Shawn Parr To Exit ‘NASH Nights Live,’ Elaina Smith To Continue Hosting Duties

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Elaina Smith

Beginning next year, Elaina Smith will take on solo hosting duties for the Westwood One-syndicated radio show NASH Nights Live, as her co-host Shawn Parr will exit.

“Shawn Parr’s last show will be Dec. 31, 2019. Elaina Smith will continue to host NASH Nights Live,” a spokesperson for Cumulus tells MusicRow.

Parr and Smith launched NASH Nights Live in 2014; Smith also hosts the weekend radio show With Elaina, as well as the podcast Breaking Thru With Elaina. Smith, a Gracie Award winner, previously hosted shows in Florida and San Diego and also worked at The Insider in Los Angeles, as well as Entertainment Tonight.

Parr previously worked at Los Angeles radio stations KZLA and KKGO; he has also served as the voice of Dick Clark Productions for nearly three decades and will continue to voice the Golden Globe Awards and ACM Awards.

ReviverFest 2019 Delivers Music And Fun In San Diego

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Thompson Square perform during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.

In its second year, ReviverFest 2019 brings radio industry members and invited guests to San Diego, California for music, fun and camaraderie over the weekend (Dec. 13 – 15).

The 3-day industry excursion was held at Hotel del Coronado, which is perhaps best known for being featured in Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. The movie is among a dozen films that has featured the iconic hotel. Built in 1888 and known affectionally as “The Del,” it’s rich heritage also includes hosting over 15 presidents including William Howard Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and more recently, Barack Obama. Notable guests have also included everyone from Thomas Edison and Charlie Chaplin to Brad Pitt and Madonna.

Taking advantage of the coastal scenery, the weekend schedule offered attendees both action-packed activities and relaxing opportunities on the beach. Led by President/CEO David Ross and Executive VP/GM Gator Michaels, Reviver created this event in 2018 to thank industry reps for their support and to offer a fun getaway as the year comes to a close. The gathering also gave guests the chance to hang with Reviver’s artists and songwriters, and to hear both current and brand new music.

Pictured (L-R): Reviver Music’s newly signed singer/songwriter Brooke Moriber, David DeVaul, Tenille Arts and Alex Kline perform in the round. Photo: MusicRow.

Friday started the festivities with an afternoon of cocktails and beach-side noshing before moving inside to The Crown Room, fully decorated for the Christmas holiday. After cocktails and dinner, the industry members were entertained “Nashville-style” with an acoustic writers’ round. The round included Reviver Music’s David DeVaul, Alex Kline and newly signed singer/songwriter Brooke Moriber. Special guest Tenille Arts also joined the round to perform her upcoming single “Somebody Like That,” co-written and produced by Kline. The single impact date at radio is January 13, 2020 with her sophomore album, Love, Heartbreak, & Everything in Between, slated for a January 10, 2020 release.

Wrapping up the round was Reviver Music’s Aaron Goodvin who performed a powerful and gritty version of the Charles Brown 1960 hit, “Please Come Home for Christmas.”

Pictured (L-R): A&R Executive Carole-Ann Mobley, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, Reviver songwriter Alex Kline, Publisher Executive Clay Myers and Reviver songwriter David DeVaul. Photo: MusicRow.

Afterwards, the evening continued into the later hours with a fun poker tournament led by Reviver’s Dave Collins (National Director of Promotion) and in another room, karaoke led by Promotion Manager Roger Fregoso. Promotion Manager Kellie Longworth left the audience stunned with her karaoke performance of a Patty Loveless classic with David Ross’ wife, Jen, proclaiming “Somebody give her a [record] deal!”

On Saturday, invited guests enjoyed several options during the day to make the most of their visit to the East coast, which is just 20 miles north of the Mexican border. Options included relaxing at Hotel del Coronado or venturing into the town of Coronado Island, enjoying a round of golf at the Coronado Golf Course, testing one’s angling skills on a fishing excursion in San Diego Bay, relaxing at the hotel’s spa, or going to the world famous San Diego Zoo. That evening, everyone was debating on which excursion was the best. Spoiler alert: they all were.

Saturday night started with a wine-tasting session outside at the hotel’s Vista Walk before heading downtown to the Tin Roof (Yes! San Diego has its own Tin Roof, which was a subtle reminder of the vast impact our industry has across the country and beyond.)

Tenille Arts performs during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.

