ACM Lifting Lives has announced the newly elected Board of Directors for its 2021-2022 term.
As previously announced, officer roles for the 2021-2022 term are Troy Vollhoffer as Chair, Lorie Lytle as Vice-Chair, Daniel Miller as Vice President, Duane Clark as Treasurer, and Taylor Wolf as Secretary.
“As we conclude a monumental year for ACM Lifting Lives, we are grateful for the service of this year’s board members and the role they played in helping to distribute more than $3.8 million in funds to our country music community,” says Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives executive director. “We are excited to welcome our new board members and to utilize their unique expertise and passion in continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of others though the power of music.”
The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is comprised of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, and leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs who are referred to as public directors.
2021-2022 ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors:
Officers:
Chair – Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
Vice-Chair – Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Vice President – Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Treasurer – Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary – Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives
Representative Directors:
– Jackie Campbell, 615 Leverage + Strategy
– Duane Clark, FBMM
– RAC Clark, Lion’s Heart Entertainment*
– Beville Dunkerley, Pandora
– Rod Essig, CAA
– Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
– Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management*
– Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
– Darin Murphy, CAA*
– Annie Ortmeier, Universal Music Group Nashville*
– Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
– Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
– Sally Williams, Live Nation
Public Directors:
– Scott Adkins, Adkins Publicity**
– Tiffany Brush, Topgolf**
– Mark Bloom, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
– Ross Copperman
– Chris Farren, Combustion Music
– Kathleen Flaherty, K21 Communications
– Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment
– Julie Gordon***
– John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
– Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment Group
– Ricky Kelley, Harley-Davidson of Columbia
– Ellen Lehman, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee**
– Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
– Beth Moore
– Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town
– Meredith Seacrest, Ryan Seacrest Foundation
– F. Reid Shippen, Robot Lemon
– Elaina Smith, Nights with Elaina
– Jay Williams, WME
– Judee Ann Williams, CAA**
* – Newly elected Representative directors
** – Newly elected Public directors
*** – Newly appointed Public director
High Valley Reemerges With New Music Due Out Nov. 12
/by Lydia FarthingHigh Valley. Photo: Crystal K. Martel
High Valley is back with new music. Now emerging as a country band led by Brad Rempel, they will release two tracks, “Whatever It Takes” and “Never Not,” on Nov. 12.
This summer, Curtis Rempel, one half of the brother duo, made his exit from the group. In a tweet, Curtis wrote that he decided to step away from High Valley and has since moved back to his hometown in Alberta, Canada to start a business with his wife Myranda.
Brad is joined by Dave Meyers, Sam Bergeson, Raymond Klasson, Clint Milburn, and Andrew Hemmerling. All the band members have been working with High Valley for the better part of the last decade, with the exception of Sam, who has been writing with Brad for the last couple years.
“It feels so amazing to be releasing new music again,” Brad shares. “From the moment we started writing ‘Whatever It Takes’ we felt like we had captured that signature High Valley magic! I’ve always felt we were at our best and most natural when we tap into that bluegrass stomp kind of sound that we love.” He continues, “‘Never Not’ is such a true song for us and the second verse is maybe one of the most honest straightforward lyrics I’ve ever written. I have big dreams and hopes for this song finding its way into the hearts and lives of our fans!”
Brad co-wrote both of the new tracks. “Whatever It Takes” was co-penned by Jon Nite and Ben Stennis, while “Never Not” features writers Ben West and Matt Willis. The new music follows back-to-back Gold-certified singles in the U.S., as well as success in Canada with three No. 1 songs at Canadian country radio, two Gold-certified albums, and six Platinum singles.
High Valley is one of the highest selling Canadian band in country music history with over half a billion streams. As a frequent performer at the Grand Ole Opry, the band is known for their fan-favorites and U.S. radio singles “Make You Mine,” “She’s With Me,” and “Grew Up on That.” They have received nominations for ACM New Duo of the Year and have earned multiple CCMA Awards wins and Juno Awards nods.
Priscilla Block Announced As Opry Nextstage Artist For November
/by Lorie HollabaughPriscilla Block. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
Priscilla Block has been named the Opry Nextstage featured artist for November. She joins prior 2021 Opry NextStage artists Hailey Whitters, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Niko Moon and Yola.
