T.J. Martell Foundation Announces Honorees

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The T.J. Martell Foundation has just announced the honorees for its fourth annual Honors Gala. The invitation-only event is scheduled for 5:30 pm Monday, March 26 at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville.

Individuals being honored at the 2012 gala:
Songwriter Kris Kristofferson — Frances William Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award
Executive Joe Galante — Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award
Colin Reed, Gaylord Entertainment Chairman/CEO — Lifetime Humanitarian Award
Tom Cigarran, Healthways Co-Founder and Nashville Predators Chairman/Co-Owner — Spirit of Nashville Award
C. Wright Pinson, M.B.A., MD, deputy vice chancellor for Health Affairs and CEO of Vanderbilt Health System — Lifetime Medical Achievement Award

The Honors Gala brings together leaders from the business, medical, sports, and entertainment communities to raise funds and awareness for cancer research at top US hospitals, including the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

“This event is truly special. It is one of the only times such a diverse group of professionals, entertainers and civic leaders come together for an evening that benefits such a vital cause. Through this signature event, the T.J. Martell Foundation has raised approximately $1.3 million for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research,” said Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Co-chairs for the gala include David Corlew, Blue Hat Records/Charlie Daniels Band; Kitty Moon Emery, KittyMoon Enterprises; and Steve Hauser, WME. Table sponsorships start at $10,000, and individual tickets are $1,000. More info here.

ACM to Host Week-Long Vegas Experience

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The Academy of Country Music has announced its first-ever ACM Experience, a free, open-to-the public event for country music fans at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino March 30-Apr. 1, surrounding the 47th ACM Awards.

The three-day event was created to immerse fans in the country music lifestyle, allowing enthusiasts to ‘shop country, taste country, ride country, and hear country.’

The Experience includes the ACM BBQ Throwdown competition for competitive barbecue circuit champions, vendors, and interactive booths; the ACM Expo includes 200K square feet of shopping, gaming and eating with ‘town square’ performances from yet to be announced artists; and the Ram Ride and Drive will demonstrate the capabilities of the truck outside the resort.

All these events will culminate around the previously-announced ACM Fan Jam, a ticketed event hosted by Zac Brown Band at the Mandalay Bay Events Center during the ACM Awards show at the MGM Grand across the street. This live concert event will continue after the Awards telecasts on CBS and is to feature special appearances and giveaways.

“The ACM Experience is a natural extension of the Academy’s focus on bringing fans the best events to promote the genre and provide additional exposure for both established and new artists,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the ACM.

Additionally, the ACM has announced its monthly My Cause February web feature as “Country Sings for Cancer,” supporting Sarah Darling’s Women and Cancer fund. For more information, click here.

Emmylou Harris To Be Honored

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Emmylou Harris will be honored at a Feb. 21 fundraiser for The Park Center, which supports recovery from mental illness.

To be held at the Belcourt Theater, the event titled “How About Dinner And A Movie?” will salute her generous philanthropic spirit.


Tipper Gore is serving as Honorary Chair of the evening.

Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30. A silent auction will run from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The movie starts at 7:45 p.m.; organizers are keeping the name of the flick a secret.

Tickets are $100 each ($70 tax deductible). Details here.

In keeping with Harris’ philanthropic endeavors, she is the honorary chair for the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 17th annual Equality Dinner, to be held Sat., Feb.  25 at Nashville’s Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.

Songwriting Snapshots (2/08/12)

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BMI and ASCAP celebrated the team behind Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Tattoos On This Town” with a party at Nashville’s Bound’ry last night (Feb. 7). The song was penned by Wendell Mobley, Michael Dulaney and Neil Thrasher and marks Aldean’s eighth No. 1 hit. Thrasher and Dulaney also co-wrote Aldean’s current single “Fly Over States.”

(L-R): ASCAP’s Marc Driskill, producer Michael Knox, co-writer Neil Thrasher, Jason Aldean, co-writers Wendell Mobley and Michael Dulaney, and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring

• • • • •

SESAC has announced the signing songwriter/producer Jon Stone for representation. As a songwriter, Stone has cuts by Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, and Rascal Flatts. He also produced Lee Brice’s upcoming album and co-wrote his current single “A Woman Like You.”

(L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Stone, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Bev Moser

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Some of Nashville’s top songwriting and publishing talent came together last night (Feb. 7) at the Singles Only American Heart Association fundraiser. The event, held at 3rd & Lindsley, raised over $1500 for the organization. Performers included Bob DiPiero, Kendell Marvel, Angaleena Presley, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Hillary Lindsey.

