Industry Ink Friday

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David Andersen

• Show Dog-Universal Music has appointed David “Bubba” Berry to the position of Regional Promotion & Marketing Director, Midwest, it was announced by SDU VP Promotion Rick Moxley. Berry fills the slot recently vacated by the departing Jordan Pettit, and will continue to be based out of Texas. “Bubba is a seasoned professional,” says Moxley. “His passion for the business and extensive knowledge of country music is unmatched. He’s worked with several of our staff already and will be an easy fit.” Berry was most recently in the promotion department of BNA Records. Congratulate him here.

• David Andersen offers his fourth jazz album, Revelations. Recorded with The Revelations Jazz Band, it salutes jazz pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, WC Handy and Jelly Roll Morton. It was recorded in front of a live audience in Anaheim, Calif.

• Entries for the NSAI Song Contest Presented by CMT are due by Oct. 31. The Grand Prize Winner will receive an exclusive mentoring session with Charlie Daniels. For more information, visit nsai.cmt.com.

• Our thoughts are with IFCO’s Kay Johnson, who is being treated for Large B Cell Lymphoma at Vanderbilt Hospital.

• The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will dim the lights on its mega-popular, critically acclaimed exhibition Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, Presented by SunTrust, on Dec. 31. In anticipation of the exhibit’s close, the museum is presenting several Family Tradition-themed programs in the coming weeks, including an Oct. 29 panel discussion on southern rock that will feature Bonnie Bramlett, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Hall, Mike Hyland and Ed King.

• Nashville-based Howling Music Group composer David Grow recently completed the score to a new documentary, Free Throw. The film is scheduled to premiere in October at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

Larry Murray

• Larry Murray is leaving his gig at Triple 8 Management, where he serves as day-to-day manager for Joe Nichols and Eli Young Band. His new role is Director of Operations for The Boot Campaign.

• Film composer George S. Clinton, the man behind the music of Mortal Kombat, The Santa Clause 2 and the Austin Powers films, will share his expertise with MTSU Oct. 19-20 as the 2011 Department of Recording Industry Artist-in-Residence.

• SESAC recently partnered with Belmont University on an educational panel featuring some of Christian music’s most successful songwriters. The symposium offered Belmont University students a chance to hear professional insight from Christian songwriters Seth Mosley (writer of hits for Newsboys, Peter Furler), Aaron Rice (writer of hits for tobyMac, Krystal Meyers) and A.J. Babcock (writer and member of Christian group, House Of Heroes).

(L-R): Belmont’s Drew Ramsey, songwriter Seth Mosley, Belmont’s James Elliot, songwriters Aaron Rice and AJ Babcock and SESAC’s John Mullins. Photo: Donald Hedden

Nichols To Release New Album

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Joe Nichols is slated to release his sixth studio album, It’s All Good (Show Dog-Universal) on Nov. 8. A follow-up to his Greatest Hits release, It’s All Good features ten tracks, including the single, “Take It Off.” The “Take It Off” music video has already exceeded 1.3 million views on YouTube and is No. 10 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.

It’s All Good was co-produced by Mark Wright and Buddy Cannon.

It’s All Good track list:

1. Take It Off // Written by Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley and Kelley Lovelace

2. The More I Look // Written by Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson and Jim Beavers

3. Somebody’s Mama // Written by David Lee Murphy and Kim Tribble

4. It’s All Good // Written by Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman

5. This Ole Boy // Written by Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip

6. I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You // Written by Jon Wolfe, Tim Johnson and James Dean Hicks

7. No Truck, No Boat, No Girl // Written by Adam Wright and Jay Knowles

8. Never Gonna Get Enough // Written by Mark Nesler and Deric Ruttan

9. She’s Just Like That // Written by Thomas Rhett Akins, Tyler Farr and Jaron Boyer

10. How I Wanna Go // Written by Rivers Rutherford and Tim James

10th Annual Americana Honors and Awards Winners

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Robert Plant and his frequent collaborator, musician/songwriter/producer Buddy Miller were among the big winners at the 10th Annual Americana Honors and Awards Show, held last night (Oct. 13) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Plant’s Band of Joy album, on which Miller played guitar and produced, picked up Album of the Year honors. Miller earned the Artist of the Year Award, as well as Instrumentalist of the Year. Other winners included Justin Townes Earle (Song of the Year, “Harlem River Blues”) and The Avett Brothers (Duo/Group of the Year) picking up their fourth career win. A full list of winners is included.

2011 Americana Honors and Awards recipients:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Band Of Joy, Robert Plant
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Buddy Miller
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:  Buddy Miller
NEW / EMERGING ARTIST: Mumford & Sons
SONG OF THE YEAR: “Harlem River Blues” by Justin Townes Earle
DUO / GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Avett Brothers

Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriter: Lucinda Williams
Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance: Gregg Allman
Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist: Jerry Douglas
Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive: Rick Hall
Trailblazer Award: Bob Harris

To read Bobby Karl’s complete coverage of the show CLICK HERE.

CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

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In 1965, entertainers Sonny & Cher recorded and released their signature No. 1 “I Got You Babe,” which would eventually become a touchstone of the free-lovin’ ’60s. It’s cute, fuzzy, and sweet on the surface, but underneath there’s a theme of the all-encompassing, saving power of young love that informs many of music’s greatest works. (See also: “Be My Baby,” “God Only Knows”).

Fast forward to the present day, 2011. Stoney Creek Records husband-wife duo Thompson Square has scored their second CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 hit with their similarly titled “I Got You.” Sonically and melodically it’s miles away from the Sonny & Cher track, but the same starry-eyed us against the world mentality shines through in every harmony. Someone in Keifer and Shawna Thompson’s camp clearly noticed the parallels, because the song’s video is a clever sendup of the The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour program with all parts played by the two band members. And in a reality-bending twist, Thompson Square even gets to play themselves as musical guests promoting a new single on the wacky variety show.

Thompson Square will surely be counted among 2011’s great country success stories, following their breakout No. 1 hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.” Since then, the duo has scored CMA nominations for New Artist of the Year and Vocal Duo of the Year, as well as a whopping seven (!) nominations for the American Country Awards scheduled for December. To date, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” has sold over 1.5 million digital downloads and the pair has been out on the road with Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party Tour. Later this Fall, they’ll join up with Darius Rucker’s tour for more live dates.

“The last year of our lives have been completely surreal,” says Keifer. “We’ve never had a dream come true before. We didn’t know what that felt like until recently.”

Kind of like having your own variety show, right?

Weekly Chart Report (10/14/11)

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RADIO NEWS
Marsh Johnson has taken over Programming and Music duties at KVAY/Lamar, CO. The 40 year radio veteran replaces Ross Alexander, who will continue to work with the station in another capacity. His music call times are Mondays from 10-11 Mtn. Email him here.

Way Out West artist Shawna Russell (L) recently spent some time with KFAV/Warrenton, MO PD Mike Thomas (R). Russell is currently on a seven-state radio tour to promote her sophomore album and single "Get Right Or Get Left."

SPIN ZONE
Everything can change in a day or two when it comes to radio charts. This week there’s a shift at the top, thanks to a new CountryBreakout No. 1 song with Thompson Square’s “I Got You.” Moving up with them are Taylor Swift’s “Sparks Fly” at No. 2, Brantley Gilbert’s “Country Must Be Country Wide” at No. 3, Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim” at No. 4, and Lady Antebellum’s “We Owned The Night” at No. 5. New to the Top 10 is The Band Perry’s “All Your Life,” which scoots in at No. 9.

Debuting singles are a largely male crowd this go ‘round. Billy Currington’s “Like My Dog” leads the pack (get it?) at No. 71, followed by Lee Brice’s “A Woman Like You” at No. 72 and Neal McCoy’s “A-OK” at No. 73. A few spins behind are JD Malone & The Experts’ “Silver From (And You Still Want More)” at No. 77, newcomer Kip Moore’s “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” at No. 78 and Corey Smith’s “Maybe Next Year” at No. 80.

