Tree Vibez Music Hosts Industry Showcase Series For Nashville Labels

Tree Vibez Music writers showcase new songs at FGL House. [Click photo to enlarge]

Music publishing company Tree Vibez Music, which was founded by Florida Georgia Line members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, spent the past week hosting invite-only creative summits for Nashville’s elite record companies, showcasing the next generation of work from TVM’s talent roster of tunesmiths. Tree Vibez Music’s full roster includes songwriters Corey Crowder, James McNair, Cameron Montgomery, RaeLynn, Daniel Ross and Jordan Schmidt.

For the second year in a row, major labels and their related publishing arms were invited to sample the freshest songs from their team – as well as the freshest food-and-cocktail creations from Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley’s downtown Nashville entertainment destination, FGL HOUSE.

BBR Music Group/BMG helped kick off three days of music on Monday (March 12), with Sony Music Nashville joining in on Tuesday (March 13), and Big Machine Label Group wrapping things up on Wednesday (March 14).

 

BBR Music Group/BMG. [Click photo to enlarge]

Sony Music Nashville. [Click photo to enlarge]

Big Machine Label Group. [Click photo to enlarge]

Big Machine Music Adds Benjy Davis To Roster

Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Big Machine Music Assistant, Publishing Lizzy Gallatin, BMM General Manager Mike Molinar; Front Row – BMM Sr. Director, Publishing Alex Heddle, Benjy Davis, BMM Manager, Publishing Michelle Attardi

Big Machine Music has signed Benjy Davis to an exclusive songwriting agreement. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his songs have previously been recorded by Rascal Flatts, Chris Young (“I Know A Guy”) and Jake Owen (“Subliminal Love”).

Benjy joins BMM’s roster of hitmakers such as Jonathan Singleton, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz and Jessie Jo Dillon, among others.

Davis is also a former member of the folk-rock group The Benjy Davis Project.

BMM General Manager Mike Molinar says, “We see in Benjy the talent, perspective, experience and sensibilities of a songwriter who is not only going to have hits…but a career full of them! We are honored to welcome him to the family.”

“I respect and admire all of the songwriters and team members at Big Machine Music and I’m proud to be part of the team,” said Benjy.

Among Big Machine Music’s recent hits are Brett Young’s three-time platinum “In Case You Didn’t Know,” and Platinum “Sleep Without You” (both co-penned by Young), Luke Combs’ Platinum “Hurricane” and “When It Rains It Pours,” (both co-written by Combs), Maren Morris’ Gold “I Could Use A Love Song” (penned by Veltz) and more.

 

Spirit Music Nashville Adds Songwriter Kyle Rife To Roster

Pictured (L-R): Billy Lynn, VP, Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; Denise Stevens, Attorney, Loeb & Loeb; Kyle Rife; Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville; Brian Bradford, Sr. Director of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville; and Freeman Wizer, Sr. Director of Creative, Spirit Music Nashville.

Spirit Music Nashville has signed songwriter Kyle Rife to an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement, as announced today by Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville. Rife’s agreement with Spirit marks the latest in the company’s aggressive series of Nashville-focused signings and catalog acquisitions. One of Nashville’s most promising songwriters and performers, Rife has co-written songs with Jeffery Steele, Mac McAnally, Darius Rucker, and Spirit’s own Frank Rogers, and he’s performed alongside Rucker, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock and ZZ Top.

“Kyle is a gifted guitarist, performer, and songwriter. We are very excited to help Kyle take his songwriting career to the next level and beyond,” said Daniel Hill.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled or honored to be a part of such an incredible group of publishers. I respect Daniel Hill and Billy Lynn [Spirit Music Nashville’s Vice President of Creative] beyond words. For them and everyone at Spirit Music Group, to see value in what I do… I’m just truly grateful. I already feel right at home!” said Kyle Rife.

An Everett, WA native, Rife took up guitar at age six and was performing publicly by the third grade. After high school he toured with various bands and eventually headlined at a Jimmy Buffett music festival in Key West, Florida.

Rife’s talent impressed both Buffet and artist and songwriter Ilo Ferriera, which led to a number of opportunities including two years of touring with Buffet as direct support; opening for Dave Matthews Band in Sao Paulo, Brazil; recording sessions in Kingston Jamaica with Sly & Robbie under the direction of Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell; as well as a private performance for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Rife relocated to Nashville and began working with Joel Crouse, touring regularly with Darius Rucker. In 2013, Rife and Crouse opened 16 sold-out shows for Taylor Swift as part of her Red tour. Rife then joined Tim Montana as the band’s lead guitarist, which led to tours alongside Kid Rock and ZZ Top.

Ashley Gorley, Round Hill Music Close Catalog Sale and “Go-Forward” Publishing Deal

Photo taken at signing of catalog sale and just before celebrating one of Gorley’s recent No. 1’s with Chris Janson for “Fix a Drink.” Pictured, First Row: Blain Rhodes (Tape Room Publishing), Ashley Gorley, Mark Brown (General Manager, Nashville, Round Hill Music). Back Row: Derek Crownover (Lead Counsel for Gorley, Dickinson Wright Entertainment, Sports and Media Practice Group Leader), Dustin Kovacic (Gorley Counsel, Dickinson Wright), Cam Caldwell (Gorley Counsel, Dickinson Wright), Penny Gattis (Round Hill Music, Nashville), Josh Saxe (Round Hill Music, Nashville), Jeff Carlton (Tape Room Publishing), Matthew Beckett (Round Hill Music, Business Affairs, Nashville)

Five-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley and Round Hill Music have announced the closing of the sale of Gorley’s back catalog of songs and a “go-forward” publishing deal.

“I am very excited about the next phase of my career with Round Hill Music. Josh Gruss, Neil Gillis and Mark Brown have built a great company here in Nashville, and I look forward to helping them grow their catalog of songs in the coming years,” Gorley said.

“It goes without saying that Ashley’s catalog and songwriting prowess are beyond incredible. His reputation precedes him. We are so honored to be working with him, his team and his treasure trove of songs,” said Mark Brown, general manager of Round Hill Nashville.

Gorley has now written 37 songs that have reached No. 1 on country airplay charts. Some of his hits include: “Unforgettable” and “Marry Me” for Thomas Rhett, “Dirt On My Boots” for Jon Pardi, “Dirty Laundry” for Carrie Underwood, “Black” for Dierks Bentley, “Today” for Brad Paisley, “A Guy with a Girl” for Blake Shelton, “Play It Again” for Luke Bryan and “You’re Gonna Miss This” for Trace Adkins.

Gorley is the 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2009 ASCAP Country Awards Songwriter of the Year, and the 2017, 2016 and 2013 NSAI Awards Songwriter of the Year

Eleven times in his career he has received the CMA’s Triple Play Award, which recognizes songwriters with three or more No. 1 songs in one year. In 2016, Gorley became the first songwriter to be honored with three CMA Triple Play Awards in a single year, earning nine chart-topping songs in a 12-month period, a feat he repeated in 2017.

Gorley is currently nominated for the 2018 ACM Songwriter of the Year Award.

“It’s an honor that a writer of such high caliber as Ashley has chosen Round Hill as his creative home. It’s a testament to the skill and culture at Round Hill Nashville. We’re going to work side-by-side with Blain and his team, and crush it,” added Josh Gruss.

Dickinson Wright’s Music Row attorneys Derek Crownover and Cam Caldwell represented Gorley in the transaction with support from Todd Glisson of Covenant Partners and Harlan Hallett of Blue Sky Group. Round Hill’s closing team included long-time RHM attorneys Selverne & Company’s Michael Selverne (General Counsel), Amy Bason (Counsel), Matthew Beckett (RHM business affairs) and Mark Brown (General Manager, Nashville Office of Round Hill Music).

Round Hill includes an extensive catalog of music recorded and performed by The Beatles, Eddie Holland, Neil Sedaka, The Rolling Stones, The Offspring, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Bon Jovi, Steve Perry, Louis Armstrong, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, N Sync, Tesla, Mötley Crüe, Eric Carmen, Percy Sledge, Warrant, Bush and Katy Perry and many others. Some of Round Hill’s current artists, writers and producers include American Authors, Eric Krasno, Morgan Taylor Reid, Cobi, Jeffery David, The London Souls, Gramatik, Royal Teeth, Civil Twilight, The Griswolds, Lettuce and Odessa.

Round Hill Nashville claims current hit songwriters such as Dallas Davidson, Jimmy Robbins, Wade Kirby and Danny Myrick on its current roster along with Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson, Sarah Buxton, the Warren Brothers, Matt Dragstrem and Chris Tompkins in partnership with Big Loud Shirt.

Round Hill has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles and London.

 

Dustin Lynch Celebrates Four-Week No. 1 Hit “Small Town Boy”

Pictured (L-R): Zach Crowell, Rhett Akins, Dustin Lynch, Kyle Fishman and Ben Hayslip. Photo: Steve Lowry

By: LB Rogers

Dustin Lynch celebrated his fifth No. 1 along with an excited crowd of friends and family at downtown Nashville’s Headquarters Beercade on Wednesday (March 7). “Small Town Boy” was written by Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, and became the first No. 1 for new writer, Kyle Fishman. Fishman was presented with a BMI guitar for his first No. 1 during the ceremony, hosted by BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. The track was produced by Zach Crowell.

A career-changing song for Lynch, “Small Town Boy” was the largest audience song of 2017 and the Broken Bow Records artist’s fifth consecutive single to make it to No. 1, where it stayed for four weeks. The song reached an impressive 1.56 billion people through radio, according to CRB’s Holly Freeman.

Jon Loba, Executive VP of BBR Music Group, praised Lynch and his team for making “Small Town Boy” such a big hit, bringing the BBR promotion staff up to the stage, including: VP of Promotion Lee Adams, National Director of Syndication Renee Leymon, Southeast Director of Promotion Scotty O’Brien, and Promotion Coordinator Andrea Knipp.

“Dustin dominated last summer with ‘Small Town Boy,’ and I promise you this next summer we have something coming,” prodded Loba, “and stadiums are on the horizon.”

Pictured, back row (L-R): Zach Crowell, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Sony ATV’s Tom Luteran, Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, Play It Again Music’s Dallas Davidson, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Broken Bow’s Jon Loba; Seated (L-R): BMI songwriter Rhett Akins, Dustin Lynch, BMI songwriter Kyle Fishman, ASCAP songwriter Ben Hayslip. Photo: Steve Lowry

THiS Music’s Rusty Gaston thanked an unusual contributor to the song for having the writers out on the road. “We also want to thank Luke Bryan and Kerri Edwards for this because they invited the Peach Pickers (Akins, Hayslip and Dallas Davidson) to come out on the road and while they were out there, I think Rhett probably got drunk, woke up hung over, probably didn’t want to write while out on the Luke Bryan Farm Tour,” said Gaston.

While Akins debunked Gaston’s suspicion, he confessed to contributing to the song while never leaving his bus bunk on a rainy day in Knoxville. “I wasn’t that hung over actually, but I didn’t get out of the bed to write it. I actually laid in the bunk the whole time,” he joked.

Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel called for the crowd to vote for Akins as ACM’s Songwriter of the Year. “He has had a song on the charts every single week since 2010. That’s eight consecutive years of songs on the charts every single week. Let’s reward that level on consistency by making sure he is this year’s ACM Songwriter of The Year.”

Tom Luteran of Sony/ATV announced their donation to MusiCares in Akins’ name to celebrate.

President of Play It Again Music, Dallas Davidson had a lot to say about their new chart-topping songwriter, Kyle Fishman, commending the California native on his hard work and perseverance. “Kyle came to town and slept on the couch at the office for a couple of weeks. I cannot tell you how hard he works, how talented he is, he’s not just a track-guy, he’s a hustler. Kyle Fishman is a world class songwriter.”

Davidson also thanked Play It Again’s previous Creative Director and song plugger, Hannah Montgomery, for stealing Lynch’s email from Davidson’s phone and sending the Broken Bow Label Group star the song, along with other Play It Again staffers and the team at Broken Bow.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad congratulated Hayslip on his 21st No. 1 and announced that he had just received his fourth CMA Triple Play award. He also congratulated Crowell for producing the record and thanked ASCAP’s No. 1 party partner First Tennessee Bank.

“This is probably the biggest song of my career…a four-week No. 1 and all that stuff,” confessed Hayslip of his third single with Lynch.

Lynch closed the celebration by thanking everyone, careful not to leave anyone out. Starting with his parents, Lynch thanked his L3 Entertainment management team, songplugger Hannah Montgomery, producer Zach Crowell, the songwriters, the BBR team, his PR reps Jay Jones and Jensen Sussman, and WME.

Lastly, an emotional Lynch thanked his band and crew. “Five in a row and I still cry. Thank you guys and girls for continuing to dedicate your lives to my dreams.”

Lynch closed with a dedication to the writers, “It all starts with a song. We live to be on stage and perform and have that feeling. Thank you guys for creating music and for getting music heard. Thanks for making our dreams come true. Cheers.”

Among those celebrating “Small Town Boy” were CMA’s Brandi Simms, Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith, and MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson.

Jedd Hughes Renews Publishing Deal With Carnival Music

Jedd Hughes

Carnival Music has extended its publishing deal with Jedd Hughes. The respected songwriter, singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist first joined the Carnival roster in 2007, and returns to Nashville after a brief stint in Los Angeles.

A collaborator of legends and elder statesmen including Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, and the late Guy Clark, as well as young bloods such as Dierks Bentley, Sarah Jarosz, and Ryan Bingham, Hughes is a bridge between giants of various generations and musical persuasions. In addition to co-writing Jarosz’s “House of Mercy,” which earned the 2017 Grammy for Best Americana Roots Performance, Hughes has penned and co-penned hits including Keith Urban’s “Put You in a Song,” as well as tracks for Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Charles Kelley, Josh Gracin, and more.

“Jedd’s talent is unmatched,” says Carnival Music’s Courtney Gregg. “Plenty of people know he’s a virtuosic musician and skilled songwriter, but what’s most impressive about Jedd is his restlessness. He is constantly growing. He’s the kind of artist Carnival was created to serve.”

“I have always been drawn to those living in the land of fearless creativity,” Hughes says. “I am at home and musically at peace at Carnival Music.”

Chris Young Counts Down His 10 No. 1s At “Losing Sleep” Celebration

Pictured (L-R): Corey Crowder, Chris Destafano, Chris Young, and Josh Hoge. Photo: Steve Lowry

“We have no idea if we’ll ever get to stand with a microphone in front of people at a No. 1 party again,” said a heartfelt Chris Young at his latest No. 1 party for “Losing Sleep,” which marked his 10th chart-topping single. “I didn’t think I’d get to do my first one, and I had two No. 37s in there, and a No. 52 with an Ashley Gorley song—that takes talent with an Ashley Gorley song.

“Being able to do something different, get out there and take a leap [with ‘Losing Sleep’], is great. We left the studio thinking we had a great song. All of the other stuff from that process to standing on this stage tonight is because of [everyone in the audience], so thank you very much.”

BMI’s Bradley Collins hosted Young’s event at the Tin Roof (nicknamed the “Ten” Roof for the 10th No. 1 song) for his writer Young.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, who’s No. 1 parties are sponsored by First Tennessee Bank, offered remarks on songwriter Chris DeStefano’s 15th No. 1 song and producer Corey Crowder’s fourth No. 1 as a producer.

“I respect the heck out of all you guys,” said DeStefano to his co-writers and producer, and to Sony Nashville staff. “There is nothing small about achievements like this and we don’t take it for granted for a second.”

SESAC’s Shannan Hatch thanked Bose for backing the music rights organization’s No. 1 parties before congratulating her 2016 Songwriter of the Year Josh Hoge on his latest No. 1.

“I’d like to thank Randy Goodman and his entire [Sony] staff,” said Hoge. “You guys have completely changed my life and my son’s life. I think we’re going to do this a lot…I live and breathe music and I get to make music with my best friends.”

Sony/ATV publisher Josh Van Valkenburg noted that Sony/ATV controlled 100 percent of the writers’ share for “Losing Sleep,” and poignantly offered comments on Young, who has had so many cuts on his own catalog.

“So often artists have a hard time cutting a song written by another artist,” said Van Valkenburg of Young. “This guy is getting cuts not only on himself but on other artists—his peers in music. That shows the respect he has as a songwriter as well as an artist.”

Producer Crowder said, “This does not get old. Thanks to my wife for putting up long hours; we put in a lot of hours in the studio for this.”

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville staff Matt Galvin, John Zarling, Ken Robold, Paige Altone, Liz Sledge, Nicole Walden, Chris Young, Steve Hodges, RG Curtis, Lauren Thomas, Randy Goodman, Dennis Reese, Jim Catino. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson offered No. 1 Challenge Coins for the writers and artist for the top achievement on his CountryBreakout Chart. The CMA’s Brandi Simms offered the creators their CMA Medallions and CRB’s Kurt Johnson noted the title has achieved 9.64 million in total audience impressions to date.

Young, who is a brand new member of the Grand Ole Opry and a headliner with 18 sold-out consecutive shows on the first leg of his 2018 world tour (coming to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 18), is also a nominee for the final voting for ACM Male Vocalist of the Year through Wednesday (March 14).

Chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville Randy Goodman then took the stage to introduce a slew of his staff to bestow surprise awards to Young, who he touted as the top nominee for ACM Male Vocalist of the Year.

“Chris is so deserving of this [ACM Male Vocalist] nomination and award,” said Goodman. “He has patiently—year by year—put one foot in front of the other, putting his heart in his work. I covet your votes for Male Vocalist of the Year for Chris Young because he deserves it, damn it!”

To wrap the ceremony RCA Nashville’s Ken Robold, Dennis Reese, Liz Sledge and Matt Galvin offered remarks. The latter two promo reps were involved in every No. 1 Young has charted, and joked about those two No. 37s. Plaques were presented for “Losing Sleep,” in addition to a surprise for Young: a 10 No. 1 plaque and a plaque commemorating the double Platinum sales of one of those, “I’m Comin’ Over.”

“Thank you to Corey,” said Young of his producer as he thanked his writer friends, label, manager at Fitzgerald Hartley and business management offices at Huskins Harris. “Thank you for going to find new sounds when I’m on the road, spending hours looking through files. A lot of people don’t think that’s a big deal, but sometimes it’s all those pieces that add up—it’s the fine tuning.

“We wanted to do something different for this No. 1,” said Young in conclusion as he welcomed his band on stage. “It’s not fun if you can’t tell the story…We’re going to do something we’ve never done and play all the No. 1’s start to finish, so get ready!”

Chris Young No. 1 Singles
“Getting’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)”*
“The Man I Want To Be”
“Voices”*
Tomorrow”*
“You”*
“Who I Am With You”
“I’m Comin’ Over”*
“Think Of You” with Cassadee Pope*
“Sober Saturday Night” featuring Vince Gill*
“Losing Sleep”*
*co-written by Chris Young

Pictured (L-R): Front Row: Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Chris DeStefano, Chris Young, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg; Middle Row: Corey Crowder, BMI’s Bradley Collins; Back Row: Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Josh Hoge, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese. Photo: Steve Lowry

Alexis Ebert Inks With Rezonant And Wrensong

Pictured (L-R): Ree Guyer, Wrensong Publishing; Alexis Ebert; Tim Wipperman, Rezonant Music Publishing; Tammy Hyler, CEO & President, Smashville Entertainment

Alexis Ebert has signed with Rezonant Music Publishing and Wrensong Publishing for exclusive representation. Ebert is the flagship artist of the newly-formed Smashville Entertainment, a Nashville-based music management and publishing company. 

“Our mutual business model is to combine unique young talent with experienced music industry veterans to build successful relationships. Working with Alexis, Tammy and Ree is the perfect example of how we work,” said Tim Wipperman, CEO, Rezonant Music Publishing. “We create alliances with the best, and we turn them loose.”

“It is a joy to be able to work with Alexis,” added Ree Guyer, Owner/President, Wrensong Publishing. “She knows who she is as an artist, has an authentic voice and a spitfire personality—a ‘superstar’ combination.”

“Ree and Tim’s mutually-sustained leadership and demonstrated passion to ‘work’ on behalf of the songwriter and recording artist are noble characteristics that complement the Smashville objective for its artists,” Tammy Hyler, CEO and President of Smashville Entertainment, said. “Our goal is to strategically direct the songwriter/artist career toward longevity in the music and entertainment business. This grouping is a ‘strength in numbers’—and, more specifically, single charting numbers!”

Bluewater Music Inks Admin Deal With Bonnie Raitt

Bluewater Music has inked a worldwide administration agreement with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and ten‐time Grammy Award winner, Bonnie Raitt. This year, Raitt will join James Taylor & His All‐Star Band on a US & European tour.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the legendary Bonnie Raitt,” says Bluewater Music Chief Operating Officer Peter Roselli.  “Through our direct licensing services and international copyright society memberships, we plan to maximize revenue and add value to Bonnie’s great catalogs.”

In Pictures: BMI, CMA Foundation

BMI Kicks Off 2018 Eastside Sounds

Pictured: BMI’s Nina Carter poses backstage at the Basement East with The Minks and TWEN. Photo: Nathan Zucker

BMI and Alt 97.5 returned to the Basement East for the first of six Eastside Sounds shows this year. Bluesy, psychedelic rockers The Minks kicked off the night of alternative music discovery followed by dreamy acid pop band, TWEN. Silver Cord Cinema enhanced the atmosphere with a special liquid light show emanating a psychedelic vibe throughout the show.

Each night offers free admission, a “happy half-hour” open bar sponsored by Bulleit Bourbon before the show, and two up-and-coming acts from Nashville’s emerging alternative scene. The series is set to continue April 23 with additional dates on June 25, Aug. 20, Sep. 26, and Oct. 30.

 

BMI Welcomes Budding Songwriters in Next Big Wave Series

Pictured (L-R): Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Next Big Wave alum Mikey Reaves.

BMI welcomed Nashville’s newest hitmakers for an evening of networking last week in BMI’s Nashville office. The first of three sessions in the Next Big Wave series, attendees of this installation were some of Music Row’s newest songwriters looking to secure their first publishing deal. The evening provided a unique opportunity for the budding creatives to connect with other writers at similar points in their careers. Additionally, participants were able to hear from BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Next Big Wave alum Mikey Reaves on how to take their careers to the next level.

 

BMI’s Tristan Jackson Launches New Release

Tristan Jackson and team visit BMI to launch new release. Pictured (L-R): Kenneth Duncan, co-writer on “Wake Up Call”; Stephen Barker Liles, member of Love & Theft and co-writer on Kerry Degman’s “You’re My Person,” “When The Radios Gone,” & Meghan Linsey’s “Ride Or Die”; Tristan Jackson, singer/songwriter, producer, director, actor; Jody Williams, VP, Writer-Publisher Relations, BMI; Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Creative,BMI; Karl Braun, entertainment attorney, Hall Booth Smith; Jarrod Cooper, VP, OneRPM.

BMI Nashville’s Tristan Jackson released his first single “Wake Up Call” from his album titled Build Your Own Empire on Saturday, March 3. No stranger to the stage, Jackson is an award-winning director, producer, actor, musician and singer/songwriter.

As a songwriter, Jackson has had major cuts with Meghan Linsey, Newsboys and CMT Music City‘s Kerry Degman. He has also written with hit songwriters such as Desmond Child, Love & Theft, Michael Tait/Newsboys, Big Smo, Rich Redman, The Henningsens, Kenneth Duncan, Taylor Phillips, Nick Alligood and Nolan Neal.

Jackson is managed by Cofield Mundi at Edge Entertainment.

 

CMA Foundation Awards Son Rhea Foundation With Music Education Grant

The CMA Foundation presents a check to the Son Rhea Foundation.

The Capital Arts Theater in Bowling Green, Kentucky and the CMA Foundation awarded a grant of $10,000 to the Son Rhea Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to ensure that the arts flourish in Bowling Green public schools and the surrounding communities. Tiffany Kerns, Director of the CMA Foundation, presented the check to Tony Lindsay, President of the Son Rhea Foundation, and other Son Rhea staff members.

Prior to the check ceremony, members from the CMA Foundation and Son Rhea Foundation visited a music education classroom at Bowling Green High School. The music department, taught by Patrick O’Rourke is a beneficiary of the Son Rhea Foundation and many of the instruments used in the classroom had been purchased or acquired through the Son Rhea Foundation. Kerns and the CMA Foundation staff were able to sit in on a student performance and witness the mission and purpose of Son Rhea Foundation first hand.

Members from the CMA Foundation and Son Rhea Foundation sit in on a student performance at Bowling Green High School.