BMI Celebrates Gospel Music Trailblazers

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Wardell Malloy, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, Dr. Bobby Jones, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, BeBe Winans. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones and stars Tamela and David Mann were celebrated recently at the 2023 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at Flourish in Atlanta.

The awards show paid tribute to the best in the Gospel music community and honored BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the top 25 Gospel songs of the previous year. BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton hosted the event.

The luncheon kicked off with a celebration of music and joyful worship with Jonathan McReynolds, Chandler Moore and Kirk Franklin performing a medley of three of BMI’s award-winning songs, “Grace,” “Jireh” and “Kingdom,” before moving to the event’s main honorees and award winners.

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music honoree, Nashville’s Dr. Bobby Jones was saluted for his legendary career, mentorship of the next generation and his tireless contributions to the genre. The tribute performances honoring Jones’ legacy kicked off with The Company singing “What a Friend,” followed by a rendition of “Bring it to Jesus” featuring Beverly Crawford.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Wardell Malloy, BMI’s Catherine Brewton, Tamela Mann, David Mann, BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI

Tamela and David Mann were celebrated as BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music for their exceptional success in the genre and beyond, both as songwriters, artists and actors. The musical tributes to The Manns kicked off with Zacardi Cortez and Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper‘smoving performance of “Now Behold the Lamb,” followed by Lisa Knowles-Smith singing “Take Me to the King.” After accepting the honor and thanking those who have helped them along the way, Tamela Mann surprised the audience with an explosive performance of her mega-hit, “Change Me,” which spent 23 weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart.

Throughout the event, BMI saluted the Top 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the coveted BMI Gospel Song of the Year, which went to “Believe For It” written by CeCe Winans and Mitch Wong. The song spent 12 weeks at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart and garnered accolades including two GMA Dove Awards and a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Dante Bowe and Jonathan McReynolds for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Bowe was honored for “Joyful” and “Promises” and McReynolds for “Brighter” and “Grace.” BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Be Essential Songs for having award-winning songs “Brighter,” “Jireh,” “Promises” and “Something Has to Break,” among its repertoire.

During the ceremony, the late legendary soul singer-songwriter Otis Redding was posthumously honored with four BMI Million-Air Awards, a distinction that recognizes songwriters whose works have achieved the rare feat of surpassing one million broadcast performances on radio. Originally written and recorded by Redding in the 1960’s, the songs were “Sweet Soul Music” (4 million performances), “Hard to Handle” (7 million performances), “Respect” (7 million performances) and BMI’s Song of the Year in 1968, the incomparable “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” (12 million performances).  Attending the ceremony were members of Redding’s family, including his wife Zelma and their daughter Karla Redding-Andrews, who accepted the honors on behalf of her father and the Otis Redding Foundation.

Tanya Tucker Rides Into Downtown Nashville To Announce Ryman Shows

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Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Tanya Tucker announced the news of her two Ryman Auditorium shows this summer in a creative way yesterday (April 3), riding through the streets of downtown Nashville on a stunning world-champion black Friesan stallion, “Lauwe The Magnificent,” according to the Tennessean.

The ride created quite a moment for fans and tourists in Music City, and occurred in celebration of her induction into The Country Music Hall of Fame as well as her two upcoming Ryman shows on June 3 and 4, her forthcoming album, and more.

The media moment was also meant to raise awareness for Redemption Road Rescue, an equine rescue nonprofit in Jackson, Tennessee. The organization has helped horses and owners in need since 2009 by taking in and housing horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in various stages of rehabilitation. The surrendered and/or seized animals are rehabilitated and then offered for adoption. Tucker reportedly adopted a colt and its mother from the rescue in 2021.

Tickets for Tucker’s Ryman shows go on sale this Friday, April 7, with additional tour dates to be announced soon. Fans can sign-up for exclusive artist presale access tomorrow. Tucker has partnered with PLUS1 on the shows, with a dollar per ticket going to support Farm Aid and their work to cultivate a vibrant and resilient family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. For more information, click here.

“The Ryman is the Mother Church of Country  Music,” shares Tucker. “It’s my favorite place in the world to play! But this time it’s not just one show…it’s two!! I’m more than excited to be performing June 3 and 4. And I bet they’ll be a few surprises!! Tanya Mother Tucker is coming to the Mother Church and I can’t wait!!!”

BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Series Returns For Fifth Season

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BMI’s Rooftop on the Row series will return for its fifth season, with R&B and country star K. Michelle kicking off the first of the five-concert series on April 11. Presented by George Dickel Bourbon, the invite-only event gives industry tastemakers and creatives an exclusive look at some of BMI’s most promising talent.

As the first show’s headliner, K. Michelle is taking a break from her R&B “I’m The Problem” tour, and returning to her Tennessee roots to give music lovers a taste of her new country sound. Born and raised in Memphis, K. Michelle has always had a love for country music. She recently collaborated with Justin Champagne on the hit song “Country Love Song,” and has a new album dedicated to the genre, which is slated for release later this year.

The following two shows of the 2023 season will also be country-themed, showcasing music by Priscilla Block and Chayce Beckham on May 16 as well as Mackenzie Carpenter and Dylan Marlowe on July 18. A celebration for the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop is set for Aug. 15 and the final concert will be the official kick-off to Americanafest on Sept. 19, with performers to be announced soon.

“We’re so excited to launch a new season of BMI’s Rooftop on the Row presented by Dickel Bourbon,” says Mason Hunter, BMI’s AVP, Creative, Nashville. “From the inaugural event in 2016, the series has become a rite of passage for Nashville’s future hitmakers, and Dickel has been our presenting sponsor since day one.

“Over the years, we’ve seen many of our rooftop performers, including Morgan Wallen, Billy Strings, The War And Treaty, Riley Green and more, become some of the biggest names in the industry. We’re excited to showcase this season’s talented performers and give them a platform to share their music. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy an evening than with great music, a Dickel Bourbon and a fantastic view of the Nashville skyline from BMI’s Rooftop.”

“The experimentation, innovation and creativity that it takes to make music is something that really speaks to us at George Dickel,” says Allison Fleischer, Diageo Brands in Culture. “These qualities are at the center of great music as well as great bourbon. We’re so proud to support songwriters and musicians through our long-standing partnership with the BMI Rooftop on the Row series because, like creating Dickel Bourbon, it’s such a special art form in which individuals can produce something truly original that’s well-loved by people all over the world.”

Warner Chappell Inks Global Publishing Deal With Austin Shawn

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Simon Tikhman (The Core), Chief Zaruk (The Core), Matt Cottingham (Attorney); (L-R, bottom row): Ryan Beuschel (WCM), Austin Shawn, Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with chart-topping writer, producer, mixer, and engineer Austin Shawn. The Nashville-based songwriter is best known for his work on Bailey Zimmerman‘s smash hits “Rock And A Hard Place,” “Fall In Love,” and “Religiously.” Those songs have led to Shawn spending a total of 43 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Country Producer Charts, with 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1. Shawn also spent 36 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 Producer Charts.

“Rock and A Hard Place” currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has racked up more than 550 million global streams to date. A frequent collaborator of Zimmerman, Shawn has been hard at work on the Warner Music Nashville/Elektra artist’s upcoming album, Religiously. The Album., which will be released this May.

“I’m grateful that this crazy music thing has landed me here at Warner Chappell with some amazing people that are honestly great friends to hang with,” says Shawn. “They’ve been on the same wavelength with everything I’m doing since day 1 and that means the world to me. More tunes coming in hot!”

“Austin Shawn is innovating what it means to be a producer, co-writer, and developer of talent on Music Row,” says Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, Warner Chappell Music. “He wears so many hats well, and he brings a creative through line to every project that always puts the uniqueness of the artist and song first. We’re honored to welcome him into the Warner Chappell family.”

Shawn has also recently collaborated with Chase Matthew, among others. Since starting his production journey at 14 years old, Shawn has honed his unique style filled with bold drums, infectious melodies, and defined vocals, drawing from rock, pop, and country influences. His passion and talent for musical production has proven to be a force behind both emerging and established artists. He is managed by Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk of The Core Entertainment.

Kane Brown To Headline Pendleton Whisky Music Fest In July

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Kane Brown and Flo Rida are set to headline the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest in Pendleton, Oregon on July 15. The lineup for the seventh annual festival also includes Niko Moon, Maddie & Tae, Dylan Schneider and DJ Cutt.

The fun will kick off with a party Friday night in downtown Pendleton on July 14 from 6 p.m.- 12 a.m., featuring performances by Joel Gibson, Jr., Summer Groove and DJ Cutt. The event is free to attend and will feature local food vendors and Pendleton Whisky at the outdoor bars.

“Building off of the incredible momentum that was created by Eric Church and Macklemore in 2022, we could not be more excited to welcome fans back to the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest,” says Andy McAnally, Pendleton Whisky Music Fest Co-Organizer. “Kane Brown, Flo Rida, Niko Moon, Maddie & Tae and more, this year’s musical acts are ready to put on the show of a lifetime.”

Pendleton Whisky Music Fest alumni pre-sale starts this Thursday, April 6, and general public tickets go on sale this Friday, April 7. For more information, click here.

Tenille Arts Inks With Tonight We Make History Publishing

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Tenille Arts. Photo: Rachel Deeb

Tenille Arts has signed a publishing deal with Tonight We Make History Publishing (TWMH) for her entire back catalog.

The company has also executed a futures co-publishing deal with Arts, and signed an agreement with Sony Music Publishing to administer the company’s catalog, including the No. 1 hit “Somebody Like That,” which is nearly certified double Platinum, as well as “I Hate This” and “Back Then, Right Now,” which are both approaching Gold.

TWMH is owned by Powell Hedley, who is also the CEO of Dreamcatcher Artists and Dreamcatcher Management, where Arts has respective label and management deals. Hedley published Dean Dillon for six years during the period in which he was honored as a BMI Icon.

Additionally, Carole Ann Mobley will remain on board as A&R for Arts and will continue to book her calendar.

“Powell and Tenille are focused, driven and creative in every aspect of their business,” says Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO. “Tenille’s songs are delivered from the heart and shine with a genuine spirit. SMP Nashville is very proud to champion Tenille’s continued songwriting and Powell’s vision for TWMH Publishing.”

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Tenille Arts,” says Hedley. “We have the freedom and flexibility of staying independent, and the publishing acquisition allows us to move swiftly on all fronts. We are looking forward to helping Tenille reach her highest potential as her star continues to rise.”

Arts recently released her latest single, “Jealous of Myself,” and will hit the road with Lee Brice through April.

Matt Schuster Signs With Universal Music Publishing Group

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Pictured (L-R): Extended Play Music Group’s Eric Parker, Matt Schuster and UMPG Nashville’s Roxy King. Photo: UMPG Nashville

Singer-songwriter Matt Schuster has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

A 21-year-old from Charleston, Illinois, Schuster has quickly grown a fanbase with over 500,000 followers. He has amassed more than 75 million streams with original songs such as “Know Ya,” “From The Start” and “If I Was A Cowboy.” Averaging 10 million streams monthly, Schuster recently notched four songs on the Spotify Country Global Top 200 Chart. His new single, “Wasted Prayers,” recently debuted on all streaming platforms.

“The first time I heard Matt’s songs and voice, I knew we had to work with him,” says Roxy King, Director, A&R for UMPG Nashville. “His talent, work ethic and vision have captured the interest of Music Row and beyond. We are thrilled that he chose UMPG as his music publishing partner and look forward to supporting all of his success to come.”

“This relationship is the beginning of something very special,” says Schuster. “Roxy and the UMPG team really understand my vision, and it’s so encouraging to know they have the same goals. This feels like family. I’m so proud to call UMPG home.”

Lainey Wilson Brings Her ‘Heart Like A Truck’ To No. 1 On Country Radio

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Lainey Wilson. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

After performing her latest single “Heart Like a Truck” on the CMT Music Awards this weekend—and taking home Female Video Of The Year for the tune—Lainey Wilson is celebrating the track hitting No. 1 on country radio.

“Heart Like a Truck” jumped two spots on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart, marking Wilson’s third No. 1 hit. Wilson co-wrote the song with Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson, and it appears on her Bell Bottom Country album.

The track adds to Wilson’s growing arsenal of hits, which also include the Platinum-certified “Things A Man Oughta Know” and “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell. Wilson is also climbing the charts with Hardy on their dark collaboration, “Wait In The Truck.” Her “Smell Like Smoke,” which was originally featured on Yellowstone, recently hit No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 weekend countdown.

In addition to her success at radio, Wilson has completed a 28-date sold-out headlining tour, been honored as Billboard’s Women in Music’s 2023 Rulebreaker and started touring stadiums with Luke Combs as support on his world tour this year.

Industry Ink: BBR, Trisha Yearwood, LoCash, CMA, More

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BBR’s Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson Dominate 2023 CMT Awards

Pictured (L-R): JoJamie Hahr (EVP, BMG Nashville, Recorded Music), Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville)

Multi-genre phenomenon Jelly Roll and multi-award-winning Lainey Wilson dominated the fan-voted 2023 CMT Music Awards. First-time nominee Jelly Roll was the most awarded artist of the night with three—Male Video of the Year, Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, and Digital-First Performance of the Year—for his song “Son Of A Sinner.” Wilson won Female Video of the Year for “Heart Like A Truck” and Collaborative Video of the Year with Hardy for “Wait In The Truck.”

Jelly Roll delivered a captivating and impassioned performance of his hit song “Need a Favor” will a full gospel choir. His award wins come ahead of his album Whitsitt Chapel releasing in June. Wilson performed “Heart Like a Truck,” and Alanis Morissette‘s “You Oughta Know” with Ingrid Andress, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Wade, and Morissette joining.

 

Trisha Yearwood Performs at CMHOF Exclusive Concert

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Purcell, Exec. VP of External Affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Trisha Yearwood; Ben Hall, VP of Development. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Trisha Yearwood took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last week at its annual members-only concert, The Big Gig. Yearwood performed hits including “She’s in Love with the Boy” and “Walkaway Joe” for members in the museum’s CMA Theater. She closed the night with a moving rendition of “Over the Rainbow.”

Yearwood has a longstanding museum relationship, performing at museum fundraisers and events, and donating personally to its one-of-a-kind collection.  Prior to her recognition as a Grammy-winning recording artist, she served the institution as a museum tour guide. Since summer 2022, Yearwood has steered the museum’s membership campaign with the goal of rebuilding the number of memberships to pre-pandemic levels.

Before Yearwood’s performance, student artist Mattie Lyn Smith and the Nashville School of the Arts Stage Band performed, “Evergreen,” a song that Smith co-wrote with her classmate, Lola Bobeck, as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words and Music.

 

LoCash Celebrates RIAA Platinum “I Love This Life”

Pictured (L-R): Fletcher Lyon (LoCash Management), Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), David Preston (Sr. Director of Creative, Nashville, BMI), Chris Lucas (LoCash), Preston Brust (LoCash), Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville), Clay Bradley (VP of Creative, Nashville, BMI), Bryan Frasher (LoCash Management) at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Josh Kim

Wheelhouse Records/BMG’s LoCash—Preston Brust and Chris Lucas—have officially gone RIAA Platinum for their 2015 single “I Love This Life.” On Friday night (March 31), Brust and Lucas received a plaque celebrating the accomplishment ahead of their performance on Kane Brown‘s “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” stop at Bridgestone Arena.

“I Love this Life,” written by Brust  and Lucas with Chris Janson and Danny Myrick, was released in 2015 as the first single from Locash’s third studio album, The Fighters. Along with their new certification, LoCash received a plaque celebrating the duo’s 150 million streams on Apple Music. LoCash was also presented with a plaque from BMI commemorating 4 million radio spins for “I Love This Life.”

LoCash is on the road with Brown through the summer.

 

CMA Foundation, Chapel Hart Celebrate Songwriting With Local Elementary School

The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, helped welcome country music trio Chapel Hart to Eagle View Elementary School in Nashville on March 30. Throughout the month of March, the school’s third grade students participated in a songwriting competition in honor of Music In Our Schools Month. Under the direction of Eagle View’s Music Educator and Orff Ensemble Director, Ms. Alicia Engram, and Elementary Music Teacher and Band Director Mrs. Kathryn Davis, students learned about literary skills, writing lyrics and how to have a career in songwriting. Engram is also a two-time CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence.

Engram led Chapel Hart in a brief Q&A, where they discussed their appearance on America’s Got Talent, their approach to songwriting, and words of advice for students to never give up on their dreams. Following the Q&A, Chapel Hart performed “Glory Days,” leading students to sing along throughout the song.

“Getting the opportunity to go and visit Eagle View Elementary School was something that we didn’t know we needed,” said Chapel Hart. “To see strong music programs truly makes our hearts happy. Any time that we get to visit a school, it’s always super important for us to try and inspire at least one student. We hope that we were able to shine a little light on those sweet babies! We can’t wait to go back to visit again.”

“Often, we tout the incredible benefits music has on a child’s educational journey. Today, we saw one of the most amazing benefits of all: how music brings students joy,” said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “The community that is Eagle View Elementary reminded us how connection through music allows students the opportunity to be seen, heard and celebrated. Every child in that auditorium sang along with Chapel Hart with enthusiasm and pride. They gave the students more than just a performance, they left them inspired and feeling so much love.”

Earlier this week, Chapel Hart surprised all of Eagle View’s third graders via a video message congratulating everyone for their incredible songwriting skills before announcing Mrs. Fowler’s class had won the contest with their original song, “We Are One.” Mrs. Fowler’s students were inspired to write the song about being united despite their cultural differences and various languages spoken.

 

Demolition Music, Angry Mob Music Group Extend Evan Coffman Deal

Evan Coffman has extended his worldwide joint venture publishing with Nashville-based Demolition Music and LA-based Angry Mob Music Group.

The first year of Coffman’s deal has yielded collaborations with Bekah Novi, Tony Ferrari, and more. Arkansas-native Coffman has celebrated recent sync placements for Selling Sunset and Love Island, as well as other shows and advertisements.

Additionally, Coffman has two Gold-certified singles with “Like We Used To” by A Rocket to the Moon and “Lovely” (Japan Release) by Twenty One Pilots.

 

NMAAM’s Bosses You Should Know Highlights Healing Through Music and Science

Pictured (L-R): Henry Beecher Hicks III, CEO & President NMAAM; Dr. Annabella Manalo-Morgan; Roy “Gramps” Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of MPR

The healing power of science and music was on full display last Wednesday (March 29) at Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).

Vanderbilt Ph.D. graduate Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan (“Dr. Annabelle”) discussed her ground-breaking research and signed copies of her memoir, Might Flower: How Cannabis Saved My Son. Meanwhile, her Grammy-winning husband, reggae artist Roy “Gramps” Morgan, performed “People Like You” and offered a moving tribute to the lives lost in the recent tragedy at the Covenant School.

In 2016, Dr. Annabelle and Morgan welcomed their son, Macario, who quickly began suffering intense seizures. After surgeons resected nearly 40% of Macario’s brain, Dr. Annabelle began working to develop a medicine to control his seizures pharmacologically, and now Macario is a thriving first grader.

Gramps Morgan is a member of reggae group Morgan Heritage, known for its socially conscious lyrics and fusion of reggae, R&B and hip hop. Macario’s parents credit much of his progress to the healing power of Gramps’ music and time on stage with him.

Dr. Annabelle and Gramps want to remove the historical stigma associated with plant-based medicines via the soon-to-launch Macario’s Wish charity foundation.

Weekly Register: Luke Combs Earns Top Country Album Debut

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Luke Combs earns the top debut on country albums chart this week, with Gettin’ Old arriving at No. 2 country and No. 4 overall with 101K in total consumption (32K album only/84 million song streams) according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time remains at No. 1 on the country albums chart as well as the all-genre albums chart with 197K (17K album only/226 million song streams). His Dangerous: The Double Album moves to No. 3 with 42K (2K album only/53 million song streams), bumping Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak to No. 4 with 26K (1.4K album only/32 million song streams) and Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) to No. 5 with 19K (3.4K album only/21 million song streams).

Combs, Wallen and Bryan also find themselves atop the country streaming songs chart.

Wallen’s “Last Night” remains at No. 1 with 30 million new streams adding to 244 million RTD and “Thinkin’ Bout Me” stays at No. 2 with 14 million adding to 65 million RTD. “You Proof” resides at No. 3 with 13 million adding to 505 million RTD. Combs’ “Love You Anyway” jumps to No. 4 with 12 million adding to 70 million RTD and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” rises to No. 5 with 11 million adding to 575 million RTD.