Chapter 530
Country superstars step up to the plate to strike out cancer at City of Hope’s 26th Annual Celebrity Softball Game June 7 in Nashville. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for City of Hope
The Party Boy had a full slate of activities on Tuesday (June 7), and the CMA Music Festival hasn’t even officially started yet.
This is largely thanks to industry events, rather than the fan-oriented festivities to come. We began at Fannie Mae Dees Park (a.k.a. “Dragon Park”), where the National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) held its annual picnic. This is a warm. casual affair, with all homemade food and a friendly vibe you can’t beat.
I arrived at noon, well before most of the 50+ attendees showed up an hour later. Other early picnic people included Rod Harris, Randy Perkins, Dean Unkefer, Fred Vail, current NATD prez Steve Tolman, Ed Salamon, Dave Barton, Ray Shelide, aspiring media worker Kacie Baugus, Amber Robb, Dick Beacham and Zach Farnum.
Bonnie Sugarman was all aglow about the launch of Dolly Parton’s new tour. She bristles when Dolly is diminished by the “country” label used by talent buyers. “She is an international superstar,” sez Bonnie. “Her audience is not just country. I tell them it’s like they’re getting Cher or Bette Midler or Streisand.” Well said.
We couldn’t tarry long there. The City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game beckoned. We arrived at First Tennessee Park a little after 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, timed for the Green Carpet walk along the third base line.
Chairman and CEO of Staples Ron Sargent, singer-songwriter Vince Gill, music industry veteran Bruce Hinton, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta, and President and CEO of City of Hope Robert Stone attend City of Hope’s 26th Annual Celebrity Softball Game. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for City of Hope
Scotty McCreery, David Nail, Brett Young, Bobby Bones, Bret Michaels and former major league pitcher Barry Zito have all played ball all their lives. But the rest? Not so much. Which is what makes it fun. As Opry team coach Pete Fisher put it, “The second this becomes about softball, we’re sunk.”
“Mostly, I like to watch it,” said American Idol champ Nick Fradiani. “Growing up, I played basketball.”
“I played basketball, not softball,” said Cassadee Pope. “But I’m pretty competitive. I’m just going to try and hit the ball and not psych myself out.”
“I haven’t played since I was 10,” admitted Mickey Guyton. “I’ll just run. I ran track, and I’m fast. All I have to do is get from home plate to first base.” In her arms was Charlie, her Chihuahua mix rescue dog. “He’s my Security. In fact, he’s my whole team’s Security.” She was playing on the iHeart Radio squad.
“I’m not a huge baseball fan,” said Jamie Lynn Spears. “Besides cheating, my strategy for this game is to just not embarrass myself.”
“I played in the band in high school,” said Craig Wayne Boyd. “But my wife played fast-pitch softball, so I practiced with her.”
Vince Gill, playing his 21st Celebrity Softball Game, was having no part of the Green Carpet. He was conserving his energy in the dugout and pointing to his ailing knees. He was pitching, after all.
But gamely greeting the media were Bucky Covington, A Thousand Horses, Danielle Bradbery, Chris Lane, Tristan McIntosh, Mark Wills and more. Others booked to hit the diamond included Lauren Alaina, Jessie James Decker, Locash, RaeLynn and Nashville’s Chip Esten and Jonathan Jackson.
Lauren Alaina. John Shearer/Getty Images for City of Hope
By the way, it is strongly rumored that the fifth season of the Nashville TV show is going to be picked up by CMT. Perhaps they’ll announce this during the channel’s awards show on Wednesday night.
Lots of other stars had news to share. McIntosh was still tingling from her reception at her first appearance on the Opry. She sang “Wagon Wheel” with Darius Rucker and brought down the house.
Spears will be starring in an hour-long reality TV special called When the Lights Go Out on TLC on June 26 and co-wrote the recent Jana Kramer hit “I Got the Boy.” Guyton’s follow-up to “Better Than You Left Me” is its “answer” lyric, “Heartbreak Song,” due next week.
Fradiani is issuing a pop CD on Big Machine on Aug. 5. Nail is releasing Fighter as his next CD on July 15, describing it as “the most personal of my life.” Bones is promoting his new memoir, I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book, which cuts quite close to the, er, bone.
Working the room were Terry Bumgarner, Scott Stem, Dixie Owen, Rick Murray, Heather Conley, Dennis Banka and new artist Wesley Davis. Having it both ways is Savannah Keyes (pronounced “Kize”). The vivacious, young, smart Utah native is covering the week for Radio Disney. Plus, she’s been signed as an artist by Republic, is being produced by Jay DeMarcus and is performing on Friday. So she gets to see every side of this delightfully crazy week.
Bill Cody and Lorianne Crook co-hosted the game. I teased Lorianne about being a lovely ex Soundette for The Nashville Sounds when she was a youngster. “I can’t fit into the shorts anymore,” she lamented.
Before the slugging started, City of Hope patient Aaron Yniguez, who is 8, met his stem cell donor for the first time. Yolanda Nava saved the leukemia victim’s life. When she surprised him on the pitcher’s mound, everyone was touched.
Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for City of Hope
Trisha Yearwood sang the National Anthem. Scott Borchetta presented the Champion of Hope Award to Bruce Hinton, who founded this charity event.
The two teams represented iHeart Radio and the Grand Ole Opry. I believe they battled to a draw, despite the Opry team having Zito as its “ringer.” Or maybe iHeart Radio won by a run. It doesn’t matter: The event raised more than $200,000.
Went home. Changed out of the sweaty softball clothes. Headed out again. Traffic going downtown at 5:15 p.m. crept along at a crawl. But duty called.
You see, APA is on the move in more ways than one. The talent agency is growing its client base in leaps and bounds, has added agents and threw a party to celebrate its glamorous new penthouse headquarters at One Nashville Place (150 Fourth Avenue North).
Pictured (L-R): APA SVP/Partner, Steve Lassiter, Charlie Daniels, APA President/CEO Jim Gosnell
Charlie Daniels, Deborah Allen, Lee Roy Parnell, Benita Hill, Phil Vassar, Crystal Gayle and other stars mingled at the soiree.
The agency also represents such greats as Dolly, Big Smo, BlackHawk, Dailey & Vincent, Keith Anderson, Lee Greenwood, Maggie Rose, Sawyer Brown, Rob Baird, Chris Cagle, Don Williams, David Lee Murphy, Take 6, The Rippingtons, Clint Black and Travis Tritt.
Pictured (L-R): Deborah Allen, Charlie Daniels, Crystal Gayle. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for APA
The penthouse office suite was formerly occupied by a law firm, which might explain its sleekly moderne, gray-on-gray décor. Checking it out were David Corlew, David Malloy, Dave Brainard, John Dorris, John Marks, Becky Harris, Paula Szeigis, Jenny Tolman, Neal Spielberg, Bebe Evans, Jody Williams, Charlie Monk and gracious host Steve Lassiter, plus Sugarman and Shelide, spiffed up and out of their picnic duds.
We snacked on crab cakes, fried chicken, deviled eggs, steak & biscuits, various veggies and assorted chilled fruits.
Pictured (L-R): Peter Strickland, EVP/GM, WMN; John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN; Raelynn; Blake Shelton; Scott Hendricks, EVP A&R, WMN
Onward. At almost this same time, the Warner Music Group staged a last-minute gig at the new Aurora Studio in the lobby level of the Pinnacle skyscraper on Third Avenue South. When summoned by this company, we go without question.
We arrived just in time to hear WMG’s John Esposito say, “We could not be one iota happier than to have RaeLynn join the Warner family. There is a magic about this gal that when she walks in a room, you know she’s special. It’s these people who have fairy dust sprinkled on them who you want to be involved with. Because they can change other people’s lives.
“Blake Shelton, who is this really interesting guy on a national TV show with a red chair and a buzzer, is taking her on his fall tour.”
Raelynn, Espo added, is already responsible for 850,000 digital sales and 75 million streams of her music. Comments Blake, “Her songs are phenomenal and are a step ahead of everybody else.”
Wearing a sparkly silver WB logo on her pink t-shirt, Raelynn signed her contract right there in front of us. I can’t recall an actual contract signing during Fan Fair or CMA Fest ever. Leave it to Espo.
“I’m kinda nervous,” she said. “I’ve never done this before,” added the label boss.
“I moved here—this August, it will be four years ago,” she told the crowd. “It’s not overnight success. You have to work hard. You have to write every day. You have to make connections. It’s so cool to be here and see everybody who has supported me the whole way. To do this has been the most magical thing. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I promise I will work my ass off.”
Blake’s presence at the event was no coincidence. She said that he gave her support when she needed it most. As a teen, she weaseled her way past a security guard and forged her mother’s signature to audition for The Voice. Blake turned his chair around for her and promised her he’d make her a superstar.
“If it hadn’t been for you, I’d have given up,” Raelynn told him.
She played the upbeat “Your Heart” for the crowd, then her atmospheric debut WB single, “Love Triangle.” Two guitarists and a percussionist backed her.
“We are so proud of this whole project,” said Scott Hendricks. He played the finished version of the single, as well as the tempo tune “Wild Horse,” over the venue’s sound system.
Listening with all ears were Ben Vaughn, Wes Vause, Chris Keaton, B.J. Hill, Lon Helton, R.J. Curtis, Kerry Hanson, Julie Boos, and Aurora owner David Griffin, as well as Raelynn’s producers and songwriting collaborators Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins.
Raelynn is from Texas. Her full name is Rachael Lynn Woodward Davis. She was previously signed to Republic/Valory, but the label never released a full CD of her music. In February she married financial advisor Joshua Davis, who celebrated on Tuesday along with the rest of us.
WMG hors d’oeuvres included beef tacos, drunken peaches, mini sandwiches and veggie comfits. Plus, there was a table at the back of the room holding masses of candies in all shapes, sizes and colors.
As night fell, the music continued downtown. Alan Jackson serenaded fans, unplugged, at Acme Feed & Seed. Jason Aldean entertained from a stage in the middle of Broadway. Dustin Lynch, Canaan Smith, Rodney Atkins, Craig Campbell and LANco played at Fifth & Demonbreun.
Out at the Opry, Kimberly Williams Paisley was autographing copies of her new Alzheimer’s related book, Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again.
And on we go…..
Bobby Karl Works The CMA Music Festival Opening Ceremony
/by Bobby KarlPhoto: @chrisyoungmusic
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 531
It was the most perfect opening ceremony in the history of the CMA Music Festival.
The weather was flawless—a gentle breeze was blowing, the sky was cloudless and the temperature was in the low 80s. The talent was amazing. The fans were fresh, young and enthusiastic. The venue was sensational.
The event was staged on Wednesday (June 8) at Ascend Amphitheater, which was making its debut as a Fest concert location. It holds around 6,500 folks on its seats and grassy banks. Backstage areas are not generally noted for their looks, but Ascend’s are gorgeous, featuring barn-wood walls and super-stylish dressing rooms.
“Welcome to our newest venue, the AT&T Skyview Stage,” said CMA chief Sarah Trahern to the crowd. “Let’s get this party started.” She introduced AT&T Tennessee President Joelle Phillips, then brought on The Fisk Jubilee Singers and their director Dr. Paul Kwame.
The Singers delivered a moving version of “The Star Spangled Banner” and were rewarded with a giant cheer. Explosions and fireworks ensued, to everyone’s delight. Then the Fisk Jubilees drew whistles and applause for their lively rendition of the spiritual “Keep Your Hands on the Plow.”
“We have fans here from every state and 25 foreign countries,” said Sarah. She brought on the CMA’s president-elect Bill Simmons, current president Sally Williams and chairman of the board John Esposito. Then she introduced Mayor Megan Barry.
“Good morning, everybody!” exclaimed Barry. “It’s such a great honor to be with you today. It’s my first time at the Festival as the Mayor of Nashville. How many of you are not from Nashville?”
Just about every hand in the place went up.
“You are having a $60 million impact on our city. We welcome you…and hope you spend a lot of money. I just want to thank Sarah Trahern and all her team at the Country Music Association. Welcome, again, to Nashville!”
Sarah told the audience about the festival’s benefit to music education, then began her introduction of The Man: “Chris Young is our international ambassador for our genre and a true Southern gentleman. Also, one of our sexiest men [squeals from the crowd]. When we asked him to kick it off, he said, ‘I’m in.’ And here he is.”
“Welcome to Music City,” said Chris. “I’m from Murfreesboro, and I’ve been coming to CMA Fest as long as I can remember. Then I got a booth. Then I got on stage. This week, all the artists donate their time, but what we get back is priceless.
“If we’re really gonna kick things off right, we’ve got to do something with a little more attitude.” He brought on a snappy, 13-member drum line of Nashville high-school students. The kids thundered through a stirring succession of rhythms. Loved ‘em.
“The only bad thing is, I have to follow them,” said Chris. He brought out two of his band members for a triple-guitar lineup at the front of the stage.
From out of the crowd, a light, high female voice floated on the breeze: “We love you, Chris!” “I love you, too!” he responded.
Then came a louder, male baritone voice: “I love you, Chris!” “It’s not the same, but I appreciate it,” Chris quipped back. The star launched into “Gettin’ You Home,” and the crowd sang it back to him.
“Wear sunblock, wear sunglasses, and drink plenty of water,” he advised the fans about the long weekend to come.
He followed with “I Can Take It From There,” and they screamed at its “Conway Twitty” line. In keeping with the Nashville music-schools theme, he brought out 16-year-old Tristan McIntosh. She’s a Nashville School of the Arts student who competed on American Idol. They sang Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing at All” together.
“How’s that for helping to kick off CMA Fest?” said Chris. “I love you guys!”
“Working the room” in various locations were Jim Catino, Larry Fitzgerald, Todd Cassetty, Aaron Hartley, Pete Robinson, Dale Bobo, Kevin Wilson, Storme Warren, Randy Goodman, Dennis Banka, Wendy Pearl, Ken Robold, Paul Barnabee and Melissa Maynard.
For the rest of the day, Ascend Amphitheater was the only active CMA Fest stage. Booked were Clare Dunn, High Valley, Steve Moakler, William Michael Morgan, Old Dominion, Michael Ray, Aubrie Sellers, Kalie Shorr and the day’s finale, Frankie Ballard, who’s riding on the wings of three consecutive No. 1 records.
The fans, needless to say, were totally into it. Gazing out at the 5,000+ throng, I saw them in their pristine state: still vibrant and un-bronzed by the sun, full of youthful verve and eager anticipation. And love. I saw lots of love for country music.
Tomorrow, the full onslaught of festival activities commences.
DISClaimer: Maggie Rose’s “Same Sky” Wins Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannMaggie Rose. Photo: Dusty Barker
We’ll be hearing a lot of new songs during these next few days of the CMA Music Festival. Here are the 10 that wound up on my fiesta playlist.
