Jamey Johnson to Launch New Album With Ryman Concert

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Singer/songwriter Jamey Johnson will celebrate his new album Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran with a release-day concert at the Ryman Auditorium Tuesday, Oct 16 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature Johnson with a very a special group of friends yet to be announced.

Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran, which will be released on vinyl one week later on Sept. 25, includes collaborations with artists like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Alison Krauss, Leon Russell, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Ray Price. The album also features Asleep at the Wheel, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Ronnie Dunn, Bobby Bare, Lee Ann Womack, Kris Kristofferson and Cochran himself.

Tickets for the Ryman show will go on sale this Friday (9/7) at 10 am. To purchase ticket please visit www.ryman.com.

New Owner For Dick Clark Productions, Team Behind ACM Awards

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Dick Clark Productions, the company which produces the Academy of Country Music Awards, will be sold to a group which includes Guggenheim Partners, reports the LA Times.

Guggenheim also has stakes in Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, AdWeek and the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to the Times it is likely that Billboard and AdWeek’s awards shows will soon be produced by DCP and that current DCP chief executive Mark Shapiro will exit.

DCP also produces The Golden Globes, The American Music Awards, and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance.

Joining Guggenheim in the purchase of DCP are Mandalay Entertainment and Mosaic Media Investment Partners. The deal is believed to be worth $385 million, a price much higher than competing bids placed by CBS, Core Media Group, and a consortium led by Ryan Seacrest.

Sound Kitchen Hosting Annual Veterans Benefit Concert

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Sound Kitchen Studios will host the 5th Annual We Are Building Lives benefit concert on Saturday, September 8. Emceed by WKRN’s Neil Orne, the event furthers Building Lives Foundation’s mission of assisting Nashville’s homeless veterans with mentoring, health and psychological care, transportation, housing and more. The VIP experience begins at 5:30 pm, and General Admission guests will be admitted at 7 pm.

Artists scheduled to perform include 3 Doors Down, singer/author Keni Thomas, Songwriters Matt Rogers, Gary Ray, Josh Dunne, Ward Davis, and Brian Callihan with a special appearance by Rob Rappaport. There will also be a charity auction, with items including a military-themed guitar signed by all performers. Tickets are $125 apiece and can be purchased here.

Songwriting Great Hal David Passes

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Hal David at the Songwriters Hall of Fame dinner in New York in 2011. Photo: Charles Sykes/AP

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hal David has died at age 91.

Due to a series of strokes, he had been in ill health for several months. He died on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Lyricist Hal David is best known for many huge pop hits by artists such as Dionne Warwick, Gene Pitney, Dusty Springfield and B.J. Thomas that he co-wrote with Burt Bacharach. Their Broadway musical Promises, Promises won Tony Awards, and their “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” earned the team an Oscar.

But David’s catalog also includes a string of country successes in Nashville, including the evergreen “Sea of Heartbreak.” Several of these were written with collaborators other than Bacharach.

The Brooklyn native began his career as a journalist writing for the New York Post. Hal David is the younger brother of lyricist Mack David, and he began getting his earliest songs recorded in the late 1940s. Hal David co-wrote a number of successes before teaming up with Bacharach in 1957, including hits for Sammy Kaye, Frank Sinatra and Teresa Brewer. The first big Bacharach/David hit was the No. 1 country song “The Story of My Life,” sung by Marty Robbins in 1958.

The collaborators hit their stride in the 1960s, creating a staggering number of modern pop classics – “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” “Alfie,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Walk on By,” “What’s New Pussycat,” “This Guy’s in Love with You,” “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “Make it Easy on Yourself,” “The Look of Love,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Wives and Lovers,” “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” “Blue on Blue,” “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself.” “A House Is Not a Home.” “Always Something There to Remind Me.” “Message to Michael,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” and more.

