Weekly Register: A Trip To Bakersfield

/by

vince-gill-paul-franklin-bakerfield-featured1Vince Gill & Paul Franklin‘s Bakersfield debuted Top Five this week with 12k units sold. Thirty-four percent of the units sold were digital, landing the project at No. 4 on the top Country albums chart. The collaborative tribute album from MCA Nashville/Universal Music Group not only honors the city’s biggest artists, Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, but also the guitar and steel players that helped create and define the Bakersfield, Calif., country sound.
The No. 1 top Country album this week continues to be the unstoppable Florida Georgia Line as Here’s To The Good Times sells another 28k units for a RTD of 945k.  (On FGL’s track side, “Cruise,” combined versions, also keeps the hammer down at No. 1 on the Country tracks chart with another 108k sold this week for a RTD total of 5.5 million.) Blake Shelton‘s Based On A True Story album sells another 16k units this week in the No. 2 spot while Hunter Hayes‘ self-titled album at No. 3 sells 13k (921k RTD).

Paul Franklin and Vince Gill

Paul Franklin and Vince Gill


Luke Bryan‘s “Crash My Party” single sells 62k this week, accumulating an impressive 1.2 million RTD in 18 weeks and perching at No. 2 on the Country tracks. Another 18-week success story is Hayes’ “I Want Crazy” selling 57k this week with a total 1.1 million RTD at No. 3.
Upcoming album releases in August to watch out for include Warner Music Nashville artists Brett Eldredge (Aug. 6, Bring You Back) and Charlie Worsham (Aug. 20, Rubberband); Bryan’s Capitol Nashville project, Crash My Party on Aug. 13 and the Show-Dog Universal project Alabama & Friends, set for release Aug. 27. Carrie Underwood‘s The Blown Away Tour:LIVE [DVD] is set to release from Sony Nashville on Aug. 13.

Cowboy Jack Clement Dies at 82

/by

“Cowboy” Jack Clement at the 2013 CMA ceremony for the Country Music Hall of Fame’s 2013 inductees, Wednesday, April 10 in Downtown Nashville. Photo: John Russell/CMA

“Cowboy” Jack Clement at the 2013 CMA ceremony for the Country Music Hall of Fame’s 2013 inductees, Wednesday, April 10 in Downtown Nashville. Photo: John Russell/CMA


Cowboy Jack Clement died Thursday morning (Aug. 8) at his home in Nashville after a long battle with liver cancer. He was 82. Clement is slated to be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.
Jack Henderson Clement was born April 5, 1931, in the Whitehaven suburb of Memphis, Tenn.
After spending four years in the Marine Corps, Clement toured with a bluegrass band before temporarily living in Memphis. It was there that Sun Records founder Sam Phillips hired Clement as a staff producer-engineer.
In 1953, Clement made his first record. He studied at Memphis State University, where he earned his lifelong nickname “Cowboy.” He built his first recording studio in 1956, and has worked with Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and numerous others. Clement wrote “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” and produced Johnny Cash‘s iconic “Ring of Fire.”
Clement moved to Nashville in 1960, working as a songwriter and producer for Chet Atkins at RCA. Clement later relocated to Beaumont, Texas, where he opened Gulf Coast Recording Studios with producer Bill Hall.
It was Clement who persuaded George Jones to record Dickey Lee‘s “She Thinks I Still Care,” along with the Clement-penned “Just Someone I Used To Know.” In the 1970s, he opened the JMI label, which became home to singer-songwriter Don Williams. Clement also opened Jack Clement Recording Studios, the first 16-track studio in Nashville and has written songs for Bobby Bare, Jones, Elvis Presley, Hank Snow, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Clement also produced Waylon Jennings‘ Dreaming My Dreams and hosted recording sessions for Merle Haggard and Ray Stevens, among others.
Clement has also produced for Townes Van Zant, Hank Williams, Jr. and U2. Clement’s career success was highlighted earlier this year in a ceremony at Nashville’s WAR Memorial.
“I’ve been walking around for the last hour thanking God for the privilege of knowing Cowboy Jack Clement,” says Marty Stuart. “He was one of my dearest friends. To know the Cowboy was to know one of the most original people to ever walk the Earth. I love him and I will miss him. Connie and I send our love to all the Clement family.”

Photos by Alan Mayor.
[slide]

Music City Eats Festival's Petty Fest Gets All-Star Lineup

/by

music city eats logo 111111Petty Fest Nashville has announced an all-star lineup during the Music City Eats Festival on Sept. 21 at Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium. The event will be hosted by Kings of Leon and the Cabin Down Below band.
Paying tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Petty Fest Nashville will feature all things Petty, featuring special performances by Kings of Leon; Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell; Norah Jones; Patrick Carney of the Black Keys; Jakob Dylan; Buddy Miller; Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards; Butch Walker; Cory Chisel & Adriel Denae; Parker Gispert of The Whigs; Cyle Barnes & Samuel Williams of The Weeks, and Ruby Amanfu, along with many more surprise guests to be announced.
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Sept. 21-22, 2013, Music City Eats will feature cooking demonstrations, panel discussions and Flavors of Nashville, which will showcase more than 25 of the city’s most beloved chefs and restaurants serving signature dishes, alongside more than 40 international and national wineries, spirits purveyors, and breweries. Before attending Petty Fest, Harvest Night presented by CITI will offer attendees the opportunity to sample dishes. Harvest Night presented by CITI will be held in the downtown Walk of Fame Park, before the night continues at the War Memorial Auditorium for the all-star Petty Fest.
Petty Fest is presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey, The Best Fest in conjunction with Music City Eats: Nashville Food, Wine & Spirits Festival.
For more information, visit musiccityeats.com.

Tim And Faith Bringing Soul2Soul Back To Vegas

/by

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill perform at the Rod Laver Arena on March 20, 2012, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo: Martin Philbey)

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill perform at the Rod Laver Arena on March 20, 2012, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo: Martin Philbey)


Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are saying “Hey baby let’s go to Vegas” again and announcing an encore run of their Soul2Soul Tour at the Venetian Las Vegas this fall due to high demand. The McGraws will start their latest run Oct. 25-26 and perform 10 select weekends through April 2014. Ticket pre-sales will begin Aug. 13 and tickets for the general public will go on sale Aug 17.
“We made the most out of our short time in Vegas and had a lot of fun on-stage and off-stage, but it seemed like it was over just as we were getting good and warmed up,” said McGraw. “The reaction was impossible to ignore, so it was a total no-brainer to add more shows when the Venetian asked us. It’s been an ideal way for us to be able to perform together.”
McGraw and Hill first debuted their on-stage chemistry over a decade ago on the record-breaking first run of their Soul2Soul arena tour. That collaboration went on to become the top grossing North American tour in country music history.
“Tim and I love performing together, but it’s been such a scheduling challenge the last few years because we have two careers and three teenage daughters’ school and social calendars to coordinate around. The Venetian really rolled out the red carpet and made the whole experience so easy for us,” explained Hill. “It was a treat to be able to take what we’ve done on previous Soul2Soul Tours, shake it up, rework it and create something totally new for that venue. It was a really special moment in time for us and for our fans.”
“We’re thrilled to announce the return of Soul2Soul at The Venetian,” said John Caparella, president and chief operating officer for The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo. “Tim and Faith created a really special, up-close-and-personal experience for fans, and there’s no doubt, the show will sizzle again!”
Members of The Venetian’s loyalty program, Grazie, as well as the artists’ official fan communities at their websites, will be able to purchase advance tickets through pre-sales starting Tues., Aug. 13.

Internet Policy Task Force: Criminal Upgrades for Illegal Streaming

/by

IPTFSecretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered an editorial introduction in the recently (July 2013) revealed Internet Policy Task Force (IPTF) report, which includes recent discussions from stakeholders, public comments, and submitted comments to other agencies.
Receiving recent media attention is the report’s recommendation to upgrade misdemeanor criminal charges for illegally streaming copyrighted works (both audio and visual) to felony charges. Currently, criminal repercussions for reproducing or distributing the same work can be a felony charge. This recommendation is backed by the current Administration and the Copyright Office, who have both called on Congress to appropriately amend the Copyright Act.
Additional items in the report regarding sound recordings include broadcasting public performances, music license reform, remix availability, the digital impact on the first sale doctrine, statutory infringement damages, examination of the DMCA’s takedown system, and the appropriate role for the government, if any, to help the private sector improve the online licensing environment.
“Together, these bureaus have worked in the IPTF to identify leading public policy and operational challenges in the digital economy,” said Pritzker. “In turn, the IPTF has developed approaches to strengthen protections for consumer data privacy, enhance cybersecurity practices, safeguard the global free flow of information and ensure balanced and meaningful protection for intellectual property.
The IPTF was launched in April 2010 by then-Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, comprising input from multiple agencies and more than a dozen listening sessions from stakeholders and hundreds of public comments, and submitted comments to other agencies.
Click here for the 105+ page report.

