Darin Murphy
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.
Darin Murphy is a Music Agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and Co-Head of CAA Music’s Nashville office. He represents many of the world’s leading musicians, including The Chicks, Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Hootie & the Blowfish, Dan + Shay, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Jake Owen, and Lindsay Ell, among others.
Murphy graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Business Marketing. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Academy of Country Music and is a member of the Country Music Association. Murphy was named Talent Agent of the Year at the 2015 and 2017 CMA Awards. He also served as a Governor to the Grammy’s Nashville Chapter Board.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, which is about 70 miles north of Manhattan, and lived there until I was 11. My mother remarried when I was 11. My stepdad was in the military. Once they were married, we started to move around as military families do. From the upstate New York area, we went to Virginia, we went to Kansas for a bit, and then I finished my high school years up in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
Darin Murphy, Maren Morris, Meredith Jones
Were you musical as a kid?
No, not at all. My natural dad did own some nightclubs though, when I was young. So I would get to go and see shows. I would get to clean up the bars in the mornings with my grandfather during the summer. I was exposed to live music from that age.
How did you get to Nashville?
I played tennis for Belmont. I was a business marketing major and worked for an investment firm my last two years for college credit, so I was heading down that stock broker path. Then the stock market crashed in 1987, the beginning of the year that I graduated. I pivoted in my brain as I was getting closer to graduating from college. My last semester of school, I took an Introduction to the Music Business class. I had a great time with the class. My professor gave me some cool advice. He said, “You should look into the agencies in town. You’re good with numbers, you love music, you have a great personality. Maybe you’d be a great agent.” So I did that. Luckily for me, after dropping off some resumes, I got a call from the William Morris Agency to interview for a position that had opened up working for one of the agents, Steve Lassiter.
Darin Murphy and Sam Hunt
At the time the roster was Charlie Daniels and the Oak Ridge Boys, they had a lot of different old school country acts. I just liked the pace of it. I liked the sales side. I liked how they had to fill dates on a calendar and sell. The core of being an agent is selling and filling calendars, and I felt good about it. I’ve always liked music and I think once I started working on desks and so forth, I knew where I was going to make a career.
So I worked for Steve right out of school, just typing up contracts and answering phones. A few weeks into the gig, I was digging it. I was digging the energy. I liked the flow of how the days went there, but musically I wanted to be in a different place.
What was next for you?
I eventually got accepted into the Agent Training Program [in Nashville], moved to Los Angeles later that year, and worked my way up the ladder through the LA office there into the contemporary department.
How long were you in LA?
William Morris acquired another agency in 1991 called Triad Artists and I was unfortunately let go. I had a few bands that I was booking that hadn’t quite hit yet or made enough noise, so I was one of the young people they disposed of. That sucked.
Next I went to Bill Silva Presents in San Diego for almost a year where I got to see the other side of it—the buying and promoting part, which was awesome. We did a lot of great shows and worked with all the different agencies. I mostly focused on the club stuff that we did in the area. It was a pretty busy company, we had lots of different cool venues down in southern California. That was a great experience. Then I got hired back at William Morris, but for the Nashville office in ’94. I worked there until I started working for CAA in ’98.
Russell Dickerson and Darin Murphy
Now you help guide the touring careers of Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Dan + Shay, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, and more. When do you feel most fulfilled in what you do?
I try to get to the office pretty early every day. It’s quiet way before the phones start ringing. I try to put together an agenda each day for what I want to try to get through and accomplish. [A big part of my day is] obviously staying in touch with the managers that I work with, as well as my clients and buyers, and making sure I’m checking off the list, so to speak. The best part of my day is when a deal closes, a tour goes on sale and does great, or I get a call from a buyer saying, “Oh my God, that act killed it last night. Can’t wait to have them back.” When those moments happen throughout your day, it still gives me goosebumps and I feel great about it after all these years. Those are the little things that are big things for me still.
Do you feel like you still have the same motivation and drive that you had when you started?
100%. Especially coming out of what we all just went through with the pandemic. It reminded me how awesome it is to—whether it’s at a club, an arena, a stadium, or an amphitheater—watch people have a great time at show from someone you get to work with every day. Just being around live music, for our clients and [other acts] who aren’t our clients, was definitely a big part of what I missed.
