Chapter 672
Nashville songwriter and recording artist Cidny Bullens has a tale to tell, and his memoir doing just that was celebrated at Parnassus Books on Tuesday evening (June 6).
His book is TransElectric: My Life As a Cosmic Rock Star and his appearance at the Green Hills store featured songs, readings and autographing. “This is the story of a rock & roller, a mother and a transgender man….all of them me,” he read.
During the first part of his career, the performer recorded nine albums on United Artists, Casablanca, MCA, Artemis and other labels as “Cindy” Bullens. Among them are the critically applauded Desire Wire (1978), Steal the Night (1979), Cindy Bullens (1989), Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth (1999) and Howling Trains and Barking Dogs (2010). Bullens made the pop charts with the singles “Survivor” (1979) and “Trust Me” (1980).
Along the way, the singer/guitarist earned a Grammy nomination, recorded with Rod Stewart, toured with Elton John, sang on the million-selling Grease movie soundtrack and appeared in Bob Dylan’s “Rolling Thunder Revue.”
His lively memoir contains anecdotes about Elton John (who wrote the book’s Foreward), Peter Wolf & Faye Dunaway, Meatloaf, Dr. John, Ringo Starr and more. Music events and conversations that occurred decades ago are recalled in vivid prose.
“I’ve been keeping a journal for years,” Bullens reported. “It’s a blessing and a curse to have those journals. I could not have written the book as factually without them. They made the book better.”
Cidny Bullens opened the event singing “Little Pieces” with his own, able, acoustic-guitar accompaniment. He then read from TransElectric. The singer-songwriter married and bore children during his rock-star days. He moved to Nashville in 1990 and transitioned from Cindy to Cidny a decade ago.
Following a reading, he again picked up his guitar and offered the melodic “Boxing with God.” Rodney Crowell then conducted a Q&A with the author. “Having written one of these memoirs [2011’s excellent Chinaberry Sidewalks], I know how much work goes into it,” said Crowell.
“I went through a dark night of the soul in writing this book,” replied Bullens. “But the book brought me back to myself.
“It’s a tough time for those in my community,” he continued, referring to the anti-trans legislation being enacted throughout the country. “It’s scary. I am one of the lucky ones.
“There is a whole section about Nashville in the book. Nashville saved my musical self. You guys accepted me for who I was…. a songwriter. I feel very loved tonight.”
His fellow musicians were out in force to show their support. Working the room were Jim Photoglo, Gary Nicholson, Lucinda Williams (who has her own new memoir, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You), Jonell Mosser, Mary Gauthier and Beth Nielsen Chapman.
Industry figures Jewly Hight, Brian Mansfield, Tracy Gershon, Slim Moon (who will soon issue a new Bullens record on his Kill Rock Stars Records label), Tim McFadden, Ann Powers, John Bridges, Bullens’ wife Tanya Taylor Rubinstein and more packed Parnassus.
Bonnie Raitt calls Cidny Bullens, “a firecracker of talent, personality and courage.” That’s a perfect description.
George Strait Kicks Off Summer With Two Record-Setting Stadium Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughGeorge Strait performing at Milwaukee’s American Family Field. Photo: Kirsten Schmitt/Brewers
George Strait attracted a record-setting 46,641 attendees to Milwaukee’s American Family Field last Saturday evening, beating Paul McCartney’s 2013 record by over 2,000 people.
The standout show came on the heels of last weekend’s record-setting 63,891 guests at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus for Buckeye Country Superfest.
“We truly have the best fans in the world. There’s nothing like seeing their faces when I walk on stage with my Ace in the Hole band jamming to ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas,'” shares Strait. “The energy they’re giving back to us is indescribable. I’m very grateful to all of the fans who come out to see us for these shows and I can’t wait to see you at the next one.”
“We have been fortunate to have a number of fantastic shows at American Family Field since we opened our doors. Our expectations for George Strait, Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town were very high and those expectations were blown away,” shares Jason Hartlund, Milwaukee Brewers Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We set venue records for concert attendance and gross ticket revenue, among others. The Brewers have worked with Messina Touring Group for over a decade and have always enjoyed the relationship. We look forward to working together on many future shows at American Family Field.”
The concerts have set the stage for a summer of stadium shows to come, including dates in Seattle (June 17), Denver (June 24), Nashville (July 28 & 29) and Tampa (Aug. 5).
2023 Gulf Coast Jam Celebrates Another Successful Sold-Out Event
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney performs for a sold-out crowd during the 2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam.
The 2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam wrapped up in Panama City Beach on Sunday night (June 4) after a successful, packed four-day event with a record-setting sellout of 30,000 country fans nightly.
Crowds were rocked by superstars Kenny Chesney, (who stepped up to headline after vocal cord injury forced Morgan Wallen to cancel), Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown and over 20 other artists.
Miranda Lambert performs for a sold-out crowd during the 2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam.
“Everything came together for record attendance, four absolutely wonderful days of music,” says Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “Our Jammers came from all 50 states and 14 foreign countries, and I hope had as much fun as we did presenting this amazing experience.”
Thursday’s Opening night at Frank Brown Park featured sets by Hardy, Breland, Dylan Marlowe, Them Dirty Roses as well as Jonboy Storey, and Lauren Alaina joined Hardy on stage for a rousing rendition of “One Beer.” Festival Executive Producer Lovelady and COO Mark Sheldon also announced Morgan Wallen as the headliner for the 2024 festival.
Lambert took time off from her “Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency” to perform a 90-minute set Friday evening, and Justin Moore, Warren Zeiders, Shane Profitt, Dozzi and the first of the top three winners of Wednesday’s Jim Beam Sessions competition rounded out the day of music.
Kane Brown performs for a sold-out crowd during the 2023 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam.
The entire crowd was in overdrive when Chesney and his “I Go Back 2023 Tour” hit the stage Saturday night. Chase Rice and Ernest, who performed earlier that evening, both joined Chesney on stage to trade vocals on his Uncle Kracker duet “When The Sun Goes Down.” Rice brought his nephew on stage to help him sing “Way Down Yonder,” and Bailey Zimmerman’s energetic set followed Lily Rose’s debut at the festival.
Kane Brown closed out the event, after first performing as an opening act at Gulf Coast Jam in 2017. He brought wife Katelyn on stage to perform their No. 1 single “Thank God.” Gabby Barrett turned the spotlight on her singer-songwriter husband, Cade Foehner, who sang a song to his wife. The evening’s lineup also included performances from Dylan Scott, Seaforth, and the third of three Jim Beam Welcome Sessions winners. An afternoon downpour forced the cancelation of MacKenzie Porter’s set.
“We have so many people to thank, in addition to these great artists who came to entertain and 30,000 fans who enjoyed all this beautiful city has to offer,” says Mark Sheldon, Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam COO.”Everyone with Panama City Beach and the Tourism Development Council, our first responders from Panama City Beach and Bay County, the local media, all of our staff and volunteers came together to pull off an amazing four days of music!”
Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher Among NMPA Top Gold & Platinum Songwriters For 1st Quarter Of 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs, Ray Fulcher
The National Music Publishers’ Association Gold & Platinum Program has announced the top songwriters for the first quarter of 2023, including the top artist-songwriter and top non-performing songwriter for the period.
Luke Combs was the top artist-songwriter overall with 26 certifications, including the 9X Platinum “Beautiful Crazy,” the 8X Platinum “Hurricane” and the 4X Platinum “Forever After All,” all published by Big Machine. He is now published by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
The top non-performing songwriter was Ray Fulcher, who scored 12 certifications for songs including “When It Rains It Pours,” “Does to Me” and “Reasons,” published by Sony Music Publishing. He is published by UMPG and River House/Sony Music Publishing.
“Man, kind of speechless to be honest,” says Combs. “All of the credit goes to my fans. They buy and stream the songs and albums, so none of this happens without them. This is honestly an award that should have their names on it. Huge thank you to them and everyone else who made this happen.”
“Pretty unreal to be included in this group, much less to be at the top for any period of time,” says Fulcher. “Thanks to country music fans and supporters for listening to these songs and believing in the music. I’m going to keep writing songs from the heart, and hopefully, y’all keep listening. Thanks!”
NMPA President & CEO, David Israelite, says, “The first quarter of this year was a big moment for country music. Fueled by the success of Luke and Ray, we saw the growth of country dominate the Gold & Platinum certifications. Huge congratulations to Luke Combs for consistently creating timeless music, and to Ray for working with him on such enduring, massive songs.”
During January, February and March, 1,736 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications were awarded. Click here to see the full list of songwriters and publishers honored this quarter.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Cidny Bullens Celebrates ‘TransElectric’ Book
/by Bobby KarlChapter 672
Nashville songwriter and recording artist Cidny Bullens has a tale to tell, and his memoir doing just that was celebrated at Parnassus Books on Tuesday evening (June 6).
His book is TransElectric: My Life As a Cosmic Rock Star and his appearance at the Green Hills store featured songs, readings and autographing. “This is the story of a rock & roller, a mother and a transgender man….all of them me,” he read.
During the first part of his career, the performer recorded nine albums on United Artists, Casablanca, MCA, Artemis and other labels as “Cindy” Bullens. Among them are the critically applauded Desire Wire (1978), Steal the Night (1979), Cindy Bullens (1989), Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth (1999) and Howling Trains and Barking Dogs (2010). Bullens made the pop charts with the singles “Survivor” (1979) and “Trust Me” (1980).
Along the way, the singer/guitarist earned a Grammy nomination, recorded with Rod Stewart, toured with Elton John, sang on the million-selling Grease movie soundtrack and appeared in Bob Dylan’s “Rolling Thunder Revue.”
His lively memoir contains anecdotes about Elton John (who wrote the book’s Foreward), Peter Wolf & Faye Dunaway, Meatloaf, Dr. John, Ringo Starr and more. Music events and conversations that occurred decades ago are recalled in vivid prose.
“I’ve been keeping a journal for years,” Bullens reported. “It’s a blessing and a curse to have those journals. I could not have written the book as factually without them. They made the book better.”
Cidny Bullens opened the event singing “Little Pieces” with his own, able, acoustic-guitar accompaniment. He then read from TransElectric. The singer-songwriter married and bore children during his rock-star days. He moved to Nashville in 1990 and transitioned from Cindy to Cidny a decade ago.
Following a reading, he again picked up his guitar and offered the melodic “Boxing with God.” Rodney Crowell then conducted a Q&A with the author. “Having written one of these memoirs [2011’s excellent Chinaberry Sidewalks], I know how much work goes into it,” said Crowell.
“I went through a dark night of the soul in writing this book,” replied Bullens. “But the book brought me back to myself.
“It’s a tough time for those in my community,” he continued, referring to the anti-trans legislation being enacted throughout the country. “It’s scary. I am one of the lucky ones.
“There is a whole section about Nashville in the book. Nashville saved my musical self. You guys accepted me for who I was…. a songwriter. I feel very loved tonight.”
His fellow musicians were out in force to show their support. Working the room were Jim Photoglo, Gary Nicholson, Lucinda Williams (who has her own new memoir, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You), Jonell Mosser, Mary Gauthier and Beth Nielsen Chapman.
Industry figures Jewly Hight, Brian Mansfield, Tracy Gershon, Slim Moon (who will soon issue a new Bullens record on his Kill Rock Stars Records label), Tim McFadden, Ann Powers, John Bridges, Bullens’ wife Tanya Taylor Rubinstein and more packed Parnassus.
Bonnie Raitt calls Cidny Bullens, “a firecracker of talent, personality and courage.” That’s a perfect description.
Lindsay Ell Signs With Concord Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Garrett Stephenson (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord), Claire Buchanan (Concord), Courtney Allen (Concord), Jen Hubbard (Concord); (L-R, bottom row): Melissa Spillman (Concord), Lindsay Ell, Brad Kennard (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman
Lindsay Ell has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing.
Born in Calgary and influenced by the blues and her love of playing the guitar, Ell started writing songs at age 10. She met guitarist Randy Bachman at age 13, who quickly became her mentor and produced her first album, Consider This, which was released in 2006 when Ell was just 17.
During the next decade, Ell released numerous Top 20 country singles as well as the EP Worth the Wait and the albums Alone (2009) and The Project (2017), which reached No. 4 on Billboard’s country charts. She has a Platinum No. 1 single “What Happens In A Small Town” featuring Brantley Gilbert, as well as two Canadian No. 1s under her belt, “Criminal” and “Want Me Back.” In August 2020, Ell released her solo album Heart Theory, a concept LP about the seven stages of grief, which reached No. 5 in Canada.
Ell has 18 CCMA Awards, and in 2022, stepped into the role of host of Canada’s Got Talent, where she’s recently been nominated for a 2023 Canadian Screen Award for Best Host or Presenter. Ell is currently touring in select U.S. and Canadian markets with Shania Twain on the “Queen of Me” tour, running through June. She returns as host later this year for season two of Canada’s Got Talent, and will also release new music.
“Lindsay is a dream partner for us at Concord!” says Brad Kennard, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “She has the obvious superstar voice, but also world-class songwriting, musicianship, and production skills! We simply can’t wait to work with her across various creative outlets within Concord.”
“It feels amazing to be part of a team that is so engaged in creating a nurturing environment for all their writers,” shares Ell. “Concord is so team-focused and from the moment I walked into that building, I felt like everyone had my back. I’m truly so excited to start this new chapter with this team!”
Jeff Skaggs Appointed As Head Of Milk & Honey Nashville [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellJeff Skaggs
Milk & Honey Music + Sports (M&H) has appointed Nashville-based industry veteran Jeff Skaggs as its new Head of Milk & Honey South.
Skaggs is charged with signing talent and working closely with Milk & Honey’s songwriter and producer roster as well as the company’s other offices like Los Angeles and London. He reports to the company’s CEO & Founder, Lucas Keller, GM and M&H Partner Nic Warner and M&H’s Partner and multi-Platinum, Grammy-winning songwriter and producer David Hodges. Skaggs will also be focused on running Top 5 Music publishing, a joint-venture between M&H and Hodges.
Since M&H’s inception, its clients have had hits with Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerina, Lady A, Maren Morris, Morgan Wallen, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill and more. Today nearly 100 songwriter, producer and artist clients call Milk & Honey home.
“Jeff Skaggs is a longtime friend of ours, and friend of Nashville—we look forward to having him at the helm of Milk & Honey South as we manage and publish great writers and producers, and continue building a great office in pop and country music,” says Keller.
Skaggs comes to M&H after working as VP of Creative at Creative Nation, where he oversaw the company’s creative team, managing and developing the songwriting careers of proven hitmakers, producers and artists such as Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Lori McKenna, Tyler Johnson and more.
Prior to Creative Nation, Skaggs was instrumental in starting and building the Kobalt Nashville office alongside Whitney Daane, who he had worked with at her independent publishing company, Mighty Isis Music. His other career stops include time at DreamWorks Records and UMG. Skaggs is also a graduation of Middle Tennessee State University’s Music Business program.
“Jeff was one of my first relationships in music while he was at Kobalt working closely with David Hodges, it was such a valuable/educational relationship for me in the early years of my career. So the opportunity to work closely again and at this capacity is something I’m very excited about. Looking forward to the years ahead and feel very fortunate to have him here with us all at M&H,” shares Warner.
Hodges adds, “Jeff was one of the first publishers I knew in Nashville, and I was blown away by his understanding of where the industry was and where it was going. As a true song man, I could always trust his ears and his ability to find and cultivate talent. I couldn’t be happier to be working with him again in this new chapter of Milk & Honey Nashville.”
Barbara Mandrell To Receive 2023 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award
/by Caela GriffinCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced legendary country music artist Barbara Mandrell as the 2023 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award recipient. Mandrell will be honored during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on July 10 at the Virgin Hotel Nashville.
The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country radio and country music through their leadership, engagement, and creativity. Past recipients include Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, George Strait and The Judds, among others.
The Texas native’s exceptional music talents were evident with her early adoption of the accordion and steel guitar, which caught the attention of Joe Maphis. She joined Maphis’ show in Las Vegas before touring with The Johnny Cash Show and her family band. After her marriage in 1967, Mandrell returned to the stage as a solo artist, and went on to become one of the most-awarded country acts in history. She also had a celebrated television career with the NBC variety show Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters.
Mandrell officially retired from the music industry in 1997 and has since been inducted into multiple halls of fame for her remarkable career.
“We are honored to present the Artist Career Achievement Award to Barbara Mandrell, a true icon in the music industry. Her incredible talent, dedication and passion have inspired generations of artists and fans alike. It is a privilege to recognize her outstanding contributions and celebrate her remarkable career,” says CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson.
Endurance Music Group Expands Team With Steven Singer & Adam Gruss
/by Lorie HollabaughSteven Singer & Adam Gruss
Endurance Music Group (EMG) has added Steven Singer as Vice President of Catalog Development and Adam Gruss as Label Royalties Manager to its growing team.
Reporting to Senior Vice President Mark Ahlberg, Singer is responsible for managing all aspects of EMG’s recorded music catalog, including identifying new business and marketing opportunities, working with their distribution partners as well as other special physical products and digital projects. Gruss’ responsibilities include the processing and distribution of monthly and quarterly royalties for all in-house projects and EMG’s distributor and label royalty clients.
Hailing from the Boston area, Singer is a music industry veteran who spent more than two decades at Universal Music Group (UMG). He was the first person to graduate from Northeastern University’s Music Industry program, earning a B.S. with a minor in Business Administration. Singer also spent time at Naxos of America and most recently served as Spirit Music Group’s Vice President of Digital Strategy. He has worked with artists including Elton John, Sting, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and more, and has managed high-profile projects such as the original Wicked and Mamma Mia! cast recordings.
Originally from New Jersey, Gruss got his start in royalties with Razor & Tie in 2014 while living in New York. The label was later picked up by Concord Music Group, where he stayed for six years, and which eventually led him to Nashville. After a one-year stint in Business Management with Tri Star Sports and Entertainment, his move to Endurance marks his return to the world of label royalties.
“Steve’s background in both publishing and record label operations has immediately proven invaluable to our team. Our catalog of developed and acquired masters continues to grow, and we are excited to see Steve bring extra focus and energy to that part of our business. Adam’s extensive experience in label royalties, along with his attention to detail and obvious passion for the job, is exactly what our admin team needs right now. We are thrilled to have these two incredibly talented and enthusiastic music people join our growing Endurance family,” says Ahlberg
Jonas Group Entertainment Opens Office On Music Row
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Kevin Jonas, Sr., Founder JGE; Denise Jonas; Leslie Dipiero, President, JGP; Phil Guerini, CEO, JGE; George Kreis, President Jonas Group Holdings; Emily Peacock, JGP, Rachel Inglesino, JGE
Those of us on Music Row have a new neighbor. Jonas Group Entertainment officially opened its doors at 1600 17th Avenue South this week, and welcomed industry friends and partners to take a peak inside at an open house.
The historic bungalow home will be a space for creativity and community, with its writer rooms, sitting rooms, kitchen and studio.
The opening is another step towards Jonas Group Entertainment’s further integration into the Nashville community. The company’s founder, Kevin Jonas, Sr., established the firm while managing his sons, the multi-Platinum selling Jonas Brothers.
Now, JGE is led by Chief Executive Officer, Phil Guerini, who has amassed more than 25 years of experience across three divisions and five businesses at The Walt Disney Company, multiple major market radio stations and record labels. In April JGE announced the hiring of Music Row veteran Leslie DiPiero, who now serves as President of Jonas Group Publishing.
Housing entertainment management, artist brand development, film and television and music publishing, JGE works with artists such as Darby, Franklin Jonas, Harper Grace, Hayley Orrantia, Hello Sister, Levi Hummon, LIVVIA, MaRynn Taylor, Mallary Hope, Mandy Harvey and The Band Light.
Jake Owen Plots ‘Loose Cannon Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen is kicking off his 12-date headlining “Loose Cannon Tour” Sept. 7 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tyler Booth and Mississippi trio Daves Highway will support Owen on the tour, which plans to visit Minneapolis, Tulsa, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Las Vegas and more through Oct. 28. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
The tour follows the summer release of Owen’s seventh studio album, Loose Cannon, available Friday, June 23. Fans already received their first splash of the 16-track project with tracks “Solo, Solo,” “Nothing,” “Hot Truck Beer” and new single “On The Boat Again.”
“I’m so excited to get back on the road and share all the new music from Loose Cannon with you,” says Owen. “This collection of songs was made for the fans and I look forward to seeing everyone party and sing along at each show. Can’t wait to see y’all out there!”