Weekly Chart Report (2/14/14)
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Wallace Honored With Music City Milestone Award
Photo (L-R): Dan Keen (Curb College), Kerry O’Neil (Big Yellow Dog Music), LeAnn Phelan (ASCAP Nashville), Carla Wallace (Big Yellow Dog Music), Josh Kear (ASCAP 2013 Songwriter of the Year), Wesley Bulla (Curb College) and Sarah Cates (Curb College).
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, alongside industry partner ASCAP, honored alumna Carla Wallace as the fifth recipient of the Music City Milestone Award (MCMA). The MCMA celebrates Belmont’s connection with the Nashville music industry, while also recognizing a Belmont graduate who has achieved truly superlative success in the entertainment and music industries early in their career.
Co-owner and general manager of Big Yellow Dog Music, an independent music publishing company based in Nashville, Wallace graduated from Belmont with a B.B.A. in Music Business.
Wallace began working at Little Big Town Music, where she met Kerry O’Neil in 1998. That same year, O’Neil and Wallace opened the doors to Big Yellow Dog Music, publishing home to such country hits as Luke Bryan’s “Drunk on You,” Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” and George Strait’s “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright.” The company has had several nominations and wins from the American Country Music awards, ASCAP Country Music Awards, CMA Awards and many more.
O’Neil said, “Carla’s success is a great example of what can happen when you put songs and songwriters first, are willing to follow your instincts, and mix in a healthy dose of tenacity and passion.”
CEMB Dean Wes Bulla said, “Celebrating with alumni is always an honor. We are proud of Carla’s significant accomplishments and look forward to more great things as she continues to be a leading force in our industry.”
LeAnn Phelan, co-head of ASCAP Nashville and a past MCMA recipient, added, “Carla Wallace is passionate and committed to songwriters, fearless as a music publisher, a master at creating opportunities for her writers, and open to all kinds of great music. ASCAP is honored to be a part of her special night.”
Other past recipients of the Music City Milestone Award include Beka (Calloway) Tischker who runs the publishing company of Dr. Luke; Ashley Gorley who was named ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 2009; and Rusty Gaston, co-owner and General Manager of This Music.
Florida Georgia Line Celebrates No. 1 Single "Stay" in Nashville
Pictured (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, songwriter-producer and Big Loud Mountain partner Joey Moi, and Black Stone Cherry songwriters John Fred Young, Chris Robertson, John Lawhon and Ben Wells. (L-R, back row): Kentucky Headhunters’ Richard Young, ASCAP’s Michael Martin and LeAnn Phelan, Big Loud Mountain partner Craig Wiseman, Republic Nashville President and Big Machine Label Group EVP Jimmy Harnen, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, publisher Robot of the Century Music’s Doug Keogh, Warner/Chappell EVP Ben Vaughn, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel and Big Loud Mountain partner Seth England. Photo by Ed Rode.
Music industry members gathered at the ASCAP offices on Wednesday, Feb. 12 to celebrate the team behind Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line‘s four-week No. 1 hit single “Stay.” The song was written by Joey Moi along with Black Stone Cherry band members Chris Robertson, Ben Wells, Jon Lawhon and John Fred Young. The track was produced by Joey Moi, and marked Moi’s sixth trip to the top of the charts as a songwriter. It became the first Country chart-topping song for the members of Black Stone Cherry. The #1 party also helped to kick off ASCAP’s 100th birthday celebration on Feb. 13, 2014.
Among those in attendance were FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen, ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Michael Martin and Ryan Beuschel, Big Loud Mountain’s Seth England and Craig Wiseman, Robot of the Century Music’s Doug Keogh and Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn.
“I’ve been working in rock n roll, so what a great way to make my first trip to Nashville,” said Robot of the Century Music publisher Doug Keogh. Moi stated, “We wrote a rock song that we never thought would be on Country radio.”
The song was included on Black Stone Cherry’s 2011 album Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, before Florida Georgia Line covered it for their debut album Here’s To The Good Times. “This was the scariest song for me to cut because I listened to [Black Stone Cherry’s] album and you just killed the vocals,” said Florida Georgia Line’s Hubbard. “It’s cool to have this kind of collaboration between a Country band and a rock band.”
“There are some blurred lines between Country and rock and we are glad to be part of this movement,” said Ben Wells. Indeed, radio listeners and music buyers have responded enthusiastically to new sound; the label group awarded plaques to the group and songwriters to commemorate sales of more than 500,000 copies of the single.
It was full circle, as Black Stone Cherry member John Fred Young’s father is Kentucky Headhunters member Richard Young. Big Machine Label Group president and founder Scott Borchetta promoted the Kentucky Headhunter’s early singles. “This is crazy,” said John Fred Young. “For us to write a song when we were sitting at the house, and then for it to become a success on Country radio. Brian and Tyler are great guys, and we are so proud of the success these guys have had.”
Marathon Music Works, Exit/In Owners Developing New Concept
The owners of Marathon Music Works, William Colliers and Exit/In, are closing in on a new concept, according to the Nashville Business Journal. The new venue is expected to launch on 2212 Elliston Place next to Exit/In.
Co-owner Chris Cobb says the group signed a lease late last year and is currently planning the space. “This is a totally separate concept and establishment that we hope is complementary to the Exit/In and the rest of Elliston Place,” he said. “We are excited to bring something new to Elliston and continue in the long rich tradition that Elliston has in Nashville.”
The group recently opened restaurant/bar William Colliers, which shares a wall with Marathon Music Works in Marathon Village.
Americana Music Association Appoints Executive Committee
The Americana Music Association announced its newly appointed Executive Committee during its recent annual Board of Directors retreat in Nashville.
Executive Committee
appointed by the Board for one year terms
President: Mark Moffatt, expat Australian producer (a first for the AMA and a testament to the organization’s global outlook)
President-Elect: Amanda Hale, Media Relations, Vector Management
Past-President: Holly Lowman, Ramseur Records artist manager
Secretary: Lynne Sheridan, Grammy Museum
At-Large Executive Committee: John Ingrassia (Vector Management) and Al Moss (Al Moss Promotion)
Treasurer: Kurt Vitolo (his firm KV Financial Group PC will act as the Association’s accounting firm)
Board of Directors
19 industry representatives elected by the AMA membership and/or appointed by the Board
• Returning for new terms: John Allen (BMG Chrysalis) and Jonathan Levine (Paradigm Talent Agency)
• Musicians Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller return as artist ambassadors.
• New Board Members starting terms in 2014: Carrie Colliton (Dept. of Record Stores/Record Store Day), Scott Goldman (GRAMMY Foundation/MusiCares), Wayne Leeloy (Warner Music Nashville) and Cliff O’Sullivan (Sugar Hill Records)
• Continuing current terms: Shauna de Cartier (Six Shooter Records), Tim Fink (SESAC), Mary Gauthier (artist) and Jessie Scott (Music Fog/Hill Country)
• Ex-officio officers: Ashley Capps (AC Entertainment) and Terry Lickona (Austin City Limits)
The 15th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will take place September 17-21, 2014.
Vince Gill, Amy Grant Announce Six 'Christmas at the Ryman' Shows
Vince Gill and Amy Grant will perform six Christmas Shows at the Ryman Auditorium in December. The two-hour show will feature the husband and wife team performing Christmas standards and newer seasonal selections. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. CT and range from $35-$125 (plus applicable service charges), and will be available at ticketmaster.com, ryman.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Ryman box office, or by calling 800-745-3000.
“Christmas audiences are special,” explains Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.”
“These holiday tours have become our favorites,” Gill agrees.
Dates:
Dec. 3, 2014
Dec. 4, 2014
Dec. 10, 2014
Dec. 11, 2014
Dec. 17, 2014
Dec. 18, 2014
Wynonna To Fill In For Kenny Rogers At Nashville Symphony Shows
Wynonna photo credit: Kristin Barlowe
The Nashville Symphony has announced that Kenny Rogers has canceled his Feb. 14 and 15 performances with the orchestra due to illness.
The Friday and Saturday-evening concerts will continue as scheduled, with Wynonna joining the orchestra for a special Valentine’s program. The five-time Grammy winner will perform her signature hits plus a handful of romantic standards.
Patrons who purchased tickets to a Rogers performance can use their tickets to attend Wynonna’s performance. Ticket holders also have the option of exchanging their tickets for an upcoming Bank of America Pops Series or Aegis Sciences Classical Series concert.
Tickets to Valentine’s with Wynonna and the Nashville Symphony are available at nashvillesymphony.org, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center box office or by phone at 615.687.6400.
Watsky Music Signs Hardy
Pictured (L-R): Dennis Matkosky, Michael Hardy
Watsky Music, LLC has signed singer/songwriter Michael Hardy to his first worldwide publishing agreement.
Hardy, a Mississippi native, released his first EP, Redneck Recipe, independently in 2013. As an artist, he’s opened for acts such as Rodney Atkins, Colt Ford and Matt Stillwell. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Hardy has also had multiple song placements on CMT, CBS, and A&E.
“Michael is a young gifted writer. His poetic, yet honest style will serve him well as a writer and as a recording artist. We’re very excited to be working with him,” said Watsky Music co-owner and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, Dennis Matkosky.
“I’m excited about working with Watsky and Kobalt. I feel right at home with these guys and can’t wait to see what the next few years will have in store,” said Hardy. “It’s been a long, sought after dream to sign a publishing deal and I’m looking forward to making my own mark in the industry.”