Frozen Playlists: KBCR, KTKS, KTWI, KYKX, WBKR, WCJW, WQNZ, WYVY

Upcoming Singles
October 17
Jake Owen/Alone With You/RCA
Lee Brice/Woman Like You/Curb
Brad Paisley/Camouflage/Arista
Andy Velo/Southern Thing/Red Dirt/Turnpike
Johnny Solinger/Livin’ Out A Country Song/Red Dirt/Turnpike
The Farm/Home Sweet Home/All In/Elektra/New Revolution
Neal McCoy/A-OK/Blaster/Rodeowave
Lucas Hoge/Give A Damn/Animal House

October 24
Gloriana/(Kissed You) Good Night/Emblem/WMN

• • • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Billy Currington/Like My Dog/Mercury — 71
Lee Brice/A Woman Like You/Curb — 72
Neal McCoy/A—Ok/Blaster Records — 73
J.D. Malone & The Experts/Silver From (And You Still Want More) — 77
Kip Moore/Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck/MCA — 78
Corey Smith/Maybe Next Year/Average Joe’s — 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Kenny Chesney/Reality/BNA — 539
Dierks Bentley/Home/Capitol — 449
Brad Paisley/Camouflage/Arista — 438
Jason Aldean/Tattoos On This Town/Broken Bow — 253
Zac Brown Band/Keep Me In Mind/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 212

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Kenny Chesney/Reality/BNA — 36
Brad Paisley/Camouflage/Arista — 29
Dierks Bentley/Home/Capitol — 21
Billy Currington/Like My Dog/Mercury — 13
Neal McCoy/A—Ok/Blaster Records — 12
Jake Owen/Alone With You/RCA — 10

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Donny and Marie Osmond/A Beautiful Life/MPCA — 169
Clay Dustin/I’ll Take That Job/Pure Heart Records — 162
Erica Nicole/Shave/Heaven Records — 153
Landon Michael/Might As Well Be Me/Big Dog Records — 150
Vince Gill/Threaten Me With Heaven/MCA — 142
Taylor Made/Good Love — 136

Aussie sister trio The McClymonts recently visited with Fletcher Brown of WXFL/Florence, AL on their radio tour. The McClymonts’ single “Wrapped Up Good” is currently No. 36 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): Mollie McClymont, Brown, Sam McClymont, Brooke McClymont

Katie Armiger has the staff of WIRK/West Palm Beach screaming for her new single, “Scream.” (L-R): Cold River SE Regional Halie Hampton, Armiger, WIRK MD Sammy Cruise (in mask), Cold River National Dir. Jim Dandy, and WIRK PD John O’Connell

Warner Music Nashville artist Brett Eldredge recently visited the staff of WOGK/Ocala. (L-R): WOGK MD/Mid-days Rick Brooks, WOGK Afternoons Lewis Stokes, W.A.R. SE Regional Jennifer Thorpe, and Eldredge

Bobby Karl Works the AMA Awards

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Buddy Miller Photo: Erika Goldring

Chapter 378

The Americana Music Association’s Honors and Awards gala celebrated its 10th anniversary on Thursday night (10/13) by taking a big step forward.

For the first time, the event was telecast. And although the WNPT-TV live coverage was plagued by technical glitches, the vibe inside the Ryman Auditorium was toasty warm. The show will be edited for rebroadcast on PBS nationally. For a complete list of winners CLICK HERE.

Buddy Miller was the big winner. He led the house band, triumphed again as Instrumentalist of the Year and, in a surprise, walked off with Artist of the Year instead of the favored Robert Plant.

Jed Hilly, Robert Plant, Justin Townes Earl and Bob Harris. Photo: Kay Williams

“This is not right, and thank-you,” he exclaimed in accepting the Artist trophy. “Just to be mentioned in the same sentence with all those other folks means a lot to me.” In addition to Miller and Plant, the other nominees were Elizabeth Cook and Hayes Carll.

“I feel like I get away with murder,” Miller said when he accepted his Instrumentalist prize. “I’m really, really not that good. But I get to play with some really incredible people.”

The Miller love continued when Plant accepted the Album of the Year award for Band of Joy. “I have to thank, really, especially, Buddy Miller….the consummate player,” said Plant. “I’ve been welcomed by some spectacular people, especially in this town.”

Luke Lewis and Lucinda Williams. Photo: Kay Williams

Among the show’s highlights were the presentations of five Lifetime Achievement Awards. First up was Lucinda Williams, honored for her Songwriter accomplishments.

“She loves language as much as she loves music,” said presenter Luke Lewis. “Her thoughts are golden arrows….She is a poet. She has created 10 albums, all of which will endure.”

“I’ve just been all a-pitter-patter backstage,” Williams told the cheering crowd. “I want this honor to stand for the perseverance and heart it takes to make it all come true….a life in music.” She then performed the title tune to her CD, “Blessed.”

