Bill Walker
Noted as one of the most prominent musical arrangers in the history of Nashville music, Bill Walker passed away at age 95 on May 26.
The musician was famed for his elegant written arrangements that gave extra polish to the Nashville Sound in the late 1960s. He was also the musical director of the Johnny Cash Show on ABC-TV (1969-71), led orchestras for the annual CMA Awards Show, provided charts for dozens of Nashville television specials and was the music director of The Statler Brothers Show on TNN (1991-98).
Born William Alfred Walker, he was born in Sydney, Australia. The keyboardist trained at the Sydney Conservatory. Walker went to work for RCA Records in South Africa in 1959. While working for the label, he produced some recording sessions for country superstar Jim Reeves (1923-1964) in Johannesburg. He also composed the score for the star’s South African movie Kimberly Jim. Reeves invited Walker to come to Nashville, promising him a job.
But the weekend Walker arrived in Music City was when Jim Reeves perished in a 1964 plane crash. So instead, Bill Walker went to work for Chet Atkins (1924-2001). Atkins hired him to write string arrangements for superstar Eddy Arnold (1918-2008).
These helped to fashion the uptown, tuxedo-clad style that revived Arnold’s career. Walker’s handiwork can be notably heard on the lush arrangement of Arnold’s huge 1965 hit “Make the World Go Away.” Walker also wrote orchestral arrangements for Arnold’s concert tours.
By the late 1960s, Bill Walker was the busiest arranger-conductor in Music City. Johnny Cash (1932-2003) hired him for his network TV series and closed each episode by shouting “Goodnight, Bill Walker!” Walker also worked on many of Cash’s subsequent TV specials, including his annual Christmas extravaganzas.
Walker’s other TV credits include Ann-Margret: Rhinestone Cowgirl, Music Hall America, Nashville Remembers Elvis on His Birthday, Perry Como and His Nashville Friends, Lynn Anderson & Tina Turner in Nashville, Conway Twitty on the Mississippi, Opryland in Russia, Crystal Gayle in Sweden, George Burns in Nashville and the Music City News Awards. He was retained by the CMA for 15 of its awards telecasts throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Hits featuring Bill Walker’s string arrangements include Johnny Cash’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” (1970), Marty Robbins’ “My Woman My Woman My Wife” (1970), Eddy Arnold’s “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” (1968), Roy Clark’s “Come Live With Me” (1973), Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (1971) and George Jones’ epic “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (1980). Walker also worked as a session musician, providing piano, harpsichord, vibraphone or organ accompaniment.
As either an arranger or a sideman, Bill Walker worked on records by Claude King, Carl Perkins, Slim Whitman, Connie Smith, Al Hirt, Floyd Cramer, Merle Haggard, Jerry Wallace, Bobby Bare, Skeeter Davis, Bobby Vinton, Hank Locklin, Jerry Reed, the Rev. Billy Graham, Grandpa Jones, Hank Snow, Boots Randolph, Dolly Parton and many more.
His studio work led to romance. Beginning in 1968, singer Jeanine Ogletree worked as a member of The Anita Kerr Singers in Nashville, often on Eddy Arnold recording sessions. She and Bill Walker married in 1971.
In addition to working as an arranger and studio musician, Walker was a record producer. He was contracted by Capitol Records in 1971-73 to work with Wanda Jackson, Roy Rogers, Billy Walker, Ferlin Husky and others. Bill Walker also produced Donna Fargo’s award-winning 1972 hits “Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.” and “Funny Face.”
Bill Walker and his son Jeff Walker (1950-2015) formed Con Brio Records, one of the most successful independent country labels of the 1970s. Its artists, many of whom he produced, included Jan Howard, Reg Lindsay, Dale McBride, Don King, Terri Hollowell (who married Jeff Walker), Lori Parker, Sheila Tilton, Chester Lester and Scott Summer. Con Brio operated from 1975 to 1979.
During the 1980s, he branched out into film soundtrack composing. His instrumental work backed such actors as Robert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas and Gregory Peck.
Between 1991 and 1998. Bill Walker was the musical director of The Statler Brothers Show. The TV series was the top-rated show on TNN throughout its seven-year existence.
In 2015, Bill Walker was saluted by the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in its “Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians” program. Also that year, the Nashville Musicians Union honored him for 50 years of service.
In recent years, Bill and Jeanine Walker frequently collaborated on musical projects. They have recorded four gospel albums together and performed at various venues both in the U.S. and abroad. She has also taught voice at Belmont University.
