Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Big Loud’s Michael Giangreco, Universal Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson and BBRMG’s Jon Loba. (L-R, front row): David Ray Stevens, Ilya Toshinskiy, Jelly Roll and Ernest Keith Smith. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Music Row gathered at BMI Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 18) to celebrate Jelly Roll‘s No. 1 hit “Son Of A Sinner,” written by the Stoney Creek artist himself alongside David Ray Stevens and Ernest Keith Smith, who also served as a producer on the track along with Ilya Toshinskiy.
The celebratory tone was clearly set and immediately felt once one entered the BMI lobby. No. 1 parties often seem to create a comforting, upbeat communal atmosphere, and this event was no exception. The bar brimmed with smiling faces, and guests waited in line or huddled to watch as Jelly Roll’s cousin, tattoo artist Colby Hunter, permanently inked desiring attendees.
With each person came a blissful pump of energy, and the good vibes only seemed to grow as the sun went down.
BMI’s Clay Bradley called the crowd’s attention to the stage.
“I’d like to kick off this No. 1 celebration by saying how much I appreciate Jelly Roll and his team, Jon Loba and his team, Ernest, David Ray, Kimberly Gleason, the Big Loud family, Chris Oglesby, Troy Tomlinson and everyone here at BMI who makes this happen. We all came together two weeks ago as this song was reaching No. 1, and here we are today as a community coming together to capture this historic moment,” stated Bradley. “Thank for coming and celebrating this awesome song.”
He handed the mic over to BMI’s Shannon Sanders, who amped up the room, leading all of us in cheers as he transitioned to thanking everyone involved in “Son Of A Sinner.”
“I’m from Nashville, just like Jelly Roll, this means something to me,” shared Sanders. “You can go get your tomatoes from Kroger, you can go to Whole Foods, you can go anywhere, but there’s something about going to the farmer’s market. There’s something about getting them homegrown that just hits a little different.
“There’s something about this [song] that’s hitting a little different,” he continued. “I couldn’t be prouder of my brother Jelly Roll, who I’ve known for at least half of his life.”
He then welcomed Jelly Roll, Smith, Stevens and Toshinskiy onto the stage. In honor of their first country No. 1, Sanders presented Jelly Roll and Stevens with Taylor guitars on behalf of BMI.
Smith recalled first seeing Jelly Roll when a friend of his sold her car to him in high school. He notes that they hung out a year later and bonded over their love of rap music.
“Rap got me in the door for all of this. I’ve always loved rap, so I was looking up to Jelly Roll for freestyle rapping. You wouldn’t have been able to tell me that day that we would have a song at country radio, much less one that rang the bell at No. 1,” he confessed.”Our journeys have been so different but they both started within a 10 mile radius of each other.”
Smith proceeded by shouting out his fellow producer Toshinskiy and the path that led him to this moment. “You can walk into a room with nothing and leave that day with a piece of property that’s going to change a lot of lives, affect a lot of lives, and impact a lot of lives.”
Toshinskiy followed by returning the shoutout to Smith, who brought him in on the project. He told us he was instantly hooked by the emotion elicited by “Son Of A Sinner” when he first heard the demo.
Stevens was up next, and wasted no time sharing what this milestone meant to him.
“I walked into this building for the first time as a young father looking for a job. To walk through these doors today as a co-writer on a No. 1 song at country radio is a lifelong dream come true. I’ve known and made music with Jelly for over two decades, no one is more deserving of this. His heart is pure, his determination is unmatched,” he shared.
Turning to the genre-blender Stevens added: “With no doubts, I believe God has you right where you’re supposed to be. I’ve watched you grow as an artist, father, husband, businessman, and a friend. I couldn’t be prouder.”
He finished by thanking all of project’s contributors as well as his family for their support.
Big Loud’s Michael Giangreco and Universal Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson then took the stage to honor the crew.
Giangreco congratulated the celebrated industry members and the work that went into the hit. He also took time to sing Smith’s praises, noting that “Son Of A Sinner” marked his eighth No. 1, and he ended the year as No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songwriters chart as well as No. 20 on the Hot 100 All Genre chart, two spots above Drake.
Tomlinson took over and discussed how the song “oozes with truth.” He went on to recognize the four guys individually, sharing snippets of his relationship with each of them. He informed the honorees that, in addition to their plaques, Universal Music Publishing would make a donation to MusiCares in honor of the hit.
Next, Sanders introduced Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, who explained the conversation and debates that seek to define the country format.
“When it comes to ‘Son Of A Sinner’ and Jelly Roll, the conversation is over, it’s settled science. This is country music,” Aly declared.
BBR’s Jon Loba stepped up and gave a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the men on stage, his collaborators, partners and staff, as well as Jelly Roll’s team and family, the Grand Ole Opry and the press. He reminisced on first meeting Jelly Roll through BBR’s Adrian Michaels, and how they almost didn’t work together.
