Ray Stevens
Nashville has a new, first-rate 750-seat dinner theater showroom: CabaRay.
Located opposite the popular Nashville West shopping center exit, Ray Stevens will welcome concert goers three nights a week at start.
The 78 year old Stevens, who built the 35,000 square foot facility—complete with management offices, gift shop, soundstage and recording studio—has only performed a handful of dates in the past few years aside from his wildly successful PBS show.
In front of VIP guests Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, which was declared Ray Stevens Day by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, the two-time Grammy winner revisited 60 years of music in the 90-minute show.
Longtime Nashville musician and comedian Kevin King served as emcee for the pre-show, which included read remarks by congresswoman Marsha Blackburn.
“I’m very proud to accept these and live it up to midnight, because at midnight I turn into a side-man,” Stevens from the stage of the accolades and his venture. “I’ve worked in so many venues, I wanted to build a place that I thought was the culmination of all that I would like in a place. Right or wrong, this is it!”
Pictured (L-R): Ricky Skaggs, Ray Stevens, Kelly Lang
Also from the stage, Stevens acknowledged manager Don Williams in addition to his own inspiration behind creating the venue, which includes custom wallpaper with photos of old recording sessions with Chet Atkins, Shelby Singleton, Jerry Kennedy, Owen Bradley, Fred Foster and Billy Sherrill.
“I wanted to remind people that Nashville is Music City USA,” said Stevens of the photos on the walls in a rare serious moment during the show. “The Grand Ole Opry has been the backbone of country music. But when the recording studios decided to locate here, that to me was the crowning touch. Owen Bradley’s the Quonset Hut or Chet Atkins’ RCA A. Without the studios we wouldn’t be music city. The musicians came here to work sessions—I did. Especially with Mercury, RCA, Columbia and Decca. It was kinda dicey in the beginning in. I’ve heard stories that Texas was vying for the business from all the major record companies but Nashville won out. I just think a big thank you is due to all those producers and musicians who started it all.”
Among the titles Stevens performed with a black-tie orchestra spanned gospel’s “Turn Your Radio On” to the politically incorrect “Ahab the Arab” and sexually deviant “It’s Me Again Margaret” and “The Streak.”
Poignant masterpieces highlighted Stevens’ genius in the introductory “Nashville,” alongside “Misty” and “Everything Is Beautiful,” which received a standing ovation from the crowd, including Ralph Emery, Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White, John Berry, the Gatlin Brothers, Steve Wariner, TG Sheppard, Bill Anderson, Kelly Lang, T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz, Johnny Lee, Lee Roy Parnell, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, Fred Foster, Harold Bradley, Bobby Goldsboro, Teea Goans, Charlie Monk, Bill Cody, and more.
Signature slapstick vocal wailings were featured on “Along Came Jones,” “Guitarzan,” Sergeant Preston of the Yukon” and “Jeremiah Peabody’s Polyunsaturated Quick-Dissolving…Green & Purple Pills.”
After four faux, comedic encores, and the obligatory “Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” Stevens indulged himself in one last cover title, “Goodnight Irene,” wrapping an entertaining and worthwhile endeavor among the Nashville music scene.
Jack White Releases Two Tracks From Upcoming New Project, ‘Boarding House Reach’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: David James Swanson
Jack White has released a brand new single, “Connected by Love,” from his anticipated third solo album, Boarding House Reach (Third Man/Columbia), and a second track from the new album, “Respect Commander,” as well. Both tracks are available digitally worldwide now.
“Connected by Love” was produced by White and recorded at Sear Sound in New York City, Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, and Third Man Studio in Nashville – marking the first time that White has recorded an album in NY and LA. The track features White on vocals, synthesizer, and acoustic guitar, with backing by a new lineup of musicians that includes drummer Louis Cato (Beyoncé, Q-Tip, John Legend), bassist Charlotte Kemp Muhl (The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger), synthesizer player DJ Harrison, keyboardist Neal Evans (Soulive, Talib Kweli, John Scofield), percussionist Bobby Allende (David Byrne), and backing vocalists Ann & Regina McCrary of Nashville’s beloved gospel trio, The McCrary Sisters.