The Disc of the Day turns out to be a contest among powerful female voices. The new sounds by Martina McBride, Maggie Rose and Maren Morris are all worth your attention. They pretty much finished in a dead heat, so I’m going with the indie underdog, Maggie Rose.
There was not as much competition for the DisCovery Award. Multi-talented Hudson Moore pretty much nailed that one down, with The Last Bandoleros snapping at his heels.
Maren Morris
MAREN MORRIS/Rich
Writers: Maren Morris/Jesse Jo Dillon/Laura Veltz; Producers: busbee & Maren Morris; Publishers: International Dog Music/Nettwerk One B Music/Revelry Music/Jay Gatsby Music/Warner-Tamerlane/Oh Denise Publishing/Big Music Machine; BMI; Columbia Nashville
-If you pre-ordered Maren’s new Hero CD, you got this track as an early taste. It’s a stomping female “attitude” tune about having a dime for every time he made her feel cheap with his lies. This lady has some serious vocal firepower.
THE LAST BANDOLEROS/Where Do You Go?
Writers: Jerry Fuentes/Emilio Navaira/Derek James/Diego Navaira; Producer: Jerry Fuentes; Publishers: Aboretum/Melt My Mind/Kobalt/Kickin’ed/Derek James Breslow/Derek James/Dayside, ASCAP; Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville
-A rollicking Tex-Mex beat drives this relentlessly forward while flecks of squeezebox notes dance in and out of the mix. The vocals are wrapped in smooth-as-silk harmonies as they complain about being left by a hot honey. Super hooky. The song is cowritten by the late Tejano superstar Emilio and his son Diego, who is a member of this fresh-sounding band.
MAGGIE ROSE/Same Sky
Writers: Maggie Rose/Alex Kline/Jason Saenz; Producer: Maggie Rose & Alex Kline; Publishers: none listed; Play It Again
-I like this sleek, feisty gal. So do Tim McGraw and Lee Brice, who have her opening their road shows. This juicy, pop-inflected slab of sound lets her personality-packed voice fly high and free while drums and guitars crunch with oomph beneath her. A great listening experience.
THOMAS RHETT/Vacation
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Thomas Allen/Harold Brown/Morris Dickerson/Sean Douglas/Gerry Goldstein/Leroy Jordan/Charles Miller/Lee Osker/Andreas Schuller/Howard Scott/Joe Spargur/Eric Frederic/John Ryan; Dann Huff & Jesse Frasure; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Sony-ATV/BMG Gold/Far Out/Warner-Tamerlane/Eastman Pond/Frederic & Reid/Songs From the Boardwalk/BMG Platinum/The Family Songbook/Music of Big Deal/Bob Erotik/Artist 101/The Viking Pimp/Honua/Nice Life, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music Co.
-The classic rock sounds of War meet bro country. The message? “Hey, let’s party like we on vacation.” Catchy, if not particularly deep.
THE DANBERRYS/Lady Belle
Writer: Dorothy Daniel; Producer: Ethan Ballinger; Publisher: none listed; Danberrys
-On the acoustic, folksy side of things, this ballad is carried by strumming guitar, heartbeat bass, weaving fiddle notes and a wafting soprano vocal. It’s all a little too “pretty” for my taste.
MARTINA McBRIDE/Just Around the Corner
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Sarah Buxton/Sam Ellis; Producers: Dann Huff, Nathan Chapman & Martina McBride; Publishers: Castle Bound/We Be Pawtying/Round Hill Works/Big Loud Proud/Bux Tone/Universal, SESAC/BMI; Nash Icon
-The second single from Martina’s superb Reckless collection is about holding onto hope when you’re at your lowest. The power ballad throbs with intense conviction in the throat of this sublime vocalist. Echoey touches in the production are wonderfully ear catching, as well.
Martina McBride. Photo: Joseph Llanes
MADISON STATION/Back in the Day
Writers: Todd Anderson/Craig Anderson/Quinn Loggins/Lisa McCallum; Producer: Todd Anderson, Craig Anderson & Bart Busch; Publishers: Anderson Boyz/Wanted Woman/BMG, BMI/ASCAP/SOCAN; ABM Music (CDX)
-This slams right into a rock mode from the opening notes. The nostalgic song is pretty cool, but this band needs a lead singer with more charisma.
VINCE HATFIELD/The Okie From Muskogee’s Headed Home
Writer: Vince Hatfield; Producer: Vince Hatfield; Publisher: Sharp Image, BMI; Blue Moon (CDX)
-We all miss Merle mightily. Hatfield tries to evoke him with a studied honky-tonk vocal, some Strangers-style instrumental picking and name-dropping song titles like “Silver Wings,” “If We Make It Through December,” “Mama’ Hungry Eyes,” “Movin’ On” and “Lonesome Fugitive.”
BRAD PUCKETT/Start Your Engines
Writer: Brad Puckett; Producers: Buddy Hyatt & Brad Puckett; Publisher: BPM, no performance rights listed; Phoenix (CDX)
-The track rocks. So does his vocal … until he gets to the choruses. Instead of taking off, his performance kinda just lays there.
HUDSON MOORE/Some Are
Writers: Hudson Moore/Lance Carpenter/Phillip Pence: Producers: Dwight A. Baker & Hudson Moore; Publisher: none listed; Moorejamz LLC
-It says here that he’s playing all the instruments on his Getaway CD (out June 17), and all but one of its tunes are co-written by him. Plus, he co-produced it. The single is a super tuneful, big-time catchy and sung with youthful verve. This is a sound for summer if I’ve ever heard one. Lend him your ears.
Industry Pics: Carnival Music, Gary Allan, ASCAP, Lacy Cavalier
/by Jessica NicholsonCarnival Music Gets Painted Up
Former Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners ad man Mike Shine embarked on a new career nearly three years ago, following his passion for artwork. Shine was in Nashville recently to design and paint a mural for Frank Liddell’s Carnival Music.
Mike Shine paints a mural on the side of Carnival Music.
Gary Allan Treats Fan Club Members To Two-Hour Performance
Gary Allan performed a two-hour concert for more than 1,000 fans during his annual Fan Club party, held at Rocketown in Nashville.
In the middle of his performance, Allan stopped to remember his longtime friend, the late Sharon Eaves. Eaves, who passed away in October of last year was the President of Allan’s Fan Club for almost 20 years. Jackie Proffit from St. Jude joined Allan on stage to honor Eaves and her contribution to the children’s hospital.
The fan club party also featured a live auction. Allan also hosted an online auction in Eaves’ honor last week. The auction and event raised more than $25,000 for St. Jude in Eaves’ honor.
Dale Nichols, Gary Allan, and members of Gary Allan’s fanclub.
ASCAP Celebrates Loveless Cafe’s 65th Birthday Biscuit Bash
Newcomer Lacy Cavalier To Make CMA Fest Debut
Singer-songwriter Lacy Cavalier, published by Victoria Shaw and Downtown Music, will make her CMA Music Festival debut this year. Cavalier will perform at the new Radio Disney Country Stage at Fan Fair X on Sunday, June 12 from noon-2 p.m. She joins Jana Kramer, Maddie & Tae, Lauren Alaina, Dan + Shay, Drew Baldridge and more.
Cavalier’s EP, Savin’ Pennies, Payin’ Dues, is now on iTunes.
Lacy Cavalier
12th Annual Stars For Second Harvest Concert Shines With Blake Shelton, Craig Wiseman
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Jaynee Day, Blake Shelton, Craig Wiseman.
Blake Shelton headlined the 12th annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium Tuesday night (June 7) with songwriter and host Craig Wiseman.
Wiseman co-wrote Shelton’s No. 1 hit “Came Here to Forget.” Other performers included Chris Lane, Kane Brown and hit songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.
As part of an exclusive MusicRow interview with Wiseman last year, the songwriter shared what it means to him to be involved with Second Harvest over the last dozen years.
“In the music business you do a lot of charity events,” said Wiseman. “You can usually assess their spirit pretty quickly. The ones that have stood out for me are St. Jude, Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest. Jaynee Day [Second Harvest President/CEO] would be packing backpacks or putting cans in boxes if you went out there today. I like that.
“Second Harvest is so efficient—every dollar buys four meals. They’re part of Feeding America. And yes, people still go hungry, even in America; a half mile behind [Music Row] there are people who are hungry. And in this country?! We are right at $1 million raised, which is 4 million meals in Middle Tennessee.”
Photos: Peyton Hoge
Kane Brown
Blake Shelton
Pictured (L-R): Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, Craig Wiseman
Pictured (L-R): Craig Wiseman, Chris Lane
Pictured (L-R): Craig Wiseman, Blake Shelton
In Pictures: Kip Moore, Cam, Tyler Farr Play Pandora Country Event
/by Jessica NicholsonCam, Brent Cobb, Tyler Farr and Kip Moore all performed at a concert presented by Pandora on Tuesday (June 7) at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. The second annual concert was hosted by Nashville actress/singer Clare Bowen, and also featured Pandora’s founder and CEO Tim Westergren.
Pictured (L-R): Mike Spinella, Senior Director, Original Content, Pandora; Tim Westergren, Founder and CEO, Pandora; Kip Moore; Lars Murray, Sr. Vice President of Music Makers Group, Pandora; Jeff Zuchowski, Vice President of Industry Relations, Pandora. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Pandora Media
Kip Moore. Jason Davis/Getty Images for Pandora
Cam. Photo: Jason Davis for Pandora Media.
Clare Bowen. Photo: Jason Davis for Pandora Media.
Tyler Farr. Photo: Jason Davis for Pandora Media
BMLG’s Andrew Kautz Elected To A2IM Board Of Directors
/by Craig_ShelburneAndrew Kautz
Andrew Kautz, COO of Big Machine Label Group, has been elected to the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) Board of Directors.
“A2IM has been invaluable to Big Machine as a resource and network of forward thinking companies all making a mark on our industry. To be asked to work with such an esteemed group of our peers and serve the membership is an honor for our company,” said Kautz.
