Bobby Karl Works the Johnny Cash Museum Press Conference

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Chapter 387

Johnny Cash in 1959. Photo by Sony Music Entertainment

I don’t care where you are in the world; if you tell someone you’re from Nashville, you will almost inevitably get this response, “Ah! Johnny Cash!”

He is unquestionably our single greatest icon, and at a ceremony Tuesday morning (2/14) it was officially announced that Cash is getting his own museum in Music City.

The event was billed as a “Press Conference and Social.” It was social, all right. The attending mob was so packed together that you couldn’t help being “social.”

Mayor Karl Dean said that it was appropriate that the gig was being staged on Valentine’s Day, because, “Everybody loves Johnny Cash.” He added, “The one name that will draw people to Nashville over and over again is Johnny Cash.” Both statements are abundantly true.

Museum founder Bill Miller was deeply emotional during his remarks. He choked up when reminiscing about his late friend of more than 30 years.

“This is something for Johnny,” Miller said, “something that Johnny deserves. We intend to make this the best single celebrity museum in the world.”

The press conference was held at the museum’s site, 119 3rd Avenue South, downtown. The facility, set to open this summer, will eventually include a permanent exhibit that will be “a walk through Johnny Cash’s life,” space for rotating exhibits, a 250-seat performance venue, radio and TV facilities, food vendors, a store and an archive in 18,000 square feet of space. The historic former warehouse is just behind the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and just around the corner from the Music City Convention Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, plus an easy stroll from the hubbub of Lower Broadway.

Miller promises it will have, “the most comprehensive Johnny Cash collection in the world.” A portion of the iconic Cash lakeside home will be excavated and rebuilt in the museum, thanks to the generosity of current owners Barry & Linda Gibb. Various displays will recreate Cash’s Arkansas cotton-patch childhood, his time in the Air Force and other significant biographical milestones.

“There is no death in this museum,” Miller vows. “Johnny Cash is everywhere.” In addition to Miller’s extensive collection of artifacts, the museum will incorporate materials from the Cash estate and interactive components.

Many members of the Cash family attended, including brother Tommy Cash, sister Joanne Cash, Rosanne’s daughter Chelsea Crowell, Johnny’s daughter-in-law Laura Cash, grandson Joey Cash and niece Kelly Hancock.

Son John Carter Cash said, “Seeing this come together is a blessing. It’s the unity of spirit that made this happen.

“My mother and father had a way of preserving their integrity. I truly believe my dad would be excited about this.” He dedicated the museum to, “people who love and respect Dad and what he did and how he touched the world.”

Cash publicist Hugh Waddell added to the throng, “God bless you, and God bless Johnny Cash.”

Massed shoulder to shoulder were Bonnie Sugarman, Craig Hayes, David Olney, Bonita Hill, Doak Turner, Bill Carter, Jimmy Carter, Chuck Thompson, Shannon Miller, Heather Byrd, Pam Lewis and a blue-zillion Cash fan club members. We schmoozed and sampled a barbecue lunch. Souvenir Johnny Cash Valentine’s Day red M&Ms and commemorative Cash “backstage” laminates were given to the V.I.P. attendees. The space was decorated with wall-sized Johnny Cash photographic portraits.

Johnny Cash’s Facebook page still has more than 8 million followers, way more than most living entertainers. He has 17 Grammy Awards, has sold more than 100 million records and is a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Songwriter Sue Fabisch Scores With Hit Musical

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Sue Fabisch is the Queen Mother—just not the one you’re thinking of. The songwriter and brains behind Motherhood The Musical has built a successful career by celebrating the ups and downs of mommydom, including, as the show’s tag line goes: “The Good, The Bad, and The Laundry.”

The hit theater production is wooing audiences on a nationwide tour, and continuing a two-year trek through Australia. It runs indefinitely in Philadelphia, and has upcoming dates in Huntsville, Atlanta, Chicago, and more.

Fabisch’s real life plays like a scene from her show—she talked exclusively to MusicRow while running errands in her minivan in Franklin.

