Carl Jackson
Don’t miss two-time Grammy recipient Carl Jackson on The Producer’s Chair, Thursday, May 25 at Sound Stage Studios at 6:30 p.m.
Carl Jackson has been acknowledged in so many ways for his remarkable talents that it has already become impossible to encapsulate his “legendary“ body of work without leaving out some pretty significant moments. His most recent being Glen Campbell’s 64th and final studio album ADIOS, scheduled for release on June 9, 2017. And how apropos…Campbell was 36 in 1972, when he hired an 18-year-old Jackson to perform with him onstage.
Campbell watched as Jackson concentrated heavily on his vocal and songwriting chops, as well as his musicianship, developing talents from playing banjo to producing. An abbreviated list of artists featured in Jackson’s discography includes; Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Dwight Yoakam, Garth Brooks, Janie Fricke, Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, Marsha Thornton, John Anderson, Mac Davis, Pam Tillis, Radney Foster, Joe Diffie, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Holly Dunn, Lorrie Morgan, Martina McBride, Marty Stuart, Ken Mellons, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams Jr., Rodney Crowell, Mike Reid, James Bonemy, Mindy McCready, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Whitley, George Jones, Rhonda Vincent, Patty Loveless, Ricky Van Shelton, Shawn King, Ashley Monroe, Alecia Nugent, Mark Newton, Bradley Walker, Travis Tritt, Merle Haggard, Jon Randall, Blake Shelton, Roger Miller, Wild Rose, Diamond Rio, Daron Norwood, Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McCLain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Continental Divide, The McCarters, Val Storey, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Mel Tillis, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jerry Salley, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Marty Raybon, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Trisha Yearwood, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Keb’ Mo’, Joey + Rory and the Father of Bluegrass himself Mr. Bill Monroe, just to name a few of the more than 650 albums that Jackson has touched, in some way. Nine of those albums were his own including his most recent Grace Notes, two albums for Capitol Records, (Carl Jackson: Banjo Player and Old Friends) and three for Sugar Hill, (Banjo Man: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs, Song Of The South, and Banjo Hits).
Campbell had a ring-side seat as Jackson emerged as one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters, crafting over 400 songs that have been recorded, with sales in excess of 50 million, by such artists as Trisha Yearwood (“Lonesome Dove”), Pam Tillis (“Put Yourself In My Place”), Diamond Rio (“Close To The Edge”), Patty Loveless (“You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are”), Steve Wariner (“The Same Mistake Again”), Vince Gill (“Real Lady’s Man”), Wild Rose (“Breaking New Ground”), Daron Norwood (“My Girl Friday”), Rhonda Vincent (“I’m Not Over You”), Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McClain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Alecia Nugent, Continental Divide, The McCarters, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Mel Tillis, Bradley Walker, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jon Randall, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Marty Raybon, Joe Diffie, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and of course, Campbell’s “Letter to Home,” Jackson’s first top 10 country cut.
Campbell proudly witnessed Jackson receive his first Grammy in 1992, exactly 20 years after they met, for his album with John Starling entitled Spring Training, and a Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year, “Where Shadows Never Fall,” recorded by Campbell. The ballad, “No Future In The Past,” sung by Vince Gill, was named the No. 1 Country Song of the Year in 1993 by Radio & Records magazine.
And then came Jackson’s second Grammy…the 2003 Country Album of the Year, Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’ – Songs of The Louvin Brothers along with “How’s The World Treating You,” a duet from the album, featuring James Taylor and Alison Krauss, which also won the 2003 Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, for which Jackson received a Grammy Certificate. Then, there are Jackson’s five IBMA Awards, three ASCAP Awards, and an International TV Programming Award.
Carl: Glen and I were close and have remained so all through the years. There were shows all over the world, there was a lot of golf, and although mostly on the road, dinners were not limited to Sunday. Heck, I even introduced Glen to Kim…it was never strictly business…it was family.
During their 45-year relationship, Campbell saw Jackson’s song “Little Mountain Church House,” win the 1990 International Bluegrass Music Association Song of the Year and get recorded by over 100 artists. According to a poll conducted by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Jackson wrote eight of the top bluegrass songs of all time.
