Hazel Smith
The Madison Funeral Home will host a farewell to Hazel Smith this afternoon, Wednesday, March 21.
Known as “Country Music’s Mother Hen,” Smith was a legendary country-music journalist, Nashville booster, media maven and Music Row personality. She passed away on Sunday, March 18 at age 83 following several years of declining health.
She was a columnist for Country Music magazine, Country Weekly, Country Music Today and CMT.com. Between 2007 and 2013, she was the Host of the CMT TV series Southern Fried Flicks
Smith was also the author of the 2001 country-star cookbook Hazel’s Hot Dish. In promoting it, she did multiple appearances on the nationally syndicated TV series The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
At various times in her colorful career, she was a publicist, a manager and a syndicated radio reporter.
She was also a songwriter. Her works were recorded by Tammy Wynette, Dr. Hook, Bill Monroe, Brenda Lee, Ray Sawyer, Billie Jo Spears, IIIrd Tyme Out, Helen Reddy, Nana Mouskouri, The Whites and others.
Hazel Smith was the office manager for Ron Haffkine and Dr. Hook, for Ricky Skaggs and for Tompall Glaser’s “Hillbilly Central” recording studio. During her tenure at the last-named, she coined million-dollar marketing moniker “Outlaw Music” to describe Glaser, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter and similar artists in 1970s.
Hazel Smith was born on May 31, 1934 in Caswell County, NC. She was a divorcee with two sons when she met Bill Monroe at a bluegrass festival. Their relationship brought her to Nashville. She inspired his song “Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine.” It later became a 1989 hit for The Kentucky HeadHunters.
Once in Nashville, she began publicizing Kinky Friedman, Glaser, Jennings, Dr. Hook and others. She rose to fame as the gossip columnist for Country Music magazine in the 1970s. Based on this, she became a Music Row fixture and, eventually, a mentor to Fletcher Foster, Robert K. Oermann, Chet Flippo & Martha Hume, Garth Brooks, Gillian Welch and more.
She was a relentless champion of her sons and their music. The Smith Brothers were signed to Epic Records and released their debut LP n 1990. Member Billy Boone Smith is now a popular solo entertainer. Brother Terry Smith is a member of the award-winning bluegrass band The Grascals.
Hazel Smith was given the CMA Media Achievement Award in 1999. She was a SOURCE honoree in 2008.
Her visitation will take place at Madison Funeral Home, 219 E. Old Hickory Boulevard, Madison, Tennessee 37115, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
She will be laid to rest at Camp Springs United Methodist Church, 9168 Cherry Grove Road, Reidsville, North Carolina 27320, on Saturday.
Hazel Smith Visitation Set For Today
/by Robert K OermannHazel Smith
The Madison Funeral Home will host a farewell to Hazel Smith this afternoon, Wednesday, March 21.
Known as “Country Music’s Mother Hen,” Smith was a legendary country-music journalist, Nashville booster, media maven and Music Row personality. She passed away on Sunday, March 18 at age 83 following several years of declining health.
She was a columnist for Country Music magazine, Country Weekly, Country Music Today and CMT.com. Between 2007 and 2013, she was the Host of the CMT TV series Southern Fried Flicks
Smith was also the author of the 2001 country-star cookbook Hazel’s Hot Dish. In promoting it, she did multiple appearances on the nationally syndicated TV series The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
At various times in her colorful career, she was a publicist, a manager and a syndicated radio reporter.
She was also a songwriter. Her works were recorded by Tammy Wynette, Dr. Hook, Bill Monroe, Brenda Lee, Ray Sawyer, Billie Jo Spears, IIIrd Tyme Out, Helen Reddy, Nana Mouskouri, The Whites and others.
Hazel Smith was the office manager for Ron Haffkine and Dr. Hook, for Ricky Skaggs and for Tompall Glaser’s “Hillbilly Central” recording studio. During her tenure at the last-named, she coined million-dollar marketing moniker “Outlaw Music” to describe Glaser, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter and similar artists in 1970s.
Hazel Smith was born on May 31, 1934 in Caswell County, NC. She was a divorcee with two sons when she met Bill Monroe at a bluegrass festival. Their relationship brought her to Nashville. She inspired his song “Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine.” It later became a 1989 hit for The Kentucky HeadHunters.
Once in Nashville, she began publicizing Kinky Friedman, Glaser, Jennings, Dr. Hook and others. She rose to fame as the gossip columnist for Country Music magazine in the 1970s. Based on this, she became a Music Row fixture and, eventually, a mentor to Fletcher Foster, Robert K. Oermann, Chet Flippo & Martha Hume, Garth Brooks, Gillian Welch and more.
She was a relentless champion of her sons and their music. The Smith Brothers were signed to Epic Records and released their debut LP n 1990. Member Billy Boone Smith is now a popular solo entertainer. Brother Terry Smith is a member of the award-winning bluegrass band The Grascals.
