Dennis Locorriere, the lead singer of the rock band Dr. Hook, has died at age 76.
He was the vocalist on a decade-long string of 1970s pop hits for the group, including “Sylvia’s Mother,” “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” “Sexy Eyes” and “Sharing the Night Together.” Locorriere was also a Nashville ad-jingle vocalist, a record promoter, a respected songwriter, a popular Nashville nightclub headliner and a solo recording artist.
The group was formed in 1968 as Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, a rowdy, New Jersey bar band. Locorriere was the lead singer, but Ray Sawyer (1937-2018) became its visual focus, wearing his trademark eye patch and leading the on-stage shenanigans.
Ron Haffkine (1938-2023) discovered the act and became its manager, producer and what he self-billed as its “musical director.” He arranged for the group to perform music for and appear in the 1970 Dustin Hoffman film Who Is Harry Kellerman. In 1971, Dr, Hook & The Medicine Show auditioned live in the Columbia Records office in New York, with Locorriere leading the band and Sawyer dancing on label chief Clive Davis’ desk.
Columbia issued the group’s debut LP in 1972. Shel Silverstein (1930-1999), another Haffkine management client, wrote all of the album’s songs, including “Sylvia’s Mother.” Locorriere’s plaintive/wry vocal propelled the song into the pop top-10. Later that year, the LP Sloppy Seconds yielded the Silverstein-penned “The Cover of Rolling Stone.” This was the act’s only big hit sung by Sawyer. It led to a Rolling Stone magazine cover story in 1973.
The band toured relentlessly, doing 300+ shows a year. But its carefree attitude about finances led a bankruptcy filing in 1974. The group shortened its name to Dr. Hook in 1975, signed with Capitol Records and issued the LP Bankrupt. It contained Locorriere’s Gold-selling revival of the Sam Cookie oldie “Only Sixteen,” which returned the band to the pop top-10 and became its first country-charting single. The singer also scored with “A Little Bit More” from this same collection.
Dennis Locorriere wrote/co-wrote the band’s next two successes, “A Couple More Years” and “If Not You” in 1976. The latter became Dr. Hook’s sole top-30 country single. The following year, its revival of the jug-band ditty “Walk Right In” became a No. 1 smash in Australia.
In 1977, Locorriere and the band moved to Nashville, which had long been their recording home. This coincided with its longest string of pop hits. Recorded in a style that would now be termed “yacht rock,” they included “Sharing the Night. Together” (1978), “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” (1979), “Better Love Next Time” (1979) and “Sexy Eyes” (1980). These were written by top Music Row tunesmiths. Locorriere co-wrote “Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk” (1982), the band’s last top-30 pop hit. All of these titles were recorded in Nashville and/or Muscle Shoals.
Although the hits of this era solidified their stardom, neither Locorriere nor Sawyer liked them. They remained Southern-flavored roots rockers at heart. Ray Sawyer quit the group in 1983. Locorriere kept the band going and acquired the Dr. Hook brand.
During its heyday, Dr. Hook released 11 albums and sold an estimated 50 million records. It remains one of the biggest pop/rock acts to hail from Music City.
The group retired in 1985. Locorriere remained active in the Nashville music community. He briefly worked as a country record promoter, sang backup vocals on albums by Randy Travis and others, and worked as a studio ad-jingle singer. His expressive, sandpapery voice warbled the praises of McDonald’s, Coors Light, Long John Silvers, Ruffles Potato Chips and other national products.
He also continued to write. Locorriere’s songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Crystal Gayle, BJ Thomas, Helen Reddy, Willie Nelson, Southside Johnny, Olivia Newton-John and Jerry Lee Lewis. Locorriere released three solo albums, Out of the Dark (2000), One of the Lucky Ones (2005) and Post Cool (2010). He also issued three concert DVDs.
In 1989, he acted in the Lincoln Center production of Silverstein’s play The Devil And Billy Markham, garnering universally positive reviews. Dr. Hook always had a large international following, with hits in Australia, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, the U.K., Holland, Ireland and South Africa. Locorriere toured overseas, performing both newly written songs and Dr. Hook classics. He moved to the U.K. in 2002.
Locorriere repeatedly sued Ray Sawyer for using “Dr. Hook” to promote Sawyer’s bookings. Ron Haffkine was sued by his business partner, Bobby Heller. Legal tangles over song-publishing deals and master recordings further dogged Locorriere. In 2002, The Tennessean’s headline read, “Dr. Hook: Band’s Legacy Shattered.”
The singer persevered. In 2008, Dennis Locorriere toured the United Kingdom as a member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. He assembled a new Dr. Hook band to tour in celebration of the group’s 50th anniversary. In 2021-22 he led the revived Dr. Hook to concerts in Scandinavia and the British Isles. He retired in 2025.
Dennis Locorriere had been battling kidney disease in recent years. He passed away in West Sussex, England on May 16. He is survived by his wife Claire Anne, by son Jessejames Locorriere, an actor, and by daughter, Lily Locorriere. Funeral arrangements are unknown.
Newfoundland & Labrador To Host Country Music’s Biggest Week In Canada In 2027
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CCMA Awards and Country Music Week represent one of Canada’s premiere music industry events, bringing together artists, fans, industry leaders, and media from across the country and beyond while generating tourism, cultural, and economic impact for the host region. The event is supported through partnerships with Destination St. John’s, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, St. John’s Sports & Entertainment Ltd., and the City of St. John’s.
“We’re delighted that the Canadian Country Music Awards are coming to St. John’s in September 2027,” says Honourable Andrea Barbour,Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. “Country music holds a deep cultural connection with the province’s strong traditions of folk and storytelling and continues to play an important role in the province’s cultural identity and live music scene. As such, we’re proud to support such a meaningful event with a contribution of $1.3 million.”
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for the CCMA and for country music fans across Canada,” shares Amy Jeninga, President, Canadian Country Music Association. “Bringing Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards to Newfoundland and Labrador for the very first time is a milestone opportunity. St. John’s offers an extraordinary mix of culture, music, scenery, and hospitality that makes it the perfect setting for this nationally celebrated event. We know artists, delegates, and fans from coast to coast to coast will embrace the energy and spirit of this province.”
“The City of St. John’s is thrilled to welcome Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards to our region for the very first time,” adds Mayor Danny Breen. “This event will bring incredible energy to our city and showcase the music, culture, hospitality, and experiences that make St. John’s so special. We look forward to welcoming visitors, artists, and fans to celebrate with us in 2027.”
Davis Cook Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Twelve6 Entertainment
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Brendan Rich (Rich MGMT), Austen Adams (WCM) and Bryce Sherlow Gravitt (WCM). (L-R, front row): Brooke Pauley (Twelve6), Davis Cook, Travis Myatt (Twelve6). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Davis Cook has signed a global co-publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.
The Jacksonville, Florida native amassed nearly three million streams in 2025 across his catalog. He is set to release his new single, “Light Her Cigarette,” on Friday (May 22).
“So excited to share that I’ll be signing with Twelve6 and Warner Chappell for publishing,” Cook shares. “Travis Myatt and Brooke Pauley were some of the first people I met when I came to Nashville, so it truly feels like a full-circle moment to now be working with them. After connecting with Bryce Gravitt, which led to adding Warner Chappell, I have no doubt that this is exactly where I’m meant to be on the publishing side.”
“I’m pleased to welcome Davis to the Warner Chappell roster in partnership with Twelve6,” adds Bryce Sherlow Gravitt, A&R Manager, WCM Nashville. “Having Rich MGMT on board made this a natural choice given our strong working relationship across other clients. It has been rewarding to watch Davis’s talent grow since we first met, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”
“The moment Brooke Pauley introduced me to Davis, I knew he was special,” adds Travis Myatt, President & General Manager, Twelve6 Entertainment. “There was an undeniable spark there, and when I learned he was building alongside Brendan Rich, I felt even more strongly he was onto something. When I found out he was already in conversation with Bryce Gravitt, it felt like a natural fit, especially given the strong relationship we’ve built with our partners at Warner Chappell Music.”
RESULTS GLOBAL Promotes Three, Adds Three
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, top row): Katherine Birschbach, Cara Fallon and Alex Hendl. (L-R, bottom row): Aden Henke, Cami Cradock, Samantha Parrish
RESULTS GLOBAL has elevated three team members, as well as welcomed three new team members.
“RESULTS GLOBAL has always focused on building a team that brings creativity, passion, and exceptional work to our clients,” RESULTS GLOBAL agency Co-Heads John Zarling and Jackie Campbell share. “As the agency continues to grow, we’re proud to welcome new talent while recognizing the team members who have grown alongside us and helped shape this next chapter.”
Katherine Birschbach has joined as Account Director. Birschbach has more than 12 years of experience in marketing, experiential strategy, and brand management. Before joining RESULTS GLOBAL, she worked at GMR Marketing, focusing on client consulting and strategy and helping develop SOLE Science™, the agency’s experience measurement platform. Earlier in her career, she held artist marketing and project management roles at Big Machine Label Group, supporting artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Brett Young and Rascal Flatts.
Cara Fallon joins as Social Media Manager with more than five years of experience in marketing and social media strategy. She has led content creation, brand strategy and digital marketing efforts across industries including corporate, retail, nonprofit and entertainment. Her background includes social media strategy, campaign development, event marketing and brand communications.
Alex Hendl joins as Marketing and Communications Coordinator. An Ohio native and 2026 marketing graduate, Hendl will support publicity and marketing efforts across the agency’s roster. Hendl brings experience in digital marketing, publicity, programming and promotion through previous roles with the Country Music Association, SiriusXM, Music Corporation of America (MCA), OH Creative and The Oriel Company.
RESULTS GLOBAL has also promoted Aden Henke to Account Manager, Cami Cradock to Marketing Operations Specialist and Samantha Parrish to Digital Marketing Specialist.
On The Row: Brooke Lee Shares Stories From ‘Desert Darling’
/by Lauryn SinkBrooke Lee. Photo: Hannah Van
Brooke Lee stopped by the MusicRow office last week to share a taste of her recently released EP, Desert Darling.
The Charlotte, North Carolina native was first introduced to music through her church. At 13, Lee attended a performance by the local band Blue Monday with her father and was instantly captivated. Inspired by the experience, she began performing at local showcases and open mic nights.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell, Brooke Lee, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.
At 21, Lee moved to Music City and started playing Broadway six nights a week. While balancing her performance schedule with a retail job, she caught the attention of Spirit Music Publishing and signed a publishing deal.
Lee shared a few tracks from the project with the team including “Desert Darling,” “Burn To Black,” “This Roof” and “So Beautiful.”
The six-track project was written alongside Justin Richards, Jon Nite and Aaron Eshuis, among others, and produced by Danielle Blakey. It explores themes of young love, heartbreak and self-discovery.
Lee has amassed more than 6 million career streams and 120 thousand social media followers across platforms. Earlier this year, Lee partnered with Chevrolet to release a modern interpretation of the song “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” for their newest advertising campaign.
Lee is set to perform on the Wrangler Remix Stage during CMA Fest.
Kenny Whitmire Signs With The Neal Agency
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Adi Sharma (Co-Head of The Neal Agency), Ryan Beuschel (General Manager at The Neal Agency), Simone Chretien (Agent at The Neal Agency), Kenny Whitmire (Artist), Evan Kantor (Agent at The Neal Agency), Zac Brooks (Artist Manager at Riverhouse) and Zebb Luster (Executive VP & Artist Manager at Riverhouse). Photo: Michael Stern
Kenny Whitmire has signed with The Neal Agency.
The Georgia native moved to Nashville in 2022 after one semester of college. He is set to release his seven-track debut EP, Fool In A King Size Bed, on June 12 via MCA.
“Kenny is one of those talents that stops you in your tracks, with an incredible ‘old-school’ sound that remains completely authentic to who he is,” shares TNA Agent, Evan Kantor. “We’re all big believers in what he’s doing as an artist and are honored to be a part of his already amazing team. We’re excited to get to work with him and help build the touring side of his career!”
“I’m honored to be working with The Neal Agency and excited to have their passionate group of people representing me,” adds Whitmire.
Throughout the year, Whitmire will support Tracy Lawrence, Billy Currington, Ian Munsick and more on the road.
Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, More Set To Honor Heroes On ‘National Memorial Day Concert’
/by Lorie HollabaughAlan Jackson & Jamey Johnson
Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, and Mickey Guyton are among the artists set to perform on the National Memorial Day Concert airing live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this Sunday (May 24).
Hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, longtime champions of veterans and service members, the annual evening of remembrance will honor 250 years of the courage and sacrifice of our military men and women and their families, and pay tribute to all who have given their lives in service to our nation, with musical salutes and powerful stories of patriots who have defended our nation since 1776.
The inspiring night will feature performances by Guyton, Johnson, (who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve), and Jackson from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Laura Osnes, Andy Grammer, Mary McCormack, Blessing Offor, and Jack Everly. Other segments will feature Noah Wyle, Jonathan Banks, and Melissa Leo.
The 37th annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day Concert airs live on May 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. C.T on PBS, and is seen by service members around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming here and on YouTube, as well as available as Video on Demand May 24-June 7.
Charles Wesley Godwin To Launch ‘The Christian Name Tour’ In July
/by Lorie HollabaughCharles Wesley Godwin. Photo: David McClister
Charles Wesley Godwin will kick off “The Christian Name Tour” this summer in support of his upcoming new album Christian Name, due out July 24.
The new tour will kick off July 11 in Fargo, North Dakota and include stops in San Diego, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Chicago, and many more running through mid-November. In addition to his own headline shows, Godwin will also be doing a co-headline run with Dylan Gossett this summer, and will open for Kacey Musgraves on her “Middle of Nowhere Tour” this fall.
Christian Name is a personal collection of new songs for Godwin, and includes a pair of collaborations: “Better That Way” with Luke Combs and “Hey There, Son” featuring Wyatt Flores, along with songs penned by Stephen Wilson Jr., Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Aaron Ratiere, Travis Meadows, Scooter Carusoe, and Tom Douglas.
Stella Lefty Named SiriusXM’s Next Highway Find
/by Lorie HollabaughStella Lefty. Photo: Cris Slater & Geoff Mau
Stella Lefty has been named the latest “Highway Find” for SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56).
SiriusXM’s Highway Mornings with Cody Alan broke the news to her during the ACMS at their SiriusXM studio at Wynn Las Vegas. She joins “Highway Find” alums Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, and many more.
Stella released her new EP Is This Heaven?’ last week, which features the focus track “Something to Lose” with Vincent Mason, as well as singles “I Know I Know” and “Boston.” Following the release of Is This Heaven?, she will be hitting the road with Tucker Wetmore on his summer tour, and gearing up for major festivals including CMA Fest, Osheaga, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza.
Her breakout single “Thinking ‘bout You” sparked major online traction, earning millions of streams and set the stage for the followup “Boston,” which entered the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, and amassed over 70 million streams.
Nashville’s Dr. Hook Rock Singer, Dennis Locorriere, Passes
/by Robert K OermannDennis Locorriere, the lead singer of the rock band Dr. Hook, has died at age 76.
He was the vocalist on a decade-long string of 1970s pop hits for the group, including “Sylvia’s Mother,” “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” “Sexy Eyes” and “Sharing the Night Together.” Locorriere was also a Nashville ad-jingle vocalist, a record promoter, a respected songwriter, a popular Nashville nightclub headliner and a solo recording artist.
The group was formed in 1968 as Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, a rowdy, New Jersey bar band. Locorriere was the lead singer, but Ray Sawyer (1937-2018) became its visual focus, wearing his trademark eye patch and leading the on-stage shenanigans.
Ron Haffkine (1938-2023) discovered the act and became its manager, producer and what he self-billed as its “musical director.” He arranged for the group to perform music for and appear in the 1970 Dustin Hoffman film Who Is Harry Kellerman. In 1971, Dr, Hook & The Medicine Show auditioned live in the Columbia Records office in New York, with Locorriere leading the band and Sawyer dancing on label chief Clive Davis’ desk.
Columbia issued the group’s debut LP in 1972. Shel Silverstein (1930-1999), another Haffkine management client, wrote all of the album’s songs, including “Sylvia’s Mother.” Locorriere’s plaintive/wry vocal propelled the song into the pop top-10. Later that year, the LP Sloppy Seconds yielded the Silverstein-penned “The Cover of Rolling Stone.” This was the act’s only big hit sung by Sawyer. It led to a Rolling Stone magazine cover story in 1973.
The band toured relentlessly, doing 300+ shows a year. But its carefree attitude about finances led a bankruptcy filing in 1974. The group shortened its name to Dr. Hook in 1975, signed with Capitol Records and issued the LP Bankrupt. It contained Locorriere’s Gold-selling revival of the Sam Cookie oldie “Only Sixteen,” which returned the band to the pop top-10 and became its first country-charting single. The singer also scored with “A Little Bit More” from this same collection.
Dennis Locorriere wrote/co-wrote the band’s next two successes, “A Couple More Years” and “If Not You” in 1976. The latter became Dr. Hook’s sole top-30 country single. The following year, its revival of the jug-band ditty “Walk Right In” became a No. 1 smash in Australia.
In 1977, Locorriere and the band moved to Nashville, which had long been their recording home. This coincided with its longest string of pop hits. Recorded in a style that would now be termed “yacht rock,” they included “Sharing the Night. Together” (1978), “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” (1979), “Better Love Next Time” (1979) and “Sexy Eyes” (1980). These were written by top Music Row tunesmiths. Locorriere co-wrote “Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk” (1982), the band’s last top-30 pop hit. All of these titles were recorded in Nashville and/or Muscle Shoals.
Although the hits of this era solidified their stardom, neither Locorriere nor Sawyer liked them. They remained Southern-flavored roots rockers at heart. Ray Sawyer quit the group in 1983. Locorriere kept the band going and acquired the Dr. Hook brand.
During its heyday, Dr. Hook released 11 albums and sold an estimated 50 million records. It remains one of the biggest pop/rock acts to hail from Music City.
The group retired in 1985. Locorriere remained active in the Nashville music community. He briefly worked as a country record promoter, sang backup vocals on albums by Randy Travis and others, and worked as a studio ad-jingle singer. His expressive, sandpapery voice warbled the praises of McDonald’s, Coors Light, Long John Silvers, Ruffles Potato Chips and other national products.
He also continued to write. Locorriere’s songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Crystal Gayle, BJ Thomas, Helen Reddy, Willie Nelson, Southside Johnny, Olivia Newton-John and Jerry Lee Lewis. Locorriere released three solo albums, Out of the Dark (2000), One of the Lucky Ones (2005) and Post Cool (2010). He also issued three concert DVDs.
In 1989, he acted in the Lincoln Center production of Silverstein’s play The Devil And Billy Markham, garnering universally positive reviews. Dr. Hook always had a large international following, with hits in Australia, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, the U.K., Holland, Ireland and South Africa. Locorriere toured overseas, performing both newly written songs and Dr. Hook classics. He moved to the U.K. in 2002.
Locorriere repeatedly sued Ray Sawyer for using “Dr. Hook” to promote Sawyer’s bookings. Ron Haffkine was sued by his business partner, Bobby Heller. Legal tangles over song-publishing deals and master recordings further dogged Locorriere. In 2002, The Tennessean’s headline read, “Dr. Hook: Band’s Legacy Shattered.”
The singer persevered. In 2008, Dennis Locorriere toured the United Kingdom as a member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. He assembled a new Dr. Hook band to tour in celebration of the group’s 50th anniversary. In 2021-22 he led the revived Dr. Hook to concerts in Scandinavia and the British Isles. He retired in 2025.
Dennis Locorriere had been battling kidney disease in recent years. He passed away in West Sussex, England on May 16. He is survived by his wife Claire Anne, by son Jessejames Locorriere, an actor, and by daughter, Lily Locorriere. Funeral arrangements are unknown.
BREAKING: Nashville To Host Super Bowl LXIV In 2030
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Nashville is set to host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium.
The announcement was made at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando following a review of the proposal by the NFL’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by full ownership.
In addition to the game, Super Bowl week will feature NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s, Super Bowl Opening Night fueled by Gatorade and various community initiatives. This marks the first time Nashville will host the event.
“We are thrilled that the new Nissan Stadium will host Nashville’s first Super Bowl in 2030,” says Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. “This is an exciting moment for our city and our entire state. We cannot wait for our community to experience an event of this magnitude and for the world to see the energy, hospitality, and culture that make our city so special on a global stage. Thank you to Commissioner Goodell, my fellow owners, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. for their partnership throughout this process. We look forward to bringing an unforgettable Super Bowl experience to Nashville together.”
“Hosting the Super Bowl is a defining moment for Nashville and Tennessee and reflects years of work to build Music City into a globally recognized destination for music, entertainment, and live events,” shares Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, president & CEO. “This event is an incredible opportunity to showcase the dynamic and creative character of Nashville to a global audience and to deliver a Super Bowl experience that is distinctly Music City, where music, sports, culture, and hospitality come together in a way few cities can match. We are grateful to the NFL for the confidence they have placed in our community. Nashville has earned a reputation for hosting major events at the highest level, and we are ready to welcome the world.”
“The 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville was one of the greatest fan events in our history,” says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Super Bowl LXIV at the new stadium is the next step in this remarkable football journey. The vision of Amy Adams Strunk and the Tennessee Titans helped make this moment possible. With great partners at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. and Tennessee Titans, we can’t wait to put on an unforgettable show in 2030.”
On Location, the Official Hospitality Partner of the NFL, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIV. More information is available here.