The Oak Ridge Boys. Photo: Brandon Wood / Indie Bling Studio
The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their signature, Grammy-winning song “Elvira,” originally released in 1981.
The country classic was written in 1966 by Dallas Frazier, and the group recorded it for MCA Records as part of their album, Fancy Free. The song went on to reach No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Elvira” has continued to be a universal favorite that has been played in over 100 countries, added to over 109 editorial playlists, and has reached five million plays on Apple Music.
“The first time we performed ‘Elvira’ in front of an audience was at an afternoon rehearsal for The Tonight Show. We were not set to perform it on the show that night, but we had just recorded it and decided to sing it for a soundcheck,” shares Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen. “By the time we got halfway through the song, the producer, assistants, secretaries, sound and light crew, and all of the people who could hear us, came running over and freaking out. The Tonight Show gave us the first ‘reading’ of how ‘Elvira’ was going to be received.”
The Oak Ridge Boys have recorded and performed “Elvira” with several artists including Little Big Town at the Grand Ole Opry’s 90th Birthday Bash as well as recording an a cappella version with Home Free. In 2017, The Oaks teamed up with Blake Shelton, joining him on a live-in-the-studio version for an exclusive Spotify recording. In 2018, in collaboration with the Tennessee Titans, The Oaks recorded a variation of “Elvira” (entitled ‘Titans Code of Conduct’) and filmed a corresponding music video that was showcased at all Titans home games.
“It’s been said that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to fully appreciate or understand the magnitude of something as it’s happening,” says the Oaks’ Richard Sterban. “While that might be true in some circumstances, I can honestly say that I—and we—could not have been any more aware of what was happening to us, as we rode the crest of the ‘Elvira’ wave.”
“When the Oaks first cut ‘Elvira’, the phenomenal success it created for them blessed my quest for success as well,” added songwriter Dallas Frazier. “Every songwriter dreams of getting cuts like that one. They did an extraordinary job!! These guys sound just as good as they did 40 years ago. There is no doubt that standing ovations are going to follow them as long as they perform. God bless the Oaks! I’m proud that they count me as one of their friends.”
The Oak Ridge Boys Celebrate 40 Years Of ‘Elvira’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Oak Ridge Boys. Photo: Brandon Wood / Indie Bling Studio
The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their signature, Grammy-winning song “Elvira,” originally released in 1981.
The country classic was written in 1966 by Dallas Frazier, and the group recorded it for MCA Records as part of their album, Fancy Free. The song went on to reach No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Elvira” has continued to be a universal favorite that has been played in over 100 countries, added to over 109 editorial playlists, and has reached five million plays on Apple Music.
“The first time we performed ‘Elvira’ in front of an audience was at an afternoon rehearsal for The Tonight Show. We were not set to perform it on the show that night, but we had just recorded it and decided to sing it for a soundcheck,” shares Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen. “By the time we got halfway through the song, the producer, assistants, secretaries, sound and light crew, and all of the people who could hear us, came running over and freaking out. The Tonight Show gave us the first ‘reading’ of how ‘Elvira’ was going to be received.”
The Oak Ridge Boys have recorded and performed “Elvira” with several artists including Little Big Town at the Grand Ole Opry’s 90th Birthday Bash as well as recording an a cappella version with Home Free. In 2017, The Oaks teamed up with Blake Shelton, joining him on a live-in-the-studio version for an exclusive Spotify recording. In 2018, in collaboration with the Tennessee Titans, The Oaks recorded a variation of “Elvira” (entitled ‘Titans Code of Conduct’) and filmed a corresponding music video that was showcased at all Titans home games.
“It’s been said that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to fully appreciate or understand the magnitude of something as it’s happening,” says the Oaks’ Richard Sterban. “While that might be true in some circumstances, I can honestly say that I—and we—could not have been any more aware of what was happening to us, as we rode the crest of the ‘Elvira’ wave.”
“When the Oaks first cut ‘Elvira’, the phenomenal success it created for them blessed my quest for success as well,” added songwriter Dallas Frazier. “Every songwriter dreams of getting cuts like that one. They did an extraordinary job!! These guys sound just as good as they did 40 years ago. There is no doubt that standing ovations are going to follow them as long as they perform. God bless the Oaks! I’m proud that they count me as one of their friends.”
‘CRS 2021 Research Presentation: A Closer Look’ Slated For March CRS360 Web Series
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Radio Broadcasters is offering a deep dive into some of the research presented during CRS 2021 in its March CRS360 Webinar series, “CRS 2021 Research Presentation: A Closer Look,” on Wednesday, March 24 at 1 p.m. CT. Big Machine Records GM Clay Hunnicutt, who also chairs the CRB Research Committee, will moderate the episode of CRS360.
The Annual CRS Research Project was conducted by NuVoodoo and presented by the company’s Carolyn Gilbert and Leigh Jacobs during last month’s CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. The project focused on how country listening habits may have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what the “new normal” for the country industry means. The full video presentation, plus all materials that accompanied it, are available to all CRS 2021 attendees at the On-Demand page of crsvirtual2021.com.
“Carolyn, Leigh, and the team at NuVoodoo have delivered a comprehensive look at the status of country listening habits, a project which included a massive sample size of more than 3,000 respondents,” said CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis. “There is a ton of useful, actionable data here which warrants another, deeper look. CRB appreciates the work NuVoodoo has done, and their willingness to provide more analysis for radio.”
Those wanting to attend the March edition of the CRS360 webinar series can sign up here. Only a limited number of slots are available and are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Upcoming CRS360 webinars will continue to offer more recaps and deeper analysis of sessions from CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience, including Talk Data To Me, Talent Loving Coaching, Reinventing Yourself, and others to be announced soon. Past CRS360 webinars are also available for playback at countryradioseminar.com/crs360
Nashville Music Equality To Host Panel On Equity In Journalism
/by LB CantrellNashville Music Equality (NME) will host “On the Record: The Experiences of Black Journalists and the Responsibilities of White Journalists in Nashville” on March 30.
The panel discussion will be hosted by NME board members Gina Miller and Beverly Keel as they talk with thought-provoking and powerful journalists in Nashville.
Panelists will include entertainment reporter for the Nashville Business Journal, Marq Burnett; staff writer for CMT.com, Marcus Dowling; host of Apple Music Country’s PROUD Radio, Hunter Kelly; independent country music journalist, Marissa Moss; independent culture, music and sports journalist, Andrea Williams; and sports and entertainment editor of the Tennessee Tribune, Ron Wynn. More panelists are expected to be added.
The panel is sponsored by mtheory, CMT, Quinton Digital and the ACM. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. CST on March 30. Register to attend here.
NME has also made their ‘The Black Country Music Association: Who, When, How, & Why’ panel available to view on YouTube. This conversation featured Frankie Staton, Dr. Cleve Francis, and Valierie Ellis Hawkins discussing Nashville and the country music industry through their eyes.
Drake White’s ‘Wednesday Night Therapy’ Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughWhite was one of the first artists to launch a streaming live show as the gravity of the pandemic became apparent, kicking off the hour-long shows on March 18, 2020. Kip Moore, Colbie Caillat, Frankie Ballard, Dillon Carmichael, Ryan Berg of The Voice, and Hannah Dasher are among the many artists who have joined White at his Whitewood Hollow barn in Nashville for a “Wednesday Night Therapy” session.
Colbie Caillat and Drake White
Drake White and Hannah Dasher
Frankie Ballard and Drake White
Samantha Borenstein Launches Management Firm
/by Steven BoeroPictured: Samantha Borenstein. Photo: Chelsea Thompson.
Music executive Samantha Borenstein announced today (March 17) the launch of her new venture Sam I Am Entertainment, a Nashville-based management firm.
The company’s expanding roster already includes Easton Corbin, Harper Grae and Styles Haury.
An Arizona State graduate, Borenstein spent years in the music industry helping many artists find success. From nurturing the nascent career of Jordin Sparks after American Idol, to being a part of the meteoric rise of six-time Grammy award winner Kacey Musgraves.
“I am really excited to have created my own company where I can work with acts that I am super passionate about,” says Borenstein. “I’m ready to help nurture and navigate their careers alongside my artists from the ground up.”
In 2012, she accepted a position at Stoney Creek Records as Director of West Coast Regional Promotions, getting radio play for artists like Thompson Square, Randy Houser, Lindsay Ell, and Parmalee. In 2014, she was recruited by Columbia Records and Sony Music Nashville where she helped secure numerous No. 1 records for the label with acts like Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, and more. In 2017 she joined Sandbox Entertainment as day-to-day manager for Musgraves.
While working with Musgraves, Borenstein managed brand partnerships, label and publicity interactions, overall tour planning and execution, among many other additional tasks. She served as a producer for her Amazon-backed Christmas special. She was recognized by industry peers for being part of Musgraves’ massive success and was awarded a Nashville Business Journal 2019 Women in Music City Award for her efforts.
Borenstein can be reached at sam@samiamentertainment.com.
The Cadillac Three And #SaveOurStages Release ‘Long After Last Call’ Music Video
/by Steven BoeroPictured: The Cadillac Three. Photo: Dylan Rucker
In partnership with #SaveOurStages, The Cadillac Three has released their new video for “Long After Last Call,” sending out a startling reminder of the empty independent venues across the globe.
The Nashville-based band released two records in 2020, including Country Fuzz and Tabasco & Sweet Tea. They also live-streamed concerts through Country Fuzz Presents, in an effort to support local venues through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The music video, filmed in Sturgis, South Dakota before the pandemic surged across the world, features TC3 frontman Jaren Johnston strumming through “Long After Last Call” as director/producer Dylan Rucker captures the intimate scene that was later expected to be edited with additional footage. But as dates were postponed and then cancelled, TC3 found themselves moving into new creative spaces and adjusting to life off the road.
“We shot Jaren’s performance in September 2019 with the intention of adding in more context once we got back to Nashville at the end of our tour. Kelby [Ray] and I were going to be the bartenders closing down the bar while Jaren played in the empty room at the end of the night, but then the holidays happened, we started the Country Fuzz Tour and COVID hit,” says drummer Neil Mason. “We uncovered what we had recently and really loved how it felt, taking us right back to being on tour, but now, seeming to have foreshadowed all the empty venues around the world currently. Without independent clubs like these, The Cadillac Three wouldn’t exist. If you can, we hope you’ll help us support them too through the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund.”
This week, the ACM nominated band is highlighting Nashville’s Exit/In, renting out their marquee to coincide with the release of “Long After Last Call.” The beloved institution recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, opening in 1971 and becoming an integral part of independent venues around Music City. As the pandemic and the impending building sale have the doors closed, owner Chris Cobb and his wife Telisha hope of opening once again.
Photo: Courtesy of Zach Nieszczur | Exit/In C
In Pictures: CMA Kicks Off Week-Long Music Industry Donation Drive
/by Steven BoeroPictured (L-R): Musically Fed Founder and Director Maria Brunner, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Frankie Ballard. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
The Country Music Association is hosting a week-long donation drive through March 19 to benefit Musically Fed, a nonprofit supporting music industry personnel affected by the pandemic.
Donations are being accepted from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. at 35 Music Square East CMA’s Music Row office.
The drive is part of CMA’s ongoing Music Industry Covid Support (MICS) initiative and follows several previously announced nonprofit investments funded through a $3 million long-term COVID-19 commitment that began in early 2020. Additional nonprofit investments through the MICS initiative include Music Health Alliance, MusiCares, Notes for Notes, Porter’s Call, The Store and Touring Professionals Alliance Kitchen.
On day one of the drive, CMA filled four road cases with donated goods while country artist Frankie Ballard delivered supplies to support CMA and Musically Fed’s efforts.
People can drop off donated items or can purchase from Musically Fed’s Amazon Wishlist through March 19 to arrive at CMA before the drive ends. Select “Country Music Association, c/o FOOD DRIVE’s Gift registry” as the shipping address. Items needed are toiletries (toothpaste, laundry detergent, dish and hand soaps, body wash, shaving cream, toilet paper and paper towels) and food (dried pasta and sauce, oatmeal, cereal, canned fish/meat/fruits/vegetables, soup, crackers, rice, quinoa, dry beans, peanut butter and nuts).
