Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink & Dennis Lord, Richard Leigh, Crystal Gayle, Reba McEntire and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
Country Music Week kicked off on Sunday (Nov. 1) with the annual SESAC Nashville Music Awards banquet, and if it was a harbinger of things to come, we’re in for a round of extra-fabulous parties.
The SESAC gig had it all – surprised winners, great music, emotional speeches, lovely décor, good food, an A-list crowd and loads of fellowship.
“Are you sure you got the right guy up here?” said a clearly stunned Cary Barlowe when he was named Songwriter of the Year. “I am so shocked. This is crazy. I am at a loss for words. This is unbelievable.”
He tearfully thanked Toby Mac for giving him his start as a Nashville songwriter, his former pop/rock band Luna Halo (I loved them), his current publisher of nine years Bob Doyle and fellow songwriter Hillary Lindsey, with whom Cary is expecting a baby girl.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Richard Leigh was presented with the SESAC Songwriting Legacy Award. Leigh’s catalog includes “Come From the Heart,” “Cold Day in July,” “Life’s Highway,” “It’s All I Can Do” and “That’s the Thing About Love.”
Reba McEntire sang Leigh’s “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.” Crystal Gayle sang “I’ll Get Over You” and “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Both got standing ovations. Billy Dean appeared via video to cite Leigh’s “Only Here for a Little While” and “Somewhere In My Broken Heart,” the songs that launched his career.
“His songs have sold more than 50 million records,” observed SESAC Executive Vice President Dennis Lord. “Buddy, your music is going to be here forever. Congratulations.”
“This is the highest honor of my life,” responded Richard. “I was so excited, I barely slept last night. Thank you Reba McEntire and Crystal Gayle. I am flabbergasted and extremely grateful. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live. I was orphaned on this date, and songwriting changed my life.
“The musicians, the producers and the artists – you gave me millions of people’s love, who I’ll never know. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is just to listen to them. Thank you all.”
Wyatt Durrette picked up the SESAC Song of the Year award for “Homegrown” (Zac Brown Band). The Publisher of the Year award went to Legends of Magic Mustang for the third year in a row.
Magic Mustang Music wins SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year. Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang’s Rick Shedd, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton-Griffith, Keithan Melton, Lydia Shultz, Josh Brown & Jon Loba and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode
Michael Ray performed a percussive and energetic “Kiss You in the Morning” before presenting Justin Wilson an award for it. Leather-lunged Randy Houser belted “Like a Cowboy” and drew a standing ovation before presenting Brice Long with an award for it. Houser also presented an award to Rob Hatch for “Goodnight Kiss.”
There were more celebs on stage. Jerrod Niemann was there to honor to Lance Miller for “Drink to That All Night.” Lee Brice did the same for Hatch’s co-written “I Don’t Dance.” Joe Nichols gave a SESAC award to Hatch for “Hard to Be Cool.” Cole Swindell honored Josh Martin for “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey.” Kelsea Ballerini presented three awards to Lady A’s Hillary Scott for “Freestyle,” “Long Stretch of Love” and “Hey Bartender.”
The organization’s Americana awards were presented by Jim Lauderdale. “I feel like I’m among royalties tonight,” he quipped. Winners included Jamie Floyd (Ashley Monroe’s The Blade) and Jerry Salley (Chris Stapleton’s Traveller). Songs on 13 Americana albums were honored, as well as 17 top SESAC country songs.
Jaron Boyer (Rascal Flatts’ “Riot,” Dustin Lynch’s “Hell of a Night”), Larry McCoy (Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna”) and Cary Barlowe (Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze”) were among additional winners.
SESAC’s Tim Fink and Shannon Hatch (also Rob’s wife) co-hosted the award presentations. Tim asked for a round of applause for the late Billy Block and Jeff Walker and got an unexpected standing ovation in addition. “It’s really wonderful to be here with the SESAC family,” he said.
SESAC CEO Pat Collins greeted the crowd by stating that SESAC had more No. 1 hits this year than at any other time in its 75-year history. Collins added that SESAC is “the most progressive music licensing firm in America,” citing its recent acquisitions of The Harry Fox Agency and Rumblefish.
“Homegrown” wins SESAC Nashville Music Awards Song of the Year. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Southern Ground’s Richard Blackstone, Wyatt Durrette, Southern Ground’s Rob Parker & SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
The location was the Country Music Hall of Fame’s event space, which gleamed and glowed. Pink and lavender icicle “chandeliers” glittered over our heads. Peach- and pink-rippled columns and panels flanked and backed the stage. The tables were draped in elegant embroidered red-and-pewter toned cloth. Mirrored chargers surrounded clear glass salad plates. The centerpieces were green birds of paradise, blood-orange daisies and succulents floating atop crystal cubes.
