Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart and Hank Williams Jr. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Chapter 650
The long-delayed inductions of the 2020 Country Music Hall of Fame honorees were finally staged — in style — on Sunday evening (Nov. 21) at the museum’s CMA Theater.
Performances by 10 stars honored Marty Stuart, Dean Dillon and Hank Williams Jr. during a three-hour presentation attended by a who’s-who of the Nashville music biz. Standing ovations abounded from the vaccinated crowd.
Marty, Dean and Hank were told they were to become the latest members of the Hall in February 2020. Then came the COVID lockdown, so no ceremony was staged. As we all know now, that interruption of our regular lives is now approaching its second anniversary.
Connie Smith performs onstage for the 2021 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“I hope you guys enjoy this long-awaited night as much as I plan to,” said the CMA’s Sarah Trahern in welcoming the throng. The delay has been so long that Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young asked for a moment of silence for the six ( ! ) Hall of Famers who have died since we last gathered — Kenny Rogers, Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers, Charlie Daniels, Tom T. Hall, Don Everly and Charley Pride.
As always, Young presided over the ceremony. Following a video biography about Marty, Pastor Evelyn Hubbard of Tunica, Mississippi took to her B-3 organ to lead the band in a rousing version of his gospel song “It’s Time to Go Home.” Accompanied by Charlie Worsham on lead guitar and harmony vocals, Emmylou Harris rocked out on “Tempted.” Ashley McBryde ably interpreted the honoree’s song “The Observations of a Crow.”
Connie Smith inducted her husband. “This is a special moment,” she said. “Reconciliation is a gift from God, and Marty has that gift. He brings people together. Marty makes people feel better whenever he’s around. I’m as proud of who he is as I am of his accomplishments.”
“I love country music — I still feel like I am an ambassador for it,” commented Marty, adding that the artform deserves the same attention and respect as jazz, classical music and other genres. “I believe God loves country music,” he added. “This [honor] is The Ultimate.”
Dean Dillon (Larry Dean Flynn) was introduced by Young and a video bio that underscored his lonely, unsettled childhood. Kenny Chesney sang the contemplative “A Lot of Things Different” (co-written by Dillon and Hall of Famer Bill Anderson). Inspired by Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey” (cowritten by Dillon and Linda Hargrove), Brittney Spencer offered a deep-soul rendition of the song. Then George Strait took the stage to sing the beautifully crafted “The Chair” (Dillon with Hall of Famer Hank Cochran), one of 20 charting titles that the songwriter has penned for the superstar.
Pictured: George Strait speaks onstage for the 2021 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
King George inducted Dean. “All those years and all those songs, and here we are,” said George. “It’s so hard to dream about [but] I knew you’d be in the Hall of Fame.”
“When I hitch-hiked here in 1973, I wanted to be… a singer and an artist,” Dean reflected, adding that he eventually gave up making records to concentrate fully on songwriting. “It’s the smartest decision I’ve ever made in my life. I want to thank my sweet Lord for giving me this wonderful gift.” The songwriter became teary-eyed as he concluded, “Thank y’all so much.”
Did you know that a teenaged Hank Jr. made a pop, 45-r.p.m. single on Verve Records billed as “Bocephus?” Me neither, but that’s what his video bio revealed.
Shooter Jennings saluted Hank with “Feelin’ Better,” a song that appeared on Hank’s 1977 LP The New South. Eric Church performed with just his guitar, singing an impassioned “A Country Boy Can Survive,” augmented by an autobiographical sung intro. Alan Jackson and his Strayhorns band conjured a lovely mood with an expressive version of “The Blues Man.” Brenda Lee inducted Hank Jr.
“All my rowdy friends ARE coming over tonight,” said Hank. “I WAS born to boogie. And THIS is a family tradition,” he added, referring to his legendary Country Music Hall of Fame father.