San Diego’s country radio station KSON Country and Reviver Records presented the free evening show which featured performances by Reviver artists Thompson Square, Tenille Arts and Aaron Goodvin. Donations were taken at the door benefiting Just in Time, a local charitable organization that helps transition-age foster youth, ages 18-26, achieve self-sufficiency and well-being in San Diego. A standing-room only crowd cheered on each performer while singing along.

An impromptu “after party” erupted afterwards back at the hotel allowing everyone to wind down with additional beverages. We knew the fun-filled event was coming to a close as pizza arrived for the last of the hard core celebrators, squeezing every inch of enjoyment out of the weekend and proclaiming the success of ReviverFest 2019.

Pictured (L-R): Reviver Entertainment Group President/CEO David Ross, Jen Gold Shulman, Keifer and Shawna Thompson (Thompson Square), and MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: MusicRow.

Besides taking home a fun experience, attendees also came home with gift bags which included high-end head phones from KICKER Performance Audio. Both KICKER and fellow sponsor Eskimo Joe’s also offered pop-up shops for guests at the hotel.

Also attending from Reviver were Paul Williams (VP of Marketing & Artist Development), Jim Malito (VP of Promotion), Clay Henderson (National Director of Marketing), Hayley Cowoski (Manager of Marketing & Artist Development), Promotion Managers Suzanne Durham, Will Robinson, Stephanie Seiple, and Executive Assistants Kelly Ziegenfuss and Anna Bea Major. Reviver’s supporting team members Clay Myers and Carole-Ann Mobley were also in attendance.

Attendees at ReviverFest 2019 enjoy a day at the iconic San Diego Zoo. Photo: Reviver.

Aaron Goodvin performs during ReviverFest 2019 at San Diego’s Tin Roof. Photo: MusicRow.

Ashley Gorley Finishes 2019 On Top Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, Remains In Top 3 All Year

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For the last MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2019, Ashley Gorley maintains his reign. Gorley has been at the pinnacle of the chart for 39 out of 49 charts, and has been in the top 3 all year. Songs that helped maintain Gorley’s positioning are Luke Bryan’s “What Makes You Country,” Chase Rice’s “Eyes On You,” Eli Young Band’s “Love Ain’t,” Dierks Bentley’s “Living,” Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes,” Lee Brice’s “Rumor,” Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young,” and more.

Following Gorley on this week’s chart are Laura Veltz (No. 2), Ross Copperman (No. 3), Luke Combs (No. 4) and Jesse Frasure (No. 5) in the Top 5.

The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Big Machine Label Group CRS Luncheon Lineup Announced

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The Big Machine Label Group luncheon lineup for Country Radio Seminar 2020 has been revealed and will include performances by Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Danielle Bradbery, Payton Smith, and Avenue Beat.

The luncheon is set for Friday, Feb. 21 in the Broadway Ballroom (CRS Performance Hall powered by Live Nation) at Omni Nashville, beginning at Noon. Country Radio Seminar 2020 is set for Feb. 19-21.

Registrations for CRS 2020 can be obtained at CountryRadioSeminar.com. The rate of $649 is now in effect.

Bobby Rymer Acquires Writer’s Den Music Group

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Bobby Rymer has acquired the entire Writer’s Den Music Group catalog.

Rymer, who was previously the general manager for Writer’s Den, has formed a new venture, Company 318, but will still be doing business as Writer’s Den.

Some of the artists who have recorded songs out of the catalog include Alan Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Stapleton, Rodney Crowell, LANCO, Alabama, Patrick Droney, and Ricky Skaggs, as well as Lindsay Ell’s current single “I Don’t Love You.” Former catalog writers include Adam Wright, Bonnie Bishop, Drew Kennedy, Jerry Salley, Melissa Fuller, Tami Hinesh, Thom Schuyler and Trent Jeffcoat. Active writers currently on the roster include Gordon Kennedy, Brennen Leigh, and Noel McKay.

Rymer can be contacted at bobby@writersdenmusicgroup.com.

Yola Among 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year Performers

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Country-soul singer and Grammy nominee Yola is slated to perform as part of the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute concert on Jan. 24, 2020, which will honor rock band Aerosmith.

Other performers will include Gary Clark Jr., H.E.R., John Legend, John Mayer, Alice Cooper, Jonas Brothers, and Emily King. Greg Phillinganes will be the musical director, with additional guest performers to be announced.

Yola has four nominations in the upcoming 62nd Grammy Awards, including the all-genre Best New Artist honor, and three nominations in the Roots categories, including Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance (each for “Faraway Look”), as well as Best Americana Album for her debut project, Walk Through Fire, which was produced by Nashville-based Dan Auerbach and recorded at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville. Auerbach also earned a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year.

Aerosmith is being recognized as the 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year in honor of their philanthropic efforts over five decades and their impact on American music history. Aerosmith has shown support for a number of charities, including Steven Tyler’s Janie’s Fund. Proceeds from the Person of the Year event support MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy that offers support for music creators.

Industry Pics: Jeannie Seely, Warner Chappell Music, Ernest

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Jeannie Seely Receives Honorary Doctor of Arts

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Clayton Hess, LMU President and Jeannie Seely
Credit: Moments By Moser Photography

Lincoln Memorial University recently honored country artist and 52-year member of the Grand Ole Opry Jeannie Seely with an Honorary Doctor of Arts, during the university’s Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 14 at it campus in Harrogate, Tennessee. Previous artists who have been honored with the distinction include bluegrass pioneer Dr. Ralph Stanley and Dr. Steve Gulley. Seely accepted the honor as Jeannie Seely-Ward in respect and recognition of her husband, Gene Ward, class of 1956, who is a LMU alumnus and was inducted into the LMU Professional Hall of Fame in 2005. He retired as Vice President and Legal Counsel for Nashville Electric Service. Gene is also in the Professional Hall of Fame at LMU.

 

Warner Chappell Music, Norwegian Cruise Line Host Second Songwriters Cruise

Pictured: Kellie Pickler, Liz Rose, Audra Mae, Kallie North, Abram Dean, Johnny Simmen, Mark Trussell, Brandon Day

Norwegian Cruise Line partnered with Kellie Pickler and Warner Chappell Music recently, to host its second songwriters cruise as part of the brand’s “Free the Beat” music platform, which allows songwriters and artists to create content for Norwegian Cruise Line’s global music library. Pickler, along with seven other songwriters from Warner Chappell, sailed to the Hawaiian Islands via Norwegian Pride of America.

 

Big Loud Records’ Ernest Makes Nashville Performance

Pictured (L-R): Tori Johnson (Senior Director Of Creative & Digital, Big Loud); Ali Matkosky (Director Of National Promotion, Big Loud Records); Joey Moi (Partner, Big Loud); Patch Culbertson (Vp Of A&R, Big Loud Records); Kevin “Chief” Zaruk (Partner, Big Loud); Ernest; Seth England (Partner, Big Loud); Craig Wiseman (Partner, Big Loud); Candice Watkins (Vp Of Marketing, Big Loud Records); Lloyd Aur Norman (Vp Of Special Projects & Strategic Management, Big Loud). Photo Credit: Chris Hornbuckle

Big Loud Records artist Ernest performed for a packed house at ‘Ernest Saves Christmas’ Wednesday night (Dec. 11), held at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar in Nashville.

Blake Shelton Supports Behind The Record Music Credit Campaign

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Blake Shelton is lending a hand in the effort to increase visibility in music credits. Digital streaming has not included comprehensive documentation for those who contribute to a track in the past,  but Shelton has pushed forward in the movement to give credit where credit is due with a recent social media post in support of the Recording Academy’s groundbreaking Behind The Record campaign. The campaign launched in October to spotlight all professional music creators who contribute to the music recording process.

The accompanying image from the Recording Academy’s Behind The Record initiative that Blake posted on Instagram listed a dozen musicians, a dozen engineers, and all producers and writers who had participated in making the track. Technology from companies like Sound Credit makes attribution of those credits easier. The Memphis-based tech company is poised to revolutionize the collection of credits and information in the studio through breakthrough integrations that help improve royalty payments. Also, the platform is now available at no cost to all Avid® Pro Tools® and Pro Tools|Ultimate subscribers as part of Avid’s Loyalty Rewards program.

Because of its ease-of-use and reliability, Sound Credit has propelled a sea change in credit-delivery across multiple musical formats. Information gathered during the recording of an album is delivered to the label using Sound Credit in a standardized digital format called Recording Information Notification. From there, the credits are ultimately delivered to streaming platforms, like Pandora and others, who have also made a commitment to featuring credits.

Rockabilly Pioneer Jack Scott Passes

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By Robert K. Oermann

Country, pop and rockabilly singer-songwriter Jack Scott has died at age 83.

Long a cult favorite among record collectors, Scott originated such country classics as “Burning Bridges” and “What In the World’s Come Over You.” He was among the first to record a tribute album of Hank Williams songs.

Born Giovanni Scafone Jr. in Windsor, Ontario, he moved to the Detroit area with his family when he was 10. As a teenager, he formed a country band called The Southern Drifters and began singing the hits of Webb Pierce, Carl Smith, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams in the honky-tonks of Michigan and Ontario.

When Elvis Presley exploded in popularity in 1956, Jack Scott became a rockabilly convert. In 1957, he recorded the bopping “Baby She’s Gone,” and it became a hit in the Detroit area. The song remains a favorite with rockabilly aficionados, and Scott opened his shows with it throughout his life.

Scott retitled his rockabilly scorcher “Greaseball” to become “Leroy.” That song, paired with the teen ballad “My True Love,” became his first national hit in 1958. During the next five years, Jack Scott would hit the pop charts with 20 titles, almost all of which he solo wrote.

Scott’s singles usually had a hit ballad on one side and a rockabilly tune on the flip. His rockabilly “B-sides” of 1958 also included “Geraldine” and “Save My Soul.” In early 1959, he scored a second big hit with the doo-wop tune “Goodbye Baby (Bye Bye).”

The backup vocals on this and all of his early hits were sung by The Chantones. They toured with Scott as his version of Presley’s backup singers The Jordanaires. Scott was unusual for the time in that he recorded his own material with his own band.

His next success was 1959’s tough, bluesy “The Way I Walk.” It was later recorded by The Cramps, Robert Gordon, Link Wray, Guitar Wolf, The Swamp Zombies and country’s The Starlight Drifters.

Jack Scott scored a major, top-10 smash with 1960’s “What In the World’s Come Over You.” Sonny James made this song a top-10 country hit in 1975. It has also been revived by Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Wanda Jackson and Tom Jones, among others.

In March 1960, Jack Scott issued his LP I Remember Hank Williams. Widow Audrey Williams hosted the youngster in Nashville.

Scott became one of the first pop stars to sign with SESAC. He utilized much of that organization’s gospel catalog on his 1960 religious album The Spirit Moves Me.

Scott’s second smash of 1960 was “Burning Bridges.” This became a country chestnut, thanks to Glen Campbell’s 1967 revival. “Burning Bridges” has also been recorded by The Mike Curb Congregation, George Jones, Bill Nash and several other country acts.

Also in 1960, Jack Scott issued his version of The Sons of the Pioneers standard “Cool Water.” Other country tunes in his repertoire at the time included “No One Will Ever Know,” “Blues Stay Away From Me” and “Good Deal Lucille.”

He had only moderate successes with “Is There Something on Your Mind” and “What Am I Living For” in 1961. But Scott’s rockabilly tunes were still eagerly sought after by fans.

By the early 1960s, the rockabilly style was fading away. Jack Scott remained with the style much longer than most of his peers, issuing such definitive performances as “Midgie,” “Strange Desire,” “One of These Days,” “Grizzly Bear,” “Baby Baby,” “Go Wild Little Sadie,” and “Cruel World.”

In 1963, Jack Scott was recruited by Berry Gordy to sign with Detroit’s Motown Records. Instead, he signed with Chet Atkins at RCA in Nashville. A string of country singles ensued in 1963-66.

Never enamored with the life of a touring musician, Scott preferred to stay home with his family. He retreated to playing country bars in Detroit.

Meanwhile back in Nashville, Jim Foglesong signed him to Dot Records. In 1974, Scott made the country charts with “You’re Just Gettin’ Better” on Dot.

In 1977, he headlined a rockabilly revival tour of England. He recorded a live rockabilly LP there in 1978, and he maintained his overseas popularity throughout the rest of his career.

He was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2004. Scott joined the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011 and issued a comeback CD titled Way to Survive in 2015. He continued to star in rockabilly-revival shows in recent years.

Jack Scott passed away due to congestive heart failure on Dec. 12 in Warren, Michigan.

Pandora Reveals Its Country Artists To Watch List For 2020

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Pandora has released its annual Country Artists To Watch list for 2020.

Among its highlighted artists poised to break through in the next year are Louisiana native Brandon Ratcliff, “Family Tree” singer Caylee Hammack, the genre-bending Ernest, American Idol album and vocal powerhouse Gabby Barrett, “Ten Year Town” singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters, country radio breakout artist Ingrid Andress, Georgia native John King, multi-talented group King Calaway, “Boy’s Girl” singer Kylie Morgan, “Dirty Looks” singer Lainey Wilson, country-soul singer Larry Fleet, Songs and Daughters-signed artist Madison Kozak, duo Seaforth, “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” hitmaker Riley Green, and Canadian-born singer-songwriter Tenille Townes.