Pictured (L-R): Kyle Young, Brett Eldredge, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Deanna Carter, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves, David Nail and Gary Borman. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
and
Vince Gill welcomed a slew of Country music luminaries to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for the fifth annual All 4 The Hall concert on Tuesday evening (May 6). The concert functioned with a dual purpose—to raise funds for the Country Music Hall of Fame, and to celebrate some of the artist’s favorite songs, both new and timeless classics.
As comfortable performing solo as accompanying other artists, Urban and Gill led a superb backing band which also included
Buddy Miller and steel guitarist
Paul Franklin.
Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban and Vince Gill. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
This year’s All 4 The Hall featured one of the best lineups yet:
Reba, Carrie Underwood, David Nail, Brett Eldredge, Deana Carter, soon-to-be Country Music Hall of Famer
Ronnie Milsap, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Darius Rucker, Kacey Musgraves, and
Lee Ann Womack.
The show flowed in a Grand Ole Opry style-format, as each artist performed two songs. In keeping with this year’s songwriters theme, the artists shared stories behind the songs and how each song resonated with them personally.
Womack’s soothing soprano offered her 1998 hit “Little Past Little Rock” along with new tune “The Way I’m Living.” Eldredge brought the onstage enthusiasm and poise of a rising headliner.
“I was here the very first year [for All 4 The Hall], thinking how cool it would be to play this show,” said Eldredge, who performed two cuts from his debut album, his current single, “Beat of the Music” and album cut “Mean To Me.”
Reba McEntire. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Other highlights of the evening included big-voiced vocalists and Oklahoma natives Reba and Underwood. The multi-talented Reba earned the cheers of the crowd before ever singing a note. She offered the signature song “Survivor” (the theme to her long-running hit television show
Reba), as well as “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia,” which actress
Vicki Lawrence‘s then-husband
Bobby Russell penned in 1971. Reba recalled the song’s difficult road to being recorded. After numerous artists turned it down, Russell held such confidence in the song that he declared, “My wife could have a No. 1 hit with this song.” Industry execs urged him to give it a try; he did, and the suspenseful Southern gothic song became Vicki Lawrence’s only No. 1 hit. Reba released her own cover version in 1992.
David Nail and Lee Ann Womack. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Dolly Parton’s musical influence was undeniable. Underwood offered a flawless cover of Parton’s version of “I Will Always Love You,” while Kacey Musgraves performed a charming take on “Here You Come Again.” “Normally I don’t want to meet people I love because I find they are normal,” Underwood said. “Dolly exceeded all my expectations.”
Underwood showcased her powerful rock-tinged voice on “Last Name,” while Musgraves successfully overcame some minor technical troubles to deliver her debut single “Merry Go ‘Round.”
Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Gill recalled first hearing Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” on the radio, and being enamored with the singer’s talent. “I heard her doing a live show at [now defunct] Tower Records on West End,” Gill said. “I had to drive over there and see who this woman was, and who had that voice.”
“It was the first song I ever had on the radio,” a exuberant and youthful Carter said in introducing the song to the audience. “I looked up and saw Vince and wondered if he just stopped in and needed cassette covers or something at the time. He waited to say something really kind and it meant so much to me.” Carter also offered “You and Tequila,” which was co-written with
Matraca Berg, and recorded by
Kenny Chesney and
Grace Potter.
Womack made another appearance, providing harmony vocals on a cover of
Glen Campbell‘s “Galveston” with
David Nail. The song is featured on Nail’s
I’m A Fire, which released March. A smart pairing.
An all-star rendition of Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel.” Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
In previous solo concerts at Bridgestone, Urban has included surprise acoustic performances at the rear of the venue into his set, to the delight of fans in the “cheap seats.” All 4 The Hall seemed to borrow the idea; Urban performed an acoustic rendition of “Cop Car,” then shook hands with several surrounding concertgoers. “I write a lot of songs, but this one is one of the magic ones,” Urban said. The performance went a long way in bringing intimate moments to the thousands of fans packed into Bridgestone.
Later in the show, Brantley Gilbert also performed from a side stage in the rear of the venue, notably joined by
Dann Huff for a performance of the unreleased song “Grown Ass Man.” The always sharp-witted Gill would later reference the song title, saying, “Well, I’m a large ass man.”