Son Jeff Walker founded the Aristo Media publicity and promotions firm on Music Row in 1980. Since his sudden death at age 65, that business has been run by his daughter, Christy Walker Watkins. Son Jon Walker. Is a Music Row technology professional with the associated AristoDigital firm.
Walker is survived by his wife, singer Jeanine (Ogletree) Walker, daughter Beth Walker, son Colin Walker, sister Julianne Smith, brother Robert Walker, 13 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Walker was predeceased by his son, Music Row leader and AristoMedia Group Founder, Jeff Walker, son Peter Walker, and daughter Lisa Gibson.
Details surrounding the service will be released at a later date.
Larry Gatlin, Lee Greenwood, More Pull Out Of NRA Memorial Day Concert
/by LB CantrellLarry Gatlin
Multiple artists slated to perform at the National Rifle Association’s Memorial Day concert in Houston on Saturday (May 28) have pulled out of their performance slots due to the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead.
Of those originally scheduled to perform at the concert billed the “Grand Ole Night of Freedom,” Lee Greenwood, Larry Gatlin, T. Graham Brown, Danielle Peck, Don McLean, and Larry Stewart have all pulled out. Jacob Bryant is the only artist that remains on the bill, though Billboard reports that the concert is expected to be canceled.
In a statement, Gatlin said that he could not “in good conscience, perform at the NRA convention in Houston this weekend.” He added that while he agrees with “most of the positions held by the NRA,” he hopes that the NRA “will rethink some of its outdated and ill-thought-out positions regarding firearms in America.”
Read Gatlin’s full statement below:
Steven Curtis Chapman Inks New Deal With Provident Label Group
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Holly Zabka, SVP, Essential Music Publishing and Head of Creative for PLG, Terry Hemmings, President/CEO of Provident Label Group, Steven Curtis Chapman, Blaine Barcus, SVP A&R for PLG
Celebrating 35 years since the release of his debut album, multi-Grammy award-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman has signed a new deal with Provident Label Group.
The first taste of his new music under the new deal, “Still,” is available everywhere now. The track was co-written and co-produced by Chapman, Bryan Fowler, and Micah Kuiper.
As the most awarded artist in the genre, Chapman last worked with PLG in 2016 with the release of his Worship and Believe album. He has since released an independent bluegrass album Deeper Roots: Where The Bluegrass Grows in 2019, which earned him his 18th Grammy nomination, his second No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart, and his first No. 1 on the iTunes Country Albums chart.
“We are incredibly honored to again partner with Steven Curtis Chapman for his newest project on Provident Label Group,” states Terry Hemmings, President/CEO of Provident Label Group. “Steven has pioneered this genre with his personal and timeless songs that have garnered him historical numbers of awards, accolades, No. 1 albums, and radio singles throughout his storied career. It is a privilege to work with this talented artist and his team to help carry these new songs to listeners worldwide.”
Chapman will be performing and hosting the Songwriters Showcase on Saturday (May 28) at the annual K-Love Fan Awards weekend.
Ryman Auditorium Designated Official Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Landmark
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Gary Levy, General Manager of Ryman Auditorium, Chrissy Hall, Director of Concerts of Ryman Auditorium, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Harris, President and CEO of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Shelby Morrison, Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Photo: Catherine Powell
The Ryman Auditorium has been designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Mark Fioravanti, President of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, made the announcement in a dedication ceremony held yesterday (May 26).
Joined by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Old Dominion, a historic marker was unveiled to celebrate the milestone. The Ryman, currently celebrating its 130th anniversary, now joins 11 other rock & roll landmarks throughout the country, including Austin City Limits and Whisky a Go Go.
“It’s spiritual, and it’s one of the reasons she’s called the Mother Church. Like any good mother, she commands respect and makes you feel at home. As Music City and country music continue to expand around her, she remains the center of the family,” shares Matthew Ramsey, lead vocalist of Old Dominion. “She’s a beacon and a bucket list experience for us all, creators and fans alike.”
The Ryman and Rock Hall also announced a multi-year partnership, which will include a new daytime tour exhibit at the Ryman scheduled to open later this year featuring the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have graced the Ryman stage over the years.
“The Ryman is one of the most storied music venues in the world. With an unmatched role in popularizing country music—one of the pillars of rock & roll—its legendary stage has hosted performances by a staggering number of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and continues to do so today,” adds Harris. “We recognize the significance of Ryman Auditorium and are thrilled to designate this iconic venue as a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark.”