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Sue Fabisch is proof that there’s more than one way to write a hit song.

In 2000, she moved to Nashville to focus on commercial songwriting, and eventually discovered her funny songs about parenthood were resonating much more loudly than her country efforts. “People come to Nashville to learn to write songs, and that’s what I did,” she recalls. With three children—four if you count her husband like she does—Fabisch found plenty of inspiration on the home front, and she began to hone in on the mom market.

In 2002 she debuted the show O’ Mother, Where Art Thou? at the Bluebird Cafe, which spawned the parody hit “The MOM of Constant Sorrow.” She went on to found her own Mommy Music label and release a few moderately successful albums, including Music 4 Mommies: Volume 1- Songs To Make You Laugh,  which was a Billboard Top 10 Comedy hit in 2006. She also began hosting a weekly talk show called “MommyTime Radio” with radio personality Karla Lawson.

Eventually, Fabisch had so much mommy material that she compiled it into a one-woman show that she performed at luncheons and other events. The production evolved and Fabisch added dialogue. “I wanted my songs to have a home,” she explains of the play. Then she upped the ante by adding a cast. “Once I put it in the four-woman format, everything took off.”

After successful readings and workshops in Tennessee, Fabisch took her production to the big leagues. Ironically, the New York native had come to Nashville, written a musical, and was taking it back to the theater epicenter, New York. She organized readings in front of several producers, and against the advice of Broadway big-wigs, she used the Music City cast for the New York readings. By December 2008 she had three production offers on the table.

The result is Motherhood The Musical, featuring 20 songs Fabisch wrote or cowrote with fellow Nashville tunesmiths including Bill Flowerree, Jesse Goldberg, and Ilene Angel, who has since relocated. The play centers around four women at a baby shower, with a song list that runs from hilarious to touching with titles such as “Baby Weight Blues,” “Costco Queen,” “Grannyland,” and “Minivan.”

Today, the show is produced by GFour Productions & Management, which is also behind the hits 9 to 5 The Musical, Ring of Fire, and Menopause the Musical.

The early Nashville cast included Janna Landry, Jaclyn Brown, Jewel Lucien and Fabisch. Today’s touring incarnation recruits local cast members for each stop. Unfortunately for Music City moms, there aren’t any plans for a Nashville run, partly due to lack of theater availability.

Fabisch credits NSAI’s Bart Herbison as one of her biggest early supporters, especially when other execs on the Row dismissed her idea as niche and unmarketable. Her success proves the importance of thinking outside the box when it comes to songwriting. “I encourage people to open their blinders a little bit,” she adds. “And while everyone keeps calling it a niche market, I would beg to differ. Everyone either has a mom, had a mom, or is a mom, right? Doesn’t sound too niche to me.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/15/12)

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Eric Church and David Nail are finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day award.

David’s single is a range-y ballad. Eric’s is a throbbing tempo tune. What’s interesting is that they are both singing about how deeply blue-collar rock classics can penetrate your heart and mind. We can all relate to the extraordinary lyrics of “The Sound of a Million Dreams” and “Springsteen.” These songs are both smashes, folks.

The DisCovery Award goes to Thomas Rhett. This kid comes out rocking.

THE DIRT DRIFTERS/There She Goes
Writer: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (track)
—I like these guys, and this is their best yet. This time around, the ultra-cool lead vocal is answered by a ghostly “Greek chorus” commenting on his heartbreak while the country-rock track canters along with chiming guitars and dusty percussion. Delicious sounding.

RECKLESS KELLY/I Never Liked St. Valentine
Writer: Willy Braun/Todd Snider; Producer: David Abeyta, Cody Braun & Willy Braun; Publisher: C&P Fah-Q/Nobody’s Collecting on These Songs, BMI; No Big Deal (track)
—He praises St. Cecelia for music, St. Francis for companionship, St. Patrick for booze, plus St. Christopher and St. Nick and but forget that heartbreaker Valentine. This mid-tempo, acoustic-based groover has a drawling wit that’s hard to resist. Timely, too, considering the season.

