CMHOF Hosts Concert In Celebration Of Hank Williams’ 100th Birthday
Pictured (L-R, back row): Billy Contreras, Ben Roberts, Kenny Vaughan, Chuck Mead, Rodney Crowell, Hilary Williams, Sam Williams, Chris Scruggs, Brennen Leigh, Pete Finney and Wes L’Anglois; (L-R, middle row): Abi Tapia, Celia Woodsmith, S.G. Goodman, Wendy Moten, Holly Williams, Jared Manzo, Lyle Lovett and Michael Gray; (L-R, front row): Avril Smith, Vickie Vaughn, Kimber Ludiker, Jeff Hanna, Jett Williams, Suzy Bogguss, Delbert McClinton, Delaney McClinton, Laura Cantrell and Charlie McCoy. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted “Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams” last week in the museum’s CMA Theater.
Presented by Spotify in partnership with the Americana Music Association, the event featured country music community members Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Rodney Crowell, Della Mae, S.G. Goodman, Jeff Hanna, Brennen Leigh, Lyle Lovett, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Mead, Wendy Moten, Williams’ grandchildren Hilary Williams, Holly Williams, Sam Williams and Charlie McCoy.
Artists performed interpretations of Williams’ classics in various styles, from honky-tonk and bluegrass to rock to R&B. Chris Scruggs led the house band consisting of Billy Contreras, Wes L’Anglois, Jared Manzo and Kenny Vaughan.
Williams scored over 30 hits in his short career, including “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Jambalaya” and “Lovesick Blues,” and wrote many songs that are now considered country standards. Tony Bennett’s 1951 pop cover of “Cold, Cold Heart” showed the crossover potential of the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s songwriting, and over the past seven decades, his music has been recorded by artists across multiple genres.
Prior to the event, Hank Williams 100, a digital collection made up of Williams’ 19 most popular songs, was released via Mercury Nashville/UMe.
Warner Music Nashville Hosts WMN: On Deck Event
Pictured (L-R, front row): Warner Music Nashville’s Tim Foisset, Kristen Williams, Cris Lacy and Patrick Worstell; (L-R, back row): Extended Play’s Eric Parker, Warner Music Nashville’s Rohan Kohli, Lewis Brisbois’ Matt Cottingham, Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Sabatini, Victoria Mason, Ben Kline, Avery Anna, Matt Schuster, 33 Creative’s Tina Crawford and Warner Music Nashville’s Shane Tarleton. Photo: Alan Poizner
Warner Music Nashville hosted the first WMN: On Deck event last week.
Formerly known as Pickin’ On The Patio, the function featured performances by Avery Anna and the label’s newest addition Matt Schuster, whose signing was announced ahead of his set.
WMN: On Deck was sponsored by Shake Shack, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Cut Above, Jim Beam and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Ian Munsick Takes The Stage At CMHOF’s Annual Nightfall At The Hall
Ian Munsick performing at the 11th annual Nightfall at the Hall. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Multi-instrumentalist Ian Munsick performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 11th annual Nightfall at the Hall celebration on Thursday (Sept. 21).
The event is an after-hours party exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a community of young leaders, ages 21 to 45, who collaborate with other professionals in supporting their community and the museum.
Prior to Munsick’s performance, student-artist Julia LaFreniere performed “Dear Future Me,” a song that she wrote as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music. The 13-year-old from Nashville participated in the museum’s summer songwriting camp this year.
ASCAP Announces 2023 GPS Project Participants
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kele Currier, Duane Hobson, Chris Housman, Blake Rackley, Evanthia Theodorou, Kalina Tyne, Dan Harrison, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston and Jason Haag (Not Pictured: Cam Allen and Madison Steinbruck)
ASCAP Nashville’s membership team, led by Vice President Mike Sistad, has announced the songwriter participants for the 11th annual ASCAP Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters (GPS) Project.
The program seeks to help promising, unsigned songwriters, who have been identified by the ASCAP team as ready for a publishing deal, take the next step in their career.
Curated by Duane Hobson, Associate Director of Nashville Membership, the ASCAP GPS Project Class of 2023 includes up-and-coming songwriters Cam Allen, Jason Haag, Dan Harrison, Chris Housman, Blake Rackley, Madison Steinbruck, Evanthia Theodorou and Kalina Tyne.
Over the next several months, the eight writers will be paired with publishers who will listen and critique their songs, and host follow-up meetings to help develop their craft. By the end of the program, each songwriter will have met with representatives from at least five different publishers.
This year’s participating publishers include Concord Music Publishing, Kobalt Music, Liz Rose Music, Red Door Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville, Endurance Music Group and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
A highly-regarded musical opportunity in Nashville, the program has helped numerous songwriters earn publishing agreements. Well-known ASCAP GPS alumni include Lainey Wilson, Jacob Davis, Hannah Dasher, Caylee Hammack and more.
The Band Of Heathens’ ‘Hurricane’ Recording Goes Gold
Pictured (L-R): Chad Staehly, Gordy Quist, Keith Stegall, Trevor Nealon, Al Moss, Ed Jurdi, Nick Jay, Clint Simmons, Burt Stein and Bryan Blaylock. Photo: Jenn Curtis
The Band of Heathens celebrated the Gold certification of their recording of “Hurricane” last week during Americanafest in Nashville.
Written by Thom Schuyler, Keith Stegall and Stewart Harris, the song was originally recorded by Levon Helm for his 1980 album American Son, and then again by Leon Everette. But it wasn’t until The Band of Heathens recorded it that “Hurricane” became a streaming success, helping the group to garner more than 400 million streams over 40 years after the song was written.
To further celebrate the milestone, the band released an unofficial live video for “Hurricane.” Recorded live Born & Raised Music Festival, it features a rousing crowd sing-along as well as shots of the act on the road.
“Our goal has always been to have the freedom to make the music we want to make without having to answer to anybody. To have a recording reach Gold status without the muscle of a label or outside funding is something we never dreamed of and is a testament to the power of the song. We’re honored that our arrangement of it is resonating like this,” states The Band of Heathens.
“It’s amazing how songs can have several lives,” shared Stegall. “Levon, Leon and now The Band of Heathens. Thank you Band of Heathens for giving ‘Hurricane’ life again!”
Industry Ink: Hank Williams, WMN: On Deck, Ian Munsick, More
/by Liza AndersonCMHOF Hosts Concert In Celebration Of Hank Williams’ 100th Birthday
Pictured (L-R, back row): Billy Contreras, Ben Roberts, Kenny Vaughan, Chuck Mead, Rodney Crowell, Hilary Williams, Sam Williams, Chris Scruggs, Brennen Leigh, Pete Finney and Wes L’Anglois; (L-R, middle row): Abi Tapia, Celia Woodsmith, S.G. Goodman, Wendy Moten, Holly Williams, Jared Manzo, Lyle Lovett and Michael Gray; (L-R, front row): Avril Smith, Vickie Vaughn, Kimber Ludiker, Jeff Hanna, Jett Williams, Suzy Bogguss, Delbert McClinton, Delaney McClinton, Laura Cantrell and Charlie McCoy. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted “Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams” last week in the museum’s CMA Theater.
Presented by Spotify in partnership with the Americana Music Association, the event featured country music community members Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Rodney Crowell, Della Mae, S.G. Goodman, Jeff Hanna, Brennen Leigh, Lyle Lovett, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Mead, Wendy Moten, Williams’ grandchildren Hilary Williams, Holly Williams, Sam Williams and Charlie McCoy.
Artists performed interpretations of Williams’ classics in various styles, from honky-tonk and bluegrass to rock to R&B. Chris Scruggs led the house band consisting of Billy Contreras, Wes L’Anglois, Jared Manzo and Kenny Vaughan.
Williams scored over 30 hits in his short career, including “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Jambalaya” and “Lovesick Blues,” and wrote many songs that are now considered country standards. Tony Bennett’s 1951 pop cover of “Cold, Cold Heart” showed the crossover potential of the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s songwriting, and over the past seven decades, his music has been recorded by artists across multiple genres.
Prior to the event, Hank Williams 100, a digital collection made up of Williams’ 19 most popular songs, was released via Mercury Nashville/UMe.
Warner Music Nashville Hosts WMN: On Deck Event
Pictured (L-R, front row): Warner Music Nashville’s Tim Foisset, Kristen Williams, Cris Lacy and Patrick Worstell; (L-R, back row): Extended Play’s Eric Parker, Warner Music Nashville’s Rohan Kohli, Lewis Brisbois’ Matt Cottingham, Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Sabatini, Victoria Mason, Ben Kline, Avery Anna, Matt Schuster, 33 Creative’s Tina Crawford and Warner Music Nashville’s Shane Tarleton. Photo: Alan Poizner
Warner Music Nashville hosted the first WMN: On Deck event last week.
Formerly known as Pickin’ On The Patio, the function featured performances by Avery Anna and the label’s newest addition Matt Schuster, whose signing was announced ahead of his set.
WMN: On Deck was sponsored by Shake Shack, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Cut Above, Jim Beam and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.
Ian Munsick Takes The Stage At CMHOF’s Annual Nightfall At The Hall
Ian Munsick performing at the 11th annual Nightfall at the Hall. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Multi-instrumentalist Ian Munsick performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 11th annual Nightfall at the Hall celebration on Thursday (Sept. 21).
The event is an after-hours party exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a community of young leaders, ages 21 to 45, who collaborate with other professionals in supporting their community and the museum.
Prior to Munsick’s performance, student-artist Julia LaFreniere performed “Dear Future Me,” a song that she wrote as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music. The 13-year-old from Nashville participated in the museum’s summer songwriting camp this year.
ASCAP Announces 2023 GPS Project Participants
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kele Currier, Duane Hobson, Chris Housman, Blake Rackley, Evanthia Theodorou, Kalina Tyne, Dan Harrison, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston and Jason Haag (Not Pictured: Cam Allen and Madison Steinbruck)
ASCAP Nashville’s membership team, led by Vice President Mike Sistad, has announced the songwriter participants for the 11th annual ASCAP Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters (GPS) Project.
The program seeks to help promising, unsigned songwriters, who have been identified by the ASCAP team as ready for a publishing deal, take the next step in their career.
Curated by Duane Hobson, Associate Director of Nashville Membership, the ASCAP GPS Project Class of 2023 includes up-and-coming songwriters Cam Allen, Jason Haag, Dan Harrison, Chris Housman, Blake Rackley, Madison Steinbruck, Evanthia Theodorou and Kalina Tyne.
Over the next several months, the eight writers will be paired with publishers who will listen and critique their songs, and host follow-up meetings to help develop their craft. By the end of the program, each songwriter will have met with representatives from at least five different publishers.
This year’s participating publishers include Concord Music Publishing, Kobalt Music, Liz Rose Music, Red Door Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville, Endurance Music Group and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
A highly-regarded musical opportunity in Nashville, the program has helped numerous songwriters earn publishing agreements. Well-known ASCAP GPS alumni include Lainey Wilson, Jacob Davis, Hannah Dasher, Caylee Hammack and more.
The Band Of Heathens’ ‘Hurricane’ Recording Goes Gold
Pictured (L-R): Chad Staehly, Gordy Quist, Keith Stegall, Trevor Nealon, Al Moss, Ed Jurdi, Nick Jay, Clint Simmons, Burt Stein and Bryan Blaylock. Photo: Jenn Curtis
The Band of Heathens celebrated the Gold certification of their recording of “Hurricane” last week during Americanafest in Nashville.
Written by Thom Schuyler, Keith Stegall and Stewart Harris, the song was originally recorded by Levon Helm for his 1980 album American Son, and then again by Leon Everette. But it wasn’t until The Band of Heathens recorded it that “Hurricane” became a streaming success, helping the group to garner more than 400 million streams over 40 years after the song was written.
To further celebrate the milestone, the band released an unofficial live video for “Hurricane.” Recorded live Born & Raised Music Festival, it features a rousing crowd sing-along as well as shots of the act on the road.
“Our goal has always been to have the freedom to make the music we want to make without having to answer to anybody. To have a recording reach Gold status without the muscle of a label or outside funding is something we never dreamed of and is a testament to the power of the song. We’re honored that our arrangement of it is resonating like this,” states The Band of Heathens.
“It’s amazing how songs can have several lives,” shared Stegall. “Levon, Leon and now The Band of Heathens. Thank you Band of Heathens for giving ‘Hurricane’ life again!”
Chris Stapleton Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Caela GriffinChris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke
Chris Stapleton moves into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter chart this week.
Stapleton’s new singles, “Think I’m In Love With You” and “White Horse,” move him from No. 16 to his current position at No. 9. Both have been released ahead of his upcoming Higher album, due out on Nov. 10.
The top five spots on this week’s chart hold steady with Zach Bryan at No. 1, Ashley Gorley at No. 2, Tracy Chapman at No. 3, Jordan Schmidt at No. 4 and Ryan Vojtesak at No. 5.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Bailey Zimmerman Earns 3rd Consecutive Chart-Topper
/by Lorie HollabaughBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Spidey Smith
Bailey Zimmerman has landed his third consecutive No. 1 at country radio this week with his single “Religiously.”
The achievement makes Zimmerman the fastest artist to have his first three singles peak atop the Country Aircheck chart since Sam Hunt in 2015, and the fourth fastest since 2000. “Religiously” follows his double Platinum, six-week No. 1 “Rock and a Hard Place,” and his double Platinum-debut, “Fall In Love.”
Boasting more than 287 million streams, “Religiously” is the title track from the 23-year-old’s full-length debut, Religiously. The Album. The project arrived in May as the biggest streaming debut album of the year across all genres, as well as the biggest streaming country debut of all time. It landed Top 3 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 7 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
The young star has already surpassed 3 billion global streams to date. He is supporting Morgan Wallen on his tour, continuing in Canada through the end of the month before returning stateside for dates into November. He is also selling out the North America dates on his upcoming headlining “Religiously. The Tour.,” which kicks off February 2024.
Tim McGraw Adds New Dates For 2024’s ‘Standing Room Only Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Tim McGraw has added 11 new dates to his upcoming 2024 “Standing Room Only Tour,” which will feature Carly Pearce on all dates as special guest.
Cities added to the trek next year include Austin, Sacramento, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and more. Tickets for the new shows will be on sale starting Friday, Sept. 29.
The shows will include his biggest hits, and songs from his recently released 17th studio album Standing Room Only, which was released Aug. 25 via Big Machine Records. The album’s title track is currently top 10 at country radio and climbing the charts, and marks his 92nd career chart entry.
Tomorrow night, the Nashville Songwriters Association International will honor McGraw with the President’s Keystone Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the industry for the betterment of all songwriters.
Throughout his career, McGraw has amassed 69 top 10 hits and holds the Mediabase record for the most weeks at No. 1 with all titles, totaling 73 weeks. He holds the record for second-most No. 1 albums in the U.S. just behind George Strait.
Noah Kahan’s ‘We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour’ Set For March
/by Lorie HollabaughNoah Kahan will hit the road in 2024 on his “We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour” throughout Canada and the U.S.
The 32-date leg will kick off March 26 in Vancouver with stops across North America in Toronto, Montreal, Nashville, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, New York and more before wrapping on July 19 with a celebratory New England stadium performance at Boston’s Fenway Park with special guests Mt. Joy. A limited number of tickets will be available during general sales starting this Friday (Sept. 29). Last month, Kahan announced 2024 dates in Europe and the U.K., which will see him performing in Dublin, London, Paris and more. For more information, click here.
The Vermont singer-songwriter recently enlisted Lizzy McAlpine for a newly-recorded version of his moving fan favorite, “Call Your Mom,” written about giving unconditional support to a loved one during life’s darkest moments. He is also featured on the cover of Pollstar’s September issue and was named on the 2023 TIME 100 Next list.
Kahan’s collaboration with Post Malone on a new version of his latest single “Dial Drunk” is featured on his new album, Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), an extension of 2022’s Stick Season. Stick Season was just recently certified Gold, and its breakout title track was certified Platinum. The album debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s 200 chart, No. 1 on the Top Americana/Folk Albums chart, No. 1 on the Billboard Top Alternative Albums chart, No. 1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and more. Kahan became the fifth artist in history with 18 songs on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Charts in one week, alongside David Bowie and Taylor Swift.
“We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour” 2024 Dates:
* Non-Live Nation Date
^ With Mt. Joy
Tuesday, March 26 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Thursday, March 28 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
Friday, March 29 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
Saturday, March 30 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre
Tuesday, April 2 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
Saturday, April 6 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sunday, April 7 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
Tuesday, April 9 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre
Wednesday, April 10 – Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre
Saturday, April 13 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Wednesday, May 22 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
Saturday, May 25 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Tuesday, May 28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Wednesday, May 29 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Tuesday, June 4 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Wednesday, June 5 – Kansas City, MO – Azura Amphitheatre *
Friday, June 7 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Tuesday, June 11 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Wednesday, June 13 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Friday, June 14 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Tuesday, June 18 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Friday, June 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
Tuesday, June 25 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre *
Saturday, June 29 – George, WA – The Gorge
Monday, July 1 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Wednesday, July 3 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Friday, July 5 – Berkeley, CA – The Greek Theatre *
Saturday, July 6 – Berkeley, CA – The Greek Theatre *
Tuesday, July 9 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Saturday, July 13 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Tuesday, July 16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Friday, July 19 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park ^
All-Around Nashville Music Man Mike Henderson Passes
/by Robert K OermannPictured: Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson accept the Song of the Year award for “Starting Over” at The 55th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Songwriter/performer Mike Henderson died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 22 at age 70.
He is perhaps best known as the co-writer of the Chris Stapleton hit “Broken Halos,” which became Stapleton’s first No. 1 success and won the Grammy Award as Country Song of the Year in 2017. It also won a CMA Song of the Year Award, as did 2021’s “Starting Over.”
Mike Henderson was a founder of the much-awarded progressive bluegrass band The SteelDrivers. For nearly 40 years, he has held down a weekly Monday-night residency at The Bluebird Cafe with his blues bands.
Mike Henderson. Photo: Jim McGuire
A native of Independence, Missouri, Henderson mastered guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Dobro and harmonica while playing in folk, bluegrass, rock and blues bands in high school and college at the University of Missouri. The most prominent of these was a blues combo called The Bell Aires. He and his family moved to Nashville in 1985. His aim was to become a utility player in some star’s road band.
In Nashville, he joined the blues-rocking group The Roosters, which evolved into The Kingsnakes. Henderson’s co-written “Powerful Stuff” was recorded by The Fabulous Thunderbirds and became a standout on the soundtrack of the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail in 1988. The Snakes were signed to Curb Records the following year.
As a songwriter, Henderson was signed to EMI on Music Row. His songs were recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Gary Allan, Patty Loveless, the [Dixie] Chicks, Travis Tritt, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Marty Stuart and others.
Mike Henderson & The Bluebloods
He also worked steadily as a session musician, appearing on albums by Emmylou Harris, Kelly Willis, Lucinda Williams, Sting, Waylon Jennings, John Hiatt, Albert King, Tim McGraw, Hank Williams Jr., Faith Hill, Guy Clark, Bob Seger, Blake Shelton, Delbert McClinton and Martina McBride, as well as Loveless and the Chicks.
RCA Records signed him as a solo artist in 1993, and he issued the album Country Music Made Me Do It on the label. His “Hillbilly Jitters” RCA single charted briefly in 1994.
He formed the Dead Reckoning collective with Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch, Harry Stinson and Tammy Rogers. Henderson released three albums on Dead Reckoning, Edge of Night (1996), First Blood (1997) and Thicker Than Water (1999). The last two were with The Bluebloods, a new incarnation of his blues-rock ensembles.
Mark Knopfler hired him for his touring band in 2001. The rock star praised Henderson’s guitar work and was particularly taken with his blues harmonica stylings.
Henderson and Rogers co-founded The SteelDrivers in 2006. The group issued its debut album in 2008 and was named New Artist of the Year by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) in 2009. The group’s 2010 album Reckless was nominated for a Grammy. Henderson and Stapleton met in The SteelDrivers and became songwriting collaborators. Their SteelDrivers song “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” was recorded by pop superstar Adele.
Henderson also continued to record, issuing the 2015 album If You Think It’s Hot in Here. He became a record producer, as well. In addition to recordings by The Bluebloods, Henderson guided a series of rootsy albums for John Oates in recent years. He worked with Dale Watson on the latter’s current album, Starvation Box.
Last year, Mike Henderson had a special thrill when he performed with Stapleton at Wrigley Field. He was a lifelong fan of The Chicago Cubs, so he described the experience as “a dream come true.”
He also continued to perform regularly at The Bluebird. His final performance was last Monday there. Longtime songwriting collaborator Wally Wilson spoke to him Friday morning by phone. That afternoon, Henderson died in his sleep at home. Wilson believed the cause to be a pulmonary embolism.
Mike Henderson is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Janet, and by his daughters Lauren and Shannon Henderson. Visitation will be in the sanctuary of Woodmont Christian Church on Wednesday (Sept. 27), 10 a.m. to noon with a memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to MusiCares.
Riley Clemmons Shares Stories Of Faith & Joy On New Album ‘Church Pew’
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Clemmons has released her third studio album, Church Pew, via Capitol Christian Music Group.
From the introspective opening piano chords of “Church Pew” to the heartbreaking loss and grief reflected in “This Side of Heaven,” Clemmons opens her heart on the new songs. A new video for “Jesus Cries” from the album is out now.
This past spring, she debuted the first single from the project, “Loved By You,” which has since surpassed 4.4 million streams worldwide. The follow-up single, “Miracle,” has garnered more than two million streams and has been used in videos across social media celebrating everything from new babies and weddings to overcoming battles with disease and addiction.
“Creating this album allowed me to rediscover what truly inspires me and resonates with me as a songwriter and a 23 year-old woman who loves Jesus,” shares Clemmons. “I’m overjoyed and excited to finally share this collection of songs and stories. My hope is that listeners will be able to find their own stories of faith, joy, and healing intertwined within these lyrics and melodies.”
Clemmons’ 2018 self-titled album debut resulted in a New Artist Of the Year nomination and a performance spot at the 50th GMA Dove Awards. Her sophomore Godsend in 2021 cemented her place as an artist to watch, and included the lead single, “Fighting for Me,” which has 160 million worldwide streams. In 2021, Clemmons was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the ninth annual K-LOVE Fan Awards, making her the youngest nominee in the show’s history, and Billboard named her one of the top Christian Artists for the year ending 2022.
Later this month, she will join Zach Williams on his “A Hundred Highways Tour” followed by the “I Don’t Want Christmas To End Tour” through the end of the year.
Creative Nation Signs Songwriter/Producer Ben West
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Luke Laird, Emily Furman, Alex Tamashunas; (L-R, front row): Abby Holcomb, T.D. Ruth (Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Ben West, Beth Laird, Kelsey Granda. Photo: Spencer Combs
Creative Nation has signed songwriter/producer Ben West to an exclusive worldwide publishing and producer management deal.
A Detroit-area native, West began his career working on Los Angeles-based sync projects for major networks like ABC, Disney and others before scoring a 2x Platinum, Top 10 Billboard hit with P!nk’s “Try” in 2012. Written alongside beloved songwriter/producer Busbee, “Try” pointed West towards Nashville.
West has co-written songs such as Lori McKenna’s “The Tunnel,” Brett Eldredge’s “Songs About You,” Parker McCollum’s “Heart Like Mine,” Blake Shelton’s “Neon Time,” Carly Pearce’s “Show Me Around” and Kelly Clarkson’s “I Dare You.” His most recent production credits include the entirety of emerging country artist Stephen Wilson Jr.’s Søn of Dad album, as well as Patrick Droney’s Subtitles for Feelings, and tracks by Pearce, Hailey Whitters, Ashley Monroe, Monsta X and more.
“I was a fan of Ben’s writing and production long before we met. He puts artists and their visions before all else, germinating song ideas into cohesive, living, breathing works of art. As cliche as it is, I mean it when I say we are lucky to work with Ben,” says Creative Director of Publishing, Alex Tamashunas.
“Creative Nation has been a fan of Ben West as a songwriter and producer for a long time but we never had the chance to meet. Lori McKenna loves writing with him and encouraged me to reach out. Once we connected, I instantly knew he would fit our culture because he is an exceptional talent and human and our whole team wanted to work with him. We are so excited about building his momentum together,” shares Co-Founder and CEO, Beth Laird.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of what Beth and Luke have built at Creative Nation. Getting to know their exceptional team has been an absolute delight, and their ability to accommodate arrangements like mine is truly unique. I am deeply appreciative of their faith in me, as well as their vision and support for both the writing and production aspects of my work. I couldn’t be more excited to join this talented roster!” West says.
Mason Ramsey ‘Falls Into Place’ This October
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Atlantic Records
Mason Ramsey will release his new Falls Into Place EP via Atlantic Records on Oct. 20.
The five-song EP marks the 16-year-old’s first new studio collection since 2019, and includes the heartfelt hometown ballad “Reasons To Come Home,” the up-tempo romantic “She Got It Outta Me” and optimistic honky-tonk rocker “Next Right Thing.”
“I took some time to settle back in at home in Golconda the past few years where I was able to do some big life things like get my first job, go to prom and work on remodeling my truck. I also was able to spend time playing the guitar, focus on my songwriting and figure out what I really wanted to say with my music,” shares Ramsey. “My fans have never forgotten about me, and this EP is for them. The support I’ve felt since the beginning has changed my life, and I’m so excited to connect with everyone back out on the road with these new songs. It really feels like things are beginning to fall into place just how they should be. Buckle up everybody, there’s so much more to come!”
Since catapulting onto the scene as the youngest major label country artist signed in the genre in nearly two decades at 11, Ramsey has already delivered two EPs, earned a Gold single, headlined two tours, supported a Las Vegas residency and surpassed 300 million global streams since 2018.
His album release show is set for Oct. 20 at Mercury Lounge in New York. Ramsey will also make his return to the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 28. Additionally, the young artist is accepting submissions for “The Next Right Thing is Homecoming with Mason Ramsey” contest. Fans can enter here through this Friday (Sept. 29) for a chance to have him be your homecoming date and perform at your school.
Falls Into Place EP Track Listing:
1. “Next Right Thing” (Mason Ramsey, Kendall Goodman, Brandon Day)
2. “Falls Into Place” (Mason Ramsey, Lauren McLamb, Jenna Paulette)
3. “All I Wanna Be” (Mason Ramsey, Taylor Phillips, Ben Stennis)
4. “She Got It Outta Me” (Tofer Brown, Griffen Palmer, Liz Rose, Geoff Warburton)
5. “Reasons To Come Home” (Mason Ramsey, Jeff Middleton, Rob Pennington)
Ringo Starr Honored At Musicians Hall Of Fame
/by Robert K OermannPictured: Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band, with Linda Chambers, CEO, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
The Musicians Hall of Fame staged a music-filled welcome reception for visiting Ringo Starr on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 24) and announced the drummer as its latest honoree.
The legendary performer was given the inaugural Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award, named for the co-founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame. Brenda Lee recalled that when she played The Star Club in Hamburg, Germany in 1962, The Beatles were her opening act.
“Everyone used to ask, ‘Who’s your favorite Beatle?’ Well, I loved ‘em all,” she said. “But, to me, Ringo was just adorable.
“I love doing all I can to support my fellow members of the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame. But Ringo has got me beat. He’s in the Hall of Fame twice, once for being in The Beatles and once for his own records. And I love both of those Ringo Starrs.
“I love his singing on records — everything from ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’ to ‘Act Naturally,’ from ‘You’re Sixteen’ to ‘The No-No Song.’ I love him in the movies and on TV, like in The Magic Christian, Shining Time Station, Son of Dracula…..
“What?” she blurted, jumping off script. “Really!?” she comedically added, looking over her glasses at Starr, seated in the front row. “Well, Harry Nilsson was Dracula,” he drawled. “I’d pay big money for a tape of that,” she quipped. “When you find one, get one for me,” he replied.
Returning to her prepared remarks, Lee continued, “I love him as a songwriter — and not many people know him as this — for ‘Photograph,’ ‘It Don’t Come Easy,’ ‘Oh My My’ and ‘Back Off Boogaloo.’
“But let me tell you something, the heartbeat of every rock & roll song you’ve ever heard is in the rhythm….And Ringo Starr is one of the greatest heartbeats I’ve ever heard…..So maybe I love Ringo most of all for his work as a musician.
“Help me welcome him as the first solo drummer to be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame….We tried to get them to make your medallion into a ring. But they wouldn’t do it. So you’ll just have to wear it around your neck.”
A top-tier Nashville backing band took the stage. Wendy Moten led them in blasting the rumbling power of “Photograph,” embellished by a sizzling sax solo from Sam Levine. Next, Felix Cavaliere sang a good-humored “Act Naturally.” Steve Lukather performed “Matchbox” with Moten joining in.
Peter Frampton made the award presentation. He first met Ringo Starr when they both played on an Apple Records album by Doris Troy produced by George Harrison. “His playing was, and is, incredibly unique — left-handed, playing a right-handed kit,” Frampton explained. “[Ringo] is one of the greatest of all time….and a gentle man.”
“Wow, what a lovely tribute,” responded Starr, holding the plaque that Frampton gave him. “For all of this, I am really touched and honored.” He recalled recording his Beaucoups of Blues LP in Nashville in 1970. He said he was amazed by the quality and efficiency of the Nashville session musicians, who created the recording with him in just two days.
“I love this museum,” Starr continued. “I send you all peace and love. Thank you for coming. See you at the Ryman,” where Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band performed that night.
The finale was “With a Little Help From My Friends,” performed by Rodney Crowell with The Fisk Jubilee Singers. Like the other performances, it received a standing ovation.
Among those in attendance were such musicians as Vince Gill & Amy Grant, Dave Pomeroy & Regina McCrary, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Jim Horn, Charlie McCoy (who played on Beaucoups of Blues), Harry Stinson, Wally Wilson, T Bone Burnett, David Briggs and Bergen White. An elite group of music-biz folks mingled — Doug Howard & Linda Edell, John Huie, Roger & Erika Wollam Nichols, Wayne Halper, Rose Drake (whose late husband Pete Drake produced Ringo’s Nashville LP), Tony Conway, Pat McCoy, Richard Courtney (who is such a Beatles fan that he’s written a book about them), Dan Rogers, Katherine Richardson, Don Cusic, Russell Zieker (the soundtrack supervisor of the Nashville TV series who has moved here), Mark Miller, Marcus K. Dowling, Jackie Marushka, Kay Smith and Freddie O’Connell, who will be sworn in as Nashville’s new mayor today (Sept. 25).
“I want to thank everyone for being here,” said Musicians Hall of Fame CEO Linda Chambers. “And a special thanks for your support, especially during this past year.” The museum’s 2006 co-founder, her husband Joe Chambers, passed away exactly a year ago this week. Hence the title of the award given yesterday to Sir Richard Starkey, a.k.a. Ringo Starr.