The 1861 Project Offers Companion Concert and Documentary

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Nashville’s ambitious The 1861 Project has unveiled its second phase, a companion concert and documentary called The 1861 Project Live. The downloadable in-concert presentation of the album also features documentary footage and interviews about the project’s creation. The 1861 Project, a musical concept about the American Civil War, debuted in 2011.

“The 1861 Project Live is a natural extension and a direct result of the success we’ve had with the CD,” says Project producer/songwriter Thomm Jutz. “In the live setting, people have been connecting with these songs and these stories in a way that is immediate and really gratifying.”

Joining Jutz for performances of these songs are some of Nashville’s finest including bassist Mark Fain (Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton) and multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses (Ricky Skaggs, Dan Tyminski Band), along with drummer Lynn Williams (Delbert McClinton, Lee Roy Parnell, John Hiatt). Singers performing songs from the CD include Irene Kelley (“Horse Without A Rider”), Stan Webb (“That’s Me”), J.T. Brown (“Freedom Train”), and The Melby Sisters (“The South’s On Fire”).

Topspin and MTV Networks Partner For New Initiative

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Nashville-based Topspin has announced a partnership to connect its direct-to-fan platform to the users of MTV’s network of television, mobile, and web properties. Participants will have multiple opportunities through MTV, VH1 and CMT to grow their fanbase and generate income.

The new initiative, Artists.MTV, gives artists direct access to their MTV presence and lets them connect directly with MTV’s millions of users. Artist pages on the website have been redesigned to allow fans to discover new music, plus buy tickets, merchandise, and more. Musicians of all levels, from famous to unknown, will have access to it.

Artists.MTV will also provide artists opportunities on MTV, VH1, and CMT for video and audio views to song placement in shows and even more. Topspin’s tools are built right in, which marks the first time at major outlet has given artists this level of control.

The program is expected to launch in June 2012, but artists will be able to check out a private beta trial starting in May. Current Topspin customers will automatically be signed up.

Nashvillians the Crickets Headed To Rock Hall of Fame

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Middle Tennesseans Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis and Joe B. Mauldin will be among those entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month.

They are being inducted, along with the late Nikki Sullivan, as members of The Crickets. They recorded such hits as “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” with Buddy Holly. Following his 1959 death, the band continued to tour and record well into the 1990s. See full bio here. The Crickets were inducted into Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame in 2008.

The band is among several being honored with special inductions, including The Miracles, The Comets, The Blue Caps, The Famous Flames and The Midnighters.

The six bands will be entering the Hall of Fame alongside the previously announced “regular” inductees the Beastie Boys, Donovan, Guns N’ Roses, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Small Faces/The Faces, plus Freddie King as an early influence and non performers Don Kirshner, Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns.

The frontmen of all six bands have already been enshrined as solo members of the Hall. The Crickets’ Buddy Holly and The Famous Flames’ James Brown were inducted in 1986. The Miracles’ Smoky Robinson and The Comets’ Bill Haley were inducted in 1987. Hank Ballard of The Midnighters joined the Hall in 1980, and Gene Vincent was inducted in 1998 without his Blue Caps.

The six new inductions are the result of “a special Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee review,” according to a recent press release from the organization. The bands’ names will be placed alongside their lead singers.

“These inductees are pioneers in the development of the music we call rock and roll,” said Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “As part of our mission to recognize the most impactful, innovative and influential artists in rock, the committee brought forth these six groups who belong in the Hall of Fame.”

This month’s Goldmine magazine says that these six inductions, “right some pretty serious wrongs.” The magazine and its readers have frequently criticized the Hall of Fame for its oversights.

Among those often cited as being repeatedly overlooked by the Hall are Chicago, Kiss, Linda Ronstadt, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Rush, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, The Moody Blues, The Monkees, The Clovers, Deep Purple, The Guess Who, Heart, Grand Funk Railroad, Bon Jovi and The Doobie Brothers. None of them have been made Hall of Fame members. Until now, The Miracles and The Crickets were on this list as well.

Other Nashville-area residents who are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame include Duane Eddy, Brenda Lee, Little Richard, The Everly Brothers, Bob Gaudio (4 Seasons), Felix Cavaliere (Rascals), Bernie Leadon (Eagles), Steve Cropper (MGs), Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana.

The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions will take place in Cleveland’s Public Hall on Saturday, April 14.

