Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam Welcomes Eric Church, More Surprises

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Charlie Daniels and Eric Church Credit: Rick Diamond / Getty Images for Webster PR

Charlie Daniels and Eric Church
Photo: Rick Diamond / Getty Images for Webster PR

Charlie Daniels celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his annual Volunteer Jam in the biggest way possible last night (Aug. 12) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, offering up surprises galore for the sold-out crowd including bombshell appearances by Eric Church, Jamey Johnson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Blackberry Smoke.

The benefit for servicemen and veterans through the Journey Home Project featured plenty of great music. In the middle of Daniels’ performance of “In America,” Church busted out onstage to join Daniels for a duet. Though the two both hail from North Carolina, the Jam was the first time they had shared a stage.

The evening’s four surprise guests joined billed acts Ted Nugent, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Colt Ford, The Grascals, Lee Greenwood, The Kentucky Headhunters, Tracy Lawrence, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ryan Weaver, Wynonna, Craig Morgan, Lee Roy Parnell, Billy Dean, Michael W. Smith, Travis Tritt, Phil Vassar, Montgomery Gentry, Natalie Stovall and of course Daniels himself.

The 40th Anniversary Volunteer Jam raised hundreds of thousands in proceeds for the non-profit organization, The Journey Home Project, which aids veterans’ organizations in meeting the health care, education and career needs of military servicemen and women and their families. Since 1974, Daniels has rounded up his music friends and peers to come together on a “volunteer” basis to hang out and jam. The Charlie Daniels Band has grown the concept from its early days at the War Memorial Auditorium to the Starwood Amphitheater, to its first year at Music City’s Bridgestone Arena.

Daniels is celebrating another milestone and bringing his career spanning over 50 years full circle with a new release, Live At Billy Bob’s Texas, and its companion DVD on Oct. 16. Recorded in February, the 14-track project pairs The Charlie Daniels Band with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, Pat Green, Randy Rogers Band, Stoney LaRue, and others as a member of the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas family. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Charlie Daniels at the 40th Volunteer Jam

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Charlie Daniels at the 40th Volunteer Jam. Photo: John Shearer / Getty Images for Webster PR

Charlie Daniels and Billy Dean

Charlie Daniels and Billy Dean. Photo: John Shearer / Getty Images for Webster PR

Charlie Daniels and Natalie Stovall trade licks at the Volunteer Jam

Charlie Daniels and Natalie Stovall trade licks at the Volunteer Jam. Photo: John Shearer / Getty Images for Webster PR

Industry Ink: NSAI Bluebird Show, Michael Knox, Belmont Beatles Tour

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NSAI Bluebird Series

NSAI kicked off its Performance Series Tuesday night (August 11) at the Bluebird Cafe. Songwriters Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins performed hits including Jason Aldean‘s three latest No. 1’s “Burnin’ It Down,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” and “Tonight Looks Good On You,” with the crowd singing along. Remaining shows in the series will take place on September 9, October 8, November 17 and December 1.

Songwriters and representatives from Bank of America at the NSAI's Performance Series at the Bluebird Cafe

Songwriters and representatives from Bank of America at the NSAI’s Performance Series at the Bluebird Cafe.

Michael Knox’s No. 1 Week

Independent producer and peermusic publishing’s Pres./CEO Michael Knox had a big week this week with the triple No. 1 celebration for Jason Aldean and his own birthday celebration.

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo Credit: C McTyre

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo: C McTyre

Belmont Students’ Beatles Adventure

Students from Belmont traveled to England recently for a course on The British Music Industry led by Dr. Don Cusic. Highlights of the trip included a visit to Liverpool for a “Beatles Day” where they toured the Beatles Museum, the Cavern, and took a bus tour of the early homes of the Beatles.

Pictured (L-R): Michael Crecca, Olivia Autry, Alexa Walther, Athena Kulb, Don Cusic, Anna Gregory, Hailey Nelson and Brittany Waldrep

DisClaimer: The Purebred Strut

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MikeRyanBadReputationI believe these are called the dog days of summer.

