CBS Radio Event Draws Major Country Names

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Garth Brooks (bottom row, center); EVP, Programming, Chris Oliviero (bottom row, right of Brooks); EVP, Digital Media, JD Crowley (bottom row, second from left); VP, Country Programming, Tim Roberts (bottom row, fourth from left); VP, Programming, Jeff Sottolano (bottom row, third from right); VP, Music Initiatives, Chad Fitzsimmons (top row, fourth from left); with CBS Radio Country PDs from around the country

CBS Radio recently hosted its annual country gathering in Nashville, with record labels, management teams, and artists attending the event. This year’s gathering included visits from Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Sam Hunt.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (center); EVP, Programming, Chris Oliviero (left of McGraw); EVP, Digital Media, JD Crowley (bottom row, second from left), VP, Country Programming, Tim Roberts (bottom row, fourth from left); VP, Programming, Jeff Sottolano (bottom row, third from right); VP, Music Initiatives, Chad Fitzsimmons (top row, fourth from left); and CBS Radio Country PDs from around the country

Sam Hunt (bottom row, center); EVP, Programming, Chris Oliviero (bottom row, right of Hunt); EVP, Digital Media, JD Crowley (bottom row, second from left), VP, Country Programming, Tim Roberts (top row, seventh from left); VP, Programming, Jeff Sottolano (bottom row, fourth from right); VP, Music Initiatives, Chad Fitzsimmons (top row, sixth from right); and CBS Radio Country PDs from around the country. They are joined by Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO, UMG Nashville (bottom row, second from right) and Royce Risser, Senior VP, Promotion, UMG Nashville (top row, second from left)

Joel A. Katz Named Chairman Of T.J. Martell Foundation National Board of Directors

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Joel A. Katz

The T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research’s board of directors has appointed Joel A. Katz as chairman of the board. Katz, chair of the global entertainment and media practice at Greenberg Traurig, has served on the T.J. Martell Foundation’s board since 1995 and will succeed Tony Martell who died Nov. 27, 2016, at the age of 90.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to build on the strong foundation established by Tony Martell,” said Katz. “The T.J. Martell Foundation has tremendous opportunities for growth in supporting innovative cancer research and ultimately improving the lives of patients. I am honored to have been selected as chair of this outstanding organization.”

“On behalf of the Martell Family, it gives us great pleasure to have Joel Katz as the Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation,” said Debbie Martell, daughter of Tony Martell. “Joel was very close to my father for many years as his entertainment attorney and as his friend. He will be an excellent leader and will help continue the important mission of the foundation.”

The Foundation was founded in 1975 in loving memory of Tony Martell’s son T.J., who died of leukemia. The foundation has provided more than $280 million dollars for research that supports eight flagship hospitals in the United States.

“We are deeply grateful and very excited about our future with Joel Katz. He has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the Foundation for many years,” said Laura Heatherly, the CEO of the organization.

Katz received the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Spirit of Excellence Award in 2009 and 2010, as well as serving as Chair Emeritus of the Atlanta’s Best Cellars Dinner for the foundation.

Katz has been named to Billboard Magazine’s ‘Power 100’ list of the most influential executives in the music business. His client list has included James Brown, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Ludacris, Jimmy Buffett, Julio Iglesias, Little Big Town, TLC, Steve Harvey, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Weekly Register: Josh Turner Makes ‘Deep’ Chart Impact

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Josh Turner‘s latest album for MCA Nashville, Deep South, debuts atop the country albums chart this week, with 18K. Little Big Town‘s Breaker (Capitol Nashville) falls to No. 2 this week, with 9.9K. Reba‘s Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope (Nash Icon) is at No. 3, with 8.2K.

Alison Krauss‘ Windy City (Capitol) is at No. 4 with 8K. Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller (Mercury Nashville) rounds out the Top 5 with 7K.

Among the top debuts this week are The Music of Nashville (Season 5) (Big Machine) at No. 9 with 5K. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives land at No. 18 with Way Out West (Superlatone) moving 2.7K this week. Sunny Sweeney‘s Trophy (Thirty Tigers) moved 2.3K this week to debut at No. 21.

Sam Hunt‘s “Body Like A Back Road” remains the top country track in the Hot Digital Tracks chart, moving 55K this week. Jon Pardi‘s “Dirt On My Boots” follows at No. 2 with 24.2K. Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” moves to No. 3, with 20.4K. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood‘s “The Fighter” is at No. 4, with 17.9K. Rounding out the Top 5 country entries this week is “Sanctuary,” from the cast of Nashville, moving 16.3K.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

 

 

 

Industry Ink: Martina McBride, Duane Eddy, Music Biz

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Martina Sends Love To Covenant House Mothers

Martina McBride and her fan-driven charity, Team Music Is Love, turned her 2017 Love Unleashed Tour into a chance to help young mothers at Covenant House, a homeless youth shelter in New York City, by hosting a baby shower for the group. On March 9, Martina and her team celebrated the young mothers who live at Covenant House, partnering with Huggies Diapers, First Quality, and Cuties Diapers to stock the shelter with essentials all new mothers need. Each mother received a gift bag full of bath supplies, books, and educational toys and in all, over 18,000 diapers were donated to the Covenant House and the mothers. Martina also surprised the mothers and Covenant House staff by inviting the entire shelter to her show that night at PlayStation Theater.