Inaugural Rising Women on the Row Event Celebrates Business Leaders

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MusicRow’s inaugural Rising Women on the Row event, sponsored by City National Bank and held earlier today (March 16) at Maggiano’s Little Italy, honored five women from different segments of Nashville’s music industry: The Greenroom owner Mary Hilliard Harrington, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Loeb & Loeb’s Denise Stevens, Sony Music Nashville’s Heather McBee, and Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace.

The sold-out breakfast event was created to recognize women who are becoming visionary leaders in Nashville’s music industry through their dedication, innovation, and contributions.

MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson welcomed the guests and revealed the inspiration behind its creation. “My Grandmother was the most influential person in my life, and she made an impression on me as a kid with all of the struggles she faced as a woman in both her career and role as a single mother. With the platform we have at MusicRow, I knew I wanted to join my staff and do something special to salute and honor the women on Music Row who are making a difference.”

Holly Bell of event sponsor City National Bank noted the female forebears in Nashville who paved the way for today’s leaders. “Today’s honorees continue a longstanding tradition,” she said. Bell also offered a gift from Tiffany for each of the honorees.

Kay West

Robertson introduced the guest speaker, journalist Kay West, whom he lauded for her efforts to help friends and serve as a women’s advocate.

West recalled when she moved to Nashville in 1981 to work in publicity at RCA Records under Joe Galante and Randy Goodman. There were several females in high-powered executive roles at the time, like Connie Bradley at ASCAP, Donna Hilley at Tree, Frances Preston at BMI, Jo Walker Meador at the CMA, and Maggie Cavendar at NSAI. Preston had quite an impact on West, extending her friendship and mentoring the newly arrived publicist. It was a gesture West never forgot.

“After that, I could never say no to Frances Preston,” she explained.

On that point, she urged the honorees and experienced members of the audience to set aside a non-billable hour to spend mentoring a young woman new to the scene.

One by one, the five deserving women were presented their honors. First to take the stage was Mary Hilliard Harrington, whose company Greenroom handles publicity campaigns for Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, and more. Harrington is also a member of the board of directors for both the ACM and CMA. She was quick to give credit to her staff. “Thanks to the girls in my office. They are all badasses and make me look good every day, and to my artists who believe in me as much as I believe in them.”

(L-R): MusicRow's Sarah Skates, honoree Shannan Hatch, MusicRow's Sherod Robertson, honorees Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, and Denise Stevens. Not pictured: honoree Carla Wallace

Next up was SESAC Sr. Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Shannan Hatch, who joined the organization 10 years ago. During her time with the performing rights organization, she has brought in hit songwriters including Monty Powell, Craig Campbell, Jon Stone and Rob Hatch. “I’m used to being on the other side of the award process,” said Hatch. “Thanks to MusicRow. It’s an honor to be part of this creative group. Thanks to SESAC and Tim Fink, who hired me.”

The third honoree was Sony Music Nashville VP of Artist Development/Marketing & Web Initiatives Heather McBee, who has risen through the major label’s ranks to her current post. Like West, she said mentorship was a key component of her professional development. “It can be a challenging industry,” said McBee. “But I must acknowledge the amazing people that I believed in and more importantly, they believed in me along the way. Find those mentors. Be curious and remember what you are passionate about.”

Attorney Denise Stevens was the fourth honoree, and as the Senior Counsel for Loeb & Loeb her accomplishments include drafting the Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act for NSAI and due diligence and analysis for Warner Music Group’s sale to Access Industries. She also serves clients like Carrie Underwood, Wynonna, and Loretta Lynn. “I’m humbled and inspired by this event,” said Stevens. “There is so much talent in this room.”

The final nominee was Big Yellow Dog Publishing Owner and Creative Director Carla Wallace, who was in Austin at SXSW. She sent her colleague Sarah Johnson to accept on her behalf, who relayed a message to the crowd “I’m honored to share in this ceremony,” said Johnson, “and would like to thank so many women who have shared and touched my life.”

Attendees enjoyed a breakfast buffet of southwest-style potatoes, bacon, eggs, fruit, muffins and bottomless cups of coffee and closed the proceedings with a standing ovation for all the 2012 Rising Women on the Row honorees.

Artist News (3/16/12)

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Country music legend Willie Nelson and nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow have been added to the stellar lineup for the “We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash” concert on April 20, 2012 in Austin, TX. They join previously announced performers Kris Kristofferson, Chris Cornell, Ronnie Dunn, John Hiatt, Amy Lee, Shooter Jennings, Lucinda Williams, Ray LaMontagne and Jamey Johnson who are gathering to celebrate the life and legacy of Johnny Cash.

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Lucedale, MS native Brandon Green was recently handpicked by Keith Urban as the winner of Guitar Center’s “Your Next Record” competition, which earned Green the right to work with Urban and Grammy-winning producer Dann Huff on a musical project. Green’s debut EP Love Lovin’ You is available in the iTunes store now.

(L-R): Huff, Green, Urban

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Country star Randy Houser and wife Jessa Lee Houser welcomed their first child, a baby boy, into the world on March 6. He weighed in at 6 lbs., 11 oz.

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Meghan Linsey, the female half of duo Steel Magnolia recently participated in “A Night To Make It Right” for Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Ellen DeGeneres hosted the event, which also attracted co-hosts Drew Brees and Randy Jackson, plus Angelina Jolie, Sean Penn, Morgan Freeman, Blake Lively, Octavia Spencer, Robert DeNiro, Kevin Spacey. Performers included Dr. John, Seal, Sheryl Crow, Kanye West, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg and Soul Rebels.

L-R: Brad Pitt, Virginia Crawford, Meghan Linsey

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Larry Gatlin is back in the media spotlight this week with national television appearances on the Fox News Channel and the Fox Business Network. Yesterday (March 15), Gatlin joined the Fox Business Network’s Willis Report for a panel discussion of several hot-button topics. In addition, Gatlin will appear on the Fox News Channel’s America’s News HQ Saturday, March 17, for a special artist spotlight interview with weekend host Uma Pemmaraju.

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Shooter Jennings‘ latest album Family Man was released on March 13, and the singer/songwriter is making the media rounds to support it including a release day performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Additionally, Jennings will perform on The Late Show with David Letterman on April 10, followed by a visit to Imus in the Morning on April 11, and The View on April 12. Jennings’ March tour kicks off in Texas this weekend with Cody Canada & the Departed.

Southern Ground Releasing Free Compilation

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Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists record label is serving up something special for music fans on Record Store Day 2012, which takes place April 21. The label is releasing its Southern Ground Artists Compilation, Vol. 2, which will be distributed to 350 independent record stores given away for free. It will also be available at the Zac Brown Band-hosted ACM Fan Jam in Las Vegas April 1.

The compilation includes tracks by The Wood Brothers, Blackberry Smoke, and a live version of ZBB’s current single “No Hurry.” Also included is the Barroom Radio Mix of Sonia Leigh’s new single “Bar.”

Track listing:
1. One More Day (Live) – The Wood Brothers
2. Hard Headed – Nic Cowan
3. Another Day – Dugas
4. Wherever We Break Down – Levi Lowrey
5. Bar (Barroom Radio Mix) – Sonia Leigh
6. Leavin’ – The Wheeler Boys
7. Everybody Knows She’s Mine – Blackberry Smoke
8. No Hurry (Live) – Zac Brown Band

Performers Announced for Week-Long ACM Experience

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An official schedule has been released for the upcoming ACM Experience. “The Week Vegas Goes Country” is a free and open to the public country music lifestyle event, held March 30-April 1 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Highlights of The ACM Experience include the ACM BBQ Throwdown and the ACM Expo. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the ACM BBQ Throwdown will bring together members of the competitive barbeque circuit to compete for a $50,000 purse. The ACM Expo presented by Roper, is a 200,000 sq. ft. marketplace of shopping, gaming and eating.

The week concludes with the 2nd Annual ACM Fan Jam, a separate ticketed event hosted by Zac Brown Band at Mandalay Bay on Sun., April 1. The live ACM Awards telecast will occur simultaneously at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and air on CBS. Live performances, via remote, from Mandalay Bay will be interspersed with the Awards telecast.

ACM Experience performance schedule is as follows:

Friday, March 30; 10am – 6pm   
12:30pm – Thomas Rhett – Country Thunder Stage
1:00pm – Greg Bates – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
2:00pm – Edens Edge – Country Thunder Stage
3:00pm – Ira Dean – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
3:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
4:30 pm – PBR & KWNR Battle of the Bands Finalist – Country Thunder Stage
5:00pm – Andy Gibson – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
5:30pm – Kip Moore  – Country Thunder Stage

Saturday, March 31; 10am – 9pm     
11:00am – Maggie Rose – ACM Expo Acoustic Stage
11:30am – Sonia Leigh – Country Thunder Stage
12:00pm – Darren Warren – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
12:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
1:00pm – Mallary Hope – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Steel Magnolia – Country Thunder Stage
2:30pm – PBR & KWNR Battle of the Bands Finalist – Country Thunder Stage
3:00pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
3:30pm – The Dirt Drifters – Country Thunder Stage
5:30pm – Gloriana – Country Thunder Stage

Sunday, April 1; 10am – 4pm   
11:00am – Canaan Smith – Country Thunder Stage
11:30am – Morgan Frazier – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
12:00pm – Blackberry Smoke – Country Thunder Stage
12:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
1:00pm – Chris Janson – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Levi Lowrey – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
2:00pm – David St. Romain – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
2:30pm – LoCash Cowboys – Country Thunder Stage
3:30 pm – PBR & KWNR Battle of the Bands Finalist – Country Thunder Stage

Josh Turner Co-Hosts Today Show

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Josh Turner will return to NBC’s Today to co-host with Hoda Kotb on Monday, March 19 at 9 am CT. Turner is currently promoting his radio single, “Time Is Love,” which is one of his fastest-rising singles to-date.

Turner is also anticipating his forthcoming summer album release, Punching Bag. On Today, Turner will discuss his new music, songwriting, touring, family and more. “I’m looking forward to co-hosting again with my beautiful Egyptian goddess!” says Turner. “It’s always a blast for me.”

Also on Monday, Great American Country (GAC) will host the world premiere of Turner’s music video, “Time Is Love,” which was directed by Peter Zavadil. The clip will air throughout the day beginning at 9 am CT.

Josh Turner behind-the-scenes on the set of his new music video. Photo: Stephen Shepherd

Wide Open Music Group Signs Lonnie Wilson

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Wide Open Music Group has added songwriter and award-winning studio musician Lonnie Wilson to its publishing roster. Wilson, a 20 year veteran of the music industry, is a renowned drummer and songwriter who has played on over 400 singles including songs by Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Andy Griggs and many others.

Wilson launched his music career in 1981 as a member of the group Bandana, and was named the Academy of Country Music’s Drummer of the Year in 2002 and 2004. His songs have been recorded by Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn and many others, and he scored hits with Rascal Flatts’ “Love You Out Loud” and Luke Bryan’s “All My Friends Say.” Wilson has also produced several albums for Joe Diffie and is currently co-producing Curb artist Dylan Robinson with veteran producer Jim Ed Norman.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lonnie in the studio for over 15 years,” says Derek George, President of Wide Open Music. “I’m honored to finally have the opportunity to work with him as a songwriter! We at Wide Open are excited about what Lonnie will bring to our creative family!”

www.wideopenmusicgroup.com

Willie Nelson Reveals New Album Details

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Willie Nelson, September 9-14, 2011

Willie Nelson’s first album for Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, titled Heroes, will be released May 15. The album is a collection of new and re-imagined cover songs with guest artists Merle Haggard, Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver, Sheryl Crow, Jamey Johnson, and Willie’s sons Lukas and Micah Nelson.

Produced by Buddy Cannon, Heroes was mainly recorded by Steve Chadie at Pedernales Recording Studio in Austin, Texas (with three tracks–“Hero,” “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” and “Come On Back Jesus”–recorded by Butch Carr at Cannon Productions and Sound Emporium Recording Studios in Nashville).

Heroes marks the first release in a historic new record deal between Nelson and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. The agreement is a label homecoming for Nelson, who from 1975-1993 cut a string of top-selling singles and albums for Columbia Records, beginning with his 1975 smash Red Headed Stranger.

“I’m really happy to be back home with Sony Music. We have been partners for many years; all the way back to Pamper Music and Tree Music. We share a great history, and I’m looking forward to many more years together,” says Nelson.

Track Listing: Heroes
1. “A Horse Called Music” with Merle Haggard & Lukas Nelson
2. “Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die” with Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson
3. “That’s All There Is To This Song”
4. “No Place To Fly” with Lukas Nelson
5. “Every Time He Drinks He Thinks Of Her” with Lukas Nelson
6. “Come On Up To The House” with Lukas Nelson & Sheryl Crow
7. “Hero” with Billy Joe Shaver, Jamey Johnson
8. “My Window Faces The South” with Lukas Nelson
9. “The Sound Of Your Memory” with Lukas Nelson
10. “Cold War With You” with Lukas Nelson & Ray Price
11. “Just Breathe” with Lukas Nelson
12. “My Home In San Antone” with Lukas Nelson
13. “Come On Back Jesus” with Lukas Nelson & Micah Nelson
14. “The Scientist”