Kautz is one of four new board members following elections by the A2IM label membership. Additional new board members are: Stephanie Alexa, Vice President, Finance and Licensing Administration, ATO; Glenn Dicker, Founder, Yep Roc Music Group); and Louis Posen, President/ Executive Director, Hopeless Records.
The Board was elected by A2IM’s membership of over 378 independent music labels representing a diverse array of musical genres, geographic locations and label sizes. The newly elected members will each serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors.
In addition, newly appointed members of the A2IM President’s Advisory Committee are: Alisa Coleman, COO, ABKO Music and Records; Randy Chin, President, VP Records; and Amit Nerurkar, General Manager, Mass Appeal.
In Pictures: Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, Kimberly Williams-Paisley Make Opry Appearances
/by Craig_ShelburneLittle Big Town and Pharrell Williams. Photo: Hollo Photographics/Chris Hollo, Mark Mosrie
The Grand Ole Opry kicked off CMA Music Festival week with sold-out shows in the Opry House as well as free shows on the Opry Plaza.
Opry members Little Big Town treated fans in the night’s first show to a surprise as Pharrell Williams joined the group on stage to sing “C’mon,” a song he wrote and produced for the group’s forthcoming album Wanderlust. “He’s from Virginia and he loves country music!” group member Karen Fairchild exclaimed as Williams took the stage to a standing ovation.
Carrie Underwood. Photo: Hollo Photographics/Chris Hollo, Mark Mosrie
In addition to performing on both Opry shows of the night, Carrie Underwood hosted members of her fan club backstage in the Opry House’s Studio A between performances. Among those sharing the Opry stage with Underwood, Little Big Town, and Williams throughout the night were Darius Rucker, Jeannie Seely, Chris Janson, Charles Esten, Bill Anderson, and Lindsay Ell.
Carrie Underwood and her fan club party. Photo By: Chris Hollo / Hollo Photographics
The music started earlier in the day with a free Opry Plaza Party presented by Humana featuring Warner Bros. recording artist Chris Janson along with Plaza Party opener Linday Ell.
Chris Janson at Opry Plaza. Photo: Hollo Photographics/Chris Hollo, Mark Mosrie
Both Janson and Ell are featured on the Opry’s new release Opry 9.0, Vol. II, Discoveries From The Circle.
Lindsay Ell at Opry Plaza Party. Photo: Hollo Photographics/Chris Hollo, Mark Mosrie
During the Plaza Party, Kimberly Williams-Paisley signed copies of her new book Where The Light Gets In in The Opry Shop before taking the Opry stage for her second visit as a guest announcer later in the evening.
Pete Fisher, GM/VP, Grand Ole Opry; Kimberly Williams Paisley; Bill Cody, Opry announcer. Photo: Hollo Photographics/Chris Hollo, Mark Mosrie
Bobby Karl Works The Rooms: NATD Picnic, City of Hope Game, APA Open House, RaeLynn Signing
/by Bobby KarlChapter 530
Country superstars step up to the plate to strike out cancer at City of Hope’s 26th Annual Celebrity Softball Game June 7 in Nashville. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for City of Hope
The Party Boy had a full slate of activities on Tuesday (June 7), and the CMA Music Festival hasn’t even officially started yet.
This is largely thanks to industry events, rather than the fan-oriented festivities to come. We began at Fannie Mae Dees Park (a.k.a. “Dragon Park”), where the National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) held its annual picnic. This is a warm. casual affair, with all homemade food and a friendly vibe you can’t beat.
I arrived at noon, well before most of the 50+ attendees showed up an hour later. Other early picnic people included Rod Harris, Randy Perkins, Dean Unkefer, Fred Vail, current NATD prez Steve Tolman, Ed Salamon, Dave Barton, Ray Shelide, aspiring media worker Kacie Baugus, Amber Robb, Dick Beacham and Zach Farnum.
Bonnie Sugarman was all aglow about the launch of Dolly Parton’s new tour. She bristles when Dolly is diminished by the “country” label used by talent buyers. “She is an international superstar,” sez Bonnie. “Her audience is not just country. I tell them it’s like they’re getting Cher or Bette Midler or Streisand.” Well said.
We couldn’t tarry long there. The City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game beckoned. We arrived at First Tennessee Park a little after 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, timed for the Green Carpet walk along the third base line.
Chairman and CEO of Staples Ron Sargent, singer-songwriter Vince Gill, music industry veteran Bruce Hinton, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta, and President and CEO of City of Hope Robert Stone attend City of Hope’s 26th Annual Celebrity Softball Game. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for City of Hope
Scotty McCreery, David Nail, Brett Young, Bobby Bones, Bret Michaels and former major league pitcher Barry Zito have all played ball all their lives. But the rest? Not so much. Which is what makes it fun. As Opry team coach Pete Fisher put it, “The second this becomes about softball, we’re sunk.”
“Mostly, I like to watch it,” said American Idol champ Nick Fradiani. “Growing up, I played basketball.”
“I played basketball, not softball,” said Cassadee Pope. “But I’m pretty competitive. I’m just going to try and hit the ball and not psych myself out.”
“I haven’t played since I was 10,” admitted Mickey Guyton. “I’ll just run. I ran track, and I’m fast. All I have to do is get from home plate to first base.” In her arms was Charlie, her Chihuahua mix rescue dog. “He’s my Security. In fact, he’s my whole team’s Security.” She was playing on the iHeart Radio squad.
“I’m not a huge baseball fan,” said Jamie Lynn Spears. “Besides cheating, my strategy for this game is to just not embarrass myself.”
“I played in the band in high school,” said Craig Wayne Boyd. “But my wife played fast-pitch softball, so I practiced with her.”
Vince Gill, playing his 21st Celebrity Softball Game, was having no part of the Green Carpet. He was conserving his energy in the dugout and pointing to his ailing knees. He was pitching, after all.
But gamely greeting the media were Bucky Covington, A Thousand Horses, Danielle Bradbery, Chris Lane, Tristan McIntosh, Mark Wills and more. Others booked to hit the diamond included Lauren Alaina, Jessie James Decker, Locash, RaeLynn and Nashville’s Chip Esten and Jonathan Jackson.
Lauren Alaina. John Shearer/Getty Images for City of Hope
By the way, it is strongly rumored that the fifth season of the Nashville TV show is going to be picked up by CMT. Perhaps they’ll announce this during the channel’s awards show on Wednesday night.
Lots of other stars had news to share. McIntosh was still tingling from her reception at her first appearance on the Opry. She sang “Wagon Wheel” with Darius Rucker and brought down the house.
Spears will be starring in an hour-long reality TV special called When the Lights Go Out on TLC on June 26 and co-wrote the recent Jana Kramer hit “I Got the Boy.” Guyton’s follow-up to “Better Than You Left Me” is its “answer” lyric, “Heartbreak Song,” due next week.
Fradiani is issuing a pop CD on Big Machine on Aug. 5. Nail is releasing Fighter as his next CD on July 15, describing it as “the most personal of my life.” Bones is promoting his new memoir, I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book, which cuts quite close to the, er, bone.
Working the room were Terry Bumgarner, Scott Stem, Dixie Owen, Rick Murray, Heather Conley, Dennis Banka and new artist Wesley Davis. Having it both ways is Savannah Keyes (pronounced “Kize”). The vivacious, young, smart Utah native is covering the week for Radio Disney. Plus, she’s been signed as an artist by Republic, is being produced by Jay DeMarcus and is performing on Friday. So she gets to see every side of this delightfully crazy week.
Bill Cody and Lorianne Crook co-hosted the game. I teased Lorianne about being a lovely ex Soundette for The Nashville Sounds when she was a youngster. “I can’t fit into the shorts anymore,” she lamented.
Before the slugging started, City of Hope patient Aaron Yniguez, who is 8, met his stem cell donor for the first time. Yolanda Nava saved the leukemia victim’s life. When she surprised him on the pitcher’s mound, everyone was touched.
Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for City of Hope
Trisha Yearwood sang the National Anthem. Scott Borchetta presented the Champion of Hope Award to Bruce Hinton, who founded this charity event.
The two teams represented iHeart Radio and the Grand Ole Opry. I believe they battled to a draw, despite the Opry team having Zito as its “ringer.” Or maybe iHeart Radio won by a run. It doesn’t matter: The event raised more than $200,000.
Went home. Changed out of the sweaty softball clothes. Headed out again. Traffic going downtown at 5:15 p.m. crept along at a crawl. But duty called.
You see, APA is on the move in more ways than one. The talent agency is growing its client base in leaps and bounds, has added agents and threw a party to celebrate its glamorous new penthouse headquarters at One Nashville Place (150 Fourth Avenue North).
Pictured (L-R): APA SVP/Partner, Steve Lassiter, Charlie Daniels, APA President/CEO Jim Gosnell
Charlie Daniels, Deborah Allen, Lee Roy Parnell, Benita Hill, Phil Vassar, Crystal Gayle and other stars mingled at the soiree.
The agency also represents such greats as Dolly, Big Smo, BlackHawk, Dailey & Vincent, Keith Anderson, Lee Greenwood, Maggie Rose, Sawyer Brown, Rob Baird, Chris Cagle, Don Williams, David Lee Murphy, Take 6, The Rippingtons, Clint Black and Travis Tritt.
Pictured (L-R): Deborah Allen, Charlie Daniels, Crystal Gayle. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for APA
The penthouse office suite was formerly occupied by a law firm, which might explain its sleekly moderne, gray-on-gray décor. Checking it out were David Corlew, David Malloy, Dave Brainard, John Dorris, John Marks, Becky Harris, Paula Szeigis, Jenny Tolman, Neal Spielberg, Bebe Evans, Jody Williams, Charlie Monk and gracious host Steve Lassiter, plus Sugarman and Shelide, spiffed up and out of their picnic duds.
We snacked on crab cakes, fried chicken, deviled eggs, steak & biscuits, various veggies and assorted chilled fruits.
Pictured (L-R): Peter Strickland, EVP/GM, WMN; John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN; Raelynn; Blake Shelton; Scott Hendricks, EVP A&R, WMN
Onward. At almost this same time, the Warner Music Group staged a last-minute gig at the new Aurora Studio in the lobby level of the Pinnacle skyscraper on Third Avenue South. When summoned by this company, we go without question.
We arrived just in time to hear WMG’s John Esposito say, “We could not be one iota happier than to have RaeLynn join the Warner family. There is a magic about this gal that when she walks in a room, you know she’s special. It’s these people who have fairy dust sprinkled on them who you want to be involved with. Because they can change other people’s lives.
“Blake Shelton, who is this really interesting guy on a national TV show with a red chair and a buzzer, is taking her on his fall tour.”
Raelynn, Espo added, is already responsible for 850,000 digital sales and 75 million streams of her music. Comments Blake, “Her songs are phenomenal and are a step ahead of everybody else.”
Wearing a sparkly silver WB logo on her pink t-shirt, Raelynn signed her contract right there in front of us. I can’t recall an actual contract signing during Fan Fair or CMA Fest ever. Leave it to Espo.
“I’m kinda nervous,” she said. “I’ve never done this before,” added the label boss.
“I moved here—this August, it will be four years ago,” she told the crowd. “It’s not overnight success. You have to work hard. You have to write every day. You have to make connections. It’s so cool to be here and see everybody who has supported me the whole way. To do this has been the most magical thing. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I promise I will work my ass off.”
Blake’s presence at the event was no coincidence. She said that he gave her support when she needed it most. As a teen, she weaseled her way past a security guard and forged her mother’s signature to audition for The Voice. Blake turned his chair around for her and promised her he’d make her a superstar.
She played the upbeat “Your Heart” for the crowd, then her atmospheric debut WB single, “Love Triangle.” Two guitarists and a percussionist backed her.
“We are so proud of this whole project,” said Scott Hendricks. He played the finished version of the single, as well as the tempo tune “Wild Horse,” over the venue’s sound system.
Listening with all ears were Ben Vaughn, Wes Vause, Chris Keaton, B.J. Hill, Lon Helton, R.J. Curtis, Kerry Hanson, Julie Boos, and Aurora owner David Griffin, as well as Raelynn’s producers and songwriting collaborators Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins.
Raelynn is from Texas. Her full name is Rachael Lynn Woodward Davis. She was previously signed to Republic/Valory, but the label never released a full CD of her music. In February she married financial advisor Joshua Davis, who celebrated on Tuesday along with the rest of us.
WMG hors d’oeuvres included beef tacos, drunken peaches, mini sandwiches and veggie comfits. Plus, there was a table at the back of the room holding masses of candies in all shapes, sizes and colors.
As night fell, the music continued downtown. Alan Jackson serenaded fans, unplugged, at Acme Feed & Seed. Jason Aldean entertained from a stage in the middle of Broadway. Dustin Lynch, Canaan Smith, Rodney Atkins, Craig Campbell and LANco played at Fifth & Demonbreun.
Out at the Opry, Kimberly Williams Paisley was autographing copies of her new Alzheimer’s related book, Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again.
And on we go…..
In Pictures: Maggie Rose Weds Austin Marshall
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Maggie Rose, Austin Marshall.
Maggie Rose, a songwriter for Play It Again Music Publishing, married Austin Marshall, Executive Vice President of Play It Again and also Rose’s manager, in Potomac, Maryland, on Saturday (June 4).
The ceremony, at Our Lady of Mercy, upheld her family tradition, taking place at her childhood church where many of her family members were wed. A reception followed at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
Groomsman Dallas Davidson performed “She’s All Yours,” a song the Play It Again President/CEO co-wrote with the bride, while she and her father danced. Marshall also performed a rendition of Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
Rose wore a mermaid gown from Nashville-based designer Olia Zavozina. Marshall and his groomsmen wore Vera Wang tuxedos.
Rose is slated for two appearances during CMA Fest on Saturday (June 11).
Photos: Rebecca Adler
CMT Music Awards Video Of The Year Finalists Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonThe finalists for tonight’s CMT Music Awards’ Video of the Year category have been revealed.
Fan votes have narrowed the field to Blake Shelton‘s “Sangria,” Carrie Underwood‘s “Smoke Break,” Chris Stapleton‘s “Fire Away,” Luke Bryan‘s “Strip It Down,” Thomas Rhett‘s “Die A Happy Man,” and Tim McGraw‘s “Humble and Kind.”
If Underwood wins, she will continue her streak of most Video of the Year wins, with seven total, including five consecutive wins.
Voting for each of the six finalists is open at cmt.com, and will continue through the live show this evening.
Performers for the 2016 CMT Music Awards include Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett. Collaborations include Blake Shelton and The Oak Ridge Boys, Billy Ray Cyrus and Cheap Trick, Dierks Bentley and Elle King, Fifth Harmony and Cam, Keith Urban with special guests Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris; and Pitbull with Leona Lewis and Cassadee Pope. New acts Brothers Osborne, LOCASH, Morris and Michael Ray will perform on the Firestone stage.
Hosted by Erin Andrews and J.J. Watt, “2016 CMT Music Awards” will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight, June 8, at 8:00 PM ET/PT.