 

Duane Eddy Speaks To Belmont University Students

Pictured (L-R): Duane Eddy, Dr. Don Cusic

Duane Eddy spoke at Belmont University’s Curb College on Friday, March 17. Interviewed by Dr. Don Cusic, Eddy covered his career and his early recordings were also played during the event.

 

Music Biz Career Workshops Set

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will host its Career Development programming at the Music Biz 2017 convention, May 15-18 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville. Consisting of a series of Career Development Workshops on May 16 and Career Day on May 18, the offerings will teach students, aspiring startup founders, and others about how the music business works, provide guidance on careers, and connect attendees with companies and individuals crucial to landing a job or launching a startup.

The Career Development Workshops will begin with a keynote from “Musician with a Message” SaulPaul, after which reps from companies and universities will discuss careers in music, resources, networking, and other skills necessary to get a foot in the door. The program will wrap with Career Day, with representatives from BMI, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), ole, SESAC, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and others on hand to meet with attendees and discuss job opportunities and internships.

For more, visit musicbiz2017.com.

BMI, BMLG Showcase Nashville at SXSW

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BMI Nashville Artists Shine At SXSW

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI songwriter Brent Cobb, BMI’s Bradley Collins and Yeti Coolers’ Robert Sanchez pose backstage at the Yeti Coolers flagship store before Cobb’s performance. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI Nashville was proud to bring some of the top songwriters in country, indie rock, and Americana to this year’s South By Southwest festival, held March 14-19 in Austin, Texas. Americana artists Brent Cobb, Liz Cooper and indie rock band Colony House played to a packed house at the BMI and Yeti Coolers day party, filling the Yeti flagship store with fans.

Country crooners Caitlyn Smith and Devin Dawson brightened the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank, while rocker Ron Gallo opened the BMI and SAG-AFTRA show at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater.

BMI songwriter Brent Cobb (right) and guitarist Mike Harris (left) tear through Cobb’s set at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Caitlyn Smith sings at the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

Nashville indie rock band and BMI songwriters Colony House performs to a full-capacity crowd at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party. Photo: Erika Goldring

One of the BMI and AT&T Fiber Acoustic Brunch presented by SunTrust Bank performers, BMI songwriter Devin Dawson treats the crowd to songs about finding love. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Liz Cooper, performing as Liz Cooper and the Stampede, rocks the stage at the BMI and Yeti Coolers Day Party at SXSW. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Ron Gallo opens the BMI and SAG-AFTRA show at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater. His latest album, released just before SXSW, is called Heavy Meta. Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI songwriter Ron Pope performs at the 17th annual BMI Howdy Texas BBQ, presented by AT&T Fiber and Deep Eddy Vodka.

BMI songwriter Langhorne Slim performs at the 17th annual BMI Howdy Texas BBQ, presented by AT&T Fiber and Deep Eddy Vodka at the legendary Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas.

 

BMLG Takes SXSW

A Thousand Horses chats with TuneIn Country Roads host Kelly Sutton prior to taking the stage. Pictured (L-R): TuneIn’s Kelly Sutton, A Thousand Horses’ Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Graham DeLoach, Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Dave Kelly and TuneIn’s Joyce Rizer. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Big Machine Label Group artists A Thousand Horses, Delta Rae and Midland also delivered standout performances to capacity crowds at this year’s South By Southwest festival.

Delta Rae kicked off the night with a spirited performance of their new single,
“A Long And Happy Life.” Pictured (L-R): Delta Rae’s Ian Hölljes, Brittany Hölljes, Liz Hopkins and Eric Hölljes (not pictured: Grant Emerson and Mike McKee). Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Midland preps their Top 40-and-rising single “Drinkin’ Problem” backstage Friday night. Pictured (L-R): Midland’s Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach and Cameron Duddy. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

A Thousand Horses closed the night with their new single, “Preachin’ To The Choir.” Pictured (L-R): A Thousand Horses’ Michael Hobby and Zach Brown. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for TuneIn

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Prep New Album, Single

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Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will release their latest collaboration, “Speak to a Girl,” to country radio at 4 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 23. Subsequently, the new single on Arista Nashville, will be available to download and stream.

The track, penned by Shy Carter, Dave Gibson and Joe Spargur, and co-produced by Byron Gallimore, McGraw and Hill, will serve as the lead single from a Tim McGraw and Faith Hill album to be released by Sony Music Entertainment later this year. The couple announced their signing with the label last month.

McGraw and Hill will perform “Speak To A Girl” on the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 2.

Delta Rae To Release Debut BMLG EP March 24

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The Valory Music Co. band Delta Rae is releasing their debut EP, A Long And Happy Life on Friday, March 24. The Dann Huff-produced collection features four songs highlighting the family harmonies of the Hölljes’ siblings Brittany, Eric and Ian along with members Liz Hopkins, Mike McKee, and Grant Emerson.