The 7″ vinyl is also available today via Third Man Records, and the single arrives later this week at independent record stores globally. In addition, a limited edition tri-color 7″ will be on sale for one day only, Saturday, January 13th, exclusively at Third Man Records storefronts in Nashville and Detroit, available only for as long as the line for them lasts and never to be made accessible online. Additional information about how to purchase the tri-color can be found at thirdmanrecords.com.
A thought-provoking companion video accompanies “Connected by Love” was filmed in Los Angeles and Nashville by director Pasqual Gutierrez.
White will celebrate the new album with a number of festival performances, including Shaky Knees in Atlanta (May 4th-6th), Boston Calling 2018 (May 25th-27th), and Governor’s Ball in New York (June 1st-3rd). Additional dates will be unveiled soon. Updates and ticket availability can be found at jackwhiteiii.com/tour-dates.
Ray Stevens Opens 750-Seat Dinner Theater CabaRay In Nashville West
/by Eric T. ParkerRay Stevens
Nashville has a new, first-rate 750-seat dinner theater showroom: CabaRay.
Located opposite the popular Nashville West shopping center exit, Ray Stevens will welcome concert goers three nights a week at start.
The 78 year old Stevens, who built the 35,000 square foot facility—complete with management offices, gift shop, soundstage and recording studio—has only performed a handful of dates in the past few years aside from his wildly successful PBS show.
In front of VIP guests Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, which was declared Ray Stevens Day by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, the two-time Grammy winner revisited 60 years of music in the 90-minute show.
Longtime Nashville musician and comedian Kevin King served as emcee for the pre-show, which included read remarks by congresswoman Marsha Blackburn.
“I’m very proud to accept these and live it up to midnight, because at midnight I turn into a side-man,” Stevens from the stage of the accolades and his venture. “I’ve worked in so many venues, I wanted to build a place that I thought was the culmination of all that I would like in a place. Right or wrong, this is it!”
Pictured (L-R): Ricky Skaggs, Ray Stevens, Kelly Lang
Also from the stage, Stevens acknowledged manager Don Williams in addition to his own inspiration behind creating the venue, which includes custom wallpaper with photos of old recording sessions with Chet Atkins, Shelby Singleton, Jerry Kennedy, Owen Bradley, Fred Foster and Billy Sherrill.
“I wanted to remind people that Nashville is Music City USA,” said Stevens of the photos on the walls in a rare serious moment during the show. “The Grand Ole Opry has been the backbone of country music. But when the recording studios decided to locate here, that to me was the crowning touch. Owen Bradley’s the Quonset Hut or Chet Atkins’ RCA A. Without the studios we wouldn’t be music city. The musicians came here to work sessions—I did. Especially with Mercury, RCA, Columbia and Decca. It was kinda dicey in the beginning in. I’ve heard stories that Texas was vying for the business from all the major record companies but Nashville won out. I just think a big thank you is due to all those producers and musicians who started it all.”
Among the titles Stevens performed with a black-tie orchestra spanned gospel’s “Turn Your Radio On” to the politically incorrect “Ahab the Arab” and sexually deviant “It’s Me Again Margaret” and “The Streak.”
Poignant masterpieces highlighted Stevens’ genius in the introductory “Nashville,” alongside “Misty” and “Everything Is Beautiful,” which received a standing ovation from the crowd, including Ralph Emery, Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White, John Berry, the Gatlin Brothers, Steve Wariner, TG Sheppard, Bill Anderson, Kelly Lang, T. Graham Brown, Don Schlitz, Johnny Lee, Lee Roy Parnell, Jeannie Seely, Mandy Barnett, Fred Foster, Harold Bradley, Bobby Goldsboro, Teea Goans, Charlie Monk, Bill Cody, and more.
Signature slapstick vocal wailings were featured on “Along Came Jones,” “Guitarzan,” Sergeant Preston of the Yukon” and “Jeremiah Peabody’s Polyunsaturated Quick-Dissolving…Green & Purple Pills.”
After four faux, comedic encores, and the obligatory “Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” Stevens indulged himself in one last cover title, “Goodnight Irene,” wrapping an entertaining and worthwhile endeavor among the Nashville music scene.
Ed Sheeran Throws Tim McGraw And Faith Hill’s “The Rest Of Our Life” In Infringement Lawsuit
/by Eric T. ParkerThe second single and title track from Tim McGraw and Faith Hill‘s duet album, The Rest Of Our Life, is at the center of a copyright infringement lawsuit.
Penned by pop singer Ed Sheeran, Amy Wadge, Johnny McDaid and Steve Mac, “The Rest Of Our Life” is alleged to be a “willful copyright infringement” on the Sean Carey, Beau Golden and Jasmine Rae [Eldridge] song “When I Found You,” released in Australia by Rae in 2014 on ABC Records.
Filed on Wednesday (Jan. 10) in New York federal court, Carey and Golden will be represented by Nashville-based lawyer Richard Busch, noted for the “Blurred Lines” win, representing the family of Marvin Gaye.
Also named as defendants alongside the writers in the case are McGraw and Hill, record labels Sony Music and McGraw Music, in addition to publishers Sony/ATV, Kobalt, Universal Polygram, WB Music, and individual publishing interests of the writers.
The filing alleges the defendants have profited well in excess of $5 million from the Infringing Song and Sound Recording.
The filing goes in great detail and bases much of the impetus to pursue action on Rae’s boyfriend, Tim Holland, who is a marketing employee by Sony Music on the other end of the world in Sydney, Australia. Nevertheless, filing alleges access came from Holland, in addition to Sheeran’s touring schedule, which routed through Australia “when ‘When I Found You’ was enjoying its biggest success on the Australian airwaves.”
The filing says Rae—allegedly not in her own words to protect her boyfriend—chose to abstain from participating in any legal action against “the song’s recording artists … the owner of the recorded track master … or their record company, Sony Music Entertainment,” although she would be willing to make a claim and pursuing actions against the publishers and writers for a portion of the writer’s royalties.”
Alabama, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Sara Evans And Travis Tritt Join Volunteer Jam XX Lineup
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“This year we get back to basics, back to the free form rocking traditions the Volunteer Jam was known for,” says Daniels of the upcoming show. “I’m planning a jam at the last part of the show that will blow the roof off Bridgestone. And we’ve got the pickers coming this year that can make that happen big time.”
Don Was will serve as music director for the show, presiding over a house band that includes Chuck Leavell and Kenny Aronoff. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster locations, and the Bridgestone Arena box office. A portion of the proceeds from 2018’s Volunteer Jam will be donated to The Journey Home Project, a non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager David Corlew to help Veterans.
Three Hounds Music Signs Sarah Beth Terry
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Tyler Bell – GM Three Hounds Music, Sarah Beth Terry, Tom Harrison – CEO/Founder Three Hounds Music.
Three Hounds Music has entered into an exclusive publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Sarah Beth Terry.
Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, Terry began writing poems and lyrics at a very early age. She credits songwriter, musician, & producer Bobby Terry (no relation) and artist/songwriter Anthony Smith with teaching her to formulate songs. She is reverential about Smith’s album, If That Ain’t Country (produced and engineered by Bobby Terry) and claims that it was an important turning point for her as a songwriter. Ironically, in addition to signing an exclusive agreement with Bobby’s publishing company, Three Hounds Music, Sarah Beth’s first cut is a Craig Morgan song she wrote with Anthony: “I Hate the Taste of Whiskey.” She also has a cut on the new Gaither Vocal Band album.
I’m thrilled to be part of the Three Hounds Music family,” says Sarah Beth. “It’s a good fit and I’m finally on the playing field!”
Three Hounds Music’s roster also includes songwriters Bobby Terry (Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Gretchen Wilson), David Tolliver (Tim McGraw, Jerrod Neiman, Brantley Gilbert), Kevin Brandt (Montgomery Gentry, Travis Tritt, Randy Travis), and Americana duo FLEENER.
South By Southwest 2018 Adds To Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughIn addition to the already announced artists, the festival will host the North American debut of composer Max Richter’s 8-hour masterpiece SLEEP, as well as performances by A Place to Bury Strangers (Brooklyn NY), Aleman (Cabo San Lucas MEXICO), Crush (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), Cuco (Hawthorne CA), Cut Chemist (Los Angeles CA), Duckwrth (Los Angeles CA), Ezra Furman (Chicago IL), Flasher (Washington DC), Goat Girl (London UK-ENGLAND), Grupo Fantasma (Austin TX), Hinds (Madrid SPAIN), Jade Bird (Smallfield UK-ENGLAND), Lali Puna (Munich GERMANY), Lo Moon (Los Angeles CA), Lola Marsh (Tel Aviv ISRAEL), Low (Duluth MN), The Marias (Los Angeles CA), Ought (Montreal CANADA), Smokepurpp (Miami, FL), Son Little (Philadelphia PA), Sunflower Bean (New York NY), Superorganism (London UK-ENGLAND), U.S. Girls (Toronto CANADA), Wifisfuneral (Palm Beach FL), XXX (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), and YFN Lucci (Summerhill GA).
Among the Nashville invitees are Becca Mancari, Brother Sundance, Morgxn, The Cunning, Shell of a Shell, Soccer Mommy, Skyway Man, The Grahams, Harpooner, Tristen, Jonathan Tyler, Third Man Records’ Joshua Hedley, Welles and We Were The States.
SXSW 2018 takes place on stages around Austin from March 12 -18, 2018. Artists performing at SXSW 2018 can be heard by tuning into sxsw.com/fm on your mobile or desktop, or on demand any time at mixcloud.com/sxswfm. To register for the event, go to sxsw.com/attend.
In Pictures: Ray Stevens, Jenny Tolman, John Rich, TobyMac
/by Haley CrowMayor Megan Barry Proclaims January 10 Ray Stevens Day
Pictured: Ray Stevens receives his proclamation declaring January 10 Ray Stevens Day.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry officially declared Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, as Ray Stevens Day in honor of the country and comedy music legend’s numerous accomplishments and contributions to Music City, USA. Recognized as a Nashville music business icon, Stevens is set to open a new art music venue, CabaRay, on Jan. 18.
SESAC’s Jenny Tolman Kicks Off New Year with New Single
Pictured (L-R): SESAC Manager of Creative Services Lydia Schultz, Singer/Songwriter Jenny Tolman and VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch.
Friends, family and industry colleagues showed up at The Sutler in Nashville on Tuesday night (Jan. 9) for Jenny Tolman’s single release party, to celebrate the release of “Something to Complain About.”
John Rich Celebrates Birthday and Launch of Redneck Riviera Whiskey
Pictured: John Rich celebrates his birthday and the launch of Redneck Riviera Whiskey in Nashville on January 6, 2018. Photo: Joe Hardwick
Media, industry and friends gathered at John Rich‘s Nashville home on Saturday (Jan. 6) to celebrate his birthday as well as the launch of his latest business venture, Redneck Riviera Whiskey. Rich launched the Redneck Riviera lifestyle brand in 2014 that has grown into a multi-faceted franchise with apparel, food and honky tonks.
Pictured (L-R): Gretchen Wilson and John Rich at the Redneck Riviera Whiskey Launch Party on January 6, 2018. Photo: Joe Hardwick
Pictured (L-R): Fox and Friends’ Brian Kilmeade, John Rich and Ronnie Barrett. Photo: Joe Hardwick
TobyMac Celebrates Release of New Single
Pictured: TobyMac celebrates the release of his latest single with a meet and greet for fans.
Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town Teaming Up For Bandwagon Tour This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughCredit: Becky Fluke
Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town are jumping on the bandwagon together this Summer for a joint cross-country trek that will kick off July 12 in Charlotte, N.C. Thirteen dates have already been announced for the co-headlining Bandwagon tour, with more dates and support acts to be announced soon.
Tickets for select dates will become available as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket going on sale Jan. 26 at megaticket.com. More information is also available at MirandaLambert.com and LittleBigTown.com.
