGAN/When I’m Gone
Writers: Justin Ebach/Steven Dale Jones; Publishers: Byron Gallimore/Craig Morgan; Publishers:Whispering/Word/Son of Austin, SESAC/ASCAP; Black River
– He remains one of the greatest vocalists in this city, and this powerhouse performance of a pile-driving song proves it. It’s a ferociously soaring rocker about living life to the fullest. Sing it, brother.

ABBI WALKER/Well Behaved Too Long
Writers: Abbi Walker/P. Ryan Petkoff/Rich Alvarez; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Abbi Walker, BMI; Indie
-She gives this sassy number her best, but the production is rinky-dink cheesy.

GLEN CAMPBELL/Streets of London
Writer: McTell; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Westminster, no performance rights listed; Rainman (track)
-The “new” CD by this legend is a live album recorded in England in 1990. It includes full-band rendition of his big hits, plus Paul McCartney’s “Mull of Kintyre” (featuring his stunning bagpipe playing) and this lovely, heartfelt performance of Ralph McTell’s folk song accompanying himself on simple acoustic guitar. Pure talent.

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES/Bring It Back to the Heartland
Writers: Stephanie Urbina Jones/Mark Marchetti; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Casa Del Rio/Mark Marchetti, SESAC/BMI; Casa Del Rio
-I have long been a fan of this lady’s work. Her voice is as throaty and emotive as ever on this topical single. The lyric yearns to bring the nation back to its better years when we had mom-and-pop stores, products made in the U.S.A., family farms, good jobs and the American Dream.

JOHN ANDERSON/Don’t Forget To Thank The Lord
Writers: John D. Anderson/John Rich; Producers: John Anderson/Joe Spivey; Publisher: none listed; Bayou Boys (track)
-John says not to take things for granted. Remember to thank teachers, preachers, policemen, firemen, mothers, soldiers and at the end of the day, the man upstairs. The loping rhythm, fiddle work, steel backing and guitar chops are all first rate. As is his singing, of course.

JON PARDI/Head Over Boots
Writers: Jon Pardi/Luke Laird; Producers: Bart Butler/Jon Pardi; Publishers: Golden Vault/Bill Butler/Song Factory/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-This goes down smooth and easy with its lulling, gentle rhythm and simple, smiling lyric of romance. Sweet and youthful.

Mo Pitney photo Joseph LLanes

Mo Pitney. Photo: Joseph Llanes

MO PITNEY/Boy and a Girl Thing
Writers: Mo Pitney/Don Sampson; Producer: Tony Brown; Publishers: Mike Curb/She’s My Darlin/House of Sea Gayle, BMI/ASCAP; Curb (CDX)
-This is ultra cool, a soft, dreamy groove that’s as comfy as a hammock on a summer afternoon. You’ll think it is understated at first, but this will definitely get under your skin and into your memory bank. The kid just might be our next big star. I wanna hear Mo.