Ruth White (front row, far left), along with her fellow SOURCE Honorees in 2010, including Frances W. Preston, Carol Phillips, Liz Thiels, Celia Froehlig, and Sherytha Scaife. Photo: Denise Fussell
Ruth B. White has passed away at age 87.
A 2010 SOURCE honoree, White spent her life involved in the music business, working in publishing, office management, record label operations and music retailing. Late in life, she became a country historian with several published books.
She began her career as a teenager playing piano in a Nashville dance band led by Bill Wiseman. She graduated from East Nashville High School in 1947 and majored in music at Ward-Belmont College. She then played piano to sell sheet music at Strobel’s Music Shop in the Arcade downtown. At the time, this was Nashville’s leading music emporium.
She next managed Zibarts’ record store. By the 1960s, she was employed at WSM radio’s Music Library. Steel guitarist Howard White (1926-2008) approached her to run his publishing company, Locomotive Music, in 1964. She married him a year later.
Ruth White spent the bulk of her career as a copyright administrator. Among the songwriters she aided were Carmol Taylor, Norro Wilson, Sonny James, Gary Gentry, Joe Stampley and the Nashville Superpickers.
But her odyssey also includes stints with Hickory Records, October Records, Sounds of Nashville, Reed Music, Inc. and Sound Factory Records. By the mid-1980s, Ruth White was running Porter Wagoner Enterprises, handling the star’s publishing, booking and production operations. Next, she worked at Country International Records, an independent label owned by Sherman Ford.
Husband Howard White yearned to tell the story of his life in country music as a picker for Country Music Hall of Fame greats Hank Snow, Don Gibson, Minnie Pearl, Jim Reeves, Ferlin Husky, Jean Shepard, Grandpa Jones, Mel Tillis and others. So Ruth co-wrote Every Highway Out of Nashville with him. In 1990, it was published as her first book.
Her subsequent music-history books included The Original Goober (with Goober Buchanan, 2004), You Can Make It If You Try (with Ted Jarrett, 2005), Nashville Steeler (with Don Davis, 2012), Every Highway Out of Nashville Volume Two (2014) and Knoxville’s Merry-Go-Round (2016).
She was honored by SOURCE as one of the behind-the-scenes women who built Music City. Her fellow 2010 honorees of that organization were Liz Thiels, Celia Froehlig, Sherytha Scaife, Frances Preston and Carol Phillips.
Ruth Carolyn Bland White died on Dec. 30, 2016. She is survived by son Robert C. Kirkham and by daughter Kathleen E. White. Per her wishes, no services will be held. Contributions to any local animal shelter in her name are welcomed.
MusicRowLife Engagements: Sam Hunt, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, William Michael Morgan, Jennifer Wayne
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Hunt and Hannah Lee Fowler. Photo: Sam Hunt/Instagram
Love was definitely in the air in December as several artists celebrated the holidays in a big way, announcing engagements during the Christmas/New Year’s break. Sam Hunt will tie the knot with girlfriend Hannah Lee Fowler, according to People.com. Fowler was the inspiration behind the songs on Hunt’s debut CD Montevallo, which was named after her hometown, and the two have reportedly been traveling the world in recent months, posting shots from locales like Israel. Hunt released a new song, “Drinkin’ Too Much,” via Soundcloud over the holiday.
Kelsea Ballerini with Morgan Evans. Photo: Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram
Kelsea Ballerini also received a sparkler from her country singer beau Morgan Evans this Christmas. Ballerini posted a pic of the happy day with all the details on Instagram. The two have been dating for nine months, and Ballerini shared that “loving him has been the greatest gift of my life. And now I get to do it for life. #HeCalledDibs.”
