Google Plus Pages Arrive

Social networking circles have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of brand pages for Google Plus, and now the wait is over. The new pages compliment personal profiles in the giant search engine’s new attempt to gain numbers and traction in the world of social networking. Although it may be early to judge, world dominatin appears to be mostly on track for the seven letter word that has now become a noun, a verb and an adverb. (How many brands can claim that?)

The new pages are attached to personal profiles much like they are in Facebook, but there is one feature that differentiates them which is getting a lot of comment—Direct Connect. Direct Connect allows anyone to search for a G+ page by simply placing a + sign in front of the brand name. So to find Pepsi, search “+pepsi” or +musicrow.

To create a Google plus Page log into your personal account and look in the bottom right hand corner where a prompt says, “Create A Google+ Page.” You must have a personal G+ account from which to create a Page.

Wired magazine’s webmonkey blog, written by Scott Gilbertson notes a few shortcomings in the new Pages system.

Among the list of things Google Plus Pages can’t do are basic Plus features like giving webpages a +1 or receiving notifications when others interact with your page. More limiting for larger brands, in their current form Google Plus Pages are tied directly to one (and only one) “normal” Google+ profile. That is, whomever sets up a company’s Page is the only person that can ever post to the Page. In order to actually be useful for most brands Google Plus Pages need options for administrators and a way for multiple contributors to post. Google seems aware of these shortcomings and, as is typical of the company’s launch-early, update-often approach, is promising users that “many more features [are] planned for the coming weeks and months.” For now most businesses appear to be on a land grab — staking a claim on Google Plus before anyone else can.

 

Indeed, yesterday at this publication we lunged qucikly to “grab” our company page, “MusicRow.” So please add us to your circles….

Republic Nashville Celebrates Two Charttoppers

Republic Nashville celebrated two No. 1 hits at a Sunday night dinner (11/6) in Music City. The Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl” landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart as well as the Mediabase Chart. Eli Young Band is currently opening dates on Dierks Bentley’s Cold Cans & Country Tour.

The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” is the No. 1 song this week on the Mediabase AC chart, almost one full year after the song first hit the top of the Country Charts.

Also, click here for a recent interview with Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen.

Pictured below: Mark Gray, Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, Scott Borchetta, Cliff Blake, Megan Knutson, Stacey Blythe, Neil Perry, Mike Eli, Lois Lewis, Jon Jones, Kathleen Drosey, Kelsey Chandler, Allison Jones, Jimmy Harnen, Chris Thompson, Matthew Hargis, James Young.

SESAC Nashville 2011 Awards Winners

At last night’s (11/7) 2011 SESAC Nashville Awards Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott was bestowed with the Songwriter of the Year honor, and Anthony Smith was awarded with Song of the Year for “Tomorrow,” recorded by Chris Young. (L-R): SESAC’s Trevor Gale, Hillary Scott, SESAC’s Pat Collins, SESAC’s Tim Fink and Anthony Smith. Photo: Ed Rode

SESAC held its 2011 Nashville Music Awards yesterday evening (11/7) at The Pinnacle at Symphony Place. The honors were hosted by SESAC VP Writer/Publisher Relations Tim Fink.

Awards for the year’s top performing songs were given to the SESAC writers and publishers who helped create them. SESAC also recognized and honored several writers making significant contributions to the growth of Americana music. Receiving honors from SESAC were the following:

SESAC Songwriter of the Year:
Hillary Scott, who was honored for a total of four awards during the evening including three No. 1 hits for Lady Antebellum and Sara Evans’ chart-topping “A Little Bit Stronger.”

SESAC Song of the Year:
“Tomorrow,” written by Anthony Smith, which was a No. 1 hit for Chris Young. Published by Dreams To Music & Grand Poobah Publishing.

