Luke Combs Racks Up Fresh Round Of RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Caryl Atwood; Sony Music Entertainment’s Dennis Kooker, Jennifer Fowler, Darren Stupak, and Kevin Kelleher; SMN’s Jennifer Way and Randy Goodman; Luke Combs; Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy and Sophia Sansone; Columbia Nashville’s Lyndsay Church; River House Artists’ Lynn Oliver-Cline; SMN’s Liz Cost; RHA’s Zebb Luster. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs is celebrating a round of new RIAA certification as his No. 1 album, What You See Is What You Get, has been certified 3x Platinum, while his hit debut album, This One’s For You, is now 4x Platinum.
Five of Combs’ No. 1 singles have also received new certifications. “Beer Never Broke My Heart” was certified 4x Platinum, “Forever After All” and “Even Though I’m Leaving” hit 3x Platinum, and “1, 2 Many” and “Does To Me” feat. Eric Church both hit Platinum.
The achievements add to a triumphant few weeks for Combs, who is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for “Forever After All.” Combs was also recently named Entertainer of the Year at The 55th Annual CMA Awards and once again made history as his latest single, “Cold As You,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts.
Hannah Dasher Performs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Annual Nightfall at the Hall Celebration
Hannah Dasher performs. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Breakout country artist Hannah Dasher took the stage last night (Dec. 7) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for its ninth annual Nightfall at the Hall concert. The event is an after-hours celebration held exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a community of young leaders, ages 21 to 45, who collaborate with other like-minded professionals in supporting their community and the museum.
Nightfall at the Hall admission is a benefit of Troubadour membership. Young professionals can become a Troubadour member until Dec. 14, 2021, at a discounted rate of $5 off an individual Troubadour membership and $10 off a dual membership.
Prior to Dasher’s performance, student artist Jazmine Croom performed “Let’s Go with the Flow,” a song that she wrote with museum staff. Jazmine, a Metro Nashville Public Schools student, has participated in a variety of museum songwriting programs since 2019.
Anita Cochran Donates $10,000 To MusicCares
Pictured (L-R): Alicia Warwick, Senior Executive Director Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy; Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health and Human Services, MusiCares; Susan Stewart, Managing Director, Songwriters & Composers Wing, Recording Academy; Anita Cochran; Rondal Richardson, Senior Entertainment and Donor Relations Liaison, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Photo: Glenn Sweitzer
ACM and CMA-nominated artist Anita Cochran was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and has spent the time since focused on beating the illness. Unable to work, several music industry charities helped Cochran financially. In an attempt to repay those organizations, she launched her own charity, The Love Anchors Fund.
Earlier this year, Cochran delivered on her promise and presented the Opry Trust Fund with a $10,000 donation. Most recently, she presented another $10,000 to MusiCares, a partner of the Recording Academy. Cochran has also unveiled that her “Love Anchors Concert Series” will return in 2022.
“I am so appreciative of these friends who have helped host these events with me. And, to all the artists, Sara Evans, Terri Clark, Jamie O’Neal, Caroline Dawn Johnson, Brandy Clark, Thompson Square, Jerrod Neiman, and more who have taken the stage, so far, to be a part of this incredible mission, I am so thankful,” Cochran shares. “As the producer of this series, I could not do it alone. I am blessed to have a small but mighty, staff and so many volunteers that help to make it all possible. Music is a healer, I know that firsthand. And through music I intend to reach out to as many people as I can.”
“We are so thankful for Anita’s generosity and to the artists who made the events possible,” adds Debbie Carroll, VP, Health and Human Services at MusiCares. “Anita’s goal to pay it forward is inspiring and we are grateful. MusiCares is honored to provide support to resilient artists like Anita and so many others.”
Kinkead Entertainment Agency Signs Autumn Kings
Autumn Kings
Autumn Kings has signed with Kinkead Entertainment Agency.
Founded in late 2015, the group has opened for Platinum-selling artists, such as X Ambassadors, The Tea Party, Dorothy, and Billy Raffoul. Additionally, their 2019 released, “Electrified,” was featured as a Detroit Red Wings goal song during the teams 2018-2019 season.
Autumn Kings has accumulated over 18 million streams, as well as earned the COCA Mainstage Artist of the Year award. With regular rotation on Windsor/Detroit radio stations, their most recent single, “Want You To Stay,” has already received over 1.7 million streams. The band will also join Stereos on their 2022 Canadian tour.
