Absolute Publicity Inks Deal With Jason Morton
Pictured (L-R): Jason Morton, Don Murry Grubbs (Absolute Publicity)
Copperline Music Group’s Jason Morton has signed on with Absolute Publicity for PR representation. Absolute Publicity was founded in 2009 by Don Murry Grubbs and includes clients Aaron Tippin, Craig Wayne Boyd, John Anderson, John Berry, and more.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Absolute team,” says Morton. “The vibe of our new release fits perfectly with Don and his team. We are looking forward to a great venture together.”
Grubbs adds, “Jason and his band, The Chesapeake Sons, are a talented bunch of guys. Give his new album a listen, and I think you’ll see why. Jason has a bright future ahead of him, and we’re so pleased to welcome him to our growing roster of talent.”
Morton’s debut album, Jason Morton and The Chesapeake Sons, produced by Will Edwards, is available now.
Black River Entertainment’s Brian Rhodes Named Board Member For University Of New Haven
Brian Rhodes
Black River Entertainment’s Senior Director of Artist and Brand Development Brian Rhoades is a newly named board member on the Department of Music Advisory Board at the University of New Haven.
“It is both a privilege and an honor to be invited to serve on the Board,” says Rhoades. “I look forward to pulling from my career experiences in the music industry and contributing to the Department of Music and the education of its students at the University of New Haven.”
The University of New Haven’s Department of Music Advisory Board consists of 10-12 members and members serve a three-year term, with the option to renew. The Board provides guidance and expertise on issues like developing curriculums to parallel music industry trends, building relationships with music industry partners for experiential opportunities (internships, employment opportunities, etc.), and offering recommendations regarding extra-curricular/co-curricular events and experiences to enhance programs. The Board consists of emeritus professors, alumni and leaders in the music industry.
Rhoades’ career has spanned multiple genres in the industry relocating him from Atlanta, to NYC and ultimately Nashville, with stops at Virgin Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, EMI Records; plus serving as VP of Promotion at both Epic Records and Reprise Records. He joined Black River Entertainment in 2011.
Songwriter Billy Yates To Debut New Branson Show In 2018
Billy Yates
Songwriter Billy Yates will debut a new show, Billy Yates Hit Songwriters In The Round, on April 6, 2018 at the Americana Theatre at 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson. The first three shows will feature songwriters Kerry Kurt Phillips (Joe Diffie’s “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox,” George Strait’s “She Let Herself Go”), and Wynn Varble (Darryl Worley’s “Have You Forgotten,” Brad Paisley’s “Waitin’ On A Woman”).
Other writers set to perform during 2018 include Wil Nance, Leslie Satcher, Buddy Jewel and Jeff Bates.
In addition to his own ‘Hit Songwriters in the Round’ show, Yates will continue singing some of his favorite country classics at the Starlite Theatre in Raiding the Country Vault in 2018.
Tickets for Billy Yates’ Hit Songwriters in the Round are available at the Americana Theater box office at 417-544-8700 or online at hitsongwritersintheround.com.
In Pictures: Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge, Jordan Davis, HoriPro Entertainment
/by Haley CrowKenny Chesney On Late Night With Seth Meyers
Pictured (L-R) Musical guest Kenny Chesney during an interview with host Seth Meyers on December 18, 2017. Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC
Kenny Chesney appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers last night (Dec. 18) where he talked of unorthodox music marketing, Grammy nominations, No Shoes Nation, why he loves St. John and spearheading a relief effort for the US and British Virgin Islands through his Love for Love City Foundation and evacuating the animals lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Chesney also performed a raw, stripped down “Jesus & Elvis” off his latest album Cosmic Hallelujah, which recently earned a Grammy nod for Best Country Album.
Pictured: Musical guest Kenny Chesney performs on Late Night with Seth Meyers on December 18, 2017. Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC
Fourth Annual “An Evening With Brett Eldredge” Holiday Show
Pictured (L-R): Robert Deaton (Deaton Flanigen Productions), Brett Eldredge, and John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN). Photo: Alan Poizner
Brett Eldredge performed his final show of the year last Thursday night (Dec. 14) at his annual holiday concert, “An Evening With Brett Eldredge.” Eldredge performed the season’s most popular holiday tunes for friends, family and industry guests at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
The fourth annual event, which featured a 12-piece orchestra backing the swinging Christmas tunes from his holiday album Glow, raised money for the Brett Eldredge Family Foundation to support area children’s hospitals.
