Luke Combs Announces ‘Middle Of Somewhere Tour’ For Fall

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Luke Combs will kick off his “Middle of Somewhere Tour” this fall beginning Sept. 2. Special guests featured on the tour include Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Morgan Wade and Lainey Wilson.

Upcoming stops include two nights each at Green Bay’s Resch Center, Albany’s MVP Arena, Charleston’s North Charleston Coliseum, Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center, Omaha’s CHI Health Center and Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, among others.

As the official wireless partner for the “Middle of Somewhere Tour,” T-Mobile and Combs are teaming up to bring T-Mobile customers exclusive access to lower bowl tickets at every U.S. tour stop, even sold-out shows. Un-carrier customers can snag their Reserved Tickets starting 30 days prior to each show at first-day prices. Tickets for the “Middle of Somewhere Tour” will be available for pre-sale starting May 4 through Ticketmaster Verified Fan, with general on-sale following May 6. Combs’ official fan club, The Bootleggers, will have early access to tickets through Ticketmaster Verified Fan pre-sale starting May 4.

For the “Middle of Somewhere Tour,” Combs made a concerted effort to price tickets at a pre-pandemic rate.

“I know that the price of everything has been going up these last couple years and there’s nothing I can do about that, but the one thing I could do is set the price of my tickets,” shares Combs. “So, what I wanted to do was keep the ticket prices the same as they were before the pandemic. I really really hope you guys will come out and check us out. Can’t wait to see you on the road!”

Along with heading back on the road, Combs is gearing up for the release of his new album, Growin’ Up, June 24 via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville.

Luke Combs Tour Dates:
May 1—Indio, CA—Stagecoach
May 5—New Orleans, LA—New Orleans JazzFest
May 21—Denver, CO—Empower Field at Mile High* (SOLD OUT)
May 29—Napa Valley, CA—BottleRock
June 4—Seattle, WA—Lumen Field*
July 7—Cavendish, PEI—Cavendish Beach Music Festival
July 8—Quebec City, QC—Festival D’Ete International De Quebec
July 9—Ottawa, ON—RBC Bluesfest
July 23—Columbus, OH—Buckeye Country Superfest
July 30—Atlanta, GA—Mercedes-Benz Stadium* (SOLD OUT)
September 2—Bangor, ME—Maine Savings Amphitheater‡
September 3—Bangor, ME—Maine Savings Amphitheater‡
September 16—Green Bay, WI—Resch Center+
September 17—Green Bay, WI—Resch Center+
September 22—Lake Tahoe, NV—Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys+
September 23—Lake Tahoe, NV—Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys+
September 30—Albany, NY—MVP Arena+
October 1—Albany, NY—MVP Arena+
October 14—Charleston, SC—North Charleston Coliseum^
October 15—Charleston, SC—North Charleston Coliseum^
October 21—Louisville, KY—KFC Yum! Center^ (on-sale 5/13 at 10:00am local)
October 22—Louisville, KY—KFC Yum! Center^ (on-sale 5/13 at 10:00am local)
October 28—Omaha, NE—CHI Health Center^
October 29—Omaha, NE—CHI Health Center^
November 4—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Arena^
November 5—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Arena^
November 12—Quebec City, QC—Videotron Centre# (SOLD OUT)
November 14—Toronto, ON—Scotiabank Arena# (SOLD OUT)
November 15—Toronto, ON—Scotiabank Arena# (SOLD OUT)
November 17—Ottawa, ON—Canadian Tire Centre# (SOLD OUT)
November 18—Montreal, QC—Centre Bell# (SOLD OUT)
November 21—London, ON—Budweiser Gardens# (SOLD OUT)
November 22—London, ON—Budweiser Gardens# (SOLD OUT)
December 9—Oklahoma City, OK—Paycom Center%
December 10—Oklahoma City, OK—Paycom Center%

BOLD on-sale Friday, May 6
*with special guests Cody Johnson, Zach Bryan and Morgan Wade
‡with special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Morgan Wade
+with special guests Jordan Davis and Morgan Wade
^with special guests Jordan Davis and Lainey Wilson
#with special guests Riley Green and Chayce Beckham
%with special guest Jordan Davis and more to be announced

Morgan Wallen Nabs MusicRow No. 1

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In just 9 weeks, “Wasted On You” by Morgan Wallen reaches the chart peak on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The single adds +79 spins for a total of 1,777 spins this week. 

Wallen wrote “Wasted On You” with Big Loud label mate, Ernest, Josh Thompson, and Ryan Votjesak. He is currently on his nearly sold-out “Dangerous Tour” which consists of 54 dates that run through September. 

His latest single, “Don’t Think Jesus” is the top country streaming song and fifth all-genre song this week racking in 17 million first week streams, according to Luminate data. “Wasted On You” sits at No. 2 of the country streaming songs chart with 6.9 million streams.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Industry Ink: Brooke Meris, Jeff Carson, Tyler Rich, More

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Warner Music Nashville Rounds Out Radio Team With Brooke Meris

Brooke Meris

Warner Music Nashville has added Regional Manager Brooke Meris to its WEA radio team. Meris, covering the west, will join team members Ray Mariner (south) and Diane Monk (north). Reporting to National Director, Radio, Stephanie Hagerty, Meris will officially assume her new role on May 2.

“Brooke is highly respected by everyone in the industry, from radio to artists and managers,” shares VP Radio Anna Cage. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the Warner Music Nashville radio department.”

Meris joins Warner Music Nashville with more than 14 years of radio experience, including APD/MD of KILT in Houston. She most recently spent five years as Director of Southwest Promotions at Curb Records. Previous stops include Director of Radio Tour Marketing at Triple 8 Management and Manager of Regional Promotion at Columbia Nashville.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of an awesome team full of great people!” adds Meris. “I have always admired the team dynamic at WMN, so I’m really excited to now be a part of it and work with everyone… including the amazing roster of artists! I love music and working with passionate people who love what they do.”

 

Tracy Lawrence, John Berry, More Join Lineup For “A Musical Memorial For Jeff Carson”

Tracy Lawrence, John Berry, Halfway to Hazard, and War Hippies will join the lineup for “A Musical Memorial for Jeff Carson,” taking place on May 10 at The Nashville Palace.

Previously announced performers include Michael Ray, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Lee Greenwood, Ricochet, Craig Campbell, Rhett Akins, and more. General admission tickets are currently available for purchase.

“The 90s was such a different time for artists making it in country music. Many of us traveled on the bus together in package tours and really got to know each other and become close friends,” Berry shares. “Jeff was always a ray of sunshine to be around as he was always fun, positive, and ready to make us laugh. This night is going to be really fun as we sing our hits of the 90s and help raise money for Law Enforcement Assistance Partnership.”

An online auction has also been set and donations can be made in Carson’s honor by clicking here or texting “Carson” to 76278.

 

Tyler Rich & Friends Band Together For Writers For Rhinos

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Rich, Sara Barlow, Emily Falvey, Ashley Collier-Medley, Trent Tomlinson, Hannah Quintero, CJ Solar, Lauren Lott, Jason Fassler, and Andy Albert. Photo: Ashley Collier-Medley

Earlier this week, Tyler Rich led a sold out round called “Writers For Rhinos” alongside Andy Albert, CJ Solar, and AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series class of 2019 member Emily Falvey and Trent Tomlinson.

The annual event at The Listening Room in Nashville supports rhino conservation in partnership with the Nashville Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers, Rich Rescues and Nashville Zoo Roar Corps.

“Now in our third year, we could not be more thrilled to have such a talented group of musicians lend their voices to help save an endangered species. ‘Writers For Rhinos’ is such an important fundraising event for our mission to protect Rhinos for generations to come, and we want to express our sincere gratitude to Tyler, Andy, CJ, Emily, Trent and all who joined for this special event,” says Ashley Collier-Medley, Writers For Rhinos Founder.

“I’ve never tried to save a Rhino, but I’m happy to be a part of it. They are kind of like Pitbull unicorns,” Rich quipped. “In all seriousness, the need to protect animals whether it be at your local shelter or more exotic species across the globe is real and a big reason I started Rich Rescues to advocate out on tour. Any time I can support this cause, I’m all in.”

 

Tony Jackson Inks With BFR

Tony Jackson

Traditional country singer Tony Jackson has signed with BFR in Nashville, a division of Bob Frank Entertainment. BFR is distributed by BFD/Sony/Orchard and is helmed by Frank with Chuck Rhodes overseeing the Nashville label.

Jackson is best known for his viral hit rendition of George Jones’ “The Grand Tour,” which has surpassed 80 million Facebook and YouTube views to date. His upcoming new album is slated for release in August 2022 with singles and videos slated for release in the coming weeks.

“I am thrilled to join the BFR team and be heading back into the studio to give people what they have been asking me for. It’s been an interesting few years. I have a lot to share,” Jackson says.

“Tony is one of country’s pure traditional singers and we are extremely proud to represent him now at BFR,” adds Rhodes.

 

49th Annual Music City Tennis Invitational Slated For May 27-29

The 49th Anniversary of the Music City Tennis Invitational is set for May 27-29 at the Centennial Sportsplex. This year’s tournament will also feature a pickleball event in addition to the annual tennis tournament.

Registration for either the two-day tennis tournament or the pickleball event is $175 and open now. A portion of the entry fee is tax-deductible and includes a goodie bag, two days of tournament play, breakfast and lunch, and trophies for the winners.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition (TBCC), which aims to be a financial provider and advocate for Tennesseans facing breast cancer.

NSAI Holds The ‘World’s Largest No. 1 Party,’ Honors Jody Williams

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Pictured (L-R): Dustin Miller, Senior Vice President, and Chris Trokey, Managing Director (Truist Wealth, Sports and Entertainment Group), Jody Williams (2022 ‘NSAI Champion’ award recipient) and Steve Bogard (NSAI Board President). Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

On a hot and sunny Wednesday afternoon (April 27), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) gathered hundreds of songwriters, publishers, and industry friends to celebrate the songs that hit the top of the charts during the pandemic.

Along with event sponsors Truist Wealth and Ford, NSAI packed out the The Reserve at Fat Bottom Brewing Co. for an event they billed as the “World’s Largest No. 1 Party.”

NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison kicked off the celebration by letting the crowd know how hard the organization works for the benefit of songwriters.

Songwriters and industry members gather at the NSAI event. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

“When we shut the doors for COVID in March of 2020, we did what we do,” Herbison said, saying that NSAI immediately got to work on how to protect songwriters’ livelihoods from the impact of the pandemic. “In that first week when we were closed, we offered some language that got put in the first CARES Act that made every self-employed person in America, including songwriters, eligible for unemployment and paycheck protection.”

The crowd roared after hearing that. “We also handed out a quarter of a million dollars of grants during that time. I’m proud of the work we do,” Herbison shared.

Before celebrating the hits of the past two years, NSAI honored a true Music Row trailblazer, Jody Williams, with NSAI Champion award. This honor is given in recognition of generous support for—and dedication to—songwriters, the music industry and NSAI, and is chosen by the NSAI Executive Director.

Williams shared a few words to the room full of creatives and industry personnel. He thanked his family, his team at Jody Williams Songs, and his writers; and recognized four important people in his journey: Charlie Daniels, Kix Brooks, Layng Martine, and Liz Rose.

Williams recalled an observation he made a few years ago on a plane ride to Austin, Texas he shared with some hit songwriters, Rose, Jon Randall, and Lee Thomas Miller. He observed that although his friends had written award-winning hit songs, no one else on the plane knew who they were.

“They’re all blending in with humanity on the plane. They’re quiet, they’re reading or sleeping. No one knows they are here. They’re exactly like you and me, but they’re actually magicians. They have superpowers. They have abilities to transcend logical thinking,” Williams shared. “Like you and me, they’re insecure, doubtful at times, hopeful most of the time, hardworking, family-oriented people. When they wake up most mornings to approach their jobs, they have nothing.