Darin Murphy and Loretta Lynn
Have you had any mentors along the way?
I’ve learned from a lot of different people. I learn from the people I work with currently. Ron Baird was a really good mentor for me when he was here. I would go to Ron for advice, he would come in my office to check in and see how I was doing. I felt comfortable going to him about any issue with a promoter or a client. He would give me a different perspective. I still think about some of those conversations even today.
John [Huie] and Rod [Essig] have been here from the beginning and are great friends as well as mentors.
If you could go back and talk to yourself as a new Belmont grad, what would you tell him?
Put your seatbelt on. It’s a ride. It’s how you treat people. There’s certainly a level of hustle that you have to have initially. I would also remind the younger version of myself to be careful how you talk to people. [Laughs]
What has been one of your favorite career experiences?
From time to time when I would be at a show and I hadn’t seen Loretta [Lynn] in a while, she would call me up and ask me to escort her off the stage. It was incredible and one of the coolest experiences that I get to tell my children. I had privilege of doing that a couple times over the years. That’s pretty special, escorting her off the stage after a show. That coupled with just spending time with her on the bus and listening to some of the stories that she would tell… She had an incredible memory.
2022 CMA Award Winners – Complete List
/by LB CantrellThe country music community gathered for the 56th annual CMA Awards Wednesday night (Nov. 9) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, went to Luke Combs for the second time. He also was awarded his second Album of the Year trophy for Growin’ Up.
Chris Stapleton took home his sixth Male Vocalist of the Year honor, making him the fifth most-winning artist in CMA Awards history behind Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson and George Strait. He also became the most-winning artist in the Male Vocalist category.
Lainey Wilson, the first-time honoree who was the most-nominated artist of the evening, won New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, joining Alison Krauss and Carrie Underwood as the only other artist to win both Female Vocalist and New Artist in a single year.
Jordan Davis took home Song of the Year for his duet with CMA host Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt.” Davis co-wrote the hit with his brother Jacob Davis and another set of hit-making brothers Josh and Matt Jenkins.
Single of the Year went to Cody Johnson for “‘Til You Can’t,” who also took home the award for Music Video of the Year for the tune prior to the telecast.
Brothers Osborne won Vocal Duo of the Year for the sixth time. Old Dominion took home Vocal Group of the Year for the fifth time.
Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde took home Musical Event of the Year for their “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” prior to the telecast. Fiddler Jenee Fleenor was named the CMA Musician of the Year.
Read MusicRow‘s full recap here.
A full list of CMA Awards honorees is below (winners in RED):
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
– Luke Combs
– Miranda Lambert
– Chris Stapleton
– Carrie Underwood
– Morgan Wallen
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer
– “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
– “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (feat. Kenny Chesney)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins
Mix Engineer: Dan Grech-Marguerat
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
– “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
– “You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
– Humble Quest – Maren Morris
Producer: Greg Kurstin
Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
– Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Mikey Reaves
Mix Engineer: Jason Lehning
– Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineer: F. Reid Shippen
– Time, Tequila & Therapy – Old Dominion
Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion
Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriters
– “Buy Dirt”
Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
– “Sand In My Boots”
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne
– “Things A Man Oughta Know”
Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
– “You Should Probably Leave”
Songwriters: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Miranda Lambert
– Ashley McBryde
– Carly Pearce
– Carrie Underwood
– Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Eric Church
– Luke Combs
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton
– Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
– Lady A
– Little Big Town
– Midland
– Old Dominion
– Zac Brown Band
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
– Brooks & Dunn
– Brothers Osborne
– Dan + Shay
– LOCASH
– Maddie & Tae
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)
– “Beers On Me” – Dierks Bentley with BRELAND & HARDY
Producers: Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman
– “If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
Producer: Michael Knox
– “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
– “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
Producer: Zach Crowell
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
– Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
– Paul Franklin, Steel guitar
– Brent Mason, Guitar
– Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo
– Derek Wells, Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Directors
– “I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift (featuring Chris
Stapleton)
Director: Blake Lively
– “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
Director: Harper Smith
– “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
Director: Michael Monaco
– “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Director: Alexa Campbell
– “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
– HARDY
– Walker Hayes
– Cody Johnson
– Parker McCollum
– Lainey Wilson
Michael Gray Rises To VP, Museum Services At Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum
/by Lorie HollabaughMichael Gray
Longtime Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum historian and editor Michael Gray has been promoted to Vice President of Museum Services. Brenda Colladay, who joined the organization as Vice President of Museum Services in 2018, is stepping down from the role. She will remain on staff through mid-January to assist with the transition.
