Longtime Garth Brooks Concert Promoter Ben Farrell Passes

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Ben Farrell

Longtime Nashville-based concert promoter Ben Farrell passed away on Aug. 10. He was 76.

Farrell was born in Jackson, Tennessee. His father, Kerby Farrell, was a professional baseball player and manager. The family traveled for years with Farrell developing an early love of baseball. He attended David Lipscomb University on a baseball scholarship, and in 1966 was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and went on to play with the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox Farm Clubs. In 1968, Farrell was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years of active service, training troops for Vietnam.

He got his start in country music in 1970 and worked in the industry for 52 years. Farrell began his career with Varnell Enterprises working alongside Lon Varnell, assisting with concert promotions, marketing and on-site supervision with artists such as Elvis Presley, Elton John, Lawrence Welk and Guy Lombardo. He remained at Varnell Enterprises his entire career, ultimately becoming the company’s President.

Farrell was most notably Garth Brooks’ concert promoter for over 30 years, first joining the country legend in 1989. Later in his career, he worked with The Statler Brothers, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, Neil Diamond, The Carpenters, The Osmonds, Charley Pride, Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell and many more. In more recent years, he worked with Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and Chris Young.

“I love Ben Farrell. And like Chris LeDoux, Ben Farrell will continue to be the kind of man I want to be. Honest, fair, and hard working. I am lucky to have known him,” Brooks shares.

Farrell is survived by his wife, Autumn, and daughter, Ella Grace.

Visitation will be held on Aug. 23 from 4-6 p.m. CT at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, with a Celebration of Life to follow on Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. CT.

Cole Swindell’s Fast-Rising Single Hits No. 1 On MusicRow Chart

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Cole Swindell takes the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” Swindell is a co-writer on the single along with Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Thomas Rhett, Mark D. Sanders, and Tim Nichols. The track gained an additional +107 spins for a total of 11,929 cumulative spins since its debut on the chart.

The music video for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” features a cameo appearance by “Heads Carolina, Tails California” singer Jo Dee Messina. Watch the video here. 

Swindell will hit the road in September for his headlining “Back Down To The Bar Tour” with support from Ashley Cooke and Dylan Marlowe.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Industry Ink: BMI, Lee Brice, Tracy Lawrence, RedSunset Entertainment

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BMI’s Rooftop On The Row Series Showcases Ray Fulcher & Ashland Craft

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Ray Fulcher, Ashland Craft, and BMI’s Leslie Roberts. Photo: Nathan Zucker

BMI resumed its Rooftop on the Row series this week with singer-songwriters Ashland Craft and Ray Fulcher. Held on the rooftop of BMI’s Nashville office, the series serves to highlight up-and-coming talent.

Craft kicked off the night performing tunes from her latest album Travelin’ Kind. Lasy year, she was named one of CMT’s 2021 Next Women of Country Class and Pandora’s Country Artists to Watch 2021.

Fulcher closed the evening with some of his biggest songs co-written with fellow BMI affiliate Luke Combs. He has collaborated on several of Combs’ hits, including “When It Rains It Pours,” “Lovin’ On You,” and “Does To Me.”

BMI’s next rooftop event will be held in September and will serve as the kickoff to Americana week in Nashville.

 

Lee Brice Goes Gold With Current Single, ‘Soul’

Lee Brice‘s current radio single, “Soul,” has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Written by Kevin Kadish and Tony Ferrari, the track marks Brice’s 13th consecutive radio single to achieve RIAA certification.

“I am completely bowled over time and time again by how amazing the fans are! They keep my music playing and keep showing up to the shows–this is all because of them,” Brice shares. “I’m truly honored and feel like one lucky son-of-a-gun to get to do what I love.”

“Congratulations to Lee and his whole team on this incredible achievement,” adds Jackie Jones, VP, Artist and Industry Relations at RIAA. “Gold & Platinum certifications are earned by the best of the best and reflect the deepest connection between artists and fans. With over 25 million certifications, it’s clear the bond between Lee and his fans has never been stronger!”

Brice recently reached another milestone by becoming one of the few country artists to amass over 1 billion streams on Apple Music Worldwide, brining his overall digital streaming imprint to over 5 billion across all platforms. He is on the road on his “Label Me Proud Tour,” with support from Michael Ray and Jackson Dean.

 

Tracy Lawrence Hosts Second Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament

Tracy Lawrence and participants from the Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament. Photo: Bill McClintic

Tracy Lawrence recently held his second Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament, which seeks to support and raise awareness for homelessness organizations across Middle Tennessee. Following the event, Lawrence went to visit the Middle Tennessee charities to hand-deliver the donations totaling over $430,000.

“It was a little overwhelming… we handed out some pretty substantial checks,” Lawrence explains. “It’s an amazing thing to be able to give that kind of stuff to people that are going to do such wonderful things with it.”

Taking place at Old Hickory Country Club, the tournament brought together some of Nashville’s hottest country stars, including Kid Rock, Charles Kelley, Jake Owen, Jordan Davis, Hardy, Ernest, Deana Carter, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jamey Johnson, Colt Ford and others. The staple charity event was also attended by a few of sport’s biggest names, such as John Daly, Brett Hull and Rex Ryan.

The 12 organizations already supported by the Mission:Possible event include: Safe Haven, Oasis, Jesus Provisions Ministries, Park Center, Brooks House, Open table, Shower Up!, Village of Glencliff, People Loving Nashville, NRM, The Bridge and Room In The Inn.

 

Rick Dawson, Colton James Partner To Launch RedSunset Entertainment

Rick Dawson, the owner of 2022 Kentucky Derby-winning thoroughbred Rich Strike, and country singer-songwriter Colton James have partnered to launch RedSunset Entertainment. The Nashville-based, multimedia company is set to produce records, television and radio programming, and more.

“Colton James and I met at a charity event for veterans, and we became fast friends,” Dawson recalls. “We have an equal appreciation and love for America and the soldiers that have fought to keep America free and protected.”

James adds, “It was not by chance I met Rick. I think it was God’s plan to make a difference with music and make a difference in this country with our efforts. I’ve always said to people life is full of crossroads, and I am honored to be on a path that will touch others!”

When it comes to television and radio programming, the pair are currently working to bring Reel Water Cowboy, a show combining music, fishing and cuisine from all over the world, to the big screen as well as the Reel Water Cowboy Radio Show. Both shows will be available in the coming months.

Jennifer Wayne, Brad Rempel Team For New Design Network Show ‘Flip U’

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Jennifer Wayne and Brad Rempel

Jennifer Wayne and Brad Rempel are set to appear next spring on Flip U, a new Design Network house flipping show set in Music City. On the new program, the pair teams up to help flipping hopefuls turn a profit in Nashville.

Flip U gives viewers an up-close and personal look at the do’s and don’ts when it comes to a house flip. Coaching local flipping teams in Nashville and guiding them to a big payday, the show is a celebration of DIY, country music, and the hottest real estate market in Tennessee.

“Everyone wants to know what it takes to buy a house for a certain price, spend the money and sweat equity fixing it up, and make 100 grand on selling day,” says TDN CEO Jason Harris. “Our team is thrilled to be bringing flipping programming to TDN in 2023 led not only by talent with great real estate experience, but deep roots in country music. Jennifer and Brad bring an electricity to our network that we can’t wait for viewers to experience.”

As the granddaughter of Hollywood film icon John Wayne, Jennifer was a member of all-female country trio Runaway June, has impressive writing, toured with Carrie Underwood, and collaborated with Keith Urban. Rempel is lead singer and songwriter of Platinum-selling group High Valley.

“Brad and I would always run into each other at shows, and we’d always end up talking backstage about real estate,” shares Wayne. “We’ve given each other a few tips throughout the years, and we can’t wait to share them now with our viewers!”

“When Jen and I run into each other on the road or in the studio, we always trade house flipping stories,” Rempel adds. “We are so excited to share what we’ve learned over the years and pass it on to all the students of Flip University.”

The new six-part series will be available in spring 2023 on Samsung TV+, The Roku Channel, Amazon’s FreeVee, Pluto, Sling, and more.

Ty Herndon Talks Mental Health On New ‘Soundboard’ Podcast

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Ty Herndon and Pivotal Moments Media have launched a new podcast, Soundboard, featuring conversations with artists discussing their struggles and wins along their mental fitness journeys.

Designed to mirror the themes of Herndon’s new album Jacob, the series’ debut episode features LeAnn Rimes sharing her best mental health practices. Other guests scheduled to appear include CMT Host Cody Alan, Michael Ray, Dove award-winning singer-songwriter Crystal Lewis, and rising viral pop artist Auti.

“This podcast is all about using the power each of us has to turn up the positive voices in our heads and turn down those negative thoughts that creep in and sow doubt and despair,” Herndon explains. “I’m looking forward to speaking with some of my amazing fellow artists in music and entertainment about how they stay mentally fit amid the chaos of all that life throws at them personally and professionally.”

New episodes will be released on alternating Wednesdays on all major streaming platforms.

In 2022, Herndon joined Pivotal Moments Media as a Brand Ambassador and as the first artist signed to the organization’s new record label, Pivotal Records.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Little Big Town Delights With New Album Teaser Track

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The baby acts are riding high in DISClaimer this week.

Kameron Marlowe, Rodell Duff, Frank Ray, Kassi Ashton, Willie Jones and Travis Denning are front and center with new sounds. But they have to compete with such stellar vets as Willie Nelson, Ronnie Dunn and the winner of the Disc of the Day, Little Big Town.

Newcomer Corey Kent nails the DISCovery Award.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Next Thing You Know”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Chase McGill/Josh Osborne/Greylan James; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
–The shock of growing up and growing older before you know it. Heartfelt and well written.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Better Love”
Writers: Karen Fairchild/Jimi Westbrook/Tofer Brown/Audra Mae; Producer: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–This teaser track from the group’s Mr. Sun album is a stone delight. With its tongue-in-cheek lyric, feisty attitude, romping production and flawless, personality-packed vocals, the ditty pushes every pleasure button. It also makes me super eager to hear the whole collection, which is due next month.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “We Were Cowboys”
Writers: Tyler Farr/Wyatt McCubbin/Kameron Marlowe; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
–Love this guy’s voice. On this nostalgic look at youth, he shifts from a dark, dramatic baritone on the verses to a scorching, summer-sun tenor on the choruses. Ferociously good.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Buy a Girl a Drink”
Writers: Travis Denning/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury
–Pretty dang cool. An oomphy production with jangle guitars and a deep-bass undertow delivers a rapid-fire lyric about a lifelong relationship. Denning’s common-man, relatable vocal is the icing on the cake. A simply excellent listening experience.

FRANK RAY / “Country’d Look Good On You”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Derek George/Monty Criswell/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Stoney Creek/BBR
–Sunny, catchy and pleasant. I can take it or leave it.

WILLIE NELSON / “Live Forever”
Writer: Billy Joe Shaver; Producers: Charlie Sexton/Freddy Fletcher; Label: New West/
Pedernales”
–Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Billy Joe Shaver is getting a tribute album in November. Lined up to participate are Rodney Crowell, Miranda Lambert, Steve Earle, George Strait, Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff, among others. Willie has the title tune, which is out now as an advance track. Which is brilliant, because if Shaver ever wrote an autobiographical manifesto, this song is it. What’s super great is that Willie’s arrangement reinterprets the philosophical song with tempo and drive. I’ve always loved the song, and this brings it vividly back to life.

RODELL DUFF / “Red Dirt Cursed”
Writers: Dylan Maloney/Eamon Owen/Eric Dodd/Rodell Duff; Producer: Dylan Maloney; Label: RD
–The wave of Black country talent continues with this fine single by newcomer Duff. It’s a classic sounding country rocker with a heartbroken lyric. His confident, soaring vocal is backed by a pristinely produced tempo track. This man sounds ready for the Big Time to me. Make room at the table.

KASSI ASHTON / “I Don’t Go Back”
Writers: Luke Laird/Hillary Lindsey/Kassi Ashton; Producers: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA
–Nicely done. Her conversational vocal is earthy and real. The ballad’s lyric gets out of a heartbreak by pushing forward, albeit with considerable regret and some aching loss. By far her best work to date.

RONNIE DUNN & PARKER McCOLLUM / “Road to Abilene”
Writer: Ronnie Dunn; Producer: Ronnie Dunn; Label: RD
–This is the lead single from Dunn’s new 100 Proof Neon collection. As usual, he sings like a hillbilly angel. McCollum holds his own collaborating with this master stylist. They both yearn in lovelorn longing on this terrifically twangin’ country tune. Get yer two-steppin’ shoes on.