“I called Jelly and I said, ‘I’ve never been depressed about not working with somebody and if it doesn’t happen, I want you to know, business or not, we’re going to talk about you. We’re going to fight for you. We’re going to tell your story because it needs to be told, whether we’re involved personally or not.'”
Loba concluded by saying: “Jelly, thank you for putting your trust in us, brother. Our [relationship] is one of the greatest I’ve ever had in my life. I got into music because I wanted to make a difference, and you’re helping all of us do that. Thank you for you trust, your vulnerability and your honesty. Every night you’re saving lives and changing lives. That vulnerability that you’re so willing to share with everybody is so important and makes you who you are.”
He closed with, “[Jelly Roll] will be making music and connecting in arenas and stadiums for decades to come.”
Before introducing the man of the hour, Sanders made a point to recognize that Jelly Roll had not only sold out Bridgestone Arena, but the Antioch native had turned around and donated the proceeds to Nashville’s Juvenile Justice System.
Finally, Jelly Roll took the floor and acknowledged each of the guys sitting next to him.
“Like Shannon said earlier, I’ve known Shannon and David half of my life. I’ve got friends in the music business [that I started this with]. We were kids dreaming this together. [Stevens] is an incredible writer and I’ve always known it. I’ve always been in rooms with him and here he is, celebrating his first No. 1.” He added, “It’s special for me to have Ilya here, because we were brought together for music only. Ilya was Ernest’s go-to guy. [He] came in and I loved everything he did.”
Jelly Roll then addressed Smith. “Ernest has always had it, man. He came on my radar because he was the best rapper at his high school. He’s always had it, and he’s been a friend,” he said. “For the man that wrote ‘Flower Shops’, he deserves a flower shop and I want to give it to him.”
He continued by thanking Michaels and recounted their first interaction and how it led him to meeting Loba.
“We fell in love, it was an instant thing. There was no hesitation, we both got it and spoke the language.”
The artist moved on to thank the BBR radio team, sharing funny stories of their radio tour travels, and shouted out the publicity team as well as the rest of the label. He announced to the audience that this was just the start of his country music journey.
“This was about me getting into country music. We’re finishing a country music album. We’re going to release it at the end of May, I hope, I’m screaming for it, and we’re here to stay. This is way bigger than just a song, y’all. This is the beginning of a career. The hometown boys brought it home.”
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO Butch Spyridon To Retire After 32 Years
/by Steven BoeroButch Spyridon. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Long-time leader of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) Butch Spyridon will retire from the organization on June 30 after 32 years as its top executive. Deana Ivey, who currently holds the title of President, will be promoted to President and CEO on July 1.
Spyridon has led the organization since 1991 and has held the dual title of President and CEO since 2003. The 22-member NCVC Board of Directors developed a long-term strategic succession plan several years ago to prepare for Spyridon’s retirement, including Ivey’s transition into the CEO role.
Ivey, who has been with the NCVC for 25 years, was promoted to President in January of 2022 and previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
“It is hard to imagine anyone else who has shaped Nashville’s growth and success as much as Butch, from branding it as Music City to making it attractive to professional sports teams and corporate relocations to elevating the quality of life by drawing world-class events, restaurants, retail and hotels,” says Kevin P. Lavender, Head of Commercial Banking at Fifth Third Bank, who serves as chairman of the NCVC Board of Directors. “I particularly appreciate how Butch has intentionally supported Nashville’s diversity throughout his tenure, both marketing our cultural assets to visitors and in voluntarily assisting community groups and projects.”
He continues, “Two prime examples are Butch serving as a founding board member of the National Museum of African American Music and continuing more than 20 years in the role until completion and also ensuring that the Fisk Jubilee Singers were presented as the foundation of the Music City story. Butch has nurtured the city’s creative culture, preserved the authenticity of our music brand and worked every day to make Nashville a better version of itself. We should all be eternally grateful to the legacy he will leave behind.
Deana Ivey. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
“We are proud of the succession plan that will allow for a seamless transition in leadership so that the NCVC staff can continue their great work bringing visitors to Nashville and our city’s hospitality industry continues its upward momentum,” Lavender adds.
On July 1, Spyridon will transition into a role as a strategic consultant to the NCVC under a two-year consulting contract, including efforts to recruit major global events, including a Rugby World Cup, and additional nonstop international flights to Nashville International Airport. If an enclosed stadium is approved, his work would also include bidding on a Super Bowl and other premier events, such as bringing WrestleMania to Nissan Stadium.
“I cannot be more grateful to Nashville for the honor of being part of this community that has given me so much, from my college degree at Vanderbilt to meeting my wife to leading this extraordinary organization,” Spyridon shares. “As I begin to reflect on my tenure, without question, my greatest professional accomplishment is the team we have assembled at the NCVC. They are second to none. I will treasure every moment as we work together these next six months. And anyone who knows me knows I won’t be slowing down.”