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Robbins, JT Harding, and Jon Nite. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

“That’s when these Peter Parkers become Spider-Man,” he said. “They create a song that starts out having zero chance of making it through the myriad of gatekeepers to become a hit. Then against all odds, unbelievably, their hope becomes a hit.”

Williams summed with, “After a few decades of working with songwriters, I’m still in complete awe when I am in the presence of you all. Complete awe. I can’t receive this award without offering my thanks to all of you. You are all heroes to me.”

Herbison shared of Williams, “Jody Williams has spent his professional career in the music industry helping songwriters and others. I am one such individual, in my twenty-five years as NSAI Executive Director enlisting Jody’s help dozens of times. He’s always responded and his word is as good as gold.”

After presenting Williams with his award, Herbison read off a list of 99 songs that hit No. 1 on the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts during the period of September 2019 through December 2021. The songwriters in attendance hustled up to the stage with their peers cheering them on, took a quick photo, and joined their friends back in the crowd, perfectly exemplifying the strength and camaraderie in the Nashville music publishing community.

Pictured (L-R): Steve Bogard (NSAI Board President), Tyler Hubbard, Blake Redferrin, Chris Loocke. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Pictured (L-R): Steve Bogard (NSAI Board President), Tenille Arts, Alex Kline, Chris Trokey (Truist Wealth, Sports and Entertainment Group). Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI Chief Operating Officer), Jody Williams, Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director). Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Pictured: Madeline Merlo with her NSAI Award. Photo: NSAI / Savannah Grimm

Brandi Carlile Cancels Upcoming Stagecoach Appearance After Contracting COVID-19

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Brandi Carlile. Photo: Neil Krug

Brandi Carlile will no longer be performing at the 2022 Stagecoach Festival after contracting COVID-19, as she revealed on social media.

“Hey buddies, it finally happened: I have the COVID. I won’t be able to come to Stagecoach,” the Grammy-award winning entertainer shared. “It’s horrible.”

In her video, Carlile also shared her symptoms, explaining that she is suffering from a chest infection due to the virus. “I’m a few days in, and I have a chest infection, but I think I turned a corner today and I’m starting to feel a little bit better,” she adds. “I just want to let everybody know that I’m devastated to be missing you, and I hope that you have a wonderful time out there with all my freakin’ friends. See you on the other side of this trash.”

 

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A post shared by Brandi Carlile (@brandicarlile)

Carlile was slated to headline the festival’s Palomino Stage on Friday (April 29). However, in light of these events, Tanya Tucker will now be taking over Carlile’s 7:40 performance slot. Amythyst Kiah, The Cactus Blossoms, Charley Crockett, Neal McCoy and the Marcus King Band will perform on the Palomino Stage earlier in the day.

Taking place this weekend in Indio, California, the T-Mobile Mane Stage will deliver a packed opening day with performances from Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Jordan Davis, Ryan Hurd and more. Carrie Underwood, Brothers Osborne, Luke Combs and Cody Johnson will also be on hand for the weekend’s festivities.

Sherry Martin Signs With Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Pictured L-R): Aaron Raitiere, Sherry Martin, and Jessi Vaughn Stevenson

Sherry Martin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Martin is the mother of WCM songwriter Aaron Raitiere, who she often collaborates with, most notably penning “Love, Light, and Healing” for The Oak Ridge Boys. With “Love, Light, and Healing,” Martin gave Raitiere her journal of prayers to pull from, and they came up with the song while spending time together at Martin’s lake house during the initial COVID-19 lockdown.

She also lent her songwriting talents to “I Ain’t No Zebra I’m a Bumblebee,” by Anderson East, which is featured on the children’s album At Home With Kids.

Born in Providence, Kentucky, Martin inherited her love of music from her mother, who, after spending a career working for GE, dedicated herself to playing piano at their Baptist church.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs Gives Taste Of New Music With ‘Tomorrow Me’

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That cool breeze you feel comes from Canada this week.

North-of-the-border stars High Valley, Brett Kissel, Gord Bamford and Terri Clark all have new sounds for your consideration. Gord and Terri’s duet is essential.

That said, whenever a listening session includes Country Champ Luke Combs, you know who is taking home the Disc of the Day award. Luke wasn’t without challengers, namely Morgan Wallen and Lindsay Ell, as well as Gord & Terri.

The DISCovery Award has three contenders—Ryan McMahon, Jessica Willis Fisher and our winner, third-generation country talent Tess Frizzell.

BRENNEN LEIGH & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “Obsessed With the West”
Writer: Brennen Leigh; Producer: none listed; Label: Signature Sounds
–This is the title tune of Leigh’s new album. She’s a western-swing revivalist on it, but this languid track is a ballad with her gracious croon backed by swaying fiddle. An audio delight.

LUKE COMBS / “Tomorrow Me”
Writers: Luke Combs/Dean Dillon/Ray Fulcher; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: Columbia
–He has one of those voices that has you hanging on every line. On this melodic mid-tempo outing, he expresses desire, regret and emotional conflict in a wonderfully shaded performance. Beautifully sung and produced with clarity and elegance.

TESS FRIZZELL / “The Wrong One”
Writers: Dottie West/Tess Frizzell/Bobby Tomberlin/Billy Lawson; Producer: none listed; Label: TF
–Tess is the daughter of Shelly West and Allen Frizzell. This lovely ballad is based on a song that grandmother Dottie West began in the 1960s. The song has a magnetic pull, and the singer’s lustrous alto is a deep pool of wistful meditation. I’m in.

BRETT ELDREDGE / “Songs About You”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Jessie Jo Dillon/Ben West; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Warner
–Hearing songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Dancing in the Dark” transport him back to their love affair. Brett’s muscular vocal is backed by a serious R&B backbeat. A Southern soul strutter.

RYAN McMAHON / “One More Fire”
Writer: Ryan McMahon; Producers: Jordan Pritchett/Danielle King; Label: Elbowroom (Canada)
–This one’s an upbeat toe tapper. He seeks new adventures and experiences in a hearty, range-y voice backed by a kickin’ band. Promising.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Don’t Think Jesus”
Writers: Jessi Leigh Alexander/Mark L. Holman/Richard Chase McGill; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–In this aching, deliberately paced ballad, he falls into substance abuse and fast living until he pulls himself back from the brink. It’s a slow but dramatic build from a wounded, frail beginning to a torrid, top-of-his-range midsection. Then it resolves in a hushed, tender finale. A terrific performance from one of country’s most expressive artists.

HELENE CRONIN / “Barbed Wire”
Writers: Helene Cronin/Nicole Lewis/Davis Corley; Producer: Brianna Tyson; Label: HCM
–She has a low folkie alto voice on this moody, offbeat, somewhat wordy ballad. The production lays on plenty of echoey ambiance.

HIGH VALLEY & GRANGER SMITH / “Country Music, Girls and Trucks”
Writers: Brad Rempel/Micah Wilshire/Jaron Boyer; Producer: Micah Wilshire; Label: HV
–You read that title correctly. And, no, they aren’t kidding. We are supposed to take these cliches with straight face.

BRETT KISSEL & 98 DEGREES / “Ain’t the Same”
Writers: Brett Kissel/James Timothy Nichols/Karen Kosowski; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Warner (Canada)
–Creamy harmonies color this lovelorn pop-country ditty. Pleasant and catchy, but ultimately bland.

LINDSAY ELL / “Right On Time”
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Jordan Schmidt/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: LE
–Her strongest track yet. The rhythm punch is totally hooky, and her husky vocal delivery is supremely confident. The rapid-fire lyric is matched by sizzling electric guitar work and her conversational pep. Loved it from top to bottom.

GORD BAMFORD & TERRI CLARK / “I Ain’t Drunk”
Writers: Buddy Owens/Meghan Fitzpatrick/Mitchell Edward Oglesby; Producers: Gord Bamford/Phil O’Donnell; Label: GB
–I am a big fan of both of these singers. Bamford’s beefy baritone is matched note-for-note by the honky-tonk drawl of Clark. She shadows him perfectly in soprano harmony while the soaring, melody-rich tale of heartache unspools. This is country music the way it was meant to be. The song is drawn from Bamford’s Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass collection, which is also highly recommended.

JESSICA WILLIS FISHER / “Fire Song”
Writers: Jessica Willis Fisher/Jon Randall; Producer: Ben Fowler; Label: JWF
–Formerly of The Willis Clan, Jessica Willis Fisher is issuing her debut solo album, Brand New Day. This dramatic, minor-key rocker is the collection’s first single. Her haunting, Appalachia-flavored soprano is backed by her own fierce fiddling and a furious rhythm undertow. The song of a survivor.

Jim Ed Norman Comes Full Circle On The Eagles’ ‘Hotel California Tour’ [Interview]

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Jim Ed Norman

When the Eagles take the stage on Thursday (April 28) and Friday (April 29) night in Nashville, they will be joined by not one, but two Music Row mavericks on stage.

Vince Gill has been touring with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members for a while. Most recently Gill has joined Eagles Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, on the “Hotel California 2022 Tour,” where the band plays the Hotel California album in its entirety from start to finish, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. After a short intermission, the Eagles perform a set of their greatest hits.

But Gill isn’t the only Nashvillian traveling around with the Eagles. The band also picked up an old friend for this special tour, renowned Nashville music business titan, Jim Ed Norman. He leads the 60-piece orchestra and choir for the band each night.

Norman established himself as a top producer and A&R executive before leading Warner Bros. Nashville for two decades. His leadership played a key role in the careers of Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam, and Take 6, among many others. What some may not know about Norman is that his history with the Eagles goes back to his college days, when he met Henley at North Texas State University.

Norman grew up musical and decided to pursue a career as a music teacher. He was interested in big band music, and North Texas was the place to be for that kind of music. He met a young Henley on campus there in a chance encounter that would alter his future.

“While at North Texas, I was walking along the sidewalk that was connected to the apartment complex that I lived at. It was a beautiful day and there was a fellow that had his door open playing music,” Norman recalls to MusicRow. “He was playing his Led Zeppelin record. I walked in and handed him a Dillard‘s record, which was a progressive bluegrass group, and said ‘Hey, you need to check this out.’ That fellow was Don Henley.

“Through that meeting of walking in, sticking out my hand, and introducing myself, I got to know Don and we shared music.”

After a summer back in his home-state in Florida, Norman received a call from Henley asking if he’d like to be in his band.

“I had really come to understand that I really wasn’t cut out to be a music teacher, so I dropped out of school and I went to join Don’s band that already existed, Shiloh.

“We went to Los Angeles, but then the band did as they sometimes do: we broke up,” Norman recalls. “I had been afforded the opportunity to write a small string quartet part on the Shiloh record, so Don knew that I was interested in being an orchestral arranger. When the Eagles formed and on the second record, they decided they wanted to use orchestra. Don and Glenn [Frey] reached out and asked if I wanted to write the string arrangements on the record. That was one of the quickest times I’ve said ‘Yes’ in my life.”

Jim Ed Norman

The first professional orchestral arrangement Norman composed in his life was for the Eagles 1973 hit album, Desperado.

“With the credit on that record, I had the imprimatur that it took to give me an opportunity to then go on to arrange. Not only did I arrange all of the Eagles’ projects through Hotel California, but it brought me [an opportunity to arrange] Linda Ronstandt‘s version of ‘Desperado,’ [as well as projects for] Bob Segar, America, Kim Carnes, and a lot of other things.”

As Norman advanced in his career and eventually became a titan on Music Row, he kept in touch with the Eagles. He worked on Frey’s solo record, No Fun Aloud, and regularly spoke with Henley.

“Because of the relationship in particular that I had with Don, he reached out when [they decided to do] the ‘Hotel California Tour.’ It was stimulated by the album coming up on 50 years and all of these anniversary moments. He said, ‘We’re going to have an orchestra and you can be involved as much or as little as you want, because you did all those original arrangements.’ On the front end, I demurred because I didn’t know if wanted to be on the road to conduct.

“My fiancé said, ‘Are you crazy? You need to do this.’ The more I thought about it, the more I realized I’m not going get a chance to stand in front of an orchestra and conduct parts that I wrote when I was a kid.”

Norman sums, “My life as an arranger started with Desperado. Right now on the road with the guys, the last performance that’s done with orchestra each night is ‘Desperado.’ I get to essentially be swept off my own feet every night. At certain times I become separated from my hands waving and I’m just listening and absorbing.”

Norman’s full-circle moment is on display in Music City tonight (April 28) and tomorrow (April 29) at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are still available now.

 

Bobbi Boyce To Exit CMA After 30 Years Of Service

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Bobbie Boyce

The Country Music Association has announced the departure of long-time employee and current Director of International Relations, Bobbi Boyce. After nearly 30 years of service to CMA, she will be stepping away from the organization at the end of this month.

“I have always been proud to work at CMA and have loved being a part of the country music community, which is such a special family,” says Boyce. “I will cherish the memories I am taking with me. It’s time to concentrate on other projects in particular as the Trustee for Davy Jones’ Trust, but I look forward to watching the continued growth of country music internationally.”

Beginning her career with CMA in 1992 as the organization’s European Assistant, Boyce eventually took the helm as CMA’s Director of International Relations. Throughout her time with the organization, she supported all CMA international initiatives, including the worldwide distribution of CMA’s television properties such as the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas.

Working with CMA members, Board of Directors and staff, as well as the wider country music industry both internationally and domestically, Boyce has helped establish the organization’s international task forces as well as brought on key international broadcasters.

“For many years now, Bobbi has acted as a leading voice for CMA’s international efforts both to our international partners and to our local Nashville community,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA, Chief Executive Officer. “She has been instrumental in making sure that the bridge between Nashville and our partners across the globe was strong, secure and supportive of the genre overall. Thanks in no small part to her efforts, we have continued to see significant growth in country consumption internationally. I, and CMA as a whole, will miss working with Bobbi dearly, but am excited to see her able to focus more time on her other projects.”

“A publicist, networker, connector and facilitator, Bobbi’s presence has been a cornerstone to CMA’s international agenda for almost three decades,” adds Milly Olykan, CMA, Vice President, International Relations and Development. “From overseeing all our international awards and editing our CMA television properties for international audiences, to the countless relationships she has fostered, Bobbi has given so much of herself to keep the international flames burning for CMA. While we are sad to see her stepping away from her work with CMA, we are eternally grateful for her dedicated service to our organization and wish her all the best!”

To reach Boyce after April 30, contact bobbiboyce75@gmail.com.

Lorianne Crook To Be Honored At Women in Business Influencing Women Awards Gala

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Lorianne Crook

Lorianne Crook will receive the 2022 Jeannie Seely Standing Ovation Award from the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Women in Business during this year’s Women in Business Influencing Women Awards Gala. The event will be held at the Sonesta Nashville Airport on April 28.

The award was originally named for and presented in 2019 to Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely, who generously shares her time advocating for her community and various organizations.

Each year, the award recognizes a woman who has created influence and significance in the entertainment industry and has shown the advocacy of other women in her field by mentoring and supporting them in their professional success. Previous winners include Devon O’Day and Kellie Pickler.

Crook is recognized for being part of the elite list of the nation’s Most Influential Women in Radio. As a creator, producer, writer and host of an array of television and radio productions, she has received numerous career awards from the CMA, SESAC, Gospel Music Association and the New York & Television Festival.

She was inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame and received the Living Legend Award at the Grand Ole Opry in 2017, and presently holds the title of Vice President of Jim Owens Entertainment along with serving as the Executive Producer and host of the nationally syndicated Crook & Chase productions distributed in partnership with Premiere/iHeart Media.