Kelsea Ballerini Embraces Love During Ryman Debut
Kelsea Ballerini makes her headlining debut at the Ryman on February 14, 2018. Photo: Blythe Thomas [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
Standing in front of an illuminated heart backdrop, Black River Entertainment’s
Kelsea Ballerini personified loss, life and especially love during her headlining debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Wednesday night (Feb. 14).
Despite fighting the flu, Ballerini thrived from the energy of the sold-out crowd and treated fans to a live performance of every song off her sophomore album, Unapologetically. Performed chronologically, the setlist included “I Hate Love Songs” which resonated perfectly with the lovestruck holiday.
Celebrating her first Valentine’s Day as a married woman, Ballerini welcomed her husband, Morgan Evans (Warner Music Nashville), as a surprise guest. The couple introduced an unreleased song by Evans titled “Dance With Me,” marking the first time the pair has publicly performed together.
Ballerini ended her milestone show with an acoustic version of her Platinum-certified, No. 1 hit “Love Me Like You Mean It,” from her Gold-certified breakout album The First Time. “I want it to be me and you, because it’s always been me and you,” she humbly shared onstage, before leading an impassioned sing-along off-mic in closing.
Cole Swindell Kicks Off First Headlining Tour
Pictured (L-R): Michael Monaco, FlyHi Films; Katie Bright, National Dir. of Promotion, WMN; Jerry Padden, PD, WCTO; Morning Show Sam, WCTO; Cole Swindell; and Kerri Edwards, President, KP Entertainment.
Cole Swindell and members of the music industry celebrated the opening night of his Reason To Drink Tour Thursday night (Feb. 15) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Joining Swindell for each of the dates on his first headlining tour are two of country music’s biggest rising stars Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina. Click here for a full list of tour dates.
Lindsay Ell Visits Academy Of Country Music
Pictured (L-R): Tom Torii, ACM SVP, Finance and Operations; Lindsay Ell. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music® welcomed Stoney Creek Records recording artist Lindsay Ell to the office while she was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Ell performed her current single, “Criminal,” and other songs from her current album, The Project.
Click here to watch a video from Ell’s visit featuring an exclusive interview and clips from her performance.
MV2 Adds Two New Staffers, Promotes One
/by Lorie HollabaughSherrill is a Nashville native who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Mississippi. She began her career working with Matt Davenport Productions, and later returned to Nashville in 2013, where she joined the cast of the General Jackson Showboat as a full-time entertainer for four seasons. In Summer of 2015, Sherrill began working with Lisa Ramsey-Perkins at indie publishing company Little Extra Music, where she spent two years as creative director and as a full-time song plugger before joining MV2.
Davis has been promoted from Office Manager to Artist Management & Contract Administration. A licensed attorney in both Tennessee and Texas, Davis received a BBA in Business Management from the University of Texas at Tyler and attended law school at the University of Texas at Austin. While in law school, she took courses in entertainment and music law, was a staff editor of the Texas Review of Entertainment and Sports Law, and served as Communications Director for Law Students for the Arts. As Communications Director, she helped organize LSFTA’s annual pro bono clinic, in which local attorneys gave free consultations to musicians and artists in need of legal advice. Lauren also served as a legal intern for the Texas Music Office.
Parrish has joined the MV2 Entertainment team as Digital Marketing Manager. A native of a Chattanooga, she moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of working in the music industry by earning her degree in Music Business from Belmont University in 2017. Before joining MV2, Parrish held internships at Capitol CMG, The Recording Academy, and at Big Yellow Dog Music. Parrish was also a member of GRAMMY U and CMA EDU.
“MV2 Entertainment continues to expand, and we are pleased to add talented industry professionals to our executive team to contribute to that ongoing success,” MV2 Entertainment General Manager Tony Harrell said.
MV2 Entertainment represents an accomplished roster of songwriter/artists including Nora Collins, David Fanning, Terry McBride, Thomas Archer, and Clay Mills.
Don Gibson’s Hickory Records Career Highlights Chronicled On New Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughCompiled by Grammy-winner Cheryl Pawelski and music journalist Craig Shelburne (author of an upcoming Don Gibson biography and who also penned the set’s liner notes), this is the most comprehensive overview of Don Gibson’s output on Hickory Records. He joined the label (part of Nashville’s Acuff-Rose publishing empire) at the invitation of executive Wesley Rose, who had first signed him to a publishing deal at Acuff-Rose in 1955.
Thomas Rhett Celebrates Double Chart-Toppers And Gold Album
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Nicole Csabai, BMLG’s Mike Rittberg, G Major Management’s Virginia Davis, Thomas Rhett, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, BMLG’s Allison Jones, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner and BMLG’s Jake Basden. [Click photo to enlarge]
Dave Barnes and Julian Bunetta were honored for their work on “Craving You,” while Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and Bunetta were honored for co-writing “Unforgettable.”