SESAC Publisher of the Year:
EMI Foray Music and Hillary Dawn Songs

Country Performance Activity Awards:
“A Little Bit Stronger” (Sara Evans)
Writer: Hillary Scott; Publisher: Hillary Dawn Songs / EMI Foray Music

“Tomorrow” (Chris Young)
Writer: Anthony Smith; Publisher: Dreams To Music / Grand Poobah Publishing

“Just A Kiss,” (Lady Antebellum)
Writer: Hillary Scott; Publisher: Hillary Dawn Songs / EMI Foray Music

“Family Man” (Craig Campbell)
Writer: Craig Campbell; Publisher: Acoustic Peanut Publishing / Melodies of Bigger Picture

“Beautiful Every Time,” (Lee Brice)
Writer: Lance Miller; Publisher: Melvins Bullets Music / Melvins Pistol Music / Songs of StyleSonic Music

“Cost Of Livin’” (Ronnie Dunn)
Writer: Phillip Coleman; Publisher: Tractor Radio Songs

“Fish” (Craig Campbell)
Writers: Craig Campbell / Arlos Smith / Ashe Underwood; Publisher: Jeff Jack and the Mule Music / Acoustic Peanut Publishing / Melodies of Bigger Picture / Geormac Music

“Amen” (Eden’s Edge)
Writer: Catt Gravitt; Publisher: Ink Pen Mama Music / Songs of Maxx Publishing / Tunes of R and T Direct

“Our Kind Of Love” (Lady Antebellum)
Writer: Hillary Scott; Publisher: Hillary Dawn Songs / EMI Foray Music

“Need You Now” (Lady Antebellum)
Writer: Hillary Scott; Publisher: Hillary Dawn Songs / EMI Foray Music

“I Gotta Get To You” (George Strait)
Writers: Blaine Larsen & Jim Lauderdale; Publisher: Blaine Larsen Music / Slay The Dragon Music / Chrysalis One Tunes / Wudang Mountain Songs

“’Til Summer Comes Around” (Keith Urban)
Writer: Monty Powell; Publisher: Eden Valley Music / ole

Americana Performance Activity Awards:
Bob Dylan
For his contributions to the Old 97’s album The Grand Theatre Volume One (Publisher: Special Rider Music), Wanda Jackson’s The Party Ain’t Over (Publisher: Special Rider Music), Sarah Jarosz’s Follow Me Down (Publisher: Special Rider Music), and North Mississippi Allstars’ Keys To The Kingdom (Publisher: Dwarf Music)

Jonathan Byrd
For his ontribution to Tim O’Brien’s Chicken & Egg (Publisher: Jonathan Byrd Music)

Hayes Carll
For his contributions to his own album KMAG YOYO (Publisher: Highway 87 Publishing)

Colin Brooks
For his contribution The Band of Heathens’ Top Hat Crown & The Clapmaster’s Son (Publisher: Brooks Wood Products)

Seth Avett
For his contribution to G. Love’s Fixin’ To Die (Publisher: First Big Snow Publishing)

Jim Lauderdale
For his contribution to Elvis Costello’s National Ransom (Publisher: Wudang Mountain Songs)

Photos: The McClymonts, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis

The Academy of Country Music welcomed BMS recording artists The McClymonts to the office while they were in Los Angeles last week. While at the Academy they performed their single “Wrapped Up Good,” and signed up for professional ACM membership.

(L-R): Michelle Goble, Academy of Country Music SVP, Membership & Event, The McClymonts’ Mollie McClymont, Brooke McClymont, Tiffany Moon, Academy of Country Music EVP, Managing Director and The McClymonts’ Sam McClymon) Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

 • • • •

BMI launched new showcase series Who’s on Third on Nov. 1 at 3rd & Lindsley. Songwriters Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis performed for a standing-room-only crowd. The set included Robison’s chart-topping compositions, such as “Angry All the Time” (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill), “Traveling Solder” (Dixie Chicks), and “Wrapped” (George Strait), as well as new material slated to appear on an album the two are currently recording.