In his new role, Gray will be responsible for the care and management of the museum’s extensive artifact and archival collections, including stage wear, instruments, films, photographs, recordings and more. He will also oversee all planning, design and installation of exhibits in the museum’s gallery spaces, as well as the museum’s online exhibits and digital archive.
Gray most recently served as Executive Senior Director of Editorial and Interpretation, leading the editorial team and directing major exhibits and other special initiatives. During his more than 20 years at the museum, he has curated or co-curated a variety of significant exhibits, from the award-winning “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues, 1945-1970” and the current “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” to biographical exhibits on Ray Charles, Sam Phillips and Kacey Musgraves.
Gray won a Grammy for Best Historical Album as co-producer of the companion album to the “Night Train to Nashville” exhibit, and also received the 2021 Fletch Coke Award from the Metropolitan Nashville Historical Commission in recognition for his research and preservation work related to the R&B scene in Nashville.
“Michael is not only an astute music historian and innovative storyteller, but also a well-respected leader within our institution and music community,” shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “His extensive knowledge, relationships and skillset are perfectly suited to continue the museum’s high level of commitment to preserving and interpreting country music and American history.”
“I have had the good fortune to spend the past two decades at the museum surrounded by a world-class collection, steeped in the educational and public programs we offer, and bolstered by collaborative, talented colleagues who are dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of this diverse and significant artform,” notes Gray. “I look forward to building on the exceptional work of my predecessor, Brenda Colladay, who set a high standard in elevating the museum and its educational mission.”
In Pictures: BBR Music Group Preps For CMA Awards With Pre-Party
/by Liza AndersonLainey Wilson at BBR Music Group’s Pre-CMA Party. Photo: Sara Kauss.
BBR Music Group celebrated CMA week and prepped for the awards with a pre-party Tuesday night (Nov. 8). The event was sponsored by ADA, Crown Royal and Dos Equis.
The evening included performances from BBR artists Lainey Wilson, Blanco Brown, Craig Morgan, Jelly Roll and Parmalee.
A first-time CMA Award nominee, Wilson has acquired the most nominations this year with six nods. She was nominated for Musical Event of the Year, as well as Music Video of the Year (“Never Say Never”) alongside Cole Swindell, producer Zach Crowell and director Michael Monaco. Currently, she is up for Album of the Year (Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’), Song of the Year (“Things A Man Oughta Know”), Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.
Blanco Brown at BBR Music Group’s Pre-CMA Party. Photo: Sara Kauss.
Craig Morgan at BBR Music Group’s Pre-CMA Party. Photo: Sara Kauss.
Jelly Roll at BBR Music Group’s Pre-CMA Party. Photo: Sara Kauss.
Parmalee at BBR Music Group’s Pre-CMA Party. Photo: Sara Kauss.
In Pictures: Spotify Hosts Annual Brunch Ahead Of 56th Annual CMA Awards
/by Lydia FarthingThe Spotify Nashville team at the annual CMA Brunch. Photo: Digital Lov
Adding to the CMA Awards festivities, Spotify held its annual CMA brunch celebration on Tuesday morning (Nov. 8).
Nashville industry members, including Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta and Mike Molinar, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and Ben Kline and CRB’s RJ Curtis, as well as artists and writers Sam Hunt, Nicolle Galyon and Bailey Zimmerman, were in attendance.
Sam Hunt poses with Spotify team members at the annual CMA Brunch. Photo: Digital Love
“CMA week is one of the most special times of the year, and we were proud to have so many of our partners in one room to celebrate all the success from an amazing year in country music,” notes Brittany Schaffer, Head of Artist and Label Marketing, Spotify. “The songs that are written and music that is produced within this community connect with fans on a global scale, and Spotify prides itself on the role we play in being a part of this incredible community.”
