Willie Nelson & Sheryl Crow
Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow are among the 2023 inductees who will join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. They will be minted at the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Nelson and Crow are joined by Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners in the Performer Category. DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will received the Musical Influence Award, and Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award. Don Cornelius will take home the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The inductees were announced via Apple Music 1 livestream during a one-hour special with hosts Ebro Darden, Rebecca Judd, Matt Wilkinson, Brooke Reese and Kelleigh Bannen, with special guests Crow and Taupin.
“This year’s incredible group of inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” says John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”
To be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artists are required to have released their first record 25 years prior to induction. Four of seven inductees in the performer category were on the ballot for the first time, including Nelson, Crow, Elliott and Michael.
With over 60 years in the music business, Nelson—songwriter, performer, anti-establishment outlaw, political activist and philanthropist—is an American institution. Nelson may call country music his home, but he has always pushed stylistic boundaries—mixing in rock & roll, jazz, pop and blues.
Nelson’s first success came writing hits for country’s biggest stars, including Patsy Cline (“Crazy”) and Ray Price (“Night Life”) and songs that have become standards (“Funny How Time Slips Away”). In 1962, Nelson released the first of a staggering 73 solo studio albums. But he chafed at working within Nashville’s confines, and in 1972 he returned home to Texas to make music on his own terms. Connecting with Austin’s counterculture, Nelson recorded for Atlantic, combining country with rock and blues. Songs like the autobiographical “Me and Paul” (1971) groove and swing with blues licks, while pedal steel and piano soar in the foreground. Nelson and co-conspirators Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser ushered in the outlaw country movement, with their Wanted! The Outlaws becoming the first country album to go Platinum.
By 1975, Nelson was a superstar. His concept album Red Headed Stranger (1975) delivered his first No. 1 hit, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” In true outlaw fashion, Nelson released a gospel album, Troublemaker (1976), and an album of pop standards (produced by Booker T), Stardust (1978); both went to No. 1. While continuing to create a songwriter’s dream catalog, Nelson also formed supergroup the Highwaymen with Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Crow, Ray Charles, Julio Iglesias, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Wynton Marsalis and Snoop Dogg.
Nelson’s work has influenced generations of musicians, from Neil Young to John Mellencamp to Kacey Musgraves, and his personal actions have supported the welfare of millions of Americans. In 1985, Nelson cofounded Farm Aid to assist family farmers. He is Co-Chair of NORML, which supports marijuana legalization, and advocates for numerous causes including animal welfare and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Crow’s voice is forever woven into the tapestry of American music. Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues and the work of countless singer-songwriters.
Crow got her big break singing backup for Michael Jackson’s “Bad World Tour” in 1987. From there, she became a session musician, providing backing vocals for Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, and Don Henley—while simultaneously writing songs for Celine Dion, Tina Turner and Wynonna Judd. Signed to A&M as a solo artist, Crow released her 1993 debut album Tuesday Night Music Club—a revered classic that resulted in three of her nine Grammys, including Best Female Rock Vocal and Record of the Year for “All I Wanna Do.” Crow produced and played several of the instruments on her 1996 self-titled sophomore album, which was another commercial hit and won two additional Grammys. Her success continued into the 2000s with Platinum albums C’mon, C’mon (2002) and Wildflower (2005) and Gold-certified Detours (2008).
Throughout her career, Crow has collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock and country music—Keith Richards, Prince, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to name a few—drawing a who’s-who of artists to work on her self-identified final album, 2019’s Threads. The supergroup-level collaborations Crow created between veteran and younger artists culminate in an album that encapsulates her spiritual, political and musical worldviews. Threads includes the socially conscious “Story of Everything” featuring Chuck D, Andra Day and Gary Clark, Jr. as well as the rootsy “Prove You Wrong” with Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris, and Eric Clapton, Sting and Brandi Carlile covering George Harrison’s devotional “Beware of Darkness.”
The vast catalog of this soulful rock superstar earns Crow the title given to her by country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton: “One of the best that we’ve ever had… and may ever have.”
Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow Among Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2023 Inductees
/by LB CantrellWillie Nelson & Sheryl Crow
Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow are among the 2023 inductees who will join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. They will be minted at the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Nelson and Crow are joined by Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners in the Performer Category. DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will received the Musical Influence Award, and Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award. Don Cornelius will take home the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The inductees were announced via Apple Music 1 livestream during a one-hour special with hosts Ebro Darden, Rebecca Judd, Matt Wilkinson, Brooke Reese and Kelleigh Bannen, with special guests Crow and Taupin.
“This year’s incredible group of inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” says John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”
To be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artists are required to have released their first record 25 years prior to induction. Four of seven inductees in the performer category were on the ballot for the first time, including Nelson, Crow, Elliott and Michael.
With over 60 years in the music business, Nelson—songwriter, performer, anti-establishment outlaw, political activist and philanthropist—is an American institution. Nelson may call country music his home, but he has always pushed stylistic boundaries—mixing in rock & roll, jazz, pop and blues.
Nelson’s first success came writing hits for country’s biggest stars, including Patsy Cline (“Crazy”) and Ray Price (“Night Life”) and songs that have become standards (“Funny How Time Slips Away”). In 1962, Nelson released the first of a staggering 73 solo studio albums. But he chafed at working within Nashville’s confines, and in 1972 he returned home to Texas to make music on his own terms. Connecting with Austin’s counterculture, Nelson recorded for Atlantic, combining country with rock and blues. Songs like the autobiographical “Me and Paul” (1971) groove and swing with blues licks, while pedal steel and piano soar in the foreground. Nelson and co-conspirators Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser ushered in the outlaw country movement, with their Wanted! The Outlaws becoming the first country album to go Platinum.
By 1975, Nelson was a superstar. His concept album Red Headed Stranger (1975) delivered his first No. 1 hit, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” In true outlaw fashion, Nelson released a gospel album, Troublemaker (1976), and an album of pop standards (produced by Booker T), Stardust (1978); both went to No. 1. While continuing to create a songwriter’s dream catalog, Nelson also formed supergroup the Highwaymen with Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Crow, Ray Charles, Julio Iglesias, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Wynton Marsalis and Snoop Dogg.
Nelson’s work has influenced generations of musicians, from Neil Young to John Mellencamp to Kacey Musgraves, and his personal actions have supported the welfare of millions of Americans. In 1985, Nelson cofounded Farm Aid to assist family farmers. He is Co-Chair of NORML, which supports marijuana legalization, and advocates for numerous causes including animal welfare and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Crow’s voice is forever woven into the tapestry of American music. Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues and the work of countless singer-songwriters.
Crow got her big break singing backup for Michael Jackson’s “Bad World Tour” in 1987. From there, she became a session musician, providing backing vocals for Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, and Don Henley—while simultaneously writing songs for Celine Dion, Tina Turner and Wynonna Judd. Signed to A&M as a solo artist, Crow released her 1993 debut album Tuesday Night Music Club—a revered classic that resulted in three of her nine Grammys, including Best Female Rock Vocal and Record of the Year for “All I Wanna Do.” Crow produced and played several of the instruments on her 1996 self-titled sophomore album, which was another commercial hit and won two additional Grammys. Her success continued into the 2000s with Platinum albums C’mon, C’mon (2002) and Wildflower (2005) and Gold-certified Detours (2008).
Throughout her career, Crow has collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock and country music—Keith Richards, Prince, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to name a few—drawing a who’s-who of artists to work on her self-identified final album, 2019’s Threads. The supergroup-level collaborations Crow created between veteran and younger artists culminate in an album that encapsulates her spiritual, political and musical worldviews. Threads includes the socially conscious “Story of Everything” featuring Chuck D, Andra Day and Gary Clark, Jr. as well as the rootsy “Prove You Wrong” with Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris, and Eric Clapton, Sting and Brandi Carlile covering George Harrison’s devotional “Beware of Darkness.”
The vast catalog of this soulful rock superstar earns Crow the title given to her by country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton: “One of the best that we’ve ever had… and may ever have.”