Jackson is a Mississippi Musicians Hall of Famer and in 2008 he became an SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats inductee. Jackson has won SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year twice and in 2011, the state of Mississippi honored him with an official Country Music Trail Marker in his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi. The marker, which highlights Jackson’s career, stands within a stone’s throw of the historic Strand Theatre where he performs his annual “Home for Christmas” concert; the very building where he used to watch movies as a kid.
Then, in 2012 Jackson became the recipient of The Governor’s Award for excellence in music.
And I’ll bet Jackson and Campbell kicked-back many-a-time and watched a ball game or two, while harmonizing jazz notes, on the songs Jackson penned for the California Angels “California 9 to 5,” “Dreams” and “Something To Shout About” and the Ole Miss Rebels “Neath The Oaks In The Grove.” Now that’s funny…
Carl: I’ve used the expression “labor of love” many times for projects that I have produced, but this time those words apply even more. Glen Campbell gave me a job when I was 18 years old. Glen featured me on every show he did all over the world from 1972 until 1984. Glen recorded my song “Letter To Home” and made it my first Top Ten country record. He gave me the most beautiful goddaughter anyone could ever hope for. That’s just a very short list… it goes on and on and on. Being entrusted with the production of this final studio album of the man I consider the greatest singer EVER is an honor I will treasure the rest of my life. Glen Campbell is family and I love him dearly.
And family he became. Campbell and his wife Kim asked Jackson to be their daughter Ashley’s godfather.
Carl: That beautiful, talented, young lady is VERY instrumental in my life and my happiness.
ADIOS features 12 cover songs that Campbell has wanted to record for some time, and includes guest appearances by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and Campbell’s children Ashley, Shannon and Cal.
Carl: Due to Glen’s condition (Alzheimer’s), there were definitely some challenges beyond the norm. However, the kinship and love in the room was magic and I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. Glen was remarkable, as always.
Most recently, Jackson has been on a long-overdue and timely hiatus since he finished Othophonic Joy and Campbell’s farewell album ADIOS. I say timely because Jackson’s father (Lee) has not been well for some time. Although Jackson told me his dad is improving, he’s not completely out of the woods yet, so please keep Mr. Jackson in your prayers. It was Lee, in the mid-sixties, who took Jackson backstage to meet and play for Jim & Jesse McReynolds near his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi, which resulted in Carl landing his first professional gig with the bluegrass greats at 14 years of age.
I’m sure Campbell would agree that the richness of Jackson’s musical contributions mirrors the richness of Jackson’s life. And vice-versa.
The Producer’s Chair: Has there ever been a moment in time when you have been discouraged in any way about our industry?
Carl Jackson: Certainly, there have been brief times of discouragement, but I’ve had more than my share of blessings in this business and have no room to complain. I never get discouraged now…unless I turn on “country” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Has bluegrass become more mainstream in the past 10 years?
Carl Jackson: I suppose it has. I just think it’s a realization by a lot more folks these days all over the world that it’s actually alright and even “cool” to like bluegrass. But I’ve always seen a large audience for bluegrass…especially if you didn’t reveal to folks what they were listening to was “bluegrass.”
The Producer’s Chair: Is the bluegrass player bar getting higher with every passing year?
Carl Jackson: It certainly seems that way. Young musicians like Sierra Hull, Noam Pikelny, Chris Thile, etc. seem limitless in their capabilities.
The Producer’s Chair: Being a singer, what qualities do you look for when deciding whether or not to produce a new artist?
Carl Jackson: The quality I most look for is their ability, determination, and desire to actually be an “artist,” rather than just an “act” willing to go in whatever direction the current wind might be blowing. Referring back to one of your earlier questions, it actually is kinda discouraging to accept that true artists like Glen Campbell or Merle Haggard would have a hard time landing a record deal these days.
The Producer’s Chair: How much of a difference has SiriusXM made to the Bluegrass genre?
Carl Jackson: It has made a huge difference I believe. For years it was next to impossible to hear a bluegrass song on main-stream radio. Now, it’s right there 24 hours a day! God bless SiriusXM!
The Producer’s Chair: What is the biggest challenge today that the bluegrass world is facing?
