BMG Chrysalis, Maxx Music Publishing Add Koloff To Roster

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BMG Chrysalis’  creative venture with Maxx Music Publishing continues with the signing of Kolby Koloff. Koloff is a writer/artist who is perhaps best-known for her role on the Lifetime show Preachers’ Daughters. She is now working on her debut EP which is being produced by Grammy-winning producer Drew Ramsey (Crowder, Jonny Lang, Mandisa).

Pictured (L-R): Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis), Chris Oglesby (BMG Chrysalis), Mitchell Solarek (Maxx Music Publishing), Kevin Lane (BMG Chrysalis), Kolby Koloff, Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis), Justin Nicolet (Maxx Music Publishing), Ben Pogue (Maxx Music Publishing)

Pictured (L-R): Sara Knabe (BMG Chrysalis), Chris Oglesby (BMG Chrysalis), Mitchell Solarek (Maxx Music Publishing), Kevin Lane (BMG Chrysalis), Kolby Koloff, Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis), Justin Nicolet (Maxx Music Publishing), Ben Pogue (Maxx Music Publishing)

LifeNotes: R.I.P. Nashville R&B Vet Audrey Bryant

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Audrey Jean Bryant-Watkins

Audrey Jean Bryant-Watkins

Vintage Nashville singer Audrey Bryant passed away last week at age 76. Bryant died on April 7. Her funeral service was private and for immediate family only.

One of her r&b performances was featured on the CD Night Train to Nashville, which won the 2005 Grammy Award as Best Historical Album. The record accompanied an acclaimed exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame about the history of Nashville’s r&b and soul-music scene. It saluted Bryant, among others. The exhibit’s full title was “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues, 1945-1970.”

Audrey Bryant first came to Nashville’s attention in the 1950s when she began appearing on local television. According to the liner notes of the Grammy-winning CD, she pantomimed records by Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Etta James and the like on WSIX-TV. This was as a cast member on local DJ Noel Ball’s Bop Hop teen TV show, beginning in 1954.

“I believe I was the first black female to be a cast member on Nashville television – maybe in the whole state of Tennessee,” Bryant recalled.

Her prominence and talent were such that Chet Atkins reportedly scouted her to record country music on Music Row. She declined, she said. Still, producer Red Wortham recruited mainstream Nashville musicians — including piano-playing Country Music Hall of Fame member Hargus “Pig” Robbins — to back her in the studio in 1959.

One result was the rockabilly-flavored “Let’s Trade a Little” on Do-Re-Mi Records. This is the track that appeared on the Grammy-winning Night Train to Nashville 47 years later. Her vintage recording of “Good, Good Love’ was reissued on 2001s Nashville Rock ‘N’ Roll.

She was Audrey Jean Bryant-Watkins at the time of her death.

She is survived by husband James P. Watkins, daughter Jamye K.Watkins-Jenkins, three grandsons and one great-grandson.

11th Annual Stars For Second Harvest Set For June 9

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craig wisemanO’Charley’s and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee will celebrate the 11th annual Stars For Second Harvest hosted by Craig Wiseman on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. The evening brings songwriters and artists together for a slate of acoustic-style performances, and has previously featured artists including Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, Luke Bryan and more.

Nashville-based O’Charley’s is the benefit show’s presenting sponsor for the 11th consecutive year.

“Stars for Second Harvest is one of my favorite events each year,” said Wiseman. “I am honored to be part of such a tremendous benefit to help to raise awareness for the hungry in Middle Tennessee. We are proud to have O’Charley’s along as our presenter for the 11th straight year. Their continued significant support has made this event possible and provided more than 3 million to children, families and seniors. My goal this year is to raise at least $150,000, which get us even closer to the 1 million dollar total mark in our involvement with Stars for Second Harvest.”

Proceeds from the concert benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community.

MusicRowPics: Jon Wolfe Brings Texas-Sized Success to Nashville

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Jon Wolfe performs during a visit to the MusicRow offices.

Jon Wolfe performs during a visit to the MusicRow offices.

Miami, Okla., native Jon Wolfe‘s music has flowed through countless dancehalls throughout Texas, and broken into the Top 10 on the Texas charts six times, with the singles “Let A Country Boy Love You,” “That Girl In Texas,” “I Don’t Dance,” “It All Happened In A Honky Tonk,” “The Only Time You Call,” and “What Are You Doin’ Right Now.”

After garnering regional success, Wolfe’s release It All Happened In A Honky Tonk was re-released as a Deluxe Edition by Warner Music Nashville in 2013. The project has sold more than 25,000 units.

Though based in Texas, Wolfe brought his music to Nashville for the making of his most recent project, titled Natural Man (Fool Hearted Productions/Tone Tree Music). The 13-track album was recorded in Nashville’s Westwood Studios and Ronnie’s Place, and features an array of top writers, including Jon Pardi, Deric Ruttan, Pat Alger, Chris Cavanaugh, Casey Beathard, Wyatt Durrette, and more.

Wolfe recently visited MusicRow‘s office for a three-song preview of the project. He offered up “Smile On Mine,” penned by Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip, and Rhett Akins, along with “That’s What I’m Talking About,” penned by Tom Shapiro, Jacob Powell, and Michael Carter.