The menu was equally deluxe. The salad included roasted butternut squash, cornbread crumbles, endive, dates and goat cheese with a dill pickle vinaigrette. Pink snapper filet, bison steak, pear croquette and heirloom carrots, parsnips and leeks followed. Brown sugar and cinnamon-flavored grilled apples topped with maple syrup mousse and sweet potato-shortcake cookies were served for dessert.
The who’s-who attendees included Mike Doyle, Bob Doyle, Jason Morris, Ed Morris, Dan Hays, Craig Hayes & Pam Brown Hayes, Charlie Monk, Capucine Monk, Mark Moffatt, Tinti Moffitt, Ken Paulson, Dave Paulson, Chris Lacy, Chris Oglesby, Bobby Rymer, Bob Paxman, Rob Beckham, Ron Stuve, Troy Tomlinson, Susan Stewart, Erin Enderlin and Butch Baker (in his “seeing eye” tie).
Clay Myers told me of his new publishing company with Tony Harrell, MV2Entertainment, which recently signed the great Terry McBride. Woody Bomar is newly “hip,” thanks to modern medicine.
One of my favorite Pete Fisher quotes remains, “Wrong virtue,” spoken when I mistakenly greeted his wife as “Faith,” rather than Hope. “Listen to my radio stations,” suggested Bayard H. Walters. whose Cromwell Group owns 102.5 (sports), 102.9 (rock) and The Light (gospel), among other outlets. Ben Vaughn refers to this week as “the playoffs” of schmoozathons. I love that.
You’d think we never see each other during the rest of the year. But during this “playoff” of parties we worked the room like crazy, alongside David & Susana Ross, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Karl Dean & Anne Davis, Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplan and Victoria Shaw & Bob Locknar, as couples on the move.
Fabulettes included Leslie DiPiero, Jewel Coburn, Lori Badgett, Nancy Shapiro, Becky Harris, Lisa Harless, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Erika Wollam Nichols and Diane Pearson. Their fabulon counterparts were Jeff Balding, Jed Hilly, John Ozier, Jim Zumwalt, Bart Herbison, Brett Warren, Peter Cooper, Al Moss, Sherod Robertson, Hank Adam Locklin (did you know he is a Shriner?), Charlie Stefl, Scott Hendricks, Pat Higdon, Dan Hill, Peyton Hoge, Tom Roland, Philip Douglas, Kirt Webster, Randy Wachtler and yadadda, yadadda, yadadda. I’m sure the rest of you will be making appearances as “guest stars” over the next few days.
Keep that tux tidy.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Cary Barlowe, Wyatt Durrette and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
A complete list of SESAC Award Recipients:
Songwriter of the Year:
Cary Barlowe
Song of the Year:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
Publisher of the Year:
Magic Mustang Music
Country Performance Activity Awards:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
Rosest Music
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
“Loving You Easy”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
“Make Me Wanna”
Written by Larry McCoy
Published by Hondo Creek Music
Recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Like A Cowboy”
Written by Brice Long
Published by SingaBLongSong
Tunes of Parallel
Recorded by Randy Houser
“Sun Daze”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Where It’s At (Yep, Yep)”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Ain’t Worth The Whiskey”
Written by Josh Martin
Published by Josh Martin Music
Recorded by Cole Swindell
“Kiss You In The Morning”
Written by Justin Wilson
Published by Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Michael Ray
“Hell Of A Night”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Riot”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd.
Recorded by Rascal Flatts
“Freestyle”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Long Stretch Of Love”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Bartender”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Hard To Be Cool”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Joe Nichols
“I Don’t Dance”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Lee Brice
“Goodnight Kiss”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
“Drink To That All Night”
Written by Lance Miller
Published by Spirit Nashville Three
Melvins Pistol Music
Melvins Bullets Music
Recorded by Jerrod Niemann
AMERICANA HONOREES
Didn’t It Rain
Contributions by
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Published by Songs of Prismlight Music
Recorded by Amy Helm
The Blade
Contributions by Jamie Floyd
Published by Jamie Floyd Music
Recorded by Ashley Monroe
Traveller
Contributions by Jerry Salley
Published by Den What Music
Recorded by Chris Stapleton
Bound By The Blues
Contributions by Robert Johnson, Sonny Landreth
Published by MPCA King of Spades
Land Line Music
Recorded by Sonny Landreth
The Ruffian’s Misfortune
Contributions by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by Snake Farm Publishing
Recorded by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Down To Believing
Contributions by Allison Moorer
Published by Petybug Tunes
WBM Music Corp
Recorded by Allison Moorer
Watkins Family Hour
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Rams Horn Music
Recorded by Watkins Family Hour
Django and Jimmie
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes
Contributions by Bob Dylan, Marcus Mumford
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by The New Basement Tapes
The Firewatcher’s Daughter
Contributions by Seth Avett, Scott Avett
Published by First Big Snow Publishing
Nevoivmusic
Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by Brandi Carlile
And The War Came
Contributions by Esme Patterson
Published by Kid Tiger
Recorded by Shakey Graves
The Way I’m Livin’
Contributions by Hayes Carll
Published by Hwy 87 Publishing
Recorded by Lee Ann Womack
Promise Of A Brand New Day
Contributions by Bonnie Bramlett
Recorded by Ruthie Foster
Bobby Karl Works the Room: SESAC Nashville Music Awards
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink & Dennis Lord, Richard Leigh, Crystal Gayle, Reba McEntire and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
Country Music Week kicked off on Sunday (Nov. 1) with the annual SESAC Nashville Music Awards banquet, and if it was a harbinger of things to come, we’re in for a round of extra-fabulous parties.
The SESAC gig had it all – surprised winners, great music, emotional speeches, lovely décor, good food, an A-list crowd and loads of fellowship.
“Are you sure you got the right guy up here?” said a clearly stunned Cary Barlowe when he was named Songwriter of the Year. “I am so shocked. This is crazy. I am at a loss for words. This is unbelievable.”
He tearfully thanked Toby Mac for giving him his start as a Nashville songwriter, his former pop/rock band Luna Halo (I loved them), his current publisher of nine years Bob Doyle and fellow songwriter Hillary Lindsey, with whom Cary is expecting a baby girl.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Richard Leigh was presented with the SESAC Songwriting Legacy Award. Leigh’s catalog includes “Come From the Heart,” “Cold Day in July,” “Life’s Highway,” “It’s All I Can Do” and “That’s the Thing About Love.”
Reba McEntire sang Leigh’s “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.” Crystal Gayle sang “I’ll Get Over You” and “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Both got standing ovations. Billy Dean appeared via video to cite Leigh’s “Only Here for a Little While” and “Somewhere In My Broken Heart,” the songs that launched his career.
“His songs have sold more than 50 million records,” observed SESAC Executive Vice President Dennis Lord. “Buddy, your music is going to be here forever. Congratulations.”
“This is the highest honor of my life,” responded Richard. “I was so excited, I barely slept last night. Thank you Reba McEntire and Crystal Gayle. I am flabbergasted and extremely grateful. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live. I was orphaned on this date, and songwriting changed my life.
“The musicians, the producers and the artists – you gave me millions of people’s love, who I’ll never know. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is just to listen to them. Thank you all.”
Wyatt Durrette picked up the SESAC Song of the Year award for “Homegrown” (Zac Brown Band). The Publisher of the Year award went to Legends of Magic Mustang for the third year in a row.
Magic Mustang Music wins SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year. Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang’s Rick Shedd, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton-Griffith, Keithan Melton, Lydia Shultz, Josh Brown & Jon Loba and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode
Michael Ray performed a percussive and energetic “Kiss You in the Morning” before presenting Justin Wilson an award for it. Leather-lunged Randy Houser belted “Like a Cowboy” and drew a standing ovation before presenting Brice Long with an award for it. Houser also presented an award to Rob Hatch for “Goodnight Kiss.”
There were more celebs on stage. Jerrod Niemann was there to honor to Lance Miller for “Drink to That All Night.” Lee Brice did the same for Hatch’s co-written “I Don’t Dance.” Joe Nichols gave a SESAC award to Hatch for “Hard to Be Cool.” Cole Swindell honored Josh Martin for “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey.” Kelsea Ballerini presented three awards to Lady A’s Hillary Scott for “Freestyle,” “Long Stretch of Love” and “Hey Bartender.”
The organization’s Americana awards were presented by Jim Lauderdale. “I feel like I’m among royalties tonight,” he quipped. Winners included Jamie Floyd (Ashley Monroe’s The Blade) and Jerry Salley (Chris Stapleton’s Traveller). Songs on 13 Americana albums were honored, as well as 17 top SESAC country songs.
Jaron Boyer (Rascal Flatts’ “Riot,” Dustin Lynch’s “Hell of a Night”), Larry McCoy (Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna”) and Cary Barlowe (Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze”) were among additional winners.
SESAC’s Tim Fink and Shannon Hatch (also Rob’s wife) co-hosted the award presentations. Tim asked for a round of applause for the late Billy Block and Jeff Walker and got an unexpected standing ovation in addition. “It’s really wonderful to be here with the SESAC family,” he said.
SESAC CEO Pat Collins greeted the crowd by stating that SESAC had more No. 1 hits this year than at any other time in its 75-year history. Collins added that SESAC is “the most progressive music licensing firm in America,” citing its recent acquisitions of The Harry Fox Agency and Rumblefish.
“Homegrown” wins SESAC Nashville Music Awards Song of the Year. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Southern Ground’s Richard Blackstone, Wyatt Durrette, Southern Ground’s Rob Parker & SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
The location was the Country Music Hall of Fame’s event space, which gleamed and glowed. Pink and lavender icicle “chandeliers” glittered over our heads. Peach- and pink-rippled columns and panels flanked and backed the stage. The tables were draped in elegant embroidered red-and-pewter toned cloth. Mirrored chargers surrounded clear glass salad plates. The centerpieces were green birds of paradise, blood-orange daisies and succulents floating atop crystal cubes.
The menu was equally deluxe. The salad included roasted butternut squash, cornbread crumbles, endive, dates and goat cheese with a dill pickle vinaigrette. Pink snapper filet, bison steak, pear croquette and heirloom carrots, parsnips and leeks followed. Brown sugar and cinnamon-flavored grilled apples topped with maple syrup mousse and sweet potato-shortcake cookies were served for dessert.
The who’s-who attendees included Mike Doyle, Bob Doyle, Jason Morris, Ed Morris, Dan Hays, Craig Hayes & Pam Brown Hayes, Charlie Monk, Capucine Monk, Mark Moffatt, Tinti Moffitt, Ken Paulson, Dave Paulson, Chris Lacy, Chris Oglesby, Bobby Rymer, Bob Paxman, Rob Beckham, Ron Stuve, Troy Tomlinson, Susan Stewart, Erin Enderlin and Butch Baker (in his “seeing eye” tie).
Clay Myers told me of his new publishing company with Tony Harrell, MV2Entertainment, which recently signed the great Terry McBride. Woody Bomar is newly “hip,” thanks to modern medicine.
One of my favorite Pete Fisher quotes remains, “Wrong virtue,” spoken when I mistakenly greeted his wife as “Faith,” rather than Hope. “Listen to my radio stations,” suggested Bayard H. Walters. whose Cromwell Group owns 102.5 (sports), 102.9 (rock) and The Light (gospel), among other outlets. Ben Vaughn refers to this week as “the playoffs” of schmoozathons. I love that.
You’d think we never see each other during the rest of the year. But during this “playoff” of parties we worked the room like crazy, alongside David & Susana Ross, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Karl Dean & Anne Davis, Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplan and Victoria Shaw & Bob Locknar, as couples on the move.
Fabulettes included Leslie DiPiero, Jewel Coburn, Lori Badgett, Nancy Shapiro, Becky Harris, Lisa Harless, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Erika Wollam Nichols and Diane Pearson. Their fabulon counterparts were Jeff Balding, Jed Hilly, John Ozier, Jim Zumwalt, Bart Herbison, Brett Warren, Peter Cooper, Al Moss, Sherod Robertson, Hank Adam Locklin (did you know he is a Shriner?), Charlie Stefl, Scott Hendricks, Pat Higdon, Dan Hill, Peyton Hoge, Tom Roland, Philip Douglas, Kirt Webster, Randy Wachtler and yadadda, yadadda, yadadda. I’m sure the rest of you will be making appearances as “guest stars” over the next few days.
Keep that tux tidy.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Cary Barlowe, Wyatt Durrette and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
A complete list of SESAC Award Recipients:
Songwriter of the Year:
Cary Barlowe
Song of the Year:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
Publisher of the Year:
Magic Mustang Music
Country Performance Activity Awards:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
Rosest Music
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
“Loving You Easy”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
“Make Me Wanna”
Written by Larry McCoy
Published by Hondo Creek Music
Recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Like A Cowboy”
Written by Brice Long
Published by SingaBLongSong
Tunes of Parallel
Recorded by Randy Houser
“Sun Daze”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Where It’s At (Yep, Yep)”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Ain’t Worth The Whiskey”
Written by Josh Martin
Published by Josh Martin Music
Recorded by Cole Swindell
“Kiss You In The Morning”
Written by Justin Wilson
Published by Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Michael Ray
“Hell Of A Night”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Riot”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd.
Recorded by Rascal Flatts
“Freestyle”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Long Stretch Of Love”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Bartender”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Hard To Be Cool”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Joe Nichols
“I Don’t Dance”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Lee Brice
“Goodnight Kiss”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
“Drink To That All Night”
Written by Lance Miller
Published by Spirit Nashville Three
Melvins Pistol Music
Melvins Bullets Music
Recorded by Jerrod Niemann
AMERICANA HONOREES
Didn’t It Rain
Contributions by
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Published by Songs of Prismlight Music
Recorded by Amy Helm
The Blade
Contributions by Jamie Floyd
Published by Jamie Floyd Music
Recorded by Ashley Monroe
Traveller
Contributions by Jerry Salley
Published by Den What Music
Recorded by Chris Stapleton
Bound By The Blues
Contributions by Robert Johnson, Sonny Landreth
Published by MPCA King of Spades
Land Line Music
Recorded by Sonny Landreth
The Ruffian’s Misfortune
Contributions by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by Snake Farm Publishing
Recorded by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Down To Believing
Contributions by Allison Moorer
Published by Petybug Tunes
WBM Music Corp
Recorded by Allison Moorer
Watkins Family Hour
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Rams Horn Music
Recorded by Watkins Family Hour
Django and Jimmie
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes
Contributions by Bob Dylan, Marcus Mumford
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by The New Basement Tapes
The Firewatcher’s Daughter
Contributions by Seth Avett, Scott Avett
Published by First Big Snow Publishing
Nevoivmusic
Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by Brandi Carlile
And The War Came
Contributions by Esme Patterson
Published by Kid Tiger
Recorded by Shakey Graves
The Way I’m Livin’
Contributions by Hayes Carll
Published by Hwy 87 Publishing
Recorded by Lee Ann Womack
Promise Of A Brand New Day
Contributions by Bonnie Bramlett
Recorded by Ruthie Foster
Justin Timberlake to Collaborate with Chris Stapleton at CMA Awards
/by Eric T. ParkerJustin Timberlake. Photo: Tom Munro / RCA Records
Justin Timberlake has been announced to collaborate with an artist he has long championed, Mercury’s Chris Stapleton, on the 49th Annual CMA Awards.
The announcement was made this morning (Nov. 2) on ABC’s Good Morning America, ahead of Stapleton’s guest appearance on that program tomorrow.
Stapleton is nominated for three 2015 CMA Awards (Male Vocalist, New Artist, and Album of the Year for Traveller). Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the annual event airs live Wednesday, Nov. 4 (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET) from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Brantley Gilbert Announces Dates For Black Out Tour
/by Troy_StephensonBrantley Gilbert: Photo Credit: James Minchin
Brantley Gilbert has announced his headlining Black Out Tour that will kick off Nov. 11 at Melkweg in Amsterdam. The U.S. leg will start on January 28 in Saginaw, Mich. The Valory Music singer/songwriter will detour to Queensland, Australia for the CMC Rocks QLD at Willowbank Raceway on March 12 before resuming his U.S. dates in April.
“This is why I do this,” Brantley says. “To take it to the people. I want to rock hard and tell the truth and see it in their eyes. My fans know what I’m talking about, and they come for that reason. It’s not for everybody, but it’s its own kind of country… and being out in some of the secondary markets, the kind of places I came up, that feels just like home.”
Tickets for the arena dates will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 6 with a special pre-sale for members of the BG Nation. For more information, visit www.brantleygilbert.com.
Brantley Gilbert’s Black Out Tour Dates:
Nov. 11: Melkweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nov. 12: Fabrik, Hamburg, Germany
Nov. 13: Technikum, Munich, Germany
Nov. 14: Im Wizemann, Stuttgart, Germany
Nov. 17: Oran Mor, Glasgow, Scotland
Nov. 18: Manchester Academy, Manchester, England
Nov. 19: Birmingham Institute Library, Birmingham, England
Nov. 20: O2 Shephard’s Bush Empire, London, England
Jan. 28: Dow Event Center, Saginaw, Mich.
Jan 29: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Ky.
Jan. 30: ISU Hulman Center, Terre Haute, Ind.
Feb. 4: James Brown Arena, Augusta, Ga.
Feb. 5: CFE Arena at University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
Feb. 6: Donald L Tucker County Civic Center, Tallahassee, Fla.
Feb. 11: Rogers K Rock Arena, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Feb. 12: GM Center, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Feb. 13: Budweiser Gardens, London, Ontario, Canada
Feb. 18: Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio
Feb. 19: Nutter Center, Dayton, Ohio
Feb. 20: Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, N.Y.
Feb. 24: AT&T Center Rodeo, San Antonio, Texas
Feb. 25: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Feb. 26: ASU Convention Center, Jonesboro, Ark.
Feb. 27: BanCorp South Center, Tupelo, Miss.
March 3: Rushmore Plaza Ice Arena, Rapid City, S.D.
March 4: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman, Mont.
March 12: CMC Rocks QLD: Willowbank Raceway, Queensland, Australia
April 14: Giant Center, Hershey, Pa.
April 15: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tenn.
April 16: Salem Civic Center, Salem, Va.
April 21: Swiftel Center, Brookings, S.D.
April 22: Bismark Civic Center Arena, Bismark, N.D.
April 23: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minn.
April 28: Resch Center, Green Bay, Wis.
April 29: US Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
April 30: Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Neb.
John Marks Joins Spotify
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Marks has joined Spotify in the role of Global Senior Editor/Music Programmer, Country, MusicRow has confirmed.
Marks will be based in Nashville, where he will be responsible for curating Spotify’s country playlists, allowing him to promote country music globally. Prior to joining Spotify, he was SiriusXM Sr. Director of Country Programming.
“This is such an amazing ‘build it from the ground floor’ opportunity and I’m grateful to Spotify for the opportunity to develop their country platform worldwide,” Marks told MusicRow.
Marks announced that he was leaving SiriusXM in September. During his time at SiriusXM, Marks became known for helping to break promising new talent including Florida Georgia Line, Brandy Clark, Chase Rice and others.
Marks’ new position takes effect immediately. He can be contacted at johnmarks@spotify.com.
Artist Updates: Old Dominion, Sister Hazel, Craig Morgan
/by Jessica NicholsonOld Dominion’s Album On NPR Music’s First Listen
Old Dominion
Old Dominion is gearing up for the Nov. 6 release of their debut album Meat and Candy, and offering fans an early look at the project via NPR Music’s First Listen. The band’s first single, “Break Up With Him” was recently certified Gold.
The band will attend the ASCAP Country Awards on Monday, Nov. 9, as well as the 49th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and then head back out on the road for shows in Mobile and Tuscaloosa, AL, Winston Salem, NC, Indianapolis, Kansas City and then wrap up the full release week in Los Angeles on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Sister Hazel To Release Country Project in 2016
Craig Morgan, Kidde Fire Safety Launch New Ad Campaign
Craig Morgan with firefighters from the Dickson, Tenn. fire department.
Craig Morgan and Kidde Fire Safety are encouraging families to be fire safe and stay connected to home. The televised ad campaign features the TV host, military veteran and Country Music chart-topper along with Kidde’s new RemoteLync™ Monitor and Camera, and Kidde’s Worry Free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Filmed on location with the Dickson, Tennessee Fire Department, the 30- and 15-second spots, featuring Black River Entertainment artist Morgan, began airing on ABC television stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Houston, Raleigh, Fresno and Nashville in connection with “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” on ABC on Nov. 4. Morgan and Kidde representatives will join national and local fire service leaders for an official “kick off” event the morning of the CMA Awards in Nashville.
“As a former first responder, I know danger can strike at any time and I want to know my family is safe whenever I leave home,” shared Morgan. “I’m glad to work with Kidde to help keep other families safe and help them find simple solutions to keep them connected to home.” In 2011, the Country Music star put his EMT training to use and rescued two children from a burning house in his home state.
“Working with Craig Morgan and the Dickson Fire Department was a great experience,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president of marketing, Kidde. “This is our fourth year locally sponsoring the CMA Awards on ABC. Kidde’s mission, to help protect family and property from fire, directly aligns with the core values of many Country Music fans — family, home and safety. It’s a partnership that resonates and that will hopefully help save lives and keep families connected.”
Dale Franklin Awards Add Alabama, Martina McBride, Don Schlitz
/by Craig_ShelburneAlabama, Martina McBride and Don Schlitz are confirmed to perform at the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards on Nov. 16 in Nashville. The gala event is presented by BMLG.
Purchase Dale Franklin Tickets Here
As previously announced, the event will honor Jo Walker-Meador with the Founding Council Award, Steve Buchanan with the Brian Williams Ambassador Award and Reba McEntire with the Dale Franklin Award. Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott will host the event in the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The tribute show, which begins at 7:30 pm, will be preceded by a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30 pm. Seats on the main floor are sold out, but good seats remain available throughout the theater. Tickets are $150 each, and seating is general admission.
The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest quality of leadership and leading by example.
Previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees are Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009), Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson (2010), CMA (2011) and Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Randy Owen (2012).
The Founding Council Award was created in 2014 to honor Leadership Music’s 12 founding members and to commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary. Jo Walker-Meador is the first recipient of the award.
The Brian Williams Ambassador Award was created in 2009 as a tribute to the late Music Row banker who had served key roles for Leadership Music. Like Williams, it honors those who have served as a bridge between the Nashville music and business communities. Williams was the first recipient, posthumously; Nashville Mayor Karl Dean received the award in 2012.
The event is sponsored by BMLG, City National Bank, CMA, ACM, Ryman Hospitality, SESAC, CAA, Avenue Bank, Radio Music Licensing Committee, and Country Music Hall of Fame. Tangible Vision is producing the tribute concert.
Seven CMA-Nominated Songwriters Join SiriusXM Broadcast
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Brice Long, Hillary Lindsey, Storme Warren, Shane McAnally, Casey Beathard, Josh Osborne. Photo: SiriusXM
Seven songwriters nominated in this year’s CMA Song of the Year category joined a one-hour discussion at SiriusXM’s Nashville studio.
Among the participants are Shane McAnally (“American Kids” and “Take Your Time”), Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey (“Girl Crush”), Brice Long (“Like A Cowboy”), Josh Osborne (“Take Your Time”), and Casey Beathard (“Like A Wrecking Ball”).
SiriusXM morning host Storme Warren hosted the roundtable discussion, set to air on the satellite broadcaster’s The Highway (Ch. 56) on Monday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 10 p.m. After those broadcasts, the SiriusXM program will be available on-demand.
“It all begins with the song,” said Warren. “And the heartbeat of Nashville is the songwriting community. Watching the creators of music perform their songs in the most organic, stripped-down way has always been one of my favorite parts of our job. I’m proud to share the roots of five of the biggest songs of the year and the artists behind the artists who created them. The seven songwriters have over 100 Top 10 songs between them. It’s awe-inspiring to hear them perform and share their stories.”