(L-R): (back row) BMI’s Clay Bradley, Crowley Artist Management’s Mike Crowley, Bruce Robison, and BMI’s Perry Howard; (front row) Paradigm Agency’s Clint Wiley, BMI’s Jody Williams, Kelly Willis, and 3rd & Lindsley’s Ron Brice. Photo: Drew Maynard

 

Bobby Karl Works The SESAC Awards

(L-R): SESAC's Trevor Gale, Anthony Smith, Hillary Scott, SESAC's Pat Collins and Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode

Chapter 382

On Monday night (11/7), the word of the day was glamour.

In recent years, the annual SESAC Nashville awards gala has been steadily gaining on its larger PRO competitors in terms of elegance and sophistication. That evening, the organization took flight from its previous Music Row headquarters tent, soaring upward to the 21st floor of The Pinnacle office tower downtown. Every sense was stimulated as a result – the look, the sound, the taste and the feel were all first class.

To no one’s surprise, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott was named SESAC’s country Songwriter of the Year. She not only co-wrote her million-selling group’s “Just a Kiss,” “Our Kind of Love” and “Need You Now,” but also the Sara Evans smash “A Little Bit Stronger.”

“This award goes to someone near and dear to my heart,” said SESAC’s Tim Fink. “She’s not only a great artist, a superb vocalist and a consummate entertainer; she’s also a superb human being. She’s one of the sweetest and most genuine individuals you could ever hope to know.”

Hillary works for the charity MyLife Speaks, which aids the devastated children of Haiti. Tim announced that SESAC is donating to it in her name.

“I’m so honored to be here and honored to be a part of this organization,” Hillary responded. “It means the world to feel so loved. I’m speechless.”

Hillary attended with her handsome fiancée Chris Tyrrell, proud parents Lang Scott & Linda Davis, her little sister Rylee Jean Davis and folks from her publishing family, EMI Foray / Hillary Dawn Songs, which was named Publisher of the Year.

Newly minted country star Chris Young introduced the Song of the Year winner, “Tomorrow,” co-written with Anthony Smith.

“This is pretty cool, because I don’t have to talk about myself,” said Chris. “I get to talk about one of my truly best friends, Mr. Anthony Smith. I really do thank God that he put me in the room that day with Anthony and Frank Myers. That song set the tone for my whole album. Every song had to measure up to it. It’s one of the songs I’m most proud of.”

The awards ceremony began with greetings from SESAC’s Pat Collins. Then Craig Campbell sang his amusing, award-winning “Fish.”

Trevor Gale pointed out the rising number of stars who are cutting SESAC songs. Tim Fink added that SESAC is the only PRO that gives recognition to the Americana genre. This year’s AMA show will be nationally televised for the first time. It airs on Nov. 19 on PBS as a special edition of Austin City Limits. The word “Americana” as a musical description is now in Webster’s Dictionary. Amy Beth Hale is SESAC’s Americana and bluegrass point person, by the way.

SESAC 2011 Americana awards will be sent to Jonathan Byrd, Hayes Carll, Seth Avett, Bob Dylan and Colin Brooks. Jim Lauderdale was there to receive his in person. He sang “I Lost You,” which was recorded and co-written by Elvis Costello.

“I feel like I’m at the Pinnacle of my career,” Jim quipped about the lofty party space. “Thank you to SESAC for putting the CAN back in AmeriCANa.”

MusicRow received a shout-out for celebrating its 30th anniversary. SESAC was the magazine’s very first advertiser when the publication began.

Shannan Hatch and John Mullins joined Tim in presenting the country awards. Superstar Ronnie Dunn sang the soulful workingman’s lament “Cost of Living,” co-written by SESAC’s Phillip Coleman.

“That’s a perfect song finding a perfect singer,” observed Tim.

Other winning SESAC country songs included “Amen,” “Til Summer Comes Around,” “Family Man,” “Beautiful Every Time” and “Gotta Get to You.”