“When people come up to us after shows and tell us we changed their lives through our music, that’s when we know we are doing our job,” the band shares. “We’re grateful for all of the people who have given us the opportunity to do music as a career.”
Patch Culbertson Named Sr. VP, General Manager Of Big Loud Records
/by LB CantrellPatch Culbertson. Photo: Nick Swift
Big Loud Records has announced the promotion of Patch Culbertson to Sr. Vice President, General Manager, effective immediately.
Culbertson first joined Big Loud Records as VP of A&R in 2017. In his newly-created role, he will oversee day-to-day operations, commercial tactics, and creative development for the Big Loud Records roster, which includes Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, Hardy, MacKenzie Porter, Larry Fleet, Lily Rose, Sean Stemaly, Hailey Whitters, and more.
“Craig [Wiseman], Joey [Moi], and I couldn’t be happier to continue our working relationship with Patch Culbertson,” says Seth England, Partner/CEO of Big Loud. “Patch has been with the Partners since the beginning of Big Loud Records and has helped build the label into what it is today. We want to thank him for his years of service, and to the many more to come.”
“The trajectory of this groundbreaking label has stayed true to its namesake. How? Great songs, great artists, and a world-class team,” shares Culbertson. “I am grateful every day to support the endeavors of our artists with colleagues who are simply the best in the business. Thank you Seth [England], Joey [Moi], Craig [Wiseman], and Austen [Adams] for this opportunity.”
Prior to his time at Big Loud, Culbertson spent eight years at Republic Records, most recently serving as Director of A&R in their New York headquarters. His track record includes the signing and development of acts including Aminé, Florida Georgia Line (via Republic Nashville), SoMo, and The Naked and Famous. In addition, he spearheaded releases from Colbie Caillat, Florence + The Machine, Mat Kearney, and The Lonely Island, and more, as well as a number of soundtracks such as Ted, Jersey Shore, Safe Haven, and Snow White and the Huntsman.
Industry Ink: Luke Combs, Hannah Dasher, Anita Cochran, Autumn Kings
/by Lydia FarthingLuke Combs Racks Up Fresh Round Of RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Caryl Atwood; Sony Music Entertainment’s Dennis Kooker, Jennifer Fowler, Darren Stupak, and Kevin Kelleher; SMN’s Jennifer Way and Randy Goodman; Luke Combs; Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy and Sophia Sansone; Columbia Nashville’s Lyndsay Church; River House Artists’ Lynn Oliver-Cline; SMN’s Liz Cost; RHA’s Zebb Luster. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs is celebrating a round of new RIAA certification as his No. 1 album, What You See Is What You Get, has been certified 3x Platinum, while his hit debut album, This One’s For You, is now 4x Platinum.
Five of Combs’ No. 1 singles have also received new certifications. “Beer Never Broke My Heart” was certified 4x Platinum, “Forever After All” and “Even Though I’m Leaving” hit 3x Platinum, and “1, 2 Many” and “Does To Me” feat. Eric Church both hit Platinum.
The achievements add to a triumphant few weeks for Combs, who is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for “Forever After All.” Combs was also recently named Entertainer of the Year at The 55th Annual CMA Awards and once again made history as his latest single, “Cold As You,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts.
Hannah Dasher Performs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Annual Nightfall at the Hall Celebration
Hannah Dasher performs. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Breakout country artist Hannah Dasher took the stage last night (Dec. 7) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for its ninth annual Nightfall at the Hall concert. The event is an after-hours celebration held exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members, a community of young leaders, ages 21 to 45, who collaborate with other like-minded professionals in supporting their community and the museum.
Nightfall at the Hall admission is a benefit of Troubadour membership. Young professionals can become a Troubadour member until Dec. 14, 2021, at a discounted rate of $5 off an individual Troubadour membership and $10 off a dual membership.
Prior to Dasher’s performance, student artist Jazmine Croom performed “Let’s Go with the Flow,” a song that she wrote with museum staff. Jazmine, a Metro Nashville Public Schools student, has participated in a variety of museum songwriting programs since 2019.
Anita Cochran Donates $10,000 To MusicCares
Pictured (L-R): Alicia Warwick, Senior Executive Director Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy; Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health and Human Services, MusiCares; Susan Stewart, Managing Director, Songwriters & Composers Wing, Recording Academy; Anita Cochran; Rondal Richardson, Senior Entertainment and Donor Relations Liaison, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Photo: Glenn Sweitzer
ACM and CMA-nominated artist Anita Cochran was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and has spent the time since focused on beating the illness. Unable to work, several music industry charities helped Cochran financially. In an attempt to repay those organizations, she launched her own charity, The Love Anchors Fund.
Earlier this year, Cochran delivered on her promise and presented the Opry Trust Fund with a $10,000 donation. Most recently, she presented another $10,000 to MusiCares, a partner of the Recording Academy. Cochran has also unveiled that her “Love Anchors Concert Series” will return in 2022.
“I am so appreciative of these friends who have helped host these events with me. And, to all the artists, Sara Evans, Terri Clark, Jamie O’Neal, Caroline Dawn Johnson, Brandy Clark, Thompson Square, Jerrod Neiman, and more who have taken the stage, so far, to be a part of this incredible mission, I am so thankful,” Cochran shares. “As the producer of this series, I could not do it alone. I am blessed to have a small but mighty, staff and so many volunteers that help to make it all possible. Music is a healer, I know that firsthand. And through music I intend to reach out to as many people as I can.”
“We are so thankful for Anita’s generosity and to the artists who made the events possible,” adds Debbie Carroll, VP, Health and Human Services at MusiCares. “Anita’s goal to pay it forward is inspiring and we are grateful. MusiCares is honored to provide support to resilient artists like Anita and so many others.”
Kinkead Entertainment Agency Signs Autumn Kings
Autumn Kings
Autumn Kings has signed with Kinkead Entertainment Agency.
Founded in late 2015, the group has opened for Platinum-selling artists, such as X Ambassadors, The Tea Party, Dorothy, and Billy Raffoul. Additionally, their 2019 released, “Electrified,” was featured as a Detroit Red Wings goal song during the teams 2018-2019 season.
Autumn Kings has accumulated over 18 million streams, as well as earned the COCA Mainstage Artist of the Year award. With regular rotation on Windsor/Detroit radio stations, their most recent single, “Want You To Stay,” has already received over 1.7 million streams. The band will also join Stereos on their 2022 Canadian tour.
“When people come up to us after shows and tell us we changed their lives through our music, that’s when we know we are doing our job,” the band shares. “We’re grateful for all of the people who have given us the opportunity to do music as a career.”
Parker McCollum To Launch NFT Fan Club
/by Lydia FarthingParker McCollum. Photo: Tyler Conrad
Parker McCollum will launch an NFT fan club with the help of MusicFX, a new entertainment NFT platform from full service blockchain platform provider CurrencyWorks Inc.
McCollum has a strong social media following with more than a million followers across all social platforms. The MCA Nashville artist recently released his debut album, Gold Chain Cowboy, which includes his hit singles “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You.”
MusicFX is the result of a collaboration between CurrencyWorks and Crown & Ace. Crown & Ace is a joint venture between The Festival Company and Periscope Music Group, an entertainment company covering a range of services including talent buying and venue booking, to festival and marquee event creation/execution, to NFTs, to brand partnerships.
“I’m thrilled to be the first artist to partner with MusicFX,” shares McCollum. “Without my amazing fans, I would not be where I am today. MusicFX is going to allow us to support one another as we continue this incredible journey.”
To celebrate the first product to be released on MusicFX, the first 1,000 fans who register their interest in purchasing the Gold Chain Cowboy Club NFT will receive priority access to a limited signature edition of their NFT membership. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I’m delighted that Crown & Ace and Parker McCollum are joining us to launch MusicFX,” says Cameron Chell, co-head of MusicFX and Executive Chairman of CurrencyWorks. “Expanding into the music industry was a logical next step following the success and innovation we have delivered within the NFT space this year. I’m incredibly excited by what this new platform will deliver.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with CurrencyWorks and Parker McCollum on this new venture,” adds Billie-Jo Aasen, co-head of MusicFX and CEO of Crown & Ace. “We want to go beyond what other music NFT platforms are offering, and provide a space that builds a strong lasting relationship with the artists we work with, and allows them a more rewarding experience with their fan base. This will be at the core of MusicFX.”