In early 2020, Block began experimenting on TikTok and quickly developed a fanbase with songs like “Thick Thighs,” “PMS” and “Just About Over You.” Fans independently funded her recording and “Just About Over You” eventually peaked on both the iTunes Country and All-Genre song charts, was named one of The New York Times Best Songs of 2020, and is now top 15 on the charts.
“I am so honored to get to continue my journey with this new Opry chapter,” says Block. “I am forever grateful for their foundation to country music, the fact that I have their support is more than I could ever wish for. I am pinching myself that I am getting to join this year’s class of talented people, many of whom I have been a fan of for the last few years.”
Named a 2021 Artist to Watch by Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, CMT, The Boot, MusicRow, Sounds Like Nashville, and more, Block is set to hit the Opry stage for the first-ever Opry NextStage Live in Concert show on Nov. 21. The special evening will feature performances by Block, Travis Denning, McCollum, Moon, Tenille Townes, Whitters and Wilson.
Opry NextStage collaborations include live performances, strategic marketing support and short-form documentary-style storytelling created by Opry Entertainment’s content team. Opry NextStage presents rising artists who are making standout music at the forefront of their careers through the Opry’s marketing platforms, which are set to deliver more than 100 million impressions.
Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, More Join CMA Awards Performers Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban, Luke Bryan, Gabby Barrett, Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley featuring Breland and Hardy, Jennifer Hudson, and Zac Brown Band have joined the list of performers for The 55th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 10.
Quadruple nominee Barrett is slated to perform her chart-topping hit “The Good Ones,” while double nominee Bentley welcomes collaborators Breland and New Artist of the Year nominee Hardy for their single, “Beers On Me.”
Two-time CMA Entertainer Of The Year winner and this year’s host Luke Bryan will perform his new single “Up” on the star-studded show, while singer, actress and star of the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, Hudson makes her debut on the CMA Awards stage.
CMA Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Thomas Rhett will
The 55th Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena next Wednesday (Nov. 10) from 7-10 p.m. CT on ABC.
Farris, Self & Moore Adds Stephanie Alderman, Dorian Hanna, More To Team
/by Lydia FarthingStephanie Alderman & Dorian Hanna
Business management firm Farris, Self & Moore (FSM) have recently announced a wave of new hires, including seasoned Business Manager Stephanie Alderman and long-time accountant Dorian Hanna, who will act as a Client Manager.
FSM also added Emma Gibson (Client Bookkeeper), Graham Haney (Office Administration Team), and Elaina Riggs (Royalty Team) who will report to recently promoted Royalty Director Matt Najdowski.
“From the moment I met Kella [Farris], Stephanie [Self], and Catherine [Moore], I knew I would thrive on this team,” says Alderman. “We have shared values and vision for what exceptional business management can mean for artists at all stages of their professional journey. I’m absolutely thrilled to join forces with Farris, Self & Moore.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of a growing firm that is still able to focus on the individual needs of each client,” adds Hanna. “Kella, Catherine, and Stephanie have created an inspiring and motivating place to work, and I look forward to contributing my efforts to expanding their vision for the firm.”
“We could not be happier to welcome Stephanie and Dorian to the FSM family and team,” shares FSM co-founder Moore. “Their extensive knowledge and experience in the music industry will be a significant resource to our firm and all of our staff. Their leadership will help FSM continue to serve our clients at the all-in, full service level our firm is known for.”
Stephanie Alderman can be reached at salderman@fsmnash.com.
Dorian Hanna can be reached at dorian@fsmnash.com.
Emma Gibson can be reached at emma@fsmnash.com.
Graham Haney can be reached at graham@fsmnash.com.
Elaina Riggs can be reached at elaina@fsmnash.com.
Matt Najdowski can be reached at matt@fsmnash.com.
Country Music Well Represented At The World Series
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce, Zac Brown, Lauren Alaina
Country music was well represented at the Major League Baseball World Series this season, with Zac Brown, Lauren Alaina, and Carly Pearce all performing the National Anthem during this year’s series.
Brown did the honors of singing the National Anthem at Game 3 of the World Series on Friday night (Oct. 29) at Truist Park in Atlanta before the Atlanta Braves took on the Houston Astros. Brown, who is a Georgia native, also narrated Fox’s Game 4 pre-pitch segment, which aired on Saturday night (Oct. 30) just before the game.
Another Georgian, Alaina was invited to perform the National Anthem before Game 5 at Truist Park. “It was truly an honor to be able to sing the National Anthem at the World Series for my favorite team,” Alaina tells MusicRow. “It was so incredible to feel all 65,000 people in that stadium come together as one. It’s such a powerful song and represents unity. I will never forget it. The icing on the cake was my dad getting to be there. He was in heaven. I can’t thank MLB and the Braves enough for the opportunity of a lifetime. GO BRAVES.”
Pearce sang the Anthem before Game 6 in the series, with the Braves leading the Astros three games to two in the best of seven series. “Few things are as American and iconic as the World Series… like singing at the Grand Ole Opry, this is one of those things you don’t dare dream — and almost can’t believe when it’s actually happening,” says Pearce of the experience.
The Atlanta Braves clinched the series last night (Nov. 2) after defeating the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 at Minute Maid Park. The epic win marks their first World Series title since 1995.
ACM Lifting Lives Announces Board Of Directors For 2021-2022 Term
/by Lydia FarthingACM Lifting Lives has announced the newly elected Board of Directors for its 2021-2022 term.
As previously announced, officer roles for the 2021-2022 term are Troy Vollhoffer as Chair, Lorie Lytle as Vice-Chair, Daniel Miller as Vice President, Duane Clark as Treasurer, and Taylor Wolf as Secretary.
“As we conclude a monumental year for ACM Lifting Lives, we are grateful for the service of this year’s board members and the role they played in helping to distribute more than $3.8 million in funds to our country music community,” says Lyndsay Cruz, ACM Lifting Lives executive director. “We are excited to welcome our new board members and to utilize their unique expertise and passion in continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of others though the power of music.”
The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is comprised of ACM Board Members, referred to as representative directors, and leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs who are referred to as public directors.
2021-2022 ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors:
Officers:
Chair – Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
Vice-Chair – Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Vice President – Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
Treasurer – Duane Clark, FBMM
Secretary – Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives
Representative Directors:
– Jackie Campbell, 615 Leverage + Strategy
– Duane Clark, FBMM
– RAC Clark, Lion’s Heart Entertainment*
– Beville Dunkerley, Pandora
– Rod Essig, CAA
– Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
– Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management*
– Daniel Miller, Fusion Music
– Darin Murphy, CAA*
– Annie Ortmeier, Universal Music Group Nashville*
– Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
– Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
– Sally Williams, Live Nation
Public Directors:
– Scott Adkins, Adkins Publicity**
– Tiffany Brush, Topgolf**
– Mark Bloom, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
– Ross Copperman
– Chris Farren, Combustion Music
– Kathleen Flaherty, K21 Communications
– Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment
– Julie Gordon***
– John Hickman, Dallas Cowboys
– Greg Hill, Hill Entertainment Group
– Ricky Kelley, Harley-Davidson of Columbia
– Ellen Lehman, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee**
– Lorie Lytle, Fridrich & Clark Realty
– Beth Moore
– Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town
– Meredith Seacrest, Ryan Seacrest Foundation
– F. Reid Shippen, Robot Lemon
– Elaina Smith, Nights with Elaina
– Jay Williams, WME
– Judee Ann Williams, CAA**
* – Newly elected Representative directors
** – Newly elected Public directors
*** – Newly appointed Public director
Bridgestone Arena Updates COVID Entry Protocols
/by Steven BoeroBridgestone Arena
Bridgestone Arena will no longer require fans and guests to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to attend Nashville Predator games, starting Nov. 13. The change in protocol will also apply to events and concerts held at the venue unless a specific tour or event has its own protocols that differ from the protocols being announced today (Nov. 3).
“We would like to thank Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the Nashville Health Department and countless other partners for continuing to provide insight that enabled us to bring this good news to the community,” says President and CEO of Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators, Sean Henry. “We are encouraged that the data trends are moving briskly in a positive direction; today’s announcement is consistent with our original intention to update our protocols as case counts and transmission levels evolved.”
The relaxing of COVID-19 protocols comes as Davidson County’s transmission level has dropped below the “Substantial Transmission” level in the CDC’s metrics of percentage of positive tests in the past seven days. More information on the CDC’s measurement of levels of community transmission can be found here.