Kacey Musgraves with Ruston Kelley. Photo: Kelly Christine Sutton
Kacey Musgraves got the “best Christmas present ever” when boyfriend Ruston Kelley proposed to her in the house she grew up in on Christmas Eve. The couple shared the news on Instagram, with Musgraves posting, “I didn’t say yes…I said HELL YESSSS.” Last night the best man I’ve ever met got down on one knee in my little pink childhood home..in the same room I played with my ponies and barbies and asked me the easiest question I’ve ever been asked. The song ‘Two For The Road’ by Henry Mancini was playing (this song is so emotional and sweet..it’s one of my favorites..you have to go listen) and he was on his knee with a baby pink velvet ring box and the sparkliest thing I’ve ever seen! It was so special. Of all the places in the world I’ve gotten to see, nowhere could mean more than this happening in tiny Golden, Texas in the house that completely made me who I am.”
William Michael Morgan with Jennifer Wayne. Photo: Jennifer Wayne/Instagram
William Michael Morgan also announced a few days after Christmas that he and girlfriend Jennifer Wayne of Runaway June will head down the aisle in 2017. Wayne posted a photo of her new ring on Twitter with a sweet shot of the two captioned “my heart.” Both Morgan and Wayne’s Runaway June were selected by MusicRow as 2017 Next Big Thing artists.
BMI Files Action Against RMLC
/by Eric T. ParkerThe RMLC has proposed an interim rate well below BMI’s previous deal, the effect of which would have a significant impact on the royalties BMI pays to its songwriters, composers and music publishers. The RMLC is said to have justified its proposed rate based upon “incomplete and incorrect information regarding BMI’s radio performances” according to a statement from the PRO. “BMI disagrees fundamentally with the RMLC’s proposal and, consistent with past practices, is asking the Court to maintain its most recent rate while new terms are negotiated,” the statement continued.
Mike Steinberg, Senior Vice President of Licensing for BMI, stated, “We attempted to negotiate in good faith with the RMLC for many months, and just before the end of the year, the RMLC presented an interim rate that significantly undervalues the work of BMI’s songwriters. Given the unmatched caliber of BMI’s repertoire, our superior market share on radio, and the ever-increasing value that BMI music brings to the radio industry across all its platforms, we believe the RMLC’s proposal falls well short of what is in the best interests of our affiliates.”
The decision comes after a Dec. 24 announcement that Global Music Rights (GMR) has agreed to an interim license with RMLC stations, through September 30, 2017, providing the newest PRO additional time to negotiate long-term licenses.
Keith Gale Leaves Sony To Manage Jake Owen
/by Jessica NicholsonKeith Gale
Keith Gale has exited his role as Sr. VP/Promotion for RCA, leaving the label home after 22 years. Gale has teamed with RCA Nashville artist Jake Owen and Owen’s Director of Tour Marketing/Sponsorships Jon Andolina to form a new management company.
Gale will serve as Owen’s manager.
Owen’s new booking agency is expected to announced soon as well. Owen’s booking and management were previously handled by Morris Higham Management.
Gale joined RCA in NE Promotion in 1994. He rose through the company ranks, being named Director of National Promotion in 1997, Sr. Director in 1999, VP in 2006, and Sr. VP in 2012.
Bluegrass Duo Dailey & Vincent To Become Newest Grand Ole Opry Members
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Marty Stuart, Dailey & Vincent. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry®
Country music stalwart Marty Stuart surprised bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent with an esteemed honor during an appearance at the Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 30, when Stuart invited the duo to become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Dailey & Vincent will be formally inducted on Saturday, March 11.
Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent were there to celebrate their 10th year as a duo, which began on the Opry at the Ryman stage in 2007. The evening also marked the duo’s 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
“Country music needs you. Country music loves you. And the Grand Ole Opry welcomes you,” Stuart said while extending the invitation.
“This is one of the most special things that has ever happened to us,” Dailey said. “We’re so thankful.”
Vincent added, “I have no words. I’m so honored. The Lord is so faithful to us.”
“Dailey & Vincent have thoroughly entertained thousands of fans on the Opry stage over the past decade,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent embody so much about what fans love about the Opry. They have a tremendous respect for tradition, and they’re also innovators committed to the future of the music they love. We’re excited to welcome them as official members of the family in March.”
LifeNotes: Veteran Music Row Personality Ruth White Passes
/by Robert K OermannRuth White (front row, far left), along with her fellow SOURCE Honorees in 2010, including Frances W. Preston, Carol Phillips, Liz Thiels, Celia Froehlig, and Sherytha Scaife. Photo: Denise Fussell
Ruth B. White has passed away at age 87.
A 2010 SOURCE honoree, White spent her life involved in the music business, working in publishing, office management, record label operations and music retailing. Late in life, she became a country historian with several published books.
She began her career as a teenager playing piano in a Nashville dance band led by Bill Wiseman. She graduated from East Nashville High School in 1947 and majored in music at Ward-Belmont College. She then played piano to sell sheet music at Strobel’s Music Shop in the Arcade downtown. At the time, this was Nashville’s leading music emporium.
She next managed Zibarts’ record store. By the 1960s, she was employed at WSM radio’s Music Library. Steel guitarist Howard White (1926-2008) approached her to run his publishing company, Locomotive Music, in 1964. She married him a year later.
Ruth White spent the bulk of her career as a copyright administrator. Among the songwriters she aided were Carmol Taylor, Norro Wilson, Sonny James, Gary Gentry, Joe Stampley and the Nashville Superpickers.
But her odyssey also includes stints with Hickory Records, October Records, Sounds of Nashville, Reed Music, Inc. and Sound Factory Records. By the mid-1980s, Ruth White was running Porter Wagoner Enterprises, handling the star’s publishing, booking and production operations. Next, she worked at Country International Records, an independent label owned by Sherman Ford.
Husband Howard White yearned to tell the story of his life in country music as a picker for Country Music Hall of Fame greats Hank Snow, Don Gibson, Minnie Pearl, Jim Reeves, Ferlin Husky, Jean Shepard, Grandpa Jones, Mel Tillis and others. So Ruth co-wrote Every Highway Out of Nashville with him. In 1990, it was published as her first book.
Her subsequent music-history books included The Original Goober (with Goober Buchanan, 2004), You Can Make It If You Try (with Ted Jarrett, 2005), Nashville Steeler (with Don Davis, 2012), Every Highway Out of Nashville Volume Two (2014) and Knoxville’s Merry-Go-Round (2016).
She was honored by SOURCE as one of the behind-the-scenes women who built Music City. Her fellow 2010 honorees of that organization were Liz Thiels, Celia Froehlig, Sherytha Scaife, Frances Preston and Carol Phillips.
Ruth Carolyn Bland White died on Dec. 30, 2016. She is survived by son Robert C. Kirkham and by daughter Kathleen E. White. Per her wishes, no services will be held. Contributions to any local animal shelter in her name are welcomed.
Chuck Swaney Joins Red Light
/by Jessica NicholsonChuck Swaney
Chuck Swaney has joined Red Light Management as head of Country Promotion.
Swaney previously spent eight months as Curb’s Sr. Director of Country Promotion and Creative Projects, following a three-year stint at Southern Ground as VP, Radio Promotion. His career also includes time at EMI Nashville, Bigger Picture, Universal South and Capitol.
He can be reached here.
Vanderbilt Purchases Acre Of Land In Midtown, Including Former House Of Manuel Site
/by Jessica NicholsonManuel
Vanderbilt has purchased an acre of land at 1918 and 1922 on Broadway in Nashville for more than $13 million, WSMV reports. The plot of land includes the former House of Manuel, located at 1922 Broadway, where designer Manuel housed his business operations since 1988 before relocating to downtown Nashville in 2013. Manuel has designed for Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Bono, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and numerous other artists. The building was constructed in 1908. Manuel moved his business operations to 800 Broadway in 2013.
Also on the site are the former Noshville restaurant location, as well as businesses including J&J’s Market, Midtown Gallery and Framers, and Local Color Gallery.
Previously, a developer intended to redevelop the property into a 25-story mixed-use project, until Vanderbilt purchased the acre from the developer.