Pandora To Feature Jason Aldean In Virtual Event
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean performs onstage for SiriusXM and Pandora’s Small Stage Series. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for SiriusXM and Pandora
Jason Aldean will perform for the Pandora LIVE virtual event on Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. ET. As Pandora’s No. 1 most-streamed country artist of all time, Aldean will perform new music from his 10th studio album Macon during the show, along with fan favorites. Listeners can RSVP for free here.
Ania Hammar from SiriusXM’s The Highway will host the show, which was filmed as part of SiriusXM and Pandora’s Small Stage Series in Nashville at Marathon Music Works last month on the day Aldean released Macon.
Highlights of the concert special include an in-depth interview between Aldean and Hammar, and a segment called “The Mysterious Merch Man,” where Aldean pranks unsuspecting fans by going undercover as his own merch man. An encore presentation of the entire event will immediately follow the initial airing on live.pandora.com.
In collaboration with Pluto TV, Pandora has also launched Pandora LIVE: Backstage with Jason Aldean, a new station for fans to hear behind-the-scenes stories from Aldean and a mix of songs that inspire him. After the virtual event, this station will be updated to include live performance tracks and commentary from the show.
UTA Adds Six To Ever-Growing Nashville Headquarters
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Brandi Brammer, Amy Lynch, Emily LaRose, Emily Wright, Marissa Smith, Elisa Vazzana. Photo: Austin Lord
UTA has announced six new additions to their expanding Nashville headquarters. Emily LaRose, Marissa Smith, and Elisa Vazzana join as Music Agents; Amy Lynch joins the Comedy Touring division as an Agent; Brandi Brammer will serve as Senior HR Business Partner; and Emily Wright serves as a Music Brand Partnerships Agent.
The additions come as another sign of growth for the agency’s Nashville presence, following the recent hiring announcements of Nashville-based Scott Clayton as Co-Head of Global Music, Matthew Morgan as Co-Head of UTA Nashville, and Buster Phillips as a Rock Agent.
“We are honored to welcome this powerhouse group of industry professionals into our Music City headquarters,” says David Zedeck, Partner and Co-Head of Global Music. “The collective breadth and scope of our new colleagues will be a tremendous addition as we continue to expand our footprint in Nashville and beyond.”
LaRose joins the agency with close to 10 years’ experience working across multiple genres. She has worked with artists such as Sasha Alex Sloan, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, The Main Squeeze, Nightly, Leah Kate, Payday, somegirlnamedanna, Henry Jamison, Charli Adams, and Caroline Jones, among others. LaRose comes to UTA from WME and previously worked at CAA and APA.
Smith has worked with clients such as JP Saxe, GAYLE, JVKE, John Harvie, and Daniel Blume. She began her career at WME, where outside of her work in North America touring, she helped build and lead WME’s first Virtual Appearance Department, booking hundreds of virtual concerts for artists such as Kehlani, Charlie Puth, Culture Club, Lindsey Stirling, Sabrina Claudio, and more. Smith has also been very involved in non-profit work.
Vazzana joins UTA as a Music Agent in the country fair and festival space. Most recently she worked at CAA for over 14 years where she represented Runaway June, Carly Pearce, Home Free, and Walker Hayes, among others. Vazzana founded the Nashville chapter of Rhythm of Hope, a partnership between The Lollipop Foundation and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
Lynch joins UTA from WME as an agent in the Comedy Touring division. She has worked on tours for some of the industry’s top talent including Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer, amongst many others and most recently comedic sensation Leanne Morgan.
Brammer comes to UTA with over 20 years’ experience in the entertainment industry. She most recently served as VP, Human Resources at WME, where she oversaw HR for the global music division. Prior to that Brammer spent time at CAA, where she helped grow the CAA Nashville office from 38 employees to over 120.
Wright recently joined UTA as an Agent in the Music Brand Partnerships division. Previously, she worked at CAA in the music brand partnerships department for nearly 10 years where she developed unique and innovative partnerships between music artists and brands. Wright has closed deals for a variety of artists including Cardi B, Becky G, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Kehlani, Brittney Spencer, Midland, Jimmie Allen, Clay Walker and Clint Black and many more.