Under Spyridon’s leadership, and with Ivey as his right hand for 25 years, Nashville’s tourism industry has grown into an $8.8 billion juggernaut, and Davidson County typically represents 30 percent of all visitor spending in Tennessee. The city has been named a top destination in the world by major travel outlets for the past 12 years. Spyridon has served alongside the past six Nashville mayors on nearly every major economic development project the city has seen.
“I am honored and humbled that I will be stepping into this new role this summer,” Ivey notes. “Everyone knows Butch has big shoes to fill, and I appreciate the faith the Board and Butch have placed in me. I look forward to continuing the work of the NCVC and the hospitality industry as we sell and market the best destination in the world.”
Spyridon has led the city’s hospitality industry through the closure of a theme park, a major flood, a recession, tornadoes and the COVID pandemic. As a testament to his leadership and the resilience of the industry he oversees, the hospitality industry continues to shatter tourism records and generate record levels of economic activity for the city with the most hotel room nights ever sold in a single year at 9.5 million room nights in 2022.
During Spyridon’s tenure, the NCVC developed Nashville as both a leisure and convention destination, with the city ranked as the top sixth meetings destination in the United States. Spyridon spearheaded development of the Music City Center as a demand generator and created a major events strategy to bring visitors to the city.
Spyridon was instrumental in recruiting the city’s professional sports teams and construction of Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium and GEODIS Park. He was the city’s point person in recruiting and hosting the 2019 NFL Draft–the most successful Draft in NFL history and the most successful one-day event in Nashville history. He also was the mastermind behind Nashville making the short list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and in bringing the British Airways nonstop London flight to Nashville in 2018, just as he did in 1994 when American Airlines launched the same route.
Recently, he led renovation and preservation efforts of Elks Lodge. No. 1102, the former home of the storied Club Baron on historic Jefferson Street.
Industry Celebrates Jelly Roll’s ‘Son Of A Sinner’ With No. 1 Party
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Big Loud’s Michael Giangreco, Universal Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson and BBRMG’s Jon Loba. (L-R, front row): David Ray Stevens, Ilya Toshinskiy, Jelly Roll and Ernest Keith Smith. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Music Row gathered at BMI Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 18) to celebrate Jelly Roll‘s No. 1 hit “Son Of A Sinner,” written by the Stoney Creek artist himself alongside David Ray Stevens and Ernest Keith Smith, who also served as a producer on the track along with Ilya Toshinskiy.
The celebratory tone was clearly set and immediately felt once one entered the BMI lobby. No. 1 parties often seem to create a comforting, upbeat communal atmosphere, and this event was no exception. The bar brimmed with smiling faces, and guests waited in line or huddled to watch as Jelly Roll’s cousin, tattoo artist Colby Hunter, permanently inked desiring attendees.
With each person came a blissful pump of energy, and the good vibes only seemed to grow as the sun went down.
BMI’s Clay Bradley called the crowd’s attention to the stage.
“I’d like to kick off this No. 1 celebration by saying how much I appreciate Jelly Roll and his team, Jon Loba and his team, Ernest, David Ray, Kimberly Gleason, the Big Loud family, Chris Oglesby, Troy Tomlinson and everyone here at BMI who makes this happen. We all came together two weeks ago as this song was reaching No. 1, and here we are today as a community coming together to capture this historic moment,” stated Bradley. “Thank for coming and celebrating this awesome song.”
He handed the mic over to BMI’s Shannon Sanders, who amped up the room, leading all of us in cheers as he transitioned to thanking everyone involved in “Son Of A Sinner.”
“I’m from Nashville, just like Jelly Roll, this means something to me,” shared Sanders. “You can go get your tomatoes from Kroger, you can go to Whole Foods, you can go anywhere, but there’s something about going to the farmer’s market. There’s something about getting them homegrown that just hits a little different.
“There’s something about this [song] that’s hitting a little different,” he continued. “I couldn’t be prouder of my brother Jelly Roll, who I’ve known for at least half of his life.”
He then welcomed Jelly Roll, Smith, Stevens and Toshinskiy onto the stage. In honor of their first country No. 1, Sanders presented Jelly Roll and Stevens with Taylor guitars on behalf of BMI.
Smith recalled first seeing Jelly Roll when a friend of his sold her car to him in high school. He notes that they hung out a year later and bonded over their love of rap music.
“Rap got me in the door for all of this. I’ve always loved rap, so I was looking up to Jelly Roll for freestyle rapping. You wouldn’t have been able to tell me that day that we would have a song at country radio, much less one that rang the bell at No. 1,” he confessed.”Our journeys have been so different but they both started within a 10 mile radius of each other.”
Smith proceeded by shouting out his fellow producer Toshinskiy and the path that led him to this moment. “You can walk into a room with nothing and leave that day with a piece of property that’s going to change a lot of lives, affect a lot of lives, and impact a lot of lives.”
Toshinskiy followed by returning the shoutout to Smith, who brought him in on the project. He told us he was instantly hooked by the emotion elicited by “Son Of A Sinner” when he first heard the demo.
Stevens was up next, and wasted no time sharing what this milestone meant to him.
“I walked into this building for the first time as a young father looking for a job. To walk through these doors today as a co-writer on a No. 1 song at country radio is a lifelong dream come true. I’ve known and made music with Jelly for over two decades, no one is more deserving of this. His heart is pure, his determination is unmatched,” he shared.
Turning to the genre-blender Stevens added: “With no doubts, I believe God has you right where you’re supposed to be. I’ve watched you grow as an artist, father, husband, businessman, and a friend. I couldn’t be prouder.”
He finished by thanking all of project’s contributors as well as his family for their support.
Big Loud’s Michael Giangreco and Universal Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson then took the stage to honor the crew.
Giangreco congratulated the celebrated industry members and the work that went into the hit. He also took time to sing Smith’s praises, noting that “Son Of A Sinner” marked his eighth No. 1, and he ended the year as No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songwriters chart as well as No. 20 on the Hot 100 All Genre chart, two spots above Drake.
Tomlinson took over and discussed how the song “oozes with truth.” He went on to recognize the four guys individually, sharing snippets of his relationship with each of them. He informed the honorees that, in addition to their plaques, Universal Music Publishing would make a donation to MusiCares in honor of the hit.
Next, Sanders introduced Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, who explained the conversation and debates that seek to define the country format.
“When it comes to ‘Son Of A Sinner’ and Jelly Roll, the conversation is over, it’s settled science. This is country music,” Aly declared.
BBR’s Jon Loba stepped up and gave a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the men on stage, his collaborators, partners and staff, as well as Jelly Roll’s team and family, the Grand Ole Opry and the press. He reminisced on first meeting Jelly Roll through BBR’s Adrian Michaels, and how they almost didn’t work together.
“I called Jelly and I said, ‘I’ve never been depressed about not working with somebody and if it doesn’t happen, I want you to know, business or not, we’re going to talk about you. We’re going to fight for you. We’re going to tell your story because it needs to be told, whether we’re involved personally or not.'”
Loba concluded by saying: “Jelly, thank you for putting your trust in us, brother. Our [relationship] is one of the greatest I’ve ever had in my life. I got into music because I wanted to make a difference, and you’re helping all of us do that. Thank you for you trust, your vulnerability and your honesty. Every night you’re saving lives and changing lives. That vulnerability that you’re so willing to share with everybody is so important and makes you who you are.”
He closed with, “[Jelly Roll] will be making music and connecting in arenas and stadiums for decades to come.”
Before introducing the man of the hour, Sanders made a point to recognize that Jelly Roll had not only sold out Bridgestone Arena, but the Antioch native had turned around and donated the proceeds to Nashville’s Juvenile Justice System.
Finally, Jelly Roll took the floor and acknowledged each of the guys sitting next to him.
“Like Shannon said earlier, I’ve known Shannon and David half of my life. I’ve got friends in the music business [that I started this with]. We were kids dreaming this together. [Stevens] is an incredible writer and I’ve always known it. I’ve always been in rooms with him and here he is, celebrating his first No. 1.” He added, “It’s special for me to have Ilya here, because we were brought together for music only. Ilya was Ernest’s go-to guy. [He] came in and I loved everything he did.”
Jelly Roll then addressed Smith. “Ernest has always had it, man. He came on my radar because he was the best rapper at his high school. He’s always had it, and he’s been a friend,” he said. “For the man that wrote ‘Flower Shops’, he deserves a flower shop and I want to give it to him.”
He continued by thanking Michaels and recounted their first interaction and how it led him to meeting Loba.
“We fell in love, it was an instant thing. There was no hesitation, we both got it and spoke the language.”
The artist moved on to thank the BBR radio team, sharing funny stories of their radio tour travels, and shouted out the publicity team as well as the rest of the label. He announced to the audience that this was just the start of his country music journey.
“This was about me getting into country music. We’re finishing a country music album. We’re going to release it at the end of May, I hope, I’m screaming for it, and we’re here to stay. This is way bigger than just a song, y’all. This is the beginning of a career. The hometown boys brought it home.”
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Recording Academy Tosses Fab Bash For Grammy Nominees
/by Bobby KarlPictured: Alison Brown, Charles Kelley and Maggie Rose perform. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Chapter 664
That sound you heard echoing on West End Avenue last night (Jan. 18) was the sound of love.
If you were anywhere near The Hutton Hotel’s Analog nightclub you could feel the vibe. Music filled the room and spilled out into the hallways of the venue. And if it wasn’t the music you heard, it was the unmistakable din of the schmoozing fabulous of Music Row.
The occasion was Nashville’s annual Grammy Nominees Party, and it might have been the best one yet. This year, the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy could boast that Music City is home to 91 nominees.
Pictured: Joel Smallbone, Hillary Scott and Luke Smallbone walk the red carpet. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Walking the red carpet were such 2023 honorees as Bill Anderson (“Someday It’ll All Make Sense”), Drew Parker (“Doin’ This”), Hillary Scott (“For God Is With Us”), Reggie Smith of the Gaither Vocal Band, Liz Rose (“All Too Well”), Lori McKenna (“I Bet You Think About Me”), Jimmy Robbins (“Circles Around This Town”), gospel artists Keith & Kristyn Getty, Laura Veltz (Songwriter of the Year), Dave Pittinger & Sara Davis (“abcdefu”), engineer/mixer Nick Lobel, Molly Tuttle (Best New Artist), Joel & Luke Smallbone of For King & Country, Harry Styles producer Tyler Johnson and Ethan Hulse (“So Good”).
Current chapter president Ruby Amanfu greeted the crowd inside the club by reminding us all that, “We are nothing without music.”
Indeed, the first words out of her mouth were sung, “Love, Love Love…..Love, Love, Love….Love, Love, Love,” she crooned to the melody of The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love.” She begins each board meeting of the Nashville chapter with song.
That was only the beginning. Our chapter’s brilliant Shannon Sanders put together a musical program that featured some of Nashville’s best and brightest performing iconic numbers that have all been Grammy Song of the Year winners.
Nashville native Morgxn (Morgan Isaac Karr) applied his rafter-raising tenor voice to “Stay With Me” and “Royals” with an assist by hip-hop stylist Derek Minor. The enduringly great Tommy Sims sang “Grandma’s Hands” with the addition of the gripping Southern poetry of Minton Sparks and his own “Change the World” abetted by the spoken word artistry of S-Wrap (Saran Thompson).
The performance of the night belonged to the sensationally torrid Maggie Rose, who tore the roof off the place with “Rolling in the Deep” accompanied by Alison Brown and Sanders’ uber cool house band — Rob Cureton, Marcus Perry, Tyler Cain and Jon Lucas. Brown also favored the crowd with a dazzling bluegrass banjo tune. Charles Kelley of Lady A had the finale performance with “What’s Going On,” and had everyone singing along by the time he finished, including Rose, Sanders and Amanfu.
Pictured: Lori McKenna and Liz Rose walk the red carpet. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Cheering and singing along were Gramps Morgan, Mark Ford & Carol Ann Etheridge, Odie Blackmon, Ben Vaughn, Anthony L. Smith, Don Cusic, Leslie Roberts, Jackie Marushka, John Briggs, Nancy Shapiro and Beth Laird.
The entryway into Analog held a massive charcuterie board groaning under the weight of massed salami roses, candied pecans, brie crackers, fruits and cheeses. Opposite that was a buffet of hot chicken sliders, beef & brie sliders with onion jam and flatbreads topped by balsamic figs & goat cheese or pepperoni. The wait staff circulated with steak skewers, crab cakes, fried cheese balls, veggie skewers and Maryland-style mini crab cakes. The bartenders handled the throng with aplomb.
The room looked totally elegant. Tables held mini gerbera-daisy floral arrangements festooned with tiny “fairy lights.” The stage was artfully backed by cascades of crimson and aquamarine drapes with a multi-tiered chandelier overhead. In the center, naturally, was a jumbo golden Grammy Award.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have everyone here,” said host-with-the-most Alicia Warwick, the senior director of the Nashville chapter. “We look at a special year for The Recording Academy.” She reminded everyone that a Grammy isn’t based on sales or chart positions. It represents your peers voting on your music.
Those 91 nominees represent 134 nominations, including leading contenders in the Americana, rock, bluegrass, gospel, blues, CCM and country fields. Appropriately, the crowd was beautifully bi-racial.
Applauding the gala were Mike Sistad, Mason Hunter, Mike Kepler, Chuck Ainlay, Dave Paulson, Pat McMakin, Earle Simmons, Whitney Daane, Lori Badgett, Sherod Robertson, Susan Stewart, Chris Keaton, Tom Roland, Lee Willard, LB Cantrell, Jensen Sussman, Carla Wallace, Lisa Harless, Debbie Carroll, Dan Hill and publicists du jour Ronna Rubin and Susan Niles.
The Grammys will air on CBS on Feb. 5. Show host Trevor Noah promoted the show on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night.
CRB Announces Unemployment & Student Rates For CRS 2023
/by Lydia FarthingCountry Radio Broadcasters have unveiled the unemployment and student rates for CRS 2023, to be held March 13-15 at Omni Nashville Hotel.
This year’s Unemployment rate is $199 and will be offered to displaced professionals who are looking for their next opportunity between CRS 2022 and now. The Student rate is $149. To apply for the Unemployment or Student rate, interested parties must submit their information no later than Feb. 13.
Discounted registration packages are full registrations, including access to scheduled events and provided meals served at luncheons. However, registrations will not include admission into the New Faces of Country Music Show.
Additionally, single-day passes are being made available for purchase for $249. They include access to panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase, with the exception of Friday’s New Faces of Country Music Show. Day passes will also be available for purchase on-site.
For more information on registration and CRS 2023, click here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis Gets ‘Steamy & Sexy’ On Newest Release
/by Robert K OermannSex always sells.
Just ask Jordan Davis, who is heading straight to the top by giving his image a sensual makeover with “No Time Soon.” It is our Disc of the Day.
One nice trend in today’s playlist is the presence of female-centric lyrics. You’ll find them by Walker County, Brei Carter and Priscilla Block. Add a touching performance by the late Jody Miller, and you have some real woman-music power.
Speaking of Miller, we have welcome tracks by two other veterans today. One of them is Shenandoah’s. The other belongs to Willie Nelson. How awesome is it that he’s turning 90 this year and still making music this great?
BLANCO BROWN / “I’ll Never”
Writers: Blanco Brown/Keith Justice/Allen Arthur; Producers: Blanco Brown/Bizkit & Butta; Label: BBR
–Country, country, country–from the steel-drenched track to the everlasting-love sentiment. Brown’s plaintive vocal drips with sincerity as he unspools the romantic message. He’s never sounded better.
SHENANDOAH / “Revival”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley/Josh Miller; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
–The band is as tight as ever, and Marty’s still one of our finest country singers. The peppy, FGL-penned tune is a catchy toe-tapper with faux-gospel flavor that describes country buddies reuniting and reminiscing. I’ll bet audiences clap along when they hear this live.
PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Me, Pt. 2”
Writer: Priscilla Block; Producers: Jake Curry/Justin Johnson/Robbie Artress; Label: Mercury
–The “My Bar” and “Off the Deep End” songstress returns with a heartache ballad. Block sings with enormous emotion as she describes the new lover her ex has found. This lady really communicates, which is to say she’s a superb country-music artist. Take her into your heart.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Same Ol’ Me”
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Jon Randall/Luke Dick; Producers: Dierks Bentley/F. Reid Shippen/Jon Randall/Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
–Bentley’s debut as a record producer is a solid country rocker with just the right touch of twang. An electric guitar sizzles, a mandolin tinkles, a drummer pounds and the singer barks. Radio ready.
FILMORE / “Mean Something”
Writers: Will Weatherly/Michael Whitworth/Filmore; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb
–The title tune of Filmore’s second album is a yearning ballad. He has given up a lot for his music, so he hopes that in the end it will mean something to his listeners (“because it means everything to me”). Fans, this one’s for you.
DUSTIN LYNCH / “Stars Like Confetti”
Writers: Josh Thompson/Thomas Rhett/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow
–You can’t help but smile. This good-time banger captures being dizzy in love so marvelously. Get up and bop around the room. Or turn it up on the open road.
CALLISTA CLARK & JIMMIE ALLEN / “Wish You Wouldn’t”
Writers: Callista Clark/Emily Falvey/Lalo Guzman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
–His performance is more country than hers is. But there’s very little that’s “country” about this melodically meandering and overly wordy song. She’s only 19, so there’s still plenty of time for her to transition to pop, where her heart seems to be.
WILLIE NELSON / “Busted”
Writer: Harlan Howard; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy
–Previously a country hit for Johnny Cash (1963), a Grammy-winning R&B performance by Ray Charles (1963) and a country hit again for John Conlee (1982), this blue-collar evergreen now gets the behind-the-beat Willie treatment. Mickey Raphael’s harmonica wailing underscores and answers every line. The superstars’s distinctive guitar, a punchy rhythm section and some sighing soul organ complete the perfectly mixed track. Totally groovy.
WALKER COUNTY / “Mirror Mirror”
Writers: Sophie Walker/Ivy Walker/Autumn McEntire/Jennifer Schott; Producer: AJ Prius; Label: Warner
–I love this beautifully produced and performed single. The duo hits an emotional bullseye with this sweet, female-empowerment song. It’s about how hard and self-critical a woman can be. Instead of negativity, look in the mirror and tell the image how beautiful and strong she is. Essential listening.
JORDAN DAVIS / “No Time Soon”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Davis/Matt Jenkins/Josh Jenkins; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA
–Mr. Davis gets all steamy and sexy on this rumbling, compelling country rocker. He advises his paramour to lay down for some love making that won’t quit for quite some time. This one’s going straight to the top with no stops.
JODY MILLER / “I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand”
Writers: Colbert Cross/Joyce Croft; Producer: Justin Trevino; Label: Heart of Texas
–This great, Grammy-winning Okie vocalist passed away in October after battling Parkinson’s Disease. Her last recordings are now being released on an album titled Wayfaring Stranger. Listening to this track tugs at the heartstrings, given the debilitating disease she was battling when she recorded it. Her lustrous alto rings with truth and authenticity.
BREI CARTER / “Stronger Than That”
Writers: Brei Carter/Wayne Burton; Producer: Jason Wyatt; Label: BC
–This lady’s songwriting is always admirably female-centric, and this midtempo single from her second album is no exception. These lyrics find her rising above trials and difficulties to emerge victorious. I would add a little echo to her vocal to give it more oomph.
Ross Ellis Signs With UMPG Nashville & Brad Tursi
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Roxy King (UMPG Nashville), Brad Tursi, Ross Ellis, Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville) and Mason Hunter (BMI)
Ross Ellis has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with UMPG Nashville and songwriter Brad Tursi, who is also a member of country band Old Dominion.
A native of Monterey, Louisiana, Ellis formed a band at 15 and gained a strong following throughout high school and college, playing venues across Louisiana and Mississippi. After graduating from University of Louisiana at Monroe, he moved to Nashville to pursue music full time. Ellis has had cuts by Lainey Wilson, Tim McGraw, Gary Allan and Tyler Farr.
“When Brad approached us about working together with Ross, it was an immediate YES,” notes Cyndi Forman, Senior Vice President A&R, UMPG Nashville. “We were already fans of his writing coupled with joining forces with Brad just makes so much sense.”
Tursi adds: “Over the years, I have listened to Ross’ songs just as much or more than some of my favorite artists of all time. He has a truly unique, emotional voice and a way of turning a phrase totally his own.”
“I’m so honored to join forces with UMPG alongside the ever so talented, Brad Tursi, to kickstart this new and exciting chapter in my songwriting career,” Ellis shares.
Dierks Bentley Closes Out Historic Era At Nashville’s Iconic Exit/In With New Video
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley. Photo: Zach Belcher
Dierks Bentley said farewell to an old friend in his new video for “Same Ol’ Me,” recording the nostalgic clip at Nashville’s famed Exit/In during the last days of December as they were closing the club down.
The setting marked the perfect backdrop for the sentimental new song, which muses on how the more things change, the more the good things stay the same. Bentley played the beloved iconic venue in the early days of his career, which opened in 1971. The venue was bought and shut down near the end of the year, but is slated to reopen under new management in 2023.
“My first time playing Exit/In was just as meaningful to me as playing the Ryman and Bridgestone Arena,” Bentley recalls. “I opened for Asleep at the Wheel before I had a record deal or anything. A manager was supposed to come watch me play, but they didn’t show up. I had a few too many Busch Lights and passed out under a bench. The last thing I remember hearing was Ray Benson’s booming voice. I woke up around 4 a.m. and realized I was all alone! It was bittersweet to be in there during the last days of December as they were closing it down. I felt honored to take a shot with the guys and toast to the history there and turn the lights off.”
The performance video of “Same Ol’ Me” is out now, and the track appears on Bentley’s upcoming 10th studio album Gravel & Gold, out Feb. 24.
Industry Ink: Randy Travis Foundation, Outback Presents, Milestone Publicity
/by Lydia FarthingRandy Travis Foundation Receives $5,000 Donation Following Tribute Tuesday Celebration
Pictured (L-R): Thompson Square’s Keifer and Shawna Thompson, Mary Travis, Randy Travis, Silverfish Media’s Patrick Thomas, PickleJar’s Kristian Barowsky, Chris Harrah, Zach, Erika, and Delaney of Dave’s Highway, Timmy Brown, Landon Wall, Blair Masters and Jeff Coplan. Photo: Cassie Riley
Following this week’s Tuesday Tribute, which celebrated Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis, PickleJar presented the Randy Travis Foundation with a $5,000 donation. The evening featured songs from Thompson Square, Shawna Thompson, Timmy Brown, Dave’s Highway and Landon Wall at Live Oak.
The foundation provides support for victims of strokes and cardiovascular diseases as well as arts and entertainment education for at-risk children.
Outback Presents Adds Everett Ramsey & Hardy McBee
Hardy McBee & Everett Ramsey
Outback Presents has added Everett Ramsey as General Manager and Hardy McBee as Director of Booking & Marketing of Outback Presents Mid-South. They will be based in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ramsey began his entertainment career in 1994 at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. In 1998, he was hired by Beaver Productions to work directly for legendary promoter Don Fox. Ramsey has spent the last 25 years helping promote and produce major concerts and tours across the United States, and has been integral in setting up some of the biggest national tours in the nation. He has been closely involved with Michael Bublé, James Taylor, ZZ Top, Katy Perry, Bryan Adams, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, Tool, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bruno Mars.
For nearly 15 years, McBee worked as Director of Marketing & Publicity for Beaver Productions. He was responsible for developing, implementing and managing marketing campaigns across the country for Beaver’s touring artists. Prior to Beaver Productions, McBee performed the duties of Vice President of Artist Management & Logistics for Blind Ambition Artist Management with veteran entertainment attorney Charles Driebe. He helped manage the professional careers of several Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated artists, including the Blind Boys of Alabama, Charlie Musselwhite and Ruthie Foster. Before Blind Ambition Artist Management, McBee worked as Assistant Talent Buyer and Marketing Manager for the House of Blues in New Orleans where he organized, negotiated, promoted and managed over 300 concerts annually for two concert halls.
Ramsey can be reached at everett.ramsey@outbackpresents.com and McBee at hardy.mcbee@outbackpresents.com.
Milestone Publicity Ups Lily Collins To Account Manager
Lily Collins
Milestone Publicity has promoted University of Texas graduate Lily Collins to Account Manager.