Sure enough, you’ll find some “dogs” among these new sounds. But there are some real purebred pups strutting around in this column, too. Listen to Rick Monroe, Shanna Henderson and Rusty Golden, for instance. Our DisCovery Award goes to an excellent vocalist named Mike Ryan. He has an album that’s a gem from start to finish.

Unquestionably today’s Best In Show is the classy duet record by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard. It is the Disc of the Day.

LESLIE COURS MATHER/Hell Hath No Fury
Writer: Kelly Lang; Producer: Denny Diante
—She handles this horn-punctuated, feminist, retro-styled blues tune with aplomb. It’s a warning to a guy who hurts a woman that he’s doomed, and how. Nice work.

DEREK ANTHONY/If I Don’t
Producer: Steve Mandile; Bluant Music Group
—He sings well, but the song is pretty wordy and seems to take an awfully long time to get to its hook.

willie nelson merle haggard 2015
WILLIE NELSON & MERLE HAGGARD & JAMEY JOHNSON/It’s All Going to Pot
Writer: Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson/Larry Shell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Run Slow/BMG Rights/EMI Blackwood/Big Gassed Hitties/Not Her Money
—The Willie-Hag duet CD is called Django and Jimmie. It contains a handful of classics (Willie’s “Family Bible,” Haggard’s “Swinging Doors” and “Somewhere Between”), but really comes alive when the two legends swap lines on new Music Row tunes. This one is a lively, Mexicali-flavored bopper that romps through humorous lyrics with delightfully light-hearted finesse. Jamey Johnson adds harmonies, and later on you’ll find Bobby Bare guesting on the boom-chicka-boom Haggard tune “Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash.” Buy this record.

ANITA STAPLETON & GENE WATSON/Just Someone I Used to Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Dirk Johnson; Publisher: Glad/Pappy Daily/Universal; DirkWorks
—This is such a brilliant country song. Its new revival won’t erase the memory of the 1969 Porter & Dolly original (or the fine Jeannie Seely/Jack Greene version), but these voices blend quite well, and the production is perfect. Newcomer Anita handles the melody, while the fabulous Gene shadows her in flawless harmony.

MIKE RYAN/Bad Reputation
Writer: Ryan/Anderson/DuBois; Producer: Brent Anderson & Ben Phillips
—This strong singing Lone Star State boy rocks and wails on this energetic outing, the title tune of his current CD. The accompaniment is tighter and slicker than we are used to hearing on Texas productions. Special kudos to the lead electric guitarist.

Rusty Golden

Rusty Golden

RUSTY GOLDEN/Sober
Writer: Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Scott Baggett;RGM
—I have always liked this guy’s work, from way back when he was a kid in the Nashville pop/rock groups The Boys Band, GoldenSpeer and The Goldens. The son of new Country Hall of Fame member William Lee Golden of the Oaks has since had a tumultuous life as a gospel and country songwriter, a session musician, a record producer, a survivor of heart bypass surgery and a druggie. His first solo album is a collection of songs about recovery. The title tune by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Jeffrey Steele will touch your heart with its inspirational fervor. Whether you’ve ever been through recovery or not, this album will do you a world of good.

SARAH ROSS/Shotgun
Average Joes
—Female white rap. Pass.

RICK MONROE/Just the Same
Writer: Jason Brunswick/Josh Dunne/Rick Monroe; Producer: Steve Freeman; MRG
—I dig this fellow. His recent EP spawned the excellent “Great Minds Drink Alike” and “Fire’s Out.” Now expanded into a full-length CD titled It’s a Love Thing, it includes this new, atmospheric. romantic crooner. I like the way he goes from a whisper to a baritone swoon. A relentless touring artist, this solid citizen, talented vocalist and fine songwriter deserves some kind of major-label endorsement.

LINDI ORTEGA/Tell It Like It Is
Writer: Lindi Ortega; Producer: Colin Linden; Last Gang
—I remain a fan. Lindi’s new collection is called Faded Gloryville. It features this throbbing, echo-chamber performance that shines a spotlight on her penetrating soprano as well as her songwriting chops. Americana programmers also take note.

