Nashville Soul Great Deborah McCrary Passes

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Deborah McCrary

Deborah McCrary of the acclaimed soul/gospel/Americana group The McCrary Sisters, has passed away at age 67.

She and her three sisters — Ann, Regina and Alfreda — rose to become the most important Black female group in Nashville music history. Deborah McCrary was the low-harmony voice in the quartet and a beatific stage presence.

The McCrary Sisters have released five albums, serve in the “house band” at the annual Americana Awards ceremonies, are first-call session vocalists and have backed a who’s-who of popular music, including Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder and Isaac Hayes.

The McCrarys are Nashville natives, the daughters of The Rev. Sam McCrary (1913-1991). He was a founder of the legendary and highly influential gospel quartet The Fairfield Four. Deborah and her sisters were steeped in that music from childhood.

As teenagers in the 1960s and 1970s, the sisters sang in Nashville’s BC&M Mass Choir. Deborah McCrary Person became a nurse and worked as such for most of her life. Younger sister Regina sang backup for Bob Dylan in 1979-85, while older sister Ann became prominent as a studio backup vocalist on numerous recording sessions for Christian-music stars. In 1988, Ann McCrary issued her solo CD What Is This?

The sensational sibling-harmony singing of the four sisters was first showcased on disc with the 2010 album Our Journey. Deborah sang lead on the record’s traditional tune “Dig A Little Deeper.” The McCrary collections All the Way and Let’s Go followed in 2013 and 2015. The sisters published their book Cooking With Love in 2015.

Meanwhile, a host of music greats sought them out as backing vocalists. The McCrarys have recorded with Sheryl Crow, Mike Farris, Carrie Underwood, Margo Price, Keb’ Mo’, Miranda Lambert, Mary Gauthier, Buddy Guy, Yelawolf, Allison Russell and Gary Nicholson.

On stage and/or recordings, they have also backed such stars as Delbert McClinton, The Black Keys, Martina McBride, Eric Church, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, Jonny Lang, Robert Randolph, The Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Rosanne Cash, Hank Williams Jr., Dr. John, Widespread Panic, Maren Morris, Lee Ann Womack, Ray Stevens, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Steve Earle and Gregg Allman, among dozens of others.

They’ve been featured on television specials aired by the networks PBS, ABC, BET and CMT. They’ve entertained at numerous music festivals both in the U.S. and abroad. They’ve sung everywhere from The Country Music Hall of Fame to Saturday Night Live, from the Grand Ole Opry to Madison Square Garden, from The White House to the Ryman Auditorium.

In 2017, they resurfaced on their own with a live album. Deborah co-wrote that record’s track “Let It Go.” Rounder Records signed the group and issued A Very McCrary Christmas in 2019.

Deborah McCrary Person had experienced some strokes in recent years. She died on Wednesday, June 1.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 10 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Highland Hills Funeral Home (2422 Brick Church Pike, Nashville). A service will take place on Saturday, June 11 at 12 p.m. at St. Mark’s Baptist Church (3903 Milford Rd., Nashville), following another presentation at St. Mark’s at 11.

Amazon Music Announces Carrie Underwood Livestream Special

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Carrie Underwood and Amazon Music are celebrating the release of Underwood’s new album, Denim & Rhinestones, with a special live performance June 9 from The Historic Bell Tower in Downtown Nashville.

Fans will be able to tune in to view “Carrie Underwood: LIVE” at 8 p.m. CT on June 9 via the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, the Amazon Music mobile app, and on Prime Video globally.

“I’m so excited to celebrate the launch of my new album, Denim & Rhinestones, with this special live event,” says Underwood.  “This album is so much fun and I’ve been looking forward to playing these songs live and I love that we’ll get to do it with a global audience from such a cool setting.”

Denim & Rhinestones, co-produced by Underwood and David Garcia, can be downloaded and streamed on Amazon Music beginning June 10.

Underwood recently announced her new tour, “The Denim & Rhinestones Tour,” for fall 2022 and spring 2023.  Her ongoing “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” at the Resorts World Theatre, will resume in 2023 following the new tour.

Chris LaCorte Celebrates Back-To-Back No. 1s With Special Celebration

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Pictured (L-R): Brad Kennard (Concord Music Publishing), Jake Gear (Hang Your Hat Music), Chris LaCorte, Lydia Schultz Cahill (SESAC). Photo: Steve Lowry

SESAC and Concord Music Publishing came together alongside Hang Your Hat Music, Concord’s joint venture founded by Hillary Lindsey, on Wednesday (June 1) to celebrate Chris LaCorte‘s back-to-back No. 1 hits, “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s” and “23,” both recorded by Sam Hunt.

Chris LaCorte with his MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins. Photo: Steve Lowry

LaCorte’s first ever No. 1 single, “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s,” reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart on May 22, 2021, and was co-written with Hunt, Josh Osborne, Ernest K. Smith, and Zach Crowell, who also served as a producer on the song.

LaCorte also served as sole producer and mixer on the follow-up single, “23,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart on April 9, 2022. He co-wrote the song alongside Hunt, Shane McAnally, and Osborne. The track marked LaCorte’s first solo production credit with Hunt, solidifying him as both a songwriter and producer on the country charts.

‘CMT Crossroads: Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton’ To Premiere June 15

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Pictured (L-R): Mickey Guyton, Black Pumas. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

A new CMT Crossroads pairing, CMT Crossroads: Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton, is set to premiere on Wednesday, June 15 at 9 p.m. CT exclusively on the network.

Following their memorable collaboration of “Colors” at this year’s 2022 CMT Music Awards, the threesome will reunite for a night of high-energy performances and stripped-back renditions of each other’s hits, including Black Pumas’ “Fire” and “Confines,” and Guyton’s “Black Like Me” and “Better Than You Left Me.”

The special marks the Black Pumas first appearance on the CMT stage, while Guyton returns for her second Crossroads after last appearing on CMT Crossroads: LeAnn Rimes & Friends alongside fellow powerhouse vocalists Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark and Carly Pearce.

“It was a pleasure to collaborate with Mickey Guyton for CMT Crossroads,” Black Pumas share. “Hearing her voice on our song ‘Fire’ was really incredible, she added so much of her own style to it in a way that still felt familiar to the song. We’re excited for everyone to see all of our performances together.”

Guyton adds, “We are huge Black Pumas fans in my house, so I was so excited to do this CMT Crossroads! Eric [Burton] and Adrian [Quesada] are just incredible and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we did.”

Additional encores of the show will air on CMT on Wednesday, June 15 and Sunday June 19, as well as on MTV Live on Thursday, June 23.

Shane Profitt Signs With BMLG Records, Harpeth 60 Records

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Pictured (L-R, back row): BMLG Records’ Ryan Dokke, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, CJ Management’s Kelly Janson, Harpeth 60 Records’ Chris Janson, Big Machine Label Group’s Julian Raymond, Andrew Kautz and Sandi Spika Borchetta; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Shane Profitt, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen

Shane Profitt has signed with Big Machine Label Group Records in partnership with Chris Janson’s Harpeth 60 Records.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Columbia, Tennessee was surrounded by music from an early age. When his grandfather gifted him a guitar and taught him a few chords, he began learning songs from Hank Williams to Merle Haggard. After receiving positive feedback from cover videos on social media, Profitt gained the confidence to tell his own stories through music.

“When Shane showed up, it was one of those moments of ‘where the heck has this guy been hiding?’” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “It’s all there… great songs, great singer, great guy and country as it gets. Country fans–you don’t know it yet but let me introduce you to your next favorite artist.”

Signing his first publishing deal earlier this year with Janson’s Old Tom Music Publishing, Profitt has been writing songs for his debut project while also landing cuts by Janson and other artists. He recently spent time touring on Janson’s “Halfway To Crazy Tour.”