Hazel Smith was given the CMA Media Achievement Award in 1999. She was a SOURCE honoree in 2008.
Her visitation will take place at Madison Funeral Home, 219 E. Old Hickory Boulevard, Madison, Tennessee 37115, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
She will be laid to rest at Camp Springs United Methodist Church, 9168 Cherry Grove Road, Reidsville, North Carolina 27320, on Saturday.
Watch: Garth Brooks Welcomes Chris Janson As Newest Opry Member
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Janson was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday night (March 20) by Garth Brooks, who has been an Opry member himself since 1990. The moment was a monumental one for the artist, who has already played the hallowed stage more than 150 times.
“Driving in here tonight, I passed a billboard that says ‘Welcome To The Family.’ Family is a great name for this place,” said Brooks during Janson’s induction. “Another great name for this place is church. That’s what it’s all about. Because if any time you are at your lowest, these people are going to be here for you. And they’ll expect the same out of you, and they’ll get the same out of you.”
“How do you not cry on a night like this?” said Janson, who is now the Opry’s youngest living member. “To know me is to know I really, truly love the Grand Ole Opry. This will be a moment I will never forget. Thanks for making my dreams come true, and thanks for buying a ticket to the Opry to see it happen! I hope you come back a million times! I’ll buy the ticket for ya. I don’t even care. I love you that much!”
“Chris Janson showed us all again tonight why we are so excited to welcome him into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Like he has during every Opry appearance he’s made, he exuded passion and enthusiasm for this iconic show he loves so much. Whether he’s playing his own hits, songs he’s written for fellow artists, or his all-time country favorites, he brings Opry audiences to their feet with his performances. Backstage, it’s amazing to watch him connect with both the artists who have come before him and those who are following in his footsteps. We could not be more thrilled about the excitement, loyalty, and great music he will bring to our Opry family for years to come.”
Industry Ink: ASCAP, CAA, Leadership Music, True Grit Management
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP At The Bluebird
Pictured (L-R): (front) CAA’s Kylen Sharpe, Jameson Rodgers, Tenille Townes, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, (back) Canaan Smith, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Tyrone “Golden” Carreker, CAA’s Meredith Jones and CAA’s Michael Bryan.
ASCAP recently hosted its long-running monthly showcase series at the Bluebird Cafe and partnered for the first time with Creative Artists Agency to feature songwriters and artists that are both ASCAP members and clients of CAA.
Performers included Mercury Records Nashville artist Canaan Smith, Sony Music Nashville artist Tenille Townes, songwriter-artist Jameson Rodgers and, making his Bluebird Cafe debut, songwriter-artist Tyrone “Golden” Carreker.
Kelly Clarkson, Devin Dawson Speak at Leadership Music
Pictured (L-R): Devin Dawson, Kelly Clarkson, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN)
Warner Music Nashville and its Chairman & CEO John Esposito helped host the 29th class of Leadership Music for a portion of their Record Company Day last Tuesday (March 13). The Leadership Music board member was joined by Warner Music Nashville / Atlantic Records breakout artist Devin Dawson for a special performance, while Atlantic superstar Kelly Clarkson shared a few songs and discussed her storied career during the afternoon panel.
True Grit Management Launches In Austin
“Absolute dedication to the artist is the foundation at True Grit Management. The artists deserve that to say the least. They work tremendously hard and sacrifice everything they have for a career in music. It is my job to make sure they get paid and to professionally provide them with career expertise at every level,” commented Arthur Penhallow.
In addition to the Management company, Penhallow recently acquired Austin based booking agency CTK Entertainment, which will now be known as True Grit Talent Agency. Michael and Carrie Krug, along with the entire staff and roster at CTK have joined the True Grit team.
Nashville Bands The Sisterhood, Loving Mary Join Steven Tyler Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughKicking off in June, the tour makes stops in major markets such as New York City, Calgary, Madrid, London and more. The Loving Mary Band is a powerful sextet from Nashville formed by Marti Frederiksen, longtime Aerosmith collaborator who co-wrote Aerosmith’s hit, “Jaded” and produced several of their albums including Just Push Play. The band backs Steven Tyler’s solo country project and tours with him frequently and is comprised of Frederiksen, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Suzie McNeil, Elisha Hoffman, Andrew Mactaggart and Sarah Tomek.
