Pictured: Robert K. Oermann and Naomi Judd circa 1985. Photo: Beth Gwinn
In 1979, I was a librarian at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and an aspiring entertainer named Naomi Judd began visiting me there.
She was working as a receptionist for some small Music Row company. On her lunch hours, she’d walk over to the museum to admire its artifacts (in those days, it was located at the head of Music Row next to BMI). She’d sit at the library research tables and confide in me about her dreams and aspirations. She had black hair then, always wore full makeup and was stunningly beautiful with her porcelain complexion.
Naomi shared my enthusiasm for old-time country music, so we’d chat about Appalachian folk songs. She was a newcomer in Nashville, and she talked about the people she was meeting, or trying to meet, in the music biz.
Most of all, she talked about her teenage daughter, Wynonna, and about how talented she was as a singer. Naturally, she had a photo of Wy that she shared. I brushed off her praise of Wy’s voice as the bragging of a proud parent.
Naomi had an idea for a radio show that would star the two of them. The gist of it was that a snippet of a song would begin each episode, then Naomi would tell Wy the story behind the song. This would segue into a mini-play with actors dramatizing the lyric’s plot. The finale would be the mother-daughter duo singing the full song.
The museum’s oral historian at the time was John Lomax III. His whole family was steeped in folk music, so I roped him into our discussions. Both of us were intrigued by Naomi and her idea that we should script her brainchild.
I still think it’s a cool idea for a show. I suggested “The Titanic,” “Single Girl Married Girl,” “The Wreck of the Old ’97” and some other classics. We batted the radio idea around for a few weeks, but Naomi didn’t want things to start happening until after Wy finished high school.
In her 1993 autobiography, Naomi wrote, “Robert was gracious and informative. We shared an obvious love for music and its history,” she added, “but he didn’t know that I also considered him my first friend in Nashville.” She was right. I had no idea.
A few months later, she invited me to come hear their Judds duo open a show for the group Memphis during what we used to call “Deejay Week.” The moment I heard Wynonna’s voice, I realized that Mama wasn’t exaggerating. The kid was spectacular. They both were. They sang “The Sweetest Gift,” “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and some other well-curated tunes. They were astonishingly good that night, and I told her so.
We never found a sponsor for that radio show. She later reworked it as a TV pilot centered around the song “Banks of the Ohio.” That didn’t fly either.
The Judds moved to Franklin, where Naomi became a nurse. But we stayed in touch. She was one of the great correspondents, always mailing notes and cards. We also ran into each other at the Music Row watering holes Maude’s Courtyard and Close Quarters. She kept me up to date about their good fortune to sing on Ralph Emery’s early-morning local TV show as “The Soap Sisters” and landing a solo gig as a model posing with Conway Twitty on the jacket of his LP Lost in the Feeling.
Naomi had a big case of “the want-to’s.” There was a fire burning inside Mama Judd that nothing was going to put out. I admired her moxie, her ambition, her brains, her strength and her hustle.
I became a music reporter at The Tennessean and USA Today in 1981. Naomi continued to badger the music industry with steely will, ferocious persistence and impressive tenacity. She was propositioned, sexually harassed, insulted and dismissed, but Naomi Judd would not be denied. She insisted on a fair hearing for her gifted daughter. Armed with nothing more than a homemade cassette tape, her beauty and her Southern Belle charm, she did the nearly impossible. She made them listen. Gradually, she found believers. In 1983-84, The Judds became country stars, and I reported on their spectacular rise, chronicling the duo’s Cinderella saga via many interviews, feature stories, reviews and news items.
Naomi continued to write me. She enjoyed cutting out particularly clever cartoons and oddball newspaper clippings and mailing them with her quips. She was a great letter writer, too. Every now and then, a package arrived from her. Our house is scattered with her sweet gifts — a little picture frame, a paperweight, a devotional booklet, a photo album. I saved all of her Christmas cards, too, because she always designed and wrote them so beautifully.
The bass singer in Memphis was named Larry Strickland. In 1989, Naomi phoned to say, “Will you get your suit out of the cleaners and come to my wedding? Larry and I want you to be there.” Not as a journalist, she added, but as a friend. “I don’t want it to be a show-biz wedding at all.” She meant it, and it wasn’t. I was also with her when she tearfully announced her retirement and wept for her.
I’ve been with Naomi Judd in her kitchen, seated in ballrooms at awards banquets, backstage at sold-out concerts, behind the scenes at TV specials and standing at Gold Record parties. No one ever enjoyed stardom more.
“I have been through so much in my life,” she said. “I’ve had people die in my arms; I’ve been divorced, fired, slam-dunked and shot at….I have crawled over broken glass to get here.”
Over the years, I have met many personalities in Music City. Believe me when I tell you that Naomi Judd had personality to spare. She is utterly unforgettable.
A ‘First Friend’ Remembers Naomi
/by Robert K OermannPictured: Robert K. Oermann and Naomi Judd circa 1985. Photo: Beth Gwinn
In 1979, I was a librarian at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and an aspiring entertainer named Naomi Judd began visiting me there.
She was working as a receptionist for some small Music Row company. On her lunch hours, she’d walk over to the museum to admire its artifacts (in those days, it was located at the head of Music Row next to BMI). She’d sit at the library research tables and confide in me about her dreams and aspirations. She had black hair then, always wore full makeup and was stunningly beautiful with her porcelain complexion.
Naomi shared my enthusiasm for old-time country music, so we’d chat about Appalachian folk songs. She was a newcomer in Nashville, and she talked about the people she was meeting, or trying to meet, in the music biz.
Most of all, she talked about her teenage daughter, Wynonna, and about how talented she was as a singer. Naturally, she had a photo of Wy that she shared. I brushed off her praise of Wy’s voice as the bragging of a proud parent.
Naomi had an idea for a radio show that would star the two of them. The gist of it was that a snippet of a song would begin each episode, then Naomi would tell Wy the story behind the song. This would segue into a mini-play with actors dramatizing the lyric’s plot. The finale would be the mother-daughter duo singing the full song.
The museum’s oral historian at the time was John Lomax III. His whole family was steeped in folk music, so I roped him into our discussions. Both of us were intrigued by Naomi and her idea that we should script her brainchild.
I still think it’s a cool idea for a show. I suggested “The Titanic,” “Single Girl Married Girl,” “The Wreck of the Old ’97” and some other classics. We batted the radio idea around for a few weeks, but Naomi didn’t want things to start happening until after Wy finished high school.
In her 1993 autobiography, Naomi wrote, “Robert was gracious and informative. We shared an obvious love for music and its history,” she added, “but he didn’t know that I also considered him my first friend in Nashville.” She was right. I had no idea.
A few months later, she invited me to come hear their Judds duo open a show for the group Memphis during what we used to call “Deejay Week.” The moment I heard Wynonna’s voice, I realized that Mama wasn’t exaggerating. The kid was spectacular. They both were. They sang “The Sweetest Gift,” “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and some other well-curated tunes. They were astonishingly good that night, and I told her so.
We never found a sponsor for that radio show. She later reworked it as a TV pilot centered around the song “Banks of the Ohio.” That didn’t fly either.
The Judds moved to Franklin, where Naomi became a nurse. But we stayed in touch. She was one of the great correspondents, always mailing notes and cards. We also ran into each other at the Music Row watering holes Maude’s Courtyard and Close Quarters. She kept me up to date about their good fortune to sing on Ralph Emery’s early-morning local TV show as “The Soap Sisters” and landing a solo gig as a model posing with Conway Twitty on the jacket of his LP Lost in the Feeling.
Naomi had a big case of “the want-to’s.” There was a fire burning inside Mama Judd that nothing was going to put out. I admired her moxie, her ambition, her brains, her strength and her hustle.
I became a music reporter at The Tennessean and USA Today in 1981. Naomi continued to badger the music industry with steely will, ferocious persistence and impressive tenacity. She was propositioned, sexually harassed, insulted and dismissed, but Naomi Judd would not be denied. She insisted on a fair hearing for her gifted daughter. Armed with nothing more than a homemade cassette tape, her beauty and her Southern Belle charm, she did the nearly impossible. She made them listen. Gradually, she found believers. In 1983-84, The Judds became country stars, and I reported on their spectacular rise, chronicling the duo’s Cinderella saga via many interviews, feature stories, reviews and news items.
Naomi continued to write me. She enjoyed cutting out particularly clever cartoons and oddball newspaper clippings and mailing them with her quips. She was a great letter writer, too. Every now and then, a package arrived from her. Our house is scattered with her sweet gifts — a little picture frame, a paperweight, a devotional booklet, a photo album. I saved all of her Christmas cards, too, because she always designed and wrote them so beautifully.