The location is across the street from other Vanderbilt-owned buildings including Barbizon Apartments, Center Building, and 2007 Terrace Place, and 2015 Terrace Place.
“Vanderbilt is working with the current tenants of 1912 Broadway to ensure a smooth transition; JJ’s Market and Midtown Gallery & Framers will remain in their leases while Vanderbilt finalizes long-term plans for the site,” Vanderbilt representatives said in a statement.
Nashville Artists Perform For Kennedy Center Honors
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Kennedy Center Honors are set to air Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. on CBS. Garth Brooks, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow and Kings of Leon are among the artists who performed for the Washington D.C. tribute as part of the 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, which awards lifetime achievement recognition to some of America’s greatest contributors in the arts.
Among this year’s recipients were Martha Argerich, Al Pacino, Mavis Staples, James Taylor and The Eagles.
Brooks, Rucker and Crow performed in honor of James Taylor. Rucker, a South Carolina native, performed “Carolina In My Mind,” while Brooks offered a performance of Taylor’s “Shower The People.” Gill and Kings Of Leon honored the Eagles with renditions of “Take It Easy” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”
Others in attendance included Bonnie Raitt, Kevin Spacey, and Bob Seger. Stephen Colbert served as this year’s host.
Randy Rogers Acquires Texas Music Venue
/by Jessica NicholsonRandy Rogers
On Dec. 20, 2016, Randy Rogers, along with Austin-based event production company KRR Entertainment, has become the official owner of longstanding San Marcos, Texas music venue Cheatham Street Warehouse.
Kent Finlay founded, owned and operated Cheatham Street from 1974 up until his death in 2015. The purchase was made from Finlay’s children, Jenni, Sterling and HalleyAnna.
In 1975, George Strait made his debut at the venue, and Guy Clark once sat in with Townes Van Zandt, playing well past midnight closing time. In 1980, Stevie Ray Vaughan had a regular Tuesday night gig, and Charlie and Will Sexton, then 12 and 10, would open for Vaughn and sometimes join him on stage. There was a time when each Strait and Vaughan played one night a week at the venue.
“We started out at the Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, Texas, a honky-tonk by the railroad tracks,” George Strait told USA Weekend in 2007. “We’d play Wednesday night, 50 cents at the door and ladies free. You’d be playing the song and — whoosh! — you’d hear the train go by. It was a cool place back then. We didn’t make much money. One time we left a club with $7 a piece in our pockets. But we always got the beer free.”
Rogers’ plans for the building include the addition of a permanent patio and food service.
In 2000, Randy Rogers was a student at then Southwest Texas State University, pursuing a mass marketing degree and cutting his teeth in the world of songwriting. Every Wednesday he would make his way to the unpretentious building by the railroad tracks to add his name to the “list” of those who would perform the open “songwriter night.”
Rogers credits those songwriter nights for launching his career. Rogers met and formed Randy Rogers Band within the walls of Cheatham Street, and when they signed their first major label deal years later, they did it there, with Finlay by their sides as a nod to him and “where they came from.”
“I still get butterflies when I step on that stage. I’m going to make sure other songwriters and musicians young and old get to experience that same feeling for many years to come. That’s my goal,” says Rogers.
CNN To Feature Nashville’s NYE Celebration
/by Jessica NicholsonIf you are planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Nashville this year, but don’t want to brave the downtown crowds, you can still see a portion of the festivities.
CNN will include Nashville’s “Music City Midnight” celebration, to be held at Bicentennial Park, as part of its New Year’s Eve coverage. The coverage will include an interview with headlining entertainer Keith Urban, as well as a portion of his performance.
Other U.S. celebrations in Dallas, Miami, and New Orleans will also be featured, along with New York City’s Times Square ball drop.
Additionally, Charlie Worsham and A Thousand Horses are also on the Nashville bill with Music City’s Music Note Drop at midnight, to be livestreamed via visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve.