Little Louder Music Signs Jackson Dean

Pictured (L-R): Little Louder’s Jefferson Brown, Jackson Dean, Little Louder’s Arturo Buenahora

Singer/songwriter Jackson Dean has signed a publishing deal with Nashville independent publishing house, Little Louder Music.

The Maryland native has opened on tour slots for Brothers Osborne, Jake Owen, Kane Brown, Dylan Scott and more. He will go into the studio this fall to record new music for an upcoming release.

Little Louder Music was founded in 2013 and is the songwriting home for Casey Beathard, Tucker Beathard, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde, Jonathon Sherwood and Boy Named Banjo members William Reames and Barton Davies. Little Louder recently had its second No. 1 of 2019 with Eric Church’s “Some of It,” following Dierks Bentley’s chart topper “Burning Man.” Additionally, Keith Urban’s new single “We Were,” Eric Church’s “Monsters” and Justin Moore’s “Why We Drink” are currently climbing the country radio charts.

Ross Copperman Moves Into No. 2 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

With co-writer credits on “Living” (Dierks Bentley), “Tip Of My Tongue” (Kenny Chesney) and “Catch” (Brett Young), Ross Copperman moves up three slots this week to the No. 2 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ashley Gorley stays at No. 1, a position he has been occupying for the tenth consecutive week.

The Top Five is rounded out by Jon Nite at No. 3, Blanco Brown at No. 4 and Hillary Lindsey at No. 5.

Laura Veltz moves into the No. 6 position, and Luke Combs drops down to No. 7.

The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

UMPG Signs Brad Tursi

Pictured (L-R): UMPG’s Ron Stuve, Troy Tomlinson, Cyndi Forman, Brad Tursi, Travis Gordon, Missy Roberts, Terry Wakefield

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed songwriter/artist Brad Tursi to a global co-publishing deal for his future works. In addition, UMPG has acquired Tursi’s catalog of hit songs.

Tursi is a member of Old Dominion, and has written nine Country Airplay No. 1 songs, including six of Old Dominion’s seven chart-topping hits such as “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” “Written in the Sand,” “Make It Sweet,” and more. Tursi has also co-written multiple chart-toppers for other artists, including Luke Bryan’s “Light It Up” and Kenny Chesney’s “Save It for a Rainy Day.”

Troy Tomlinson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG Nashville, said, “Signing Brad provides that unique opportunity to work with a hit songwriter who not only writes hits for Old Dominion but also for other superstar artists. That, coupled with securing the rights to his entire back catalog, means lots of opportunities for us. We are grateful for his trust in our team.”

Said Tursi, “I’m so excited to work with a bunch of great folks that I’ve considered family for years. I am humbled and grateful to be part of the team.”

Travis Gordon, Senior A&R Director, UMPG Nashville said, “All the greats have a signature. Some have an unending well of deep lyric sensibility, some were given the gift of melody, while others have a unique sonic identity. With Brad, you get all of the above. He’s a songwriter’s songwriter and we’re so proud to officially welcome him home as part of the Universal family.”

Old Dominion’s songs have earned more than one billion streams. The band is currently headlining arenas and amphitheaters across the globe on their “Make It Sweet” tour. Their forthcoming, self-titled studio album is set for release on Oct. 25, 2019.

Kelsea Ballerini Celebrates Fifth Career No. 1

Pictured (L-R): Producer Jason Massey, Kobalt’s Jesse Willoughby, David Hodges (BMI), Black River Publishing’s Rebekah Gordon, Kelsea Ballerini (ASCAP), BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Leland (ASCAP), Kobalt’s Brad Beausir, Black River’s Rick Froio, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, and Producer Forest Glen Whitehead. Photo: Steve Lowry

After a 15-month drought of female artists in the top spot on the Mediabase country singles chart, Kelsea Ballerini‘s industry fans and friends gathered to celebrate the feat for the Platinum-selling, punching track “Miss Me More.”

ASCAP’s Beth Brinker and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen led the charge for ASCAP writers Ballerini and Brett McLaughlin, as well as BMI writer David Hodges. Producers Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey were both on hand to celebrate.

“Since her Gold-certified 2015 debut, she has consistently made history,” Brinker said. “She’s the only female country artist to achieve three consecutive No. 1 songs from a debut album, the Grand Ole Opry welcomed her as its youngest current member, she has garnered two Grammy award nominations, won two ACM awards, took home iHeart Radio’s amazing honor Best New Artist. Kelsea was also the first female to top the Mediabase chart in 15 months, and earned back to back No. 1’s with ‘Legends’ and ‘Miss Me More.'”

“Girl, you are an undeniable vocalist, a singer, a songwriter, a performer, and you continue to elevate country music for a new generation, a new era,” Brinker gushed. “And here’s the thing, when you have an audience, you have to know that people are listening. It’s important that you’re not just saying something, you’re saying something. And we hear you.”

Brinker also let the crowd know that the “Miss Me More” No. 1 party was also a first No. 1 party for co-writer Brett McLaughlin—also known as Leland—an L.A.-based songwriter, producer and artist that has had hits with Daya, Selena Gomez, Tryoe Sivan, Lauv, and more.

“He was born and raised in Mississippi, he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. We’re so happy that with all of the success that you’ve had in Los Angeles, you’re coming home a little bit too. You’re bring your very thoughtful lyrics and your powerful messages to another format, and helping to create such meaningful anthems,” Brinker said to the beaming songwriter.

Keen stepped up to the mic to talk about co-writer David Hodges.

“David is a multi-Platinum, Grammy and BMI-award winning songwriter and producer, I think many of us are familiar with his talent. But just to reiterate, of course David was a founding member of Evanescence, as you can see,” Keen said motioning to Hodges’ tattooed covered arms while he and the crowd laughed.

“But I also have to name some of his top singles just to give you a span of his talent. ‘My Immortal’ for Evanescence, ‘A Thousand Years’ for Christina Perri, ‘Because of You’ for Kelly Clarkson song, ‘Dear Hate’ for Maren Morris and Vince Gill, and ‘See You Again’ for Carrie Underwood. He’s all over the map with talent and covering all different genres,” Keen said.

Kobalt’s Brad Beausir spoke at his first No. 1 party, “I’m like sweating and this is my first one, so if it’s terrible, sorry,” he joked.

“I started working at Kobalt like two and half months ago and largely to work with people like David Hodges,” Beausir said. “I have admired you from afar for a long time. The more that I get to know you, the more that it’s true. You are absolutely amazing. You’re everything you could ever want in a hit songwriter. When you sing a demo, I die. When you let someone else sing it, it’s not as good.

“Lately I’ve been booking a ton of people that have been coming to Nashville, and I always tell them, ‘This is a lot harder than you think.’ It’s not easy to break into this community. It’s tight-knit, people know who they love and honestly we have the best writers in the world. So if you’re gonna do it, don’t just try to do it. Do it your very best. Get to know them, meet them, have dinner with them, get to know their families, David did that. He has really invested in this place. You did it right and you’re the example that I try to tell everyone of how to do it best,” he continued.

“Kelsea, you are what our city needs. You’re honest, you’re real. In a struggling environment for women, your songs shine,” Beausir summed.

Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg stepped up to the mic to speak about Brett.

“It’s so neat when you get to see people grow and become these amazing songwriters or artists or both. I was adjudicator for a Belmont showcase, and you go and you’re sitting in this empty theater and it’s quiet and awkward. And these kids are coming up one by one and hoping that you’ll vote them through to the showcase. Every kid would come up with their guitar and sing their sad, heartfelt ballad. And then here comes this guy and he gets up on stage in this snazzy suit and he’s got a full band, it’s like Prince. I was so surprised and I was so impressed, that I went to the show.

“I think the only thing that’s changed is you’re not surprising anybody, everybody knows how good you are. You continue to show it over and over, whether it’s through your artistry or your songwriting,” Van Valkenburg said.

Van Valkenburg made sure to recognize Jason Owen and the Sandbox Entertainment team.

Black River Publishing’s Rebekah Gordon was on hand to gush about Kelsea. “I know, Kelsea, we don’t have to tell you that five No. 1 songs in four years is a big deal, but it’s a big deal. Having multiple Platinum singles and streams totaling in the billions is a big deal. I’m honored to be able to recognize and celebrate your success today.”

Gordon also made a point to recognize the Black River radio promotion staff.

“She represents what Black River is all about,” Black River’s Rick Froio said. “She’s the heart and soul of our company, we all rally around her and we all rejoice in her victories which have been many.”

Pictured: (L-R): Producer Jason Massey, David Hodges (BMI), Kelsea Ballerini (ASCAP), Leland(ASCAP), Producer Forest Glen Whitehead. Photo: Steve Lowry

When it came time for the creators to speak, Kelsea’s longtime collaborator—and producer on “Miss Me More”—Forest Glen Whitehead led the way.

“We’re grateful for Black River for believing in a great record, for working it hard. I’m grateful to y’all for writing an awesome song, the guitar lick that inspired it all or whatever that thing was, it’s super inspiring. We’re excited to have another one, this is amazing. Blessings on blessings,” he said.

Producer Jason Massey echoed the praises. “Thank you guys for giving us something awesome to work with from the start,” he said to the writers.

“I just first want to say thank you to Kelsea for messaging me on Twitter the day you did, and saying you were in L.A. and wanted to see if we could write,” Brett said. “I was already planning my strategy of trying to set up a session with Kelsea anyways, so that was the best moment opening my messages.

“I couldn’t be more proud to have this No. 1 be with a female country artist,” he said. “That to me is very special and very important.”

“My wife and I and our family moved here about three years ago, but for the last twelve years, I’ve been coming to Nashville mainly because I’ve always loved the respect and the level craft of the storytelling that Nashville has, that truly no other city in the world has. London makes great music and L.A. makes great music, Sydney and other places but Nashville is really, really special. It’s meant a lot to me how much this Nashville community has embraced me,” Hodges said.

Hodges thanked Kelsea and Brett, Josh Van Valkenburg, Black River, Kobalt, and his team at Milk & Honey.

“I’m a singer, not a talker, first of all,” said the woman of the hour when she was handed the mic. “My first several songs were ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ and ‘Dibs’ and ‘Yeah, Boy,’ and that kind of stuff and the comments that I would get in meet and greets were like ‘Oh my gosh, “Dibs” is like me and my boyfriend’s song,’ and I love that. I love having those songs that are like the soundtrack to people’s love stories and their crushes and all that stuff. This was the first song where people would come up and say, ‘This helped me get through a divorce, this helped me get through an abusive relationship,’ and for me, as a songwriter, to be able to be in meet and greets and hear people give me their testimony, it’s incredible.

“I wouldn’t have had the confidence to put out ‘homecoming queen?’ if I didn’t put this out first,” Kelsea said with emotion.

“Black River, you’ve done the thing that no one can do and that’s get a song from a female up the charts,” she said.

Kelsea made sure to thank the Black River radio promo team, her co-writers, and her manager, Jason Owen.

Pictured (L-R): Black River’s Rick Froio, David Hodges (BMI), Kelsea Ballerini (ASCAP), Leland (ASCAP), Producer Forest Glen Whitehead, Producer Jason Massey. Photo: Steve Lowry

Combustion Music Signs Kolby Cooper

Pictured (L-R): Kelly Lyons (Combustion Music), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music), Kolby Cooper, Chris Farren (Combustion Music), Kenley Flynn (Combustion Music), Jared McManus (Back Porch Management)

Kolby Cooper has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Combustion Music. The native Texan began playing guitar at the age of 12 and played his first show at 14. Cooper has toured throughout Texas promoting his debut EP, Vol. 1, which includes tracks “It Ain’t Me” and “Every Single Kiss.”

Combustion Music’s Chris Farren said, “Kolby is an incredibly authentic artist …honest songs delivered from the heart… we couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with him and his team to help spread the word.”

Cooper added, “What can I say? I’m super excited for this opportunity. Writing has always been the most important part of music for me. In a way, I feel recognized by signing with Combustion. We’re both ready to get things rolling to enhance my art.”

Warner Chappell Music Extends Deal With Liz Rose

Liz Rose

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has extended a worldwide publishing deal with Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose and her publishing company, Liz Rose Music. Among her numerous hit songwriting credits are No. 1 singles for  Taylor Swift (“You Belong with Me”), Little Big Town (“Girl Crush”), and Eli Young Band (“Crazy Girl”).

“Words matter and the words that Liz Rose has put into the musical songbook have really mattered,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, WCM Nashville. “She is the force behind so many songs that have won the coveted Song of the Year award at all of the major music award shows. She is unstoppable, unflappable, and we are so happy to continue our partnership.”

“Over the past six years Ben and everyone at Warner Chappell have been the best partners I could have asked for,” added Rose. “I look forward to exploring even more opportunities for my music and for the music from all of our wonderful songwriters at Liz Rose Music.” 

Rose has earned the Song of the Year prize at the 2010 BMI Country Awards for “You Belong With Me” (Taylor Swift), the 2011 ACM Awards for “Crazy Girl” (Eli Young Band), and the 2015 CMA’s for “Girl Crush” (Little Big Town). She has earned multiple Grammy wins including Best Country Song for “White Horse” (Taylor Swift) and “Girl Crush” (Little Big Town), and was named Songwriter of the Year at the 2007 SESAC Awards.

Most recently, Rose co-wrote Miranda Lambert’s single, “It All Comes Out in the Wash” with Lambert, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey as part of the songwriting trio, The Love Junkies. The group is also behind Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty.”

In 2010 Rose launched Liz Rose Music with her son Scott Ponce as a home to burgeoning songwriters. The roster currently includes Joe Fox, Phil Barton, Emily Shackelton, Seth Ennis, Cameron Bedell, Alyssa Micaela, Nick Boyd, Cassidy Daniels, and Caitlin Rose, with writer catalogs from Corey Crowder, Jesse Walker, Jeff Middleton, Chuck Wicks, and Stephony Smith.

Luke Combs Moves Into No. 2 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Luke Combs moves up five slots to No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credits on his charting tunes “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Even Though I’m Leaving” and “1, 2 Many.” Ashley Gorley maintains his top position for the ninth consecutive week, with seven charting titles.

The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney Signs Publishing Deal With Reservoir (Exclusive)

Pictured (L-R): Mike Sistad (ASCAP – VP Nashville Membership), Greg Gallo (Reservoir – VP Creative), Joe Don Rooney, Beth Brinker (ASCAP – Associate Creative Director), John Ozier (Reservoir – EVP Creative), Chandler Cunningham (Reservoir – Creative Coordinator)

Reservoir has signed Joe Don Rooney, lead guitarist for hit country music group Rascal Flatts, to a worldwide publishing deal. The deal includes future works for the accomplished songwriter including upcoming Rascal Flatts co-writes, plus titles written for other artists.

Outside of his catalog with Rascal Flatts, Rooney is an accomplished songwriter, having collaborated with Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, The Vamps, and more. He is currently developing several emerging artists including Dylan Brady, signed to Barry Weiss’ RECORDS, plus Chase Martin and Josh Dorr, among others.

“I’m constantly writing and creating, whether it’s for Rascal Flatts or other artists,” shared Rooney. “And getting to work with John and the whole Reservoir team, felt like the perfect creative fit. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter.”

“While Joe Don’s past success speaks for itself, we’re really excited about what lies ahead,” adds Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier. “His ability to work across genres and knack for developing talent, coupled with the fact that he is one of the best guys in the business made him a great match with Reservoir and we’re honored to welcome him to the family.”

Rascal Flatts have sold over 23 million albums, 35 million digital downloads, and amassed more than 2 billion streams worldwide. They have 17 No. 1 hits under their belt, and two dozen RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum releases. As the most awarded country music group of the past decade, the trio have over 40 awards to their name, including a Grammy for Best Country Song and a number of top accolades from the ACMs, CMAs, AMAs, CMTs, and more. In 2012, Rascal Flatts received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group is currently on a six-month U.S. and Canadian tour. To date, the band has sold over 10 million tickets worldwide.

New York City-based Reservoir has offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, and London. Founded in 2007, the company has grown to represent more than 110,000 copyrights and 20,000 master recordings, including hundreds of No.1 releases. Among those are songs written and performed by John Denver, Billy Strayhorn, and Hoagy Carmichael, as well as catalogs of Sheryl Crow and Phantogram, and current hits performed by Lady Gaga, Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars, Cardi B and more. The company’s collection of film music includes rights to scores from composer-producer Hans Zimmer, as heard in The Lion King, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Dark Knight Trilogy and more. Reservoir also represents recorded music through Chrysalis Records and Philly Groove Records, and manages artists via its venture with Big Life Management.

Eric Church Celebrates Two Chart-Toppers At Double Down No. 1 Party

Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Jody Williams, Sea Gayle Music’s JD Groover, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora; (L-R, front row): co-writers Jeff Hyde, Bobby Pinson, Eric Church, Clint Daniels and Luke Dick. Photo: Anthony D’Angio

A very loved and revered Eric Church celebrated two No. 1 songs yesterday (Sept. 24) with his co-writers, industry friends and admirers at the Nashville airport. Presented by BMI and his label EMI Nashville, the chart-toppers commemorated were his “Round Here Buzz,” off his 2015 album Mr. Misunderstood and co-written with Jeff Hyde and Luke Dick, as well as his “Some Of It,” off his 2018 Desperate Man record, co-written with Hyde, Clint Daniels and Bobby Pinson. Producer Arturo Buenahora, Jr. was also in attendance, while Jay Joyce was not able to be there.

Church greeted an industry crowd flanked by two jets and Desperate Man road cases at an aircraft hangar on the outskirts of Nashville, a nod to both the film location of his “Desperate Man” music video as well as the cover image on the album.

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen served as the host for the event, and Jody Williams was the first to speak.

“Back in 2006, the sound of country music was starting to shift,” Williams said. “And the writers and the artists who were moving to town were a little more influenced by hip-hop music than they were by Haggard and Jones. But something else happened in 2006, just as radio was embracing the emerging wave of the new sound of country music, Eric Church sends up a flare with his first single ‘How ‘Bout You.’ And it barely cracked the Top 10, there was no one that remotely sounded like Eric.

“But it was the perfect time for this non-conformist to plant his flag and get about the business of not conforming to the current trend. Over time, Eric attracted a few like-minded songwriters, all in some way non-conformists themselves, who were perfect collaborators. Over the past 14 years, Eric has carved out his place in American music culture by being true to himself and surrounding himself with songwriters who are, like Eric, independent thinkers,” Williams praised.

Williams announced that Dick was celebrating his first of three No. 1 songs, Hyde’s fourth, Daniels’ third, and Pinson’s tenth; and that Church is up for Video, Album and Entertainer of the Year at this year’s CMA Awards. “I wouldn’t dare bet against Eric at the CMA’s this year,” Williams said.

Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith spoke, and announced that they had made a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of the songs.

Buenahora made sure to thank Perry Howard, who Buenahora says connected him to Church. “That’s what a good PRO will do, is they will fight for a writer to get a shot,” he said. Buenahora also thanked Sony/ATV’s future leader, Rusty Gaston, and let him know that Little Louder was for sale for $54 million.

“But this day is not about any of that,” Buenahora said with a smile. “It’s about the songwriters. While I don’t publish all these guys, I’m really excited for all of them. Our company is a six year-old company now, and we’ve got a long ways to go, but we are doing big things. We’ve tried to establish our reputation as having good songs, maybe not songs for everyone, but I wouldn’t trade my guys for any other roster in town. We are the freaks and geeks, and that’s how we like it.

“Lastly, I’ve got to say to my partner Eric Church, the journey has been amazing, we’re still climbing. These things are hard. Eric Church does not deliver easy radio songs. Royce [Risser], Jimmy [Rector], I know you guys know that, so let me say thank you for all that you do getting Eric Church songs on the radio,” Buenahora concluded.

SeaGayle’s newly promoted JD Groover was honored that his first No. 1 party he has spoken at was an Eric Church celebration. “Eric is one of the best songwriters this town has ever seen. Sea Gayle is honored to be a part of this song.

“I got Bobby Pinson right here,” said Groover. “Ten No. 1s, third one this year. Bobby’s one of the most talented humans I’ve gotten to work with. At the show at Nissan, I got to watch Clint and Bobby hug each other while ‘Some Of It’ was being played. That was some the coolest shit I’ve ever seen.”

Groover made sure to thank Church and the UMG Nashville radio promotion staff.

Pictured (L-R): Sea Gayle Music’s Brandon Gregg, Emily Witters and Marc Driskill; co-writers Bobby Pinson, Eric Church and Clint Daniels; Sea Gayle Music’s JD Groover and Kim Wiggins. Photo: Anthony D’Angio

Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg repeated the praises of Church. “It’s such a special thing when you get to work with a once in a generational talent like Eric Church. He’s a man that does not come around very often.

“As an entertainer, you continue to change the world. You’re out there doing things that nobody else is even thinking about doing until you get out there and do it. And then as a songwriter, which is why we’re here to celebrate you today, I think you’re transcendent. I don’t care when these songs were written, I think they’d be special. I think they’d matter,” Van Valkenburg said to Church.

Van Valkenburg thanked the Universal Nashville team, Church’s management at Q Prime South, the publishers and the songwriters.

UMG’s Mike Dungan recognized his passionate UMG team. “I’ve never seen a team love an artist more than these guys love Eric Church,” he said.

“This is usually where I talk about how much we love you,” the label head said to Church. “I can say it again, but we’ve done it. The only thing I can say that is pretty consistent is the music is pretty shitty out there right now; and all of us wake up every day very grateful that we have Eric Church on the team because we’re always going to have good stuff.”

Dungan introduced a special video of artists paying tribute to Church. The video included appearances from Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Ray Wylie Hubbard and more.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson; co-writers Jeff Hyde and Bobby Pinson with their No. 1 Challenge Coins; UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan; Eric Church; Clint Daniels; Luke Dick; MusicRow‘s LB Rogers. Photo: Steve Lowry

When the songwriters stepped up to speak, they each were honored to have worked with the revered Church.

“I just want to see thank you very much to Eric, Luke, Bobby and Clint. It’s a real privilege for me to be able to do what I do for a living,” Hyde said. “A lot of talented people have helped me along the way.”

Hyde gave a shout out to Church’s band and crew, the promotion staff, and his wife and three-month-old son. “I feel like any good idea I’ve ever been a part of, or that I’ve had has been a gift from God.”

“I just want to thank Eric, I really feel grateful dude,” said Daniels. “You’re the closest thing to Merle Haggard we will ever know.” Church threw his head back at that comment.

Pinson proved to be a hilarious and proficient speaker, as he told stories about his relationships with each of his co-writers and thanked those involved in the success.

“Before I say anything else, I want to thank God for his grace, his sense of humor, and his extremely short memory,” Pinson said with a grin. “And for blessing me with a gift that is definitely not of me, but of God.

“I wrote one of my favorite songs with two of my favorite people, and that’s not easy to do in this town. At the end of the day, you don’t write your biggest songs with the biggest writers. You write songs you love with people you love,” Pinson said.

“When I was in New York this writer showed me this track that was ‘Smoke A Little Smoke.’ And I said, ‘Is this what Nashville is doing now? Because if this is what Nashville is doing, then I want to be a part of it.’ I came back to Nashville with stars in my eyes and it turns out that’s not what Nashville was doing, it was what Eric was doing,” Dick said.

Dick said he and Church wrote “Kill A Word” and “Round Here Buzz” on the same day. “It was the luckiest day of my life,” he said.

When it came time for the man of the hour to speak, everyone in the room leaned in.

Church thanked his wife and kids, who were in attendance, and made sure to thank Howard. “Perry was my hail mary,” Church said. “He was somebody that I went to when I was trying to get something going at the time and just couldn’t get anybody to meet with me to hear my songs—and I had some pretty good songs. I think I played Perry ‘Sinners Like Me,’ ‘Lightning,’ ‘Pledge Allegiance To The Hag,’ and ‘Guys Like Me.’ He was a guy that took that meeting.”

Church thanked his band and crew, his promotion team, the label and John Peets and Q Prime Management.

“That video was something I’m not ready to address yet,” said Church with emotion in his voice. “That was one of the coolest things—no, that’s about the coolest thing I’ve been a part of… My intention was always just to try to make great music, write great songs. And to see it matter is really something.

“But I will say this after seeing the video; I’m not done. I’m not retiring. I’m not dying… I look forward to kicking their asses every night on stage,” he concluded with a smirk.

Jon Randall Extends Publishing Deal

Pictured (L-R): Jake Gear (Senior Creative Director, BMG), Emily Olson (Creative Director, SWM), Sara Beal (Publishing Director, SWM), Alex Orbison (Co-President, SWM), Jon Randall, Kos Weaver (Executive Vice President, BMG Nashville), Chuck Fleckenstein (General Manager & COO, SWM)

Hit songwriter Jon Randall has extended his worldwide publishing deal with Still Working and BMG. His recent cuts include “Pretty Bitchin” and “Tequila Does” on Miranda Lambert’s upcoming album, Wildcard, “RSVP” on Maren Morris’ album, GIRL, and last year’s ACM Song of the Year “Tin Man,” co-written with Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram.

In addition to writing, Randall will continue to serve as the Head of A&R at Orbison’s Green Iris Records and is currently working with Green Iris artist Rachel Reinert on her forthcoming record.

“JR is the centerpiece of everything we do here at Still Working Music. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be extending our ever fruitful and rewarding relationship. We are simply lucky to have JR in our building and happy to provide a home for those amazing guitars!” said Alex Orbison.

“JR is a triple-threat creatively as a songwriter, player, and producer. He is a ‘destination writer’ here on the Row, and his songs are continuing to find both commercial and critical success. Thrilled to continue working together with JR and our partners at Still Working Music,” said BMG’s Jake Gear.

Still Working Music was founded in 1990 by the late Barbara Orbison and is now run by her sons, Alex Orbison and Roy Orbison, Jr. (Co-Presidents) along with Chuck Fleckenstein (COO and General Manager). Still Working Music writers include Tommy Lee JamesGordie Sampson, Jon RandallChase Bryant, Dylan Altman, Lance Miller, Rachel Reinert, and Ian Christian. Still Working Music partners with BMG, Kobalt, and Big Deal, among others. Among the company’s recent successes are Luke Bryan’s No. 1 hit “Knockin’ Boots,” Oliver Heldens’ “Summer Lover,” Conrad Sewell’s “Life,” Carly Pearce’s “Closer To You,” Hunter Hayes’ “Heartbreak,” Ashley Monroe’s “Hands On You,” Travis Denning’s “David Ashley Parker,” Dierks Bentley’s “The Mountain,” Kenny Chesney’s No. 1, “All The Pretty Girls,” and Lost Frequencies’ “Are You With Me,” a chart-topping hit in 18 countries around the world.

BMG is the world’s fourth biggest music publisher and the first new global player in the recordings business in decades. BMG Nashville, bolstered in 2017 with the acquisition of BBR Music Group, is the company’s third biggest operation of its 15 offices in 12 core music markets. Founded by international media, services and education company Bertelsmann in 2008 as a direct response to music’s digital revolution, BMG not only represents the traditionally separate music publishing and recording rights off the same state-of-the-art platform internationally, it offers a wide range of artist services from production music and neighboring rights to film, books and branded merchandise. BMG represents over 3 million songs and recordings, including the catalogues of Chrysalis, Bug, Virgin, Mute, Sanctuary, Primary Wave and Talpa Music.