Pictured: Jo Walker-Meador in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in her Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum interview on Nov. 12, 2014. Photo: Donn Jones for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Members of the Nashville music community are paying tribute following the death of Country Music Hall of Fame member and longtime Country Music Association (CMA) Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador, who died Tuesday (Aug. 15) at age 93.
Walker-Meador, native of Orlinda, Tennessee, joined the CMA as an office manager. When the CMA’s founding Executive Director Harry Stone resigned in 1962, she was promoted to the role. Walker-Meador’s vision for country music led to the creation of the Country Music Hall of Fame (created in 1961), the CMA Awards (created in 1967 and nationally televised since 1968), the CMA Music Festival (which launched as Fan Fair in 1972), and more. For Robert K. Oermann’s full MusicRow LifeNotes obit, click here.
“Jo was a champion for country music around the world and a groundbreaker for women in the entertainment business,” says CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “On a personal note, I will miss her guidance, humor, and friendship. She was the first meeting I set up before I took this job. She taught me lessons in how to gracefully navigate the Board. She was always diplomatic in her storytelling and she had some great ones to share. Over the last six months she was a little more candid and I always looked forward to our time together. She will be greatly missed by all. My heart is broken.”
“She was an amazing, extremely classy, caring, giving wonderful woman,” CMA Board Director and country music artist Kix Brooks says. “All of my dealings with her were what you would consider the essence of class. Jo Walker-Meador moved the CMA, and the entire Nashville music business in a large way from what it was to what it is. She had an amazing talent for always looking forward. Of course, her being a woman during that time, you look at those old pictures of the CMA that are full of men and then there is Jo Walker, knowing what she probably had to deal with in a man’s world, especially in that era. She is to be celebrated. There is a handful of women in our town—her, Donna Hilley, Connie Bradley, Frances Preston that come to mind—that really excelled in a man’s world and did a lot for the way this town was run and for respecting women in the music business. I really applaud her legacy for that. I really do think when someone lives a good long life and accomplishes some of the things that she did, it’s really not sadness that I view the news with. I have to kind of smile and go, ‘Life well lived.’”
“Jo Walker-Meador looked at a mid-sized Southern town and envisioned something grander,” says Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young. “She listened to music that was regional and knew that it could have worldwide impact. And then she quietly and gracefully ushered these things into being. She created grand scenes, then stood behind them. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum would not exist without her, and my life is one of millions that are better because of Jo Walker-Meador.”
“The world of country music has lost an irreplaceable force. It was my great privilege to work with Jo,” says Ed Benson, former CMA Executive Director. “Over the years I had the opportunity to see how she used her warm and caring personality and her unique skills to gain friends and supporters all over the world. Jo had an incredible memory for details. She could remember not only the names of the many people with whom she came in contact, but usually the names of their spouses and children too. Jo had a big vision for the power of country music and a determination that it could grow in popularity. She was one of the early supporters of international development. I traveled around the world with her meeting with top industry leaders and government officials to promote country’s growth. She spoke only English, but she knew the international language of music had great value. And of course that personality endeared her to so many. I never met a harder worker than Jo. She was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to work with her. I have been lucky to remain close to her since she retired and I felt she loved me like the son she never had.”
“I always felt like my day was better just by being with Jo,” says Robert Deaton, executive producer for CMA Fest, CMA Awards, and CMA Country Christmas. “When working on one of our shows, she would always leave me with a piece of advice. She would take me by the hand and whisper a legend’s name in my ear as a reminder to not forget where we came from. She was all about love. The love of country music, our artists, and the love of our community. We should all honor the legacy of Jo Walker-Meador. Her mark on our music will last forever. She was one of a kind and will be dearly missed.”
“Besides being a respected role model in the music industry, Jo was also a warm, caring lady,” says Bill Denny, CMA Board member and former Board president/chairman. “She always had time to listen and to offer help. The music industry and the Country Music Association in particular, greatly benefited from her unique ability to pull people together to get a project underway and to see it thru to completion. We will miss her.”
“Jo is so many things to me! She hired me in 1985 as the CMA Administrative Services Manager – she even called my high school principal to make sure I was a good person. She quickly became my mentor and the reason I committed to CMA and created my life there,” says Tammy Genovese, former CMA Executive Director. “Jo was a woman who made it to the top. If she could do it, so could I. So I buckled down, went back to school and earned my MBA, got married, had my kids, and finally did make it to the top – with her as my champion all the way. She was also such a personal inspiration to me and my family. I called her my ‘Nashville Mom’ and I think most of the time she claimed me… I will miss her forever, but know she is happy in Heaven with her precious Bob and watching all her friends and family from around the world celebrate her life. Love you Jo!”