But let’s get back to the sheer stylishness of the event. The Pinnacle’s 21st floor’s greatest feature is, of course, the views of the glittering lights of the city beneath on all sides. It is an open, industrial space that was draped with yards of white drapery, up-lit in tones of blue and green. Silver square cocktail tables were lit from within in varying hues. Upholstered white benches were placed at window views. Glowing light from votive candles and pillar candles in vases filled with white orchids infused the space.

Palm fronds backed the bar stations. Against one wall was a row of art-glass “chandeliers” dangling over large, white-on-white floral arrangements. During cocktails, the wait staff circulated with bacon-wrapped quail, mozzarella-and-pesto stuffed grape tomatoes and mini shrimp cakes.

The dining room held tables covered in silver cloths with satin spiral ribbon appliqués. Silver chargers were round on the rectangle tables and square on the round ones. The chairs were silver, too.

The centerpieces were glass cubes holding white hydrangea blossoms, white anthurium (a.k.a. “flamingo flower”), white orchids and white cabbage heads, surrounded by votives in vases filled with clear glass chips. Very classy. They didn’t have to go far for those floral embellishments – They came from Oshi, located in The Pinnacle’s lobby.

Anna Wilson, as always, was at the forefront of the fashion statements. She wore a faux fur white stole over a tiered satin short-length sheath, accented by black horizontal darts, black gloves, a black clutch and her spiffy escort, Monty Powell. Jayne Rogovin was right up there, too, wearing a vintage, taupe, Oscar de la Renta pants suit with a lace motif and an Alberta Ferretti velvet coat of many colors. Kristi Rose wore a black, cut-velvet tunic and ‘60s stiletto boots, while hubby Fats Kaplan was in a vintage russet tux jacket with a black satin shawl collar.

Caroline Davis was a dish in her one-shoulder patterned satin cocktail dress with a floral pattern. Its trim cut reminded her of Mad Men, she said. Joey Martin looked smashing in her floor-length black jersey gown with a wide, low-slung leather belt, white fringed mini shawl and overall-wearing escort, Rory Lee Feek. John Briggs was stylish in pin stripes. Debbie Carroll chose a sleek, black, lace cocktail dress. Pat Finch was in a vintage white tux jacket.

Linda Davis was radiant in an electric blue draped-silk top with cutaway sleeves. Iodine’s Susanne Mumpower was in a black vinyl mini dress, which contrasted with her ice-blonde hair and ruby lips. She was accompanied by husband Jamie Johnson of The Grascals. Her album, by the way, is essential listening, a riveting experience.

Mingling fabulons included Charlie Stefl, Charlie Monk, Jason Morris, Ed Morris, Tom Baldrica, Tom Luteran and Thomm Jutz. The latter is the co-producer of the multi-artist Civil War CD 1861. German born, he recently, proudly gained his American citizenship.

Gilles Godard, Gil Grand, Billy Block, Rocky Block (his son, growing up fast), Benita Hill, Jed Hilly, Al Moss, Arlos Smith, Ashe Underwood, Arthur Buenahora, Tinti Moffatt, Tim McFadden, Troy Tomlinson (losing weight stylishly, via a nutritionist), Blaine Larsen, Ben Vaughn and Bernie Nelson worked the room. Bernie introduced me to his latest collaborator, 14-year-old Easton Hamlin, who has moved here from western Kansas to improve his songwriting. That’s what I said, 14, and he’s already been writing for three years.

Also schmoozing: David Macias, Donna Duarte, Susan Stewart, Ron Cox, Kari Estrin, Woody Bomar, Peter Cronin, Noah Gordon, Victoria Shaw, Garth Fundis and Steve Williams, who has the new Oak Ridge Boys single, “Whatcha Gonna Do,” plus Mike Dungan, Karen Oertley, Nancy Shapiro, Jerry Salley, Lance Miller, Catt Gravitt and Hank Adam Locklin.

