Reba McEntire announced via Facebook Live that the multi-talented entertainer will release a gospel album with BMLG/Cumulus’ Nash Icon and Capitol Christian Music Group on February 3, 2017.
Pairing with the release will be McEntire’s first complete show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, held on Feb. 15. The program is set to feature some of the new gospel music, as well as her greatest hits and attendees will receive a copy of the new album with ticket purchases.
Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope will be the title of the double album, featuring 10 hymns, 10 brand new songs and a hidden track. The announcement was made at East Nashville’s Tulip Street United Methodist Church, where McEntire was shooting the video for the project’s new single, “Back To God.”
“Softly and Tenderly,” a song recorded with Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson, will be released on iTunes on Friday, Feb 16. McEntire co-produced the album with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts in his home studio and her band leader/musical director Doug Sisemore.
Writers on various tracks on the project include Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler, Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman, Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers and Neil Thrasher. “I Got The Lord On My Side” is a song written by McEntire and her mother Jackie McEntire.
“I’ve been wanting to do a gospel album forever,” said McEntire. “Sing It Now was the perfect title for this album because the message and melody throughout the song connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times.
“Music conjures up great memories and goes hand and hand with us McEntires,” she continued. “Mama, Susie and Alice even came into the studio with me to record ‘I’ll Fly Away,’ all of us gathered around an old hymnal straight from the Chockie church.”
Fans who pre-order the album can download a new track from the project on iTunes every Friday now through Feb. 3. Tickets for McEntire’s Ryman show will be available Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. CT at ryman.com.
Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope Track Listing:
CD 1
1. Jesus Loves Me | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
2. Oh, How I Love Jesus* | Written by Frederick Whitfield | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
3. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder | Written by James Milton Black | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Catherine Marx, Doug Sisemore
4. Oh Happy Day* | Written by Edward Francis Rimbault | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
5. Amazing Grace | Written by John Newton | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
6. I’ll Fly Away | Written by Albert E. Brumley | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
7. In The Garden / Wonderful Peace (Medley) (featuring The Isaacs)* | “In The Garden” written by Austin C. Miles | “Wonderful Peace” written by Warren D. Cornell | Medley Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
8. Swing Low Sweet Chariot / Swing Down Chariot (Medley) | Written by Wallace Willis | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
9. How Great Thou Art | Written by Stuart K. Hine | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
10. Softly And Tenderly (feat. Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood) | Written by Will Lamartine Thompson | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
CD 2
1. Sing It Now* | Written by Michael Farren, Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood
2. Angels Singin’ | Written by Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler
3. God And My Girlfriends | Written by Patricia Conroy, Lisa Hentrich, Marcia Ramirez
4. Hallelujah, Amen | Written by Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman
5. There Is A God* | Written by Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley
6. I Got The Lord On My Side | Written by Reba McEntire, Jackie McEntire
7. Back To God | Written by Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser
8. Angel On My Shoulder* | Written by Leigh Reynolds, Amber White, Philip White
9. From The Inside Out | Written by Amy Fletcher
10. Say A Prayer* | Written by Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers, Neil Thrasher
11. HIDDEN TRACK (physical only): Jesus Loves Me (Reprise) | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
*McEntire co-produced with DeMarcus
Reba To Release 2-Disc Gospel Album Before First Complete Ryman Concert
/by Eric T. ParkerReba McEntire announced via Facebook Live that the multi-talented entertainer will release a gospel album with BMLG/Cumulus’ Nash Icon and Capitol Christian Music Group on February 3, 2017.
Pairing with the release will be McEntire’s first complete show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, held on Feb. 15. The program is set to feature some of the new gospel music, as well as her greatest hits and attendees will receive a copy of the new album with ticket purchases.
Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope will be the title of the double album, featuring 10 hymns, 10 brand new songs and a hidden track. The announcement was made at East Nashville’s Tulip Street United Methodist Church, where McEntire was shooting the video for the project’s new single, “Back To God.”
“Softly and Tenderly,” a song recorded with Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson, will be released on iTunes on Friday, Feb 16. McEntire co-produced the album with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts in his home studio and her band leader/musical director Doug Sisemore.
Writers on various tracks on the project include Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler, Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman, Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers and Neil Thrasher. “I Got The Lord On My Side” is a song written by McEntire and her mother Jackie McEntire.
“I’ve been wanting to do a gospel album forever,” said McEntire. “Sing It Now was the perfect title for this album because the message and melody throughout the song connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times.
“Music conjures up great memories and goes hand and hand with us McEntires,” she continued. “Mama, Susie and Alice even came into the studio with me to record ‘I’ll Fly Away,’ all of us gathered around an old hymnal straight from the Chockie church.”
Fans who pre-order the album can download a new track from the project on iTunes every Friday now through Feb. 3. Tickets for McEntire’s Ryman show will be available Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. CT at ryman.com.
Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope Track Listing:
CD 1
1. Jesus Loves Me | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
2. Oh, How I Love Jesus* | Written by Frederick Whitfield | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
3. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder | Written by James Milton Black | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Catherine Marx, Doug Sisemore
4. Oh Happy Day* | Written by Edward Francis Rimbault | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
5. Amazing Grace | Written by John Newton | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
6. I’ll Fly Away | Written by Albert E. Brumley | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
7. In The Garden / Wonderful Peace (Medley) (featuring The Isaacs)* | “In The Garden” written by Austin C. Miles | “Wonderful Peace” written by Warren D. Cornell | Medley Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
8. Swing Low Sweet Chariot / Swing Down Chariot (Medley) | Written by Wallace Willis | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
9. How Great Thou Art | Written by Stuart K. Hine | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
10. Softly And Tenderly (feat. Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood) | Written by Will Lamartine Thompson | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
CD 2
1. Sing It Now* | Written by Michael Farren, Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood
2. Angels Singin’ | Written by Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler
3. God And My Girlfriends | Written by Patricia Conroy, Lisa Hentrich, Marcia Ramirez
4. Hallelujah, Amen | Written by Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman
5. There Is A God* | Written by Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley
6. I Got The Lord On My Side | Written by Reba McEntire, Jackie McEntire
7. Back To God | Written by Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser
8. Angel On My Shoulder* | Written by Leigh Reynolds, Amber White, Philip White
9. From The Inside Out | Written by Amy Fletcher
10. Say A Prayer* | Written by Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers, Neil Thrasher
11. HIDDEN TRACK (physical only): Jesus Loves Me (Reprise) | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
*McEntire co-produced with DeMarcus
Jenny Gill To Release ‘The House Sessions’ On Feb. 17
/by Jessica NicholsonSinger-songwriter Jenny Gill is set to release her debut EP, The House Sessions, on Feb. 17, and she will welcome several top-notch musicians for the project, including Sheryl Crow, Willie Weeks, Jack Pearson and Jon Randall.
Gill had a hand in writing five of the six tracks on the project, which incorporates a range of influences, from blues, Americana and country.
“Every song on this project takes me to somewhere in my past,” she says. “My favorite songs to write are those that reflect personal experiences instead of just telling a story.”
Gill is the daughter of Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill and Sweethearts of the Rodeo’s Janis Oliver. Gill has spent the past six years touring as a backup singer for her step-mother, Christian artist Amy Grant.
“People have a preconceived perception of me because of my name, that I am country or that my talent should be at a certain place because of my parents’ accomplishments,” she says. “It’s hard to get people to notice you on your own and not for being a plus-one. So that is what The House Sessions is attempting to do. I am done waiting in the wings wondering what could happen. I’m ready to try and build something all on my own.”
The House Sessions Track Listing
ASCAP, RMLC Ink Five-Year Agreement
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Radio Music License Committee and ASCAP have announced a new five-year agreement through 2021 that sets the rates payable by over 10,000 of America’s commercial terrestrial radio stations to publicly perform more than 10.5 million musical works in the ASCAP repertory. The rates have not been announced publicly.
The agreement covers the five-year period 2017 to 2021. It provides for increases in the rates paid by radio stations to perform music by ASCAP members via terrestrial, over-the-air broadcasts as well as certain digital transmissions.
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews commented: “We are confident that our new agreement will provide enhanced financial benefits to ASCAP songwriters, composers and music publishers at a time of tremendous disruption in the music industry. Reaching a voluntary agreement with the terrestrial radio industry enables ASCAP to stabilize and grow revenues for our members while continuing to aggressively advocate for regulatory reform to modernize the music licensing system.”
RMLC Chairman Ed Christian commented: “This agreement demonstrates how the creative and music user communities can work together in good faith to produce an outcome that is positive for both sides. The increase in ASCAP fees is consistent with ASCAP’s established spin share on radio. We are pleased to close this deal ensuring that there will be no interruption in ASCAP music being performed on American radio at a time when the music licensing landscape has become increasingly complex.”
Rev. Becca Stevens Receives CNN Hero Award At New York Ceremony
/by Sarah SkatesBecca Stevens accepts CNN Hero award.
Rev. Becca Stevens was honored as a CNN Hero at New York’s American Museum of Natural History on Sunday (Dec. 11). The award celebrates the Nashvillian’s remarkable work with Thistle Farms, which rescues women from prostitution and helps them mend their bodies and souls by making bath and body products. See CNN’s story here.
See a clip from the ceremony which discusses Stevens’ perseverance through her own abusive childhood, and features testimonies from the women she has helped. The video includes Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer presenting the award to Stevens, who accepted barefoot, as a show of “compassion and solidarity for the women who are still walking the streets.” She said, “You cannot kill hope in them. Love is the most powerful force for change. And we have a lot more work to do.”
Stevens is a priest, wife to hit songwriter Marcus Hummon, and mother to Levi, Caney and Moses.
WME Nashville Heading Into 2017 With New Offices, New Agents
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): WME Nashville Co-head Rob Beckham; new agents Nick Miller, Alex Luebbert and Shannon Saunders; WME | IMG Co-CEO Patrick Whitesell; WME | IMG COO Jason Lublin; WME Nashville Co-head Greg Oswald; new agent Austin Neal; and digital marketing exec Sloane Logue.
WME Nashville Co-Heads Rob Beckham and Greg Oswald gave employees a surprise preview of their new office space on Tuesday (Dec. 13), and also announced several promotions and new hires. In 2017, WME Nashville will begin conducting business from 1201 Demonbreun Street, 14th & 15th floors.
WME | IMG Co-CEO Patrick Whitesell and WME | IMG COO Jason Lublin were in attendance for the unveiling, and the company holiday party later that night at Pinewood Social.
Promoted to Agent were Shannon Saunders, Nick Miller and Alex Luebbert. Saunders began her career with WME in 2010, and most recently worked as a Booker for clubs in Texas and Oklahoma. She will join the Fair & Festival Department.
Miller began his career with WME in 2011, and most recently assisted in booking large venues in the South Central territory. Miller will join the Developmental department as a booking agent in the West.
Luebbert began his career with WME in 2011, and most recently assisted in booking large venues in the North Central territory. Luebbert will join the Developmental department as a booking agent in the North.
WME also added Austin Neal as an Agent, booking medium venues in the Southeast territory. Before joining WME, Neal worked most recently at Triple 8 management, and prior to that as day-to-day manager for Big & Rich, and a territorial agent at Buddy Lee Attractions.
Sloane Logue has joined WME and will head Digital and Marketing Initiatives. She previously served as the Client Relations Manager at Ticketmaster, and also spent over 7 years as the Director of Digital Marketing at Show Dog-Universal Music.
These announcements from WME come on the heels of last week’s news that Shari Lewin has been named Partner by the agency.
Still Working Music, Kobalt Sign Gordie Sampson
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (Back Row, L-R): Kimberly Holcombe (Kobalt), Stephanie Cox (Kobalt), Brooke Yancey (Kobalt); (Front Row, L-R): Sara Beal (Still Working Music), Chuck Fleckenstein (Still Working Music), Jesse Willoughby (Kobalt), Gordie Sampson, Laura Alexander (Kobalt), Chelsea Kent (Still Working Music), Tommy Lee James (Still Working Music) Not Pictured: Alex Orbison (Still Working Music)
Nashville publishers Still Working Music and Kobalt have signed songwriter Gordie Sampson to an exclusive global publishing agreement.
Sampson’s hits include Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Hunter Hayes’ “Storm Warning,” and Eric Paslay’s “Song About a Girl.” His songs have been recorded by Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and more.
Sampson moved to Nashville from his native Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2005.
“Gordie Sampson is a perfect fit here at Still Working and we are equally excited about partnering with Kobalt to make this signing double sweet. Gordie brings a total pro writing ethic, immense talent, and spot-on sense of the song—there simply isn’t better. Welcome Gordie!” said Alex Orbison, President of Still Working Music.
“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Still Working and working with a writer of the caliber of Gordie Sampson. We’ve been a big fan of his for a long time and excited to be creatively working with Gordie and helping him build on his already successful career. Looking forward to what we can achieve together with the whole Still Working team—Alex, Chuck, Tommy and Chelsea,” said Jesse Willoughby, GM Kobalt, Nashville.
“I’ve been a huge fan of both companies ever since I landed in Nashville and it is truly a dream come true to now be a Still Working/Kobalt writer. Aside from being obvious world-class publishers they are genuine, passionate about music, and most importantly made up of great people. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the Still Working Music/Kobalt team and look forward to years of great music and shared successes,” Sampson said.
Industry Ink: Music City Media, Americana Music Association, Dan Hodges Music
/by Jessica NicholsonSeven Entertainment Companies Relocate To Music Row
Seven entertainment companies have formed an alliance to offer an extensive menu of professional services for clients in the music and entertainment sectors.
Artist integration, Country Rewind Records, Music City Media, Karen Will Rogers Photography, Nashville Gig Finders, Nashville Music Line (including Lord & Thorn Music Publishing), and ProMO Image have relocated to the McGhee Entertainment Building at 21 Music Square West, Floor 1.
Rodney Crowell To Perform As Part Of 2017 Americana Series
Rodney Crowell
The Americana Music Association and the Grammy Museum will launch the 2017 Americana Series with An Evening With Rodney Crowell on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 at 8 p.m. at the Grammy Museum’s 200-seat Clive Davis Theater in Los Angeles.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at axs.com beginning Thursday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. CT.
“We are so excited to welcome Rodney Crowell to our theater for the first program of the year in our Americana Series,” said Lynne Sheridan, Director of Public Programs & Artist Relations for the Grammy Museum and member of the Board of Directors for the Americana Music Association. “Aside from being an incredibly talented songwriter and musician, Crowell’s contributions to the music community and Americana genre are unmatched. We look forward to what will surely be an unforgettable evening of music and conversation.”
“We truly value our partnership with the Grammy Museum,” added Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “This series has been fantastic and we are thrilled to kick off the New Year with the amazing Rodney Crowell.”
Troy Cassar-Daley Signs To Dan Hodges Music’s Australian Division
Troy Cassar-Daley
Australian country artist Troy Cassar-Daley has entered into an agreement with DHM Endeavour Pty Ltd, an Australian division of Dan Hodges Music LLC, for creative catalog representation.
Daley’s accolades include 4 ARIA’s, 32 Golden Guitars, and 4 CMAA Entertainer of the Year awards. His 25-plus year career includes 10 albums, the 2008 CMA Global Artist Award, and his new storyteller project, Things I Carry Around.
DHM is a music publishing company and royalty administration firm, operating on Music Row since 2008. DHM publishes ASCAP Song of the Year “Good Directions,” “Dibs,” a recent hit for Kelsea Ballerini, and current releases on Keith Urban, Reba McEntire and Faith Hill.
Brad Paisley To Release CD/DVD, PBS Special From West Virginia University
/by Eric T. ParkerBrad Paisley will release Life Amplified World Tour: Live at WVU, a live concert DVD and CD on Friday, Dec. 23. PBS will air the concert as an hour-long show, titled Brad Paisley – Landmarks Live In Concert: A Great Performances Special, on Friday, Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. ET.
Paisley’s return to his homestate at West Virginia University’s outdoor stage took place on Sept. 9 in front of over 15,000 people. Paisley played for two hours that included many of his 23 number one singles, including “I’m Still A Guy,” featuring a performance with Chris Young. The show also includes a special version of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which has become an anthem for WVU and part of the Country Music Association’s 50th annual video tribute.
The concert special was produced by award-winning director, CEO of City Drive Films and WVU alumnus, Daniel E Catullo III.
“I am so pleased to be partnering with Brad on the WVU show,” said Catullo III. “Being an alumnus of WVU this show is very special for me. To be able to bring WVU to the world stage is something I am proud to do and I couldn’t think of a better artist to do it with than Brad, who has similar feelings of WVU, having grown up not too far from the campus. It has been a dream of mine to go back to WVU and put on a huge show, free for the students.”
Songs included in the show are: “Crushin’ It,” “American Saturday Night,” “Water,” “Online,” “Perfect Storm,” “Letter to Me,” “This is Country Music,” “I’m Still a Guy” (feat. Chris Young), “She’s Everything,” “Ticks,” “Country Nation,” “Old Alabama,” “Then,” “Beat This Summer,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her,” “River Bank,” “Take Me Home,” “Country Roads,” “Southern Comfort Zone,” “Mud on the Tires” and “Alcohol.”
Both the DVD and the CD/DVD can be ordered online.
The Listening Room To Expand In New Location
/by Sarah SkatesChris Blair, owner of The Listening Room
The Listening Room Café, owned by Chris Blair, is moving to a new home next fall. Blair told The Nashville Post that his business will relocate from its current SoBro spot at 217 Second Ave. S. when the lease expires and take up new digs at 618 Fourth Ave. S.
With the move, the establishment will expand from 6,000 square feet to 11,500 square feet, and from 50 to 80 employees. It will have a separate restaurant and bar area, listening room and outdoor patio.
The Listening Room first opened in downtown Franklin in 2006, then moved to Cummins Station in 2008, and to its current location in 2011. Read more.
The Tennessean reports that The Listening Room’s future home on Fourth Ave is owned by real estate investor Treg Warner. He recently paid $3.55 million for the property.
Brantley Gilbert To Release ‘The Devil Don’t Sleep’ Jan. 27
/by Jessica NicholsonBrantley Gilbert will release his third project for BMLG’s The Valory Music Co., The Devil Don’t Sleep, on Jan. 27.
“A lot has happened,” Brantley says. “And anyone who knows me knows that every album is another chapter of my life. Even though it’s my life, even though some of what I write about is very specific to what happens to me, I think the challenges, the places where we figure things out are all the same – no matter what we’re facing, realizations all mean the same things.”
Gilbert says despite the celebratory tone of the album’s first single, “The Weekend,” The Devil Don’t Sleep explores an admonitory theme, as the title suggests temptation is a constant reality for many.
“By now, everyone knows the story turned out okay for me,” Brantley says. “But the truth is there’s always temptation, there’s always something – whether it’s work or substances or gambling or whatever – that can pull you off the path. For me, thankfully, I got through it, got the girl back, got to keep my career moving.”
The album features 16 tracks on the regular disc, with 10 more tracks on the deluxe version. The deluxe version captures the roots of his songwriting and live shows.
“Trying to get the whole story on the album was a little more than we’d bargained for,” Brantley says. “We tried every which way, but in the end, it seemed like we needed to do the straight-up record. But then for the folks who really go deep, I wanted to give them a piece of the last year on the road. We recorded live at Red Rocks at the end of the tour, and you can feel how hard they rocked. And I wanted that on this record.”
Brantley’s penchant for honest, transparent songwriting has proved a successful move. He has earned consecutive platinum albums with Halfway To Heaven and Just As I Am, and six No. 1 singles, including “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” and “Bottoms Up,” as well as songs he has penned for other artists such as Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kind of Party.”
“Life isn’t just chapters,” explains the songwriter/rocker. “What happens before influences what happens next. Not always the way you’d expect. Sometimes you don’t even see it ‘til later. But with these CDs, I feel like it’s the story and then more of the story. You know, depending on how deep you want to go, it’s a way to understand the journey to The Devil Don’t Sleep.”