Dennis Quaid Plots Fall Tour In Advance Of New Album

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Dennis Quaid. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Dennis Quaid has announced plans for a 12-city tour this fall that will take him to venues like Sony Hall in New York, the Acorn in Three Oaks, Michigan, and City Winery in Nashville. The tour kicks off Oct.30 and runs through Nov. 15.

During the tour, Quaid will tell tales from his film career and stories behind the songs that will appear on his forthcoming album set for release in 2022 via Gaither/Primary Wave. During the show, Quaid will cover some of his favorite songs, including some by Jerry Lee Lewis, rock ‘n’ roll classics, and country standards.

Quaid is an Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe nominee, and is also a respected singer-songwriter with hundreds of thousands of miles under his belt as a recording and touring musician. After years of playing clubs with Dennis Quaid and The Sharks, they released their debut album, Out of the Box, in November 2018.

FlyteVu Adds 11 New Staff Members, Promotes 3

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FlyteVu, a Nashville-based full-service entertainment marketing agency, has announced a wave of new hires and promotions over the past month.

New hires for the Talent & Influencer and Media Departments include Chris Simmons as Head of Talent & Influencers and Ellen Prinzi as Integrated Media Director. Simmons was formerly VP of Celebrity & Influencer Marketing at The Marketing Arm and Prinzi was Director of Business Development at Gateway Blend.

Rachel Reynolds, who previously held the title of Senior Director of Creative Content Production at Concord Records, has been added to FlyteVu as a Producer, and Hannah Sandfeld, formerly Digital Manager at Golin, has been added as a Talent Strategist. FlyteVu has also added McKenna Monk as Digital Strategist; Sara McCauley as Account Manager; and Lauren Miller as Senior Account Manager.

Additionally, FlyteVu hosted a first-of-its-kind hiring session on the drop-in audio app, Clubhouse. Out of it, FlyteVu brought on five new hires including Rachel Brittain, Kaetlin Fehl, Milan Nolen, and Wayne Leeloy. Their collective experience includes time at TikTok, Turner Sports, CANVAS and Vector Management.

FlyteVu has also promoted three staff members, including Brittany Rashkin to Director of Publicity, Sina Seger to VP of Accounts, and Miriam Singer to Director of Operations.

Sam Grow Previews Second Album With ‘You Ain’t Gone’

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Sam Grow is releasing his sophomore project, This Town, on Average Joes Entertainment due out Sept. 10. The album’s newest release, “You Ain’t Gone,” co-written by Grow and Keirsten Hedden, is out now on all streaming platforms.

Produced by Colt Ford and Noah Gordon, This Town features 12 tracks co-written with some Nashville hitmakers including Brice Long, Terry McBride, Joey Hyde, Taylor Phillips, and more. Leading up to the release of the new album, Grow has garnered over 55 million streams on several tracks that have already been released, including “This Town,” “Song About You,” “Me and Mine,” and more.

“I’m so excited about the release of my second full-length album, This Town. It’s an album full of real stories from my life and the lives of my friends. This album is a reflection of past relationships, current relationships, and the small towns I’ve lived those stories in,” Grow shares. “Its release is close to the anniversary of my father’s passing and my Dad loved nothing more than to watch me chase my dreams in music. This album is dedicated to him. I can’t wait for y’all to listen to these songs all the way through and learn a little more about me.”

This Town Track List:
1. This Town (Sam Grow, Keesy Timmer, Wil Nance)
2. Song About You (Taylor Phillips, Joey Hyde, Kenton)
3. Me And Mine (Sam Grow, Danny Orton, Cody Cooper, George Birge)
4. Boy Like Me (Sam Grow)
5. Bar Last Night (Sam Grow, Danny Orton)
6. Go Right Now (Sam Grow, Kyle Jacobs, Vicky McGehee)
7. You Ain’t Gone (Sam Grow & Keirsten Hedden)
8. Grew Up Red (Brice Long, Taylor Phillips, Sam Grow)
9. Little House (Sam Grow, Terry McBride)
10. Kiss My Ass (Sam Grow. Hank Miller)
11. Better than Me (Sam Grow)
12. Whiskey Bound (Sam Grow)

Tim McGraw, ASCAP, City National Bank Named Title Sponsors Of Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament

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Only a few weeks away from the registration deadline, the 34th Annual Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament (MRLGT) has announced that Tim McGraw, ASCAP, and City National Bank will be the Title Sponsors for this year’s event.

Taking place on Monday, Sept. 13 at Old Natchez Country Club in Nashville, the 2021 tournament will once again benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee. The MRLGT raised over $70,000 in 2019 and has historically raised a grand total of more than $2.3 million for UCP of Middle Tennessee. The event is the single biggest annual fundraiser for UCP of Middle Tennessee.

As previously announced, Nashville-based boutique investment and development firm E3 Construction Services and Founder/CEO John Eldridge will host the tournament. Additionally, Keith Urban will be the Presenting Sponsor of the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament for his fifth consecutive year.

For those interested in sponsoring this year’s tournament, options to be included on the event t-shirt are available. As the easiest way to get involved, this serves as a popular way for male songwriters and executives to show their support.

Registration for the tournament is open now at $135 per player with limited team space. To register, sponsor, or for more information, click here.

Ben Johnson Partners With BMG To Sign Johnny Reno

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby (Vice President, Creative A&R BMG), Katie Kerkhover (Senior Creative Director, A&R BMG), Ben Johnson, Johnny Reno, Leslie Roberts (Assistant Vice President, Creative BMI), Courtney Allen (Creative Director, A&R BMG)

Songwriter/producer Johnny Reno has signed a worldwide publishing deal with BMG in partnership with hit songwriter Ben Johnson.

A Nashville native, Reno began his career at 15 playing on Nashville’s lower Broadway, and by 18 was touring with Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt. Though he started out as a solo artist, Reno found his true calling in production and songwriting. He wrote and produced Anthony de la Torres and Lana Condor‘s debut single “Rain in London,” as well as de la Torres’ EP, Find Me. He has also worked on records for Track45, Gayle, Kidd G, Twinnie, and Riley Roth.

“Johnny’s talent, passion, and drive to succeed makes him an instant stand out,” says Katie Kerkhover, BMG Senior Creative Director. “His ability to work seamlessly in both country and pop has him set up for a big future! We couldn’t be more excited to be working with him.”

“There’s so much that can be said about Katie, but it can be easily summarized to just say that she is actually the BEST!” says Reno. “As a person she’s just as good and honest as they come, and as an A&R person she’s always strategic and collaborative to get you in the best position for success. I’m excited to be working with her and the whole BMG team.”

Songwriter Craig Karp Dies At 76

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Chart-topping country songwriter Craig Karp died on Aug. 15 in Nashville at age 76.

He was the co-writer of “If It Don’t Come Easy,” which hit No. 1 for Tanya Tucker in 1988. Karp also hit the top of the country hit parade with “There’s No Stopping Your Heart,” recorded by Marie Osmond in 1985.

Born Ronald Craig Karp, he came of age in California before embarking on his Nashville songwriting career. His earliest big success was “Second Hand Heart,” a No. 7 country hit of 1984 sung by Gary Morris. He co-wrote two big hits for Southern Pacific. “Honey I Dare You” was a 1988 single by the group that reached No. 5 on the country charts. “All Is Lost” made it to No. 19 on the A/C chart for Southern Pacific in 1989.

Craig Karp also co-wrote songs recorded by T.G. Sheppard, Lynn Anderson, Dave Gibson, Burrito Deluxe, Eddy Raven, Jimmy Fortune, Matt King, Rob Crosby, James House and Wayland Patton.

Carla Monday and Rustie Blue are among the independent-label acts who charted with Karp’s songs. More than two dozen such singers recorded his songs in 1980-2010. Several of them were European recording artists.

Craig Karp is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Casey, son Cody Blue and granddaughter LaDonna Eby. Arrangements are being handled by Woodbine Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

AmericanaFest 2021 To Implement COVID-19 Entry Protocols

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AmericanaFest 2021, running from Sept. 22-25 in Nashville, has announced new COVID-19 policies for its upcoming event.

The three-day conference will be requiring either proof of vaccination, with a final dose at least 14 days prior to Sept. 22, or a negative COVID test obtained within 72 hours of the event. Additionally, based on the most recent CDC recommendations, attendees are encouraged to wear masks in all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.

“The safety of our community including attendees, artists, speakers, partners, volunteers and staff for AmericanaFest 2021 and the Americana Honors & Awards is our top priority,” AmericanaFest shared on its website. “This policy may change as we approach our event due to federal, state and local guidelines. We thank you in advance for helping us in protecting yourself and the rest of our community.”

AmericanaFest joins the growing list of events, venues, and businesses who have implemented new COVID-19 entry protocols. Among the others are Bonnaroo, Summerfest, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, Merlefest, Live Nation, AEG Presents, and a slew of Nashville’s independent music venues. Additionally, artists such as Garth Brooks and Florida Georgia Line have also cancelled upcoming shows due to the threat of COVID-19 out of an abundance of caution.

Justin Moore Earns 10th No. 1 With ‘We Didn’t Have Much’

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Justin Moore. Photo: Cody Villalobos

Multi-Platinum recording artist Justin Moore has racked up his 10th career chart-topper this week with “We Didn’t Have Much” which peaked at the top of both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts.

The reflective track epitomizing Moore’s humble roots and grateful spirit was produced by Jeremy Stover and Scott Borchetta, and is featured on Moore’s Straight Outta The Country project, which dropped in April. Written by Stover, Randy Montana, and Paul DiGiovanni, “We Didn’t Have Much” highlights the country traditionalism and vivid storytelling that has helped Moore achieve his 10 career No. 1s.

“We Didn’t Have Much” went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on May 28, 2021, marking his fifth trip to the top with MusicRow.

Moore also recently received a Pandora Billionaire Plaque to commemorate reaching 3 billion streams on the platform.

Rocky Block Inks With Big Loud Publishing

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Rocky Block. Photo: Mick Bodie

Rocky Block has signed with Big Loud Publishing.

Born and raised in Nashville, Block is the son of Alt-country promoter and radio host, Billy Block, one of the earliest advocates for the indie roots music which came to be known as Americana. He has been writing his own songs and making music since childhood, and is a co-writer on “High Horse,” by Nelly with Breland and Blanco Brown and the hip hop/country crossover “Grits & Glamour” by Nelly (with Kane Brown) on Nelly’s soon-to-arrive Heartland album.

Block also penned a No. 1 at Canadian country radio with Dean Brody & The Reklaws’ “Can’t Help Myself,” and has had cuts with Australian rock artist Sam Fischer (“Everybody’s Got Somebody”), pop vocalist Philmon Lee (“Where Was Your Love”), and rising country talent Ashley Cooke (“Under”).

“Rocky has been a close collaborator of the Big Loud Publishing family for a few years. His drive, consistency, and ability to craft great songs across multiple genres is something we have long admired,” says Big Loud Publishing’s Michael Giangreco, Senior Director, A&R. “We are thrilled to now have the opportunity to work with him as his publisher.”

“I’m honored and excited to be a part of the Big Loud Publishing family,” said Block. “Growing up in Nashville, it’s a dream to get to make music – much less with the best in the business. Big Loud’s track record of success is inspiring and something I look forward to contributing towards.”

Harper Grace Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Curb | Word’s Colt Murski; The Law Office Of Aaron Rice, LLC’s Aaron Rice; Harper Grace; Curb | Word’s Ciara Shortridge

Curb | Word Music Publishing has signed Harper Grace to a worldwide publishing deal.

The Texas native, who plays the storyteller in her music, began her musical journey at the age of seven when she received her first guitar as a gift from her grandmother. In 2018, sixteen-year-old Grace was a contestant on American Idol, competing by performing self-penned songs which received critical acclaim from judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.

This fall, she will be joining multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy-winning artist Nelly on his “Lil Bit of Music Series,” where he will blend musical genres while supporting emerging country artists.

“Wow, what a blessing it is to officially sign with Curb | Word Music Publishing!” shares Grace. “If I could tell my eleven-year-old self that at twenty she would be moving to Nashville and signing a pub deal, she would be praising her heart out right about now, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do to celebrate. If it weren’t for the man upstairs, none of this would be happening. I’m forever grateful for the privilege to wake up and do what I have dreamed of doing my entire life!”