Jerry Douglas was given his Lifetime Award for his work as an Instrumentalist. “He has made a life of communicating emotions to people all over the world,” said presenter Alison Krauss. “He has been my co-worker for 15 years. It couldn’t go to a more perfect guy. This is so right.” Douglas received one of the evening’s many standing ovations.

“Thirty-eight years ago, I climbed aboard my first tour bus,” he recalled of joining The Country Gentlemen as a teen. “They told me, ‘Our bathroom doesn’t work. Here’s your plastic jug.’ It has gotten better since then.

Jerry Douglas. Photo: Kay Williams

“The Dobro guitar has always been my voice,” he added on a more serious note. To him, the award was, “more than a decoration. It’s a big ‘Yeah!’ from people like you.”

Keb’ Mo’ presented a Performer Lifetime Achievement honor to Gregg Allman. “Every time he opens his mouth to sing, we are given a glimpse into his soul,” Keb’ said. “He has held a torch for the traditions of soul and the blues.”

“You are too kind,” responded Allman. “I’ve always said I can sing to you, but I can’t talk to you.” He thanked his 94-year-old mother, The Allman Brothers and Rounder Records, which handled his excellent Low Country Blues CD this year. “I was born in this city, and it’s good to be back. God bless you.”

Later in the show, Allman returned to perform a stately, plaintive version of his 1972 classic “Melissa.”

The Executive Lifetime honor went to Muscle Shoals producer/publisher Rick Hall. Soul star Candi Staton said that, “Working with Rick was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in music. The music I made in Muscle Shoals has taken me all over the world.”

Gregg Allman. Photo: Erika Goldring

Hall recalled, “When I was 16 years old, I was sitting in the Ryman Auditorium, and I saw Hank Williams sing the ‘Lovesick Blues.’ And I knew I wanted to be in music.

“My son said, ‘Dad, be humble, and make it short.’ So, thank you.” Staton and The McCrary Sisters sang “Heart on a String” to salute her producer.

British radio and TV broadcaster Bob Harris was given the Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award. “It’s a bit of a dream come true to walk out on this stage,” he said. “The level of musicianship here [in Nashville] I truly believe is the best in the world. You are the warmest people and the friendliest. I really believe in you, and I believe in this music.”

The Americana convention has grown by 15% each year for the past four years. This year’s awards show was the first to become a sold-out event.

Joy Williams (The Civil Wars), Candi Staton, Rick Hall and John Paul White (The Civil Wars). Photo: Kay Williams

Musically, Emmylou Harris kicked things off with “I’ll Fly Away” with vocal harmonies by Miller and Krauss. The song was on the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Amos Lee and The McCrary Sisters were soulful and inspiring on “Cup of Sorrow” from his Mission Bell CD. Elizabeth Cook turned in a rollicking “El Camino.” Justin Townes Earle and the McCrarys offered a punchy “Harlem River Blues,” which won Song of the Year. Jessica Lee Mayfield was winsome; Group of the Year winners The Avett Brothers were rootsy; and show host Jim Lauderdale was honky tonking.

A massive shout of acclamation and a standing ovation followed The Civil Wars haunting, ethereal performance of “Barton Hollow.”  Hayes Carll rocked hard on his CD title tune “KMAG YOYO.” Buddy Miller and Regina McCrary teamed up on the bluesy “Gasoline and Matches.” Robert Plant, Patty Griffin and the Band of Joy were throbbing and mysterious on “Monkey.”

After The Secret Sisters sang “Why Don’t You Love Me,” Lauderdale said, “I think Hank would be proud of them. And he used to stand right there.”

The finale was “Glory, Glory Hallelujah,” sung by the M.V.P. McCrarys, Plant, Allman, Lauderdale, Griffin and Lee. The McCrary Sisters, by the way, will issue their new CD, Our Journey, on Tuesday.

Whooping it up in the crowd were Garth Fundis, Tim McFadden, Michael Martin Murphey, Mary Martin, Tim Fink, Michael McCall, John Lomax III, Charlie Feldman, Charlie Stefl, John Beiter, Nancy Shapiro, Fletcher Foster, Ron Cox, Webb Wilder, Susan Stewart, Carrie Rodriguez, Raul Malo, John Oates, Mindy Smith, The Greencards, Dan Auerbach, Marshall Chapman, Nina Miller and, natch, Jed Hilly.