“The Metro Public Health Department appreciates Bridgestone Arena’s concern for the health of their fans and for continuing to consult with us on their safety protocols,” says Metro Public Health Bureau Director Hugh Atkins.
All policies and procedures remain subject to change and masks remain strongly recommended for those attending a game or event at Bridgestone Arena.
Joe Ginsberg Inks With Anthem Entertainment, Wrensong Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Maurna Donovan (Wrensong Publishing), Ree Guyer (President/Owner of Wrensong Publishing), Joe Ginsberg, Abbe Nameche (Wrensong Publishing), Noah Dewey (Anthem Entertainment), Tim Wipperman (President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville)
Photo: Alex Heddle
Songwriter and producer Joe Ginsberg has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Anthem Entertainment and Wrensong Publishing.
Originally hailing from Denver, Ginsberg graduated from the University of Southern California with a jazz studies degree in upright bass. He spent 15 years living in Los Angeles touring with bands before co-writing the Miranda Lambert single “Little Red Wagon.”
Following the song’s success, Ginsberg moved to Nashville and signed with BMG Nashville, shifting his focus to writing and producing full time in 2014. During his time at BMG, he sharpened his writing and production skills while landing cuts with Carly Pearce, Bailey Bryan, Larry Fleet and many more.
“Joe is that rare writer who feels genuine in multiple music styles and brings a unique flavor to whatever world he’s contributing to,” says President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville Tim Wipperman. “He’s great to have in the house.”
“‘Little Red Wagon’ has been one of my favorite songs in the recent past,” adds Wrensong’s Owner/President, Ree Guyer. “Being able to not only meet Joe but get the opportunity to work with him, I was absolutely thrilled. He’s definitely coming into his own as an amazing writer and producer and we are thrilled to have him as a part of the Anthem/Wrensong family. Along with being an incredibly talented songwriter, Ginsberg’s gift and passion for production is unmatched.”
“I am so honored and proud to join the Wrensong/Anthem family,” shares Ginsberg. “Wrensong’s enthusiasm and focus is unmatched in this business…f rom our first meeting I felt free and inspired to be my creative (and strange) self. In this business that type of spark can often be a difficult thing to find, and I am so excited to take this ride together.”
Randy Travis To Release Deluxe Edition Of His Classic ‘Old Time Christmas’ Album
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor
Randy Travis is ringing in the holidays with the release of An Old Time Christmas (Deluxe Edition) on Nov. 19, featuring three never-before-released songs.
Originally released in 1989, the Gold album is the first Christmas record Travis ever released. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s songs have become Christmas standards, and he has appeared in movie classics like Annabelle’s Wish and A Holiday to Remember.
An Old Time Christmas (Deluxe Edition) will be available for preorder on Nov. 12 at RandyTravis.com.
In addition to the album release, Travis will celebrate his 35th Anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry with a special appearance on Dec. 11. The lineup for that evening’s show also includes Jon Pardi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carly Pearce and Don Schlitz, with more to be announced.
An Old Time Christmas (Deluxe Edition) Track List:
1. Old Time Christmas (2021 Remaster)
2. Winter Wonderland (2021 Remaster)
3. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (2021 Remaster)
4. White Christmas Makes Me Blue (2021 Remaster)
5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (2021 Remaster)
6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2021 Remaster)
7. Pretty Paper (2021 Remaster)
8. Oh, What a Silent Night (2021 Remaster)
9. How Do I Wrap My Heart Up for Christmas (2021 Remaster)
10. The Christmas Song (2021 Remaster)
11. Little Toy Trains (From The Vault)
12. There’s a New Kid In Town (From The Vault)
13. White Christmas (From The Vault)
BMI To Hold Country Awards As Online Celebration
/by LB CantrellBMI will hold its 69th annual Country Awards as an online event again this year. The PRO will pay homage to the creative community in Nashville with a special online celebration launching on Nov. 15.
The celebration will take place on BMI.com and on BMI social media and will feature exclusive videos from award winners. In keeping with BMI’s tradition, the celebration will honor the Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and the 50 most-performed country songs of the past year.
Last year, artists and songwriters including Ross Copperman and Warner Chappell were among those receiving top honors during the online 2020 BMI Country Awards.