Pictured (L-R): Wes Vause (SVP Publicity, WMN); Katie Bright (National Director Radio & Streaming, WMN); Justin Luffman (VP Artist Development, WMN); Tim Foisset (VP Streaming, WMN); Marieke Bianchi (VP Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, WMN); Brooke Hardesty (Director Interactive Marketing, WMN); Rob Baker (Manager, Longshot Management); Monique Bejamin (SVP Finance, WMN); Chad Schultz (VP Original Content & Radio Marketing, WMN); Brett Eldredge; John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, WMN); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); Victoria Nugent (VP Research & Analytics, WMN); Ben Kline (SVP Global Revenue & Touring, WMN); Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, WMN); Megan Joyce (SVP Business & Legal Affairs, WMN); Matt Signore (COO, WMN); Mike Dupree (VP Creative Services, WMN); and Camille Alston (Manager, Longshot Management). Photo: Alan Poizner
Jordan Davis Visits Universal Music Group Staff
Jordan Davis with the UMG Nashville staff.
MCA Nashville’s Jordan Davis delivered treats to the UMG Nashville staff Tuesday morning (Dec. 19) as a thank you for all the support on his debut single, “Singles You Up.” The UMG staff welcomed Davis to the office while wearing his limited edition “Single All The Way” holiday sweatshirt to celebrate.
Davis’ “ugly Christmas sweater” is available for purchase here with 100% of the proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
HoriPro Honors Golf Tournament Makes Donation to T.J. Martell Foundation
Pictured (L-R): Legends Bank’s Nashville Area President Rick Archer, HoriPro Senior VP Butch Baker, T.J. Martell CEO Laura Heatherly, Director of HoriPro Honors Golf Tournament Jack Craw, HoriPro Senior Creative Director Courtney Crist, and Legends Bank’s Branch Manager/Business Banker David Monfore.
HoriPro Entertainment Group presented a HoriPro Honors Golf Tournament donation to the T.J. Martell Foundation, made in the name of Bob Heatherly, longtime music executive and late husband of Laura Heatherly of T.J. Martell.
The HoriPro Honors Golf Tournament, presented by Legends Bank, was held earlier this year at Henry Horton State Park and honored BMI’s Jody Williams and HoriPro’s Dave Hall. Next year’s HoriPro Honors Golf Tournament is set for Friday, June 1, 2018.
Artists Send Statement To Congress Urging CLASSICS Act Passage
/by Lorie HollabaughSeveral artists sent a statement to Congress Tuesday (Dec. 19) urging passage of the CLASSICS Act to stop older artists being taken advantage of by digital music services. The Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service, and Important Contributions to Society Act (the CLASSICS Act), aims to make pre-1972 recordings subject to the same compulsory license laws that govern later recordings.
“Digital radio makes billions of dollars a year from airplay of music made before 1972,” the CLASSICS Act reads. “Yet, because of an ambiguity in state and federal copyright laws, artists and copyright owners who created that music receive nothing for the use of their work. The CLASSICS Act would correct this inequity and finally ensure that musicians and vocalists who made those timeless songs finally get their due. We urge Congress to pass the CLASSICS Act and other pro-artist reforms quickly.”
