Pictured (L-R, back row): Betty Sanders, Suzanne Lee, Dottie Oelhafen, Margie Hunt; (L-R, front row): Jeannie Seely, Ruby Aleene Jackson, Norma Jean Owen, Ima Withers, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Music industry members gathered at the at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium on Tuesday night (Aug. 23) to celebrate seven deserving women who were inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame.
The awards ceremony marked SOURCE’s nineteenth year inducting the “women behind the music” into its esteemed hall of fame. Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, the sold-out event was hosted by Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely.
This year’s honorees included Margie Hunt, Ruby Aleene Jackson, Suzanne Lee, Dottie Oelhafen, Norma Jean Owen, Betty Sanders, and Ima Withers.
Brenda put it best when she said, “These wonderful ladies have given to our world of music their lives. Anybody in this industry knows that it’s not just an eight hour job. You don’t just go to work and put your time in and come home. It’s 24/7 all the time. It’s a love affair that is like no other and these ladies have loved and been loved. We are glad to salute them tonight.”
Pictured (L-R): SOURCE Hosts Jeannie Seely & Brenda Lee with WSM’s Margie McGahey. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Each of the seven women honored spoke about their hard work, good times and, mostly, the people who supported them as they worked long hours to further their careers.
Margie Hunt was first to be inducted. She spent time working for Waylon Jennings and Jessie Colter, as well as at CBS Records, Sony Music and Hunt Music Services. Marty Stuart sent in a video message to honor her.
“Congratulations on this wonderful honor that you so deserve,” the Country Music Hall of Famer said. “I remember you so well from back in the CBS days. The thing that stands out to me about you was you had a heart for music and the people who made it.”
“It is a profound honor to be recognized by my sisters and peers who embody what SOURCE is all about,” Hunt said. “Ladies, always remember, men work hard…women work miracles.”
Ruby Aleene Jackson was the next honoree to take the stage. Her career stops include time at Monument Records, Showbud Guitars, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Conway Twitty Enterprises, Tree International and Cowboy Jack Clement Productions.
She was inducted by Brenda Lee, who had this to say via video message: “You are deserving of this. You have been a wonderful person in our industry. Always giving, always sweet, always accommodating.”
“My family allowed me to work many long hours that it took to be a successful woman in the music industry,” Aleene said. “To quote Cowboy Jack Clement, ‘We are in the fun business. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing your job.'”
Former ASCAP executive Suzanne Lee was up next. She was honored with a message from ASCAP President Paul Williams.
“Suzanne, you’re one of the hardest working women on Music Row,” he said. “For years you’ve devoted your heart and soul to helping songwriters do what they do best.”
“I’m truly honored to be here tonight,” Lee said. “In 1981, I arrived on Music Row as a wide-eyed rookie and a couple of months ago, I retired as a seasoned professional. Being inducted in the 2022 SOURCE Hall of Fame is the perfect ending to a wonderful and rewarding to career.”
The next inductee to be honored was Dottie Oelhafen. She spent her career working for The Erv Woolsey Company, helping to guide the career of George Strait. The King himself sent her a video message.
“I can’t think of a more deserving person, Dot,” he said. “I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me, for my family and for all these years we could always count on you.”
“There is no college degree that would have taught me all the things I learned from Erv and Connie Woolsey,” she said. “I’m forever grateful to you both for taking a chance on me.”
Norma Jean Owen was next to be inducted. Her career was spent at CBS Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records and The Entertainment Group. She was inducted by Marie Osmond.
“I wish that I could be there with you. Know that I send my love,” she said.
“I thought the world of [the musicians] and everyone that I worked with at the studio and in the music business in general. They were a great group of people and I made so many friends,” Owen said. “I wouldn’t take anything for the time I spent working in the music business.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Betty Sanders, Suzanne Lee, Dottie Oelhafen, Margie Hunt; (L-R, front row): Ruby Aleene Jackson, Norma Jean Owen, Ima Withers. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
The next inductee to be honored was Betty Sanders. Her career impacted The Pride Music Group, Blake Mevis, The Hyland Company, and Chuck Flood & Associates/Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc. She received a special video message from Don Schlitz.