Thomas Rhett was also surprised with a Gold certification for his latest album Life Changes. His current single, “Marry Me” has also been certified Gold.
Among those celebrating the two No. 1 songs were ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMG’s Kos Weaver, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, SMACKSongs’ Robert Carlton, MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson and Country Music Association’s Brandi Simms. First Tennessee Bank’s Andrew Kintz was also celebrating, while Pinnacle Bank, which announced a donation on behalf of the songwriters to the charity 147 Million Orphans (an organization supported by Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren).
Also celebrating were BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, George Briner and Alison Jones, as well as Thomas Rhett’s manager, Virginia Davis of G Major Management.
Next week, Thomas Rhett will be recognized as a CMA Triple Play Award recipient, which honors songwriters who have penned three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period (“Die A Happy Man,” “Star of the Show” and Michael Ray’s “Think A Little Less”).
Pictured (L-R): Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally, Dave Barnes and Dann Huff attend the BMI Thomas Rhett # 1 Party on February 15, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI [Click photo to enlarge]
Benson Woo Rejoins Gibson Brands As CFO
/by Jessica NicholsonBenson Woo
Nashville-based Gibson Brands has brought back former Chief Financial Officer Benson Woo, who will return to the role next week. Woo previously served as CFO for Gibson Brands in 2016. He succeeds Bill Lawrence
“We are excited and pleased that Benson with be coming back to the Gibson Brands family,” CEO Henry Juszkiewicz said. “He has a great knowledge of the industry, our current businesses and is liked and respected by everyone at Gibson and with whom he dealt. We are confident he will contribute to moving the company forward.”
Mr. Woo has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He spent his early career at General Motors and then moved onto senior financial positions at more entrepreneurial companies.
Danny Gokey Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): John Huie, CAA, Partner; Brad O’Donnell, Capitol CMG, Chief Creative Officer; Penny Railey, Maximum Artist Management; Danny Gokey; Hudson Plachy, Capitol CMG, Chief Marketing Officer; Mitchell Solarek, Maximum Artist Management; Gary Gilbert, Partner, Manatt, Phelps, Phillips.
Danny Gokey has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group. The announcement comes on the heels of Gokey’s first GRAMMY nomination for his hit album Rise.
“I’m excited to embrace a new chapter and walk into a new beginning with Capitol CMG,” Gokey said. “The music industry has gone through tremendous changes within the last decade and Capitol has always been at the forefront of innovative and creative solutions to help artists embrace the future. I’m honored to share in this next chapter with them and am expecting great things.”
“Danny Gokey is an artist that we have admired for some time,” said Brad O’Donnell, Capitol CMG Chief Creative Officer. “He’s an incredible singer, passionate communicator and has a strong sense of who he is as an artist. When the opportunity came along to work with him we jumped at the chance.”
Capitol CMG Chief Marketing Officer Hudson Plachy added, “We at Capitol CMG could not be more excited about working with Danny and the incredible talent he is gifted with. The passion, creativity and vision Danny brings has already brought him so much success, and we are honored to come alongside him and his team to serve his gifts moving forward.”
Gokey recently released his latest single “Masterpiece” and joined TobyMac on the road for the TobyMac Hits Deep Tour.
In 2009, Gokey earned third place on American Idol, and signed a recording deal with RCA Nashville, where he released a few singles to country radio before transitioning into the Christian radio format.
Industry Pics: Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, Lindsay Ell
/by Haley CrowKelsea Ballerini Embraces Love During Ryman Debut
Kelsea Ballerini makes her headlining debut at the Ryman on February 14, 2018. Photo: Blythe Thomas [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
Despite fighting the flu, Ballerini thrived from the energy of the sold-out crowd and treated fans to a live performance of every song off her sophomore album, Unapologetically. Performed chronologically, the setlist included “I Hate Love Songs” which resonated perfectly with the lovestruck holiday.
Celebrating her first Valentine’s Day as a married woman, Ballerini welcomed her husband, Morgan Evans (Warner Music Nashville), as a surprise guest. The couple introduced an unreleased song by Evans titled “Dance With Me,” marking the first time the pair has publicly performed together.
Ballerini ended her milestone show with an acoustic version of her Platinum-certified, No. 1 hit “Love Me Like You Mean It,” from her Gold-certified breakout album The First Time. “I want it to be me and you, because it’s always been me and you,” she humbly shared onstage, before leading an impassioned sing-along off-mic in closing.
Cole Swindell Kicks Off First Headlining Tour
Pictured (L-R): Michael Monaco, FlyHi Films; Katie Bright, National Dir. of Promotion, WMN; Jerry Padden, PD, WCTO; Morning Show Sam, WCTO; Cole Swindell; and Kerri Edwards, President, KP Entertainment.
Cole Swindell and members of the music industry celebrated the opening night of his Reason To Drink Tour Thursday night (Feb. 15) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Joining Swindell for each of the dates on his first headlining tour are two of country music’s biggest rising stars Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina. Click here for a full list of tour dates.
Lindsay Ell Visits Academy Of Country Music
Pictured (L-R): Tom Torii, ACM SVP, Finance and Operations; Lindsay Ell. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music® welcomed Stoney Creek Records recording artist Lindsay Ell to the office while she was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Ell performed her current single, “Criminal,” and other songs from her current album, The Project.
Click here to watch a video from Ell’s visit featuring an exclusive interview and clips from her performance.
Warner Joins Warner
/by Jessica NicholsonEmilee Warner
Warner Music Nashville has added Emilee Warner as Sr. Director, Artist Development. In her new role, Warner will report to SVP Artist Development Shane Tarleton, supporting the WMN roster in marketing and creative initiatives.
“I’m thrilled to add Emilee to our Artist Development team!” said Tarleton. “Her broad experience of marketing and passion for music make her the perfect fit.”
Warner brings more than 10 years of music industry experience to the label, most recently overseeing the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Music program where she launched programs with artists that include Brett Eldredge, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Young, as well as partnerships with the Country Music Association and Pandora. Prior to Cracker Barrel, Warner was the Director of Marketing at Nashville’s premier music venue City Winery, spearheading promotion of the venue’s live music, winemaking, private events and food & beverage programs.
“I am incredibly proud to join Warner Music Nashville,” shared Warner. “The artists and the team are some of the most talented individuals in the business, and I feel fortunate to be part of big things to come.”
Warner also serves as the Membership Lead for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s Troubadour Society as well as the Advisory Board for the annual Louisa Nelson Award, which honors female leaders in the community hosted by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery.
Willie Nelson To Release ‘Last Man Standing’ In April
/by Jessica NicholsonLegacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release Last Man Standing, Willie Nelson‘s new studio album (and 11th for the label), on Friday, April 27.
Arriving just in time for Willie’s 85th birthday (April 29), Last Man Standing will be available on CD, 12″ vinyl LP and digital formats.
Last Man Standing, comprised entirely of songs newly-penned by Willie Nelson (and longtime collaborator and producer Buddy Cannon), is the successor to Willie’s God’s Problem Child, which showcased seven Nelson-Cannon compositions and debuted at No. 1 on the country charts. Nelson and Cannon have been working together since 2008 with Cannon producing more than a dozen of Willie’s albums.
The songwriting duo deploys a unique strategy of shared composition, beginning with back-and-forth text messaging of lyrics with the melodies. On Last Man Standing, Nelson and Cannon’s unorthodox approach generated eleven original songs, “Willie’s a jazz singer and jazz player. He’s an improvisational musician. It’s different every time. Get a good take and go with it,” says Cannon.
Last Man Standing Track Listing
1. Last Man Standing
2. Don’t Tell Noah
3. Bad Breath
4. Me And You
5. Something You Get Through
6. Ready To Roar
7. Heaven Is Closed
8. I Ain’t Got Nothin’
9. She Made My Day
10. I’ll Try To Do Better Next Time
11. Very Far To Crawl
New Hires At Marbaloo
/by Jessica NicholsonKristin Foster has been hired as Interactive Coordinator, and Katie Fuller has been hired as Co-Community Caretaker alongside Joel Irby.
GMA Hall Of Fame Inductees And Honors Recipients Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughCCM artist Carman, Southern Gospel artist Karen Peck Gooch, legendary Gospel family group The Staples Singers, and acclaimed producer Greg Nelson have been announced as the inductees and honorees for the upcoming Gospel Music Association Foundation’s 5th Annual GMA Honors and Hall of Fame Ceremony. The event will take place Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena.
The ceremony also honors individuals and organizations that are impacting our culture both past and present. This year’s honorees include Chonda Pierce for Branches Counseling Center, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Ryan Lampa for People Loving Nashville, and Lipscomb University.
“This year marks our 5th Annual GMA Honors Celebration,” GMA President and Executive Director Jackie Patillo says. “We are delighted to celebrate our deserving inductees and honorees who are true heroes of the faith. Those being inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame will forever be acknowledged as musical innovators and the architects of our industry. We are proud to recognize each honoree for their commitment to stretch beyond themselves to make the world a better place.”
Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket and table sponsorship information can be found at gospelmusichalloffame.org.
Nominees are chosen by GMA’s Hall Of Fame Committee which is comprised of historians and industry leaders from the various gospel music genres. Inductees are selected by 200 electors from across the industry in four categories: CCM, Gospel, Southern Gospel and Non-Performing. Nominees can be submitted year-round for consideration by the public at gospelmusichalloffame.