Ross Copperman. Photo: Kelly Taylor
BMI has honored many of country music’s top songwriters and publishers as part of its 68th annual BMI Country Awards.
“The BMI Country Awards are always the pinnacle of our year, and we look forward to this time when we are able to applaud our creators,” says Clay Bradley, VP, Creative Nashville. “To celebrate the most successful songs in our genre, our songwriters, publishers, and our community is a huge honor. This year has been a challenge for all of Music City, but this community has adapted beautifully and supported one another so unfailingly. Though this ceremony may look different, BMI is as proud as ever to once again honor the most performed songs of the year.”
Ross Copperman was named Songwriter of the Year for the fourth time. He co-penned six of the year’s top songs, including Brett Young’s “Catch,” Dierks Bentley’s “Living,” Eli Young Band’s “Love Ain’t,” and more.
“Songwriter of the Year is the pinnacle for me,” Copperman told MusicRow. “I’ve been with BMI since I was 13. I signed up on their website back then. I was fascinated by the music business as a kid. Now, to get this four times, is such an honor. The first thing I always tell young artists is to sign up with a PRO. And the very first place I went when I got to Nashville was BMI’s office to meet with everyone. They sent me to Key West Songwriters Festival and I met Heather Morgan there [who co-wrote Brett Eldredge’s signature hits “Beat of the Music” and “Lose My Mind” with Copperman. “BMI got me going in this whole business,” he said.
Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston added, “Ross’s talent and intuition are only outmatched by his work ethic and determination – he not only sets the bar, but continually raises it. We congratulate him on this magnificent Songwriter of the Year achievement at BMI’s 2020 Country awards and are proud to call him part of our Sony/ATV family.”
Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses,” co-written by BMI writer Ben Burgess, was named Song of the Year, marking Burgess’ very first BMI Country Award. “Whiskey Glasses” was certified 3x multi-Platinum by the RIAA and was a multi-week No. 1 on country radio.
“I’m blown away at what has transpired in my career so far,” Burgess told MusicRow. He was surprised with the news on a Zoom call with BMI’s Clay Bradley, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, and more. “They told me I had won Song of the Year, and it was incredible. I feel so blessed and heard and seen. The dream is to be able to communicate with the world and help make it a better place.
“I was trying to think of ideas and I just remember thinking of the play on words with Whiskey Glasses, and I knew I had to write with Kevin Kadish. I was in L.A., and we’ve been writing together for years and he’s so talented. He got the idea right away and just started singing it back to me and it felt right. It might have been a two-day write, I remember we took our time to get it just right.”
Warner Chappell was named Publisher of the Year for the third consecutive year, representing 21 of the previous year’s Top 50 songs, including “Whiskey Glasses,” “The Bones,” “God’s Country,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “10,000 Hours” and more.
BMI also celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. This year’s group of honorees includes 20 first-time BMI Country award recipients, who have amassed over 19 million song performances collectively. Among the songs honored are “Heartache Medication,” ”Look What God Gave Her,” ”More Hearts Than Mine,” “Old Town Road (Remix),” and “Tip of My Tongue.” Additional award winners include Ed Sheeran, Ingrid Andress, Randy Montana, Kane Brown, and more.
A full list of winners is available at bmi.com.
BMI Honors Dolly Parton With “Songteller To Songteller” Video Series
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI celebrated its annual Country Awards by honoring one of its most prolific writers, BMI Icon Dolly Parton, with a series of videos featuring seven BMI award-winning writers, each discussing the impact Parton’s art and songwriting have had on them.
Parton’s songs have earned more than 22 million performances and she has earned 36 BMI songwriting awards. Parton recently teamed with acclaimed author and journalist Robert K. Oermann for her upcoming book, Songteller:My Life In Lyrics, which releases Nov. 17.
In the video series, Parton discusses the craft of songwriting and is lauded by artists and songwriters including Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Brandi Carlile, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Thomas Rhett, and Carrie Underwood.
BMI announced this year’s Country Awards winners earlier today, including Ross Copperman as Songwriter of the Year, and “Whiskey Glasses” (co-written by BMI writer Ben Burgess) as Song of the Year.
See the video tributes below:
Ashley McBryde:
Brandi Carlile:
Carrie Underwood:
Kane Brown:
Luke Bryan:
Scotty McCreery:
Thomas Rhett:
Luke Combs Skyrockets To Top Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs leaps 17 slots to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with 11 songs from his What You See Ain’t Always What You Get Deluxe Edition release fueling his ascent. The deluxe edition set the new weekly streaming record last week for a country album with 102.26 million on-demand streams, breaking his’ own record, which he set last November when he released What You See Is What You Get.
Combs’ co-writers also make gains this week, with Randy Montana at No. 4 with Combs’ “Better Together” and “Cold as You,” as well as Parker McCollum’s “Pretty Heart” and Justin Moore’s “We Didn’t Have Much.” Dan Isbell jumps from No. 77 to No. 11 as a co-writer on Combs “Without You,” “1, 2 Many,” “Moon Over Mexico,” “My Kinda Folk,” and “Better Together.”
HARDY is at No. 2 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, after a seven-week reign at No. 1.
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.
FlyteVu Partners With AB Bernstein to Launch Agency Philanthropic Donor Fund
/by Lorie HollabaughFlyteVu employees will now have the ability to apply for funds, including on behalf of clients and partners, to support nonprofit organizations throughout the year. FlyteVu has committed to an initial investment of $250,000 in 2020 to start the fund, and all donations will support causes aligned with FlyteVu’s values including music, health and family.
Over the past five years, and including the Fund’s initial investment, FlyteVu has donated more than $750,000 to a wide range of certified nonprofits chosen by employees, including Musicians On Call, Youth Villages, Porter’s Call, Ronald McDonald House of Charities Nashville, Safe Haven Family Shelter, Thistle Farms, and many others, as part of the agency’s ongoing ‘FlyteVu Gives Back’ program. This new fund comes as part of the FlyteVu’s continued growth and commitment to the community.
The agency stated, “At FlyteVu, we believe we can only move forward by giving back. Now more than ever, our community and our nation needs companies and leaders who challenge our culture’s definition of success, not by earnings but by lives changed from radical generosity. Rising tides lift all ships and our deepest hope is that God will use this Fund to shine hope, light, and love to those who need it most.”
“As a philanthropic organization ourselves that is investing heavily into Nashville, we are excited to be working with FlyteVu to support their mission. For over 50 years, AB has been dedicated to helping clients align their values with their investments and it is the innovative businesses like FlyteVu that are dedicating resources to impact investing and philanthropy that will create a better future for generations to come,” said Adam Sansiveri, Managing Director of Bernstein’s Private Wealth Group in Nashville.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Holds Top Sales Spots, Cam Makes Top Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs, Cam
Luke Combs has the top two albums this week on the country albums chart, with What You See Is What You Get at No 1 with 52K in total consumption, according to Nielsen. Meanwhile, Combs’ This One’s For You is at No. 2 with 18K. Morgan Wallen‘s If I Know Me is at No. 3 with 15K, followed by Carrie Underwood‘s My Gift at No. 4 with 15K. Kane Brown‘s Mixtape Vol. 1 is at No. 5 with 11K.
This week’s top debut is Cam‘s The Otherside, which enters at No. 19 on the country albums chart, with 6.2K.
The BIG 98 Adds Brooke Taylor As Midday Host
/by Jessica NicholsonBrooke Taylor
On-air personality Brooke Taylor has been added as midday host at iHeartCountry Nashville station The BIG 98, broadcasting from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., effective immediately.
Taylor’s previous career stops include serving as assistant program director and host for the former BIG 95.5, serving as midday host and assistant program director for Fort Wayne, Indiana’s WBTU, and an on-air personality for Radio Disney.
Taylor will continue to host the night show for iHeartMedia Denver’s 106.7 The Bull and broadcast on several iHeartCountry stations across the country.
“When I set out to work in country music, one of the first things I prayed for was to be in Nashville one day, and the fact that this is becoming a reality is honestly a dream come true,” said Taylor. “I can’t wait to join an already incredible team at The BIG 98 and to represent the iHeartCountry brand.”
“Brooke is the perfect addition to the WSIX franchise,” said Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President/Country Programming Strategy for iHeartCountry. “She has always been very active on the iHeartCountry team as well, which made this the perfect next step and location for her and for our country brands.”
Luke Dick Extends Publishing Deal With Little Louder Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Little Louder Music’s Offensive Coordinator Arturo Buenahora, Luke Dick, Little Louder Music Supervisor of Morale Jefferson Brown
Luke Dick has extended his publishing deal with Nashville-based Little Louder Music.