The City National Bank team was out in full force – Holly Bell, Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett were introducing their boss Martha Henderson to her first Country Music Week. “It’s not how much music you like, it’s how much can you stand?” I advised her.

I love it when they provide menu cards. It makes me sound so cultured. We dined on a first course of seasoned greens with feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, wild mushroom and roasted pear turnover with fig vinaigrette. The main course was red wine braised beef short rib, mahi mahi with lemon beurre blanc, aged cheddar grits and haricot verts (that’s green beans to you, Bub) with caramelized onions and toasted walnuts. The dessert was a yummy lemon mousse pot de crème with blueberry pudding cake.


Continuing Education

Chris Lisle

On Wed., Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. “roadies” everywhere are invited to attend the Touring Career Workshop hosted by Chris Lisle of Chris Lisle Lighting Design at Belmont University‘s Curb Event Center.

Panelists who will share their insight at the four-hour long seminar include Lisle (Personality Traits of Touring), Robert Frost (Liability Insurance), Mark Miles (Touring Politics), Troy Von Haefen (Financial Planning), Craig Stahl (Roadie Real Estate), Stephen Navyac (Stresses on the Road), Debbie Carroll (MusicCares Programs for Roadies), RJ Stillwell (Health Insurance), JP Lourence (Fitness on the Road), Eric Elwell (“Your Career is a Business”), Jason Spence (The Advantage of Multiple Income Streams), Joy Black (Tax Planning and Accounting) and Aaron Kinssies (Having an Exit Plan).

Although the event is free of charge, please RSVP to tcw@chrislisle.com if you plan to attend.

• • • •

A debate at Vanderbilt Law School will examine the future of record labels. Joining the discussion will be Andrew Christie, Chair of Intellectual Property at the University of Melbourne; Brian R. Day, attorney at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; Lital Helman, intellectual property fellow at Columbia Law School; Terry Hemmings, president and CEO of Provident Music Group; Timothy Lee, tech policy contributor at Ars Technica; and Andrew Pollock, solicitor at Marshalls & Dent Lawyers.

Daniel Gervais, co-director of the Vanderbilt Intellectual Property Program, will moderate the debate. Held in conjunction with the University of Melbourne, the event will be 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Nov. 15 in Flynn Auditorium at Vanderbilt Law School. It is free and open to the public and will be streamed live here, and will be available after the event at news.vanderbilt.edu.

Bobby Karl Works The ASCAP Awards

(L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP’s Marc Driskill, Publisher of the Year Sea Gayle Music’s Chris DuBois, Songwriter/Artist of the Year and Sea Gayle partner Brad Paisley, Song of the Year “The House That Built Me” writer Allen Shamblin, Sea Gayle’s Frank Rogers, Songwriter of the Year Ben Hayslip, ASCAP’s Tim DuBois, Mike Sistad and Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode

Chapter 381

ASCAP kicked off Country Music Week on Sunday (11/6) by crowning its 2011 country kings at a swellegant banquet.

Brad Paisley was named Artist-Songwriter of the Year. “I started at Belmont University in 1993, and they encouraged me to intern,” he recalled. “Some of my favorite writers were with ASCAP, like Don Schlitz, Mike Reid, Allen Shamblin (who were there) and Alan Jackson (who was not).” And so it came to be that Brad’s first music-biz job in Nashville was as an intern at ASCAP.

This is the second time Brad has been so honored. He previously won this prize in 2004.

“It never escapes me that the reason I got here was songs,” he added. “And my favorite part of this process is sitting down with the people in this room.”

Alongside Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois, Brad was also on stage to accept Publisher of the Year for the second time in a row. It has been more than 30 years since an independent publisher like Sea Gayle finished on top at ASCAP.

“Yep, I’m proud,” said a clearly moved Tim DuBois. Chris is his son.

When Ben Hayslip won Songwriter of the Year, he said, “About six years ago, I was at a crossroads. I asked God to send me a sign. He sent me Rusty Gaston….my publisher [at This Music].

