Ronnie Prophet
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Prophet died on Friday (March 2) at age 80.
Known as one of country’s finest all-around entertainers, Prophet is perhaps best remembered in Nashville as the house act in the Printer’s Alley showplace The Carousel Club in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also a recording artist for RCA on Music Row.
The ebullient singer, flashy guitarist, comic, TV star, business entrepreneur, witty emcee, songwriter, impressionist and raconteur was noted for his live-wire stage presence and endearingly manic manner. He was a popular guest on Ralph Emery’s Nashville Now TV program on TNN and a regular in the casinos of Las Vegas opening for Danny Thomas and Perry Como.
Born Ronald Lawrence Victor Prophet in 1937, he was raised near Montreal. He was entertaining in local venues while still in high school in the 1950s. By 1962, he was performing during summer seasons at a dude ranch in New York State. He moved from there to resort engagements in Florida and the Bahamas.
He began performing in Music City in the 1970s. He did comical impersonations, engaged audiences in his act and hooked his guitar up to gizmos that made novelty sounds.
Meanwhile, he returned to Canada to launch The Ronnie Prophet Show on CBC-TV in 1973-81. He moved to Canada’s CTV network for long-running stints as the star of the Grand Old Country (1975-80) and Rocky Mountain Inn television series. Other Canadian TV starring gigs included Country Roads (1973) and Ronnie & The Browns (1990-91).
In Nashville, he was signed by RCA Records in 1975. His charted country singles in the U.S. were “Sanctuary” (1975), “Shine On” (1976), “It’s Enough” (1976), “Big Big World” (1976) and “It Ain’t Easy Lovin’ Me” (1977).
In England, he became the star of Ronnie Prophet Entertains on BBC-TV. Success in Canada continued as well. He won CCMA awards as Male Vocalist of the Year in 1977 and 1978, then CCMA Entertainer of the Year in 1984.
He sang duets with Glory-Anne Carriere, whom he married in 1986. These won them the CCMA Duo of the Year award in 1984.
Prophet’s solo successes on the Canadian country charts began with 1973’s “San Diego.” Another notable hit in Canada was 1979’s “Phantom of the Opry.” He also scored top-10 Canadian country hits with “The Ex-Superstar’s Waltz” (1982), “No Holiday In L.A.” (1987) and “If This Is Love” (with Carriere, 1984).
A total of 31 Ronnie Prophet singles hit the Canadian country charts between 1973 and 1992. He formed his own Prophet Records in the 1980s. He was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
In the new millennium, he became a headliner in Branson, Missouri. He was the opening act for George Jones on tour in 2005.
Son Tony Prophet also became a country music artist. Ronnie Prophet’s second cousin was Canadian country singer Orval Prophet.
Ronnie Prophet passed away in Florida, following kidney failure, with family and friends at his side. Prophet is survived by his wife of 32 years, Glory Anne Carriere Prophet, sons Tony (Kitty), Jimmy (Emily), step children Rhonda, Paisley, Warren Carriere, and Tamara Greer, as well as 12 grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest at Avoca Cemetery near his farm home in Quebec, Canada. In lieu of flowers, the Prophet family has requested donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Ronnie Prophet Memorial Fund.
Abby Anderson Brings Wit And Wisdom To New Tunes
/by Jessica NicholsonAbby Anderson performs. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Black River Entertainment artist and songwriter Abby Anderson displayed a wry wit and transparent songs during a recent visit to the MusicRow Magazine offices to preview songs from her upcoming Black River project.
“I grew up listening to country music,” says Dallas native Anderson, who is the second-oldest of seven siblings, all of whom were homeschooled. “Both my parents are very musical. My parents always knew I was moving to Nashville, and they just were crazy supportive.”
In 2014, she performed a unique arrangement of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” which was renamed “Let Freedom Ring.” Her performance caught the attention of radio journalist/host Glenn Beck, who welcomed her to perform the song on his show. She moved to Nashville in 2015 to continue crafting her sound and co-writing skills.
It hasn’t taken long for Nashville to take notice.
Just over a year ago, Black River signed Anderson to recording and publishing deals, celebrating her signing onstage at the Ryman Auditorium stage.
“I got spoiled right from the start, man,” she says of the signing.
Anderson previewed three songs, blending relatable lyrics with country grooves and elements of neo-soul and jazz.
