Tommy West. Photo: Bob Monkton, Courtesy PKM
Music producer, songwriter, and recording artist Tommy West died on Sunday, May 2, 2021, from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. He was 78.
West is best known for co-producing three Gold-selling albums for his close friend Jim Croce with longtime music and business partner Terry Cashman (Dennis Minogue). Together, they also produced recordings by Dion DiMucci; Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary; and Henry Gross. As songwriters, he and Cashman wrote many songs for The Partridge Family, and as a solo producer, West recorded songs by country artists Ed Bruce, Gail Davies, Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, and Girls Next Door.
Tommy West was born Thomas Ralph Picardo, Jr. on August 17, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His musical career began in 1958 when he co-founded the doo-wop group, The Criterions, with childhood friend and future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hauser. After graduating from Villanova University in 1963, West served in the National Guard, later becoming a radio personality and music director at Long Branch, New Jersey’s WRLB-FM.
He later moved to ABC’s Command Records in New York City, working in promotion. While at the label, West became a first call session singer, recording background vocals for artists such as Frank Sinatra, Mitch Ryder, Sammy Davis Jr., Perry Como, Connie Francis, and others. During this time, West also befriended and wrote songs with the label’s head of music publishing, Terry Cashman, and songwriter Gene Pistilli, eventually forming the folk-pop group Cashman, Pistilli & West.
In 1968, the trio moved to Capitol Records, releasing their self-titled album produced by Nik Venet. However, with the departure of Pisitilli, West and Cashman went on to produce projects for Maury Muehleisen, Mary Travers, Jim Dawson, and many others. As songwriters, the duo’s material was recorded by many artists including Cass Elliot, The Manhattan Transfer, Al Martino, Mouth & MacNeal, and more.
West co-founded the Nashville-based MTM Music Group, the record label and publishing company division of actress Mary Tyler Moore’s California-based organization. The MTM label featured mostly West-produced albums and songs, including those by Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, Almost Brothers, The Voltage Brothers and Girls Next Door. Following MTM, West created his High Harmony Records label, for which he produced Robert Bonfiglio’s Through The Raindrops album, and additional projects for Time-Life and PBS.
Tommy West is survived by his wife Ann Verner Picardo, sister Ann Marie, brother Rick, daughter Cheyenne, stepsons Bradley and Blair Robinson, and three grandchildren, Lila, Amelia and Haley Robinson.
Private services will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Mickey Guyton To Perform On PBS’ Memorial Day Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughVince Gill, Mickey Guyton, Alan Jackson
The lineup for PBS’ 32nd Annual National Memorial Day Concert: A Night Of Remembrance on May 30 has been announced, and will include Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Gladys Knight, Sara Bareilles, The Four Tops, and more. Mickey Guyton will also be opening the show with a special performance of the national anthem.
Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will not be held, and the special pre-taped 90-minute presentation of the National Memorial Day Concert will air on Sunday, May 30 honoring our men and women in uniform, their families at home, and all those who have given their lives for our country.
Also appearing on the annual special will be distinguished American statesman General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret); Emmy and Grammy-winning international mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves; Broadway, film and television star Brian d’Arcy James; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; and more.
Hosted by Tony award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, the special will include all-star performances and tributes from Washington, D.C. and around the country honoring all of our American heroes. The show will also feature a tribute to our heroic American nurses from the Vietnam War, a 20th Anniversary Remembrance of 9/11, and more.
The National Memorial Day Concert: A Night Of Remembrance airs on PBS May 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. CST, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on Facebook, YouTube and pbs.org/national-memorial-
UMPG Nashville Appoints Roxy King As Director, A&R [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellRoxy King. Photo: Lily Nelson
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has appointed Roxy King to Director of A&R, effective immediately. She reports to Chairman and CEO of the division, Troy Tomlinson.
King boasts a strong track record in publishing A&R. Prior to joining UMPG Nashville, she served as A&R Manager at Concord Music Publishing and worked with songwriters including Tofer Brown, Donovan Woods, Ian Fitchuk and Hillary Lindsey, among others. Previously, King worked on Songtrust’s global music rights management team in New York City. King is a graduate of NYU’s Music Business program.
Tomlinson says, “I am so excited to have Roxy join our team. She brings a fresh perspective, attitude and energy that will complement our A&R staff. Her love for songwriters and her passion to help them reach their goals make her the perfect fit for us.”
“Nashville songwriters have been an influence on my life for as long as I can remember. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with and learn from Troy Tomlinson, the creative team, and the entire roster of incredible songwriters at UMPG,” says King.
Artist Action: Chris Janson, Maddie & Tae, Big Kenny
/by Lydia FarthingChris Janson Earns RIAA Gold Certification For ‘Done’
Pictured (L-R): Ben Kline, Tom Lord, Chris Janson, Cris Lacy, Kelly Janson
Warner Music Nashville recording artist Chris Janson has received RIAA Gold certification for his multi-week No. 1 single “Done”.
WMN’s EVP of A&R Cris Lacy and EVP/GM Ben Kline recently joined Kelly Janson (CJ Management) and Tom Lord (Red Light Management) to present Janson with a plaque to commemorate this accomplishment.
“I knew that ‘Done’ was a special song the day it was written and recorded,” says Janson. “It’s a true story, and I’m just so thankful that the song and the video connect with people. Being presented with this awesome Gold plaque by Cris Lacy, who signed me, and Ben Kline really means so much. I have such sincere gratitude to all of the Warner Music Nashville team and all the fans who made this possible.”
With this latest milestone, all of Janson’s Top 5 singles – four of which have hit No. 1 – have been certified Gold or Platinum.
Maddie & Tae Launch New Apple Music Radio Show
Since their explosive Platinum hit, “Girl In A Country Song”, Maddie & Tae have documented the highs and lows of their journey as artists—culminating in their deeply personal sophomore release, The Way It Feels.
On their new Apple Music radio show Mood Ring Radio, the duo have open, honest conversations on the life events they are experiencing together, and individually, as they soundtrack the emotions that come with them.
On the premiere episode airing Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. CST, Maddie & Tae share the heartfelt story behind their new single “Woman You Got,” answer off-the-wall questions from fans, and pump up their listeners with their Mood Boost song pick and a mix of their current favorite songs.
Circle Network Announces New Series With Big Kenny
Photo: Courtesy Circle Network
Circle Network has announced that Big & Rich’s Big Kenny is going to star in a new series called Big Kenny’s Crank It Up Garage.
The 10-episode primetime series will deliver 30 minutes of the most outrageous, incredible and mind-blowing custom creations in America. Alongside wingman and producer Charlie Pennachio, Big Kenny will scope out and travel to meet the builders of various one-of-a-kind special projects, including custom cars, motorcycles, boats, planes and other interesting modes of transportation.
“This is a show for the whole family! The guys are going to love seeing these incredible builds and how they were accomplished, the wives are going to love seeing these builders tear up and share true emotion talking about how their families supported them throughout the process and the kids are just going to go crazy when they see us run them,” says Big Kenny. “There’s a message of inspiration woven into every episode and we are excited to share it with the world.”
The new weekly series will premiere on Circle Network on Thursday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. CST.
Russell Dickerson Joins The CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador Program
/by Lorie HollabaughRussell Dickerson. Photo: Spencer Combs
Russell Dickerson has been named as the latest CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador and will help stand up for equitable music education initiatives across the U.S.
In his new ambassador role, Dickerson will take the stage from the Grand Ole Opry on May 8 along with Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser, Chris Lane and Steve
The CMA Foundation is programming various other activities featuring Dickerson in the upcoming months as well, including visiting with band students at his former high school, Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee. Growing up with both parents active in the arts—his mom is a music
“As a child, Russell was surrounded by family who strongly believed in music education,” says CMA Foundation Executive Director, Tiffany Kerns. “He can speak to how music instills confidence, teamwork and why it positively influences many other areas of life. We thank Russell for joining us to raise our voices in support of equity in music education and helping further drive our mission forward with making sure all students across the U.S. have access to participate in quality music programs.”