The tour won’t lack for star power, with the two acts together touting a combined thirty-six ACM Award wins, twenty-one CMAs, and four Grammys.
The Bandwagon Tour dates:
7/12/18: Charlotte, N.C.; PNC Music Pavilion
7/13/18: Cincinnati, Ohio; Riverbend Music Center
7/14/18: Indianapolis, Ind.; Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
7/20/18: Hartford, Conn.; XFINITY Theatre
7/21/18: Mansfield, Mass.; XFINITY Center
8/2/18: Orange Beach, Ala.; The Wharf at Orange Beach
8/3/18: Tampa, Fla.; MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/4/18: West Palm Beach, Fla.;Coral Sky Amphitheatre
8/16/18: Darien Center N.Y.; Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
8/17/18: Pittsburgh; Pa. KeyBank Pavilion
8/18/18: Philadelphia, Pa.; BB&T Pavilion
8/23/18: Toronto, Ontario; Budweiser Stage
8/24/18: Clarkston, Mich.; DTE Energy Music Theatre
Chris Tomlin Inks PR Deal With Schmidt Relations
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Tomlin
CCM artist and worship leader Chris Tomlin is joining the roster of publicity clients at Schmidt Relations, which also represents Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Eric Paslay, Cole Swindell and the Grand Ole Opry.
As one of only four artists in any genre ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1 Billion digital radio streams (joining only Justin Timberlake, Pitbull, and Garth Brooks), Tomlin has also sold more than eight million albums, 11.3 million digital tracks with 16 No. 1 singles.
The Grammy winner’s list of music awards include an American Music Award, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a BMI Songwriter of the Year Award and more. Tomlin’s latest No. 1 charting album Never Lose Sight contains three No. 1 radio singles— “Jesus,” “Good Good Father” and “Home.” Tomlin’s concert tours have sold-out venues in major cities including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, The Forum in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and Red Rocks in Denver, among others. His 2017 “Worship Night in America Tour” became the first Christian tour sponsored by Amazon Music.
On April 5, Tomlin will kick off his 2018 Worship Night in America tour with special guests Kim Walker Smith of Jesus Culture, Matt Maher, Christine D’Clario, Tauren Wells, and Pat Barrett. The tour will hit 24 markets across the U.S. including Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Philadelphia and more.
Schmidt Relations is a boutique public relations company based in Nashville, Tenn. Established in 1997, owner Jessie Schmidt has worked the careers of some of country music’s finest including Trace Adkins, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie, DreamWorks Records, Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Aaron Tippin, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack and more.
Tomlin’s signing follows the recent announcement that former Schmidt Relations client Carrie Underwood has moved to PMK BNC for publicity.
Mitchell Tenpenny Signs With Riser House/Columbia Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured here, as Mitchell Tenpenny signs his artist recording agreement with Riser House/Columbia Nashville, are (left to right): FRONT – Sony Music Nashville’s SVP Legal & Business Affairs Angie Magill and Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman; Mitchell Tenpenny; Riser House Records’ President Jennifer Johnson and GM Stephanie Hudacek; and, BACK – Kristen Ashley, Tenpenny’s day-to-day manager; Sony Music Nashville’s SVP A&R Jim Catino, COO/EVP Ken Robold, EVP Promotion/Artist Development Steve Hodges, EVP Marketing/New Business John Zarling, Tenpenny’s marketing lead Jennifer Way; and Shane Allen, SVP, Promotion, Columbia Nashville. Photo: Alan Poizner. [Click photo to enlarge]
Tenpenny will release his Riser House/Columbia Nashville debut single this spring. Tenpenny was the flagship artist for full-service label, management, and publishing company Riser House, which was founded by Matt Swanson, Jennifer Johnson, and Tenpenny.
Nashville native Tenpenny’s grandmother was former Sony/ATV Music Publishing CEO Donna Hilley. Tenpenny co-wrote Granger Smith’s Top 5 hit, “If The Boot Fits.”
Sony Music Nashville includes its three country label operations – Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville, and RCA Nashville – and Provident Music Group, one of the world’s leading Christian music companies. Sony Music Nashville is a division of Sony Music Entertainment.