Abby Anderson and MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
The plucky “I’m Good” takes on an ex-lover who hopes to reclaim her heart. “It’s about a guy who broke my heart and wanted me back for some reason, but I was like, ‘I’m good, honey! I’m doing my thing. I don’t need ya.’”
She offered up twangy, fiery vocals on “The Naked Truth,” and a quietly confident, wise take on “Make Him Wait.”
“My family has six girls, and one boy, and my dad is super man,” Anderson said. “He’s the kind of guy that taught his daughters what they are worth. That is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, so I wrote this for him.”
Anderson’s talent and passion for music comes naturally as the daughter of two musically-inclined parents.
“We were all required to start classical piano lessons at age 5 and the rule is you can’t quit until you’re 18 or until you graduate,” she says. “I was homeschooled, and I graduated early so I could stop that and start doing real music. And being the second oldest, I think that’s why I got to get out of the house early. My mom’s like, ‘I got five others, go!’”
Abby Anderson with MusicRow Magazine staffers.
Justin Weaver Joins peermusic Nashville Roster
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R:) Justin Weaver, Matt Michiels (Senior Creative Director, peermusic Nashville), Kendall Lettow (Creative Manager, peermusic Nashville), and Michael Knox (Vice President, peermusic Nashville)
peermusic Nashville has signed multi-platinum songwriter/producer Justin Weaver to a worldwide publishing deal.
Weaver has penned hits including the 4X Platinum No. 1 single from Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” the triple Platinum No. 1 single “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert, Gary Allan’s “Get Off On The Pain,” Kip Moore’s “I’m To Blame,” and has had cuts by Dustin Lynch, Joe Nichols, Meat Loaf, Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser, Josh Turner, and the Eli Young Band, along with numerous co-writes with long-time friend Jason Aldean. Growing up in Forsyth, Georgia, Weaver played in bands throughout high school and toured most of the Southeast playing with Aldean. He stopped touring for a few years to attend college, graduating from Gordon College with an AS in Business and then graduating Cum Laude from Georgia College & State University with a BA in Business Administration. After graduating he moved to Nashville, signed a publishing deal, and has been writing songs ever since.
“I’m a big fan of Justin and what he does,” said Vice President, peermusic Nashville Michael Knox. “I’m more excited that I get to watch him go to the next level as a songwriter and producer. He’s come a long way since I first met him back in the day as Jason Aldean’s band leader.”
“Michael Knox has been an inspiration and mentor to me since before I moved to Nashville,” said Weaver. “In addition to working with Michael, peermusic’s proven and energetic staff and roster full of talented co-writers already feel like family. My songwriting and production careers have come full circle by joining the peermusic family and I’m exited about this next phase.”
Nile Rodgers To Receive Music Biz Chairman’s Award During Conference Luncheon
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Music Business Association will present its Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement to Grammy award-winning composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist Nile Rodgers during the 60th anniversary Music Biz 2018 conference’s Awards Luncheon on May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Over the last four decades, Rodgers has sold over 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide as both a member of CHIC and the producer of iconic albums from David Bowie, Madonna, Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, Duran Duran, and more. He also collaborated with Daft Punk on their multi-Platinum smash single “Get Lucky” and album Random Access Memories, which won three Grammy Awards in 2014 for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Rodgers has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame; received the EBONY Icon Award at the 2017 EBONY Power 100 Gala; was awarded the “Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Embassy in New York; was elected to the Recording Academy’s Board of Governors and received the organization’s President’s Merit Award during the 8th Annual GRAMMY Week Celebration for the Producers & Engineers Wing; and had CHIC’s Platinum-selling single “Le Freak” inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.
Rodgers is currently recording It’s About Time, the first new CHIC album in over 25 years. “I’ll Be There,” the album’s first single, went to No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Charts, and the accompanying video generated nearly 3 million views in less than a week.
“Nile’s music truly stands the test of time. He not only helped define the sound of Pop, Disco, and Hip-Hop in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s but also continues his prolific work on hits with modern artists such as Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure, and Sam Smith, not to mention his own upcoming album with CHIC,” said Music Biz Chairman Fred Beteille of Facebook. “His longevity and repeated successes make him the ideal candidate for our Chairman’s Award. I’m honored and excited to recognize him for his important contributions to music over the past four decades.”
Registration for Music Biz 2018 is open now at musicbiz2018.eventbrite.co
Ashley Monroe Reveals Cover Art, Track Listing For New Album
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Monroe has unveiled the cover art and track list for her upcoming album Sparrow on Warner Music Nashville. Set for release April 20, Monroe’s fourth project was recorded with producer Dave Cobb in Nashville’s RCA Studio A.
Monroe worked with some of her closest collaborators on the new album, including Brendan Benson, Waylon Payne, Anderson East and Angaleena Presley. She wrote all of the songs on Sparrow, and recorded the album while pregnant with her first child.
1. “Orphan” (Ashley Monroe, Gordie Sampson, Paul Moak)
2. “Hard On A Heart” (Ashley Monroe, Blu Sanders, Paul Moak)
3. “Hands On You” (Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall)
4. “Mother’s Daughter” (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson, Ryan Beaver)
5. “Rita” (Ashley Monroe, Nicole Galyon, Paul Moak)
6. “Wild Love” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
7. “This Heaven” (Anderson East, Ashley Monroe, Aaron Raitiere)
8. “I’m Trying To” (Ashley Monroe, Kassi Ashton, Jon Randall)
9. “She Wakes Me Up (Rescue Me)” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Paul Moak)
10. “Paying Attention” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
11. “Daddy I Told You” (Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, Josh O’Keefe)
12. “Keys To The Kingdom” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne)
Industry Ink: Chris Janson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Musicians On Call
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Janson Performs At Grand Ole Opry
Pictured (L-R): Chris Janson, Chuck Mead
Readying for his official induction on March 20, Chris Janson joined his Grand Ole Opry family once again last night (March 1) for the Opry Country Classics show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. The event honored Johnny Cash and his wife June’s 50th wedding anniversary. In true Opry fashion, Janson ran into fellow performer and Americana icon Chuck Mead backstage.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut March 3
Musicians On Call: Los Angeles Celebration
Pictured (L-R): Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President, Graham Sierota, Rachel Platten, Sydney Sierota, Noah Sierota, Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans attend the Musicians On Call 5th Anniversary Celebration in Los Angeles Delivering The Healing Power of Music on February 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Musicians On Call
Musicians On Call celebrated five years of delivering music to the bedside of patients in the Los Angeles area on Feb. 28 with an event at Avenue in Hollywood. Warner Music Nashville’s Morgan Evans and Warner Bros. Records’ Echosmith both performed. Others in attendance included Evans’ wife and Black River Entertainment artist Kelsea Ballerini, as well as Rachel Platten and Sam Hollander.
“Through the support of our volunteers, donors, corporate and hospital partners and board members, Musicians On Call has delivered the healing power of music to more than 20,000 individuals since bringing our program to Los Angeles five years ago,” said Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President. “We were thrilled to host this special evening and show our appreciation to everyone who helped us reach this milestone. A special thanks to Echosmith and Morgan Evans for their fantastic performances, and to our gracious supporters Kelsea, Rachel and Lindsey for joining the celebration as well.”
Wade Bowen Finds Himself On ‘Solid Ground’ On New CD
/by Lorie HollabaughThe project also included a who’s who of players – Audley Freed (Black Crowes) on guitar, Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow) on guitar and lapsteel, Fred Eltringham (Wallflowers, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant) on drums, Billie Mercer (Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams) on bass, and on keys, Jenn Gunderman (Sheryl Crow), Rami Jaffee (Wallflowers, Foo Fighters), and John Henry Trinko (Randy Houser).
Bowen is currently touring around the country in support of the new project, including an upcoming appearance at the 10th Annual Salute To Texas Independence Day March 9 in New York.
SOLID GROUND TRACK LIST:
1. “Couldn’t Make You Love Me” written by Wade Bowen, Keith Gattis and Audley Freed
2. “Day Of The Dead” written by Keith Gattis
3. “So Long 6th Street (with Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram)” written by Wade Bowen and Keith Gattis
4. “Broken Glass (with Lucie Silvas)” written by Wade Bowen
5. “Death, Dyin’ And Deviled Eggs (with Jon Randall)” written by Wade Bowen and John Randall
6. “7:30” written by Wade Bowen, Angaleena Presley and Waylon Payne
7. “Acuña” written by Wade Bowen, Keith Gattis and Audley Freed
8. “Compass Rose” written by Wade Bowen and Andrew Combs
9. “Anchor (with Lucie Silvas)” written by Wade Bowen and Jeremy Spillman
10. “Fell In Love On Whiskey” written by Wade Bowen and Charlie Worsham
11. “Calling All Demons” written by Wade Bowen and Seth James
CMT Extends Deal With iHeartMedia’s Premiere Networks
/by Jessica NicholsonUnder the agreement, CMT and Premiere Networks will continue to collaborate and develop programs and events for multiple platforms and screens that give fans insider access to country music and artists. Additionally, Premiere Networks serves as the exclusive distribution partner for CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, which broadcasts weeknights from 7 p.m. to midnight ET. CMT Radio, including shows After MidNite and CMT Radio Live, originates from the network’s Nashville-based studio bringing fans the latest in news and entertainment direct from Music City. The shows can be heard on more than 210 country broadcast stations in over 110 markets, and via iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio app.
Additionally, country radio and CMT personality Cody Alan will continue as host of Premiere Networks’ syndicated radio program CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan, which celebrates 25 years on-air this year. Alan was recently nominated for ACM Radio Awards’ National On-Air Personality of the Year.
“Music is the center of our brand and we look forward to exploring new avenues of growth with Premiere,” said Frank Tanki, General Manager of CMT and TV Land. “Our partnership with Premiere Networks provides endless opportunities and unrivaled reach to connect even more with fans everywhere, and on every platform.”
“I’m honored to continue our work with Premiere Networks, and humbled by the ACM nomination for National Personality of the Year,” remarked Alan. “It’s a real testament to the hard work of our team. We take pride in creating engaging content for our fans every day.”
Top Country Showman Ronnie Prophet Passes
/by Robert K OermannRonnie Prophet
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Prophet died on Friday (March 2) at age 80.
Known as one of country’s finest all-around entertainers, Prophet is perhaps best remembered in Nashville as the house act in the Printer’s Alley showplace The Carousel Club in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also a recording artist for RCA on Music Row.
The ebullient singer, flashy guitarist, comic, TV star, business entrepreneur, witty emcee, songwriter, impressionist and raconteur was noted for his live-wire stage presence and endearingly manic manner. He was a popular guest on Ralph Emery’s Nashville Now TV program on TNN and a regular in the casinos of Las Vegas opening for Danny Thomas and Perry Como.
Born Ronald Lawrence Victor Prophet in 1937, he was raised near Montreal. He was entertaining in local venues while still in high school in the 1950s. By 1962, he was performing during summer seasons at a dude ranch in New York State. He moved from there to resort engagements in Florida and the Bahamas.
He began performing in Music City in the 1970s. He did comical impersonations, engaged audiences in his act and hooked his guitar up to gizmos that made novelty sounds.
Meanwhile, he returned to Canada to launch The Ronnie Prophet Show on CBC-TV in 1973-81. He moved to Canada’s CTV network for long-running stints as the star of the Grand Old Country (1975-80) and Rocky Mountain Inn television series. Other Canadian TV starring gigs included Country Roads (1973) and Ronnie & The Browns (1990-91).
In Nashville, he was signed by RCA Records in 1975. His charted country singles in the U.S. were “Sanctuary” (1975), “Shine On” (1976), “It’s Enough” (1976), “Big Big World” (1976) and “It Ain’t Easy Lovin’ Me” (1977).
In England, he became the star of Ronnie Prophet Entertains on BBC-TV. Success in Canada continued as well. He won CCMA awards as Male Vocalist of the Year in 1977 and 1978, then CCMA Entertainer of the Year in 1984.
He sang duets with Glory-Anne Carriere, whom he married in 1986. These won them the CCMA Duo of the Year award in 1984.
Prophet’s solo successes on the Canadian country charts began with 1973’s “San Diego.” Another notable hit in Canada was 1979’s “Phantom of the Opry.” He also scored top-10 Canadian country hits with “The Ex-Superstar’s Waltz” (1982), “No Holiday In L.A.” (1987) and “If This Is Love” (with Carriere, 1984).
A total of 31 Ronnie Prophet singles hit the Canadian country charts between 1973 and 1992. He formed his own Prophet Records in the 1980s. He was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
In the new millennium, he became a headliner in Branson, Missouri. He was the opening act for George Jones on tour in 2005.
Son Tony Prophet also became a country music artist. Ronnie Prophet’s second cousin was Canadian country singer Orval Prophet.
Ronnie Prophet passed away in Florida, following kidney failure, with family and friends at his side. Prophet is survived by his wife of 32 years, Glory Anne Carriere Prophet, sons Tony (Kitty), Jimmy (Emily), step children Rhonda, Paisley, Warren Carriere, and Tamara Greer, as well as 12 grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest at Avoca Cemetery near his farm home in Quebec, Canada. In lieu of flowers, the Prophet family has requested donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Ronnie Prophet Memorial Fund.
