Meghan Trainor & Big Yellow Dog Co-Owner Carla Wallace. Photo: Courtesy of Big Yellow Dog
It has been 10 years since the doo-wop-flavored, body positivity anthem “All About That Bass” was the undisputed song of the summer. After its release in June of 2014 via Epic Records, the now Diamond-certified track hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in Sept. 20, and launched Meghan Trainor‘s career into the stratosphere.
With her grand slam of a debut single, the songstress went on to release her major-label debut studio album, Title, which produced more hits such as “Lips Are Movin,” “Dear Future Husband” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.” She was named Best New Artist at the 2016 Grammy Awards, and has since released five more studio albums and received various accolades.
What some might not know, though, is that Trainor’s big break was launched in a bungalow on Nashville’s 16th Avenue in the offices of independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music.
The company’s Co-Owner Carla Wallace first heard Trainor at a song camp in Colorado in 2009. She was impressed by the singer-songwriter’s musical tastes that gravitated toward soda-shop R&B, and her expression of her writing skills on the ukulele. To Wallace, who had made a career primarily in country music, it was a fresh and exciting take.
“I saw her get up on stage with her ukulele and play these songs, which was awesome,” Wallace recalls. “But I walked away with a CD that was full of songs she’d written and produced by herself and they were doo-wop, fifties, a lot of pop and some jazz all blended together. It was a crazy mix of stuff and it showed me that she was cool… and she was only 17!”
After Trainor graduated high school in her hometown of Nantucket, Wallace signed her to a publishing deal and started getting her in writer rooms in Nashville. She admits that it was tough finding co-writes for the pop-leaning creator at first.
“I couldn’t find anybody that was pop to write with her. It took me a long time to find the right people,” Wallace says. “Jesse Frasure and Brett James were the first ones [to give her a chance].”
One fateful day, Trainor showed up to write with a Nashville-based hitmaker Kevin Kadish, who had some hits with Christian pop singer Stacie Orrico, including “(There’s Gotta Be) More to Life” and “Stuck,” as well as success in country and other genres. It was the first time the two had met, and by the end of it, they had crafted what would become one of the biggest hits of the 2010s.
Pictured (L–R): Kelsey Wise (Rights Administrator at Exceleration Music), Alex Stefano (VP, Sync at BYD Music), Carla Wallace, Meghan Trainor, Lauren Funk Martin (VP, Publishing at Endurance Music) and Alessandra Alegre (Director of North America Tracking Analytics at Universal Music Publishing Group) at the “All About That Bass” No. 1 party in Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of Big Yellow Dog
“She came to the office and played it,” Wallace recalls. “You just immediately knew there was nothing like that. Just like anyone else would, [you ask yourself] what do we do with this? Like any great song, you kind of have to live with it. I sent it to everybody. I sent it to tons of labels. I sent it to lots of different people and nobody got it at first.”
A songwriter first and foremost, Trainor’s initial reaction was to find the right artist to pitch “All About That Bass” to. “We pitched it around to a lot of different places and nobody was interested,” Wallace says. “Obviously it just needed the right person, and she was it.”
While the demo for “All About That Bass” was making its rounds and being passed on for its stark contrast to the hits on the radio, Epic Records executive Paul Pontius happened to make a trip to Nashville, where he heard the track and was immediately intrigued.
“He stopped in here and I played the song for him. He was like, ‘Who is that? What is that? He went back to Los Angeles and played it for L.A. Reid,” she recalls. “They called and said, ‘We gotta meet this girl. That’s a smash.’ Thank God for somebody with really great ears.”
Soon, Trainor was in a meeting with some of the most powerful executives in pop music. They signed her and began introducing her, and “All About That Bass,” to the world. The tune stayed at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks, and also topped charts in 58 countries, including the U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
“Meghan was shopping for candles at Bed Bath & Beyond when she got the call to be on the Today show,” Wallace remembers. “From there, it just took off.”
Back in Nashville, folks on Music Row were high-fiving Wallace and scratching their heads while they watched the song nobody know what to do with fly up the all-genre charts.
“When ‘Bass’ came out, I was so concerned at the time for her to tell anybody that she was in Nashville. I thought people would immediately stamp her as a country artist,” Wallace says. “Later, I changed my tune and [encouraged her to share] that she did come from Nashville, the songwriting capital of the world.
“After that, I noticed more people outside of Nashville being sent here to scope out Music Row.”
While there were plenty of pop hits to come out of Nashville before “All About That Bass,” the massive success of the smash single definitely reminded the world of the songwriting prowess of Music City. With “country culture” in full effect, the admiration of those that create the hits on Music Row has never been stronger.
10 years later, Wallace remembers the epic song every day when the Nashville trolley tour buses pass her office blaring the hit. It serves as the ultimate reminder to follow her gut and pursue what you believe in, even if no one else does.
Davis & Jenkins Brothers Celebrate Another No. 1 Hit
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): ASCAP Assistant Vice President, Strategic Services Kele Currier; Vice President, Promotion, MCA Nashville Miranda McDonald; producer Paul DiGiovanni; Jacob Davis; Jordan Davis; Josh Jenkins; Matt Jenkins and SESAC Senior Director, Creative Services ET Brown. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Monday Night Brewing hosted a crowd of industry insiders earlier this week to celebrate Jordan Davis‘ seventh No. 1 hit “Tucson Too Late.”
Appearing on his 2023 album Bluebird Days, the tune was written by the country star alongside his brother Jacob Davis and another set of hit-making brothers, Matt and Josh Jenkins. It’s not the first time the band of brothers has celebrated together, as they wrote Jordan’s “Buy Dirt” which earned the CMA’s Song of the Year trophy in 2022.
Producer Paul DiGiovanni and Jordan Davis. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Both sets of brothers gathered their respective team members, peers and family for the party, hosted by ASCAP. The company’s Kele Currier served as emcee and spoke about affiliates Jordan, Jacob, Matt and producer Paul DiGiovanni. SESAC’s ET Brown was also on hand to congratulate affiliate Josh, the 2022 SESAC Country Songwriter of the Year.
Publishers spoke about the brothers, all sharing their word of thanks to Jordan’s label MCA Nashville; his managers Zach Sutton, Callie Bartz and Allie Bartone; and the songwriters.
“Jordan is writing and recording some of the most well-written songs in town today,” said UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson. “So far, you have done that from top to bottom with all seven No. 1s. You have gotten in the room with writers and written three minute vignettes of life. I think that’s why they resonate.”
Anthem Music Publishing’s Noah Dewey shared words about Jordan’s growth as a songwriter, with the company having been his publisher for his entire career. “Jordan, I have seen your career grow to new heights,” Noah said. “Winning CMA and ACM Song of the Year with different songs on the same record is pretty damn cool. That speaks to your commitment and talent.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Matt Jenkins, Josh Jenkins and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Other executives there to share sentiments were Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel and MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald.
All five collaborators had their children in attendance, with a lot of them sitting in the front row, hearing their dads speak. The familial spirit was touching as each writer shared how special it was to share milestone moments with their friends and family.
“This is all about the people who make up this journey,” Josh said. “These guys have been such an instrumental part of my life. They’re my brothers. There’s no greater gift than to have songs work and to do it with people you love.”
Brother Matt added to the sentiment. “I was thinking about [this party] earlier today and gratitude filled my heart because of the friendships I have with these guys but also the community of people that are here.”
When Jacob got the mic, he pointed out his and Jordan’s father who was in attendance and he spoke about his gratitude. “To be up here with four of my best friends in the world is such a blessing,” he said. “Thank y’all for getting behind my brother and working your tail off.”
Jordan spent time speaking about each of his team members and what they bring to his career.
“Everybody that I just mentioned wakes up every day and puts me and my career first on their list before I even do. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the people in this town,” Davis said.
“I want to thank these guys on stage,” he added, speaking about the day “Tucson Too Late” was written and sharing that he was worn out from being on the road when he showed up to write with Jacob, Matt and Josh.
Predicting that he would be worn down, the men had started a handful of songs to get the ball rolling. “They knew I was going to be beat but didn’t want to leave without a song. That is Nashville in a nutshell,” Jordan said. “I can’t say thank you enough.”
WSM Radio Unveils New Studio In The Acuff House
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): WSM Radio’s Jason Mayes, Eric Marcum, Vince Gill, WSM Radio’s Bill Cody, Kelly Sutton and Colin Reed. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
WSM Radio, the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, has unveiled its new studio in the Acuff House.
The unveiling took place following an on-air interview with Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Executive Chairman Colin Reed and Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill. Emceed by Bill Cody and Kelly Sutton, the event celebrated the station’s move from its previous location at the Opryland Hotel to the Acuff House. Located on the Opry Plaza, the Acuff House was once the residence of the legendary Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff. Known as the “King of Country Music,” Acuff lived in the house from 1984 until his passing in 1992—making it a cherished Opry landmark.
Artifacts featured in WSM Radio’s “Behind The Airwaves” exhibit. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The studio is equipped with the latest broadcasting technology and features windows that allow visitors to watch live broadcasts. Additionally, it includes a new “Behind The Airwaves” exhibit, which aims to give tour guests the opportunity to learn more about WSM Radio. The first wireless remote machine ever invented by WSM Radio’s Jack DeWitt, an art deco style “On Air” sign from WSM Studio C and Fiddlin’ Sid Harkreader’s fiddle are also on display.
“The move to the Acuff House is a significant milestone for WSM Radio, especially as we recognize country music’s transformation from a domestic genre to a global phenomenon,” stated Reed. “This new studio location not only amplifies our broadcast capabilities but also strengthens our connection to the Opry, as we approach its 100th anniversary. The Acuff House, with its rich history, perfectly represents our commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future of country music.”
“Performing in the new WSM studio at the Acuff House is a true privilege,” shared Gill. “This space is a testament to the enduring legacy of country music and the ongoing evolution of the Opry and WSM. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this iconic station.”
Industry Ink: Belmont, Bill Anderson, ‘Country Heat Weekly,’ More
/by Lorie HollabaughBelmont Board Of Trust Adds Members
Belmont University Board of Trust members. Photo: Sam Simpkins
The Belmont University Board of Trust recently added six new members for the 2024-2025 academic year, including Principal of BLVD Capital and Belmont alumnus Jim Darter; Staff, Executive Services at LBMC and Belmont alumna Mackenzie Gimbel; Founding CEO of SwitchPoint Ventures Ray Guzman; Richard J. and Barbara Naclerio Endowed Chair in Business, Professor of Marketing and Belmont alumnus Jeremy Kees; community member Anna Thornton and President & CEO for Warner Chappell Nashville and Belmont alumnus Ben Vaughn.
“The addition of these exceptional leaders to our Board of Trust reflects Belmont’s commitment to excellence and innovation,” says Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “Their expertise and dedication to service align with our mission to develop purpose-driven leaders who can make a positive impact on the world. I’m particularly excited that three of our new members are Belmont alumni, showcasing the caliber of leaders our University produces. With their guidance, Belmont is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a leading Christ-centered university.”
Bill Anderson Honored At Hero’s Salute To Lee Greenwood
Pictured (L-R): Staff Sargent, Shilo Harris, US Army, Kim Greenwood, Bill Anderson, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown and Marty Raybon
Bill Anderson was honored last night (Aug. 20) at the Hero’s Salute to Lee Greenwood concert and Awards show at the Opry House. The legendary singer-songwriter received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the special show.
Luke Bryan Helps ‘Country Heat Weekly’ Celebrate 100th
Kelly Sutton, Luke Bryan and Amber Anderson
Amazon Music’s flagship country podcast Country Heat Weekly celebrated its 100th episode last week with Luke Bryan. It was Bryan’s second visit to the podcast.
Bobby Wood Interviewed In Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s Nashville Cats Program
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor RJ Smith and Bobby Wood. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently featured keyboardist Bobby Wood in its interview series Nashville Cats. Moderated by museum writer-editor RJ Smith, the series interviews highlight musicians and session singers who have played important roles in either the recording studio or on concert tours.
Wood has worked with artists including Garth Brooks, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Sam Phillips and Elvis Presley. He became a member of the studio crew the Memphis Boys, who played on records by Presley, Neil Diamond, Wilson Pickett and Dusty Springfield. After moving to Nashville in 1972, Wood recorded with Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette and many others. He has played in Brooks’ studio band since the beginning of Brooks’ career.
Flat River Band Joins Exile At 2024 Wilson County Fair
Pictured (L-R): Steve Goetzman (Exile), Chad Sitze (Flat River Band), Gregg Scott (Kinkead Agency), Les Taylor (Exile), Andy Sitze & Dennijo Sitze (Flat River Band), J.P. Pennington, Marlon Hargis and Sonny LeMaire (Exile)
The Flat River Band recently performed with Exile during the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, Tennessee. The trio recently released a new five-song EP, Sights and Sounds.
‘Musicians Corner’ Announces Fall Series Lineup
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Musicians Corner” 2023. Photo: @vonrphoto
“Musicians Corner,” Nashville’s free concert series, will continue to celebrate its 15th year this fall with a five-week season of live music in Centennial Park beginning Aug. 29.
The multi-genre series will kick off with its new Free Fest, in partnership with Lightning 100 and Centennial Park Conservancy, taking place Aug. 29–31. “Musicians Corner” will continue every Friday in September from 5–9 p.m., including a special partnership with AmericanaFest on Sept. 20.
“We started our 15th year of ‘Musicians Corner’ this spring with a phenomenal lineup of artists and great crowds,” says Justin Branam, “Musicians Corner” Executive Producer. “We’re looking forward to continuing the celebration this fall with five more weeks of incredible, multi-genre performances from both new and established artists. We’re especially excited to partner with Lightning 100 for Free Fest, a three-day music festival happening at Centennial Park during Labor Day weekend. As always, all Musicians Corner concerts are free, family-friendly and set against the beautiful backdrop of Centennial Park.”
Schedule:
Free Fest – Thursday, Aug. 29
– TBA
– Hovvdy
– Phillip-Michael Scales
– Texino
– The Love-In
Free Fest – Friday, Aug. 30
– Real Estate
– TBA
– Jill Andrews
– TBA
– A Tribe Of Horsman
Free Fest – Saturday, Aug. 31
– Michigander
– Daniel Nunnelee
– TBA
– Crystal Rose
– Tabitha Meeks
Friday, Sept. 6
– Birdtalker
– Dean Johnson
– Drumming Bird
– Julia Cannon
– Sam Hoffman
Friday, Sept. 13
– Soccer Mommy
– ZG Smith
– Abigail Rose
– Taylor Noelle
– Love Montage
Friday, Sept. 20 (in partnership with AmericanaFest)
– Kaitlin Butts
– Dead Tongues
– Tommy Prine
– Malena Cadiz
– Theo Lawrence
Friday, Sept. 27
– Parker Milsap
– Sam Outlaw
– The Medium
– Larysa Jaye
– Kadmon Love
Early Bird Registration For CRS 2025 Now Open
/by Liza AndersonEarly Bird Registration for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025, taking place Feb. 19–21, has officially opened. The One-Day Only Early Bird Rate of $599 is available now. After today (Aug. 21), the registration rate will be $699.
Early Bird Registration includes access to the fifth annual Digital Music Summit, the three-day agenda, networking breakfasts, daily label luncheons, pop-up showcase performances, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, CRS Honors and BBR Music Group’s Decades Party.
Standalone tickets for lunches, evening events and the New Faces of Country Music Show are $110 each. Each paid registrant can purchase additional guest tickets for lunches and evening events. However, only one guest ticket can be purchased per attendee for the New Faces of Country Music Show, as these tickets are limited.
For more information, click here.
Marty Stuart’s Collection Finds A Home At Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
/by Lorie HollabaughMuseum CEO Kyle Young and Marty Stuart backstage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Marty Stuart‘s extensive collection of more than 22,000 country artifacts has become part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s permanent collection.
The Marty Stuart Collection spans over a century of country music history and includes more than 1,000 stage wear and clothing items, 100 instruments, song manuscripts and more. Items in the collection include significant artifacts from Country Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams and many others. The collection also includes items from Stuart’s own career, including his expansive collection of photos he has taken, which have been exhibited at museums and published in books.
Pictured (L-R): Chris Stapleton, Devynn Hart of Chapel Hart, Charlie Worsham, Danica Hart and Trea Swindle of Chapel Hart, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, Marty Stuart, Vice President of Development at Country Music Hall of Fame, Ben Hall, Vince Gill, Museum’s Vice President of Services Michael Gray, Mike Bub, Shawn Camp, Johnny Warren, Jeff White, Charlie Cushman and Jimmy Stewart attend in celebration of Marty Stuart’s collection donation to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The momentous occasion was celebrated during a special ceremony in the museum’s Ford Theater, illuminating Stuart’s passion for country music and its preservation. The event featured several performances with historic instruments from Stuart’s collection.
Country trio Chapel Hart performed “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” with Charlie Worsham playing a 1970 Fender Telecaster once owned by Pops Staples, the patriarch and a member of gospel and R&B group the Staple Singers, who recorded the song. Vince Gill played “Marty & Me,” a newly written song by Gill and Stuart, and played George Jones’ 1958 Martin D-28 guitar.
Chris Stapleton performed “Why Me Lord,” which was recorded by Johnny Cash and written and previously recorded by Kris Kristofferson, on Cash’s Martin D-45 acoustic guitar, which also belonged to Hank Williams. Stuart closed the ceremony with a performance of Flatt & Scruggs’ “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down,” with Shawn Camp playing Lester Flatt’s Martin D-28 guitar from the museum’s permanent collection.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Marty’s philanthropy—and a lead gift from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation with major support from Loretta and Jeff Clark—for enabling the museum to safeguard and share this historic collection in perpetuity,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “We’re here to celebrate this remarkable addition to our collection, revel in Marty’s extraordinary foresight and collecting skill, and rejoice in a new chapter for this museum.”
Connie Smith and Marty Stuart attend celebration of his collection donation to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
As part of the acquisition terms, the museum has entered a longstanding collaboration with Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi, where it will exhibit items from the Marty Stuart Collection at its forthcoming museum. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will loan additional artifacts from its own permanent collection for display, as well as provide preservation, education and administrative consultation and support to the Congress.
“This is a top of the world moment for me,” says Stuart. “To have my collection live alongside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s is monumental, to be a part of a ceremony and witness the Congress of Country Music and its people formally welcomed into the family of country music is a spiritual high. And, to share such a gathering with family and friends from both Nashville, as well as Mississippi, is just the best. Such a day only comes along once in a lifetime.”
Jessie Murph To Drop Debut Album ‘That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil’ Next Month
/by Lorie HollabaughJessie Murph will release her debut album, That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil, on Sept. 6 via Columbia Records. The 19-year-old plans to give fans a taste of the project with ballad “I Hope It Hurts,” out this Friday (Aug. 23).
The 12-track project, entirely co-written by Murph, features previously-released Platinum single “Wild Ones (feat. Jelly Roll)” as well as “Dirty (feat. Teddy Swims)” and her duet with Koe Wetzel, “High Road,” which has already amassed 50 million Spotify streams and counting, marking their highest debut yet on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 29.
In support of the album, Murph will embark on the second leg of her “In The Sticks” headlining tour presented by Poshmark x Future is Female. After a sold-out run of shows earlier this year, she is set to kick off this next leg on Oct. 17 in Arizona, with stops in Nevada, New Jersey, Georgia, and more, before wrapping with a special show in her hometown of Huntsville, Alabama on Nov. 23. Tickets are available through an artist presale now. For more information, click here.
Additionally, she is sharing her closet with fans through a presenting partnership with fashion resale marketplace Poshmark, which will feature exclusive merch, giveaways and special fan experiences. Up to $20,000 of the proceeds from the Poshmark closet will be donated to WGIRLS, a charity organization that aims to empower women and children in underserved communities.
That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil Track Listing:
1. “Gotta Hold
2. “Dirty (feat. Teddy Swims)”
3. “Son of a Bitch”
4. “It Ain’t Right”
5. “I Hope It Hurts”
6. “Love Lies”
7. “Wild Ones (feat. Jelly Roll)”
8. “Cold”
9. “High Road (feat. Jessie Murph)” by Koe Wetzel
10. “Someone in this Room”
11. “Bang Bang (The Ballad of Amy Fisher)”
12. “I Could Go Bad”
Tanya Tucker & Orville Peck To Host Nashville Rodeo After-Party
/by Madison HahnenCountry legend Tanya Tucker and trailblazer Orville Peck will host the official after-party of Peck’s sixth annual Nashville Rodeo.
Peck’s sixth annual Nashville Rodeo will take place at Ascend Amphitheater on Aug. 24, with a kick-off event at The Basement East on Aug. 23. Performers for the rodeo include Peck, Tucker, Medium Build, Mickey Guyton, Reyna Roberts, The Nude Party and more.
The after-party will take place at Tucker’s Tequila Cantina, located on the second floor of the infamous Nudie’s Honky Tonk. Guests will enjoy a night of live music, cocktails and food. Kicking off at 11 p.m., the event is open to the public on a first come first serve basis.
Tucker’s Tequila Cantina opened this past May, and has been consistently drawing people in with its vibrant spirit. Her tequila brand, Cosa Salvaje is used in signature cocktails such as Delta Dawn, Come On Honey and Tanya’s Margarita, and are often paired with flavorful Mexican-inspired dishes.
Big Yellow Dog’s Carla Wallace Celebrates 10 Years Of ‘All About That Bass’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellMeghan Trainor & Big Yellow Dog Co-Owner Carla Wallace. Photo: Courtesy of Big Yellow Dog
It has been 10 years since the doo-wop-flavored, body positivity anthem “All About That Bass” was the undisputed song of the summer. After its release in June of 2014 via Epic Records, the now Diamond-certified track hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in Sept. 20, and launched Meghan Trainor‘s career into the stratosphere.
With her grand slam of a debut single, the songstress went on to release her major-label debut studio album, Title, which produced more hits such as “Lips Are Movin,” “Dear Future Husband” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.” She was named Best New Artist at the 2016 Grammy Awards, and has since released five more studio albums and received various accolades.
What some might not know, though, is that Trainor’s big break was launched in a bungalow on Nashville’s 16th Avenue in the offices of independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music.
The company’s Co-Owner Carla Wallace first heard Trainor at a song camp in Colorado in 2009. She was impressed by the singer-songwriter’s musical tastes that gravitated toward soda-shop R&B, and her expression of her writing skills on the ukulele. To Wallace, who had made a career primarily in country music, it was a fresh and exciting take.
“I saw her get up on stage with her ukulele and play these songs, which was awesome,” Wallace recalls. “But I walked away with a CD that was full of songs she’d written and produced by herself and they were doo-wop, fifties, a lot of pop and some jazz all blended together. It was a crazy mix of stuff and it showed me that she was cool… and she was only 17!”
After Trainor graduated high school in her hometown of Nantucket, Wallace signed her to a publishing deal and started getting her in writer rooms in Nashville. She admits that it was tough finding co-writes for the pop-leaning creator at first.
“I couldn’t find anybody that was pop to write with her. It took me a long time to find the right people,” Wallace says. “Jesse Frasure and Brett James were the first ones [to give her a chance].”
One fateful day, Trainor showed up to write with a Nashville-based hitmaker Kevin Kadish, who had some hits with Christian pop singer Stacie Orrico, including “(There’s Gotta Be) More to Life” and “Stuck,” as well as success in country and other genres. It was the first time the two had met, and by the end of it, they had crafted what would become one of the biggest hits of the 2010s.
Pictured (L–R): Kelsey Wise (Rights Administrator at Exceleration Music), Alex Stefano (VP, Sync at BYD Music), Carla Wallace, Meghan Trainor, Lauren Funk Martin (VP, Publishing at Endurance Music) and Alessandra Alegre (Director of North America Tracking Analytics at Universal Music Publishing Group) at the “All About That Bass” No. 1 party in Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of Big Yellow Dog
“She came to the office and played it,” Wallace recalls. “You just immediately knew there was nothing like that. Just like anyone else would, [you ask yourself] what do we do with this? Like any great song, you kind of have to live with it. I sent it to everybody. I sent it to tons of labels. I sent it to lots of different people and nobody got it at first.”
A songwriter first and foremost, Trainor’s initial reaction was to find the right artist to pitch “All About That Bass” to. “We pitched it around to a lot of different places and nobody was interested,” Wallace says. “Obviously it just needed the right person, and she was it.”
While the demo for “All About That Bass” was making its rounds and being passed on for its stark contrast to the hits on the radio, Epic Records executive Paul Pontius happened to make a trip to Nashville, where he heard the track and was immediately intrigued.
“He stopped in here and I played the song for him. He was like, ‘Who is that? What is that? He went back to Los Angeles and played it for L.A. Reid,” she recalls. “They called and said, ‘We gotta meet this girl. That’s a smash.’ Thank God for somebody with really great ears.”
Soon, Trainor was in a meeting with some of the most powerful executives in pop music. They signed her and began introducing her, and “All About That Bass,” to the world. The tune stayed at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks, and also topped charts in 58 countries, including the U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
“Meghan was shopping for candles at Bed Bath & Beyond when she got the call to be on the Today show,” Wallace remembers. “From there, it just took off.”
Back in Nashville, folks on Music Row were high-fiving Wallace and scratching their heads while they watched the song nobody know what to do with fly up the all-genre charts.
“When ‘Bass’ came out, I was so concerned at the time for her to tell anybody that she was in Nashville. I thought people would immediately stamp her as a country artist,” Wallace says. “Later, I changed my tune and [encouraged her to share] that she did come from Nashville, the songwriting capital of the world.
“After that, I noticed more people outside of Nashville being sent here to scope out Music Row.”
While there were plenty of pop hits to come out of Nashville before “All About That Bass,” the massive success of the smash single definitely reminded the world of the songwriting prowess of Music City. With “country culture” in full effect, the admiration of those that create the hits on Music Row has never been stronger.
10 years later, Wallace remembers the epic song every day when the Nashville trolley tour buses pass her office blaring the hit. It serves as the ultimate reminder to follow her gut and pursue what you believe in, even if no one else does.
Jordan Davis Joins 2025 Gulf Coast Jam Lineup
/by John Nix ArledgeJordan Davis will join Lainey Wilson and Sam Hunt in headlining the four-day Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam. The festival, taking place in Panama City Beach from May 30–June 1, still has more headliners to announce with the full lineup to be released in the coming weeks.
“Jordan played Gulf Coast Jam in 2022, just as his ‘Buy Dirt’ duet with Luke Bryan was exploding,” says Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “He won the CMA Song of the Year with that amazing song, and his career has just exploded.”
“This is already shaping up to be an amazing lineup, and we can’t wait to let our Jammers in on the other two headliners and the entire lineup soon,” says Gulf Coast Jam COO Mark Sheldon. “We’ve sold out the last two years, so we’re encouraging people to get their passes and make lodging reservations now.”
For more information, click here.