The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has launched a new online exhibit exploring the history of Music Row in Nashville called Historic Music Row: Nashville’s Creative Crossroads.
The new immersive website uses curated archival materials from the museum’s collection to explore the history of Music Row and its creative community of artists, songwriters, studio musicians, producers, record companies, publishers and other music business professionals.
Funded through a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission’s Access to Historical Records: Major Initiatives grant program, Historic Music Row: Nashville’s Creative Crossroads highlights 15 landmark businesses and organizations as representatives of the hundreds that have contributed to the area’s cultural significance. Online visitors can also follow the footsteps of six Country Music Hall of Fame members, including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Charley Pride, to understand how Music Row played an important role in their music careers.
Through the interactive website, visitors can explore a map of select locations on Music Row and learn about each through historic video and film clips, music recordings, interview excerpts, photographs, correspondence and more.
Featured locations include ASCAP, Bradley’s Studios/Columbia Studios, BMI, Capitol Records, Cedarwood Publishing, the original Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Decca Records, Jack’s Tracks/Allentown Studios, Monument Records, Nashville Association of Musicians, RCA Studios A & B, Tree Publishing/Sony Music Publishing, Quadraphonic Studios/Sienna Studios and the Wil-Helm Agency and Sure-Fire Music/Charley Pride offices.
The historic hub of Nashville’s music industry, Music Row was established in the mid-1950s, and by 1979, over 600 music-centric businesses were located within a few blocks of each other in the former residential neighborhood.
In 2015, the National Park Service’s National Trust for Historic Preservation designated Music Row as a National Treasure. In 2019, the neighborhood, rapidly losing music-centric businesses and buildings to new development, was placed on the organization’s annual list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.”
Jason Aldean’s Night Train Records Signs John Morgan
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Colton McGee (BBR Music Group/BMG), JoJaimie Hahr (BBR Music Group), Sara Knabe (BBR Music Group), Chris Parr (Maverick), Jason Aldean, John Morgan, Jon Loba (BBR Music Group/BMG), Tori MacDonald (Maverick), Clarence Spalding (Maverick), Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison. Photo: Jessica Crans
BBR Music Group/BMG has signed singer-songwriter John Morgan to Night Train Records, Jason Aldean‘s imprint with the label group.
The North Carolina native is a co-writer on the Grammy nominated smash hit “If I Didn’t Love You,” by Aldean and Carrie Underwood. Morgan has seven other cuts on Aldean’s upcoming double album, Macon, Georgia, including his current single “Trouble with a Heartbreak.”
Growing up in the Appalachian mountains, Morgan began playing guitar at the age of eight before hitting the festival circuit in a family Bluegrass band for 10 years. He eventually sold his small plot of land and moved to Nashville where he connected with Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy, two songwriters and longtime bandmates of Aldean.
“The first time I heard about John Morgan was a 2 a.m. phone call with Aldean that lasted over 30 minutes as he told me why he wanted to sign him. He was so excited; he didn’t want to wait until the next day to talk about offering him a deal,” explains Jon Loba, President BMG Nashville. “When we started working with John, it was easy to see why Jason picked up the phone and woke me up in the middle of the night… and I’m so glad he did!”
“Three years ago, I never would have imagined that I would be signed to one of the best labels here in Nashville,” adds Morgan. “I’m excited to get started on this journey and grateful for the team I have working with me.”
The songwriter is published by Triple Play Music, managed by Maverick, booked by The Neal Agency and represented by Milom Law.
Betsy Lee Upped To Business Manager At FBMM
/by Lydia FarthingBetsy Lee
Business management firm FBMM has promoted Betsy Lee to business manager. In her new role, she will continue to oversee all financial aspects for her roster of clients, including award-winning artists and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
With nearly two decades of experience at FBMM, Lee brings a sharp attention to detail and expertise in tour management. She oversees all aspects of her clients’ financial well-being and strategically advises and enables them to make sound business decisions. Lee has extensive worldwide touring experience and, while working at FBMM, has served as an interim European tour accountant for both stadium and arena tours for major headliners.