Of the 351 individuals who have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, more than 100 have also graced the Ryman’s legendary stage. Ten-time Grammy-winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt performed a sold-out show Thursday night (May 26), where she also paid tribute to the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history.
“The Ryman has played an important role not only in the history of Nashville, but in country music and rock & roll as well,” Raitt explains. “This stage holds a special place in my heart as I’m able to perform live with many of the incredible Nashville songwriters in the audience whose work has enriched my life and music. I’m honored to help pay tribute to of one of America’s great rock & roll venues.”
Amazon Music Announces Star-Studded CMA Fest Events
/by Lorie HollabaughAmazon Music will host some star-studded events during this year’s CMA Fest, running June 9-12. Some of the festivities include artist meet & greet appearances, the CMA Close Up Stage Artist of the Day interviews, and appearances by Country Heat Weekly podcast co-hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson.
Artist meet & greets in the Amazon Music Activation Space at Fan Fair X will occur every day, and participating artists include Niko Moon, Breland, Shy Carter, Frank Ray, Matt Stell, Conner Smith, Willie Jones, Priscilla Block, Kidd G, Reyna Roberts, Lainey Wilson, Lindsay Ell, and Lily Rose.
Sutton and Anderson will also make numerous appearances throughout the four-day event. The pair will also host Artist of the Day interviews on the CMA Close Up Stage at Fan Fair X with Russell Dickerson, Kelsea Ballerini, and Luke Bryan. On Sunday, June 12, Sutton and Anderson will serve as house emcees on the Nissan Stadium stage from 7-11 p.m.
Screenings and panels for the Amazon Original documentary film For Love & Country will also occur during CMA Fest. An in-depth discussion of the film with a number of its stars will be held on the CMA Close Up Stage at Fan Fair X on June 10 at 12 p.m., and screenings of the film will take place at the National Museum of African American Music on June 10 and June 11, both at 2 p.m. For Love & Country is out in the Amazon Music app and on Prime Video.
Chart Action: Tyler Hubbard Debuts At Country Radio As Solo Artist
/by Alex ParryTyler Hubbard‘s first release as a solo artist, “5 Foot 9,” debuts at country radio this week earning 157 first week adds across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
The single, which was released via EMI Records Nashville, was written by Hubbard, Jaren Johnston, and Chase McGill and produced by Hubbard alongside Jordan Schmidt.
Hubbard notes, “As much as the song talks about real life stuff like whiskey, country music, dirt roads and rain, I want listeners to be reminded that God really does make the good stuff. For me, over the last couple of years, I’ve really been reminded of that.”
“5 Foot 9” debut at No. 32 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, No. 43 on the Mediabase Chart, and No. 58 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The song will be part of his debut album where he will highlight a variety of musical sides and influences, from urban to contemporary Christian, while his country roots remain in the forefront.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Lee Greenwood To Kick-Off ‘Fox & Friends’ Concert Series Memorial Day Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughLee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood will kick off Memorial Day weekend with an appearance on Fox & Friends today (May 27) to launch the network’s summer concert series. Greenwood will also make appearances on Varney & Company, Fox News Radio, and more.
Additionally, on Sunday, May 29, Greenwood will make his way to Concord, North Carolina, where he will perform the national anthem for the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will also air on Fox.
“For most people, Memorial Day is a day off of work and a chance to get together with family and friends and enjoy the last few days of spring, but it is also a solemn day of recognizing and paying tribute to those who paid the ultimate price in support of our country,” Greenwood notes. “It’s important to not lose sight of this, so I hope my presence there will help honor them.”
Those wanting to celebrate the holiday with a bang can look for Greenwood and Black Cat’s 42-shot “Proud to Be an American” firework, available in select locations across the country this year.
Greenwood was scheduled to perform at the National Rifle Association’s Memorial Day concert in Houston on Saturday (May 28), but has since pulled out following the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead.
Roger Miller Classics To Be Released Digitally For First Time Ever
/by Lorie HollabaughRoger Miller‘s classic albums are being released digitally for the first time ever via Capitol Nashville/UMe. To honor Miller’s life, legacy, and timeless music, albums will be rolled out once a month throughout the summer to mark 65 years since the start of Miller’s songwriting career.
