Fans, friends, family and industry members gathered earlier today (Jan. 8) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville to honor the life and career of “Little” Jimmy Dickens. The Grand Ole Opry member died Friday, Jan. 2. A trouper to the end, Dickens turned 94 years old on Dec. 19 and performed on the Grand Ole Opry the following day, singing his hit “Out Behind the Barn” and delivering his trademark jokes. He suffered a stroke five days after his final performance and died a week later. Among those honoring the entertainer were Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner, Chris Young, and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Dickens, whose signature songs included “Out Behind the Barn,” and “May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” as well as more traditional country hits – joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1948.
“If they say that only the good die young, well, evidently the greatest of all live to be 94 and sing two weeks before they pass on,” Gill said at the memorial.
Paisley asked those in attendance to close the celebration with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” saying that Dickens began the tradition of closing country music funerals with that tune.
“We’ll take it from here, little buddy,” said Paisley, who also performed “When I Get Where I’m Going” in tribute to Dickens.
The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee was the oldest member of the Opry cast. The widely loved entertainer was the show’s goodwill ambassador, as well as its elder statesman.
Little Jimmy Dickens’ Opry dressing room door. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Brad Paisley performs “When I Get Where I’m Going” during the celebration of life event honoring Little Jimmy Dickens. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Connie Smith performs. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Steve Wariner. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood perform “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Chris Young. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Artists gather at the end of the celebration of life ceremony to honor Little JImmy Dickens onstage at the Grand Ole Opry House. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Little Jimmy Dickens’ truck. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Swift’s Online Video Earnings Pegged at $4.1m
/by Eric T. ParkerTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift‘s VEVO channel earned $4.1m last year on YouTube, according to proprietary data from from Outrigger Media’s analytics platform, Open Slate. Those dollars would typically flow through the platforms to the owner of the channel (usually label, distributor), who then pay the copyright owners (publisher, songwriter) according to arrangements.
The pop star’s VEVO channel also made No. 2 of Open Slate’s 2014 YouTube views list, tracking top monthly views (improperly denoted in the link below). Swift averaged 341m views per month for the year, partially from her subscriber base now over 10.5m. Currently she sits just shy of 800m views for the 10 videos she released in 2014, all in the latter half of the year.
“Our specialty is estimated earnings about pre-roll advertisements, not sponsorships,” said Kate Ritchie, Senior Marketing Manager at Outrigger Media. “Earnings are calculated through proprietary data including quality scores and subscriber gains. We also have access to Ad Exchange, to see inventory.
“Open Slate scores ad-supported content on 250k YouTube channels, providing quality scores and metrics to brands and agencies that target media to buy on the platform. All of those channels have strong quality scores (a 3 digit number).”
EMI Music is oddly situated two slots from Swift on that top monthly views list, No. 5, apparently irregardless of its 2012 acquisition by Universal Music Group and only having released one video last year with less than 500k views. Ritchie confirmed in the past 30-day window, EMI Music’s YouTube channel has racked up 197k views.
View the full list, compiled by VentureBeat.
NSAI Honors Marsha Blackburn
/by Kelsey_GradyPictures (L-R): Bobby Tomberlin, David Briggs, Lee Thomas Miller, Harry Chapman, LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Honoree Marsha Blackburn, Joe Scaife, Bart Herbison, Lisa Ramsey
Nashville Songwriters Association International, hosted a recent coffee reception honoring Congressman Marsha Blackburn, recipient of the 2014 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award. The award is given annually to an individual whose life and work have made it possible for future generations to realize careers in the music industry and this year highlighted Blackburn’s contributions to the songwriting industry.
Hosts for the event included NSAI’s Bart Herbison and Lee Thomas Miller, Mike Curb, NATIVE Entertainment Group, Little Extra Music Publishing, Danielle and Joe Scaife, Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, and LaRawn and Richard Rhea. Speakers included Harry Chapman, producer David Briggs, and Little Extra Music Publishing President Lisa Ramsey.
LaRawn Scaife Rhea, who founded the event, said “Many people who become well known or ‘famous,’ as many of you in this room have become, know how easy it is to let their feet leave the ground, and appear to be someone they really aren’t. I have known Marsha since I was her assistant in 1976 and she is still the same smart, hard-working, and caring person. She continues to attend church regularly on Sunday and then prepares lunch for her family, with many of the veggies from her own garden and biscuits made from her mother’s family recipe. She still writes hand written notes of encouragement to her girlfriends and is always there when we need her. She is not afraid to take on anyone, when she needs to stand up for what she knows is right.”
The visibly moved Blackburn, who was accompanied by her husband Chuck, stated in her remarks what a huge honor this is for her and spoke about the times she sat at the breakfast table with Cecil Scaife and heard him speak of his vision, and how he was always lending a helping hand to encourage others on their path. Blackburn thanked the songwriters for their wonderful talents and contributions and reiterated that her door was indeed always open to them.
Recipients of the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award:
Mike Curb 2008
Tony Brown 2009
Wynonna Judd 2010
David Briggs & Norbert Putnam 2011
Amy Grant 2012
Jo Walker-Meador 2013
Marsha Blackburn 2014
LifeNotes: Former Industry Executive Claudia Mize Dies
/by Jessica NicholsonClaudia Mize
Longtime industry executive Claudia Mize, 61, died Jan. 3 in Nashville.
Mize was a former A&R executive and production coordinator at Mercury Records, and also worked at Warner Bros. Nashville during her career. She worked on albums by Johnny Cash, Billy Ray Cyrus, Terri Clark, John Anderson, Steve Azar, Wynonna, Neal Coty, Kim Richey, Ronna Reeves and many others. Mize is among those credited with the idea of launching Cyrus’ career by creating a dance contest around his 1992 single, “Achy Breaky Heart.”
She is preceded in death by her father, Claude Mize. She is survived by mother Dorothy Mize; brothers, Frank (Missy) Mize and Randy Mize, and many other friends and family.
A celebration of life is planned for February, with more details to come.
Warner/Chappell Music Extends Agreement with Songwriter Michael Dulaney
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (back row, L-R): Ryan Beuschel (W/C), Travis Carter (W/C), BJ Hill (W/C), Phil May (W/C), Ben Vaughn (W/C), Blain Rhodes (W/C). Pictured (front row, L-R): Alicia Pruitt (W/C), Michael Dulaney, Chip Petree (Partner – Ritholz Levy). Photo: Jason Krupek / J. Krupek Photography
Warner/Chappell Music extended a long term co-publishing agreement with hit songwriter Michael Dulaney.
A well-established Chappell songwriter, Dulaney’s latest successes include the hits “Night Train” by Jason Aldean and Joe Nichols’ “Sunny & 75.” Dulaney has earned seven total No. 1 records to date. Other recent projects include recordings with David Nail, Chase Bryant and Randy Houser, among others.
Weekly Chart Report (1/9/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report
Streamsound Inks Deal with RED Distribution
/by Jessica NicholsonRED Distribution will handle the label’s digital distribution worldwide and physical distribution in the U.S. and Canada. The debut solo album from Kristian Bush will be the first album release this coming Spring 2015.
“RED music is a driving force in the music scene,” states Richardson. “The proven success at RED, combined with our talented roster and committed team members, will poise Streamsound Records for an exciting new year.”
RED’s President Bob Morelli says, “I am genuinely excited to begin this relationship with Steve and Streamsound as he and they have a great track record for creating hits. We are real fans of all things Nashville and love the music. The RED staff will do whatever is appropriate from a sales, marketing and development perspective to assist Streamsound break artists. We look forward to working together and being a part of their continued success.”
Bonnaroo To Let Fans Unlock Performer Lineup for 2015
/by Jessica NicholsonPromoters are testing a “megathon” event, which allows fans to discover the artists on the lineup early, and help spread the word.
Those interested in learning more about the lineup can call 1-844-ROO-2015 on Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. One artist will be revealed to the caller, who must then share the news on their social media page (Instagram, Twitter or Vine), along with the hashtag #bonnaroo.
Afterward, the caller can visit the Bonnaroo website, where the full lineup will be unlocked. Fans can then spread the word of the full lineup. Bonnaroo’s promoters will also reveal the lineup via more traditional routes at a later time.
Bonnaroo 2015 will take place in Manchester, Tenn.’s Great Stage Park. Last year’s lineup welcomed Elton John, Jack White, and Skrillex, among numerous other performers.
The Bonnaroo 2015 Megathon lineup announcement video can be seen below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYaBZhsel5Y
BMG Chrysalis, Amylase Entertainment Add Songwriter Joel Shewmake
/by Jessica NicholsonBMG Chrysalis and Amylase Entertainment have entered into a publishing agreement with songwriter Joel Shewmake. Joel has scored cuts for Brad Paisley, Gary Allan and Trace Adkins, and also penned Craig Campbell’s debut single “Family Man.”
“These guys have always been fans of Joel, so we are very excited to continue working with Joel in this new venture with BMG Chrysalis,” says Amylase Creative Director Whit Jeffords.
Chris Oglesby, VP Creative, adds, “The creative staff here is thrilled to combine it’s strengths and love for Joel as a writer with the tenacity of Whit and Amylase. We look forward to building on an already great foundation.”
Pictured (L-R): Kevin Lane (BMG), Whit Jeffords (Amylase), Sara Knabe (BMG), Joel Shewmake, Chris Oglesby (BMG), Kos Weaver (BMG), Curt Jones (Amylase Owner)
Andraé Crouch Dead at 72
/by Sherod Robertson“Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord,” said Pastor Sandra Crouch. “Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best. Details of Andraé’s Celebration Service and Tribute will be forthcoming.”
Andraé’s accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for “The Color Purple,” induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson’s hit singles “Man in the Mirror,” “Keep the Faith,” “Will You Be There” and “Earth Song.”
In Pictures: Honoring “Little” Jimmy Dickens
/by Jessica NicholsonFans, friends, family and industry members gathered earlier today (Jan. 8) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville to honor the life and career of “Little” Jimmy Dickens. The Grand Ole Opry member died Friday, Jan. 2. A trouper to the end, Dickens turned 94 years old on Dec. 19 and performed on the Grand Ole Opry the following day, singing his hit “Out Behind the Barn” and delivering his trademark jokes. He suffered a stroke five days after his final performance and died a week later. Among those honoring the entertainer were Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner, Chris Young, and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Dickens, whose signature songs included “Out Behind the Barn,” and “May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” as well as more traditional country hits – joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1948.
“If they say that only the good die young, well, evidently the greatest of all live to be 94 and sing two weeks before they pass on,” Gill said at the memorial.
Paisley asked those in attendance to close the celebration with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” saying that Dickens began the tradition of closing country music funerals with that tune.
“We’ll take it from here, little buddy,” said Paisley, who also performed “When I Get Where I’m Going” in tribute to Dickens.
The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee was the oldest member of the Opry cast. The widely loved entertainer was the show’s goodwill ambassador, as well as its elder statesman.
Little Jimmy Dickens’ Opry dressing room door. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Brad Paisley performs “When I Get Where I’m Going” during the celebration of life event honoring Little Jimmy Dickens. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Connie Smith performs. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Steve Wariner. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood perform “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Chris Young. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Artists gather at the end of the celebration of life ceremony to honor Little JImmy Dickens onstage at the Grand Ole Opry House. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Little Jimmy Dickens’ truck. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry