Jane Dowden Grams, a major figure in transforming Nashville into a center for television production, passed away on March 24 in Arizona at age 90.
She made her mark at WSM-TV, Noble-Drury & Associates, Show Biz Inc., WCTV in Chattanooga, Opryland USA and the Gaylord Syndicom Entertainment Group. Dowden was particularly noted for her production of nationally syndicated country-music TV series in the 1960s and 1970s. She was given a Source Foundation Award in 2006, “honoring the women who have been a vital source in the success of Music Row and the Nashville entertainment industry.”
Born Jane Elizabeth Clabough and raised in East Tennessee, she began her career at WGAP radio in Maryville, Tennessee. After marrying Robert Dowden in 1951, she moved with him to Nashville. She joined WSM-TV, which was later rebranded as WSMV. Dowden initially worked in advertising and sales.
During the mid-1950s, she became one of the South’s most influential women in advertising as Vice President – Media Director at Noble-Drury & Associates in Nashville. She began working in television production in 1959.
In 1965, she became President of Show Biz, Inc., and guided it to become the largest producer and syndicator of country television in the world. TV Guide magazine once dubbed Show Biz, “the General Motors of country music television.” Dowden oversaw the production of more than 1,200 country shows.
Two of the most successful Show Biz series were The Porter Wagoner Show (1960-79) and The Wilburn Brothers Show (1963-74). The former introduced the world to Dolly Parton and the latter showcased newcomer Loretta Lynn.
Other Show Biz productions included The Country Place with Jim Ed Brown (1970-72), Billy Walker’s Country Carnival (1968), Del Reeves’ Country Carnival (1969-73) and the company’s leading program, Pop! Goes the Country, hosted by Ralph Emery, followed by Tom T. Hall. This series ran from 1974 to 1983 and at its peak was carried in 140 markets nationwide.
Jim Ed Brown, Jerry Clower and Jim Stafford variously hosted Nashville on the Road (1975-83). Show Biz also syndicated The Bobby Goldsboro Show (1973-76), Marty Robbins Spotlight (1977), Dolly (1976-77), Flatt & Scruggs Grand Ole Opry (1961-65), National Life Grand Ole Opry (1965-69) and That Good Ole Nashville Music (1969-77).
Dowden produced the 1966 feature film Nashville Rebel, starring Waylon Jennings. She was also behind “Nashville in the Garden,” two live, multi-artist concerts at Madison Square Garden in the early 1970s.
In 1981, Multimedia Inc. purchased the Show Biz empire for $4.4 million. Dowden had departed by then. In 1975, she was named President and General Manager of WTVC in Chattanooga, becoming the first woman general manager of a network-affiliated television station. She served for four years on the ABC Affiliates Board of Directors, another first for a woman.
She married Harold Grams in Chattanooga in 1977. Her volunteer work included the Chattanooga Symphony, The University of Tennessee and Chattanooga Public Television.
In 1984, she returned to Nashville to join Opryland USA. As Vice President of its new division Gaylord Syndicom, she was charged with developing new syndicated television programming. While at Gaylord, she became the recipient of the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
Jane Dowden Grams retired in 2006, the year she was honored by the Source Foundation in Music City, alongside such key figures as Anita Kerr, Mae Boren Axton, Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess and Brenda Lee.
In retirement, Jane Dowden Grams became a Master Gardener in Sedona, Arizona. She passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona and is survived by daughters Janie Dail Dowden of Scottsdale and Jennifer Dowden Burritt of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, as well as by a sister and two nephews.
Lindsay Ell Inks With CAA [Exclusive]
/by Lorie HollabaughLindsay Ell. Photo: Robby Klein
Lindsay Ell has signed with CAA for representation in all areas.
The Stoney Creek Records artist achieved her first No. 1 single with Brantley Gilbert on “What Happens In A Small Town,” and has also racked up two Canadian chart-toppers: “Criminal” and “Want Me Back.” “Want Me Back” also became her first Gold-certified single.
Ell has been nominated for three ACM Awards, two CMT Awards, a CMA Award, a JUNO, and 18 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) Awards. She celebrated her third consecutive CCMA win in 2021, and recently completed her first Canadian headlining tour.
Ell also released a hit collaboration with Cheat Codes in 2021 called “How Do You Love.” She’s been in the studio with producer Jay Joyce working on her latest project, and her new single, “Right On Time,” is set to be released this week.
The singer-songwriter and musician has also made a name for herself as a TV host, first co-hosting the 2021 CCMA Awards and recently hosting Citytv’s Canada’s Got Talent.
Production Music Veteran Randy Wachtler Launches 11 One/Music
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Wachtler. Photo: Bob Delevante
Production music veteran Randy Wachtler has launched a new company, 11 One/Music.
The production company features extensive news music packages and a robust music library for news themes, advertising, sports, film and TV music.
In 1984, Wachtler founded 615 Music, a leading worldwide indie production music company, active in more than 70 countries. 615 Music earned more than 70 awards, including two national Emmys. 615 Music was acquired by the Warner Music Group in 2010 and is now part of Warner Chappell Music Publishing, where Wachtler served as President and CEO until leaving in 2017. Wachtler is also co-founder and former president of the Production Music Association.
11 One/Music was born after Wachtler’s son Haden, Director of Operations, graduated from college, and the father-son team dreamed of building a new business together.
“Working with my son Haden and being able to mentor him about the production music business has been such a great experience for me,” Wachtler says. “I truly love the production music business and sharing my experience and passion for sonic branding with my son. Haden brings an enthusiastic attitude and love for music that is inspiring to me and is just what the business needs. Haden represents the new generation entering the business and I couldn’t be happier about it.”
“Working for Randy is fascinating and motivating. Not only have I gained perspective from someone who knows the industry extremely well, I’ve been able to absorb the way he manages and prioritizes his relationships in the industry,” Haden shares. “I’ve always been drawn to the music industry and now I am learning and understanding the details that go into the processes of writing music and selling it through different mediums. I’ve recognized that Nashville is unparalleled when it comes to creative artists. We truly have some of the best writers in the world on our team. I can’t wait to help global organizations build a distinctive and memorable brand identity.”
The 11 One/Music composers have created 50 new music albums across five catalogs for the company’s production music library. The first artist featured in 11 One/Music’s Artist Series will be Kane Harrison’s The Beautiful, The Damned And The Starved Of Love.
For more information about 11 One/Music, click here.
WMG Corp. Q2 Results: Double-Digit Revenue Growth From Recorded Music, Music Publishing
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Group Corp. announced its second-quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2022.
WMG’s second-quarter financial results saw a 10.1% increase in revenue, driven by digital revenue growth of 8.3% across Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Total streaming revenue increased 9.0%, driven by growth across Recorded Music and Music Publishing, including revenue from emerging streaming platforms.
Digital revenue represented 67.7% of total revenue in the quarter, compared to 68.8% in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in digital revenue as a percentage of total revenue is due to the partial recovery of artist services and expanded-rights revenue, which was impacted by COVID in the prior-year quarter and increased 19.5% in the quarter, as well as the continued growth in Recorded Music licensing and Music Publishing synchronization revenue.
Revenue increases in the quarter were also driven by growth in Recorded Music physical revenue and Music Publishing performance and mechanical revenue.
“Warner Music Group’s unique combination of scale and agility gives us, our artists, and our songwriters an edge in music’s ever-expanding universe of opportunity. We continue to build our unparalleled artist development expertise, our differentiated approach to global expansion, and our ground-breaking commitment to innovation at the intersection of music, gaming, social and fitness,” says Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group. “We’re equally excited about the amazing new releases we have lined up for the rest of the year, and the possibilities on the horizon.”
Financial Highlights:
Double-Digit Revenue Growth Highlighting Strong Fundamentals
Healthy Streaming Performance Driven by Growth in Traditional and Emerging Streaming Platforms
Strong Margins Despite Continued Recovery in Lower-Margin Artist Services Revenue
Continued Momentum in Music Publishing with Double-Digit Revenue Growth and Margin Improvement
For the three months ended March 31, 2022:
Total revenue grew 10% or 13% in constant currency
Digital revenue grew 8% or 11% in constant currency
Net income was $92 million versus $117 million in the prior-year quarter
OIBDA increased 12% to $255 million versus $228 million in the prior-year quarter
Adjusted OIBDA increased 7% to $274 million versus $255 million in the prior-year quarter
Adjusted EBITDA increased 5% to $282 million versus $268 million in the prior-year quarter
Brad Paisley Makes It A Double With Launch Of Second American Highway Bourbon Blend
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley
Brad Paisley is launching his second batch of premium bourbon this spring, American Highway Reserve Route 2.
The brand is the latest release from his bourbon line which is sourced from locations throughout the US. Paisley’s American Highway Reserve Route 2 features aged notes of charred oak and leather combined with a scent of baked apple and almond, and hints of toffee and cinnamon taste.
“Bourbon is like a song: the more life it has lived on its journey, the deeper the story, the richer it becomes,” Paisley explains. “This second batch has seen more miles. I think you will be surprised at the unique character a different journey created.”
In partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company, Paisley touches every aspect of the product from the selection of barrels, the aging and ultimately the final blend, working closely with VP of New Product Development, Dan Callaway.
“He’s more than a casual consumer–he really understands whiskey so he’s made a great partner in this endeavor. It’s been a fun journey so far and we’re excited to see where the next Route takes us,” adds Callaway.
American Highway Route 2 is 98 proof and offered at an SRP of $99.99. Roughly 10,000 cases will be available in 20 markets across the U.S., and online through Seelbachs.com.
Cam Announces Return To The Road On ‘The Otherside Tour’
/by Lydia FarthingCam
Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Cam will return to the live stage with “The Otherside Tour.”
The 21-city run will support her most recent album of the same name and make stops all across the US and Canada. The trek will feature opening acts Amythyst Kiah and Jillian Jacqueline at select shows with surprise guests along the way.
“This tour is deconstructing things to pure emotions,” Cam explains. “It’s about taking things apart, and examining the pieces in a really pure form. It’s the most intentional show I’ve created in my career and a really high bar I’ve set for myself and the musicians. God I miss those faces in front of me. I can’t tell you how much I need this time with my kind of people. There’s no place I’d rather be-singing, laughing, processing and marching on together.”
Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the public starting Friday, May 13 at 10 a.m. local time with various pre-sales starting May 10.
Cam’s debut full-length album, Untamed, bowed in the Top 15 of the Billboard Top 200 and registered at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums Chart upon its release in 2015. The project also yielded her triple-Platinum Grammy, CMA and ACM-nominated smash single, “Burning House.” Her sophomore release, The Otherside, featured fan-favorites “Diane” and “Till There’s Nothing Left,” plus songwriting from Avicci, Sam Smith, and Harry Styles.
Chayce Beckham Signs With KP Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughChayce Beckham. Photo: David McClister
Former American Idol 2021 winner and 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist Chayce Beckham has signed with Kerri Edwards‘ KP Entertainment for management.
The 25-year-old released his debut song, “23,” a semi-autobiographical account of his struggles with alcohol, and it quickly shot to the top of both the iTunes Country and All Genre charts, racking up more than 85 million on-demand streams.
He recently debuted “Can’t Do Without Me,” a supercharged duet with label mate Lindsay Ell, at country radio. He just released his debut EP, Doin’ It Right, which also features the track “Tell Me Twice.”
Chayce Beckham & Kerri Edwards
“Chayce immediately had my attention during his American Idol audition,” Edwards shares. “When I got the call to take a meeting with him, I didn’t hesitate. I quickly found out his love for country music and the type of artist he wants to be. He is the real deal…songwriter and performer. The team at KPE has had the privilege to be a part of this first release of music and we are so proud of how it turned out. He has all the right things to keep him around for a very long time and we are excited for what his future holds in this business.”
“Something I was really excited about coming off Idol was to get to work with Kerri Edwards,” adds Beckham. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of a great team of people who love and care about the future of country music. I don’t think there was anyone else, or any other team, more meant to help navigate my career.”
TV Titan & Source Honoree Jane Dowden Grams Dies At 90
/by Robert K OermannJane Dowden Grams, a major figure in transforming Nashville into a center for television production, passed away on March 24 in Arizona at age 90.
She made her mark at WSM-TV, Noble-Drury & Associates, Show Biz Inc., WCTV in Chattanooga, Opryland USA and the Gaylord Syndicom Entertainment Group. Dowden was particularly noted for her production of nationally syndicated country-music TV series in the 1960s and 1970s. She was given a Source Foundation Award in 2006, “honoring the women who have been a vital source in the success of Music Row and the Nashville entertainment industry.”
Born Jane Elizabeth Clabough and raised in East Tennessee, she began her career at WGAP radio in Maryville, Tennessee. After marrying Robert Dowden in 1951, she moved with him to Nashville. She joined WSM-TV, which was later rebranded as WSMV. Dowden initially worked in advertising and sales.
During the mid-1950s, she became one of the South’s most influential women in advertising as Vice President – Media Director at Noble-Drury & Associates in Nashville. She began working in television production in 1959.
In 1965, she became President of Show Biz, Inc., and guided it to become the largest producer and syndicator of country television in the world. TV Guide magazine once dubbed Show Biz, “the General Motors of country music television.” Dowden oversaw the production of more than 1,200 country shows.
Two of the most successful Show Biz series were The Porter Wagoner Show (1960-79) and The Wilburn Brothers Show (1963-74). The former introduced the world to Dolly Parton and the latter showcased newcomer Loretta Lynn.
