Music Row Pays Tribute To Loretta Lynn

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Loretta Lynn. Photo: Russ Harrington

Members of the country music family are remembering country legend Loretta Lynn, who passed away Tuesday morning (Oct. 4). Many artists and industry members have paid tribute to and shared memories of the renowned “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Over her 60-year career, the Kentucky native was continuously honored for her immense impact on creators of various genres. Lynn accumulated an amazing 51 Top 10 hits, sold over 45 million albums worldwide, and earned every honor available in the music world. Lynn won four Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards as well as eight CMA awards. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988, and and was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003. She was then welcomed into Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008, and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

Along the way, Lynn broke down barriers for women everywhere with songs such as “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Fist City,” and “The Pill.” She was the first woman to win the CMA and ACM Awards for Entertainer of the Year.

 

 

“So sorry to hear about my sister, friend Loretta. We’ve been like sisters all the years we’ve been in Nashville and she was a wonderful human being, wonderful talent, had millions of fans and I’m one of them. I miss her dearly as we all will. May she rest in peace.” – Dolly Parton 

“My roots in country music run deep because of may love an admiration for ‘Ms Loretta.’ She was there in the ’80s, when I arrived in Nashville, to encourage me and allow me to open for her on tour… and, she was there to open for me, in Aurora, Illinois, in 2013, which unknowingly was my last public concert before my stroke. The years in between are each gifts wrapped in respect, admiration, awe and love — and we shopped for lots of dresses through those years! Whenever I heard ‘my Randy,’ I knew Loretta was near and her kind, sweet kisses left lipstick memories on my forehead and both cheeks.  I wish I could have bottled those kisses and saved them for a day like today, when I learned of her passing. An emptiness came over me as I reflected on the magnitude of Ms Loretta’s presence—in the heart and soul of country music, and the entire world–and the void now created. If your path ever crossed with hers, you immediately felt her magic. Loretta and Doolittle ‘Doo’ represented a legacy marriage with six beautiful children as proof… and, a lot of us that Ms. Loretta took under her wing. I thank God that my career overlapped with The Queen’s—it’s an honor and a privilege. After 90 years of teaching us how to live and love here on earth, we sing her home to heaven, with grateful hearts. Our thoughts and prayers follow the precious Lynn family down this road of loss and transition—thank you for sharing Ms Loretta with us. We will never have another Loretta Lynn…this world isn’t good enough for two of her.” – Randy Travis

 

 

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“There are simply no words to adequately describe my feelings at this loss. She was the Matriarch of our Opry Family the past several years and even though she could not be there in person, she was very much in that building, in our hearts and on our minds. She was very welcoming to me when I came, asking me to sit down beside her and tell her about me. I was thrilled then and it still thrills me to think she was interested. In the end she just patted my knee and said “Don’t ever change”. Her impact on our industry through her songs was huge. She made everyone aware, starkly at times, of the plight of some women’s lives, and that awareness brought about changes. Of course, I will always remember her sense of humor! She would ask me to tell her a joke and then say “Tell Doo so he can explain it to me”! She will always be one of country music’s greatest gifts to the world.” – Jeannie Seely

“I have lost one of my dearest friends and the world has lost a true treasure.” – Brenda Lee 

“Loretta was a good friend and fantastically talented. She was a great writer, singer, and human being. I’ll miss her a lot.” – Willie Nelson

 

 

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“Today, my world changed, and it will never be the same again. My hero got her wings last night, and it’s been a day filled with tears. Many memories, so much gratitude and thanking my God above for blessing me first with her music and her guidance through the perils of the music world way before we ever met. I looked up to Loretta always. Then when we became friends, she brought me flowers always, and I brought flowers to her. Time has let me share many special moments with her, but now time has taken her from me forever! But she’s left me with so much to remember and cling on to. I thank God above that I got to sing with her on her latest record. I’ve been waiting a long time for that to come to pass. I was busy planning a much-needed trip to Mexico when I got the news, but for now, Mexico will have to wait because my childhood hero Loretta Lynn has caught the train and she’s ‘On Her Way to Heaven.’ Mexico will always be there, but my friend has gone on to glory. I will see her there someday! I miss you so Retti! I think you know how I feel! Your girl always.” – Tanya Tucker

“It is not enough to say today that country music has lost Loretta Lynn, but rather the world has lost a true music legend. Loretta was a woman whose contributions and impact inspired countless artists and transformed the Country genre into a universal art form. She was a Country Music Hall of Fame member and the first woman to receive a CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year. As a trailblazing songwriter, she bravely wrote about socially and culturally relevant topics that came to define a generation. I’ll personally remember Loretta for her spirit, artistry and genius that rivaled contemporaries like Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.” – Sarah Trahern, CEO, Country Music Association 

 

 

“The world has lost a treasured icon, and I have lost a friend of more than sixty years. I have so many wonderful memories of touring with Loretta, sharing stages all over the world, laughing together and admiring her strength and tenacity. She was one of a kind as a singer, songwriter, and human being. We are all better off for her having walked among us.” – Bill Anderson 

 

 

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“There simply is not another female artist whose songwriting and artistry have blazed more of a trail or had more impact on the country music industry – and the world – than Loretta Lynn,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The true ‘Queen of Country’ had a massive impact on the history and legacy of the Academy, earning 14 ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1975, making her the first female to win that coveted trophy. She was also honored with the ACM Artist of the Decade Award for her fearless and legendary work in the 1970s, again the first and only female to achieve that. I was personally honored to work with her family last year for ACM Honors when we celebrated Loretta’s groundbreaking contributions as a songwriter by honoring her with the ACM Poet’s Award. While we all feel the deep loss of an icon, Loretta’s spirit will continue to guide today’s artists and songwriters for decades to come.” – Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music

 

 

“The story of Loretta Lynn’s life is unlike any other, yet she drew from that story a body of work that resonates with people who might never fully understand her bleak and remote childhood, her hardscrabble early days, or her adventures as a famous and beloved celebrity. In a music business that is often concerned with aspiration and fantasy, Loretta insisted on sharing her own brash and brave truth.” – Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

 

 

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SESAC Promotes Rose Cook To SVP Of Operations

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Rose Cook

SESAC Music Group announced the promotion of Rose Cook to SVP of Operations.

In her new role, the Nashville-based Cook will report to SESAC Music Group’s Chief Operations Officer Malcolm Hawker, and work with the team across the entire portfolio of SESAC companies to drive efficiencies and growth opportunities.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand Rose’s operations role out to the SESAC Music Group portfolio,” shares Hawker. “She will continue to drive value for our affiliates, songwriters, publishers and licensing partners by ensuring we are operating at the highest level across all of the SESAC Music Group companies.”

Cook, who was recently named a member of the Leadership Music Class of 2023, was formerly the SVP of Licensing Operations at SESAC. She has been responsible for the operations of the licensing organization, and has restructured and rebuilt digital processes and systems, implemented cross-training programs, and streamlined workflows which have led to improved licensing efficiency and growth.

Prior to joining SESAC in 2017, Cook worked in the financial services industry, spending time at Citigroup, Oppenheimer and most recently Goldman Sachs.

Cole Swindell Notches Fourth Consecutive Week Atop The Charts

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Cole Swindell’s fastest-rising single to date, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” has spent another week at the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Notching his fourth consecutive week, Swindell is the only artist in 2022 to achieve this feat. The song also reached the top of the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.

The track, which harkens back to Jo Dee Messina‘s 1996 hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” was produced by Zach Crowell and co-written by Swindell, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Thomas Rhett and the original song’s writers Mark D. Sanders and Tim Nichols. Swindell recently spoke to MusicRow about the making of the song.

To celebrate the success of “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” Swindell released a new acoustic version of the tune.

The track follows previously released singles “Single Saturday Night” and “Never Say Never” with Lainey Wilson, and has been a top 10 most streamed country song for the past 14 consecutive weeks. His 12th career No. 1, the song has amassed nearly 200 million global streams with the largest airplay audience for a country No. 1 this year.

“I continue to be blown away and humbled by the response to this song,” Swindell shares. “I knew it was a special song when we wrote it and I knew that it could be a big song, but to now see it happening because of the support of the fans and radio, has just meant so much to me. Thank you.”

The decorated entertainer recently launched his headlining “Back Down To The Bar Tour” with Ashley Cooke and Dylan Marlowe with upcoming shows in Colorado and Arizona. He will visit Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with two sold out back-to-back shows on Nov. 2 and 3.

Randy Rogers Band Goes Back To Their Roots On New ‘Homecoming’ Project

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Randy Rogers Band. Photo: Peter Zavadil

The Randy Rogers Band is looking back to the past on their upcoming album, Homecoming. Out on Oct. 14 via Thirty Tigers, the project’s first single, “Picture Frames,” was released in 2021, eventually going No. 1 at Texas country radio.

The nostalgia-filled record’s newest song, “Nothing But Love Songs,” is available now. Detailing the experience of a fresh breakup the track was written by Rogers with Radney Foster and Jon Randall.

“This song embodies the sound that created the last two decades of touring for our band,” Rogers shares. “Recorded and written with Radney Foster, it’s a return to the origins of the Randy Rogers Band.”

Conjuring memories of heartbreaks, small towns and more, Homecoming is the Texas band’s ninth studio album and marks their 20-year anniversary. Rogers co-wrote 10 of the project’s 11 songs with assists from Parker McCollum, Randy Montana, Jack Ingram and more. The band recorded the new album, with production from Foster, at Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana and Cedar Creek Recording Studio in Austin where they previously worked on several hit records.

“Homecoming is a renaissance orchestrated by Radney Foster,” Rogers explains. “We went back to our roots working with Radney again as well as recording this record at two iconic studios that produced some of our most successful music. Dance with the one that brought you.”

Homecoming Track List:
1. “I Won’t Give Up” (Randy Rogers, Radney Foster, Jim Beavers)
2. “Nothing But Love Songs” (Randy Rogers, Jon Randall, Radney Foster)
3. “Fast Car” (Randy Montana, Wendell Mobley, Lee Miller)
4. “Over You Blues” (Randy Rogers, Sean McConnell)
5. “Leaving Side of Town” (Randy Rogers, Radney Foster)
6. “Picture Frames” (Randy Rogers, Drew Kennedy)
7. “Know That by Now” (Randy Rogers, Lee Miller, Jon Randall, Jack Ingram)
8. “Small Town Girl Goodbye” (Randy Rogers, Randy Montana)
9. “Heart for Just One Team” (Randy Rogers, John Baumann)
10. “Where’d You Run off To” (Randy Rogers, Parker McCollum, Randy Montana)
11. “Bottle of Mine” (Randy Rogers, Radney Foster)
Produced by Radney Foster

Influence Media Acquires Blake Shelton’s Catalog, Creates Joint Venture For Artist-Driven Profit Share

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Pictured (L-R): Narvel Blackstock, Rene McLean, Lylette Pizarro, Blake Shelton, Lynn Hazan, John Esposito, and Ben Kline

Influence Media Partners has invested in country superstar Blake Shelton‘s master recordings catalog, which includes all of his commercial releases from 2001 to 2019. The two parties also created a joint venture, partnering to amplify his works and entitling Shelton to participate in a share of the profit generated. Warner Music Group will continue to lead distribution for the catalog, which has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.

From his debut through 2019, the Grammy nominated entertainer accumulated 27 No. 1 singles on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, including “Boys ‘Round Here,” “Honeybee,” “Nobody But You” (with Gwen Stefani), “God’s Country” and his 2001 smash hit “Austin.” Shelton’s discography through the agreement period consists of 11 studio LP’s, including a Christmas album, and two EP’s. His catalog also spans three compilation albums: Fully Loaded: God’s Country (2019), Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits (2015), and Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton (2010).

“Blake is one of the most exciting luminaries to emerge in both country music and television in the past two decades. His music’s continued resonance with new and established audiences makes him the perfect business partner for Influence,” notes Influence Media Founder and Co-Managing Partner, Lylette Pizarro. “We’re particularly proud of the fact that Blake will continue to be an active participant in his catalog moving forward, and to have a tailored joint venture in place that will ensure he remains an active profit participant. We’re excited to work closely with Blake, his management team at Starstruck and our partners at Warner Music Nashville to identify strategic opportunities for his modern country classics.”

“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since my first album and single. Sometimes I still feel like the kid from Oklahoma I was back then! While a lot has changed during that time, my passion for music hasn’t,” Shelton explains. “I’m excited to be working with Lylette, Rene [McLean] and the team at Influence Media on so much of my catalog and to introduce my songs to the next generation of country fans.”

“Blake is one of the most important artists, not only in our genre, but also in the wider world of music and television. We are excited about the opportunity to introduce Blake’s music to more fans, and we look forward to our partnership with Influence,” Warner Music Nashville Co-President Ben Kline adds.

Shelton was represented by Mitch Tenzer and David Byrne of Ziffren Brittenham, LLP. Influence Media Partners were represented by Lisa Alter, Katie Baron and Jaclyn Felber of Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP.

Sony Music Publishing Announces One New Hire, One Promotion In Creative Department

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Aubrey Rupe & Synnovea Halsel

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced an addition and promotion within its creative team. Aubrey Rupe has joined the team as Senior Director, Creative, and Synnovea Halsel has been promoted to Manager, Creative.

“We are incredibly lucky to welcome Aubrey to the team and for Synnovea to take on this new role,” notes Josh Van Valkenburg, EVP Creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “Aubrey is highly respected within the Music Row community as a champion of great songs and a rainmaker for songwriters. Synnovea’s rapid ascent among the next generation of publishing creatives has been exciting to see, and this is just the beginning. I look forward to working alongside Aubrey and Synnovea as we continue to deliver exceptional service to all SMP Nashville’s songwriters.”

In her new role, Rupe is responsible for advancing the company’s A&R initiatives, signing and working closely with talent, and delivering opportunities for collaboration and creative development across SMP Nashville’s roster. Previously, she spent nine years at Young Guns Publishing, where she served as VP, Creative and worked alongside writers Ben Stennis, Jared Mullins and singer-songwriter Jackie Lee.

“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to grow as a publisher under the incredible leadership of Rusty Gaston, Josh Van Valkenburg and the entire Sony Music Publishing team,” adds Rupe. “The writers, artists and catalog here are unmatched, and I am fired up to be able to represent them. The team here already feels like family and I’m proud to be a part of it!”

Halsel, who joined the company in 2021, has recently signed top emerging talent, including breakthrough singer-songwriter Madeleine Edwards, while also working closely with songwriters including Jaren Johnston, Zach Kale, and Ella Langley.

“I am so grateful that Rusty Gaston and Josh Van Valkenburg have given me the opportunity to work with some of the best songwriters in town,” shares Halsel. “As a Nashville native, it’s truly a privilege to work in an industry that I’ve grown up admiring with a team that has poured into me from the start.”

Adam Doleac Inks With UTA

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Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey Hasson (Co-Head of UTA Nashville), Scott Clayton (Partner & Co-Head of Global Music, UTA), Elisa Vazzana (Music Agent, UTA), Adam Doleac, Brett Saliba (Music Agent, UTA) and Eric Garcia (Manager, Light Cave Entertainment)

Singer-songwriter Adam Doleac has signed with UTA for representation.

The Arista Nashville artist’s debut album, Barstool Whiskey Wonderland, was just released. The project features 18 tracks, including his Gold hit “Famous,” as well as the singles “Drinkin’ It Wrong,”  “Another,” “Coulda Loved You Longer,” and “Famous,” which has amassed nearly 50 million streams.

Doleac has also had cuts by Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, Darius Rucker and more, and penned 150 songs during the process of recording Barstool Whiskey Wonderland.

Doleac is represented by Eric Garcia at Light Cave Entertainment.

Industry Ink: Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Avery Anna, Tee Roy Williams

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Dolly Parton Breaks Two Of Her Own Guinness World Records

Dolly Parton and her manager Danny Nozell. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations

Earlier this week, the legendary Dolly Parton was surprised with two new Guinness World Records.

Parton broke two of her own records, expanding her chart success. She holds the world records for the most decades on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with seven, as well as the most hits by a female artist on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with 109.

 

 

Carrie Underwood Teams Up With iHeartRadio For A Special Performance

Pictured (L-R): iHeart’s Maynard, John Sykes, Rod Phillips, UMG Nashville’s David Friedman, Bobby Young, Cindy Mabe, Mike Harris, Carrie Underwood, UMG Nashville’s Rob Femia, Royce Risser, iHeart’s Jackie Tigue, UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan and iHeart’s Gator Harrison. Photo: Adrianna Casiano for iHeartRadio

In celebration of her recent chart-topping album, Denim & Rhinestones, Carrie Underwood collaborated with iHeartRadio to present “iHeartRadio LIVE with Carrie Underwood.”

Underwood performed live from Nashville’s Analog at the Hutton Hotel on Sept. 29. She sang some of her hits, as well as new music, giving fans a preview of what’s to come on the “The Denim & Rhinestones Tour” kicking off Oct. 15.

The radio special is available on Meta Horizon Worlds and iHeartRadio’s Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

Rising Artist Avery Anna Makes Her Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R, back row): Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Worstell, Rohan Kohli, Avery Anna, Warner Music Nashville’s Shane Tarleton and Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers; (L-R, front row): Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and 33 Creative’s Tina Crawford. Photo: Anna Clary

On Friday night (Sept.30), Warner Music Nashville’s Avery Anna made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Nearly 60 of her friends and family sat in the audience as the Arizona native sang her breakout hit “Narcissist.” She followed with a cover of “Have I Told You Lately” dedicated to her grandfather, who was among those in the audience, and earned a standing ovation.

Her debut EP, Mood Swings, will be released Friday, Oct.7.

 

 

Music Row Celebrates Fifth Annual Tee Roy Williams Event In Michigan

Pictured (L-R): Townsquare’s Kurt Johnson, 16camino’s Ryan Barnstead, Beasley’s John Reynolds, Curb’s RJ Meacham, SiriusXM’s Buzz Brainard, Shane Allen, Warner Music Nashville’s Michael Chase, Sony Music Nashville’s Mark Gray, 16camino’s John Ettinger, Tyler Braden, Stone Country’s Kerry Wolfe, Hannah Ellis, Alpha’s Bo Matthews and Audacy’s Tim Roberts. Photo: Courtesy of 16camino.

Industry members came together in Traverse City, Michigan this past weekend to celebrate the fifth annual Tee Roy Williams event. This year’s event consisted of performances from Curb’s Hannah Ellis and Warner Music Nashville’s Tyler Braden.

The event is named after late artists Troy Gentry (T-Roy) and Don Williams, who passed away on the same day and on the same day as the inaugural event in 2017.

Kylie Morgan Surprises Fans With New Marriage-Inspired EP

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Kylie Morgan was so inspired by her upcoming marriage that she decided to surprise fans with a new five-track EP, Songs To Say I Do, via EMI Records Nashville.

Out everywhere Oct. 14, the project features four new songs all co-written by Morgan, as well as her recently-released viral smash “Bridesmaids,” her call-out to the best friends that keep her world spinning. Released after fan demand, Morgan co-wrote the tune with one of the real-life bridesmaids in her upcoming wedding, Sam DeRosa, as well as KK Johnson.

The initial viral TikTok has racked up 8.2 million views with over 1.2 million likes, while more than 156,000 fans have created their own videos using the sound, including nods to wedding parties, favorite musicians, family members, pets and more.

Morgan’s debut single “If He Wanted To He Would” continues to heat up on country radio, and she’s currently on the road with Tyler Rich on his “Thinkin’ We’re In Love Tour.” She’ll take the stage this weekend with stops in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Songs To Say I Do Track List:
1. “Fireworks” (Kylie Morgan, Jeff Garrison, Caroline Watkins)
2. “Good Hands” (Kylie Morgan, Ben Johnson, Emily Shackleton)
3. “Bridesmaids” (Kylie Morgan, Sam DeRosa, KK Johnson)
4. “Always Been You” (Kylie Morgan, Ben Johnson)
5. “That’s My Man” (Kylie Morgan, Cameron Bedell, Micah Carpenter)

Mitchell Tenpenny Fires Up The Cornhole Boards To Help Fight Cancer

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Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Mitchell Tenpenny is hosting a corn hole fundraising tournament on Oct. 11 at the Sony ATV parking lot in Nashville. Proceeds from the event will go to Tenpenny’s own 10Penny Fund to help fight cancer.

All cornhole game boards are already sold-out, but all are invited to come out and join in the fun. Those wanting to help can also purchase an event t-shirt and/or consider making a donation.

The Riser House/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville artist recently released his 20-track This Is The Heavy album, which includes his current single “Truth About You.” Tenpenny co-wrote every song on the record with some of Nashville’s finest, including Thomas Archer, Rodney Clawson, Devin Dawson, Chris DeStefano, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear, Laura Veltz, and more. He also produced the project with Jordan M. Schmidt.

Tenpenny’s debut single, “Drunk Me,” was a double Platinum No. 1 hit that has amassed nearly 580 million on-demand streams and appeared on his debut album, Telling All My Secrets. He also has over 1.3 billion total career on-demand streams to date, and at the close of 2021 was the No. 5 most-played artist on SiriusXM’s The Highway, behind superstars like Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, and Chris Stapleton.