Pictured (L-R): Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan. Photo: Steve Lowry
Music City songwriters, publishers and other music business professionals gathered in the BMI lobby on Thursday (April 7) to celebrate the award-winning and chart-topping duet, “If I Didn’t Love You.”
Sung by country hitmakers Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, the track is Aldean’s 26th career No. 1 and Underwood’s 28th. “If I Didn’t Love You” was written by Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy and first-time chart-toppers John Morgan and Lydia Vaughan.
BMI’s Clay Bradley hosted the celebration. Bradley recognized the magnitude of two country superstars joining forces for the hit duet. “[They are] taking their place in the country music history books as one of the greatest duets of all time, alongside Tammy and George, Conway and Loretta, Tim and Faith, Dolly and Kenny, and Johnny and June,” he said. “‘If I Didn’t Love You’ will live on forever.”
Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery was on hand to speak about Vaughan. He spoke about her skill, spirit and work ethic—as well as her love for snacks at the publishing office. “When you first hang out with her, you realize how special she is,” he said. “She’s talented, smart, and humble.”
BMG’s Chris Oglesby got up to speak on Allison and Kennedy, the best friends, co-writers, and bandmates in Aldean’s band. “Kurt and Tully,” Oglesby addressed the songwriters, adding that calling them “Tully and Kurt” wasn’t the correct order. “It’s been an honor to be a small part of your success since BMG came alongside to become a partner and watch you guys work. Your ability to balance road work, producing, writing, and family is exemplary.”
Pictured (L-R): Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood. Photo: Steve Lowry
Aldean put on his publisher hat to speak about his Triple Play writer, Morgan—who is also signed to Aldean’s BBR label imprint, Night Train Records.
“This publishing thing is pretty easy, I’m like two for two,” Aldean joked. “One of the main reasons Kurt, Tully and I decided to start Triple Play was meeting John Morgan.
“From the time I heard his voice and the stuff he was writing, I knew I wanted to create something for [Kurt and Tully] and for him,” he said. “This being his first cut, first single, and first No. 1…You’ve only got one way to go from here, my man.”
BBR head Job Loba recognized Aldean’s partners at Maverick, WME, and Green Room PR, as well as BBR’s entire label staff, making sure to call out many unsung departments in addition to his stellar radio promo team. He let the crowd know that Broken Bow Records was the No. 3 most played imprint in 2021. “You guys crushed it last year, you’re already crushing it this year,” he said.
“Jason and Carrie,” Loba continued. “There is a reason you two are the icons you are. There’s many reasons, but at the base, it’s your uncompromising attention to great songs.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, John Morgan, and Lydia Vaughan with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins, MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry
Next up to speak were the “If I Didn’t Love You” co-writers. Allison kicked things off, thanking Aldean and Underwood, his co-writers, team-members and family.
“I don’t ever want to lose sight of the thankfulness and the gratefulness that I have. I play guitar for a living, I get paid to do that. I go around with my best friends. It’s absurd,” Allison said. “I write songs with some of my best friends—and they’re going to be my best friends for life. Music brought all of us together and made us friends, but now we’re friends that get to make music together.”
Kennedy echoed Allison’s thanks. “I look around the room, and we are so blessed to have been surrounded by the same faces for our entire career. This is a family.”
Vaughan spoke about the gravity of a Aldean-Underwood cut being her first hit. “Jason and Carrie, thank you guys so much for hearing the song, believing in it, and putting your voices on it. You guys have given the song its absolute best life,” she said. “12-year-old Lydia is 100% freaking out knowing that Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean recorded a song she was a part of.”
Morgan concluded the writers’ speeches, specifically thanking Aldean for believing and investing in him. “Being a songwriter is a tough gig, there’s a lot of instability that comes with the industry. I’m so thankful I got in with the people I did when I did.”
Next, industry members got to hear from the hitmakers themselves, Aldean and Underwood.
Aldean told the story of the song’s journey from him hearing it to Underwood recording with him. He thanked Underwood, all of his team members and the writers. “Thank you so much to everyone who worked on the song, believed in it, and made it what it is. Like Clay said, I do think this will go down as one of the biggest duets in country music,” he said. “I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
Underwood recounted her experience hearing the song for the first time—noting that seeing a female as a writer on the track intrigued her and led to more opportunities for Vaughan.
“In this case, the old cliche ‘it all starts with a song’ is exactly how it happened,” she said. “The stars lined up so quickly to make this happen, it was all meant to be. Thanks to everyone who helped give this song the light it deserves, it’s been really fun to be part of it.”
BMI’s partner in No. 1 parties, Pinnacle Bank, made a donation on behalf of the song to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Aldean, and to Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation.
Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Corey Crowder, More Among ASCAP Pop Award Winners
/by LB CantrellCorey Crowder, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne
There were plenty of Nashville songwriters among the honorees at the 2022 ASCAP Pop Music Awards. The winners will be celebrated on social media across ASCAP’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter April 11 through 14.
Nashville hitmakers Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Corey Crowder, Zach Crowell, J.T. Harding, Darius Rucker, Matt Jenkins, Brett Young, Anna Moon, Chris Stapleton, Neil Medley, Dylan Scott and more co-penned some of ASCAP’s most performed songs of the past year in popular music.
19-year-old Olivia Rodrigo was named Songwriter of the Year this year. The pop superstar takes home the top ASCAP honor—her first ASCAP Award ever—recognizing her bit hits, “Deja Vu,” “Drivers License” and “Good 4 U.” Sony Music Publishing took home the ASCAP Pop Music Awards Publisher of the Year trophy.
As one of the longest-charting Billboard Hot 100 hits of all time, the Dua Lipa-recorded “Levitating” receives ASCAP Pop Music Awards Song of the Year. The multi-Platinum hit was written by ASCAP songwriters Lipa, Clarence Coffee Jr., Sarah Hudson, DaBaby, and Stephen “Koz” Kozmeniuk.
For a complete list of winners, visit ASCAP’s website. Below is a list of ASCAP Pop Award-winning songs written by Nashville writers:
“Beers And Sunshine” (recorded by Darius Rucker) – ASCAP Writers: J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne, Darius Rucker; ASCAP Publishers: Detroit Records and Tapes, Growing Music Publishing, Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music
“Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” (recorded by Sam Hunt) – ASCAP Writers: Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne; ASCAP Publishers: Kyler’s Kinda Night, Round Hill Songs , Between the Pines, Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville, Universal Music Publishing Group
“Famous Friends” (recorded by Chris Young and Kane Brown) – ASCAP Writer: Corey Crowder; ASCAP Publishers: Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Warner Chappell Music
“Good Time” (recorded by Niko Moon) – ASCAP Writers: Anna Moon, Joshua Murty, Mark Trussell; ASCAP Publishers: Anna Moon Publishing, Future Heartbeat Publishing, Joshua Murty Publishing, Mark Trussell Music, Warner Chappell Music
“Happy Anywhere” (recorded by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani) – ASCAP Writers: Matt Jenkins, Josh Osborne; ASCAP Publishers: Combustion Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Seeker Music, Kobalt Music Publishing, SMACKsongs, Sony Music Publishing, Tape Room Music, Warner Chappell Music, Who Wants to Buy My Publishing
“Just The Way” (recorded by Parmalee feat. Blanco Brown) – ASCAP Writers: Kevin Bard, Nolan Sipe; ASCAP Publishers: Kevin Bard Music, Margetts Road Music, Nolan W Sipe Music, Sony Music Publishing
“Lady” (recorded by Brett Young) – ASCAP Writer: Brett Young; ASCAP Publishers: Caliville Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Big Machine Music
“Long Live” (recorded by Florida Georgia Line) – ASCAP Writers: Corey Crowder, David Garcia; ASCAP Publishers: 4Thekidz Music, Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Spirit Music Nashville, the Vault Music, Warner Chappell Music
“Made For You” (recorded by Jake Owen) – ASCAP Writer: Neil Medley; ASCAP Publishers: Mojo Music and Media, Son of a Carl Music
“Nobody” (recorded by Dylan Scott) – ASCAP Writer: Dylan Scott; ASCAP Publisher: Curb Songs
“Single Saturday Night” (recorded by Cole Swindell) – ASCAP Writer: Ashley Gorley; ASCAP Publishers: Caleb’s College Fund, Round Hill Songs
“Starting Over” (recorded by Chris Stapleton) – ASCAP Writer: Chris Stapleton; ASCAP Publishers: I Wrote These Songs, Warner Chappell Music
“What’s Your Country Song” (recorded by Thomas Rhett) – ASCAP Writer: Ashley Gorley; ASCAP Publishers: Caleb’s College Fund, Round Hill Songs
The Judds To Embark On ‘The Final Tour’ This Fall
/by Lydia FarthingThe Judds. Photo: Kristin Barlowe
The Judds will hit the road again for the first time in over a decade on “The Final Tour.” Martina McBride will join as a special guest on select dates.
The 10-date arena tour, produced by Sandbox Live and Live Nation, will kick off on Sept. 30 in Grand Rapids, Mich. at Van Andel Arena. The mother-daughter duo will also make stops in Toledo, Green Bay, Fort Worth, and more before wrapping at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 28. Tickets go on-sale to the general public beginning April 15. Fans can sign up for pre-sale ticket access at TheJudds.com.
“What I’m looking forward to most is celebrating Judd music with the fans. Mom and I have had quite the journey over the last 38 years, and the fans have been with us through it all. This tour is a celebration for them!” Wynonna adds.
“The Judds were my very first concert and this is a full circle moment for us. Launching Sandbox Live with The Judds ‘The Final Tour’ makes perfect sense,” says Jason Owen, President and CEO of Sandbox. “We are so proud to produce their epic return to live concerts with our partners at Live Nation and Leslie Cohea and the incredible team at Sandbox.”
The Judds will make a triumphant return to the CMT Music Awards stage tonight (April 11), to perform their international hit and chart-topping single, “Love Can Build A Bridge.” The performance kicks off a soon-to-be momentous year for the pair as they’re officially enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in May.
Erin D. D. Burr Rises To VP, Communications At Big Machine Label Group
/by LB CantrellErin D.D. Burr. Photo: Katie Kauss
Big Machine Label Group has announced the advancement of Erin D.D. Burr to Vice President, Communications.
Since joining Big Machine nearly twelve years ago, some of Burr’s achievements include helping to revitalize Reba McEntire’s presence in pop culture and earn the icon a Grammy Award for her first gospel album in 2018, and positioning ACM & CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce as one of the format’s leading women. She was key in the development of Florida Georgia Line‘s initial press strategy, and has contributed to opportunities for highly acclaimed artists Sheryl Crow and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Burr eagerly seeks out placements for Tyler Rich, Eli Young Band, The Cadillac Three and Riley Green, as well as helps to introduce newcomers Laci Kaye Booth and Heath Sanders.
“Erin Burr’s commitment to creating and executing media campaigns is unmatched,” shares BMLG’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Jake Basden. “Her tireless work ethic and love for the music has greatly impacted Big Machine Label Group and its roster of artists for over a decade. This incredibly deserving promotion to Vice President is a nod to the past and a celebration of a bright future.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from some of the most charismatic and talented creators throughout my time at Big Machine,” says Burr. “Thank you to Scott Borchetta for the space to discover career-defining moments with iconic artists, those leading a new generation and all who dream beyond genre boundaries. Let the adventures continue!”
Now based in Washington, D.C., Burr graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and previously worked at Special Promotions Inc. and NSAI before joining BMLG in 2010.
Reach Burr at erin.burr@bmlg.net.
Essential Broadcast Media Promotes Four
/by LB CantrellPictured (clockwise): Joseph Conner, Janet Buck, Rachel Heatherly, Ashley Gaskin. Photos: Jon-Paul Bruno
Essential Broadcast Media (EBM) has announced the elevations of four staff members.
Of the promotions, Joseph Conner transitions from Senior Publicist to Senior Director, Janet Buck moves from Publicist to Public Relations Director, Ashley Gaskin goes from Jr. Publicist to Publicist, and Rachel Heatherly transitions from Coordinator to Publicist.
“The care and precision this team takes when executing our individual clients’ media strategies is so thoughtful and intentional, they impress every single day,” shares EBM founder and publicist, Ebie McFarland. “It’s an honor to represent the talent on our roster and to get to do so alongside a group of professionals this passionate is truly the dream.”
Among the award-winning artists on EBM’s roster are George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Ashley McBryde, Caitlyn Smith, Whiskey Myers, Ryman Hospitality, and Hootie & the Blowfish. Recently, EBM has expanded its roster to include reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert and Billboard’s Top Country Artist of 2021, Morgan Wallen.
Additionally, EBM represents comedians Sebastian Maniscalco, Taylor Tomlinson and Dusty Slay, as well as rock/pop acts KALEO and Michael Franti. The firm also oversees PR efforts for non-profit Diversify The Stage, founded in the spring of 2020 by Noelle Scaggs, co-lead vocalist of alt-pop band Fitz And The Tantrums, with a focus on transforming the concert, events and touring industries to increase more diverse representation.
McFarland adds, “We are humbled by the opportunity to work with some of the greatest storytellers of our generation. After two years of reimagining how our business can work more efficiently, it’s important to recognize the talented individuals who fuel the PR machine behind the execution of our client’s visions. To Joseph, Janet, Ashley and Rachel: thank you for believing in the work, the music and the power of PR.”
Congratulate Conner at joseph@ebmediapr.com, Buck at janet@ebmediapr.com, Gaskin at ashley@ebmediapr.com, and Heatherly at rachel@ebmediapr.com.
LeAnn Rimes Announces New Album, ‘God’s Work,’ Out This September
/by Lydia FarthingLeAnn Rimes. Photo: Norman Seeff
Grammy Award-winning vocalist LeAnn Rimes will release her new album, God’s Work, through EverLe Records via Thirty Tigers/The Orchard on Sept. 16. Upon purchase, fans will be granted access to “Throw My Arms Around the World” and “I Do,” a duet by Rimes and Aloe Blacc, as well as new track “How Much a Heart Can Hold.”
The 12-track record features a genre-bending group of fellow artists, including Blacc, Mickey Guyton, Ziggy Marley, Ben Harper, Ledisi, Sheila E., Robert Randolph, and more. Written and produced by Rimes and her longtime collaborator and close friend Darrell Brown, God’s Work has been nearly three years in the making and takes listeners on their own unique journey, exploring the duality of life and recognizing its light and darkness.
“For me, God’s Work was all about a journey of reclamation, where humanity meets spirit,” Rimes shares. “The idea was to really dig into the duality of life, and I needed to be at the place I am in my life now in order to release this record whole-heartedly. It’s so empowering that I am finally there.”
Rimes intentionally chose to stylize the album title and track listing in an all-lowercase font, explaining, “If we’re arguing about why the ‘g’ is or isn’t capitalized, we’re missing the whole point. It’s so important for us to focus on the messages, rather than the nuances.”
To celebrate the album announcement and Rimes’ 25th career anniversary, she will headline a special installment of CMT Crossroads, airing on April 14 at 7 p.m. CT on CMT. CMT Crossroads: LeAnn Rimes & Friends will feature an all-female lineup, including Guyton, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, and Brandy Clark, who help commemorate Rimes’ career.
Rimes will also kick off her upcoming tour “The Story…So Far” in support of God’s Work and her 25th anniversary on May 13. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
God’s Work Track List:
Spaceship
The Only (Ft. Ziggy Marley, Ledisi, and Ben Harper)
Awakening
How Much a Heart Can Hold
Throw My Arms Around the World
The Wild (Ft. Sheila E. And Mickey Guyton)
Innocent
God’s Work (Ft. Robert Randolph, Mickey Guyton, and Tata Vega)
Something Better’s Coming
Imagined With Love
There Will Be a Better Day
I Do (Duet by Aloe Blacc and LeAnn Rimes)
Kelsea Ballerini Tests Positive For COVID Ahead Of CMT Awards, Kane Brown To Step In As Host
/by Lydia FarthingKelsea Ballerini
Just before the 2022 CMT Music Awards tonight (April 11), co-host Kelsea Ballerini has unexpectedly tested positive for COVID-19. Ballerini is asymptomatic and will continue to co-host the show remotely.
On the live side, last year’s co-host and this year’s most nominated artist Kane Brown will step in alongside Anthony Mackie for tonight’s show, broadcasting live from Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium from 7 – 10 p.m. CT.
In a video posted to social media, Ballerini says she’s “gutted” to have to sit out from in-person hosting duties.
Additionally, the final three nominees for the coveted 2022 Video of the Year award have been announced with fan voting now open via Twitter, using artist-specific hashtags, for the night’s biggest trophy. The nominees are “If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood), “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown), and “‘Til You Can’t” (Cody Johnson)
Brown leads the star-studded nominations this year with four nods; while Ballerini, Mickey Guyton and first-time nominees Breland and Johnson follow with three each. Tenille Arts, Priscilla Block, H.E.R., Paul Klein of Lany, MacKenzie Porter, Elvie Shane, Caitlyn Smith and Brittney Spencer also received their first CMT recognitions. Underwood remains the most decorated artist in CMT history with 23 wins, vying for two additional trophies in the Video of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year categories, both for her duet with Aldean.
The evening will also feature special performances from some of country music’s best, including newly added Gabby Barrett, Brown, Combs, Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris with Ryan Hurd, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell featuring Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, and more.
The 2022 CMT Music Awards will broadcast on CBS and will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Caitlyn Smith Flies High At Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl
/by Lydia FarthingCaitlyn Smith. Photo: Jared Olson
Monument Records star in the making Caitlyn Smith brought a set of highs, lows, and everything in between to Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Thursday night (April 7). The special show also served as the precursor to the release of her brand new record, High, out now.
On the third stop of Smith’s headlining “The High & Low Tour 2022,” the evening opened with a special all-female, writer’s round-style set from Nashville songwriters Emily Weisband, Jillian Jacqueline, and Caylee Hammack. The trio shared stripped down versions of some of their original songs and swapped stories of their time in Nashville.
Kicking things off in full gear, Smith went straight into her tour and album’s namesake, showing off her soaring vocals early on in her stacked set. Backed by her four-person band and a stunning backdrop of red theater curtains, Smith shot off into fan-favorite, “Damn You For Breaking My Heart,” as well as the new, sexy tune “Good As Us.”
“It is so great to be here at Brooklyn Bowl with you. Thank you for being here tonight,” Smith gushed to the packed room. “We’re gonna go high, we’re gonna go low, we’re gonna feel all of the feelings. So let’s go.”
Knocking out some of her biggest fan-favorites from her first two studio albums, Smith gave glowing performances of “Put Me Back Together” with a mid-song break to sing a chorus of Cyndi Lauper‘s “Time After Time,” as well as a chilling version of “This Town Is Killing Me,” which serves as both her list of grievances and enduring love song to Music City as one of Nashville’s songwriters.
“I’m having the best night ever. Lots of cool things [are happening], and lots of new things! [I have] new music, which I’m really, really excited about,” the Minnesota native shared. “This [album] is really special to me because I decided to take a risk and produce the record myself, which was really fun, terrifying, and a lot of work. It taught me a million things, you guys, and so many lessons. I think the biggest one is that you should never, ever be afraid to just take a chance and just fly.”
Caitlyn Smith. Photo: Jared Olson
Smith broke out into some of the album’s new tracks, including the hopeful “Dreamin’s Free” and the yearning “Maybe In Another Life,” which showcased her abounding vocal range and big notes. She also got comfy, taking a seat at the front of the stage for “Cheap Date” from her 2018 debut album, Starfire.
The night also featured a handful of guest appearances on the stage. She brought the show’s openers back for a stunning four-part harmony version of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton‘s classic “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” which Smith had a hand in writing for the country music icons.
“The time that I’ve spent in Nashville has been so very cool. There have been a lot of incredible women in my life that I really look up to and who have taken a chance on me and taken me out on the road,” Smith recalled. “That has been a big deal, and I always knew that if I had the opportunity, I would love to bring out incredible women as well. So I’m going to bring out some of my favorite voices in Nashville.”
The shimmery, soulful vocalist, decked out in a pair of stunning four-inch heels, took every opportunity to bust a move with the audience, giving a fun-filled performance of her current single “Downtown Baby,” and the rock-infused, guitar-heavy “Contact High.”
Mixing her signature blend of soul, jazz and country, Smith also surprised the audience with an appearance from rising country artist Shy Carter who lent his vocals to Smith’s first single to country radio, “I Can’t,” which originally featured Old Dominion.
“I want to say a big thank you to country radio. [Country radio] really has changed my life in the last year and I just want to say this Minnesota girl really appreciates it. You’ve made my dreams come true,” she noted.
The ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee also flexed her larger-than-life vocals on her own rendition of Aretha Franklin‘s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” singing with a level of sultry conviction that commanded the attention of every member of the audience.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here tonight. I know we all could have just stayed home in our yoga pants, so it really means a lot that you guys would come out, look so gorgeous and come hang out and dance with us,” Smith said, smiling from ear to ear. “Thank you, thank you so much. I love you all.”
Smith closed her pitch perfect set with one of her most impressive vocal performances on “Tacoma,” a fan-favorite from her debut record that earned a cut by country legend Garth Brooks. The room hung on to every word as Smith delivered each golden note.
She will continue on “The High & Low Tour 2022” with upcoming stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and more through May. For a full list of dates, click here.
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood Celebrate Chart-Topping Duet Alongside Songwriters
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan. Photo: Steve Lowry
Music City songwriters, publishers and other music business professionals gathered in the BMI lobby on Thursday (April 7) to celebrate the award-winning and chart-topping duet, “If I Didn’t Love You.”
Sung by country hitmakers Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, the track is Aldean’s 26th career No. 1 and Underwood’s 28th. “If I Didn’t Love You” was written by Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy and first-time chart-toppers John Morgan and Lydia Vaughan.
BMI’s Clay Bradley hosted the celebration. Bradley recognized the magnitude of two country superstars joining forces for the hit duet. “[They are] taking their place in the country music history books as one of the greatest duets of all time, alongside Tammy and George, Conway and Loretta, Tim and Faith, Dolly and Kenny, and Johnny and June,” he said. “‘If I Didn’t Love You’ will live on forever.”
Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery was on hand to speak about Vaughan. He spoke about her skill, spirit and work ethic—as well as her love for snacks at the publishing office. “When you first hang out with her, you realize how special she is,” he said. “She’s talented, smart, and humble.”
BMG’s Chris Oglesby got up to speak on Allison and Kennedy, the best friends, co-writers, and bandmates in Aldean’s band. “Kurt and Tully,” Oglesby addressed the songwriters, adding that calling them “Tully and Kurt” wasn’t the correct order. “It’s been an honor to be a small part of your success since BMG came alongside to become a partner and watch you guys work. Your ability to balance road work, producing, writing, and family is exemplary.”
Pictured (L-R): Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood. Photo: Steve Lowry
Aldean put on his publisher hat to speak about his Triple Play writer, Morgan—who is also signed to Aldean’s BBR label imprint, Night Train Records.
“This publishing thing is pretty easy, I’m like two for two,” Aldean joked. “One of the main reasons Kurt, Tully and I decided to start Triple Play was meeting John Morgan.
“From the time I heard his voice and the stuff he was writing, I knew I wanted to create something for [Kurt and Tully] and for him,” he said. “This being his first cut, first single, and first No. 1…You’ve only got one way to go from here, my man.”
BBR head Job Loba recognized Aldean’s partners at Maverick, WME, and Green Room PR, as well as BBR’s entire label staff, making sure to call out many unsung departments in addition to his stellar radio promo team. He let the crowd know that Broken Bow Records was the No. 3 most played imprint in 2021. “You guys crushed it last year, you’re already crushing it this year,” he said.
“Jason and Carrie,” Loba continued. “There is a reason you two are the icons you are. There’s many reasons, but at the base, it’s your uncompromising attention to great songs.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, John Morgan, and Lydia Vaughan with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins, MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry
Next up to speak were the “If I Didn’t Love You” co-writers. Allison kicked things off, thanking Aldean and Underwood, his co-writers, team-members and family.
“I don’t ever want to lose sight of the thankfulness and the gratefulness that I have. I play guitar for a living, I get paid to do that. I go around with my best friends. It’s absurd,” Allison said. “I write songs with some of my best friends—and they’re going to be my best friends for life. Music brought all of us together and made us friends, but now we’re friends that get to make music together.”
Kennedy echoed Allison’s thanks. “I look around the room, and we are so blessed to have been surrounded by the same faces for our entire career. This is a family.”
Vaughan spoke about the gravity of a Aldean-Underwood cut being her first hit. “Jason and Carrie, thank you guys so much for hearing the song, believing in it, and putting your voices on it. You guys have given the song its absolute best life,” she said. “12-year-old Lydia is 100% freaking out knowing that Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean recorded a song she was a part of.”
Morgan concluded the writers’ speeches, specifically thanking Aldean for believing and investing in him. “Being a songwriter is a tough gig, there’s a lot of instability that comes with the industry. I’m so thankful I got in with the people I did when I did.”
Next, industry members got to hear from the hitmakers themselves, Aldean and Underwood.
Aldean told the story of the song’s journey from him hearing it to Underwood recording with him. He thanked Underwood, all of his team members and the writers. “Thank you so much to everyone who worked on the song, believed in it, and made it what it is. Like Clay said, I do think this will go down as one of the biggest duets in country music,” he said. “I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
Underwood recounted her experience hearing the song for the first time—noting that seeing a female as a writer on the track intrigued her and led to more opportunities for Vaughan.
“In this case, the old cliche ‘it all starts with a song’ is exactly how it happened,” she said. “The stars lined up so quickly to make this happen, it was all meant to be. Thanks to everyone who helped give this song the light it deserves, it’s been really fun to be part of it.”
BMI’s partner in No. 1 parties, Pinnacle Bank, made a donation on behalf of the song to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Aldean, and to Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation.
Black River Publishing Adds Bryan Simpson To Writers Roster
/by Lydia FarthingBryan Simpson
Black River Publishing has signed multi-genre hitmaker Bryan Simpson.
Simpson has made his own records as a singer-songwriter with multiple Grammy winners Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and bluegrass giant Ricky Skaggs. He has also toured and recorded with British folk-rock band Mumford and Sons, and has penned several Billboard chart-topping hits such as Blake Shelton‘s “A Guy with a Girl,” Tim McGraw‘s “Better Than I Used to Be,” and Joe Nichols‘ “Yeah.”
“I’ve been a huge believer in Bryan and his songs for the better part of a decade,” Black River Vice President of Publishing, Rebekah Gordon notes. “His lyrics are compelling, his melodies fresh, and his artistry unmistakable. Bryan is a proven hitmaker, and I’m so thrilled that he is partnering with us at Black River for this next chapter of his career.”
“I’ve been paying attention to who seems to have that hunger to do something great down around Music Row,” Simpson adds. “Trying to sort out which companies embrace songwriters and songs and not just the parties and accolades. Black River kept coming to the forefront, with Rebekah Gordon leading the charge. It made being a part of what they’ve got going on a real no-brainer for me. I’m excited and grateful that the feeling was mutual.”
Tommy Townsend’s ‘Southern Man’ Slated For April 29
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry singer-songwriter Tommy Townsend is releasing Southern Man, a 10-song collection that was originally recorded with producers Waylon Jennings and Jerry “Jigger” Bridges over 20 years ago. The project is due out April 29 on BFD/Audium Nashville.
Southern Man kicks off with an enthusiastic introduction from Jennings, whom Townsend met at age 13 after a show outside Atlanta. Jennings took the aspiring artist under his wing, later inviting him on stage to play guitar or sing a song. Townsend spent the better part of the last 15 years singing lead for Waymore’s Outlaws, comprised of several of Jennings’ touring and studio musicians such as Bridges, the late Richie Albright, Fred Newell, and Carter and Barny Robertson.
Recorded over several years, Jennings and Bridges, his longtime bass player and tour manager, gathered songs from Nashville’s top writers including Dean Dillon, Roger Murrah, Don Schlitz, Troy Seals, and Jennings himself. Many of the top-drawer songs were originally pitched to Jennings, who felt they would be a better fit for Townsend.
“I’m super excited that this album that was produced by my mentors, Waylon Jennings and Jerry Bridges, is finally coming out for everyone to hear after all these years,” said Townsend. “Getting to talk about these songs again after this long has brought back so many great memories of being in the studio with these two legends. I’m thankful to get to share this with all the fans, and especially Jerry ‘Jigger’ Bridges, who is still in my corner cheering me on. Special thanks to Chuck Rhodes and all the staff at BFD/Audium Nashville for bringing this album to the forefront. Y’all rock!”
The title cut first single hit in February, and the song garnered over 100,000 overall streams in a few short weeks. The raucous follow up single, the Jennings/Seals-penned “Trouble With A Capital T,” was released in late March.
Southern Man Track List:
Waylon Jennings Introduction
Southern Man (with Waylon Jennings) (J. Fred Knobloch, Walter Carter)
A Good Love Died Tonight (with Waylon Jennings) (Roger Murrah)
If You Can’t Stand The Heat (Roger Murrah, John Schweers)
Trouble With A Capital T (Waylon Jennings, Troy Seals)
Stompin’ Ground (J. Fred Knobloch, Barry Alfonso)
Could And Still Do (Dean Dillon, Bob Melton)
Holes In My Boots (with Waylon Jennings) (Roger Murrah, Steve Anders)
The Picker (Rob Mashburn)
Lesson In Loneliness (Jerry Bridges, Donnie Epps)
How High This Tree Will Grow (J. Fred Knobloch, Don Schlitz)