“I am completely honored,” said Ben. “I’ve learned from each and every one of you. Give a round [of applause] for every songwriter in this room tonight.” This was Ben’s first top songwriter honor.

“I’m blown away,” said Allen Shamblin when his “The House That Built Me” was named Song of the Year, completing its “trifecta” as also the ACM and CMA Song winner. “I come into this room and see so many writers….I know what you’ve been through. I love y’all.”

By far the biggest crowd pleaser of the night was the presentation of the Golden Note award for career excellence to Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams.

“I am overwhelmed,” said Don. “Of all the people I’ve always wanted to thank for my career, it’s always been songwriters. You are the lifeblood of the industry….I don’t deserve this award. You do. Anyway, my heartfelt thanks. And I’m so nervous, I’m about to pass out.”

The 49th ASCAP Country Music Awards presentations to 36 hit songs’ writers and publishers were sprinkled with loads of excellent performances. Dierks Bentley launched the banquet with a smoking version of his new single “Home.” He was last year’s Artist-Songwriter winner.

The top-five songs were performed by their writers at various moments during the eve. So Brett James, Tim Nichols and Chris Young sang “The Man I Want to Be.” Ben Hayslip and Josh Turner did “All Over Me.” Tony Lane and Johnny Park turned in a hearty “Roll With It.” Allen Shamblin drew a standing ovation after his tender reading of “The House That Built Me.” The real romp was The Peach Pickers doing “Gimme That Girl,” complete with a honking horn section. Fellow Georgians Ben, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins perform under this moniker and get together every Wednesday to write country music.

The Don Williams tribute included Lee Ann Womack performing a lilting “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good.” Keith Urban and Little Big Town poured honey warmth over “We’ve Got a Good Fire Goin,’” then the ever so soulful Dave Loggins turned up the heat. Dave is the song’s composer. Don, himself, capped the segment by singing his signature songs “I Believe In You” and “Tulsa Time” and drew a standing ovation.

(L-R): Golden Note Award winner Don Williams with ASCAP Writer Board Member Wayland Holyfield, Keith Urban, Don Williams, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, Phillip Sweet. Photo: Ed Rode

The Global Impact Award went to “Need You Now.” Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace accepted on behalf of its co-writer, Josh Kear. The Civil Wars accepted their Vanguard Award via video.

The gala was ASCAP’s first time back at the Opryland Hotel since 2004. The theme was elegant simplicity. The 800 guests were seated at black-draped tables. The centerpieces were starkly modernistic black metal “star” sculptures with white pillar candles on gold fabric squares. Opryland’s massive crystal chandeliers glittered overhead in The Tennessee Ballroom.

The attendees dressed to impress. Jennifer Nettles was in a sleek tux. Angaleena Presley wore gleaming red lipstick, dangling silvery earrings and a knee-length black sheath with a rhinestone clasp at the hip. Petite Georgia Middleman was a doll in a floor-length, form fitting jersey gown in shades of pastel that descended to black at its hem. Eric Paslay topped his look with a British racing cap. The JaneDear Girls both sported fascinators atop their arty tresses.

(L-R): ASCAP VP and Managing Executive Tim DuBois, Lee Ann Womack, Jennifer Nettles, ASCAP VP and GM Marc Driskill. Photo: Kay Williams

Bucky Covngton wore skinny black jeans and a tails-out black western shirt. Lisa Harless turned heads in a bright blue silk shift. Karen Clark was statuesque in a strapless ebony evening gown. Gary Burr’s vest was paisley-patterned black brocade, and Tim Mensy’s was electric green. Amy Kurland looked serene in a silver tunic. Jerrod Niemann wore a sporty workingman’s cap. Tony Brown had on a black leather tuxedo jacket and was squiring willowy, crimson-clad  Jamie Antee, to whom he is engaged. Jewel Coburn lit up the room in a shiny red satin sheath. Liz O’Sullivan was in a shimmering white strapless, multi-tiered floor length gown. LeAnn Phelan had one of the prettiest ensembles of the evening, a silver-sequined black tunic dress with a lace motif and black thigh-high boots.