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Carries On Chart-Topping Streak
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen persists atop the country charts this week as “Last Night” stays at No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart with 27 million new streams, adding to 359 million RTD. His One Thing At A Time album maintains its No. 1 position on the country albums chart with 149K in total consumption (5.3K album only/180 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover claims No. 2 once again on the country streaming songs chart with 15 million streams, adding to 60 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” rises to No. 3 with 12.7 million streams adding to 117 million RTD. “You Proof” follows close behind at No. 4, adding 12.7 million streams to its 557 million RTD. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” rests at No. 5 with 11 million streams adding to 619 million RTD.
The top five country albums stay the same again this week.
Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album continues at No. 2 with 48K (1.7K album only/59 million song streams), followed by Combs’ Gettin’ Old at No. 3 with 39K (3.6K album only/44 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak remains at No. 4 with 27K (1.8K album only/32 million song streams) and Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) holds No. 5 with 22K (4.8K album only/23 million song streams).
Gibson Brands Appoints Cesar Gueikian As President & Interim CEO
/by Steven BoeroCesar Gueikian. Photo: Courtesy of Gibson Brands
Gibson Brands’ Board of Directors has appointed Cesar Gueikian as President and Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Gueikian succeeds James “JC” Curleigh, who has held the role since November 2018. Curleigh will exit the company and step down as a director.
Gueikian joined Gibson as Chief Merchant Officer in 2018 and was appointed as Brand President in 2021. In those roles, Gueikian has spearheaded pioneering solutions for brand momentum, product innovation, media evolution and artist relations. He has been instrumental in the resurgence of Gibson, setting a new strategy centered around instruments, sound and an expansion into media. He brings 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, investor and financier, and a lifelong passion for music and guitars.
“We are transitioning to new leadership at a time of strength to ensure the company continues its momentum and is well-positioned to execute on its next phase of growth,” says Nat Zilkha, Chairman of Gibson’s Board of Directors. “Cesar has played a huge role in the company’s recent success, including securing critical artist partnerships and overseeing the evolution of many of our most iconic product lines, and the Board has full confidence in his leadership.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank JC for helping to return Gibson to its status as an iconic brand over the last five years. We are grateful for his leadership and contributions to our partners, customers, and the music industry, and we wish him the best in his next chapter,” sums Zilkha.
“I am honored to take on this important role with a company that means so much to me,” says Gueikian. “Gibson has shaped sound for the last 130 years, and we now have the opportunity to drive the future of music and touch people’s lives for the next 130 years. We have an obligation to continue innovating across instruments, sound, and media and to continue inspiring fans and artists of all levels to create music. I look forward to working closely with our experienced senior leadership and team of incredible craftspeople to ensure the long-term success of the business.”
“It has been a privilege to lead Gibson, and I’m tremendously proud of what we accomplished as a team,” says Curleigh. “I am ready for my next challenge and want to thank the Board and the Gibson team for the opportunity to guide this company. I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the future.”
Cam Montgomery Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Relative Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (SMP Nashville, CEO), Caroline Bouldin (RMG, Creative Director); (L-R, front row): Dennis Matkosky (RMG, Partner), Hardy (RMG, Partner), Cameron Montgomery, Jesse Matkosky (RMG, Partner). Photo: Lily Nelson
Cam Montgomery has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Relative Music Group.
Montgomery has made a name for himself as an in-demand hitmaker across a wide range of genres, penning songs for artists including Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, 24kGoldn, Hardy, Winona Oak, Nelly, Walker Hayes, Kira Kosarin, Justin Moore and others.
Some of his recent cuts include Morgan Wallen’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “I Wrote The Book,” as well as Hardy’s “.30-06” featured on his album The Mockingbird & The Crow, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.
“We are already rocking with Cam and can’t wait to hear the next song,” says Founder, Relative Music Group Dennis Matkosky. “His integrity and skill set enables him to cross genres with a consistent emotional thread and he’s a great human!”
“The first time I wrote with Cam and he sent me the track I thought to myself, ‘Damn, this kid is good.’ A couple of years later he moved to L.A. and I was worried I wouldn’t get to work with him much anymore,” says Hardy. “But by the grace of god, he’s back working in Nashville and I am so honored to be able to sign a producer/writer as talented as Cam. He’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet and he’s willing to work hard. We’re excited to watch him grow and can’t wait to hear what he turns in. Welcome back to town Cam.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Relative Music and SMP family, and for the opportunity to work alongside Dennis, Jesse [Matkosky] and Hardy,” says Montgomery. “I’m very lucky to be a part of a team that wants to help foster my growth as a writer/producer in both Los Angeles and Nashville. Hardy and I have also been longtime friends and collaborators so this feels like a very full circle moment. Can’t wait for what’s ahead with this team.”
Breland Slates International Headlining Tour For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughBreland
Breland will embark on a headlining tour of the United Kingdom and Europe this fall, with support from Avery Anna.
The journey will launch in Europe in early September, visiting Stockholm, Copenhagen, Glasgow and more before heading into the U.K. for five dates, including London’s Electric Ballroom on Sept. 9. Tickets for all dates are available for presale this Thursday, May 4, with general sale beginning this Friday, May 5. For more information, click here.
Ahead of the tour, Breland will be performing on the main stage at The Long Road Festival on Aug. 27, and as part of the Heart To Heart songwriter series for three dates in Germany.
“The U.K. has been so important for me as a performer,” he shares. “After my first trip out there last year, I knew I had found an audience that could grow with me over time. I’d love to be one of the primary ambassadors for country music overseas, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running on this debut headline tour.”
The rising young artist is currently touring arenas across North America with Walker Hayes on his “Duck Buck Tour,” and will join Shania Twain on her “Queen of Me Tour” in June. Breland and Twain have also collaborated on a release of a new version of “Inhale/Exhale Air” from her new album Queen Of Me.
James T. Slater Taps Into Key West Vibes For New Album [Interview]
/by LB CantrellJames T. Slater
James T. Slater, the songwriter behind such hits as the Grammy-nominated Jamey Johnson’s “The High Cost of Living” and Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” is releasing a collection of his own, Famous In Key West (Shrimp Boat Studio Sessions).
Slater is a BMG songwriter of Bolivian American descent. He’s had songs cut by artists such as Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Chris Young and many more. Some of his recent successes include Keith Urban‘s No. 1 hit “God Whispered Your Name” and Luke Combs‘ rising “Joe.”
For his new collection, Slater reached back into his early influences to make music like that he grew up on: piano tunes.
“I started the piano when I was nine. My heroes have always been piano players: Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Elton John and Billy Joel. I can play all that stuff—I love classical pianists and boogie-woogie pianists,” Slater tells MusicRow. “I’ve lived in Nashville for 20 years now. When I came to town, I always thought I wanted to be the Randy Newman of Nashville.”
Slater’s new album gets its name from his experience over the years at the BMI Key West Songwriter Festival, which kicks off its 27th year tomorrow (May 3). Slater has found the annual gathering to be a great source of inspiration.
“I got invited to the Key West Songwriters Festival when I first moved here and I’ve been going for 20 years. I just love Key West. I love that Hemingway lived there as well as Jimmy Buffett, Jerry Jeff Walker and Tennessee Williams.”
Slater was able to record the album at Buffett’s private studio, Shrimp Boat Sounds, which finds him in good company of artists that have been allowed to record there, including George Strait, who has recorded several albums there.
“I always went by and wondered what it would be like to record in there,” he says. “All of a sudden, I start writing songs for artists like Kenny Chesney and Old Dominion, and getting my own following in Key West, and I ended up meeting some people that run the place and they [invited me] to cut a piano record there.”
So, with an invitation to record at Buffett’s Key West oasis, Slater went in over Christmas to record his 12-track project.
As for the tunes on the album, Slater has recorded some unheard originals as well as his own versions of “God Moves The Pen,” which McGraw cut on his 2020 Here on Earth album, and “Guys Named Captain,” which Chesney included on his 2020 Here and Now album. The latter song means a lot to him, as it was inspired by his father.
“My dad passed away six years ago now. That’s who I wrote ‘Guys Named Captain’ for,” Slater says. “It was basically a postcard to my dad, who was a ocean-loving, boat-loving, Key West-loving, mandolin-playing psychiatrist.”
Slater will play some songs from his new album in Key West this week, as well as his beloved hits. Click here to see the full schedule for the Key West Songwriter Festival.