The Spotify and Warner Music Nashville teams at the annual CMA Brunch. Photo: Digital Love.
The Spotify team at the annual CMA Brunch. Photo: Digital Love.
Attendees at Spotify’s annual CMA Brunch. Photo: Digital Love.
Dolly Parton Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Teases Upcoming Rock Album
/by Lydia FarthingDolly Parton performs onstage during attends the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Country legend Dolly Parton was officially inducted into the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday (Nov. 5).
After giving a speech about her appreciation for her induction, Parton performed “Rockin’ Years,” as well as a special version of “Jolene” where she was accompanied by Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, Simon Le Bon, Brandi Carlile, and Rob Halford.
Parton’s journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was not an easy one. After being nominated for consideration earlier this year, Parton initially declined the nomination. Sharing through social media, she noted, “Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right.”
The decorated entertainer eventually decided to accept the nomination, and was inducted alongside Carly Simon, Eminem, Lionel Richie, and Eurhythmics. Benatar and Duran Duran were also included in this year’s class of honorees. Judas Priest and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis also received Musical Excellence honors.
The now 76 years old star, who has been inducted into the Songwriters, Grammy, Country, Gospel and Happiness halls of fame, is reportedly working on a rock album, according to a recent interview with Pollstar.
Noting that it’s always been an endeavor she’s wanted to take on, she saw her induction as a perfect opportunity to go for it. Following the filming of her Run, Rose, Run movie, the multi-Platinum vocalist also teased that she might have “some of the greats, the legends of rock ‘n’ roll” join her on the project.
More details regarding the new rock record are expected in the coming months.
My Music Row Story: CAA’s Darin Murphy
/by LB CantrellDarin Murphy
Darin Murphy is a Music Agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and Co-Head of CAA Music’s Nashville office. He represents many of the world’s leading musicians, including The Chicks, Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Hootie & the Blowfish, Dan + Shay, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Jake Owen, and Lindsay Ell, among others.
Murphy graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Business Marketing. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Academy of Country Music and is a member of the Country Music Association. Murphy was named Talent Agent of the Year at the 2015 and 2017 CMA Awards. He also served as a Governor to the Grammy’s Nashville Chapter Board.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, which is about 70 miles north of Manhattan, and lived there until I was 11. My mother remarried when I was 11. My stepdad was in the military. Once they were married, we started to move around as military families do. From the upstate New York area, we went to Virginia, we went to Kansas for a bit, and then I finished my high school years up in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
Darin Murphy, Maren Morris, Meredith Jones
Were you musical as a kid?
No, not at all. My natural dad did own some nightclubs though, when I was young. So I would get to go and see shows. I would get to clean up the bars in the mornings with my grandfather during the summer. I was exposed to live music from that age.
How did you get to Nashville?
I played tennis for Belmont. I was a business marketing major and worked for an investment firm my last two years for college credit, so I was heading down that stock broker path. Then the stock market crashed in 1987, the beginning of the year that I graduated. I pivoted in my brain as I was getting closer to graduating from college. My last semester of school, I took an Introduction to the Music Business class. I had a great time with the class. My professor gave me some cool advice. He said, “You should look into the agencies in town. You’re good with numbers, you love music, you have a great personality. Maybe you’d be a great agent.” So I did that. Luckily for me, after dropping off some resumes, I got a call from the William Morris Agency to interview for a position that had opened up working for one of the agents, Steve Lassiter.
Darin Murphy and Sam Hunt
At the time the roster was Charlie Daniels and the Oak Ridge Boys, they had a lot of different old school country acts. I just liked the pace of it. I liked the sales side. I liked how they had to fill dates on a calendar and sell. The core of being an agent is selling and filling calendars, and I felt good about it. I’ve always liked music and I think once I started working on desks and so forth, I knew where I was going to make a career.
So I worked for Steve right out of school, just typing up contracts and answering phones. A few weeks into the gig, I was digging it. I was digging the energy. I liked the flow of how the days went there, but musically I wanted to be in a different place.
What was next for you?
I eventually got accepted into the Agent Training Program [in Nashville], moved to Los Angeles later that year, and worked my way up the ladder through the LA office there into the contemporary department.
How long were you in LA?