2015 Song of the Year Nominees
“American Kids”
Written by Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally
Performed by Kenny Chesney
“Girl Crush”
Written by Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey
Performed by Little Big Town
“Like A Cowboy”
Written by Randy Houser and Brice Long
Performed by Randy Houser
“Take Your Time”
Written by Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne
Performed by Sam Hunt
“Like A Wrecking Ball”
Written by Eric Church and Casey Beathard
Performed by Eric Church
Chris Janson Releases Debut Album, Confirms ‘Tonight Show’
/by Craig_ShelburneChris Janson released his debut album, Buy Me a Boat, today (Oct. 30), a decade after moving to Nashville. Thanks to the success of the title track, he’s now confirmed to perform on NBC’s The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on Nov. 9.
Signed to Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville, Janson co-wrote all 11 songs on the album and co-produced the project with Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois and Byron Gallimore. His current single is “Power of Positive Drinkin’.” Tim McGraw appears on the track, “Messin’ With Jesus.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this day a long time and I can’t believe it’s here. This is my first debut album and I couldn’t be happier. It’s been a long time coming,” said Janson. “To have Tim McGraw join me on ‘Messin’ with Jesus’ was a special treat. I’ve been a fan of his work for a long time. He’s such a star and a super cool dude. The whole album takes you from fun to serious with everything in between, kind of like my live shows. It’s been a roller coaster of a journey!”
Buy Me a Boat follows a five-song EP released in 2013 by Bigger Picture Music Group.
Janson will tour with Blake Shelton in 2016. He has also performed on the Grand Ole Opry more than 100 times.
Buy Me a Boat track list:
1. “Buy Me A Boat” (written by Chris Janson/Chris DuBois)
2. “Power Of Positive Drinkin’” (Chris Janson/Mark Irwin/Chris DuBois)
3. “Under The Sun” (Chris Janson/Casey Beathard/Ed Hill)
4. “Holdin’ Her” (Chris Janson/James Otto)
5. “Messin’ With Jesus” (with Tim McGraw) (Chris Janson/Pavel Dovgalyuk/Kelly Roland)
6. “Right In The Middle” (Chris Janson/Justin Wilson/Brandon Kinney)
7. “Save A Little Sugar” (Chris Janson/Chris DuBois/Jim Beavers)
8. “Back In My Drinkin’ Days” (Chris Janson/Ken Johnson)
9. “Where You Come In” (Chris Janson/Ed Hill)
10. “Yeah It Is” (Chris Janson/Kenneth Wright)
11. “White Trash” (Chris Janson/Casey Beathard)
MusicRowPics: William Michael Morgan
/by Jessica NicholsonWilliam Michael Morgan performs for MusicRow staffers.
Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville newcomer William Michael Morgan is a throwback to a more traditional sound in country music. His baritone voice heavily reflects his traditional influences, including the sounds of George Jones, Johnny Cash, John Anderson, and Johnny Paycheck.
Morgan’s intro to country music came early. He heard Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” age the age of 5. By age 9, he was beginning to learn guitar and looking up videos of Marty Robbins songs on YouTube. Those searches led to discovering the works of Keith Whitley and other traditionalists. “I just fell in love with that style of music,” says Morgan.
The Vicksburg, Miss., native offered a three-song acoustic performance at the MusicRow office, previewing music from his upcoming major label debut project.
He began with “Vinyl,” a track co-written by Carson Chamberlain and Ashley Gorley.
His current single, “I Met A Girl,” harkens to the effortless traditional country sounds of George Strait, and its writers are three of Nashville’s current crop of hitmakers–Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, and artist Sam Hunt.
“It says something that has been missing in today’s country music, as far as putting a girl up on a pedestal,” Morgan says of the song.
Morgan also offered a cover of Keith Whitley’s “I Never Go Around Mirrors” (the song was originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell).
William Michael Morgan with MusicRow staffers.
Industry Ink: CMA Foundation, Rock The Cradle, No Shave November, Dickinson Wright, Hart Street Entertainment
/by Jessica NicholsonCMA Foundation, Charles Kelley Announce Research Funding For National Association For Music Education
Pictured (L-R): Glenn Nierman, President, President; Elijah Micheaux; Sarah Trahern, Chief Executive Officer, CMA; Charles Kelley; Ron Samuels, Board Chairman, CMA Foundation; Beth Slusher, President and Chair, Give a Note Foundation Board. Photo: Dusty Draper / CMA
During the annual conference of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the CMA Foundation and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum announced a $150,000 grant from the CMA Foundation to the Give A Note Foundation. In 2011, the NAfME created the Give A Note Foundation to strengthen music education opportunities through grants and research. The grant will bring CMA’s music education funding for 2016 to a record $2.6 million, bringing the organization’s total contributions to $13.6 million. The grant recipients for 2016 will be announced in coming months.
The grant will fund a national study on access to music education that can be analyzed and made available to organizations who wish to make informed decisions for philanthropic gifts in music education – where the need exists, and where the infrastructure exists to make gifts sustainable and impactful.
“We couldn’t think of a better platform to talk about the importance of supporting sustainable music education programs than sharing this expanded strategy with the teachers who are on the front line of this important issue every day,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
“The CMA continuing their mission to support music education is something all of us artists are proud to be part of,” said Kelley. “But, what really takes it to the next level for me is that they continue to reevaluate where the money is going so that the resources can be used where they are most valuable. I think that evolution of giving makes an even bigger impact on these kids.”
Rock the Cradle Benefit Concert Features Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele, Sarah Buxton
Pictured (top row L-R): Erik Milam, Dan Thompson, Rachel Stimpson, Mark Stimpson, Connie Bradley, Jeffrey Steele, Andrew Kintz, Shane Tallant, Troy Tomlinson; (bottom row L-R): Michelle Milam, Sarah Buxton, Craig Wiseman
The Rock the Cradle Songwriters Night, supporting newborns in need, was held lOct. 21 at the Loveless Barn in Nashville. Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele and Sarah Buxton performed for the benefit attendees. Proceeds benefit newborns in need at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital and the Beaman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Shane Tallant served as host of the annual event while Connie Bradley and Troy Tomlinson served as event co-chairs. The guests at the packed venue enjoyed a cocktail reception preceding a full dinner buffet.
Performing in the round, each tunesmith took turns singing their hits to a fully engaged audience. Wiseman, a 2015 inductee to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, performed chart-toppers “Live Like You Were Dying” (Tim McGraw) and “Boys ‘Round Here” (Blake Shelton).
Steele’s performances included “The Cowboy in Me” (McGraw), a song co-written with Wiseman, as well as “Raise ‘Em Up” (Keith Urban/Eric Church). He stunned the audience with his shredded version of “Gone” (Montgomery Gentry).
Accompanied by her husband Tom Bukovac, Buxton entertained the guests with “Sun Daze” (Florida Georgia Line), “Put You in a Song” (Urban) and “Stupid Boy” (Urban). Buxton referred to Wiseman as her first mentor when she came to Nashville who called the event “the stuff that matters.”
No Shave November Reminder
Currently, this year’s Chairman of the Beard, Josh Turner‘s team (The Backwoods Boys) is in the lead. To date the fundraiser has earned $540,000 to benefit children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To participate, put down the razor for the month of November. Register online and donate a $30 entry fee, then stop shaving. Awards will be given to the best beard, the worst beard, and other prizes. To register, visit nsn4sjk.com. Then, create or join a team, and encourage friends and family to join the team and donate. On November 1, post a date-stamped “Day 1” photo to facebook.com/nsnforstjude. On Nov. 30, post a date-stamped final photo.
The Beard Bash will be celebrated in Nashville on Dec. 1.
Dickinson Wright PLLC Adds Two Staffers
Dustin Kovacic worked as a law clerk in Dickinson Wright’s Music Row office prior to his employment. He assisted in drafting producer, songwriter, management, pitching and consulting agreements for entertainment clients. He also researched and drafted memos on various topics for litigation including copyright and employment law. Kovacic also worked extensively on a major publishing catalogue sale purchase during his time at the firm.
Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Kovacic worked as an Intern for Nashville entertainment law firm Shackelford, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP. He continued his work in entertainment law as a Law Clerk at Crownover Firm, LLP, in Summer 2014, led by Dickinson Wright’s current Entertainment Law Practice head Derek Crownover. In law school, he served as Senior Development Editor for the Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law. He was also a member of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society.
Mason previously worked for Dickinson Wright as a summer associate in the Nashville office, where she composed arguments for inclusion in trial briefs and motion memoranda.
Both Mason and Kovacic are Vanderbilt University Law School graduates. Mason received her undergraduate degree in English and History from Vanderbilt University, and Kovacic earned a Bachelor of Music degree and a degree in Political Science from the University of Florida.
Hart Street Entertainment Staffs Up
Julie Reliford
Hart Street Entertainment has hired Julie Reliford as VP, PR & Marketing. Reliford’s career began in the mid-’90s at Decca Records, where she worked with Shelia Shipley Biddy. She later worked at Sony Publishing, before moving into a focus on marketing including for a technology company, mental health services, internet marketing, and eventually director of marketing for a financial services company.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Julie Reliford to the Hart Street Entertainment team,” announced Hart Street president Zach Farnum. “Marketing and Public Relations are a vital part of this industry and I know that Julie will rocket Hart Street and our artists to the top in both of those fields. She has proven time and time again throughout her career to be innovative and driven, and she truly cares about her clients and their successes.”
That drive and dedication is echoed by one of her recent clients, hit singer/songwriter Phil Vassar. “Julie is an excellent publicist,” says Vassar. “I really appreciated her taking the time to get to know me and then finding media angles that fit my personality. She was always available when needed and was in daily contact with my manager. She is always willing to go the extra mile and is a pleasure to work with.”
Reliford can be reached at 615-645-9592 or at jreliford@hartstreetentertainment.com.