Pictured (L-R): Sandbox Entertainment CEO Jason Owen, Sandbox Entertainment’s Sandra Westerman, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s SVP of Museum Services Carolyn Tate, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CEO Kyle Young, EM.co’s Senior Vice President Kelly Clague. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images [Click to enlarge]
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Faith Hill visited the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Nov. 15 to see their exhibit Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: Mississippi Woman, Louisiana Man on display for the first time. The Grammy-winning couple walked through the exhibit together, recounting memories from their lives and careers.
The exhibit chronicles the lives of the two superstars, including Hill’s journey from Star, Mississippi, and McGraw’s trek from Start, Louisiana. The exhibit includes Hill’s Heidi Weisel gown, worn during during her wedding to McGraw in 1996, as well as the mirror from McGraw’s dressing room, on which Hill answered his marriage proposal, using a felt pin to write, “I am gonna be your wife! Yes. Love you so, so much.”
Also included are the outfits that the couple wore during their recent “The Rest of Our Life” video, as well as black leather neolite boots worn by Hill in her 1993 video for her first single “Wild One.” There is also the leather jacket worn by McGraw in his 1994 music video “Indian Outlaw.” The exhibit also includes a collection of the couple’s awards, including Grammys and ACM Awards.
Following an introduction from Country Music Fall of Fame and Museum leader Kyle Young, Hill and McGraw offered words of thanks and disbelief that they have their own exhibit at the hallowed venue.
Young recalled how after first arriving in Music City, Hill was turned down from a gig singing background vocals for Reba. One night in 1991, Hill was singing background vocals at the Bluebird Cafe, when music executive Martha Sharp attended and Hill later signed with Warner Bros. Nashville.
In 1994, Hill earned her first No. 1 with “Wild One.” McGraw gave his father, baseball player Tug McGraw, a copy of a demo. The elder McGraw gave the demo to a friend and the demo was passed along to friends who knew a few record label execs.
McGraw arrived in Nashville on the same day that news broke that Keith Whitley died. After arriving in Nashville in the early morning hours on May 9, 1989, McGraw went upstairs to the bar, where songwriters frequented. It was at that bar where songwriter Tommy Barnes played McGraw a novelty song called “Indian Outlaw.” McGraw would also forge a friendship with fellow songwriter Craig Wiseman, which would later become lucrative, creating McGraw’s hit songs including “The Cowboy In Me” and “Live Like You Were Dying.”
In 1994, McGraw released his first chart hit, with “Indian Outlaw.”
From there, both McGraw and Hill kept notching No. 1 hits, selling millions of albums, and launching successful tours on their way to becoming superstars.
“I’m either going to sing or I’m going to cry,” Faith said, taking the podium. She did both, offering a few a cappella lyrics of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and barely holding back tears through out her speech.
“Looking around and seeing all these plaques on the wall and seeing all these people who paved the way for what we get to do and what we love and the life we’ve built, we wouldn’t be here, first and foremost without the people you see on the walls all around us,” McGraw said. “And the stories that go along with those and the hardships and the struggles and the ‘never give ups,’ and the ‘ya gotta believes’ that went along with every one of them. And you see all the people who have been a part of who we are as people and who we are as artists.”
“All I know is I’m gonna record my next record right in this room, because the acoustics are really good,” she quipped. “As a parent, we all know that it takes a village to raise children, right? Everyone in this room, people that have given their time, their dedication, their heart and soul and belief in us.”
Hill thanked EM.co Sr. VP Kelly Claque and Sandbox Entertainment’s Sandra Westerman, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Carolyn Tate and Michael McCall at the Hall of Fame, as well as Rene, the head of their fan club.
“I worked at Starstruck, at Reba’s fanclub,” Hill recalled of her early days in Nashville. “Before I got signed to Warner Bros. at the time. I’m with Sony now, just so y’all know and I’m very proud of it.” she stated.
“You a good company woman, baby,” McGraw quipped.
“Yes, I am,” she replied. “I love Reba more than life itself and everyone knows how much I love her. But I was so sick and tired of packing…I packed Reba everything. That woman had her name on everything. I’m sure underwear before Ellen. So I’m sure you’ve packed everything with our names on it a billion times, not to mention that you have fought cancer and you are a survivor and you are a strong woman and we thank you so much.”