“I am so proud of Shane Profitt,” shares Janson. “He is the real deal. A great songwriter, artist and vocalist, and a big time star. I’m grateful to Scott Borchetta for partnering with me and couldn’t be more humbled and excited. Shane is the first artist signed to my Harpeth 60 Records imprint with BMLG.”

BMLG Records President & CEO Jimmy Harnen adds, “We cannot wait to introduce Shane and his music to the world! His first album is an absolute spectacular collection of songs that embody everything that country music is.”

“There are no words to describe how excited I am to work with BMLG Records and Harpeth 60 Records,” notes Profitt. “Thank you to everyone who has believed in me and made this dream come true. I can’t wait to get my music out to the world.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ty Herndon Gives Radio Ready Performance On ‘Till You Get There’

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June is Pride Month, and for the first time in its history, country music can fully participate.

If you had told me even five years ago that there would be enough gay country artists to fill a DISClaimer column, I would have said, “No way, ever.” Today, there are hugely more than enough. And that’s not even including such high-profile folks as T.J. Osborne and Brandy Clark.

The Disc of the Day award goes to pioneering “out” star Ty Herndon. The DISCovery honoree is Brandon Stansell.

GINA VENIER / “Nora Jane”
Writers: Gina Venier/Savana Santos/Summer Overstreet; Producers: Gina Venier/Rian Ball; Label: GV
–Gina introduced this compelling ballad of loving another woman at a Song Suffragettes show this year, and the performance is now on YouTube. Next, Hunter Kelly featured her on his Proud Radio show on Apple Music Country. She is also among the performers at this year’s Pride Fest in Nashville (June 22-23).

WAYLON PAYNE / “7:28”
Writers: Angalenna Pressley/Wade Bowen/Waylon Payne; Producers: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Label: Carnival
–The son of the late country celebs Sammi Smith & Jody Payne came out several years ago and remains one of the country community’s most gifted songwriting voices. His current video is a stunning, devastating rumination on loss and grief. Also check out his excellent LP Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me.

JAIME WYATT / “Demon Tied a Chair to My Brain”
Writers: Dax Riggs/Matthew Sweeney; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: New West
–Wyatt isn’t in your face about her sexuality on her Neon Cross country-outlaw album. There’s a song called “Rattlesnake Girl” that makes reference to it, but most of the songs are just wildly wonderful honky tonkers. She has a piercing, stone-country voice that on this track she backs with wailing harmonica punctuations while her snarling band sizzles along. Also check out the rockabilly title tune.

HARPER GRAE / “I Like Ya Like That”
Writers: Forrest Finn/Harper Grae; Producer: none listed; Label: HG
–Her soulful soprano dances around jittery guitar and banjo notes on this sensuous rocker. Mighty fine listening. Grae’s EP is titled Confessions of a Good Southern Lady, and it is well worth your attention.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Bored”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Concord
–Don’t be put off by the acoustic, underproduced beginning. As the band kicks in, he muses about all the things we do to keep from facing our realities. We might lose our way, but there’s always a road to bring you back. Nashville has a large recovery community, and this could be its anthem.

BRANDON STANSELL / “Wild Ride”
Writers: Brandon Stansell/Mylen; Producer: Julian Hoffman Beechko; Label: PEG
–His husky tenor has an attractive intimacy that contrasts nicely with a percussive, country-rock production on his new single. The whole thing has an airy, open “California” vibe, although tradition-minded programmers might find the extended sax solo problematic. The former Taylor Swift backup dancer was previously noted for his Cam duet “Hurt People.”

CODY BELEW / “Crimes”
Writer: Cody Belew; Producer: Cody Belew; Label: Visionary Media
–This former DISCovery Award winner brings intense bluesy drama to this steeped-in-soul performance of a cry from the heart. It speaks out against the violence and injustice that has been so long been leveled at gay men. Belew has a series of upcoming dates at The Lipstick Lounge, the first of which is June 18.