SHANNA HENDERSON/Hell Or Highwater
Writer: Ben Stennis/Katie Kessler; Producer: Ben Stennis & Blake Bollinger
—Banjo notes decorate this moody, sultry performance. Her forceful, laser-arrow vocal hits a bullseye with every phrase. Promising.

2nd Annual ASCAP Showcase P.R.O.motes CMA Voting

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Lee Ann Womack performs at ASCAP's 2015 P.R.O.mote The Vote event.

Lee Ann Womack performs at ASCAP’s 2015 P.R.O.mote The Vote event.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) held its second annual “P.R.O.mote The Vote” industry showcase yesterday (Aug. 11), the same day CMA ballots were emailed to voting members. The invitation-only crowd gathered mid-day at The Rosewall in Nashville to enjoy a much-welcomed schmoozefest, complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and artist performances.

Michael Martin, who heads the ASCAP Nashville membership office, says, “ASCAP created this event to remind people that every vote counts, and that just one vote can make the difference in these artists getting on the CMA Awards final ballot. We developed P.R.O.mote the Vote to raise as much awareness as possible on the day the CMA Awards second round ballot comes out.”

(L-R): RaeLynn, Kelsea Ballerini, Striking Matches' Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis

(L-R): RaeLynn, Kelsea Ballerini, Striking Matches’ Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis

ASCAP Creative Director Robert Filhart adds, “​We created P.R.O.mote the Vote in 2014 as a way to recognize our ASCAP artist members and all of their accomplishments of the past year​,​ and to support them in the upcoming CMA Awards​ voting season. ​Building on ​last year’s ​event, we once again partnered with​ ​Fifth Third Bank’s music group​ and Loe​b & Loeb ​for another hugely successful event that we plan to​ continue for years to come.”

ASCAP Executive V.P. of Membership John Titta served as host and introduced featured acoustic performers RaeLynn, Striking Matches, Kelsea Ballerini, Canaan Smith and Lee Ann Womack. While welcoming the crowd from the stage, he quipped, “Thank you for letting a New York guy come up here!”

(L-R): ASCAP Nashville's Michael Martin, Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP EVP of Membership, John Titta,

(L-R): ASCAP Nashville VP Michael Martin, Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta

Valory Music Co.’s RaeLynn opened the performances with a new song, “The Zoo” followed by her hit, “God Made Girls,” but not before expressing how thankful she was to everyone in the room for the song’s success. I.R.S. Records’ recording artist Striking Matches (Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann) hit the stage next with two songs from their project, Nothing But The Silence, produced by T Bone Burnett. After performing “Trouble Is As Trouble Does” and “Make A Liar Out Of Me,” there was no doubt Zimmermann had left the audience mesmerized with her signature guitar shredding.

Black River’s Kelsea Ballerini was up next and performed the Eddy Arnold classic, “Make The World Go Away.” Having celebrated her first No. 1 song the previous day for “Love Me Like You Mean It,” Ballerini sang her chart topper while everyone grooved along.

Canaan Smith then took the stage with “American Muscle” and “One of Those” from his recently released album, Bronco. He excitedly shared news that he was upgrading to his first touring bus right after the party was over.

“This is the stuff legends are made of,” proclaimed Titta as he introduced Lee Ann Womack who rounded out the “P.R.O.mote The Vote” bash with “Chances Are” followed by the title track to her latest album, “The Way I’m Livin’.”

Now it was time to go vote. CMA ballots for the second round have been sent out and voting closes Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6:00 p.m. CST.

Artist Canaan Smith and ASCAP's EVP John Titta

Artist Canaan Smith and ASCAP’s EVP John Titta

All Photos: Ed Rode

Clay Bradley Exits BMI, Launches New Venture

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Clay Bradley

Clay Bradley

Clay Bradley has exited his longtime post at BMI as Asst. VP, Writer-Publisher Relations. He has launched his own company with a focus on managing I.R.S. Nashville duo Muddy Magnolias.