Hill thanked her manager, Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen.
“You know he’s a good manager when he’s wearing a Tom Ford suit,” McGraw quipped.
“John Huie, Rod Essig, CAA, You’ve been with us from the beginning,” Hill continued, tearing up. “[O’Neill Hagaman co-founder] Al Hagaman, Craig Hayes, who we all love so much. Byron and Missy Gallimore, and all the songwriters, there are so many people. Our family and relatives…”
Hill also gave thanks for the couple’s three daughters, Maggie, Gracie and Audrey.
“The greatest gift we have been given in our lives is our children. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God above for the pleasure and honor of Gracie and Maggie and Audrey, for giving us those beautiful children, because they have taught me more about forgiveness, honesty, acceptance, and makes me want to be a good person. I want to be the best person I can possibly be, and because of their dad–that’s you by the way–
“We have blood tests, so…” McGraw quipped.
“I do love this guy. He is spicy and he’s a handful and it’s awesome. Thank you for our babies and I love you.” Hill summed.
The couple’s career-spanning exhibition opens to the public Friday, Nov. 17 and runs through June 10, 2018.
McGraw and Hill recently announced that their current Soul2Soul 2017 Tour will extend into 2018.
Todd Cassetty Named Nashville Talent Consultant For ‘America’s Got Talent’
/by Jessica NicholsonTodd Cassetty
Veteran music executive Todd Cassetty has been hired as the Nashville talent consultant for the next season of America’s Got Talent. Cassetty and his team will focus primarily on finding music artists and are looking for talent of all genres, styles and ages.
“Big voices, singer-songwriters, groups, bands, duos, trios, kids,” says Cassetty, “we’re looking for serious acts with real talent who are interested in huge television exposure and the possibility of winning $1 million dollars.”
America’s Got Talent averages 16 million viewers per episode and has a partnership with Sony Music. Cassetty will consult for America’s Got Talent while handling his regular duties with Hi-Fi Fusion, Cassetty Entertainment and Song Suffragettes. Artists on AGT are free to have pre-existing management and publishing deals, attorneys and booking agents.
Earlier this year, Cassetty was tapped as a Nashville talent consultant for American Idol.
Lauren Funk Promoted To Senior Creative Director At Big Yellow Dog
/by Lorie HollabaughA graduate of Belmont University, Funk has served as Creative Manager at Big Yellow Dog Music for the past three years. She has been instrumental in the success of Big Yellow Dog Music songs “Hometown Girl” (recorded by Josh Turner), “Get to You” (Michael Ray), and “Ring on Every Finger” (LoCash), as well as in securing cuts by Blake Shelton, Dustin Lynch, Chris Lane, and Sara Evans. She also has helped develop Big Yellow Dog Music artist writers Tenille Townes, Justin Forrest, and Ellee Duke.
“Lauren is passionate about all the Big Yellow Dog Music writers and their success,” says Big Yellow Dog Music CEO Carla Wallace. “She’s a true writer’s friend.”
Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Preview Upcoming Exhibit At Country Music Hall of Fame
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sandbox Entertainment CEO Jason Owen, Sandbox Entertainment’s Sandra Westerman, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s SVP of Museum Services Carolyn Tate, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CEO Kyle Young, EM.co’s Senior Vice President Kelly Clague. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images [Click to enlarge]
The exhibit chronicles the lives of the two superstars, including Hill’s journey from Star, Mississippi, and McGraw’s trek from Start, Louisiana. The exhibit includes Hill’s Heidi Weisel gown, worn during during her wedding to McGraw in 1996, as well as the mirror from McGraw’s dressing room, on which Hill answered his marriage proposal, using a felt pin to write, “I am gonna be your wife! Yes. Love you so, so much.”
Also included are the outfits that the couple wore during their recent “The Rest of Our Life” video, as well as black leather neolite boots worn by Hill in her 1993 video for her first single “Wild One.” There is also the leather jacket worn by McGraw in his 1994 music video “Indian Outlaw.” The exhibit also includes a collection of the couple’s awards, including Grammys and ACM Awards.
Following an introduction from Country Music Fall of Fame and Museum leader Kyle Young, Hill and McGraw offered words of thanks and disbelief that they have their own exhibit at the hallowed venue.
Young recalled how after first arriving in Music City, Hill was turned down from a gig singing background vocals for Reba. One night in 1991, Hill was singing background vocals at the Bluebird Cafe, when music executive Martha Sharp attended and Hill later signed with Warner Bros. Nashville.
In 1994, Hill earned her first No. 1 with “Wild One.” McGraw gave his father, baseball player Tug McGraw, a copy of a demo. The elder McGraw gave the demo to a friend and the demo was passed along to friends who knew a few record label execs.
McGraw arrived in Nashville on the same day that news broke that Keith Whitley died. After arriving in Nashville in the early morning hours on May 9, 1989, McGraw went upstairs to the bar, where songwriters frequented. It was at that bar where songwriter Tommy Barnes played McGraw a novelty song called “Indian Outlaw.” McGraw would also forge a friendship with fellow songwriter Craig Wiseman, which would later become lucrative, creating McGraw’s hit songs including “The Cowboy In Me” and “Live Like You Were Dying.”
In 1994, McGraw released his first chart hit, with “Indian Outlaw.”
From there, both McGraw and Hill kept notching No. 1 hits, selling millions of albums, and launching successful tours on their way to becoming superstars.
“I’m either going to sing or I’m going to cry,” Faith said, taking the podium. She did both, offering a few a cappella lyrics of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and barely holding back tears through out her speech.
“Looking around and seeing all these plaques on the wall and seeing all these people who paved the way for what we get to do and what we love and the life we’ve built, we wouldn’t be here, first and foremost without the people you see on the walls all around us,” McGraw said. “And the stories that go along with those and the hardships and the struggles and the ‘never give ups,’ and the ‘ya gotta believes’ that went along with every one of them. And you see all the people who have been a part of who we are as people and who we are as artists.”
“All I know is I’m gonna record my next record right in this room, because the acoustics are really good,” she quipped. “As a parent, we all know that it takes a village to raise children, right? Everyone in this room, people that have given their time, their dedication, their heart and soul and belief in us.”
Hill thanked EM.co Sr. VP Kelly Claque and Sandbox Entertainment’s Sandra Westerman, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Carolyn Tate and Michael McCall at the Hall of Fame, as well as Rene, the head of their fan club.
“I worked at Starstruck, at Reba’s fanclub,” Hill recalled of her early days in Nashville. “Before I got signed to Warner Bros. at the time. I’m with Sony now, just so y’all know and I’m very proud of it.” she stated.
“You a good company woman, baby,” McGraw quipped.
“Yes, I am,” she replied. “I love Reba more than life itself and everyone knows how much I love her. But I was so sick and tired of packing…I packed Reba everything. That woman had her name on everything. I’m sure underwear before Ellen. So I’m sure you’ve packed everything with our names on it a billion times, not to mention that you have fought cancer and you are a survivor and you are a strong woman and we thank you so much.”
Hill thanked her manager, Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen.
“You know he’s a good manager when he’s wearing a Tom Ford suit,” McGraw quipped.
“John Huie, Rod Essig, CAA, You’ve been with us from the beginning,” Hill continued, tearing up. “[O’Neill Hagaman co-founder] Al Hagaman, Craig Hayes, who we all love so much. Byron and Missy Gallimore, and all the songwriters, there are so many people. Our family and relatives…”
Hill also gave thanks for the couple’s three daughters, Maggie, Gracie and Audrey.
“The greatest gift we have been given in our lives is our children. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God above for the pleasure and honor of Gracie and Maggie and Audrey, for giving us those beautiful children, because they have taught me more about forgiveness, honesty, acceptance, and makes me want to be a good person. I want to be the best person I can possibly be, and because of their dad–that’s you by the way–
“We have blood tests, so…” McGraw quipped.
“I do love this guy. He is spicy and he’s a handful and it’s awesome. Thank you for our babies and I love you.” Hill summed.
The couple’s career-spanning exhibition opens to the public Friday, Nov. 17 and runs through June 10, 2018.
McGraw and Hill recently announced that their current Soul2Soul 2017 Tour will extend into 2018.
Personal Managers Hall Of Fame Nominations Open Now
/by Lorie HollabaughNominations are being accepted for 2018 induction into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed upon a personal manager. Nominations will be accepted online until Dec. 31, 2017, at PersonalManagersHallOfFame.org.
Established in 2015 by the National Conference of Personal Managers, the Personal Managers Hall of Fame celebrates illustrious careers in entertainment, music, sports and talent management.
Hall of Fame members include legendary managers such as Bernie Brillstein, Brian Epstein, Shep Gordon, Ken Kragen, Doc McGhee, Jack Rollins, Jerry Solomon and Larry A. Thompson.
Inductees are selected by the NCOPM National Board of Officers and will be inducted in ceremonies on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Las Vegas.
Jamie O’Neal Inks With Sawyer And Garner Management, Buddy Lee Attractions
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Jamie O’Neal is a groundbreaking artist that was undoubtedly ahead of her time when she took over country radio,” said Sawyer and Garner. “Her signature sound, which is extremely current and commercial, can be heard in the voices of today’s biggest female artists. Jamie’s hits are internationally recognized, and her songs as a songwriter have been cut from Reba, Martina McBride, to Idina Menzel. We are thrilled to be working with such an outstanding talent and amazing person. Many exciting things are ahead for this award-winning songbird!”
O’Neal had several hits in 2000 with her back-to-back No. 1 singles, “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels,” and penned most of the songs for her own albums. She has also written hits for artists like Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, CeCe Winans, Idina Menzel, and others and toured with Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, and Kylie Minogue. Dates will soon be announced for her 2018 North American Tour.
Big & Rich Signs With Wortman Works Media & Marketing
/by Jessica NicholsonBig & Rich
Wortman Works Media & Marketing has added duo Big & Rich to the agency for exclusive public relations representation. This announcement reunites John Rich and Big Kenny with Jules Wortman, who worked on the duo’s debut, as well as serving as the agency for John Rich’s lifestyle brand Redneck Riviera and worked various projects for Big Kenny over the years.
The duo has had four consecutive hit singles since the launch of Big & Rich Records. Their 2017 fall release Did It For The Party debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. Big & Rich are currently on the road in support of Did It For The Party, featuring the hit “California.”
Nashville Entrepreneur Center, CMA Launch Project Music Portfolio
/by Lorie HollabaughProject Music Portfolio is a new model to foster music business innovation through the efforts of music-minded entrepreneurs. The program aims to provide entrepreneurs with custom-tailored support, connecting them to the EC’s extensive network of music industry advisors and network partners. Applications are now open through Jan. 26, 2018, for music industry-centric startups that are at create, launch or growth stages.
The 12-month program takes the most beneficial features of the original 16-week Project Music Accelerator – connections, curriculum, and community – and delivers them over 12 months with custom-tailored services and experiences to best meet the entrepreneurs’ unique needs and goals.
CMA, the initiative’s Title Sponsor, is supporting for a fourth year in joining the EC to foster innovation in the ever-evolving music industry.
“CMA is happy to once again support Project Music and its entrepreneurial mission to incubate music technology startups from all over the world,” says CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside. “In our rapidly changing music industry environment, an important component of CMA’s mission to grow Country Music globally is to facilitate programs such as these that lead to innovation in our industry.”
Launch Tennessee also signs on for a fourth year of sponsoring the program as part of their mission to foster entrepreneurship and make Tennessee the most-startup friendly state in the country.
The Project Music Portfolio program runs March 1, 2018, through March 1, 2019. Applicants can apply now through January 26 at projectmusic.co.
Industry Pics: SOLID, Taylor Swift, BMI, Rounder Records, Marshall Tucker Band
/by Jessica NicholsonSOLID Session: The Team Behind Luke Bryan
Pictured (L-R): Cait Murphy (SOLID, KP Entertainment) , SOLID President, Basak Kizilisik; Partner at WME, Jay Williams; President at KP Entertainment, Kerri Edwards; and CEO of UMG Nashville, Mike Dungan. Photo: Avery King |
Music industry organization SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) hosted “The Team Behind the Artist, Luke Bryan,” an informational session with music industry leaders Kerri Edwards (Manager/President, KP Entertainment and founding SOLID member), Jay Williams (Agent/Co-Head/Partner, WME), and Mike Dungan (Chairman/CEO, UMG Nashville) that were key to country music superstar Luke Bryan’s success last night at Nashville’s Topgolf location.
Taylor Swift Surprises Nashville Target Shoppers
Following the release of the pop star’s latest studio album, Reputation, on Friday (Nov. 10), Taylor Swift surprised shoppers at Nashville’s White Bridge Target store. Swift continued her tradition of stopping in at a Target store after an album release. Swift captured the trip with a series of videos on her Instagram story.
According to Nielsen Soundscan, the album has already sold more than 1 million copies in the United States.
BMI Showcases “8 Off 8th”
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson poses with “8 Off 8th” performers Maddie Larkin, Emily Hackett and Taylor Edwards. Photo: Rachel Deeb
BMI wrapped up a year of BMI-curated “8 Off 8th” showcases with a talented lineup of up-and-coming female songwriters at Mercy Lounge. The final show of the year included powerhouse performances from Krysten Simone, Lara Johnston, Baylor Wilson, Taylor Edwards, Emily Hackett, Maddie Larkin, Catie Offerman and Heather Bond. Stay tuned for more details on BMI’s “8 Off 8th” plans for 2018.
Chris Hillman Celebrates Album Release With Rounder Records
Pictured (L-R): Connie Pappas Hillman (manager), Adam Jones (Rounder Records), Matt Miller (Rounder Records), Gary Paczosa (Rounder Records), Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Eliza Levy (Rounder Records), Ayappa Biddanda (Concord Music), Jess Jocoy (Rounder Records), John Jorgenson, Ashley Moyer (Rounder Records)
Chris Hillman released his new album Bidin’ My Time in September. During a recent stop at City Winery in Nashville he met with his label Rounder Records to celebrate the effort.
Marshall Tucker Band Plays For Georgia Jam Series
Pictured (L-R): Doug Gray, Jaimoe, Charlie Brusco, (Red Light), and Darren Hagen (Red Light) backstage at Atlanta’s Georgia Jam Concert at the Variety Playhouse
The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) recently performed as part of the revived Georgia Jam concert series where they were joined by Allman Brothers original member Jaimoe (Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band) for standing room only shows at Macon’s Capitol Cox Theatre and Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse. In Macon, the MTB was honored for their impact on the local music scene, while Jaimoe was presented with the Harriett Tubman Medal of Freedom. At Grant’s Lounge, Doug Gray was presented with a plaque commemorating the band’s history in Macon.
Pictured (L-R): Wes Griffith (Moonhanger Group), Doug Gray, Ed Grant Jr. (Moonhanger Group)
Blake Shelton Featured As First Country Artist For People’s Sexiest Man Alive
/by Eric T. ParkerBlake Shelton has been selected as the first country music artist for People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive list.
Shelton, who coaches NBC’s The Voice, said exclusively to the magazine, “Y’all must be running out of people. Like, Wow, we’re down to somebody who is somewhat symmetrical.”
Fellow The Voice coach, Adam Levine, was picked as the only other, and first musician for People‘s 2013 Sexiest Man. Shelton’s comments continued of his 2017 ‘SMA’ appointment:
The 41 year old, 6’5″ Oklahoman released his latest project, Texoma Shore on Nov. 3.
Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson To Play MerleFest 2018
/by Lorie HollabaughMerleFest has announced its initial lineup for MerleFest 2018, which will be held April 26-29. Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, Robert Earl Keen, The Devil Makes Three, Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, Mission Temple Fireworks Revival featuring Paul Thorn & Band, the Blind Boys of Alabama and the McCrary Sisters, and many more will play the prestigious annual homecoming festival on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
The 2018 Midnight Jam presented by The Bluegrass Situation on Saturday, April 28 will start at 10:30 p.m. and run well past midnight, with special hosts Town Mountain and Jim Lauderdale. This very popular after-hours hootenanny gathers many performers from the festival for impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams that have become legendary in the festival’s history.
Ticket sales for the event began yesterday. Additional performers for MerleFest 2018 will be announced in the coming months, and the full lineup and performance schedule can be found at MerleFest.org/lineup.