Pictured (L-R): Toby Keith, Sawyer Beard, and McCoy Beard
Toby Keith Raises Record $1.2m for Charity
Toby Keith generated a record $1.2 million for The Toby Keith Foundation at the 12th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic last the weekend (May 15-16, 2015).
Held at Belmar Golf Club and Riverwind Casino in Norman, Okla., the live auction brought $575,000 dollars with a top drawing item receiving a week’s stay at Keith’s house in Cabo, Mexico. The winning bid was $70,000. Twice. Other live auction items included an outing with pro golfer Anthony Kim ($24,500), a Highwaymen signed guitar ($24,000), a John Deere Gator ($22,000), custom Toby Keith guitar ($20,000), and CMT Music Awards and British Open packages, each going for $20,000. Silent auction items drawing high bids included Miranda Lambert tickets, a George Strait autographed hat and a series of three guitar paintings signed by Keith. On the golf course, the Built Ford Tough Shootout winner, Frank Starr, donated his new Ford truck back to The Toby Keith Foundation.
All proceeds benefit the foundation’s efforts to build and support OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home-away-from-home for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Earlier this week, Keith announced he will donate a portion of sales of his Wild Shot Mezcal to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) during several initiatives. The VFW is the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans offering scholarships, financial assistance, free calls home for deployed or hospitalized service members and help to veterans seeking service-related benefits and compensation.
Hank Cochran’s The Pen Fund Launches
Suzi Cochran (widow) and Booth Calder (daughter) of Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter Hank Cochran have launched The Pen Fund to aid songwriters with Pancreatic Cancer. The nonprofit will work in conjunction with the Nashville-based non-profit organization, The Nikki Mitchell Foundation, to raise support awareness, and further breakthroughs in research and development for the early detection and treatment of the disease.
Cochran was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2008, following the removal of several cancerous tumors from his pancreas and lymph nodes. He passed away on July 15, 2010 at the age of 74.
“The statistics for the disease are awful,” Calder states. “There will be an estimated 37,000 – 48,000 people diagnosed this year. Although, those numbers are smaller than most cancers, the percentage of people who die in the first five years following diagnosis is 94%, the highest of any cancer.”
Currently, there is no early detection method in place for Pancreatic Cancer.
Country superstars Jamey Johnson, Keith Urban, Shooter Jennings, and Jessie Colter are just a few of the supporters of Nikki Mitchell Foundation, which recently teamed with another newly-formed organization launched by Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter/musician Butch Walker called, The Autumn Leaves Project.
To donate to The Pen Fund, go to thepenfund.org.
ACM Lifting Lives Profits $30k From Club Shows
During the past five months, club shows around the country have collectively raised nearly $30,000 for ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music. Shows featuring Gary Allan, Easton Corbin, Tyler Farr, Sam Hunt, Jerrod Niemann, Eric Paslay, Chase Rice and The Swon Brothers donated a portion of ticket sales to ACM Lifting Lives, which will go to help fund organizations that are improving lives through the power of music. The club shows were sponsored by Mattress Firm.
Clubs included Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, NC, Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, MO, Grizzly Rose in Denver, CO, Joe’s Bar in Chicago, IL, Midnight Rodeo in Springfield, MO, The Bluestone in Columbus, OH, The Rave in Milwaukee, WI and Wild Bill’s in Duluth, GA.
Fans who tweeted their attendance were entered to win a trip to the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards last month, April 19, 2015.
Last Day: MusicRow Awards Ballots Due at 5pm
/by Eric T. ParkerClick to view.
Ballots for the 27th Annual MusicRow Awards are due from MusicRow subscribed members at 5:00 p.m. CT today (May 26). View our 2015 nominees here.
If you previously submitted your ballot or RSVP, thank you. No further action is required.
If you do not have a MusicRow subscription, click here to subscribe and receive your ballot.
To have your MusicRow Awards ballot resent, please email eparker@musicrow.com or call 615-499-5421. Original ballots hit MusicRow subscriber’s inboxes last Tuesday, May 19.
The 2015 MusicRow Awards are an invite only event, hosted this year at ASCAP’s Nashville headquarters on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m.
ASCAP President Paul Williams Receives International Recognition
/by Sherod RobertsonPaul Williams, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board
Inaugurated in 1956, they celebrate, honor and reward excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing. BASCA is a not-for-profit membership organization that represents British songwriters and composers.
Williams–an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Hall of Fame songwriter–was recognized for his songwriting career achievements, which include songs like “The Rainbow Connection” (from 1979’s The Muppet Movie), “Evergreen” (from the 1976 film A Star is Born), “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” He recently earned a 2014 Album of the Year Grammy for co-writing two songs which he also performs, “Touch” and “Beyond,” with Daft Punk on their critically-acclaimed album Random Access Memories.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Williams. “Over the course of my career I’ve been fortunate to build relationships and work with so many gifted songwriters and artists in the UK. I’m especially gratified to be recognized by my peers in this country.”
Williams recently co-authored a book titled Gratitude and Trust.
Benefit Concerts Offer Strong Lineup Leading to CMA Fest
/by Kelsey_GradyCraig Wiseman
Craig Wiseman Hosts Stars For Second Harvest
Cole Swindell, Sarah Buxton and Rodney Clawson join the All-Star lineup of singers and songwriters for the 11th annual Stars For Second Harvest event on Tuesday, June 9 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Presented by O’Charley’s and hosted by acclaimed hit songwriter Craig Wiseman, concert tickets are on-sale now. General admission $35 and preferred seating $55 are available at ticketmaster.com. For more details click here.
Jon Pardi
John Pardi To Perform At Chords For A Cause
Jon Pardi heads the list of musicians gathering June 9, at 3 p.m. at Chords for a Cause “Summertime on the Row” to benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Hosted by Dan McGuinness, performers alongside Pardi include Blackjack Billy, Hannah Blaylock, Levi Lowrey, Michelle Wright, Travis Meadows, Jordyn Stoddard along with many other singer/songwriters. All proceeds go directly to Monroe Carell Jr, Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Though there is no admission, donations are strongly suggested.
Clay Walker
Clay Walker’s Sixth Annual Chords Of Hope Benefit Concert
Clay Walker‘s Sixth Annual Chords of Hope Benefit Concert will be Wednesday, June 10th at 3rd & Lindsley. Doors open at 6:30PM, and all proceeds benefit the Vanderbilt MS Center. For ticket information click here.
Charity Stars: Toby Keith, Hank Cochran, ACM Lifting Lives
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Toby Keith, Sawyer Beard, and McCoy Beard
Toby Keith Raises Record $1.2m for Charity
Toby Keith generated a record $1.2 million for The Toby Keith Foundation at the 12th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic last the weekend (May 15-16, 2015).
Held at Belmar Golf Club and Riverwind Casino in Norman, Okla., the live auction brought $575,000 dollars with a top drawing item receiving a week’s stay at Keith’s house in Cabo, Mexico. The winning bid was $70,000. Twice. Other live auction items included an outing with pro golfer Anthony Kim ($24,500), a Highwaymen signed guitar ($24,000), a John Deere Gator ($22,000), custom Toby Keith guitar ($20,000), and CMT Music Awards and British Open packages, each going for $20,000. Silent auction items drawing high bids included Miranda Lambert tickets, a George Strait autographed hat and a series of three guitar paintings signed by Keith. On the golf course, the Built Ford Tough Shootout winner, Frank Starr, donated his new Ford truck back to The Toby Keith Foundation.
All proceeds benefit the foundation’s efforts to build and support OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home-away-from-home for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Earlier this week, Keith announced he will donate a portion of sales of his Wild Shot Mezcal to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) during several initiatives. The VFW is the nation’s largest organization of combat veterans offering scholarships, financial assistance, free calls home for deployed or hospitalized service members and help to veterans seeking service-related benefits and compensation.
Hank Cochran’s The Pen Fund Launches
Cochran was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2008, following the removal of several cancerous tumors from his pancreas and lymph nodes. He passed away on July 15, 2010 at the age of 74.
“The statistics for the disease are awful,” Calder states. “There will be an estimated 37,000 – 48,000 people diagnosed this year. Although, those numbers are smaller than most cancers, the percentage of people who die in the first five years following diagnosis is 94%, the highest of any cancer.”
Currently, there is no early detection method in place for Pancreatic Cancer.
Country superstars Jamey Johnson, Keith Urban, Shooter Jennings, and Jessie Colter are just a few of the supporters of Nikki Mitchell Foundation, which recently teamed with another newly-formed organization launched by Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter/musician Butch Walker called, The Autumn Leaves Project.
To donate to The Pen Fund, go to thepenfund.org.
ACM Lifting Lives Profits $30k From Club Shows
Clubs included Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, NC, Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, MO, Grizzly Rose in Denver, CO, Joe’s Bar in Chicago, IL, Midnight Rodeo in Springfield, MO, The Bluestone in Columbus, OH, The Rave in Milwaukee, WI and Wild Bill’s in Duluth, GA.
Fans who tweeted their attendance were entered to win a trip to the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards last month, April 19, 2015.
Country Artist Granger Smith Preps Full Length Album
/by Troy_StephensonGranger Smith
Country artist Granger Smith finds success as an unsigned artist from both his touring and strong online engagement. His resume includes an EP that hit No. 2 on the iTunes Country Chart and No. 6 on the all genres chart. The debut single “Backroad Song” reached the No. 2 position on the iTunes Country chart and sold 32,000 singles in its first week.
The EP, named 4×4, was released on May 4 of this year via Thirty Tigers. It is co-produced by Granger and Frank Rogers.
Granger has certainly taken an “out of the box” mentality and faced the grind of the road to connect with fans. He says that after his tour concludes this fall, he will have visited every state. Many fans discovered him after watching viral videos of his alter ego Earl Dibbles, Jr. This character developed as a chance to do something different. He recruited his brothers and filmed a video set to the song “Country Boy Song.” The video has amassed over 9.5 million views.
Smith is currently in Nashville writing with Frank Rogers and working on finishing up his full length album due this fall.
L-R: MR’s Eric Parker, Kelsey Grady, Granger Smith, MR’s Sarah Skates, Sherod Robertson, Troy Stephenson
Martina McBride On Building Brand with Nash Icon
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Martina McBride. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images/Music Biz Awards.
Martina McBride took time to discuss with MusicRow her recent projects including a new deal with Nash Icon. The move marked her rejoining the Big Machine Label Group fold after stepping away to independently release her Everlasting soul and R&B cover album.
“I learned you have a lot of responsibility in releasing your own album,” McBride said on the red carpet of the Music Biz awards in Nashville last Thursday (May 14). “It’s important to surround yourself with great people and I’m super excited about the Nash Icon deal because of that—being surrounded by the best in the business. They think outside the box, have passion and positive energy. That’s half the battle and feels really good.
“There are quite a few differences between this Nash Icon deal and my old deal with Republic Nashville. Nash Icon has a string of radio stations with Cumulus. They’ve signed us to make new music for that format. So it’s a great opportunity to create and have a place for our fans to hear our music. And to be apart of something innovative, groundbreaking and a whole new format in country music.”
Martina McBride. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images/Music Biz Awards.
The first release on the label, headed by Jim Weatherson and Scott Borchetta, was Reba McEntire’s Love Somebody. Ronnie Dunn, McBride and most recently Hank Williams Jr. have been tapped to record new music for the Cumulus partnership of 26-operating Nash Icon radio stations, which is also distributed to stations nationwide through Westwood One.
McBride also discussed building her brand outside of music. In October of last year she released a book about hosting and entertaining titled, Around the Table (William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishing).
“The most successful way to build your brand is to be yourself,” McBride continued. “I love to cook and entertain and really wanted to write a book that made it easy for people who are overwhelmed or have never done it before.”
Another way McBride spends her time is with philanthropic efforts. Those include countless domestic violence projects, such as work with the National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Tulsa Domestic Violence as well as Loveisrespect and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline to create the “My Time to Shine.” She also lends support to Middle Tennessee’s annual YWCA Celebrity Auction, Kids Wish Network, and Stand Up 2 Cancer Telethon.
“Philanthropy for me is all about using this platform to do some good and raise awareness and make a difference,” McBride summed of her efforts that earned her the Music Biz’s Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award last week.
McBride has sold over 18 million albums, which have included 20 Top 10 singles and six No. 1 hits. As she preps her next project, she recently invited songwriters to the Big Machine Label Group offices to discuss her upcoming work.
Industry Ink: SESAC Pop Awards, Mike Curb Honored, Taylor Childress, SoundExchange Series
/by Sarah SkatesSESAC 2015 Pop Music Award
Nashville executives travelled to the SESAC 2015 Pop Music Awards, held recently at the historic New York Public Library. City National Bank, an official sponsor of the event, was represented by executives Lori Badgett and Jim Irvin at the event, where they joined SESAC Vice President Ellen Truley on the red carpet.
The SESAC Pop Awards honor the top songwriters and publishers in the Pop, Urban and Rock music genres. The event draws over 450 writers, publishers and other music industry tastemakers and presented Performance Awards to such notables as American Authors, Young The Giant, Disclosure and Alt-J.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Ellen Truley and City National Bank’s Jim Irvin & Lori Badgett. Photo: Shawn Ehlers
Metro Historical Commission Honors Mike Curb
Mike Curb received the Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Metro Nashville Historical Commission, during the group’s 40th Annual Preservation Awards at the Nashville Downtown Public Library on May 19. The Achievement Award is given to an individual in recognition of his/her commitment to preservation, education and advocacy of Nashville history. Curb was honored for his work in preserving Historic RCA Studio B, the Quonset Hut, the RCA Building, RCA Studio A and Music Row.
In his introduction of Curb, Commission member Don Cusic stated, “Nashville is known as Music City U.S.A. Music Row is the heart of Music City and Mike Curb is the heart of Music Row.”
Pictured (L-R): Metro Historic Commission member Don Cusic, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean (who presented the award), Mike and Linda Curb.
Curb’s Taylor Childress Receives A2IM Appointment
Curb Records VP Taylor Childress was recently appointed to the A2IM (American Association of Independent Music) President’s Advisory Committee. The new board’s term will begin on July 4, 2015 and the new board and Advisory Committee and officers will officially be introduced during A2IM’s 10th Anniversary during Indie Week (June 22-25).
SoundExchange Series at The Bluebird
The SoundExchange Influencers Series is returning to Nashville’s Bluebird Café on Wednesday, May 27. Legendary gospel and R&B singer BeBe Winans will be joined by recent breakthrough gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds and young singer/songwriter Alexa Cruse. The SoundExchange Influencers Series demonstrates the impact of legacy artists on today’s music and provides a forum to address issues currently facing our music legends, namely, fair pay and recognition for all sound recordings across all mediums and all eras of music.
Artist Pics: Cole Swindell, The Swon Brothers, BMLG, BMI, Chase Bryant
/by Kelsey_GradyCole Swindell Kicks Off Pickin’ On The Patio
ACM’s New Artist of the Year Cole Swindell was surprised by a plaque presentation from the RIAA honoring his first three consecutive No. 1 singles before kicking off Warner Music’s Annual Pickin’ on the Patio.
Pictured (L-R): President and CEO, John Esposito, VP of Brand Management, Justin Luffman, Director of Communications and Gold & Platinum Program Recording Industry Association of America, Liz Kennedy Holman, EVP of Communications and Marketing, RIAA and KPentertainment/Red Light Management’s Waylon Weatherholt.
The Swon Brothers At Golf & Guitars Charity Golf Tournament
Arista Nashville’s The Swon Brothers were part of the May 19th line-up of golfers, performers, and good times at KNCI Sacramento’s two-day Golf & Guitars 2015 charity golf tournament and concert. Colton’s foursome took home second place, with winnings going to his charity of choice: The Salvation Army.
Pictured (L-R): KNCI Music Director Bre, Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles, KNCI Program Director Byron Kennedy, The Swon Brothers’ Zach Swon, A Thousand Horsettes’ Whitney Coleman and Morgan Hebert, and The Swon Brothers’ Colton Swon
BMLG Supports Outnumber Hunger
With Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery at the helm, Big Machine Label Group lent a hand at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in Nashville to continue their support of Outnumber Hunger.
Pictured (L-R): Danielle Bradbery, President/CEO BMLG Scott Borchetta and Cassadee Pope. Photo: Kenny Jackson
Hangout Fest With BMI
BMI performers at Hangout Music Fest included Elle King, Colony House, duo Steelism, and more.
Colony House 44: Showing off their backstage food options, BMI songwriters and Nashville-based indie rockers Colony House stands with BMI’s Bradley Collins (far left) and Mark Mason (far right) at the BMI Stage at Hangout Music Festival.
Chase Bryant Hosts Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Words & Music
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its annual year-end celebration in honor of Words & Music, the museum’s flagship education program. Middle Tennessee participants and their families gathered in the museum’s Ford Theater for Words & Music Night along with host Chase Bryant.
Pictured (L-R): Cristy McNabb, Southwest Airline’s Community Affairs & Grassroots Regional Leader Ana Schwager, Recording Artist Chase Bryant, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s VP of Development Lisa Purcell and Director of Education and Public Programming Ali Tonn. Photo: Jason Davis, Getty Images
Arranger/Musical Director Bill Walker Named Next Nashville Cat
/by Troy_StephensonBill Walker
Arranger and musical director Bill Walker will be featured at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s quarterly program series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians on Saturday, May 30.
An interview with Walker will take place at 1:30pm at the Ford Theater inside the museum, included with museum admission and free to museum members. The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.
The program will support the current Hall of Fame exhibit Dylan, Cash and the Nashville Cats. The weekend event will include vintage recordings, photos, and film clips.
Walker has worked with Johnny Cash, Eddy Arnold, the Statler Brothers, Chet Atkins, Ray Charles, Loretta Lynn, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ann-Margret, Roy Rogers, Billy Walker, Ferlin Husky, Donna Fargo and Wanda Jackson, among others.
For more information on this program or to purchase a museum ticket or membership, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.
NMPA Honors Include Senator Corker, Billy Joel, Among Others
/by Troy_StephensonThe event will feature performances by Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes and singer-songwriters Westrin & Mowry. The keynote address will be given by National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu.
Senator Corker will receive the NMPA President’s Award that night from his efforts aimed at resolving the issues the digital age is causing music publishers and songwriters.
Tennessee Senator Bob Corker
Billy Joel will be honored for his contributions to songwriting and advocacy for his profession.
The first-ever NMPA Industry Legacy Award will be presented to LoFrumento and the Lifetime Service Awards will go to Ralph Peer II for his career in music publishing.
“This year is incredibly significant for music publishers and songwriters, so it is only fitting that we have such important honorees at our Annual Meeting,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “Additionally, we’re excited to recognize Senator Corker’s steadfast commitment to helping songwriters succeed. Without his leadership helping creators achieve a fair wage in a free market, we would not be making the progress I believe we are making today.”