Brett Beavers Signs With BMG and Big Deal Music

/by

L TO R:Pete Robinson, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music;Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis Music;Chip Petree, Attorney, Petree Law;Brett Beavers;Kenny MacPherson, President, Big Deal Music;Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President, BMG Chrysalis Music;Dale Bobo, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music.

Pictured (L-R): Pete Robinson, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music; Daniel Lee, Senior Creative Director, BMG Chrysalis Music; Chip Petree, Attorney, Petree Law; Brett Beavers; Kenny MacPherson, President, Big Deal Music; Kos Weaver, Executive Vice President, BMG Chrysalis Music; Dale Bobo, Senior Vice President, Big Deal Music.


Songwriter, producer and instrumentalist Brett Beavers has signed a publishing agreement with BMG and Big Deal Music, as the first writer signed under the newly formed joint venture.
Dale Bobo

Dale Bobo


This deal continues Beavers’ working relationship with Big Deal Sr. VP Dale Bobo. When Beavers was previously signed to S1 songs, the company was acquired by Chrysalis as Bobo joined the company. “It was really our first time to work together,” Bobo recalls to MusicRow. “It has been one of the best experiences working with a writer that I’ve had. He’s a super nice guy and very smart. It’s inspiring to be around him. I knew that following the Chrysalis deal, if I ever got the chance to work with Brett again I would. Coming on board with Kenny MacPherson [at Big Deal Music], we all stayed in touch with Brett and it seemed like a great thing for all of us to get back in business together.”
The new venture is a 50/50 writing deal between BMG and Big Deal Music. “We are administrating for Big Deal across the board for any writers that they sign,” explains BMG Chrysalis Music Executive VP Kos Weaver. “But in Brett’s case, it is a full-on 50/50 partnership. I think Brett is a really talented guy across the spectrum, as a songwriter and as a producer. I love working with the guy and I’m thrilled that I’m getting a chance to directly do that. I’m also glad that we are putting the nucleus of a team together.”
“I feel extremely fortunate to be included in the exciting new start up Big Deal Music, continuing my relationships with publishing veterans Dale Bobo and Kenny MacPherson,” remarked Brett Beavers. “With Pete Robinson and Greg Gallo in the mix, it’s a great group of gun slingers for any songwriter to have on his side. Having BMG as a partner with Kos Weaver and Laurent Hubert at the helm, along with the creative forces of Daniel Lee and the rest of the wonderful Nashville team, I am excited and energized about the road ahead.”
KosWeaver

Kos Weaver


The venture also reunites Weaver and Bobo, who previously worked together at Warner/Chappell. “There are several great relationships between Big Deal and BMG so it seemed natural to work together with them,” says Bobo. “They are just as enthusiastic about working with Brett as we are, so it’s a great thing.”
Beavers has had a long-term collaboration with Dierks Bentley, resulting in numerous chart-topping songs including “What Was I Thinking” and “Home.” He has also written hits for Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Ann Womack, The Band Perry, Toby Keith, Billy Currington, Kelly Pickler, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lonestar.
As an instrumentalist, Beavers has played bass in the bands for both Womack and Martina McBride. He is currently working on upcoming projects for Dustin Lynch and Canaan Smith.
Laurent Hubert, President, Creative & Marketing, BMG Chrysalis North America, commented: “Brett has become one of Nashville’s most sought after writers. We are looking forward to a successful relationship with a multi-talented songwriting gem whose songs resonate with a wide audience.”
“The Big Deal guys are a great group of people to be partnered with and Brett is so talented, it just feels like a perfect storm of people coming together for me,” sums Weaver.

Bobby Karl Works Reba's Hall of Fame Exhibit Opening

/by

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 432
I love a good pack rat.
reba1That’s because I save everything, myself. But as of Wednesday evening (Aug. 7), I am officially taking a backseat to Reba McEntire. I mean, the woman still has certificates and report cards from grade school, for crying out loud. Not to mention every dress she’s ever worn.
All this and more was revealed at the opening party for her Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit, “Reba: All the Women I Am.” You’ll flip at the splendor and the detail of this display. And she plans to add more and different items during its run. I hope she doesn’t swap out the Reba “Barbie” doll or the Reba lunchbox, both of which are currently in one glass case. And both of which I covet.
“It gives me a great feeling to know that y’all came out to see all the stuff I’ve saved over the years,” said the superstar to the opening-night party crowd. “I’m a pack rat. Just like my Momma.”
The exhibit includes mementos from Reba’s film and TV career, awards statuettes, vintage family photos, leather boots and cowgirl competition ribbons. A large video screen shows historic footage from her life.
“This must be like an ‘old home week’ to you,” I said to Sandi Spika Borchetta, who designed many of Reba’s most fabulous gowns in 1987-2001. Many of the ultra deluxe ones are on mannequins in the cases. They include the infamous, spangled, sheer-bodice, plunging neckline red number worn at the 1993 CMA Awards.
Costumer Sandi has also designed several of the eye-popping outfits worn by Taylor Swift. The designer’s date to the party was hubby Scott Borchetta, who is Taylor’s label guru.
Other power couples at the soiree included Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, David & Karen Conrad, Ray & Polly (Roper) Edenton and Kitty Moon & Pat Emery, not to mention Reba and her husband/manager Narvel Blackstock. They mingled with such uber fabulons as Gary Overton, Rod Essig, Tony Brown, Jo Walker-Meador, Kye Fleming, James Stroud, Harold Bradley, John Huie and Nancy Jones (who reports that a George Jones exhibit at the Hall of Fame is under discussion).
Following cocktails, we repaired to the Ford Theatre for the welcoming presentation. CMHoF chief Kyle Young greeted the standing-room-only crowd and introduced a songwriters’ salute to the copper-tressed diva.
Phillip & Amber White performed “I’m a Survivor.” In addition to being a big country hit, Phillip’s co-written song served as the theme of the long-running TV sit com Reba. “I was scared to death,” said Amber, who had to sing it in front of its originator, one of country’s most iconic vocal stylists.
Songwriter Richard Leigh talked of being orphaned and raised by four fathers and three mothers through foster and adoptive homes. The experience led to him to co-write “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” the Reba hit he performed. The superstar rose from her front-row seat to hug the tunesmiths who provided her with these hits.
The Band Perry, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton sent in congratulatory videos, which were screened for the audience. Young announced that Reba will be at the Hall on Saturday (Aug. 10) at 2:30 p.m. to be interviewed about her spectacular career by Michael McCall. Needless to say, this gig will be packed. On Sunday (8/11), the museum will air the documentary GAC’s Backstory: Reba McEntire at 2 p.m.
Upon exiting the Ford Theatre, we had the option of either immediately touring the exhibit or schmoozing and snacking in the Conservatory. We chose to start with the latter and avoided the crowd by going upstairs to tour the displays later. Hors d’oeuvres, designer salads, cheeses and pork carving stations awaited, not to mention the “Reba” cocktail (cranberry juice, orange liqueur and champagne) and the “Reba” cornbread muffins.
Working the room were Holly Bell, Hunter Kelly, Katie Gillon, Kay West, Bill Carter, Bill Denny, Bob Moore, Bob Paxman, Mike Milom, Ralph Emery, Chase Cole, Vernell Hackett, Bruce Bouton, Lon Helton, Whitney Daane, Don Light, Eric Parker, Leigh Reynolds, Kirt Webster, Sandy Knox, Jennifer Bohler, Chuck Dauphin, Barry Mazor, Victoria Shaw and Jeff Walker. Nancy cartoonist Guy Gilchrist talked of his lifelong love of songwriting. In case you haven’t noticed, the strip’s character Sluggo has become a songwriter this week.
“Thank y’all for all your love and support,” said Reba. “I hope you enjoy the exhibit….It’s just a little piece of my life, and you’re here tonight because you’re a part of it. I wouldn’t be here without you, and I wouldn’t want to be here without you.”
“Reba, we will love you forever,” responded Kyle Young. “This has been a joy…..Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Keith Urban Lights The 'Fuse' This Fall