The multi-talented Gill’s glorious tenor was smooth and faultless during his solo “What You Give Away,” which he dedicated to Urban, thanking him for his generosity in making the evening possible. He highlighted Paul Franklin during a performance of Buck Owens’ “Together Again,” from the pair’s superb
Bakersfield project.
Ronnie Milsap. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Calling
Out Where The Bright Lights Are one of his favorite albums, Urban introduced Ronnie Milsap, who offered his signature hits “Smoky Mountain Rain” and “Stranger In My House.” Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kip Moore also offered top shelf sets.
Recent Grammy-winner Darius Rucker walked onstage to a standing ovation from the Music City crowd. After offering his first chart-topping Country hit, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” he welcomed Underwood, Carter, Eldredge, Gilbert and Carpenter for a show-closing, crowd sing-a-long of “Wagon Wheel.”
Urban offered a surprising early statistic during the show, stating that the concert had raised over $600,000 for the CMH0F; official numbers have yet to be released.
Brett Eldredge and Carrie Underwood. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
CMA Music Fest Brings Free Music To Fans
/by Jessica Nicholson“The fans tell us they want music and we have plenty of options for them this year with multiple free stages, and a full lineup of artists from industry hitmakers to singers on the verge of making it big,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
While tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field have sold-out 15 weeks ahead of the 2014 festival, downtown Nashville will hold plenty of enticing offerings. Hundreds of artists will perform in free, open to the public concerts that will dot the downtown Nashville landscape.
Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza has more than 40 artists confirmed, including Lauren Alaina, Keith Anderson, Katie Armiger, Kelleigh Bannen, Jeff Bates, Big Smo, BlackHawk, Brothers Osborne, Mark Collie, Bucky Covington, Joel Crouse, Sarah Darling, Clare Dunn, Morgan Frazier, JT Hodges, Will Hoge, Home Free, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Joshua Scott Jones, Krystal Keith, Meghan Linsey, Robin Meade, Granger Smith, Jamie Lynn Spears, Chris Stapleton, Striking Matches, Sundy Best, The Henningsens, Leah Turner, Trick Pony, Aaron Watson, Austin Webb, Drake White, Chuck Wicks, and Holly Williams.
New for 2014, the Walk of Fame Park featuring the Samsung Galaxy Stage will feature daily concert by an array of artists, including Robby Armstrong, Rob Baird, Ty Bates, Dakota Bradley, David Bradley, Laura Bell Bundy, Cam, Brandon Chase, Cowboy Troy and DJ Sinister, Heath Haynes & the High Dollars, Sam Hollyman, Joey Hyde, Jukebox Mafia, John Karl, Ryan Kinder, John King, Jenny Leigh, Cheryl LuQuire, Rachele Lynae, Brian Milson, Danielle Peck, Pierce Avenue, Stephanie Quayle, Raven Cliff, Julie Roberts, Gwen Sebastian, Canaan Smith, Phoenix Stone, The Brothers Road, The Nelsons, The Railers, The Stickers, Chad Warrix, Ryan Weaver, Jesse Keith Whitley, and Zane Williams (artists and schedule are subject to change). The Walk of Fame park is located on Demonbreun between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. The park is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7, as well as from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.
The Buckle will cover three blocks on Broadway, with ASCAP songwriter/artists performing including Carlton Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Bonner Black, Misty Rae Carson, Karli Chayne, Steven Clawson, Courtney Cole, Hannah Dasher, Jacob Davis, GirlBilly, Ryan Griffin, Curtis Grimes, Adam Hambrick, Brett Kissell, Ryan Lafferty, Brandon Lay, Josh London, Daisy Mallory, Michaelis, Oklahoma, Carly Pearce, David Ray, Jameson Rodgers, Smithfield, Walker County, and Hailey Whitters.
Located at the outdoor area in front of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Fan Alley’s Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage will feature rising artists from noon-3 p.m. each day. Performers include: Ballie and the Boys, Brinn Black, Cast of “Crazy Hearts Nashville,” Cerrito, Jaida Dreyer, Jordan Grassi, Marty Haggard, Lyndsey Highlander, Rachel Holder, Levi Hummon, Angie Johnson, Stevens Layne, Matt Mason, Walker McGuire, Randy Montana, Music City Doughboys, Aaron Parker, Jacob Powell, Brent Rupard, Lizzie Sider, The Danberrys, Keni Thomas, and Whiskey Rose.
The BMI Tailgate Party is back for the third year. Located off the Cumberland River outside LP Field, the stage will feature BMI’s songwriters and artists warming up the crowd prior to the LP Field concerts. A Thousand Horses, Blackjack Billy, Chase Bryant, Adam Craig, DJ Du, Brett Eldredge, David Fanning, Sara Haze, Chris Lane, Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Michael Ray, Josh Thompson, and Whiskey Jam are all slated for the show.
Dorff Launches Latigo Shore Music
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Andrew Dorff, Beth Brinker, Jeston Cade, and Steve Dorff.
Songwriter Steve Dorff and Creative Director Beth Brinker are now heading up publishing company Latigo Shore Music in Nashville. Latigo represents the early catalog of songwriter Andrew Dorff, as well as recently signed ASCAP songwriter/artist Jeston Cade.
“We are so excited to have Beth heading up our Nashville office. She brings a lifelong passion and a deep understanding of what makes a song great. I am excited for her to contribute her creative flair and a proven track record of creating successful partnerships to Latigo,” says Dorff.
As Creative Director, Brinker will develop new writers, facilitate co-write and pitch songs to producers, artists, A&R executives and film/tv supervisors. The Texas native’s career began at Thirty Tigers. Prior to working in publishing, Brinker worked at SpikeTV, Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour and The Marty Stuart Show. She also spent time in marketing at GAC-TV.
Brinker can be contacted at beth@latigoshoremusic.com.
Curb Records Adds Mo Pitney to Roster
/by Troy_StephensonMo Pitney
Curb Records recently announced the signing of Cherry Park, Ill., native Mo Pitney. Singer-songwriter Pitney’s career began at age 12, when he picked up his father’s guitar; he went on to master banjo, bass and drums.
He counts Randy Travis, Buck Owens, Keith Whitley, and Johnny Cash among his influences.
Pitney’s debut Curb project is said to be a mixture of traditional and mainstream Country.
DISClaimer: Gentlemen and a Lady
/by Robert K OermannThe contest for the Disc of the Day prize was a three-way battle of the rockers among Brad Paisley, Jerrod Niemann and our winner in a very close call, Kip Moore.
I am happy to report that there are loads of newcomers in this week’s stack of platters. So many, in fact, that I’m handing out two DisCovery Awards. Our male winner is the Casey Donahew Band, and our female honoree is Ally Lindeen.
MISTY RAE CARSON/Woke Up One Day
Writers: Misty Rae Carson/Robert Ellis Orrall; Producers: Jeff Savage/Jason Carson; Publishers: Higilly Pigilly/Orrall Fixation, ASCAP; LLR (CDX)
-Housewives and mothers leading dead-end lives dream of what might have been. Her soprano grates a little in its upper register, but the song is so well put together that it scarcely matters.
DANNY GRIEGO/The Coast Is Clear
Writers: Scotty Emerick/Red Lane; Producers: Scotty Emerick, Ed Seay & Danny Griego; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog/Florida Cracker/Redairlane/Sony-ATV, BMI; Amerimonte (CDX)
-Lost on a deserted beach with tropical breezes wafting over your face while you dream of a love to come. Simply gorgeous. A heavenly little record.
ALLY LINDEEN/Teardrops Dry
Writers: Ally Lindeen/Mark Dowdy/Joie Scott; Producer: Mark Dowdy; Publisher: Audio Illusion, BMI; Rivercrest (CDX)
-She is a solid vocalist, using her throaty lower register with great emotional effect. The imaginative production supports her effectively at every turn of this mid-tempo message of encouragement. Recommended.
Casey Donahew Band
JERROD NIEMANN/Donkey
Writers: Kyle Jacobs/David Tolliver/Fred Wilhelm; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas/Jerrod Niemann; Publishers: Curb/Jacobsong/StyleSonic/Meaux Mercy/Float/CapitolCMG, ASCAP/BMI; Arista (track)
-This will have you smiling from ear to ear, plus dancing your butt off. Hee-haw!
JOHNNY ORR BAND/Down South
Writer: Johnny Orr; Producers: Johnny Orr/Shale Martin; Publishers: Johnny Orr, BMI; John and John
-The truck, the girl, the beer, the cooler full of ice. Ho hum.
COREY KANE BAND/Cheating on a Country Girl
Writers: Corey Vanderhoof; Producer: Corey Vanderhoof; Publishers: none listed; Sagi-Ta-Rus (CDX)
-Under produced by a country mile. It takes more than a fiddle and a drum, son. Also: stop trying to sound like Garth Brooks when you sing.
