O’Charley’s Wraps Up Songwriter’s Café Benefit Concert Series
Pictured (L-R): O’Charley’s CCO Bob Langford, O’Charley’s CEO Craig Barber, 103-3 Country’s host Elaina Smith, Teddy Robb, Lee Brice, and GMC President Gator Michaels
Closing out the four-part Songwriter’s Café virtual benefit concert series, O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar hosted featured artists, as well as Folded Flag staff to share the outcomes of the concerts and thank the artists for their help.
O’Charley’s CEO Craig Barber and Vice Chairman of the Board for Folded Flag Fred Schremp hosted the cocktail party to thank featured musical artists for participating in O’Charley’s Songwriters Café. Several other artists who were integral to the project were also present, including: Lee Brice, Teddy Robb, and Elaina Smith (Host, “Nights with Elaina” on 103-3 Country).
In 2020, O’Charley’s raised over $575,000 for the Folded Flag Foundation with help from the artists who graciously gave their time to participate in Songwriters Café. Folded Flag provides educational scholarships and grants to Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in military combat, and O’Charley’s has proudly donated over $1.6 million to them since 2016.
Kallie Rhea Joins White Mustang Records As Manager Of Radio Promotion
Kallie Rhea
White Mustang Records has announced the hiring of Kallie Rhea as Radio Promotion Manager.
In this role, Rhea will coordinate and oversee promotional activities for White Mustang’s current and future label signings.
“Kallie was exactly who we were looking for to begin forming the promotion team for White Mustang,” says James Stroud, who launched the label last October. “Her passion for music and the mission of our label make her a perfect fit moving forward.”
Rhea is a Texas native who started her career as promotion coordinator for Cumulus Media Dallas. After a stint with WME Nashville, she transitioned to record promotion, cutting her teeth promoting music to radio stations reporting to the Texas Country Chart.
Rhea will be based in Nashville and can be reached at kallie@whitemustangrecords.com.
Bluegrass Veteran Phil Leadbetter Signs With Mountain Home Music Company
Jon Weisberger, Phil Leadbetter
A three-time recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year award, Phil Leadbetter has signed with Mountain Home Music Company.
“I am so happy to be part of the Mountain Home family,” says Leadbetter. “I know quite a few of the artists on the roster there, and I know they are all top notch — and that says a lot about this great label. I’m looking forward to the future!”
“I’ve known Phil for a quarter of a century,” says Mountain Home’s Jon Weisberger. “When he first reached out to me about joining the Mountain Home family, I was thrilled at the prospect of getting him on board. He has earned the respect of so many people in this industry, not only for his determination in the face of challenges, but for his big-hearted enthusiasm for and encouragement of his colleagues young and old — and above all, for his creativity.”
Leadbetter’s first project with Mountain Home, Masters of Slide: Spider Sessions, features a compilation of music from a cross-genre array of guitar masters.
Alan Jackson Set For Grand Ole Opry Show At Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
/by Lydia FarthingAlan Jackson. Photo: Russ Harrington.
The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has announced its partnership with the Grand Ole Opry to present a special performance in downtown Nashville on Sunday, August 8 to conclude the weekend of racing.
This stage will feature a full lineup of talent to be announced at a later date, culminating with country icon, and longtime racing enthusiast Alan Jackson.
“When we first began to conceptualize the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix we knew music had to be just as big a part of this event as the racing itself, and there is no better partner for this than the Grand Ole Opry – the show that made country music famous,” says Matt Crews, CEO of Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “We are looking forward to closing out what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend in the best way possible with the Grand Ole Opry.”
Since its inception, the Opry has rarely taken its show outside of its home venue, only visiting prestigious locales such as New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as well as headlining shows at Bonnaroo.
“The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has brought together a course like no other, an artist like no other and a show like no other to create an experience that could only take place here in Nashville,” said Scott Bailey, President of Opry Entertainment Group. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to connect artists and fans in such a unique setting.”
The three-day festival taking place August 6-8 will be staged on a temporary 2.17-mile grand prix circuit in Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. In addition to a weekend of racing, attendees can look forward to live music performances by top artists, best-in-class food experiences and entertainment that centers on speed.
For more information on The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix or to purchase tickets, visit musiccitygp.com.
Greg Kurstin To Kick Off 2021 ASCAP Experience, Receive Golden Note Award
/by Lorie HollabaughGreg Kurstin will open the 2021 ASCAP Experience on Wednesday, May 12 at 4 p.m. CST in a virtual conversation with friend and collaborator Dave Grohl about songwriting, inspiration and more. Kurstin’s relationship with Grohl was forged when he was tapped to produce Foo Fighters’ albums Concrete and Gold (2017) and he also produced their latest chart-topping album Medicine at Midnight (2021).
