Hendricks Celebrates The Big 5-0

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(L-R): Blake Shelton; Scott Hendricks, Sr. VP of A&R Warner Music Nashville; John Esposito, Pres./CEO Warner Music Nashville

Scott Hendricks, renowned Nashville producer and hit-maker, celebrated his 50th No. 1 with Blake Shelton’s most recent hit single, “Over.” Friends, family, artists and industry members gathered Thurs. (9/13) at a surprise party to honor the industry veteran at Warner Music Nashville’s offices on Music Row.

Blake is one of many artists Hendricks has worked with over his prestigious career. Since taking the helm of Warner Music Nashville’s A&R office, he has produced Shelton’s last three studio records, which includes the Grammy-nominated album, Red River Blue, and seven consecutive No.1s.

The celebration marked a significant milestone reminding us of the magnitude of Hendricks’ contributions to country music. Among guests in attendance to congratulate Hendricks were Ronnie Dunn, Naomi Judd and Blake Shelton. Nashville’s Mayor, Karl Dean presented Hendricks with a Certificate of Recognition Award honoring his many years of service to Nashville. Several friends and colleagues also took the stage to honor Hendricks including Butch Waugh on behalf of ACM, CMA’s Steve Moore, CRB’s Bill Mayne and Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton.

The Recording Academy’s Susan Stewart, BMI’s Jody Williams, EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran and This Music’s Rusty Gaston all spoke on behalf of Hendricks’ kind and supportive nature, sense of humor and humble gratitude for those he’s worked with over the years. A very moved Hendricks also received special video messages from Multi-Platinum country recording artist Deana Carter and executive Tim Dubois.

“It was an overwhelming and humbling night to say the least. This was not possible without a lot of help from so many people starting with my family, the songwriters, publishers, musicians, engineers and the efforts of the labels to promote it. I have truly been blessed far more than what I deserve,” said Hendricks.

(L-R): Scott Hendricks, Naomi Judd

(L-R): Ronnie Dunn, Scott Hendricks

Scott Hendricks’ 50 No. 1 Songs

1. “I’ll Still Be Loving You”/Restless Heart
2. “That Rock Won’t Roll”/Restless Heart
3. “Why Does It Have To Be”/Restless Heart
4. “Wheels”/Restless Heart
5. “A Tender Lie”/Restless Heart
6. “Bluest Eyes In Texas”/Restless Heart
7. “Fast Movin’ Train”/Restless Heart
8. “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow”/Alan Jackson
9. “Here In The Real World”/Alan Jackson
10. “Wanted”/Alan Jackson
11. “Don’t Rock The Jukebox”/Alan Jackson
12. “Brand New Man”/Brooks & Dunn
13. “My Next Broken Heart”/Brooks & Dunn
14. “Someday”/Alan Jackson
15. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”/Brooks & Dunn
16. “Love’s Got A Hold On You”/Alan Jackson
17. “Neon Moon”/Brooks & Dunn
18. “Dallas”/Alan Jackson
19. “The Tips Of My Fingers”/Steve Wariner
20. “I Swear”/John Michael Montgomery
21. “She Used To Be Mine”/Brooks & Dunn
22. “We’ll Burn That Bridge”/Brooks & Dunn
23. “Tender Moment”/Lee Roy Parnell
24. “Tonight I Climbed The Wall”/Alan Jackson
25. “Wild One”/Faith Hill
26. “She’s Not The Cheatin’ Kind”/Brooks & Dunn
27. “Be My Baby Tonight”/John Michael Montgomery
28. “That Ain’t No Way To Go”/Brooks & Dunn
29. “Piece Of My Heart”/Faith Hill
30. “If You’ve Got Love”/John Michael Montgomery
31. “I’m Holding My Own”/Lee Roy Parnell
32. “It Matters To Me”/Faith Hill
33. “Sold”/John Michael Montgomery
34. “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”/Brooks & Dunn
35. “Little Miss Honky Tonk”/Brooks & Dunn
36. “A Little Bit Of You”/Lee Roy Parnell
37. “I Can Love You Like That”/John Michael Montgomery
38. “Home”/Alan Jackson
39. “Heart’s Desire”/Lee Roy Parnell
40. “Long As I Live”/John Michael Montgomery
41. “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing”/Trace Adkins
42. “I Left Something Turned On At Home”/Trace Adkins
43. “She Wouldn’t Be Gone”/Blake Shelton
44. “Hillbilly Bone”/Blake Shelton
45. “All About Tonight”/Blake Shelton
46. “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”/Blake Shelton
47. “Honey Bee”/Blake Shelton
48. “God Gave Me You”/Blake Shelton
49. “Drink On It”/Blake Shelton
50. “Over”/Blake Shelton

(L-R): John Esposito, Pres./CEO Warner Music Nashville; Scott Hendricks, Sr. VP of A&R Warner Music Nashville; Peter Strickland, Sr. VP Brand Management & Sales, Warner Music Nashville

Music City Walk of Fame to Induct Kings of Leon

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Nashville’s own homegrown rockstars the Kings of Leon will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame, presented by Gibson guitar, on Friday, September 21 at 1 pm in Walk of Fame Park. The induction ceremony, sponsored by GAC, is free and open to the public.

“The Music City Walk of Fame was created to recognize artists who have made contributions to all music genres and who have a strong connection to Nashville,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Kings of Leon was created and discovered in Nashville, and the band still proudly calls the city home. They are a perfect example of what this project is all about — local musicians who transcend genre to produce great music loved by all.”

The Southern rock outfit, comprised of Followill brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared, as well as first cousin Matthew Followill, formed in 2000 and released its debut album Youth and Young Manhood in 2003. The group’s fourth album Only By The Night, released in 2008, catapulted the band into stardom with hits such as “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” The Kings’ latest album Come Around Sundown was released in 2010.

The Music City Walk of Fame was started in the fall of 2006 to honor those from all genres who have made significant contributions to the musical history of Nashville. KOL’s star is the 61st to be added.

Show Dog-Universal Signs Josh Thompson

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Pictured Front Row: SDUs Tom Baldrica, Rick Hughes, Cliff Audretch, Wright, Thompson, CreekHouse Entertainment's Julianne Drenon, SDUs Bill Kennedy and Rick Moxley. Back Row: William Morris' Lane Wilson, SDUs George Nunes, Laurie Gore, Cat Covell, Macy Morgenthaler, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Jordon Hall, Nathan Cruise and Natalie Moore

Show Dog-Universal Music President, Mark Wright, announced today (9/17) that Josh Thompson has signed an exclusive recording contract with the label.

Thompson was previously signed to Columbia records where he released his debut album, Way Out Here, in 2009. The record produced three singles, “Beer on the Table,” “Way Out Here,” “Won’t Be Lonely Long.” Thompson, along with label mate Miranda Lambert transitioned to RCA records when the Columbia imprint restructured in 2011. He most recently released a single to radio titled, “Comin’ Around.”

Thompson joins existing Show Dog-Universal roster including Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, JT Hodges, Jessie James, and Rose Falcon.

 

Artist Updates (9/17/12)

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L–R: Desmond Howard, Chesney, Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstriet

On Saturday (9/15), Kenny Chesney attended the annual SEC rivalry football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators. Earlier that day, Chesney joined the ESPN College Gameday Crew to discuss the upcoming gridiron action of the day.

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L–R: abe Witcher, Chris Eldridge, Leslie Fram (SVP of Music Strategy, CMT), Chris Thile, Martin Clayton (VP of CMT.com), Paul Kowart and Noam Pikelny

Punch Brothers stopped by CMT’s studios in Nashville last week (9/14) to celebrate the launch of the network’s new music discovery website, CMTedge.com. The band performed before an invitation-only crowd, and their performance was taped to air later this fall exclusively on CMT Edge.

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L–R: ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski, Tim Easton, Matt Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Clay Cook and ASCAP's Mike Sistad

ASCAP’s September showcase at the Bluebird featured Old Dominion bandmates and co-writers Matt Ramsey and Trevor Rosen, Zac Brown Band member and celebrated Nashville songwriter Clay Cook, and Americana troubadour Tim Easton. This month’s edition of ASCAP’s long-running showcase series helped kick off Americana Music Festival week and continued the year-long celebration of The Bluebird Cafe’s 30th birthday. For more information, please visit www.bluebirdcafe.com.

NSAI World’s Largest No. 1 Party Today

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is hosting its annual World’s Largest No. 1 Party today (9/17) from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Due to inclement weather, the event which was originally scheduled to be held outdoors, has been relocated to Regions Bank, Music Row, 1600 Division St.

Awards will be presented to almost 100 songwriters whose compositions achieved charttopping status in a variety of music genres between July 2011 and June 2012. Other honors to be handed out include the Community Ambassador Award, Stephen Foster Award, President’s Choice Award, and Maggie Cavender Award.

Among the presenters will be U.S. Register of Copyrights Maria Pallante, who was invited to Nashville by NSAI for meetings this week.

The Label Boutique Celebrates First Anniversary

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Pictured (L-R): Renee Layher, Gary Allan, and Monica Thompson. Photo: Jim Shea

Gary Allan celebrated the one-year anniversary of his chic menswear store, The Label, by hosting a fashionable soiree with his stylist and store partner Renee Layher this past Thursday evening (9/13).

Guests included the legendary Manuel, rocker Adrian Belew, store clients, designers, family and friends at the store’s 12th Ave. South storefront in Nashville. Allan performed an acoustic set, including a few of his hits and new single, “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).”

The Label offers cutting-edge suit designs, fine denim, dress shirts, and vests from designers including, Tony Sartino (Prince, Kings of Leon, Bon Jovi and Goo Goo Dolls), Logan Riese, Prophetik by local designer Jeff Garner, Moods of Norway, Demon Riff leathers, and Robin’s Jeans. Many designers are sold exclusively in the Southeast at The Label. Personal styling is also available.

Since its opening, the storefront has been patronized by musicians including The Band Perry, Kellie Pickler with husband Kyle Jacobs, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Martina McBride, Jake Owen and rockers Axl Rose, Joe Walsh, Journey and The Moody Blues.

