Pictured (L-R): Valerie Ervin (Ray Charles Foundation president), Eddie Bayers, Wynonna Judd, Johnny Drake (son of the late Pete Drake) and Rose Drake (wife of the late Pete Drake) in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before the induction of the 2021 class of Country Music Hall of Fame members. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Bobby Karl Works The Room
Chapter 654
This year’s Medallion Ceremony inducting the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame was full of first-time experiences.
The induction of Ray Charles was long overdue, and was celebrated as such. Pete Drake became the first steel guitarist to be inducted. Eddie Bayers is now the Hall’s first country drummer. Naomi Judd was unexpectedly inducted posthumously in The Judds, due to her death the previous day. Wendy Moten, The War & Treaty, Bettye LaVette, Tommy Sims and Old Crow Medicine Show drummer Jerry Pentecost comprised the largest Black musical presence at such an event in history.
Pictured: Inductee Wynonna Judd onstage for the class of 2021 medallion ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Medallion Ceremony took place on Sunday (May 1) in the Hall’s CMA Theater. To be frank, I was worried when I got the news about Naomi’s death on Saturday. I thought that the event might turn into a wake, and/or that the inductions of Charles, Bayers and Drake would be completely overshadowed.
Wynonna and her sister Ashley Judd urged the Hall to proceed as scheduled. The Hall responded by staging a supremely classy ceremony.
The musical intro to the event was Tom T. Hall’s 1971 eloquent country classic “A Million Miles to the City.” Museum CEO Kyle Young referred to its lyric throughout the ceremony. “Each of tonight’s inductees were fueled by dreams and words and melodies,” he said. Mary Ann McCready introduced the Circle Guard, a ceremonial elite consisting of Steve Turner, David Conrad, Bill Denny, Seab Tuck, Ken Levitan, Mike Milom and Jerry Williams.
Then came the processional of existing Hall of Famers—Randy Travis, Bill Anderson, Don Schlitz, Ray Stevens, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry of Alabama, Bud Wendell, Bobby Braddock, Duane Allen of the Oaks, Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, Ronnie Milsap and Marty Stuart. The CMA’s Sarah Trahern was the first to address Naomi’s passing. “Love: It fills this room,” she said. “Love sustains us and comforts us. Love Can Build a Bridge — The Judds taught us that, and love is Naomi’s legacy. We lost an industry icon….Each of these inductees is an inspiration to us all.”
Kyle asked for a moment of silence for Hall of Fame members Ralph Emery and Hargus “Pig” Robbins, both of whom have died since the last Medallion event. He then spoke of Naomi’s sudden passing, explaining that her family wished the ceremony to go on.
Pictured (L-R) Johnny Drake and Rose Drake accept Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum induction on behalf of Pete Drake presented by Charlie McCoy and CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Kyle Young for the class of 2021 medallion ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
He introduced the induction of Pete Drake (1932-1988), describing Drake as “one of America’s prime music innovators.” Drake invented the “talk box” device showcased on his 1964 steel-guitar hit “Forever” and later adopted by rock stars Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh and others. Drake also promoted Nashville’s musical diversity via his publishing, record label and recording-studio ventures.
To salute Drake, Elizabeth Cook performed “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” and Wendy Moten did “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” The steel guitarist played on both of those. Charlie McCoy presented the Medallion to widow Rose Drake and son John Drake. “Everything he played on fit like a glove,” said Charlie. “He became part of the records he was on.”
“Pete loved music and his music friends more than anything,” said Rose. “We need to recognize these musicians more. The music of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s created Nashville. Thank you very much for keeping his legacy going.”
Pictured: Kyle Young inducts Eddie Bayers (L) into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Kyle said that inductee Eddie Bayers provided “very good grooves and very bad jokes,” describing him as, “a metronome with a heart.” Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” and Trisha Yearwood’s “Walkaway Joe” were just two of the hundreds of hits Eddie has played on. “A great drummer is felt, not heard,” said Vince. “My hope for you, Eddie, is that you get a really good looking plaque.” That joking reference was to the notoriously ugly bronze facial reliefs on the Hall’s official plaques.
“People make a family, and we are certainly a family,” said Eddie. “I love all of you. God bless you all.” He also saluted his wife Lane Brody as “my immortal beloved.”
“They sang their hearts out loud,” said Kyle of The Judds. “They sang in harmony even when they didn’t live in harmony.” Shouted Wy from her seat, “Amen.” “We can’t know all of their struggles, but we know all of their songs,” Kyle concluded. Carly Pearce sang “Grandpa (Tell Me Bout the Good Old Days)” and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings sang “Young Love.”
Ricky Skaggs inducted The Judds. “We’re not gonna be sad today,” he said of Naomi Judd (1946-2022). “We’re going to have joy. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Y’all touched so many people with those songs. All of country music, all of the people around the world who loved The Judds are praying for you.”
Pictured (L-R) Ashley Judd accepts induction on behalf of Naomi Judd with Ricky Skaggs, inductee Wynonna Judd and Kyle Young. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“My Mom loved you so much,” said Ashley Judd. “I’m so sorry she couldn’t hang on until today. It was your affection for her that kept her going.” She turned to sister Wynonna and continued, “I love you, and I’m so proud of you. Mama was proud of you, and she always was.” She received her mother’s Medallion. Ricky placed Wy’s around her neck.
“I’m going to make this fast, because my heart is broken,” said Wy. “And I feel so blessed. It’s very strange dynamic to be this broken in this place…Though my heart is broken, I will continue to sing.” She concluded by reciting “The 23rd Psalm.” Then Tommy Sims sang a moving version if “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
“It’s been a long time comin,’” said Kyle of the induction of Ray Charles (1930-2004). “Ray took country music to places it had never been.” The War and Treaty brought down the house with a thrilling rendition of “You Don’t Know Me.” Garth Brooks did “Seven Spanish Angels,” which is his go-to song at concert sound checks. Bettye LaVette sang a soulful “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Ronnie Milsap did the Medallion honors.
Pictured (L-R): Ronnie Milsap, Valerie Ervin and Kyle Young speak onstage for the class of 2021 medallion ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“Ray Charles was a really cool guy,” said Ronnie. “We were really great friends. We wrote Braille letters to each other. Ray would be so happy today.” Accepting was Valerie Ervin, the president of the Ray Charles Foundation. “Ray Charles always stood his ground for what he loved, and he loved country music,” she said. “Country music was the core of Ray Charles’s life. This IS a Moment.”
“It’s been like church tonight,” observed Marty Stuart of the ceremony. He led the crowd in singing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” He (and everyone else) was accompanied by the awesome Medallion All Star Band — Biff Watson, Jan Gunderman, Brent Mason, Jeff White, Tommy White, Rachel Loy, Jerry Pentecost, Deanie Richardson, Tanis Hancheroff, and Wendy Moten.
Taking it all in were Larry Gatlin, Paul Kennerley, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Brent Maher, Joe Galante, Dan Rogers, John Carter Cash, Scott Hendricks, Tim Wipperman, Chuck Mead, Erika Wollam & Roger Nichols, Bill Purcell, Ellen Lehman, Steve Buchanan, Bonnie Garner, Martha Moore, Susan Stewart, Fletcher Foster, Bruce Bouton, Hunter Kelly, Bob & Leslie DiPiero, Tom Roland, Jeannie Seely, Tony Brown, Ken Paulson, Denise Stiff, The McCrary Sisters, Walter Campbell, Tracy Gershon, Tess Frizzell, Bobby Tomberlin, Jim Horn, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Rique, Lon Helton, Cactus Moser, Don Potter, David Ewing, David Ross, Dave Pomeroy and Sharon Vaughn, for starters.
Brain Mansfield was introducing Marcus K. Dowling to everyone in the press section. Jim Ed Norman was on a break from touring with The Eagles. Steve Fishell’s news is that his book about Buddy Emmons is being published by the University of Illinois in its prestigious Music in American Life series. Doug Green’s book about Carson Robison has been accepted by Vanderbilt University Press, and the distinguished Bill Malone is set to write the biography of Doug’s group Riders in the Sky.
The whole shebang relocated to the sixth floor event space for a cocktail supper. On the menu were steak, salmon, potato salad, pizza and desserts. And lots of fellowship.
Cumulus Media Elevates Brian Philips to Chief Content Officer
/by Lorie HollabaughBrian Phillips
Brian Philips has been promoted to Chief Content Officer at Cumulus Media, reporting to Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Philips, who previously served as Executive Vice President, Content and Audience at the company since 2019, will now be responsible for content across all Cumulus platforms.
Prior to joining Cumulus Media, Philips spent more than 30 years in television, film, and radio. His award-winning radio career included more than 15 years leading radio programming at a number of major market stations, including Cumulus stations WNNX-FM and WWWQ-FM (Atlanta), and KPLX-FM (Dallas-Ft. Worth).
“Brian Philips is an exceptional executive and the perfect choice to lead our programming efforts as we continue to execute our audio-first strategy, which is transforming the company from a traditional radio broadcaster into a multi-dimensional audio media company,” shares Berner. “This promotion reflects Brian’s tremendous contributions, and I have full confidence in his creative vision, operational expertise, and savvy leadership to guide us through this critical evolution.”
Napa Valley’s Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Features Good Music, Food & Wine
/by Sherod RobertsonMorgan Evans. Photo: MusicRow
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country held its exclusive, sought-after festival this past week in Napa Valley, featuring music, food, and wine.
The three-day event, founded by entrepreneur, music promoter and CEO Bobbii Jacobs, ended on Thursday, April 28, amidst the lush scenery of boutique wineries in Napa, California. Attendees were treated to intimate performances in a beautiful countryside setting while enjoying specially made, locally-driven cuisines and award-winning wines from partner wineries.
Performances held during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2022 included Jessie James Decker, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Joe Nichols at the opening reception at Charles Krug winery, on Tuesday, April 26; Hannah Ellis, Jameson Rodgers, and Lee Brice at the VIP Tailgate at Peju winery, and Kassi Ashton, Tyler Braden, Breland, Charles Esten, Morgan Evans, Caroline Jones, and Chase Rice, at the Mainstage Event at The Uptown Theatre on Wednesday, April 27.
Caitlyn Smith, Restless Road, Erin Kinsey, Jordan Fletcher. Photo: MusicRow
Capping off the multi-day event on April 28 was a brunch at Domaine Chandon winery, which featured Ashley Cooke, Ashland Craft, Griffen Palmer, and Hailey Whitters.
Walker Hayes was beamed into the main stage through Proto – a device that lets people appear as if live, while thousands of miles away. Hayes sang two songs, “Fancy Like” and “AA,” in front of the live audience, where he appeared as a life-size hologram. Proto has been used at major sporting events and on nation-wide television programs, but Hayes’ appearance via Proto at Live In The Vineyard is the first time the technology has been used at a country music event.
Walker Hayes. Photo: MusicRow
During the event, Curb recording artist, Hannah Ellis, took a ride in a hot air balloon ride. A tradition in the region, the hot air balloon soared over Napa Valley providing Ellis a birds-eye view of wine country.
Hannah Ellis. Photo: MusicRow
The event also included private VIP events that took place at wineries throughout Napa Valley featuring performers such as Easton Corbin, Tim Dugger, Ian Flanigan, Jordan Fletcher, Ray Fulcher, Ryan Griffin, Ty Herndon, Rayne Johnson, Erin Kinsey, Brooke Moriber, Nashvillains, O.N.E The Duo, Restless Road, Caitlyn Smith, Matt Stell, Thompson Square, and Cali Tucker.
Tyler Braden: Photo: MusicRow
There’s plenty of reasons it’s known as one of the most exclusive and sought-after events across the country, as it gives attendees intimate access to recording artists, premier Napa Valley wineries, and world-renowned chefs.
Breland. Photo: Live In The Vineyard Goes Country/JetBlack/Alec Savig
The private invitation-only event brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups, and more from around the country to celebrate and hear brand new music by today’s top artists as well as emerging artists among the stunning vineyard-filled hillsides, world-class wine, and culinary features that Napa Valley offers.
Pictured (L-R): Mitchell Tenpenny, Joe Nichols, Jessie James Decker, and Partner in Forefront Networks, President of FF Entertainment, and the Founder of Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, Bobbii Jacobs. Photo: Live In The Vineyard Goes Country/Will Bucquoy
Napa Valley. Photo: MusicRow
Sony Music Nashville Realigns Arista, Columbia, & RCA Nashville Promotion Teams
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Lyndsay Church, Lauren Longbine, Mallory Michaels
In an effort to include a broader artist development focus on a local and regional level, Sony Music Nashville has announced a series of promotions and a realignment of the Arista, Columbia, and RCA Nashville promotion teams.
Effective immediately, the promotion teams, led by SMN EVP of Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges, will collaborate more closely with the SMN marketing team in such areas as brand partnerships, community engagement, digital activations, content development and more. Hodges informed the SMN staff in an email obtained by MusicRow on Monday (May 2).
Hodges announced that in order to drive this broadened approach, the Senior Director of Promotion & Artist Development position will now directly support imprint heads on tactical strategies and platform initiatives. Lyndsay Church, Lauren Longbine and Mallory Michaels will take on this new position for Arista, Columbia and RCA Nashville, respectively.
According to Hodges’ email, “These changes allow our artists the most optimum opportunity to grow their brands by having the field team working in tandem with our marketing team in Nashville. Special thanks to Jen Way, SMN’s SVP of Marketing, and her team as they have eagerly embraced this expanded partnership across the organization.”
The Sony Music Nashville Promotion and Artist Development department now consists of the following three imprint field staff and national support team members:
Arista Nashville – reporting to Chris Schuler, VP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Lyndsay Church, Sr. Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Ali O’Connell, Director Promotion & Artist Development
Lisa Owen, Director Promotion & Artist Development
Amy Menz, Specialist, Promotion & Artist Development
Columbia Nashville – reporting to Shane Allen through May, but effective June 1, Lauren Thomas, VP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Lauren Longbine, Sr. Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Mark Gray, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Paige Elliott, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Christy Garbinski, Specialist, Promotion & Artist Development
RCA Nashville – reporting to Dennis Reese, SVP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Mallory Michaels, Sr. Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Dan Nelson, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Larry Santiago, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Nicole Walden, Specialist, Promotion & Artist Development
SMN National Support – reporting to Steve Hodges, EVP, Promotion & Artist Development:
Bo Martinovich, Director, Promotion & Artist Development
Paul Grosser, Manager, Promotion & Artist Development
Houston Gaither, Manager, Content, Promotion & Artist Development
Mark Your Calendar—May 2022
/by Lydia FarthingSingle/Track Releases
May 2
Jessie James Decker/Should Have Known Better/Warner/WMN
CJ Solar/All I Can Think About Lately
Kaleb Austin/Turn the Night On/Salty Mountain Music
Ashley Barron/The Wind/SSM Nashville
Rebel Hearts/Country Rockin’ Tonight/Rebel Hearts Records
May 6
Nate Smith/Whiskey On You/Sony Music Entertainment
May 9
South 62/Love is Forgiveness/Graphite Sound
May 11
Derek Austin/Backroad Less Traveled/Mailbox Money Records
May 16
Casey Donahew/Telling On My Heart/Almost Country Entertainment
May 20
Sarah Darling/Get to Me/Be Darling Records
May 23
Kyndon Oakes/Better/KO Records
May 24
Danny Kensy/My Happy Place
Album/EP Releases
May 6
Midland/The Last Resort: Greetings From/Big Machine Records
Flatland Cavalry/Far Out West Sessions
Ryan Griffin/Slow Down Sunrise/Red Street Records
Tim Montana/Reno/Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group
May 15
Lyle Lovett/12th Of June/Verve Records
May 20
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band/Dirt Goes Dylan
Zach Bryan/American Heartbreak/Warner Records
High Valley/Way Back
Industry Events
May 4 – 8
Key West Songwriters Festival
May 9 – 12
Music Biz Conference
May 17
Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy Block Party
The Cadillac Three To Play Mercy Lounge Farewell Show
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Cadillac Three. Photo: Nick Rau
The Cadillac Three will play a special hometown show this month at Mercy Lounge. The Nashville born-and-raised trio will return on May 18 to Mercy Lounge before the venue’s last call. Tickets are on sale now.
“Mercy Lounge is one of the most important venues in Nashville and in the history of TC3,” shares the band. “Before our friends John Bruton and Todd Ohlhauser close the doors for their last time in May we wanted to make sure we got to have one last party together!”
Following the Nashville Mercy Lounge sendoff, the band will amplify Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town’s 2022 “The Bandwagon Tour” in addition to their own “Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour,” with dates across the country through the end of the year.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Historic Moments Dot Country Hall Of Fame Inductions
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Valerie Ervin (Ray Charles Foundation president), Eddie Bayers, Wynonna Judd, Johnny Drake (son of the late Pete Drake) and Rose Drake (wife of the late Pete Drake) in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before the induction of the 2021 class of Country Music Hall of Fame members. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Bobby Karl Works The Room
Chapter 654
This year’s Medallion Ceremony inducting the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame was full of first-time experiences.
The induction of Ray Charles was long overdue, and was celebrated as such. Pete Drake became the first steel guitarist to be inducted. Eddie Bayers is now the Hall’s first country drummer. Naomi Judd was unexpectedly inducted posthumously in The Judds, due to her death the previous day. Wendy Moten, The War & Treaty, Bettye LaVette, Tommy Sims and Old Crow Medicine Show drummer Jerry Pentecost comprised the largest Black musical presence at such an event in history.
Pictured: Inductee Wynonna Judd onstage for the class of 2021 medallion ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Medallion Ceremony took place on Sunday (May 1) in the Hall’s CMA Theater. To be frank, I was worried when I got the news about Naomi’s death on Saturday. I thought that the event might turn into a wake, and/or that the inductions of Charles, Bayers and Drake would be completely overshadowed.
Wynonna and her sister Ashley Judd urged the Hall to proceed as scheduled. The Hall responded by staging a supremely classy ceremony.
The musical intro to the event was Tom T. Hall’s 1971 eloquent country classic “A Million Miles to the City.” Museum CEO Kyle Young referred to its lyric throughout the ceremony. “Each of tonight’s inductees were fueled by dreams and words and melodies,” he said. Mary Ann McCready introduced the Circle Guard, a ceremonial elite consisting of Steve Turner, David Conrad, Bill Denny, Seab Tuck, Ken Levitan, Mike Milom and Jerry Williams.
Then came the processional of existing Hall of Famers—Randy Travis, Bill Anderson, Don Schlitz, Ray Stevens, Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry of Alabama, Bud Wendell, Bobby Braddock, Duane Allen of the Oaks, Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, Ronnie Milsap and Marty Stuart. The CMA’s Sarah Trahern was the first to address Naomi’s passing. “Love: It fills this room,” she said. “Love sustains us and comforts us. Love Can Build a Bridge — The Judds taught us that, and love is Naomi’s legacy. We lost an industry icon….Each of these inductees is an inspiration to us all.”
Kyle asked for a moment of silence for Hall of Fame members Ralph Emery and Hargus “Pig” Robbins, both of whom have died since the last Medallion event. He then spoke of Naomi’s sudden passing, explaining that her family wished the ceremony to go on.
Pictured (L-R) Johnny Drake and Rose Drake accept Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum induction on behalf of Pete Drake presented by Charlie McCoy and CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Kyle Young for the class of 2021 medallion ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
He introduced the induction of Pete Drake (1932-1988), describing Drake as “one of America’s prime music innovators.” Drake invented the “talk box” device showcased on his 1964 steel-guitar hit “Forever” and later adopted by rock stars Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh and others. Drake also promoted Nashville’s musical diversity via his publishing, record label and recording-studio ventures.
To salute Drake, Elizabeth Cook performed “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” and Wendy Moten did “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” The steel guitarist played on both of those. Charlie McCoy presented the Medallion to widow Rose Drake and son John Drake. “Everything he played on fit like a glove,” said Charlie. “He became part of the records he was on.”
“Pete loved music and his music friends more than anything,” said Rose. “We need to recognize these musicians more. The music of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s created Nashville. Thank you very much for keeping his legacy going.”
Pictured: Kyle Young inducts Eddie Bayers (L) into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Kyle said that inductee Eddie Bayers provided “very good grooves and very bad jokes,” describing him as, “a metronome with a heart.” Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” and Trisha Yearwood’s “Walkaway Joe” were just two of the hundreds of hits Eddie has played on. “A great drummer is felt, not heard,” said Vince. “My hope for you, Eddie, is that you get a really good looking plaque.” That joking reference was to the notoriously ugly bronze facial reliefs on the Hall’s official plaques.
“People make a family, and we are certainly a family,” said Eddie. “I love all of you. God bless you all.” He also saluted his wife Lane Brody as “my immortal beloved.”
“They sang their hearts out loud,” said Kyle of The Judds. “They sang in harmony even when they didn’t live in harmony.” Shouted Wy from her seat, “Amen.” “We can’t know all of their struggles, but we know all of their songs,” Kyle concluded. Carly Pearce sang “Grandpa (Tell Me Bout the Good Old Days)” and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings sang “Young Love.”
Ricky Skaggs inducted The Judds. “We’re not gonna be sad today,” he said of Naomi Judd (1946-2022). “We’re going to have joy. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Y’all touched so many people with those songs. All of country music, all of the people around the world who loved The Judds are praying for you.”
Pictured (L-R) Ashley Judd accepts induction on behalf of Naomi Judd with Ricky Skaggs, inductee Wynonna Judd and Kyle Young. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“My Mom loved you so much,” said Ashley Judd. “I’m so sorry she couldn’t hang on until today. It was your affection for her that kept her going.” She turned to sister Wynonna and continued, “I love you, and I’m so proud of you. Mama was proud of you, and she always was.” She received her mother’s Medallion. Ricky placed Wy’s around her neck.
“I’m going to make this fast, because my heart is broken,” said Wy. “And I feel so blessed. It’s very strange dynamic to be this broken in this place…Though my heart is broken, I will continue to sing.” She concluded by reciting “The 23rd Psalm.” Then Tommy Sims sang a moving version if “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
“It’s been a long time comin,’” said Kyle of the induction of Ray Charles (1930-2004). “Ray took country music to places it had never been.” The War and Treaty brought down the house with a thrilling rendition of “You Don’t Know Me.” Garth Brooks did “Seven Spanish Angels,” which is his go-to song at concert sound checks. Bettye LaVette sang a soulful “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Ronnie Milsap did the Medallion honors.
Pictured (L-R): Ronnie Milsap, Valerie Ervin and Kyle Young speak onstage for the class of 2021 medallion ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“Ray Charles was a really cool guy,” said Ronnie. “We were really great friends. We wrote Braille letters to each other. Ray would be so happy today.” Accepting was Valerie Ervin, the president of the Ray Charles Foundation. “Ray Charles always stood his ground for what he loved, and he loved country music,” she said. “Country music was the core of Ray Charles’s life. This IS a Moment.”
“It’s been like church tonight,” observed Marty Stuart of the ceremony. He led the crowd in singing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” He (and everyone else) was accompanied by the awesome Medallion All Star Band — Biff Watson, Jan Gunderman, Brent Mason, Jeff White, Tommy White, Rachel Loy, Jerry Pentecost, Deanie Richardson, Tanis Hancheroff, and Wendy Moten.
Taking it all in were Larry Gatlin, Paul Kennerley, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Brent Maher, Joe Galante, Dan Rogers, John Carter Cash, Scott Hendricks, Tim Wipperman, Chuck Mead, Erika Wollam & Roger Nichols, Bill Purcell, Ellen Lehman, Steve Buchanan, Bonnie Garner, Martha Moore, Susan Stewart, Fletcher Foster, Bruce Bouton, Hunter Kelly, Bob & Leslie DiPiero, Tom Roland, Jeannie Seely, Tony Brown, Ken Paulson, Denise Stiff, The McCrary Sisters, Walter Campbell, Tracy Gershon, Tess Frizzell, Bobby Tomberlin, Jim Horn, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Rique, Lon Helton, Cactus Moser, Don Potter, David Ewing, David Ross, Dave Pomeroy and Sharon Vaughn, for starters.
Brain Mansfield was introducing Marcus K. Dowling to everyone in the press section. Jim Ed Norman was on a break from touring with The Eagles. Steve Fishell’s news is that his book about Buddy Emmons is being published by the University of Illinois in its prestigious Music in American Life series. Doug Green’s book about Carson Robison has been accepted by Vanderbilt University Press, and the distinguished Bill Malone is set to write the biography of Doug’s group Riders in the Sky.
The whole shebang relocated to the sixth floor event space for a cocktail supper. On the menu were steak, salmon, potato salad, pizza and desserts. And lots of fellowship.
The Judds Matriarch, Naomi Judd, Dies At 76
/by LB CantrellNaomi Judd
One day before she was scheduled to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, it was revealed that The Judds’ Naomi Judd died on Saturday (April 30). She was 76.
On Saturday, Naomi’s daughter Ashley Judd announced on social media that her mother had passed. “Today we sisters experienced a tragedy,” she writes. “We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.”
Naomi and her other daughter and musical partner, Wynonna, were to be celebrated alongside Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, and Pete Drake on Sunday (May 1) for their iconic career full of country hits. It is unclear at press time if the induction ceremony will still be held.
The two had also just performed on the CMT Awards, and announced their farewell tour that was scheduled to kick off in September.
Comprised of mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna, The Judds are one of the most successful duos in country music history. Together they scored 20 Top 10 hits, including 14 No. 1s, between 1984 and 1991. Their most enduring country standards, such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘bout the Good Old Days),” infused folk, bluegrass and blues into a unique country sound all their own.
Naomi was born Diana Ellen Judd on January 11, 1946 and grew up in Ashland, Kentucky. She married as a teenager and had two daughters, Christina and Ashley Ciminella, before divorcing and moving to California. As part of a fresh start, all three took Diana’s maiden name. Diana and her older daughter changed their first names, as well. Diana became Naomi, a biblical figure she admired, and Christina became Wynonna, using an adapted spelling of Winona, the northern Arizona town mentioned in the song “Route 66.”
Naomi moved the family to Nashville in 1979, where she took a job as a nurse at Williamson County Medical Center. Her and a 15-year-old Wynonna began appearing on WSM-TV’s The Ralph Emery Show in the early ’80s, but their break came via a chance encounter with Nashville producer Brent Maher. Maher’s teenage daughter, who had been injured in a car accident, had seen the mother-daughter duo on television and recognized Naomi, one of his daughter’s nurses. He began working with The Judds and helped secure them a recording contract with RCA Records/Curb Records.
The Judds. Photo: Kristin Barlowe
After releasing “Had a Dream (For the Heart),” a B-side for Elvis Presley in 1983, The Judds scored their first hit with its follow-up, “Mama He’s Crazy.” The song hit No. 1 on the charts, immediately making The Judds country music’s most successful mother-daughter act since Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters. “Mama He’s Crazy” was the first of eight straight chart-toppers for the duo and earned Naomi and Wynonna their first of five Grammy Awards.
Following “Mama He’s Crazy,” The Judds released the six-song Wynonna & Naomi EP and won the Horizon Award at the 1984 CMA Awards. They released their first full-length album, Why Not Me, the following week.
The Judds became frequent award winners throughout the ’80s, collecting nine CMA Awards and seven from the Academy of Country Music. They released six studio albums and an EP from 1984 to 1991, and helped revive the popularity of acoustic sounds in country music. Together, the Judds have 16 Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum albums and longform videos, led by 2x Platinum albums Why Not Me and The Judds Greatest Hits.
In October 1990, Naomi announced her retirement from performing due to chronic hepatitis. That retirement would come after the 124-date “Love Can Build a Bridge Farewell Tour,” which wrapped December 4, 1991, at Middle Tennessee State University.
Other than a handful of subsequent performances together, both Naomi and Wynonna pursued solo career paths until announcing their reunion tour for 2022. Naomi published her autobiography Love Can Build a Bridge in 1993, as well as pursued acting and television opportunities, hosting a talk show and serving as a judge and mentor on an entertainment competition series.
The two were announced as inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021.
Industry Ink: Thomas Rhett, Caitlyn Gordon, Sister Sadie, CWBY
/by Lydia FarthingThomas Rhett, Chaco Footwear Unveil New Collaboration Sandal
Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett has announced his newest collaboration with Chaco Footwear, which expands upon last year’s collection.
The limited-edition sandals are inspired by Rhett’s love for the outdoors and memories on the river with his family. With two different patterns available in both adult and children’s sizes, the collection features the vibrant colors of the rainbow trout and the brook trout.
“Getting out and being in the river with my wife, family or friends is one of the most peaceful ways that we get to spend time together. Those moments, when I’m 60 or 70 years old and looking back, are going to stand out as some of my favorite memories,” Rhett shares. “One of the main reasons I wanted to make sure we added a kid’s line is that I want our kids to feel a part of this. I cannot wait to see entire families in these shoes all over the country this year and have that encourage them to get out and do something adventurous together.”
“Thomas Rhett embodies the Chaco Nation spirit, and we are so excited to be working with him again on another collaboration,” says Lauren Poole, Sr. Director of Marketing, Chaco. “This year, we took fans’ feedback and focused on fishing-inspired design and styles the whole family can wear on adventures together.”
Proceeds from each children’s sandal sale will be donated to Love One International—providing access to life-saving medical care to children in Uganda; and a donation made to Trout Unlimited, a non-profit dedicated to conserving freshwater streams, rivers, and associated upland habitats for trout, salmon, and other aquatic species.
BBR Music Group Elevates Caitlyn Gordon To Director, Marketing
Caitlyn Gordon
BBR Music Group has promoted Caitlyn Gordon to Director of Marketing. She will report to JoJamie Hahr, SVP of BBR Music Group.
Gordon previously served as the Director of Midwest/Southeast Promotion for BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records. In her new role of Director of Marketing, she will manage projects for the label group’s roster of artists, including Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Elvie Shane, Jelly Roll and more; create marketing plans; streamline advertising initiatives; and coordinate with all departments on artist release plans and strategies.
In her ten years at BBR Music Group, Gordon has risen through the ranks within the company from Promotion Coordinator. Scoring numerous No. 1s throughout her tenure, her most recent was Shane’s debut country radio single “My Boy.”
“Caitlyn has been a superstar within our promotion team at BBR Music Group/BMG for nearly 10 years and has always been a shining example of class, leadership, creativity, and passion,” says Hahr. “We are so lucky to have her join the team!”
Gordon can be reached at caitlyn.gordon@bmg.com.
Mountain Home Music Company Signs Sister Sadie
Pictured (L-R): Sister Sadie’s Hasee Ciacco, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson, Mountain Home’s Jon Weisberger, and Sister Sadie’s Mary Meyer and Jaelee Roberts
Mountain Home Music Company has signed award-winning quintet Sister Sadie to an exclusive recording contract. The group consists of founding member and fiddle player Deanie Richardson, banjo player/vocalist Gena Britt, Jaelee Roberts on guitar, bassist Hasee Ciacco, and mandolin player and singer Mary Meyer.
Sister Sadie, which launched in the wake of a one-off show at Nashville’s Station Inn in 2012, is an all-female group that was named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 2020, as well as Vocal Group of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The band’s previous release, Sister Sadie II, earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album in 2019.
“Sister Sadie is incredibly excited to be a part of the Mountain Home Family,” the band shares. “We are looking forward to making a new record soon with this amazing team. On behalf of Gena, Deanie, Hasee, Jaelee and Mary, thank you for believing in us and giving us a place to make more Sister Sadie music.”
“Sister Sadie has already had quite an impact on bluegrass,” notes Mountain Home’s Jon Weisberger. “Their awards are testimony to that, but I believe a look at the esteem that musicians like Gena and Deanie have among their colleagues, and at the breadth of the group’s audience, tells the story at least as well as the trophies. We think the best is yet to come for Sister Sadie’s music, and we’re looking forward to bringing it to the world.”
CWBY Inks With CDX Records For Distribution
CWBY
Country/pop artist CWBY has inked an exclusive deal with CDX Records. The signing comes just ahead of his forthcoming single release, “Insecure” on Friday, May 13. The track will serve as the lead single from his debut EP Lovin’ Me Ain’t Easy due this summer.
First discovering his love for music when he began using songwriting as an outlet to express himself, CWBY has spent the last 2 years refining his craft. His debut release “Trapstar” has racked up over 1 million streams on Spotify alone, while the music video has nearly 2 million views. With fan-favorite tracks such as “Sorry Mama” and “Toxic,” CWBY has infused country, pop, rock, R&B and rap influences.
“CWBY is an innovator as much as he is a fantastic artist. He has his finger on the pulse of what is happening. We believe he will change the business like Sam Phillips and Sun Records did,” shares Joe Kelly, President of CDX Records. “CWBY and his music are right in the wheelhouse of where our music is going and we are proud to be his team.”
“I’m hyped to have CDX as my distribution partner. They believe in me and this journey and I’m looking forward to taking my career to the next level with them,” CWBY says.
Tim Montana Slates Latest Project ‘Reno’ For May 6
/by Lorie HollabaughTim Montana‘s new album Reno will be released on May 6 via Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group.
The six-song project is a follow up to his 2021 Long Shots and leans even further into Montana’s distinct sound, blending country and rock to embrace the American experience and the blue collar way of life. Across the six songs, the Montana native presents an album full of rock and grit that is influenced by the West and speaks to his values, beliefs and lifestyle.
Having been raised in a single-wide without electricity in the wilds near Butte, Montana and spending years taking odd jobs just to pay the bills, Montana has racked up unbelievable stories and an appreciation for those on the grind.
“When I die, this will be the music I’ll be most proud of making. We lit the rulebook on fire and just went for it, focusing on creating music that was true to me—and that’s exactly what you’re getting—pure Tim Montana,” he explains.
He’ll be taking Reno out on the road as he headlines his own shows in addition to stops alongside Koe Wetzel, Lee Brice and Michael Ray later this year.
Nashville’s New GEODIS Park Is Embracing The ‘Music’ In ‘Music City’ [Interview]
/by Steven BoeroGEODIS Park. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC
As Major League Soccer (MLS) and the city of Nashville turn its eyes on Nashville Soccer Club for its home opener on Sunday (May 1), the community will get its first look at GEODIS Park.
The 30,000-seat soccer-specific stadium is the biggest of its kind in the U.S. and Canada. But this isn’t just a place for soccer fans to congregate and cheer on their club, it will be the city’s newest and shiniest outdoor venue for music.
“This stadium was designed with concerts particularly in mind,” said Nashville SC CEO, Ian Ayre, in an interview with The Sports Credential—MusicRow’s sister publication. “It has all of the phase power, lighting, plugins and all that type of stuff [needed to put on a concert]. It’s got the steelwork in the south end built, so they can hold a stage and lighting rigs. There are artist dressing rooms and locker rooms that convert into green rooms. We own our own pitch cover, so the whole thing has been designed, particularly, with with concerts in mind.”
This arena will offer the city a mid-sized, outdoor arena for artists who aren’t looking to play Nissan Stadium (69,143), but want a bigger venue than Bridgestone Arena (approximately 20,000) or the Ryman Auditorium (2,362).
Featured (L-R): Nashville SC TV play-play-play voice Tony Husband, club CEO Ian Ayre, TV analyst Jamie Watson. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC
GEODIS Park sits in the heart of the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood at the Nashville Fairgrounds and will be the permanent home to Nashville SC. A lot of work went into conceptualizing and constructing the privately funded stadium to not only be a fantastic soccer stadium, but an event space that can be extremely versatile.
The stadium was even designed for outdoor events, as the bathrooms will be accessible from outside even when GEODIS Park’s doors are closed. These kinds of amenities will allow for many events and watch parties that fans and the community can partake in.
Ayre says that the match-day experience was designed to be like a music festival. The main act is soccer but there will be so many other things going on for fans of all degrees. The concessions are packed with local eateries, the concourse is spacious to give fans room to take a break without having to miss the action on field, and the premium clubs will offer fans an exclusive and unique experience.
“We like to think of it like a festival of soccer,” Ayre shares. “If you go to a music festival, you go because you usually really like the headliner. In this case, soccer is that headliner. We wanted to surround that experience with all sorts of other things that people will come for, and then talk about.”
GEODIS Park will have multiple mini-stages in and around the stadium where fans will be welcomed by local artists and songwriters. Nashville SC has a unique opportunity being in Music City, and has shown its dedication to music and will continue to make local artists part of its identity.
Pictured (L-R): Mary Cavarra, Brian Tibbs, CM Joy Styles, John Ingram, Michael Carter, Darrell Freeman, Ian Ayre, Eleanor McDonald at the groundbreaking of GEODIS Park.
“We have a 60,000 square foot event square in the north end, which has power, so we can put stage out there on opening day,” says Ayre. “We’ve got a large screen video board on the external [of the building] so we can do watch parties. It has full sound so the whole thing has been designed with the ability to bring it to life in many different ways beyond soccer.”
In 2020, discussions of where the stadium would be and how it would look started early on with principal owner John Ingram and former Nashville mayor Megan Berry, before Ayre joined the club. Once the Nashville Fairgrounds were decided as the location and the team got the green light from the city, Ayre and the rest of the organization began planning what the stadium would look like in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.
“We worked as a group—myself and the ownership group—to look at the design with Populous, who were the main architect, and Hastings, who were the local architects. Some of the key messaging that came out of those discussions was really about the neighborhood in which it would sit in,” Ayre shares. “It was really important to make it look like it belongs in that neighborhood. Wedgewood-Houston is a very up-and-coming urban area. There are some amazing stadiums both in the MLS and around the world, and some of them look like giant spaceships that have landed from somewhere, which might be the right thing in some places. We felt that our design, look, and feel needed to fit in.
“We’re building the biggest house in the neighborhood, you don’t want to build the most gaudy one. A lot of brick, steel, and wood were built into the design, and some of the steel work is designed with a very industrial look. I think it works perfectly for the location and what we’re after.”
A Liverpool, England native, Ayre has been leading the building of the club and the energy around it. He has been tasked with taking the USL Nashville soccer team’s passionate fans and building up a world-class organization with an unbelievable stadium. He stepped down as CEO of Liverpool FC in 2017 and was ready for the next adventure. However, at no point did he think that building a soccer club in Nashville would be the next adventure.
“I am a big believer that things happen for a reason,” Ayre explains. “It certainly wasn’t anything I’ve ever thought of doing, but the more time I spent on it, the more I realized what an exciting opportunity it would be not just to run a team, but to actually build the entire thing from scratch. [That is] kind of a unique thing to do in this sport. It doesn’t get more exciting and fulfilling than to create the whole thing.”
Joe Bonamassa performing the pre-match Guitar Riff. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC
Since joining the MLS, the Nashville SC under Ayre’s leadership has incorporated many aspects of music to its match-day festivities, most notably their pre-match Guitar Riff. Many talented musicians in Music City have taken the stage for the pre-match tradition, including Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine and blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa. Styx’s Tommy Shaw will be the first to perform the Guitar Riff at GEODIS Park this Sunday (May 1).
Nashville band Judah & the Lion wrote and performed the club’s official anthem “Never Give Up On You.” The band will perform the song during a 20 minute post-match concert on Sunday.
Right now, GEODIS Park and NSC are focused on welcoming soccer fans and making it an amazing, world-class match-day experience. But concerts are on the horizon as Ayre and his team are looking to book acts.
For information about GEODIS Park and Nashville Soccer Club, head to The Sports Credential to read more.