“This has been a night of great magic,” concluded Jim Lauderdale. “Thank y’all so much for coming out.”

Charlie Cook On Air

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Facing the Challenge of the Cell Phone

I was recently in a meeting with a bunch of industry executives. I snuck in. Each of us was bemoaning the condition of our individual businesses. It was like if we’re going to get kicked in the teeth we wanted to have the worst smile when it was all done.

Radio people complained about the Japanese auto manufacturers not spending money this year on radio because of the tragedy they lived through. To heck with an earthquake, what about my bonus?

Record people complained that they were selling enough music to keep the lights on but that there was real question about the water and sewer bills coming due. Again, the bonus issue came up.

Tour operators complained that acts were asking for too much money and that the live business is not what it used to be. There are not as many sheds as in the good old days.

Publishers were strangely silent. That’s for another column.

I was thinking about how I could get in on this conversation. I don’t have a bonus plan that I could discuss. Then it hit me.

What has changed in the last 10 years that has really made things unbearable for our businesses? What is sucking up the money for live events and recorded music. What is a challenge for radio listening, even in the safe confines of the car?

The damn cell phone.

The overall problem is that families are now paying upwards of $200.00 a month to outfit the household with text machines, music players and even quasi-radios that masquerade as cellphones. The darn things are portable wrecking machines on every level.

I don’t know about your family but if you add something that costs $100-200 a month to the budget, something has to give. It might be that Friday night out for pizzas. It might be a Saturday night at the movies. Though they appear to have stayed level, revenue wise. But you can’t keep track of real ticket sales because the cost of a movie has skyrocketed even before factoring in 3D ripoffs for $4 a ticket more. Do you really need to see the Smurfs in 3D? How blue is blue?

I watch TV on my cell phone. I listen to Detroit Tiger games on MLB Live on my cell phone. I could listen to music on my cell phone.

If your kid is a video game addict you’re lucky. At least he or she is not “sexting” 15 hours a day with other kids. Teens have lost interest in anything not attached to a text.

In 2003 CDs accounted for 95 percent of recorded music sales. Today CDs are down to 49 percent. What has increased more than cellphones in those nine years?

So do we all agree that Napster, the Japanese earthquake and diva acts are getting a bad rap.

It’s Verizon, ATT and Sprint that we should be pissed at. And radio would be, except telecom is the number one radio account. Oh the conflict.

Bobby Karl Works Vince Gill Week

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UMG Nashville's Beverly Keel and Tom Lord present Gill a plaque commemorating many of his career achievements. Photo: Peyton Hoge

Chapter 377

Nobody took me up on my suggestion that we rename the city Gillville, but at Thursday’s celebration at Bridgestone Arena (10/13), we paid Vince Gill plenty of other compliments.

Universal’s Beverly Keel presided at a warm, genial toast to the Country Music Hall of Fame member. Mayor Karl Dean proclaimed that this is officially Vince Gill Week in Nashville.

“Vince is a great man, a great humanitarian and a great Nashvillian,” said hizzoner. “On behalf of all the people of Nashville, thank you.” He spoke of Vince’s unparalleled musicianship and unwavering dedication to charity work.

Dean’s proclamation noted that Vince has sold 26 million records, won 18 CMA Awards (including an unequalled five Male Vocalist and four Song honors), been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2005), entered the Country Music Hall of Fame (2007), is celebrating his 20th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and created the Vinny charity golf tournament.

He also announced that Vince Gill will be the grand marshal of this year’s Nashville Christmas Parade (Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.).

Butch Spyridon, the president of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau said to Vince, “Virtually everything that you do makes our job easier.” Vince promotes the Hall of Fame, the Opry and the Nashville Predators tirelessly. His image is on the traffic-control box at the Roundabout and the Musica statue is dancing in his honor this week. Butch presented Vince with silver cufflinks designed to resemble a phonograph turntable.

Jeff Cogen of the Predators and Bridgestone took the podium next. “You symbolize the perfect bond between our fans and our team,” he told Vince. “You set the standard in representing this community….We plan to follow you as a role model.” Noting the Christmas Parade announcement, he invited Vince to lead the parade when the Predators march the Stanley Cup into Nashville.