Ally Lindeen
CASEY DONAHEW BAND/Lovin’ Out of Control
Writers: Matt Fleener/Brandon Lynn Kinney/Trent Summar; Producer: Casey Donahew; Publishers: Songs of Universal/EMI Blackwood, no performance rights listed; Almost Country
-This big and beefy rocker is packed with electric guitar and slamming rhythm. Donahew sings with country-boy authenticity. A winner.
BRAD PAISLEY/River Bank
Writers: Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley/Kendal Marcy/Luke Wooten; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP/BMI; Arista (CDX)
– The crunchy, punchy production touches are an audio delight. As usual, the guitar work is stellar. Brad gets vocal support from a “gang” choir. The sound of summer.
KIP MOORE/Dirt Road
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Westin Davis; Producer: Brett James; Publishers: Warner-Tamberlane/Against the Wind/Songs Of the Corn/Songs From the Couch/Magic Mustang/Reefer Road/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; MCA Nashville
– Gripping, intense and soulful, this is anchored by throbbing bass work and heart-attack drumming. The bro-country subject matter is hardly revolutionary, but when it is delivered with this much passion, it sounds extraordinary.
Brad Paisley
BUZZ CASON/That’s What I Love About the South
Writers: Buzz Cason; Producer: Buzz Cason; Publisher: Buzz Cason, ASCAP; Plowboy (track)
-Buzz formed Nashville’s first rock ‘n’ roll band, had a pop smash called “Look for a Star,” formed the Berry Hill entertainment district with his Creative Workshop studio (now Blackbird), published Jimmy Buffett and co-wrote “Everlasting Love,” “Love’s the Only House,” “Timeless and True Love,” “Soldier of Love” and more. Decades down the road, he’s still at it with a self-produced CD titled Troubadour Heart. Its single is a funky, rocking delight with dandy, Dixie-fied lyrics.
'MusicRow' Reveals Date for 26th Annual Awards
/by contributorMusicRow subscribed members will receive ballots on Thursday, May 15, with the ballot period ending at 5:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, May 21.
If you are not already a subscribed member, you can still receive the upcoming ballot and event invitation by joining MusicRow by clicking here.
In addition to Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year, Song of the Year, and Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, the event will also honor the 2014 All-Star Musicians, players with the most credits on albums reaching the top 10 during the eligibility period.
MusicRow’s Annual Awards print issue will be available immediately following the event at BMI, and will include profiles of the subscriber-voted winners, All-Star Musicians and exclusive editorial content.
Written by Eric Parker, Laura Hostelley.
Urban, Gill Give Their All 4 The Hall
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Kyle Young, Brett Eldredge, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Deanna Carter, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves, David Nail and Gary Borman. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Keith Urban and Vince Gill welcomed a slew of Country music luminaries to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for the fifth annual All 4 The Hall concert on Tuesday evening (May 6). The concert functioned with a dual purpose—to raise funds for the Country Music Hall of Fame, and to celebrate some of the artist’s favorite songs, both new and timeless classics.
As comfortable performing solo as accompanying other artists, Urban and Gill led a superb backing band which also included Buddy Miller and steel guitarist Paul Franklin.
Pictured (L-R): Keith Urban and Vince Gill. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
This year’s All 4 The Hall featured one of the best lineups yet: Reba, Carrie Underwood, David Nail, Brett Eldredge, Deana Carter, soon-to-be Country Music Hall of Famer Ronnie Milsap, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Darius Rucker, Kacey Musgraves, and Lee Ann Womack.
The show flowed in a Grand Ole Opry style-format, as each artist performed two songs. In keeping with this year’s songwriters theme, the artists shared stories behind the songs and how each song resonated with them personally.
Womack’s soothing soprano offered her 1998 hit “Little Past Little Rock” along with new tune “The Way I’m Living.” Eldredge brought the onstage enthusiasm and poise of a rising headliner.
“I was here the very first year [for All 4 The Hall], thinking how cool it would be to play this show,” said Eldredge, who performed two cuts from his debut album, his current single, “Beat of the Music” and album cut “Mean To Me.”
Reba McEntire. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Other highlights of the evening included big-voiced vocalists and Oklahoma natives Reba and Underwood. The multi-talented Reba earned the cheers of the crowd before ever singing a note. She offered the signature song “Survivor” (the theme to her long-running hit television show Reba), as well as “The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia,” which actress Vicki Lawrence‘s then-husband Bobby Russell penned in 1971. Reba recalled the song’s difficult road to being recorded. After numerous artists turned it down, Russell held such confidence in the song that he declared, “My wife could have a No. 1 hit with this song.” Industry execs urged him to give it a try; he did, and the suspenseful Southern gothic song became Vicki Lawrence’s only No. 1 hit. Reba released her own cover version in 1992.
David Nail and Lee Ann Womack. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Dolly Parton’s musical influence was undeniable. Underwood offered a flawless cover of Parton’s version of “I Will Always Love You,” while Kacey Musgraves performed a charming take on “Here You Come Again.” “Normally I don’t want to meet people I love because I find they are normal,” Underwood said. “Dolly exceeded all my expectations.”
Underwood showcased her powerful rock-tinged voice on “Last Name,” while Musgraves successfully overcame some minor technical troubles to deliver her debut single “Merry Go ‘Round.”
Kacey Musgraves. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Gill recalled first hearing Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” on the radio, and being enamored with the singer’s talent. “I heard her doing a live show at [now defunct] Tower Records on West End,” Gill said. “I had to drive over there and see who this woman was, and who had that voice.”
“It was the first song I ever had on the radio,” a exuberant and youthful Carter said in introducing the song to the audience. “I looked up and saw Vince and wondered if he just stopped in and needed cassette covers or something at the time. He waited to say something really kind and it meant so much to me.” Carter also offered “You and Tequila,” which was co-written with Matraca Berg, and recorded by Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter.
Womack made another appearance, providing harmony vocals on a cover of Glen Campbell‘s “Galveston” with David Nail. The song is featured on Nail’s I’m A Fire, which released March. A smart pairing.
An all-star rendition of Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel.” Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
In previous solo concerts at Bridgestone, Urban has included surprise acoustic performances at the rear of the venue into his set, to the delight of fans in the “cheap seats.” All 4 The Hall seemed to borrow the idea; Urban performed an acoustic rendition of “Cop Car,” then shook hands with several surrounding concertgoers. “I write a lot of songs, but this one is one of the magic ones,” Urban said. The performance went a long way in bringing intimate moments to the thousands of fans packed into Bridgestone.
Later in the show, Brantley Gilbert also performed from a side stage in the rear of the venue, notably joined by Dann Huff for a performance of the unreleased song “Grown Ass Man.” The always sharp-witted Gill would later reference the song title, saying, “Well, I’m a large ass man.”
The multi-talented Gill’s glorious tenor was smooth and faultless during his solo “What You Give Away,” which he dedicated to Urban, thanking him for his generosity in making the evening possible. He highlighted Paul Franklin during a performance of Buck Owens’ “Together Again,” from the pair’s superb Bakersfield project.
Ronnie Milsap. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Calling Out Where The Bright Lights Are one of his favorite albums, Urban introduced Ronnie Milsap, who offered his signature hits “Smoky Mountain Rain” and “Stranger In My House.” Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kip Moore also offered top shelf sets.
Recent Grammy-winner Darius Rucker walked onstage to a standing ovation from the Music City crowd. After offering his first chart-topping Country hit, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” he welcomed Underwood, Carter, Eldredge, Gilbert and Carpenter for a show-closing, crowd sing-a-long of “Wagon Wheel.”
Urban offered a surprising early statistic during the show, stating that the concert had raised over $600,000 for the CMH0F; official numbers have yet to be released.
Brett Eldredge and Carrie Underwood. Photo: Rick Diamond & Terry Wyatt, Getty/Wire Image
Weekly Register: Country Music Market Share
/by Sarah SkatesOn the tracks front, Brantley Gilbert debuted “My Baby’s Guns and Roses,” selling 52K.
Let’s check in on how Country is faring overall.
Market share: Country album market share is holding steady, while Country track sales are losing ground.
Country album market share is on par with this time last year at about 12 percent.
Country’s percentage of all digital albums sold is 9.3 percent, which is also in line with this week last year.
The Country track share of overall track sales is down from 12.9 percent last year to 11.9 percent this year.
Digital percentage: When buying albums, Country fans are buying 34.4 percent digital, up slightly from 32 percent this time last year. By comparison, purchases of overall albums are 44.7 percent digital, up slightly from 43.2 percent last year.
Music Biz Annual Convention Moving To Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic Biz 2015 will be held at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel from May 12-14, 2015. Music Biz president James Donio made the announcement in his speech Wednesday (May 7) at the Opening Breakfast of Music Biz 2014.
“Los Angeles has been an amazing host for the last four installments of our annual convention, but now, it is time for us to reach out to another of America’s most storied musical cities,” Donio said. “Home to major musical landmarks such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and Music Row, Nashville is the home base for the Country, Gospel, and Contemporary Christian music industries as well as a hotbed of talent for artists of any genre. We look forward to tapping into Nashville’s unique musical culture and bringing Music Biz to a whole new community of artists, executives, and fans.”
Music Biz, then known as NARM, began hosting their annual convention in Los Angeles at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in 2011. In 2012, the event was rechristened Music Biz, and in 2014, the association held its first convention since re-branding as the Music Business Association.
Buddy Lee Attractions Celebrates 50 Years
/by Troy_StephensonBuddy Lee Attractions, Inc. (BLA), one of Nashville’s oldest and largest privately owned talent agencies, commemorates its 50th anniversary celebration with an expansion of services.
The BLA umbrella now includes 38 Music Artist Development and 38 Music Publishing. The artist development division will help build the artist team and oversee day-to-day activities such as songwriting, publishing, marketing, touring and more.
“This is not a novel or innovative transition, this is a Buddy Lee Attraction business standard and service that our company was founded upon,” said BLA owner Donna Lee, daughter of Buddy Lee and newly named Chief Executive Officer. “BLA has never been ‘just a booking agency;’ we are an artist career and relations group and our passion is to help the artist become valuable to the market–to sustain a long life in music and entertainment–and it all starts with a solid organizational plan with a solid team supporting the artist.”
The company has also announced its Professional Speaker & Guest Appearances Division, headed by Mike Meade, and representing authors, personalities, business leaders, and actor/entertainers available for appearances as emcees, product endorsements, at seminars, corporate events, and educational programming.
“By diversity alone, this new division brings added value to the Buddy Lee Attractions arena of services,” said Meade. “It’s a wide open area that can be explored by even the music entertainers on our roster as an alternate forum to share his or her individual talents while affording an alternate income.”
The BLA Professional Speaker & Guest Appearances Division currently works alongside Duck Dynasty’s Mountain Man, American Hoggers’ Krystal Pistol Campbell, American Pickers’ Lauren Wray, The Gold Family of Hardcore Pawn, Swamp People’s “Gator Queen,” music business professional Shelia Shipley Biddy and more.
The announcement of BLA’s expansion is paralleled with the departure of the agency’s former President Kevin Neal.
The BLA talent agency currently represents Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Rhett Akins, Parmalee, Jared Ashley, Colt Ford, LoCash Cowboys, Will Hoge, Steve Holy, Cledus T. Judd, The McClymonts and many more.
BLA’s numerous industry awards include three Talent Agency Of The Year CMA Awards, two Tour Of The Year Pollstar awards, and the 2014 Pollstar Award for Independent Agency Of The Year.
BLA has developed and represented some of the biggest names in country music including George Strait, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, the Dixie Chicks and Jason Aldean.
Kevin Neal Exits BLA
/by Sarah SkatesKevin Neal
Veteran agent Kevin Neal has exited his post as President of Buddy Lee Attractions, where he was the responsible agent for Jason Aldean and many more. BLA’s roster is also home to Florida Georgia Line, Colt Ford, Parmalee, John King, Jason Michael Carroll, LoCash Cowboys, and others.
“I am proud of the work we did at BLA during my tenure as President,” Neal told MusicRow. “We built the company to new prominence, especially working with Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line and so many more. And we won the 2014 Pollstar Award for Independent Booking Agency of the Year. Now it is time for me to move on. I wish everybody at BLA the best. There will be an announcement coming shortly.”
Neal took over the role of President in 2009 following the departure of Tony Conway. At the time, Neal had been with the agency for 20 years.
His career includes winning IEBA Talent Agent of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2010; and NATD Agent of the Year in 2007. He was also a 2013 NATD Honors Award Recipient.
Neal was born in Shreveport, La., and raised in the music business as son of agent/manager Bob Neal. He joined the Neal Agency in 1981 and worked with his father, before eventually settling at Buddy Lee Attractions.