CMHoF To Honor Lori McKenna With ‘Poets and Prophets’ Salute

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Lori McKenna

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has added songwriter Lori McKenna in the museum’s signature interview series Poets and Prophets: A Salute to Songwriters on Saturday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater. The program will include an in-depth interview with McKenna, illustrated with photos, film footage and recordings. McKenna will perform briefly, and following the program she will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters, available for purchase in the Museum Store.

McKenna was born, raised, and lives now in Stoughton, Massachusetts, but after years of visiting Nashville on songwriting business, McKenna is well known there, too. She has released ten critically acclaimed albums spanning country, folk and Americana music. In 2005, Faith Hill had a Top 40 country hit with McKenna’s “Stealing Kisses,” and the songwriter advanced her career with “I Want Crazy,” recorded by Hunter Hayes, and “God Made Girls” by RaeLynn.

McKenna co-wrote several songs recorded by Little Big Town, including “Girl Crush,” “Sober,” “Your Side of the Bed” and “Happy People.” “Girl Crush” won a Grammy for Best Country Song and a CMA award for Song of the Year. McKenna also found success with the solo write “Humble and Kind,” which was recorded by Tim McGraw and earned a CMA award for Song of the Year, and a Grammy award for Best Country Song in 2017. The Bird & The Rifle, McKenna’s 2016 album, was nominated for Grammy and Americana Music Association awards, as was its single, “Wreck You.” In 2017, McKenna was named Songwriter of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.

Admission to Poets and Prophets is included with museum admission and is free to museum members. Members have the option of reserving program passes by contacting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum via phone (615-416-2050) or email (reservations@countrymusichalloffame.org). The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.

This program is presented by SunTrust in support of the exhibit Tim McGraw and Faith Hill: Mississippi Woman, Louisiana Man.

Songwriters Renew With Downtown Music Nashville

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Downtown Nashville staff and writers (L-R): Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Andy Albert, Sam Ashworth, Steve Markland, Roberto Neri, Tony Esterly, Katie Roth, Natalie Osborne, Kelly Archer, Sara Haze, and FANN

Four Nashville songwriters, including Andy Albert, Kelly Archer, Marc Beeson, and Tony Esterly were among the first songwriters to sign on when Downtown Music Publishing opened their Nashville office in 2014. Now, all four are extending and renewing their deals at Downtown Nashville.

“When we launched Downtown Nashville in 2014, I was thrilled to begin working with Andy, Kelly, Marc, and Tony,” says Steve Markland, VP of A&R. “They’ve been four of the biggest reasons we’ve had such success here in our first four years, and we’re excited and committed to continue helping them in the development of their writing careers.”

In the past year and a half, veteran writer Archer has had the first two No. 1 hits of her career: “Sleep Without You” (performed by Brett Young) and “Somebody Else Will” (performed by Justin Moore). Marc Beeson has co-written multiple recent Top 10s, including Josh Turner’s 2017 No. 1 “Hometown Girl” and Blake Shelton’s 2016 hit “She’s Got A Way With Words.” The latter Beeson co-wrote with Andy Albert, who himself has seen career peaks since joining Downtown including, “If the Boot Fits” (performed by Granger Smith) and Smith’s current single “Happens Like That.” Writer-producer Esterly has landed over 20 major sync placements in the last year. He is also actively writing and producing several pop/rock development artists for 2018.

In the last year, Downtown Nashville has had 11 singles on the country radio charts, including five Top 10s and three No. 1 songs. They work closely with Downtown’s other global offices to reach beyond the world of country music as well, including Esterly’s many pop/rock syncs in projects like the Assassin’s Creed movie trailer and the Lego Ninjago movie. In addition to their existing offices in Nashville, New York, London, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, Downtown is about to announce two new offices to expand their international presence in new markets.

New Hires At Round Hill Music Nashville

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Rebecca Turner, Robbie English, Casey Reznik

Round Hill Music Nashville has hired three new employees in royalties, sync licensing, and administration.

Rebecca Turner has joined Round Hill as Director, Head of Royalty Services where she will be responsible for managing the company’s royalty team. Turner’s previous experience includes Licensing and Royalty Administration Supervisor at Naxos of America, Royalties Manager at Big Machine Label Group, and most recently, Royalty Manager at Modern Music Works Music Publishing.

Robbie English has joined Round Hill as Senior Coordinator, Sync Licensing where he will negotiate quotes and licenses for film and television. English previously worked as a negotiator in the Sync Licensing department at BMG in Los Angeles and worked with International clearances at Sony/ATV.

Casey Reznik has joined Round Hill as Senior Coordinator, Administration where she will assist with mechanical licensing, copyright registration, and PRO registration. Reznik previously processed royalties and copyrights at ASCAP in New York City and worked as a Licensing & Music Product Coordinator at Drew’s Entertainment in New Jersey.

“I am excited to welcome all three of our new employees to the Round Hill team,” says Mark Brown, SVP/GM, Round Hill Music Nashville. “We are a growing company and it takes a compliment of talented and qualified professionals to provide the service our clients expect. These three are all great additions.”

ACM Nominates Two MusicRow Reporting Stations

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The Academy of Country Music® announced Radio Awards nominees for the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards, including MusicRow’s reporting stations WCOW and KTHK. WCOW’s Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews are nominated again this year for On-Air Personality of the Year – Small Market. KTHK received another nomination this year for Radio Station of the Year – Small Market as well. 

View the full list of nominations here.

John Prine To Release First New Album In 13 Years

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John Prine will release his first album of new material in over 13 years, The Tree of Forgiveness, April 13 on his own independent label, Oh Boy Records. In advance of the release, which was produced by Dave Cobb, the song “Summer’s End” is premiering today here.

Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album includes 10 new songs penned by Prine along with co-writers Pat McLaughlin, Roger Cook, Dan Auerbach, Keith Sykes and Phil Spector. The album also features special guests Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and Amanda Shires on harmonies, backing vocals, guitar, and fiddle.

In celebration of the album, Prine will embark on an extensive tour throughout 2018, including a co-headlining concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall with Sturgill Simpson on album release day as well as newly announced shows at L.A.’s Ace Theatre, Boston’s Wang Theatre, Austin’s Bass Hall and two nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Tickets for the newly added dates will be available for pre-sale beginning Feb. 14 with general on sale starting February 16. Every concert ticket sold will include a copy of The Tree of Forgiveness upon its release.

The Tree Of Forgiveness TRACK LIST:

1. “Knockin’ On Your Screen Door” (by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
2. “I Have Met My Love Today” ft. Brandi Carlile (by John Prine and Roger Cook)
3. “Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska, 1967 (Crazy Bone)” (by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
4. “Summer’s End” (written by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)
5. “Caravan of Fools” (by John Prine, Dan Auerbach, and Pat McLaughlin)
6. “The Lonesome Friends of Science” (by John Prine)
7. “No Ordinary Blue” (by John Prine and Keith Sykes)
8. “Boundless Love” (by John Prine, Dan Auerbach, and Pat McLaughlin)
9. “God Only Knows” (by John Prine and Phil Spector)
10. “When I Get to Heaven” (by John Prine)

Jon Santana Signs With Prescription Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Rachel Wein, Alexa Stallings, Katie Fagan, Jon Santana, Andrea Quezada, Derek Gridley

Prescription Songs has signed producer Jon Santana.

Santana moved to Nashville in 2015 and started working with local pop breakouts Peter Manos and Cappa, whose collaboration on a “No Scrubs” cover garnered almost 8 million Spotify streams and placement in Forever 21 and Zara stores nationwide.

Santana’s own song “NY90” off his debut EP And There They Were, placed on Spotify Viral Charts in the U.S, Canada, Germany, Norway and Poland. He has had sync placements on MTV and VH1, and recently released his song “Galaxy” via Majestic Casual Records. He is prepping for the release of his next single, which will be an overseas hip-hop collaboration.

“I’m really excited to continue to make music with the support of Katie and Rachel and the rest of the amazing Rx team,” said Santana.

JD Groover Joins Sea Gayle Music As Creative Director

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JD Groover

Sea Gayle Music has added JD Groover to their creative team as Creative Director.

The Kingsland, Georgia native got his start in the music scene by running the Tifton, Georgia music venue, The Gin. In 2014, Groover worked as tour manager for Jon Langston and has been critical in the success of Langston’s singles and signing with Kerri Edwards at KP Entertainment.

“We are elated to have JD join Sea Gayle” said Sea Gayle Music’s Executive VP/GM Marc Driskill. “His experience within the music world and instinctive direction of hearing hits is such an asset to the team.”

“After my first meeting with Sea Gayle, I knew it was a perfect fit. I’ve always wanted to take a step in the publishing world,” Groover commented. “I’m excited to be joining the team and for my future with the writers and creative team. I’m glad Sea Gayle is letting me chase this dream.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: CRS New Faces Of Country Music Show

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Carly Pearce. Photo: CRS Instagram

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 585

If the 2018 New Faces Show at CRS represents the future of country music, then that future contains very good artists, if no actual superstars.

All five of the showcasing artists were solid talents. But there was no Cinderella moment when we witnessed a star being born.

The act who came closest to capturing the hearts and minds of the radio taste makers was Lauren Alaina. The young, big-voiced belter is rapidly evolving from being a pageant singer to being a vocalist of true nuance and finesse.

She sang her breakthrough No. 1 hit, the rocking and repetitive “The Road Less Travelled.” It vividly illustrates that she knows how to craft a killer chorus. Next, she needs to work on creating verses.

Lauren also performed what was arguably the evening’s best song, the autobiographical “Three.” This soaring, inspiring number was her opening song, and it had the crowd on its feet by the time she finished it. Her clear, penetrating and supremely assured voice was also effectively showcased on her current single, “Doin’ Fine.”

Luke Combs. Photo: CRS Instagram

Luke Combs was the show’s closing act. He was the evening’s most solidly “country” vocalist, which was particularly evident on his mash-up of the two stepper “Honky Tonk Highway” with “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”

Luke’s wry and winning No. 1 hit “When It Rains It Pours” bubbled with energy. He presented his current single, the lovelorn “One Number Away,” as well as his career-launching chart-topper “Hurricane.”

Handsome and charming Michael Ray also had two chart toppers in his arsenal, his energetic set kick-off “Kiss You in the Morning” and the churning and blazing “Think a Little Less.” Sitting alone with his guitar, he also introduced a new heartache ballad, “Her World Or Mine.” By the way, Michael is a real “give back” guy who donates his time and talents to many charities.

The new trio Midland repeatedly emphasized its Texas roots, but still sounded like creamy-smooth, California country-rockers. The group came out swinging with its dynamic “Make a Little.” The easy-going, western vibe of “Burn Out” was right up the group’s alley, since it emphasized the trio’s strengths, strong melodies and fine vocal harmonies.

Midland closed with its breakthrough No. 1 hit, the inescapably catchy “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Winsome Carly Pearce had the unenviable job of opening the New Faces Show. But she demonstrated vocal confidence, effective stagecraft and admirable pluck.

In addition, her funky, groove-soaked “Hide the Wine” was the finest of the new singles showcased during the evening. It even outshone her outstanding No. 1 smash “Every Little Thing.”

She summed up what every one of the New Faces was thinking by saying to the radio folks, “You guys came together and believed in me. All I’ve ever wanted to do in the whole world is to sing country music. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is such an honor to stand on this stage tonight.”

Lauren Alaina. Photo: CRS Instagram

A who’s who of fabulons attended – John Esposito, George Briner, Chris Farren, Scott Hendricks, Rob Simbeck, Diane Pearson, Gator Harrison, Daniel Hill, George Walker IV, Lori Badgett, Fred Vail, Cindy Watts, B.J. Hill and the ubiquitous Dennis Banka for starters.

Clay Myers had the talented Nora Collins in tow. Melanie Howard was introducing folks to the talented Heidi Raye. Country hunk Travis Rice worked the room solo.

Schmoozing up a storm were Bobby Bones, Royce Risser, Lisa Lee, Wes Vause, David Preston, Chuck Dauphin, Jimmy Harnen, Melinda Newman, Cody Alan, Jennifer Meyer, Ben Vaughn, Mike Sherry, Big John Bowen and Phyllis Stark. MusicRow greats Jessica Nicholson, Eric T. Parker, Alex Kobrick and Haley Crow shared a table.

We dined on moist baked, herbed chicken quarters with polenta and roasted cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. Chocolate mousse cups were the delectable desserts.

The ACM announced its radio-award nominees and Country AirCheck presented its kudos during the banquet.

Jameson Rodgers entertained during the cocktail reception. He had a cool, rocking, blue-collar country sound, which was unfortunately amped up too loud.

Midland. Photo: CRS Instagram

Michael Ray. Photo: CRS Instagram

Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson Set For ‘Johnny Cash: Forever Words’ Project

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A new album, Johnny Cash: Forever Words, featuring Cash’s unknown poetry, lyrics, and letters set to music is set for release April 6 on Legacy Recordings. The album features performances of this new Cash material by a selection of artists including Chris Cornell, Ruston Kelly & Kacey Musgraves, Rosanne Cash, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Kris Kristofferson & Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, John Mellencamp, Carlene Carter, Elvis Costello, The Jayhawks, and more. The 16-song album will be available on CD, vinyl and digitally. 

When Johnny and June passed, they left behind what son and album co-producer John Carter Cash describes as a “monstrous amassment” of things, including a treasure trove of undiscovered material that includes Johnny’s handwritten letters, poems and documents, penned across the entirety of his life. Over the past two years, John Carter Cash and producer Steve Berkowitz invited a stellar cast of musicians to create new music to accompany these newly discovered Cash writings.

“Determining the artist for each song was truly a matter of the heart,” said John Carter Cash. “I picked the artists who are most connected with my father, who had a personal story that was connected with Dad. It became an exciting endeavor to go through these works, to put them together and present them to different people who could finish them in a way that I believed that Dad would have wanted.”

Recorded primarily at The Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Johnny Cash: Forever Words, is also the musical companion to the best-selling “Forever Words: The Unknown Poems,” a volume of Cash’s unpublished writing edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon and curated by John Carter Cash and Steve Berkowitz.

Many of the album’s songs were directly inspired by material in the book, while others are drawn from different sources of Cash’s writings. The tone of the album is established with the opening track “Forever/I Still Miss Someone” featuring Kris Kristofferson reciting the last poem Cash ever wrote alongside guitar accompaniment from Willie Nelson, both lifelong friends of Johnny. The deeply personal “To June This Morning,” is a letter Johnny wrote to his wife, June Carter Cash, now interpreted by real-life couple Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves. The album also includes a piece from Rosanne Cash, who interpreted her father’s “The Walking Wounded,” marking just the second time that she has collaborated on a record with her half-brother John Carter Cash. John Carter Cash also collaborated with his half-sister Carlene, on “June’s Sundown.”

Johnny Cash: Forever Words Track Listing:
1. Forever/I Still Miss Someone – Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson
2. To June This Morning – Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves
3. Gold All Over the Ground – Brad Paisley
4. You Never Knew My Mind – Chris Cornell
5. The Captain’s Daughter – Alison Krauss and Union Station
6. Jellico Coal Man – T. Bone Burnett
7. The Walking Wounded – Rosanne Cash
8. Them Double Blues – John Mellencamp
9. Body on Body – Jewel
10. I’ll Still Love You – Elvis Costello
11. June’s Sundown – Carlene Carter
12. He Bore It All – Daily and Vincent
13. Chinky Pin Hill – I’m With Her
14. Goin’, Goin’, Gone – Robert Glasper featuring Ro James, and Anu Sun
15. What Would I Dreamer Do? – The Jayhawks
16. Spirit Rider – Jamey Johnson

Dierks Bentley Teams With Flag & Anthem For Desert Son Clothing Line

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Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley has partnered with Flag & Anthem to create an exclusive new lifestyle collection, Desert Son, launching this month. With its name inspired by some of the more autobiographical lyrics off his upcoming ninth studio album, The Mountain, the initial Spring offering will feature primarily men’s items including vintage-washed tees, raglans, hoodies and hats along with a handful of women’s tees. Desert Son will continue to roll-out with 2018 Summer and Fall assortments including button-down shirts, knit tops, denim and jackets. Working alongside his longtime stylist Annie Psaltiras, the two created a line customized to reflect Bentley’s own personal style. Desert Son is now available at retailers including Buckle, Von Maur and Dillard’s and online at flagandanthem.com.

“This has been such a fun thing to create and develop. I love clothes that are perfectly worn-in like you’ve had them a lifetime, but can also take the wear and tear that comes from an active lifestyle,” explained Bentley. “I’ve learned over the last few months that there’s a real art to getting that just right. The Flag & Anthem guys have been doing it at the highest level and have helped me put together a collection that I think is totally authentic to me and one that hopefully people all over the country will dig too.”

“Dierks’ lifestyle perfectly embodies our brand,” said Flag & Anthem co-founder Brad Gartman. “There is a strong synergy between his fans and our customer. We see Dierks and Desert Son as a natural integration with Flag & Anthem and look forward to a long partnership.”

Flag & Anthem is a premium quality Men’s brand that features casual button-downs, elevated knitwear, signature chinos and newly launched woven shirts for women. The brand exemplifies a refined, rugged look with an authentic, vintage aesthetic.