Robin Palmer
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Robin Palmer arrived in Nashville in 1979 to attend MTSU, majoring in Recording Industry Management. She interned and worked for Jim Ed Norman’s publishing company, Jensong before it sold to Tree Publishing. Soon after, she went to work for Eddie Rabbitt’s Deb Dave/Briarpatch Music, making tape copies and pitching songs, working with such writers as Even Stevens, Thom Schuyler and Paul Overstreet. In 1984, James Stroud formed The Writers Group with songwriters Schuyler, Overstreet, and Fred Knobloch and Palmer joined as their song plugger. The company was successful with songs such as “Forever and Ever, Amen, “You Can’t Stop Love,” “When You Say Nothing At All” and “On The Other Hand,” among others.
Screen Gems-EMI (now EMI Music Publishing ,part of Sony Music) purchased The Writers Group catalog and Palmer began a 10-year stint as Creative Director, and Senior Creative Director under the leadership of Celia Froehlig. In 1996, Celia and Robin started their own Froehlig Palmer Music, and had many notable cuts, especially “Where The Green Grass Grows” (Tim McGraw) and “We Were In Love” (Toby Keith.)
In 2008, she re-connected with past acquaintance Shane McAnally, and they started working together, eventually getting their first No. 1 with “Somewhere With You” recorded by Kenny Chesney. Many more hits have followed, and the collaboration has grown to become SMACK Songs, which currently has a roster of 21 writers. Palmer currently serves as Chief Creative Officer of SMACK and continues her favorite role of developing and nurturing writers.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
Amarillo, Texas.
Were you into music as a kid?
Always. My mother played records constantly. She played Ray Charles, Marty Robbins, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap and even Broadway musicals. I would look at all the liner notes and read every bit, so I knew who some people were before I moved here.
Did you play any music?
I played piano.
Pictured (L-R): Marc Beeson, Robin Palmer, Bryan Kennedy and Celia Froehlig
Did you know you wanted to be in the music industry then?
No. I never would have gotten here if it hadn’t been for my brother Randy. He lived in Nashville and was working on songwriting. I wanted to see what was outside of Amarillo, and he offered me the chance to move to Nashville. He said, “You can come be my roommate and go to MTSU. It’s just down the road.” That’s how I got here. If it hadn’t been for him offering that, I don’t know what I would have done.
Did you study music business at MTSU?
I did but I didn’t mean to. I had no sense of direction. I thought I might want to do advertising or something in mass communications. On orientation day at MTSU, I walked into the Recording Industry Management department by accident because they were in the same building as mass comm. When I walked in, Geoff Hull, who was the head of the department, was talking about the music industry. I changed my major that day.
For my internship, they sent me to Jim Ed Norman‘s publishing company called Jensong. Walter Campbell was the plugger there and I interviewed with this woman named Paige Rowden, who later became Paige Levy. She said, “We’ve had the worst male interns. If you’re you’re willing to work and have ovaries, you’re our intern.” [Laughs] She said, “I need help and an ally.”
During my internship, I made tape copies, typed lyrics and just absorbed everything. I was keeping track of everybody that came in. I did notice there weren’t many women that came in to play songs or drop off cassettes.
Did that intimidate you or motivate you?
It made me want to do it more. I knew of the women pluggers in town who people thought were really good. You’re just a sponge taking it all in at that point. I would hear about Celia Hill, who became Celia Froehlig. I would hear about Pat Rolfe, Karen Conrad, and Judy Harris.
What did you do after your internship?
They ended up hiring me part-time, which was great. Then they sold that catalog to Tree, so I was in need of a job. After that, I did this series of fill-in-the-blank jobs—thanks to recommendations from Paige and Walter—where I would fill in for people. There was a company called Don Gant Music and their tape copy guy was going on the road with Tanya Tucker to play drums for the summer, so I filled in to make tape copies and clean the building there. I filled in at ATV Music and at Silver Line Gold Line, where I got to know Pat Halper and Noel Fox. I met a lot of people by being around all these different companies and seeing how they all did it differently.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins, Ryan Hurd, Sam Hunt and Josh Jenkins; (L-R, front row): Robin Palmer and Shane McAnally
What was next?