The regarded songwriter said, “I wanted to do something special for you tonight, and I was at a loss of what to do. Then it hit me that I could say ‘I love you’ in a way that you and I will understand.” He then told a joke and sang her a bit of “Forever And Ever, Amen.”
“Music is the magic that connects, empowers and uplifts us. It is there for us when we need a helping hand or to celebrate this human adventure,” Sanders said. “This career has been a wild and wonderful ride. I couldn’t have asked for or dreamed of a better life than the one I’ve lived and experienced so far.”
The last inductee to be honored was Ima Withers. Her career stops include time Chips Moman and Don Crews American Recording Studios, Warner Brothers, RCA Records, Merit Music, and BMI.
John Conlee sent in a video message to induct Ima. “She is so deserving. I am so happy for her,” he said.
“Due to the people I met, the relationships I built, and the joy I encountered, I discovered life on a scale I never knew existed had I not been on this career path,” Withers said. “Thank you for the induction and thank you to my friends and family for being here tonight.”
“Thank you for helping us recognize the accomplishments and achievements of seven unbelievable women,” Jeannie said in closing.
The 2022 SOURCE Awards were supported by sponsors such as Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, City National Bank, The Messina Group, ASCAP, Live Nation, Major Bob, Average Joes Entertainment, IEBA, Music Health Alliance, FBMM , BMI, Erv Woolsey, KBFM, MAMBA, LLC, Global Songwriters Connection, Pinnacle and Studio Bank.
Next year’s induction dinner will celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the SOURCE Awards. It will take place on Aug. 29.
Amy Ray’s ‘If It All Goes South’ Slated For September
/by Lorie HollabaughAmy Ray. Photo: Sandlin Gaither
Amy Ray is releasing her tenth solo project, If It All Goes South, on Sept. 16 through her own Daemon Records.
If It All Goes South encompasses everything from gospel to punkabilly to folk, and was completed over a span of nine days. Recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium and mainly produced by frequent collaborator Brian Speiser, the album includes guest appearances by Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell, The Highwomen’s Natalie Hemby, Phil Cook, and I’m With Her, to name a few.
The Amy Ray Band will kick off the release with upcoming shows in Asheville, Atlanta, and a local date at the Franklin Theater on Sept. 23, with more shows to be announced.
SOURCE Hall Of Fame Inducts Seven ‘Women Behind The Music’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Betty Sanders, Suzanne Lee, Dottie Oelhafen, Margie Hunt; (L-R, front row): Jeannie Seely, Ruby Aleene Jackson, Norma Jean Owen, Ima Withers, Brenda Lee. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Music industry members gathered at the at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium on Tuesday night (Aug. 23) to celebrate seven deserving women who were inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame.
The awards ceremony marked SOURCE’s nineteenth year inducting the “women behind the music” into its esteemed hall of fame. Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, the sold-out event was hosted by Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely.
This year’s honorees included Margie Hunt, Ruby Aleene Jackson, Suzanne Lee, Dottie Oelhafen, Norma Jean Owen, Betty Sanders, and Ima Withers.
Brenda put it best when she said, “These wonderful ladies have given to our world of music their lives. Anybody in this industry knows that it’s not just an eight hour job. You don’t just go to work and put your time in and come home. It’s 24/7 all the time. It’s a love affair that is like no other and these ladies have loved and been loved. We are glad to salute them tonight.”
Pictured (L-R): SOURCE Hosts Jeannie Seely & Brenda Lee with WSM’s Margie McGahey. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Each of the seven women honored spoke about their hard work, good times and, mostly, the people who supported them as they worked long hours to further their careers.