(L-R) On Stage: Josh Martin, Neal Carpenter, Dakota Bradley; Back Row: Shane Barrett (Shane Barrett Music), Denny Carr (Roots Three Music), Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music), Daniel Lee (formerly Ten Ten Music Group), Eric Gallimore (Red Vinyl Music), and Brad Peterson (Fifth-Third Bank); Front Row: Penny Everhard (BMI, formerly of Love Monkey/Tom-Leis Music), Natalie Harker (Cal IV Entertainment), Taylor Lindsey (BMG Chrysalis), American Heart Association spokeswoman Patty Clements.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/08/12)

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They don’t call it Country Music City, just Music City, and this week we’re celebrating that with everything from rock to rap, classical to jazz.

The Black Keys’ rocking “Lonely Boy” is the Disc of the Day. Jessie Baylin and Madi Diaz are in a dead heat for the DisCovery Award. But there’s plenty more to explore in this stack of Nashville’s musically diverse platters. Plus, our own Jack White is issuing his debut solo single this week.

Read on.

MADI DIAZ/Let’s Go
Writer: Madi Diaz/Kyle Ryan; Producer: John Alagia; Publisher: BMG Sapphire/Madi Diaz/BMG Ruby/Happy the Kid/BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Small Horse/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.madidiaz.com)
—The debut single from Diaz’s debut full-length CD is a colorful, child-like spinning-top ditty with multi-layered vocals and spare percussion. Her sound here is an enchanting swirl of sweetness. One taste and you’re hooked. The national music press is beginning to take notice of this Nashvillian, thanks to tracks like this from her Plastic Moon album.

SAFETYSUIT/Let Go
Writer: Douglas Brown/Ryan Tedder; Producer: Ryan Tedder & Noel Zancanella; Publisher: Hamilton and Lynn/Universal/Z Tunes/Write2Live/Kobalt, ASCAP; Universal Republic (track) (www.safetysuitmusic.com)
—This foursome conjures up a wooshing windstorm in this single from its These Times CD. Already big on the college circuit, Safetysuit manages to fuse rock and dance music here in a way that could really make a dent on the Hot 100. The album was created at studio sessions in New York, L.A., Virginia Beach and home in Franklin, TN.

JESSIE BAYLIN/Hurry Hurry
Writer: Jessie Baylin/Thad Cockrell; Producer: Kevin Augunas; Publisher: Lady Blush/Little Hoss/Razor & Tie, ASCAP/SESAC; Blonde Rat/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.jessiebaylin.com)
—A bossa-nova beat, an echo-chamber soprano vocal, real strings, whispery backup singers and an angelic harp (!) are all in the mix of this amazing pop confection. This Music City gal is really, really cool, and not just because she’s married to Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon. Her album is titled Little Spark. Buy it now.

THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY & CHRISTOPHER LAMB/Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra
Writer: Joseph Schwantner; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Schott Helicon, no performance rights listed; Naxos (track) (www.naxos.com)
—Composer Schwantner is a Pulitzer Prize winner who created this challenging yet highly listenable piece specifically for percussion soloist Lamb. Recorded live in the Schermerhorn, its three movements incorporate bongos, timpani, xylophone, marimba, triangles, cymbals, bass drum, a water gong, vibraphone and other exotic instruments against a sighing orchestral backdrop. This dazzling recording is nominated for a classical Grammy Award this year.

THE BLACK KEYS/Lonely Boy
Writer: D. Auerbach/P. Carney/B. Burton; Producer: Danger Mouse & The Black Keys; Publisher: McMoore McLesst/Wixen/Sweet Science/Copyright Control, BMI/ASCAP; Nonesuch (track) (www.theblackkeys.com)
—Nashville’s Black Keys are currently at No. 1 on the national rock chart with this kick-off single from their new CD El Camino. Like most of the rest of the album, it is a slab of straight-ahead, modern rock ‘n’ roll. Guitars riff hypnotically, drums thump relentlessly and backup gals join in on wildly catchy choruses. If you miss real rock music, “Lonely Boy” is your ticket to paradise. Highly recommended.

THE TSU COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE/Life Is Good
Writer: LaTisha Spence; Producer: Mark Crawford & Pat Holt; Publisher: none listed; TSU (track) (www.tnstate.edu)
—Tennessee State University is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a CD that features a representative song from each of its 11 decades, all recorded by past and present music students and faculty members. Representing 2012 is a dreamy, jazzy outing by current Commercial Music student Spence backed by a band and chorus of her peers. You can hear everyone’s gospel roots, but this performance holds its own with any jazz combo you’ll hear in this city today. Representing the ‘60s, by the way, is a lively arrangement of The Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next to You.”