I worked for a company called DebDave Briar Patch. Their plugger, Mason Cooper, helped bring me in.
It was Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens, Jim Malloy and David Malloy. Thom Schuyler was a writer there, and Paul Overstreet and Fred Knobloch would hang out there a lot. There were just so many great people there. They let me pitch which is unbelievable since we’re talking early ’80s and I had no experience.
We had a studio in the back and James Stroud played sessions there on a lot of records. James decided he was going to start a publishing company and Thom Schuyler was going to go with him. They asked me if I wanted to come over there too, and I did. Paul Overstreet ended up coming over there later. Cliff Audretch Jr. was there too. It was called The Writers Group and it did really well. It was during the early career of Randy Travis and we had all those Paul Overstreet songs [that Randy cut]. Thom and Fred were having hits too.
What was your first hit?
When I was at DebDave, one of the guys I’d filled in for at Don Gant Music—Chris Dodson—called me and asked if I had any songs for John Conlee. He said, “I can give them to Bud Logan, his producer.” I gave him a tape and then he called me and told me John Conlee cut this song called “Years After You,” which was a Thom Schuyler song. It became a top 5 hit.
How did you start working with Celia Froehlig?
Writers Group became really successful and sold to EMI Music. I went with it so I could go with the catalog. Charlie Feldman, who was running it, went to work at BMI in New York, so Celia Froehlig got hired to run the office, so one of the women I had heard about during my internship ended up being my boss.
It’s funny because I had an A&R executive—a female—call me and say, “Hey, if you need me to put a word in for you somewhere else, let me know.” When I asked why, she said, “Women don’t work well together.” The first day that Celia came in the building, I made sure to be there when she walked in. She was always so great to me and became a mentor.
EMI was great. We had an awesome staff and great writers and had a great run of success. While there, I met and pitched songs to Shane McAnally, who was a Curb Records artist at the time.
Eventually, Celia offered me a chance to help start a new company, Froehlig Palmer Music. I had always dreamed of some ownership of what I loved so much: songs. We had some hits and some great times and I learned a lot.
Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Whitney Daane, JT Harding and Robin Palmer celebrate “Somewhere With You.” Photo: Ed Rode
And thus, a new chapter opens.
Yes, I got reconnected with Shane McAnally around 2007, thanks to Erin Enderlin. She was borrowing a writers room and working with Shane. He brought in a CD and “Somewhere With You” was on there—along with some other great songs including the work-tape of “Last Call.” He mentioned that he heard Lee Ann Womack liked it but he wasn’t sure. The next time he came in, Lee Ann had cut it.
Renee Bell called and said, “Kenny Chesney needs one more song. We’re having a thing at Cabana. Kenny’s going to tell everybody exactly what he wants, but if you would just bring one song on a CD, he’s going take it out and listen to everything on the road.” I brought “Somewhere With You.” Then I got an email from Buddy Cannon‘s assistant that Kenny heard “Somewhere With You” and asked if he could get a lyric sheet. That’s when things turned around.
Wow. Then you two started building what is now SMACK.
Shane had all these other amazing songs. He was writing with Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne, Trevor Rosen, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins, Matt Ramsey and more.
We decided to rent an office in the basement of Carnival. Frank Liddell is a good friend and he rented us some space down there. We had two rooms, my little office and then Shane’s writer’s room. Sam Hunt and Kacey Musgraves were coming in to write. I had an amazing front row seat.
Matt McGinn was the first writer we signed together and then we signed Trevor Rosen with Wrensong.
SMACK writer Josh Jenkins celebrates SESAC’s 2022 Song of the Year, “Fancy Like.” Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC
Did you realize then how big this was going to get?
No. I always dreamed but it was bigger than any dream I could have had. Although I know Shane’s dreams—he probably planned the whole thing. [Laughs] I’ve learned how to dream bigger.
Now, as Chief Creative Officer at SMACK, what is most fulfilling about what you do?
Working with songwriters. Providing a safe environment and a home. Giving people what they need to be their best. That’s what we hope to do.
When you look back on your career, what sticks out about your journey?
I’ve been so lucky. The way you’re successful is if you’re surrounded by really good people and I have been.
Vector Management Taps Jason Murray As President
/by Lydia FarthingJason Murray. Photo: Gary Rugala
Jason Murray has been appointed President of Vector Management, as announced by the company’s founders, Ken Levitan and Jack Rovner. In this role, Murray will oversee operations and new business.
The owner and co-founder of Black Box Music—one of Canada’s top independent record labels and artist management companies—Murray will merge his company with Vector. His first management signing, alongside Levitan, is country-blues singer-songwriter and guitarist Charley Crockett.
Murray’s past successes include launching the career of multi-Platinum, award-winning rock band The Glorious Sons. He helped shepherd the breakout of JUNO Award winner JJ Wilde, as well as multi-Platinum singer-songwriter and producer Blanco Brown.
“I believe today, more so than ever before, artists need a management partner that fully understands all aspects of the music business,” says Murray. “Vector has been that company for decades, and we will continue to build on that ethos as we look forward.”
“We’re thrilled to bring Jason into the Vector team,” Levitan remarks. “His years of expertise and deep knowledge of this industry are excellent, and we can’t wait for the road ahead together.”
“We look forward to welcoming Jason to our great team here at Vector,” adds Rovner. “His knowledge and leadership serve to further strengthen our management team and we couldn’t be happier to have him as part of the next chapter of Vector.”
Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, More To Perform At 65th Annual Grammy Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs & Brandi Carlile
Luke Combs and Brandi Carlile are among the first round of performers announced for the upcoming 65th Annual Grammy Awards, taking place on Feb. 5.
Carlile is nominated for seven Grammys this year, including Record Of The Year (“You And Me On The Rock”), Album Of The Year (In These Silent Days), Best Rock Performance (“Broken Horses”), Best Rock Song (“Broken Horses”), Best Americana Performance (“You And Me On The Rock”), Best American Roots Song (“You And Me On The Rock”), and Best Americana Album (In These Silent Days).
Combs is up for three categories: Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Outrunnin’ Your Memory”), Best Country Song (“Doin’ This”) and Best Country Album (Growin’ Up).
Bad Bunny, Mary J. Blige, Steve Lacy, Lizzo, Kim Petras and Sam Smith are also set to perform live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with additional performers to be announced in the coming days.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the Grammys will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. CT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
My Music Row Story: SMACK’s Robin Palmer
/by LB CantrellRobin Palmer
Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Robin Palmer arrived in Nashville in 1979 to attend MTSU, majoring in Recording Industry Management. She interned and worked for Jim Ed Norman’s publishing company, Jensong before it sold to Tree Publishing. Soon after, she went to work for Eddie Rabbitt’s Deb Dave/Briarpatch Music, making tape copies and pitching songs, working with such writers as Even Stevens, Thom Schuyler and Paul Overstreet. In 1984, James Stroud formed The Writers Group with songwriters Schuyler, Overstreet, and Fred Knobloch and Palmer joined as their song plugger. The company was successful with songs such as “Forever and Ever, Amen, “You Can’t Stop Love,” “When You Say Nothing At All” and “On The Other Hand,” among others.
Screen Gems-EMI (now EMI Music Publishing ,part of Sony Music) purchased The Writers Group catalog and Palmer began a 10-year stint as Creative Director, and Senior Creative Director under the leadership of Celia Froehlig. In 1996, Celia and Robin started their own Froehlig Palmer Music, and had many notable cuts, especially “Where The Green Grass Grows” (Tim McGraw) and “We Were In Love” (Toby Keith.)
In 2008, she re-connected with past acquaintance Shane McAnally, and they started working together, eventually getting their first No. 1 with “Somewhere With You” recorded by Kenny Chesney. Many more hits have followed, and the collaboration has grown to become SMACK Songs, which currently has a roster of 21 writers. Palmer currently serves as Chief Creative Officer of SMACK and continues her favorite role of developing and nurturing writers.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
Amarillo, Texas.
Were you into music as a kid?
Always. My mother played records constantly. She played Ray Charles, Marty Robbins, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap and even Broadway musicals. I would look at all the liner notes and read every bit, so I knew who some people were before I moved here.
Did you play any music?
I played piano.
Pictured (L-R): Marc Beeson, Robin Palmer, Bryan Kennedy and Celia Froehlig
Did you know you wanted to be in the music industry then?
No. I never would have gotten here if it hadn’t been for my brother Randy. He lived in Nashville and was working on songwriting. I wanted to see what was outside of Amarillo, and he offered me the chance to move to Nashville. He said, “You can come be my roommate and go to MTSU. It’s just down the road.” That’s how I got here. If it hadn’t been for him offering that, I don’t know what I would have done.
Did you study music business at MTSU?
I did but I didn’t mean to. I had no sense of direction. I thought I might want to do advertising or something in mass communications. On orientation day at MTSU, I walked into the Recording Industry Management department by accident because they were in the same building as mass comm. When I walked in, Geoff Hull, who was the head of the department, was talking about the music industry. I changed my major that day.
For my internship, they sent me to Jim Ed Norman‘s publishing company called Jensong. Walter Campbell was the plugger there and I interviewed with this woman named Paige Rowden, who later became Paige Levy. She said, “We’ve had the worst male interns. If you’re you’re willing to work and have ovaries, you’re our intern.” [Laughs] She said, “I need help and an ally.”
During my internship, I made tape copies, typed lyrics and just absorbed everything. I was keeping track of everybody that came in. I did notice there weren’t many women that came in to play songs or drop off cassettes.
Did that intimidate you or motivate you?
It made me want to do it more. I knew of the women pluggers in town who people thought were really good. You’re just a sponge taking it all in at that point. I would hear about Celia Hill, who became Celia Froehlig. I would hear about Pat Rolfe, Karen Conrad, and Judy Harris.
What did you do after your internship?
They ended up hiring me part-time, which was great. Then they sold that catalog to Tree, so I was in need of a job. After that, I did this series of fill-in-the-blank jobs—thanks to recommendations from Paige and Walter—where I would fill in for people. There was a company called Don Gant Music and their tape copy guy was going on the road with Tanya Tucker to play drums for the summer, so I filled in to make tape copies and clean the building there. I filled in at ATV Music and at Silver Line Gold Line, where I got to know Pat Halper and Noel Fox. I met a lot of people by being around all these different companies and seeing how they all did it differently.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins, Ryan Hurd, Sam Hunt and Josh Jenkins; (L-R, front row): Robin Palmer and Shane McAnally
What was next?
I worked for a company called DebDave Briar Patch. Their plugger, Mason Cooper, helped bring me in.
It was Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens, Jim Malloy and David Malloy. Thom Schuyler was a writer there, and Paul Overstreet and Fred Knobloch would hang out there a lot. There were just so many great people there. They let me pitch which is unbelievable since we’re talking early ’80s and I had no experience.
We had a studio in the back and James Stroud played sessions there on a lot of records. James decided he was going to start a publishing company and Thom Schuyler was going to go with him. They asked me if I wanted to come over there too, and I did. Paul Overstreet ended up coming over there later. Cliff Audretch Jr. was there too. It was called The Writers Group and it did really well. It was during the early career of Randy Travis and we had all those Paul Overstreet songs [that Randy cut]. Thom and Fred were having hits too.
What was your first hit?
When I was at DebDave, one of the guys I’d filled in for at Don Gant Music—Chris Dodson—called me and asked if I had any songs for John Conlee. He said, “I can give them to Bud Logan, his producer.” I gave him a tape and then he called me and told me John Conlee cut this song called “Years After You,” which was a Thom Schuyler song. It became a top 5 hit.
How did you start working with Celia Froehlig?
Writers Group became really successful and sold to EMI Music. I went with it so I could go with the catalog. Charlie Feldman, who was running it, went to work at BMI in New York, so Celia Froehlig got hired to run the office, so one of the women I had heard about during my internship ended up being my boss.
It’s funny because I had an A&R executive—a female—call me and say, “Hey, if you need me to put a word in for you somewhere else, let me know.” When I asked why, she said, “Women don’t work well together.” The first day that Celia came in the building, I made sure to be there when she walked in. She was always so great to me and became a mentor.
EMI was great. We had an awesome staff and great writers and had a great run of success. While there, I met and pitched songs to Shane McAnally, who was a Curb Records artist at the time.
Eventually, Celia offered me a chance to help start a new company, Froehlig Palmer Music. I had always dreamed of some ownership of what I loved so much: songs. We had some hits and some great times and I learned a lot.
Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Whitney Daane, JT Harding and Robin Palmer celebrate “Somewhere With You.” Photo: Ed Rode
And thus, a new chapter opens.
Yes, I got reconnected with Shane McAnally around 2007, thanks to Erin Enderlin. She was borrowing a writers room and working with Shane. He brought in a CD and “Somewhere With You” was on there—along with some other great songs including the work-tape of “Last Call.” He mentioned that he heard Lee Ann Womack liked it but he wasn’t sure. The next time he came in, Lee Ann had cut it.
Renee Bell called and said, “Kenny Chesney needs one more song. We’re having a thing at Cabana. Kenny’s going to tell everybody exactly what he wants, but if you would just bring one song on a CD, he’s going take it out and listen to everything on the road.” I brought “Somewhere With You.” Then I got an email from Buddy Cannon‘s assistant that Kenny heard “Somewhere With You” and asked if he could get a lyric sheet. That’s when things turned around.
Wow. Then you two started building what is now SMACK.
Shane had all these other amazing songs. He was writing with Brandy Clark, Josh Osborne, Trevor Rosen, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins, Matt Ramsey and more.
We decided to rent an office in the basement of Carnival. Frank Liddell is a good friend and he rented us some space down there. We had two rooms, my little office and then Shane’s writer’s room. Sam Hunt and Kacey Musgraves were coming in to write. I had an amazing front row seat.
Matt McGinn was the first writer we signed together and then we signed Trevor Rosen with Wrensong.
SMACK writer Josh Jenkins celebrates SESAC’s 2022 Song of the Year, “Fancy Like.” Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC
Did you realize then how big this was going to get?
No. I always dreamed but it was bigger than any dream I could have had. Although I know Shane’s dreams—he probably planned the whole thing. [Laughs] I’ve learned how to dream bigger.
Now, as Chief Creative Officer at SMACK, what is most fulfilling about what you do?
Working with songwriters. Providing a safe environment and a home. Giving people what they need to be their best. That’s what we hope to do.
When you look back on your career, what sticks out about your journey?
I’ve been so lucky. The way you’re successful is if you’re surrounded by really good people and I have been.
Reba McEntire To Perform Live From Grand Opening Of New Oklahoma Venue, Reba’s Place
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire will be on hand to perform at the grand opening of her new venue, Reba’s Place, in Atoka, Oklahoma tonight (Jan. 26).
The event is closed to the public, but fans across the country can join in via live stream from McEntire’s socials at 6:45 p.m. CT at Facebook.com/Reba.
Constructed in an old Masonic Temple, Reba’s Place is a restaurant, bar, live music venue and retail store that features two stories of dining space and a stage for regular live music. The menu includes popular dishes from the region and beyond, all made from scratch.
The main floor also features a restored antique bar that offers a range of beer, wine and spirits and a curated rotating collection of memorabilia from McEntire’s personal archives. Visitors can also purchase a wide selection of merch at the retail space.
Concord Music Publishing Signs Corey Crowder, Acquires Majority Of Catalog
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Ashley Nite (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord), Jim Selby (Concord), Brad Kennard (Concord), Corey Crowder, Courtney Allen (Concord), Melissa Spillman (Concord), Garrett Stephenson (Concord), Jen Hubbard (Concord) gather together during the holidays. Photo: Audrey Spillman courtesy of Concord Music Publishing
Concord Music Publishing has announced the signing and catalog acquisition of country hitmaker Corey Crowder. The worldwide co-publishing deal is effective immediately and includes a majority of Crowder’s catalog and all future works.
Originally from Loganville, Georgia, Crowder relocated to Nashville in 2010 to pursue songwriting. He found early success with Chris Young, including his 3x multi-Platinum, three-week No. 1 “I’m Comin’ Over,” 2x multi-Platinum No. 1 “Think of You” (featuring Cassadee Pope) and “Hangin’ On.” Now one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters and producers, Crowder has celebrated several chart-climbing singles, including Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country” and “Long Live,” as well as “Famous Friends” (Chris Young ft. Kane Brown) and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” (Chase Rice ft. Florida Georgia Line), earning him CMA’s prestigious Triple Play Award for 3 No. 1 songs in a 12-month span.
Crowder has notched 11 No. 1 songs across the U.S. and Canadian charts and has topped the charts as the No. 1 songwriter on both Billboard’s Country Songwriter and MusicRow’s Top Songwriter charts for multiple consecutive weeks.
Crowder is also an accomplished producer, with credits on Florida Georgia Line’s album, Life Rolls On, Justin Bieber’s “Yummy (Country Remix),” LoCash’s No. 1 “One Big Country Song,” and Chris Tomlin and Lady A’s hit “Who You Are To Me.” Other production credits include work for Brian Kelley, Chris Tomlin, Chase Rice, Cassadee Pope, RaeLynn and Jamie Lynn Spears, among others. Crowder has also stacked key placements on hit TV series, such as Gainesville, Nashville, One Tree Hill, The Biggest Loser and The Real World.
“I’m excited for this next chapter working alongside a great team at Concord Music Publishing,” Crowder shares of the deal.
“We are incredibly thrilled that we have the honor of representing Corey’s amazing catalog, as well as working by his side for years to come,” adds Brad Kennard, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “He is not only preceded by his top-level art and success, but also by his character and integrity. It’s an absolute privilege to welcome Corey to the Concord family.”
Grand Ole Opry To Unveil New Stage In February
/by Liza AndersonThe Grand Ole Opry will unveil a new stage on Saturday, Feb. 4, marking the venue’s first major set change since its 75th Anniversary over two decades ago.
The staging is part of more than four million dollars in upgrades to the set, audio/visual technology and auditorium. The show is in residence at its famous former home, the Ryman Auditorium, through the rest of January while renovation work is conducted at the Opry House.
Fans will be able to see the new stage in person and during Feb. 4’s Opry Live at 8 p.m. CT on Circle Network, and on Circle’s social channels, featuring Opry members The Oak Ridge Boys as well as Jon Pardi and The War and Treaty. The show will also be available on WSM Radio and SiriusXM, Willie’s Roadhouse.
“We can’t wait to unveil a new look to artists and fans,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “These are giant leaps for the Opry as we plan to welcome more fans than ever before this year and look toward our milestone 100th year just two years away.”
Artists scheduled to appear on the Opry stage in the coming weeks include Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Elle King, Lady A, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Wendy Moten, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Jeannie Seely, and Lainey Wilson, among others.
Celebration Of Life For Peter Cooper To Be Held On Feb. 24
/by Lydia FarthingA celebration of life for beloved Nashville journalist, historian and musician Peter Cooper has been set for Feb. 24. Taking shape as a special concert celebration, the evening will be held in the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum at 7 p.m. CT. No RSVP is required.
Cooper passed away on Dec. 6, 2022 at the age of 52 after sustaining a head injury.
Before his death, Cooper held the position of Senior Director, Producer & Writer at the Country Music Hall of Fame. For many years prior, he served as a reporter for the Tennessean, and his work has appeared in Esquire, Oxford American, Mix and American Songwriter magazines. Cooper also wrote liner notes for albums from Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Cowboy Jack Clement, Ronnie Milsap and Mac Wiseman, as well as the inscription on George Jones’ tombstone.
Cooper also wrote the book Johnny’s Cash and Charley’s Pride: Lasting Legends and Untold Adventures in Country Music, co-authored Bill Anderson’s Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music, and wrote the preface to Tom T. Hall’s The Storyteller’s Nashville: A Gritty & Glorious Life in Country Music, among other projects.
A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer, Cooper recorded three solo albums, as well as three alongside singer-songwriter Eric Brace, and appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, A Prairie Home Companion, The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman. As a songwriter, Cooper’s work has been recorded by John Prine, Bobby Bare, Jim Lauderdale, and others.