Musically Fed has and will continue to host drive-thru events where cars will be able to receive food supplies. The next drive-thru in Nashville is set to be held on March 27. Individuals in the live entertainment/music industry wishing to register should contact info@musicallyfed.org or call 480-951-1882.
Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Pictured: Frankie Ballard. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
SoundExchange Unveils Upgraded Data Exchange System For Labels And Publishers
/by Lorie HollabaughSoundExchange has upgraded its data exchange system for record labels and music publishers.
Called the Common Works Registration Pre-Fill, the new feature improves the compatibility of data that flows through SoundExchange’s Music Data Exchange application, a centralized system that facilitates the exchange of sound recording and publishing data before recordings are released in the market.
The feature integrates CWR data into the MDX workflow, simplifying the data submission process for publishers. Publishers will now be able to make claims in MDX using pre-populated data from their CWR files. For previously submitted CWR files, publishers will be able to respond to requests for data in less than a minute, and publishers submitting new CWR files will be able to respond within 24 hours of submission.
The upgrade will create greater efficiencies in the data exchange between labels and publishers and is part of a multi-year effort to continue leveraging the use of data to streamline systems and increase transparency across the music industry.
“The integration of CWR submissions represents an important step in the evolution of MDX,” says SoundExchange Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Anjula Singh. “By empowering labels and publishers to share data with greater ease and efficiency, we are laying the groundwork for improved data and transparency, not only within MDX but also within the larger music industry.”
To access the new feature, users must have a registered account with MDX and a CWR feed set up within the system. Non-MDX users can request an MDX account for free, while existing users who are not yet submitting CWRs through MDX can contact info@musicdataexchange.com to set up their feed. Users who are already submitting CWRs through MDX can start taking advantage of the feature right away.
Clint Black Launches Coffee Line
/by Steven BoeroClint Black
Grand Ole Opry member Clint Black has launched a new coffee line, Clint Black Cowboy Coffee.
The inspiration behind Clint Black Cowboy Coffee came from many of Black’s cattle drives and recording sessions that have been been fueled by coffee. It is a dark roast ground coffee, roasted in Texas.
“It all started as a great gift idea for friends and family at Christmas time,” says Black. “As the reaction turned from ‘thanks!’ to ‘where can I get more?’ I decided it was time to share it with the world.”
Black’s 30+ year career as a singer-songwriter includes 22 No. 1 singles and 31 Top 10 hits, as well as dozens of awards and nominations, including a Grammy and a star on both the Music City and Hollywood Walk Of Fame. His latest single, “Till The End Of Time,” is a new duet with his wife Lisa Hartman Black. The two will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in 2021.
Clint Black Cowboy Coffee is available at clintblackcoffee.com.
Blake Shelton Celebrates ‘Austin’s’ 20th Anniversary With Special Vinyl Reissue
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the heartwarming ballad that first took him to the top of the country charts, “Austin.”
To commemorate the momentous occasion, Shelton is launching the pre-order for a special, limited edition “Austin” vinyl on April 16—the exact date of the single’s release twenty years ago. Just like the original single, the vinyl will also feature B-side track “Problems At Home.”
“I remember the first time I heard ‘Austin’ on the radio,” Shelton said. “I was driving on 440, and I kept looking to both sides trying to see if other drivers were singing along! At that time, the station had a slogan about how they played new artists and legends, and the DJ said something like, ‘Who knows… maybe this artist will become one of the legends.’ This song started it all for me. I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate its 20th anniversary.”
The Oklahoma-born star has enjoyed plenty of success over the past two decades since “Austin”‘s release, with more than five billion on-demand streams, 28 No. 1 singles, and award wins nearing the hundreds. Shelton is still releasing chart-topping music, as his new single “Minimum Wage” is already approaching the Top 20 in just eight weeks. He’s earned widespread recognition as a seven-time champion coach for the Emmy award-winning TV show The Voice. The NBC singing competition is now in its 20th season.