HOT CHELLE RAE & NEW BOYZ/I Like it Like That
Writer: R. Follese/N. Overstreet/A. Goldstein/D. Book/A.Misoul/E. Kiriakou/E. Kidd Bogart/L. Robbins/E. Benjamin/D. Thomas; Producer: Emmanuel Kiriakou & Andrew Goldstein; Publisher: Midas/Sleep When I’m Rich/Scarlet Moon/Nash O/Fueled By Music/ChrisSamSongs/Warner Chappell/Dan Book/Alexei Misoul/Roditis/Here’s Lookin’ at You Kidd/Beluga Hieghts/Sony-ATV/Hey Kiddo/Kobalt/New Boyz/Primary Wave, BMI/ASCAP; RCA (track) (www.hotchellerae.cm)
—These Nashville popsters seemed poised to duplicate the success of “Tonight Tonight” with this slamming party anthem blasting into the top-30 this week. Besides cluttering up the songwriting credits, New Boyz main contribution is some mid-song rapping. Make no mistake: this is HCR’s show.

THE WANNABEATLES/Fan Fab Memories
Writer: none listed; Producer: Dennis Scott, Bryan Cumming/David Toledo & Nathan Burbank; Publisher: none listed; WannaBeats (track) (www.thewannabeatles.com)
—Nominated for a Grammy in the spoken-word category, this is a collection of reminiscences with musical interludes provided by Nashville’s note-perfect Beatles re-enactors. If you are of a certain age, it’s a bubble bath of nostalgia. Among the “witnesses” are Janis Ian, Billy Swan, Wesley Orbison, Melissa Manchester and Phil Keaggy.

CHANCELLOR WARHOL/Bleeding Hearts
Writer: none listed; Producer: Levi Harris & Chancellor Warhol; Publisher: none listed; CS (track) (www.warholtheworld.com)
—This Nashville rapper’s CD is titled Japanese Lunchbox: A Love Story. This focus track has a burbling, poppy, electronic sound bed overlaid with a tender, broken-hearted rap. In a genre generally noted for aggressive, macho verbal posing, it’s an ear opener. The soft, sweetly sung interjections come courtesy of Mikky Ekko.

TOMMY WOMACK/Play That Cheap Trick Cheap Trick Play
Writer: Tommy Womack/Rick Nielsen; Producer: Tommy Womack & John Deaderick; Publisher: Screen Gems-EMI/Adult/Tommy Womack Tunes/Bug, BMI; Cedar Creek (track) (www.tommywomack.com)
—This beloved Music City rock institution drops his Now What! collection with a release party at Grimey’s on Feb. 21. It is his fifth solo CD, and it captures his wry, tragi-comic personna perfectly, particularly on tunes like this opening bopper. From his days in Government Cheese through his work in Daddy (not to mention his Clash tribute band Tommy Gun), Womack has a catalog to envy. Here’s one more reason to be a fan. For a real guffaw, spin his white-boy, black-humor rap “Ninety Miles an Hour Down a Dead End Street.” “Pot Head Blues” is self explanatory.

Tyler, Underwood Team For Top Rated Episode of “CMT Crossroads”

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Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood perform at CMT Crossroads Live From "Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam" at Indiana State Fairgrounds, Pepsi Coliseum on Feb. 4 in Indianapolis. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

The pairing of Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood for hit show CMT Crossroads resulted in the series’ highest-rated episode in seven years. More than 3.1 million total viewers tuned in to CMT for weekend airings of CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler & Carrie Underwood From The Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam, which premiered Sat., Feb. 4 from Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. The premiere garnered 1.9 million total viewers, marking the highest-rated episode since the 2005 pairing of Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Tyler and Underwood took the stage for a rocking hour of hits, including “Sweet Emotion,” “Love in an Elevator,” “Before He Cheats,” “Cryin’,” a spectacular mash-up of Underwood’s “Just A Dream” and Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” a special performance of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” and Underwood’s smash “Undo It,” and the Steppenwolf classic “Born To Be Wild.”

The show will be retelecast on CMT Sat., Feb. 11 at 10:00 a.m. and Sun., Feb. 12 at 10:00 a.m, ET/PT.

CMT Crossroads is produced by Tom Forrest and Kathryn Russ. John Hamlin, Margaret Comeaux and Bill Flanagan serve as executive producers for CMT.

(L-R): Bill Flanagan, EVP Editorial Director, MTVN; John Hamlin, SVP Music Events & Talent, CMT; Kathy Russ, Producer, Taillight TV; Brian Philips, President, CMT; Steven Tyler; Carrie Underwood; Tom Forrest, Producer, Taillight TV; Margaret Comeaux, Sr. Director Music Event & Production, CMT. Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com

Big Loud Mountain Partnership Announces First Signing

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Big Loud Shirt Industries, producer/songwriter Joey Moi, and artist manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk have combined forces to create Big Loud Mountain. The new partnership will offer publishing, production, and management services, and the company’s first signing is country duo Florida Georgia Line.

Comprised of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Florida Georgia Line is a hard-touring act with nearly 150 shows booked already for 2012. During touring breaks, they will be writing for their upcoming Joey Moi-produced album, due out in mid-to-late 2012.

(L-R): Big Loud Shirt's Seth England, FGL's Tyler Hubbard, Producer Joey Moi, FGL's Brian Kelley, Big Loud Shirt's Craig Wiseman. (not pictured Kevin ‘Chief’ Zaruk)

CRS 2012: UMG Luncheon, Additional Performers

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UMG's Lauren Alaina will perform at the label's luncheon at the Ryman as well as the CRS 2012 opening ceremony.

It’s hard to believe that Feb. 22, just two weeks from today, will signal the official start of CRS 2012. There are plenty of exciting events on the docket, including the just announced UMG luncheon at the Ryman Auditorium and new performers added to seminar events.

The UMG luncheon, scheduled for Noon on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Ryman, will feature a large portion of the label’s roster including Lauren Alaina, Laura Bell Bundy, Easton Corbin, Mallary Hope, Josh Kelley, Scotty McCreery, Randy Montana, Kip Moore, Kasey Musgraves, David Nail, Randy Rogers Band, Canaan Smith, Chris Stapleton, Josh Turner, Drake White and Lee Ann Womack. Conference attendees will also be treated to a lunch in the Nashville Convention Center immediately preceding the event. More artists are expected to be announced soon.

Lauren Alaina will be pulling a double shift the same day. Before joining the UMG luncheon, she will perform the national anthem at the CRS 2012 opening ceremonies at 9 am. She will be accompanied by US Marine color guard for a presentation of the flag.

Additionally, singer-songwriter and Pistol Annie Ashley Monroe has been added to the WCRS Live! showcase on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 3:30 pm. She joins previously announced Matraca Berg, Natalie Hemby, and Lori McKenna for the BMI and Country Aircheck-sponsored event.

This year’s seminar will also feature CRSnet, a new on-site intranet service available to anyone inside the Convention Center with a WiFi-enabled device. Users will be able to access the service for downloads and streams from CRS sponsors and panelists.

CRS 2012 runs Feb. 22-24 at the Nashville Convention Center. $499 regular registration rate is still available here.

MusicRowPics: “Act Of Valor” Movie Premiere

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Relativity Music Group and Capitol Records Nashville hosted a private advance screening of Act of Valor last night at the Regal Green Hills cinema to celebrate the soundtrack featuring a few of Nashville’s biggest stars.

The soundtrack includes offerings from Keith Urban, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Trace Adkins, Lori McKenna, Jake Owen, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Kelley, Hunter Hayes and Wynonna and will be released Feb. 21.

The Bandito Brothers’ film, produced and directed Mike “Mouse” McCoy and Scott Waugh, stars a group of active-duty Navy SEALs and will be released to theaters Feb. 24.

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Photos: CMHOF and SOURCE

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The Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum celebrated its fifth annual Ford Community Day on February 4. The record crowd of more than 5,000 visitors enjoyed free museum admission, courtesy of Ford Motor Company Fund, as well as an autograph signing with the Oak Ridge Boys, a Hatch Show Print demonstration, a Musical Petting Zoo and a performance and autograph signing from Hunter Hayes.

(L-R): The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden and Duane Allen; Ford Motor Company Fund Community Relations Manager Jim Graham and Vice President of Development Pamela Johnson; Oak Ridge Boys’ Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban. Photo: Donn Jones

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SOURCE, an organization of women executives in Nashville’s Music Industry, held its monthly members’ luncheon at ASCAP on January 26. New members Gail Childress, Daisy Dern, Risha Rodgers, Becky Gardenhire, Tracy Gershon and Kate Guido (not pictured) were welcomed into the group.

(L-R): Gail Childress, Daisy Dern, Risha Rodgers, Becky Gardenhire and Tracy Gershon Photo: Denise Fussell