Watsky Music, LLC was created in 2005 by hit songwriter Matkosky and Jonathan Watkins, with administrative services provided by Kobalt Music Publishing. Other songwriters on the roster include Chris Nathan, Ty Lacy, and Becki DeVries.
ASCAP Announces Strong Revenues In 2013
In addition to celebrating its 100th birthday today, Feb. 13, ASCAP announced strong revenues in 2013, distributing over $851.2 million in royalties to songwriters, composers and publishers, marking an increase of nearly $24 million over 2012. ASCAP’s domestic distributions increased 6.1%, totaling $527.9 million. In 2013, the organization distributed more than $800 million to its members for the sixth consecutive year; ASCAP is the only performing rights organization to accomplish this feat.
“Nearly 500,000 of my fellow songwriters, composers and music publishers depend on ASCAP to collectively license their work and collect public performance royalties, which are becoming a more vital source of income in the digital age,” said ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams. “As we celebrate our centennial, we believe it is time to update the regulations that govern music licensing. ASCAP is working to shape a future which preserves the enormous benefits of the collective licensing model, while better reflecting how technology is changing the way people listen to music and the competitive landscape in which we operate.”
In 2013, ASCAP boasted $944.4 million in revenues, with a $13.2 million increase in domestic receipts as a result of the organization’s new media and general licensing sectors. ASCAP also reports strong foreign revenues of $330.6 million. The organization’s operating ratio for 2013 was 12.4% (11.3% in 2012) due to expenses resulting from ASCAP’s current legal battle with Pandora Media.
“Our strong performance in 2013 further demonstrates why ASCAP is uniquely suited to serve the needs of both music creators and licensees in the digital future,” said ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento. “I believe ASCAP’s ability to transparently and efficiently track and distribute performance royalties using the most advanced technology is unmatched within the industry, as is our commitment to nurturing and advocating on behalf of our community of members. I am thrilled that in our 100th year, ASCAP is still breaking new ground toward a more transparent, efficient and effective music licensing system.”
Guitarist Leon Rhodes To Be Honored As 'Nashville Cat' by CMHoF
Leon Rhodes
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s quarterly program series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians returns on Saturday, March 8, with a salute to guitarist Leon Rhodes. The 1:30 p.m. interview, held in the museum’s Ford Theater, is included with museum admission and free to museum members. The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/
Hosted by Bill Lloyd, the program will include a brief performance and an in-depth, one-on-one interview illustrated with vintage recordings, photos and film clips from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive and Rhodes’ private collection. Seating for the program is limited, and program passes are required for admittance. Immediately following, Rhodes will sign limited edition, commemorative Hatch Show Print posters in the Museum Store. (Visit the museum’s website for complete admission and signing details.)
Though a multi-instrumentalist, Rhodes is best known for his lead guitar work. He was a member of the classic 1960s lineup of Ernest Tubb’s Texas Troubadours and served long tenures as a staff musician for the Grand Ole Opry and Hee Haw. He is also featured on recordings by Julie Andrews, Roy Clark, John Denver, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Roy Orbison and Dottie West, among others.
Rhodes was born March 10, 1932, and raised in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother playing piano and his dad and brother playing guitar. Rhodes got his own guitar as a teenager and, at 16, landed his first professional gig at the Big D Jamboree.
Over the next several years, Rhodes began playing recording sessions—including some of Lefty Frizzell’s earliest sessions. He also got a job in the house band at a night club owned by the infamous Jack Ruby.
In 1960, while playing at the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, Rhodes unwittingly auditioned for a spot in Ernest Tubb’s band when band members Buddy Emmons and Jack Drake asked him to play one of the singer’s songs. Rhodes made a good impression and earned an invitation to join the Texas Troubadours. It took some convincing, but he eventually moved to Nashville.
The early 1960s Troubadours lineup, which included Buddy Charleton on steel guitar, Drake on bass, Jack Greene on drums, Rhodes on guitar and Cal Smith on rhythm guitar, became one of the best backing groups in country music. The band developed their own following, performing their own sets and releasing their own recordings with Decca in the mid-1960s. The group’s recordings include “Honey Fingers,” “Texas Troubadour Stomp” and jazz standards such as “C Jam Blues” and “Red Top.”
Tubb and the Texas Troubadours played well over 200 shows a year. After nearly seven years, Rhodes decided to take a break from the road and devote his time to session work in Nashville. The week after he left the band, he was hired as a member of the staff band at the Grand Ole Opry, where he remained for more than three decades. In 1971, he began his 20 year run on Hee Haw. After his Opry tenure, Rhodes toured and performed with various country artists including Porter Wagoner and the Whites.
Today, Rhodes still lives in Nashville and continues to perform and record.