The 2022 nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) have been announced. Of the 12 nominees, three will be inducted at the 52nd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the Music City Center.
“We congratulate all of this year’s nominees in our contemporary categories and look forward to early August, when we will announce those who will be inducted as members of our Class of 2022,” says NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford.
The 2022 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriters category are Larry Cordle, Jim Lauderdale, Hillary Lindsey, Frank J. Myers, Gary Nicholson, Ronnie Rogers, Tia Sillers, and Tommy Sims. The 2022 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category are Kirk Franklin, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis and Shania Twain.
All nominees experienced their first significant songs at least 20 years ago. A total of two songwriters and one songwriter/artist will be elected from the contemporary categories by members of the Hall of Fame along with other professional songwriters and artists from a variety of genres who are prominently identified with Nashville and who have written/co-written at least one original and significant Nashville song.
In addition, two more will be named to the Class of 2022. A separate body of veteran voters will elect a Veteran Songwriter and a Veteran Songwriter/Artist, both of whom experienced their first significant songs at least 30 years ago. As part of that process, nominees in those categories are not announced.
For biographical information on the 2022 nominees, see below:
Category 1 – CONTEMPORARY SONGWRITERS
LARRY CORDLE
Larry Cordle was raised in eastern Kentucky, where he began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age. His first two hits came from childhood friend Ricky Skaggs – #1 Country in 1983 with “Highway 40 Blues” and #1 Bluegrass in 1984 with “Two Highways” (also #1 Bluegrass for Alison Krauss in 1990). In the Country world, Larry is known for “Heartbreak Hurricane” by Skaggs, “Honky Tonk Crowd” by John Anderson and “Mama Don’t Forget To Pray For Me” by Diamond Rio. Before George Strait & Alan Jackson hit with “Murder On Music Row” – which was the 2001 CMA Song of the Year – Larry’s original recording with his band, Lonesome Standard Time (LST), was the 2000 IBMA Song of the Year and the 2001 SPBGMA Song of the Year. In the Bluegrass world, Larry & LST have had 24 Top 10 hits with his songs. In addition to “Anything Southbound” and “Black Diamond Strings,” LST’s “Lonesome Standard Time” was the 1993 IBMA Song of the Year, (and also a Country hit for Kathy Mattea). “If I’d Have Wrote That Song” by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, was named the 2018 IBMA Song of the Year. Larry was named the 2001, 2019 and 2020 SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year. In 2015, he was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
JIM LAUDERDALE
Born in Troutman, NC, Jim Lauderdale grew up in Due West, SC, where as a teenager he learned to play drums, harmonica and banjo. After college graduation in 1979, Jim made his way to Nashville for a few months before moving on to New York. By the late 1980s, Jim had joined the national touring production of Pump Boys & Dinettes and relocated to Los Angeles, where he began to find traction musically as a writer and performer. In the mid-1990s, Jim found his way back to Nashville, where he soon hit with “Gonna Get A Life” by Mark Chesnutt, “Halfway Down” by Patty Loveless and “When Did You Stop Loving Me” by George Strait, who also had hits with Jim’s “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This,” “What Do You Say To That” and “I Gotta Get To You.” A recording artist himself with 30 albums, Jim also has numerous Bluegrass hits, including “Mighty Lonesome” and “One Blue Mule.” His collaborations with Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys have yielded the Top 10 “I Feel Like Singing Today” and “She’s Looking At Me,” the 2002 AMA Song of the Year. In recognition of his particular and significant influence on the Americana format, Jim was honored with the AMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
HILLARY LINDSEY
Born in Washington, GA, Hillary Lindsey moved to Nashville in 1994 to attend Belmont University. During her senior year she signed her first publishing deal. In 2002 she celebrated her first #1 hit – “Blessed” by Martina McBride. In 2005 Hillary scored Carrie Underwood’s first single from her first album – “Jesus Take The Wheel,” a multi-genre hit that earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2006 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, the 2006 NSAI Song of the Year and the 2005 ACM Single of the Year. Underwood has recorded nearly 40 of Hillary’s songs, including “So Small” and “Wasted.” Other chart-toppers from Hillary’s pen are “American Honey” by Lady Antebellum, “A Little Bit Stronger” by Sara Evans, “Shotgun Rider” by Tim McGraw, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town (which earned the 2015 Grammy for Best Country Song, the 2015 CMA Song and Single of the Year, the 2015 NSAI Song of the Year) and “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban (the 2017 CMA Single of the Year, the 2017 NSAI Song of the Year). Additionally, “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper (from the film A Star Is Born) earned the 2019 Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media. Hillary was named ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
FRANK J. MYERS
Frank J. Myers grew up in Dayton, Ohio. His father taught him to play guitar, and by age 14, Frank had formed a band with his brother. In 1981, Frank moved to Nashville, where he was hired by Eddy Raven as a guitar player – later becoming Raven’s band leader and road manager. During that time, Frank co-wrote 10 Top 10 singles for Raven, including “Bayou Boys,” “I Got Mexico” and “Sometimes A Lady.” In 1982, Frank’s “You And I” became a hit for Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle. Other hits from Frank’s catalog include “My Front Porch Looking In” by Lonestar, “Come In Out Of The Pain” by Doug Stone and “Once Upon A Lifetime” by Alabama. The John Michael Montgomery version of “I Swear” earned a slew of awards — 1994 Grammy for Best Country Song, 1994 ACM Song and Single of the Year, 1994 CMA Single of the Year, 1994 NSAI Song of the Year, 1995 ASCAP Country Song of the Year — with the All 4 One version topping the Pop chart for 11 consecutive weeks. “I’m Already There” by Lonestar was the 2002 ASCAP Country Song of the Year and the 2002 BMI Country Song of the Year. “Tomorrow” by Chris Young was the 2011 SESAC Country Song of the Year.