The bass singer in Memphis was named Larry Strickland. In 1989, Naomi phoned to say, “Will you get your suit out of the cleaners and come to my wedding? Larry and I want you to be there.” Not as a journalist, she added, but as a friend. “I don’t want it to be a show-biz wedding at all.” She meant it, and it wasn’t. I was also with her when she tearfully announced her retirement and wept for her.
I’ve been with Naomi Judd in her kitchen, seated in ballrooms at awards banquets, backstage at sold-out concerts, behind the scenes at TV specials and standing at Gold Record parties. No one ever enjoyed stardom more.
“I have been through so much in my life,” she said. “I’ve had people die in my arms; I’ve been divorced, fired, slam-dunked and shot at….I have crawled over broken glass to get here.”
Over the years, I have met many personalities in Music City. Believe me when I tell you that Naomi Judd had personality to spare. She is utterly unforgettable.
‘Don’t Think Jesus’ Co-Writers Advance On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAfter the monster debut of Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Don’t Think Jesus,” the song’s co-writers Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Mark Holman have made strong advances on MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart.
McGill makes his way to No. 6 this week, with credit from “Don’t Think Jesus” as well as Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson’s “Never Say Never” and Justin Moore’s “With A Woman You Love.” Alexander, who is also a co-writer on “Don’t Think Jesus” and “Never Say Never,” moves up to No. 10 this week. Holman makes it to No. 15 with the Wallen tune and “Flower Shops” by Ernest.
Eric Church remains at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with his solely-written “Heart On Fire.” Because Church is the only writer on “Heart On Fire,” all of the points earned from the song’s airplay, digital download track sales, and streams go entirely to him on the Songwriter Chart.
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.
Nashville’s Music Industry Remembers Naomi Judd
/by Lydia FarthingNaomi Judd. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late music legend and matriarch of mother-daughter duo The Judds, Naomi Judd, who passed away on Saturday (April 30).
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.
The Judds were celebrated alongside Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, and Pete Drake on Sunday (May 1) as they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for their iconic career full of country hits.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Naomi Judd, who enters the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow as a member of mother-daughter duo The Judds,” shared Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, on Saturday. “Naomi overcame incredible adversity on her way to a significant place in music history. Her triumphant life story overshadows today’s tragic news. Her family has asked that we continue with The Judds’ official Hall of Fame induction on Sunday. We will do so, with heavy hearts and weighted minds. Naomi and daughter Wynonna’s music will endure.”
“We are heartbroken to learn about the passing of the legendary Naomi Judd and honored to have shared many unforgettable moments and performances together. Our hearts go out to her husband Larry, daughters Wynonna and Ashley, and legions of fans around the world during this difficult time.” – CMT Spokesperson
“Naomi and Wynonna Judd (known as The Judds) have been with our company for 40 years, for their entire career. This is an incredible loss to everyone at our company and the entire music industry, where Naomi made such an incredible impact. Her daughters Wynonna and Ashley will always be an amazing part of her legacy. We send our heartfelt condolences to her husband and our friend Larry Strickland. We will respect the family’s wishes for privacy during this difficult and painful time.” – Mike Curb, Chairman, Curb Records
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Naomi Judd. Naomi was always so special to be with. She accomplished so much and she will be missed and loved forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.” – Crystal Gayle
“We just heard the devastating news that Naomi Judd has gone home. The Judds are being inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow. This is so very sad. We have been friends for decades and have worked hundreds of shows together. Our prayers for WY and Ashley and for all that loved her… which includes the four of us!” – The Oak Ridge Boys
“I have so many memories with Naomi Judd-from our early years on stage around the country, awards shows to recent neighborly encounters at church or around our town of Franklin. I am speechless and so sad! My prayers go out to Wynonna, Ashley, and the rest of her family. God bless you and comfort you all.” – Lee Greenwood
“It’s a sad day to hear about Naomi Judd, her creative and clever creation of The Judds image made a huge impact in country music. She will be missed greatly.” – Janie Fricke
“Naomi Judd was a dear friend and awesome talent. She was always so sweet and kind to me. I knew her well and did dozens of shows with The Judds. They have touched millions with their music. Sheila and my hearts are broken. Please pray for the Judd Family, fans, and friends. Rest in peace, sweet sister. I love you!” – T. Graham Brown
“There is no way I can get my mind to adjust to this reality. Naomi brought such a breath of fresh air to our industry with her uptown looks and down-home humor. Her talent was only equaled by her dedication to following her dream and her unbelievable work ethic. She was respected, admired and will be remembered for those attributes. Even as we prepared a place for her in the Hall of Fame, we know that God has prepared a place for her as well.” – Jeannie Seely
“Such a warm and talented lady. Prayers for Wynonna, Ashley and her husband Larry, as well as all of their family, friends and fans as they grieve this tremendous loss.” – John Berry
“Say it isn’t so. Cannot believe my girlfriend and longtime buddy Naomi is gone. We’ve known each other for years and she always treated me with class, grace and pure kindness. I’m going to miss her so much.” – Tanya Tucker
“I am shocked and saddened along with the rest of our country music community over the passing of Naomi Judd. I’ll never forget meeting her for the first time when she was a contestant on a TV game show I was hosting. I asked her to identify herself for the audience and she said, “My name is Naomi Judd and I am a nurse from Franklin, Tennessee. My daughter and I sing together, and someday we hope to make it in country music.” I was looking so forward to recalling that moment with her on Sunday when she and Wynonna were to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. She was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.” – Bill Anderson
“Such a tragic loss. Truly one of country music‘s most iconic entertainers has left us all in tears. As I sit here wondering why to myself, I know there are no answers. You look back and you think could I have helped in some way? I know these feelings as they have crept up in my life a time or two. Naomi was always so nice to me and my family. She would go out of her way to have someone summon me to come to her dressing room and we’d be sitting and talking until she or I had to go onstage. She always gave me wonderful advice, so it breaks my heart that maybe I should’ve reached out to her one more time. Our hearts are broken, and this music industry, this business, can do strange and crazy things to people. My thoughts are with her two beautiful daughters, Larry and her grandchildren and all of the fans who were so excited to see her back on the road and back on the stage again. She’s on the best stage she could ever be on now. Rest in peace, Naomi.”– Lorrie Morgan
Weekly Register: Jason Aldean’s ‘Georgia’ Blasts Into The Top Five
/by Lydia FarthingJason Aldean makes the biggest country album debut this week with the release of the second part of his tenth studio album, Georgia. The project debuts at No. 2 on the country charts and No. 8 overall with 26K in total consumption (13K album only/15 million streams), according to Luminate data.
Elsewhere on the albums chart, Morgan Wallen continues to dominate at No. 1 with Dangerous: The Double Album gaining 51K in total consumption (1.5K album only/6 million streams). Luke Combs takes up third as What You See Is What You Get adds 19K in total consumption, and fourth with This One’s For You earning 18K. Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) claims the fifth spot with 17K in total consumption.
On the songs front, Wallen maintains his spot at the top as his newest release, “Don’t Think Jesus,” adds another 9.3 million streams, contributing to a total of 26 million streams RTD since its April 15 release. Wallen also nabs the third spot as “Wasted On You” gains 7.2 million streams. Zach Bryan debuts at No. 2 with “Something In The Orange,” racking up 8.4 million first-week stream, while Walker Hayes‘ “AA” drops down on to fourth with 6.8 million streams. Combs’ rounds out the top five as “Doin’ This” adds 6.7 million streams, according to Luminate data.
Vince Gill Announces Four-Night Residency At Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughVince Gill will hold a four-night residency at the Ryman Auditorium from Aug. 4-7 with special guest Wendy Moten.
The shows are part of the venue’s 130th anniversary celebration, and will mark Gill’s first solo performance at the Mother Church since his two back-to-back sold-out shows in 2007. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 6 at 10 a.m. CT at ryman.com.
“Of all the great concert halls in America and throughout the world, the Ryman is by far my favorite,” says Gill. “I knew it was a unique venue the first time I set foot on the stage over 30 years ago. It was just me and an acoustic guitar and to this day that moment was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”
Gill is already a fixture on the Ryman stage with his wife Amy Grant at their annual “Christmas at the Ryman” shows and his many appearances at the Ryman’s annual Bluegrass Nights series.
“To have Vince be a part of our 130th-anniversary year with a four-night Ryman Residency is so incredibly fitting and such an honor,” says Chrissy Hall, Director of Concerts for Ryman Auditorium. “He has a deep love for the building and the magic that happens here. We are beyond excited to welcome him back to the Ryman stage for such a historic milestone.”
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.