June 12 Lewiston, NY Artpark Amphitheater
June 18* New York, NY SummerStage/Central Park
*City Parks Foundation Annual Gala
June 21 Vienna, VA
June 24 Bethlehem, PA Sands Bethlehem Event Center
June 27 Detroit, MI MotorCity Casino Hotel
June 30 Northfield, OH Hard Rock Live
*Public Benefit for Akron Children’s Hospital
July 7 Naperville, IL Exchange Club of Naperville’s Ribfest
July 11* Calgary, AB Cowboys Stampede Tent
July 15* Sion, Switzerland Sion Sous Les Etoiles Festival
July 18 Trieste, Italy Trieste Piazza Unita D’Italia
July 24 Barolo, Italy Collisioni Festival, Piazza Colbert
July 27 Rome, Italy Rome Cavea
July 30 Madrid, Spain Teatro Real
August 2* Marbella, Spain Starlite Festival
August 7 London, UK O2 Forum Kentish Town
*The Sisterhood Band not appearing
Carly Pearce Celebrates First No. 1 Song
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): busbee (BMI), Carly Pearce (ASCAP), Emily Shackelton (BMI)
“If I am living proof of anything, it’s that one song can change everything,” said Big Machine Label Group artist Carly Pearce, as she celebrated “Every Little Thing,” her very first No. 1 song as both an artist and a songwriter during a celebration at the Country Music Association offices in Nashville on Monday (March 19).
Pearce, an ASCAP writer, was joined by her “Every Little Thing” co-writers busbee and Emily Shackelton (both BMI writers) during a party hosted by both of the performing rights organizations.
“I’ve dreamt of what it would be like to have a No. 1 song since I moved to Nashville,” shared Carly. “I have experienced that with my peers over the years and have listened to the stories behind the songs that changed other people’s lives, but I had no idea that ‘Every Little Thing’ was going to be that song for me.”
Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta agreed that the song has put Pearce’s career in overdrive, but noted that her work ethic is more than up to the challenge. Pearce was recently nominated for her first ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year honor, and will join several tours this year including a current stint with Blake Shelton’s Country Music Freaks Tour, followed by outings on Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes tour, Rascal Flatts’ Back To Us tour, and Luke Bryan’s What Makes You Country Tour.
Emily Shackelton (BMI), Carly Pearce (ASCAP) and bubsee (BMI) perform “Every Little Thing”
The chart-topping success comes after years of struggle for Pearce, who at one point acted as her own tour manager, booking agent and publicist, and personally reaching out to industry influencers such as John Marks, JR Schumann, and Leslie Fram to get them interested in her music.
Among those celebrating Peace’s first No. 1 song were ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s Mary Ann Keen, Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose and Scott Ponce, BMG’s Kos Weaver, BMLG’s Borchetta and Allison Jones, CMA’s Brandi Simms, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly, and MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson.
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, BMLG’s Allison Jones
Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton On Board For ACM Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughPreviously-announced ACM Awards performers include Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Bebe Rexhaand Thomas Rhett. Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 53rd ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
In Pictures: Dave Cobb, Bluebird Cafe, NSAI, AIMP Nashville, Leadership Music
/by Jessica NicholsonBerklee College Of Music Honors Dave Cobb
Berklee’s Stephen Webber and producer Dave Cobb are seen at Warner Music Nashville on March 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Berklee presented an American Master Award to Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb on Monday, March 19 as part of the college’s 33rd annual Nashville student trip. The award was presented at Warner Music Nashville in front of over 120 Berklee students and other invited guests. After the ceremony, Cobb gave the students a tour of his studio, the famed RCA Studio A, and answered questions about his process.
“Dave Cobb is the consummate American record producer,” Stephen Webber, executive director, BerkleeNYC, who presented the award. “His body of work is as important as it is diverse, and his commitment to the emotional integrity of each song serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series Launches In NYC
Pictured (L-R): J.T. Harding, Nicolle Galyon and Chris DeStefano
The Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series launched in New York City on Friday, March 16. Songwriters performing in the round included J.T. Harding, Nicolle Galyon and Chris DeStefano. The series continues in New York City at The Studio at Opry City Stage on March 30 with Dylan Altman, Marshall Altman, and Gabe Dixon.
NSAI Honors Senator Orrin Hatch With Stephen Foster Award
Pictured: NSAI Board President and songwriter Steve Bogard, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison
NSAI’s Executive Director Bart Herbison and NSAI Board President Steve Bogard presented Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) with the Stephen Foster Award, in recognition of his lifetime of songwriter advocacy. The presentation was made Monday, March 12 during the press conference about the Music Modernization Act.
AIMP Nashville Holds Publishing Panel
Brad Peterson (Regions Bank), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Ree Guyer (Wrensong), John Barker (ClearBox Rights, LLC), John Ozier (AIMP Nashville Ex. Director, ole), Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion)
AIMP Nashville held the panel Publishing 101: From Basic Copyright to the Latest on Licensing Digital Rights, on March 8 at ASCAP’s Nashville office. John Barker, founder and CEO of ClearBox Rights, gave a presentation that included a refresher on basic publishing and copyright practices, while also giving an in-depth look into the current state of copyright law.
Carly Pearce Shares Career Story With Leadership Music
Pictured (L-R): Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn, Big Machine Label Group SVP A&R Allison Jones, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Records GM Jim Weatherson, BMLG VP Rights Management & Business Affairs Jessica Myers
Carly Pearce joined Big Machine Label Group executives Allison Jones and Jim Weatherson on a panel for the 29th class of Leadership Music, to share the highs and lows of her career so far, as well as the risks she took to pursue her dream. From convincing her parents to leave high school at age 16 to perform at Dollywood to the nine years in Nashville that followed cleaning AirBnBs and nannying to make ends meet when she lost her first record deal, nothing was off limits for Carly, who shared her story on the long journey that lead to her breakout year with the Leadership Music Class of 2018. The event concluded with Carly performing two songs – Gold No. 1 “Every Little Thing” & current single “Hide The Wine” – that helped earn her first ACM Awards nomination for New Female Vocalist of the Year.
Barry Dean Extends Publishing Deal with Pulse Music Group, Creative Nation
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Scott Cutler (Pulse Music Group), Barry Dean, Beth Laird (Creative Nation), and Luke Laird (Creative Nation)
Los Angeles-based music company Pulse Music Group has acquired songwriter Barry Dean’s publishing catalog and, in partnership with Creative Nation, will continue to co-publish Dean. Dean has been a writer at Creative Nation and Pulse since November 2011.
“Barry was our first writer at Creative Nation and he really helped us define our culture. He set the tone of compassion, hard work and authenticity. Pulse has been our partner with Barry since the beginning, so it’s exciting to continue our relationship and keep building toward the future,” Creative Nation’s co-founder and CEO Beth Laird says.
“It’s rare you get to be a part of such a great team. It’s very unique to have a situation as a writer where I get to write and focus on creativity and the artists I get to work with. I have so much confidence in the people around me – they’re creating that environment that allows great things to happen. I’ve been blessed to be a part of this since day one and I’m so thankful I get to continue be an active part going forward,” Dean says.
“We are honored to be extending our relationship with Barry Dean and thrilled to continue our journey together. Since we first established our partnership with Creative Nation in 2012, we’ve been fortunate to have Barry in our lives and consider him to be a part of a core group of writers that has propelled PULSE’s growth over the past several years. He is truly an ‘artist whisperer’ with a unique ability to get the best out of anyone he works with in the studio, no matter what genre or walk of life they may come from.” Pulse Music Group’s co-founder Scott Cutler adds.
Dean’s hits include “Pontoon” and “Day Drinkin’” (Little Big Town), “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” (Tim McGraw), “Think a Little Less” (Michael Ray), “Girls Chase Boys” and “Hell No” (Ingrid Michaelson), “God’s Will” (Martina McBride), and “1994” (Jason Aldean). His catalog also includes songs recorded by Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, BØRNS, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, and Carrie Underwood, among others.
Byron Chambers Inks With Sea Gayle Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R:) Christina Wiltshire, Marc Driskill, Brandon Gregg, Byron Chambers, Jake Gear, Chris DuBois, JD Groover
Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers has signed with Sea Gayle Music. The two-time Dove winner and Orlando native got his start touring with Jonathan Butler, Britney Spears and NSYNC, among others.
His work includes features on Bruno Mars’ “24k Magic,” which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 2018, Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” Ft. Rihanna, and Thomas Rhett’s “Tangled.” His other work includes a feature on TobyMac’s single “Feel It” which was No. 1 for seven weeks on the Hot AC Christian Billboard charts. Chambers also co-wrote and is featured on T-Pain’s new song, “May I.”
“Byron is an undeniable talent. His creative energy along with his unique artistry makes working with him an absolute blast. Everyone here at Sea Gayle is extremely excited to have him join our team” says Sea Gayle EVP/GM Marc Driskill.
“I’m honored to join a team that is ready to push the envelope in the music industry as a whole! I look forward to bringing my diverse style to this team and to the world!” says Chambers.
CJ Solar To Release ‘Get Away With It’ In April
/by Lorie HollabaughCJ Solar is set to release his new EP Get Away With It on Sea Gayle Records April 13.
Solar will be performing all five songs and more at exclusive launch parties in his hometown of Baton Rouge on April 13 and in Nashville on April 18. The new EP, which is available for pre-order now, includes his single “Airplane,” which is currently climbing the charts.
“I am so excited for this new music to come out and to be able to debut it in my home town of Baton Rouge and my adopted hometown of Nashville,” said Solar. “Everything I do is for the love of the music and the sake of the song, and I hope that comes through in this new EP.”
Solar’s Baton Rouge EP release show is scheduled for April 13 at The Texas Club, and fans can catch his Nashville show at The Basement East at 7 p.m. on the 18th.