Wolfe lent his songwriting talents to two tracks on the project, including “I’m Doin’ Alright” and “Singin’ Thing.” The latter was the last song he co-wrote with Tim Johnson and James Dean Hicks, before Johnson lost his battle with cancer.

“This is a song about my life, a little bit of Tim’s, all three of us,” he said before the performance. “James and I got together after Tim passed away to finish the song. It’s definitely an emotional song for me.”

For Wolfe, Natural Man is an authentic expression of his musical roots, which are steeped in traditional country soil. “My passion has always been traditional country,” Wolfe says. “Nowadays there is a controversy between those who like pop country and those who like traditional country. I’ve never participated in that, because you have to do what is true to you as an artist. That’s why fans love you. I tell people if I tried to rap, it would be the biggest debacle ever. My passion has always been guys like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Clint Black. I think there is without a doubt a place for that. As the genre continues to evolve, there will always be traditional artists.”

Wolfe worked for more than a year on the project, which he co-produced with Lex Lipsitz and Billy Decker. He maintains that though he is based in Texas, listeners shouldn’t expect a typical “Texas Country” sound. “When you are in Texas, you get thrown into the Texas Country scene. I never put myself in any particular category. I just want to make a great country record,” he says.

Jon Wolfe with MusicRow staff.

Jon Wolfe with MusicRow staff.

Ahnquist Joins Sea Gayle Music Roster

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Sea Gayle Music has signed Danville, Ky., native and songwriter Smith Ahnquist. Ahnquist moved to Nashville in 2006 to attend Belmont University, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Business in 2009.

Ahnquist said, “I have such a respect for Sea Gayle and their commitment to songwriters. It’s humbling to be a part of such a creatively driven group of people.”

“Smith is such a talented songwriter. From his work ethic to his fresh ideas and instincts, he is a tremendous addition to the Sea Gayle songwriting team,” says Sea Gayle Executive VP/GM, Marc Driskill.

Pictured (L-R) at Paisley’s Ye Olde Potion Room Pub: Jake Gear, Sea Gayle Creative Director; Chris DuBois, Sea Gayle Partner; Brad Paisley, Sea Gayle Partner; Ahnquist, Driskill, Freeman Wizer, Sea Gayle VP Creative; and Brandon Gregg, Sea Gayle Office Manager.

Pictured (L-R) at Paisley’s Ye Olde Potion Room Pub: Jake Gear, Sea Gayle Creative Director; Chris DuBois, Sea Gayle Partner; Brad Paisley, Sea Gayle Partner; Ahnquist, Driskill, Freeman Wizer, Sea Gayle VP Creative; and Brandon Gregg, Sea Gayle Office Manager.

ACM Offers Two-Hour Radio Special Free To Programmers

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Now-That's-What-I-Call-ACM-AwardsThe Academy of Country Music is announcing the first-ever radio special offered free to programmers nationwide, in celebration of the upcoming 50th ACM Awards and NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years album.

The two-hour radio special, hosted by Donna Hughes, will feature audio clips from past ACM Awards alongside recordings celebrating the ACM Awards’ 50-year history including contemporary hits and timeless classics from NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years.

The radio program is barter-free with up to 14 minutes of local avails per hour. Stations may contact Bob Guerra at radio2222@aol.com for download and cut sheet information.

The 50th Academy of Country Music Awards airs live on CBS next Sunday, April 19.

‘Country: Portraits of an American Sound’ to Make World Premiere at NaFF

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Annenberg-Country-Portraits-of-an-American-SoundThe documentary Country: Portraits of an American Sound will have its world premiere at the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) on Wednesday, April 22 at 8:30 p.m at the Regal Green Hills 16. A second screening will take place at the theater the following day (Thursday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m.).

The full-length feature film is based on the short film that was a central component of the Country: Portraits of an American Sound exhibition at the Annenberg Photography Space in Los Angeles which attracted nearly 30,000 visitors in 2014.

Produced and directed by Steven Kochones, Country: Portraits of an American Sound explores country music through the lens of photographers who have documented its rise from innocent beginnings to a thriving industry and to a national identity. From the Carter Family to The Band Perry, the film spans over 80 years of county music history.

The film features the work of photographers Les Leverett, Leigh Weiner, Henry Horenstein, Henry Diltz, Raeanne Rubenstein, David McClister and Michael Wilson. The work will also include interviews with exhibit curators, clothier Manuel, and country artists such as Lyle Lovett, Keith Urban, Rosanne Cash, Charley Pride, Roy Clark, Larry Gatlin, Marty Stuart, Brenda Lee, Terri Clark, Holly Williams, Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan and Kenny Rogers.

“I’m so pleased that our first feature film focuses on some of the best photographers ever to chronicle the genre,” said Wallis Annenberg, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. “Their work has all of the mood, and attitude, and emotional complexity of the greatest country songs. But this movie has allowed us to go far beyond the images themselves, to celebrate the photographers who have helped elevate country, and to tell the stories behind their iconic shots. I couldn’t be prouder of the film, and I’m delighted by its inclusion in this year’s NaFF.”

“We began filming in Music City 18 months ago, and I am excited to return for the world premiere,” said Kochones.

The signature project will additionally be featured in the Gibson Music Films/Music City Feature Competition.

NaFF tickets are currently available to members. Additional music-focused films for the NaFF can be viewed here.

LifeNotes: Grammy-Winning Picker Tut Taylor Passes

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Tut Taylor

Tut Taylor. Photo: Chris Murphy

Dobro master Tut Taylor has died in North Carolina at age 91.

The former Nashvillian recorded with John Hartford, Leon Russell, Brother Oswald, Norman Blake, Porter Wagoner and others. He made solo albums for Rounder, World Pacific, Takoma and United Artists. His CD with Jerry Douglas, The Great Dobro Sessions, won a 1995 Grammy Award as Best Bluegrass Album.

Taylor was known as a “musician’s musician.” Legendary in bluegrass circles, he also played mandolin, guitar and banjo.

He was born in Georgia in 1923. Inspired by hearing “Bashful” Brother Oswald in Roy Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys band, Taylor began playing Dobro at age 14. Early in his career, he performed in The Folkswingers alongside Glen Campbell and members of The Dillards and The Dixie Gentlemen bands. He moved to Nashville in the late 1960s.

In 1970, Taylor co-founded the GTR instrument shop in Music City. This institution became the still-thriving Gruhn Guitars.

Taylor co-founded the long-running Nashville bluegrass nightclub The Old Time Pickin’ Parlor in 1971. He also ran Tut Taylor’s General Store in Nashville beginning around 1979. He produced records by Mark O’Connor, Jerry Douglas, Norman Blake, Brother Oswald and others.

Tut Taylor died Thursday morning, April 8, at the Wilkes Regional Medical Center in North Carolina. He is survived by four sons, three daughters, 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. His visitation is today, April 9, from 7-9 p.m. at Miller Funeral Service in Wilkesboro, N.C.

Brad Kennard Named Razor & Tie Music Publishing VP

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Brad Kennard

Brad Kennard

Razor & Tie Music Publishing has announced the addition of Brad Kennard as Vice President Music Publishing/Creative. Kennard will be based at the company’s new Nashville offices located in SoBro.

Sharon Tapper, Razor & Tie Music Publishing Senior Vice President, comments, “Brad brings to Razor & Tie a wealth of expertise and unstoppable energy which makes him a creative force to be reckoned with. We look forward to reaping the benefits of his strong relationships in the Nashville and music communities.”

Kennard joins Razor & Tie Music Publishing from Big Yellow Dog where he was Vice President A&R. There he worked with such artists as Meghan Trainor, as well as multi-Grammy winning Josh Kear, multi-Grammy winner Shawn Camp, “Big” Al Anderson, Logan Mize (Arista), Nikki Williams (Island-Def Jam), producer/writer Paul Ebersold (Three Doors Down/Sister Hazel), Jessie James Decker, Adam Sanders, and others. Prior to Big Yellow Dog, Kennard spent over six years with Grammy-winning producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Faith Hill) at Violator Nashville Artist Management and Red Vinyl Music, as well as four years as General Manager for Song Garden Publishing. He also served as Vice President at Full Circle Music Publishing, three years as the Creative Director at Frank Liddell’s Carnival Music Publishing, and nearly seven years at Curb Music Publishing.

Kennard has helped cultivate chart-topping songs such as Rodney Atkins‘ “If You’re Goin’ Through Hell,” Reba McEntire‘s “Somebody,” George Strait‘s Top 10 “Desperately,” and Rascal Flatts’  Top 10 “Unstoppable.” He has facilitated cuts by Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Lee Brice, Billy Currington, Tyler Farr, Dustin Lynch, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, and worked with developing artists Brett Eldredge and Logan Mize.

Kennard is a graduate of the Jack C Massey MBA program at Belmont, with an emphasis in Music Business. He also holds an undergraduate business degree from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Kennard can be congratulated here: bkennard@razorandtie.com.

Marbaloo Marketing Relocates To L&C Tower, Adds Staffers

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Marbaloo logoMarbaloo Marketing, which has provided marketing services for artists including Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Maddie & Tae, and others, has recently taken up residence in the L&C Tower, located at 401 Church Street. Also taking up residence in the tower is Marbaloo’s sister company, Tourbaloo.

The move offers Marbaloo nearly 6,000 square feet of space, encompassing the entire 13th floor of the L&C Tower. Marbaloo’s new address is 401 Church Street, Ste. 1300, Nashville, TN 37219.

The greater office space offered by the new location will prove beneficial to Marbaloo Marketing, which recently added two publicity managers and two marketing coordinators to its ranks.

Blakelee Land and Stephanie Gonzalez have joined as publicity managers. Land previously worked at Meredith, Better Homes & Gardens, and Lucky in New York. Gonzalez previously worked at Wolf Kasteler Public Relations in Beverly Hills.

New marketing coordinators at Marbaloo include Jordon Petty, who was previously with Show Dog-Universal, as well as Kelly Dean, who previously worked with New Heartland Group.