Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Announces Class Of 2022

/by

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) has announced its class of 2022.

Shania Twain, Steve Wariner, Hillary Lindsey, Gary Nicholson and David Malloy will join the iconic 223-member Hall in October, according to an announcement made on Tuesday (Aug. 2) by Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, and Mark Ford, the NaSHOF executive director.

Pictured (L-R): Mark Ford (NaSHOF executive director); inductees Steve Wariner, Hillary Lindsey, David Malloy and Gary Nicholson; Sarah Cates (chair of NaSHOF Board of Directors). Not pictured, inductee Shania Twain. Photo: Bev Moser

“This is always one of my favorite days of the year—when we announce our incoming class and begin their journey to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in October,” shared Cates at the 2022 inductee announcement. “I’m especially gratified to note that—for the first time since 2009—two of our inductees-elect are women.”

Ford introduced each member of the new class to make remarks. Lindsey and Nicholson represent the contemporary songwriter category, Malloy is in the veteran songwriter category, Twain is the contemporary songwriter/artist and Wariner is the veteran songwriter/artist.

The talented songwriters will be officially inducted during the 52nd annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Sunday, October 30, at the Music City Center.

Hillary Lindsey’s songwriter credits include “Jesus Take The Wheel” (Carrie Underwood), “Girl Crush” (Little Big Town) and “Blue Ain’t Your Color” (Keith Urban). Gary Nicholson’s resume is known for “That’s The Thing About Love” (Don Williams), “One More Last Chance” (Vince Gill) and “She Couldn’t Change Me” (Montgomery-Gentry). David Malloy’s hits include “Drivin’ My Life Away” (Eddie Rabbitt), “Suspicions” (Eddie Rabbitt; also Tim McGraw) and “Love Will Turn You Around” (Kenny Rogers).

Shania Twain recorded many of her self-penned hits, including “You’re Still The One,” “Come On Over” and “Forever And For Always.” Steve Wariner popularized many of his own compositions, including “You Can Dream Of Me,” “Where Did I Go Wrong” and “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven.”

“This is just absolutely mind-blowing to me. It truly is,” Lindsey shared when giving her remarks. “I am extremely humbled to be a part of this year’s class of nominees. The thought of my name even being thrown in the hat is mind-blowing to me. I want everyone to know I am so grateful and thankful for this honor.”

“I came here in 1980 and I’ve attended many Hall of Fame inductions through the years. I never imagined things would evolve and, after these 42 years, this would actually occur,” said Nicholson. “I am a product of this environment, this community of amazing songwriters and publishers. It was that synergy and that community that shaped me and gave me a way.”

“I never really thought I would be in here,” said Malloy. “To be here with these great talents who I admire so much, I’m so grateful and so thankful to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.”

Wariner told the story of forming his publishing company and of his training as a writer. “There’s so many other writers who probably deserve this more than I do, but none that will appreciate it any more, I can guarantee you that,” he said.

Twain wasn’t able to attend.

Erin Burr Named VP Of Media Relations At RIAA

/by

Erin D.D. Burr. Photo: Katie Kauss

Erin Burr has joined the RIAA as VP of Media Relations.

In her new position, Burr will lead the Association’s press and media outreach. The industry veteran spent over a dozen years in the communications department at Big Machine Label Group in Nashville and previously worked at the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Burr is a past “Next Big Thing” honoree by MusicRow Magazine and was nominated for the CMA’s Touring Awards “Publicist of the Year” in 2018. Her work at Big Machine also led to past nominations for PR Week’s Campaign of the Year and In-House PR Team of the Year.

“Erin Burr has built a career helping artists break through and tell their stories on the biggest media stages in the world,” said RIAA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mitch Glazier. “And now at RIAA she can expand on that incredible track record advocating for smart policies that support all music creators and strengthen the foundation for the entire recorded music industry for years to come. We are thrilled Erin is joining the RIAA team.”

“As I celebrate my first year as a DC resident, it’s exciting and serendipitous to begin this new professional adventure. I am grateful to Mitch, Michele [Ballantyne] and the incredible RIAA community for the warm welcome and look forward to amplifying and advocating for fellow creators in the recorded music industry,” said Burr.

Burr can be reached at eburr@riaa.com.

The RIAA also added Jonathan Mancera as Digital Strategist and Ashley Donald as Studio and Stage Manager.

Zach Bryan Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

/by

Zach Bryan

With three solely-written songs currently rising on the country charts, breakout artist Zach Bryan hits No. 4 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. He is propelled by his songs “Something In The Orange,” “Quittin’ Time,” and “Summertime Blues.”

Ernest Keith Smith remains at the top of the chart for the seventh consecutive week. He is a co-writer on four charting songs, including Wallen’s “Wasted On You” and “You Proof,” Jelly Roll’s “Son Of A Sinner,” and his own “Flower Shops.”

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Stone Country Records Adds Tara Shayne To Team, Ron Bradley Moves To Quartz Hill Records

/by

Ron Bradley & Tara Shayne

Stone Country Records has added Tara Shayne as Director of Promotion. She will take over west coast promotion duties for the label, which includes Easton Corbin and Ben Gallaher.

Shayne has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, most recently working the west coast region for Riser House and Blue Mountain Records. She will report directly to Stone Country Records’ VP of Promotion & Marketing, Jim Malito.

“Tara comes highly recommended to us by radio programmers, and we are excited to have her join our Stone Country Records family!” Malito shares.

Shayne can be reached at Tara@stonecountryrecords.com.

Additionally, Stone Country Records Director of Promotion Ron Bradley has joined sister label Quartz Hill Records in the same role. He will take over west coast promotion duties for multi-Platinum selling entertainer Joe Nichols, as well as Thompson Square and Nate Barnes.

Bradley will report directly to Quartz Hill’s VP of Promotion & Marketing, Will Robinson. Bradley’s former email (Ron@stonecountryrecords.com) will continue to work for the near future, and his new email will be Ron@quartzhillrecords.com.

Beloved Music Industry Veteran Ed Hardy Passes

/by

Ed Hardy

Music industry veteran Ed Hardy, who served as President of Great American Country (GAC) for eight years, died on Sunday (July 31). He was 73.

Hardy was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Edward B. and Rita M. Hardy. He studied communications and journalism at Kent State University and spent 20 years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he attained the rank of Major.

Hardy started his career working at local radio stations throughout Ohio. He spent much of the mid-’90s building Deschutes River Broadcasting from a single AM/FM radio in Tri-Cities, Washington, to a collection of 19 stations, operating in markets across the Pacific northwest. When he sold his radio group, it led to the growth of Citadel Radio.

In 2000, Hardy became president of MeasureCast, the internet-streaming broadcast audience measurement company. He was also a consultant to MediaBlue/Nox Solutions, the top provider of web design, hosting and fulfillment products for nationally syndicated and network radio talk show hosts.

Hardy became President of GAC in 2004 when Scripps Networks acquired the network. In his eight years with GAC, he led the network through a move to Nashville and oversaw a complete brand transformation. He announced his retirement in 2012.

Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, Sarah Trahern, Ed Hardy. Photo: Courtesy of the CMA

Hardy was a very involved Music Row executive. He served on the CMA Board of Directors from 2005 to 2017 and the CMA Foundation Board from 2014 to 2021. Hardy also acted as CMA’s interim CEO in 2013, as well as president of the Board of Directors at W.O Smith Community Music School in Nashville. He also found time to spend five years as a reserve police officer.

Hardy was the current Chairman of Music City Inc. (the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Foundation Board). He was also active with Operation Song, which connects his military experience with his passion for music.

He received the CMA Chairman’s Award in 2013 for his outstanding service to the organization. In 2014, he was given the President’s Award from the Country Radio Hall of Fame.

Ed Hardy is survived by his wife Kim Susan Hardy; daughter Stephanie (Hardy) Kasbrick and son-in-law Jacob Kasbrick; grandchildren Emmie Jeanne and Bear Weller; and cousins Patrick M. Hardy, Thomas A. Hardy, Catherine A. Hardy and John J. Hardy.

Of Hardy’s death, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern shares, “They certainly broke the mold with Ed Hardy, and I am greatly saddened by his loss. One of my favorite memories working with Ed was when he led a coalition of us, including GAC and Scripps Networks, the NCVC and the Opry to host a nationwide telethon to help Nashville recover from the devastating 2010 floods. Thanks to his dedication, passion and refusal to take no for an answer, he made it happen and raised millions in relief. With a relentless competitive spirit, Ed aimed high and challenged those around him to do the same. He was fiercely loyal to friends, old and new, and carried an unwavering love of country music. My deepest condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO Butch Spyridon shares, “Ed Hardy served this organization in so many ways–first as a broadcast partner, then a sponsor, then a board member and then chairing both the NCVC board of directors and the board of our foundation. Through that, we developed a deep friendship that transcended work. It is very unusual to have a boss, mentor and friend all at the same time. He leaves a huge void and will be missed.”

More details to come regarding a celebration of Hardy’s life to be held at the W.O. Smith School of Music.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to W.O. Smith School, Daniel’s Center at MTSU, and Operation Song.

Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Rock And A Hard Place’ Enters The Top 5 Streaming Songs

/by

Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Chris Ashlee

Warner newcomer Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock And A Hard Place” creeps into the top five country streaming songs this week. The follow-up single to his viral “Fall In Love,” the new track comes in at No. 4 with 8.7 million streams this week, according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof” resumes its spot at the top of the country streaming songs chart, adding 10 million streams. Luke Combs‘ “The Kind of Love We Make” falls to No. 2 with 10 million streams, while Zach Bryan‘s “Something in the Orange” keeps its spot at No. 3 with 8.9 million streams. Cole Swindell‘s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” closes out the top five, adding 8.1 million streams this week.

Wallen also continues to dominate the top country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album. The record-setting project gained 49K in total consumption (1.1K album only/60 million song streams) last week. Wallen also claims the No. 4 spot as If I Know Me adds 17K in total consumption. Bryan’s American Heartbreak keeps its spot at No. 2 with 23K in total consumption. Combs takes up the remaining two spots as Growin’ Up remains at No. 3 with 22K and This One’s For You jumps into No. 5 at 17K.

Red Street Records Announces New Hires, Promotions

/by

Pictured (L-R, top row): Alex Valentine, Kelly Rich, Ronn Tabb; (L-R, bottom row): Andy Elliott, Emily Bermann, Harrison Sokoloff, Mike Craft

Red Street Records has announced some promotions and new hires at the label.

Alex Valentine, Kelly Rich and Ronn Tabb have been elevated to expanded roles, while Mike Craft, Andy Elliott, Emily Bermann and Harrison Sokoloff have been added to the team.

“I’m so proud of what Red Street Records already is and what it continues to become,” shares Owner/CEO Jay DeMarcus. “We have such an amazing team, and we’re continuing to add the best of the best. Together, I know we’re going to accomplish incredible things.”

Valentine, who previously served as SVP of Radio Promotion & Artist Development, has been elevated to General Manager. The industry veteran has spent four decades in radio and record promotion, having served several years at Big Machine Records and Sony Nashville, following programming roles for CBS Radio and others.

Rich, who previously consulted for the label, has officially joined the team as Chief Operating Officer. She brings 30-plus years of industry expertise, with previous leadership roles at Amazon Music as Head of Country Music and at Big Machine Label Group as SVP of Sales, Marketing and Interactive. She also held positions at UMG Nashville, DreamWorks, Arista Nashville, BMG and Western Merchandisers.

Tabb is also moving from a consultancy with Red Street to a full-time role as VP of Artist Development & Marketing in the Christian Division. He has spent several years as an independent consultant and recently served as Director of Marketing with Sony Music/Provident Entertainment. Tabb has also held marketing leadership roles with Reunion Records, Atlantic Records and Word Records.

Craft joins the company as Red Street’s Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, he spent over five years at Big Machine Label Group as SVP of Finance, having previously held the same position at Sony Nashville.

Elliott has joined as SVP of Country Promotion. He has decades of promotion experience, with executive roles at Pearl Records, Curb Records, Arista Nashville, and most recently at Records Nashville as co-head of promotion.

Bermann has been added as Director of Field Promotion. She comes to Red Street with more than 10 years of radio experience, most recently serving as Assistant Program Director and Midday On-Air personality for iHeart’s WEBG Chicago.

Sokoloff has been added as Director of Publishing and A&R, reporting to Senior Director of A&R Kelly King. He has spent the last two-and-a-half years as Creative Manager with King Pen Music, and previously served as an independent writer manager.

The War And Treaty To Launch ‘Hearts On Fire Tour’ In September

/by

The War And Treaty. Photo: Kit Wood

The War And Treaty have announced details behind their headlining “Hearts On Fire Tour,” launching Sept. 7 at Atlanta’s Terminal West.

The husband-and-wife duo will visit an additional 40 cities this fall on the trek, including Charlotte, Lexington, Birmingham, New Orleans, San Francisco and more through Nov. 12. Leah Blevins, Teddy Grossman, Yasmin Williams, and Nate Bergman will support the dates.

Tickets for new headlining dates will be available this Friday (Aug. 5) and Hearts Town fan club members can access tickets early via pre-sale beginning Wednesday (Aug. 3). A portion of ticket sales to headlining shows will be donated to charity, and complete ticket and pre-sale details can be found here.

“We could not be more FIRED UP for this tour and we are so excited to have Leah, Teddy, Yasmin and Nate out on the road with us,” Michael Trotter Jr., one half of the duo shares. “It’s time for us to open up our hearts and let all this fire in and out.”

This Saturday (Aug. 6) in New York City, the duo will perform new music prior to their musical salute to Ray Charles during AmericanaFest NYC. Presented by the Americana Music Association in partnership with Lincoln Center and its Summer for the City series, the duo will be joined by Buddy Miller, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson and The Shindellas as the Raelettes.

“Hearts On Fire Tour” Dates:
08/06/22 – New York, NY – Lincoln Center’s Summer For The City
08/12/22 – Gilford, NH – Outlaw Music Festival
08/13/22 – Bethel, NY – Outlaw Music Festival
08/14/22 – Darien Center, NY – Outlaw Music Festival
08/19/22 – Charlotte, NC – QC Jam Session Festival
08/20/22 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live *
08/21/22 – Collegeville, PA – Philadelphia Folk Festival
08/23/22 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse *
08/24/22 – Portsmouth, NH – Prescott Park Art Festival *
08/25/22 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center for the Arts *
08/26/22 – Truro, MA – Payomet Performing Arts Center *
08/27/22 – Tisbury, MA – Beach Road Weekend Festival
08/28/22 – Amagansett, NY – Stephen Talkhouse
09/02/22 – Quincy, WA – The Gorge (Supporting Dave Matthews Band)
09/07/22 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West *
09/08/22 – Athens, GA – University of Georgia Performing Arts Center
09/09/22 – Bristol, TN – Bristol Rhythm And Roots Reunion
09/11/22 – Lexington, KY – The Burl *
09/15/22 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater *
09/16/22 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
09/18/22 – Redondo Beach, CA – BeachLife Ranch Festival
09/19/22 – Palm Springs, CA – The Alibi <
09/20/22 – Thousand Oaks, CA – Thousand Oaks Bank of America Performing Arts Center – Fred Kavli Theatre <
09/21/22 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent <
09/24/22 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre <
09/25/22 – Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA – Folktale Winery – Wine Garden <
09/30/22 – Baltimore, MD – Fells Point Fall Fun Festival
10/07/22 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn *
10/08/22 – Greer, SC – Albino Skunk Music Festival
10/09/22 – North Charleston, SC – Riverfront Revival Music, Arts, and Culture Festival
10/14/22 – Clearwater, FL – Clearwater Jazz Holiday
10/16/22 – Pigeon Forge, TN – Dollywood Harvest Festival
10/19/22 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s ^
10/20/22 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater ^
10/21/22 – Austin, TX – The 04 Center ^
10/22/22 – Fort Worth, TX – Tulips
10/28/22 – Global Roots Series at Baker-Baum Concert Hall
10/30/22 – Omaha, NE – Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at Holland Performing Arts Center
11/11/22 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair +
11/12/22 – Washington, DC – Sixth & I Historic Synagogue +
* Direct Support Leah Blevins
< Direct Support from Teddy Grossman
^ Direct Support from Yasmin Williams
+ Direct Support from Nate Bergman

Grand Ole Opry To Pay Tribute To John Anderson With Special August 6 Show

/by

John Anderson. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

The influence and music of country legend John Anderson will be celebrated at the Grand Ole Opry show on Saturday, Aug. 6.

The segment is in celebration of the new tribute album, Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute To John Anderson, slated for release Friday, Aug. 5 by Easy Eye Sound. Scheduled to perform are Anderson with special guests Dan Auerbach and Tyler Childers, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Sierra Hull, Elizabeth Cook, and more.

Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute To John Anderson includes a collection of Anderson songs by Childers, Eric Church, Brent Cobb, Luke Combs, Sierra Ferrell, Hull, Jamey Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Del McCoury, Brothers Osborne, John Prine, Nathaniel Rateliff, Sturgill Simpson, Welch and Rawlings. The album was produced by Auerbach and David Ferguson, the same duo who produced Anderson’s 2020 album, Years.

The celebration will also air live that night as Opry Live on Circle Television and will livestream via Circle’s socials. The Opry show will air in its entirety on WSM Radio, opry.com/wsmonline.com, and SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse channels.

Belmont University’s Doug Howard Announces Retirement

/by

Doug Howard

Doug Howard is retiring as dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, effective Aug. 31.

A longtime music industry executive, Howard has held the role of dean since January 2015, and is a proud Belmont alumnus. The former senior vice president of A&R for Lyric Street Records/Walt Disney Company graduated from Belmont College in 1979 before receiving an MBA from Vanderbilt University and JD from the George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C.

He began his career as a song plugger and studio manager for the Welk Music Group. Following law school, Howard served as Vice President and General Manager for PolyGram Music Publishing for five years before becoming the Senior Vice President of A&R for Disney-owned Lyric Street Records. In addition, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Disney Music Publishing/Nashville.

“Since I first walked across campus in the fall of 1975 to interview with music business program founder Bob Mulloy, I have loved Belmont, and I will always love Belmont,” Howard shares. “While I’m excited and ready for this next phase of life, I must express how grateful I am for the support I received from Belmont’s senior leaders and share my sincere appreciation for the great work of our amazing faculty and staff. Their combined efforts have allowed the Curb College to provide world-class programs for our students and to build upon the strong foundation created by Mr. Mulloy and so many others across the university.”

“This news is certainly bittersweet,” says Belmont President, Dr. Greg Jones. “Doug Howard has always represented this University well as an alum, serving as a transformational leader during his decades in the music business. For the past seven years, he brought that same passion, energy and creativity to developing students who can forge their own paths in a variety of entertainment and media ventures. I’m grateful for his service and his leadership and wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement.”

Howard will continue to maintain his Belmont ties by returning to serve as a member of the Curb College Advisory Board this fall. Dr. Sarita Stewart, associate professor of creative & entertainment industries, will serve as the interim dean for the Curb College as Belmont launches a national search this fall for Howard’s successor.