DAVID NAIL/The Sound of a Million Dreams
Writer: Scooter Carusoe/Phil Vassar; Producer: Chuck Ainlay & Frank Liddell; Publisher: Scrambler/Abbott’s Creek/Carnival/Phylvester, ASCAP; MCA Nashville (track)
—Magical. He’s not only a world-class vocalist, but this song about the power of music on your memory is downright breath taking. Chuck Leavell’s rippling piano accompaniment is simply gorgeous.

ADAM GREGORY/High on You
Writer: Adam Gregory/James Dean Hicks/Jamie Houston; Producer: Mark Moffatt; Publisher: On the Mantel/BPJ/Seven Peaks/John and Nancye’s Sons/Adam Gregory/Marc Isle/Walkerbout, BMI/ASCAP; Calusa/GMV Nashville (track) (www.adamgregory.com)
—Sung with confidence, produced with panache and written with craftsmanship. This rolling groove is more than ready for airplay. Well worth your spins.

ERIC CHURCH/Springsteen
Writer: Eric Church/Ryan Tyndell/Jeff Hyde; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sinnerlina/Purple Cape/Bug, BMI; EMI (track)
—The deep rumbling thump and the wistful vocal both pushed my buttons immediately. And any lyric about the nostalgia conjured by hearing “Born to Run” and “I’m on Fire” hits me directly in the heart. Amen, brother.

SONIA LEIGH/Bar
Writer: Sonia Leigh; Producer: Zac Brown, Matt Mangano & The Southern Ground Recording Group; Publisher: Southern Ground, BMI; Southern Ground (www.southerngroundartists.com)
—She sings with Southern-accented moxie and the rollicking song is tailor-made for Saturday night. Unapologetic drinking songs sung by women are as scarce as hen’s teeth, and this one’s as raucous as they come.

DARRYL WORLEY/You Still Got It
Writer: Darryl Worley/Brett Jones; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (www.darrylworley.com)
—This jaunty bopper is a sunny ode to enduring romance. It’s not the deepest thing you’ll ever hear, but it goes down easily. I particularly liked the silky organ playing in the production.

BILL ANDERSON & THE OAK RIDGE BOYS/Gone Away
Writer: S. Ripley/T. DuBois/J. Wooley/B. Anderson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Time Standing Still/NuBois/Laugh-Thot-I’d-Die/Mr. Bubba/Sony-ATV, BMI/ASCAP; TWI (www.billanderson.com)
—These veterans sound strikingly contemporary here. The echoey, evocative production is wonderfully moody. The lyric about people and things that are no more is as haunting as the trembling melody. Ear opening, to say the least. If you’re a country fan, definitely give this a listen.

THOMAS RHETT/Something to Do with My Hands
Writer: Thomas Rhett Akins/Lee Thomas Miller/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Writers of Sea Gayle/Itchy Baby/House of Sea Gayle/New Son of a Miner, BMI/ASCAP; Valory
—What a debut. This kid comes out swinging with a frenzied, insistent country rocker that grabs you by the lapels from the opening note and never lets go. The song is a sexy come-on with winks to spare.

LUKE BRYAN/Drunk on You
Writer: Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins/Josh Kear; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Songs/Angel River/Global Dog/Lunalight, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
—It might be winter outside, but this tune is all about the heat of summer and romance. It simmers and shimmers and sizzles like a July heat wave.

DERYL DODD/Anybody Out There
Writer: Deryl Dodd; Producer: Deryl Dodd; Publisher: none listed; Smith Entertainment (track) (www.deryldodd.com)
—This Texan’s current CD is Random As I Am, and this track from it shows us a side of him we haven’t seen before. It’s a contemplative power ballad about feeling like an outsider, wondering who you are and seeking understanding. Different, and different is good. He has evidently undergone a strong songwriting spurt, because 10 of the album’s 13 tracks are Deryl solo compositions.

Bentley Debuts At No. 1

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Dierks Bentley’s Home debuted at the pinnacle of the Soundscan Country chart today, moving 55k units, with digital downloads accounting for 35 percent of album sales. It is the Capitol Nashville star’s sixth studio album, and his fourth time to open in the top spot.

Elsewhere, many acts were basking in the post-Grammy/Valentines sales glow. Awards queen Adele saw a 95 percent bump, moving 237k units of her smash 21, for a RTD total of 6.62 million.

Artists scoring week-to-week upswings in album sales totaling 20k or more include Jason Aldean (60%, 25k sold this week), Lady A (46%, 25k), Luke Bryan (20%, 23k), and The Band Perry (60%, 20k).

Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” kept partying in the top Country tracks spot, funneling down another 60k paid downloads.

This week, total Country album sales got an 18 percent bump, selling 836k units. Current Country was up 32 percent, moving 407k.

Digital Country tracks rose 9 percent, selling 3.158 downloads.

Valory Goes Maverick With New Signing

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Photo: Ivan Clow

The Valory Music Co. has announced the signing of country vocal group The Mavericks to its artist roster. The group is currently working on an album that will be released later in 2012, marking the 20th anniversary of their self-titled 1991 debut.

To celebrate the occasion, Valory has also announced that the Mavericks will perform a private, invitation-only show in Nashville during CRS on Feb. 21.

The Mavericks have also been gearing up for the touring circuit in 2012. They recently signed with Creative Artists Agency for booking representation, and they’ll make their first public performance since 2003 at Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA in late April.

The Mavericks won multiple Vocal Group awards from both the ACM and CMA during the ‘90s, as well as a Grammy in 1995. Their body of work contains the chart-topping hits “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” What A Crying Shame,” “O What A Thrill,” “Here Comes The Rain,” and “There Goes My Heart.” The group consists of Raul Malo (lead vocals, guitars), Robert Reynolds (bass, vocals), Paul Deakin (drums, vocals), and Eddie Perez (lead guitar, vocals).

Kix Brooks To Release New Single

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After spending 20 years as half of the superstar duo Brooks & Dunn, Kix Brooks is introducing his first solo music. He will release his Arista Nashville single, “New To This Town,” featuring guitar great Joe Walsh, on Mar. 19. The song was co-written by Mary Green and Terry McBride.

“It paints the powerful emotion we’ve all known, of lost love and the uncomfortable situation of running in to that person again,” says Brooks.

Fans can keep up with Brooks online anytime at www.kixbrooks.com.

Trace Adkins Named Spokesperson For Travel Center Brand

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(L-R): Ken Parent (of Pilot Flying J); Jimmy Haslam (CEO of Pilot Flying J); Adkins; Mark Hazelwood and Mitch Steenrod (Pilot Flying J)

Trace Adkins was announced today (Feb. 17) as a spokesperson for Pilot Flying J’s Spring loyalty program launch. The ‘Driver-driven’ company is the largest operator of travel centers and plazas in North America.

“Trace relates to the hardworking, American professional driver,” said Jimmy Haslam, Pilot Flying J CEO. “He’s been called the hardest working man in country music, and that aligns well with our work ethic at Pilot Flying J. We’re very proud to have Trace on board to represent Pilot Flying J.”

“As much as I travel, my band, crew and I certainly rely on Pilot Flying J travel centers as we tour the country,” Adkins said. “I’m proud to partner with this company as they serve the men and women who are responsible for transporting the products and services of America!”

Trace has also been affiliated with such organizations as the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Project and has earned a Merit Award for his USO tours through the Middle East. Adkins additionally received the 2010 Artist Humanitarian Award from CRB, and was honored in October 2011 with the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

CO5 Adds New Regional

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CO5 Nashville VP Promotion David Newmark has announced the hire of Weslea Neas to the position of Director of Promotion, SW/MW region.