For additional information, please visit www.thelabelnashville.com.

Industry Ink (9/17/12)

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(L-R): Terry Hicks, Co-owner Gasohol Music Publishing; Jamie Teachenor (seated); Joe West, Co-owner/President Gasohol Music Publishing

Newly-formed Gasohol Music Publishing, co-owned by Joe West and Terry Hicks, has signed singer/songwriter Jamie Teachenor to an exclusive global publishing agreement. Teachenor has written songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry and many more, as well as performed on Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show and more.

Teachenor also had a top 20 hit with “How Do You Get That Lonely,” which was included (along with the song’s story) in the 2011 book Chicken Soup For The Soul: Country Music Edition. His debut album, The Departure, is available now.

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Chris Keaton has launched his imprint labels LML Music/Chris Keaton Presents and LML Music/Nashville in conjunction with parent company LML Music headed by Lee Lessack. LML/Nashville will focus on country artists, and its first signing is Marty Falle.

(L-R): Chris Keaton, artist Marty Falle and ASCAP's Mike Sistad

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Blue Sky Riders recently gave a special performance at Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) offices in Burbank, CA, to celebrate a new agreement with the company. ADA will distribute the trio’s forthcoming album Finally Home, due for release January 22, 2013.

(L-R): Blue Sky Riders members Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman, and Gary Burr.

Name Change For Law Firm HBSS

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Law firm Hall Booth Smith & Slover, P.C. is changing its name to Hall Booth Smith, P.C. following the departures of Jack G. Slover, Jr. and Jon Marigliano. The exiting pair are forming a new firm that will focus on nursing home and medical malpractice cases.

“We have great respect for Jack and Jon and I speak for our team of more than 200 employees when I say we all wish them well,” said Managing Partner Alex Booth. “While we will miss practicing law with them, they will continue as our good friends.”

“I am proud of our firm over the past twenty four years,” said Slover. “While this is a new adventure for Jon and me, we are fortunate to have many fond memories and friendships to take with us.”

With over twenty years of experience, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. is a full-service law firm and has eight regional offices in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and the country of Georgia. Veteran entertainment attorney Karl Braun opened the Nashville office in 2002.

‘American Idol’ Judging Panel Includes Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj

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The long speculated new American Idol judging panel has now been confirmed, with Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj joining superstar Mariah Carey and returning judge Randy Jackson for the show’s 12th season set to debut in January 2013.

“With the exciting addition of Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj, alongside Randy Jackson, American Idol’s star power has never been so great,” said Idol Executive Producer Simon Fuller in a statement. “For this we have to thank the ongoing commitment and belief of Fox and the dedication and focus of the Idol production team. We have all been together since the very beginning and we are focused on making Idol season 12 the best ever.”
Urban was long rumored to be in the running for a spot at the Idol table, and will likely help increase Nashville’s overall visibility (in addition to his own) with the high-profile TV gig. Urban also recently stepped down from his judging spot on The Voice Australia.
“It’s really an honor to have been invited to be a part of the American Idol family,” said Urban of the announcement. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone and to seeing the same passion that I have for music in all of the participants.”
Idol hopefuls will begin meeting the four judges and host Ryan Seacrest today (9/16) at auditions in New York City. Other audition stops include Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge, and Oklahoma City.

Ryan Seacrest tweeted pic stating, "After some musical chairs, here's how the new American Idol judges will be seated."

Bentley Plays Songwriters Show, Visits NYC School

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L–R: Bob DiPiero, Dierks Bentley, Jaren Johnston, and Jim Beavers gather before their CMA Songwriters Series performance at New York City's Joe's Pub.

The CMA Songwriters Series returned to New York City’s Joe’s Pub last night (9/13) with two sold out shows featuring three-time 2012 CMA Award nominee Dierks Bentley, songwriters Jim Beavers and Jaren Johnston, and Songwriters Hall of Fame member and CMA Songwriters Series host Bob DiPiero.

Bentley spent the day leading up to the show with students from P.S. 103, The Hector Fontanez School, in the Bronx. He met with the fourth-grade class and toured two music rooms, which were completely outfitted with instruments and supplies, provided by a $20,000 donation from The CMA Foundation and the CMA Keep the Music Playing program.

“This program was conceived by our artist community,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. “So, it is terrific when our artists are able to visit the schools we support and see firsthand the impact these instruments have on the lives of the students and teachers.”

Bentley will also appear in CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock airing Monday Sept. 17 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. Co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry, the three-hour special features the A to Z of Country Music’s hottest stars with a concert lineup including: Jason Aldean, Kix Brooks, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Hank Williams Jr., and Zac Brown Band.

L–R: NAfME Director of Strategic Relationships, Victoria Chamberlain; ETM Executive Sirector, Katherine Dahkohler; P.S. 103 Principal, Farid Reyes; Bentley; ETM Program Director, Pete Pauliks; CMA Community Outreach Manager, Matt Seaton; and NAfME Assistant Executive Director, Jane Mell Balek.