Artists signing the statement include:
• Stelth Alexander
• T Bone Burnett
• Clem Burke
• Mary Chapin Carpenter
• Rosanne Cash
• Beth Nielsen Chapman
• Marc Cohn
• Ry Cooder
• Rodney Crowell
• John Doe
• Jerry Douglas
• Mark Erelli
• Mary Gauthier
• Emmylou Harris
• Debbie Harry
• David Hood
• Patterson Hood
• Kris Kristofferson
• John Leventhal
• Mac McAnally
• John McCrea
• Bette Midler
• Rhett Miller
• Parker Millsap
• Jason Moran
• Paul Moravec
• Grant-Lee Phillips
• John Prine
• Bonnie Raitt
• East Bay Ray
• Vernon Reid
• Henry Rollins
• Wesley Stace (John Wesley Harding)
• Chris Stein
• Jeff Tweedy
• John Paul White
• Hank Williams Estate
• Hal Willner
• Jason Isbell
• Amanda Shires
• Matraca Berg
Gov. Haslam, Tennessee Tourism, Vince Gill, Amy Grant Celebrate 125 Years of Ryman Auditorium
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Governor Bill Haslam, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Colin Reed, Kevin Triplett
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam proclaimed Dec. 23, 2017 as a day to remember Captain Tom Ryman, and to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the historic Ryman Auditorium. Haslam presented a special framed proclamation to Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. CEO Colin Reed during Vince Gill and Amy Grant’s Christmas concert last night at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
“I congratulate Ryman Hospitality Properties, all those who have worked to make this building successful past and present, including the incomparable Lula C. Naff, who managed it for nearly fifty years, along with the descendants of Captain Ryman,” Haslam said. “Captain Ryman was correct when he said ‘this auditorium will be an ornament, not only to the city, but to the state, and when completed… it will certainly be a pride to all of us.’”
In May of 1885, Nashville riverboat captain and entrepreneur Thomas Green Ryman heard Rev. Sam Jones speak at a tent revival near the current location of the Ryman Auditorium and was inspired to build a grand tabernacle, where all would be welcome to worship.
In 1892, 125 years ago, the Union Gospel Tabernacle opened for events that included sermons, lectures, conventions and performances by the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. While delivering the eulogy at Ryman’s funeral on Christmas Day in 1904, Reverend Sam Jones suggested the tabernacle be renamed Ryman Auditorium. The beyond capacity crowd offered their unanimous consent with thunderous stomping and applause according to newspaper accounts of the day. The auditorium, world famous as home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974, has hosted a variety of the greatest entertainers and speakers of each generation for 125 years.
Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett said of one of his favorite venues, “The Mother Church of Country Music is renowned for its acoustics, but the experience is so much more than that. Sitting in those pews, one can sense the wake of some of the world’s greatest entertainers of each generation for nearly 125 years gracing that stage. Guests do not just watch a show at the Ryman, they feel it. And that experience can only be Made in Tennessee.”
The Ryman exhibit “Inspired: 125 Years of Performance” showcases attire from Johnny Cash, Little Jimmy Dickens and Little Big Town; guitars played by Jack White and Vince Gill; long-time Ryman manager Lula Naff’s collection of playbills. One of the highlights includes the Bible used on May 10, 1885 by Rev. Sam Jones. Visitors can get to know the stories with short films hosted by Emmylou Harris, Marty Stuart, Nicole Kidman, Ricky Skaggs and Trisha Yearwood as they take you through each chapter of the Ryman’s story.
Keeping with the tradition of hosting world-class acts and aspiring artists, the Ryman will play host to Old Crow Medicine Show on New Year’s Eve, Kelsea Ballerini on Valentine’s Day and Margo Price for three shows in May, among many others in 2018.
BMI Wins Consent Decree Battle
/by Jessica NicholsonMike O’Neill, President and CEO of BMI, stated, “This is a massive victory for songwriters, composers, music publishers and the entire industry. We have said from the very beginning that BMI’s consent decree allowed for fractional licensing, and we are incredibly gratified that Judge Stanton and the Second Circuit agreed with our position. We thank all the songwriters, composers, publishers and organizations who supported us throughout this process, which unfortunately, has been a nearly two-year distraction from our original intent which was to update our outdated consent decree and modernize music licensing. We look forward to our continued efforts to protect and grow the value of music.”
IBMA Announces 2018 Leadership Bluegrass Class
/by Lorie HollabaughLeadership Bluegrass boasts more than 400 alums and each year approximately 25 individuals are invited to take part. Leadership Bluegrass 2018 takes place March 5-7 at BMI in Nashville.
The members of the class of 2018:
Greg Blake – Greg Blake Music, Jeff Scroggins & Colorado Overland Park, KS
Stacy Chandler – No Depression – Garner, NC
Patricia Ann Eaves – Eastern Tennessee State University – Johnson City, TN
Landon Elmore – Landon Elmore Design & Marketing Raleigh, NC
Daniel Eubanks – Special Consensus – Nashville, TN
Mollie Farr – Lost Buffalo Artists – Nashville, TN
Cathy Fink – Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer – Silver Spring, MD
Jessica Grossman – Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association – Huntington, IN
Patricia Imbrogno – Artist – Pittsburgh, PA
Maria Ivey – Press House – Nashville, TN
George Jackson – Artist, Booking Agent – Madison, TN
Emma John – The Guardian – London, UK
Katie Keller – International Bluegrass Music Museum – Owensboro, KY
Adam Kirr – Charm City Bluegrass, The Bluegrass Marketer – Baltimore, MD
Kara Kundert – Bluegrass Pride – Oakland, CA
Jeffrey Ludin – Bluegrass Country Foundation – Vienna, VA
Brett Martin – Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. – Independence, VA
Patrick McGonigle – The Lonely Heartstring Band – Brookline, MA
Matthew Miller – Rounder Records – Nashville, TN
Jeff Miller – Flashpoint Arts – Tuscaloosa, AL
Lenny Nichols – Central Texas Bluegrass Association – Round Rock, TX
Kim Robins – Kim Robins and 40 Years Late – Bloomington, IN
Ivy Sheppard – Born In The Mountain – Mount Airy, NC
Bil VornDick – Mountainside Music – Nashville, TN
Jef Walter – The Carolina PineCones – Durham, NC
Industry Ink: Absolute Publicity, Black River Entertainment, Billy Yates
/by Jessica NicholsonAbsolute Publicity Inks Deal With Jason Morton
Pictured (L-R): Jason Morton, Don Murry Grubbs (Absolute Publicity)
Copperline Music Group’s Jason Morton has signed on with Absolute Publicity for PR representation. Absolute Publicity was founded in 2009 by Don Murry Grubbs and includes clients Aaron Tippin, Craig Wayne Boyd, John Anderson, John Berry, and more.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Absolute team,” says Morton. “The vibe of our new release fits perfectly with Don and his team. We are looking forward to a great venture together.”
Grubbs adds, “Jason and his band, The Chesapeake Sons, are a talented bunch of guys. Give his new album a listen, and I think you’ll see why. Jason has a bright future ahead of him, and we’re so pleased to welcome him to our growing roster of talent.”
Morton’s debut album, Jason Morton and The Chesapeake Sons, produced by Will Edwards, is available now.
Black River Entertainment’s Brian Rhodes Named Board Member For University Of New Haven
Brian Rhodes
Black River Entertainment’s Senior Director of Artist and Brand Development Brian Rhoades is a newly named board member on the Department of Music Advisory Board at the University of New Haven.
“It is both a privilege and an honor to be invited to serve on the Board,” says Rhoades. “I look forward to pulling from my career experiences in the music industry and contributing to the Department of Music and the education of its students at the University of New Haven.”
The University of New Haven’s Department of Music Advisory Board consists of 10-12 members and members serve a three-year term, with the option to renew. The Board provides guidance and expertise on issues like developing curriculums to parallel music industry trends, building relationships with music industry partners for experiential opportunities (internships, employment opportunities, etc.), and offering recommendations regarding extra-curricular/co-curricular events and experiences to enhance programs. The Board consists of emeritus professors, alumni and leaders in the music industry.
Rhoades’ career has spanned multiple genres in the industry relocating him from Atlanta, to NYC and ultimately Nashville, with stops at Virgin Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, EMI Records; plus serving as VP of Promotion at both Epic Records and Reprise Records. He joined Black River Entertainment in 2011.
Songwriter Billy Yates To Debut New Branson Show In 2018
Billy Yates
Songwriter Billy Yates will debut a new show, Billy Yates Hit Songwriters In The Round, on April 6, 2018 at the Americana Theatre at 76 Country Music Boulevard in Branson. The first three shows will feature songwriters Kerry Kurt Phillips (Joe Diffie’s “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox,” George Strait’s “She Let Herself Go”), and Wynn Varble (Darryl Worley’s “Have You Forgotten,” Brad Paisley’s “Waitin’ On A Woman”).
Other writers set to perform during 2018 include Wil Nance, Leslie Satcher, Buddy Jewel and Jeff Bates.
In addition to his own ‘Hit Songwriters in the Round’ show, Yates will continue singing some of his favorite country classics at the Starlite Theatre in Raiding the Country Vault in 2018.
Tickets for Billy Yates’ Hit Songwriters in the Round are available at the Americana Theater box office at 417-544-8700 or online at hitsongwritersintheround.com.
Lucky Bird Media Firm Launches
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Lucky Bird Media is, mainly, a music publicity company,” says co-founder Daniel Zephyr Cooper. “But more than that, it’s a collection of people who love, care about, and cherish music and culture and the importance and impact it has on all of our lives.”
Toronto native Cooper, based in Minneapolis, has led national campaigns for artists like Courtney Marie Andrews, Sera Cahoone, Rev. Sekou, Joshua James, Billy Strings and many others. Hubbard, a licensed attorney based in Nashville, has been involved in the journalism side of the music industry since 2013 and runs music blogs East of 8th and Mother Church Pew. This year, she conducted release campaigns for alt-country rocker Becky Warren, Pokey LaFarge sideman /country traditionalist Ryan Koenig, and others.
Lucky Bird Media is launching with a roster of artists including Haley Heynderickx, Will Stewart, Mariel Buckley, Lilly Winwood, Becky Warren, and more.
Cooper can be reached at daniel@luckybirdmedia.com, while Hubbard can be reached at susan@luckybirdmedia.com.
CMT Announces New Listen Up Class Of 2018
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 18 up and coming artists, signed and unsigned, will be spotlighted across all platforms in the coming year including on CMT and CMT Music, the “CMT Hot 20 Countdown”, on “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan”, on CMT.com, and on the CMT socials.
“Listen Up taps into CMT’s influence and platforms to guide fans to talented emerging artists that might not yet be on their radars,” said Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy and Talent, CMT. “This lineup represents the diversity within country music – from traditional to modern country, mixed with a little bit of soul. We look forward to sharing their passion and great music with our audience all year long.”
Since 2011, CMT’s Listen Up franchise has helped launch the careers of budding superstars including Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, and RaeLynn. Last year’s class alone included breakout stars Carly Pearce, Luke Combs and Midland.
NSAI Names New Director Of Development
/by Jessica NicholsonKasey Cleckler
Kasey Cleckler has joined the NSAI team as Director of Development. She brings with her over 14 years of experience in varied facets of the music industry – artist management, publicity, public relations and independent record label experience. Most recently, she spent nine years working in business management handling day-to-day business, contract negotiations, and multi-million dollar touring ventures for internationally-renowned pop and country artists and songwriters.
Cleckler graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recording Industry Management. She is a MusiCares Ambassador and enthusiastic Make A Wish volunteer.
“I’m so excited about joining the team at NSAI. The work NSAI does on behalf of our songwriting community is something I am so proud to be involved with,” Cleckler said.
She can be reached at kasey@nashvillesongwriters.com.
Sara Evans And CMT Next Women Of Country Hit The Road In February
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“We are thrilled to announce our 4th Annual ‘Next Women of Country’ Tour and partner with the amazing Sara Evans,” said Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy & Talent, CMT. “This tour was created to give emerging female artists a stage to play on and this year we are proud to welcome RaeLynn and Kalie Shorr.”
“I absolutely love that CMT champions female artists with the Next Women of Country Tour and am so honored to be headlining it in 2018,” said Evans. “I can’t wait to hit the road with RaeLynn and Kalie. They are both incredible singers, songwriters, and overall artists and we’re going to have a blast!”
Tickets and VIP packages go on sale beginning Friday, December 22 at 10am (local time). Tickets can be purchased at SaraEvans.com and NextWomenTour.CMT.com.