Margie Hunt was first to be inducted. She spent time working for Waylon Jennings and Jessie Colter, as well as at CBS Records, Sony Music and Hunt Music Services. Marty Stuart sent in a video message to honor her.
“Congratulations on this wonderful honor that you so deserve,” the Country Music Hall of Famer said. “I remember you so well from back in the CBS days. The thing that stands out to me about you was you had a heart for music and the people who made it.”
“It is a profound honor to be recognized by my sisters and peers who embody what SOURCE is all about,” Hunt said. “Ladies, always remember, men work hard…women work miracles.”
Ruby Aleene Jackson was the next honoree to take the stage. Her career stops include time at Monument Records, Showbud Guitars, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Conway Twitty Enterprises, Tree International and Cowboy Jack Clement Productions.
She was inducted by Brenda Lee, who had this to say via video message: “You are deserving of this. You have been a wonderful person in our industry. Always giving, always sweet, always accommodating.”
“My family allowed me to work many long hours that it took to be a successful woman in the music industry,” Aleene said. “To quote Cowboy Jack Clement, ‘We are in the fun business. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing your job.'”
Former ASCAP executive Suzanne Lee was up next. She was honored with a message from ASCAP President Paul Williams.
“Suzanne, you’re one of the hardest working women on Music Row,” he said. “For years you’ve devoted your heart and soul to helping songwriters do what they do best.”
“I’m truly honored to be here tonight,” Lee said. “In 1981, I arrived on Music Row as a wide-eyed rookie and a couple of months ago, I retired as a seasoned professional. Being inducted in the 2022 SOURCE Hall of Fame is the perfect ending to a wonderful and rewarding to career.”
The next inductee to be honored was Dottie Oelhafen. She spent her career working for The Erv Woolsey Company, helping to guide the career of George Strait. The King himself sent her a video message.
“I can’t think of a more deserving person, Dot,” he said. “I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me, for my family and for all these years we could always count on you.”
“There is no college degree that would have taught me all the things I learned from Erv and Connie Woolsey,” she said. “I’m forever grateful to you both for taking a chance on me.”
Norma Jean Owen was next to be inducted. Her career was spent at CBS Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records and The Entertainment Group. She was inducted by Marie Osmond.
“I wish that I could be there with you. Know that I send my love,” she said.
“I thought the world of [the musicians] and everyone that I worked with at the studio and in the music business in general. They were a great group of people and I made so many friends,” Owen said. “I wouldn’t take anything for the time I spent working in the music business.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): Betty Sanders, Suzanne Lee, Dottie Oelhafen, Margie Hunt; (L-R, front row): Ruby Aleene Jackson, Norma Jean Owen, Ima Withers. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
The next inductee to be honored was Betty Sanders. Her career impacted The Pride Music Group, Blake Mevis, The Hyland Company, and Chuck Flood & Associates/Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc. She received a special video message from Don Schlitz.
The regarded songwriter said, “I wanted to do something special for you tonight, and I was at a loss of what to do. Then it hit me that I could say ‘I love you’ in a way that you and I will understand.” He then told a joke and sang her a bit of “Forever And Ever, Amen.”
“Music is the magic that connects, empowers and uplifts us. It is there for us when we need a helping hand or to celebrate this human adventure,” Sanders said. “This career has been a wild and wonderful ride. I couldn’t have asked for or dreamed of a better life than the one I’ve lived and experienced so far.”
The last inductee to be honored was Ima Withers. Her career stops include time Chips Moman and Don Crews American Recording Studios, Warner Brothers, RCA Records, Merit Music, and BMI.
John Conlee sent in a video message to induct Ima. “She is so deserving. I am so happy for her,” he said.
“Due to the people I met, the relationships I built, and the joy I encountered, I discovered life on a scale I never knew existed had I not been on this career path,” Withers said. “Thank you for the induction and thank you to my friends and family for being here tonight.”
“Thank you for helping us recognize the accomplishments and achievements of seven unbelievable women,” Jeannie said in closing.
The 2022 SOURCE Awards were supported by sponsors such as Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, City National Bank, The Messina Group, ASCAP, Live Nation, Major Bob, Average Joes Entertainment, IEBA, Music Health Alliance, FBMM , BMI, Erv Woolsey, KBFM, MAMBA, LLC, Global Songwriters Connection, Pinnacle and Studio Bank.
Next year’s induction dinner will celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the SOURCE Awards. It will take place on Aug. 29.
Big Machine Records’ Jeff Davis Announces Retirement In December
/by Lorie HollabaughJeff Davis
Jeff Davis, Big Machine Records Director of Southeast Promotion and Marketing, has announced plans to retire at the end of the year.
Davis has spent 48 years working with artists such as Celine Dion, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Anita Baker, Elton John, Wynonna, Shakira, and others. Throughout his time working for the Big Machine imprint, Davis played a major role in many chart-topping songs and has been alongside many artists during career milestones.
“Jeff and I go back to our MCA days in the ‘90s. He was a shining star with the Pop promotion team and started to hint around about working in the country format,” says Big Machine Label Group Founder, President, and CEO Scott Borchetta. “Fortunately for us, he wasn’t kidding. When Jeff joined we were at the beginning of an incredible growth spurt for the label. His experience, wisdom and relationships were incredibly valuable and he became, and remained, such an integral part of the team. Thank you Jeff Davis–you will be missed!”
“Jeff is, first and foremost, a great man, friend, husband, and father. Second, he is a legendary and unmatched radio and records promotion leader,” adds Big Machine Records’ GM Clay Hunnicutt. “We are both happy and sad. Happy that Jeff is going out on such a high note and will enjoy the fruits of his labor with Sue and his family, but sad we won’t get to be together every day in the Big Machine family.”
Kris Lamb, SVP of Promotion and Digital for Big Machine Records, shares: “Jeff Davis is an incredibly special human and working alongside him for over a decade at Big Machine has been a privilege. He’s a promo legend who has taught this team so much and his day-to-day, super-serving nature will be missed by everyone in all departments. I’m excited for Jeff and his family as they embark on this new journey in 2023 and equally excited to celebrate Jeff and his incredible career with our artists and friends at radio for the rest of this year.”
“I could not have asked for a better place to finish out my career in Radio and Records,” explains Davis. “Thank you, Scott Borchetta. These last 14 years at The Machine have been amazing. Watching the label grow into what has become one of the best in the world. I am proud to have represented our artists and this company. To [the rest of the team]… you guys are all amazing people. I wish you all continued success. To everyone at the Big Machine Label Group, you are the best at what you do. Always will be. To my radio friends, you are not done with me as your friend. I’ll continue to check in on you from time to time, and you will always have my number.”
Carlee Ann Vaughn, Wife Of Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Passes Away
/by LB CantrellCarlee Ann Vaughn
Warner Chappell Nashville President & CEO Ben Vaughn is mourning the loss of his wife, Carlee Ann Vaughn. Carlee passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 23) following a 15-year battle with brain cancer. She was 45.
Carlee was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in Culpeper, Virginia. She moved to Nashville in 1994 to attend Belmont University, where she met her husband Ben. The two got engaged on the University’s campus and married on May 30, 1998.
Carlee supported Ben’s successful career as a longtime music executive in Nashville, including time at EMI Music Publishing and now at Warner Chappell. According to those that know her, Carlee’s greatest calling in life was being a mother to her three children: Ruby Elisabeth, age 19, Griffin Charles, age 17, and Ezekiel Earl, age 12. When the children were younger, she wrote and sang each of them a lullaby. They always assumed it was a classic children’s song, but later found out that their mother had written it for them.
Carlee Ann Vaughn loved music, spending time with her two boys, and baking with her daughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that gifts be made to the Carlee Vaughn Brain Tumor Research fund in hopes that others can be helped in their journey. To make a memorial, please send a check made payable to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development
P. O. Box 290369
525 Royal Parkway
Nashville, TN 37229
Please include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made in memory of Carlee Vaughn.
Gifts can also be made online at vanderbilthealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.”
Miranda Lambert Joins Morgan Wallen As Headliner For Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert joins previously announced superstar Morgan Wallen as a headliner of the 11th Annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, running June 1-4 in Panama City Beach.
The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is the largest music event in the southeast, and in 2021 added an extra day of festivities to commemorate the festival’s 10-year anniversary. The fourth day was such a hit, the additional day is now a permanent part of the schedule. Tickets for next year’s festival are currently available at GulfCoastJam.com.
“Miranda headlined one of our very first Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam festivals, and we’ve been working like crazy to get her back ever since,” shares Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “She is an entertainer who leaves it all on the stage every time she performs, and we’re excited to add her to our amazing 2023 lineup.”
“Sky Boxes, Side Stage and Super VIP are already sold out for 2023, and we’ve only announced two-of-our-four headliners,” adds Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam COO Mark Sheldon. “We’re encouraging Jammers to purchase passes and book accommodations soon, because this is going to be an incredible weekend of music!”
New ‘Bakersfield Gold’ Compilation Album Celebrates Buck Owens’ Biggest Hits
/by Lydia FarthingBuck Owens was one of the best-selling artists of the 1960s, accumulating numerous top 10 hits and 19 No. 1s. To celebrate Owens’ career, Omnivore Recordings has compiled many of these hit songs on Bakersfield Gold: Top 10 Hits 1959–1974. A collection of 46 tracks, the record will be available as a double-CD, triple-LP, and digital release beginning Sept. 9.
Featuring new liner notes from Grammy-nominee and author of Buck ‘Em: The Autobiography Of Buck Owens, Randy Poe, this is the first collection to compile Owens’ top 10 hits on vinyl, with a limited edition gold vinyl version for independent retail.
Omnivore will also offer original, sealed Japanese Buck Owens CDs, including copies of the Buck Owens Original Collection released in Japan in 1991. These CDs include 10 early titles: I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail, Buck Owens Sings Harlan Howard, You’re For Me, Buck Owens Sings Tommy Collins, I Don’t Care, Under Your Spell Again, On The Bandstand, Together Again / My Heart Skips A Beat, and Before You Go / No One But You.
For more information or to pre-order Bakersfield Gold: Top 10 Hits 1959–1974, click here.
Disc 1:
Under Your Spell Again
Above And Beyond
Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache)
Foolin’ Around
Loose Talk – Buck Owens & Rose Maddox
Mental Cruelty – Buck Owens & Rose Maddox
Under The Influence Of Love
Kickin’ Our Hearts Around
You’re For Me
Act Naturally
Love’s Gonna Live Here
My Heart Skips A Beat
Together Again
I Don’t Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)
I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail
Before You Go
Only You (Can Break My Heart)
Gonna Have Love
Buckaroo
Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line
Think Of Me
Open Up Your Heart
Where Does The Good Times Go
Sam’s Place
Disc 2:
Your Tender Loving Care
It Takes People Like You (To Make People Like Me)
How Long Will My Baby Be Gone
Sweet Rosie Jones
Let The World Keep On A Turnin’ – Buck Owens & Buddy Alan
I’ve Got You On My Mind Again
Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass
Johnny B. Goode
Tall Dark Stranger
Big In Vegas
The Kansas City Song
The Great White Horse – Buck Owens & Susan Raye
I Wouldn’t Live In New York City (If They Gave Me The Whole Dang Town)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Ruby (Are You Mad)
Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms
I’ll Still Be Waiting For You
Made In Japan
Big Game Hunter
On The Cover Of The Music City News
(It’s A) Monsters’ Holiday
Great Expectations
Crickets Bandmember J.I. Allison Passes
/by Robert K OermannJerry Ivan Allison, the last survivor of the seminal rock ’n’ roll band, The Crickets, has died at age 82.
Known as “J.I.,” he co-wrote classic songs with the band’s leader, Buddy Holly (1936-1959). Both Holly and The Crickets are in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The Holly/Allison copyrights include “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll Be the Day.”
The group was formed in Lubbock, Texas in 1957. Holly sang and played lead guitar. Allison was the drummer. Joe B. Mauldin (1940-2015) played bass. Niki Sullivan (1937-2004) was on rhythm guitar. Sullivan soon dropped out, leaving the band as a three piece with Holly, Allison and Mauldin.
Born in 1939, Allison had been performing with Holly informally for several years before the group’s official formation. So had their boyhood friends Bob Montgomery and Sonny Curtis. Curtis recorded some pre-Crickets songs with Holly in Nashville in 1956.
The Crickets’ first recording sessions were held in Clovis, New Mexico with producer Norman Petty. From them came the band’s first hit, 1957’s “That’ll Be the Day.” This Holly/Allison song was memorably revived by Linda Ronstadt in 1976.
Sometimes billed as The Crickets and sometimes billed as Buddy Holly, the group placed 11 titles on the pop charts between 1957 and 1959. Among those songs were the Holly/Allison co-written “Think It Over” and “Peggy Sue.” The latter was named for Allison’s girlfriend and later wife, and was propelled by his relentless drumming.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets in 1957 (top to bottom: Allison, Holly and Mauldin)
Holly and Allison also co-wrote “Well All Right,” “Look at Me,” “Tell Me How” and “Early in the Morning.” The sides billed as by The Crickets were on Brunswick Records and tended to be more rock-oriented. The sides billed as by Buddy Holly were on Coral Records and leaned toward more pop in style.
Allison also recorded solo works. In 1958, he issued “Real Wild Child” billed as Ivan. It charted for five weeks, reaching No. 68. The song later became a rock classic, recorded by Iggy Pop, among others.
After Holly’s death in a 1959 plane crash (“The Day the Music Died”), Allison continued to lead The Crickets. The core of the group became Allison, Mauldin and Curtis, with various other members coming and going over the next four decades.
The Allison/Curtis composition “More Than I Can Say” was an early non-Holly Crickets favorite. Bobby Vee made it a hit in 1961, and it was revived via a 1980 hit single for Leo Sayer. Another of the band’s tunes was “I Fought the Law,” penned by Curtis. The post-Holly Crickets first charted in late 1961 with Allison’s song “He’s Old Enough to Know Better.”
The band moved from Texas to Los Angeles, signed with Liberty Records and toured with The Everly Brothers. The band became the label’s go-to session musicians, backing Eddie Cochran, Bobby Lee and Johnny Burnette. Allison also memorably drummed behind the Everlys on “Til I Kissed You.” Curtis established a solo career as a singer-songwriter while also performing as a Cricket.
In 1963, the Crickets hit the UK top 40 with “My Little Girl” and “Don’t Try to Change Me.” In 1964, the band issued “California Sun” as its contribution to the surf-rock genre. During this era, the young British musicians in The Beatles named themselves partly in homage to The Crickets.
In 1970, Allison and Curtis recorded as backing vocalists on Eric Claipton’s debut solo album. In 1972, Allison played drums on Johnny Rivers’ L.A. Reggae album. In 1976, he played on J.J. Cale’s album Troubadour. With varying personnel, The Crickets recorded throughout the 1970s,
The Crickets toured with Waylon Jennings for five years beginning in the late 1970s. This is also when the band relocated to Nashville.
In 1988, Paul McCartney produced and played piano on the band’s recording of “T-Shirt.” In the 1990s, The Crickets toured and recorded with “folkabilly” star Nanci Griffith.
The band released The Crickets and Their Buddies in 2004. The album featured collaborations with Griffith, Clapton, Jennings, John Prine, Graham Nash, Rodney Crowell and Bobby Vee, among others.
In 2007, Allison was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville. In 2012, Allsion and The Crickets were placed into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, as a belated recognition for their oversight when Holly was inducted in 1986.
The group’s final performance was on Feb. 6, 2016 at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. This was the site of Holly’s last performance in 1959.
J.I. Allison died in Nashville on Monday, Aug. 22. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Industry Ink: Keith Urban, Runaway June, Marvin Sapp, More
/by Lydia FarthingKeith Urban & Nicole Kidman Visit Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital In Nashville
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman with patients from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Photo: Courtesy of PFA Media
Country superstar Keith Urban and his wife, award-winning actress Nicole Kidman, recently made a visit to the Seacrest Studios at Vanderbilt University Children’s Hospital.
The pair spent the day performing songs, playing games, and spending time with the hospital’s young patients.
Urban will continue on his “The Speed Of Now World Tour” this weekend with stops in Detroit (Aug. 26), Indianapolis (Aug. 27) and Milwaukee (Aug. 28). For a full list of dates spanning through February of 2023, click here.
Runaway June To Perform At The Love of Dogs Benefit Concert
Runaway June. Photo: Gregg Rothe
Pedigree Foundation is set to host The Love of Dogs Benefit Concert featuring a performance from all-female country trio Runaway June on Oct. 5 at The Factory at Franklin.
The event, hosted by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and Larissa Wohl (Great American Media & WKRN News 2), will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and a silent and live auction with a chance to win trips and autographed celebrity memorabilia.
Runaway June is comprised of Stevie Woodward (lead vocals/guitar/harmonica/ piano), Natalie Stovall (vocals/fiddle/guitar) and Jennifer Wayne (vocals/guitar), and has been named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.
The event will raise funds for the Pedigree Foundation grant program that supports organizations across the country, with the goal to support shelters and rescue organizations that are focused on supporting fostering, matching, behavior and transport programs, as well as disaster relief. In 2021, Pedigree Foundation awarded more than $760,000 in grants, helping nearly 118,000 dogs find their forever homes.
“Shelters and rescues across the country are facing unprecedented capacity issues with over 350,000 pets currently waiting for their forever homes,” notes Kimberly Wise, President of Pedigree Foundation. “Fundraising events like The Love of Dogs Benefit Concert help us increase our grant funding to support these organizations, making a difference in the lives of dogs and making steps toward our ambition to end pet homelessness.”
Marvin Sapp Celebrates Release Of Documentary With Screening & Fireside Chat
Marvin Sapp accepting the Pandora Billionaire Plaque. Photo: Jordan Johnson
A screening and fireside chat was held at the National Museum of African American Music last week (Aug. 18) to celebrate Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story.
The movie tells the story of Sapp’s upbringing, his battles with alcohol abuse, his rise in the music industry, and more. An award-winning gospel singer, he recorded with the group Commissioned in the 90s before embarking on his solo career.
During the celebration, Sapp was also honored with a Pandora Billionaire plaque for earning over one billion streams on the platform.
Taylor Davis Inks With Porchlight Music, Doosey Co.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Tim Medlin (PLM), Taylor Davis, Anthony Smith (PLM); (L-R, back row): Lydia Cahill (SESAC), Freeman Wizer (PLM), Shannan Hatch (SESAC). Photo: Grayson Green
Porchlight Music and Paul Brown’s Doosey Co. LLC have signed songwriter Taylor Davis.
A native of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Davis had aspirations of playing college football before injuries changed his course. He made the move to Nashville to pursue his musical dreams at 18 years old. He was previously signed at Magic Mustang Music and BMG.
Davis has had cuts by Big & Rich, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Nate Barnes, and Tom O’Connor.
Radiate Music Adds Justin Warren To Roster
Pictured (L-R): Ian Eskelin, Justin Warren, and JJ Weeks.
Radiate Music has signed Raleigh-based singer-songwriter and worship leader Justin Warren. He will release his debut single on the label next month.
Warren has shared stages across the country with artists such as Mercy Me, Sanctus Real, Building 429, Natalie Grant and more. Beginning Sept. 9, he embarks on the “Bigger Story Tour” with Red Street Records artist Cade Thompson.
“Spend five minutes with Justin and you’ll know why we had to add him to the Radiate roster,” says Ian Eskelin, Radiate Music founder and Grammy-nominated, two-time Dove Award-winning Producer of the Year. “He has a magnetic personality and a true heart for spreading the gospel. I can’t wait for you to hear his new music!”
“I am so thankful to be a part of the Radiate family!” Warren adds. “The opportunity to work alongside Ian is an honor and I am excited to see what the future holds.”
WME Names Lucy Dickins Global Head Of Contemporary Music And Touring
/by LB CantrellLucy Dickins
WME announced on Tuesday (Aug. 23) that Lucy Dickins has been elevated to Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring, and will now oversee all aspects of the agency’s contemporary music and touring business across Nashville, Beverly Hills, New York, London and Sydney.
Becky Gardenhire, Joey Lee, and Jay Williams will continue in their roles as Co-Heads of WME’s Nashville office, managing the agency’s country music touring business. Kirk Sommer will continue in his role of Global Co-Head of Contemporary Music and Touring.
Dickins joined the agency in 2019 from ITB. Since her arrival, she brought in powerhouse clients and solidified WME’s standing as the leading music agency in the UK. During her time at WME, the agency was named Billboard’s Agency of the Year, made several new key agent and executive hires, and has booked over 30,000 dates alone in 2022.
“I am grateful to the leadership at WME for supporting me in this role, and for my partners and team members I have the privilege of working with every day in the music division,” shares Dickins. “There is no place like WME, and I’m excited for what we will achieve together on behalf of our clients.”
Don Williams, Fairfield Four Among Americana Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Al Bell, Indigo Girls, Don Williams; (L-R, bottom row): Chris Isaak, Fairfield Four
The Americana Association has revealed this year’s slate of Lifetime Achievement Award honorees for its 21st Annual Americana Honors & Awards show, taking place on Sept. 14 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Recipients of this year’s awards include the Fairfield Four, Al Bell, Chris Isaak, Indigo Girls, and Don Williams.
“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent the diverse sounds that contribute to American roots music,” notes Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Our honorees have inspired this community individually and have collectively changed the landscape of the music industry. I can’t wait for this show!”
The Legacy of Americana Award will be presented to the Fairfield Four, a legendary group who transformed gospel music from the 1930s onward with its R&B influenced a cappella singing. Launched at the Fairfield Baptist Church 101 years ago as a youth group, the Fairfield Four went national after Rev. Sam McCrary took over as leader in the 1930s.
Isaak will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance. He took rockabilly revival and country noir mainstream in the 1990s with songs such as “Wicked Game,” “Somebody’s Crying” and “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing.” An accomplished actor, Isaak also appeared in productions directed by Dustin Lynch and Bernardo Bertolucci, as well as two TV series under his own name.
The Spirit of Americana Award will be presented to the Indigo Girls who launched in the mid 1980s. Comprised of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray, the lifelong friends honed their artistry in school before their first album was picked up by Epic Records. As their music career soared, they kept social issues in the spotlight, chiefly LGBTQ rights, the death penalty and the environment.
Bell, an African American music executive who steered Stax Records in Memphis before running Motown Records in the 1980s, will receive the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive. In 1965, he joined Stax as head of promotions and would go on to own the company, in the meantime overseeing 1972’s legendary Wattstax festival and elevating the careers of Isaac Hayes and the Staple Singers.
The President’s Award will go to the late Don Williams, a Texas-born singer-songwriter who quietly stormed the country charts from 1974-1991. His breakout came with the Pozo-Seco Singers folk group, and he was ushered into Nashville by Cowboy Jack Clement. Williams’ style and relatable hits, including “You’re My Best Friend” and “I Believe In You,” helped him become a global star who entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.