UMPG Signs Lori McKenna

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L-R: (Seated): McKenna. (Standing): UMPG Nashville President Pat Higdon, UMPG Creative Director Whitney Williams. Photo: Kay Williams

L-R: (Seated): McKenna. (Standing): UMPG Nashville President Pat Higdon, UMPG Creative Director Whitney Williams. Photo: Kay Williams

UMPG recently welcomed renowned songwriter Lori McKenna to its roster of hit makers.  Well known in the New England club scene, the Stoughton, MA native gained national prominence with her couch jumping appearance on Oprah, where she performed “Fireflies” with Faith Hill. After landing three songs on Hill’s album, the music community clamored to record her songs.

Tim McGraw, Mandy Moore, Sara Evans and Heidi Newfield are just a few pop/country artists to sing McKenna’s heartfelt songs. In addition to critically-acclaimed, self-produced albums such as Kitchen Tapes, she recorded the album Unglamorous for Warner Bros. When not writing in Nashville, McKenna is hard at work behind the doors of her Hoodie Studios, creating her next piece of musical poetry.

Steele Songwriter Boot Camp

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steele150Jeffrey Steele’s 4th annual Songwriter Boot camp is set to kick off Sept. 10-13 in Nashville at the BMI offices. Steele, twice named BMI Songwriter of the Year and three time NSAI Songwriter of the Year, will shepherd 12 rising star songwriters through a three-day, two-night curriculum loaded with co-writing sessions, one-on-one coaching from Steele and additional industry activities. Applications for the event are due by Aug. 1. Boot Camp costs total $2,000 and include a 3-night stay in Nashville, a luncheon A&R panel and more. For complete details and application information visit www.jeffreysteele.net/bootcamp.

Alexander, Mabe Score Big With First No. 1

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jessi_alexanderSongwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe are celebrating their first No. 1, with the smash pop/country hit “The Climb,” performed by Miley Cyrus for her Hannah Montana movie. The track has already sold more than 2 million downloads, and reached the top of both the Billboard and Mediabase AC charts last week. It continues to rise up the Country charts, landing at No. 18 on the latest MusicRow Country Breakout chart with upward momentum. Alexander is signed to Disney Music Publishing, and Mabe calls Stage Three Music home.

Produced by John Shanks, the track appears on the platinum selling Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack (Walt Disney/Hollywood/Lyric Street). “The Climb,” is also in the running for the 2009 Teen Choice Award for Single of the Year, when the awards air live Aug. 10 on Fox.

Photos: Music City Songwriters Make The Rounds

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From Left to Right: Pat Buchanan, Steve King, Bob DiPiero, Shawn Fichter, and Adam Beard They played at Third and Lindsley on Saturday night to a full crowd. Bob and his band performed his hits such as Blue Clear Sky, American Made, Wink, Church on Cumberland Road, Gone and many more. The crowd got to enjoy rocking guitar solos and DiPiero's hits set to his own full band.

Bob DiPiero and The Floating Stones played at 3rd & Lindsley on Saturday night to a full crowd, performing his hits such as "Blue Clear Sky," "American Made," "Wink," "Church on Cumberland Road," and "Gone." (L-R): Pat Buchanan, Steve King, Bob DiPiero, Shawn Fichter, and Adam Beard

Veteran BMI musician and songwriter Pete Sallis recently inked a deal with premier Christian music publisher Brentwood Benson Publishing Group. Pictured at BMI in Nashville are (back row) BMI’s Bradley Collins, Brentwood Benson Publishing Group’s Stacey Wilbur, John Andrade, Brentwood Benson’s Dale Mathews, and Eric Hurt, with Pete Sallis, seated. (Photo: Drew Maynard)  

Veteran BMI musician and songwriter Pete Sallis recently inked a deal with premier Christian music publisher Brentwood Benson Publishing Group. Pictured at BMI in Nashville are (back row) BMI’s Bradley Collins, Brentwood Benson Publishing Group’s Stacey Wilbur, John Andrade, Brentwood Benson’s Dale Mathews, and Eric Hurt, with Pete Sallis, seated. (Photo: Drew Maynard)

Songwriters Lisa McCallum, Steve Diamond, Kelley Lovelace and J. D. Souther traveled to Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Canada to perform in-the-round at an invitation-only event for the Casino’s top customers. Pictured are ASCAP's Herky Williams, writers Lisa McCullum, Steve Diamond, ASCAP’s Pat Rolfe; Kelley Lovelace, J. D. Souther, and Fallsview VP of Marketing and Entertainment, Larry Gregson.
Songwriters Lisa McCallum, Steve Diamond, Kelley Lovelace and J. D. Souther traveled to Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Canada to perform in-the-round at an invitation-only event for the Casino’s top customers. Pictured are ASCAP’s Herky Williams, writers Lisa McCullum, Steve Diamond, ASCAP’s Pat Rolfe; Kelley Lovelace, J. D. Souther, and Fallsview VP of Marketing and Entertainment, Larry Gregson.
Photo Attached: (left to right) Ed Leonard (President of Daywind Records), Marty Funderburk, Dottie Leonard Miller (Daywind Music Group Founder and Owner), and Rick Shelton (Director of Daywind Music Publishing)

Daywind Music Publishing songwriter Marty Funderburk was recently honored for his song, “Life Goes On,” recorded by the Talley Trio, as well as for penning Daywind's first choir songs released with LifeWay Worship. Most significantly, Funderburk was given the Daywind Music Publishing Impact Award, the company’s highest honor. Funderburk, Daywind's first Director of Publishing, has been with the company 12 years and recently completed his 500th song, with more than 50 published in the choral format and distributed to churches nationally. Photo: (L-R): Ed Leonard, Pres. of Daywind Records; Marty Funderburk; Dottie Leonard Miller, Daywind Music Group Founder and Owner; and Rick Shelton, Director of Daywind Music Publishing

Plugger Group Meets Blake Chancey

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Pictured L to R: Anthony Corder, Dan Hodges Music; Tina Crawford, Magic Mustang Music; Blake Chancey; Stevie Erickson, ole Songs; Ben Strain, Monument.

Pictured L to R: Anthony Corder, Dan Hodges Music; Tina Crawford, Magic Mustang Music; Blake Chancey; Stevie Erickson, ole Songs; and Ben Strain, Monument

The Perfect Pitches Plugger Group recently met with noted producer Blake Chancey at the cocktail lounge The Patterson House on Division Street.

Glamorous Tidbits

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cover_glamour_190Taylor Swift is on the cover of the August issue of Glamour magazine. In an article titled Taylor Swift: Bomb-Shell in Blue Jeans, she dishes on her favorite career moments (Saturday Night Live, Rolling Stone cover), future goals (a world tour, moving out of her parents’ house), and where she sees herself in the future.

Toby Keith recorded his new single “American Ride” last week and following extreme demand, rushed it to radio in time for the Independence Day weekend.

Blake Shelton will be on Good Morning America on ABC on Mon. July 6.

Check out the music/film industry gossip site of Nikki Finke at www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com.

Nashville pop/folk songstress Madi Diaz, signed to Cherry Lane Publishing, recently received the Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Olman Scholarship for Excellence in Songwriting.

Comedian Rodney Carrington’s new all-music album, El Niño Loco, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Comedy chart last week, as well as at No. 19 on the Country chart.

Rascal Flatts is the first country act set to participate in the iTunes Pass program which allows fans access to exclusive content like live recordings, demos, and more. After the program launches on July 21, new audio will be released each week for the remainder of the summer.

Emerging singer Shawn Mayer is gearing up for her summer tour kicking off in Nashville at Cadillac Ranch on July 7. Show starts at 6:00PM and is a benefit concert for Spinal Muscular Atrophy presented by singer/songwriter Warren Silvers. From there, Shawn will travel to the Midwest for upcoming dates in Iowa and the surrounding areas opening for Josh Gracin, Jamie O’Neal, John Michael Montgomery and Andy Griggs.

Digital distribution label GMV Nashville has announced the addition of several new titles to their online catalog, including the epic This Is My America set, out-of-print titles from the Charlie Daniels Band and Toy Caldwell, and more. This Is My America is a three-disc compilation of original material that chronologically recounts the history of America through songs from 58 of Nashville’s finest award-winning singers and songwriters.

Rising country singer-songwriter Shane Wyatt has entered into a sponsorship with Farm Boy & Farm Girl brands, which makes clothing and accessories that capture the heartfelt pride of the farming lifestyle.

Music Biz Whiz Kids

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David Plyler.

Pictured at the finalists meet and mingle (L-R): Jensen Sussman, Mandy Gallagher, SESAC's Justin Levenson, David Plyler, and Katy Brown.

There are several familiar names on Music Row among the finalists for the 2009 Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELAs), given out annually by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville. The organizations say the awards are proof of the demographic’s strong leadership, community impact and success. Many of the nominees are members of music business organization SOLID.

In the Arts, Entertainment, and Music Business category, the finalists are Jessica Baum, Bluewater Music Services Corporation; Katherine Beakes, Universal Music Group; Lucia Folk, CMT; Danny Ray Martin, East Nashville School of Music and Jensen Sussman, Sweet Talk Publicity.

Other finalists with strong ties to the music business are Katy Brown of Musicians On Call, who is nominated in the Community Service Nonprofit category; and Mandy Gallagher of SunTrust Bank, nominated in the Financial Services section.

SESAC President/COO Pat Collins has already been announced as the 2009 Sage Award Winner, given out in conjunction with the honors to one of Nashville’s top leaders who has made a significant impact on the city’s young professional demographic.

The 2009 NELAs Awards Ceremony will be 7-9 PM, Thurs., July 30 at Lipscomb University, with a pre-event reception at Cabana from 5-6:30 PM.

Bobby Karl Works The MusicRow Awards

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(L-R): Song of the Year co-writers James Otto, Jamey Johnson and Lee Thomas Miller performed "In Color." Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): Song of the Year co-writers James Otto, Jamey Johnson and Lee Thomas Miller performed "In Color." Photo: Alan Mayor

The readers have spoken, and they have class.

Both Jamey Johnson and James Otto were double winners at this year’s MusicRow awards ceremony. Jamey won the Breakthrough Artist award as well as the Song of the Year prize for “In Color,” co-written with James and Lee Thomas Miller. Because James also co-wrote his big hit “Just Got Started Loving You” he was named this year’s Breakthrough Songwriter.

“We put pieces of our own lives in it,” said Jamey of “In Color.” “That’s what songwriting is supposed to be about, isn’t it?”

“It’s been 12 years in Nashville, and one great year,” said James. He thanked his mom, his wife and publisher Tracy Gershon.

“I’m going to write an article about perseverance,” said Doak Turner. “As soon as I heard James say that, I was inspired.”

winners“This is the greatest town in the world and the greatest business in the world,” said Lee. He interrupted a Disneyworld vacation with his wife and four kids to be at the ceremony.

“This is one of our favorite events,” said Ralph Murphy welcoming the crowd to the host venue, ASCAP. “Mr. David Ross has built a career on integrity and its spirit of perseverance and dedication.”

“This is our 21st MusicRow Awards,” said Boss Ross. “We are here to celebrate the core of our industry’s creativity and its spirit of perseverance and dedication.”

Representing the AFM, newly elected treasurer Craig Krampf addressed the gathering, saying, “What an incredible, special town we have in Nashville. None of us should ever take it for granted. Congratulations to our winners. We’re very proud of you.”

Prior to the ceremony, Craig said he’d gone over the books and found that the first quarter of this year has been the third most lucrative in this AFM chapter’s history. Considering the economic times, that’s saying quite a lot.

MusicRow’s Jon Freeman and Sarah Skates presented this year’s Musician Awards. These were first presented way back in 1989 and remain the only honors given to Music City’s session musicians.

“I remember when you and I had a future in this town,” quipped bass winner Glenn Worf to me before the ceremony. He has won his honor every year since 1992.

Ilya Tonshinsky (guitar) and Gordon Mote (piano) were first-time winners. “I didn’t expect this at all,” said Ilya. “We actually get to make a living playing!” exclaimed Gordon. Previous 13-time winner Steve Nathan was there to congratulate Gordon, which I thought was incredibly endearing. As well as undeniably classy.

Fiddle winner Jonathan Yudkin gave a shout-out to the mag. “We have to maintain a level of awareness of what’s going on,” he said. “David Ross and MusicRow do an excellent job doing that.” It’s the truth.
“Keep my number handy,” said session vocalist winner Wes Hightower. He has won his category every year since 2001. As is the custom, Christie King handed out the framed awards and Alan Mayor snapped away.
Winners not present were steel guitarist Paul Franklin, engineer Justin Niebank and drummer Shannon Forrest. Chris DuBois accepted for Producer of the Year Frank Rogers, who is on vacation, “on a beach somewhere, hopefully with his shirt ON,” said Chris.

Guests snacked on fried chicken strips, jumbo berries, chips and spinach dip, chicken-salad sandwiches and other tasty ASCAP delights.

Many commented that they love the event because they get to have reunions with folks they don’t see often on the Row.

Pete Fisher, Woody Bomar, Scott Hendricks, Sherrill Blackman, Gary Overton, Martha Moore, Keith Stegall, Alan Kates, Allen Brown, Brian Nelson, Pat Higdon, Steve Fishell, Kyle Lehning, Chuck Thompson, Michelle Ross, Susana Ross and Barry Coburn were there. Eli Ball is back in Tune Town, running a new firm called Lyric Financial, which gives loans to writers and publishers, among other services.

The awards are swell, but the real deal is that this is always a dandy party. Just ask Jeff Walker, Dean Unkefer, Karen Staley, Kay Clary, Bob Paxman, Jody Williams, Dennis Banka, Don Cusic, Dale Bobo, Charles Dorris, Chris Ferrell, Steve O’Brien, Pat Rolfe, Cathy Gurley, Susan Stewart, Terry Elam or Neal Spielberg.

(L-R): MR News Editor Sarah Skates with the Top Ten Album All-Star winners Glen Worf, Ilya Toshinksky, Gordon Mote, Wes Hightower and Jonathan Yudkin. Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): MR News Editor Sarah Skates with the Top Ten Album All-Star winners Glen Worf, Ilya Toshinksky, Gordon Mote, Wes Hightower and Jonathan Yudkin. Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): MR Publisher David M. Ross with Song of the Year writers and publishers EMI Blackwood's Gary Overton, Jamey Johnson, Warner-Tamerlane's Tracy Gershon, New Songs of Sea Gayle's Chris DuBois and Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Alan Mayor

(L-R): MR Publisher David M. Ross with Song of the Year writers and publishers EMI Blackwood's Gary Overton, Jamey Johnson, Warner-Tamerlane's Tracy Gershon, New Songs of Sea Gayle's Chris DuBois and Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Alan Mayor

Whisperin’ Bill Still Making Noise

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Bill Anderson is having a good week with the release of two new co-writes.

Bill Anderson is having a good week with the release of two new co-writes.

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson was already having a wonderful vacation when he received a phone call from Terry Wakefield at Sony/ATV that made his trip that much better. Wakefield let him know the status of two of Anderson’s co-writes: Sugarland‘s “Joey” hit the national country charts at No. 50 yesterday (6/29), and today (6/30) Brad Paisley released a new album containing his cut “No.”

Coincidentally, Anderson says, “Some of my biggest hits in the past have been songs with only one-word titles, so if I’m lucky, maybe I can add a couple more to that list in the near future.”

Kristofferson Named BMI Icon, Awards Date Set

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photo: Mary Ellen Mark

photo: Mary Ellen Mark

Kris Kristofferson will be honored as a BMI Icon at the U.S. music rights organization’s 57th annual Country Awards. Slated for Tuesday, November 10 in Nashville, the black-tie, invitation-only gala will celebrate the songwriters of the past year’s most-performed country songs from the BMI catalog. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Nashville Writer/Publisher VP Jody Williams, the event will honor the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Publisher of the Year and Most Performed Country Song of the Year, also known as the Robert J. Burton Award.

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Kristofferson, who will be saluted with an all-star musical tribute that evening, joins an elite list of past honorees that includes country music stalwarts Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels, Loretta Lynn and last year’s honoree Hank Williams Jr., along with multi-genre nobility like the Bee Gees, James Brown, Crosby, Stills & Nash and more.

With the penetration of a poet and the humbling grace of a troubadour, Kristofferson built a legendary career recognized for versatility and authenticity. He has received 48 BMI Country and Pop Awards for his compositions including “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Why Me,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again),” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Three Grammys line his shelves. He is a three-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year, and eight of his compositions have generated substantially more than one million performances.

While he wrote most of his masterpieces alone, his co-writers include giants Shel Silverstein, Marijohn Wilkin, and Fred Foster. He has starred in numerous films, including Lone Star, the Blade trilogy, Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, A Star Is Born, for which he garnered a Golden Globe, and Songwriter, for which he received an Oscar nomination. Along with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash, Kristofferson also formed the Highwaymen. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. Recording now for New West Records, he will release a new album in September. A Rhodes Scholar capable of choosing virtually any path, Kristofferson decided to write songs, and for that, purveyors and lovers of American music are eternally grateful.