GARY NICHOLSON
Raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas native Gary Nicholson got a guitar at age 10. He wrote songs and played in Rock bands throughout his teens before moving with his college band to Los Angeles. Following a stint on an MCA Records imprint, Gary returned to Texas in 1973. A song he sent to Nashville made it onto the 1980 soundtrack of Urban Cowboy 2, thanks to good friend/producer Jim Ed Norman. With that success, Gary moved to Music City, where he worked as a guitar player and a songwriter for Norman’s publishing company. In 1983 “Your Love Shines Through” by Gilley gave Gary his first Top 5 song and paved the way for future successes such as “That’s The Thing About Love” by Don Williams, “The Power Of Love” by Charley Pride, “Working Without A Net” by Waylon Jennings, “Brilliant Conversationalist” by T. Graham Brown, “One More Last Chance” by Vince Gill, “Live Laugh Love” by Clay Walker, “She Couldn’t Change Me” by Montgomery-Gentry and “Squeeze Me In” by Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood. Gary’s song “Fallin’ and Flyin’” was performed by Jeff Bridges & Colin Farrell in the 2009 film Crazy Heart. Gary has 600 recorded songs spanning multiple genres. In 2011 he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame.
RONNIE ROGERS
Born and raised in Nashville, Randall “Ronnie” Rogers’s parents were active in Gospel music and passed their talents on to their son. After military service in Vietnam, Ronnie began to pursue a career in music. Following a single as an artist on Rice Records in 1972, he began to find success as a songwriter with cuts by Johnny Russell, Dave Dudley and Loretta Lynn. In 1977, Ronnie scored his first Top 10 with “It’s A Cowboy Lovin’ Night” by Tanya Tucker. In 1983, he had the hit singles “My First Taste Of Texas” by Ed Bruce and “Dixieland Delight” by Alabama, which began a long and successful partnership with the band. To date, Ronnie has had more than 40 cuts by Alabama, including “Jukebox In My Mind,” “Pass It On Down,” “Take A Little Trip” and “Give Me One More Shot.” Ronnie is also the co-writer of the Mark Chesnutt singles “Blame It On Texas” and “Goin’ Through The Big D,” as well as “Only In America” by Brooks & Dunn. Ronnie’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Toby Keith, George Strait, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, Lee Ann Womack, Ray Charles, Old Crow Medicine Show and Levon Helm.
TIA SILLERS
Connecticut-born, Nashville-raised Tia Sillers became hooked on songwriting in high school. Her first hit was “Lipstick Promises” by college co-writer George Ducas in 1995 — the same year that Kenny Wayne Shepherd made “Deja Voodoo” a Top 10 Rock hit. Three years later Shepherd’s #1 Rock hit “Blue On Black” earned the 1998 Billboard Music Award for Rock Track of the Year. (The song was re-recorded in 2019 by Five Finger Death Punch with Shepherd, Brantley Gilbert & Brian May.) In 2008 “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack became a chart-topping multi-genre smash that earned the 2000 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2000 ACM Song and Single of the Year, the 2000 CMA Song and Single of the Year, the 2001 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, the 2001 BMI Country Song of the Year and the 2000-2001 NSAI Song of the Year. “Jonah, Job And Moses” by The Oak Ridge Boys was named the 2007 GMA Dove Country Song of the Year. “Dance With Me” by Johnny Reid was the 2010 Canadian CMA Song of the Year. Other songs from Tia’s catalog include “There’s Your Trouble” by the Dixie Chicks, “That’d Be Alright” by Alan Jackson, “A Joyful Noise” by Jo Dee Messina and “Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love” by Trisha Yearwood.
TOMMY SIMS
Born in Chicago and raised in Michigan, Tommy Sims grew up on Gospel music and Soul music. When he and some friends began performing after college, they eventually landed in Nashville, where he became the bassist for Christian Rock band White Heart from 1987 to 1989. In 1994, Tommy scored his first #1 songs as a songwriter with Amy Grant – “Children Of The World” and “Helping Hand.” In 1995 his “R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion Of Truth)” by Carman was named the 1996 GMA Dove Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year. The following year one of his songs was featured in the film Phenomenon. The song was the multi-chart-topping hit “Change The World” by Eric Clapton, which earned the 1997 Grammy for Best Song and for Record of the Year. Tommy’s songwriting catalog also includes the Country hits “Love Is The Right Place” by Bryan White and “A Promise I Make” by Dakota Moon, the AC hits “Lost In You” by Garth Brooks (as Chris Gaines) and “I Can’t Help You Now” by Bonnie Raitt, and the Gospel hits “Anybody Wanna Pray” by CeCe Winans w/ GRITS (the 2002 GMA Dove Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year) and “Just Wanna Say” by Israel Houghton (the 2010 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year).
Category 2 – CONTEMPORARY SONGWRITER/ARTISTS
KIRK FRANKLIN
Kirk Franklin was born in Fort Worth, TX. His work with the Dallas-Fort Worth Mass Choir at age 19 ultimately led to a record deal. In 1993, Kirk Franklin & The Family released their debut album, which sold more than a million units and remained #1 on the Gospel album charts for 42 weeks. The album’s breakout single – “Why We Sing” – was named the 1994 GMA Dove Traditional Gospel Song of the Year. From there, “Stomp” by Kirk Franklin w/ God’s Property & Salt was a #1 R&B hit that was named the 1998 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year and became the first Gospel song played in heavy rotation on MTV. “Revolution” by Kirk Franklin w/ Rodney Jerkins was the 1999 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year. As a solo artist, Kirk’s #1 Gospel/#5 R&B “Looking For You” was the 2006 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year and earned the 2007 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Help Me Believe” earned the 2009 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Hello Fear” earned the 2012 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. His #1 Gospel/#12 R&B “I Smile” was the 2012 BMI Christian Song of the Year and the 2012 GMA Dove Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year. “Wanna Be Happy?” earned the 2016 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Love Theory” was the 2019 GMA Dove Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year and earned the 2020 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Never Alone,” his #1 Gospel collaboration with Tori Kelly, earned the 2019 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. Kirk was the 2003 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year.
BRAD PAISLEY
Brad Paisley was born and raised in Glen Dale, West Virginia. He received his first guitar from his grandfather, who taught him to play at eight years old. At age 13, Brad wrote his first song, which he performed publicly and which eventually led him to an eight-year stint performing on Wheeling’s Jamboree USA. After high-school graduation and two years at West Liberty State College, Brad was awarded a fully paid ASCAP scholarship to Belmont University in Nashville where he majored in music business. A week after graduating from Belmont, Brad signed as a writer with EMI Music Publishing. Following cuts by David Kersh, David Ball and Tracy Byrd, Brad signed with Arista Nashville and soon began to record his own songs. As an artist, he has placed 33 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard charts, including 15 #1s and 14 more in the Top 10. Among those compositions are “He Didn’t Have To Be,” “Alcohol,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “Celebrity,” “Ticks,” “Letter To Me,” “Then,” “This Is Country Music,” “Water,” and his duet with Carrie Underwood “Remind Me.” A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Brad was ASCAP’s 2004 Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year. He was NSAI’s Songwriter/Artist of the Year in 2002 and 2005.
PAM TILLIS
Born in Plant City, FL, Pam Tillis grew up in Nashville thanks to having Country music star Mel Tillis for a father. At age eight, she sang with him on the Grand Ole Opry and began taking piano lessons. By age 12, she was playing guitar. Recovering from a near-fatal car accident at 16, she enrolled briefly at the University of Tennessee before dropping out in 1976 to move to San Francisco, where she sang in a Jazz and Rock band. Returning to Nashville a few years later, Pam recorded a largely co-written 1983 Pop album for Warner Bros. In 1989 Pam enjoyed her first Top 40 single as a writer with “When Love Comes Around The Bend” by Juice Newton. The following year Highway 101 reached the Top 15 with Pam’s “Someone Else’s Trouble Now.” In the early 1990s Pam was one of the first five acts signed to Arista Nashville. Her self-penned hits as an Arista artist were “One Of Those Things,” “Put Yourself In My Place,” “Blue Rose Is,” “Cleopatra, Queen Of Denial,” “Spilled Perfume,” “It’s Lonely Out There” and the chart-topping “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life).” In 2000, Pam was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2012 she enjoyed the IBMA-nominated Bluegrass hit “Somewhere South Of Crazy” by Dale Ann Bradley.
SHANIA TWAIN
Shania Twain was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. During high school, she began writing songs and fronting a local cover band. After graduation, she toured Ontario with another band before returning home in 1987 to care for her younger siblings after their parents died in a car accident. She continued to perform and five years later was signed to Mercury Nashville. Since the release of her debut album 1993, Shania has placed 22 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard charts, including 7 #1s and 8 more in the Top 10. Among those compositions are “You’re Still The One” (1998 Grammy for Best Country Song / 1999 BMI Country Song of the Year), “Come On Over” (1999 Grammy for Best Country Song) and “Forever And For Always” (2004 BMI Country Song of the Year), along with “You’ve Got A Way,” “(If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here!,” “Love Gets Me Every Time,” “No One Needs To Know,” “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!,” “From This Moment On” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Shania was named NSAI’s 1998 Songwriter/Artist of the Year, as well as BMI’s 1999 Country Songwriter of the Year and 2000 Country Songwriter of the Year. She was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
Shawn Austin Releases Local Hay / Big Loud Records Debut EP
/by Lydia FarthingShawn Austin. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
Rising Canadian country singer-songwriter Shawn Austin has released his Local Hay/Big Loud Records debut EP, Planes Don’t Wait.
Produced by Scott Cooke, the 7-track collection includes fan-favorites “Get You,” the Chris Lane collaboration “Tailgate To Heaven” and the title track “Planes Don’t Wait,” in addition to four new tracks. Composed of entirely outside cuts, the EP features songs penned by some of Music City’s most in-demand writers, including Craig Wiseman, Kelly Archer, Hillary Lindsey, Jordan Schmidt, Mark Holman, Brian Kelley, Ernest Keith Smith, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jon Nite, Cary Barlowe, and more.
With more than 27 million global career streams, the 2021 CCMA Award Rising Star nominee has spent the first half of 2022 on Dallas Smith‘s Canadian “Some Things Never Change Tour,” which wraps this Thursday (June 30) in Toronto.
A Vancouver native, Austin was recently a season two finalist on NBC’s Songland, pitching Florida Georgia Line as a songwriting contestant. This year, he launched a new chapter of his career as he signed with Local Hay/ Big Loud Records, and hit the top 5 at Canadian country radio with “Tailgate To Heaven.”
1. “Somewhere In Austin” – Written by Jordan Dozzi, Jacob Durrett, Craig Wiseman
2. “Tailgate To Heaven” (feat. Chris Lane) – Written by Kelly Archer, Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson*
3. “Over Here” – Written by Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller, Jordan Schmidt
4. “Planes Don’t Wait” – Written by Mark Holman, Brian Kelley, Jared Mullins, Ernest Keith Smith
5. “Get You” – Written by Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz
6. “Slip” – Written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Zach Kale, Jon Nite
7. “Talk of the Town” – Written by Cary Barlowe, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson
All songs produced by Scott Cooke
*Additional production by Will Bundy
Tigirlily Signs With Roundhouse Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Greg McCarn, Krista Slaubaugh, Kendra Slaubaugh, Darcie Van Etten, and Dan Anderson
Monument Records artist Tigirlily has signed with Roundhouse Entertainment for management.
Composed of Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the sister duo officially formed during high school. Growing up, they performed across the midwest, opening for acts such as LeAnn Rimes and Big & Rich. They quickly developed a fan base of their own, selling out amphitheaters across North Dakota.
After their song “Somebody Does” topped the iTunes chart, they signed to Monument Records, were included in a Keds shoes global campaign, and guest-starred on The Young & The Restless. Tigirlily released their self-titled debut EP in July 2021, working with Shane McAnally. They will be on the road throughout summer and fall, including select dates opening for Walker Hayes and Ashley McBryde.
“As soon as we met Krista and Kendra and saw them perform live, it became apparent that they not only had incredible talent, but also an incredible work ethic,” says Greg McCarn, co-founder of Roundhouse Entertainment. “Discovering that they moved to Nashville and paid their dues, their rent, and their way through college by performing on lower Broadway knocking out 4 hour sets, 3-4 nights per week, for 3 years–and continued that even when they got a record deal–was impressive to us and spoke to who they are as people and the way they treat others. We are so excited to be working with them to help build their future.”
Michael Knox Celebrates Four Years Of Knox Country 360
/by Lydia FarthingShalacy Griffin & Michael Knox
Award-winning country music producer Michael Knox is celebrating the fourth anniversary of his nationally syndicated radio show Knox Country 360. To commemorate the milestone, Knox and co-host Shalacy Griffin will host a special July 4th show featuring their favorite moments from the past four years.
