Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Jake Owen, Jaren Johnston and Ross Copperman celebrate their No. 1 hit “American Country Love Song.” Photo: Steve Lowry
Exactly one year after topping the charts, Music Row, friends and family assembled at The Sutler Saloon in Nashville on Tuesday (Sept. 5) to celebrate Jake Owen’s sixth No. 1 single “American Country Love Song.”
Written by BMI’s Ross Copperman and ASCAP’s Ashley Gorley and Jaren Johnston, the close friends—who cumulatively boast over 50 No. 1 hits—shared many laughs as they rejoiced in their second shared chart-topping hit.
BMI’s David Preston hosted the crowd and congratulated Copperman on his 16th No. 1 country song. ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe thanked their partner, First Tennessee Bank, and spoke on behalf of writers Gorley and Johnston, who is also her husband.
Rezonant Music’s Copperman was up first and recognized his fellow writers and Owen for recording the song.
“Everybody asks when you’re at these things, do you take these for granted after a while. And I always hear Ashley say it, and Jaren, and everyone, that having a No. 1 song is like winning the Super Bowl every time. It’s so special to be here,” Copperman remarked. “When Jake sings a song it comes to life in a whole new way. I just feel lucky that I got to work with him on this track. He sang it in my basement with me and now we hear it on the radio. I’m honored to be here with you guys.”
Up next, four-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Gorley celebrated his 34th No. 1 hit as a writer and 12th No. 1 as a publisher with his company Tape Room Music.
“This was a blast to write this song,” said Gorley. “This is one of the best cuts I’ve heard that I’ve had. So I want to thank Ross and Shane [McAnally] and Jake for making an amazing record on this one.”
The Cadillac Three’s Johnston celebrated his second No. 1 recorded by Owen, after penning 2014’s “Beachin.”
“Jake, buddy, your delivery on this whole thing is great. You made it a hit and you bought me a house and made a wonderful life for me and my wife and our new kid and I really appreciate that,” Johnston praised.
On writing with Copperman and Gorley, Johnston remarked, “It’s pure excitement and it’s pure creative bliss. It’s pure flexing those muscles that you don’t get to do with most other co-writers in this town. It’s always a joy and I really appreciate you guys writing with me. Let’s do it again!”
Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Rezonant’s Tim Wipperman, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Jaren Johnston, Good Company Entertainment’s Keith Gale, Jake Owen, BMI’s David Preston, Ashley Gorley, Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Ross Copperman and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Steve Lowry [Click photo to enlarge]
Presenters on stage included Rezonant Music’s
Tim Wipperman and Cumulus Radio/CRB’s
John Shomby.
“A hit song has staying power. I hear this song three times a day at least on our stations. It continues. It is probably one of the biggest on the radio still and that tells you something about the type of song that Jake sings and that these guys write. Congratulations on behalf of all the country radio broadcasters and thanks for keeping our radio stations alive with a good tune,” said Shomby.
Owen wrapped up the celebration by thanking the writers, publishers, country radio and his team for their continued support. “I first say thanks to these three guys for writing a song that’s not just a hit song but a career song, there’s a difference. This is something that for my career is a major player and I’m thankful for guys like the three of them.
“Thanks to so many songwriters in this town that graciously give their songs to artists like myself. I like to consider myself a songwriter but I’m also not dumb enough to just not record songs that aren’t mine that are great like these, that these guys are writing,” said a humble Owen.
“To sum it all up, thirteen years ago I moved to Nashville and my entire life has changed and it’s been for the best. I’m super thankful to every single one of you guys that have been a part of my life and my career and I look forward to many more years of doing this and calling this a job.”
ACM Lifting Lives Announces 2017 Grant Cycle
/by Sarah SkatesBeginning today, Sept. 6, 2017 and ending on Oct. 4, 2017, submissions will be taken for the 2017 Grant Cycle.
For information on program guidelines and how to submit, please visit www.acmliftinglives.org. Funding decisions will be made and programs will be notified in November 2017.
Organizations that received funding previously include Abe’s Garden Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Center of Excellence in Nashville, TN; Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN; The Art of Elysium in Los Angeles, CA; Barefoot Republic, Inc in Nashville, TN; Bridges Academy in Nashville, TN; the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY; CreatiVets in Washburn, IL; Free Arts for Abused Children in Los Angeles, CA; Kesem in Culver City, CA; Legacy Music in Salt Lake City, UT; LiveBeyond in Nashville, TN; Middle Tennessee State University Foundation in Murfreesboro, TN; Music National Service Initiative in the Bay Area, CA; Musicians on Call in Nashville, TN; Nashville Rescue Mission in Nashville, TN; Notes for Notes in Nashville, TN, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, CA; Operation Song in Nashville, TN; Peace thru Music in Ventura, CA; Peggy R. McConnell Worthington Center for the Arts in Worthington, OH; Porter’s Call in Franklin, TN; Possibilities! in Cumberland Furnace, TN; The Quest Center for Art & Community Development in Dickson, TN; Rochelle Center in Nashville, TN; Rock for Kidsin Chicago, IL; Shepherd Center Music Therapy for Veterans in Atlanta, GA; Songs For Sounds in Nashville, TN; Tapping Individual Potential in Nashville, TN; Uintah School of Music and the Arts in Vernal, UT; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center in Nashville, TN; Vanderbilt Music Therapy Program in Nashville, TN; W.O. Smith Nashville Community Music School in Nashville, TN; and Youth for Tomorrow – New Life Center, Inc in Bristow, VA.
Top Musicians Remember Elvis at Historic RCA Studio B
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Norbert Putnam, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Editor Michael Grey, Musician David Briggs, Charlie McCoy and James Burton. Photo Credit: Carissa Riccardi
On Thursday, Aug. 31 musicians David Briggs, James Burton, Charlie McCoy and Norbert Putnam spoke about their extensive work with Elvis Presley at Historic RCA Studio B in honor of the Studio’s 60th anniversary. Presley, Studio B’s most famous client, recorded more than 200 songs at Historic RCA Studio B, including “Stuck on You,” “Little Sister,” “Good Luck Charm,” “Guitar Man,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” and many of his gospel classics.
The musicians swapped stories about their recording sessions in the studio with Presley, reliving old memories in the very same spot where they recorded with “The King.” Studio B’s 60th anniversary year coincides with the 40th anniversary of Presley’s passing.
Historic RCA Studio B, once the recording home for legends like Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley and Charley Pride, is celebrating its 60th anniversary through Oct. 29 with a slate of special surprise performances during random public tours and unique after-hours programming.
A related program, Hit-Makers Reflect on Historic RCA Studio B takes place Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Bobby Bare, Dave Cobb, Lloyd Green and Connie Smith will share their perspectives on working at the Home of 1,000 Hits.
Pilgrimage Festival Details Complete Performance Schedule
/by Sarah SkatesThe complete schedule, including set times, was released today for the third annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, taking place Sat. and Sun., Sept. 23 and 24 at The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tenn. The stacked lineup offers talent across five stages.
Among the top-name headliners set to perform are Justin Timberlake, who will take the stage at 7 PM on Saturday night, and Eddie Vedder, who will perform at 7:20 PM Sunday night. See complete lists below.
Adding to the festival’s stellar schedule are Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Mavis Staples, Gary Clark Jr., Walk The Moon, and Fitz and The Tantrums.
An app will be available soon on both iPhone and Android to allow festival goers to keep up with the latest info on all their favorite artists, set times, customized schedule and time sensitive notifications.
Attendees can expect over 50 artisan booths in the bazaar, 24 local and regional food craft booths, and the Bell’s Craft Beer Hall showcasing the top college and NFL games.
The festival continues to drive tourism dollars to Williamson County and the Pilgrimage Foundation, the festival’s non-profit arm, and will donate a portion of each ticket sale to benefit the City of Franklin and Friends of Franklin Parks. Additional proceeds go to Dark Horse Institute and MusiCares.
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
Jo Dee Messina Diagnosed With Cancer
/by Sarah SkatesJo Dee Messina shared news of her recent cancer diagnosis on her Facebook page today (Sept. 6).
MusicRow wishes her the best as she begins treatment this fall.
Messina’s last tour date for the year will be Oct. 7 at the Harrington Raceway & Casino in Harrington, Delaware.
Her team posted on Facebook, “It has been a trying summer, but her heart has been filled with gratitude for the many opportunities she has had to see God’s hand at work… We don’t know anything specific regarding the treatment plan at this point, but Jo Dee is working closely with a team to explore all options.”
Recently, Messina had been writing and recording in the studio with producer Seth Mosley.
She celebrated her 47th birthday on Aug. 25.
Jo Dee Messina performs at MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row event in 2014, at the Omni Nashville. Photo: Bev Moser
Jake Owen Celebrates Sixth No. 1 Single With ‘American Country Love Song’
/by Haley CrowPictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Jake Owen, Jaren Johnston and Ross Copperman celebrate their No. 1 hit “American Country Love Song.” Photo: Steve Lowry
Exactly one year after topping the charts, Music Row, friends and family assembled at The Sutler Saloon in Nashville on Tuesday (Sept. 5) to celebrate Jake Owen’s sixth No. 1 single “American Country Love Song.”
Written by BMI’s Ross Copperman and ASCAP’s Ashley Gorley and Jaren Johnston, the close friends—who cumulatively boast over 50 No. 1 hits—shared many laughs as they rejoiced in their second shared chart-topping hit.
BMI’s David Preston hosted the crowd and congratulated Copperman on his 16th No. 1 country song. ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe thanked their partner, First Tennessee Bank, and spoke on behalf of writers Gorley and Johnston, who is also her husband.
Rezonant Music’s Copperman was up first and recognized his fellow writers and Owen for recording the song.
“Everybody asks when you’re at these things, do you take these for granted after a while. And I always hear Ashley say it, and Jaren, and everyone, that having a No. 1 song is like winning the Super Bowl every time. It’s so special to be here,” Copperman remarked. “When Jake sings a song it comes to life in a whole new way. I just feel lucky that I got to work with him on this track. He sang it in my basement with me and now we hear it on the radio. I’m honored to be here with you guys.”
Up next, four-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Gorley celebrated his 34th No. 1 hit as a writer and 12th No. 1 as a publisher with his company Tape Room Music.
“This was a blast to write this song,” said Gorley. “This is one of the best cuts I’ve heard that I’ve had. So I want to thank Ross and Shane [McAnally] and Jake for making an amazing record on this one.”
The Cadillac Three’s Johnston celebrated his second No. 1 recorded by Owen, after penning 2014’s “Beachin.”
“Jake, buddy, your delivery on this whole thing is great. You made it a hit and you bought me a house and made a wonderful life for me and my wife and our new kid and I really appreciate that,” Johnston praised.
On writing with Copperman and Gorley, Johnston remarked, “It’s pure excitement and it’s pure creative bliss. It’s pure flexing those muscles that you don’t get to do with most other co-writers in this town. It’s always a joy and I really appreciate you guys writing with me. Let’s do it again!”
Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Rezonant’s Tim Wipperman, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Jaren Johnston, Good Company Entertainment’s Keith Gale, Jake Owen, BMI’s David Preston, Ashley Gorley, Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom, Ross Copperman and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Steve Lowry [Click photo to enlarge]
“A hit song has staying power. I hear this song three times a day at least on our stations. It continues. It is probably one of the biggest on the radio still and that tells you something about the type of song that Jake sings and that these guys write. Congratulations on behalf of all the country radio broadcasters and thanks for keeping our radio stations alive with a good tune,” said Shomby.
Owen wrapped up the celebration by thanking the writers, publishers, country radio and his team for their continued support. “I first say thanks to these three guys for writing a song that’s not just a hit song but a career song, there’s a difference. This is something that for my career is a major player and I’m thankful for guys like the three of them.
“Thanks to so many songwriters in this town that graciously give their songs to artists like myself. I like to consider myself a songwriter but I’m also not dumb enough to just not record songs that aren’t mine that are great like these, that these guys are writing,” said a humble Owen.
“To sum it all up, thirteen years ago I moved to Nashville and my entire life has changed and it’s been for the best. I’m super thankful to every single one of you guys that have been a part of my life and my career and I look forward to many more years of doing this and calling this a job.”
Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr, Chase Bryant Band Against Cancer With Opry Show
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley, Tyler Farr, Chase Bryant and other special guests will perform on a star-studded Grand Ole Opry show to support Band Against Cancer with Sarah Cannon on Oct. 1.
As the lead ambassador for Band Against Cancer, Paisley has teamed up with HCA Healthcare’s Sarah Cannon cancer institute, to educate communities on the ways everyone can prevent, fight and survive cancer today.
Tickets for the special show go on sale Sept. 7 at opry.com and (800) SEE-OPRY.
This is the second annual Band Against Cancer with Sarah Cannon Grand Ole Opry event. Paisley and other Band Against Cancer ambassadors will continue to share cancer-related education and messages through special media activations that will run into 2018. More information can be found at bandagainstcancer.com.
BREAKING: Cris Lacy Promoted at Warner Music Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesCris Lacy
Warner Music Nashville executive Cris Lacy has been promoted to the role of SVP, A&R where she will continue to sign and develop new artists and the existing roster by helping to identify songs, songwriters and producers while providing A&R resources and creative support. Additionally, Lacy will oversee the day to day operations of the A&R department. She will report directly to EVP A&R, Scott Hendricks.
On her promotion, WMN Chairman and CEO John Esposito said, “Cris is an incredibly gifted A&R executive who also has an amazing leadership skill set. The combination of Cris, Scott, Stephanie Davenport and Rohan Kohli has created the strongest and most diverse ‘ears’ in this town and they will be a driving force behind WMN for many years to come.”
Hendricks added, “Developing artists and executives is actually pretty similar, and Cris has grown into a superstar. Artists sign to this label because of her passion and expertise and seek her council on a daily basis. I’m so proud of Cris and the future of Warner Music Nashville.”
Lacy graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in English before beginning her first full-time industry job at Tom Collins Music Publishing. She continued her publishing experience at Rick Hall / FAME Publishing, Island Bound Music and Warner/Chappell Music before accepting an A&R position at Warner Music Nashville in 2005. In 2016, Lacy was selected as a “Rising Women on the Row” honoree by MusicRow magazine and was highlighted as one of the “100 Most Powerful Executives” in Billboard’s “Women in Music” feature.
“The musical heroes that shaped my life were signed to Warner before I came to Nashville,” said Lacy. “Under Espo’s and Scott’s leadership that history is not only being preserved, but that artist-friendly culture is flourishing. It’s truly an honor to work with the special artists who’ve chosen to trust us with their music and their hearts. Every facet of this company is made up of people I admire, and I’m excited to move forward with all of them to build what I believe is the best record label in this town.”
Warner Music Nashville is home to Warner Bros. Nashville, Atlantic Nashville, Elektra Nashville and the LoudMouth comedy label.
Blake Shelton To Celebrate Grand Opening Of Ole Red Tishomingo
/by Lorie HollabaughOperated by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Ole Red Tishomingo will open its doors with a party featuring an outdoor stage with performances by RaeLynn and Opry members Jeannie Seely, John Conlee, and Ronnie Milsap. Shelton will co-host the Saturday, Sept. 30 show with 650 AM WSM’s Bill Cody. The free “Blake & Friends” concert will begin at 7 p.m. Central and will be live streamed on Ole Red’s Facebook page, facebook.com/OleRedTish/.
“For a song that meant so much to me to take this shape and come to life as Ole Red has is really mind-blowing,” said Shelton. “Our community is in for a treat with the Opry bringing their famed broadcast to Tishomingo for this special show. It’s a proud day for us Oklahomans.”
On Friday, Sept. 29 Shelton will perform an intimate, private concert from the Ole Red Tishomingo stage. Proceeds from the show will benefit the non-profit J.C. Reaching Out, a local charity that provides financial assistance to family members of people battling cancer. Just 130 tickets will be sold at $200 apiece and will be available on olered.com beginning Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. Central.
Ole Red Tishomingo opens just a few months before Ole Red Nashville, a multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue in the heart of Nashville’s famed Lower Broadway expected to debut in the spring of 2018.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Chronicles 50-Year Career On ‘Anthology’
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“We really wanted this collection to historically reflect our band’s timeline, but in addition to that, felt like it was important to include deeper cuts,” says NGDB member Jeff Hanna.
Among the songs fans can expect on the 39-track career overview are the classic 1970 hit “Mr. Bojangles,” “An American Dream” featuring Troubadour pal Linda Ronstadt, “Make a Little Magic” with Nicolette Larson, 1984’s “Long Hard Road (Sharecropper’s Dream)” penned by Rodney Crowell and featuring Ricky Skaggs on fiddle and a young Jerry Douglas on Dobro, 1987’s platinum-certified “Fishin’ In The Dark,” and many, many more, all in chronological order of release.
The set also includes favorites from the groundbreaking Will The Circle Be Unbroken album and its sequels, featuring a dozen cuts from the three volumes. Will The Circle Be Unbroken has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress as well as the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.
Anthology is available for preorder now at UMe.lnk.to/
ANTHOLOGY TRACK LISTING
DISC 1
DISC 2
Dustin Lynch To Hold Hurricane Harvey Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Ford Fairchild
Dustin Lynch is the latest artist to step forward to lend a hand to Hurricane Harvey survivors. The artist will hold a benefit concert in Dallas Tuesday (Sept. 12) to support ongoing emergency storm relief efforts throughout the state. Lynch spontaneously made the decision to hold the benefit after visiting with storm victims in a Dallas shelter following his performance in the city Saturday (Sept. 2).
“The spirit of Texas, and of Country music, is to help your neighbor—to pitch in when others are struggling,” says Lynch. “So many people have stepped up to lend a hand to those affected by this storm, and I’m proud to do my small part to support the citizens of Houston and surrounding communities. After visiting the storm shelter, and meeting people whose lives have changed forever, the least I can do is come back to Dallas and try to raise spirits.”
The benefit will be held Tuesday at Cowboys Red River in Dallas. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the KPLX and KSCS websites as well as at the door. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a physical copy of Lynch’s hotly-anticipated upcoming album Current Mood, due out Sept. 8.
All ticket proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross Storm Relief.
The concert will cap off a busy week for Lynch, who will perform on NBC’s Today show tomorrow (Sept. 7) and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Sept. 14 to launch Current Mood. Tomorrow night he will visit the iHeartRadio Theater in New York City for a live performance and Q&A session about the new project. The event will be broadcast across iHeartRadio’s mainstream Country stations, and also live-streamed on the iHeartRadio YouTube channel and iHeartRadio app.