Kurstin has won eight Grammys and produced or written many of the biggest pop/rock songs of the last two decades. Some of his credits include Adele’s “Hello” and “Water Under the Bridge;” Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” and “Chandelier;” Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger;” P!nk’s “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” and “Try;” and Halsey’s “You Should Be Sad.”
Kurstin co-wrote and produced Maren Morris’ No. 1 hit “Girl,” as well as produced her CMA and ACM song of the year, “The Bones.” In addition to his writing/producing credits, Kurstin is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass, keyboards and drums on many of the tracks he produces.
The ASCAP Golden Note Award will be presented to Kurstin by Beck (Colors) and ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, with video congratulations to Kurstin from Maren Morris, P!nk, Sia, Stevie Nicks, Halsey, Nick Jonas, Maggie Rogers, Greta Van Fleet, Mozella, Inara George and Sony Music Publishing CEO Jon Platt. The ASCAP Golden Note Award is given to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous recipients include Blondie, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Trent Reznor, Alicia Keys, Tom Petty and more.
After the May 12 kickoff, the 2021 ASCAP Experience which was created to inspire, educate and connect aspiring songwriters and composers everywhere, will continue twice a month on Wednesdays through the end of 2021. Songwriters, composers and music business professionals can join the ASCAP Experience community for access to conversations with A-list songwriters and producers from pop, hip-hop, R&B, country from across the musical spectrum. There will also be panels with top industry execs, song feedback, networking opportunities, and more.
The virtual sessions are free to attend and will take place on a variety of platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and on the ASCAP Experience website. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.ascapexperience.com.
BMLG, Rebel Music, Geffen Records Partner On Breakout Artist Kidd G
/by Lydia FarthingKidd G. Photo: Ford Fairchild.
Big Machine Label Group’s The Valory Music Co. has announced a partnership with Rebel Music and Geffen Records to bolster momentum for 18-year-old breakout recording artist Kidd G.
The Georgia-bred singer-songwriter joins The Valory Music Co.’s roster alongside artists Thomas Rhett, Sheryl Crow, Brantley Gilbert and Justin Moore. The BMLG imprint will provide genre support through country radio, commerce, and marketing, as Rebel Music and Geffen Records continue leading the efforts for Kidd G in various hybrid markets.
“Kidd G is the sound of the next wave of great Georgia artists who’ve combined country & hip hop in their own unique way,” says Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “Not unlike Jason Aldean or Brantley Gilbert before him, Kidd is a southern boy who will blur and ultimately stretch format lines.”
“When we partnered with Kidd G last year, we knew it would take a special team to help him build his unique fanbase around the world,” says Rebel Music Founder & CEO Javier Sang. “With Geffen and Big Machine Label Group on board with us he has a true dream team set up for him to win.”
“Kidd G is an incredible artist who has galvanized music fans with his powerful songwriting and his ability to bend genres,” says Geffen Records General Manager Lee L’Heureux. “We are excited to be teaming up with Scott Borchetta and everyone at The Valory Music Co. to continue to grow Kidd G’s fanbase in the country music world.”
Kidd G has already achieved success with his breakthrough single “Dirt Road.” The track quickly landed on the Billboard Hot Country Chart as the official music video has garnered 13 million views to date. His first release under the new arrangement follows the December launch of Teenage Dream: 1000 Miles from Georgia, a deluxe version of Kidd G’s debut EP.
Michael W. Smith To Release New Book For Father’s Day
/by Lydia FarthingMulti-Platinum artist and Grammy, AMA and Dove Award winner Michael W. Smith has announced his latest book, The Way of the Father: Lessons From My Dad, Truths About God, will be available on May 18 via K-Love Books.
This newest written endeavor reveals how Smith’s father, Paul Smith, was a living example of God’s love and a role model for his family. It is a reflection in his father’s legacy and the profound effect he had on every area of his life. Smith, himself, is a father of five and a grandfather of sixteen.
“My father was my hero. Even though he’s in Heaven now, he’s still my hero every day. My memories of his life, his words, and his wisdom are with me constantly as I parent and grandparent today,” writes Smith. “Throughout his life, on a daily basis, Dad gave me a glimpse of what God is like. I am so grateful to be part of a long line of love and godly legacy through the grace and mercy of Jesus in our family.”
Smith partnered with long-time writer and creative Robert Noland to write The Way of the Father. Noland is also the writer of the bestselling memoir, I Can Only Imagine, with author and recording artist Bart Millard of MercyMe.
K-LOVE Books has crafted a national marketing and media campaign to support the release of The Way of the Father, including extensive promotions across K-LOVE and Air1, signed book giveaways, and interviews via local K-LOVE stations as well as select podcasts hosted by AcessMore.com
Home Free Announce Warmest Winter Holiday Tour
/by LB CantrellVocal-only country group Home Free are in the holiday spirit early, announcing the cities and dates of their upcoming Warmest Winter Holiday Tour.
The 14-city tour, that includes a stop at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, will find the a cappella singers Austin Brown, Adam Chance, Tim Foust, Rob Lundquist and Adam Rupp returning to an annual tradition. Kicking off December 1 in Evansville, Indiana, Home Free will perform their favorite holiday tunes, including many off their 2020 album, Warmest Winter. The project, released during the COVID-19 pandemic, features special guests Alabama, Rachel Wammack, and Striking Matches.
“There is a special kind of indescribable magic that only exists between performers and audiences via live music,” Foust says. “It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since we’ve been able to share that connection with our fans. We’re more than ready to get this show back on the road.”
Tickets for the Warmest Winter Tour are available now.
Sammy Sadler Reimagines Some Vintage Hits On New Album ‘1989’
/by Lorie HollabaughSammy Sadler is releasing his new album 1989, on June 11 via BFD/Audium Nashville.
The new collection is a trip down memory lane and accentuates the sounds of a time when Sadler was making his debut as a newcomer on the Nashville music scene, until an assassination plot commonly known as the “Murder On Music Row” brought his music career to a halt.
Sadler teamed up with several country hitmakers from the late eighties on 1989, most notably a duet with Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon for a fresh take on the upbeat “The Church On Cumberland Road.” He also duets with country soul stylist T. Graham Brown for a revitalized re-recording of “Darlene,” and recruited Larry Stewart of Restless Heart to reimagine another notable track on the album, “The Bluest Eyes In Texas.”
“It is such an honor to re-record some of the most memorable and greatest songs from an era which I think was one of the best ever,” Sadler said. “To have some of the original artists on this record with me is both humbling, and an honor.”
Bailee Madison Signs With Jonas Group Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughBailee Madison. Photo: Cibelle Levi
Bailee Madison has signed a music management deal with Jonas Group Entertainment.
Madison starred in and co-produced Netflix’s newly-released faith-based musical, A Week Away, which was filmed in Nashville. Her song on the project, “Awesome God / God Only Knows (Campfire Medley),” and the A Week Away soundtrack are both charting.
From her first commercial spot at two weeks old to her major motion picture debut at six, the 21-year-old actress has dozens of TV and film roles to her credit. Best known for Just Go With It and The Strangers: Prey at Night, Madison starred in and co-produced Netflix’s newly-released faith-based musical, A Week Away. She recently made headlines as the lead in the sixth installment of the iconic A Cinderella Story franchise, A Cinderella Story: Starstruck.
Madison is represented by Management 360’s Beau Swayze and Clifford Murray and The Gersh Agency’s Allison Band, Mark Herzberg, and Matt Vioral for her acting endeavors. She joins fellow management clients Lanie Gardner, Frankie Jonas, PUBLIC, Melanie Pfirrman, LIVVIA, Mandy Harvey, and Lucy Cloud at Jonas Group Entertainment.
Industry Ink: Mike Molinar, Marcie Allen Van Mol; Nicolle Galyon; Gilda’s Club
/by Lydia FarthingMike Molinar, Marcie Allen Van Mol Named Part Of 2021 Leadership Class
Marcie Allen Van Mol, Mike Molinar
Ten government, business, academic, clergy, and nonprofit leaders from Middle Tennessee have been chosen by Global Action Platform for a Harvard Business School leadership program convening representatives who are working to help their communities prosper.
Included in the ten selected are music industry leaders Mike Molinar, General Manager of Big Machine Music, and Marcie Allen Van Mol, President and Founder of MAC Presents.
These leaders are selected by senior community leaders in those cities to participate in an intensive case study workshop on urban and rural regional collaborations and strategies for economic resilience. The program was launched to develop leaders who understand cross-sector collaborations for shared prosperity and can implement them more effectively and spread them more rapidly than in the past.
“We are pleased to be the regional affiliate of Porter’s Institute at Harvard and to be working with them on the Young American Leaders Program and other projects,” shares Chairman and CEO of Global Action Platform Dr. Scott T. Massey. “Through this collaboration, we hope to help enable emerging and established local leaders to work together for the shared growth and prosperity of our region in today’s global economy.”
Nicolle Gaylon And Michael Knox Team Up For Mother’s Day Celebration
Pictured (L-R): Shalacy Griffin, Michael Knox and Nicolle Galyon
Award winning, multi-Platinum songwriter Nicolle Galyon will join Michael Knox‘s Country 360 syndicated radio show for a very special Mother’s Day Weekend show airing across all affiliates beginning May 8, through Mother’s Day.
The show will focus on Galyon’s achievements as one of country music’s most notable songwriters, as well as her role as a mom. She has co-written some of country music’s biggest hits including Dan & Shay’s “Tequila,” Keith Urban’s “Female,” and Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic,” all while raising two children with husband and multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Rodney Clawson.
Annual Songwriters Night Raises Almost $20,000 For Gilda’s Club
Tony Arata, Leslie Satcher, Dave Brainard, Jenny Tolman
On May 2, Gilda’s Club hosted its 3rd Annual Songwriters Night at The Reserve at Fat Bottom Brewery.
Among the songwriters who performed were Tony Arata who wrote Garth Brooks chart-topping hit “The Dance” and Clay Walker’s “Dreaming With My Eyes Open;” Leslie Satcher who has penned “Troubadour” (George Strait), “I Said a Prayer” (Pam Tillis), “When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues (Martina McBride), and “Politically Incorrect” (Merle Haggard and Gretchen Wilson); newcomer Jenny Tolman who released her debut album last year; and Dave Brainard whose credits include cuts by Brooks & Dunn, Neal McCoy, Sammy Kershaw, Ricochet, Hunter Hayes, Jeff Bridges, and Jenny Tolman.
The night raised nearly $20,000 for Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. Gilda’s Club is a free cancer support program for anyone in the Nashville community who has been impacted by cancer, including family and friends of those diagnosed.
Need A Job? Check Out MusicRow’s Job Board
/by LB CantrellWith vaccines rolling out across the country and concert tours scheduling dates into the summer and fall, the Nashville music industry is beginning to resume some normalcy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MusicRow wants to encourage its members and readers who are looking for a music industry job to check out our Job Listings Board, located in the top menu bar on the MusicRow website.
Those who have full-time, part-time or temporary job can submit a form to list a job on our Job Listings Board. All job listings are free-to-list and will be posted for 60 days. Listings are accepted and published at the discretion of MusicRow.
Industry Ink: O’Charley’s Songwriter’s Café, Kallie Rhea, Phil Leadbetter
/by Lydia FarthingO’Charley’s Wraps Up Songwriter’s Café Benefit Concert Series
Pictured (L-R): O’Charley’s CCO Bob Langford, O’Charley’s CEO Craig Barber, 103-3 Country’s host Elaina Smith, Teddy Robb, Lee Brice, and GMC President Gator Michaels
Closing out the four-part Songwriter’s Café virtual benefit concert series, O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar hosted featured artists, as well as Folded Flag staff to share the outcomes of the concerts and thank the artists for their help.
O’Charley’s CEO Craig Barber and Vice Chairman of the Board for Folded Flag Fred Schremp hosted the cocktail party to thank featured musical artists for participating in O’Charley’s Songwriters Café. Several other artists who were integral to the project were also present, including: Lee Brice, Teddy Robb, and Elaina Smith (Host, “Nights with Elaina” on 103-3 Country).
In 2020, O’Charley’s raised over $575,000 for the Folded Flag Foundation with help from the artists who graciously gave their time to participate in Songwriters Café. Folded Flag provides educational scholarships and grants to Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in military combat, and O’Charley’s has proudly donated over $1.6 million to them since 2016.
Kallie Rhea Joins White Mustang Records As Manager Of Radio Promotion
Kallie Rhea
White Mustang Records has announced the hiring of Kallie Rhea as Radio Promotion Manager.
In this role, Rhea will coordinate and oversee promotional activities for White Mustang’s current and future label signings.
“Kallie was exactly who we were looking for to begin forming the promotion team for White Mustang,” says James Stroud, who launched the label last October. “Her passion for music and the mission of our label make her a perfect fit moving forward.”
Rhea is a Texas native who started her career as promotion coordinator for Cumulus Media Dallas. After a stint with WME Nashville, she transitioned to record promotion, cutting her teeth promoting music to radio stations reporting to the Texas Country Chart.
Rhea will be based in Nashville and can be reached at kallie@whitemustangrecords.com.
Bluegrass Veteran Phil Leadbetter Signs With Mountain Home Music Company
Jon Weisberger, Phil Leadbetter
A three-time recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year award, Phil Leadbetter has signed with Mountain Home Music Company.
“I am so happy to be part of the Mountain Home family,” says Leadbetter. “I know quite a few of the artists on the roster there, and I know they are all top notch — and that says a lot about this great label. I’m looking forward to the future!”
“I’ve known Phil for a quarter of a century,” says Mountain Home’s Jon Weisberger. “When he first reached out to me about joining the Mountain Home family, I was thrilled at the prospect of getting him on board. He has earned the respect of so many people in this industry, not only for his determination in the face of challenges, but for his big-hearted enthusiasm for and encouragement of his colleagues young and old — and above all, for his creativity.”
Leadbetter’s first project with Mountain Home, Masters of Slide: Spider Sessions, features a compilation of music from a cross-genre array of guitar masters.