/by

keith urban fuse album cover1Keith Urban is readying his first studio album in three years, Fuse, for release next month. Set to hit retail outlets Sept. 10, the new project finds Keith firing things up a bit, teaming with Miranda Lambert on the duet, “We Were Us,” and Eric Church on “Raise Em Up.” He also debuts 11 other new tracks on the album, including his latest Top 10 single, “Little Bit Of Everything,” and fans have the opportunity to buy a deluxe edition of the CD featuring three bonus songs, “Black Leather Jacket,” “Gonna B Good,” and “Lucky Charm,” as well.
“These songs just connected with me, whether for their energy or for what they were saying or just for the fact that they made me feel good,” explains Urban about the material on his seventh studio project. “All of them have merit and even though we recorded a lot of songs, slowly this particular group started to come together.”
Fall should be a busy time for Urban as he returns to the judge’s chair on American Idol in the middle of his Light The Fuse Tour 2013, which continues through the end of the year. He also helps kick off football season Sept. 5 with a performance on an NBC/NFL network TV special celebrating the beginning of the season and the Ravens Super Bowl Championship.
FUSE TRACK LISTING:
1.    Somewhere In My Car
2.    Even The Stars Fall 4 U
3.    Cop Car
4.    Shame
5.    Good Thing
6.    We Were Us (featuring Miranda Lambert)
7.    Love’s Poster Child
8.    She’s My 11
9.    Come Back To Me
10.  Red Camaro
11.  Little Bit of Everything
12.  Raise ‘Em Up (featuring Eric Church)
13.  Heart Like Mine
FUSE DELUXE EDITION ALSO CONTAINS:
14. Black Leather Jacket
15.  Gonna B Good
16.  Lucky Charm

Chris Tomlin Celebrates Going Gold

/by

Pictured (L to R): Capitol CMG’s Bill Hearn, sixstepsrecords’ Shelley Giglio, Lauren Tomlin, Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio and Capitol CMG’s Peter York. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann

Pictured (L to R): Capitol CMG’s Bill Hearn, sixstepsrecords’ Shelley Giglio, Lauren Tomlin, Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio and Capitol CMG’s Peter York. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann


Singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin has received RIAA Gold certifications for his 2010 Grammy award-winning album And If Our God Is For Us and his 2009 album Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs for Worship.
Tomlin recently commented on the certifications, saying, “I’m so honored to celebrate these two Gold records. It takes an incredible team! My name may be on the plaque, but I know all the work that goes in to it from many, many people and I am so grateful.”
The singer has enjoyed a successful year, celebrating the No. 1 Billboard debut of his latest album Burning Lights, which is the Best Selling Christian Album of 2013 to date. Additionally, Tomlin sold out 25 shows for his Burning Lights Tour in major U.S. markets. His first Live DVD project Burning Lights Deluxe Tour Edition will provide fans with an inside look at the tour and include a copy of the Burning Lights album. The DVD will be released on Oct. 29.
Pictured (L-R): Matt Gilder, Jesse Reeves, Chris Tomlin, Travis Nunn and Daniel Carson. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann

Pictured (L-R): Matt Gilder, Jesse Reeves, Chris Tomlin, Travis Nunn and Daniel Carson. Photo: Mary Caroline Mann


Tomlin will continue his tour in 22 cities this fall.
Burning Lights Tour Fall 2013 Dates
October
Oct. 3 Charlotte, N.C.
Oct. 4 North Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 5 Memphis, Tenn.
Oct. 10 Nashville, Tenn.
Oct. 11 Pensacola, Fla.
Oct. 12 Birmingham, Ala.
Oct. 13 Lexington, Ky.
Oct. 16 Cleveland, Ohio
Oct. 17 Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 18 Chicago
Oct. 19 Johnstown, Pa.
Oct. 20 Raleigh, N.C.
Oct. 24 Grand Rapids, Mich.
Oct. 25 Quad Cities, Ill.
Oct. 26 Milwaukee
Oct. 30 New York, N.Y.
November
Nov. 1 Washington, D.C.
Nov. 2 Boston
Nov. 3 Salisbury, Md.
Nov. 5 Gainesville, Fla.
Nov. 7 Shreveport, La.
Nov. 8 Atlanta

Justin Moore Takes Nashville 'Off The Beaten Path'

/by

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Justin Moore and producer Jeremy Stover at Moore’s album listening partyon Monday night in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Justin Moore and producer Jeremy Stover at Moore’s album listening party on Monday night in Nashville.


Justin Moore gave the Nashville music industry a first listen to his forthcoming album, Off The Beaten Path, on Monday (Aug. 5). Approximately 200 people gathered to hear a slew of tunes off the album, including the duet “Old Habits” featuring Miranda Lambert, “That’s How You Love Me,” “Off The Beaten Path” (which Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta called a “definite single”), the wistful “One Dirt Road” and the humorous song “I’d Want It To Be Yours,” which addresses the “behinds” of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian.
The project’s producer, Jeremy Stover, also co-wrote several songs on Off The Beaten Path. He took a moment to recognize all songwriters that took part in the album. “It has been amazing to watch Justin grow over these three albums. This is an incredible record with some new sounds from Justin. He truly is one of the best male vocalists out there,” said Stover.
Off The Beaten Path releases Sept. 17.