Basking in the fellowship were such fabulons as Paul Williams, Herky Williams, Steve Williams, Mentor Williams, Will Byrd and Jesse Willoughby, not to mention James Harris, Judy Harris, John Bettis, John Grady, John LoFrumento, a nattily attired David Nail, David Lee Murphy, David Ross, David Corlew, Dave Tunbull and David Ewing & Alice Randall. David Nail, by the way, was magnificent at the Peter Nappi Studio showcase (11/2) for his new CD The Sound of a Million Dreams.

Robert Ellis Orrall was escorted by his son, Jammin Orrall, whose Jeff the Brotherhood rock band is off on a European tour this week. Other music making celebs in attendance included Radney Foster, Kip Moore, Buzz Cason, Gretchen Peters, Chris Stapleton and Lynn Anderson. Schmoozing into the night were Gary Overton, Gary Nicholson, Gary Paczosa, Doug Casmus, Doug Howard & Linda Edell, Mark Ford, Marc Driskill, Mark Irwin and Dixie Owen, who is expecting a Christmas baby due on Dec. 21.

Earl Bud Lee, Suzanne Lee, Bob McDill, Dale Bobo, Ben Vaughn, Bo Thomas, Barry Coburn, Jim Photoglo, Jo Walker-Meador and power couples Rick & Janis Carnes, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Steve & Ree Guyer-Buchanan and Jeff Walker & Terri Hollowell Walker worked the room. Blake Chancey’s beard has gone gray! How old does this make the rest of us?

Stuart Dill has written a just-published Nashville-themed fiction thriller called Murder on Music Row. He was there, as were Kerry Kurt Phillips, Craig Wiseman, Pete Fisher, Andrew Kintz, Drew Alexander, Kevin Lamb, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Liz Hengber, Debi Cochran, Beverly Keel, Taylor Rhodes, Wayland Holyfield, Mike Sistad, Dan Hays, Clay Mills, Kay West and Marcel.

Our first course was a mixed-greens salad with tiny pears, grape tomatoes, walnuts, shaved carrots and bacon with buttermilk dressing. The entrée was tender roast beef, spiced mashed potatoes with thin onion rings, asparagus spears and roasted Roma tomato wedges. Peanut-butter mousse, chocolate truffle and little lemon-pudding cups were presented in a tidy row for dessert.

ASCAP president and board chairman Paul Williams called it, “Our annual family picnic.”

Earlier in the day (11/6) hundreds of fans gathered in the sunshine downtown to witness the newest installations at the Music City Walk of Fame. Kix Brooks, Alan Jackson, Manuel, Bobby Jones and the late Dottie Rambo, Les Paul and Dan Miller were the honorees. Reba McEntire, who already has her star, attended in support of her buddy, Kix.

(L-R): ASCAP VP/GM Marc Driskill, Songwriter/Artist of the Year Brad Paisley and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams. Photo: Ed Rode

Copyright Industries Have Major Economic Impact

U.S. copyright industries employed more than 10.6 million workers and contributed more than $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2010, according to a new report.

The International Intellectual Property Alliance, made up of the National Music Publishers’ Association and other major copyright trade organizations, commissioned the report titled Copyright Industries in the U.S. Economy.

The report’s key findings include in 2010:

Value added to the economy
• Core copyright industries added $931.8 billion or 6.36 percent to the U.S. economy.
• Total copyright industries was $1.627 trillion or 11.1 percent of GDP.

Employment
• Core copyright industries employed nearly 5.1 million workers, 3.93 percent of the entire workforce and 4.75 percent of total private employment.
• Total copyright industries employed more than 10.6 million workers, or 8.19 percent of U.S. employment or 9.91 percent of all private employment.

Growth (2007-2010)
• Core copyright industries grew at an aggregate annual rate of 1.1 percent.
• Total copyright industries grew at a rate of 1.47 percent.
• The average growth rate of the entire U.S. economy was 0.05 percent.

The core industries’ primary purpose is to create, produce, distribute or exhibit copyright materials. These industries include books, newspapers and periodicals, motion pictures, recorded music, radio and television broadcasting, and computer software. The “total” copyright industries include the “core” as well as those whose revenues, etc. are dependent on the “core” industries, and include the “partial,” “non-dedicated support,” and “interdependent” sectors.

Details at www.iipa.com.

Rimes Joins ACM Lifting Lives in Chicago

LeAnn Rimes performs at ACM Lifting Lives at Joe’s Bar. Photo: Jeff Dykhuis/Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives recently hosted its first-ever standalone benefit concert, giving away $75,000 in gifts to Chicago-based charities in line with its mission of improving lives through the power of music.

Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes headlined the sold-out event, which took place at a ACM  Nightclub of the Year winner Joe’s Bar Chicago and raised more than $11,000. The venue provided food and drinks for all ticket buyers, and Joe’s Bar owner Ed Warm helmed the event. Singer/songwriter and American Idol runner up Crystal Bowersox also performed.

“The generosity that Ed Warm has shown to ACM Lifting Lives is unparalleled,” said Gayle Holcomb, Chairman of ACM Lifting Lives. “He took a small idea and turned it into a very successful first-ever club event for charity, which in turn benefits so many worthy organizations.”

“As someone whose life revolves around the music industry, I am honored to help support ACM Lifting Lives in their efforts to improve lives through the power of music,” said Warm. “The night was very special for everyone who attended and we can’t thank LeAnn and Crystal enough.”

The following Chicago-based philanthropies were recognized by ACM Lifting Lives and awarded with funding:

  • Chicago Children’s Choir, a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization, received a grant of $10,000.
  • Merit School of Music, a non-profit community music school providing education to 6,000 children, received a grant of $20,000
  • Ravinia Festival, which works to ensure schoolchildren benefit from music education, received a grant of $25,000
  • Snow City Arts, which provides hospitalized children with art and music education, received a grant of $25,000

 

5th Annual Music City Songwriting Competition

Craig Morgan

The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau is announcing its fifth annual Music City Songwriting Competition with country music artist and TV host, Craig Morgan, serving as the honorary ambassador.

The competition will accept entries from Nov. 1, 2011 to Jan. 31, 2012 and is open to amateur songwriters only. Songs may be submitted on CD to Music City Songwriting Competition, P.O. Box 190633, Nashville, TN 37219 or as an MP3 file online here. Submission fee for the first song is $25. Each additional song is $15. For more information and to enter a song, please visit www.themusiccitysongwriter.com.

Entries will be narrowed down to the top twenty-five, which will then be judged by a panel of Nashville’s music industry insiders, including Morgan, Grammy-winning songwriter Tim Nichols, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Lawrence Music Group’s Alex Torrez, GAC and Sirius XM personality Storme Warren, and Nashville CVB President Butch Spyridon. Judges will rate each song based on the following criteria: melody, composition, originality, lyrics and commercial appeal.

The winning songwriter will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and a trip to the CMA Music Fest. While in town, the winner will be interviewed on GAC TV as well as Sirius XM’s “Music Row Happy Hour with Storme Warren.” Morgan will also offer a mentoring session. The winner will be featured in American Songwriter. The winner will also receive a writing session with a professional songwriter, a demo recording session at Sound Stage Studio and a single song publishing deal with Black River Entertainment.

Everyone who enters the Music City Songwriting Competition will receive a copy of Craig Morgan’s upcoming full-length CD, This Ole Boy, and the twenty-five finalists will also receive a certificate of recognition and a Music City Gift bag.