Other Show Biz productions included The Country Place with Jim Ed Brown (1970-72), Billy Walker’s Country Carnival (1968), Del Reeves’ Country Carnival (1969-73) and the company’s leading program, Pop! Goes the Country, hosted by Ralph Emery, followed by Tom T. Hall. This series ran from 1974 to 1983 and at its peak was carried in 140 markets nationwide.
Jim Ed Brown, Jerry Clower and Jim Stafford variously hosted Nashville on the Road (1975-83). Show Biz also syndicated The Bobby Goldsboro Show (1973-76), Marty Robbins Spotlight (1977), Dolly (1976-77), Flatt & Scruggs Grand Ole Opry (1961-65), National Life Grand Ole Opry (1965-69) and That Good Ole Nashville Music (1969-77).
Dowden produced the 1966 feature film Nashville Rebel, starring Waylon Jennings. She was also behind “Nashville in the Garden,” two live, multi-artist concerts at Madison Square Garden in the early 1970s.
In 1981, Multimedia Inc. purchased the Show Biz empire for $4.4 million. Dowden had departed by then. In 1975, she was named President and General Manager of WTVC in Chattanooga, becoming the first woman general manager of a network-affiliated television station. She served for four years on the ABC Affiliates Board of Directors, another first for a woman.
She married Harold Grams in Chattanooga in 1977. Her volunteer work included the Chattanooga Symphony, The University of Tennessee and Chattanooga Public Television.
In 1984, she returned to Nashville to join Opryland USA. As Vice President of its new division Gaylord Syndicom, she was charged with developing new syndicated television programming. While at Gaylord, she became the recipient of the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
Jane Dowden Grams retired in 2006, the year she was honored by the Source Foundation in Music City, alongside such key figures as Anita Kerr, Mae Boren Axton, Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess and Brenda Lee.
In retirement, Jane Dowden Grams became a Master Gardener in Sedona, Arizona. She passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona and is survived by daughters Janie Dail Dowden of Scottsdale and Jennifer Dowden Burritt of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, as well as by a sister and two nephews.
Zach Bryan Blasts Onto MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan
Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter Zach Bryan makes a huge leap on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, heading from No. 102 to No. 4. His meteoric rise is fueled by the tunes “Something In The Orange,” “From Austin,” and “Highway Boys.”
Shane McAnally returns to No. 1 this week with five country songs currently charting, including “23” (Sam Hunt), “Everyone She Knows” (Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes), “No Hard Feelings” (Old Dominion), and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde).
Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Ben Johnson (No. 3) and Chase McGill (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
iHeartCountry Festival Wraps Ninth Successful Year
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
The ninth annual iHeartCountry Festival was held Saturday night (May 7) at the new Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and offered up plenty of great music and a few surprises for the packed crowd.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Highlights of the show included performances by Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris, Cody Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, and Dierks Bentley, who made a surprise appearance joining Morris and Lainey Wilson for the “We’re All Country” Guitar Pull powered by RAM Trucks. The Daytime Village at iHeartCountry Festival also featured performances from Jimmie Allen, Wilson, Ryan Hurd, Ingrid Andress, Caroline Jones, and Conner Smith.
Zac Brown Band pulled out all the stops for their set, performing some of their biggest hits and a few stellar covers.
The band kicked off with “Homegrown” and “Out in the Middle” before performing a mashup of “Colder Weather” and the Eagles’ “Take It To The Limit.” They also covered Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls On Parade” before wrapping the show with fan favorite, “Chicken Fried.”
Dustin Lynch. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Jimmie Allen. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Nick Kaper Promoted To Director, Promotion & Radio Marketing At UMG Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughNick Kaper
Nick Kaper has been promoted to Director of Promotion and Radio Marketing at Universal Music Group Nashville.
A Belmont University graduate, Kaper began his career in the UMG Nashville mailroom. He worked his way up through the ranks as the Mercury Nashville Coordinator before becoming the West Coast Regional Rep for EMI Records Nashville, then Midwest Regional Rep for Mercury Nashville.
In his new position as Director of Promotion and Radio Marketing, Kaper provides airplay analytics and chart strategy for artists across all four UMG Nashville imprints–Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, and Mercury Nashville.
“I am incredibly happy to announce Nick Kaper’s promotion to role of Director, Promotion and Radio Marketing,” says UMG Nashville EVP of Promotion Royce Risser. “He has the perfect mind and skillset to handle all the numbers and information hitting him. He started with us as a coordinator and has quickly become a key player in our department. This role is critical to our success, and we are excited to see him step in and crush it.”
“Between the incredible lineup of artists and the all-star promotion department, I’ve been nothing short of spoiled since starting at UMG,” Kaper adds. “I am so excited be working with our entire roster in this next chapter and can’t thank Royce and the promotion team enough for the opportunity to do so!”