Pictured (Back Row, L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Arista Nashville’s Randy Goodman, BMI’s Jody Williams, BMG’s Daniel Lee, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, The HQ’s Ann Edelblute, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, “Church Bells” producer Mark Bright, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, ASCAP’s Michael Martin. (Front Row L-R) songwriter Ashley Gorley, songwriter Hillary Lindsey, singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood, songwriter and “Heartbeat” producer Zach Crowell, songwriter Brett James and ASCAP’s John Titta. Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI
Carrie Underwood and fellow songwriters Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell celebrated the No. 1 hits “Heartbeat” and “Church Bells” with a party at The Bell Tower on Thursday (Aug. 11). James, Lindsey, and Crowell co-wrote the single “Church Bells,” while Underwood, Gorley and Crowell co-wrote “Heartbeat,” with Crowell also serving as producer on the song.
“Thank you guys so much for being here,” said Underwood. “God is good and I’m so incredibly blessed throughout my life and career but mainly because I get to work with the best. That is a blessing beyond blessings. That goes for the people I write with and record with.”
She thanked manager Ann Edelblute, the Sony label staff and everyone that supports the artist, songwriters and songs.
BMI’s Jody Williams, ASCAP’s John Titta and Michael Martin, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, Underwood’s “Church Bells” producer Mark Bright, CMA’s Brandi Simms, and CRB’s Bill Mayne also offered words of praise for “Church Bells” and “Heartbeat.”
Birthday girl Hillary Lindsey was feted not only with praise for co-writing “Church Bells,” but with a cake honoring her special day. Attendees also dined on cupcakes specially made with toppings shaped like hearts and bells from Nashville bakery IveyCake.
“I turned 40 today,” said Lindsey. “If anyone had asked me when I was little what I would be doing on my 40th birthday, I never would have imagined that I would be onstage with some of my dearest friends and singing songs with friends I’ve made over the past 20 years, with a freakin’ superstar that I was just downstairs in hair and makeup and she’s giving me tips on eyelashes and preschools. I never would have imagined I would be here with this audience celebrating. I’m super thankful for all of this and for all of your friendships.”
“Everyone who knows me knows that my favorite thing about this business is not the music that we make, but the friends that we make,” said James, “and I’m on a stage with dear friends here tonight. I’m honored to be part of this.”
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey, Carrie Underwood, Brett James and Zach Crowell. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI
Avenue Bank made donations on behalf of each songwriter to Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation, which was established in 2009 to improve Underwood’s Checotah, Oklahoma, hometown by assisting with causes and providing services to the community.
Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman reminded the audience of Underwood’s accomplishments leading into the CMA Awards voting season.
“There is an opportune time for everything under the sun,” said Goodman. “At a time when some compare our cherished women to a salad brunch, we all know Carrie has never been anything but the main course.”
Underwood has indeed been busy in the past year. In addition to earning chart-topping hits from her latest album, Storyteller, she has also been on the road since January, entertaining crowds on her The Storyteller Tour: Stories In The Round, which runs through November.
Underwood released her fourth installment of the Sunday Night Football theme song, collaboratively rewriting the lyrics to “Somethin’ Bad” to fit the sports theme. She has played the UK four times, including headlining at C2C and most notably as the first country headliner for the Apple Music Festival in London. She will head to Australia in December with a string of tour dates with Keith Urban. Before that, she will co-host the 50th annual CMA Awards with Brad Paisley.
“She is not only a consummate artist but also an ambassador for our format,” Goodman said. “Indefatigable is the only way I can describe Carrie’s work ethic. A wise man did say there is a time for everything and when you ponder all that Carrie Underwood is and what she means to our genre, I think you all will agree that her time is now. Her time is now.”
The evening ended appropriately in song, with Underwood, James (who owns The Bell Tower) and Lindsey trading lines and harmonies on “Heartbeat,” “Church Bells,” and Underwood’s 2005 debut single, “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
The hit stories from Storyteller will keep coming, as Underwood ended the evening by introducing her upcoming fourth single from the album, “Dirty Laundry.”
LifeNotes: Limeliters Singer Glenn Yarbrough Passes
/by Robert K OermannGlenn Yarbrough
Singer Glenn Yarbrough, famed for his 1965 pop hit “Baby the Rain Must Fall” passed away in Nashville on Thursday (August 11) at age 86.
Yarbrough first came to prominence as the lead singer of the folk group The Limeliters in 1959-63. He toured and recorded for more than five decades.
Born in Milwaukee in 1930, he grew up in New York City and attended university in Annapolis, Maryland. His college roommate was Jac Holzman, later the co-founder of Elektra Records. Folk-music great Woody Guthrie met the roommates after a concert and sang all night for them in their dorm. Inspired, Glenn Yarbrough bought a guitar and took up folk singing.
After serving in the Army, Yarbrough moved to South Dakota and starred in his own local TV show. He launched his recording career with his debut LP in 1957 on Holzman’s Elektra imprint. Yarbrough also recorded a duet LP for the company with California folk stylist Marilyn Childs.
He also began to tour as a performer. Following an extended booking at Chicago’s Gate of Horn club, Yarbrough went to Aspen, Colorado, to run his own folk venue, The Limelite. There, he formed The Limeliters with Lou Gottlieb and Alex Hassilev.
The group’s debut LP appeared on Elektra Records in 1960. The following year, The Limeliters hit the pop charts with their single “A Dollar Down.”
Other songs associated with the group include “There’s a Meetin’ Here Tonight,” “The Midnight Special,” “This Train,” “Wayfaring Stranger” and “Gotta Travel On.” Bass player Gottlieb was the Limeliters comic spokesman. Banjo player Hassilev was also an actor and a linguist. Yarbrough played guitar, and his clear tenor was the act’s lead voice.
Glenn Yarbrough left the trio in 1963 to resume his solo career, but he often returned for Limeliters reunion concerts and tours. Group member Lou Gottlieb died in 1996 at age 72. His son is Nashville artist manager Tony Gottlieb.
“Baby the Rain Must Fall” was the title tune of a movie starring Steve McQueen and Lee Remick. Following his hit with the song on RCA, Yarbrough returned to the hit parade with 1965’s “It’s Gonna Be Fine.”
Among his other notable songs of this era were versions of Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” the Jay Livingston/Ray Evans favorite “All the Time” and Rod McKuen’s “Channing Way,” “The Lonely Things” and “The World I Used to Know.”
For the rest of his life, Glenn Yarbrough divided his time between making music and sailing the boat he built. He’d sail it until he ran out of money, then he’d do shows until he’d saved up enough to take to the water again. He kept this up until he reached 80.
He moved to Nashville in 2010 to be cared for by his daughter, Holly Yarbrough Burnett. Glenn Yarbrough is survived by her, by daughter Stephany Yarbrough, son Sean Yarbrough and son-in-law Robert Burnett. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
In Pictures: YEP and BMI Host Quarterly Rewind Event
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Andrew Cohen, YEP; Amelia Varni, YEP; Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye of Maddie & Tae; Jackie Lee
Photos: Jason Myers Photo
YEP (Young Entertainment Professionals) held a quarterly Rewind gathering at The Basement East on Wednesday (Aug. 10). YEP Rewind: Millennium Night, sponsored by BMI, featured performances from Maddie & Tae, Chuck Wicks, Brandon Lay, Kree Harrison and many more. The sold out fundraiser raised over $2,500 to benefit Musicians on Call.
Pictured (L-R): Maggie Chapman; Andrew Cohen, YEP; Amelia Varni, YEP; Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye of Maddie & Tae; J.Human, R.Lum.R.
The next Rewind show will take place on Nov. 8. Additional events in the coming weeks include a free show with Joey Hyde, Mary Sarah and Chris Bandi at Exit In on Tuesday (Aug. 16). A group outing to the Sounds Game will take place Sept. 1.