Country Music Hall Of Fame To Unveil New ‘American Currents’ Exhibit In March
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s latest “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit is set to open on March 8, featuring a selection of artists, writers and more that were prominent in country music throughout 2022.
This year’s exhibit will include Luke Combs, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Rhiannon Giddens, Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Cody Johnson, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Reba McEntire, Amanda Shires, Billy Strings, Sunny Sweeney, Molly Tuttle, Shania Twain, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson.
The “Unbroken Circle” section of the exhibit will highlight the musical connections between artists and organizations, including those who have influenced them or share musical perspectives. Featured pairings include the Black Opry and the Black Country Music Association, Jordan Davis and Bob McDill, Miko Marks and Loretta Lynn, and Morgan Wade and Elvis Presley.
“Each year through the ‘American Currents’ exhibit, the museum documents and reports on the music and events that helped shape the previous year, examining a wide scope of contributions,” explains Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Last year, we witnessed innovative collaborations, varied musical perspectives and well-deserved honors for emerging artists and established luminaries. ‘American Currents’ allows us to highlight these moments and artists, sharing their significance in country music history.”
Presented annually, “American Currents” takes a look at the genre over the past year to explore musical developments, artist achievements and notable events, as determined by the museum’s curators and editorial staff. The exhibit will run until February 2024.
Gavin DeGraw, The War And Treaty, More Set For ‘Rock The Ryman’ Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Ryman Auditorium and Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are teaming up to present “Rock The Ryman,” a concert honoring the legacy and impact of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have graced the Ryman stage. The star-studded show is set for March 1.
Hosted by noted guitarist/songwriter Charlie Worsham, this night of music will feature performances by The War and Treaty, Gavin DeGraw, and country duo Maddie & Tae, with more performers to be announced in the coming weeks. Each artist will perform songs by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees that have influenced them.
Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday (Jan. 27) at ryman.com. Proceeds from the event will help preserve and celebrate the history of the genre at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium.
“More than 100 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 130-year history,” notes Greg Harris, President & CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Ryman by bringing together artists and fans for one incredible night to experience the power of rock & roll through some of Nashville’s great talent.”
In November, the Ryman opened a major exhibit, “Rock Hall at the Ryman,” to celebrate the Ryman’s mark on rock history. The interactive exhibit features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton, in addition to country icons Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll.
Among the many inductees who’ve graced the Ryman stage are Williams, Aretha Franklin, Presley, Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, R.E.M., Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles, Chet Atkins, Neil Young, the Everly Brothers, the Staples Singers, Joni Mitchell, Carl Perkins, B.B. King, Jackson Browne, Odetta, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Roy Orbison, Blondie, Pete Seeger, Ricky Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Bill Monroe, James Taylor, Mahalia Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, the Byrds, Foo Fighters, Brenda Lee and more.
Luke Bryan, Shania Twain, Zac Brown Band To Headline Faster Horses Festival 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan, Shania Twain and Zac Brown Band will headline the 10th annual Faster Horses Music Festival at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. The festival is slated for July 14-16.
The three-day festival’s main stage will also feature performances by Priscilla Block, Blanco Brown, Chris Cagle, Billy Currington, Dustin Lynch, Kameron Marlowe, mike., Kylie Morgan, Dylan Scott, Dee Jay Silver, Conner Smith, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters, Dwight Yoakam and Warren Zeiders.
Additionally, Faster Horses will once again introduce fans to country’s up-and-coming acts with its Next from Nashville stage lineup. Newcomers set to play the stage in 2023 include Vivienne Artur, Chayce Beckham, George Birge, Ben Burgess, Mackenzie Carpenter, Ashland Craft, Madeline Edwards, Alexander Ludwig, John Morgan, Megan Moroney, Pillbox Patti, MacKenzie Porter, Peytan Porter, Aaron Raitiere and Lauren Watkins.
Three-day festival passes will go on sale Feb. 10 at FasterHorsesFestival.com. For the festival’s 10th anniversary, Faster Horses has also expanded its VIP program with four experience levels, including the VIP Meadow. For more information, click here.