Big Machine Label Group And Jaren Johnston Announce Unique Partnership

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Jaren Johnston. Photo: Kit Wood

Songwriter, producer, and The Cadillac Three frontman Jaren Johnston is partnering with Big Machine Label Group to collaborate on developing artists, as well as work with the label’s current roster. The unique partnership gives BMLG the first look at artists Johnston is developing, as well as lends his expertise on in-house projects for both A&R and production.

“Jaren is a favorite artist, writer, producer and person. When he rang me up about doing this together it was an immediate ‘yes’. He has free rein to go absolutely crazy and I can’t wait to see what he finds,” says BMLG Founder/CEO Scott Borchetta.

Johnston, who fronts the ACM nominated Group of the Year The Cadillac Three, has earned multiple awards nominations and written several No. 1 songs for other country artists. He was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Country Song with “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” (Tim McGraw ft. Faith Hill), as well as ACM Awards Song of the Year for “Raise ‘Em Up” (Keith Urban ft. Eric Church), a track that added to his CMA Triple Play accolade for three chart-toppers in a 12-month period. The accomplishment also celebrated “Beachin’” (Jake Owen) and “Sunshine & Whiskey” (Frankie Ballard). He has also served as producer for Keith Urban, Steven Tyler, Darius Rucker, Sam Williams and Drake White, among others.

“I’ve been part of the Big Machine family for six years. Scott has always been a champion of me and my band, The Cadillac Three. This partnership made total sense as yet another creative outlet for me, and I’m excited to be working with him and his team on this new project. I’m stoked to discover, develop and produce some bad ass new talent,” says Johnston.

Kenny Chesney Postpones Stadium Tour To 2022

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Kenny Chesney has announced that he is postponing his tour to 2022.

All of the stadiums on the 2021 itinerary will still host Chesney’s 2022 tour. It will be a completely new show with a new name, new line-up, and lots of new music. All current tickets will be honored for the rescheduled show date. Beginning today (March 22), patrons unable to attend the rescheduled shows may request a refund at the original point of purchase.

“We have waited for so long, I can’t play knowing I would disappoint a portion of No Shoes Nation who wouldn’t be able to get into the stadiums and the amphitheaters,” Chesney says. “There’s no way around that this year. As much I hate postponing further, I would hate telling people who waited we won’t be able to let them come due to capacity restrictions. That’s just not fair.”

Messina Touring Group will announce the rescheduled dates for Chesney’s 2022 tour shortly.

Kenny Chesney 2021 Stadiums, Cities and States forthcoming for 2022:
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
GEHA Field at Arrowhead – Kansas City, Mo.
U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.

The Station Inn’s JT Gray Passes

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JT Gray. Photo: Courtesy The Station Inn

Earl “JT” Gray, the owner of Nashville’s world famous bluegrass mecca The Station Inn, died on Saturday (March 20) at age 75.

He was a 2020 inductee into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

On March 14, Gray appeared on international television during the Grammy Awards salute to America’s independent nightclubs. He always described The Station Inn as “a listening room.” The venue was a destination for lovers of acoustic music and hosted virtually all the top names in bluegrass for more than 40 years.

Gray was a guitarist and singer who was born in Corinth, Mississippi. He moved to Music City in 1971 to become a member of the Nashville-based bluegrass band The Misty Mountain Boys. The group played at venues throughout the city, including The Bluegrass Inn and Old Time Picking Parlor downtown and the Opryland theme park.

In 1976, he formed his own band, J.T. Gray & The Nashville Skyline. He took a hiatus from the group to become a member of Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys in 1979-81, then resumed leading Skyline. At various times, he also backed Vassar Clements, The Sullivan Family and Tom T. Hall.

He left Martin’s group to acquire The Station Inn in early 1981. Founded in 1974, the club was originally at 104 28th Ave. N., near Vanderbilt. In 1978, it moved to 402 12th Ave. S., in a then nearly deserted industrial area called The Gulch. It has remained there, now surrounded by modern condos, upscale retail establishments and fancy restaurants.