Since joining Milestone in August of 2022 as an Associate Publicist, Collins has proved herself to be a skilled and driven publicist, recently being involved in campaigns with artists such as The Dryes, Kaya Stewart, Kids That Fly, Lonestar and Noah Hicks, among others.
“Lily came into Milestone loaded with the skills and character traits to be a great publicist,” says Mike Gowen, the company’s Founder & CEO. “We’re lucky to have her on the team and I’m excited to continue to watch her thrive as a publicist, and make a name for herself in the industry.”
Eric Church, Jon Pardi, Maren Morris, More Set For GoldenSky Festival In October
/by Lorie HollabaughGoldenSky Country Music Festival will return to Sacramento on Oct. 14-15 with a lineup that features Eric Church, Maren Morris, Parker McCollum and Sacramento’s own Jon Pardi, along with dozens more.
The festival’s inaugural year welcomed 50,000 fans, and the second annual event will include performances from Jordan Davis, Wynonna Judd, Lainey Wilson, Elle King, Eli Young Band, Niko Moon, Ingrid Andress, Drake Milligan and more.
In addition to nearly two dozen artists over two days, GoldenSky will also feature an array of on-site experiences, including the GoldenSky Beer Festival, The Farmhouse, the El Dorado Market where attendees can shop the best of the Central Valley from local retailers, the River City Saloon & Dance Hall, the Loud Lounge and more.
”We’re thrilled to partner with DWP to bring the West Coast’s premier country music experience back to Sacramento,” shares Visit Sacramento President & CEO Mike Testa. “This year’s incredible lineup, coupled with unique local activations and Sacramento as the backdrop will make for an unforgettable weekend. We can’t wait to welcome music fans from across the country back to our city.”
“The overwhelming response from the fans and the music industry alike leaves no doubt that last year’s GoldenSky officially put Sacramento on the map as a destination for festivals,” says addsDanny Hayes, CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents. “We are honored to be able to showcase all the amazing things the city and county have to offer and look forward to cementing GoldenSky as a must-attend country festival for the region.”
Weekend and Single Day General Admission, as well as VIP passes for the GoldenSky Festival are on sale now at GoldenSkyFestival.com.
Liz Rose Among Latest Inductees To The Songwriters Hall Of Fame
/by Lydia FarthingLiz Rose
Grammy award-winning songwriter Liz Rose has been named as one of the latest inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Moving to Nashville in the mid-1990s, Rose began writing songs at the age of 37. One of her first cuts was “Elisabeth,” recorded by Billy Gilman in 2001. In 2003, Gary Allan took Rose’s “Songs About Rain” into the country top 20.
Rose was a frequent collaborator of Taylor Swift’s and co-wrote 16 songs with the starlet, including the No. 1 crossover hits “Teardrops on My Guitar;” “You Belong With Me,” which won the 2010 BMI Award for Song of the Year; “Tim McGraw;” “White Horse,” which won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Country Song; and “All Too Well.” Most recently, Rose has been nominated for the 2023 Grammy for Song of the Year with “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”
The recipient of the 2012 ACM Award for Song of the Year in honor of Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl,” Rose has also penned songs for Tim McGraw, Dan + Shay, Allison Krauss, Blake Shelton, LeeAnn Womack, Chris Young, Bonnie Raitt and more. In 2015, she won Song Of The Year at the CMA Awards and won the Grammy for Best Country Song for “Girl Crush,” recorded by Little Big Town.
Rose earned another Best Country Song Grammy nod in 2020 with Miranda Lambert’s “It All Comes Out In The Wash.” She also has recent releases with Maren Morris, Gabby Barrett, Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Kenny Chesney, and more.
Founder of her own music publishing company, Liz Rose Music, the accomplished songwriter is a Texas Heritage Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to her Grammy wins, she has been honored with the 2007 SESAC Nashville Songwriter of the Year, as well as several CMA and ACM awards. She is also on the board of directors for CMA, NSAI, and was most recently one of the first of two songwriters inducted into the NMPA.
Rose will be honored alongside Sade Adu p/k/a Sade, Glen Ballard, Calvin Broadus Jr. p/k/a Snoop Dogg, Gloria Estefan, Jeff Lynne and Teddy Riley at the organization’s 52nd Annual Induction and Awards Gala. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.
“The music industry does not exist without songwriters delivering great songs first. Without them there is no recorded music, no concert business, no merch… nothing, it all starts with the song and the songwriter,” explains Hall of Fame Chairman Nile Rodgers. “We are therefore very proud that we are continually recognizing some of the culturally most important songwriters of all time and that the 2023 slate represents not just iconic songs but also diversity and unity across genres, ethnicity and gender, songwriters who have enriched our lives and, in their time, literally transformed music and the lives of billions of listeners all over the world.”
Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event, taking place on June 15 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, are available through Buckley Hall Events, 914-579-1000 and SHOF@buckleyhallevents.com. Net proceeds from the event will go toward the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.