Beginning today (May 27), three albums will be released once a month throughout August, starting with 1970’s A Trip In Country, Miller’s recordings of hit country songs he wrote for George Jones, Ernest Tubb, Ray Price and others; 1979’s Making A Name For Myself, featuring his single “The Hat” which he memorably performed on “The Muppet Show;” and 1985’s eponymous Roger Miller, featuring his recording of “River In The Rain” which he wrote for the seven Tony Award-winning play, Big River; and his last-ever single, “Some Hearts Get All The Breaks.”
In all, 12 albums will be made available throughout the summer months, including three of Miller’s biggest records: 1964’s Roger And Out (later to become known as Dang Me) and 1965’s The Return Of Roger Miller and The 3rd Time Around. Miller’s Gold-certified debut, Roger And Out, made him a household name with his first No. 1 country song and top 10 pop crossover hit, “Dang Me,” which along with the hit single, “Chug-A-Lug,” garnered him his first five Grammys, including Best Country Song; Best Country and Western Recording, Single; Best Country and Western Performance, Male; Best Country and Western Album; and Best New Country and Western Artist.
“I’m excited that these classic albums of Roger’s are being made available digitally for all to enjoy,” shares Miller’s widow, Mary Miller. “As I revisit his wonderful catalog of songs, I’m reminded how much I like hearing his lighthearted ones like ‘Hey Would You Hold It Down?’ as well as how poignant his ballads are. I hope these songs bring you a laugh, a tear, but most of all, a smile.”
May 27
Roger Miller-1985-MCA
Making A Name For Myself
A Trip In The Country
June 24
Roger Miller 1970
Roger Miller 1969
A Tender Look At Love
July 29
Waterhole #3
Walkin’ In The Sunshine
Words and Music
August 26
The 3rd Time Around
Return Of Roger Miller
Roger And Out
CMA Announces 2022 Awards Ballot Schedule
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Music Association has announced its ballot schedule for The 56th Annual CMA Awards, which takes place this November in Nashville.
The eligibility period for The 56th Annual CMA Awards is July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. All voting will be conducted online.
The nomination ballot and instructions will be emailed Wednesday, July 6 to eligible CMA members. Voting for the nomination ballot closes Friday, July 15 at 6 p.m. CT. The second ballot will be emailed to CMA members Wednesday, Aug. 3 and will close Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. CT. The final nominees in each of the 12 categories will be announced later this summer.
Winners of The 56th Annual CMA Awards will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting CMA members, which will be emailed to CMA members Monday, Oct. 3. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Friday, Oct. 28 6 p.m. CT.
To vote for The 56th Annual CMA Awards, prospective CMA members must apply by Wednesday, June 1. The site will continue to accept submissions until Thursday, June 30 at 5 p.m. CT. Winners will be notified in early October and recognized at The 56th Annual CMA Awards ceremony. Click here to learn more.
Eligible CMA members may submit applications for the 2022 CMA Broadcast Awards for Broadcast Personality, Station and National Broadcast Personality of the Year at broadcast.CMAawards.com. CMA Broadcast Awards are presented for Personality and Station of the Year in four categories that are determined by market size (Major, Large, Medium and Small Market), as well as two categories for CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year (Daily and Weekly). As of last year, Digital Service Providers with live stream broadcasts are now eligible to apply for National Broadcast Personality of the Year.
Additionally, CMA’s Industry Honors submission remains open through Sunday, July 3. To nominate an individual, click here.
Arranger / Conductor Bill Walker Passes
/by Robert K OermannBill Walker
Noted as one of the most prominent musical arrangers in the history of Nashville music, Bill Walker passed away at age 95 on May 26.
The musician was famed for his elegant written arrangements that gave extra polish to the Nashville Sound in the late 1960s. He was also the musical director of the Johnny Cash Show on ABC-TV (1969-71), led orchestras for the annual CMA Awards Show, provided charts for dozens of Nashville television specials and was the music director of The Statler Brothers Show on TNN (1991-98).
Born William Alfred Walker, he was born in Sydney, Australia. The keyboardist trained at the Sydney Conservatory. Walker went to work for RCA Records in South Africa in 1959. While working for the label, he produced some recording sessions for country superstar Jim Reeves (1923-1964) in Johannesburg. He also composed the score for the star’s South African movie Kimberly Jim. Reeves invited Walker to come to Nashville, promising him a job.
But the weekend Walker arrived in Music City was when Jim Reeves perished in a 1964 plane crash. So instead, Bill Walker went to work for Chet Atkins (1924-2001). Atkins hired him to write string arrangements for superstar Eddy Arnold (1918-2008).
These helped to fashion the uptown, tuxedo-clad style that revived Arnold’s career. Walker’s handiwork can be notably heard on the lush arrangement of Arnold’s huge 1965 hit “Make the World Go Away.” Walker also wrote orchestral arrangements for Arnold’s concert tours.
By the late 1960s, Bill Walker was the busiest arranger-conductor in Music City. Johnny Cash (1932-2003) hired him for his network TV series and closed each episode by shouting “Goodnight, Bill Walker!” Walker also worked on many of Cash’s subsequent TV specials, including his annual Christmas extravaganzas.
Walker’s other TV credits include Ann-Margret: Rhinestone Cowgirl, Music Hall America, Nashville Remembers Elvis on His Birthday, Perry Como and His Nashville Friends, Lynn Anderson & Tina Turner in Nashville, Conway Twitty on the Mississippi, Opryland in Russia, Crystal Gayle in Sweden, George Burns in Nashville and the Music City News Awards. He was retained by the CMA for 15 of its awards telecasts throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Hits featuring Bill Walker’s string arrangements include Johnny Cash’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” (1970), Marty Robbins’ “My Woman My Woman My Wife” (1970), Eddy Arnold’s “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” (1968), Roy Clark’s “Come Live With Me” (1973), Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (1971) and George Jones’ epic “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (1980). Walker also worked as a session musician, providing piano, harpsichord, vibraphone or organ accompaniment.
As either an arranger or a sideman, Bill Walker worked on records by Claude King, Carl Perkins, Slim Whitman, Connie Smith, Al Hirt, Floyd Cramer, Merle Haggard, Jerry Wallace, Bobby Bare, Skeeter Davis, Bobby Vinton, Hank Locklin, Jerry Reed, the Rev. Billy Graham, Grandpa Jones, Hank Snow, Boots Randolph, Dolly Parton and many more.
His studio work led to romance. Beginning in 1968, singer Jeanine Ogletree worked as a member of The Anita Kerr Singers in Nashville, often on Eddy Arnold recording sessions. She and Bill Walker married in 1971.
In addition to working as an arranger and studio musician, Walker was a record producer. He was contracted by Capitol Records in 1971-73 to work with Wanda Jackson, Roy Rogers, Billy Walker, Ferlin Husky and others. Bill Walker also produced Donna Fargo’s award-winning 1972 hits “Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.” and “Funny Face.”
Bill Walker and his son Jeff Walker (1950-2015) formed Con Brio Records, one of the most successful independent country labels of the 1970s. Its artists, many of whom he produced, included Jan Howard, Reg Lindsay, Dale McBride, Don King, Terri Hollowell (who married Jeff Walker), Lori Parker, Sheila Tilton, Chester Lester and Scott Summer. Con Brio operated from 1975 to 1979.
During the 1980s, he branched out into film soundtrack composing. His instrumental work backed such actors as Robert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas and Gregory Peck.
Between 1991 and 1998. Bill Walker was the musical director of The Statler Brothers Show. The TV series was the top-rated show on TNN throughout its seven-year existence.
In 2015, Bill Walker was saluted by the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in its “Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians” program. Also that year, the Nashville Musicians Union honored him for 50 years of service.
In recent years, Bill and Jeanine Walker frequently collaborated on musical projects. They have recorded four gospel albums together and performed at various venues both in the U.S. and abroad. She has also taught voice at Belmont University.
Son Jeff Walker founded the Aristo Media publicity and promotions firm on Music Row in 1980. Since his sudden death at age 65, that business has been run by his daughter, Christy Walker Watkins. Son Jon Walker. Is a Music Row technology professional with the associated AristoDigital firm.
Walker is survived by his wife, singer Jeanine (Ogletree) Walker, daughter Beth Walker, son Colin Walker, sister Julianne Smith, brother Robert Walker, 13 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Walker was predeceased by his son, Music Row leader and AristoMedia Group Founder, Jeff Walker, son Peter Walker, and daughter Lisa Gibson.
Details surrounding the service will be released at a later date.
Jon Pardi Earns 10th MusicRow No. 1
/by Alex ParryJon Pardi powers to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Last Night Lonely” earning a total of 1,751 spins this week. This is his tenth MusicRow No. 1 and the single was penned by Jimi Bell, Joe Fox, and Dylan Marlowe. It will appear on his next album which has yet to receive a release date.
In March, Pardi sold out the famed RodeoHouston making it the highest paid attendance so far in 2022.
Beginning in July, Pardi will embark on his headlining “Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour” with support from female powerhouses Lainey Wilson and Hailey Whitters.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.