William Morris acquired another agency in 1991 called Triad Artists and I was unfortunately let go. I had a few bands that I was booking that hadn’t quite hit yet or made enough noise, so I was one of the young people they disposed of. That sucked.
Next I went to Bill Silva Presents in San Diego for almost a year where I got to see the other side of it—the buying and promoting part, which was awesome. We did a lot of great shows and worked with all the different agencies. I mostly focused on the club stuff that we did in the area. It was a pretty busy company, we had lots of different cool venues down in southern California. That was a great experience. Then I got hired back at William Morris, but for the Nashville office in ’94. I worked there until I started working for CAA in ’98.
Russell Dickerson and Darin Murphy
Now you help guide the touring careers of Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Dan + Shay, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, and more. When do you feel most fulfilled in what you do?
I try to get to the office pretty early every day. It’s quiet way before the phones start ringing. I try to put together an agenda each day for what I want to try to get through and accomplish. [A big part of my day is] obviously staying in touch with the managers that I work with, as well as my clients and buyers, and making sure I’m checking off the list, so to speak. The best part of my day is when a deal closes, a tour goes on sale and does great, or I get a call from a buyer saying, “Oh my God, that act killed it last night. Can’t wait to have them back.” When those moments happen throughout your day, it still gives me goosebumps and I feel great about it after all these years. Those are the little things that are big things for me still.
Do you feel like you still have the same motivation and drive that you had when you started?
100%. Especially coming out of what we all just went through with the pandemic. It reminded me how awesome it is to—whether it’s at a club, an arena, a stadium, or an amphitheater—watch people have a great time at show from someone you get to work with every day. Just being around live music, for our clients and [other acts] who aren’t our clients, was definitely a big part of what I missed.
Darin Murphy and Loretta Lynn
Have you had any mentors along the way?
I’ve learned from a lot of different people. I learn from the people I work with currently. Ron Baird was a really good mentor for me when he was here. I would go to Ron for advice, he would come in my office to check in and see how I was doing. I felt comfortable going to him about any issue with a promoter or a client. He would give me a different perspective. I still think about some of those conversations even today.
John [Huie] and Rod [Essig] have been here from the beginning and are great friends as well as mentors.
If you could go back and talk to yourself as a new Belmont grad, what would you tell him?
Put your seatbelt on. It’s a ride. It’s how you treat people. There’s certainly a level of hustle that you have to have initially. I would also remind the younger version of myself to be careful how you talk to people. [Laughs]
What has been one of your favorite career experiences?
From time to time when I would be at a show and I hadn’t seen Loretta [Lynn] in a while, she would call me up and ask me to escort her off the stage. It was incredible and one of the coolest experiences that I get to tell my children. I had privilege of doing that a couple times over the years. That’s pretty special, escorting her off the stage after a show. That coupled with just spending time with her on the bus and listening to some of the stories that she would tell… She had an incredible memory.
Nashville Industry Remembers Alabama Co-Founder Jeff Cook
/by Lydia FarthingJeff Cook. Photo: Alan Messer
Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook passed away on Monday (Nov. 7) at age 73. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2012.
Cook contributed lead guitar, vocals, fiddle and keyboard to Alabama, who rose to prominence in the late 1970s and ‘80s with a string of hits that include “Tennessee River,” “Dixieland Delight,” “Song Of The South,” “Mountain Music,” “Feels So Right” and more. The group has amassed more than 41 No. 1 singles and 12 top 10 albums, and is credited with selling more than 75 million records worldwide. He also founded Cook Sound Studios, Inc. in Fort Payne, Alabama and established WQRX-AM in Valley Head, Alabama.
With more than 200 awards from a variety of organizations, Alabama earned three consecutive CMA Awards for Entertainer of the Year (1982-1984) and five ACM Awards for Entertainer of the Year (1982-1986). In 1989, Alabama was named Artist of the Decade by the ACM. Cook was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019, and Alabama was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Arrangements for Cook’s celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Jeff And Lisa Cook Foundation (P.O. Box 680067, Fort Payne, AL 35968) or at thejeffandlisacookfoundation.org.
Since the news of his passing, the Nashville music industry has shared their thoughts and condolences for the beloved musician.
“Few bands are more ubiquitous in country music today than Alabama. Jeff was instrumental to Alabama’s high energy stage presence and authentic country sound. My deepest condolences to Jeff’s family, friends and the band.” – Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO
“Jeff Cook spent a lifetime in music, earning a license as a broadcast engineer before he was old enough to drive a car and working as an on-air radio personality while still in high school. He went on to fame, of course, with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen as a member of multi-Platinum band Alabama, moving from barroom stages to sold-out arenas. Everything he did was rooted in his deep love of music, a love he shared with millions.” – Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“Jeff Cook was a long-time friend and brother as has been Randy and Teddy over all these times passing! This is a heartbreaking loss for all that knew Jeff. Alabama is in our prayers. Rest in Peace Jeff. Until the day…” – The Oak Ridge Boys
“We ran a lot of roads together back in the ’80s. I was proud to tour with Alabama for four years! Night after night I watched them create magic like I had never seen before. Jeff was a unique part of the group Alabama and a really good guitar player and fiddle player. We thought we were forever young. This one hits hard. Go rest high on that mountain, Jeff Cook.” – Lee Greenwood
“Such sad news today with the passing of Jeff Cook. Many years ago, Jack Greene and I were asked to judge a talent contest, not something I’m comfortable with as I don’t feel qualified to ever judge another talent. However, we chose the group that became Alabama. We shared a lot of laughs about that and I joked I would never judge another contest as I was gonna quit a winner. Jeff was such an integral part of the group, both on and off stage. He was a talented musician and singer, but he also had the personality to connect with friends and fans alike. My heart is heavy tonight.” – Jeannie Seely
“Some of my best times in country music were while sharing the stage with Jeff Cook. I had a wonderful opportunity to open for Jeff and the band many years ago. Whenever I would run into him he would always mention me being on the show with them back in Atlanta in the mid-80s. He was very kind to remember what was probably a very small thing to him and the band. Alabama, but it was such a huge thing for this country boy. Godspeed, Jeff.” – John Berry
The War And Treaty Drop Surprise EP Ahead Of CMA Awards Performance
/by Lorie HollabaughThe War And Treaty. Photo: Kit Wood
Ahead of their first-ever CMA Awards performance tonight (Nov. 9), husband-and-wife duo The War And Treaty have dropped their surprise EP, Blank Page.
“We could not be more excited to release this new body of work into the atmosphere and give fans a chance to experience the heart of our upcoming album,” The War And Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. explains. “The song ‘Blank Page’ came at a pivotal moment for Tanya and I because, much like everyone else trying to find their footing after the pandemic, we felt as if we were starting over and that can leave anyone feeling crippling or euphoric. It all depends on how you see it…and it just so happen that this time for us it’s euphoric.”
The four-song project, produced by Dave Cobb, is a preview of their forthcoming album on Mercury Nashville, and includes new tracks like the rootsy R&B title track; “Dumb Luck,” which offers a gospel grit; their new single “Lover’s Game;” and “That’s How Love Is Made.”
The Americana Music Association’s 2022 Duo/Group of the Year wraps their “Hearts On Fire Tour” this weekend, with stops in Cambridge, Massachusetts (Nov. 11) and Washington D.C. (Nov. 12).
1. “That’s How Love Is Made” – Written by Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter, Dave Barnes
2. “Lover’s Game” – Written by Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter, Dave Cobb
3. “Blank Page” – Written by Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter
4. “Dumb Luck” – Written by Beau Bedford
BMI Celebrates 2022 Country Award Winners, Honors Toby Keith With Icon Award
/by LB CantrellToby Keith accepts an award onstage from BMI VP of Creative Nashville, Clay Bradley and president and CEO of BMI Mike O’Neill for the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
BMI held its 2022 Country Awards Tuesday night (Nov. 8) at its Music Row location. The evening celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed country songs of the previous year, naming the Country Songwriter, Song, and Publisher of the Year. The 70th edition of the awards also honored the prolific musical career of BMI Icon Award recipient Toby Keith.
BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the ceremony, along with Clay Bradley, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville. Steak, mashed potatoes and vegetables were served in addition to hors d’oeuvres and individual casings of desserts at each place setting.
Pictured (L-R): BMI President and Chief Executive Officer Mike O’Neill, BMI Vice President of Creative Clay Bradley, BMI songwriter of the year Michael Hardy, BMIs Assistant Vice President, Creative Leslie Roberts and BMI executive VP creative & licensing, Mike Steinberg. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
BMI’s Country Songwriter of the Year went to Music Row hitmaker Michael Hardy, marking his first time achieving the honor. Hardy wrote five of BMI’s award-winning songs of the night, including Dierks Bentley’s “Beers On Me,” Blake Shelton’s “Come Back As A Country Boy,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell.”
“I want to thank BMI so much for being here for me every single step of the way, for introducing me to some of my favorite collaborators that I still write with to this day,” Hardy said. “For creating opportunities for me that helped advance my songwriting career. I can honestly say without a doubt that I don’t know where I would be in this town if that 19-year-old kid wouldn’t have walked into this building and blindly signed. Thank you so, so much.”
Luke Combs, Rob Williford and Drew Parker attend the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
“Forever After All,” co-written and recorded by BMI affiliate Luke Combs, was named BMI Country Song of the Year as it was BMI’s most performed country song of the year. Published by 50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Oak Tree Swing Publishing, Rowdy Rob Music, Straight Dimes Music, and Sony/ATV Tree, “Forever After All” was written by frequent collaborators Combs, Drew Parker, and Rob Williford.
Sony Music Publishing took home BMI’s Country Publisher of the Year. The company published 25 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including megahits such as Kelsea Ballerini’s “Half of My Hometown,” Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Kane Brown’s “One Mississippi,” Lambert’s “If I Was A Cowboy,” and Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots.”
Click here for a complete list of the 2022 BMI Country Awards winners.
Throughout the night, BMI turned its attention to its 2022 Icon Award recipient Toby Keith, who joined the ranks of other Icon Award recipients Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Jr., and others.
Carrie Underwood performs onstage for the 2022 BMI Country Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
In between awards, the hosts shared video tributes, kind words about Keith, and invite performers up to tribute the hit artist. Carrie Underwood took on Keith’s 1993 hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” complete with a singalong, while Eric Church did his own spin of 2003’s “I Love This Bar.” Dean Dillon and Scotty Emerick, who had been a big part of the video tributes, took on the 2006 hit the three co-wrote, “A Little Too Late.”
Keith gave a special speech about how he became affiliated with BMI and how they’ve stuck by him since. He talked about going to sit in a young Clay Bradley’s office after people in town had advised Keith to “get affiliated.”
“Since 1990 or ’91, I have been affiliated with the greatest organization in the music business. That’s BMI,” he said.
Keith made sure to recognize key figures in his career such as legendary producer and executive Harold Shedd, renowned record-maker James Stroud, the late Nelson Larkin, and his frequent collaborators Dillon, Emerick, Bobby Pinson, and Rivers Rutherford.
He also thanked his family and his team, specifically long-time manager TK Kimbrell and agent Curt Motley.
“I knew that even if I didn’t make it as an artist, that maybe somebody would cut my songs. I always felt like the songwriting was the most important part of this whole industry,” Keith said.
When closing, Keith doubled down on his love for songwriting, saying, “All I ever cared about was the Songwriter Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame, and BMI Icon.”
Nate Smith Slates Self-Titled Debut For February
/by Lorie HollabaughNate Smith. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Breakout singer-songwriter Nate Smith is gearing up for the release of his self-titled, debut album on Arista Nashville on Feb. 17.
The album includes his current Gold-certified single “Whiskey On You,” which is top 15 and climbing at country radio, as well as recent releases “I Found You” and “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven.”
Smith’s journey to Nashville and the challenges he endured along the way inspired the new music, including losing his hometown of Paradise, California to the deadliest and most destructive fire in the state’s history. Following the fire, he turned to music to cope, eventually taking a cross-country road trip to Nashville to pursue music full-time.
Smith is ready for a busy 2023, as he’ll be joining Thomas Rhett on his “Home Team Tour 23,” which kicks off May 4 in Des Moines and will visit 40 cities next summer. He was also recently named part of the Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022. He’ll take the stage on Nov. 20 for Opry NextStage Live In Concert alongside other 2022 NextStage artists.