Cynthia Weil
Cynthia Weil, one of the greatest American song lyricists in history, died recently (June 1) in Los Angeles.
Renowned as the co-writer of such standards as “On Broadway,” “Somewhere Out There” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” Weil also co-wrote “Here You Come Again.” That song took Dolly Parton from country stardom to million-selling pop success in 1977. It was named BMI’s most-performed country song of the year.
The songwriter is also behind a half dozen other country classics. More than 30 country stars have recorded her works, a tally that exceeds those of many Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members.
Weil is an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as the national Songwriters Hall of Fame. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” is the most performed BMI song of the 20th century.
Cynthia Weil was a native New Yorker. She was trained as an actress and dancer, but she found her show-biz footing among the so-called “Brill Building” songwriters. They included such future stars as Neil Diamond, Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Paul Simon and Bobby Darin. Teamed with the group’s Barry Mann, she helped to create rock & roll songwriting.
In 1961 Mann and Weil penned “Bless You,” the first hit by Tony Orlando. They also married that year. In 1962, the collaborators scored a No. 3 country smash when Leroy Van Dyke recorded their song “If a Woman Answers (Hang Up the Phone).” They continued to have an impact on country music in the decades to come.
The team found its unified voice in such gritty urban tales as The Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” Gene Pitney’s “Looking Through the Eyes of Love,” The Crystals’
“Uptown” and “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” The Vogues’ “Magic Town,” Jody Miller’s “Home of the Brave,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway” (revived by George Benson), Jay & The Americans’ “Only In America” and Paul Revere & The Raiders’ “Hungry.” These songs depicted working-class struggle and aspiration.
The early years of her songwriting career also included “Walking in the Rain” (The Ronettes), “I’m Gonna Be Strong” (Gene Pitney), “Blame It On the Bossa Nova” (Eydie Gorme), “My Dad” (Paul Peterson), “Soul and Inspiration” (The Righteous Brothers) and “Kicks” (Paul Revere & The Raiders). She became adept with intensely romantic lyrics such as “I Just Can’t Help Believin’” which was popularized by B.J. Thomas, Elvis Presley, David Rogers, David Frizzell, Ronnie Milsap and dozens of others in the 1970s.
Heartache laments were also in Weil’s wheelhouse. In 1974, Johnny Rodriguez had a top-10 country hit with “We’re Over,” and in 1978 Donna Fargo had top-10 country success with “Another Goodbye.” Martina McBride went to No. 1 on the country charts in 1998 with Weil’s co-written “Wrong Again.” “Here You Come Again” won Parton a country Grammy Award.
Linda Ronstadt memorably sang two of Weil’s works, 1989’s “Don’t Know Much” (with Aaron Neville) and “Somewhere Out There” (with James Ingram), which won the 1987 Grammy Award as Song of the Year. Lionel Richie was Weil’s songwriting collaborator on “Running With the Night” (1984) and “Love Will Conquer All” (1986). Massive pop songwriting success continued with “Just Once” (James Ingram), “He’s So Shy” (The Pointer Sisters), “Somewhere Down the Road’ (Barry Manilow) and “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” (Peabo Bryson). B.J. Thomas returned to Weil’s catalog for 1972’s “Rock and Roll Lullaby.” All of this occurred after Mann and Weil relocated to the West Coast in the late 1960s.
The most prominent country versions of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” were recorded by Barbara Fairchild (1975) and by Kenny Rogers & Dottie West (1979). Cynthia Weil’s songs have also been sung by such country stars as Crystal Gayle, Lynn Anderson, Don Williams, Eddy Arnold, Debbie Boone, The Bellamy Brothers, Juice Newton, Marie Osmond, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Shelby Lynne, Billy Joe Royal, Glen Campbell, Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, The Kendalls and Roy Clark.
Her Songwriters Hall of Fame induction was in 1987. Ten years later, Cynthia Weil was in the pop top 10 again with Hanson’s million-selling “I Will Come to You.” Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame occurred in 2010. She has more than 30 BMI Awards.
The songwriter died at her home in Beverly Hills at age 82. No cause of death has been revealed. She is survived by husband Barry Mann, daughter Jenn Mann and two granddaughters. Dolly Parton participated via video at Weil’s memorial service in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 11).
T.J. Martell Foundation Honors Shane McAnally
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Shane McAnally and John Esposito appear at the T.J. Martell Foundation 45th annual New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation
Shane McAnally received the Spirit of Music Award at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 45th annual New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street earlier this week.
The memorable evening, which raised over $1.3 million, also presented the Lifetime Music Industry Award to Warner Records Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson, as well as the Rising Music Superstar Award to Def Jam Recordings Chief Creative Officer & EVP Archie Davis.
Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally accepts the Spirit of Music Award from Kristin Chenoweth at the T.J. Martell Foundation 45th annual New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation
The event was hosted by Board Chairman John Esposito and Gala Co-Chairs Tunji Balogun, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Robert Carlton, Steve Gawley, Laura Swanson and Julie Swidler.
“Tonight has been a truly memorable night for all of us at the T.J. Martell Foundation and we were honored be able to bring the gala back to New York City,” shared Esposito. “It was a thrill to bring together such an incredible room to celebrate tonight’s three honorees and to be in the presence of such wonderful talent from the presenters to the artists who performed, all in the name of continuing our mission to further the critically important work the foundation does in support of cancer research.”
It was a big week for McAnally, who also celebrated his and Brandy Clark‘s musical Shucked being recognized at the Tony Awards, with Shucked actor Alex Newell taking home an award for Best Actor in a Featured Role In a Musical for their role as Lulu.
11-time Grammy nominee Clark was one of the evening’s performers, along with Grammy-nominated bilingual alternative R&B/pop singer-songwriter Omar Apollo and breakout actress/singer-songwriter and R&B star Coco Jones.
Presenters included Grammy and Tony Award-nominated music and theater star Josh Groban, iconic Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth as well as Oscar and Golden Globe nominee and NAACP Image Award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler.
Remembering Songwriting Great Cynthia Weil
/by Robert K OermannCynthia Weil
Cynthia Weil, one of the greatest American song lyricists in history, died recently (June 1) in Los Angeles.
Renowned as the co-writer of such standards as “On Broadway,” “Somewhere Out There” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” Weil also co-wrote “Here You Come Again.” That song took Dolly Parton from country stardom to million-selling pop success in 1977. It was named BMI’s most-performed country song of the year.
The songwriter is also behind a half dozen other country classics. More than 30 country stars have recorded her works, a tally that exceeds those of many Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members.
Weil is an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as the national Songwriters Hall of Fame. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” is the most performed BMI song of the 20th century.
Cynthia Weil was a native New Yorker. She was trained as an actress and dancer, but she found her show-biz footing among the so-called “Brill Building” songwriters. They included such future stars as Neil Diamond, Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Paul Simon and Bobby Darin. Teamed with the group’s Barry Mann, she helped to create rock & roll songwriting.
In 1961 Mann and Weil penned “Bless You,” the first hit by Tony Orlando. They also married that year. In 1962, the collaborators scored a No. 3 country smash when Leroy Van Dyke recorded their song “If a Woman Answers (Hang Up the Phone).” They continued to have an impact on country music in the decades to come.
The team found its unified voice in such gritty urban tales as The Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” Gene Pitney’s “Looking Through the Eyes of Love,” The Crystals’
“Uptown” and “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” The Vogues’ “Magic Town,” Jody Miller’s “Home of the Brave,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway” (revived by George Benson), Jay & The Americans’ “Only In America” and Paul Revere & The Raiders’ “Hungry.” These songs depicted working-class struggle and aspiration.
The early years of her songwriting career also included “Walking in the Rain” (The Ronettes), “I’m Gonna Be Strong” (Gene Pitney), “Blame It On the Bossa Nova” (Eydie Gorme), “My Dad” (Paul Peterson), “Soul and Inspiration” (The Righteous Brothers) and “Kicks” (Paul Revere & The Raiders). She became adept with intensely romantic lyrics such as “I Just Can’t Help Believin’” which was popularized by B.J. Thomas, Elvis Presley, David Rogers, David Frizzell, Ronnie Milsap and dozens of others in the 1970s.
Heartache laments were also in Weil’s wheelhouse. In 1974, Johnny Rodriguez had a top-10 country hit with “We’re Over,” and in 1978 Donna Fargo had top-10 country success with “Another Goodbye.” Martina McBride went to No. 1 on the country charts in 1998 with Weil’s co-written “Wrong Again.” “Here You Come Again” won Parton a country Grammy Award.
Linda Ronstadt memorably sang two of Weil’s works, 1989’s “Don’t Know Much” (with Aaron Neville) and “Somewhere Out There” (with James Ingram), which won the 1987 Grammy Award as Song of the Year. Lionel Richie was Weil’s songwriting collaborator on “Running With the Night” (1984) and “Love Will Conquer All” (1986). Massive pop songwriting success continued with “Just Once” (James Ingram), “He’s So Shy” (The Pointer Sisters), “Somewhere Down the Road’ (Barry Manilow) and “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” (Peabo Bryson). B.J. Thomas returned to Weil’s catalog for 1972’s “Rock and Roll Lullaby.” All of this occurred after Mann and Weil relocated to the West Coast in the late 1960s.
The most prominent country versions of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” were recorded by Barbara Fairchild (1975) and by Kenny Rogers & Dottie West (1979). Cynthia Weil’s songs have also been sung by such country stars as Crystal Gayle, Lynn Anderson, Don Williams, Eddy Arnold, Debbie Boone, The Bellamy Brothers, Juice Newton, Marie Osmond, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Shelby Lynne, Billy Joe Royal, Glen Campbell, Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, The Kendalls and Roy Clark.
Her Songwriters Hall of Fame induction was in 1987. Ten years later, Cynthia Weil was in the pop top 10 again with Hanson’s million-selling “I Will Come to You.” Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame occurred in 2010. She has more than 30 BMI Awards.
The songwriter died at her home in Beverly Hills at age 82. No cause of death has been revealed. She is survived by husband Barry Mann, daughter Jenn Mann and two granddaughters. Dolly Parton participated via video at Weil’s memorial service in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 11).
Black River Entertainment Hires Grace Watson
/by Liza AndersonGrace Watson. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment has hired Grace Watson as Senior Director, Streaming & Revenue.
In this role, Watson will oversee all aspects of streaming and sales for Black River Entertainment. Her responsibilities will include building comprehensive streaming strategies and furthering partner relationships for the company’s roster.
The Missouri native graduated from Belmont University with a music business and audio engineering degree, and previously served as a full-time member of UMG/Capitol Christian Music Group’s Commercial Partnerships Team. She worked directly with major streaming partners and oversaw operational strategy during her tenure since 2016. Watson also worked with an array of artists including Lauren Daigle, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac and Anne Wilson.
“We are so excited to welcome Grace to our team,” says Rick Froio, Executive Vice President of Black River Records. “Her wealth of knowledge and great relationships will immediately benefit Black River’s artists.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Black River Entertainment team and working under the leadership of Gordon Kerr and Rick,” shares Watson. “As the streaming and digital space are ever-changing, I’m eager to explore new and untapped opportunities for Black River’s roster!”
Watson can be reached at gwatson@blackriverent.com.
Industry Ink: Chris Janson, Jenna Paulette, Craig Campbell, IBMA
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Janson Celebrates Platinum Nods During Opry Show
Pictured (L-R): Lance Roberts, Chandler Thurston, Noah Dewey, Kelly Janson, Chris Janson, Courtney Crist, Maddie Sanderson, Gracie Glass, Tom Lord. Photo: Josh Daubin
Chris Janson celebrated the upcoming release of his latest album, The Outlaw Side of Me, at the Grand Ole Opry recently, hosting a special livestream for fans which will stream on the free Circle Now app and on the Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube pages this Friday, July 16 at 5 p.m. CT.
Janson ignited the stage, performing new tracks from the latest project, along with some of his biggest hits, and was also presented with four Platinum certifications for “Good Vibes,” “Drunk Girl,” “Fix A Drink” and the quadruple-Platinum “Buy Me A Boat.”
Jenna Paulette Partners With Justin Boots
Jenna Paulette. Photo: Courtesy of Justin Boots
Jenna Paulette has signed on as a brand ambassador for cowboy boot brand, Justin Boots. The deal places Paulette alongside Reba McEntire and George Strait as the only entertainers partnered with the brand. For Paulette, the partnership is a dream realized, having worn the boots while growing up and working cattle.
“Justin Boots…gosh I wore Ropers to work in and that’s why I put ‘new Justin Boots’ in my song ‘Country In the Girl.’ I really believe that song helped me find my footing with my audience. This partnership means the world to me, from what Justin does for Rodeo athletes to the way they represent agriculture and support the future of it. It’s an honor to get to further the heart of their brand together. I can’t wait to see what we do,” Paulette shares.
Craig Campbell’s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge Benefit Raises $27K
Attendees at Craig Campbell’s 9th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert
Craig Campbell kicked off CMA Fest with his 9th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on June 6. When the last bag was tossed, over $27,000 had been raised for the Kenny Campbell Foundation. Campbell defeated his longtime rival Jerrod Niemann, who has played in all nine tournaments, to claim the 2023 trophy.
This year’s event was held at the Yee Haw Brewing and Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery at 6th & Peabody in Nashville. The Kenny Campbell Foundation was founded by Campbell to honor his father who lost his battle with colorectal cancer at age 36. The organization raises money for research hospitals and doctors that focus on finding a cure and preventative measures for colorectal cancer. Fans placed bids to compete on teams alongside Campbell, Niemann, Charles Esten, Lucas Hoge, Hannah Dasher, Mitch Rossell and more, and a free concert followed the tournament.
Ethan Charles Returns To IBMA Staff
Ethan Charles
The International Bluegrass Music Association is welcoming back Ethan Charles, who resumed his previous role as Events Director on June 5. The Pennsylvania native and 2019 Belmont University graduate began working in the IBMA office as an intern in 2017, before working in a part-time capacity from 2018-2019. Charles joined the staff full-time as Operations Specialist in 2019, supporting the switch to virtual and hybrid event structures the following two years. He became Events Director in August 2022, a position he held through October. Now back on board, Charles is eager to continue working to serve the bluegrass community.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the team at IBMA. Creating an elevated event experience for our community is my highest priority, while also placing a strong emphasis on promoting environmental sustainability and fostering inclusiveness within our genre,” Charles says. “We have one of the strongest staffs I’ve seen in my time with the organization and we are poised to propel the association and the World of Bluegrass event to a new level.”
Eric Church To Commemorate 10 Years Of ‘Caught In The Act’ With Documentary
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio
Eric Church is commemorating the 10th anniversary of his Caught In The Act live album with a documentary film set to release exclusively on nugs.net, beginning Friday, June 23.
Caught In The Act: A Film highlights Church’s shows from a decade ago at Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes at those nights. The film includes full performances of the album’s 17 songs and commentary from the 10-time Grammy nominee as well as his longtime manager Q Prime South’s John Peets, producer Jay Joyce and several members of Church’s band and crew, offering rare insight into the Chief’s world in the midst of an epic run.
“When you’re in the craziness of the moment, you’re not even sure what you’re looking at or experiencing, you just feel that it’s different,” recalls Church. “We went to the Tivoli because everyone in our world – the band, the crew, the fans – knew we were a part of something special and wanted to capture the fire that has got us here. So, we just started rolling cameras as we figured at least we’d have it for posterity. It’s been sitting in the vault, and with the live album celebrating 10 years since its release, it felt like the right time to rewatch and share the journey we’ve been on together.”
Beth Rasnick Rises To Chief Of Staff At Gibson Brands
/by Lorie HollabaughBeth Rasnick
Beth Rasnick has been promoted to Chief of Staff to the CEO at Gibson Brands.
In her new role, Rasnick will act strategically as representative for the office of the CEO internally and externally, collaborating with Gibson leadership and extended teams to determine and prioritize business strategies and action plans. She will lead the CEO Office with sponsored high-impact projects, as well as strategic business initiatives from ideation to implementation.
Throughout nearly a decade at Gibson, Rasnick has held key positions spanning finance, accounting, treasury, business acquisitions and divestitures, transformation initiatives and corporate strategy. She is also an emerging player of rhythm guitar, which she has learned from her father. Prior to joining Gibson, Rasnick held leadership positions in Voya, Inc.’s strategic finance group, including during the company’s IPO and rebranding initiatives. She began her career at Ernst & Young serving multiple clients in Ernst & Young’s assurance practice, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Georgia.
“Beth will be instrumental in driving our strategic priorities, leveraging 130 years of history shaping the sound of music, and focusing on our future through strategic actions in service to music fans around the world,” says Cesar Gueikian, President and Interim CEO, Gibson Brands.
“I’m honored and so excited to be taking on this important role in leading Gibson Brands into the future alongside an exceptionally talented team whom I know very well,” says Rasnick. “My focus will continue to be on shaping our thriving world class instruments, sound and media/entertainment business across the global landscape and supporting our team through the limitless opportunities ahead.”
SESAC Music Group Acquires Music Services
/by Lorie HollabaughLynn Lowe, President of Music Services
SESAC Music Group has acquired Music Services, a music administration organization servicing publishers and labels with their own proprietary licensing and royalty management database program.
Music Services offers a comprehensive set of back-office administrative services
“We are thrilled to bring our licensing and administration services and over thirty years of experience to SESAC Music Group, a company that is so clearly aligned with our mission to support creators and independent publishers,” says Lowe. “The entire leadership team shares our vision and is eager to support our goal for continued growth, and we look forward to working together for many years.”
“We are honored to have Music Services in the SESAC Music Group family,” says SESAC Music Group Chairman and CEO John Josephson. “The quality of their label and publishing services and integrity of the team is unparalleled, and we are excited to help them expand their reach to a broader set of independent labels and publishers globally.”
Karl Michael Signs Global Publishing Deal With Peermusic
/by Lorie HollabaughKarl Michael. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
British recording artist and songwriter Karl Michael has signed an exclusive global co-publishing deal with Peermusic Nashville.
Originally from London, Michael fell in love with rap, soul and R&B as a youngster and supplemented his natural gifts with a fierce work ethic. During a decade spent chasing his musical dreams, he landed a couple of major record deals, which unfortunately fell apart before they could get off the ground. He also later became a contestant on UK’s edition of The Voice.
On one of his trips to Nashville, he began penning material for himself, writing a series of singles—starting with “Highs And The Lows”—that would land him his first deal as a solo artist. Recorded with producers Jon Levine (Dua Lipa, Alessia Cara) and Scott Spock (Rihanna, Britney Spears), the pop tunes hinted at everything from James Arthur and Musiq Soulchild to Maroon 5 and Sam Smith, as they reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of Michael’s personal and professional life.
Michael moved to Nashville in 2020, and following a European tour opening for Teddy Swims in May 2022, began working on his next EP, with plans to release new material in the fall of 2023. He has written with some of the biggest names in music, such as Bruno Mars with “Can We Dance,” which has racked up more than 81 million streams on Spotify. Other collaborators/co-writers include Yungblud (“Loner”), Teddy Swims (“Liar”), Mitchel Tenpenny (“Save Me”), Dallas Wilson, Spencer Rabin, On The Outside and more.
“I’m very excited about Karl Michael coming to peermusic. Karl is one of the best singers in town and writing some of my new favorite songs. You can feel his energy and excitement when he is in the building,” shares Michael Knox, President of Peermusic Nashville.
Michael adds, “Working with the team at Peermusic is a dream come true. This is a team of outstanding music publishers and to be able to leverage their global reach and network is a great opportunity.”
Musicians Hall Of Fame Rehomes Downtown Nashville’s Chet Atkins Statue
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): c.g.p., John Knowles; artist/comedian, Ray Stevens; sculptor, Russell Faxon; President of the American Federation of Musicians Nashville Chapter, Dave Pomeroy; CEO, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Linda Chambers; country music artist and c.g.p., Steve Wariner. Photo: Jacquelyn Marushka
The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum hosted a ceremony on June 9 to unveil the beloved Chet Atkins bronze statue, which was recently displaced from its home of 23 years at the corner of 5th and Union in downtown Nashville. The statue will now reside at the museum.
The ceremony to celebrate the most photographed statue in Nashville was hosted by the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum’s CEO, Linda Chambers, and country artist, legendary guitarist and Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee, Steve Wariner.
Other special guests at the unveiling of the likeness of the guitar master included Dave Pomeroy, President of the American Federation of Musicians Nashville Chapter; Russell Faxon, sculptor; John Knowles, certified guitar player, and singer, comedian and Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee Ray Stevens.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Signs Seth Mosley
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, bottom row): Carter Hammond, Seth Mosley and Rusty Gaston; (L-R, top row): Bryan Coleman and Kenley Flynn
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed award-winning songwriter, producer and musician Seth Mosley to a global publishing agreement.
Mosley is a two-time Grammy winner who has also won multiple Dove Awards, Billboard’s No.1 Christian Producer of the Year and SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year. He co-wrote Colton Dixon’s “Build a Boat,” which landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs and Christian AC Airplay charts and has achieved hit collaborations with For King & Country including “Fix My Eyes” and “Joy.”
Mosley co-wrote Gabby Barrett’s latest single “Glory Days,” which impacted country radio on Monday (June 12) and was the most-added single of the week. Mosley also has upcoming releases with Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Madeline Edwards and Kylie Morgan.
“Working with Seth is an absolute dream. His work ethic, talent and character are all first-class. We are so grateful for his belief in SMP Nashville to take his already decorated career to the next level,” shares Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Senior Director, Creative A&R, Kenley Flynn.
“I’m so thankful to be partnered with Sony. They have the best publishing team in the business. It’s an honor to work with people who take our songs as seriously as we do as writers. I genuinely feel like I have incredible champions in Kenley, Rusty [Gaston], and the rest of the top-notch creative crew. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” says Mosley.