Gordon 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.
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.
Sara Knabe Joins Big Loud As SVP Of A&R
/by LB CantrellSara Knabe. Photo: Brayln Kelly
Big Loud has hired Sara Knabe as SVP of A&R. Effective immediately, Knabe will work in tandem with both the Big Loud Records and Big Loud Publishing A&R teams, leading across.
“This is one of the most exciting announcements we’ve gotten to make in a while,” says Big Loud CEO/Partner, Seth England. “Sara was the first person I meaningfully met in Nashville; I got my first internship with her, and she helped me meet [Big Loud Partner] Craig [Wiseman]. We’ve been working with Sara in a freelance capacity for a while now, and have been continuously impressed by her professionalism, her collaborative approach, and her ear for finding outstanding talent. I’m not sure there is any one A&R person in Nashville who has brought me and Joey [Moi] more songs over the years. It is fitting and overdue that she joins our team.”
“When Seth reached out to me about this role the answer was a Big Loud YES,” Knabe shares. “The remarkable history of Big Loud speaks for itself. Joining their cutting-edge creative team and working alongside a roster of this magnitude, in both the Records and Publishing divisions, is a dream scenario.”
Knabe joins the Big Loud staff after spending just under a year founding and cultivating her own Cake Maker Music, a music publishing, artist development and A&R consulting company. Prior to founding Cake Maker Music, Knabe spent several years as VP of A&R at BBR Music Group and VP of Creative at BMG Music Publishing. The Belmont graduate’s prior stops include Bug Music, Windswept Holdings, LLC and Harlan Howard Songs.
Reach Knabe at saraknabe@bigloud.com.
Levi Hummon Signs Management Deal With Jonas Group Entertainment [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): JGE’s Phil Guerini, Levi Hummon and JGE’s Kevin Jonas, Sr. Photo: Carly Butler/Remedy Creative
Singer-songwriter Levi Hummon has signed exclusively with Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE) for management. He has also extended his current worldwide publishing deal with Reservoir Media.
The signing follows the country pop fusionist’s viral success with songs such as “Good Riddance,” “Paying For It (feat. Walker Hayes)” and “Stupid.” With more than 162 million global streams, he has developed a dedicated fanbase and sold out headlining gigs in addition to opening for Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Tim McGraw and more.
Hummon kicked off 2023 by performing “Paying For It” and “RSVP” alongside Hayes and Cassadee Pope during his sold-out show at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley. Last week, he performed the collaboration with Hayes as well as “Good Riddance,” among other fan-favorites, in Napa Valley, California at Live In The Vineyard Goes Country.
Kevin Jonas Sr. founded entertainment management, brand development, film and music publishing company Jonas Group Entertainment while managing his sons, The Jonas Brothers. The company is helmed by industry and Walt Disney Company veteran Phil Guerini.
“From my first meeting with Phil, and then later getting to meet Kevin, I knew that Jonas Group Entertainment was the team that could elevate my career and take my music to a larger audience,” says Hummon. “What they are building here in Nashville and beyond is really special and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Levi to our JGE family as he heads into his biggest year yet. With great music and a loyal fanbase, Levi is a natural fit with our roster and we’re excited to continue elevating him to achieve his highest potential,” shares Guerini.
‘Shucked’ Earns Multiple Tony Nominations
/by LB CantrellShane McAnally, Brandy Clark. Photo: Emilio Madrid
Shucked, the musical written by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and produced by Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen alongside Broadway producer Mike Bosner, has earned nine Tony nominations.
The production is nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score (Music And/Or Lyrics) Written For The Theatre at the 2023 awards, which will take place June 11, 2023 from the United Palace in Washington Heights, in New York City.
Additionally, Shucked actors Kevin Cahoon and Alex Newell are nominated for Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role In A Musical.
Shucked‘s Jack O’Brien is nominated for Best Direction Of A Musical, Scott Pask is nominated for Best Scenic Design Of A Musical and John Shivers is nominated for Best Sound Design Of A Musical. Finally, Jason Howland is nominated for Best Orchestrations for his work on the renowned show.
Shucked is a tale from the heart of the heartlands helmed by prior Tony winners, and features a book written by Robert Horn and direction by O’Brien.
Stagecoach Celebrates 15th Anniversary [See Photos]
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson. Photo: Steve Thrasher, Courtesy of Stagecoach
One of the biggest country music festivals in the world, Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, celebrated its 15th anniversary this weekend. The Goldenvoice festival reached viewers around the world via the Amazon Music livestream.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Jody Domingue, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Luke Bryan was Friday night’s headliner. Before Bryan played some of his 30-plus No. 1 hits, Jon Pardi warmed up the crowd before he was surprised with an invitation to become the first-ever California native invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Other Friday highlights included Breland bringing out Danielle Bradbery during his set, while Elle King, Priscilla Block and Riley Green had audiences singing along to every word. ZZ Top headlined the Palomino Stage, while Trixie Mattel kicked off Stagecoach’s much-loved Late Night Palomino series. The night also saw a fantastic set by acclaimed mash-up DJ Girl Talk.
On Saturday, Kane Brown was night’s headliner. His pyro-packed set lit up the desert sky and had a special appearance from his wife and fellow artist Katelyn Brown. Just before him, Old Dominion played a perfect set of their hits. Over at the Palomino Stage, Bryan Adams was Saturday’s headliner.
Kameron Marlowe, Lily Rose and Stagecoach favorite Nikki Lane impressed fans across the festival on Saturday. Nelly wrapped up the night with his own Late Night Palomino set, while Dillon Francis had fans dancing well into the night at the Honky Tonk.
Chris Stapleton. Photo: Jacob Mulka, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Chris Stapleton closed out the festival with his headlining set on Sunday. Before his set, Brooks & Dunn brought their hits to the Mane Stage, in addition to bringing out Lainey Wilson for their song “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”
Tyler Childers headlined the Palomino Stage, while country artists and stars of the acclaimed TV show Yellowstone—Wilson, Ryan Bingham and Luke Grimes—all played sets throughout Sunday. Frequent Stagecoach performer, and this year’s Honky Tonk curator, Diplo closed out the night with his Late Night Palomino set.
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri was once again a big presence at Stagecoach. He was joined for cooking demonstrations by ZZ Top, Old Dominion, Bailey Zimmerman, Yellowstone’s Taylor Sheridan and Lainey Wilson, and more throughout the weekend at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse.
Katelyn and Kane Brown. Photo: Beth Saravo, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Jon Pardi and Guy Fieri. Photo: Jody Domingue, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Riley Green. Photo: Miranda McDonald, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Elle King. Photo: Danielle Ernst, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Julian Bajsel, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Tyler Childers. Photo: Miranda McDonald, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Luke Combs’ ‘Fast Car’ Puts Tracy Chapman In Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellTracy Chapman, Luke Combs
Tracy Chapman enters the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, as Luke Combs‘ cover of her “Fast Car” continues to climb the country charts. As the sole writer on “Fast Car,” Chapman receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Combs finds himself at No. 18 this week, with songwriter credit on three of his charting songs, including “5 Leaf Clover,” “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” and “Love You Anyway.”
Morgan Wallen remains at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the 11th consecutive week. Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Ryan Vojtesak (No. 3), Zach Bryan (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) complete the top five.
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.
2023 CMA Awards Ballot Schedule Announced
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has laid out the ballot schedule for the 57th annual CMA Awards, taking place this November in Nashville.
The eligibility period for this year’s CMA Awards runs from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
All voting for the CMA Awards will be conducted online. CMA members will receive the nomination ballot and submission instructions on Wednesday, July 5. Voting for the nomination ballot closes Friday, July 14 at 6 p.m. CT.
CMA members will receive the second ballot on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Voting for the second ballot will close Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. CT. The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced later this summer.
CMA members will determine the winners of the 57th CMA Awards in the third and final ballot, which will be sent out on Monday, Oct. 2. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. CT.
In order to vote in all three rounds, prospective CMA members must apply for membership by Thursday, June 1.
For 2023, any radio station or broadcast personality may submit an application for the 2023 CMA Broadcast Awards for Broadcast Personality, Station and National Broadcast Personality of the Year online at broadcast.CMAawards.com. Applicants are no longer required to be CMA members in order to submit for the CMA Broadcast Awards.
All CMA Broadcast Awards entries must reflect performances and events between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. The winners for the broadcast portion of the awards will be notified in early October and recognized at CMA Awards ceremony. For more information about CMA Broadcast Awards entries, contact Brenden Oliver, CMA Senior Manager, Awards & Strategic Initiatives, at BOliver@CMAworld.com.
Additionally, CMA’s Industry Honors nomination period remains open through Sunday, July 9. CMA members are encouraged to nominate here.