Gospel-quartet mainstay David O. Will died at age 78 on March 4 in Hendersonville.
He was best known as a 23-year veteran of The Imperials. During his tenure with the group, it won three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
He was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and became a licensed minister in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following stints with The Keystones Quartet, The Statesmen and The Tribunes, he joined The Imperials as a baritone vocalist in 1976.
Fiery-voiced Russ Taff joined the group as its lead singer that same year. During the next decade, the group had its biggest successes. The albums Sail On, Imperials Live, Heed the Call, One More Song for You, Christmas With the Imperials and Priority made the group a bridge between the gospel-quartet tradition and the emerging Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) pop style.
While Will was in The Imperials, they were nominated for Grammy Awards 11 times and won for their recordings Sail On (1977), Heed the Call (1979) and Priority (1981).
The album Side By Side (1983) was a double LP with each member of the Imperials singing solo on a side. It won a Dove Award, one of many such accolades from the Gospel Music Association. The Imperials were the organization’s Artist of the Year in 1981.
The act went back to traditional, four-part harmony singing on The Imperials Sing the Classics (1984), then returned to a CCM/pop sound on Let the Wind Blow (1985).
Will was particularly noted for his performances of the ballads “One More Song for You” and “You’re the Only Jesus.” His self-composed “In the Same Old Fashioned Way” was another Imperials favorite.
The group was always known for its progressivism. The Imperials were the first bi-racial quartet in their field. The group stirred controversy when it released the rock-oriented This Year’s Model (1987). Its song “Power of God” was the theme song of the Christian bodybuilders The Power Team. In 1991-93, The Imperials surprised fans when they brought in a female singer, Pam Morales.
In the mid-1990s, the group scaled back its band and returned to performing in intimate, church settings. Instead of booking ticketed concert halls, The Imperials performed for free-will offerings at more than 200 church shows per year. Following a three-year recording hiatus, the act issued Til He Comes (1995), a return to the classic quartet sound.
The Imperials were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998. Without Will and incorporating various new members, the group continued to perform regularly until 2010.
David O. Will is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice Will, by daughters Lisa Will Brinker, Angela Will Smith and Nicole Will McDougal and by a granddaughter and two sisters.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday April 2, at Christ Church Wallace Chapel, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with services to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in David O. Will’s memory to Mercy Multiplied, PO Box 111060, Nashville, TN 37222. Arrangements were handled by Lumen Cremation of Nashville.
Clint Wiley & Julie Sturdivant Join CAA
/by LB CantrellClint Wiley, Julie Sturdivant
Clint Wiley and Julie Sturdivant have joined CAA’s music touring department. Both will be based in the agency’s Nashville office.
Music agent Wiley started his career at Third Coast Artists Agency, and spent time at APA, Paradigm and Artisan Agency before joining CAA. His touring roster includes The Mavericks, Raul Malo, Asleep At The Wheel, Ray Benson, and McKinley James.
“Clint has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the live music business,” shares CAA Co-Head of Nashville Music, Darin Murphy. “His skills, experience and taste—specifically in the world of country music—will provide further fuel to our exceptional Nashville team, and to our Music Touring colleagues and clients globally.”
Sturdivant joins CAA from digital marketing agency Marbaloo Marketing, with her prior career stops including time at KOST 103.5 and Universal Music Group’s Interscope Records. As a Music Brand Partnerships Executive at CAA, Sturdivant will help lead brand partnership efforts for the agency’s Nashville roster of artists, including Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, and Maren Morris, among others.
“Julie is a creative and highly accomplished industry veteran with tremendous experience working with country music legends, as well as emerging artists,” says CAA’s Head of Music Brand Partnerships, Tom Worcester. “We are excited to add her unique talent to our outstanding brand partnerships group, who work daily to connect our artists with innovative and meaningful opportunities.”
In addition to Wiley and Sturdivant’s hirings, CAA has also announced a wide variety of artist-brand partnerships, having closed more than 80 deals and more than $10 million in guarantees for the agency’s country roster since March 2021. Noteworthy partnerships include Hunter Hayes and Smirnoff, Carly Pearce and Northwestern Mutual, Brett Eldredge and Facebook Audio Rooms, Keith Urban and JBL/Harman, and Maddie & Tae and Hot Tools, among others.
Imperials Gospel Great David O. Will Passes
/by Robert K OermannGospel-quartet mainstay David O. Will died at age 78 on March 4 in Hendersonville.