BMI’s Jody Williams says, “Clay Bradley is one of the best creative people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He is an excellent talent scout and his song sense is spot on. It’s in his blood. So, it’s no surprise to me that he would follow his instincts and venture out to work with the Muddy Magnolias. Clay was incredible in his role at BMI and signed some of our best writers…from Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney to Johnnyswim and Muddy Magnolias. At BMI we worked hard and had a lot of fun together. I’m certain there will be a lot of success in his future.”

Since joining BMI in 2008, Bradley worked to grow the performing rights organization’s roster by recruiting, signing, and retaining songwriters and publishers.

Bradley can be reached at cbradley@thirdgenent.com.

BMG Signs Marshall Altman

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From Left To Right: Kent Marcus (Marcus & Colvin, LLP); Penny Gattis (BMI); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis, Executive Vice President); Rishon Blumberg (Brick Wall Management); Marshall Altman; Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director); Lainie Allbee (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Breanne Miller (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director)

Pictured (L-R): Kent Marcus (Marcus & Colvin, LLP); Penny Gattis (BMI); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis, Executive Vice President); Rishon Blumberg (Brick Wall Management); Marshall Altman; Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director); Lainie Allbee (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Breanne Miller (Martin, Allbee & Associates, LLC); Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis, Senior Creative Director)

BMG Nashville is proud to welcome multi-genre hit songwriter and producer Marshall Altman. He has produced five top-10 country singles, including Eric Paslay‘s No. 1 “Friday Night,” and Frankie Ballard‘s No. 1s “Sunshine and Whiskey” and “Helluva Life,” and current top five “Young And Crazy.”

Altman has also enjoyed stints as a major label artist, a successful A&R executive at Capitol, Hollywood, and Columbia Records, and a producer for Natasha Bedingfield, Matt Nathanson, Kate Voegele and other hit acts. As a songwriter he had the international No. 1 song “Parachute,” co-written with acclaimed artist Ingrid Michaelson.

Industry Ink: Sam Tinnesz, Joe Spann, Gene Watson

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Sam Tinnesz Re-inks With Daywind

SESAC songwriter Sam Tinnesz has renewed his publishing agreement with Daywind Publishing. Tinnesz is an artist, songwriter, and publisher with recent activity in some of today’s hottest television shows including MTV’s Scream,  ABC’s new show Quantico and FOX’s American Idol, and has received many SESAC Christian Music Awards.  

Pictured (left to right): Daywind’s Rick Shelton and Chad Green, Tinnesz, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Daywind’s Ed Leonard. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Pictured (L-R): Daywind’s Rick Shelton and Chad Green, Tinnesz, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Daywind’s Ed Leonard. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Spann Joins IBMA Member Services

Joe Spann

Joe Spann

Joe Spann has joined the IBMA as Member Services Manager. In his new duties Spann will report to Executive Director Paul Schiminger and will maintain communication regarding memberships, identify new programs to assist member career advancement, and coordinate the World of Bluegrass registrations.

The Florida native spent 10 years on the road playing guitar and banjo entertaining at Florida theme parks and also served as director of the Polk County Historical & Genealogical Library for 20 years. In 2011 he authored the reference book Spann’s Guide to Gibson 1902-1941, now considered the definitive guide to identifying and dating the stringed instruments built by the Gibson Company prior to World War II. In more IBMA news, the organization has announced nominations for it upcoming awards show.

Watson Taps Webster

Gene Watson

Gene Watson

Gene Watson has signed with Webster Public Relations for representation. “I am excited to work with Kirt Webster and the excellent team at Webster PR,” said Watson of the new affiliation. “The company Kirt has built has done so much to preserve the legacy of real country music that I could not think of a better home.”

ASCAP To Honor Trisha Yearwood at 2015 Country Awards

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Trisha Yearwood at the ASCAP Country Awards.

Trisha Yearwood will be honored at the ASCAP Country Awards.