A number of Mack David’s lyrics became popular in Nashville along the way. In addition to “The Story of My Life” and “Sea of Heartbreak” (originally sung by Don Gibson), “Only Love Can Break a Heart” (Sonny James), “Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa” (Randy Barlow) and “I Say a Little Prayer” (Glen Campbell & Anne Murray) all became country favorites.

After the Bacharach partnership was suspended in 1973, Hal David began traveling to Nashville to collaborate on songs. He co-wrote such chart-topping country hits as “It Was Almost Like a Song” (Ronnie Milsap) and “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” (Willie Nelson & Julio Iglesias).

Dottie West, Lynn Anderson, Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee, Wynonna Judd, Bobby Goldsboro, The Anita Kerr Singers, The Everly Brothers, Billie Jo Spears, Tony Joe White, Nat Stuckey, Chet Atkins, Bobbie Gentry, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ray Stevens, Ferlin Husky, Barbara Mandrell, Merle Haggard, Highway 101, Rosanne Cash and Alan Jackson have all recorded David’s songs.

Hal David served as the president of ASCAP in 1980-86. He was inducted into the national Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972, was given a 1997 Trustees Award by the Recording Academy and received his star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011. His induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame occurred in 1984.

In May, he and Bacharach received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize during a White House tribute concert. President Obama presented the honor. Due to his illness, David was unable to attend. His wife/widow Eunice David accepted on his behalf.

Rucker Helps Launch Fantasy Football League

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Darius Rucker has helped launch Pigskin Fantasy U (PFU), which brings a fun new twist to college fantasy sports. The league allows participants to draft entire teams to create their roster.

The concept is very simple, making it fun for college football fans of all levels. During an online, real-time draft, participants select teams to make-up their roster for the season. Each week, the participant selects teams to either start or bench. Points are given when a starting team wins.

“I can’t wait for football season to start,” said PFU Celebrity Commissioner Rucker. Rucker, a University of South Carolina graduate and avid Gamecocks fan continued, “Watching games on Saturday is one of my favorite things to do and adding Pigskin Fantasy U to the mix is going to be awesome. My buddies and I needed another reason to talk about football and trash talk each other.”

PFU resides at www.PigskinFantasyU.com, where you can start or join a league for free through Oct. 31, long after the season starts. When you start your own league, you set your own rules regarding the number of teams each person drafts, whether you play a head-to-head or one-vs.-all format, as well as many other options. The live, online draft feature lets friends and foes alike join together from far away places.

Artist Updates (8/31/12)

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David Nail recently announced his stripped down fall tour, which kicks off Sept. 6 in Cincinnati. But good luck getting into the Oct. 20 show at Chicago’s Joe’s Bar, which is already sold out weeks ahead of time. “When my manager called me to tell me, I thought he was putting me on,” says Nail. “But he was saying, ‘Don’t be thinking about putting too many people on the guest list… it’s sold all the way out!’ Which floored me, cause we’ve been going there and the fans are unbelievable… and so into music; but you don’t think in terms of people not being able to get a ticket!” Full dates here.

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Claudia Lee

Singer/actress Claudia Lee has been cast in the Universal Pictures action film Kick-Ass 2: Balls to the Wall, which is based on the second volume of the comic book series by Mark Millar. Production will begin in September, with a reported June 2013 release date, and the film will be directed by Jeff Wadlow. Lee will play Brooke, the ringleader of a school posse. The singer currently co-stars as Magnolia Breeland on the CW Network series Hart of Dixie, and her debut country album Here Right Now was released in February 2012.

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Dan Rather will join Willie Nelson for a special broadcast of AXS TV’s “Dan Rather Reports” from Austin City Limits Live, where the two will discuss the changing landscape of the music business. Also appearing will be newcomer Kat Edmonson, plus Marc Geiger, and NPR’s Bob Boilen. The show airs Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 8 pm/ET on AXS TV.

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Rachele Lynae

Newcomer Rachele Lynae is giving fans a special preview of her album before it officially lands in October. Starting today (8/31), fans can visit Country Weekly’s Facebook page and click on the “7 Free Songs” tab at the top. Complete the signup form to have the first free song delivered via email. Six additional songs will be delivered, one per day, for a full week of music.

No. 1 Party: Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0”

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(l-r): Jim Beavers, Dierks Bentley and Brett Beavers. Photo: Ed Rode

ASCAP Nashville’s Marc Driskill welcomed a crowd to celebrate Dierks Bentley’s No. 1 hit “5-1-5-0″ yesterday (8/30) at the newly expanded Tin Roof on Demonbreun in Nashville. “5-1-5-0,” which the singer co-wrote with Jim Beavers and Brett Beavers, marks Bentley’s 10th No. 1, all of which were co-written by Bentley with one or both of the brothers.

BMI’s Clay Bradley noted the brothers have accumulated 16 No. 1s between the two—seven for Jim, nine for Brett—as he presented No. 1 cups to the writers.

Capitol Records Nashville Sr. VP of Promotion Steve Hodges encouraged the writers for 10 more hits before presenting them with the infamous Capitol Records impaler awards. Other Capitol staffers, Shane Allen, Tom Becci, and Cindy Mabe were called to the stage to present a special 10th No. 1 plaque to Bentley.

Producers Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten received special plaques from ASCAP and Daniel Lee of BMG Chrysalis reminisced about Bentley’s last No. 1, “Home.”

“Jim is a character,” teased presenter Sony/ATV’s Terry Wakefield, referring to the memorably funny hits like “5-1-5-0” and “Red Solo Cup.”

“Ten years ago, Brett introduced me to Dierks at Pie Wagon,” recalled Jim Beavers. “Dierks changed my life, and my family’s life. But something to remember, is this song is the most hyphenated song title since ‘D-I-V-O-R-C-E.’”

“Today I reminisced, driving up 4th and 5th Ave downtown,” said Bentley after thanking his manager and publicist Mary Hilliard Harrington of the Greenroom. “My experience in Nashville has been like songwriting. I didn’t come to this town with a hook, but have collected certain lines that meant something. And when you put each song together, they tell a story of my career.”

Dierks delivered special plaques to individuals who contributed to the success of the single, including label staff and the writer and production team.

Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a financial contribution on behalf of each writer towards the Dierks Foundation’s Miles and Music for Kids. Brandi Simms offered the writers CMA Medallions to which the writers accepted with a collective cheer of ooh’s and awe’s. Bill Mayne presented the CRB No. 1 awards.

ICM Awards Final Nominees Announced

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The final nominees for the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards have been announced, and Christian country singers Chuck Day and Tommy Brandt are leading the crowd with five and four respective nominations apiece. The annual awards event is scheduled for 7 pm Thursday, October 18 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. See full list of nominees here.

Entertainer of the Year
Chuck Day
Laura Dodd
Steve Richard
The Roys
Tommy Brandt

Male Vocalist
Chuck Day
Chuck Hancock
Lucas Hoge
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Aubree Bullock
Kali Rose
Larissa
Laura Dodd
Mary James

Vocal Duo
Branded
Bruce & Betsy Mullen
Chuck Day with James Payne
Joey + Rory
The Roys

Vocal Group or Band
Crawford Crossing
CrossCountry The Band
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Last Light Band
Sunday Drive

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“Between Sundays” – DJ Miller
“I’m Gonna Love You Through It” – Martina McBride
“That’s Why I Pray” – Big & Rich
“Threaten Me With Heaven” – Vince Gill
“Time Is Love” – Josh Turner

Mainstream Country Artist
Alan Jackson
Jeff Bates
Josh Turner
Scotty McCreery
Vince Gill

Christian/Inspirational Country Song
“I Am Pretty” – Laura Dodd
“In The Shadow Of My Steeple” – Aubree Bullock
“Jesus Is Enough” – Russ Murphy
“Toothbrush” – Steve Richard
“While I Still Can” – Greg McDougal

Songwriter (TIE)
Chuck Day
Chuck Hancock
Geoffrey Andrews
Paul Staggs of Branded
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt

Video
“I’m Gonna Love You Through It” – Martina McBride
“God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton
“Like My Mother Does” – Lauren Alaina
“Love’s Gotta Go Somewhere” – Steve Richard
“That’s Why I Pray” – Big & Rich

New Artist
Geoffrey Andrews
Larissa
Rachel Holder
Scott Steele
Wade Hammond

Industry Ink (8/31/12)

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Lance Carpenter stopped by the ASCAP offices last week to celebrate his recently inked publishing agreement with Songs of Bigger Picture. In recent years ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel has worked with the songwriter to help him develop his craft.

Pictured (l-r): ASCAP's Ryan Beuschel, Songs of Bigger Picture's Jason Campbell, Lance Carpenter, and Songs of Bigger Picture's Jeff Carlton and Nicholas Garvin

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Republic Nashville Promotion Coordinator Kathleen Drosey is relocating to Louisville, KY with her fiance, and has accepted a new position with Church Hill Downs.

“We are both Wilkes-Barre, PA natives, so I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Kathleen for many years,” says Republic Nashville President/BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen. “She was here in the Ape den from day one and while we’ll certainly miss her, we are excited as she enters the next wonderful chapter of her life.”

Republic Nashville is currently seeking candidates to fill the position. Resumes can be sent to National Director of Promotion Matthew Hargis here.

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has opened online registration for its September international panel, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17, 4-6 pm at Cabana Restaurant. Attendance is free for AIMP members and $40 for guests. Visit www.aimp.org to register.

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Music industry veteran April Potter Holleman has launched Creative Vision Entertainment in Hendersonville, TN. The new company specializes in tour booking, artist management, and song publishing. Clients include American Idol finalist Phil Stacey, FFH, The Ball Brothers, John Lemonis, the Browders, and Crosby Lane.

April Potter Holleman has over 16 years experience in the music industry, including time in booking with the Harper Agency and owning her own April Potter Agency. She has also worked in management, consulting, promotion, and publishing. Email her at [email protected] or visit www.creativevisionentertainment.com.

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San Francisco native Lara Johnston has been named the winner of the inaugural Unsigned Only Music Competition, as her song “K.I.S.S.” was chosen out of nearly 7500 entries worldwide. Judges included Cyndi Lauper, St. Vincent, Kenny Rogers, 3 Doors Down, and more. As the winner, Johnston will be mentored by a group of music industry executives for guidance in her career. More information here.

Wake Up Nashville Announces Event, Opens Songwriting Contest

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The second annual Wake Up Nashville event will take place at 7 pm, Sept. 21 at Marathon Music Works. Headlined by Jimmy Wayne, the fundraising event benefits Wake Up Narcolepsy, a national non-profit dedicated to building awareness of narcolepsy and raising funds to find a cure for this debilitating, life-long condition.

Additionally, until Sept. 12, unsigned artists will have the opportunity to submit their original songs to Wake Up Nashville’s songwriting contest for a $25 donation. Performers and publishers at Nashville’s Savannah Music Group will review the submitted song and select a winner. The winning artist will have the opportunity to perform his or her original work alongside Jimmy Wayne. The top 10 submissions will be recorded on a CD created for the event.

“Music Row can be a challenging environment for aspiring artists to get a fair hearing,” said Bob Saporiti, General Manager of Savannah Music Group. “Wake Up Nashville offers these artists a one-of-a-kind ‘audition,’ and at the same time raises much needed awareness and funds for a very worthy cause. And the chance to perform their song alongside successful songwriters and artists, as well as being exposed to the other industry elite in attendance – well, this is something really special!”

To enter the songwriting contest, or purchase a ticket for the event, visit: WakeUpNarcolepsy.org.