The show offers listeners closer access to Nashville’s hitmakers and songwriters, including Ashley Gorley, David Lee Murphy, Luke Laird, Rhett Atkins, Nicolle Galyon, Rodney Clawson, Liz Rose, Jessi Alexander, Josh Thompson, Dallas Davidson, Jennifer Hanson and more. The show also features Nashville industry insiders such as Ben Vaughn and Rusty Gaston, amongst others.
Based in Nashville, the show is produced by Knox and Donny Walker (former executive at Westwood One, Cumulus Media, BDS, Billboard Magazine). Hosted by Knox and Griffin, currently the Senior Vice President of Operations for Music Knox, LLC, Bill Bruce is also a key behind-the-scenes member known as “The Voice.”
This year, Knox Country 360 was selected by the ACM as a first-time nominee for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year with Knox and Griffin.
“I’m very proud of the four-year journey we have had together so far. From the excitement of our very first show back in 2018, to walking the red carpet at the 2022 ACM awards with my co-host Shalacy for our nomination for National Weekly On Air Personality, this has been such an incredible ride,” Knox shares. “Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying, because I know we’re famous because of me.”
“I have been a fan of radio my entire life so to be able to contribute to this industry has been a blessing,” adds Griffin. “I also agree with my co-host that he may be the ‘famous’ one, but everyone knows that we got our ACM nomination because of me. I think we would also agree that the show would not be possible without Donny Walker and Bill Bruce—those guys are rockstars!”
Knox is well established as one of Nashville’s in-demand music producers, playing a role in 28 No. 1 singles, including the recent Jason Aldean No. 1 “Trouble with a Heartbreak.” He has celebrated over 50 million singles and 25 million albums sold during his career.
In addition to his long-running role as Aldean’s primary producer, Knox’s production credits include Thomas Rhett, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Laine Hardy and Michael Tyler, amongst others. His record label, Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group, is working on material with Tim Montana, and he serves as a music publisher and Senior Vice President for peermusic Nashville.
Music City Grand Prix Announces Brantley Gilbert & Carly Pearce As Grand Ole Prix Headliners
/by Steven BoeroPictured (L-R, top row): Brantley Gilbert & Carly Pearce; (L-R, bottom row): Midland & Callista Clark
The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has announced country music artists Brantley Gilbert, Carly Pearce, Midland and Callista Clark as the headliners for the Grand Ole Prix concert, set for Aug, 7.
The artists, who are all signed with Big Machine Label Group, will perform as part of a live, 90-minute show that will begin at 5:45 p.m. CT on the ZYN Main Stage. The Grand Ole Prix will follow the conclusion of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix NTT IndyCar Series race and culminates the Aug. 5-7 festivities in the heart of Music City.
Gilbert, who was named ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2012 and Top New Male Artist in 2013, is a multi-Platinum Georgia native. Seven No. 1 hits punctuate his career: “Country Must be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” CMA Song of the Year nominee “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” RIAA 5x Platinum-certified “Bottoms Up,” and “One Hell of an Amen.”
The reigning ACM/CMA Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year, Pearce has enjoyed a recent wave of significant accolades as her “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” duet with Ashley McBryde became her second consecutive ACM Awards Music Event of the Year win. The song also marked Pearce’s third No. 1 hit and they became only the third duet between two solo women to top Country Airplay since the Billboard chart’s 1990 inception. The Grand Ole Opry member will headline her first shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 26-27 after a summer touring with Kenny Chesney.
Midland has grown from a bar band to an in-demand headliner, selling out tours from coast to coast as well as supporting some of country music’s biggest stars, such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Little Big Town. Lead vocalist Mark Wystrach fronts their rich sound rounded out with lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson and bass player/vocalist Cameron Duddy. Following their Gold-certified debut album On the Rocks, Midland’s follow-up record Let it Roll reached the top of the charts.
Clark’s debut Real To Me EP produced the top 20 hit “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” and became country radio’s most successful new artist debut of 2021. Her latest single, “Gave It Back Broken,” is featured on her forthcoming debut album Real To Me: The Way I Feel, arriving Oct. 14.
Garth Brooks To Receive NSAI’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Lydia FarthingGarth Brooks. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Garth Brooks will be honored as the next recipient of NSAI’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by City National Bank. The awards are scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Ryman Auditorium. Ticket on-sale information will be released at a later date.
The Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and has inspired the careers of others. It has only been given to three other individuals since its inception: Loretta Lynn (2019), Bill Anderson (2018) and Willie Nelson (2013). The honorees are chosen personally by Kristofferson, and is the greatest honor within NSAI’s organizational awards.
“It’s pretty damn embarrassing to give a man of Garth’s stature an award with my name on it,” Kristofferson notes. “When Willie got one he said he could take care of that. Congratulations Garth, I am truly humbled and honored that you have accepted this! You belong on Mount Rushmore. See you there.”
“When they name awards after artists, that award takes on an even greater meaning. Kristofferson is known as the songwriter’s songwriter… and he should be,” Brooks explains. “The honor is the name on the award and the names who have received it. My hope is that through time, the Garth Brooks name is worthy of such an honor. This is going to be a cool night.”
The annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is a celebration of songs and songwriters. Many of the recipients determined by a community of peer professional writers honoring their most-admired songs from the past year to determine the Song of the Year and the 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written awards.
The evening is filled with performances of honored guests and songs, and is a celebration of the adoration shared between all for the art of songwriting.
Carnival Music Adds Jaida Dreyer To Writer Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Lauren Kilgore (Partner, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP), Jaida Dreyer, Nicole Wyatt (Creative Director, Carnival Music), Frank Liddell (Owner, Carnival Music)
Singer-songwriter Jaida Dreyer has signed a publishing agreement with Carnival Music.
Over the years, Dreyer has had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, Sara Evans, Granger Smith, Brantley Gilbert, Cody Jinks, Kevin Costner & The Modern West, and more. She’s credited for a multi-week No. 1 with Luke Bryan‘s “Home Alone Tonight,” featuring Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild.
As an artist, the Ontario native has traveled coast-to-coast opening for artists such as Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, and Merle Haggard. She is also a frequent guest on The Grand Ole Opry. Her songs have been featured in Paramount’s Yellowstone, A&E’s The Returned, and Netflix’s Longmire, and she has penned nine tunes for the television series Nashville.
Owner of Carnival Music, Frank Liddell, says: “Jaida is a consummate professional. She succeeds in every endeavor she takes on. She’s a proven successful songwriter, and I believe she will continue to deliver her best work for many years to come. We are excited to be a part of her future.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be working alongside Jaida,” Nicole Wyatt, Carnival Music Creative Director, adds. “She has such an infectious spirit, and her successes combined, just makes you want to work harder for her.”
“When I moved to Nashville, the very first meeting I had in town was with Frank Liddell. I’ve always looked at those part of the Carnival family as having one of the best seats in the house, and it feels very full circle to be sitting in one of them now,” Dreyer explains. “I owe a lot to Courtney Gregg for bringing me into the fold.”
Justin Luffman Re-Signs With Warner Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellJustin Luffman
Warner Music Nashville VP of Artist Development, Justin Luffman, has re-signed his contract with the company.
Luffman joined WMN in 2010, making him one of the longest tenured employees at the label. Prior to joining WMN, he had career stops at Sony and Curb.
“It’s a privilege and honor to continue my journey with Warner Music Nashville,” Luffman says. “The culture we’ve created at WMN energizes me daily. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship I’ve received from some of the industry’s best leaders throughout my career, and I am so fortunate to work alongside people who I call family. Above all, I am constantly inspired by all of our artists and their music. I’m very proud of all that we’ve accomplished since I began this chapter here 12 years ago, and I am looking forward to much more to come.”
Shane Tarleton, EVP of Artist Development, adds, “Justin Luffman is one of the most creative minds in our industry. I have been fortunate to work alongside him for over a decade and am thrilled to extend our relationship!”
Nominees Announced For 2022 Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction
/by LB CantrellThe 2022 nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) have been announced. Of the 12 nominees, three will be inducted at the 52nd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at the Music City Center.
“We congratulate all of this year’s nominees in our contemporary categories and look forward to early August, when we will announce those who will be inducted as members of our Class of 2022,” says NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford.
The 2022 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriters category are Larry Cordle, Jim Lauderdale, Hillary Lindsey, Frank J. Myers, Gary Nicholson, Ronnie Rogers, Tia Sillers, and Tommy Sims. The 2022 nominees in the Contemporary Songwriter/Artists category are Kirk Franklin, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis and Shania Twain.
All nominees experienced their first significant songs at least 20 years ago. A total of two songwriters and one songwriter/artist will be elected from the contemporary categories by members of the Hall of Fame along with other professional songwriters and artists from a variety of genres who are prominently identified with Nashville and who have written/co-written at least one original and significant Nashville song.
In addition, two more will be named to the Class of 2022. A separate body of veteran voters will elect a Veteran Songwriter and a Veteran Songwriter/Artist, both of whom experienced their first significant songs at least 30 years ago. As part of that process, nominees in those categories are not announced.
For biographical information on the 2022 nominees, see below:
Category 1 – CONTEMPORARY SONGWRITERS
LARRY CORDLE
Larry Cordle was raised in eastern Kentucky, where he began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age. His first two hits came from childhood friend Ricky Skaggs – #1 Country in 1983 with “Highway 40 Blues” and #1 Bluegrass in 1984 with “Two Highways” (also #1 Bluegrass for Alison Krauss in 1990). In the Country world, Larry is known for “Heartbreak Hurricane” by Skaggs, “Honky Tonk Crowd” by John Anderson and “Mama Don’t Forget To Pray For Me” by Diamond Rio. Before George Strait & Alan Jackson hit with “Murder On Music Row” – which was the 2001 CMA Song of the Year – Larry’s original recording with his band, Lonesome Standard Time (LST), was the 2000 IBMA Song of the Year and the 2001 SPBGMA Song of the Year. In the Bluegrass world, Larry & LST have had 24 Top 10 hits with his songs. In addition to “Anything Southbound” and “Black Diamond Strings,” LST’s “Lonesome Standard Time” was the 1993 IBMA Song of the Year, (and also a Country hit for Kathy Mattea). “If I’d Have Wrote That Song” by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, was named the 2018 IBMA Song of the Year. Larry was named the 2001, 2019 and 2020 SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year. In 2015, he was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
JIM LAUDERDALE
Born in Troutman, NC, Jim Lauderdale grew up in Due West, SC, where as a teenager he learned to play drums, harmonica and banjo. After college graduation in 1979, Jim made his way to Nashville for a few months before moving on to New York. By the late 1980s, Jim had joined the national touring production of Pump Boys & Dinettes and relocated to Los Angeles, where he began to find traction musically as a writer and performer. In the mid-1990s, Jim found his way back to Nashville, where he soon hit with “Gonna Get A Life” by Mark Chesnutt, “Halfway Down” by Patty Loveless and “When Did You Stop Loving Me” by George Strait, who also had hits with Jim’s “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This,” “What Do You Say To That” and “I Gotta Get To You.” A recording artist himself with 30 albums, Jim also has numerous Bluegrass hits, including “Mighty Lonesome” and “One Blue Mule.” His collaborations with Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys have yielded the Top 10 “I Feel Like Singing Today” and “She’s Looking At Me,” the 2002 AMA Song of the Year. In recognition of his particular and significant influence on the Americana format, Jim was honored with the AMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
HILLARY LINDSEY
Born in Washington, GA, Hillary Lindsey moved to Nashville in 1994 to attend Belmont University. During her senior year she signed her first publishing deal. In 2002 she celebrated her first #1 hit – “Blessed” by Martina McBride. In 2005 Hillary scored Carrie Underwood’s first single from her first album – “Jesus Take The Wheel,” a multi-genre hit that earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2006 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, the 2006 NSAI Song of the Year and the 2005 ACM Single of the Year. Underwood has recorded nearly 40 of Hillary’s songs, including “So Small” and “Wasted.” Other chart-toppers from Hillary’s pen are “American Honey” by Lady Antebellum, “A Little Bit Stronger” by Sara Evans, “Shotgun Rider” by Tim McGraw, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town (which earned the 2015 Grammy for Best Country Song, the 2015 CMA Song and Single of the Year, the 2015 NSAI Song of the Year) and “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban (the 2017 CMA Single of the Year, the 2017 NSAI Song of the Year). Additionally, “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper (from the film A Star Is Born) earned the 2019 Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media. Hillary was named ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
FRANK J. MYERS
Frank J. Myers grew up in Dayton, Ohio. His father taught him to play guitar, and by age 14, Frank had formed a band with his brother. In 1981, Frank moved to Nashville, where he was hired by Eddy Raven as a guitar player – later becoming Raven’s band leader and road manager. During that time, Frank co-wrote 10 Top 10 singles for Raven, including “Bayou Boys,” “I Got Mexico” and “Sometimes A Lady.” In 1982, Frank’s “You And I” became a hit for Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle. Other hits from Frank’s catalog include “My Front Porch Looking In” by Lonestar, “Come In Out Of The Pain” by Doug Stone and “Once Upon A Lifetime” by Alabama. The John Michael Montgomery version of “I Swear” earned a slew of awards — 1994 Grammy for Best Country Song, 1994 ACM Song and Single of the Year, 1994 CMA Single of the Year, 1994 NSAI Song of the Year, 1995 ASCAP Country Song of the Year — with the All 4 One version topping the Pop chart for 11 consecutive weeks. “I’m Already There” by Lonestar was the 2002 ASCAP Country Song of the Year and the 2002 BMI Country Song of the Year. “Tomorrow” by Chris Young was the 2011 SESAC Country Song of the Year.
GARY NICHOLSON
Raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas native Gary Nicholson got a guitar at age 10. He wrote songs and played in Rock bands throughout his teens before moving with his college band to Los Angeles. Following a stint on an MCA Records imprint, Gary returned to Texas in 1973. A song he sent to Nashville made it onto the 1980 soundtrack of Urban Cowboy 2, thanks to good friend/producer Jim Ed Norman. With that success, Gary moved to Music City, where he worked as a guitar player and a songwriter for Norman’s publishing company. In 1983 “Your Love Shines Through” by Gilley gave Gary his first Top 5 song and paved the way for future successes such as “That’s The Thing About Love” by Don Williams, “The Power Of Love” by Charley Pride, “Working Without A Net” by Waylon Jennings, “Brilliant Conversationalist” by T. Graham Brown, “One More Last Chance” by Vince Gill, “Live Laugh Love” by Clay Walker, “She Couldn’t Change Me” by Montgomery-Gentry and “Squeeze Me In” by Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood. Gary’s song “Fallin’ and Flyin’” was performed by Jeff Bridges & Colin Farrell in the 2009 film Crazy Heart. Gary has 600 recorded songs spanning multiple genres. In 2011 he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame.
RONNIE ROGERS
Born and raised in Nashville, Randall “Ronnie” Rogers’s parents were active in Gospel music and passed their talents on to their son. After military service in Vietnam, Ronnie began to pursue a career in music. Following a single as an artist on Rice Records in 1972, he began to find success as a songwriter with cuts by Johnny Russell, Dave Dudley and Loretta Lynn. In 1977, Ronnie scored his first Top 10 with “It’s A Cowboy Lovin’ Night” by Tanya Tucker. In 1983, he had the hit singles “My First Taste Of Texas” by Ed Bruce and “Dixieland Delight” by Alabama, which began a long and successful partnership with the band. To date, Ronnie has had more than 40 cuts by Alabama, including “Jukebox In My Mind,” “Pass It On Down,” “Take A Little Trip” and “Give Me One More Shot.” Ronnie is also the co-writer of the Mark Chesnutt singles “Blame It On Texas” and “Goin’ Through The Big D,” as well as “Only In America” by Brooks & Dunn. Ronnie’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Toby Keith, George Strait, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, Lee Ann Womack, Ray Charles, Old Crow Medicine Show and Levon Helm.
TIA SILLERS
Connecticut-born, Nashville-raised Tia Sillers became hooked on songwriting in high school. Her first hit was “Lipstick Promises” by college co-writer George Ducas in 1995 — the same year that Kenny Wayne Shepherd made “Deja Voodoo” a Top 10 Rock hit. Three years later Shepherd’s #1 Rock hit “Blue On Black” earned the 1998 Billboard Music Award for Rock Track of the Year. (The song was re-recorded in 2019 by Five Finger Death Punch with Shepherd, Brantley Gilbert & Brian May.) In 2008 “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack became a chart-topping multi-genre smash that earned the 2000 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2000 ACM Song and Single of the Year, the 2000 CMA Song and Single of the Year, the 2001 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, the 2001 BMI Country Song of the Year and the 2000-2001 NSAI Song of the Year. “Jonah, Job And Moses” by The Oak Ridge Boys was named the 2007 GMA Dove Country Song of the Year. “Dance With Me” by Johnny Reid was the 2010 Canadian CMA Song of the Year. Other songs from Tia’s catalog include “There’s Your Trouble” by the Dixie Chicks, “That’d Be Alright” by Alan Jackson, “A Joyful Noise” by Jo Dee Messina and “Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love” by Trisha Yearwood.
TOMMY SIMS
Born in Chicago and raised in Michigan, Tommy Sims grew up on Gospel music and Soul music. When he and some friends began performing after college, they eventually landed in Nashville, where he became the bassist for Christian Rock band White Heart from 1987 to 1989. In 1994, Tommy scored his first #1 songs as a songwriter with Amy Grant – “Children Of The World” and “Helping Hand.” In 1995 his “R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion Of Truth)” by Carman was named the 1996 GMA Dove Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year. The following year one of his songs was featured in the film Phenomenon. The song was the multi-chart-topping hit “Change The World” by Eric Clapton, which earned the 1997 Grammy for Best Song and for Record of the Year. Tommy’s songwriting catalog also includes the Country hits “Love Is The Right Place” by Bryan White and “A Promise I Make” by Dakota Moon, the AC hits “Lost In You” by Garth Brooks (as Chris Gaines) and “I Can’t Help You Now” by Bonnie Raitt, and the Gospel hits “Anybody Wanna Pray” by CeCe Winans w/ GRITS (the 2002 GMA Dove Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year) and “Just Wanna Say” by Israel Houghton (the 2010 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year).
Category 2 – CONTEMPORARY SONGWRITER/ARTISTS
KIRK FRANKLIN
Kirk Franklin was born in Fort Worth, TX. His work with the Dallas-Fort Worth Mass Choir at age 19 ultimately led to a record deal. In 1993, Kirk Franklin & The Family released their debut album, which sold more than a million units and remained #1 on the Gospel album charts for 42 weeks. The album’s breakout single – “Why We Sing” – was named the 1994 GMA Dove Traditional Gospel Song of the Year. From there, “Stomp” by Kirk Franklin w/ God’s Property & Salt was a #1 R&B hit that was named the 1998 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year and became the first Gospel song played in heavy rotation on MTV. “Revolution” by Kirk Franklin w/ Rodney Jerkins was the 1999 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year. As a solo artist, Kirk’s #1 Gospel/#5 R&B “Looking For You” was the 2006 GMA Dove Urban Song of the Year and earned the 2007 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Help Me Believe” earned the 2009 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Hello Fear” earned the 2012 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. His #1 Gospel/#12 R&B “I Smile” was the 2012 BMI Christian Song of the Year and the 2012 GMA Dove Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year. “Wanna Be Happy?” earned the 2016 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Love Theory” was the 2019 GMA Dove Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year and earned the 2020 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. “Never Alone,” his #1 Gospel collaboration with Tori Kelly, earned the 2019 Grammy for Best Gospel Song. Kirk was the 2003 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year.
BRAD PAISLEY
Brad Paisley was born and raised in Glen Dale, West Virginia. He received his first guitar from his grandfather, who taught him to play at eight years old. At age 13, Brad wrote his first song, which he performed publicly and which eventually led him to an eight-year stint performing on Wheeling’s Jamboree USA. After high-school graduation and two years at West Liberty State College, Brad was awarded a fully paid ASCAP scholarship to Belmont University in Nashville where he majored in music business. A week after graduating from Belmont, Brad signed as a writer with EMI Music Publishing. Following cuts by David Kersh, David Ball and Tracy Byrd, Brad signed with Arista Nashville and soon began to record his own songs. As an artist, he has placed 33 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard charts, including 15 #1s and 14 more in the Top 10. Among those compositions are “He Didn’t Have To Be,” “Alcohol,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “Celebrity,” “Ticks,” “Letter To Me,” “Then,” “This Is Country Music,” “Water,” and his duet with Carrie Underwood “Remind Me.” A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Brad was ASCAP’s 2004 Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year. He was NSAI’s Songwriter/Artist of the Year in 2002 and 2005.
PAM TILLIS
Born in Plant City, FL, Pam Tillis grew up in Nashville thanks to having Country music star Mel Tillis for a father. At age eight, she sang with him on the Grand Ole Opry and began taking piano lessons. By age 12, she was playing guitar. Recovering from a near-fatal car accident at 16, she enrolled briefly at the University of Tennessee before dropping out in 1976 to move to San Francisco, where she sang in a Jazz and Rock band. Returning to Nashville a few years later, Pam recorded a largely co-written 1983 Pop album for Warner Bros. In 1989 Pam enjoyed her first Top 40 single as a writer with “When Love Comes Around The Bend” by Juice Newton. The following year Highway 101 reached the Top 15 with Pam’s “Someone Else’s Trouble Now.” In the early 1990s Pam was one of the first five acts signed to Arista Nashville. Her self-penned hits as an Arista artist were “One Of Those Things,” “Put Yourself In My Place,” “Blue Rose Is,” “Cleopatra, Queen Of Denial,” “Spilled Perfume,” “It’s Lonely Out There” and the chart-topping “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life).” In 2000, Pam was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2012 she enjoyed the IBMA-nominated Bluegrass hit “Somewhere South Of Crazy” by Dale Ann Bradley.
SHANIA TWAIN
Shania Twain was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. During high school, she began writing songs and fronting a local cover band. After graduation, she toured Ontario with another band before returning home in 1987 to care for her younger siblings after their parents died in a car accident. She continued to perform and five years later was signed to Mercury Nashville. Since the release of her debut album 1993, Shania has placed 22 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard charts, including 7 #1s and 8 more in the Top 10. Among those compositions are “You’re Still The One” (1998 Grammy for Best Country Song / 1999 BMI Country Song of the Year), “Come On Over” (1999 Grammy for Best Country Song) and “Forever And For Always” (2004 BMI Country Song of the Year), along with “You’ve Got A Way,” “(If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here!,” “Love Gets Me Every Time,” “No One Needs To Know,” “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!,” “From This Moment On” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Shania was named NSAI’s 1998 Songwriter/Artist of the Year, as well as BMI’s 1999 Country Songwriter of the Year and 2000 Country Songwriter of the Year. She was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
Combustion Music Celebrates 100 No. 1 Hits
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Director of Operations Kelly Lyons; President/Songwriter/Producer Chris Farren; General Manager Keithan Melton; Vice President Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom; Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan. Photo: Mick Bodie.
Music Row-based publishing, masters, and writer development firm Combustion Music earned its 100th No. 1 with Jordan Davis’ tune “Buy Dirt” (featuring Luke Bryan) via Combustion writer Matt Jenkins.
Alongside this milestone, Combustion has also revamped with a new logo and website, along with a revived definition of Combustion and its expanding list of accomplishments.
Established in 2001 by owner Chris Farren, Combustion’s “we’re all in this together” mentality is a reflection of Farren’s background as an artist, writer, producer and entrepreneur.
With first signings including seven-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley, and Grammy award-winning group Kings of Leon, Combustion is now home to 5x Grammy award nominee Matthew West, multiple No. 1 award-winning writer and producer AJ Pruis, No. 1 writer Brett Tyler, Thirty Tigers artist Bones Owens, writer and Combustion Masters artist Faren Rachels, writers Jessica Farren and Leanna Crawford, and writer/producers Austin Goodloe, Tom Whall, and Sam Bergeson.
“Our industry is ever changing, and we’ve allowed Combustion a flexibility to adapt and pivot with the industry and, therefore, carefully cultivate opportunities to give our writers the best possible chance for success,” Farren explains. “We’re thrilled for our writers and all they’ve accomplished, but more excited for continued growth and all that’s to come.”
“We’ve taken a very grassroots approach to everything we’ve done, so our success has been hard-earned and authentic,” adds Combustion VP Chris “Falcon” VanBelkom. “Everything we’ve done has been done with a lot of intention and care. We’re not just here to develop hit writers-we’re here to build a stable of writers and opportunities the whole team can be passionate about and proud of.”
Combustion also developed multi-award winning singer-songwriter Jameson Rodgers, leading to his deal with Sony Music Nashville, as well as Bones Owens, leading to his deal with Thirty Tigers, and Leanna Crawford with Provident.
The company has partnered with Broken Bow Records to continue the growth of touring and streaming powerhouse Kolby Cooper, and most recently partnered with Sony Music Nashville for the signing of streaming star Corey Kent.
Industry Ink: Michael Ray, Joe Nichols, Nashville Meets London, 7eventh Time Down
/by Lydia FarthingMichael Ray’s Multi-Week No. 1, ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ Goes Platinum
Pictured (L-R): Buffy Cooper (Morris Higham Management), Shane Tarleton (Warner Music Nashville EVP Artist Development), Michael Ray, Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Jackie Jones (RIAA VP Artist and Industry Relations) and Justin Luffman (Warner Music Nashville VP Artist Development). Photo: Warner Music Nashville
Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain” has reached another milestone, earning RIAA Platinum certification after notching the Florida-native’s fourth chart topper and his first multi-week No. 1. The track was written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure.
“When I first heard ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ I connected with the idea of letting yourself really live in a moment where it can wash over you,” shares Ray. “To say I’m proud of this song would be an understatement. I’m very grateful that it’s found a home in the hearts of fans. I couldn’t do this without them or the team I have behind me.”
“Holy Water,” the second single from Ray’s Higher Education EP, continues to climb the charts at country radio. The song was penned by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson and Michael Hardy.
He is set to perform a slew of festival and headlining dates this summer before re-joining Lee Brice on the “Label Me Proud Tour.” For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
Joe Nichols Plans Big Screen Debut With Murder At Yellowstone City
Joe Nichols as Colin Hodge in Murder At Yellowstone City. Photo: Courtesy of Murder At Yellowstone City
Quartz Hill Records’ Joe Nichols is set to make his big screen debut in the new western film, Murder At Yellowstone City, available now in select theaters, on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and more.
In Murder At Yellowstone City, a former slave who arrives in Yellowstone City, Montana looks for a place to call home. On that same day, a local prospector discovers gold–and is murdered. Written by Eric Belgau, the film was directed by Richard Gray and stars Gabriel Byrne, Thomas Jane, Isaiah Mustafa, Richard Dreyfuss, Nat Wolff, Anna Camp, Aimee Garcia, Emma Kenney and Zach McGowan.
Nichols plays Colin Hodge, the son of a dirt farmer and the grandson of a defender of the Alamo. Since surviving a mine collapse he’s fallen on hard times–living in a tent on the edge of town and drowning his memories and nerves in alcohol. His constant singing, beautiful in its sadness, is a fixture in town.
“I am so excited for everyone to see the film,” says Nichols. “It was a lot of fun to make. I loved old westerns as a kid and had a great time on set.”
The film premieres on the heels of Nichols recently released Good Day For Living. His first new full-length project in four years, the 13-song collection reunites the multi-Platinum entertainer with producers Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, who helmed his 2013 album Crickets containing back-to-back No. 1 Gold-certified hits “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah.”
Nashville Meets London Adds Sarah Darling, Ruthie Collins, More To 2022 Festival Lineup
Nashville Meets London (NML) has announced the next round of performers added to the 2022 Music Festival lineup, including Sarah Darling, Candi Carpenter, Ruthie Collins, and Arbor North.
The NML Music Festival will be held on Aug. 24 and 25 at the Trinity Buoy Wharf in East London. The festival will feature performances by 12 artists, with six sets scheduled between 4-11 p.m. on both days. The newly added talent joins previously announced artists Priscilla Block, Shy Carter, Manny Blu, and Kyle Daniel. More talent will be announced in the coming days.
NML organizers have also announced the addition of live performances by Daniel and Vicki Manser to the NML Country Music River Cruise, which will be held on Aug. 19. Tickets for the NML River Cruise and the NML Music Festival are limited and available for purchase here.
Leading up to the festivities, NML Presents! monthly residency shows will take place on June 29 with Jeff Cohen and July 27 with Alannah McCready.
7eventh Time Down’s ‘God Is On The Move’ Receives Gold Treatment
Pictured (L-R): Tyson Paoletti, Senior Director of Marketing, BEC Recordings; Derek Bruner, First Company Management; 7eventh Time Down’s Cliff Williams, Austin Miller and Mikey Howard; Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records; Brian Ortize, A&R, BEC Recordings; Lauren Sieh, Director of Promotions, BEC Recordings; and Jennifer Mouttet, Jen Mouttet Promotions.
BEC Recordings’ band 7eventh Time Down is celebrating the Gold certification of their 2016 multi-week No. 1 “God Is On The Move.” With sales exceeding 500,000 units, the career-defining hit remains one of the most popular songs in the band’s discography.
Penned by 7eventh Time Down members Cliff Williams and Mikey Howard, along with Ian Eskelin and Tony Wood, the track celebrates the Lord’s work through the lives of His people.
“After more than 25 years in the music industry, I know how rare it is to encounter a song that touches so many lives in such impactful ways,” says Brandon Ebel, President, BEC Recordings and Tooth & Nail Records. “’God Is On The Move’ is one of those songs—an inspiration to thousands of people, including me and my family. Congratulations to 7eventh Time Down for this well-deserved RIAA Gold single. It is an honor for us to be part of your musical journey.”
“We write songs and send them out into the ocean like rescue boats for the lost and hurting, and even the saved who need a boost of encouragement or a reminder that they are not alone,” shares Howard. “It’s not that we write a song and hope it goes Gold—although we are deeply appreciative of the honor—we simply hope that when the boat comes back, it’s full of people who needed help.” He adds, “I thank God for the team behind ‘God Is On The Move. I’m grateful to have played a small part in the success of this song, and we give God all the glory.”
7eventh Time Down is comprised of lead vocalist Howard, drummer Austin Miller and bassist Williams. The group has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and shared the stage with such artists as Newsboys, For King & Country and Matthew West, among others.