“I met Weslea when she was in radio and was instantly aware of her love for music and the Country format,” says Newmark. “Weslea built her reputation quickly as one of radio’s best and brightest. She was a great communicator at radio and continued to do so when she made the switch to promotion. We are excited about the opportunity to have her on our team.”

Neas’ career began in radio with WBEE/Rochester, NY, where she took on Music Director responsibilities and filling a midday air shift, before being promoted to Assistant Program Director. In 2009, she joined Republic Nashville and was part of the team that helped break The Band Perry and their No. 1 “If I Die Young.”

HSN Concert Series to Debut with Lionel Richie

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Multi-channel retailer HSN announced yesterday (2/16) that Lionel Richie will be the first artist to participate in the HSN LIVE concert series, which launches Friday, Mar. 16 at 8 p.m. (EST) on HSN, HSN.com and via HSN Mobile. During the special multi-platform event sponsored by Cricket, Richie will perform tracks from his upcoming Mercury Nashville release Tuskegee. Since Richie’s new album is a collaboration with country artists, Kenny Rogers will join him on stage to sing “Lady.”

Prior to the HSN LIVE concert, a special pre-show will stream live on HSN’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. (EST), offering fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access as Richie prepares to take the stage. Facebook viewers will be able to watch exclusive content at www.hsn.com/LionelLive to learn more about the inspiration behind Tuskegee, as well as a live interview with Rogers just before the show. Following his HSN premiere, Richie will perform a special encore and further interact with HSN’s Facebook fans during a live post-concert chat.

HSN customers also currently have the opportunity to pre-order an exclusive 2-disc bundle ($14.95) on HSN.com. The package includes Richie’s Tuskegee album and a special 5 track bonus CD with a previously unreleased version of “You Are” recorded live at Wembley Arena.

“HSN has become a launching pad for new releases from today’s biggest artists,” said Andy Sheldon, EVP of Television and Executive Creative Director for HSN. “Through special events like the HSN LIVE concert series, we offer our customers insider access to some of the world’s greatest music legends and we are excited to have Lionel share his inspiration for Tuskegee and his iconic sound.”

Tuskegee represents an new chapter in Richie’s career with a lineup of country icons including: Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Little Big Town, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett.

Tuskegee Tracklist:
1. “You Are” with Blake Shelton
2. “Say You, Say Me” with Jason Aldean
3. “Stuck On You” with Darius Rucker
4. “Deep River Woman” with Little Big Town
5. “My Love” with Kenny Chesney
6. “Dancing On The Ceiling” with Rascal Flatts
7. “Hello” with Jennifer Nettles
8. “Sail On” with Tim McGraw
9. “Endless Love” with Shania Twain
10. “Just For You” with Billy Currington
11. “Lady” with Kenny Rogers
12. “Easy” with Willie Nelson
13. “All Night Long” with Jimmy Buffett

Bonus CD Tracklist:
1. “You Are” – previously unreleased live version recorded at Wembley Arena
2. “Say You, Say Me” – original recording
3. “My Love” – original recording
4. “Dancing On The Ceiling” – original recording
5. “Stuck On You” – original recording

Wells Fargo’s Private Banking Office In New Location

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Wells Fargo's Danielle Lares-Bouharoun and Bradley Gallimore

Wells Fargo’s Private Banking/Entertainment Industry Division in Nashville has officially moved to its new location as of Feb. 16. The office has added new mortgage, investment, insurance and financial planning team members, and aims to serve all client needs from one location.

The new office is located at 3100 West End Ave., One American Center, Ste. 550. Email addresses remain the same, but representative’s phone numbers have changed. Please make note of the following new numbers:

Danielle Lares-Bouharoun  – 279-3542
Bradley Gallimore – 279-3541
Donna Whidby – 279-3560

Additionally, Wells Fargo has announced the hiring of Jason Thomas to the Private Bank team as a Wealth Advisor. Thomas was previous a practicing attorney with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and brings 12 years experience in tax planning, structuring and holistic planning. He graduated in Accounting and Finance, and attended the University of Alabama School of Law.