ASCAP has set Monday, Nov. 2 for its 53rd annual black-tie ASCAP Country Music Awards. The invitation-only ceremony will be held at the Omni Nashville.

At the event Trisha Yearwood will receive the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, presented to songwriters and artists whose music gives voice to the spirit of a generation. Past recipients include George Strait, Amy Grant, and Kenny Chesney.

The ASCAP gala will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs from April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015. There will be live performances of the top five most performed songs by the award-winning songwriters and the artists who recorded them.

Yearwood has sold more than 12 million albums, and is a multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning recording artist. Her chart-topping hits include “She’s In Love With The Boy,” “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” and “How Do I Live.” Since 2007, the superstar has written three New York Times best-selling cookbooks, hosted six seasons of her Emmy Award-winning Food Network show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, and debuted a line of cookware and her own home furnishings line.

Yearwood is currently in the running to be nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Vocal Event of the Year for PrizeFighter at the 49th annual CMA Awards, to be held Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, two nights after the ASCAP event.

Randy Houser to Hit Arenas This Fall on New Tour

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Randy Houser

Randy Houser

Randy Houser has announced he will headline an arena tour with openers Frankie Ballard and Craig Campbell. The We Went Tour will kick off Nov. 20 in Corbin, KY and run through Dec. 18. Houser’s new single, “We Went,” from his forthcoming Stoney Creek Records album, is currently climbing the charts.

“We’ve had a blast touring with Luke [Bryan] this summer, and it’s been an incredible opportunity to play to some people we might not have played to before,” said Houser. “We’re really looking forward to building our show this fall, playing the arenas and getting to play some new music. Frankie and Craig are both great performers, and we’re ready to get out there and show people what we’re all about!”

Ticket information and additional shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

Randy Houser We Went Tour Dates:
Friday, Nov. 20 – The Arena – Corbin, Ky.
Saturday, Nov. 21 – Hobart Arena – Troy, Ohio
Friday, Nov. 27 – Dow Events Center – Saginaw, Mich.
Saturday, Nov. 28 – Old National Events Plaza – Evansville, Ind.
Friday, Dec. 4 – La Crosse Center Arena – La Crosse, Wis.
Saturday, Dec. 12 – Choctaw Events Center – Durant, Okla.
Thursday, Dec. 17 – The Rave – Milwaukee, Wis.
Friday, Dec. 18 – Akron Civic Center – Akron, Ohio

Terry McBride Inks Publishing Deal With MV2

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Pictured: (L-R): Clay Myers, Tony Harrell, Terry McBride, Chip Petree/Terry's attorney & Kendra Poling/MV2 Office Manager photo credit- MV2 Entertainment

Pictured: (L-R): MV2’s Clay Myers and Tony Harrell, Terry McBride, attorney Chip Petree, MV2’s Kendra Poling

Terry McBride has signed an exclusive long-term publishing agreement with MV2 Entertainment. McBride has had cuts by Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, George Strait and many more including over 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, which led to 13 singles and 12 BMI Million Airplay awards.

“It is exciting to be representing Terry and his music again,” said Clay Myers, MV2 Creative Director. “He and I had a tremendously successful eight year run before and I’m looking forward to another successful eight years with him starting now!”

“After moving to Nashville almost 25 years ago I feel fortunate that I’m still having success and extremely proud to have people like Clay Myers, Tony Harrell and MV2 excited about partnering with me for the future,” said McBride.

Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager shared, “Terry is an awesome talent combined with great energy and I am excited to have this fellow native Texan at MV2!”

McBride hails from a small town outside of Austin, Texas and made the move to Nashville in 1989. Soon thereafter he signed a recording deal with MCA Records with his band McBride & The Ride. The group went on to record four albums for the label, racking up several top five hit singles and many nominations as Vocal Group of the Year. When the group disbanded in 1995, McBride turned his focus to songwriting.

MV2 was formed by Myers and Harrell along with CEO and President James Archer and the executive team of Blake Gage and Harold Johnson.