“Jo Walker-Meador was an incredible, pioneering leader in the evolution and growth of the CMA and building the foundation for our future successes,” says Ed Hardy, former CMA Board chairman. “When I was asked by the board to step in and fill the CEO role on an interim basis in 2013, she was one of the very first people who called to offer her help and I gladly accepted it and treasured her counsel. Her legacy as one of the very first women in leadership in the country music industry will endure forever. Until recently, Jo still attended so many CMA functions. She will truly be missed by me and I’m sure by all of my colleagues on the CMA Board and Staff.”
Dolly Parton presents the CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excllence to Jo Walker-Meador during the 1991 CMA Awards. Photo: Beth Gwinn / CMA
“Her dream was to coach basketball, but she wound up coaching country music all over the world,” says Brenda Lee, Country Music Hall of Fame member and former CMA Board member. “I was always amazed at Jo’s memory. She could remember everything and anything. The last Board talk she gave was astounding. She adored the people in country music – the fans, the artists, the singers, all the innerworkings. She adored it. And that’s what we all loved about her. She loved us. It wasn’t just a job to her. She cared. She was a wonderful, kind, sweet person that absolutely gave all. The people meant more to her than the bright lights and city folks. She got the word out, not that it wasn’t before, but it went to a different level with Miss Jo. I was honored to know her personally for a long, long time. I will miss her spirit, laughing with her, having lunch with her and being around the great person that she was. It’s like a bright light went out and will be out for a bit, but Sarah will carry on that tradition and make that light shine again. We can rely on that for sure.”
“I am very saddened about the passing of Jo Walker-Meador!” says Steve Moore, former CMA CEO and Board Chairman. “Almost everyone knows of her legendary passionate leadership and inspirational gifts she dedicated to the music community, but what I remember most was her friendship, passion and love for any and all of us who had the pleasure of being in her presence! Love you Ms. Jo!!”
“Jo was the very face and epitome of grace and aplomb,” says Jim Ed Norman, CMA Board member and CEO of Curb Records. “It may have been a man’s world she accommodated but it ‘wouldn’t be nothing’ without Jo Walker-Meador. Every time we spoke, without knowing it, or forcing it, she reminded me about the importance of kindness, truth and humility. Selfish as it may be, a great regret of mine will be not having spent even more time with her.”
“I had the honor to serve as Chair & President of CMA during Jo’s tenure,” says Ralph Peer II, CMA Board member and Chairman/CEO of peermusic. “Jo was of ultimate importance to the growth in stature and size of CMA as she had an uncanny ability to keep us all going in the same direction for the benefit of everyone in country music. I miss her already!”
“Jo Walker Meador, now joins the ranks of spirited and passionate female leaders such as Frances Preston, Donna Hilley, Maggie Cavender and others who have left everlasting marks on the growth and success of country music,” says David M. Ross, CMA Board member and owner of BossRoss Media. “Her humor, grace and tireless efforts on behalf of country music will be greatly missed.”
“I cannot even describe how sad I am to learn of Jo’s passing,” says former CMA Director of Media Relations and current 888 Management’s Scott Stem. “Everyone in the country music industry owes a debt to Jo Walker-Meador, and I hope everyone will take a moment today to be thankful that she was here and for all that she accomplished. She was a trailblazer for women in this industry without a doubt, but in truth, she was a trailblazer for all of us. She was among the most gracious people I’ve ever met and always made everyone feel important. I first met her soon after getting my first job in the industry when I was green and barely knew anything and she treated me with the same respect that I saw her treat heads of companies with. Throughout the near 30 years I’ve known her, that never changed. I always looked forward to seeing her when she would visit CMA during my time there. She always had wisdom to share. Her memory was impeccable and she could recall events that happened 40 years ago with amazing clarity. She would make it a point to speak with everyone in the building. She was classy, a visionary, intelligent, hard-working, kind, strong and a uniter of people. The country music industry is better for having had Jo Walker-Meador in it. Nashville is better for having had Jo Walker-Meador in it. May she rest in peace.”
“Miss Jo was a beautiful expression of class, charm, grace and a life well lived. I will miss her smile and encouraging words,” says Troy Tomlinson, CMA Board member and President and CEO of Sony/ATV Publishing.
“Jo was an inspiration to a couple of generations of artists and executives in Nashville’s music industry,” says Jody Williams, CMA Board President-Elect and VP, Creative for BMI Nashville. “Along with dear friend Frances Preston, former CEO of BMI, Jo was responsible for creating community among all of the businesses on Music Row. She led by example, was smart as a whip and accomplished so much for the CMA – securing the organization as the premiere country music trade association in the world. And she did all of this as one of the few female executives in the business, working with and leading hundreds of male business leaders. In addition, she always greeted you with a big smile and was a natural born nurturer.”
“I don’t think that Jo’s impact on our community can be understated,” says Sally Williams, CMA Board Chairman and SVP of Programming & Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment. “Under her leadership, the CMA propelled our artists and industry to new heights, laying the groundwork for where we are today.”
Jo Walker-Meador inducting Mac Wiseman to the Country Music Hall of Fame in the 2014 Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Erika Goldring for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Shania Twain To Play Nearly 50 Dates On New 2018 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Live Nation tour kicks off May 3 in Tacoma, Washington, and will run through the summer, culminating in Las Vegas on Aug. 4 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
American Express card members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, Aug. 22 through Thursday, Aug. 24. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Aug. 25. More pre sale details and ticket information can be found at ticketmaster.com.
NOW will be released on Sept. 29 via Mercury Nashville, and is available in both 12-track standard and 16-track deluxe versions. Fans can pre-order the album and instantly receive “Life’s About to Get Good,” and “Poor Me”, and beginning tomorrow, Aug. 18, pre-orders will also receive Shania’s upcoming brand new single, “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed,” due out in September. Shania debuted the new tune last night during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Autumn House-Tallant To Join Red Light Management
/by Jessica NicholsonAutumn House-Tallant has exited her role as VP, A&R at UMG Nashville, MusicRow has confirmed. Beginning Sept. 5, House-Tallant will join Red Light Management as Creative Advisor and A&R executive for Red Light managers and clients.
“I like to change jobs every 17 years. Kidding aside, my time with Mike Dungan and Universal was nothing short of amazing,” House-Tallant tells MusicRow. “You can’t work with Mike and his team and not love it. We are family. I’m just moving down the road for a new adventure with Coran and his team at Red Light Management and I can’t wait to see where this road takes me.”
House-Tallant joined Capitol Records Nashville in 2000, raising a profound artist roster for the label including signing Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, Eric Paslay, Jon Pardi and Keith Urban, and ultimately attaining the role of VP, UMG Nashville.
A Nashville native, she graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Communications/Broadcasting. After college, she returned to Nashville, where she served as a manager at Starstruck Entertainment and later Maverick Music.
Her email address will be autumn.house@redlightmanagement.com
Big Machine Label Group Adds To Corporate Communications Team
/by Jessica NicholsonBig Machine Label Group has expanded its publicity and corporate communications team, with the addition of Megan Brophy. Brophy relocated to Nashville from New York City where she worked as a publicist at top global entertainment firm, ID PR. At ID she maintained a diverse client roster consisting of mostly TV and film actors including Bette Midler, Ellen Page, Elijah Wood and Serena Williams.
Throughout her tenure, she has worked on multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, Tony and Oscar campaigns including Lupita Nyong’o’s Academy Award win for 12 Years a Slave and most recently Bette Midler’s return to Broadway and Tony Award win for of Hello, Dolly! In addition to her work with talent, Brophy worked on the launch of TV Land Network’s hit, Younger and Off-Broadway’s Lucille Lortel Awards.
She joins the BMLG publicity and corporate communications team which includes Jake Basden, Erin Burr, Charlotte Burke and Shelby Paul.
“As a life-long country music fan, it has been a dream of mine to move to Nashville,” said Brophy. “I couldn’t have asked to work at a better company and I am so thankful to Scott Borchetta and Jake Basden for this opportunity. I’m excited to get started!”
“I met Megan nearly two years ago and knew right away that she would be a fantastic addition to our team,” said Basden. “While the music always comes first, Big Machine Label Group artists often grow into lifestyle brands that require communications strategies for multiple consumer touchpoints. Megan is the perfect addition to our team to ensure we can meet those needs.”