BROOKE EDEN / “Got No Choice”
Writers: Brooke Eden/Jesse Frasure/Cary Barlowe; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Label: BBR
–Brooke features her partner Hilary Hoover in her videos, including this one with lots of romantic footage. It’s a merry, bopping, bright love song that’s on the pop side of pop-country.

BILLY GILMAN / “Soldier”
Writers: Adrianna Mondelli/Corey Britz/Travis Ference; Producer: none listed; Label: BG
–The former child star and The Voice alumnus is shouting and forceful on this stomper about perseverance and survival. Its video is being used in the promotional material on his current tour.

KATIE PRUITT / “Loving Her”
Writer: Katie Pruitt; Producers: Katie Pruitt/Michael Robinson; Label: Rounder
–Rippling with guitars and powered by her clear, achingly expressive soprano, this is a joyous, uplifting, sunny ode to same-sex love. Her debut album, Expectations, has met with great favor on NPR this year. Nashvillian Pruitt was previously noted in DISClaimer for her witty “Merry Christmas, Mary Jane” during the Yule of 2021.

TY HERNDON / “Till You Get There”
Writers: Ty Herndon/Jamie Floyd/Erik Halbig/Jimmy Thow; Producer: Jimmy Thow; Label: Pivotal
–He still sings so splendidly. This driving, uptempo outing has a cool, uplifting message as well as rampaging rhythm. Soaring, pulse-quickening and radio ready.

ORVILLE PECK / “Daytona Sand”
Writer: Orville Peck; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Columbia
–The guy with throaty, dramatic baritone and the fringed mask is back with a super exciting country rocker that rumbles and twangs in all the right places. It’s like a jacked up spaghetti-western soundtrack. It’s quite a ride, so hold on tight.

BREAKING: Ben Kline & Cris Lacy Upped To Co-Presidents Of WMN

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Pictured (L-R): Ben Kline and Cris Lacy

Warner Music Nashville (WMN) has announced that current EVP & General Manager Ben Kline and EVP of A&R Cris Lacy have been promoted to Co-Presidents of the country division of Warner Recorded Music. Chairman & CEO John Esposito will remain in his role through the end of the year and will transition to Chairman Emeritus at the top of 2023.

Max Lousada, CEO, Warner Recorded Music, says, “Under Espo’s brilliant guidance over the past 13 years, our Nashville team has built superstar careers, attracted original new voices, innovated in the digital world, and championed the creative community. I’ve no doubt Cris and Ben will grow and evolve our artist-first philosophy with ingenuity, skill, and style. In the streaming era, country music is increasingly becoming global music, and Ben and Cris make a dynamic duo to lead our pioneering Nashville label into the future. And I’m pleased we’ll continue to have the benefit of Espo’s sage advice and wide-ranging industry relationships.”

“I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve been able to achieve and all I know the company will achieve in the years ahead. It’s been truly inspiring to watch Cris and Ben grow into their new roles. They’re two of the most innovative, passionate, and devoted music people in the Nashville community, tirelessly dedicated to helping artists achieve their visions and supporting them at every stage of their careers,” Espo explains. “Between Ben’s business acumen and Cris’ fantastic A&R instincts, they’ll be a world-class duo leading the best team in the business, all driven by a love of the music and the belief in authentic artistry. My last twenty years at WMG have been the most rewarding of my career, filled with incredible people and experiences, and it’s been deeply gratifying to be embraced so warmly by the Nashville community.”

Kline joined WMN in 2014 as VP of Revenue. In 2017, he was named SVP of Global Revenue & Touring, and was upped to EVP/General Manager up years later where he oversaw radio & streaming, artist development, touring, and international. In his three decades in the music industry, Kline’s previous posts have included EVP of Sales & Marketing at Universal Music Group, and SVP of Global Sales & Marketing at Ingrooves. He also founded and served as CEO of Brazenhead Entertainment and VP of Sales and Marketing at Rostrum Records.

“When I came on board at WMN eight years ago, I was instantly struck not only by the tremendous level of expertise, but by the spirit of camaraderie, collaboration, and enthusiasm that Espo fostered throughout the company,” Kline adds. “Cris likes to call us a village, and I love that description–we’re a tightly knit group of colleagues and artists working together within the amazing Warner Music ecosystem. Our entire team is deeply committed to custom-tailored, long-term artist development, and I’m looking forward to working side-by-side with Cris to keep on making this the best place in the business for country artists to reach fans around the world.”

Lacy joined WMN in 2005, following posts at Tom Collins Music Publishing, Rick Hall/FAME Publishing, Island Bound Music, and WMG’s Warner Chappell Music. At WMN, she was upped to SVP of A&R in 2017 and EVP of A&R two years later. Lacy has been the driving force behind the signing of many of the label’s most prominent artists, including Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Cole Swindell, Ashley McBryde, Cody Johnson, Chris Janson, and Gabby Barrett.

Lacy notes, “When an artist joins Warner Nashville, they’re entrusting us not only with their music, but with their dreams. Artists are storytellers, and it’s our job to give them the best environment to bring those stories to life. I want to thank Espo for building such a rich, fertile culture for real creativity and innovation. Artists have a lot of options for getting their music into the world, and our team is second to none in helping them make and deliver records that move the needle and open hearts. Ben and I have been working together for years. I can’t wait to build upon our partnership, as we take this great company to new heights.”

Warner Music Nashville was established in 2009 under the direction of Esposito to expand Warner Music Group’s presence in Music City. Since then, the division’s artists have spent more than 107 weeks at No. 1, earning 74 chart-topping singles, more than 300 Gold and Platinum RIAA certifications, along with Grammy, CMA, ACM, Billboard, AMA, and People’s Choice awards.

ACM Party For A Cause Returns To Music City This August

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The Academy of Country Music’s annual Party For A Cause will return to Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater for a second consecutive year on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Benefitting ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy, the evening will feature live performances from a star-studded lineup ahead of the 15th annual ACM Honors ceremony on Aug. 24 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Additional details, including ticket on-sale, host, performers and general event information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Making its Music City debut in 2021, last year’s show was hosted by SiriusXM The Highway’s Storme Warren with performances from Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, Old Dominion with special guest Caitlyn Smith, Carly Pearce, Tenille Townes, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood.

The MLC & Nashville Music Equality To Host Summit For Black Music Month

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) is commemorating Black Music Month by teaming up with Nashville Music Equality (NME) to present “For The Culture: Empowering Black Music Creators to Achieve Beyond Reach.”

The one-day summit will be held on Tuesday, June 21 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. at The MLC’s offices in Nashville. Spearheaded by Dae Bogan, MLC’s Head of Third-Party Partnerships, in collaboration with NME’s Gina Miller, Kortney Toney and Shannon Sanders, the event will celebrate the evolution of Black Music and its unique and ever-growing impact on the music industry with collaborative discussions and informative presentations from some of the leading African American voices in the industry.

The summit will feature panels designed specifically for Black music creators that explore creative business strategies and examine the overall royalty landscape, as well as networking opportunities for attendees, and a host of live music performances.

For more information, including a full agenda and registration, click here.

Speakers include:

  • Dae Bogan: Head of Third-Party Partnerships, The MLC, and 2019 Billboard Digital Power Player
  • Brennen Boose: Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications, National Museum of African American Music
  • Alandis Brassel: Entertainment Attorney, Manager and Assistant Professor of Music Business – University of Memphis
  • Mimi McCarley: Founder of Collab Music Network & Co-Founder of Nashville is Not Just Country Music and We Own Now
  • Gina Miller: Senior Vice President & General Manager, MNRK Music
  • Derek Minor: Grammy-winning Artist and Producer & Co-Founder of We Own Now and hip-hop record label Reflection Music Group (RMG)
  • George Monger: CEO, Connect Music
  • Cheryl Potts: CEO, Cleerkut Royalty
  • Shannon Sanders: Executive Director of Creative, BMI Nashville, and 3-time Grammy Award-Winning Producer
  • Kortney Toney: Marketing, Inclusion & Outreach Manager, Naxos of America