[Updated]: Mike Huckabee Resigns From CMA Foundation Board Following Industry Backlash
/by Jessica Nicholson[Updated, March 2]:
Former CMA Foundation Board member Mike Huckabee published his full resignation letter on his official site Friday morning (March 2), after it was announced that he had resigned from the CMA Foundation Board following criticism from some music industry members.
“It appears that I will make history as having the shortest tenure in the history of the CMA Foundation Board,” he says in the letter, published to his official site under the title “Hate Wins.” “I genuinely regret that some in the industry were so outraged by my appointment that they bullied the CMA and the Foundation with economic threats and vowed to withhold support for the programs for students if I remained…Bullies succeeded in making it untenable to have “someone like me” involved. I would imagine however that many of the people who buy tickets and music are not that “unlike me.” I hereby tender my resignation effective immediately. I hope this will end the unnecessary distraction and deterrent to the core mission of the Foundation which is to help kids acquire musical instruments and have an opportunity to participate in music programs as students.”
Huckabee’s full resignation letter can be read at mikehuckabee.com.
[Updated, March 1, 3:54 p.m.]: The Country Music Association (CMA) tells MusicRow that the CMA Foundation has accepted the resignation of Mike Huckabee from the CMA Foundation’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. The resignation follows a letter of protest sent yesterday (Feb. 28) from Sandbox Entertainment owner and artist manager Jason Owen to the CMA.
[Original post, March 1, 3:39 p.m. CT]:
Sandbox Entertainment owner and artist manager Jason Owen has responded to the CMA Foundation’s recent appointment of former Governor Mike Huckabee to its board. The letter indicates that Owen—in addition to the artists affiliated with his Sandbox Entertainment management firm or his recently renewed Monument Records—will no longer support the CMA Foundation. Owen’s Sandbox roster includes Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Midland, and more, while Monument Records counts Walker Hayes and Caitlyn Smith on its roster.
MusicRow has obtained a copy of the letter, which was sent from Owen to CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, and to CMA Foundation Director of Community Outreach Tiffany Kerns (below):
As the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, the CMA Foundation supports music education programs across the United States.
Huckabee served as Governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007, and ran for President in 2008 and 2016, finishing second in the Republican primary in 2008. Huckabee is the host of Huckabee on Trinity Broadcasting Network and is a Fox News contributor.
Third Day Announces Farewell Tour, Includes Ryman Auditorium Show
/by Jessica NicholsonCCM band Third Day will hit the road one last time this summer to headline their Farewell Tour, which concludes a touring career that spans 25 years. The tour, produced by Awakening Events and sponsored by Food for the Hungry, kicks off May 31, in Seattle, Washington, and will visit 12 major US markets before wrapping up on June 27 in Denver at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater.
The tour will include a stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on June 23.
“We know this is a season that is coming to a close, and we wanted to give our fans one more chance to see us perform live. The live show has been the core fan experience, and this tour will give us an opportunity to go out and say thank you to the fans who have always been so supportive of our music” said lead vocalist Mac Powell.
“These last twenty-five years of Third Day have been an amazing ride that we never in our wildest dreams thought we would experience,” said founding member and lead guitarist Mark Lee.
The Farewell Tour will feature a full slate from the band’s 31 No. 1 radio singles, as well as new material from Mac Powell and the Family Reunion, new music from Mark Lee featuring stories from his book Hurt Road, and special guest artist appearances in all markets.
THIRD DAY – FAREWELL TOUR
* Dates, markets and venues subject to change without notice
May 31 – Seattle, WA at Moore Theater
June 1 – Portland, OR at Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center
June 2 – Los Angeles, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
June 3 – Dallas, TX at Verizon Wireless Theater at Grand Prairie
June 8 – Houston, TX at Cynthia Woods Pavilion Amphitheater
June 9 – New York City, NY at Beacon Theater
June 13 – Louisville, KY at Southeast Christian
June 14 – Indianapolis, IN at Murat Theater
June 16 – Atlanta, GA at Fox Theater
June 22 – Grand Rapids, MI at DeVoss Performance Hall
June 23 – Nashville, TN at Ryman Auditorium
June 27 – Denver, CO at Red Rocks Amphitheater