“Since Betsy joined our team in 2003, I have seen firsthand not only her proven track record with our clients, but also her vested interest in each of them,” offers FBMM Owner and President Jamie Cheek. “She considers her clients family, and it is those relationships combined with her strategic counsel that have established her as a trusted adviser.”
“In addition to the excellent work Betsy does on behalf of her clients, she is also key to our company culture at FBMM and is the definition of a team player,” adds Mary Ann McCready, founding owner of FBMM. “Betsy oversees our philanthropy committee and has played a key role in our expansion into Los Angeles over the last several years.”
Lee earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia and graduated summa cum laude with highest honors. She is a member of the Recording Academy, the 2020 Grammy Next class, the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID), the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and SOURCE.
CMHOF Shines Light On Nashville’s Music Row In New Virtual Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has launched a new online exhibit exploring the history of Music Row in Nashville called Historic Music Row: Nashville’s Creative Crossroads.
The new immersive website uses curated archival materials from the museum’s collection to explore the history of Music Row and its creative community of artists, songwriters, studio musicians, producers, record companies, publishers and other music business professionals.
Funded through a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission’s Access to Historical Records: Major Initiatives grant program, Historic Music Row: Nashville’s Creative Crossroads highlights 15 landmark businesses and organizations as representatives of the hundreds that have contributed to the area’s cultural significance. Online visitors can also follow the footsteps of six Country Music Hall of Fame members, including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Charley Pride, to understand how Music Row played an important role in their music careers.
Through the interactive website, visitors can explore a map of select locations on Music Row and learn about each through historic video and film clips, music recordings, interview excerpts, photographs, correspondence and more.
Featured locations include ASCAP, Bradley’s Studios/Columbia Studios, BMI, Capitol Records, Cedarwood Publishing, the original Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Decca Records, Jack’s Tracks/Allentown Studios, Monument Records, Nashville Association of Musicians, RCA Studios A & B, Tree Publishing/Sony Music Publishing, Quadraphonic Studios/Sienna Studios and the Wil-Helm Agency and Sure-Fire Music/Charley Pride offices.
The historic hub of Nashville’s music industry, Music Row was established in the mid-1950s, and by 1979, over 600 music-centric businesses were located within a few blocks of each other in the former residential neighborhood.
In 2015, the National Park Service’s National Trust for Historic Preservation designated Music Row as a National Treasure. In 2019, the neighborhood, rapidly losing music-centric businesses and buildings to new development, was placed on the organization’s annual list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.”
Charlie Cook Signs Long-Term Extension With Cumulus Media
/by LB CantrellCharlie Cook
Cumulus Media has signed a long-term contract extension with Charlie Cook, its Vice President of Country Music.
The extension includes Cook’s role with Cumulus Nashville as Programming Operations Manager for Cumulus Nashville’s five-station cluster and as the Program Director for both 95.5 Nash Icon (WSM-FM) and 103.3 Country (WKDF).
Brian Philips, Executive Vice President, Content and Audience, Cumulus Media, shares, “Charlie Cook is a warrior who lives to lead our powerful Nashville stations, the Cumulus country stations and the Nashville music industry. He’s a legendary programmer who serves as a wise teacher and mentor to many at Cumulus.”
“It is always our goal that through our Program Directors and their leadership we bring thoughtful, engaging, and entertaining audio content and music to our audiences. In Charlie, we have a talented and well-respected leader that is driven to harness the very best of what Cumulus and country music has to offer. He has a wealth of radio experience and has built an impressive track record of accomplishments,” adds Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Nashville, Allison Warren.
“I have had the pleasure to work as part of, and alongside, our local management team and corporate programming team, and as I continue in this role, I will do my best to help Cumulus innovate, and reach its next phase of growth,” says Cook, a Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee. “It is an exciting time to be a part of the business and realize some of the significant opportunities out there as we continue to grow our audio capabilities.”
WMG Corp. Q1 Results: Continued Streaming Growth, Return Of Music Publishing Power
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Group Corp. (WMG) has announced its first-quarter financial results for the period ended Dec. 31, 2021.
WMG’s first-quarter financial results saw a 20.9% increase in revenue, driven mostly by digital revenue growth (up 21.5%) from recorded music and music publishing.
Recorded Music revenue was up 19.4% due to continued growth in streaming, the company’s largest source of revenue. Streaming revenue grew 20.8%, in part, from releases by major artists such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Dua Lipa and Silk Sonic.
Music publishing revenue increased 30.9%. Synchronization, performance, and mechanical revenue each saw increases due to the ongoing recovery of businesses from COVID-19 disruption.
“Hitting an all-time high in our 18 years as a standalone company is proof that we’ve never been stronger. At the same time, we’ve never had so much opportunity ahead of us,” shares Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Our creative expertise, global agility, and willingness to experiment set us apart from the competition and solidify our important role across the entire music ecosystem. In the coming year, we look forward to welcoming back huge superstars, breaking new artists and songwriters, and seeking out more innovative ways to bring more music to more people in more places.”
Lou Dickler, Acting CFO, Warner Music Group adds: “The strength and diversity of our revenue streams coupled with our operational efficiency drove margin growth, even as lower-margin revenue lines recovered. We’re committed to making sustained investments in our core business, and to taking pioneering steps that position WMG for the next wave of growth, all with a financially disciplined, ROI-focused perspective.”
Financial Highlights
For the three months ended Dec. 31, 2021
Read the full report here.
Drake White Recounts Road To Healing On New Project ‘The Optimystic’
/by Lorie HollabaughAfter collapsing on stage from a stroke in August 2019, White was told by doctors he might never perform again. After multiple surgeries and months of physiotherapy, he returned to the road, pouring his journey into the music that makes up The Optimystic. The album is a testament to White’s lifelong optimism and resilience, following the Alabama native as he shares his story.
“It’s been five years since my last album,” White shares. “I’ve had two record deals, six brain surgeries, a hemorrhagic stroke and a pandemic that has tried to rip us all apart. Through it all, I’ve always fought to keep my glass half full. The Optimystic is the action of keeping that glass half full and finding faith, hope and joy in the circus of this thing we call life.”
White will take the new project on the road on the next leg of “The Optimystic Tour,” which kicks off April 1 with support from Kasey Tyndall on all dates. The new tour will bring White to 20 cities, including St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Nashville, among others. The trek will wrap with a show in Jackson, Tenn., on May 21.
The Optimistic Track List:
1. “50 Years Too Late” (Drake White, Leith Loftin)^
2. “American Thunder” (Drake White, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)*
3. “Rainbow State of Mind (Feat. The Woods)” (Drake White, Dan O’Rourke)*
4. “Pawn Shop Rings and Double Wide Dreams” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Jonathan Singleton)^
5. “Giants” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Phil O’Donnell)^
6. “Hurts the Healing” (Drake White, Aaron Chafin, Allison Veltz Cruz)^
7. “It Takes Time” (Drake White, Chris DeStefano)+
8. “Power of a Woman” (Drake White, Lindsey Hinkle, Kelli Johnson)^
9. “Legends Never Die” (Drake White, Jeremy Bussey, Adam Sanders, Ron Womack)^
10. “Can’t Have My Dog” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Ava Paige)^
11. “Angel Side of You” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Eric Paslay)^
12. “Free” (Allison Veltz Cruz, Connie Harrington, Zach Kale)^
13. “The Optimystic” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Lauren Weintraub)^
14. “Amazing Grace”
* produced by Drake White
^ produced by Drake White and Jaren Johnston
+ produced by Jaren Johnston
AmericanaFest To Return To Music City In September
/by Lydia FarthingAmericanaFest 2022, the Americana Music Association’s marquee festival and conference, will return to Nashville from Sept. 13 – 17.
This year, AmericanaFest will take place over five days in multiple premier venues throughout Music City. The first three days will consist of music business panels as part of its conference at The Westin Nashville. There will also be four nights of music discovery showcases and a variety of daytime special events hosted by friends and supporters of AmericanaFest all week long.
AmericanaFest. Photo: Nathan Zucker
The Americana Music Association’s Americana Honors & Awards ceremony will once again serve as the hallmark event of the week. The roots music community’s brightest musicians will be celebrated on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Tickets for the show will go on sale at a later date.
There will be many types of passes available for those wanting to attend AmericanaFest. For attendees wanting the full experience with access to panels, showcases and all special events, Conference + Festival Passes are recommended. For music fans interested in the nighttime showcases and select special events, Festival Passes are also available.
Passes for the 2022 festival will go on sale this Friday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. CT at americanafest.com.
Artists interested in showcasing at this year’s festival can apply online beginning Feb. 15. The first programming announcement for AmericanaFest 2022 will be revealed in late summer.
Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Announces Venues
/by Lorie HollabaughThe venues have been announced for the 30th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival set to take place in Nashville March 29 – April 2.
Venues hosting numerous rounds throughout the week around town include 3rd & Lindsley, Analog at Hutton Hotel, The Bluebird Cafe, Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Elliston Place Soda Shop, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, The Listening Room Cafe, The Lounge at City Winery, and Station Inn.
The 2022 Tin Pan South lineup will be revealed and week-long passes will go on sale on March 1 at 10 a.m CT. Pricing is $145 for NSAI members and $175 for non-members, and individual admission will be available for most shows at the door. Some partner venues have COVID-related entry restrictions, and the festival will provide specific information through the official Tin Pan South mobile app, social media, and the website tinpansouth.com.
SoundExchange Expands Industry Engagement Team To Nashville
/by LB CantrellMarc Rucker
SoundExchange has announced the addition of Nashville-based Marc Rucker as manager, industry engagement to the Brand Marketing & Industry Engagement team.
SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of more than 260,000 creators and to date has paid nearly $9 billion in distributions. Through innovation of music tech products and services, it distributes royalties to creator groups, advocates for fair pay across platforms, and creates systems that improve how the industry operates.
Rucker will work to foster local and national artist and management relationships from Music City. He will help broaden SoundExchange’s visibility and provide in-person support and education to critical stakeholders and at industry events. He will also participate in the formation of strategic alliances with entertainment and brand partners, as well as artist-based communities and organizations.
Rucker has spent 13 years in the Nashville music business with experience in artist management, business management, and publishing. Before joining SoundExchange, he managed the careers of multiple successful recording artists. Rucker also helped co-found Young Entertainment Professionals, where he currently remains on the Board of Directors. To improve the bridge between sports and music, he has consulted on live entertainment in major sports venues, including Baltimore’s Camden Yards, and participated in Rumble on The Row, a charity boxing match.
Reach Rucker at mrucker@soundexchange.com.
Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley To Headline NHL Stadium Series Game In Nashville
/by Steven BoeroCountry music superstars Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley will headline the 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning at Nissan Stadium on Feb. 26.
Lambert reigns as the most decorated artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music with 35 ACM Awards, including a record-setting nine consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Award. She also boasts 14 CMA Awards, three Grammy Awards, the Nashville Symphony Harmony Award, ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award and ACM Song of the Decade Award, plus was named 2019’s RIAA Artist of the Year. Lambert’s storied career has spanned seven consecutive No. 1 albums, seven No. 1 radio singles, and countless sales certifications. She is set to hit the road on “The Bandwagon Tour” with Little Big Town this spring.
Bentley continues to be a dominant voice for the genre with over 6.4 billion streams as his new single “Beers On Me” with Breland and Hardy races up the radio charts. The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter has garnered countless nominations from the ACM’s, CMA’s, Billboard Music Awards and more, while also earning 14 Grammy nominations.
“We are thrilled to have two of the biggest names in country music join us in Nashville for the Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series,” says Steve Mayer, NHL Chief Content Officer and Senior Executive Vice President. “Miranda and Dierks are not only two musical superstars but also hockey fans that represent the strong bond that has formed between the Predators and the country music community. The NHL Stadium Series will celebrate Nashville’s transformation into a hockey town, the city’s country music roots and the Predators-Lightning’s growing rivalry. We expect this to be the first of many announcements to come.”
Lambert and Bentley’s first intermission performance will be televised as part of the NHL Stadium Series broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. CT on TNT. Tickets to the 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series are still available for purchase through Ticketmaster.