YEP Rewind: Millennium Night Full Set List
Aaron Eshuis, “California”
Jillian Jacqueline, “Crazy”
Kree Harrison, “What A Girl Wants”
CJ Solar, “All My Life”
Ryan Kinder, “Smooth”
Brandon Lay,”Burn”
Nickolas Wayne, “Cry Me A River”
R.Lum.R., “Let Me Love You”
Ruston Kelly , “Mr. Brightside”
Maggie Chapman, “Toxic”
Chuck Wicks, “Back At One”
Leigh Nash, “Kiss Me”
Maddie & Tae, “If I Ain’t Got You”
Jackie Lee, “Oops I Did It Again”
J. Human, “Ignition”
Chuck Wicks performs “Back At One”
Jillian Jacqueline performs “Crazy”
R.LumR. performs “Let Me Love You”
Aaron Eshuis performs “California”
CJ Solar
Jackie Lee
Leigh Nash
Maddie & Tae
Maggie Chapman
Ruston Kelly
Ryan Kinder
Industry Ink: APA Nashville, Pennington Entertainment, WME, Bud Light
/by Craig_ShelburneAPA Nashville Hosts Pennington Entertainment
APA Nashville Happy Hour With Pennington Entertainment
APA Nashville continued its happy hour series by hosting Pennington Entertainment on Thursday evening (Aug. 11).
Pennington Entertainment, a newly-founded artist development and management company led by industry veteran Shawn Pennington, manages the careers of Parmalee and Thompson Square, among others. Pennington’s previous stops include BBR Management and Dale Morris & Associates.
“Our new space at One Nashville Place gives us the opportunity to host our creative friends and partners for some one on one time with our growing staff of music, TV, film and branding agents in the Nashville office. It’s been so great to get to know Shawn and the experienced staff of Pennington Entertainment and we look forward to working with them in the future,” said Steve Lassiter, Partner and Head of Concerts for APA Nashville.
WME Adds Troy Cartwright To Roster
Pictured (Front): Troy Cartwright. (Back): Rush Davenport, WME; Larry Murray, Foolish Kings; Henry Glascock, WME
Troy Cartwright has signed a booking agreement with WME in advance of new music coming this fall. Managed by Larry Murray of Foolish Kings (Rob Baird, Green River Ordinance), Cartwright is originally from Dallas and now resides in Nashville. In 2015, he played more than 125 dates, securing support slots for Randy Roger Band, William Clark Green, Turnpike Troubadours and others. His new single is “Busted.”
Bud Light Taps Into Alyssa Micaela’s “Bud Light Baby”
Colleen Kelly, Regional Marketing Director, Anheuser-Busch; Micaela and Pete Olson, Master Craft Management.
Rising artist Alyssa Micaela is partnering with Bud Light to release a song she co-wrote titled “Bud Light Baby.” The track is now available at all digital retailers.
“Earlier in 2016, we changed Bud Light’s look with new packaging,” said Colleen Kelly, Regional Marketing Director, Anheuser-Busch. “Now we are changing the way we engage with our consumers. Alyssa is a passionate young artist that writes and sings fun yet powerful songs that resonate with her fans and our consumers. We are excited to have Alyssa join the Bud Light Party and look forward to working together to provide fans with unique experiences only Bud Light can create.”
“I am so excited to partner with Bud Light!” said Michaela, who signed a songwriting deal with Warner/Chappell Music and Liz Rose Music earlier this year. “Their new branding and established presence in country music are such a great fit for me. Not to mention, it’s my favorite beer!”
Derek George, Lee Thomas Miller Receive MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher, Music Row; Derek George ; Lee Thomas Miller; Alicia Pruitt, Senior Director/A&R, Warner/Chappell Music
Songwriters Derek George and Lee Thomas Miller accepted their first MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins at Warner/Chappell Publishing on Friday morning (Aug. 12).
Since January 2014, every artist and songwriter who achieves a No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart receives the coin. Nearly 500 coins have been earned since that time.
Derek George. Photo: Molly Hannula
George earned one of the very first coins (No. 35) with “Drink To That All Night,” which topped the MusicRow chart in March 2014. The song was recorded by Jerrod Niemann and written with Lance Miller and Brad and Brett Warren.
Lee Thomas Miller. Photo: Molly Hannula
Lee Thomas Miller landed his first coin following “Perfect Storm,” recorded by his co-writer Brad Paisley. The song rose to No. 1 in November 2014. His second coin arrived with “Crushin’ It,” another Paisley hit. Written by Miller, Paisley and Kelley Lovelace, that song topped the MusicRow chart in May 2015. Miller is also the Board President of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
Bill Anderson Accepts 5 BMI Million-Air Awards
/by Craig_ShelburneBMI’s David Preston, BMI singer-songwriter Bill Anderson, BMI’s Jody Williams, Sony ATV’s Terry Wakefield and Troy Tomlinson. Photo: Kat Harding
Bill Anderson visited the BMI Nashville office on Thursday (Aug. 11) to celebrate five of his songs achieving Million-Air milestones.
The awards are given to acknowledge the tracks’ millions of radio spins. Certificates were awarded for “Tips of My Fingers” for three million, “Whiskey Lullaby” for two million, “Give It Away” for two million, “Saginaw, Michigan” for one million and “Lord Knows I’m Drinking” (a No. 1 hit for Cal Smith in 1973) for one million.
Named a BMI Country Awards Icon in 2002, Anderson is the only country songwriter to have a Top 40 hit in seven consecutive decades. His autobiography, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music, is due in September.
Bill Anderson at BMI. Photo: Kat Harding
Carrie Underwood Throws A Glitzy Double No. 1 Party
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (Back Row, L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Arista Nashville’s Randy Goodman, BMI’s Jody Williams, BMG’s Daniel Lee, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, The HQ’s Ann Edelblute, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, “Church Bells” producer Mark Bright, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, ASCAP’s Michael Martin. (Front Row L-R) songwriter Ashley Gorley, songwriter Hillary Lindsey, singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood, songwriter and “Heartbeat” producer Zach Crowell, songwriter Brett James and ASCAP’s John Titta. Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI
Carrie Underwood and fellow songwriters Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell celebrated the No. 1 hits “Heartbeat” and “Church Bells” with a party at The Bell Tower on Thursday (Aug. 11). James, Lindsey, and Crowell co-wrote the single “Church Bells,” while Underwood, Gorley and Crowell co-wrote “Heartbeat,” with Crowell also serving as producer on the song.
“Thank you guys so much for being here,” said Underwood. “God is good and I’m so incredibly blessed throughout my life and career but mainly because I get to work with the best. That is a blessing beyond blessings. That goes for the people I write with and record with.”
BMI’s Jody Williams, ASCAP’s John Titta and Michael Martin, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, Underwood’s “Church Bells” producer Mark Bright, CMA’s Brandi Simms, and CRB’s Bill Mayne also offered words of praise for “Church Bells” and “Heartbeat.”
Birthday girl Hillary Lindsey was feted not only with praise for co-writing “Church Bells,” but with a cake honoring her special day. Attendees also dined on cupcakes specially made with toppings shaped like hearts and bells from Nashville bakery IveyCake.
“I turned 40 today,” said Lindsey. “If anyone had asked me when I was little what I would be doing on my 40th birthday, I never would have imagined that I would be onstage with some of my dearest friends and singing songs with friends I’ve made over the past 20 years, with a freakin’ superstar that I was just downstairs in hair and makeup and she’s giving me tips on eyelashes and preschools. I never would have imagined I would be here with this audience celebrating. I’m super thankful for all of this and for all of your friendships.”
“Everyone who knows me knows that my favorite thing about this business is not the music that we make, but the friends that we make,” said James, “and I’m on a stage with dear friends here tonight. I’m honored to be part of this.”
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey, Carrie Underwood, Brett James and Zach Crowell. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI
Avenue Bank made donations on behalf of each songwriter to Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation, which was established in 2009 to improve Underwood’s Checotah, Oklahoma, hometown by assisting with causes and providing services to the community.
Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman reminded the audience of Underwood’s accomplishments leading into the CMA Awards voting season.
“There is an opportune time for everything under the sun,” said Goodman. “At a time when some compare our cherished women to a salad brunch, we all know Carrie has never been anything but the main course.”
Underwood has indeed been busy in the past year. In addition to earning chart-topping hits from her latest album, Storyteller, she has also been on the road since January, entertaining crowds on her The Storyteller Tour: Stories In The Round, which runs through November.
“She is not only a consummate artist but also an ambassador for our format,” Goodman said. “Indefatigable is the only way I can describe Carrie’s work ethic. A wise man did say there is a time for everything and when you ponder all that Carrie Underwood is and what she means to our genre, I think you all will agree that her time is now. Her time is now.”
The evening ended appropriately in song, with Underwood, James (who owns The Bell Tower) and Lindsey trading lines and harmonies on “Heartbeat,” “Church Bells,” and Underwood’s 2005 debut single, “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
The hit stories from Storyteller will keep coming, as Underwood ended the evening by introducing her upcoming fourth single from the album, “Dirty Laundry.”
