Weekly Radio Report (5/29/20)
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Former CBS Records, Warner, Asylum Music Exec Stan Byrd Dies At 77
Veteran country record promoter and Music Row businessman Stan Byrd died in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, on Saturday, May 23, at age 77.
He began his music career by working in radio while a student at Texas A&M in the 1960s. He then became a regional promotion representative for Capitol Records in Houston.
Byrd initially made his mark in Nashville in the promotion department of CBS Records in 1970-76. At the time the company’s Columbia and Epic labels included such stars as George Jones, Marty Robbins, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Ray Price, Lynn Anderson, Joe Stampley, Charlie Rich, Tanya Tucker, Larry Gatlin and David Allan Coe.
Byrd was named national director of country promotion at Warner Bros. Records, where he worked in 1976-83. The Warner roster then included Emmylou Harris, Margo Smith, John Anderson, T.G. Sheppard, David Frizzell & Shelly West, Hank Williams Jr., Gail Davies and The Bellamy Brothers, among others.
In 1984, he became the president of his own firm, Chart Attack, working as an independent promoter for such artists as B.J. Thomas, Ricky Van Shelton, Joe Diffie and Earl Thomas Conley. During this same period, he founded BDM Management and signed Mark Chesnutt as his first client.
Byrd also became a real-estate entrepreneur. He owned a number of houses on Music Row that he converted into business buildings for publishing companies, management firms, publicists and booking agents.
In 1997-2001, he was vice president of promotion at Asylum Records. That label’s roster included Bryan White, Kevin Sharp, George Jones, Lila McCann, Mark Nesler and Monte Warden.
He resumed work as an independent promotion consultant in the new millennium. Among his clients were Brent Maher’s Morraine Music companies in Berry Hill. Byrd also continued to work as a real-estate investor.
Byrd reportedly had been suffering from the after effects of a stroke. He is survived by his wife Valerie, daughter Caitlin Foote, stepchildren Will and Claire Wilson, three grandchildren and sisters Peggy and Christa.
Arrangements are being handled by Sellars Funeral Home, 2229 Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122. According to Sellars, the family will schedule a service at a later date.
Brandi Carlile To Perform Her Albums In Their Entirety During Livestream Series
Brandi Carlile will give fans an in-depth listen to her catalog of albums with a new livestream series that will launch June 1 at 9 p.m. ET via veeps.com.
Carlile will begin by performing her Grammy-winning album By The Way, I Forgive You, in its entirety on June 1. The album, which released in 2018, earned Grammy honors for Best Americana Album, while her song “The Joke” earned Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance. The concert will feature bandmates Phil and Tim Hanseroth, as well as Josh Neumann.
Carlile said, “In a changed world, I believe I will find catharsis in playing the album that changed my life.”
The virtual concert will be Carlile’s first full-public performance held during quarantine, with all proceeds benefiting her band and crew. More livestreams of performances of her previous works will follow.
Earlier this month, the GRAMMY Award-winning musician kicked off “Carlile Compound Quarantine” held exclusively for her fan club, the Bramily. The virtual concert series raised funds for the Looking Out Foundation’s Covid-19 Relief Fund as well as Carlile’s band and crew.
Tickets are now available at brandicarlile.veeps.com.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Morgan Wallen, Lee Brice, Trace Adkins, And More
Some days, your favorite music comes from the most unexpected places.
This week, we have great new tunes from such proven winners as Trace Adkins, Jamie O’Neal, Easton Corbin and Lee Brice. Not to mention a terrific track by the redhot Morgan Wallen.
But over there in the corner, slyly working his audio magic is newcomer Troy Cartwright with a super hooky Disc of the Day.
Jameson Rodgers has previously been in this column as a collaborator with Luke Combs. Now he has a chance to shine as a solo. In so doing, he wins a DisCovery Award.
MORGAN WALLEN/More Than My Hometown
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Universal/Kobalt/Sony-ATV; BMI; Big Loud
– His vocal is kinda processed and compressed, but there’s no covering up his soulful warmth and personality. The track rolls along nicely, like a drive in the sticks in your dad’s comfy, air-conditioned sedan. The lyric is a country boy pledging his love to the gal who wants to leave him behind so she can see the bright lights.