Big Machine Music Notches Ten Years Of Hit Songs

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Pictured (L-R): Catalog Manager, Taylor Courtney; Sr. Director of Royalties and Finance, Grayson Stephens; Manager, Publishing, Lizzy Rector; Vice President, Publishing, Alex Heddle; General Manager, Mike Molinar; Director, Publishing, Michelle Attardi; Vice President, Publishing, Tim Hunze; Senior Manager, Rights Management & Business Affairs, Randy Patton

Over the past decade, Big Machine Music (BMM), a subsidiary of HYBE America, has built a catalog of over 12,000 songs and achieved 45 No. 1 hits.

Since launching in 2012, the independent music publisher has helped 10 BMM songwriters notch their first No.1s and dozens earn their first major award nominations and wins. Honored as AIMP Nashville’s 2021 Publisher of the Year, BMM has ranked on Billboard’s Year End Top Ten Hot 100 Publisher Corp for five consecutive years, thanks in part to record-setting crossover hits written by Grammy-nominated songwriters such as Laura Veltz’s 2021 BMI Pop Song of the Year “The Bones” (recorded by Maren Morris) and Jessie Jo Dillon’s “10,000 Hours” (recorded by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber), which holds the highest streaming first-week in country music history.

“I’m incredibly proud of the musical legacy our Big Machine Music writers and team have created in the last decade,” shares BMM General Manager Mike Molinar. “I’m filled with gratitude to all those who have been a part of this journey thus far—our songwriters and team past and present, our founders at Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta and Andrew Kautz, Scooter Braun, our HYBE America team and all our partners within the music community.”

Since opening a Los Angeles office earlier this year, BMM has broadened its reach far beyond its Nashville home base, topping the Top 40 chart with Sara Davis’ “abcdefu” (recorded by GAYLE), Hot AC chart with “The Bones” as well as the Mainstream Rock Billboard/Mediabase Active Rock charts with Ayron Jones’ “Mercy.”

BMM’s current roster is composed of Veltz, Dillon, Jones, Davis, Brett Young, Ryan Hurd, Brandy Clark, Matt Dragstrem, Eric Paslay, Justin Moore, Maddie & Tae, Callista Clark, Tyler Rich, Laci Kaye Booth, Daniel Ross, Lauren Weintraub, Reid Isbell, Drew Polovick and Mike Eli. Catalog writers include Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton and Josh Thompson.

“Big Machine Music’s original goal to super-serve our songwriters in every facet has become the bedrock of our culture,” adds BMM Vice President, Publishing Alex Heddle. “As we look to the next ten years, I’m excited to keep growing in reach and opportunities while continuing to keep this principle at our core.”

Current BMM singles include:
– Brett Young’s “You Didn’t”
– Callista Clark’s “Gave It Back Broken”
– Daniel Ross’ “Learn From It” (recorded by Conner Smith)
– Eric Paslay’s “Wild Hearts” (recorded by Keith Urban)
– Jessie Jo Dillon’s “Songs About You” (recorded by Brett Eldredge)
– Josh Thompson’s “Half Of Me” (recorded by Thomas Rhett featuring Riley Green)
– Justin Moore’s “With A Woman You Love”
– Laura Veltz & Ryan Hurd’s “What A Song Can Do” (recorded by Lady A)
– Matt Dragstrem & Ryan Hurd’s “What My World Spins Around” (recorded by Jordan Davis)
– Mike Eli’s “Love Talking” (recorded by Eli Young Band)
– Ryan Hurd’s “Circles Around This Town” (recorded by Maren Morris)