Aaron Tippin Helps Announce Marine Week In Nashville
/by Craig_ShelburneAaron Tippin. Photo: Michael Bunch/Metro Nashville
Aaron Tippin performed at a press conference on Wednesday (Aug. 10) announcing Marine Week in Nashville, taking place Sept. 7-11, 2016.
Tippin joined several dozen Marines and Nashville Mayor Megan Barry at the press conference. He sang an acoustic version of “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly.”
“I was so honored to be asked to sing at the announcement of Marine Week,” says Tippin. “We can’t do enough to show how much we appreciate these guys and gals who help defend our freedom.”
More than 700 Marines will descend upon Nashville at next month’s event. Throughout the week, the public will have the opportunity to climb aboard a variety of the Corps’ aircraft and ground equipment at static display venues throughout downtown, to include the MV-22 Osprey aircraft and the multifaceted Amphibious Assault Vehicle.
People of all ages are invited to attend Marine Corps martial arts and military working dog demonstrations, work out alongside Marines during physical fitness demonstrations, and take in the sights and sounds of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and Marine Band San Diego.
The event’s theme of Community, Country and Corps will offer more than 80 free, public events across the city. The opening ceremony at Public Square will take place Sept. 7 at 6 p.m., and will feature a musical performance Darryl Worley and a special presentation and remarks by Barry.
Previous Marine Weeks have taken place in Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Cleveland, Seattle and Phoenix.
Pictured (L-R): Sgt. Michael Iams, 1st Lt Johnny Henderson, Col. Mike Manning, Col. Sean Salene, Thea Tippin, Mayor Megan Barry, Aaron Tippin, Brig Gen Robert Castellvi, 1st Lt. Aaron Reed, SSgt Bobby Yarbrough, GySgt Jimmy Bention. Photo Credit: Michael Bunch / Metro
Celebrate the Soul: Black Music Honors Will Be Held Aug. 18
/by Craig_ShelburneA live television taping titled Celebrate the Soul: Black Music Honors will take place Thursday (Aug. 18) at 7 p.m. at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall.
The National Museum of African American Music and Central City Productions are partnering to honor the recipients. Tickets are $27.50 to $102.50.
The two-hour television special will honor legendary African American artists and organizations that have influenced and made significant contributions to American culture.
Honorees include Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Big Daddy Kane, Dionne Warwick, Clarence Avant and Stax Records. Malcolm-Jamal Warner will host the event.
“As an actor, there were things I wanted to express that I could not, maybe even as a director,” said Warner. “Music has allowed me to develop an avenue of expression that my soul needs, which is why being part of something like Black Music Honors is a phenomenal opportunity. I am excited to participate and serve in this esteemed role.”
The night will be filled with performances from Tina Campbell, Ann Nesby, Andra Day, Chubb Rock and Stokley Williams. The Bar-Kays, The Temptations Revue featuring Dennis Edwards, and The SOS Band will also perform. Monie Love will be among the presenters.
Weekly Chart Report (8/12/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Dress Up For St. Jude Event Set For Oct. 6
/by Craig_ShelburneThe second annual Dress Up For St. Jude event has been set for Oct. 6. The special evening will showcase an array of new and gently-used fashion items for sale just in time for fall award shows, holidays and more.
The special sale is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. at the St. Jude Nashville office at 1102 17th Ave. S., Ste. 300, and all proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for their music therapy program.
The event was founded in 2015 by four music industry friends following an inspiring visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Last year’s Dress Up For St. Jude offered dresses, handbags, jewelry and more at a fraction of their original prices. Event organizers are asking artists and music industry executives to clear out their closets, and donate the following items:
– New/gently used dresses of all shapes, sizes and styles from casual to formal;
– Celebrity dresses;
– New/gently used jewelry, accessories, shoes
– Clothing racks to display dresses
The St. Jude music therapy program helps patients attain emotional goals, such as learning to express themselves by writing and performing songs and discussing song lyrics. Creativity also helps patients cope with disease and its treatment. A clinical and evidence-based practice, music therapy can be used to achieve both musical and non-musical goals.