Cheatham, Palermo & Garrett Celebrate 184 Years
Pictured (L-R): Tracy Gershon, Rose Palermo, Cindy Mabe and Mary Ann McCready
Law firm Cheatham, Palermo & Garrett celebrated 184 years on Music Row with a client reception. Partner Rose Palermo is often referred to as “Nashville’s divorce attorney to the stars.” Palermo has handled splits for Jewel, Conway Twitty, Tracy Lawrence, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Ben Folds, Mel Tillis, Kelsea Ballerini and Janis Oliver.
Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum Unveils Glen Campbell Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Linda Chambers, Britt Chambers-Hawker, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Wariner, Kim Campbell, Julian Raymond, Dave Kaplan and Scott Seine. Photo: Angela Smith
The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum has unveiled their new Glen Campbell exhibit, in partnership with Big Machine Label Group and Surfdog.
Musicians, special guests and industry executives gathered for the exhibit reveal last Thursday (April 18). The event celebrated the release of Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost on the Canvas Sessions. It also featured a panel discussion with Julian Raymond, Dave Kaplan, Steve Wariner, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kim Campbell and Cal Campbell.
“When you look around the entire museum, you can see and feel Glen’s work in so many of the other exhibits,” said Linda Chambers, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum CEO. “We talk about the Musicians Hall of Fame representing all genres of music because studio musicians don’t play genres… they just play music.”
CMHOFM Hosts Annual Kickoff Party For Museum Members
Pictured (L-R): Ben Hall (Vice President of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum), Patrick Thomas (Chair, Troubadour Advisory Council), Hailey Whitters, Lisa Purcell (Executive Vice President of External Affairs, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) and Marie Bradshaw (Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum). Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its annual kickoff party for its Troubadour members last week, which featured a performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters. Whitters performed hits such as “Everything She Ain’t,” “I’m In Love” and more.
Troubadour is a membership tier of the museum that is geared towards young professionals. Membership includes quarterly networking events, concerts, exhibition previews and more.
Gibson Gives & FirstBank Amphitheater Raise Over $48,000 For Music Education
Pictured (L-R): Jason Golden (Superintendent of Schools, Williamson County), Rick McEachern, Nancy McEachern (Owners, FirstBank Amphitheater), Erica Krusen (Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives), Demetra Kopulos (VIP Program Manager, FirstBank Amphitheater), Alex Tinker (Project Manager, Gibson Gives) and Mark Kinzer (Director of Fine Arts, Williamson County). Photo: Gibson
Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater partnered again to raise funds for Williamson County Public Schools and music education initiatives. The companies brought 22 signed guitars to the Julien’s Music Icons Auction and raised $48,825 for the Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program.
Signed guitars came from artists such as Lana Del Rey, Noel Gallagher, Tenacious D, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Chicago, Tears For Fears, Kenny Loggins, Steve Miller Band, Goo Goo Dolls and more.
“United in our commitment, we stand with FirstBank Amphitheater in our efforts to support Williamson County schools, recognizing the invaluable role of music and arts education in shaping young minds and fostering growth for every student,” says Erica Krusen, Gibson Gives, Global Executive Director.
Fund Recovery Hosts Nashville Charity Concert
Pictured (L-R): The Warren Brothers, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman. Photo: The Fund Recovery
The Fund Recovery hosted its annual charity dinner and concert at City Winery Nashville last Tuesday (April 16). The event raised over $230,000 to provide scholarships for mental health and addiction treatment.
Hosted by JT Hodges and Matt Rodgers, the lineup included The Warren Brothers, Natalie Hemby and Ross Copperman. Among those in attendance were Steve Hutchinson, Landyn Hutchinson, Eric Decker, Jessie James Decker, Tim Brown, Isaac Bruce, Jimbo Covert, Marshall Faulk, Anthony Munoz, Orlando Pace, John Randle, Ed Reed, Warren Sapp, Will Shields, Jan Stenerud, Andre Tippett, Kellen Winslow, Blaine Bishop, Brad Hopkins, Neil O’Donnell, Al Smith and Delanie Walker.
“Fund Recovery has provided over $2,000,000 in life-changing care to over 800 scholarship recipients,” said Ryan Cain, Executive Director, Fund Recovery. “Yet as addiction becomes more prevalent, resources become scarcer. We are proud of our work to provide treatment and save lives. That’s why our annual dinner and concert is so important. For one night, we can bring the best of the best across music and sports to raise some money to help others while having a whole lot of fun.”
Black River Records Adds Kellie LaJack As Director Of Promotion, Northeast
/by Liza AndersonKellie LaJack. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Black River Records has added Kellie LaJack as Director of Promotion, Northeast.
Bringing nearly a decade of industry experience to her new role, LaJack previously served as Senior Director of Promotions & Marketing at 16camino and National Director of Promotion at Dreamcatcher Artists as well as Regional Radio Promotions Manager at 19th & Grand, Reviver and Cold River Records. Now as Director of Promotion, Northeast, she will spearhead securing, maintaining and maximizing airplay for Black River’s roster on a national level.
“Kellie is a bright, enthusiastic closer whose star is just beginning to shine. I’m very excited to have Kellie on our team,” states Bill Macky, VP, National Promotion, Black River Records.
“God truly opened this door and opportunity for me to be a part of the Black River Entertainment family,” shares LaJack. “I am so thankful and excited to be a part of this team!”
Industry Ink: Rose Palermo, Glen Campbell, CMHOFM, More
/by Madison HahnenCheatham, Palermo & Garrett Celebrate 184 Years
Pictured (L-R): Tracy Gershon, Rose Palermo, Cindy Mabe and Mary Ann McCready
Law firm Cheatham, Palermo & Garrett celebrated 184 years on Music Row with a client reception. Partner Rose Palermo is often referred to as “Nashville’s divorce attorney to the stars.” Palermo has handled splits for Jewel, Conway Twitty, Tracy Lawrence, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Ben Folds, Mel Tillis, Kelsea Ballerini and Janis Oliver.
Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum Unveils Glen Campbell Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Linda Chambers, Britt Chambers-Hawker, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Wariner, Kim Campbell, Julian Raymond, Dave Kaplan and Scott Seine. Photo: Angela Smith
The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum has unveiled their new Glen Campbell exhibit, in partnership with Big Machine Label Group and Surfdog.
Musicians, special guests and industry executives gathered for the exhibit reveal last Thursday (April 18). The event celebrated the release of Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost on the Canvas Sessions. It also featured a panel discussion with Julian Raymond, Dave Kaplan, Steve Wariner, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kim Campbell and Cal Campbell.
“When you look around the entire museum, you can see and feel Glen’s work in so many of the other exhibits,” said Linda Chambers, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum CEO. “We talk about the Musicians Hall of Fame representing all genres of music because studio musicians don’t play genres… they just play music.”
CMHOFM Hosts Annual Kickoff Party For Museum Members
Pictured (L-R): Ben Hall (Vice President of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum), Patrick Thomas (Chair, Troubadour Advisory Council), Hailey Whitters, Lisa Purcell (Executive Vice President of External Affairs, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) and Marie Bradshaw (Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum). Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its annual kickoff party for its Troubadour members last week, which featured a performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters. Whitters performed hits such as “Everything She Ain’t,” “I’m In Love” and more.
Troubadour is a membership tier of the museum that is geared towards young professionals. Membership includes quarterly networking events, concerts, exhibition previews and more.
Gibson Gives & FirstBank Amphitheater Raise Over $48,000 For Music Education
Pictured (L-R): Jason Golden (Superintendent of Schools, Williamson County), Rick McEachern, Nancy McEachern (Owners, FirstBank Amphitheater), Erica Krusen (Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives), Demetra Kopulos (VIP Program Manager, FirstBank Amphitheater), Alex Tinker (Project Manager, Gibson Gives) and Mark Kinzer (Director of Fine Arts, Williamson County). Photo: Gibson
Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater partnered again to raise funds for Williamson County Public Schools and music education initiatives. The companies brought 22 signed guitars to the Julien’s Music Icons Auction and raised $48,825 for the Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program.
Signed guitars came from artists such as Lana Del Rey, Noel Gallagher, Tenacious D, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Chicago, Tears For Fears, Kenny Loggins, Steve Miller Band, Goo Goo Dolls and more.
“United in our commitment, we stand with FirstBank Amphitheater in our efforts to support Williamson County schools, recognizing the invaluable role of music and arts education in shaping young minds and fostering growth for every student,” says Erica Krusen, Gibson Gives, Global Executive Director.
Fund Recovery Hosts Nashville Charity Concert
Pictured (L-R): The Warren Brothers, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman. Photo: The Fund Recovery
The Fund Recovery hosted its annual charity dinner and concert at City Winery Nashville last Tuesday (April 16). The event raised over $230,000 to provide scholarships for mental health and addiction treatment.
Hosted by JT Hodges and Matt Rodgers, the lineup included The Warren Brothers, Natalie Hemby and Ross Copperman. Among those in attendance were Steve Hutchinson, Landyn Hutchinson, Eric Decker, Jessie James Decker, Tim Brown, Isaac Bruce, Jimbo Covert, Marshall Faulk, Anthony Munoz, Orlando Pace, John Randle, Ed Reed, Warren Sapp, Will Shields, Jan Stenerud, Andre Tippett, Kellen Winslow, Blaine Bishop, Brad Hopkins, Neil O’Donnell, Al Smith and Delanie Walker.
“Fund Recovery has provided over $2,000,000 in life-changing care to over 800 scholarship recipients,” said Ryan Cain, Executive Director, Fund Recovery. “Yet as addiction becomes more prevalent, resources become scarcer. We are proud of our work to provide treatment and save lives. That’s why our annual dinner and concert is so important. For one night, we can bring the best of the best across music and sports to raise some money to help others while having a whole lot of fun.”
Randall King Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Scott Gunter (Durango Artist Management), Aubrey Landon (Director, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Randall King, Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Clayton Toney (Durango Artist Management). Photo: Emily McMannis-Coleman
Randall King has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
The West Texas native has amassed over 300 million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror,” and has earned acclaim through projects such as 2020’s Leanna and his 2022 major label debut, Shot Glass.
King released his sophomore album Into The Neon earlier this year, with inspiration drawn from the hues of neon that backlit his career, including the glowing skies in the plains of West Texas where he was raised and the radiant signs of the nearly 150 honkytonks he performs in each year. He is currently headlining shows across the U.S. and has tour dates slated across Europe for later in 2024.
“We are thrilled to champion Randall as he continues to bring a fresh take on traditional country music,” says Aubrey Landon, Director, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “His music resonates with authenticity, and we could not be happier to start this next chapter together.”
“Can’t begin to say how excited I am to be joining Sony Music Publishing,” says King. “It’s a new era of writing for me and I couldn’t have joined a better team!”
MusicRow Releases 2024 InCharge Issue, Kelsea Ballerini Graces The Cover
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, is proud to announce the 2024 release of its flagship print directory, InCharge.
This annual guide highlights some of the most influential industry executives in the Nashville music business. This year’s edition includes 374 profiles which are accompanied by contact information, career biographies and detailed board and organizational membership affiliations.
The guide also includes a record label staff index, a company appendix and a professional categories appendix, which lists executives by their areas of expertise, including label, talent agency, management, music publishing, legal, finance, performing rights organizations and more.
“In the tightly-knit community of the Nashville music industry, those who wear various hats are deeply appreciated for their expertise and experience. With decades of collective experience and with leadership that represents and guides many other team members in the industry, these individuals have played a central role in shaping and preserving the city’s most valued export,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher, Sherod Robertson. “Within these pages, you’ll find a celebration of our industry champions, each of whom has rightfully earned the esteemed title of InCharge.”
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini graces the cover of the 2024 InCharge issue.
Black River’s Kelsea Ballerini consistently makes history. With the release of her debut album, The First Time, she became the only female country artist to hit No. 1 with the first three consecutive singles from a debut album. Since then, she’s notched seven No. 1 singles and five back-to-back top 10 entries on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Among dozens of accolades, she’s garnered four Grammy Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, Billboard Awards and CMA Awards; an iHeartRadio Music Awards honor and received multiple career nominations from the ACM, CMA, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, CMT and People’s Choice Awards. Notably, she snagged her first nomination as an artist/producer for the ACM Awards’ Music Event of the Year in 2022 for “Half Of My Hometown.”
Ballerini recently returned to host the 2024 CMT Music Awards for the fourth year, this time as a solo host, and led the field in nominations. The Grand Ole Opry member was named the newest face of COVERGIRL in 2022 and later built on her multi-year partnership by launching a cosmetic collaboration with the brand. Expanding her sphere of influence, she authored her first original poetry book, Feel Your Way Through, and Dolly Parton tapped her to star in the audiobook of Run, Rose, Run.
Ballerini’s fourth album, Subject To Change, was released in 2022. Five months later, she surprised fans with Rolling Up the Welcome Mat and the accompanying short film. This led to her Saturday Night Live debut, universal acclaim from critics including The New York Times, Variety and Rolling Stone, and the honor of gracing the cover of TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next Gen issue. With these accolades, it is no wonder NPR proclaimed, “Kelsea Ballerini is definitely one of the most influential women in country right now…she’s defining the sound of the genre.”
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2024 InCharge issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $115, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
MusicRow’s 2024 InCharge Issue, featuring Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: John Shearer
Darren Kiely Joins Endurance Music Group
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Rich Mgmt’s Brendan Rich, EMG’s Mark Ahlberg and Lauren Funk, Kiely, EMG’s Michael Martin and Courtney Kruckeberg, and Rich Mgmt’s Sarah Paravia
Endurance Music Group has signed Irish singer-songwriter and Free Flight Records flagship artist Darren Kiely.
Hailing from a small town in County Cork, Ireland, Kiely delivers folk-infused pop that originates from traditional Irish music intertwined with modern influences such as The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and Noah Kahan.
He released his debut EP Lost last fall, which contained hits “Mom & Dad” and “Sunrise.” Kiely also recently wrapped an extensive North American tour and is set to tour Europe later this spring. He will make his Ryman Auditorium debut in September in support of Mat Kearney.
“I am excited to work with the whole team at Endurance. From early on they have shown a keen interest and passion in my music and songwriting. I’m looking forward to the next chapter together with EMG,” he shares of the deal.
Josh Turner Extends Deal With MCA Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Renee Behrman (Modern Management), Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville), Josh Turner, Ted Greene (Modern Management), Kelsey McMahan Williams (Modern Management). Photo: Chris Hollo.
Josh Turner has extended his deal with MCA Nashville.
Turner has been at the label for over two decades now, where he has earned five No. 1 singles, multiple RIAA Platinum certifications, over 3.5 billion streams and many awards. Some of his hit songs include “Long Black Train,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Your Man” and “Would You Go With Me.” Along with seven studio albums, Turner has also released three passion projects on the label, including Country State of Mine, I Serve A Savior and King Size Manger.
“Josh Turner has one of the most identifiable voices in country music,” says Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair and CEO. “His music has touched generations of fans with his rich, deep voice paired with his deep connection to country music, family, faith and his fans. From his journey of ‘Long Black Train’ to his newest album, Josh has built an iconic career with some of the biggest hits in country music history. We are so proud to continue to represent Josh Turner as a member of MCA Nashville roster.”
To celebrate the news, Turner will be releasing his new single “Heatin’ Things Up” this Friday (April 26). He will also be inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame later this week.
Mötley Crüe Signs With Big Machine Records
/by LB CantrellMötley Crüe. Photo: Ross Halfin
Multi-Platinum rock band Mötley Crüe has signed with Big Machine Records. The group’s debut single with the label, “Dogs of War,” will drop this Friday (April 26), marking their first release since 2019.
“Mötley Crüe on Big Machine! Growing up in Southern California, I was in Hollywood when these new sheriffs showed up and took over the city. It was loud. It was powerful. It was game changing,” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “Vince [Neil], Nikki [Sixx] and Tommy [Lee], along with new guitarist John 5, have reignited the flame with ferocious new Crüe music. Fans will unite… SHOUT!”
The deal brings the band and Big Machine Records back together after making the 2014 project, Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Mötley Crüe, which featured Crüe tracks covered by country stars Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker and more.
The album debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200, No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and featured the top 30 hit, “Home Sweet Home,” performed by Justin Moore and Neil. Big Machine also partnered with Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5 for the release of his 2021 album, Sinner.
“We are thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of our new music through Big Machine Records,” shares the band. “Scott’s been a friend and supporter of the band for a long time, and we loved collaborating on the Nashville Outlaws album in 2014. We’re very happy to know our new music will be in the best of hands with Scott and his exceptional team at Big Machine.”
Cody Johnson, Koe Wetzel & More Among 2024 Born & Raised Festival Lineup
/by Liza AndersonCody Johnson, Hank Williams Jr., Koe Wetzel and more are set to perform at this year’s Born & Raised Festival, taking place Sept. 13-15 in Pryor, Oklahoma.
Other performers include Dwight Yoakam, Midland, Red Clay Strays, Shane Smith & The Saints, Paul Cauthen, Treaty Oak Revival, The Cadillac Three, William Clark Green, Wade Bowen, Cody Canada & The Departed, Kolby Cooper, Jack Ingram, Colby Acuff, J.R. Carroll, Brent Cobb, The Band of Heathens, Stephen Wilson Jr., Ole 60, Pony Bradshaw, Tyler Halverson, Jamie Lin Wilson, The Wilder Blue, Maggie Antone, Reid Haughton, Clayton Mullen, Kin Faux, Django Walker, Zandi Holup, Harper O’Neill, Lance Roark, Josh Weathers, Jason Scott & The High Heat and Blaine Bailey.
Three-day passes of various tiers and offerings go on sale this Friday (April 26) at 10 a.m. CT. Single day passes will be released in the coming months. New for 2024 is College Town, a designated area for college students within festival campgrounds. Students with a valid ID will be able to purchase general admission festival passes at a reduced rate and secure their campsite. Also, Born & Raised Festival will feature a leaderboard on its website to showcase which college campuses are repping the festival the hardest, with the top campus winning a special section for campers within College Town. For more information, click here.
Additionally, Born & Raised Festival has been acquired by independent live event producer Danny Wimmer Presents. Danny Wimmer Presents plans to continue to work with the original Born & Raised creators, Pryor Creek Music Festivals, as well as its key stakeholders.
Michael Wayne Wilkes Inks With Peermusic Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Michael Knox (President, peermusic Nashville), Michael Wayne Wilkes, Matt Michiels (Sr. Creative Director, peermusic Nashville), Kendall Lettow (Creative Director, peermusic Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Black Market Creative
Songwriter and producer Michael Wayne Wilkes has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with peermusic Nashville.
Wilkes’ cuts include Michael Ray‘s “Hold,” Stephen Wilson Jr.‘s “Calico Creek,” Carson Beyer‘s “In The Dust,” and many more.
“Michael Wayne Wilkes is an exciting songwriter, musician and producer who has everything we look for – originality, work ethic and talent.” says Michael Knox, President, peermusic Nashville. “I love what his tracks sound like and we can’t wait to be a part of his team in this next stage of his career. Michael will be a great addition to the peermusic family and we couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to work together.”
“I want to thank Michael Knox for this opportunity and I am so excited to work with Matt Michiels, Kendall Lettow and the rest of this amazing team. peermusic has such a rich history in country music and such a positive atmosphere. I couldn’t ask for a better home for the next chapter of my musical journey. Let’s Go,” shares Wilkes.
Brad Paisley, Nationwide And More Raise Over $200,000 For The Store
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Dusty Slay, Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, John Crist
The second-annual benefit show “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” raised more than $200,000 for The Store. Hosted by country music star Brad Paisley and best-selling author Kimberly Williams-Paisley alongside Nationwide, the benefit featured performances from John Crist, Dusty Slay and Paisley.
The event doubled last year’s total and went to support The Store’s new initiative to double the number of households served in 2024.
Co-founded by Paisley and Williams-Paisley, The Store is a nonprofit organization that operates a free-referral-based grocery store that allows low-income individuals and families to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. The Store currently works with nearly 25 referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while accessing other support services. There is no charge to those referred or to those who send them.
All food at The Store is purchased, except for locally grown produce and in-kind donations, which are obtained through licensed vendors. For more information, click here.