JANA KRAMER/Untouchable
Writers: Emily Shackleton/Jana Kramer/Nicole Witt; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Warner Chappell; Sophie Dog
– She has always been underrated. The plaintive ache in her vocal on this yearning, mid-tempo outing is terrific. She’s asking for something more than a one night stand. The whole world is searching for True Love, so here’s a song that everyone can relate to.
TRACE ADKINS/Better Off
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Corey Crowder/Liz Rose; Producer: non listed; Publisher: none listed; Verge
– Her shoes, her clothes, the bed pillows, her lipstick and the lights are all “Better Off” because he’s got a sexy, one-on-one night in mind. Big Trace’s throaty, come-on voice is appropriately miked up close and personal. Cool tune.
JAMIE O’NEAL/The World Goes On
Writers: Shaye Smith/Jamie O’Neal/Ilya Toshinsky; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JO
– The crunchy, punchy track is dynamite. As always, this total pro delivers the goods as a vocalist, offering conversational advice as well as wailing, soprano celebration. It’s about finding inner power when you’re feeling down, which is the kind of inspirational message we can all use right now. Turn it up.
EASTON CORBIN/Turn Up
Writers: Easton Corbin/Jessi Alexander/Wade Kirby; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Honkytonk Land
– He’s still country and I still like him. This is a hillbilly romper with charm and rhythm to spare. Lotsa fun.
HONEY COUNTY/Woke Up Tired
Writers: Danielle Rosner/Devon Eisenbarger/Kalie Shorr/Katie Stump; Producer: Maks Gabriel/Kenneth Belcher; Publisher: none listed; Sounds Like Nashville
– Creamy harmonies. Lilting melody. Wistful and attractive.
JAMESON RODGERS/Some Girls
Writers: C.J. Solar/Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy; Producers: Chris Farren/Mickey Jack Cones; Publisher: none listed; Columbia/River House
– Strongly sung. It’s a bitter swipe at a no-good gal who has busted his ticker. The snarling electric guitar work and pounding rhythm in the production match the “edge” in his performance. I think this youngster might be headed for big things.
CLARE DUNN/Salt and Lime
Writers: Clare Dunn/Jeff Trott; Producer: Jeff Trott; Publisher: none listed; Big Yellow Dog
– First of all, the song sounds like an ultimate summer anthem. Second of all, her liquid-alto singing voice is a sultry delight. Third of all, it’s a lot more country than her previous releases. Go for it.
LEE BRICE/Hey World
Writers: Adam Wood/Dallas Davidson/Lee Brice; Producer: Lee Brice; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– This man always seems to hit an emotional bullseye. We have all felt the heartache and anguish that assault us every day. This man’s supremely soulful performance of this ballad is an everyman masterpiece. It hits your heart hard with its conviction and eloquence.
TROY CARTWRIGHT/Round and Round
Writers: David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Troy Cartwright; Producer: David Garcia; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– The loose-limbed, head-bobbing rhythm track is pretty irresistible. His drawling delivery, a catchy tune and the groovy, repetitive-romance lyric are all on the money, too.
Industry Ink: Shawn Parr, Everything Nash, Lozen Entertainment
Shawn Parr’s Across The Country To Debut In June
Shawn Parr
Shawn Parr’s new weekday show, Shawn Parr’s Across the Country, is set to debut June 1 in 16 markets across the U.S. The program’s inaugural affiliates include: WGSQ-FM/94.7 Country Giant, Cookeville, TN; KBCR-FM/Big Country 96.9, Denver-Steamboat Springs, CO; WAKX-FM/Kix Country 98.7, Orlando-Daytona Beach, FL; WYOT-FM/102.3 The Coyote, Rockford, IL; WKOA-FM/K105, Lafayette, IN; and WXFL-FM/Kix 96 in Florence, AL. The four-hour localized country program features Parr’s trademark warmth, wit and love for country, and is available for stations Monday-Friday via FTP delivery. The show is customized to air anywhere in a station’s lineup.
Gayle Thompson Launches New Site EverythingNash.com
Gayle Thompson.
Journalist Gayle Thompson has launched EverythingNash.com, a new website that features the best of Nashville and beyond, including the most current options for dining, live music, art, sports, recreation, lodging, and more geared toward both visitors and locals alike.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a long, long time to have a website that showcases everything I love about Nashville, including the people, places to see, and our amazing entertainment and food scene,” said Thompson, owner and editor-in-chief of the new outlet. “My favorite thing to do is to tell people’s stories, and I created and launched Everything Nash to do just that: tell people’s stories in a way that is respectful and uplifting, and tells them in a way that they would want them to be told.”
Lozen Entertainment Inks Distribution Deal With Copperline Music Group
Lozen Entertainment Group, formed in 2018 by Jennifer Boise and McKenzie Floyd as a social media and project management firm, has grown into label services. The newly-launched independent label has entered into an agreement with Copperline Music Group for distribution for their label acts. The first project is the launch of Minnesota-bred Dave McElroy and his new single, “Trucker Hat.”
“When McKenzie and I began to seriously consider launching an independent label, I called DeWayne Brown for advice on finding a home for our music and securing distribution through the Orchard,” says Lozen Entertainment’s Boise. “DeWayne introduced us to Rusty Harmon at Copperline Music Group and it just felt like a great fit. We were thrilled when they welcomed us into the family. We’re really grateful to be working with them and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Nashville Launches New Good To Go Safety Program For Businesses
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Vanderbilt Health, and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. are launching a new free program today, Good To Go, that will support Nashville-area businesses with extra resources and access to public health experts as the city begins to reopen.
The Good to Go program will help ensure a safer city for residents and visitors as Nashville businesses pledge to implement health standards in a consistent way across Music City. Participating businesses will be given a special green music note to display at their locations and on their websites and materials, indicating their commitment to following safety standards. Participating businesses will also be recognized on a new Good to Go website promoted to visitors.
The voluntary program asks businesses to commit to guidance from the Metro Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and provides access to toolkits and support to help carry out the recommendations. Vanderbilt Health’s leading infectious disease experts helped develop key elements of the program and will be involved with ongoing learning and information sharing. Businesses interested in joining Good to Go should sign up online at GoodtoGoNashville.com by June 4.
“We encourage every business in Nashville to join Good to Go. We believe this is the first program of this kind in the nation to provide uniform industry guidelines and comprehensive toolkits for businesses throughout the city in response to COVID-19. We want to show the world that through cooperation and collaboration, Nashville is safe and sound,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of NCVC. “As destinations begin to open, Good to Go will help Nashville stand apart as it ensures that our business community is following all public health guidelines and has access to leading experts at Vanderbilt Health. It will give all those who live and come to Nashville confidence and peace of mind that we are safely open for business.”
To participate, businesses must agree to adopt all applicable guidelines set forth by MPHD and CDC and participate in Good to Go’s enhanced learning program. In return, businesses will receive regular information and insights from infection prevention experts at Vanderbilt Health, key learnings and best practices from Ryman Hospitality Properties leaders and access to new resources as recommendations change. Businesses which commit to Good to Go will also have access to training modules and other first-hand experience from Ryman Hospitality Properties.
“Ryman Hospitality Properties began working with Vanderbilt Health in the early days of the pandemic to provide the teams at all of our properties – including restaurants, entertainment venues and our hotels – direct access to the nation’s foremost experts on infectious disease control,” said Colin Reed, chairman and CEO of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We helped spearhead Good to Go because we wanted to make elements of our early work with Vanderbilt Health available so that other Nashville businesses could have access to the tools, resources and information needed to operate a business until a vaccine or treatment is available for COVID-19.”
BREAKING: Longtime Songwriter Hotspot Douglas Corner Closing Permanently
Nashville’s Douglas Corner Cafe, a longtime favorite spot for music lovers and songwriters, will close its doors for good, according to owner Mervin Louque.
Louque made the announcement on Thursday (May 28) via a video on Douglas Corner’s official Facebook page.
Louque opened Douglas Corner 33 years ago, in 1987, alongside businessman Rick Martin. Since then, the 8th Ave. S. venue has become a place where artists including Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Billy Dean, Blake Shelton, John Berry and more held early showcases. The venue’s regular songwriter showcases have drawn regular business for years.
According to the Douglas Corner Cafe’s official site, Garth Brooks held his first fan club party at the venue, performing with his band. He presented Louque with the printing plate that was used to make the Fan Fair posters for the event—that plate still hangs on the wall at Douglas Corner.
Others who have performed at the venue include Eric Church, Keith Urban, John Prine and more.
Douglas Corner has been closed since March 15, as have numerous restaurants in Nashville as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Unlike other venues, its doors won’t be reopening.
“This has been a hard decision and a lot of prayer has gone into this. I came off the road many years ago from doing engineering,” says Louque, who served as a recording engineer for years before opening Douglas Corner, with credits including The Bellamy Brothers, Barbara Mandrell and more.
In the video, Louque thanked the club’s servers, sound techs, and more who helped operate Douglas Corner on a day-to-day basis. “It breaks my heart, but there comes a time when we all need to move on and do other things and that’s my time now…I’m proud of the legacy this place is leaving,” he said.
Bluegrass Band Nefesh Mountain Signs Management, Booking Deals
Bluegrass band Nefesh Mountain has signed deals this week for management and booking.
The band’s founders, husband and wife Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff, have signed with Neal Spielberg and Barney Kilpatrick of Rockit Artist Entertainment for management. They have also signed an exclusive deal with Madison House for booking, with Brian Swanson acting as responsible agent. Publicists Erin Morris Huttlinger (Morris Public Relations) and Alison Auerbach (AAPR) are also a part of the Nefesh Mountain team, and have been working with Lindberg and Zasloff for over two years.
>Nefesh Mountain is currently putting finishing touches on their third album, set to be released this Fall. The band is the first of its kind to blend American folk musical traditions with a rich, Jewish cultural heritage and weaves together its own unique blend of bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, and American roots with their personal backgrounds. Lindberg and Zasloff are the heart of this eclectic offering, alongside longtime bandmates Alan Grubner (fiddle), David Goldenberg (mandolin) and Max Johnson (bass).
ASCAP To Host Virtual Celebrations For Pop, Screen, Latin, Rhythm & Soul Honors
ASCAP will hold four virtual celebrations to honor the songwriters and publishers of its most-performed songs over the past year for Pop, Screen, Latin, and Rhythm & Soul music.
The series of celebrations will launch June 17-19 with the ASCAP Pop Music Awards, followed by the Screen Music Awards (June 23-25), Latin Music Awards (July 7-9) and Rhythm & Soul Music Awards (July 15-17).
Each event will include three days of content focused on each genre, hosted on ASCAP’s social media channels. The events will include livestreamed performances, winner spotlights and interviews with top songwriters.
“Our members are the heart and soul of ASCAP and every year we look forward to the chance to reunite in person and celebrate their outstanding contributions to music,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “Even though we can’t be together ‘in real life’ this time, we are so excited to honor them virtually so that we can all connect and share our collective love of music. We invite music fans everywhere to join us in toasting their music and what their creative work adds to our lives.”
Spotlight award show moments including Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter-Artist of the Year, Publisher of the Year, Independent Publisher of the Year and Song of the Year will remain major highlights during the online festivities. ASCAP will also unveil the winners of its annual Composers’ Choice Awards, which allow ASCAP composer members to vote for their top Film Score of the Year, TV Composer of the Year and Video Game Score of the Year.
Sierra Hull Signs Admin Deal With Reach Music
Sierra Hull has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with Reach Music Publishing. The deal is Hull’s first publishing deal, and encompasses her albums released on Rounder Records (Concord), as well as future works.
A Tennessee-raised virtuoso mandolinist and multi-instrumentalist, Hull debuted at the Grand Ole Opry at age 10 and played Carnegie Hall at 12. She landed a record deal with Rounder Records by 13, and was the first woman to win Mandolin Player of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards. Now 28, she recently released her fourth album on Rounder, 25 Trips, which explores a variety of genres from bluegrass to folk-pop to ethereal alt-rock. The highly personal album represents a new era in Hull’s artistic growth and evolution and features 13 songs all written or co-written by Hull.
“Sierra Hull is such an impressive artist and songwriter, with an amazing voice and peerless musicianship,” said Michael Closter, President and owner of Reach Music. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Sierra, her manager Chris Harris, and to represent her growing catalog.”
“I was introduced to Reach by a fellow artist, and I really appreciate their hands-on work, focus and enthusiasm in representing my catalog!” said Hull.
Founded by Michael Closter and headquartered in Burbank, California, indie publisher Reach administers the catalogs of John Mayer, Zac Brown, Lisa Loeb, Common, Chuck D, Cindy Morgan, and many others.