Restless Road Maps Out First Headlining Run
/by Sarah SkatesRestless Road. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Restless Road will kick off its first headlining tour April 6 in Milwaukee, Wisc. “The Bar Friends Tour” comes on the heels of opening for global superstar Kane Brown’s “Worldwide Beautiful” and “Blessed & Free” tours.
Restless Road’s outing will run through late May and make at least 17 stops, including a performance April 14 at Nashville’s Exit/In. Tickets are available for purchase at RestlessRoad.com.
Signed to 1021 Entertainment/Sony Music Nashville, Restless Road is made up of band members Zach Beeken, Colton Pack, and Garrett Nichols. With their harmonies and honest lyrics, the trio has racked up millions of streams with such fan favorites as “Bar Friends,” “Hometown Tonight,” and “Headlights.”
In February 2020, the trio unveiled their debut self-titled EP produced by Dann Huff, which included “Take Me Home,” featuring Brown.
“Restless Road Bar Friends Tour” Dates:
April 6 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
April 7 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s Live
April 8 – Detroit, MI – El Club
April 9 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache
April 14 – Nashville, TN – Exit In
April 15 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
April 16 – Middleburg, FL – Southern Social
May 5 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Cafe
May 6 – Omaha, NE – Barnato
May 7 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
May 16 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
May 18 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
May 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse Stage & Grill
May 20 – Washington, DC – The Hamilton
May 24 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
May 25 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
May 26 – Austin, TX – Antone’s
Morgan Wallen Adds Dates To Nearly Sold Out ‘The Dangerous Tour’
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Multi-Platinum country artist Morgan Wallen has nearly sold out his 54-date “The Dangerous Tour,” already selling over 705,000 tickets.
Only limited tickets remain in five markets: Orange Beach, Alabama, on July 3; Atlanta on Aug. 4; Albuquerque on Sept. 7; Mountain View, California, on Sept. 16; and Los Angeles on Sept. 25. Wallen’s stop on Aug. 26 at Walmart AMP in Rogers, Arkansas, will go on sale beginning Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. local time.
Due to high demand, Wallen has also added more dates at Madison Square Garden in New York, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta, and LA’s Crypto.com Arena. With “The Dangerous Tour,” the Tennessee native has become only the third artist in history to sell out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena three times in a year.
Beginning on Feb. 3 at Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, the 47-city run will wrap at Crypto.com Arena on Sept. 25. The entertainer will be joined by special guest Hardy as direct support, and Larry Fleet on select dates from February through May.
Wallen has earned over 8 billion on-demand streams, multi-Platinum certifications, and four consecutive chart-toppers. His 2x Platinum sophomore effort, Dangerous: The Double Album, reigns atop the all-genre Billboard 200 Albums year-end chart.
Marshall Tucker Band Celebrates 50 Years With Special Anniversary Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMarshall Tucker Band. Photo: Mariah Gray
The Marshall Tucker Band is celebrating 50 years of making hits in 2022 and will commemorate the milestone with their upcoming “50th Anniversary Tour.” Dave Mason will join the group as support on select dates.
The anniversary tour will include over 30 dates with stops in Clearwater, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Phoenix, and more. The band will play a Nashville show on Feb. 9 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The tour officially kicks off on Jan. 12 at the Dosey Doe in The Woodlands, Texas.
“Five decades of The Marshall Tucker Band… sometimes it’s still hard to understand,” says lead singer Doug Gray. “We are just regular people. The fans have given us so many special moments over these 50 years. I’m so proud of our band. Our special songs, guided by the lyrics of Toy Caldwell, have given us a deep emotional connection with our fans and friends. We love you all and can’t wait to see you on the road in 2022.”
Nearly 50 years ago, The Marshall Tucker Band was founded in Spartanburg, South Carolina, by original members Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell, Gray, Jerry Eubanks, George McCorkle and Paul Riddle. With hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Fire on the Mountain,” and “24 Hours At a Time,” the 5x Gold and 3x Platinum-selling southern rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide.
Tonight: Nashville Music Equality To Review 2021 & Look Ahead To 2022 In Online Panel
/by Lydia FarthingNashville Music Equality will host “Cool Stuff Kids – Honoring Those Who Did Incredible Things for the Sake of Diversity” tonight (Dec. 7). The program will review 2021 and recognize the strides that have been made, as well as assess where the organization’s goals for 2022.