Carl Jackson: Just remaining true to what the music is. Stretching the boundaries in any genre is great and welcomed, but hopefully bluegrass doesn’t follow in the footsteps of country in pursuit of a bigger “piece of the pie” to a point where we hear the expression “that’s too bluegrass” as a reason not to play something on “bluegrass” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Who’s your A-team of musicians these days.
Carl Jackson: Kevin Grantt (bass), Catherine Marx (keyboards), Tony Creasman (drums), Bryan Sutton or myself (acoustic guitar), Guthrie Trapp (electric guitar), Adam Steffey (mandolin), Rob Ickes or Randy Kohrs (Dobro), Mike Johnson (Steel), Aubrey Haynie or Stuart Duncan (Fiddle), and for background vocals, Val Storey, Bradley Walker, Jerry Salley and Sonya Isaacs.
The Producer’s Chair: Who are your most regular co-writers today?
Carl Jackson: I’ve actually written quite a few things alone the last few years, but the co-writers I enjoy most would be Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, or Jim Rushing.
The Producer’s Chair: Who is your engineer of choice?
Carl Jackson: Luke Wooten, although I can’t always afford him now! I gave him his very first engineering job when he was going to Belmont and interning at Famous Music. He is the best! I also love to work with John “Hip Hop” Caldwell. John interned with Luke and has become an incredibly talented engineer.
The Producer’s Chair: Studio of choice?
Carl Jackson: Station West – It belongs to Luke Wooten and is where I’ve cut most everything I’ve produced over the years including Livin’ Lovin’ Losin’, Mark Twain: Words & Music, Orthophonic Joy, as well as Adios.
The Producer’s Chair: Is there more or less session work for bluegrass players these days?
Carl Jackson: There has always been quite a bit of work for bluegrass players…especially on the “specialty” instruments like fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and dobro. Country music fans have listened to “bluegrass” musicians like Aubrey Haynie, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Randy Kohrs, Bela Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, Bryan Sutton, and even me on more “country” records than you could shake a stick at!
The Producer’s Chair: Glen used to introduce you on his show as the greatest banjo player in the world. How did you feel about that?
Carl Jackson: It made me feel like a million bucks and whether that was ever true or not, I do know he believed it to be. I dang sure always did my best to not make a liar out of him!!! LOL
Hillsong United To Release Sixth Studio Album ‘Wonder’ In June
/by Jessica NicholsonWith the announcement of Wonder comes two instant grats on iTunes and Spotify for songs “Wonder” and “Splinters and Stones.”
“Have we lost the Wonder?” asked Joel Houston, front man for the Australia-born band. “The hope, the imagination to dream, to believe, the tenderness to listen and lead first with mercy, the grace to empathize, the courage to trust, the fearlessness to love without pretense or condition. To see beyond the facts without dismissing them. To respond beyond the fear without reciprocating it. To sing beyond the noise, without adding to it. This is the challenge, and this is what worship— if worship can be summed up as an expression of art and music and story— is ultimately designed to do. To elevate the conversation, re-awaken the soul to something other, and lift our eyes to the wonder of a superlative truth.”
Track Listing for Wonder
1. Wonder
2. Shadow Step
3. Future Marches In
4. So Will I (100 Billion X)
5. Splinters and Stones
6. Glimmer in the Dust
7. Greatest of These
8. Shape of Your Heart
9. Not Today
10. Life
11. Rain / Reign
12. Water to Wine
Producer’s Chair: Carl Jackson
/by contributorCarl Jackson
Don’t miss two-time Grammy recipient Carl Jackson on The Producer’s Chair, Thursday, May 25 at Sound Stage Studios at 6:30 p.m.
Carl Jackson has been acknowledged in so many ways for his remarkable talents that it has already become impossible to encapsulate his “legendary“ body of work without leaving out some pretty significant moments. His most recent being Glen Campbell’s 64th and final studio album ADIOS, scheduled for release on June 9, 2017. And how apropos…Campbell was 36 in 1972, when he hired an 18-year-old Jackson to perform with him onstage.
Campbell watched as Jackson concentrated heavily on his vocal and songwriting chops, as well as his musicianship, developing talents from playing banjo to producing. An abbreviated list of artists featured in Jackson’s discography includes; Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Dwight Yoakam, Garth Brooks, Janie Fricke, Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, Marsha Thornton, John Anderson, Mac Davis, Pam Tillis, Radney Foster, Joe Diffie, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Holly Dunn, Lorrie Morgan, Martina McBride, Marty Stuart, Ken Mellons, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams Jr., Rodney Crowell, Mike Reid, James Bonemy, Mindy McCready, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Whitley, George Jones, Rhonda Vincent, Patty Loveless, Ricky Van Shelton, Shawn King, Ashley Monroe, Alecia Nugent, Mark Newton, Bradley Walker, Travis Tritt, Merle Haggard, Jon Randall, Blake Shelton, Roger Miller, Wild Rose, Diamond Rio, Daron Norwood, Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McCLain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Continental Divide, The McCarters, Val Storey, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Mel Tillis, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jerry Salley, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Marty Raybon, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Trisha Yearwood, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Keb’ Mo’, Joey + Rory and the Father of Bluegrass himself Mr. Bill Monroe, just to name a few of the more than 650 albums that Jackson has touched, in some way. Nine of those albums were his own including his most recent Grace Notes, two albums for Capitol Records, (Carl Jackson: Banjo Player and Old Friends) and three for Sugar Hill, (Banjo Man: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs, Song Of The South, and Banjo Hits).
Campbell had a ring-side seat as Jackson emerged as one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters, crafting over 400 songs that have been recorded, with sales in excess of 50 million, by such artists as Trisha Yearwood (“Lonesome Dove”), Pam Tillis (“Put Yourself In My Place”), Diamond Rio (“Close To The Edge”), Patty Loveless (“You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are”), Steve Wariner (“The Same Mistake Again”), Vince Gill (“Real Lady’s Man”), Wild Rose (“Breaking New Ground”), Daron Norwood (“My Girl Friday”), Rhonda Vincent (“I’m Not Over You”), Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McClain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Alecia Nugent, Continental Divide, The McCarters, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Mel Tillis, Bradley Walker, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jon Randall, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Marty Raybon, Joe Diffie, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and of course, Campbell’s “Letter to Home,” Jackson’s first top 10 country cut.
Campbell proudly witnessed Jackson receive his first Grammy in 1992, exactly 20 years after they met, for his album with John Starling entitled Spring Training, and a Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year, “Where Shadows Never Fall,” recorded by Campbell. The ballad, “No Future In The Past,” sung by Vince Gill, was named the No. 1 Country Song of the Year in 1993 by Radio & Records magazine.
And then came Jackson’s second Grammy…the 2003 Country Album of the Year, Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’ – Songs of The Louvin Brothers along with “How’s The World Treating You,” a duet from the album, featuring James Taylor and Alison Krauss, which also won the 2003 Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, for which Jackson received a Grammy Certificate. Then, there are Jackson’s five IBMA Awards, three ASCAP Awards, and an International TV Programming Award.
Carl: Glen and I were close and have remained so all through the years. There were shows all over the world, there was a lot of golf, and although mostly on the road, dinners were not limited to Sunday. Heck, I even introduced Glen to Kim…it was never strictly business…it was family.
During their 45-year relationship, Campbell saw Jackson’s song “Little Mountain Church House,” win the 1990 International Bluegrass Music Association Song of the Year and get recorded by over 100 artists. According to a poll conducted by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Jackson wrote eight of the top bluegrass songs of all time.
Jackson is a Mississippi Musicians Hall of Famer and in 2008 he became an SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats inductee. Jackson has won SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year twice and in 2011, the state of Mississippi honored him with an official Country Music Trail Marker in his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi. The marker, which highlights Jackson’s career, stands within a stone’s throw of the historic Strand Theatre where he performs his annual “Home for Christmas” concert; the very building where he used to watch movies as a kid.
Then, in 2012 Jackson became the recipient of The Governor’s Award for excellence in music.