Brophy can be reached at megan.brophy@bmlg.net
Nashville Public Television To Air Documentary Highlighting Nashville’s Music Row Area On Aug. 17
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville Public Television (NPT) will highlight the history of Nashville’s Music Row area, in a documentary set to air Thursday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. Music Row: Nashville’s Most Famous Neighborhood, chronicles the area’s history, from the rise of the Grand Ole Opry and the opening of recording studios in downtown Nashville, to the influence from the launching of Owen and Harold Bradley’s Music Row recording studio and Quonset Hut counterpart, through the growth of the neighborhood to house the Nashville music industry’s many labels, publishers, entertainment law offices, and more.
“We’d talked about doing this documentary for the last 10 years, but the impetus to do it now was partly because of how quickly Nashville is changing,” said NPT’s Justin Harvey, the documentary’s producer. “And certainly the fight to save RCA Studio A underscored the need to do it now. We wanted to preserve these spaces on film at least and, in fact, one building was lost while the documentary was being shot.”
Among those taking part in the documentary are MusicRow Magazine contributor Robert K. Oermann, as well as Bill Anderson, Harold Bradley, The Bellamy Brothers, David Briggs, Joe Chambers, Sharon Corbitt-House, Don Cusic, Michael Gray, Craig Havighurst, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Jay McDowell, Pat McMakin, Bob Moore, Ray Stevens and Ernie Winfrey. The documentary is narrated by Pam Tillis.
Additional broadcast times for Music Row: Nashville’s Most Famous Neighborhood include Monday (Aug. 21) at 7 a.m. on NPT2, and Tuesday, Aug. 22 at noon on NPT2. The documentary will also be available for streaming at the NPT Passport portal.
Nashville’s Music Community Salutes Jo Walker-Meador
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Jo Walker-Meador in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in her Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum interview on Nov. 12, 2014. Photo: Donn Jones for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Members of the Nashville music community are paying tribute following the death of Country Music Hall of Fame member and longtime Country Music Association (CMA) Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador, who died Tuesday (Aug. 15) at age 93.
Walker-Meador, native of Orlinda, Tennessee, joined the CMA as an office manager. When the CMA’s founding Executive Director Harry Stone resigned in 1962, she was promoted to the role. Walker-Meador’s vision for country music led to the creation of the Country Music Hall of Fame (created in 1961), the CMA Awards (created in 1967 and nationally televised since 1968), the CMA Music Festival (which launched as Fan Fair in 1972), and more. For Robert K. Oermann’s full MusicRow LifeNotes obit, click here.
“Jo was a champion for country music around the world and a groundbreaker for women in the entertainment business,” says CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “On a personal note, I will miss her guidance, humor, and friendship. She was the first meeting I set up before I took this job. She taught me lessons in how to gracefully navigate the Board. She was always diplomatic in her storytelling and she had some great ones to share. Over the last six months she was a little more candid and I always looked forward to our time together. She will be greatly missed by all. My heart is broken.”
“She was an amazing, extremely classy, caring, giving wonderful woman,” CMA Board Director and country music artist Kix Brooks says. “All of my dealings with her were what you would consider the essence of class. Jo Walker-Meador moved the CMA, and the entire Nashville music business in a large way from what it was to what it is. She had an amazing talent for always looking forward. Of course, her being a woman during that time, you look at those old pictures of the CMA that are full of men and then there is Jo Walker, knowing what she probably had to deal with in a man’s world, especially in that era. She is to be celebrated. There is a handful of women in our town—her, Donna Hilley, Connie Bradley, Frances Preston that come to mind—that really excelled in a man’s world and did a lot for the way this town was run and for respecting women in the music business. I really applaud her legacy for that. I really do think when someone lives a good long life and accomplishes some of the things that she did, it’s really not sadness that I view the news with. I have to kind of smile and go, ‘Life well lived.’”
“Jo Walker-Meador looked at a mid-sized Southern town and envisioned something grander,” says Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young. “She listened to music that was regional and knew that it could have worldwide impact. And then she quietly and gracefully ushered these things into being. She created grand scenes, then stood behind them. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum would not exist without her, and my life is one of millions that are better because of Jo Walker-Meador.”
“The world of country music has lost an irreplaceable force. It was my great privilege to work with Jo,” says Ed Benson, former CMA Executive Director. “Over the years I had the opportunity to see how she used her warm and caring personality and her unique skills to gain friends and supporters all over the world. Jo had an incredible memory for details. She could remember not only the names of the many people with whom she came in contact, but usually the names of their spouses and children too. Jo had a big vision for the power of country music and a determination that it could grow in popularity. She was one of the early supporters of international development. I traveled around the world with her meeting with top industry leaders and government officials to promote country’s growth. She spoke only English, but she knew the international language of music had great value. And of course that personality endeared her to so many. I never met a harder worker than Jo. She was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to work with her. I have been lucky to remain close to her since she retired and I felt she loved me like the son she never had.”