The singer/songwriter was originally signed to the publishing house in 2014, and the extension continues his relationship with President Arturo Buenahora, who has been a champion of his for nearly a decade.
“Luke has accomplished so much in the last few years and we are all very excited to keep sharing the sunshine with him,” said Buenahora. “Whether writing for Hey Steve or for others, making music or movies, Luke brings a curious intelligence to every project.”
“Arturo is one of the first people who really got behind my music” said Luke. “He welcomed me when I was new in town and we share the same vision for my work. It is awesome that we can continue this crazy journey this together.”
Luke is a musician, songwriter, filmmaker and artist who is currently nominated for a CMA Award for Song of the Year for Miranda Lambert’s “Bluebird,” and has also penned songs for The Highwomen, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Kip Moore, The Cadillac Three, Eli Young Band and more. His next project, Music From The Documentary Red Dog, will be released on Dec. 4 via UMG/INgrooves. The film originally premiered at SXSW and follows Luke’s journey to learn more about the Red Dog topless bar where his mother Kim worked while raising him. It features interviews and stories with former dancers, employees and patrons of the Red Dog, and he wrote, performed and curated the songs that appear in the film featuring some of his superstar friends.
Lee Brice, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard Test Positive For COVID-19, Cancel CMA Awards Appearances
/by Jessica NicholsonTyler Hubbard, Lee Brice.
With just days leading up to the 54th annual Country Music Association Awards, two performers have canceled their appearances on the show, due to positive COVID-19 tests.
Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard revealed Monday (Nov. 9) that he tested positive for COVID, and is quarantining on his tour bus outside of his home.
“Some of y’all guessed it,” Hubbard wrote on Instagram. “Got the Rona. Asymptomatic. Quarantining on bus. Miss my family. Writing songs. Thankful.”
On Sunday (Nov. 8), Lee Brice‘s team also announced Brice will not take part in the awards show due to a positive COVID test. According to the Associated Press, Brice says that he is “in good spirits and not experiencing any symptoms.”
This year’s CMA Awards are set to welcome artists “safely…all in one room,” according to an earlier release from the Country Music Association, though without an in-house audience.
Brice had been slated to perform his chart-topping duet with Carly Pearce, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” on the CMA Awards show. On Monday morning, the CMA announced Lady A’s Charles Kelley will be stepping in for Brice. “I Hope You’re Happy Now” is nominated for Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
The CMA released the following statement, noting that “our process enabled us to manage each situation immediately and before either artist ever entered our set. Most importantly, it prevented anyone else from being exposed.” See the full statement below:
Ross Copperman, “Whiskey Glasses,” Warner Chappell Lead BMI Country Awards Winners
/by Jessica NicholsonRoss Copperman. Photo: Kelly Taylor
BMI has honored many of country music’s top songwriters and publishers as part of its 68th annual BMI Country Awards.
“The BMI Country Awards are always the pinnacle of our year, and we look forward to this time when we are able to applaud our creators,” says Clay Bradley, VP, Creative Nashville. “To celebrate the most successful songs in our genre, our songwriters, publishers, and our community is a huge honor. This year has been a challenge for all of Music City, but this community has adapted beautifully and supported one another so unfailingly. Though this ceremony may look different, BMI is as proud as ever to once again honor the most performed songs of the year.”
Ross Copperman was named Songwriter of the Year for the fourth time. He co-penned six of the year’s top songs, including Brett Young’s “Catch,” Dierks Bentley’s “Living,” Eli Young Band’s “Love Ain’t,” and more.
“Songwriter of the Year is the pinnacle for me,” Copperman told MusicRow. “I’ve been with BMI since I was 13. I signed up on their website back then. I was fascinated by the music business as a kid. Now, to get this four times, is such an honor. The first thing I always tell young artists is to sign up with a PRO. And the very first place I went when I got to Nashville was BMI’s office to meet with everyone. They sent me to Key West Songwriters Festival and I met Heather Morgan there [who co-wrote Brett Eldredge’s signature hits “Beat of the Music” and “Lose My Mind” with Copperman. “BMI got me going in this whole business,” he said.
Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston added, “Ross’s talent and intuition are only outmatched by his work ethic and determination – he not only sets the bar, but continually raises it. We congratulate him on this magnificent Songwriter of the Year achievement at BMI’s 2020 Country awards and are proud to call him part of our Sony/ATV family.”
Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses,” co-written by BMI writer Ben Burgess, was named Song of the Year, marking Burgess’ very first BMI Country Award. “Whiskey Glasses” was certified 3x multi-Platinum by the RIAA and was a multi-week No. 1 on country radio.
“I’m blown away at what has transpired in my career so far,” Burgess told MusicRow. He was surprised with the news on a Zoom call with BMI’s Clay Bradley, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, and more. “They told me I had won Song of the Year, and it was incredible. I feel so blessed and heard and seen. The dream is to be able to communicate with the world and help make it a better place.
“I was trying to think of ideas and I just remember thinking of the play on words with Whiskey Glasses, and I knew I had to write with Kevin Kadish. I was in L.A., and we’ve been writing together for years and he’s so talented. He got the idea right away and just started singing it back to me and it felt right. It might have been a two-day write, I remember we took our time to get it just right.”
Warner Chappell was named Publisher of the Year for the third consecutive year, representing 21 of the previous year’s Top 50 songs, including “Whiskey Glasses,” “The Bones,” “God’s Country,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “10,000 Hours” and more.
BMI also celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year. This year’s group of honorees includes 20 first-time BMI Country award recipients, who have amassed over 19 million song performances collectively. Among the songs honored are “Heartache Medication,” ”Look What God Gave Her,” ”More Hearts Than Mine,” “Old Town Road (Remix),” and “Tip of My Tongue.” Additional award winners include Ed Sheeran, Ingrid Andress, Randy Montana, Kane Brown, and more.
A full list of winners is available at bmi.com.
Will Robinson Joins Quartz Hill Records As Director Of Regional Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughWill Robinson. Photo: Courtesy Quartz Hill
Will Robinson has been named Director of Regional Promotion at Quartz Hill Records, effective immediately. The move reunites Robinson with Quartz Hill Records VP/Promotion & Marketing April Rider, who Robinson worked with at RPM Entertainment as Director of Promotion, Midwest/Southwest.
Robinson most recently served as the Director of Promotion, Northeast/Southeast for 19th & Grand Records securing airplay for Zac Brown Band, Tenille Arts, LOCASH, David Lee Murphy and more. His additional label promotion roles include stops at Nine North and IRS Records. He also has an extensive radio career that includes serving as the Music Director Midday Personality for WFRE (Frederick, MD), the Program Director for WCAT and WCPP (Harrisburg, PA), the Creative Director for WNEW (New York, NY) and as the Assistant Program Director and Creative Director for WRBQ and WQYK (Tampa, FL).
“Our team is absolutely thrilled to have Will join our Quartz Hill family,” said Rider. “I’ve worked closely with Will in the past and couldn’t be more excited to be working side by side with him again as we work to launch our flagship artist Nate Barnes.”
“I’m so excited to be working with this legendary team,” said Robinson. “Benny, April and the rest of the team have so much great history. I’m looking forward to us making more!”
Last month Quartz Hill announced its first round of key hires, reuniting many former staffers with Benny Brown, whose legacy includes breaking multi-platinum superstar Jason Aldean and growing his former company BBR Music Group into one of the largest independent country label groups in the U.S. prior to its sale in 2017. The label is continuing to round out its staff, and additional team members will be announced shortly.
Robinson’s position is effective immediately. He can be reached at will@quartzhillrecords.com.
Warner Chappell Extends Pub Deal With Logan Wall
/by Jessica NicholsonLogan Wall. Photo: Alex Ferrari
Producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Logan Wall has extended his global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Wall co-wrote Brantley Gilbert’s current single “Hard Days,” as well as Logan Mize’s “Grew Apart,” which has earned more than 9 million global streams following features on Spotify’s Hot Country, New Boots, U.S. Viral 50 and Apple Music’s Today’s Country.
Wall is currently producing the upcoming album from Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Tom Douglas, and has cuts with artists including Larry Fleet, Augustana, and Donovan Woods, working in multiple formats including country, indie-alternative, Americana, and contemporary Christian.
In 2019, Wall launched the Skinny Studio in the heart of Downtown Nashville to serve as a creative haven for players, poets, and artists looking for a place to write their stories. Wall is managed by Michelle Szeto at Paquin Entertainment.