Gray renovated the club, which included installing some seats from the Flatt & Scruggs tour bus and decorating its wood-paneled walls with vintage posters. At first, he featured his Nashville Skyline band and other local acts. The Bluegrass Cardinals were the first national bluegrass stars to play the venue, followed the next day by Country Gazette. The humble, 150-seat club was soon full of bluegrass lovers.

The then-unknown family group The Whites began building a following via regular appearances at The Station Inn in 1981-82. The Nashville Bluegrass Band and The Dreadful Snakes got their starts at the nightclub. The venue was also a training ground for future country stars Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton and Vince Gill.

Bill Monroe began dropping by unannounced to sit in with whoever was on stage. Ralph Stanley became a visitor, too. At one point, Stanley was joined at the club by his former band members Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley for an impromptu reunion. Such serendipitous events became common at The Station Inn. Among other notables known to drop in to “jam” were Bela Fleck, Stuart Duncan, Mark O’Connor, Alan O’Bryant, Roland White, Tim O’Brien, Sam Bush, Vassar Clements and Jerry Douglas. The club’s weekly Sunday night jam sessions were famous. Opry stars often dropped by following their Friday and Saturday night WSM broadcasts.

The Station Inn had a number of regular performers. Gray formed his band 16th Avenue in 1985, then assumed leadership of The JT Gray Band in 1988. That group endured as Station Inn mainstays until his passing. Peter Rowan & Crucial Country were resident Station Inn entertainers, as was the Sidemen group formed by Rob & Ronnie McCoury, which appeared at the club for 16 years. The Time Jumpers were weekly visitors at the venue for 13 years beginning in 1998 before outgrowing its capacity. The hilarious Doyle & Debbie country parody shows were also fixtures at The Station Inn. Jim Rooney staged his annual birthday celebrations there with John Prine. The old-time country band Old Crow Medicine Show was also a resident attraction.

But keeping the little club afloat was a constant challenge in the early years. Gray sometimes took work as a coach-bus driver for various touring music stars and did other “outside” jobs.

By 2000, the nightclub had become known worldwide as a bluegrass shrine. It was used for photo shoots and as a location for music videos. It was the site of live albums by singer-songwriter Shawn Camp and Grand Ole Opry comic/musician Mike Snider. Celebrities who visited the venue included Robert Duvall, Reese Witherspoon, William Shatner, Mel Gibson and Peyton Manning.

In 2003, JT Gray was given a Distinguished Achievement Award by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Filmmaker Pat Isbey created a feature-length documentary in 2004 called The Station Inn – True Life Bluegrass with commentary by Roland White, Del McCoury, Fleck, Bush, Skaggs, Krauss and Stanley.

Gray began to face health challenges around this time. He had a series of heart-bypass operations while still in his 50s. Nevertheless, in 2005 he issued his first and only album, It’s About Time.

In recent years, the nightspot has launched a web channel—Station Inn TV—to live stream performances. Thousands of fans worldwide have tuned in.

The Country Music Hall of Fame opened a new exhibit devoted to The Station Inn this year. During the Grammy telecast, Gray announced the Best Country Album award going to Miranda Lambert. This year’s Bluegrass Grammy went to Station Inn graduate Billy Strings.

Throughout his life, JT Gray was a kind soul, a Southern gentleman and a generous spirit. He created a warm, welcoming environment for acoustic musicians and their fans, a venue where connections were made, collaborations were born, songs were auditioned and talent was nurtured.

Funeral arrangements are private, for the family. A Station Inn celebration of the life of JT Gray will be announced at a later date.

AIMP Nashville Announces Nominees For 6th Annual Awards

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The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has announced the nominees for its sixth annual AIMP Nashville Awards.

The awards will be held on April 27 at 4 p.m. CT at The Listening Room Café in Nashville. Only nominees and sponsors will be invited to attend in person, with masks and social distancing required. The event will also be livestreamed and made available to AIMP members.

Twenty three independent music publishers and 19 songwriters each received multiple nominations this year. Big Machine Label Group was the most-nominated independent publisher with 10 nods, followed by Round Hill Music with five, Concord Music Publishing with four, and Curb | Word Music Publishing, peermusic, Relative Music Group, SMACKSongs, Spirit Music, and Tape Room Music with three each. Ashley Gorley, HARDY, and Jonathan Singleton were the top songwriters with three nominations each.

This year’s categories include Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year.

“In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, independent songwriters and publishers have pushed through and created truly fantastic art to get us to the other side of an unprecedented time,” says Vice President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter and Co-Chair of the AIMP Nashville Awards, Ree Guyer. “While we were forced to cancel last year’s event, we are happy to honor this year’s winners in a safe, socially distanced ceremony, and hope we’ll be able to celebrate with the full Nashville independent publishing community in 2022!”

“Given our currently trying times, it’s even more important to remember and honor the good from the past year,” says AIMP National Chair and President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter, John Ozier. “The independent music publishing community never stops, and this year showed its ingenuity as songwriters found new ways to connect and create music that both captured the moment and provided solace to listeners. We look forward to recognizing their achievements.”

Voting for all AIMP Nashville Chapter members will begin on March 24 and will end on March 30 at 5 p.m. CT. Those who would like to vote must visit www.aimp.org/register by March 23 at 5 p.m. CT to either ensure their membership is in good standing or sign up to become an AIMP Nashville Chapter member.

The full list of nominees by category can be found below.

RISING SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Alex Kline (Ziggys Z Music)
– Benjy Davis (Big Machine Music)
– Jake Mitchell (Reservoir Media / Patrick Joseph Music)
– Matt Alderman (Curb | Word Music Publishing)
– Neil Medley (Mojo Music & Media / Son of a Carl Music)
– Nicolette Hayford (River House / SMACKSongs)
– Steph Jones (Disney Music Publishing / Hipgnosis Song Group)

RISING ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Avenue Beat (Tape Room Music)
– Jameson Rodgers (Combustion Music)
– Ruston Kelly (Concord Music Publishing)
– Ryan Hurd (Big Machine Music)
– Tenille Arts (Oven Music)
– Tenille Townes (Big Yellow Dog)

ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Ashley McBryde (Jody Williams Songs)
– Brothers Osborne (King Pen Music)
– Carly Pearce (Altadena)
– Eric Church (Little Louder Music)
– Jon Pardi (Song Factory Music)

SONG CHAMPION OF THE YEAR:
– Allison Jones (Big Machine Label Group)
– Ciara Shortridge (Curb | Word Music Publishing)
– Jake Gear (Hang Your Hat Music)
– Laurel Kittleson-Cobb (Curb | Word Entertainment)
– Trina Smith-Dort (Me Gusta Music)
– Ward Guenther (Whiskey Jam)

PUBLISHER’S PICK:
– “Beautiful Noise” written by Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Linda Perry, Ruby Amanfu
Independently published by Atlas Music Publishing, Big Machine Music, Carnival Music, Concord Music Publishing, Creative Nation, Deep Dark Robot Music, Happy People Music, Like Butta Baby Music, Maps and Records Music, peermusic
Recorded by Brandi Carlile & Alicia Keys

– “Better Than We Found It” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris
Independently published by Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music, Big Machine Music, Heroes and Halos Music, Millicent Hill Music, JRM3, Muse Magic, Round Hill Music
Recorded by Maren Morris

– “Chasing After You” written by Brinley Addington, Jerry Flowers
Independently published by Adding Tone Music, Combustion Music, Downtown Music Group, Mojo Music & Media, Tape Room Music
Recorded by Maren Morris & Ryan Hurd

– “Give Heaven Some Hell” written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy
Independently published by Big Blue Nation Music, Caleb’s College Fund, Relative Music Group. Round Hill Music, Tape Room Music
Recorded by HARDY

– “Janice at the Hotel Bar” written by Hailey Whitters, Lori McKenna
Independently published by Carnival Music, Creative Nation, Concord Music Publishing, Maps and Records Music, Pulse Music Group
Recorded by Hailey Whitters

– “Things a Man Oughta Know” written by Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
Independently published by Big Machine Music, Spirit Music
Recorded by Lainey Wilson

SONG OF THE YEAR:
– “Ain’t Always the Cowboy” written by Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson
Independently published by Big Machine Music, MV2 Music, peermusic, Whiskey Tub Music
Recorded by Jon Pardi

– “Bluebird” written by Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
Independently published by Emileon Songs, Little Louder Songs
Recorded by Miranda Lambert

– “Die From a Broken Heart” written by Deric Rutan, Jonathan Singleton, Madison Marlow, Taylor Dye
Independently published by Big Machine Music, Jehovah Nissi Music, Seven Red Birds Publishing, Spirit Music
Recorded by Maddie & Tae

– “I Hope You’re Happy Now” written by Carly Pearce, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, Randy Montana
Independently published by 50 Egg Music, Altadena, Big Machine Music, Jett Music, Spirit Music, Straight Dimes Publishing
Recorded by Carly Pearce & Lee Brice

– “One of Them Girls” written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Dallas Davidson, Lee Brice
Independently published by 8Minute Publishing, Artist Publishing Group, Big Blue Nation Music, Caleb’s College Fund, Play It Again Music Group, Natalia’s Music Money, Round Hill Music
Recorded by Lee Brice

– “One Night Standards” written by Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
Independently published by Canned Biscuit Songs, River House, SMACKSongs, Smackstreet Music, Tempo Investments
Recorded by Ashley McBryde

– “Some Girls” written by CJ Solar, Jake Mitchell, Michael Hardy
Independently published by Harding Road Music, Sea Gayle Music, Relative Music Group, West Pass Music
Recorded by Jameson Rodgers

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Michael Hardy (Relative Music Group)
– Ashley Gorley (Round Hill Music)
– Shane McAnally (Tempo Investments)
– Josh Thompson (MV2 Entertainment)
– Ernest K Smith (Big Loud Music)
– Hillary Lindsey (Concord Music Publishing)

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR:
– Big Machine Music
– Downtown Music Publishing
– Kobalt Music
– peermusic
– Round Hill Music
– SMACKSongs

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Cadillac Three, Cam, Ronnie Milsap

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The Cadillac Three. Photo: Dylan Rucker

Diversity is the name of the game in this edition of DisClaimer.

In a preposterously male-dominated genre, we have gender parity today—fully half of our contestants are female. With Tiera, Darius Rucker and Chapel Hart in the mix, country music made by Black artists is well represented. South American native Flo Olavarria adds a touch of Latin. Canadian country is along for the ride, too.

Because the sounds are so difficult to compare to one another, the Disc of the Day award is divided. The Male winner is Ronnie Milsap. The essential Female disc belongs to Cam. The Group award goes to The Cadillac Three.

The afore mentioned Flo Olavarria takes home the DisCovery Award.

JOEY HENDRICKS / “Yours Or Mine”
Writers: Joey Hendricks/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Producer Ross surrounds this earnest-sounding troubadour with an echoey swirl of yummy pop flavors. Hendricks sings with sweet sincerity.

DARIUS RUCKER / “My Masterpiece”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ross Copperman/JT Harding/Josh Osborne; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Positive, sunny, upbeat and engaging, as usual. The happy-in-love theme is common, but its delivery in this finely crafted lyric is exceptional. Supremely playable. In case you missed it: earlier this week, producer and four-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Copperman signed a pop recording contract in New York.

CAM / “Till There’s Nothing Left”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jeff Bhasker/Cameron Ochs/Tyler Johnson; Producer: Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Label: RCA Records/Triple Tigers
— It goes beyond steamy and sensual, all the way to hot sex. I have always been captivated by this woman’s talent. This gorgeous, tempest-tossed ode to youthful passion renews my fandom. Cam rules.

LADY A / “Like a Lady”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Dave Barnes/Hillary Scott/Martin Johnson/Michelle Buzz; Producer: Dann Huff/Martin Johnson/Brandon Paddock; Label: BMLG Records
— Hillary takes the lead in this zesty, female-proud ditty. The mood is sprightly.

CHAPEL HART / “You Can Have Him Jolene”
Writers: Chapel Hart; Producer: Chapel Hart; Label: none listed
— The trio rocks out on this feisty whiplash ride, with their flawless vocal harmonies intact. This CMT Next Women of Country act is outstandingly talented, and so far has been batting a thousand with its releases. The video is a hoot, too.

DUSTIN LYNCH & MACKENZIE PORTER / “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Andy Albert/Hunter Phelps/Will Weatherly; Producer: none listed; Label: Broken Bow Records
— The small-town details in the lyric are groovy, and the tune bops along with verve. It originally appeared as a collaboration with Lauren Alaina. Top Canadian country star Porter is an able substitute.

JULIA COLE / “My Home Too (My Voice Too)”
Writers: Josh Berkowitz/Matt Wynn; Producer: Josh Ronen; Label: none listed
— The rhythm-happy song’s message of inclusion, empowerment and equality spans relationships, households and nations. It’s also as catchy as the dickens. Sing along.

RONNIE MILSAP / “Wild Honey”
Writers: Jim Weatherly/Nigel Wright; Producer: Ronnie Milsap/Rob Galbraith; Label: Black River
— A little bit hillbilly, a little bit soul, a little bit rock n roll, this toe tapper is pretty hard to resist. The legendary Country Music Hall of Famer still has plenty of kick in his delivery. We recently lost songwriter Weatherly, and this dandy concoction illustrates what a shame that is.

TIERA / “Not Your Girl”
Writers: Tiera/Cameron Bedell/Jack Newsome; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Tiera
— Signed to Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters female-driven publishing company, this singer-songwriter is staking her claim to country authenticity with a new, five-song EP that showcases her heart warming, sweet/tart vocals and her flair for relatable lyrics. Wildly promising.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Long After Last Call”
Writers: Jaren Johnston; Producer: The Cadillac Three; Label: Big Machine Records
— Easily their finest single to date, this has a restless rhythmic energy, a brilliantly understated lead vocal and a marvelously crafted lyric about a late-night hookup. I could definitely get used to this on country radio. Absolutely play this ACM nominated Group of the Year.

DREW GREEN / “Hooch”
Writers: Drew Green, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell; Producer: none listed; Label: none listed
— The production is over-stuffed with busy audio effects. His rapped lyric is a repetitive loop that quickly wears out its welcome.

FLO OLAVARRIA / “Talking to Myself”
Writers: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Producer: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Label: none listed
— Now here’s a country biography you don’t read every day. Flo is a native of Chile who migrated to Canada, went back to Chile, began performing in Singapore, moved to Miami and now resides part time in Music City. She brings a Latina flair, a sharp pop sensibility and country verve to this peppy, female-positive bopper. I dig her pert attitude.

Jimmie Allen Renews Publishing Deal With Endurance Music Group

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Jimmie Allen. Photo: John Shearer

Endurance Music Group has announced the renewal of its worldwide publishing agreement with multi-Platinum hit songwriter and recording artist Jimmie Allen.

Allen’s chart-topping singles include his debut, “Best Shot,” as well as his follow-up, “Make Me Want To,” which he co-wrote with EMG’s Paul Sikes along with Jennifer Denmark. His current single, “Freedom Was a Highway” with Brad Paisley, is climbing the country charts. Allen is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the upcoming 56th ACM Awards.

The BBR Music Group / Stoney Creek Records artist made history as the first Black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 hits on country radio.

“We couldn’t be happier to renew our deal with Jimmie,” says Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin. “His growth as a writer and artist has been inspiring to watch and we’re proud to have been a part of it. He truly embodies the evolution of modern country music songwriting. We’re so excited to be on this journey with him.”

“Michael, Mark [Ahlberg], Josh [Saxe], and the Endurance team have become like family. They’re super supportive of my creative vision, they take the time to check on me and see how I’m doing as a person outside of music, and that really means a lot to me. Re-signing with them was a no brainer for me—Endurance is a home I’m thankful to have. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with these amazing people as I create new music,” says Allen.

Allen has recently been in writing sessions with artists like legendary R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Babyface, multi-Platinum Latin hip-hop artist Pitbull, Grammy Award-winning rocker Rob Thomas, and southern rapper Yelawolf, a testament to his versatility and range as a songwriter.

His latest project, Bettie James, is a star-studded collaboration EP that features Paisley alongside Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Nelly, Noah Cyrus, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rita Wilson, Tauren Wells, and Tim McGraw. In July, he will release his first ever book, a children’s book titled My Voice Is A Trumpet on Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.

Ross Copperman Signs With Photo Finish Records

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Ross Copperman. Photo: Gus Black

Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Ross Copperman has signed a deal with the New York-based Photo Finish Records.

Along with the signing, Copperman announced an upcoming solo project set for May 2021, his first in nearly 10 years.

“My friendship with Ross began in 2003 when we were interns, eager to take over the music industry,” says Michael Collin, general manager of Photo Finish. “I recognized his talent immediately, and since that time have loved watching his success as a writer/producer. I am proud to welcome him as a performing artist to the PFR family and excited that the stars finally aligned for us to work together in an official capacity. I look forward to showing the world what I’ve always known about Ross—that he is a gifted and brilliant artist.”

“I’ve closely followed the work the team at Photo Finish Records has done over the last decade,” says Copperman. “From discovery to development, they’ve done an incredible job breaking artists in the pop space. I’m so thrilled and grateful to have such an incredible team behind my new music.”

The Grammy-nominated songwriter has written and produced music for Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban and more, as well as written major country hits including Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s “Nobody But You,” Luke Bryan’s “What She Wants Tonight” and Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey’s duet, “The Other Girl.”

Some of Copperman’s accolades include four BMI Songwriter of The Year awards, two Academy of Country Music award wins, 29 No. 1 radio hits and two Grammy award nominations. Copperman has also won two CMA Triple Play Awards for penning three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period.

The hit songwriter joins Photo Finish Records roster including SHAED, 3OH!3, Lakeview, guardin, and joan.

NSAI Promotes Jennifer Turnbow To Chief Operating Officer

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Jennifer Turnbow

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) announced staff hirings and promotions today (March 16), including the promotion of Jennifer Turnbow to Chief Operating Officer.

Turnbow will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations and finances of NSAI, serve as a legislative advocate for songwriters, co-direct NSAI’s annual fundraiser, the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, and produce the Nashville Songwriter Awards. She has been with NSAI for 16 years. Turnbow is a graduate of Leadership Music, and was honored as part of the 2019 class of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row.

“Jennifer Turnbow is one of the leading advocates for American songwriters. In addition, she oversees the Tin Pan South songwriters festival, the Nashville Songwriter Awards and much more. Her promotion is well deserved,” says Bart Herbison, NSAI executive director.

Aubree Neal, Chloe Dubrovay, Megan Harris

NSAI also announced Aubree Neal has assumed the role of Director of Development. Neal is an MTSU graduate with a Bachelor’s in music business, she has gained over ten years of non-profit volunteer experience, including time as Special Events Manager for the Birmingham Zoo.

Chloe Dubrovay joins NSAI as Executive Assistant for Herbison and Turnbow. She will also assist Herbison and Turnbow on Legislative and Advocacy work.

Megan Harris has transitioned from Receptionist to Membership Representative, working alongside the membership team on day-to-day meetings and membership events. In addition to membership duties, Harris also assists Neal with sponsor and partner fulfillment.

Contact Turnbow at jennifer@nashvillesongwriters.com.

Contact Neal at aubree@nashvillesongwriters.com.

Contact Dubrovay at chloe@nashvillesongwriters.com.

Contact Harris at megan@nashvillesongwriters.com.

Jim Catino To Exit Sony Music Nashville

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Jim Catino

Executive Jim Catino will exit Sony Music Nashville when his contract ends on July 1, 2021.

In an email obtained by MusicRow, Catino shared that he will leave the company to pursue his own music venture in publishing and artist development. “This is something I have wanted to do for some time, but it’s always been hard to make that move because I love this place so much. So it is bitter sweet,” Catino writes.

Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO, Randy Goodman writes of Catino, “He has made an indelible mark on the amazing legacy of Sony Music Nashville and thus we all owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

Most recently Executive Vice President of A&R, Catino joined the label group in 2001.

Catino is a Belmont graduate whose career includes time spent at MCA Music Publishing, Giant Records and Publishing, and DreamWorks Publishing.

Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Mickey Guyton Glow On Grammy Stage

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Pictured (L-R): Maren Morris and John Mayer perform onstage during the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. Photo: Getty Images for The Recording Academy

While its number of performances were few, country music shined on the Grammy stage last night (March 14) at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards.

Miranda Lambert took home the only televised country award, Best Country Album, for her seventh studio album Wildcard. This is Lambert’s second win for Best Country Album, receiving the Award for her No. 1 album Platinum in 2014. She has also previously won Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “The House That Built Me.”

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Getty Images for The Recording Academy

In the pre-telecast, Dan + Shay were awarded Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours.” The duo made history with this win, becoming first artist to win three times consecutively since the category’s inception. Dan + Shay won the category for the first time in 2019 with 6x Platinum smash “Tequila,” and again in 2020 with 5x Platinum hit “Speechless.”

Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna won Best Country Song for their co-written “Crowded Table,” recorded by The Highwomen. Vince Gill was awarded his 22nd Grammy Award for his performance of “When My Amy Prays,” in the category of Best Country Solo Performance.

The awards were presented outside the Los Angeles Staples Center, with only a handful of masked, socially distanced nominees watching each presentation in an open-air tent. The majority of the performances took place inside. The indoor venue featured five stages in the round. Artists performed for each other before another set of artists replaced them after the performances wrapped.

Host Trevor Noah traveled from the outdoor presenting stage to the indoor performance stage.

The ceremony also featured music venue owners and employees from around the nation who have struggled immensely during the pandemic. Nashville’s Station Inn owner J.T. Gray presented Best Country Album to Lambert, via video. Venue employees from the Troubadour in Los Angeles and the Apollo in New York were a past of the broadcast, as well.

The In Memoriam tribute featured many artists and musical icons that we lost this past year, pulling out a few artists to feature more prominently. Lionel Richie gave tribute to Kenny Rogers by singing their iconic song, “Lady.”

Carlile did a superb job honoring John Prine. She sang “I Remember Everything,” the song that Prine posthumously won Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song for.

When it came time for the country round of performances, Mickey Guyton gave a stellar performance of her moving “Black Like Me.” With this performance, Guyton became the first Black female country artist to perform at the Grammys.

Youtube video

Once Guyton was through, she turned to a beaming Lambert to introduce her next performance. Lambert performed her No. 1 smash hit “Bluebird,” from her now Grammy awarded album Wildcard, under a chandelier of flowers.

Youtube video

Lambert then introduced the next country performer, Maren Morris, as “my Texas gal pal I’ve known since the honky tonk days.” Morris was joined by Joh Mayer playing guitar and singing harmonies on her pop crossover hit, “The Bones.”

Youtube video

There were a few historic moments throughout the telecast. Beyoncé set a new record for most wins by a female artist. Now with 28 Grammys, she surpasses Alison Krauss’ 27 wins. Beyoncé now ties for second most awarded artist at the Grammys with record producer Quincy Jones. Orchestral and operatic conductor Georg Solti holds the record with 31 awards.

Taylor Swift became the first female artist to win Album Of The Year three times for her win with Folklore. This feat ties her with Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder as the only artist to win in that category three times.