Gill and his bobble-head look alike. He is the first non-player to be honored this way by the Predators. Photo: Peyton Hoge.

Cogen’s gift was a real crowd pleaser. He unveiled a Vince Gill bobblehead dressed in a Preds uniform. Vince was clearly delighted. He collects bobbleheads.

James Pennebaker of Fender Guitars noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Telecasster. Vince plays a 1953 Tele. “Vince is the Real Deal, truly a Guitar Slinger,” said Pennebaker, quoting the title of the new Vince CD, which ships next week.

His gift was a Fender Tremelux Amplifier developed by the company with Eric Clapton. Vince and Eric are the now only two people in the world with these.

Jesse Goldstein, director of operations at The Loveless Café, announced that in November the venue is also celebrating its 60th anniversary, Vince’s music will be broadcast throughout the property all month long. He presented a gift basket.

“He embodies the city’s Volunteer spirit,” said Beverly Keel of the star. “He does it with grace, humility and humor.

“Thank you for the hundreds of good deeds we know about and for the thousands that we don’t.” She and Tom Luteran unveiled a massive MCA plaque picturing Vince’s albums and listing his numerous honors.

Vince took the stage to say, “This is beyond belief. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think you’re a world-class guy. I don’t think you get told ‘thank you’ enough.

“Butch, thank-you for the cufflinks.” Vince added that wife Amy Grant will have to put them on for him. Despite his guitar prowess, he swears he’s clumsy with his hands.

“To the Preds, I’ve been there since Day One. I love the sport. I’ll be there tonight for the first game of the season. My daughter, Jenny, will be singing the national anthem. The bobblehead will be one of my proudest possessions,” he added. And he wasn’t kidding.

Vince was among the many who lost musical instruments in the Nashville flood. In his case, it was 40-50 guitars and 30-some amps. “So a new piece for the arsenal is welcome,” he said to Pennebaker.

Vince was the favorite celebrity of the Loveless Biscuit Lady, Carol Fay Ellison. He told us that he sang at her funeral last year.

“This room is filled with people who have touched my life,” he concluded, becoming teary eyed.

Smiling and applauding the beloved icon were Demetria Kalodimos, Pete Fisher, Jody Williams, Mary Ann McCready, Larry Fitzgerald, Sarah Trahern, Rick Shipp, Councilman Ronnie Steine, Kyle Young, Marty Stuart, Sherod Robertson, Suzanne Gordon, Steve Buchanan, Bob Mueller, Chuck Flood, Terry Elam and Ed Hardy.

We lunched on grilled chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, pasta salad, grilled skewered shrimp and veggies. Black, Vince Gill Guitar Slinger guitar picks were the party favors.

Americana Fest: Wednesday Night Showcases

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Once again it’s time for some twang, because the Americana Music Festival is upon us. The week-long festival and conference, held every October, is above all a celebration of music and, buddy, they’ve got that in spades.

Candi Station at Muscle Shoals tribute, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

One need only check out the Alabama-themed lineup at Cannery Ballroom Wednesday night (Oct. 12) for evidence that Americana is a big tent with doors open. The performance schedule included a two-hour Muscle Shoals tribute, followed by gospel legends the Blind Boys of Alabama, and indie success story of the year the Civil Wars, who had to cancel last minute over John Paul White’s vocal woes.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame director Wiley Barnard greeted the crowd before introducing Renaissance man Webb Wilder, who hosted the Muscle Shoals tribute. The outstanding band was a revolving cast of Shoals session pros including Spooner Oldham, Jimmy Johnson, Clayton Ivey, Charles Rose, David Hood and many others.

The music started on an adorable note with AMA Exec Dir. Jed Hilly’s young son Charlie singing the Osmonds’ Jackson 5-channeling “One Bad Apple,” digging into the soulful choruses with gusto. Lake Street Dive singer Rachael Price came out to tackle Aretha Franklin’s 1967 hit “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You).” That song’s B-Side “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” was performed by sultry alto belter Sherrie Phillips later in the show. Lake Street Dive was also on the bill over at The Basement.

Host Wilder tackled Arthur Alexander’s timeless “Anna (Go To Him),” also covered by The Beatles on Please Please Me. Musician, songwriter, and actor Donnie Fritts came out to perform his song “We Had It All,” which Waylon Jennings recorded on his 1973 album Honky Tonk Heroes.