Pictured: Alan Jackson performs onstage for the 2021 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Connie Smith returned to the stage to sing the event’s traditional finale, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
No pressure, performers: The audience included such Hall of Fame legends as Brenda, Connie, Emmylou, Anderson, Ray Stevens, Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn, Don Schlitz, Charlie McCoy, Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers, Teddy Gentry & Randy Owen of Alabama, Jerry Bradley and Randy Travis. Not to mention such talents as Jonell Mosser, Paul Kennerley, Jim Horn, Cheryl White, Shawn Camp, bodacious Hannah Dasher, Jeannie Seely, Donna Stoneman, John Hall and Andrea Zonn, plus DeFord Bailey’s musical kids.
“Tonight is Homecoming,” said Trahern. “Tonight IS the Night,” said Hall of Fame board chair Mary Ann McCready.
Clearly delighted in seeing one another after so long an absence were David & Susana Ross, David & Karen Conrad, Peter & Karen Cronin, John Peets, John Zarling, John Marks, Bill Ivey, Bill Denny, Steve Lasssiter, Mike Milom, Mike Molinar, Michael McCall, Troy Tomlinson, Del Bryant, Melanie Howard, Barry Mazur, Alan Stoker, Lon Helton, Rod Essig, Keith Bilbrey, Jessica Nicholson, Joe Galante, Debbie Linn, Diane Pearson, Tom Roland, Gary Overton, Tony Brown, Jerry & Ernie Williams, Aaron Hartley, Seab Tuck and Ken Levitan. The fashion plate of the night was Dave Pomeroy, resplendent in a red lame jacket and crimson pork-pie hat.
This was the 25th annual Medallion Ceremony, but it was the first for Ken Burns country documentary mastermind Dayton Duncan. He said he was only expecting some acceptance speeches, not the fabulous musical cornucopia that this event always is. I assured him that this is the way Music City does things, year-in, year-out.
Being mindful of health / safety, the usual post-ceremony cocktail supper was scrapped. Perhaps it will return when we induct Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, Pete Drake and The Judds early next year. Stay tuned.
Red Light Management’s Gaines Sturdivant II & Son Author Children’s Book
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Gaines Sturdivant III, Gaines Sturdivant II. Photo: Courtesy Waffle House, Inc.
Red Light Management’s Gaines Sturdivant II, who guides the careers of artists such as Craig Morgan, King Calaway, and LoCash, co-authored a children’s book with his son, Gaines Sturdivant III.
The book, titled A Waffle Can Change the World, was inspired by the kind atmosphere the father and son have enjoyed at their local Waffle House #473 in Nashville, specifically from two associates, Terrie and Dawn. Through the lens of the observant first grader, readers come to know the enchanting touch of Terrie and Dawn. Through their example, young Gaines comes to understand that individual acts of kindness can truly change the world.
“Working with my son was incredibly special,” Gaines tells MusicRow. “Not only was it a bonding experience, but also a lifetime memory I’ll forever cherish. While I expected him to learn a lot from the process, I undoubtedly learned more through his eyes than I ever imagined. I can attest that any chance we have to slow down and see the world through a child’s lens is time well spent.”
Net profits from the sale of the book will benefit the “A Waffle Can Change the World Fund” via The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which honors associates of Waffle House #473 by supporting non-profit organizations engaged in youth enrichment services and education on a local and national level.
Gaines says that the experience will undoubtedly impact the way he does business with his management clients going forward.
“Having now made the journey from light bulb idea to finished product in the marketplace, I have learned that much of my music business skillset can be applied to other mediums,” he adds. “More importantly, it reinforced the entrepreneurial nature of management and the significance of diversification as I build artist brands. Most importantly, it demonstrated that authentic, true-life storytelling resonates loudly.
“Like many, the pandemic challenged my way of thinking and forced us all to generate ideas that weren’t solely dependent on an artist being physically present. I was fortunate to land on some ideas that could live and breathe on their own, but that I will now steer into artist careers. You will see a book project from Craig Morgan in late 2022, albeit not a children’s project, but the principle applies. In addition, I always remind clients that they have a unique platform and that with it comes some responsibility to give back. I wanted this project to serve that same mission and I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Published by The Nautilus Publishing Company, A Waffle Can Change the World is available now at awafflecanchangetheworld.com and on Waffle House’s online shopping site.