“I’ve never not been a student of music, and started out in children’s choir at church” says Dickerson. “My mom was my 4th grade music teacher, and I was in band from 6th grade to senior year. I look back on my school years and get choked up sometimes thinking about some of my incredible teachers. They’re making a huge impact on the lives of their students whether they see it or not. Music education is the foundation and backbone of everything I am today.”
Dickerson joins the CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador collective alongside Jimmie Allen, Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae and Ashley McBryde, who are all advocating for music education in ways that are personal to them.
MercyMe Announces Fall 2021 Tour
/by LB CantrellDove Award-winning band MercyMe has announced their fall Inhale (Exhale) tour will kick off in Lubbock, Texas in September.
Running thorough 30 cities across the U.S., the band will hit the road with fellow Fair Trade Services artist Micah Tyler.
The tour is named after their tenth studio album Inhale (Exhale), which was released on April 30. The current single from the project, “Say I Won’t” has risen quickly across national radio charts, currently No. 4 on Billboard National Christian Audience, Mediabase Christian Audience and Billboard AC Indicator, as well as No. 5 on Billboard AC Monitored and Mediabase Christian AC.
MercyMe Inhale (Exhale) Tour Dates:
Sept. 30, 2021 – Lubbock, TX
Oct. 1, 2021 – Tulsa, OK
Oct. 2, 2021 – Cedar Park, TX
Oct. 3, 2021 – Fort Worth, TX
Oct. 8, 2021 – Louisville, KY
Oct. 9, 2021 – Evansville, IN
Oct. 10, 2021 – Duluth, GA
Oct. 14, 2021 – Charlotte, NC
Oct. 15, 2021 – Columbia, SC
Oct. 16, 2021 – Greensboro, NC
Oct. 17, 2021 – Augusta, GA
Oct. 21, 2021 – Tampa, FL
Oct. 22, 2021 – Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 23, 2021 – Biloxi, MS
Oct. 24, 2021 – Pensacola, FL
Oct. 28, 2021 – Oklahoma City, OK
Oct. 29, 2021 – Wichita, KS
Oct. 30, 2021 – Kansas City, MO
Nov. 4, 2021 – Toledo, OH
Nov. 5, 2021 – Grand Rapids, MI
Nov. 6, 2021 – Champaign, IL
Nov. 7, 2021 – Columbus, OH
Nov. 11, 2021 – Moline, IL
Nov. 12, 2021 – Ft. Wayne, IN
Nov. 13, 2021 – Cincinnati, OH
Nov. 14, 2021 – Nashville, TN
Nov. 18, 2021 – Greenville, SC
Nov. 19, 2021 – Norfolk, VA
Nov. 20, 2021 – Pittsburgh, PA
Nov. 21, 2021 – Indianapolis, IN
*all dates subject to change
Alexander Ludwig Inks Global Recording Deal With BBR Music Group/BMG
/by Lorie HollabaughAlexander Ludwig. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Actor and artist Alexander Ludwig has signed a global recording deal with BBR Music Group/BMG, and his self-titled debut EP is due out May 21.
A lifelong country fan, Ludwig has already found success in Hollywood with leading roles in Vikings, Lone Survivor, The Hunger Games, and Bad Boys For Life. Raised outside of Vancouver, Ludwig wrote his first song at 12 and has been writing ever since. After years of fitting in as many trips as he could to Nashville to hone his songwriting chops, Ludwig crossed paths with Jason Aldean band members and songwriters Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy who produced the debut project.
On the 5-track EP, inspired by the classic and contemporary country sounds he grew up listening to, Ludwig puts his love for storytelling on display. Among the songwriters contributing to the EP are David Lee Murphy, Brad Tursi, Jonathan Singleton, and Justin Wilson. The new EP follows Ludwig’s 2020 song, “Let Me Be Your Whiskey,” which he co-wrote with Mike Dulaney ( Faith Hill).
“Alexander is one of those rare individuals who excels at everything he does. A big reason is his work ethic. He never assumes anything will be handed to him and his music career is no exception. He’s been a long-time student of the genre and put in the time over the last several years coming to Nashville, spending time writing, learning from industry vets and honing his craft,” says Jon Loba, President of BMG Nashville. “When he first came to my attention, I was hesitant because often times when an actor or athlete wants to cross into music, it’s just a diversion or vanity project. BBR VP of Promotion Lee Adams assured me that wasn’t the case and pushed for a meeting. I’m so glad she did! Alexander is not only a special artist, but a special human being and I can’t wait for all our partners to meet him and hear his music. I like to say I signed him IN SPITE of his acting career!”
“I’ve been drawn to country music since I was handed my first guitar at nine years old. Life is about the journey and I am so grateful to take these next steps in music with Loba, BBR Music Group/BMG and the community in Nashville and want to thank them for taking a chance and believing in me,” said Ludwig. “I can’t wait to share this music that represents a taste of what I love about country music.”
Alexander Ludwig Track List:
1. “Love Today”— Greylan James, David Lee Murphy, Matt Roy
2. “Sunset Town” — Marv Green, David Lee Murphy, Justin Wilson
3. “How It Rolls” — Eric Arjes, Brad Tursi
4. “Malibu Blue” — Jonathan Singleton, Brad Tursi, Andrew Rollins
5. “Summer Crazy”— Alexander Ludwig, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Justin Wilson
MTM Music Group Co-Founder, Tommy West, Dies At 78
/by Lydia FarthingTommy West. Photo: Bob Monkton, Courtesy PKM
Music producer, songwriter, and recording artist Tommy West died on Sunday, May 2, 2021, from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. He was 78.
West is best known for co-producing three Gold-selling albums for his close friend Jim Croce with longtime music and business partner Terry Cashman (Dennis Minogue). Together, they also produced recordings by Dion DiMucci; Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary; and Henry Gross. As songwriters, he and Cashman wrote many songs for The Partridge Family, and as a solo producer, West recorded songs by country artists Ed Bruce, Gail Davies, Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, and Girls Next Door.
Tommy West was born Thomas Ralph Picardo, Jr. on August 17, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His musical career began in 1958 when he co-founded the doo-wop group, The Criterions, with childhood friend and future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hauser. After graduating from Villanova University in 1963, West served in the National Guard, later becoming a radio personality and music director at Long Branch, New Jersey’s WRLB-FM.
He later moved to ABC’s Command Records in New York City, working in promotion. While at the label, West became a first call session singer, recording background vocals for artists such as Frank Sinatra, Mitch Ryder, Sammy Davis Jr., Perry Como, Connie Francis, and others. During this time, West also befriended and wrote songs with the label’s head of music publishing, Terry Cashman, and songwriter Gene Pistilli, eventually forming the folk-pop group Cashman, Pistilli & West.
In 1968, the trio moved to Capitol Records, releasing their self-titled album produced by Nik Venet. However, with the departure of Pisitilli, West and Cashman went on to produce projects for Maury Muehleisen, Mary Travers, Jim Dawson, and many others. As songwriters, the duo’s material was recorded by many artists including Cass Elliot, The Manhattan Transfer, Al Martino, Mouth & MacNeal, and more.
West co-founded the Nashville-based MTM Music Group, the record label and publishing company division of actress Mary Tyler Moore’s California-based organization. The MTM label featured mostly West-produced albums and songs, including those by Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, Almost Brothers, The Voltage Brothers and Girls Next Door. Following MTM, West created his High Harmony Records label, for which he produced Robert Bonfiglio’s Through The Raindrops album, and additional projects for Time-Life and PBS.
Tommy West is survived by his wife Ann Verner Picardo, sister Ann Marie, brother Rick, daughter Cheyenne, stepsons Bradley and Blair Robinson, and three grandchildren, Lila, Amelia and Haley Robinson.
Private services will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
WMG Corp. Q2 Results: Double-Digit Revenue Growth Across Recorded Music, Publishing
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Group Corp. has announced its 2nd quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2021.