Connie Smith and Marty Stuart at the Rutledge, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Erika Goldring

Across town, AMA-related Tweets were blowing up about Brian Wright’s 8 pm performance at the Basement, as well as the sets Marty Stuart and Connie Smith delivered at The Rutledge.

At Cannery, the Muscle Shoals performances continued to impress. T. Graham Brown, with a full-on white Santa beard, growled out a spirited version of Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally.” Then R&B legend Candi Staton came to the stage to perform her 1969 song “He Called Me Baby.” In a just world, Staton could have been just as famous as Aretha Franklin. And you know what? She’s still that good nearly 40 years later. Screaming Cheetah Wheelies singer Mike Farris stole the show however, with his devastating from-the-gut performance of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which was recorded at FAME in Muscle Shoals.

Kenny Vaughan at Mercy Lounge, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Erika Goldring

Other guests included Nashville soul man Charles Walker on Luther Ingram’s “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want To Be Right),” former Prince & the Revolution member (and Nashville resident) Dez Dickerson on the Rolling Stones hit “Brown Sugar,” former Wet Willie leader Jimmy Hall on Pickett’s “Land of 1000 Dances” and Solomon Burke’s “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love,” singer/songwriter Dan Penn performing his “I’m Your Puppet” (a hit for James & Bobby Purify), and Billy Burnette leading the ensemble cast through Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock N’ Roll.”

Meanwhile the Kenny Vaughan Organ Trio was upstairs in the Mercy Lounge, wowing the crowds with virtuosic chops that fused blues, jazz, country and the kitchen sink. Vaughan is also a member of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives, and his first solo album V was just released in September.

Foster & Lloyd at the Mercy Lounge, courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Kim Jameson

While the Blind Boys of Alabama showcased downstairs in the Cannery, a reunited Foster & Lloyd took the stage at Mercy Lounge. The duo’s set started with “It’s Already Tomorrow” from the independently-released 2011 album of the same name. After working out some initial guitar sound troubles, Radney and Bill rocked through a quick collection that included “Fair Shake,” “It’s Already Tomorrow,” “Something ‘Bout Forever,” “Hiding Out,” and “Picasso’s Mandolin.”

Hayes Carll, Courtesy of the Americana Music Association. Photo: Kim Jameson

Americana favorite Hayes Carll rounded out the lineup at Mercy Lounge, leading his band through a rollicking set of alternately hilarious and sad songs including “The Letter,” “Faulkner Street,” “Wish I Hadn’t Stayed So Long,” “KMAG YOYO” (title track from his latest album), “Grand Parade,” the unrecorded “Ain’t Enough Of Me To Go Around” (with help from Austin musician John Evans), “The Lovin’ Cup,” “Hard Out Here,” “Stomp and Holler,” and the Tom Waits classic “Bad Liver and a Broken Heart.”

His encore consisted of KMAG YOYO cut “Another Like You,” with Carll singing both his and duet partner Cary Ann Hearst’s parts, followed by “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” and “Little Rock.”

Carll made a point to thank everyone for supporting his music and all Americana acts. “I’ve been coming to the Americana festival for 10 years now, and it gets better every year,” he said.

So far, I have no argument with that.

Coming up tonight: the Americana Honors & Awards, followed by venue showcases from Lori McKenna, Will Hoge, The Jayhawks, JD Souther and many more.

Robert Oermann Honored

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Robert K. Oermann

MusicRow’s own Robert K. Oermann was among the honorees at the Oct. 6 R.O.P.E. Awards (Reunion of Professional Entertainers). Rhonda Vincent headlined the evening at the Shriner’s Temple in Nashville.

Oermann is a respected music historian, journalist/critic, longtime MusicRow columnist, and a feature writer for many outlets. He is author of eight books and annotator of 100-plus reissue albums. He is also a writer/producer of specials and documentaries for major network television.

Other R.O.P.E. winners include:

Pioneer Award—Bayron “Bink” Binkley
Mac Wiseman Nightingale Awards—Ruth Grammar and Doug Leatherwood
Business—Rose Drake
Media—Bob Oermann
D.J.—Bill Mack
Songwriter—George Riddle
Musician—Ralph Mooney
Entertainer—Leona Williams