“I always felt like my day was better just by being with Jo,” says Robert Deaton, executive producer for CMA Fest, CMA Awards, and CMA Country Christmas. “When working on one of our shows, she would always leave me with a piece of advice. She would take me by the hand and whisper a legend’s name in my ear as a reminder to not forget where we came from. She was all about love. The love of country music, our artists, and the love of our community. We should all honor the legacy of Jo Walker-Meador. Her mark on our music will last forever. She was one of a kind and will be dearly missed.”
“Besides being a respected role model in the music industry, Jo was also a warm, caring lady,” says Bill Denny, CMA Board member and former Board president/chairman. “She always had time to listen and to offer help. The music industry and the Country Music Association in particular, greatly benefited from her unique ability to pull people together to get a project underway and to see it thru to completion. We will miss her.”
“Jo is so many things to me! She hired me in 1985 as the CMA Administrative Services Manager – she even called my high school principal to make sure I was a good person. She quickly became my mentor and the reason I committed to CMA and created my life there,” says Tammy Genovese, former CMA Executive Director. “Jo was a woman who made it to the top. If she could do it, so could I. So I buckled down, went back to school and earned my MBA, got married, had my kids, and finally did make it to the top – with her as my champion all the way. She was also such a personal inspiration to me and my family. I called her my ‘Nashville Mom’ and I think most of the time she claimed me… I will miss her forever, but know she is happy in Heaven with her precious Bob and watching all her friends and family from around the world celebrate her life. Love you Jo!”
“Jo Walker-Meador was an incredible, pioneering leader in the evolution and growth of the CMA and building the foundation for our future successes,” says Ed Hardy, former CMA Board chairman. “When I was asked by the board to step in and fill the CEO role on an interim basis in 2013, she was one of the very first people who called to offer her help and I gladly accepted it and treasured her counsel. Her legacy as one of the very first women in leadership in the country music industry will endure forever. Until recently, Jo still attended so many CMA functions. She will truly be missed by me and I’m sure by all of my colleagues on the CMA Board and Staff.”
Dolly Parton presents the CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excllence to Jo Walker-Meador during the 1991 CMA Awards. Photo: Beth Gwinn / CMA
“Her dream was to coach basketball, but she wound up coaching country music all over the world,” says Brenda Lee, Country Music Hall of Fame member and former CMA Board member. “I was always amazed at Jo’s memory. She could remember everything and anything. The last Board talk she gave was astounding. She adored the people in country music – the fans, the artists, the singers, all the innerworkings. She adored it. And that’s what we all loved about her. She loved us. It wasn’t just a job to her. She cared. She was a wonderful, kind, sweet person that absolutely gave all. The people meant more to her than the bright lights and city folks. She got the word out, not that it wasn’t before, but it went to a different level with Miss Jo. I was honored to know her personally for a long, long time. I will miss her spirit, laughing with her, having lunch with her and being around the great person that she was. It’s like a bright light went out and will be out for a bit, but Sarah will carry on that tradition and make that light shine again. We can rely on that for sure.”
“I am very saddened about the passing of Jo Walker-Meador!” says Steve Moore, former CMA CEO and Board Chairman. “Almost everyone knows of her legendary passionate leadership and inspirational gifts she dedicated to the music community, but what I remember most was her friendship, passion and love for any and all of us who had the pleasure of being in her presence! Love you Ms. Jo!!”
“Jo was the very face and epitome of grace and aplomb,” says Jim Ed Norman, CMA Board member and CEO of Curb Records. “It may have been a man’s world she accommodated but it ‘wouldn’t be nothing’ without Jo Walker-Meador. Every time we spoke, without knowing it, or forcing it, she reminded me about the importance of kindness, truth and humility. Selfish as it may be, a great regret of mine will be not having spent even more time with her.”
“I had the honor to serve as Chair & President of CMA during Jo’s tenure,” says Ralph Peer II, CMA Board member and Chairman/CEO of peermusic. “Jo was of ultimate importance to the growth in stature and size of CMA as she had an uncanny ability to keep us all going in the same direction for the benefit of everyone in country music. I miss her already!”
“Jo Walker Meador, now joins the ranks of spirited and passionate female leaders such as Frances Preston, Donna Hilley, Maggie Cavender and others who have left everlasting marks on the growth and success of country music,” says David M. Ross, CMA Board member and owner of BossRoss Media. “Her humor, grace and tireless efforts on behalf of country music will be greatly missed.”
“I cannot even describe how sad I am to learn of Jo’s passing,” says former CMA Director of Media Relations and current 888 Management’s Scott Stem. “Everyone in the country music industry owes a debt to Jo Walker-Meador, and I hope everyone will take a moment today to be thankful that she was here and for all that she accomplished. She was a trailblazer for women in this industry without a doubt, but in truth, she was a trailblazer for all of us. She was among the most gracious people I’ve ever met and always made everyone feel important. I first met her soon after getting my first job in the industry when I was green and barely knew anything and she treated me with the same respect that I saw her treat heads of companies with. Throughout the near 30 years I’ve known her, that never changed. I always looked forward to seeing her when she would visit CMA during my time there. She always had wisdom to share. Her memory was impeccable and she could recall events that happened 40 years ago with amazing clarity. She would make it a point to speak with everyone in the building. She was classy, a visionary, intelligent, hard-working, kind, strong and a uniter of people. The country music industry is better for having had Jo Walker-Meador in it. Nashville is better for having had Jo Walker-Meador in it. May she rest in peace.”
“Miss Jo was a beautiful expression of class, charm, grace and a life well lived. I will miss her smile and encouraging words,” says Troy Tomlinson, CMA Board member and President and CEO of Sony/ATV Publishing.
“Jo was an inspiration to a couple of generations of artists and executives in Nashville’s music industry,” says Jody Williams, CMA Board President-Elect and VP, Creative for BMI Nashville. “Along with dear friend Frances Preston, former CEO of BMI, Jo was responsible for creating community among all of the businesses on Music Row. She led by example, was smart as a whip and accomplished so much for the CMA – securing the organization as the premiere country music trade association in the world. And she did all of this as one of the few female executives in the business, working with and leading hundreds of male business leaders. In addition, she always greeted you with a big smile and was a natural born nurturer.”
“I don’t think that Jo’s impact on our community can be understated,” says Sally Williams, CMA Board Chairman and SVP of Programming & Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment. “Under her leadership, the CMA propelled our artists and industry to new heights, laying the groundwork for where we are today.”
Jo Walker-Meador inducting Mac Wiseman to the Country Music Hall of Fame in the 2014 Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Erika Goldring for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
BMG Rolls Out Royalty Portal App, Expects Artist Portal Before 2018
/by Eric T. ParkerThe portal allows up-to-date, worldwide information on the value and source of income from songs worldwide. And before the end of the year, MyBMG is expected to incorporate BMG’s recording artist clients into one single publishing and recorded portal.
Engineered by BMG’s technology team, the app also sought consultation from a songwriter team including including Grammy-nominated Jenn Decilveo (“Rise Up”), Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart, and Broadway composer Maury Yeston.
Project leader Anke Becker said, “It was a very different experience to the usual process of software development. We were working hand-in-hand with songwriters trying to tease out exactly the information which is most important to them and then ensuring we present that data in as accessible a way as possible. The result we believe is the most user friendly royalties application on the market. We wanted to not only make the product the most transparent, but also make the process of creating and innovating the product transparent and inclusive.”
Based on the latest MyBMG 3.0 web portal launched in March this year, the app include features such as current period (pipeline) royalty information and highly intuitive analytics to give clients insights into their earnings by song, country and source, as well as trends.
Stewart said, “This is a great tool and a wonderful move forward towards helping songwriters understand where they stand, something that has been badly needed since the dawn of copyright. I am proud to be part of the BMG family making steps towards a better future for creatives and leading the way in fair trade for artists.”
Yeston said, “It is incredible how far we have come from the old days of the paper royalty statement. I am really pleased to have been given the opportunity to bring a real songwriter’s point of view to the design of the new BMG app. It’s the kind of collaborative approach I like about BMG. I am certain that the involvement of us songwriters will give a far more authentic and personal experience for users of the app.”
Sebastian Hentzschel, SVP Group Technology at BMG says, “MyBMG is the centrepiece of our drive to empower songwriters by giving them the information they need to manage their careers. The introduction of the mobile app is just a natural continuation to our unrelenting effort to service our artists with the transparency and fairness they deserve. We are going to continuously push out new, amazing features in the coming months and years.”
Ryan Follese To Drop Self-Titled Debut This Friday
/by Lorie HollabaughFollese penned the collection’s 12 tracks with writers like his father Keith Follese (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill), mother Adrienne Follese (Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride), brother Jamie Follese (Hot Chelle Rae), and producer Cameron Montgomery (Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj). The EP was co-produced by Dann Huff.
“I am so excited to put out this full album for the fans who grew up alongside me to those who I’ve just met out with Sam Hunt, FGL and Locash this year,” said Follese. “You have all been a part of my return home, to my roots, and I’m really thankful for your patience during the writing process. I truly believe these songs have always been a part of me, and I hope you’ll feel something too.”
Ryan Follese Track List:
1. “Lose A Little Sleep” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery *
2. “Put A Label On It” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery
3. “Float Your Boat” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery
4. “One More Round” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery
5. “Sounds Like You” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery
6. “No Headlights” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery, Ben Schofield, Stephen Schofield
7. “Summer Like You” | Ryan Follese, Jamie Follese, Jesse Lee, Cameron Montgomery
8. “Growing Up” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery, Josh Montgomery
9. “One Thing Right” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery *
10. “Wilder” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery
11. “Roots” | Ryan Follese, Adrienne Follese, Jamie Follese, Keith Follese, Cameron Montgomery
12. “Sing It” | Ryan Follese
*Produced by Cameron Montgomery and Dann Huff
Dolly Parton To Release First Children’s Album, ‘I Believe In You’
/by Eric T. ParkerA digital release of the new album will be available in advance, Sept. 29.
All 14 tracks on I Believe In You (below) were written and performed by Parton. Tom McBryde, Richard Dennison and Tom Rutledge produced various tracks with executive producers Paul T. Couch and Parton.
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville SVP A&R, Jim Catino; EVP Marketing/New Business John Zarling; Dolly Parton; Danny Nozell, President, CTK Management; Sony Music Nashville’s EVP Promotion/Artist Development Steve Hodges; and Kirt Webster, President, Webster PR. Photo: JB Rowland
“My first album was released 50 years ago and it’s been an amazing 50 years since then. I am very excited that now I’m coming out with my first children’s album in all of those 50 years. I’m proudest of all that all of the proceeds from this CD will go to the Imagination Library,” Dolly said. “It’s been 20 years since the Imagination Library was launched. We’ve seen 100 million books get into the hands of children and hopefully there will be many more.”
Since its beginning in 1996 in Dolly’s hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, the Imagination Library has expanded into four countries serving more than one million brand new books each month.
At a press conference yesterday, Aug. 15, children and special guests witnessed the unveiling of the I Believe In You album cover, track listing and performances of “I Believe in You,” “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” and “Brave Little Soldier” in addition to reciting her Coat Of Many Colors book. The press conference ended with Dolly answering questions and taking family photos with all the guests.
What other work have you released for kids?
I write kids songs all the time. We [have] put a compilation of kids songs we sold through the Imagination Library, but never put a public album out. I also write songs for the little playhouse [at Dollywood].
What inspired these songs?
There’s a few songs that talk about attitude with a good message. These are all songs that uplift children and really talk to them. We have a lot of sick children and one of the songs is called “Chemo Hero” that is related to my own family. My niece Hannah Dennison was diagnosed with Leukemia and was at Vanderbilt hospital for years so I wrote a little song for her and all the other sick children. Most of these songs are inspired by the books we give out through the Imagination Library.
How was writing different for this album?
It gives me a chance to be more playful and relax. I keep tree houses and playhouses for all my nieces and nephews when they come to visit me. Usually when I write these children’s songs I go up in a treehouse and try to put myself back in their place to become a kid again. It’s so easy to tailor make [songs] to my nieces and nephews that I’m with all the time because I hear what they’re going through and what their feelings are. It think it puts me in a more tender place rather than a commercial place to make money.
Will there be a holiday movie this year?
We were very excited that we got nominated for an Emmy for The Christmas Of Many Colors, and Coat of Many Colors did so well with the ratings. It makes you know people are looking for family, faith-based movies. I don’t think we have enough of that—the world is so out there anymore. We may eventually do another of the Coat of Many Colors. I’d love to do enough to where all the kids were born, because the last one Mama was pregnant with twins and I had another sister, Rachel, born after.
We’re still working on Jolene, trying to decide if we’re going to do it as a movie or series, or both. We don’t have an air date but that’s one of the hot ones coming up. I’m going to be producing movies and we’ve got some things in the works with more of the songs I’ve written.
Why was it important for you to be involved with Kenny Rogers’ final show?
You never know who the kinds of people [fans] will tag you to. We really didn’t have all that many hit records. We were just so magical when we were together, and of course “Islands In The Stream” was a huge, huge hit. He said, ‘I’m not doing it without Dolly.’ And I’m looking forward to having the audience see us sing the last time live. Although I hope to still be friends with Kenny and that he’ll be around a long time.
How did you decide to be a part of Kesha’s album, Rainbow, released this week?
Kesha? Is that how you [pronounce] her name? I’m so far behind the times…
Mostly, I know her because of her mother. Her mother wrote “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You” that I did as a duet with my brother Randy years ago. So when Kesha became famous she called to ask me to sing on “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You.” I said, “Well, of course we have to do it.” I really think it turned out great, I really put my heart and soul in to it. And her mother was there when we recorded it. She told me how she wrote it, living with a hippie in a van, and how it all came about. I hope her album does great!
Any plans to tour in the near future?
No plans for touring. We were successful with the Pure & Simple Tour. We were happy and proud we did so well. We toured for six months. It’s the biggest tour I’ve ever done since I started. So I’m going to concentrate on the TV things, and producing—trying to spend a little more time with my family.
I Believe In You Track Listing
I Believe in You*
Coat of Many Colors (new recording)+
Together Forever*
I Am a Rainbow*
I’m Here*
A Friend Like You*
Imagination*
You Can Do It*
Responsibility*
You Gotta Be*
Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny+
Chemo Hero+
Brave Little Soldier+
Bonus track (spoken audio): Coat of Many Colors
*produced by Tom McBryde and executive produced by Paul T. Couch
+produced by Tom Rutledge and Richard Dennison and executive produced by Dolly Parton
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Eric T. Parker, Dolly Parton, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson
Savur Threadgold Moves Nashville Office To Music Row Area
/by Lorie HollabaughThe firm, which represents VP Music Group, Mexican Summer, Rough Trade Publishing, Bank Robber Music, and Lever & Beam Artist Management among others, originally opened its Nashville office in January of 2016, with Daniel Novick as its managing attorney. Licensed to practice law in California, New York, and Tennessee, Novick represents clients in the entertainment industry and emerging businesses worldwide with respect to contract negotiations, trademark and copyright, new media & intellectual property licensing, technology, and corporate matters.
Among Novick’s clients are recording artists Kelly McGrath, Chris Mann, Kylie Morgan, Jay Allen, Matt Thomas, Julia Cole, Patrick Thomas, The Royal Foundry, and The Dangerous Summer, as well as songwriters Erik Belz, Deanna Walker, and Rick Beresford. Novick also represents companies such as House of Blues Studios, The Vocal Company, Rock City Studios, Bang Productions, Anacrusis, and Evamore.
Kenny Chesney Live Album Reveals Tracks With Taylor Swift, Eric Church
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“As I was listening to some of these tapes, I decided: they’re as much the people who’ve been coming out to the shows as anybody’s! I shouldn’t be the only one listening – and that sent me down a tube into all these summers out there rocking,” explains Chesney. “When I told the record company how many songs, they thought I’d lost my mind… And that was before we added ‘Young,’ which really started and defined this chapter, to the list!”
The project features plenty of Chesney fan favorites as well as appearances by his friends, co-writers and tour-mates, ranging from Eric Church, Mac McAnally, David Lee Murphy, and Old Dominion, to Grace Potter, Taylor Swift and the Zac Brown Band.
“No Shoes Nation not only knows no boundaries, we love all kinds of music,” Chesney allows. “It’s why Grace Potter is as loved as Eric Church, why David Lee Murphy gets the same response as Zac Brown and his guys. We love life, we love music and we all really love each other!”
Live in No Shoes Nation Track Listing:
Flora–Bama
Summertime
Big Star (with Taylor Swift)
Boston
When I See This Bar (with Eric Church)
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems
Anything But Mine
Down The Road (with Mac McAnally)
Guitars And Tiki Bars
Hemingway’s Whiskey
Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven (with Zac Brown Band)
I’m Alive
Save It for a Rainy Day (with Old Dominion)
Pirate Flag
Somewhere With You
I Go Back
One Step Up
American Kids
You And Tequila (with Grace Potter)
Young
There Goes My Life
Out Last Night
Dust On The Bottle (with David Lee Murphy)
Coastal
The Boys of Fall
Noise
Old Blue Chair
The Joker / Three Little Birds (with Dave Matthews)
Happy on the Hey Now