“Following a strong first quarter, I’m happy to report that our momentum continued in Q2, and our business is stronger than ever. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we generated double-digit revenue growth in both recorded music and music publishing,” says Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Our success was driven by chart-topping new releases from our incredible artists and songwriters, as well as bold and imaginative execution from our world-class operators. We’re excited about the rest of year, as we have a fantastic slate of new music coming from established superstars and emerging talent.”
Financial Highlights:
Double-Digit Revenue Growth Highlighted by Strength across Recorded Music and Music Publishing
Recorded Music Streaming Revenue Grew 20% Driven by Chart-Topping New Music
Revenue Attributable to Emerging Streaming Platforms Continues to Show Accelerated Growth
Continued Margin Expansion and High Free Cash Flow Conversion
For the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Total revenue grew 17% or 13% in constant currency
Digital revenue grew 23% or 20% in constant currency
Net income was $117 million versus net loss of $74 million in the prior-year quarter
Read the complete report here.
Brad Paisley Announces New Tour Kicking Off This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Justin Kaicles
Brad Paisley is heading back out on the road for his Tour 2021, kicking off on June 5. Jimmie Allen and Kameron Marlowe will be special guests on the new tour.
Launching on June 5 in Panama City Beach at the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, the tour’s second stop will be Nashville’s 4th of July celebration, Let Freedom Sing!, which is slated to be Music City’s first major event of the year. Paisley will also visit Dallas, Tampa, St. Louis, Phoenix and more during the 30-date run.
Fans can purchase tickets for all dates now at bradpaisley.com. A portion of all ticket sales will go to The Store – the nonprofit free-referral based grocery store co-founded by Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The Store opened for in-store clients on March 12, 2020, following the March 3 tornado that devastated parts of Nashville and was open for only four days when the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread. The Store’s weekly deliveries are currently capped at 450 households and curbside pickup is at 200 per week, six times the initial projection, which equals to over 1.3 million meals distributed.
Paisley recently partnered with Vanderbilt Health in a national PSA to encourage fans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “It’s been a real difficult year, a nightmare for anyone who makes their living with a group of people. I feel very passionate about the chance we have for normalcy right now with the vaccine—there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I have a band and crew just waiting to get back out on the road. The more of us that Take the Shot the safer it will be for all of us to gather,” he says.
Paisley’s Tour 2021 Dates:
June 5 Panama City Beach, FL Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
*July 4 Nashville, TN Let Freedom Sing! Music City – Downtown
July 8 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
July 9 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 10 West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
**July 17 Hinkley, MN Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater
July 22 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
July 23 Tuscaloosa, AL Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
July 24 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
July 30 St Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
July 31 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center
***August 9 Canton, OH Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
August 14 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
August 15 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
*August 21 Lima, OH Allen County Fair
August 22 Cincinnati, OH The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park
August 27 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
August 28 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
August 29 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
September 10 Chicago, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
September 11 Clarkson, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
**September 23 Doswell, VA After Hours at The Meadow Event Park
***September 24 West Springfield, MA Court of Honor Stage
****September 26 Bloomsburg, PA Bloomsburg Fair
September 30 Sacramento, CA Toyota Amphitheatre
October 1 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
October 2 Chula Vista, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
October 7 Albuquerque, NM ISLETA Amphitheatre
October 8 Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion
October 9 Irvine, CA FivePoint Amphitheatre
*Festival – includes Paisley and multiple artists
** Paisley only
***Co-headline with Lynyrd Skynyrd
****Jordan Davis only
Nicolle Galyon Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellNicolle Galyon moves up six spots to No. 6 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. She is a co-writer on Dierks Bentley’s “Gone,” Blake Shelton’s “Minimum Wage,” and Kelsea Ballerini’s “Half Of My Hometown.”
Taylor Swift remains at No. 1 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with her “Love Story,” “You All Over Me,” “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” “Forever & Always,” “Fearless,” and “You Belong With Me” charting on the country charts. Jesse Frasure stays at No. 2 this week, and Josh Osborne moves up one spot to No. 3.
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.