The Durham, North Carolina-based band’s music melds together country storytelling over gospel and rock vocal stylings with bluegrass musicianship. Inspired by literature, Eric and Ian crafted the lyrics for their first single, “A Long And Happy Life,” by weaving four book titles from authors they admire. The group chose their name from a mythical story the Hölljes’ mother told them about a Southern girl named Delta Rae who summons the Greek gods to earth.

“As a band we strive to make people feel like they’re connected to each other through a place, an emotion or vivid moment in time,” said Brittany. “When you listen to these songs, envision the best summer of your life: It’s got young love and heartbreak, family and wildness, plenty of adventure.

“From writing to recording, we brought a different level of focus and craftsmanship to this EP. We’re incredibly proud of it and hope our fans will be too,” said Ian.

A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE EP Track List:
1.   “A Long And Happy Life” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes
2.   “I Moved South” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes
3.   “No Peace In Quiet” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Tiffany Goss, Adam Wood
4.   “Ain’t Love” | Written by Eric Hölljes, Ian Hölljes

 

Razor & Tie Music Publishing Signs Sean McConnell

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Jen Duke, Creative Manager, RTMP; Brad Kennard, VP Creative, RTMP; Kent Marcus, Attorney; Ross DuPre, Manager. Front: Sean McConnell

Razor & Tie Music Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Sean McConnell. With a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell and signing with Rounder Records in 2016, he released the eponymous Sean McConnell to critical acclaim.

McConnell says, “I’m thrilled to have signed with the passionate and creative team at Razor and Tie publishing. It’s a real joy to be working with Brad Kennard and the whole team. Their energy is infectious and I’m stoked about what we’re cooking up together. I’m looking forward to all that’s to come with these guys.”

“Sean is one of those people you dream of getting to work with. He has total respect from everyone in the industry…and he brings a superior level of cool to our team. Also, he’s truly one of the best humans on the planet. I’m honored he’d share his career with us,” Brad Kennard, Vice President, Creative at RTMP said.

McConnell will join Drew Holcomb again this year on his Souvenir Tour, running from March 29-April 8.

Jimmy Webb To Be Honored With Carnegie Hall Concert

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Jimmy Webb will be honored with a special tribute show at Carnegie Hall on May 3. Presented by City Winery, the event will celebrate Webb’s creative legacy and hit songs, including “Wichita Lineman,” “MacArthur Park,” “Galveston,” “Didn’t We” and “All I Know.”

A Celebration of the Music of Jimmy Webb: The Cake and the Rain features a lineup including Ashley Campbell (daughter of Glen Campbell), Art Garfunkel, Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Judy Collins, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. of the Fifth Dimension, Johnny Rivers and Dwight Yoakam. Webb is also slated to perform.

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association and the I’ll Be Me Foundation in honor of Jimmy’s dear friend Glen Campbell.

The tribute event coincides with two milestones: Jimmy’s new memoir, The Cake and The Rain, set for publication on April 18 through St. Martin’s Press, and the upcoming 50th Anniversary of “Wichita Lineman.”

Webb’s accolades include the Ivor Novello International Award (2012) and the Academy of Country Music’s Poet Award (2016). He received his first gold record at the age of 18 and was the youngest inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His diverse songwriting style was especially apparent in 2016 when he premiered his classical piece “Nocturne for Lefty” and had his music featured prominently on Kanye West’s “Famous.” From his country crossover hits with Glen Campbell, to a No. 1 disco hit with Donna Summer (“MacArthur Park”), to a Grammy-nominated rap song, Webb remains the only writer to receive Grammys across writing, music and orchestration.

Webb is the former Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and long-time Board Member of ASCAP.

Webb has released 10 solo albums since the 1970s, while continuing to write for other artists. 2010’s Just Across the River features duets on some of his biggest songs with friends Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, JD Souther, and Glen Campbell plus Lucinda Williams, Michael McDonald and Mark Knopfler. A follow up featuring Brian Wilson, Art Garfunkel, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Lyle Lovett, Carly Simon, Keith Urban, and more was released in 2013.

SNG Music Relocates, Adds Two

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Pictured (L-R): Aubrey Schwartz, Mike Sebastian

SNG Music, LLP has relocated to offices at 3010 Poston Avenue in Nashville and has added to its staff. Aubrey Schwartz joins SNG Music as its Creative Director, and Mike Sebastian of MSMP Consulting, has signed on as a consultant.

Schwartz is a Belmont graduate and was most recently employed with Bluewater Music. Her responsibilities will include promoting the SNG song catalogue, booking co-writes for SNG Music writers and building relationships with the Nashville music community.

Sebastian, with more than 20 years of publishing experience, has held leadership positions at Starstruck Entertainment, Blacktop, Given Music, and more.

“It’s been exciting to see our business grow over the past three years,” says SNG Partner Steve Leslie. “As we’ve grown, it’s been tough to keep up with our space needs, but our new offices should be able to handle our growth for many years to come.”

SNG Music’s current roster of songwriters includes Marianne Allison, Abbey Cone, Marty Dodson, Steve Leslie, Gary Reamey and Zarni de Vette.