Famous In Key West (Shrimp Boat Studio Sessions) Track List:
1. Famous In Key West
2. Petronia Blues
3. Guayabera
4. Mermaids Are Real
5. Guys Named Captain
6. God Moves The Pen
7. That’s Why God Made Mexico
8. When You Are Young
9. Smugglers Town
10. Heartbreak Superstar
11. My Life In Black And White
12. Rainy Day In Key West
Tape Room Music Promotes Three Team Members
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Blain Rhodes, Kelly Bolton and Caroline Hodson
Tape Room Music, the award-winning publishing and artist development company founded by hitmaker Ashley Gorley, has promoted Blain Rhodes to President, Kelly Bolton to Senior Vice President, A&R and Caroline Hodson to Manager, A&R.
Tape Room’s current roster of writers include Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Brad Clawson, Zach Crowell, Ben Johnson, Wyatt McCubbin, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Jordan Rowe, Savana Santos, Andy Sheridan and Will Weatherly. With plans to grow in 2023, the company has amassed three Grammy nominations, won 15 ASCAP Country Awards and three CMA Song of the Year Nominations.
In 2022, Tape Room celebrated eight weeks of topping the radio charts, with two year-end No. 1 songs. Johnson’s “Take My Name” topped the year-end Billboard Country Airplay chart, while Phelps and Weatherly’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” led the Mediabase Year-End Country Airplay chart. Additionally, Tape Room published the 2022 CMA Song of the Year “Buy Dirt,” Crowell and Phelps were recipients of the CMA Triple Play Awards in 2022 and Johnson was named a Triple Play recipient this year. Phelps and Gorley are also currently up for the Songwriter of the Year title at this year’s ACM Awards.
“I’m so proud of our staff and the growth of Tape Room over the last five years,” shares Gorley. “We have celebrated some great achievements, but we are just getting started and I’m excited to keep crushing it!”
Rhodes joined Tape Room Music in 2017, rising through the ranks to his new role of President. Prior to joining Tape Room, he previously served as Director of A&R at UMG Nashville. While at UMG, Rhodes played a crucial part in the signings of artists Tyminski and Travis Denning. He also worked on projects by Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin and more. Prior to UMG, Rhodes spent four years as Manager of A&R at Warner Chappell Nashville, where he placed songs with Bryan, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Jon Pardi, Blake Shelton and Billy Currington, among others. Rhodes began his career working on the road with Bryan after graduating from Georgia Southern University.
Bolton came to Tape Room in 2018, formerly serving as VP of Creative. She has since overseen song-plugging, new talent acquisition and writer calendar management as well as the creation and maintenance of writer contracts in addition to all marketing and social media efforts for the company. Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, Bolton developed an ear and a specific passion for songwriters in high school and graduated with a B.A. in music from Centre College. Her previous career stops include time at TKO Artist Management, Black River Entertainment and Big Deal Music (now Hipgnosis Songs).
Hodson joined the team in early 2021 and most recently served as Creative Coordinator, overseeing the catalog and assisting with calendar management as well as coordinating co-writes, writer communication and marketing efforts. She developed her passion for publishing and admiration for songwriting through various A&R and publishing internships around Nashville, her final being at Tape Room. Hodson also served as the Director of Education for Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) Nashville for three years. She graduated from Belmont University in 2020.
Folk Mainstay Gordon Lightfoot Dies At 84
/by LB CantrellGordon Lightfoot
Canadian folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot died on Monday (May 1) at the age of 84. His passing was announced by his family.
Lightfoot had success in success in folk, folk-rock and country music. His legacy is his key involvement helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s. With songs such as “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Sundown,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Early Morning Rain,” “For Lovin’ Me” and more, he is known to many as Canada’s greatest songwriter.
Born Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. on November 17, 1938 in Orillia, Ontario, Lightfoot exhibited musical promise as a child. His mother schooled him to become a successful child performer. As a child, Lightfoot sang in the choir at Orillia’s St. Paul’s United Church and performed periodically in public. He learned piano and taught himself to play the drums as a teenager.
After graduating high school, he spent two years in California studying jazz composition and orchestration at Hollywood’s Westlake College of Music. He eventually grew tired of LA and returned to Toronto in 1960, where he stayed until his death.
Lightfoot’s career began when two singles, both recorded at RCA in Nashville and produced by Chet Atkins, became local hits in Toronto—”(Remember Me) I’m the One” and “Negotiations / It’s Too Late, He Wins.” In 1963, Lightfoot travelled in Europe and hosted BBC TV’s Country and Western Show, returning to Canada in 1964.
Lightfoot’s songwriting prowess began to earn him cuts by other artists, with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Chad & Jeremy, George Hamilton IV, the Clancy Brothers and the Johnny Mann Singers all cutting his songs. Ian and Sylvia Tyson had success with “Early Mornin’ Rain” and “For Lovin’ Me,” as did Peter, Paul and Mary. Established recording artists such as Marty Robbins (“Ribbon of Darkness”), Leroy Van Dyke (“I’m Not Saying”), Judy Collins (“Early Morning Rain”), Richie Havens and Spyder Turner (“I Can’t Make It Anymore”) and the Kingston Trio (“Early Morning Rain”) all achieved chart success with Lightfoot’s material.
After signing a recording contract with United Artists in 1965, Lightfoot released his version of “I’m Not Sayin'” as a single. He released his debut album Lightfoot! in 1966, which featured the now-famous songs “For Lovin’ Me,” “Early Mornin’ Rain,” “Steel Rail Blues” and “Ribbon of Darkness.”
Throughout his career, Lightfoot was able to have success from his home in Canada without moving to any music mecca, though he often recorded in Nashville at Owen and Jerry Bradley’s Bradley’s Barn during the ’60s.
Between 1966 and 1969, Lightfoot recorded four additional albums for United Artists: The Way I Feel (1967), Did She Mention My Name? (1968), Back Here on Earth (1968), and the live recording Sunday Concert (1969). He placed several singles in the Canadian top 40, including “Go-Go Round,” “Spin, Spin” and “The Way I Feel.” One of Lightfoot’s biggest hits was a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Canadian charts in 1965.
When he signed with Warner Bros./Reprise in 1970, Lightfoot had a big hit in the U.S. with “If You Could Read My Mind,” which sold over one million copies. He recorded a series of successful singer-songwriter albums in the ’70s.
Lightfoot was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in 1972. The condition left his face partially paralyzed for a time and reduced his touring schedule, but he continued to have hits.
1974’s “Sundown” became his only No. 1 hit in the United States. He released another fan-favorite, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” in 1976. The tune was based on the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which claimed the lives of all 29 crew members on November 10, 1975. It hit No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Canada.
During the ’80s and the ’90s, Lightfoot recorded six more original albums and a compilation record.
His health began to suffer more substantially in the early 2000s. He underwent emergency vascular surgery for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in 2002, and endured a six-week coma while recovering from it. In 2006, he suffered a minor stroke in the middle of a performance.
Lightfoot persevered, making music and touring up until three weeks ago, when he canceled his tour due to his declining health.
Gordon Lightfoot was a renowned tunesmith, having influenced generations of songwriters and musicians. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012. He was awarded 16 Juno Awards throughout his career, and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by SOCAN at the 2014 SOCAN Awards in Toronto.
Lightfoot is survived by his wife, actress Kim Hasse, as well as his six children.
Old Dominion Extends ‘No Bad Vibes Tour’ Through December
/by Lorie HollabaughOld Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion has added a new leg to their U.S. “No Bad Vibes Tour.”
Visiting over 30 additional arenas nationwide, the new round of dates will kick off Sept. 7 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan and wrap at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in December.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 5. America
The band has been traveling the country on their “No Bad Vibes Tour” since January, playing shows in sold-out arenas to thousands since the start of 2023. Following an appearance at Stagecoach Festival this past weekend, the band’s tour will stop next at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah this Friday, May 5.
The tour announcement comes off the heels of the group’s recent ACM nomination for Group of the Year, marking the eighth consecutive year Old Dominion has been nominated in the category. They have taken home the title the last five years.
Old Dominion also recently debuted their new single “I Should Have Married You,” which was written and produced by Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung and Brad Tursi alongside Shane McAnally.
“No Bad Vibes Tour” New Dates:
Sept. 7 – Grand Rapids, MI / Van Andel Arena
Sept. 8 –Milwaukee, WI / Fiserv Forum
Sept. 9 – St. Paul, MN / Xcel Energy Center
Sept. 14 – Detroit, MI / Little Caesars Arena
Sept. 15 – Pittsburgh, PA / PPG Paints Arena
Sept. 16 – Niagara Falls, ON / OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
Sept. 21 – Boston, MA / TD Garden
Sept. 22 – Uncasville, CT / Mohegan Sun Arena
Sept. 23 – Belmont Park, NY / UBS Arena
Sept. 28 – Charleston, SC / Credit One Stadium
Sept. 29 – Charlotte, NC / Spectrum Center
Sept. 30 – Raleigh, NC / PNC Arena
Oct. 5 – Roanoke, VA / Berglund Center
Oct. 6 – Greenville, SC / Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Oct. 7 – Atlanta, GA / State Farm Arena
Oct. 26 – Glendale, AZ / Desert Diamond Arena
Oct. 27 – Los Angeles, CA / Crypto.com Arena
Nov. 1 – Seattle, WA / Climate Pledge Arena
Nov. 2 – Portland, OR / Moda Center
Nov. 4 – Salt Lake City, UT / Vivint Arena
Nov. 16 – Fort Wayne, IN / Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Nov. 17 – Rosemont, IL / Allstate Arena
Nov. 18 – St. Louis, MO / Enterprise Center
Nov. 30 – Wilkes-Barre, PA / Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Dec. 1 – State College, PA / Bryce Jordan Center
Dec. 2 – Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena
Dec. 7 – Des Moines, IA / Wells Fargo Arena
Dec. 8 – Kansas City, MO / T-Mobile Center
Dec. 9 – Lincoln, NE / Pinnacle Bank Arena
Dec. 13 – Columbus, OH / Nationwide Arena
Dec. 14 – Louisville, KY / KFC Yum! Center
Dec. 15 – Nashville, TN / Bridgestone Arena
Willie Nelson’s Epic 90th Birthday Party Featured Surprise Guests, Unforgettable Collabs
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Willie Nelson and Keith Richards. Photo: Randall Michelson/Hewitt Silva-Live Nation
Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday on April 29 and 30 with a series of all-star performances honoring the legacy of the country legend, billed as “Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, A Star-Studded Concert Celebrating Willie’s 90th Birthday at the Hollywood Bowl.”
Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson perform on night one of Long Story Short. Photo Credit: Joshua Timmermans
The epic 90th birthday party was a who’s who of musical greats, with everyone from surprise guest Keith Richards to George Strait showing up to pay tribute to Nelson at the celebration. The lineup of artists included Beck, Billy Strings, Bob Weir, Buddy Cannon, Chris Stapleton, Daniel Lanois, Dave Matthews, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Gary Clark Jr., Jack Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Kris Kristofferson, Leon Bridges, Lily Meola, Lukas Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Miranda Lambert, Nathaniel Rateliff, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow, Shooter Jennings, Snoop Dogg, Stephen Stills, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, Tom Jones, Tyler Childers, Ziggy Marley, and many more.
Some of the weekend’s highlights included Kris Kristofferson returning to the stage; Stephen Stills reuniting onstage with Neil Young for “Long May You Run;” Chris Stapleton’s rendition of “Always On My Mind;” Willie and Snoop Dogg’s “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die;” Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson, Micah Nelson, Shooter Jennings and Roseanne Cash performing “The Highwaymen;” and Willie and Keith Richards’ duet for “We Had It All” and “Live Forever.”
Kris Kristofferson and Norah Jones. Photo Credit: Randall Michelson/Hewitt Silva-Live Nation
The star-studded celebration also featured special tributes and presentations by comedians Chelsea Handler and Gabriel Iglesias, as well as actors Ethan Hawke, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson.
Prior to the concert on Saturday, Council-member Nithya Raman and the Los Angeles City Council declared Willie’s birthday, April 29, 2023, as “Willie Nelson Day” in the City of Los Angeles. Council-member Raman, along with Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Supervisor Kathryn Barger presented Willie with commemorative plaques backstage at the event.