And I’ll bet Jackson and Campbell kicked-back many-a-time and watched a ball game or two, while harmonizing jazz notes, on the songs Jackson penned for the California Angels “California 9 to 5,” “Dreams” and “Something To Shout About” and the Ole Miss Rebels “Neath The Oaks In The Grove.” Now that’s funny…
Carl: I’ve used the expression “labor of love” many times for projects that I have produced, but this time those words apply even more. Glen Campbell gave me a job when I was 18 years old. Glen featured me on every show he did all over the world from 1972 until 1984. Glen recorded my song “Letter To Home” and made it my first Top Ten country record. He gave me the most beautiful goddaughter anyone could ever hope for. That’s just a very short list… it goes on and on and on. Being entrusted with the production of this final studio album of the man I consider the greatest singer EVER is an honor I will treasure the rest of my life. Glen Campbell is family and I love him dearly.
And family he became. Campbell and his wife Kim asked Jackson to be their daughter Ashley’s godfather.
Carl: That beautiful, talented, young lady is VERY instrumental in my life and my happiness.
ADIOS features 12 cover songs that Campbell has wanted to record for some time, and includes guest appearances by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and Campbell’s children Ashley, Shannon and Cal.
Carl: Due to Glen’s condition (Alzheimer’s), there were definitely some challenges beyond the norm. However, the kinship and love in the room was magic and I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. Glen was remarkable, as always.
Most recently, Jackson has been on a long-overdue and timely hiatus since he finished Othophonic Joy and Campbell’s farewell album ADIOS. I say timely because Jackson’s father (Lee) has not been well for some time. Although Jackson told me his dad is improving, he’s not completely out of the woods yet, so please keep Mr. Jackson in your prayers. It was Lee, in the mid-sixties, who took Jackson backstage to meet and play for Jim & Jesse McReynolds near his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi, which resulted in Carl landing his first professional gig with the bluegrass greats at 14 years of age.
I’m sure Campbell would agree that the richness of Jackson’s musical contributions mirrors the richness of Jackson’s life. And vice-versa.
The Producer’s Chair: Has there ever been a moment in time when you have been discouraged in any way about our industry?
Carl Jackson: Certainly, there have been brief times of discouragement, but I’ve had more than my share of blessings in this business and have no room to complain. I never get discouraged now…unless I turn on “country” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Has bluegrass become more mainstream in the past 10 years?
Carl Jackson: I suppose it has. I just think it’s a realization by a lot more folks these days all over the world that it’s actually alright and even “cool” to like bluegrass. But I’ve always seen a large audience for bluegrass…especially if you didn’t reveal to folks what they were listening to was “bluegrass.”
The Producer’s Chair: Is the bluegrass player bar getting higher with every passing year?
Carl Jackson: It certainly seems that way. Young musicians like Sierra Hull, Noam Pikelny, Chris Thile, etc. seem limitless in their capabilities.
The Producer’s Chair: Being a singer, what qualities do you look for when deciding whether or not to produce a new artist?
Carl Jackson: The quality I most look for is their ability, determination, and desire to actually be an “artist,” rather than just an “act” willing to go in whatever direction the current wind might be blowing. Referring back to one of your earlier questions, it actually is kinda discouraging to accept that true artists like Glen Campbell or Merle Haggard would have a hard time landing a record deal these days.
The Producer’s Chair: How much of a difference has SiriusXM made to the Bluegrass genre?
Carl Jackson: It has made a huge difference I believe. For years it was next to impossible to hear a bluegrass song on main-stream radio. Now, it’s right there 24 hours a day! God bless SiriusXM!
The Producer’s Chair: What is the biggest challenge today that the bluegrass world is facing?
Carl Jackson: Just remaining true to what the music is. Stretching the boundaries in any genre is great and welcomed, but hopefully bluegrass doesn’t follow in the footsteps of country in pursuit of a bigger “piece of the pie” to a point where we hear the expression “that’s too bluegrass” as a reason not to play something on “bluegrass” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Who’s your A-team of musicians these days.
Carl Jackson: Kevin Grantt (bass), Catherine Marx (keyboards), Tony Creasman (drums), Bryan Sutton or myself (acoustic guitar), Guthrie Trapp (electric guitar), Adam Steffey (mandolin), Rob Ickes or Randy Kohrs (Dobro), Mike Johnson (Steel), Aubrey Haynie or Stuart Duncan (Fiddle), and for background vocals, Val Storey, Bradley Walker, Jerry Salley and Sonya Isaacs.
The Producer’s Chair: Who are your most regular co-writers today?
Carl Jackson: I’ve actually written quite a few things alone the last few years, but the co-writers I enjoy most would be Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, or Jim Rushing.
The Producer’s Chair: Who is your engineer of choice?
Carl Jackson: Luke Wooten, although I can’t always afford him now! I gave him his very first engineering job when he was going to Belmont and interning at Famous Music. He is the best! I also love to work with John “Hip Hop” Caldwell. John interned with Luke and has become an incredibly talented engineer.
The Producer’s Chair: Studio of choice?
Carl Jackson: Station West – It belongs to Luke Wooten and is where I’ve cut most everything I’ve produced over the years including Livin’ Lovin’ Losin’, Mark Twain: Words & Music, Orthophonic Joy, as well as Adios.
The Producer’s Chair: Is there more or less session work for bluegrass players these days?
Carl Jackson: There has always been quite a bit of work for bluegrass players…especially on the “specialty” instruments like fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and dobro. Country music fans have listened to “bluegrass” musicians like Aubrey Haynie, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Randy Kohrs, Bela Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, Bryan Sutton, and even me on more “country” records than you could shake a stick at!
The Producer’s Chair: Glen used to introduce you on his show as the greatest banjo player in the world. How did you feel about that?
Carl Jackson: It made me feel like a million bucks and whether that was ever true or not, I do know he believed it to be. I dang sure always did my best to not make a liar out of him!!! LOL
Industry Ink: Warner Music Nashville, Stan Moress, Justin Mickelson, Marushka Media
/by Lorie HollabaughJulie Greenwald Visits With WMN Staffers
Pictured (L-R): John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN; Julie Greenwald, Chairman & COO, Atlantic Records; Peter Strickland, CMO, WMN; Matt Signore, COO, WMN
Atlantic Records Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald led a Q&A for the Warner Nashville staff and Warner Music Nashville executives John Esposito, Peter Strickland and Matt Signore last week at the WMN offices before appearing as the keynote at the Music Biz “Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out” panel.
Moress Part Of Parkinson Foundation’s Moving Day
“My sincere hope is people with Parkinson’s will seek the support that is out there. When I first got diagnosed, I only told my closest friends and family. That was a mistake,” Moress recalls. “Now that I am involved with my support group, life has vastly improved.” You can donate directly to Stan and support his team here: www3.parkinson.org/goto/stanmoress.
Justin Mickelson Memorial Set For Friday
“Justin Mickelson will be missed by anyone who ever had the good fortune to call him a friend, co-worker, son, or brother,” said Travis Nicholson. “They will miss his endless enthusiasm, genuine smile, and infectious laugh. The Nashville film community and everyone else whose lives he touched will never forget him.”
Marushka Media Celebrates Anniversary
“It’s been an unbelievable year!” Marushka said. “I’m grateful to this community and especially to Jimmy who was there every step of the way, helping me realize all of the the wonderful possibilities.”
Nominees For 29th Annual MusicRow Awards Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonMusicRow is pleased to announce the nominees for the 29th Annual MusicRow Awards, Nashville’s longest-running industry trade publication honors.
Download the PDF and see the complete list of nominees.
Subscribed members of MusicRow will receive ballots by email on Wednesday, May 24. Voting closes on Tues., May 30 at 5 p.m. To subscribe, click here.
The 2017 MusicRow Awards will be presented during a private invitation-only event at SESAC on Wednesday, June 28. To subscribe, click here.
Nominees in all four categories are determined by the MusicRow critics panel. Winners are determined by the publication’s subscribed members.
Outside submissions were accepted for the Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer categories, which honor writers and co-writers who scored their first Top 10 single during the eligibility period (May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017).
MusicRow will also distribute the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards at the event, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard‘s Country Album Chart during the eligibility period. Honors will be presented for guitar, bass, drums, fiddle, keyboards, steel, vocals and engineer categories.
Winners will be profiled in MusicRow’s June/July print magazine, which will debut at the SESAC ceremony.
If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive your ballot and invitation.
Weekly Register: Zac Brown Band Gets Warm ‘Welcome’ With Chart-Topping Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band‘s latest album Welcome Home (Southern Ground/Elektra) debuts atop this week’s country albums rankings at Nielsen Soundscan, with 139K sold. This marks the band’s fourth consecutive chart-topping country album.
Chris Stapleton takes the second and third spots on the country albums ranking, with From A Room, Vol. 1 slipping from the top spot to No. 2 with 66K, while its predecessor Traveller moved 13K this week, slipping from No. 2 to No. 3.
Keith Urban‘s Ripcord is at No. 4 with 7.7K, while Willie Nelson‘s God’s Problem Child moved 7.5K to land at No. 5.
Fellow Nashville rock band Paramore lands at No. 6 on the overall digital album chart with After Laughter, which moved 67K (53K album only).
On the Top Country Digital Tracks, Sam Hunt‘s “Body Like A Back Road” remains atop the heap, selling 47K. The track is now at 952K sold to date.
The Voice contestant Lauren Duski debuts at No. 2 with a rendition of Shenandoah‘s “Ghost In This House,” selling 37K.
Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” moved 30K this week to land at No. 3, followed by Luke Combs‘ “Hurricane” at No. 4 with 23K. Rounding out the Top 5 this week is Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood‘s “The Fighter” with 21K.
Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.
Newsboys Reunite With Peter Furler For New Radio Single
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Michael Tait, Peter Furler
Newsboys have reunited with the band’s former lead vocalist and founder Peter Furler for the new radio single “The Cross Has The Final Word,” which has also launched on Apple Music and Spotify. The song was penned by Cody Carnes and produced by Seth Mosley, along with Furler and Michael “X” O’Connor for Full Circle Music.
In 2009, it was announced that after 22 years, Furler would no longer serve as the band’s frontman. Former DC Talk member Michael Tait joined the group, and in 2010, Newsboys released their 15th studio album, Born Again, marking their first album with Tait on lead vocals. The band’s most recent Tait-led album was 2016’s Love Riot.
Furler went on to release solo albums, including 2011’s On Fire, and 2014’s Sun and Shield.
“Our manager Wes Campbell met with us one day and shared this amazing song,” said Tait. “We loved the message from the moment we heard it and felt called to help share it through our ministry. What an awesome reminder that Jesus has overcome the grave and His love will never be defeated.”
“Reuniting with the Newsboys for this track was so much fun and it brought back many memories,” said Furler. “This song—like so many others throughout the band’s history—is a bold proclamation of faith, and it was a privilege to be part of the recording.”
Comprised of Tait (lead vocals), Jody Davis (guitar), Jeff Frankenstein (keys) and Duncan Phillips (drums), Newsboys’ signature songs include “We Believe,” “He Reigns,” “Miracles” and “Born Again,” while their Platinum-certified mega hit, “God’s Not Dead,” inspired the eponymous 2014 Pure Flix hit film.
Nashville Band Republican Hair To Release LP ‘The Prince And The Duke’ On July 14
/by Jessica NicholsonThe album, The Prince and The Duke, is slated to release July 14. The album’s first single, “Miss Prince” is slated for digital and (purple) vinyl release on Prince’s birthday, June 7. The second single, “Constellation” is a melodic reflection on Bowie’s legacy and the lightning bolt-shaped constellation named for him posthumously. The track will be released on June 16, in celebration of Ziggy’s 25th anniversary.
Republican Hair is a side project from songwriter/filmmaker Luke Dick, who co-wrote Eric Church’s “Kill A Word.” In 2011, Dick co-wrote The Rolling Stones and Philosophy: It’s Just a Thought Away and has a master’s in philosophy. He has taught at multiple institutions, including Nashville State, CUNY, St. Francis, St. John’s, and even a stint in Singapore.
Republican Hair will be touring with Wheeler Walker, Jr., and has a show slated for June 2 at Nashville’s Exit/In.
The Prince And The Duke Track Listing:
1. Miss Prince
2. Nag Champa
3. Whatever Blows Your Hair Back
4. Jaywalking
5. Constellation
Aaron Watson Announces New Tour Dates For 2017
/by Dan_StrassbergWatson is on the road in support of his latest album Vaquero.
Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack Christen New Nashville Skyline With Steel And Fiddle
/by Eric T. ParkerAlan Jackson. Photo: Bobby Russell
To no one’s surprise, 2017 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Alan Jackson sold out his Nashville Honky Tonk Highway Tour stop at Ascend Amphitheater weeks before Friday, May 12.
With country apostle Lee Ann Womack also on the bill, along with Carnival writer and Jackson’s relative Adam Wright, the steel guitar and fiddles proudly rang for four hours, floating over construction cranes and new Nashville high rises transforming the Music City skyline.
Outside, the beautiful weather held out for the mainstay’s performance of many iconic hits that have attracted many of the country music fan tourists. Within the first hour, Jackson had played “Gone Country,” “Livin’ On Love,” “Here In The Real World” and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.”
Womack, who had suffered an infection and underwent wrist surgery just hours before performing, was welcomed back to the stage for the duet, and Vern Gosdin cover “Till The End.” The two recorded the title in 2010. In keeping with the traditional theme, Womack was retained for her first performance ever of Jackson and George Strait’s 1999 duet “Murder On Music Row.” Wright was also welcomed back for “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore,” a song Jackson’s former ring bearer wrote for his uncle’s 2012 EMI project, Thirty Miles West.
Alan Jackson. Photo: Bobby Russell
Even the lawn audience remained standing through “Little Bitty,” “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Chattahoochee,” and an encore with a Nashville Predators jersey, including “Mercury Blues.”
Around midnight that evening, Jackson surprised patrons at his Lower Broadway Good Time Bar for a set again including his band The Strayhorns, for renditions of “Good Time” and “Chattahoochee” in addition to some deep tracks. The bar’s top floors just made their soft opening.
The touring powerhouse’s Honky Tonk Highway Tour has been rolling since January and continues through October.
Alan Jackson afterparty. Photo: Bobby Russell
With her hand wrapped in an ace bandage, Womack ironically began her opening set at the amphitheater with “Does My Ring Burn Your Finger” before continuing with “Talk To Me” and “Little Past Little Rock,” about the closest to uptempo as the star’s catalog gets.
Womack announced she will release a new album she recorded in East Texas here in the fall. She introduced the rockin’ “All of the Trouble,” a title co-written with Waylon Payne and Wright.
The beautiful steel guitar and twin fiddles rang out on “I May Hate Myself In The Morning” before her set concluded with “I Hope You Dance” and “Ashes By Now.”
Performers Announced For CMA Music Festival’s Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage At Ascend Amphitheater
/by Dan_StrassbergBig and Rich will launch the 2017 festivities Thursday with special guests DJ Sinister & the Country Fried Mix and Cowboy Troy. Additional performers include Deana Carter, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys.
Sara Evans will headline Ladies of Country Friday, which will also include performances from Kelleigh Bannen, Ruthie Collins, Natalie Stovall, Danielle Bradbery, Kellie Pickler and Aubrie Sellers.
SiriusXM The Highway presents Saturday with Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, High Valley and RaeLynn, with additional performances by newcomers Cale Dodds, Ryan Kinder and Bailey Bryan, powered by Warner Sound.
“With tens of thousands of Country Music fans pouring in from all over the U.S. and over two dozen countries, CMA’s partnership with Cracker Barrel to present free nightly concerts at Ascend offers non-four-day ticket holders access to additional nighttime options and the chance to see even more of their favorite artists,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
“Music and entertainment are an important part of the Cracker Barrel brand experience because the platform provides an invaluable and resounding connection with our guests, which is why we’ve committed to this partnership for the next three years,” said Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Senior Vice President of Marketing Don Hoffman.
During the Festival, Cracker Barrel will also launch “Rock-A-Thon,” a rocking chair experience to raise money for the CMA Foundation, Thursday through Saturday evening. The brand will bring a little piece of home to downtown Nashville by displaying 644 rocking chairs, a symbol of its nationwide store count. If Festival-goers collectively rock at least 150,000 times in a rocker, Cracker Barrel will donate $15,000 to the CMA Foundation. Fans can follow along online and on smart phones to track the progress at CBRockathon.com. For more information on Cracker Barrel activations at CMA Music Fest, follow along on social media using hashtag #CBMusic.
Funds generated through CMA Music Festival benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support quality, sustainable music education initiatives across the country on behalf of the artists who participate in the event for free.