WILLIE JONES / “Bein’ Green”
Writer: Joe Raposo; Producer: JD Walker; Label: Sony
–It’s kinda dreamy and airy. The melody meanders, but his vocal is steady and sure footed. Different, in an oddly pleasing, artsy way.

CRYSTAL SHAWANDA / “How Bad Do You Want It”
Writers: Crystal Shawanda/Darrin James/Dewayne Strobel; Producer: Dewayne Strobel; Label: True North
–This Juno-awarded Canadian stylist introduces her new Midnight Blues collection with this bright-sounding, lightweight, vacation ditty. Formerly an RCA Nashville stylist, she’s heading in a slightly more R&B direction, but there’s no getting away from her country roots.

COREY KENT / “Wild As Her”
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Brett Tyler/Kelly Archer; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: RCA
–His youthful vocal has just the right, slight touch of rasp. The tune is a dandy, depicting a free-spirited gal he’s trying his best to keep up with. The production gets a little too rocked up at times, but the jam is so catchy you can overlook the noise.

Onsite Workshops’ Debbie Carroll Named President of Leadership Music Board

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Pictured L-R: David Kells, Debbie Carroll, and Kelli Haywood.

Leadership Music has named Debbie Carroll of Onsite Workshops to lead the Leadership Music board for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Carroll, a member of the Leadership Music Class of 2001, is Vice President of Entertainment and Specialized Services for Onsite Workshops. The Nashville-based Leadership Music has been serving the industry for 34 years as the nation’s premier education and leadership program designed for established leaders in the music industry.

“As a proud member of the Class of 2001, it’s an honor and privilege to lead such an incredible board and organization,” says Carroll. “Being a part of Leadership Music has enriched my life and career in so many ways, and I am thrilled to continue to support their mission. I’m excited to work with this esteemed Board of Directors, accomplished Executive Director and amazing staff as we look forward to another successful year for this important organization.”

Officers joining Carroll are President-Elect Kelli Haywood of KCH Entertainment/That Sounds Fun Network, Past President David Kells of Bridgestone Arena/Nashville Predators, Treasurer Andrew Kautz of BMLG, and Secretary Marghie Evans of Do Write Music. Other members of the Executive Committee include Brad Bissell of CAA, FBMM’s David Boyer, Scott Gerow of Battery Lane Music, and City National Bank’s Diane Pearson.

Leadership Music has also appointed four new board members: Nic Dugger of TNDV: Television LLC, Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Torie Mason of Warner Music Nashville, and Neal Spielberg of Spielberg Entertainment.

Will Cheek and Lynn Morrow of Adams & Reese LLP serve as legal counsel.

The complete board list:

Brad Bissell, Agent, CAA

David Boyer, Vice President/Owner, FBMM

Debbie Carroll, Vice President of Entertainment and Specialized Services, Onsite Workshops

Nic Dugger, Owner, TNDV: Television LLC

Emily Evans, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, CMA

Marghie Evans, Managing Partner, Do Write Music

Joe Galante, Chairman, Galante Entertainment

Scott Gerow, Music Producer, Battery Lane Music

Mitch Glazier, Chairman/CEO, RIAA

Kelli Haywood, Artist Manager, KCH Entertainment/That Sounds Fun Network

Phil Hughley, Artist/Producer

Mason Hunter, Assistant Vice President, Creative, BMI

Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Head of Country Music, Amazon Music

Andrew Kautz, COO, Big Machine Label Group

David Kells, Executive VP, Entertainment & Venues, Bridgestone Arena/Nashville Predators

Jerry Kimbrough, Musician

Torie Mason, SVP Strategic Marketing and Analysis, Warner Music Nashville

Heather McBee, Executive Director, Mending Hearts

Jackie Patillo, Executive Director, Gospel Music Association

Diane Pearson, Senior VP/Manger, Entertainment, City National Bank

Dave Pomeroy, President, AFM Local 257

Lisa Purcell, Senior VP, External Affairs, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Neal Spielberg, President, Spielberg Entertainment

John Strohm, Partner, Frost Brown Todd LLC

Rachel Whitney, Head of Editorial, Nashville, Spotify

Lane Wilson, Agent/Partner, WME

Bret Wolcott, Freelance TV Producer

Concord Music Publishing Signs Singer-Songwriter Justin Wilson

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Pictured (L-R): Matt Turner (Sr. Dir. A&R, Concord Music Publishing), Scott Safford (Safford Motley, PLC), Brad Kennard (SVP A&R, Concord Music Publishing), Justin Wilson, Courtney Allen (Dir. A&R, CMP), Ashley Nite (Manager A&R, CMP), Jen Hubbard (Dir. A&R, CMP), Garrett Stephenson (A&R Coordinator, CMP)

Concord Music Publishing has inked a deal with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Justin Wilson. The agreement, effective immediately, will include Wilson’s future works.

Originally from Dacula, Georgia, Wilson made his way to Nashville at age 17 where he discovered his passion for songwriting. Since then, he has written for several prominent country acts, including Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Granger Smith, Parmalee, Restless Road, and more.

Over the years, Wilson has accrued over 80 recorded songs, including more than 20 cuts and singles such as Michael Ray’s “Kiss You In The Morning,” Randy Houser’s “We Went,” Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Drunk Me,” and Dustin Lynch’s “Momma’s House.”

“I’ve had the privilege of being Justin’s publisher in the past, and I am looking forward to our next chapter together at Concord!” says Courtney Allen, Director of A&R at Concord Music Publishing. “His passion for songwriting is contagious, and his ability to craft a great country song is unmatched. The success he has already had is just the beginning of the success that is to come!”

“When I saw the amazing team that Concord had put together, I knew that was the right family for me,” Wilson notes. “I’m looking forward to this new journey of hit songs we will all create together!”

CRS360 August Webinar To Offer Sneak Peek At CRS 2023

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This month’s CRS 360 is offering a sneak peek at the upcoming CRS 2023 agenda on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. CT. The CRS360 discussion comes one day ahead of CRS 2023 Early Bird registration opening.

Featuring panelists Joey Tack (CRS ’23 Agenda Chair), Brent Michaels (CRS 2023 Agenda Vice Chair and CRB Board Member), Warner Music Nashville’s Tim Foisset and Big Machine Records GM Clay Hunnicutt, along with moderator and CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis, will focus on what CRS 2023 attendees can expect from the upcoming three-day event.

The agenda committee, CRS staff, and special surprise guests will share information about sessions, panels, and CRS events.

“The CRS board and Agenda Committee have been working together since the spring, and we’re excited to share what is being planned for CRS 2023,” Curtis teases. “On the eve of early bird registration opening, the August episode of CRS360 will offer a sneak peek at sessions, speakers, research, panel concepts, and more. The CRB motto is ‘Learn. Connect. Advance.’ CRS 2023 will provide attendees with all this and more, at a critical time for our format and the music industry.”

Those interested in attending CRS360 can register here. Only a limited number of slots are available and are based on a first-come, first-served basis.

CRS 2023 one-day-only Early Bird registration will be held on Aug. 25. Unlike previous years, the New Faces of Country Music Showcase tickets will be sold separately for $100 per ticket. Registration will be available through CountryRadioSeminar.com.

Lisa Mastrianni Named Wheelhouse Records Director Midwest/Southeast Promotion

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Lisa Mastrianni. Photo: Jessica Crans

Lisa Mastrianni has joined BBR Music Group as Director of Midwest/Southeast Promotion for Wheelhouse Records.

In her new role, Mastrianni will help promote the imprint’s roster of Blanco Brown, Locash, Elvie Shane, Kolby Cooper, Chayce Beckham and Madeline Merlo to country radio. She will report to Ken Tucker, VP of Wheelhouse Records.

Mastrianni previously worked on the promotion teams at Monument Records and Riser House. Before arriving in Nashville, she also did stints in pop/rock promotion at Warner Bros., Capitol and Interscope Records.

“Lisa is a seasoned veteran with an enthusiasm, work ethic and professionalism that instantly elevates our team,” Tucker shares. “It takes a special person to be part of Team Wheelhouse and Lisa is the perfect fit.”

Mastrianni is already on the job and can be reached at lisa@wheelhousebbrmg.com or (415) 902-9400.