Duane Eddy. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s archive
Rock ’n’ roll Hall of Fame member Duane Eddy has died at age 86.
The Grammy Award-winning instrumentalist was famed for a series of reverb-heavy, twang-drenched recordings of the 1950s and 1960s. Easily the most prominent of the early rock guitarists, he influenced hundreds of stylists, including Georg Harrison, The Ventures, The Shadows, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen and Ry Cooder. A Nashville resident for more than 40 years, Duane Eddy was the most successful solo rock instrumentalist in history.
He was born in Corning, New York in 1938 and was playing guitar by the age of five. He debuted on local radio when he was 10. In 1951, the family moved to Arizona. Four years later, he began working with producer Lee Hazelwood, who shaped his distinctive style. Long before Hazelwood discovered Gram Parsons and worked with everyone from Nancy Sinatra to Ann Margret, Duane Eddy was the star maker’s first project.
Eddy and Hazelwood had their first recording session in 1956. Working in Phoenix, they crafted “Movin’ N Groovin,” “Rebel Rouser,” “Ramrod” and “Cannonball,” all of which hit the pop charts in 1958. Late that year, Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel was issued as Eddy’s debut LP.
His distinctive sound incorporated reverb-enhanced melodies played on the bass guitar strings, hand claps, rebel yells and saxophone wailing. His shy demeanor and striking good looks made him a teen heartthrob. Rock ‘n’ roll kingmaker Dick Clark featured him on his national American Bandstand TV series more than any other artist. He also put Eddy on the road in his famous “Caravan of Stars” rock ’n’ roll touring troupes. Unknown to the guitarist, Clark had a financial interest in Jamie Records, Eddy’s label.
Eddy’s band The Rebels featured such standouts as Al Casey, Steve Douglas, Jim Horn, Larry Knechtel, Plas Johnson and pioneering female instrumentalist Corky Casey. All of them later became topnotch L.A. session musicians.
Beginning in 1959, Duane Eddy’s records were massive successes in England, usually surpassing their U.S. chart peaks. “The Lonely Ones,” “Yep,” “Peter Gunn Theme,” “Forty Miles of Bad Road,” “The Quiet Three,” “Some Kind-a Earthquake” and “First Love, First Tears” all became U.K. hits that year, as did his second LP, Especially For You.
In an era when few teen artists issued LPs, Duane Eddy stood out. In 1960, he issued The Twang’s the Thang, his groundbreaking “unplugged” album Songs of Our Heritage and $1,000,000 Worth of Twang. The following year’s LP was Girls! Girls! Girls!, featuring him posing on the jacket with teen queens Brenda Lee and Annette. The hit singles continued with “Bonnie Came Back,” “Kommotion” and “Shazam!” The last named was drawn from the soundtrack of the Tuesday Weld movie Because They’re Young. Eddy also scored a hit with the film’s title tune. In addition, Duane Eddy and The Rebels appeared in Because They’re Young.
He moved to Los Angeles. Film soundtrack work continued with 1961’s “Ring of Fire,” which became a U.K. hit. It was the title tune of a David Janssen movie, which the guitarist scored. Some of his biggest hits were drawn from film or TV soundtracks, including Peter Gunn, Pepe, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and The Ballad of Palladin (Have Gun Will Travel).
In addition to 1960’s Because They’re Young, Duane Eddy appeared in A Thunder of Drums (1961), The Wild Westerners (1962), The Savage Seven (1968), The Kona Coast (1968) and Sing a Country Song (1973). He also appeared in two episodes of the hit TV western series Have Gun Will Travel.
In 1962, he married Phoenix singer-songwriter Miriam Johnson, his second wife. Following their 1968 divorce, she became Jessi Colter, married Waylon Jennings, moved to Nashville and had hits including 1975’s “I’m Not Lisa.”
Duane Eddy’s flurry of albums of the early 1960s included Twistin’ and Twangin’ (1962), Twangy Guitar Silky Strings (1962), $1,000,000 Worth of Twang Vol. 2 (1962), Twistin’ With Duane Eddy (1962), In Person (1963), Twangin’ Up a Storm (1963), Surfin’ With Duane Eddy (1963), Lonely Guitar (1964), Water Skiing (1964) and Twangin’ the Golden Hits (1964).
“Theme From Dixie,” “Drivin’ Home” and “My Blue Heaven” closed out his tenure with Jamie Records. He signed with RCA. The label teamed him with The Rebelettes (actually Darlene Love & The Blossoms), and he enjoyed a sting of 1962-63 singles with “Dance With the Guitar Man,” “Boss Guitar,” “Lonely Boy, Lonely Guitar” and “Your Baby’s Gone Surfin.’”
He also embarked on a series of “theme” albums. These included Twang a Country Song (1963), Duane A Go Go Go (1965), Duane Eddy Does Bob Dylan (1965) and The Roaring Twangies (1967).
By the close of the 1960s, Duane Eddy had placed 30 titles on the pop charts and had sold an estimated 100 million records worldwide. In 1972, he joined B.J. Thomas and The Blossoms on the hit single “Rock and Roll Lullaby.” The following year, he produced Phil Everly’s album Star Spangled Springer,” which contained the future Hollies hit “The Air That I Breathe.”
In 1975, Eddy scored a huge international hit with “Play Me Like You Play Your Guitar.” In 1977, he appeared on the country charts with “You Are My Sunshine,” featuring vocals by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kin Vassy and his wife, Deed Eddy. In the wake of this encouragement, the couple moved to Nashville.
Duane Eddy returned to touring in the 1980s. His band at the time featured his admirer Ry Cooder on guitar. In 1986, a version of “Peter Gunn” recorded with The Art of Noise became an international hit and earned him a Grammy Award. His 1987 comeback album included appearances by Cooder, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynne, John Fogerty, George Harrison, James Burton, David Lindley and Steve Cropper.
During the 1990s, Duane Eddy’s music appeared on the soundtracks of such prominent films as Forrest Gump, Natural Born Killers, Broken Arrow, Milk Money and Scream 2. His guitar collaboration with Doc Watson earned a country Grammy nomination in 1995.
Duane Eddy was inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. His influence continued when the Gretsch Guitar Company issued its Duane Eddy 6120 Signature Model, based on his specifications, in 1998. The Paul Revera Company issued its Duane Eddy Model amplifier the following year. In 2004, Guitar Player magazine honored the guitar superstar with its Legend Award. In 2008, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. Eddy appeared at the 2014 Stagecoach festival. Nashville admirer Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) enlisted Duane Eddy for his 2017 solo album Waiting on a Song.
The legendary guitarist died on Tuesday, April 30, after a battle with cancer. He survived by his wife Deed Abbate Eddy and by four children, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Vincent Mason Signs With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): WME’s Braeden Rountree, Carter Green, Adam Fisher, Vincent Mason, and Champ Management’s Matt Musacchio, Kyle Marsh Photo: Courtesy of WME
Singer-songwriter Vincent Mason has signed with WME for global representation in all areas.
The rising artist grew up in Roswell, Georgia, and was inspired early on by movie soundtracks and how each song fit perfectly into the storyline. Fusing influences such as Parker McCollum and John Mayer, he meshes southern country with his pop sensibilities into a fresh new sound that’s becoming popular in the genre. His track “Hell is a Dance Floor” has already amassed over 12 million streams and has recently been added to SiriusXM’s The Highway.
Mason has been on the road opening for McCollum, Ashley Cooke and Niko Moon, and is set to open for Gavin Adcock on several dates and make his CMA Fest debut this summer.
“Vincent’s fresh approach to songwriting and unique sound has already made him a standout in our genre and WME is thrilled to be part of the team,” share his WME reps.
“The first time I met the team at WME, I felt their belief in me and knew they were ready to get to work. Since then I’ve had the opportunity to play some incredible shows and I’m excited for what’s next,” says Mason. “I’m blessed to have them on my team!”
Guitar Icon Duane Eddy Passes
/by Robert K OermannDuane Eddy. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s archive
Rock ’n’ roll Hall of Fame member Duane Eddy has died at age 86.
The Grammy Award-winning instrumentalist was famed for a series of reverb-heavy, twang-drenched recordings of the 1950s and 1960s. Easily the most prominent of the early rock guitarists, he influenced hundreds of stylists, including Georg Harrison, The Ventures, The Shadows, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen and Ry Cooder. A Nashville resident for more than 40 years, Duane Eddy was the most successful solo rock instrumentalist in history.
He was born in Corning, New York in 1938 and was playing guitar by the age of five. He debuted on local radio when he was 10. In 1951, the family moved to Arizona. Four years later, he began working with producer Lee Hazelwood, who shaped his distinctive style. Long before Hazelwood discovered Gram Parsons and worked with everyone from Nancy Sinatra to Ann Margret, Duane Eddy was the star maker’s first project.
Eddy and Hazelwood had their first recording session in 1956. Working in Phoenix, they crafted “Movin’ N Groovin,” “Rebel Rouser,” “Ramrod” and “Cannonball,” all of which hit the pop charts in 1958. Late that year, Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel was issued as Eddy’s debut LP.
His distinctive sound incorporated reverb-enhanced melodies played on the bass guitar strings, hand claps, rebel yells and saxophone wailing. His shy demeanor and striking good looks made him a teen heartthrob. Rock ‘n’ roll kingmaker Dick Clark featured him on his national American Bandstand TV series more than any other artist. He also put Eddy on the road in his famous “Caravan of Stars” rock ’n’ roll touring troupes. Unknown to the guitarist, Clark had a financial interest in Jamie Records, Eddy’s label.
Eddy’s band The Rebels featured such standouts as Al Casey, Steve Douglas, Jim Horn, Larry Knechtel, Plas Johnson and pioneering female instrumentalist Corky Casey. All of them later became topnotch L.A. session musicians.
Beginning in 1959, Duane Eddy’s records were massive successes in England, usually surpassing their U.S. chart peaks. “The Lonely Ones,” “Yep,” “Peter Gunn Theme,” “Forty Miles of Bad Road,” “The Quiet Three,” “Some Kind-a Earthquake” and “First Love, First Tears” all became U.K. hits that year, as did his second LP, Especially For You.
In an era when few teen artists issued LPs, Duane Eddy stood out. In 1960, he issued The Twang’s the Thang, his groundbreaking “unplugged” album Songs of Our Heritage and $1,000,000 Worth of Twang. The following year’s LP was Girls! Girls! Girls!, featuring him posing on the jacket with teen queens Brenda Lee and Annette. The hit singles continued with “Bonnie Came Back,” “Kommotion” and “Shazam!” The last named was drawn from the soundtrack of the Tuesday Weld movie Because They’re Young. Eddy also scored a hit with the film’s title tune. In addition, Duane Eddy and The Rebels appeared in Because They’re Young.
He moved to Los Angeles. Film soundtrack work continued with 1961’s “Ring of Fire,” which became a U.K. hit. It was the title tune of a David Janssen movie, which the guitarist scored. Some of his biggest hits were drawn from film or TV soundtracks, including Peter Gunn, Pepe, Gidget Goes Hawaiian and The Ballad of Palladin (Have Gun Will Travel).
In addition to 1960’s Because They’re Young, Duane Eddy appeared in A Thunder of Drums (1961), The Wild Westerners (1962), The Savage Seven (1968), The Kona Coast (1968) and Sing a Country Song (1973). He also appeared in two episodes of the hit TV western series Have Gun Will Travel.
In 1962, he married Phoenix singer-songwriter Miriam Johnson, his second wife. Following their 1968 divorce, she became Jessi Colter, married Waylon Jennings, moved to Nashville and had hits including 1975’s “I’m Not Lisa.”
Duane Eddy’s flurry of albums of the early 1960s included Twistin’ and Twangin’ (1962), Twangy Guitar Silky Strings (1962), $1,000,000 Worth of Twang Vol. 2 (1962), Twistin’ With Duane Eddy (1962), In Person (1963), Twangin’ Up a Storm (1963), Surfin’ With Duane Eddy (1963), Lonely Guitar (1964), Water Skiing (1964) and Twangin’ the Golden Hits (1964).
“Theme From Dixie,” “Drivin’ Home” and “My Blue Heaven” closed out his tenure with Jamie Records. He signed with RCA. The label teamed him with The Rebelettes (actually Darlene Love & The Blossoms), and he enjoyed a sting of 1962-63 singles with “Dance With the Guitar Man,” “Boss Guitar,” “Lonely Boy, Lonely Guitar” and “Your Baby’s Gone Surfin.’”
He also embarked on a series of “theme” albums. These included Twang a Country Song (1963), Duane A Go Go Go (1965), Duane Eddy Does Bob Dylan (1965) and The Roaring Twangies (1967).
By the close of the 1960s, Duane Eddy had placed 30 titles on the pop charts and had sold an estimated 100 million records worldwide. In 1972, he joined B.J. Thomas and The Blossoms on the hit single “Rock and Roll Lullaby.” The following year, he produced Phil Everly’s album Star Spangled Springer,” which contained the future Hollies hit “The Air That I Breathe.”
In 1975, Eddy scored a huge international hit with “Play Me Like You Play Your Guitar.” In 1977, he appeared on the country charts with “You Are My Sunshine,” featuring vocals by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kin Vassy and his wife, Deed Eddy. In the wake of this encouragement, the couple moved to Nashville.
Duane Eddy returned to touring in the 1980s. His band at the time featured his admirer Ry Cooder on guitar. In 1986, a version of “Peter Gunn” recorded with The Art of Noise became an international hit and earned him a Grammy Award. His 1987 comeback album included appearances by Cooder, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynne, John Fogerty, George Harrison, James Burton, David Lindley and Steve Cropper.
During the 1990s, Duane Eddy’s music appeared on the soundtracks of such prominent films as Forrest Gump, Natural Born Killers, Broken Arrow, Milk Money and Scream 2. His guitar collaboration with Doc Watson earned a country Grammy nomination in 1995.
Duane Eddy was inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. His influence continued when the Gretsch Guitar Company issued its Duane Eddy 6120 Signature Model, based on his specifications, in 1998. The Paul Revera Company issued its Duane Eddy Model amplifier the following year. In 2004, Guitar Player magazine honored the guitar superstar with its Legend Award. In 2008, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. Eddy appeared at the 2014 Stagecoach festival. Nashville admirer Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) enlisted Duane Eddy for his 2017 solo album Waiting on a Song.
The legendary guitarist died on Tuesday, April 30, after a battle with cancer. He survived by his wife Deed Abbate Eddy and by four children, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Industry Ink: Lizzie Greene, Bill Anderson, CAA, Jake Angel, Bandit Lites
/by John Nix ArledgeBlack River Entertainment Hires Lizzie Greene
Lizzie Greene
Black River Entertainment has hired Lizzie Greene as Manager, Digital Marketing in an expansion of the company’s digital department. Announced by Black River’s Senior Director, Streaming & Revenue, Grace Watson, Greene will lead the development and implementation of all digital marketing strategies for Black River’s roster.
Greene brings a wealth of experience to Black River, having previously worked with companies such as Beautiful Digital, Crowdsurf and TikTok. In her previous roles, she managed global clients and artist accounts, promoting audience interaction and increased engagement.
“I’m thrilled to have Lizzie join our team here at Black River,” expresses Watson. “Her expertise in the digital marketing space will be a great asset to our company and the continued development of our artists.”
“I’m delighted to be joining the Black River Entertainment team and working under the guidance of Gordon Kerr, Rick Froio, and Grace Watson,” shares Greene. “I’m eager to work alongside the team to create strategic digital campaigns for Black River’s artists!”
Bill Anderson Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award
Pictured (L-R) Dr. David Godbold and Bill Anderson. Photo: Lee Willard
Legendary Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson was honored with yet another accolade on Thursday (April 25). The South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame presented Anderson with the first ever Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award, named after Hall of Fame founder Dr. David Godbold, recognizes an artist who has previously been inducted and has achieved significant national access in the field of music or entertainment.
“What a thrill it was to go back to the state where I was born and receive the first Lifetime Achievement Award ever given to a member of the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame,” Anderson shares. “I appreciate the efforts of Dr. David Godbold and his staff for keeping alive the music and accomplishments of entertainers and musicians with roots in South Carolina. I told the audience in my acceptance speech that Bill Anderson has never ceased to be proud that he’s from South Carolina and that it’s nice to know South Carolina hasn’t forgotten Bill Anderson as well.”
CAA Hosts Brunch At Stagecoach 2024
Flying Mojito Bros, Jacob Lapidus
Creative Artists Agency celebrated Stagecoach with a star-studded brunch in Indio, California on April 27.
The event brought together CAA agents, executives, clients and friends along with executives Rich Schaefer from AEG, Big Loud’s Greg Thompson, Left/Right’s John Meneilly, Spotify’s Jeremy Erlich, Range’s Matt Graham and more.
The festival featured a plethora of CAA performances including Jelly Roll, Maddie & Tae, Nickelback, Leon Bridges, Hailey Whitters, Charley Crockett, Willie Nelson and more.
Jake Angel Inks With Kobalt
Pictured (L-R): Kevin Lane and Jake Angel
Beat-maker Jake Angel has signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with Kobalt. Amassing over 400 million global streams across his catalog, the Leeds, UK native, known under the moniker Jake Angel Beats, has had his beats used by the likes of Chase Matthew, NBA YoungBoy, Jay Webb, Traphouse Koda, Dixon Dallas, Jamie Ray and more.
Bandit Lites Taps Matt Day As Human Resources Director
Matt Day
Bandit Lites has hired Matt Day as its new Human Resources Director. Joining the company with nearly two decades of human resources experience, Day will lead the human resources department, enhance employee engagement and streamline the company’s operations.
“I personally oversaw the process as the HR position is so vitally important to Bandit, as it is every firm,” says Bandit Lites Chair Michael T. Strickland. “We had to have a top notch, highly qualified and very respected person. Matt is just that person. I know he will be a great team member for years to come and I am proud to work beside him. Thank you for joining the team, Matt!”
“Working in Human Resources is more than just a job; it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself,” says Day. “Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this role is assisting others to resolve issues that they cannot fix themselves. In HR, each interaction is an opportunity to foster a positive work environment and empower individuals to thrive professionally and personally.”
Dolly Parton To Kick Off CMA Fest Fan Fair X Events
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton is set to kick off CMA Fest’s Fan Fair X with a special conversation on the CMA Close Up Stage on June 6, launching four days of one-of-a-kind panels, special performances, meet-and-greets, partner activations and a vendor marketplace.
Fans can also experience Parton’s All Access! Pop Up Experience at Fan Fair X, open every day. The Experience will feature many of Parton’s merchandise items as well as sampling and demonstrations from Good Lookin’ Cookin’, the new cookbook written by Parton and her sister, Rachel Parton George.
Fan Fair X will welcome some of country’s hottest stars featured as CMA Fest Artists of the Day—Cody Johnson takes the CMA Close Up Stage on Friday, Thomas Rhett on Saturday, and Lainey Wilson on Sunday.
The lineups have also been revealed for Fan Fair X’s CMA Close Up Stage and Spotlight Stage as well.
Hitting the acoustic Spotlight Stage inside Fan Fair X from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday are Abbie Callahan, Adam Mac, Andrew Swift, Ashley Ryan, Boomtown Saints, Cale Tyson, Camille Parker, Carson Wallace, Charly Reynolds, Conor Clemmons, Dillon James, Dzaki Sukarno, The Heels, Holdyn Barder, Ian Harrison, Jacquie Roar, Jarvis Redd, JD Shelburne, Jenny Teator, Kezia Gill, Lane Pittman, Leah Turner, Michael Warren, Nice Horse, Orlando Mendez, Remember Monday, Ryan Larkins, Sacha, Sasha McVeigh, Scoot Teasley, Taylor Moss, Taylor-Rae, Teigan Gayse, Valerie Ponzio, Veronique Medrano, Wade Forster, Wardel and Zach John King.
Fan Fair X takes place Thursday, June 6-8 (9:30 a.m-5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, June 9 (9:30 AM-4:00 PM). Venue doors open daily at 9:30 a.m..
Mark Your Calendar—May 2024
/by Liza AndersonSingle/Track Release Dates:
Photo: Courtesy of Republic Records
May 3
Miranda Lambert/Wranglers/Republic/Big Loud
Kelsey Hart/Burn My Summer/Curb Records
Brennley Brown/Miracle Story/Provident Entertainment
May 6
Johnny Cash/Well Alright/Mercury Nashville/UMe
Austin Snell/Pray All The Way Home/Warner Music Nashville
Kassi Ashton/Called Crazy/MCA Records Nashville/ICLG
Frank Ray/Uh-huh (Ajá)/Stoney Creek Records
Jet Jurgensmeyer/Good Days/Simba Entertainment
Rob Fitzgerald/Forever Together/Riverbend Recordings
May 13
Locash/Hometown Home/Galaxy Label Group
Dalton Dover/Bury Me In This Bar/Mercury Nashville
Ryan Jewel/Owe It All To You/Ryan Jewel Music
Lefory/Back Home/Stallion Records
May 16
Pepper Brooks/Old Fashioned Therapy/MC1
Myranda Christi/Shattered Heart/MC1
May 17
Annie Bosko/Neon Baby (Roadhouse Remix) Dance Version/Ston Country Records
May 20
Kameron Marlowe & Ella Langley/Strangers/Columbia Nashville
Soul Circus Cowboys/Sit On A Beach/Kismet Nashville
May 24
Becca Bowen/Heartbreaking Business
May 27
Anthony Von/Kiss Me First/Greg Kavanagh Music
Dionya Maria/Miss You So Mad/Billieegee Productions
May 28
Alex Miller/My Daddy’s Dad/Billy Jam Records
May 31
Rachel Lipsky/Wonky Tonk/Riot South
Album/EP Release Dates:
May 3
Tenille Arts/To Be Honest/Dreamcatcher
Bowen*Young/Us/Snakefarm
May 10
Scotty McCreery/Rise & Fall/Triple Tigers
Sturgill Simpson/Metamodern Sounds In Country Music
Brian Kelley/Tennessee Truth/Big Machine Records
Wade Bowen/Flyin/Bowen Sounds/Thirty Tigers/The Orchard
Lily Rose/Runnin’ Outta Time/Big Loud
Ed Bruce (posthumous)/After Hours/Music Row Talent Records
May 17
The Mavericks/Moon & Stars/Mono Mundo Recordings/Thirty Tigers
Kate Hudson/Glorious/Virgin Music
Laci Kaye Booth/The Loneliest Girl In The World/Geffen Records
Reid Haughton/Higher Than 9/River House Artists
May 24
Travis Denning/Roads That Go Nowhere/Mercury Nashville
May 31
Willie Nelson/The Border/Legacy Recordings
Shaboozey/Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going/Empire
Kameron Marlowe/Keepin’ The Lights On/Sony Music Nashville
Kelsey Hart/Life With You/Curb Records
Austin Tolliver/Bad 4 U/Average Joes Entertainment
Terri Clark/Terri Clark: Take Two/Mercury Nashville
Industry Events:
May 1 – 5
Key West Songwriters Festival
May 13 – 16
Music Biz 2024
May 16
59th ACM Awards
Tenille Arts To Embark On ‘To Be Honest World Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughTenille Arts will embark on her “To Be Honest World Tour,” starting in Helotes, Texas this Friday (May 3).
After opening the Canadian dates of Luke Bryan’s “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” earlier this month, Arts is set to play 27 dates across the U.S., Canada as well as five U.K shows throughout the headlining journey. Beginning May 30, she will join Walker Hayes’ “Same Drunk Tour” for 12 dates in addition to opening for Justin Moore in Champaign, Illinois on Sept. 13. For more information, click here.
Arts also plans to release her fourth studio album, To Be Honest, this Friday. The singer-songwriter co-wrote 12 of the tour namesake’s 14 tracks. The project also includes “So Do I,” written by Demi Lovato, Sasha Sloan, Laura Veltz and the track’s producer King Henry, which Arts debuted live on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
“I am so excited to be able to celebrate the To Be Honest album on tour all over the world this year,” she says. “Getting to join Luke Bryan, Walker Hayes, Justin Moore and other friends out on the road is such a dream come true. There’s nothing better than seeing the fans out on the road and making new ones along the way! I’ll see you out there on the ‘To Be Honest World Tour’!”
Jonathan Roberts Joins UTA
/by Madison HahnenJonathan Roberts. Photo: Courtesy of UTA
Industry veteran Jonathan Roberts has joined global talent, entertainment, sports and advisory company UTA. He will be based out of their Nashville office.
“Jonathan is an industry leader that we’ve loved working closely with as a promoter for many years,” says Jeffrey Hasson, Co-Head of UTA Nashville, Music, “He is a perfect addition to our agency culture and we’re so excited to have someone as highly respected as him to grow an amazing new area of the business with us.”
In his new role, Roberts will lead expanding UTA’s roster into the Christian music genre, as well as helping clients secure deals globally. Before joining UTA, Roberts served as VP of Global Touring for Premier Productions. He has worked with Lauren Daigle, Elevation Worship, Dude Perfect, Hillsong United and more.
“As we have built a successful footprint in the faith media business, it was only natural for us to expand into Christian music – as many industry leaders implored us to do,” shares Nick Barnes, UTA Agent, Heartland, “Jonathan is a key hire who is already making waves in the music business and his impact will be felt immediately.”
My Music Row Story: SESAC’s Scott Jungmichel
/by LB CantrellScott Jungmichel
Scott Jungmichel serves as President & COO for SESAC Performing Rights. In this capacity, Jungmichel is charged with overseeing Writer/Publisher Client Services, Licensing, Royalty Administration, Corporate Development, Research & Analysis as well as administrative functions.
A 28-year veteran of SESAC, he previously served as CIO. In that role, Jungmichel managed technology infrastructure, IT operations as they pertain to internal systems and projects, and deployed new technology to streamline business processes. He also focused on the requirements of internal employees and business units while ensuring ongoing operations and overall security measures. Before acting as CIO, Jungmichel spent over 10 years as the SVP of Royalty Distribution & Research Services, including Content Registration and Optimization, Royalty Administration, A/V Client Services and Research & Analysis.
Jungmichel holds a BBA degree in music business and management with a minor in business administration from Belmont University. He is also a member of the Leadership Music Class of 2022.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Nashville area. We moved from Atlanta when I was really young. The real estate agent took my dad out to Brentwood and said, “You want to be here.” So that’s where I grew up.
Pictured (L-R): Malcolm Hawker, John Josephson and Scott Jungmichel. Photo: Courtesy of Jungmichel
What were you into as a kid?
A mix of music and sports. Basketball was my main sport, and I played baseball.
On the music front, I was into a little bit of everything. I wouldn’t say I had a musical family—my family didn’t play instruments—but there was always music around. My parents would play Elvis, Willie Nelson, Charlie Rich and even big band music. I was listening to the Grease soundtrack and Kiss.
I started playing music in fourth grade with the trumpet. That morphed into being in a rock band playing bass guitar in high school. I started really getting into music at that point, but I didn’t realize there was a music business. Once I found out there was a business, I decided to [pursue that] and go to Belmont.
Pictured (L-R): Diana Akin Scarfo, Jack Harlow, Sam Kling and Scott Jungmichel. Photo: Courtesy of Jungmichel
Tell me about your time at Belmont.
It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot. Bob Mulloy was running the program at that time. There were internship opportunities because he was really big on internships. All that stuff was important [in order] to see how the business really functions. I interned at MCA Records for a while. I was primarily in the Marketing department and worked there for a few semesters, which I enjoyed.
What happened after graduation?
I didn’t find a job. [Laughs] My wife was a year behind me, so she was still in school. She went to Belmont too. So I actually went back to Belmont and completed the requirements to get a business management degree. I was also working at a record store. Then I answered an ad and started at SESAC.
What was SESAC like when you joined?
From 1930 until the end of 1992, SESAC was literally a family-owned business. It was started by Paul Heineke. SESAC was sold at the end of 1992, and I started soon thereafter, but it still felt like a family-run business at the time. The transformative stuff hadn’t really started.
Scott and Denise Jungmichel. Photo: Courtesy of Jungmichel
I began in the Licensing department, and was working in the broadcast area focused on television and radio stations. When they sold, you had to contact them and get the transfer of ownership and make sure that they get relicensed essentially, so I did that for about a year. Then a job opened up in the international royalties area, but at that point, it wasn’t really a full-time job at SESAC, so I was filling my time doing other stuff as well.
You really got to experience the growth of SESAC, having been there for so long. How did the company transform in the beginning of your tenure?
The first thing was a technological shift, to create some infrastructure. That was obviously a change. Then there was a bit of a philosophy change on how to run the business and how to take this family-owned company and grow it. Not too long after that, we signed Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond. That was the catalyst for additional growth because those are significant catalogs. From that point on, we had a template to grow the business. We’ve gone through a couple of ownership changes and expanded beyond performing rights with the SESAC Music Group concept. It’s exciting.
As far as being there that long, I didn’t have to move. Everything sort of changed around me—either I was changing what I was doing or there were ownership changes, which always creates some new opportunities and ways to do things differently—so I didn’t have to go anywhere. I had plenty of variety.
Scott Jungmichel and composer Jonathan Wolff. Photo: Courtesy of Jungmichel
You’ve had so many roles at SESAC. How do you explain what you do now as President & COO?
It’s really looking after the three departments that make PROs unique: Licensing, Client Services or Writer/Publisher Relations and Royalty Distribution. Those departments have to work in sync because one can’t exist without the other. If you don’t have writers and publishers, you can’t license anything. You don’t get writers and publishers unless your royalty distributions are efficient, accurate and pay competitively. A normal day for me is a little bit of each of those.
What would you say is your favorite part?
I don’t know if I have a favorite part. I came up doing royalty distribution, so that’s the piece that I’m the most comfortable with. That’s still kind of fun—it’s a little bit of a puzzle.
I’m dating myself, but I started pre-internet. We had radio, local and network television stations and cable. Now we’re dealing with billions of lines of data, and trillions of performances with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and all the other stuff. There’s a different kind of intensity to that than there is in the other performance categories, not that the others can’t get intense. [Laughs] Distributions are like a quarterly sprint.
Pictured (L-R): John Josephson, Scott Jungmichel and composer Devin Powers. Photo: Courtesy of Jungmichel
Have you had any mentors along the way?
I’ve been mentored by everybody I’ve interacted with in one way or another, whether it’s all the bosses I’ve had or colleagues. You pick up different pieces of their styles. It’s good to have a toolbox like that, because you have to pull out different things at different times.
What are some of the tools or strengths that you lean on the most in your day to day?
There’s that analytical side of me. I approach things from a very pragmatic, analytical way. I’m also pretty even-keeled—nothing’s going to get me too high and nothing’s going to get me too low.
What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard. I know that sounds simple and obvious, [but] find something that you love, get in there and work hard. If you work hard, you’ll get noticed. You’ve also got to have a tinge of luck. There’s a little bit of making your own luck, but things have to happen. You can only control what you can control, and then you just have to be ready when an opportunity comes up.
Tom Foote, Longtime Road Manager For George Strait, Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughTom Foote
Longtime road manager for George Strait, Tom Foote, has passed away. His passing tragically comes a little over a month after Strait and his band suffered two losses on the same day when his longtime manager Erv Woolsey and his fiddle and mandolin player Gene Elders both died.
Foote first met Strait back in 1975 when his band posted a flyer looking for a singer at Southwest Texas State University. Strait, an agriculture major just back from a stint serving in the Army, auditioned, and the rest is history. The band became Strait’s Ace In The Hole Band and he and Foote became lifelong friends and business partners. As former drummer for the band, Foote transitioned to Strait’s tour manager in 1983.
“We were a bunch of kids back then,” Foote told the Lexington Herald Leader in 2010. “I was 23 and I think George was 24, maybe. We were playing local beer joints and dance halls and really did that for the better part of six years until he got his record deal with MCA. In fact, until George had his record deal, we had never played outside of Texas. It was a really great time. Some of my favorite memories were when we first started.”
Foote had other ties to the music business as well. His uncle was writer Horton Foote, best known for his screenplays for To Kill A Mockingbird and Tender Mercies.
“We lost another one of our good friends and a huge part of our musical journey yesterday,” Strait wrote on Instagram about the loss of his dear friend. “Tom Foote, our one-time drummer and long-time road manager for around 48 years, suddenly passed away at his home after our rehearsal. The band and I were with him most of the afternoon and he was great. Just doing what he loved to do which was making sure we were taken care of. 2024 is taking its toll on the Ace in the Hole group. We’re all heartbroken to say the least. Rest in peace brother Tom. You will be hugely missed. I’ll see you down the road amigo.”
Funeral arrangements for Foote have not yet been announced.
Dusty Miller Launches Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment
/by LB CantrellDusty Miller. Photo: Jason Myers
Dusty Miller has started a new wealth management firm, Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment. With over 25 years of financial service experience, he will continue to leverage his expertise to serve the music community.
“Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment was started so that I could meld my passions of music and sports with my love of helping families save and invest for the future,” Miller shares. “Intentionally small, our focus is high-integrity service, and always being there for sound investment advice when you need it most.”
He and his firm offer investment management, portfolio construction , financial planning, fixed income strategies, legacy and retirement planning, risk management, life insurance and more.
Before starting his own business, Miller spent 13 years with Truist Bank, formerly SunTrust, where he specialized in advising clients along the ecosystems of sports and music, focusing on high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in business marketing from Southern Illinois University in 1999, and obtained his Certificate in Accountancy from Lipscomb University in 2009. Miller holds a Series 7, 66 and Tennessee Life & Health Insurance license.
Miller can be reached at dustymiller@millerwealthse.com.