Luke Combs’ ‘What You See Ain’t Always What You Get’ Makes History With Seventh Chart-Topper
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs keeps breaking records and adding to his growing list of career accolades as his latest single, “Cold As You,” tops the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts this week. The feat makes history as Combs’ deluxe album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get becomes the first album in history to produce seven No. 1 singles at country radio.
The achievement not only breaks the record for most No. 1s to come from the same album, but also marks his twelfth consecutive No. 1 single overall. The accomplishment adds to yet another monumental few weeks for the 6x CMA, 3x ACM and 3x Billboard Music award-winner, who won Entertainer of the Year at The 55th Annual CMA Awards.
What You See Ain’t Always What You Get debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as well as Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart last fall. The deluxe edition features all 18 tracks from Combs’ double Platinum-certified No. 1 album, What You See Is What You Get, as well as five new songs. Combs reached No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s Top 200 Albums chart, Top 100 Songs chart and Artists 500 chart with the release, making him the first country artist ever to lead all three charts in the same week and the first to top the Artists 500.
Combs also recently made history as the first artist to have their first two studio albums spend 25 weeks or more at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, breaking Taylor Swift’s previously held record of 24 weeks. The achievement came as What You See Is What You Get topped the chart for the 25th time last summer, while his 2017 debut, This One’s For You, had spent 50 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1—tying the record for the longest reign atop the chart with Shania Twain’s Come On Over in 1997.
Maddjett Management Announces Staff Expansions, Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Dan Wise, Lindsey Speyer, Kimberly Hopkins
Maddjett Management has expanded its Nashville team to include Brand Manager Dan Wise and Executive Assistant Lindsey Speyer. In addition, long-time Maddjett staffer Kimberly Hopkins has been promoted from assistant to day-to-day manager.
Wise brings over 20 years of industry experience to his new position, including 8 years in artist management across pop, rock, hip hop, reggae, country, and Christian music.
Speyer graduated from Auburn University in 2019 and worked with BMI on the works registration team from 2020-2021 before making the jump to personal assistant in summer 2021.
After graduating from Belmont University in 2016, Hopkins got her start as an executive assistant at WME from 2016-2019 before joining Maddjett in 2019 as an assistant.
“We are so excited to add Dan Wise and Lindsey Speyer to our team; and to give a well-deserved promotion to Kimberly Hopkins,” says Leigh Holt, founder and CEO of Maddjett. “Each of them has unique skills and are dedicated to the success of our artists’ vision. Dan brings a wealth of experience in artist management and sponsor development; and Lindsey has great understanding of the area of administration and collaboration. Kimberly is the glue that holds our artists together, navigating their daily schedules and movements earning her the title of day to day manager. We have a team-based management approach at Maddjett, and I could not be more proud of the team we have built.”
Founded in 2013 by Leigh Holt, Maddjett celebrates wins for several clients this month, including two-time Grammy winning and multi-Platinum artist Lauren Daigle on the completion of the sold-out “Lauren Daigle World Tour,” Provident Entertainment recording artist Ryan Ellis and his release of the rising single, “Heart of the Father,” and Lizzie Morgan’s latest collaboration with TRIBL Records.
Maddjett’s roster of clients and projects has included Oprah’s The Life You Want Weekend, Lauren Daigle, Warner Music Nashville, Pepsi MidAmerica, Sony Music Nashville, Harper Collins Publishers, the Museum of the Bible, and more.
Industry Ink: Deana Carter, Chris Janson, Charli Adams, Julia Casey
/by Lydia FarthingDeana Carter Headlines First Show At Ryman Auditorium, Earns 2x Platinum Certification For ‘Strawberry Wine’
Deana Carter at the 25th Anniversary Show for Did I Shave My Legs For This? held at the Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 18, 2021. Photo: Curtis Hilbun
CMA award-winning artist Deana Carter recently headlined Ryman Auditorium for the first time, performing an intimate 90-minute set for the sold-out crowd, with special guests Charles Esten and Breland, as well as friends and collaborators Terri Clark, Kylie Morgan and Brandon Heath.
Celebrating the release of the 25th Anniversary Edition of her 5x Platinum debut album Did I Shave My Legs for This?, Carter was surprised before the show by Universal Music Group President Cindy Mabe with a 2x Platinum plaque for her mega-hit and CMA award-winning debut single “Strawberry Wine.”
“My 25th anniversary show at the Ryman last night was like a dream,” Carter reflects. “So many friends and family, the faithful fans and I felt so much love in the room in my favorite community, in the best sounding venue on earth! Such an honor and a celebration. I am still floating! Thanks to UMe/Capitol Nashville, all my very special guest artists, the staff, the crew, my band and team. Everyone from the 90s to today, I am just so grateful! Thank you to everyone who made every dream I ever had come true and for making such a remarkable milestone possible. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!”
Chris Janson, Bass Pro Shops Raise Over $300,000 For Families Of Disabled Service Members
Pictured (L-R): Georgia and Jesse Janson, John Paul Morris, Chris Janson, Colonel John Nemecek (Folds of Honor), Johnny Morris (Bass Pro Shops Founder and CEO), Mike Kehoe (Missouri Lieutenant Governor). Photo: Bass Pro Shops
Warner Music Nashville’s Chris Janson commemorated Military Family Appreciation Month and Veteran’s Day by joining Bass Pro Shops for an in-store “round-up at the register” campaign. Together, they raised over $300,000 for life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.
“I am so thankful for the generosity and support from everyone who donated to Bass Pro Shops ‘round-up at the register’ campaign that my dear friend Johnny Morris (Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops) put into action,” says Janson. “It does my heart good to know that we raised $300,000 for Folds of Honor and we are able to provide so many scholarships. I look forward to one day being able to meet some of the recipients and tell them personally what their ultimate sacrifice means to me and my family.”
The Janson-led initiative was inspired by his current single “Bye Mom,” a tribute to his friend and co-writer’s mom, who passed away late last year. He will embark on his “Halfway To Crazy Tour” on Feb. 10 with stops across the country running through April 16.
Concord Music Publishing Adds Charli Adams To Songwriter Roster
Charli Adams. Photo: Luke Rogers.
Concord Music Publishing has added rising indie-pop singer-songwriter Charli Adams to its roster. The worldwide agreement, effective immediately, will cover Adams’ full catalog, including her recently released debut album, Bullseye.
Adams is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who blends genres spanning alternative, indie pop and indie singer-songwriter, while also pulling from ’80s rock and influences such as Tom Petty, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, The 1975 and The Paper Kites. She has had cuts for Chloe Moriondo, Peach Pit, Valley and Addison Grace.
“We are so excited to have Charli join Concord’s roster,” states Jen Hubbard, Director, A&R at Concord Music Publishing. “I’ve been following Charli’s career for some time now and knew I had to work with her. She leaves her thumbprint on any song that she’s a part of, with her distinct pop sensibility layered with authentic and raw songwriting. This album is just the beginning of an amazing career for Charli as both an artist and songwriter.”
“Signing with Concord felt very natural and inevitable. Jen and the rest of the Nashville team have been unbelievably supportive since the very beginning,” says Adams. “They’re like family at this point. I’ve had the chance to travel and meet the Concord team all over the world and there’s a universal sense of community and care for the creative that you don’t find everywhere. I feel extremely supported in my vision and understood for who I am as a writer and artist. I’m very thankful to have Concord in my corner and on my team, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Big Feat PR Adds Julia Casey As VP
Nashville-based Big Feat PR has added Julia Casey to their staff as Vice President.
Prior to joining Big Feat, Casey ran the publicity department at Verve Label Group in New York City, where she worked with artists including Jon Batiste, Bettye LaVette, Max Richter, Shabaka Hutchings, Sons of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming, Olafur Arnalds, as well as led campaigns for albums such as John Coltrane’s Both Directions At Once, Blue World, and Thelonious Monk’s Palo Alto, among others. She is the recipient of two Clio Awards for Max Richter’s Sleep and Jon Batiste’s winning video “I Need You.”
Casey states, “I am so honored to join forces with Doug, he has cultivated an incredible roster of artists who I respect and admire, artists who have something to say. I’m looking forward to building upon our shared passion for great music, artists and their stories.”
Big Feat PR CEO Doug Hall adds, “Julia is one of the most dedicated, professional and knowledgeable publicists I have ever met in my entire career. She is the smartest person in any room with so many years of experience and countless successful campaigns under her belt. She will be a vital asset to Big Feat PR as we build the agency into all we know it can be. We share a collective vision to work with a select group of renowned and emerging artists and clients, that we genuinely love both musically and personally. I’m beyond excited for all that lies ahead.”
Big Feat PR represents artists including Yola, Marcus King, Robert Finley, S.G Goodman, Arlo McKinley, Liza Anne and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and works with labels including Universal Music Group, Verve, Decca, Concord, Easy Eye Sound, Rounder, Fantasy, Thirty Tiger, Oh Boy and New West.
Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett Win Two Each At American Music Awards
/by Lydia FarthingThe 49th Annual American Music Awards were held last night (Nov. 21) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, recognizing the most popular artists, singles and albums of 2021.
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood perform at the 2021 American Music Awards. Photo: Courtesy ABC
Hosted by Cardi B, the night featured performances from Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood singing their hit duet “If I Didn’t Love You,” as well as Kane Brown showcasing his “One Mississippi” as part of the program’s My Hometown segment. Mickey Guyton also took the stage to perform “All American,” while Walker Hayes made his AMA debut to perform his blockbuster hit “Fancy Like.”
Underwood took home two awards last night for Favorite Female Country Artist and for Favorite Inspirational Artist in the Christian category. Gabby Barrett also walked away with two trophies for Favorite Country Album (Goldmine) and Favorite Country Song (“The Good Ones”). Among the other winners were Luke Bryan, who took Favorite Male Country Artist; Dan + Shay, who earned Favorite Country Duo or Group; and Kanye West, who was voted Favorite Gospel Artist.
For a full list of the night’s winners, click here.
2021 American Music Awards Partial List of Winners:
Favorite Male Country Artist – Luke Bryan
Favorite Female Country Artist – Carrie Underwood
Favorite Country Duo or Group – Dan + Shay
Favorite Country Album – Gabby Barrett, Goldmine
Favorite Country Song – Gabby Barrett, “The Good Ones”
Favorite Inspirational Artist – Carrie Underwood
Favorite Gospel Artist – Kanye West
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Ups Josh Van Valkenburg To EVP, Creative
/by LB CantrellJosh Van Valkenburg
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced the promotion of Josh Van Valkenburg to Executive Vice President, Creative.
In his new role, Van Valkenburg is responsible for leading the team’s A&R strategy, supporting SMP Nashville’s roster, developing new talent, and delivering new creative opportunities for the company’s songwriters. He reports directly to CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Rusty Gaston.
Throughout his career, Van Valkenburg’s singings have garnered over 70 No. 1 hits on country radio. He has worked alongside chart-topping songwriters and producers including 4-time BMI Songwriter of the Year Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Lindsay Rimes, Chris DeStefano, and 2021 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Josh Osborne, as well as artist-writers such as Brett Eldredge and Chase Rice.
Prior to becoming EVP, Creative, Van Valkenburg held the position of Sr. VP Creative and has spearheaded SMP Nashville’s creative efforts since 2015. He has been with the company since 2005, launching his music publishing career at EMI Music Publishing. He was later promoted to the A&R team as Creative Manager in 2008, and in 2012 Van Valkenburg joined the Sony/ATV creative team as Creative Director.
“Our Sony Music Publishing family is committed to lifting up and empowering all of our songwriters, from Nashville to the entire world,” Van Valkenburg shares. “This ethos begins at the top with Jon Platt and Rusty Gaston, to whom I am so grateful for this opportunity. I’m so proud of our entire Nashville team and our recent wins as ASCAP and BMI Publisher of the Year. We’re just getting started on an incredible journey and I’m fired up to be a part of it!”
Gaston adds, “Josh is one of the smartest music publishing executives I have ever met. He leads the way in thinking strategically with every songwriter on our roster, and he takes actions that lead to results. We couldn’t be prouder to have him on our team.”
Brothers Osborne, Jimmie Allen, More To Join Leslie Jordan’s Ryman Show
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Leslie Jordan and Friends: Company’s Comin’ to the Ryman,” Jordan’s one-night-only show is coming to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 30. The show will feature some special guests, including Brothers Osborne, Jimmie Allen, Teddy Swims, The War and Treaty and more.
Fancy Hagood is set to open the show, followed by Jordan performing songs from his new album, Company’s Comin’, along with performances from the star-studded lineup of guests. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Released this spring via Platoon, Company’s Comin’ features duets with Dolly Parton, Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlile, Chris & Morgane Stapleton, Ashley McBryde, Charlie Worsham, Katie Pruitt, Tanya Tucker and TJ Osborne, as well as co-producers, Travis Howard and Danny Myrick.
The Emmy award-winning actor is best known for his roles on Will and Grace and more recently Fox’s Call Me Kat. He recently saw a surge in popularity in 2020 when his relatable, slice-of-life videos went viral on social media.
Earlier this year, Jordan hosted the country episode of PBS’s One Voice: The Songs We Share, appeared as a guest panelist on Fox’s The Masked Singer, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut. He also launched the Apple Music Country radio show Hunker Down Radio with Leslie Jordan, and landed on The New York Times Best Seller list with his new book How Y’all Doin’.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMHOF Inducts Marty Stuart, Dean Dillon, & Hank Williams Jr.
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart and Hank Williams Jr. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Chapter 650
The long-delayed inductions of the 2020 Country Music Hall of Fame honorees were finally staged — in style — on Sunday evening (Nov. 21) at the museum’s CMA Theater.
Performances by 10 stars honored Marty Stuart, Dean Dillon and Hank Williams Jr. during a three-hour presentation attended by a who’s-who of the Nashville music biz. Standing ovations abounded from the vaccinated crowd.
Marty, Dean and Hank were told they were to become the latest members of the Hall in February 2020. Then came the COVID lockdown, so no ceremony was staged. As we all know now, that interruption of our regular lives is now approaching its second anniversary.
Connie Smith performs onstage for the 2021 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“I hope you guys enjoy this long-awaited night as much as I plan to,” said the CMA’s Sarah Trahern in welcoming the throng. The delay has been so long that Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young asked for a moment of silence for the six ( ! ) Hall of Famers who have died since we last gathered — Kenny Rogers, Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers, Charlie Daniels, Tom T. Hall, Don Everly and Charley Pride.
As always, Young presided over the ceremony. Following a video biography about Marty, Pastor Evelyn Hubbard of Tunica, Mississippi took to her B-3 organ to lead the band in a rousing version of his gospel song “It’s Time to Go Home.” Accompanied by Charlie Worsham on lead guitar and harmony vocals, Emmylou Harris rocked out on “Tempted.” Ashley McBryde ably interpreted the honoree’s song “The Observations of a Crow.”
Connie Smith inducted her husband. “This is a special moment,” she said. “Reconciliation is a gift from God, and Marty has that gift. He brings people together. Marty makes people feel better whenever he’s around. I’m as proud of who he is as I am of his accomplishments.”
“I love country music — I still feel like I am an ambassador for it,” commented Marty, adding that the artform deserves the same attention and respect as jazz, classical music and other genres. “I believe God loves country music,” he added. “This [honor] is The Ultimate.”
Dean Dillon (Larry Dean Flynn) was introduced by Young and a video bio that underscored his lonely, unsettled childhood. Kenny Chesney sang the contemplative “A Lot of Things Different” (co-written by Dillon and Hall of Famer Bill Anderson). Inspired by Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey” (cowritten by Dillon and Linda Hargrove), Brittney Spencer offered a deep-soul rendition of the song. Then George Strait took the stage to sing the beautifully crafted “The Chair” (Dillon with Hall of Famer Hank Cochran), one of 20 charting titles that the songwriter has penned for the superstar.
Pictured: George Strait speaks onstage for the 2021 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
King George inducted Dean. “All those years and all those songs, and here we are,” said George. “It’s so hard to dream about [but] I knew you’d be in the Hall of Fame.”
“When I hitch-hiked here in 1973, I wanted to be… a singer and an artist,” Dean reflected, adding that he eventually gave up making records to concentrate fully on songwriting. “It’s the smartest decision I’ve ever made in my life. I want to thank my sweet Lord for giving me this wonderful gift.” The songwriter became teary-eyed as he concluded, “Thank y’all so much.”
Did you know that a teenaged Hank Jr. made a pop, 45-r.p.m. single on Verve Records billed as “Bocephus?” Me neither, but that’s what his video bio revealed.
Shooter Jennings saluted Hank with “Feelin’ Better,” a song that appeared on Hank’s 1977 LP The New South. Eric Church performed with just his guitar, singing an impassioned “A Country Boy Can Survive,” augmented by an autobiographical sung intro. Alan Jackson and his Strayhorns band conjured a lovely mood with an expressive version of “The Blues Man.” Brenda Lee inducted Hank Jr.
“All my rowdy friends ARE coming over tonight,” said Hank. “I WAS born to boogie. And THIS is a family tradition,” he added, referring to his legendary Country Music Hall of Fame father.
Pictured: Alan Jackson performs onstage for the 2021 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Connie Smith returned to the stage to sing the event’s traditional finale, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
No pressure, performers: The audience included such Hall of Fame legends as Brenda, Connie, Emmylou, Anderson, Ray Stevens, Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn, Don Schlitz, Charlie McCoy, Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers, Teddy Gentry & Randy Owen of Alabama, Jerry Bradley and Randy Travis. Not to mention such talents as Jonell Mosser, Paul Kennerley, Jim Horn, Cheryl White, Shawn Camp, bodacious Hannah Dasher, Jeannie Seely, Donna Stoneman, John Hall and Andrea Zonn, plus DeFord Bailey’s musical kids.
“Tonight is Homecoming,” said Trahern. “Tonight IS the Night,” said Hall of Fame board chair Mary Ann McCready.
Clearly delighted in seeing one another after so long an absence were David & Susana Ross, David & Karen Conrad, Peter & Karen Cronin, John Peets, John Zarling, John Marks, Bill Ivey, Bill Denny, Steve Lasssiter, Mike Milom, Mike Molinar, Michael McCall, Troy Tomlinson, Del Bryant, Melanie Howard, Barry Mazur, Alan Stoker, Lon Helton, Rod Essig, Keith Bilbrey, Jessica Nicholson, Joe Galante, Debbie Linn, Diane Pearson, Tom Roland, Gary Overton, Tony Brown, Jerry & Ernie Williams, Aaron Hartley, Seab Tuck and Ken Levitan. The fashion plate of the night was Dave Pomeroy, resplendent in a red lame jacket and crimson pork-pie hat.
This was the 25th annual Medallion Ceremony, but it was the first for Ken Burns country documentary mastermind Dayton Duncan. He said he was only expecting some acceptance speeches, not the fabulous musical cornucopia that this event always is. I assured him that this is the way Music City does things, year-in, year-out.
Being mindful of health / safety, the usual post-ceremony cocktail supper was scrapped. Perhaps it will return when we induct Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, Pete Drake and The Judds early next year. Stay tuned.
Industry Ink: Sarah Trahern, Travis Denning, Alyssa Ramsey, William Lee Golden
/by Lydia FarthingCMA’s Sarah Trahern Receives 2021 Music Cities Award
Sarah Trahern
CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern has been awarded a global 2021 Music Cities Award in the Public Service Award for a Leading Music Cities Advocate category. The award serves to recognize the exceptional work, achievements and contributions of a professional working on the improvement of their city through the use of music.
“I am so honored to receive this award,” says Trahern. “Over the past 20 months, I have seen incredible resilience in our country music family and the industry as a whole coming together. Our community united to help each other, with food drives, donations, programming and resources to build a bridge of light across the darkness. I am just grateful to be a small part of it. To win this award is truly an honor.”
The Music Cities Awards is a global competition designed to acknowledge and reward the applications of music for economic, social, environmental and cultural development in cities and places all around the world.
Travis Denning Earns First Platinum Certification For “After A Few”
Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones – RIAA, Jeremy Stover – Red Creative Group, Mike Harris – UMG, Travis Denning, Brian Wright – UMG, Angie Coonrod – Red Light Management
Mercury Nashville’s Travis Denning earned his first-ever Platinum certification for his No. 1 hit single “After A Few” selling over one million units.
Denning was surprised by his teams at Universal Music Group, Red Light Management and the RIAA after his performance at the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 16. He co-wrote “After A Few” with Kelly Archer and Justin Weaver.
“I’m blown away,” shares Denning. “This moment really only happens because of the team effort. My label, management, agent, radio, band and crew are all equally responsible for this milestone. Never would’ve dreamed I’d have a Platinum song!”
Denning first made waves with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” He has toured with Dustin Lynch, Cole Swindell, Alan Jackson,, Riley Green, headlined his own “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour,” and is currently out on the road on Brothers Osborne’s “We’re Not For Everyone Tour.”
Play It Again Music Group Promotes Alyssa Ramsey
Alyssa Ramsey
Play It Again Music Group (PIA Music Group) has announced the promotion of Alyssa Ramsey to Project Manager, Artist Development. Reporting to PIA Music Group founder Dallas Davidson, Ramsey will be responsible for overseeing campaigns for Dylan Marlowe and Walker Montgomery.
“Alyssa’s passion for serving artists and their music will serve her well in this new role! She helps make PIA Entertainment a stronger team,” says Davidson.
Prior to Play It Again, the Texas native spent time at Rodeo Austin where she was responsible for managing a lineup of 70+ artists for the Outdoor Stage and 100X Dance Hall, planning and executing events, corporate sponsorships and assisting in marketing efforts. She moved back to Nashville in the fall of 2020 to intern at Anthem Entertainment while pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Business. Ramsey joined Play It Again Music Group in May 2021 as the Creative Assistant.
William Lee Golden & The Goldens Perform At 2021 Porchfest, Receive Key To The City Of Brewton, Alabama
Pictured (L-R): Rusty Golden, Chris Golden, Elizabeth Golden, Brewton Mayor Yank Lovelace, Craig Golden, William Lee Golden. Photo: Michael Jenkins
Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member William Lee Golden and his sons, The Goldens, recently appeared at the 2021 Porchfest in Brewton, Alabama. Over the weekend-long event, homeowners of historic Belleville and Evergreen Avenue offered their porches as stages where country, gospel, blues, Southern rock, and many other genres of music throughout the family-friendly afternoon.
The Brewton native and his sons kicked off the festivities by opening the event on the Main Stage in front of one of the town’s historic homes, the Downing-Craft Home. The Goldens were honored with a proclamation and a key to the city during a surprise presentation during the show.
“It is hard to quantify the impact of a talent like William Lee Golden on his hometown,” says Mayor Yank Lovelace. “He grew up on a farm like many here did, played music with his family, sang on our local radio station, WEBJ, and sang in church. He played football, sang in school chorus groups, and got a job at the local paper mill before the world found out about him and that magnificent voice. As part of the Oak Ridge Boys, his name and image are recognizable the world over and he never left Brewton out of his thoughts, and always spoke the praises of his hometown. His is one of two names listed on signs welcoming people to our city. The Golden Family is part of the fabric of our community, and we are forever grateful for the contributions made that help make this the greatest community in the world.”
“It’s always a wonderful time going back home to where it all started,” adds Golden. “I still own my family’s home place where I grew up and there are so many memories there. Getting to come back and perform with my boys was a wonderful experience and to be given a key to the city by Mayor Lovelace was a wonderful surprise!”
William Lee Golden and The Goldens have released three singles from their upcoming albums—Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics, Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock and Old Country Church Gospel—which will be released in early 2022.
Chart Action: Taylor Swift Most-Added At Country Radio
/by Alex ParryTaylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
Fresh off her album release, Taylor Swift claims most-added at country radio this week for her duet with Chris Stapleton, “I Bet You Think About Me.” The single earned a collective 159 new station adds across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Charts.
“I Bet You Think About Me” was written by Swift and Lori McKenna and appears on Swift’s latest album Red (Taylor’s Version). The re-release of her 2012 album, Red, broke the record for the most-streamed album in a day by a female in Spotify history with over 90.8 million streams, breaking her previously held record with Folklore. Additionally, Taylor broke the record for the most-streamed female in a day in Spotify history with over 122.9 million streams.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.