He was best known as a 23-year veteran of The Imperials. During his tenure with the group, it won three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
He was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and became a licensed minister in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following stints with The Keystones Quartet, The Statesmen and The Tribunes, he joined The Imperials as a baritone vocalist in 1976.
Fiery-voiced Russ Taff joined the group as its lead singer that same year. During the next decade, the group had its biggest successes. The albums Sail On, Imperials Live, Heed the Call, One More Song for You, Christmas With the Imperials and Priority made the group a bridge between the gospel-quartet tradition and the emerging Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) pop style.
While Will was in The Imperials, they were nominated for Grammy Awards 11 times and won for their recordings Sail On (1977), Heed the Call (1979) and Priority (1981).
The album Side By Side (1983) was a double LP with each member of the Imperials singing solo on a side. It won a Dove Award, one of many such accolades from the Gospel Music Association. The Imperials were the organization’s Artist of the Year in 1981.
The act went back to traditional, four-part harmony singing on The Imperials Sing the Classics (1984), then returned to a CCM/pop sound on Let the Wind Blow (1985).
Will was particularly noted for his performances of the ballads “One More Song for You” and “You’re the Only Jesus.” His self-composed “In the Same Old Fashioned Way” was another Imperials favorite.
The group was always known for its progressivism. The Imperials were the first bi-racial quartet in their field. The group stirred controversy when it released the rock-oriented This Year’s Model (1987). Its song “Power of God” was the theme song of the Christian bodybuilders The Power Team. In 1991-93, The Imperials surprised fans when they brought in a female singer, Pam Morales.
In the mid-1990s, the group scaled back its band and returned to performing in intimate, church settings. Instead of booking ticketed concert halls, The Imperials performed for free-will offerings at more than 200 church shows per year. Following a three-year recording hiatus, the act issued Til He Comes (1995), a return to the classic quartet sound.
The Imperials were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998. Without Will and incorporating various new members, the group continued to perform regularly until 2010.
David O. Will is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice Will, by daughters Lisa Will Brinker, Angela Will Smith and Nicole Will McDougal and by a granddaughter and two sisters.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday April 2, at Christ Church Wallace Chapel, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with services to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in David O. Will’s memory to Mercy Multiplied, PO Box 111060, Nashville, TN 37222. Arrangements were handled by Lumen Cremation of Nashville.
Vince Gill Announces His Return To The Road This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughVince Gill
Vince Gill is heading back out on the road this summer for the first tour with his band since 2019. Gill has also been touring as part of The Eagles since 2017.
The new 18-date tour kicks off July 7 in Greensboro and will visit Charleston, Birmingham, Huntsville, Des Moines, Omaha, Oklahoma City, Ft. Worth and more, with additional stops to be announced in the weeks to come. For ticketing information, click here.
“When all touring stopped back in March of 2020, it was a good time for me to take a break from the road,” explains Gill. “Now the Eagles are touring again, and that’s a blast! But I’m also eager to get back on the bus and visit some places and fans that I haven’t seen for a while.”
Joining Gill on the dates will be vocalist Wendy Moten, a recent contestant from NBC’s The Voice. Moten toured with Gill as a harmony singer for several years, and Gill produced Moten’s most recent album, I’ve Got You Covered.
“I’ve always enjoyed sharing a stage with Wendy, whether she was singing harmonies for me, or when we were in The Time Jumpers together,” he adds. “It’s always been my wish that more of the world could hear her, so being able to feature her each night of this tour is something I look forward to.”
Vince Gill Confirmed Tour Dates:
7/7 – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts – Greensboro, NC
7/8 – Township Auditorium – Columbia, SC
7/9 – North Charleston Performing Arts Center – N. Charleston, SC
7/10 – Bell Auditorium – Augusta, GA
7/14 – Alabama Theater – Birmingham, AL
7/15 – Saenger Theater – Mobile, AL
7/16 – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre – Montgomery, AL
7/17 – Von Braun Center – Huntsville, AL
7/20 – Coronado Performing Arts Center – Rockford, IL
7/21 – Adler Theatre – Davenport, IA
7/22 – Des Moines Civic Center – Des Moines, IA
7/23 – Holland Performing Arts Center – Omaha, NE
7/28 – Ovens Auditorium – Charlotte, NC
8/12 – Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre – Oklahoma City, OK
8/13 – Billy Bob’s Texas – Ft. Worth, TX
8/14 – Orpheum Theatre – Memphis, TN
8/26 – Dothan Civic Center – Dothan, AL
8/28 – Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, More To Perform At 2022 CMT Music Awards
/by Lydia FarthingCMT has revealed the first round of performers set to take the stage at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, broadcasting live from Nashville on April 11.
Among the first set of artists are Kelsea Ballerini, who is serving as one of the evening’s co-hosts alongside Anthony Mackie, as well as Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris with Ryan Hurd, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell featuring Lainey Wilson, and Keith Urban.
Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
As previously announced, Brown leads the star-studded nominations this year with four nods; co-host 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. Carrie 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 Jason Aldean.
For a full list of nominations, click here.
Fan voting is now open for the 2022 CMT Music Awards, country music’s only entirely fan-voted award show. General voting ends Monday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m. CT.
This year’s show will mark the inaugural broadcast of the CMT Music Awards on the CBS Television Network. The show will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.
Riley Green Brings His Live Show To Listeners With New ‘We Out Here: Live’ Album
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green. Photo: Jim Wright
Riley Green is giving fans a taste of his headlining tour with his latest collection, We Out Here: Live, set for release this Friday (March 25) via BMLG Records.
“We’ve seen our biggest and loudest crowds so far on this tour, and to thank all the fans who have come out, we recorded one of the nights for them,” says Green. “Can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”
More dates have also been added to Green’s “We Out Here Tour,” including a stop at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on July 3 to kick off one of the largest Independence Day weekends in the country. The singer-songwriter will also visit Anaheim’s House of Blues, San Diego’s SOMA, Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre, Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Beach, and more.
Green will also join Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs on the road throughout the year.
1. Different ‘Round Here (Live) | Riley Green, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton
2. Get That Man A Beer (Live) | Riley Green, Jonathan Singleton, Channing Wilson
3. If It Wasn’t For Trucks (Live) | Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana
4. Put ‘Em On Mine (Live) | Riley Green, Wyatt McCubbin, Jonathan Singleton
5. Georgia Time (Live) | Riley Green
6. When She Comes Home Tonight (Live) | Riley Green, Jordan Fletcher, Ryan Nelson
7. I Wish Grandpas Never Died (Live) | Riley Green, Lendon Bonds, Buford Green
8. Hell Of A Way To Go (Live) | Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin
9. That’s My Dixie (Live) | Riley Green, Jessi Alexander, Randy Montana
10. There Was This Girl (Live) | Riley Green, Erik Dylan
11. Dixieland Delight (Live) | Ronnie Rogers
Memorial Service Held For Kenny Rogers Two Years After Death
/by LB CantrellPictured: Kenny Rogers’ wife Wanda speaking at his memorial service on March 20, 2022 at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Ben Gray
Friends and family of the late Kenny Rogers gathered this weekend to finally memorialize his life and legacy, two years after he died. The service had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sunday (March 20) a small group of the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s close friends, family and band members gathered at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia to pay their respects. The ceremony was hosted by long-time touring partners Linda Davis and Billy Dean, and over fifteen speakers memorialized Rogers with stories and kind words.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. T. Lynn Smith and a gospel choir singing “Amazing Grace,” along with a pre-recorded Rogers vocal, and a performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” a favorite of the country legend. Brigadier General (Ret.) Richard McPhee gave Rogers an Irish sendoff as guests left the site.
At the reception, a brand new lyric video for Rogers’ song “Goodbye” was debuted for the first time ever.
According to a statement, the Rogers family would like to extend a public invitation for fans to visit his final resting place at the Oakland Cemetery. Details on visiting the site can be found at oaklandcemetery.com.
In his six-decade career, Rogers made an indelible mark on country music with enduring songs such as “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years.” In addition to being a Country Music Hall of Fame member, Rogers’ career achievements included 24 No. 1 hits, six CMA awards, three Grammy awards, the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, CMT’s Artist of a Lifetime Award, and more.
Rogers died on on March 20, 2020 at the age of 81.
Brandi Carlile, Mickey Guyton, More To Honor Joni Mitchell At MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala
/by Lydia FarthingThe 31st annual MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala will be held on April 1, 2022.
The night, honoring the music and legacy of Joni Mitchell, will feature Brandi Carlile, Mickey Guyton, Allison Russell, Lauren Daigle, Sara Bareilles, Beck, Leon Bridges, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Angélique Kidjo, Cyndi Lauper, Pentatonix, Billy Porter, Stephen Stills, St. Vincent, Jon Batiste, Black Pumas, and a remote performance from Graham Nash.
Batiste and Carlile, each nominated for multiple Grammy Awards this year, will also serve as Artistic Directors for the night, a first for Person of the Year.
This year’s tribute will be held at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, including a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and tribute concert honoring Mitchell’s impact on the music industry and the inspiration she has provided to artists over the years.
“We’re excited to honor Joni together, in person, as a music community and can’t wait to bring this great event to Las Vegas,” shares Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “We will be celebrating with a purpose, toasting one of music’s greatest songwriters and musicians, while raising vital funds to address the critical health and social service needs of the music community.”
“MusiCares’ amazing work providing aid to music professionals is crucial to the well-being of our community,” adds Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Their ongoing support for music people is truly inspiring and we’re looking forward to celebrating the return of Person of the Year this April.”
Dolly Parton, James Patterson & Hello Sunshine Partner To Produce ‘Run, Rose, Run’ As Feature Film
/by Lydia FarthingDolly Parton & James Patterson. Photo: JB Rowland
Dolly Parton continues to add to her busy schedule with the announcement that she will be starring in Hello Sunshine’s feature film adaptation of Run, Rose, Run, the recently released novel written by Parton with James Patterson.
Founded by Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine is a media company that puts women at the center of every story it creates, celebrates and discovers. The company tells stories across all platforms-from scripted and unscripted television, feature films, animated series, podcasts, audio storytelling, and digital series. Hello Sunshine is also home to Witherspoon’s Book Club and the newly launched RBC App.
“Growing up in Nashville, I’ve loved Dolly since the moment I heard her magical voice and saw her luminous personality shine onstage. Beyond her magnetic presence as an artist and performer, she is one of the greatest songwriters and storytellers of our time. Her impact knows no bounds-as a musician, actor, writer, businesswoman, activist and all around incredible human being-Dolly Parton is not only an icon to me, but a true inspiration to women and girls everywhere,” Witherspoon explains. “My admiration for her grew to even greater heights when reading Run, Rose, Run, a gripping and heartbreaking book I couldn’t put down. I couldn’t feel more honored to be working alongside her and James to bring this remarkable story to the screen.”
“I’m proud, excited and honored to be working with my good friend Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine on the movie of Run, Rose, Run from the novel I co-wrote with James Patterson,” Parton says. “James and I love Reese and look forward to working with her and her wonderful team.”
“It has been a joy working with Dolly Parton on this book. It’s a great story that we are both proud of,” Patterson adds. “In partnership with Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine, we will produce a great movie.”
Run, Rose, Run, which was released earlier this month, debuted at No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list. Parton also released a companion album of the same name on March 4 through her own Butterfly Records. The album debuted at No. 1 on the country, Americana/folk and bluegrass charts.
Set in Nashville, the book centers around a young woman who comes to Music City to pursue her music-making dreams. The source of her songs is a secret she has tried desperately to hide, but the past she has fled may destroy her future.
Rhett Akins Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellRhett Akins
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Rhett Akins has entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Akins is a co-writer on Thomas Rhett’s “Slow Down Summer” and Parker McCollum’s “To Be Loved By You.”
Ashley Gorley maintains his eight-week reign at No. 1 on the chart as a co-writer of such songs as “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).
Shane McAnally (No. 2) and Michael Hardy (No. 3) complete the top three on the MusicRow Top 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.
Weekly Register: Ernest Earns Top Country Debut With ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’
/by Lydia FarthingErnest. Photo: Delaney Royer
Big Loud’s Ernest makes the biggest country album debut this week. The singer-songwriter’s debut record, Flower Shops (The Album), comes in at No. 12 with 7.9K in total first-week consumption (1.1K album only/8.2 million song streams), according to MRC Data.
Morgan Wallen continues to dominate at the top of the country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album racking in 46K in total consumption (1.9K album only, 55 million song streams). Wallen also takes the fifth spot as his debut project, If I Know Me, adds 15K in total consumption. Taylor Swift remains in the second spot with Red (Taylor’s Version) gaining 19K. Luke Combs takes up the remaining spots: What You See Is What You Get takes No. 3 and This One’s For You earns No. 4 with 18K and 16K, respectively.
Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan continue to sit atop the top country streaming songs chart this week as “Buy Dirt” adds another 6.3 million streams, according to MRC data. Walker Hayes‘ “AA” jumps to No. 2 with 5.6 million streams, while “Fancy Like” drops down one spot to No. 3 gaining 5.6 million streams. Cody Johnson‘s “Til You Can’t” remains steady at No. 4, earning 5.6 million streams. Combs seals the top five with his current single “Doin’ This,” adding 5.4 million streams.