Tim McGraw, ASCAP, City National Bank Named Title Sponsors Of Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

/by

Only a few weeks away from the registration deadline, the 34th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament (MRLGT) has announced that Tim McGraw, ASCAP, and City National Bank will be the Title Sponsors for this year’s event.

Taking place on Monday, Sept. 13 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville, the 2021 tournament will once again benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. The MRLGT raised over $70,000 in 2019 and has historically raised a grand total of more than $2.3 million for UCP of Middle Tennessee. The event is the single biggest annual fundraiser for UCP of Middle Tennessee.

As previously announced, Nashville-based boutique investment and development firm E3 Construction Services and Founder/CEO John Eldridge will host the tournament. Additionally, Keith Urban will be the Presenting Sponsor of the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament for his fifth consecutive year.

For those interested in sponsoring this year’s tournament, options to be included on the event t-shirt are available. As the easiest way to get involved, this serves as a popular way for male songwriters and executives to show their support.

Registration for the tournament is open now at $135 per player with limited team space. To register, sponsor, or for more information, click here.

Ben Johnson Partners With BMG To Sign Johnny Reno

/by

Pictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby (Vice President, Creative A&R BMG), Katie Kerkhover (Senior Creative Director, A&R BMG), Ben Johnson, Johnny Reno, Leslie Roberts (Assistant Vice President, Creative BMI), Courtney Allen (Creative Director, A&R BMG)

Songwriter/producer Johnny Reno has signed a worldwide publishing deal with BMG in partnership with hit songwriter Ben Johnson.

A Nashville native, Reno began his career at 15 playing on Nashville’s lower Broadway, and by 18 was touring with Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt. Though he started out as a solo artist, Reno found his true calling in production and songwriting. He wrote and produced Anthony de la Torres and Lana Condor‘s debut single “Rain in London,” as well as de la Torres’ EP, Find Me. He has also worked on records for Track45, Gayle, Kidd G, Twinnie, and Riley Roth.

“Johnny’s talent, passion, and drive to succeed makes him an instant stand out,” says Katie Kerkhover, BMG Senior Creative Director. “His ability to work seamlessly in both country and pop has him set up for a big future! We couldn’t be more excited to be working with him.”

“There’s so much that can be said about Katie, but it can be easily summarized to just say that she is actually the BEST!” says Reno. “As a person she’s just as good and honest as they come, and as an A&R person she’s always strategic and collaborative to get you in the best position for success. I’m excited to be working with her and the whole BMG team.”

Songwriter Craig Karp Dies At 76

/by

Chart-topping country songwriter Craig Karp died on Aug. 15 in Nashville at age 76.

He was the co-writer of “If It Don’t Come Easy,” which hit No. 1 for Tanya Tucker in 1988. Karp also hit the top of the country hit parade with “There’s No Stopping Your Heart,” recorded by Marie Osmond in 1985.

Born Ronald Craig Karp, he came of age in California before embarking on his Nashville songwriting career. His earliest big success was “Second Hand Heart,” a No. 7 country hit of 1984 sung by Gary Morris. He co-wrote two big hits for Southern Pacific. “Honey I Dare You” was a 1988 single by the group that reached No. 5 on the country charts. “All Is Lost” made it to No. 19 on the A/C chart for Southern Pacific in 1989.

Craig Karp also co-wrote songs recorded by T.G. Sheppard, Lynn Anderson, Dave Gibson, Burrito Deluxe, Eddy Raven, Jimmy Fortune, Matt King, Rob Crosby, James House and Wayland Patton.

Carla Monday and Rustie Blue are among the independent-label acts who charted with Karp’s songs. More than two dozen such singers recorded his songs in 1980-2010. Several of them were European recording artists.

Craig Karp is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Casey, son Cody Blue and granddaughter LaDonna Eby. Arrangements are being handled by Woodbine Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

AmericanaFest 2021 To Implement COVID-19 Entry Protocols

/by

AmericanaFest 2021, running from Sept. 22-25 in Nashville, has announced new COVID-19 policies for its upcoming event.

The three-day conference will be requiring either proof of vaccination, with a final dose at least 14 days prior to Sept. 22, or a negative COVID test obtained within 72 hours of the event. Additionally, based on the most recent CDC recommendations, attendees are encouraged to wear masks in all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.

“The safety of our community including attendees, artists, speakers, partners, volunteers and staff for AmericanaFest 2021 and the Americana Honors & Awards is our top priority,” AmericanaFest shared on its website. “This policy may change as we approach our event due to federal, state and local guidelines. We thank you in advance for helping us in protecting yourself and the rest of our community.”

AmericanaFest joins the growing list of events, venues, and businesses who have implemented new COVID-19 entry protocols. Among the others are Bonnaroo, Summerfest, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, Merlefest, Live Nation, AEG Presents, and a slew of Nashville’s independent music venues. Additionally, artists such as Garth Brooks and Florida Georgia Line have also cancelled upcoming shows due to the threat of COVID-19 out of an abundance of caution.

Justin Moore Earns 10th No. 1 With ‘We Didn’t Have Much’

/by

Justin Moore. Photo: Cody Villalobos

Multi-Platinum recording artist Justin Moore has racked up his 10th career chart-topper this week with “We Didn’t Have Much” which peaked at the top of both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts.

The reflective track epitomizing Moore’s humble roots and grateful spirit was produced by Jeremy Stover and Scott Borchetta, and is featured on Moore’s Straight Outta The Country project, which dropped in April. Written by Stover, Randy Montana, and Paul DiGiovanni, “We Didn’t Have Much” highlights the country traditionalism and vivid storytelling that has helped Moore achieve his 10 career No. 1s.

“We Didn’t Have Much” went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on May 28, 2021, marking his fifth trip to the top with MusicRow.

Moore also recently received a Pandora Billionaire Plaque to commemorate reaching 3 billion streams on the platform.

Rocky Block Inks With Big Loud Publishing

/by

Rocky Block. Photo: Mick Bodie

Rocky Block has signed with Big Loud Publishing.

Born and raised in Nashville, Block is the son of Alt-country promoter and radio host, Billy Block, one of the earliest advocates for the indie roots music which came to be known as Americana. He has been writing his own songs and making music since childhood, and is a co-writer on “High Horse,” by Nelly with Breland and Blanco Brown and the hip hop/country crossover “Grits & Glamour” by Nelly (with Kane Brown) on Nelly’s soon-to-arrive Heartland album.

Block also penned a No. 1 at Canadian country radio with Dean Brody & The Reklaws’ “Can’t Help Myself,” and has had cuts with Australian rock artist Sam Fischer (“Everybody’s Got Somebody”), pop vocalist Philmon Lee (“Where Was Your Love”), and rising country talent Ashley Cooke (“Under”).

“Rocky has been a close collaborator of the Big Loud Publishing family for a few years. His drive, consistency, and ability to craft great songs across multiple genres is something we have long admired,” says Big Loud Publishing’s Michael Giangreco, Senior Director, A&R. “We are thrilled to now have the opportunity to work with him as his publisher.”

“I’m honored and excited to be a part of the Big Loud Publishing family,” said Block. “Growing up in Nashville, it’s a dream to get to make music – much less with the best in the business. Big Loud’s track record of success is inspiring and something I look forward to contributing towards.”

Harper Grace Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing

/by

Pictured (L-R): Curb | Word’s Colt Murski; The Law Office Of Aaron Rice, LLC’s Aaron Rice; Harper Grace; Curb | Word’s Ciara Shortridge

Curb | Word Music Publishing has signed Harper Grace to a worldwide publishing deal.

The Texas native, who plays the storyteller in her music, began her musical journey at the age of seven when she received her first guitar as a gift from her grandmother. In 2018, sixteen-year-old Grace was a contestant on American Idol, competing by performing self-penned songs which received critical acclaim from judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.

This fall, she will be joining multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy-winning artist Nelly on his “Lil Bit of Music Series,” where he will blend musical genres while supporting emerging country artists.

“Wow, what a blessing it is to officially sign with Curb | Word Music Publishing!” shares Grace. “If I could tell my eleven-year-old self that at twenty she would be moving to Nashville and signing a pub deal, she would be praising her heart out right about now, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do to celebrate. If it weren’t for the man upstairs, none of this would be happening. I’m forever grateful for the privilege to wake up and do what I have dreamed of doing my entire life!”

Kacey Musgraves Announces Long-Awaited Fourth Studio Album, ‘Star-Crossed’

/by

Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Sophia Matinazad

Six-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves has announced that she will release her highly-anticipated fourth studio album Star-Crossed on Sept. 10 via Interscope Records / UMG Nashville.

Star-Crossed is Musgraves’ first album of new material from the Grammy winner since 2018’s Golden Hour. Musgraves collaborated once again with co-producers and writers, Ian Fitchuk and Daniel Tashian, and recorded the album in Nashville in under three weeks.

The 15-song collection is structured as a modern-day tragedy in three acts, with themes of heartache and healing.

Musgraves will also release Star-Crossed: The Film, directed by Bardia Zeinali, on Sept. 10 via Paramount+. The title track written by Musgraves, Tashian, and Fitchuk, along with the film’s trailer, are both out now.

YouTube video

Star-Crossed: The Film takes the music from the studio to the screen with visuals envisioned by Musgraves and Zeinali and shot by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique (A Star Is Born, Black Swan). The 50-minute movie was filmed over a 10 day shoot in Los Angeles and features cameos from Emmy Award-winner Eugene Levy, Victoria Pedretti (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, You), singer-songwriter Princess Nokia, Symone (RuPaul’s Drag Race winner) and comedian Megan Stalter.

Star-Crossed Track List:
Star-Crossed
Good Wife
Cherry Blossom
Simple Times
If This Was A Movie..
Justified
Angel
Breadwinner
Camera Roll
Easier Said
Hookup Scene
Keep Lookin’ Up
What Doesn’t Kill Me
There Is A Light
Gracias A La Vida

 

Leadership Music Announces 2021-2022 Board Of Directors

/by

Leadership Music, a Nashville-based national educational non-profit organization, has elected new officers and directors. Among the new members is David Kells, executive vice president of entertainment and venues for Bridgestone Arena/Nashville Predators, who will lead the Leadership Music board as the newly-elected president.

Officers joining Kells are President-Elect Debbie Carroll of MusiCares; Past President Diane Pearson, City National Bank; Secretary Erick Long; and FBMM’s David Boyer, Treasurer. Also joining the Executive Committee are songwriter Stacy Widelitz, Marghie Evans of Do Write Music, Andrew Kautz of Big Machine Label Group and artist manager and podcast producer, Kelli Haywood.

Leadership Music has also appointed five new board members: Brad Bissell of CAA, music producer Scott Gerow, artist/producer Phil Hughley, Kautz of BMLG, and Jackie Patillo of the Gospel Music Association. Will Cheek of Waller Law and Lynn Morrow of Adams & Reese will serve as legal counsel.

The organization has also upped Guy Evans from Finance Clerk to Manager, Programs & Finance. A Franklin native, Evans received both his Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration and Master of Taxation from the University of Alabama. Previously he was Tax Senior Associate at Ingram Industries.

“I could not be any prouder of this board,” Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn shares. “They always provide exceptional leadership, support and vision for the organization, but their guidance and steady hand over the past 18 months has assured that Leadership Music has continued to thrive and prosper during this very trying time.”

2021-2022 Board Members:
Brad Bissell, Agent, CAA
David Boyer, Vice President/Owner, FBMM
Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health & Human Services, MusicCares
Emily Evans, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, CMA
Marghie Evans, Managing Partner, Do Write Music
Joe Galante, Chairman, Galante Entertainment Organization
Scott Gerow, Music Producer, Battery Lane Music
Mitch Glazier, Chairman/CEO, RIAA
Kelli Haywood, Artist Manager, KCH Entertainment
BJ Hill, Vice President, A&R, Warner Chappell Music
Phil Hughley, Artist/Producer
Mason Hunter, Assistant Vice President, Creative, BMI
Andrew Kautz, COO, Big Machine Label Group
David Kells, Executive VP, Entertainment & Venues, Bridgestone Arena/Nashville Predators
Jerry Kimbrough, Musician
Chandra LaPlume, Development, TV & Film, Sandbox Productions
Erick Long
Heather McBee, President, Bee Strategic
Jackie Patillo, Executive Director, Gospel Music Association
Diane Pearson, Senior VP, Entertainment, City National Bank
Dave Pomeroy, President, AFM Local 257
Lisa Purcell, Senior VP, External Affairs, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
John Strohm, President, Rounder Records
Rachel Whitney, Head of Editorial, Nashville, Spotify
Stacy Widelitz, Songwriter, Stacy Widelitz Music
Lane Wilson, Senior Vice President/Agent, WME
Bret Wolcott, Freelance TV Producer

MusicRow Songwriter Chart Top 3: Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Jonathan Singleton

/by

Ashley Gorley tops the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the sixth consecutive week. He is a co-writer on current charting songs “Good Things” and “Steal My Love”(Dan + Shay), “Country Again” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Single Saturday Night” (Cole Swindell), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), and “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland).

Hunter Phelps remains at No. 2, with “Best Thing Since Backroads” (Jake Owen), “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Jameson Rodgers feat. Luke Combs), “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen. (Chase Rice feat. Florida Georgia Line), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “That Ain’t Me No More” (Matt Stell) and “Thinking ‘Bout You” (Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter) all charting.

Jonathan Singleton rounds out the top three on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with Lainey Wilson’s “Things A Man Oughta Know,” Luke Combs’ “Cold as You,” and Zac Brown Band’s “Same Boat.”

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.