AIMP Launches New Podcast Series

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The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers today (Nov. 1) launched its new podcast series, “AIMP Nashville Pubcast.” Hosted by Michael McAnally Baum, President of SMACKSongs and AIMP Nashville Secretary, the weekly series will feature 30-minute interviews with independent music publishers in Nashville discussing how they got into the business, how they achieved success, and their advice for new indie publishers.

The inaugural episode will feature Ree Guyer, Owner and President of Wrensong Music and AIMP Nashville Treasurer, and is available now via Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Google Play, Soundcloud, and YouTube. Subsequent episodes will be released each Wednesday. Future episodes include Carla Wallace from Big Yellow Dog, Rusty Gaston from THiS Music, Beth Laird from Creative Nation, and more.

“We’re excited to give a voice to the independent music publishing scene here in Music City USA, where you can find some of the best of the best in our field,” said AIMP Nashville Executive Director John Ozier, Vice President of Nashville Creative at ole. “As the music business evolves, we will need new voices to ensure that publishers adapt along with changing realities. We hope this podcast will give aspiring publishers the knowledge and inspiration they need to dive into the industry.”

“It’s a thrill to host AIMP Nashville’s first foray into the world of podcasting, and I really hope that our listeners will take something valuable away from the series,” said McAnally Baum. “Each of our guests has a tremendous story and valuable information to share, and it’s been a blast drawing that out of them as we discuss the various issues faced by independent music publishers today.”

Future “Nashville Pubcast” episodes:

  • November 8 – Tim Hunze of Parallel
  • November 15 – Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog
  • November 22 – Dale Bobo of Big Deal Music
  • November 29 – Rusty Gaston of THiS Music
  • December 6 – Robin Palmer of SMACKSongs
  • December 13 – Chris Van Belkom “The Falcon” of Combustion Music
  • December 20 – John Ozier of ole
  • December 27 – Beth Laird of Creative Nation
  • January 3 – “Building a Great Team” featuring Brent Daughrity of Anderson Benson Insurance, Trina Smith of Me Gusta Music, and Denise Nichols of The Primacy Firm

NMPA Celebrates Top Writers, Publishers For September 2017

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Zac Brown

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has announced its September Gold & Platinum Program features top songwriters, publishers, and 259 certifications of hit songs.

In partnership with the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program, NMPA finds and certifies the songwriters and publishers of RIAA-certified singles. RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams towards its Gold (500K), Platinum (1M) and Multi-Platinum (2M+) thresholds. Thousands of songwriters have been recognized since NMPA’s program began in 2007.

The top songwriter with 16 certifications is Zac Brown (Reach Music). The songs “Chicken Fried,” “Colder Weather,” “Knee Deep,” and “Toes” have been certified multi-Platinum; “Whatever It Is” has been certified multi-Platinum and Platinum; and “As She’s Walking Away,” “Free,” “Goodbye In Her Eyes,” “Highway 20 Ride,” and “Keep Me In Mind” all certified Platinum and Gold.

The top publishers honored include:

Sony/ATV Music Publishing: 64 certifications
Gold: 18
Platinum: 18
Multi-Platinum: 28

Warner/Chappell: 46 certifications
Gold: 27
Platinum: 9
Multi-Platinum: 10

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG): 32 certifications
Gold: 9
Platinum: 10
Multi-Platinum: 13

Kobalt Music: 21 certifications
Gold: 14
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 1

Reach Music: 18 certifications
Gold: 5
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 7

BMG: 15 certifications
Gold: 5
Platinum: 7
Multi-Platinum: 3

Spirit Music Group: 13 certifications
Gold: 5
Platinum: 6
Multi-Platinum: 2

Imagem: 8 certifications
Gold: 7
Multi-Platinum: 1

Downtown Music Publishing: 5 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 4

Atlas/Combustion Music: 5 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 1
Multi-Platinum: 3

Round Hill Music: 4 certifications (multi-Platinum)

Pulse Music Publishing: 4 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 3

Big Deal Music: 3 certifications
Gold: 2
Platinum: 1

Velvet Apple Music: 3 certifications
Gold: 2
Platinum: 1

Horipro Entertainment: 3 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 2

Reservoir Media Management: 3 certifications (Gold)

ole: 2 certifications (Platinum)

Black River Entertainment: 2 certifications
Gold: 1
Platinum: 1

SONGS Music Publishing: 1 certification (multi-Platinum)

The Royalty Network: 1 certification (multi-Platinum)

Big Machine Music: 1 certification (Platinum)

Curb Music: 1 certification (Platinum)

Arthouse Entertainment: 1 certification (Platinum)

PEN Music Group: 1 certification (Gold)

Sea Gayle Music: 1 certification (Gold)

Music Sales Corporation: 1 certification (Gold)

RaeLynn Signs Publishing Joint Venture With Tree Vibez, Warner/Chappell

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Pictured (L-R): Cris Lacy, Travis Carter, BJ Hill, Cameron Montgomery, Megan Garrett, Daniel Ross, Jordan Schmidt, James McNair, Corey Crowder, Adam Romaine, Missy Iredell, John Esposito, Leslie T. DiPiero, Leslie Roberts, RaeLynn, Ben Vaughn, Alison Junker, Tyler Hubbard, Katie Jelen, Alicia Pruitt, Emily Peacock, Kerry Hansen, Stephanie Davenport, Will Overton, Jenn Witherell, Rohan Kohli, and Matt Michiels. Photo: Susan Berry [Click photo to enlarge]

Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville’s RaeLynn has signed a joint venture with Tree Vibez Music and Warner/Chappell Music. The Texas native celebrated the news with a party at Nashville’s FGL House yesterday (Oct. 30).

Top-level executives from Tree Vibez Music turned out for the event, including co-founder Tyler Hubbard, General Manager Leslie DiPiero, and Creative Director/Tour Manager Adam Romaine, along with Warner Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO John Esposito, SVP of A&R Cris Lacy and Warner/Chappell Music Nashville’s President Ben Vaughn. Additionally, Leslie Roberts, Executive Director of Creative at RaeLynn’s new performance rights organization home BMI, was also in attendance.

“Tree Vibez Music signed RaeLynn for her songwriting excellence and her unique artistry. She’s a strong, soulful and fearless young woman,” says DiPiero. “We are excited to start dreaming and working with her and Warner/Chappell.”

“Both Warner/Chapell and Tree Vibez are known for fostering a creative community and championing their songwriters,” says RaeLynn. “I’m honored that together they support the music that I’m creating. This really is a dream come true!”

Founded in 2015 by Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, Tree Vibez Music boasts a talented roster including Corey Crowder (Chris Young’s “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Think of You”), Jordan Schmidt (Jason Aldean’s “Lights Come On”), James McNair (Luke Combs’ “Beer Can” and “Out There”), Cameron Montgomery (Ryan Follese’s “Put a Label On It”), and Daniel Ross.

Shane McAnally Extends Publishing Deal With Kobalt

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Shane McAnally

Kobalt announced Monday (Oct. 30) that it has re-signed multiple Grammy award-winning country songwriter Shane McAnally.

The worldwide agreement includes publishing administration for all of McAnally’s future works along with his back catalog, which includes Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road,” the longest-reigning Billboard Hot Country No. 1 hit.

McAnally’s own publishing company, SMACKSongs, has an existing relationship with Kobalt. SMACK is home to country songwriters Josh Osborne, Matt Ramsey, Walker Hayes, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver, and others.

“Kobalt is such a valuable part of my team and I’m so grateful for the care and attention they give SMACKSongs,” said Shane McAnally. “I trust their expertise, appreciate their business model and just love their staff. I’m thrilled to be continuing our working relationship.”

Jesse Willoughby, General Manager of Kobalt, Nashville, said of the deal, “We couldn’t be more excited at Kobalt to continue our relationship with Shane. He’s one of the most influential writers in Nashville and is continually pushing the boundaries, not only as a writer/producer but as a businessman as well. We look forward to his continued success and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

McAnally is a Nashville-based multi-Platinum songwriter and producer who has worked with Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Brandy Clark, Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Midland, Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett and many more. He has earned 28 number one hits.

In 2017, McAnally and industry veteran, Jason Owen, re-launched Monument Records with flagship artists Walker Hayes and Caitlyn Smith.

Prescription Songs Signs Emily Haber

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Pictured (L-R): Katie Mitzell Fagan, Emily Haber and Rachel Wein

Prescription Songs has signed Emily Haber to its roster. The New York-raised Haber has resided in Nashville for the past three years. She has penned songs including “Stone Cold Thriller,” recorded by Wolfskind ft. Ashe; “Sneakers,” recorded by Matt Thomas; and recently had the song “Let Go” featured on MTV’s Teen Mom 2. She has upcoming placements with Nashville pop artists including Jordie, Cali Rodi, and Quinn Lewis.

Katie Fagan heads Prescription Songs’ Nashville office, which launched earlier this year.

Exclusive: Carla Wallace Talks Big Yellow Dog Music’s Evolution With Artist Development, Synch Placement

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Carla Wallace

Earlier this week, Jessie James Decker earned her first No. 1 country album with Southern Girl City Lights (her first release for Epic Records). Decker, also a songwriter for Nashville’s Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), penned nine of the 12 tracks on the album, which was produced by fellow BYD writer Daniel Agee. The company signed Decker as an artist-writer in 2014, and released several singles on its in-house record label, which led to Decker’s signing with Epic.

Decker’s recent success is another feather in the cap for Big Yellow Dog Music, a multi-faceted company with a roster of 19 talented music makers, which co-owner Carla Wallace launched in 1998 with Kerry O’Neil. More recently, the company has become as known for artist development as for publishing, helping launch the careers of Decker’s fellow artist-writers including Meghan Trainor and Maren Morris. Wallace says much of that success is attributed to knowing a publisher’s role in the process.

“Artist development is not something that anyone but the artist can do,” Wallace tells MusicRow.com. “It’s always up to them.

“As a publisher who loves working with new talent, recognizing your place within that role comes first to me. Most writers/artists need room to breathe, room to make mistakes, room to write the best & worst without someone standing over top of them whacking them into shape. Although I do my share of whacking when necessary,” she quips.

Big Yellow Dog Music celebrates Jessie James Decker’s album sales success. Pictured (Back row, L-R): Daniel Tashian, Shane Stevens, Jessie James Decker, Daniel Agee, Micah Wilshire, Matt McVaney. (Front row, L-R): Abe Stoklasa; Jessie’s sister, Sydney Bass; Alyssa Bonagura; Jessie’s daughter, Vivianne Decker

This year alone, BYD writers have earned chart-toppers including Lauren Alaina’s “Road Less Traveled” (co-written by BYD writer and pop star Meghan Trainor), the Florida Georgia Line/Backstreet Boys Platinum-selling smash “God, Your Mama, and Me” (co-penned by Josh Kear), and Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” (Daniel Tashian). The company is the reigning AIMP Independent Publisher of the Year. That is in addition to numerous cuts by BYD writers on albums from Chris Stapleton, Dustin Lynch, Lindsay Ell, Sara Evans, Joe Nichols, Charlie Worsham, and Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

28th Annual MusicRow Awards (C) Moments By Moser Photography

Columbia Nashville artist Morris is currently nominated for CMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year (for “Craving You” with Thomas Rhett). She recently topped the iTunes chart with the compelling “Dear Hate,” featuring Vince Gill on backing vocals. This success follows her breakout singles “My Church” and “’80s Mercedes,” as well as her slow burn current single “I Could Use A Love Song.”

But from the beginning, Morris had Wallace in her corner, championing her no matter which direction Morris’ career would take.

“She would set me up with writers in Nashville and Los Angeles that were out of the box and wrote pop and all sorts of stuff,” Morris says. “At one point, Carla and I flew out to LA. She hooked me up with this girl Audra Mae, who is such a badass and really inspired me. That was the week I wrote “My Church” with busbee. She took me to his place, which was way outside of Los Angeles. Then she picked me up, and the three of us went and got sushi. We were buzzing from the write. I was, like, Carla, I can’t wait for you to hear this. After dinner, busbee and I played her the demo of “My Church.” She freaked out. We were all freaking out. We really thought we had something special.

That song changed my whole thinking pattern from ‘songwriter’ to ‘artist.’ That was the first song I wrote where I was, like, I need to keep this. Carla was the first person we played it for, and she obviously, instantly got it.”

Big Yellow Dog’s in-house label also released Logan Mize’s Come Back Road, which earned Top 20 status on the country albums chart. Wallace and her staff also began working with R&B singer Shy Carter on his album Tha Fountain of Juice Vol. 1.

“I first met Shy probably 10 years ago. I couldn’t believe someone like him was crafting songs with such freshness, I introduced him right away to Meghan Trainor & Billy Currington. I wanted to work with him because I couldn’t stand hearing how great his music was, and not doing something about it.”

Big Yellow Dog’s aim to seek new ways of getting writers and artist-writers’ music into the ears and hearts of listeners drove Wallace and her team to launch an in-house sync department. The company has been aggressive in seeking out synch placements, having success with movies and television shows including Big Little Lies, Grey’s Anatomy, 13 Reasons Why, Nashville and more.

“Synch has been so important to us because we were always signing writers outside of the country genre,” Wallace says. “We found it more effective to build out our own staff than to rely on outside consultants. Our staff travels to Europe & LA and thoroughly knows our writers and catalog, and that works well for us.”

Every new venture represents both a risk and progress to better serve each of the artists and writers under the Big Yellow Dog umbrella.

“I hate to gamble because I feel like I do it everyday,” Wallace says of the inherent roll of the dice that comes with working with a new writer or artist, in hopes of a long-lasting, profitable partnership. “It’s partnering with someone that you might have just met, giving them money to live off of while you both decide to hustle a career in the music business. Personally taking on their lives, their daily struggles, their family, or being their family, being a therapist, moral supporter, voice of reason, critique, salesman, marketing director, cheerleader and friend. But the pay off, is not in the financials, that is the proof of the work, but the reward to me are the lasting relationships that I’ve managed to have with our writers.”

For a separate interview on Carla Wallace, Big Yellow Dog Music, and the Nashville music publishing industry, purchase MusicRow’s 2017 Publisher print issue, or subscribe to MusicRow here.

Inspire Nashville Honors Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson With Star-Studded Celebration

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Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony ATV Music; Kenny Chesney; and Miles Adcox, Owner/CEO, Onsite.

“Songwriters are creative people and we are dreamers. We are supposed to keep dreaming and creating and we need protecting as the constant rejection is devastating. For every dreamer, there has to be a true believer,” songwriter Tom Douglas told a crowd filled with industry members and supporters Tuesday evening (Oct. 24) during a celebration held by Inspire Nashville.

For countless songwriters and superstars, that believer and champion has been Troy Tomlinson, president and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Nashville operation.

As the evening’s honoree and Inspiration Award recipient, Tomlinson was feted for not only his work in helping numerous aspiring songwriters such as Douglas and artist-writers such as Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Thomas Rhett fulfill their dreams, but for his work with organizations including Belmont University’s Bridges To Belmont, Abe’s Garden, Porter’s Call and more.

Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed guests to the event, which also raised awareness and funds for therapy organization The Onsite Foundation, led by founder Miles Adcox.

Douglas shared how much of Tomlinson’s success comes from pure passion and an almost unparalleled work ethic. Tomlinson, a Portland, Tennessee native, dropped out of college to become an apprentice at a tool and die company. After an incident left him with second and third degree burns on his hands, Tomlinson needed to find a new career direction.

According to Douglas, Tomlinson met music publishing executive Cliff Williamson through a mutual friend. Williamson noticed Tomlinson had retrofitted his old Monte Carlo to accommodate 400 cassette tapes in wooden slots in the back seat, and figured he had a strong passion for music. That instinct would usher Tomlinson into the beginnings of a prestigious role in Nashville’s music community, and, in the process, help numerous songwriters fill their dreams.

Tom Douglas

The evening highlighted The Onsite Foundation’s work to help inspire people and help them heal from emotional wounds, via short- and long-term experiential therapy workshops and retreats. A video was shown spotlighting a retreat for veterans, held at Onsite’s campus just outside of Nashville. The foundation partners with therapists specializing in trauma, codependency, stress, addiction and more.

“You are one of a kind,” Tomlinson said of Adcox, as the audience applauded. “You have a heart for people and you have a deep, deep soul and you are a great encourager, the kind of guy we all want to have a round as much as possible in our lives. I appreciate your staff, I’ve gotten to meet them a number of times, and the board of directors. It’s a representation of what is the best about us in this part of the world. Thank you for the redemptive work you do. The work you do there is beautiful. If you have been to Onsite or have supported someone who has been there, you know why supporting it is easy.”

Songwriters Douglas, Allen Shamblin and Tony Lane were also on hand to perform in honor of Tomlinson. Speakers in attendance included Donald Miller and Bob Goff.

Lee Ann Womack performed a stunning rendition of “Stubborn (Psalm 151),” which was included on her There’s More Where That Came From project.

Bill Haslam was in attendance, and video tributes came from the likes of Dean Dillon, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, and Keith Urban, who called Tomlinson his “favorite hillbilly publisher and friend.”

One of Tomlinson’s most enduring associations in his career has been with superstar singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney, who was on hand to honor his longtime friend and publisher.

Kenny Chesney

“From the first day I met him, I knew Troy and I were going to be friends. We had a lot of the same family value and the same experiences growing up,” Chesney told MusicRow backstage. “I remember going into Troy’s office the first day, playing him a song I had written and he and I just connected on a personal level and not only did he sign me to Acuff-Rose years ago, he has not only been my publisher but also a really true friend.

“As it’s called Inspire, he has inspired me as a publisher and as a friend and somebody you want to model your life after. He is so deserving of tonight. Troy has been there for me in the best of times and the worst of times, and he has been truly a positive voice in my life.”

At the end of the evening, Adcox presented Chesney with a check to support Chesney’s recently-launched charity, Love For Love City, in its work to support those affected by the recent hurricanes, especially those affected in the US and British Virgin Islands.

“They are hurting and it’s broken,” Chesney continued backstage. “Anything you could possibly think you need day to day, they need. That’s what Love For Love City is trying to accomplish, as is this event tonight. Music does heal, and I feel eventually…it won’t ever be the same, but it will be a new normal, down there and in Texas and the Florida Keys and Vegas. Everybody’s life has been altered in the past few months. It’s been a tough time of loss.”

Troy Tomlinson

Chesney closed out the evening with an acoustic set that included “Beer In Mexico,” “I Go Back,” and “Old Blue Chair.”

That shared passion for great, inspiring songs and for the craft of songwriting continues for Chesney and Tomlinson. He recounted for the crowd how he added a second verse to “Old Blue Chair” at Tomlinson’s insistence.

“As a songwriter, I scratch and claw for everything I get. Good ones are hard to come by,” Chesney summed. “Troy has always been very honest with me when I call him in the middle of the night with a great song idea. He’ll either get excited or he’ll say, ‘I’ve got to go back to sleep.’” He says, laughing. “My career, I might be in this business without Troy Tomlinson, but I might not, because he was the first guy to raise his hand and say, ‘I believe in this guy from East Tennessee,’ and really worked with me as a songwriter. He helped me over the years to grow into the songwriter I’m still working to be.”

Troy Tomlinson

Visibly moved by the evening’s speeches and performances, Tomlinson took the stage to thank the crowd for their support of The Onsite Foundation, and to thank those who impacted his own career.

“I would like to say I’m speechless, but those of you who know me know that wouldn’t be true.”

Tomlinson gave thanks to his family, including Sylvia, his wife of 30 years, as well as his children and grandchildren.

He paid tribute to Cliff Williamson and Jerry Bradley, who were both in attendance.

“Cliff pulled me out of a factory when I was 20 years old and taught music publishing. I will never understand why you did what you did, but I will always be inspired by what you did.

“Jerry Bradley, when I was 24 years old, Jerry hired me as a song plugger at Acuff-Rose. You pushed me out front, and you taught me to learn about contracts and not only what the words meant, but what the spirit of that contract meant. You told me how to negotiate when needed, and when you do it tough when needed and when to do it softly when needed. You gave me opportunity after opportunity. I will always try to do the same thing with the young people around me that you did for me.”

He ended with a thank you to all the songwriters he has heard or worked with in his career. “If you have ever put pen to paper and you have endeavored to write down the truth and something you’ve lived or seen someone live, if you have done that and you have made me feel something—humor, sadness, joy, escape, anger even—I’ll take it, just make me feel something. If you have done that, you have inspired me.”

For more on The Onsite Foundation, visit onsiteworkshops.com.

Lee Ann Womack

Jim McCormick Renews Deal With BMG

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Pictured (L-R): Courtney Allen (Creative Director, BMG); Kos Weaver (EVP, BMG); Jim McCormick; Daniel Lee (VP, BMG); Chris Oglesby (VP, BMG)

Jim McCormick has extended his publishing deal with BMG. McCormick has been a BMG writer since signing with the company in 2010.

He is the co-writer of the multi-week No. 1 hit “Take a Little Ride” by Jason Aldean and the No. 1 smash “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” by Brantley Gilbert. He has had cuts by Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Jamey Johnson, Harry Connick Jr., Craig Campbell, Ronnie Milsap, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, and others.

“Jim McCormick exemplifies what it is to be a professional songwriter,” said VP of Creative Daniel Lee. “His lyrical prowess, attention to detail, drive for success, and diligence to the craft are second to none. We at BMG are grateful for the opportunity to continue building what is already a highly successful career.”

“BMG is the kind of music publisher every songwriter hopes to have in his career,” says McCormick. “I owe a great deal of my continued success to the work ethic and focus of the team at BMG.”

 

Q&A: And The Writer Is…Ross Golan

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Pictured at the podcast’s season 2 kick-off party at Sound City Studio in Van Nuys, Calif. (L-R): J Kash (songwriter), Ross Golan (host and producer), Benny Blanco (songwriter), Ali Tamposi (songwriter), Andrew Watt (songwriter), Joe London (producer), David Silberstein (Mega House Music).

The podcast series And The Writer Is… is planning a special country music week featuring interviews with Thomas Rhett, Nicolle Galyon, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell​​. The episodes will debut beginning Nov. 6, to coincide with CMA Awards week.

This is the second season of the popular podcast hosted by Ross Golan, a multiplatinum songwriter with credits including “My House” (Flo Rida), “Same Old Love” (Selena Gomez) and “Dangerous Woman” (Ariana Grande). He and co-producer Joe London started the podcast to shine a light on the creative process, inspirations and pitfalls of songwriters.

Big Deal Music and Mega House Music sponsor the series, which since launching in late January has received over 535,000 downloads, putting it in the top 5 percent of all podcasts.

Golan has plenty of Nashville connections, including his first No. 1 as a songwriter on Lady Antebellum’s “Compass.” He is a frequent collaborator with Keith Urban, and last season featured Luke Laird on the series.

Golan recently spoke to MusicRow about the importance of giving a voice to the writers behind the hits.

What was the mission when you started this podcast?

I want people to get to know these songwriters. All the guests on the show say that after their episode airs, fans reach out to thank them. Fans say they can relate to certain things and understand things they didn’t before. The whole idea is putting a face to the craft. That is the most satisfying part.

Who are the people who decide to sell air for a living and also take care of their families? We forewent having stable income with benefits to pursue this. We are selling something intangible in an era of no CDs or albums. We are selling concepts and emotion, lyric and melody. Who are the people with the drive to make this their living?

I think the assumption is that songs grow on trees. The assumption with really prolific writers is that they will always be successful, and that it comes to them very easily.

But then you realize that Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, all these great writers—their volume and consistency of songs is unbelievable. They must challenge themselves constantly in order to be relevant. They are studying the art form. It’s so hard to write a hit song.

That’s why sitting down and talking to them, you figure out they went to school. They struggled. They didn’t start out as songwriter of the year. I think that when you are younger, you think hit songwriters were born that way. We want to explain to aspiring writers that it didn’t come easy to any of the professional writers. They all struggled. Some went through rehab, or bankruptcy.

Was there a struggle you overcame in your career?

About 10 years ago the bank foreclosed on my condo. Today I say, “I’d rather sell my condo to live my dream, than sell my dream to live in my condo.”

At that point in my life, I had no other option than to go 100 percent into songwriting. I had previously been signed as an artist, and fortunately about the same time as I lost the condo, I had cuts by Demi Lovato, CeeLo Green, and Maroon 5. So I was able to get a publishing deal and move forward with my life. Warner/Chappell opened a lot of doors for me.

Through the process I went from giving my place back to the bank, to BMI Songwriter of the Year in about 8 years. I’m pretty proud of the fact that it didn’t come easy.

What is Big Deal’s involvement with the podcast?

Big Deal has been good friends of mine for a long time. They publish Joe London. Big Deal has been amazing and this is something they are doing for the songwriting and publishing community to help spread the word that songwriters are people too. In the last year they’ve had “Die A Happy Man,” “Slow Hands” and multiple No. 1s in multiple genres.

Big Deal, Mega House and Joe and I are so appreciative of people willing to help spread the word. We are doing this solely to give a voice to the people who work so hard behind the scenes. It’s not about me. It’s about the guests on the show.

Has word-of-mouth among music fans driven the popularity of the podcast?

Absolutely, yes. And a lot of schools are using it as part of their curriculum, which has been fascinating. The students are committed to learning from these writers. I always wanted to be a songwriter, so I wish this information had been available when I was in school. I think this is a really easy way to communicate what we do.

This is an opportunity for students to learn, colleagues to learn about their co-writers, record labels to understand which writers write best with what kind of artists, and so the streaming services can see these are humans.

What can we look forward to on Country music week?

We’ll have Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Nicolle Galyon, and Zach Crowell.

Thomas’s story is great and what he’s doing with his family is wonderful. And Rhett’s story of being a country star fascinating. Because ultimately, what he wanted was to be a songwriter. Ashley Gorley is setting all kinds of records, but he’s also one of the best fathers and husbands you’ll ever meet. And Nicolle is so savvy and she’s killing it at radio now. Also, on Oct. 30th we will have NMPA’s David Israelite on the podcast.

I love the genre and the music, so I’m happy to shine a light on these writers.

Listen here.

Pictured (L-R): David Silberstein, Mark Tindle (Big Deal Music Group), Ashley Alexander (Big Deal Music Group), Ross Golan, Casey Robison (Big Deal Music Group), Joe London, Amber Packer (Big Deal Music Group), Jeremy Levin (Mega House Music)

Bobby Karl Works The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

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Pictured (L-R): Buddy Cannon representing NaSHOF inductee Vern Gosdin; NaSHOF inductees Tim Nichols, Walt Aldridge and Jim McBride; Gentry Blackwell representing his father NaSHOF inductee Dewayne Blackwell and NaSHOF executive director Mark Ford.

This year’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony was jumbo in every way.

A sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 filled the ballroom in the Music City Center on Monday evening (Oct. 23). Giant stars like Luke Bryan, Lee Ann Womack, Earl Thomas Conley and Alan Jackson were featured. The evening saluted a whopping five inductees – Jim McBride, Dewayne Blackwell, Walt Aldridge, Tim Nichols and the late Vern Gosdin. More than 25 current Hall of Fame members attended, adding to the evening’s luster.

These included (alphabetically) Tony Arata, Aaron Barker, Gary Burr, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Jerry Chesnut, Sonny Curtis, Mac Davis, Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Jerry Foster, Wayland Holyfield, Mark James, Dickey Lee, Layng Martine Jr., Mac McAnally, Dennis Morgan, Bob Morrison, Roger Murrah, Paul Overstreet, Gretchen Peters, Mark D. Sanders, Thom Schuyler, Jeffrey Steele, Even Stevens, Ray Stevens and Craig Wiseman.

The crowd was so large, I only saw 18 of them. Event organizers assured us that the rest were on hand, plus such Hall of Fame relatives as Rita Allison, Sherry Bond, Melanie Howard, Lisa Sutton (check out her late mom Lynn Anderson’s new Country Music Hall of Fame display), Holly Williams, Erin Everly, Hilary Williams and Patti Everly.

“Welcome to Nashville songwriting’s biggest night,” said the Hall of Fame’s executive director Mark Ford. He noted the deaths of the Hall’s Norro Wilson and Curly Putman during the past year and proudly pointed out that all three of Sunday’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees were already members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame – Jerry Reed, Don Schlitz and Alan Jackson.

Mac McAnally inducted Walt Aldridge, saying, “He can do everything there is to do in our business,” including producing, publishing, singing, arranging and teaching in addition to songwriting. “He’s a role model,” added Mac. “I’m grateful to know him.”

Pictured (L-R): Tim Wipperman CEO and Founding Partner, Rezonant Music; Hillary Lindsey; Kos Weaver, BMG EVP/Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser

Walt was saluted in song by James LeBlanc doing Walt’s 2002 Travis Tritt hit “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.” Earl Thomas Conley sang Walt’s “Holding Her and Loving You,” which in 1983 became Earl’s biggest hit.

“About six years ago, I decided to move back to Muscle Shoals [abruptly ending his Nashville songwriting],” said Walt in accepting. “I walked away in mid-sentence, without a punctuation mark. Tonight, you not only gave me a ‘period,’ you gave me an ‘exclamation point.’”

Buddy Cannon inducted his friend, neighbor and songwriting collaborator, the late Vern Gosdin (1934-2009). “It was really exciting hearing that voice singing songs that we had created in my living room,” recalled Buddy. “Vern was a great, unique songwriter.”

A video was screened of Vern Gosdin singing 1988’s “Chiseled in Stone” on the Opry stage. It stunned the crowd and stilled the very breathing in the room.

Luke Bryan had to follow that. He gamely ran through 1988’s toe-tapping honky tonker “Set ‘Em Up Joe.”

“That brought back a lot of memories,” said Buddy. “I’d like to accept this on Vern’s behalf.”

Pictured (L-R): NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year Luke Bryan receiving his award from NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, NSAI Director of Operations Jennifer Turnbow and NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Bev Moser

Jerry Salley inducted Jim McBride. Which is fitting, since they are both among the nicest and most generous-hearted people on the planet. “He has traveled down a road that was always leading him here tonight,” said Jerry of his friend Jim. “His songs have appeared on more than 70 million records.”

Jim McBride’s songs have been recorded by Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Alabama, Patty Loveless, Lorrie Morgan, Randy Travis, Charley Pride, Toby Keith, Diamond Rio, Reba McEntire, Lonestar, John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Mark Chesnutt, Johnny Paycheck, Trace Adkins and Keith Whitley, among many others.

The Lonesome River Band turned in a superb bluegrass arrangement of Jim’s 1987 Waylon Jennings hit “Rose in Paradise.” Alan Jackson recalled that he was a complete unknown and Jim was an established writer when Jim kindly agreed to collaborate with him.

“The songs that Jim and I wrote helped me get down the road to last night [his Country Music Hall of Fame induction],” said the superstar. He and some of his Strayhorns band members then sang a medley of “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “Someday,” “Chattahoochie” and the 1994 stone-country ballad “Hole in the Wall.”

Addressing the many Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame honorees, living and dead, Jim said, “Thank you for keeping this roller coaster rollin’ so that I might take a ride. Thank God for blessing me far beyond anything I ever deserved. I’ve never been more honored or proud to be a songwriter than on the greatest night of my career.”

Rusty Gaston inducted Tim Nichols, saying, “Tim’s best songs sound like they’ve always been around.” Lee Ann Womack serenaded the honoree with “I’m Over You,” which was originally popularized by Keith Whitley in 1990. Dustin Lynch did a mash-up of his 2012 hit “Cowboys and Angels” with 2004’s Tim McGraw smash “Live Like You Were Dying.”

“Wow…I’m just trying to hold it together up here,” said Tim. “This evening, I have been abundantly blessed. I’ve never been happier in my whole life. Thank you so much!”

Ashley Gorley. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

Ken Paulson inducted Dewayne Blackwell, noting that the veteran tunesmith’s pop writing career included the standard “Mr. Blue,” originated by The Fleetwoods in 1959 and that it was Dewayne’s first recorded tune. Roy Orbison, Bobby Vee, The Ventures, The Everly Brothers, Pat Boone, Bobby Vinton, Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs and Gary Lewis & The Playboys all recorded his early songs.

Dewayne’s second songwriting career was in country music and included such hits as David Frizzell’s “I’m Gonna Hire a Wino” (1982), Sammy Kershaw’s “Yard Sale” (1992), Conway Twitty’s “Saturday Night Special” (1988), Frizzell’s “A Million Light Beers Ago” (1983) and Marty Robbins’s “Honkytonk Man” (1982).

The harmonizing trio The Bundys performed a beautifully arranged version of “Mr. Blue.” Then Craig Campbell led the audience in a sing-along of Dewayne’s giant 1990 Garth Brooks hit “Friends in Low Places.”

Dewayne Blackwell is 81 and was not well enough to travel to Nashville for the ceremony from his home in Mexico. Son Gentry Blackwell accepted on his behalf.

“I know a lot of you were looking forward to seeing him,” said Gentry. “A lot of you know him. He’s very honored. I want to thank you for my father for the honor and the privilege of being in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.”

The evening began with The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) awards. Bart Herbison, Lee Thomas Miller and Jennifer Turnbow presided.

Pictured (L-R): Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey and Steven Lee Olsen, writers of NSAI Song of the Year “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

This year’s “10 songs I wish I’d written,” as voted on by the membership, were 1. “Better Man” by non-attending Taylor Swift; 2.“Body Like a Back Road” by Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Zach Crowell and an absent Sam Hunt; 3. “Different for Girls” by Shane with J.T. Harding; 4. “Dirt on My Boots” by Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure and an absent Rhett Akins and 5. “Drinkin’ Problem” by Shane and Josh with the non-attending members of Midland. Also 6. “H.O.L.Y.” by busbee, Nate Cyphert and William Larsen; 7. “Kill a Word” by Jeff Hyde, Luke Dick and non-attending Eric Church; 8. “Peter Pan” by Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Lee and an absent Forest Glen Whitehead; 9. “Vice” by Josh, Shane and non-attendee Miranda Lambert and 10. “80s Mercedes” by busbee and Maren Morris.

Luke Bryan was named the NSAI’s Artist-Songwriter of the Year. “What an unbelievable room to be in,” he said. “It’s inspiring. For all you young writers out there, take this night as fuel. What an honor.”

Ashley Gorley picked up his third NSAI Songwriter of the Year prize. He said, “I want to thank NSAI for all that they do. I want to thank you guys for being the ‘first stop’ in town for aspiring songwriters.”

“Blue Ain’t Your Color” became yet another organization’s Song of the Year for cowriters Steven Lee Olsen, Clint Lagerberg and Hillary Lindsey. Hillary has now tied Kris Kristofferson as the writer with the most NSAI Song of the Year prizes.

“This award is so extremely special because it’s voted on by your peers,” she said. “It’s The One award. Your friendship means so much to me. This is a community that doesn’t exist anyplace but here.” The three writers sang “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” harmonizing beautifully.

The 1,000+ attendees included such creative folks as Marcus Hummon, Levi Hummon, Tim DuBois, Chris DuBois, Steve Bogard, Steve O’Brien, Bob Regan, Bobby Tomberlin, David Malloy, Dave Pomeroy, Bernie Nelson, Liz Hengber, Rory Feek, Jan Howard, Brandon Rickman, Buddy Kalb, Doug Johnson, Barry Walsh, Webb Wilder, Bill Lloyd, Frank Liddell, Justin Duke, Georgia Middleman, Scott Hendricks and Mark Alan Springer.

We dined on salads, beef medallions, cheesy potatoes, prawns, squash and chocolate desserts. The wine flowed freely.

Making merry were Pat Collins, Pat Higdon, Patrick Clifford, Mike Hollandsworth, Mike Dungan, Mike Vaden, Becky Harris, Judy Harris, Preshias Harris, John Esposito, John Stein, Bob Doyle, Bobby Brantley, Dale Bobo, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, Terry Wakefield, Allison Jones, Martha Moore, Walter Campbell, Linda Edell Howard, Stacy Widelitz, Carla Wallace, Sherrill Blackmon, Lisa Harless, Tim Wipperman, Dennis Banka, Bill Cody, Ben Vaughn, B.J. Hill and Amy Kurland.

Let’s do it again next year.