Hosted by award-winning producer Frank Liddell and Sr. VP & General Manager of MNRK (Nashville) Gina Miller, the night will feature guest panelists Ayappa Biddanda, Lindsay LaBennett, Shy Carter, and Marcus K. Dowling. The webinar will begin at 6 p.m. CT. To register, click here.
Read more about each panelist below:
Biddanda is the Sr. Director, National Grass Roots, Video, & Tour Promotion at Concord. Since 2004, he has overseen the Radio Department for Vanguard & Sugar Hill Records, prior to joining the Concord Promotion team. He now leads the Roots division for Concord and its family of labels, serving artists in both traditional and innovative spaces.
LaBennett started her career as an Account Executive in the Diversity Affairs department for NASCAR where she led the charge in managing the NASCAR HBCU College Tour, NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, and NASCAR’s Supplier Diversity Initiative. She has also spent time at Wasserman where she manages aspects of client relationships across Nationwide Insurance and their NASCAR, VCU Men’s Basketball, and Ohio State University Football team relationships. At Wasserman, LaBennett has focused on driving multi-cultural efforts, including diversity recruiting and cultural competency as a founding member of Wasserman’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. She was recently appointed to the new role of Sr. Director of Inclusion, Equality, and Diversity where she will act as an advisor to the Executive Leadership Team and have primary responsibility and accountability on Diversity & Inclusion issues.
Artist, songwriter, and producer Carter has credits that span Kane Brown’s “Heaven” to Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away.” He is among the writers behind Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like it Used To,” Sugarland’s smash hit “Stuck Like Glue” and Rob Thomas’ single “Someday.” Carter has worked with Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly, and more. His roots in gospel, jazz, R&B, and soul mixed with his gift for storytelling and love of organic instrumentation led to a natural transition into country music.
Dowling is a veteran, award-winning music journalist. He was recently named the 2021 recipient of the Rolling Stone Chet Flippo Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism. His contributions have seen him write for CMT, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Vice, The FADER, VIBE, Complex, Bandcamp, No Depression, and more. Dowling has been quoted by the Associated Press, ESPN, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and The Tennessean.
Grammy-Winning Musician, Producer & Songwriter Gary Scruggs Passes At 72
/by Lorie HollabaughGary Scruggs
Gary Scruggs, the Grammy-winning artist, producer, bassist, and songwriter, passed away on Dec. 1. He was 72.
The eldest son of bluegrass music legend Earl Scruggs, Gary began playing guitar and bass as a child. He contributed to Flatt and Scruggs’ albums as a teen, and earned a BA in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University.
With his brother Randy he released two albums (1969 and 1970) as The Scruggs Brothers. Gary and Randy then formed the progressive country rock band The Earl Scruggs Revue with their father, and toured extensively. In 1970, Gary convinced his father to go to a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert, which eventually led to Gary, Randy and Earle—as well as other iconic traditional country artists—joining the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to create the first Will the Circle Be Unbroken album. The collaborative album is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame and Library of Congress.
Gary later played guitar and sang backup for Waylon Jennings, as well as produced some of his records. He finally retired from the road in the mid-80s and turned his focus primarily on songwriting. Over the course of his career, Gary wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs. His song “The Lowlands,” recorded by by Vince Gill, was used for a film score produced by John McEuen.
Gary, alongside other “Earl Scruggs and Friends,” won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 2001 for “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” In 2005, Gary and Earl co-authored the “Revised and Enhanced” version of his father’s classic book Earl Scruggs And The 5-String Banjo. In 2008 Gary’s song, “Speed of Life” became the title cut of a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album, and a year later he co-wrote “Daddy Played the Banjo” with Steve Martin for his Grammy-winning Best Bluegrass Album, The Crow. He was also nominated for the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy award in 2008 for The Ultimate Collection/Live at the Ryman.
Through the course of his career, he worked with a wide range of musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Doc Watson, The Byrds, Vince Gill, Rosanne Cash, Charlie Daniels, Steve Martin, Patty Loveless, and many others.
Gary Scruggs is survived by sons Jesse (Emily) and Jaime (Erika), his niece Lindsey, and grandchildren Alex, Camila, Austin, and Lily. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 noon until time of service. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina.