The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced that the inductees for its Class of 2021 are Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Rhett Akins, Buddy Cannon and John Scott Sherrill.
Akins’ songwriter credits include his own “That Ain’t My Truck,” as well as “Honey Bee” (Blake Shelton) and “It Goes Like This” (Thomas Rhett). Cannon’s songwriter resume is known for “Set ’Em Up Joe” (Vern Gosdin), “I’ve Come To Expect It From You” (George Strait) and “Give It Away” (George Strait). Sherrill’s hits include “Wild And Blue” (John Anderson), “The Church On Cumberland Road” (Shenandoah) and “How Long Gone” (Brooks & Dunn).
Grant popularized many of her own compositions, including “Baby Baby,” “That’s What Love Is For” and “Tennessee Christmas.” Keith also recorded many of his self-penned hits, including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “As Good As I Once Was.”
The five will be inducted into the Hall this November, according to an announcement made today (July 13) by Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, and Mark Ford, its executive director.
“Today is one of my favorite days of the year, as we begin our journey to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in November with the announcement of our upcoming class,” says Cates. “Nashville has always been the home of legendary songs written by the world’s finest songwriters – and this class is no exception. It’s our great honor today to welcome our class of 2021: Rhett Akins and Buddy Cannon in the songwriter category; John Scott Sherrill in the veteran songwriter category; Toby Keith as our songwriter/artist and Amy Grant as our veteran songwriter/artist.”
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, with inductees John Scott Sherrill, Amy Grant, Buddy Cannon, and Rhett Akins; Mark Ford, NaSOF’s executive director. Photo: Bev Moser
The five new inductees-elect will join the 213 previously inducted members of the elite organization when they are officially inducted during the “50/51” Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 1 at the Music City Center. Because the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebration was postponed last year, this year’s event will honor two classes in a special double-sized event that will also spotlight NaSHOF’s previously named Class of 2020: Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham.
For more biographical information on the 2021 inductees, see below:
RHETT AKINS
Valdosta, Georgia, native Rhett Akins began his professional music career as a performer at San Antonio’s Fiesta Texas theme park. In 1992, he made the move to Nashville. Initially a performer at Opryland theme park, he also worked as a demo singer, later signing a recording contract with Decca Records. As an artist, Rhett topped the charts in the mid-1990s with “Don’t Get Me Started” and his signature song, “That Ain’t My Truck.” By the later 2000s, Rhett was writing songs for other artists, including “Put A Girl In It” by Brooks & Dunn, “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett, “All About Tonight” by Blake Shelton and “Boys ’Round Here” by Blake Shelton w/ Pistol Annies & Friends. Rhett also wrote “All Over Me” by Josh Turner (the 2011 BMI Country Song of the Year), “Honey Bee” by Blake Shelton (the 2012 ASCAP Country Song of the Year), “Take A Back Road” by Rodney Atkins (the 2012 BMI Country Song of the Year) and “It Goes Like This” by Thomas Rhett (the 2014 ASCAP Country Song of the Year). Rhett was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year in 2011 and 2014. He was the 2017 ACM Songwriter of the Year and the 2019 ACM Songwriter of the Decade.
BUDDY CANNON
Buddy Cannon was born in Lexington, Tennessee. He began his diverse career as a songwriter/singer/musician/publisher/producer/label executive in the early 1970s as bass player in Bob Luman’s band, later making the jump to play in Mel Tillis’ band and write for his publishing company. During their 11 years together, Tillis recorded several of Buddy’s songs, including the chart-topping “I Believe In You.” Throughout his career, Buddy’s keen song sense has served him well in the studio, helping select and record hit songs for artists ranging from Shania Twain to Kenny Chesney to Willie Nelson, with whom he has written regularly since 2008. Buddy’s credits as a songwriter include “She’s Not Cryin’ Anymore” by Billy Ray Cyrus, “Look At Us” by Craig Morgan, “I’ve Come To Expect It From You” by George Strait, the Vern Gosdin hits “I’m Still Crazy,” “Set ’Em Up Joe” and “Dream Of Me,” as well as the Sammy Kershaw hits “Anywhere But Here” and “If You’re Gonna Walk, I’m Gonna Crawl.” “Give It Away” by George Strait was named the 2007 ACM Song and Single of the Year and also the 2007 CMA Song of the Year.
TOBY KEITH
Oklahoma native Toby Keith received his first guitar at age eight. After high-school graduation, he worked in the oil fields by day and played with his band at night. In the early ’90s, one of his demo tapes found its way to producer Harold Shedd, who signed him to a deal with Mercury Records. In 1993 Toby’s solo-written debut single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” reached No. 1 on the country chart and would go on to become the most played country song of the 1990s. As an artist, he has placed 45 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard charts, including 16 No. 1s and 17 more in the Top 10. Among those compositions are “You Ain’t Much Fun,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This,” “Beer For My Horses,” “I Love This Bar,” “American Soldier,” “A Little Too Late” and “God Love Her.” “As Good As I Once Was” was BMI’s 2006 Country Song of the Year. Among his many awards, he was named BMI’s 2001 Songwriter of the Year, 2004 Writer/Artist of the Year and 2006 Songwriter of the Year. He was NSAI’s 2003, 2004, 2006 Songwriter/Artist of the Year, as well as that organization’s Songwriter/Artist of the Decade (2000-2009). He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York in 2015.
AMY GRANT
Raised in Nashville, Amy Grant was signed to a record deal at age 16 and was a star by the late ’70s. Her singer-songwriter fusion of pop, rock, gospel and ’70s Jesus-music created a fresh, new sound that kick-started the contemporary Christian genre and led to the first Platinum-selling album in the new genre’s history — her 1982 breakthrough, Age to Age. By the mid-’80s, Amy was reaching pop audiences with hits such as “Find A Way” and “Lead Me On.” Her blockbuster 1991 album, Heart in Motion, generated the multi-genre hits “Baby Baby,” “Every Heartbeat,” “Good For Me,” “I Will Remember You” and “That’s What Love Is For.” Another song from this era, “Place In This World,” written with and performed by, Michael W. Smith, earned the 1992 GMA Song of the Year. Amy’s catalog also includes the hymnal mainstay “Thy Word,” as well as her signature holiday standard “[Tender] Tennessee Christmas.” As an artist, she has placed 36 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard and Contemporary Christian music charts, including 12 No. 1s and 18 more in the Top 10. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2003. Amy received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
JOHN SCOTT SHERRILL
John Scott Sherrill was raised in Chappaqua, New York, and in Uganda and Bolivia by parents who were book and magazine writers. Drawn at an early age to folk, country and rock music, he played coffeehouses in Boston and spent time as a musician in Amsterdam. In 1975, on his way to California, John Scott decided to remain in Music City and soon signed a songwriting deal with Combine Music. By 1982, he had his first No. 1 hit – “Wild And Blue” by John Anderson (later recorded by Hank Williams, Jr., Alan Jackson and Lucinda Williams). Throughout the ’80s and into the 2000’s, John Scott enjoyed more No. 1 hits: “Some Fools Never Learn” by Steve Wariner, “That Rock Won’t Roll” by Restless Heart, “(Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes” and “Cry, Cry, Cry” by Highway 101, “The Church On Cumberland Road” by Shenandoah, “No Doubt About It” by Neal McCoy, “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn and “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner. Another popular song, “Nothin’ But The Wheel,” was a Top 20 country hit for Patty Loveless and was also recorded by the bluegrass band Special Consensus and the rock duo of Peter Wolf & Mick Jagger. In the late 1980s, John Scott was a member of the country group Billy Hill and wrote many of their songs.
Date Revealed For 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards
/by Lydia FarthingThe Gospel Music Association has announced that the 52nd Annual Dove Awards will be broadcast worldwide on Friday, Oct. 22 through TBN. The live taping of the show will be help on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.
The nominees for this year’s Dove Awards will be announced on Wednesday, Aug. 11.
Last year, the Dove Awards included pre-taped performances and interviews due to COVID-19 restrictions. For King & Country earned their first Artist of the Year win at the 51st show while Tasha Cobbs Leonard took Gospel Artist of the Year. The Dove Award for New Artist of the Year went to We The Kingdom and Kanye West picked up his first Dove Award win for Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year with “Follow God” from his album Jesus Is King.
Ashley Monroe Diagnosed With Rare Blood Cancer
/by Lydia FarthingAshley Monroe. Photo: Alexa King
Today (July 13), country singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe shared that she has been diagnosed with waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, a rare type of blood cancer which has caused her body to be severely anemic.
The Pistol Annie singer begins chemotherapy tomorrow (July 14), sharing that, though that may seem negative, she’s “thankful [to] have an illness that is VERY live with-able. [She’s] thankful there IS a treatment that actually works to fight what is causing harm to [her] body.”
Taking to social media to share the news with fans, Monroe says, “THANKFUL for friends and family who have gathered around me praying and sending flowers and letting me lean on them during this super weird chapter of my life. Thankful for my angel son. Who I am fighting for the most.”
Monroe, while hesitant to reveal the diagnosis, also shares, ““I DO believe in the power of prayer guys. I also believe in the power of love healing us all on an even deeper level. I love you all big. Here I go.”
Industry Ink: Payton Smith, Music Choice, Luck Presents, Soundstripe
/by Lydia FarthingPayton Smith To Perform Benefit Concert For Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Rising country artist Payton Smith will perform a free virtual benefit concert this Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. CST to help raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, celebrating its 35-year partnership with Phi Mu Fraternity. The one-hour event will be live-streamed via Smith’s YouTube channel, with a post-show virtual meet-and-greet via the Riff app.
“I am honored to kick off the 35th anniversary celebration of the partnership between Phi Mu Fraternity and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” says Smith. “I can’t wait to play some new music for everyone, and share my family’s story and our personal connection to CMN Hospitals. Their work has been life-changing for my brother, Zach, and my family.”
“Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is grateful for the partnership with Phi Mu Fraternity and Payton’s desire to share his musical talent and personal story with his fans as an inspiration for others to give,” states President & Chief Executive Officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Teri Nestel. “CMN Hospitals treats one in ten children in the U.S. and Canada each year and dollars raised stay local, making an impact on the communities in which our patient families live. We’re thrilled to celebrate our longstanding relationship with Phi Mu with this incredible concert and look forward to the continued partnership with Payton and his fans.”
Jim Murphy Upped To Senior Manager, Programming At Music Choice
Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy has been promoted to Senior Manager, Programming for Music Choice.
Murphy joined Music Choice in 2019 and has contributed to the Programming department in many ways over the past few years. He oversees the programming for the entire country cluster of audio and video channels, including high-usage formats such as Today’s Country, Pop & Country, and Country Hits. His channels consistently perform in the Top 15 in both Time Spent Listening and unique users, in ETV and Linear Rankings.
With strong and deep-rooted relationships with labels and managers, Murphy is able to secure premieres, album takeovers and other exclusive on-screen events. He has also spearheaded the creation of new channels to keep Music Choice’s products competitive and musically relevant, such as Women of Country, 90s Country, and Country Songwriters audio channels, as well as the new Country Hits video channel.
In his expanded role as Senior Manager, Murphy will continue to serve as Programming Lead for the country cluster across all products and lineups, as well as leading the effort to curate unique and competitive country-based experiences on PLUS and KVOD. Murphy will also help Programming management expand on audio programming across other genres to help drive time spent listening across all channels.
Luck Presents Adds Chris Parham As VP, Partnerships
Chris Parham
Luck Presents, the rogue cultural collective headquartered in Willie Nelson’s Luck, Texas, has added Chris Parham as VP of Partnerships.
A Nashville native, Parham started his music business career at Vector Management, tailoring his skills in brand partnerships, sponsorship, and strategic marketing to the unique needs of the music industry. Prior to Vector, he was employed by various civic organizations, both state-wide and Nashville-specific.
“I have always admired Luck’s vision to support artists and innovators in music, culture, and entertainment,” says Parham. “I love the Luck family and I’m extremely excited and honored to join the team in this new role.”
“Chris Parham has worked closely with both artists and brands throughout his impressive career, many of whom are ingrained in the roots culture that echoes Luck’s mission. We look forward to Parham working in a capacity with us that will allow for growth alongside like-minded brands,” Luck Co-Founder Ellee Durniak shares. “He brings an energy to the team that embodies what we as a company stand for: uplifting and contributing to the American roots narrative; creating a platform for artistic discovery; and honoring companies and artists who, like those who came before them, are carrying out their dreams on their own terms.”
Soundstripe Ups Laren Cutrell To VP, Product
Lauren Cutrell
Soundstripe, a leading provider of unlimited royalty-free music, stock video, and sound effects to creators, has promoted Lauren Cutrell to Vice President of Product.
In her expanded role, Cutrell will lead product vision, strategy, and definition for Soundstripe, partnering with internal teams to continue delivering the stock media industry’s highest-quality library and easiest licensing experience to creators. During her time at Soundstripe, Cutrell has been responsible for transitioning the company to agile frameworks and third-party creator workflow integrations, strengthening product development, and making continuous improvements to the subscriber experience.
“Lauren is an exceptional, user-focused product leader with a keen understanding of what today’s creators and marketers need to produce compelling video and other content,” says Travis Terrell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Soundstripe. “We look forward to seeing her continued impact on innovation in areas such as content discovery and frictionless licensing to deliver the best overall experience to subscribers.”
She joined Soundstripe in 2018 as Director of Product and Scrum Master, building an in-house team of product managers and content curators to manage Soundstripe’s rapidly growing stock media subscription offering. Based in Chattanooga, Cutrell will also be charged with expanding and championing agile methodologies across the company’s business units for continued increases in organizational efficiency.
“I am so honored to be growing with Soundstripe and taking on this expanded role,” shares Cutrell. “The booming creator economy is driving increased demand for services like Soundstripe, and I’m excited to deliver on our expansive roadmap for super-serving their needs through product innovation and best-in-class user experiences.”
SoundExchange Expands Into Private Copy Royalty Collection, Distribution
/by Lydia FarthingSoundExchange will be expanding its operations and will begin collecting and distributing domestic and foreign private copy royalties, a function which had previously been performed by the Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies (AARC).
The AARC has represented recording artists and sound recording copyright owners in the areas of hometaping/private copy royalties and rental royalties. These royalties are generated by the sales of recordable media such as blank CDs, personal audio devices, automobile systems, media centers, and satellite radio devices that have music recording capabilities. They have historically been distributed to AARC’s 500,000+ members worldwide.
AARC will distribute all available royalties it has collected since 2018 in a final distribution in late 2021 before it ceases operations. If you are an artist or sound recording copyright owner who has previously received private copy royalties from AARC and your payment or tax information has changed since 2018, contact AARC before July 31, 2021 to change it.
SoundExchange plans to begin claiming international PC royalties in late 2021 and domestic PC royalties in February of 2022. This comes as part of SoundExchange’s multi-year technology initiative centered on streamlining systems and increasing efficiency across the music industry.
“We are committed to leveraging our best-in-class technology solutions to enhance the music ecosystem,” says Michael Huppe, President & CEO, SoundExchange. “Expanding into private copy royalty collection and distribution is just one step in our mission to make the business of music simpler and more efficient for creators.”
Nashville Songwriter Rufio Hooks Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal With Reservoir
/by Lorie HollabaughRufio Hooks
Nashville-based artist, writer, and producer Rufio Hooks has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Reservoir. The deal includes Hooks’ current global hit co-write, “Butter,” by the K-Pop group BTS, plus all future works.
Rufio’s wildly popular cut, “Butter,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, where it has remained for seven consecutive weeks, in addition to topping the Digital Song Sales chart. Upon release, the track set several all-time records, including Spotify’s biggest song debut with over 11 million first-day streams, and the music video soaring to a record-breaking 113 million views within 24 hours. “Butter” is also the best-selling download of 2021 so far.
Originally from New Jersey, and now based out of Nashville, Hooks has established himself as a rising songwriter, producer, and artist. His knack for crafting melodies and lyrics, skill in vocal production, and propensity for blending sounds across genres has led to sessions with Zach Crowell, Filmore, Jennifer Denmark, Jimmie Allen, Seaforth, Sophia Quinn, Cameron Bedell, and Stephen Kirk, among others.
“Seasoned songwriters dream of achieving the kind of record-breaking success that ‘Butter’ has, but the fact that this is Rufio’s first cut is utterly extraordinary and only speaks to his remarkable talent,” says Reservoir EVP of Creative John Ozier. “He has such a strong ability to write across various genres, and we’re eager to tap into his natural gift and identify future collaborations for him across the industry.”
“I am excited to team up with Reservoir and start this next chapter of my career,” says Rufio. “I think the culture that they have built in both Nashville and LA is really special.”
Bobby Karl Works The Room: The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Press Conference
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, with inductees John Scott Sherrill, Amy Grant, Buddy Cannon, and Rhett Akins; Mark Ford, NaSOF’s executive director. Photo: Bev Moser
Chapter 644
This year’s press conference announcing the newest members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was a hybrid affair.
Participants could choose either to experience the event via streaming or attend in person. The option to show up live was limited to 40 people, to allow for COVID guidelines. Staged as usual at Columbia Studio A, the event was characterized by warmth and camaraderie.
We convened on Tuesday morning (July 13), and the fellowship was evident immediately. Everyone started to beam when they saw this year’s class of inductees posing for a group portrait. How could you not be delighted? Buddy Cannon, Amy Grant, John Scott Sherrill and Rhett Akins are all so abundantly worthy. Absent, but sending a video from the road was inductee Toby Keith.
Working the socially distanced room were such mavens as Lance Cowan, Jennifer Bohler, Bev Moser, Dave Paulson, Tom Roland, Peter Sherrill, Carol Ann Ford and Mike Porter.
“We’re honored to be in this historic space where so many of our [Hall of Fame] members recorded their most iconic songs,” commented NSHoF board chair Sarah Cates in welcoming the crowd. That would include prior inductees Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins, Flatt & Scruggs, Johnny Cash, John Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Rosanne Cash and Merle Haggard.
“It’s so good to be back together,” added NSHoF executive director Mark Ford. “We haven’t done this in a year and a half.”
“I’m overwhelmed that I am here,” said Rhett when he was invited to the podium. “When I saw the names on the ballot, I said to my wife, ‘I don’t have a shot.’ I take this very seriously. I want to keep the flame of country songwriting burning as long as I can.”
“I don’t really know what to say,” said an equally humbled Buddy. “I’m pretty much speechless. The first two songs of mine that were ever recorded were by Bob Luman, produced by Glenn Sutton right here in this room. I am so honored to be in this group of people.”
“To say this is an honor is to put it mildly,” said Scotty. “I have loved this town ever since I first landed here. In those first few days, I heard some songs that changed my world.”
“I’m so grateful to be in a town that celebrates creativity,” said Nashville native Amy. “I want to encourage everybody who’s ever had a creative thought: The world needs your stories.”
Commenting via video, Toby added, “This induction means everything to me. I’m looking forward to seeing you in November.”
The banquet and induction ceremonies will be held at the Music City Center on Nov. 1. It will be a double-sized event, since the 2021 gala will also salute the 2020 inductees—Steve Earle, Kent Blazy, Brett James, Spooner Oldham and Bobbie Gentry. They comprise the 50th anniversary class. The NaSHOF golden anniversary gala was postponed due to the pandemic, hence the double ceremony this year.
Following many happy reunions and hearty congratulations, we snacked on coffee and fresh-baked cookies. Surprisingly, neither Buddy Cannon nor John Scott Sherrill had ever been in the adjacent, super-historic founding building of Music Row, The Quonset Hut. Mike Porter happily offered guided tours to the songwriting veterans.
Double Down Music Announces Joint Venture With Jason Aldean’s Triple Play Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Triple Play Music’s founders Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Jason Aldean and PIA Music Group’s founder Dallas Davidson and CEO Ryan Dokke
Play It Again Music Group’s recently launched publishing company, Double Down Music, has embarked on a joint venture with Triple Play Music, founded by Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, and Tully Kennedy. Under the agreement, Double Down Music will handle creative services for all Triple Play Music songwriters, the first two of which are the co-ventures newest signees: John Morgan and John Edwards.
“It’s always cool to team up with people who are great at what they do,” says Aldean. “For me, it’s cool that we’ll be part of helping the next generation of artists and songwriters.”
“It is an honor to work with friends like Jason, Kurt, and Tully whom I hold in high regard. We are excited to welcome them, along with John Morgan and John Edwards to the PIA Music Group family,” comments PIA Music Group founder Dallas Davidson. “Triple Play brings so much to the table when helping create opportunities for superstar talent.”
“Jason Aldean is known as a massive superstar artist, however he is equally as talented, along with Kurt and Tully, at finding and developing young talent. The evidence is John Morgan and John Edwards,” shares Ryan Dokke, CEO of PIA Music Group. “This partnership between Dallas and Jason, Kurt, and Tully just makes so much sense! They are going to build superstar artists and songwriters together.”
In addition to Morgan and Edwards, Double Down Music’s songwriter roster includes Blake Bollinger and Clara Calaway.
Gibson Gives Celebrates Two Years, Launches New Advisory Councils
/by Lydia FarthingRe-launched in July of 2019, Gibson Gives immediately committed to donating 1,000 guitars in 1,000 days to non-profits including music education, music wellness programs and musicians in need worldwide. Since then, the organization has climbed above and beyond by donating over 2,800 guitars in 700 days.
“When we announced we would donate 1,000 guitars in 1,000 days, I thought it was a lofty goal,” explains Dendy Jarrett, Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We could have never predicted all the hurdles this past year presented in the music community and beyond. It’s been a humbling experience and an honor to work with so many worthy music and health programs in need, directly supporting and impacting individual people, as well as non-profits.”
Gibson Gives representatives donate a music room to Maplewood High School in Nashville, TN.
To continue its charitable efforts, Gibson Gives has created two new groups which include an Influencers and an Artist Advisory Council which will provide thoughtful leadership, foundation, and funding strategies, as well as present philanthropic opportunities that fulfill the foundation’s mission.
The Gibson Gives Artist Advisory Council members include Lzzy Hale, Celisse, Alex Lifeson, Matt Heafy, Joe Bonamassa, Billy F. Gibbons, Slash, Captain Kirk Douglas, and more.
The Gibson Gives Influencers group is composed of leaders from across the Music and Entertainment Business, Sports, Youth, Education, Legacy, International, the Nashville “Music City” Community and Gibson’s partner advisors. Influencers include Jeff Smith/Music Makes Us (Director of Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools), Ken Adams (Co-Owner, Tennessee Titans), Matt Crews (CEO, Music City Grand Prix), Ian Ayers (CEO, Nashville Soccer Club), Ben Hall (Senior Director of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame), Lee Bartram (Head of Marketing and Cultural Influence, Gibson Brands Europe), Toby Lee (Musician), Nina Miller (Executive Director of Miranda Lambert’s Mutt Nation/Former Executive Director, Gibson Foundation), Reid Shippen (Song Farm/Grammy award-winning producer/engineer/mixer), Melinda Colaizzi (Founder, Women Who Rock), and Erica Krusen (Managing Director of Mental Health, MusiCares).
Gibson Gives also recently announced the launch of TEMPO, Training and Empowering Musicians to Prevent Overdose–a collaborative program with MusiCares, Harbor Path and 7 non-profits–to save musicians lives in response to continued and elevated opioid overdoses from over a year of confinement and Covid-19 closures. TEMPO empowers participating non-profits and venues by providing the life-saving training necessary for using the drug naloxone to prevent opioid overdose.
For more information about Gibson Gives and the work it’s doing to help our community, click here.
Dierks Bentley Shares Some Telluride Magic On New Live EP
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley is offering fans a taste of his set from last month’s 48th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival on a new five-track EP, Live From Telluride, available everywhere today (July 13).
For this project, Bentley tapped The War And Treaty for their powerhouse vocals throughout as well as had multi-instrumentalist sisters Larkin Poe join the band for the entire set. Legendary grasser Sam Bush was also enlisted during the Telluride set, all of which is captured on the new EP.
“This really was a once in a lifetime show for me,” shares Bentley. “Getting to play at my favorite festival with some of my favorite musicians and performers in one of my favorite places in the world… felt like a dream. Luckily this dream was captured on tape and I can go back and relive the way it felt that night whenever I want.”
Bentley recently announced the cancellation of his annual Seven Peaks Music Festival in Colorado due to COVID-19 restrictions. While fans won’t be able to enjoy this year’s three-day campout festival, they can catch Bentley and his band on the road all over the country on his Beers On Me Tour 2021.
Live From Telluride Track List:
1. Woman, Amen – Live – Dierks Bentley feat. The War And Treaty
2. Travelin’ Light – Live – Dierks Bentley feat. Larkin Poe
3. Bad Angel – Live – Dierks Bentley feat. The War And Treaty
4. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd – Live – Dierks Bentley
5. Pride (In The Name Of Love) by U2 – Live – Dierks Bentley feat. The War And Treaty, Sam Bush
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Reveals 2021 Inductees
/by LB CantrellThe Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced that the inductees for its Class of 2021 are Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Rhett Akins, Buddy Cannon and John Scott Sherrill.
Akins’ songwriter credits include his own “That Ain’t My Truck,” as well as “Honey Bee” (Blake Shelton) and “It Goes Like This” (Thomas Rhett). Cannon’s songwriter resume is known for “Set ’Em Up Joe” (Vern Gosdin), “I’ve Come To Expect It From You” (George Strait) and “Give It Away” (George Strait). Sherrill’s hits include “Wild And Blue” (John Anderson), “The Church On Cumberland Road” (Shenandoah) and “How Long Gone” (Brooks & Dunn).
Grant popularized many of her own compositions, including “Baby Baby,” “That’s What Love Is For” and “Tennessee Christmas.” Keith also recorded many of his self-penned hits, including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “As Good As I Once Was.”
The five will be inducted into the Hall this November, according to an announcement made today (July 13) by Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, and Mark Ford, its executive director.
“Today is one of my favorite days of the year, as we begin our journey to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in November with the announcement of our upcoming class,” says Cates. “Nashville has always been the home of legendary songs written by the world’s finest songwriters – and this class is no exception. It’s our great honor today to welcome our class of 2021: Rhett Akins and Buddy Cannon in the songwriter category; John Scott Sherrill in the veteran songwriter category; Toby Keith as our songwriter/artist and Amy Grant as our veteran songwriter/artist.”
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, with inductees John Scott Sherrill, Amy Grant, Buddy Cannon, and Rhett Akins; Mark Ford, NaSOF’s executive director. Photo: Bev Moser
The five new inductees-elect will join the 213 previously inducted members of the elite organization when they are officially inducted during the “50/51” Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 1 at the Music City Center. Because the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebration was postponed last year, this year’s event will honor two classes in a special double-sized event that will also spotlight NaSHOF’s previously named Class of 2020: Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham.
For more biographical information on the 2021 inductees, see below:
RHETT AKINS
Valdosta, Georgia, native Rhett Akins began his professional music career as a performer at San Antonio’s Fiesta Texas theme park. In 1992, he made the move to Nashville. Initially a performer at Opryland theme park, he also worked as a demo singer, later signing a recording contract with Decca Records. As an artist, Rhett topped the charts in the mid-1990s with “Don’t Get Me Started” and his signature song, “That Ain’t My Truck.” By the later 2000s, Rhett was writing songs for other artists, including “Put A Girl In It” by Brooks & Dunn, “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett, “All About Tonight” by Blake Shelton and “Boys ’Round Here” by Blake Shelton w/ Pistol Annies & Friends. Rhett also wrote “All Over Me” by Josh Turner (the 2011 BMI Country Song of the Year), “Honey Bee” by Blake Shelton (the 2012 ASCAP Country Song of the Year), “Take A Back Road” by Rodney Atkins (the 2012 BMI Country Song of the Year) and “It Goes Like This” by Thomas Rhett (the 2014 ASCAP Country Song of the Year). Rhett was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year in 2011 and 2014. He was the 2017 ACM Songwriter of the Year and the 2019 ACM Songwriter of the Decade.
BUDDY CANNON
Buddy Cannon was born in Lexington, Tennessee. He began his diverse career as a songwriter/singer/musician/publisher/producer/label executive in the early 1970s as bass player in Bob Luman’s band, later making the jump to play in Mel Tillis’ band and write for his publishing company. During their 11 years together, Tillis recorded several of Buddy’s songs, including the chart-topping “I Believe In You.” Throughout his career, Buddy’s keen song sense has served him well in the studio, helping select and record hit songs for artists ranging from Shania Twain to Kenny Chesney to Willie Nelson, with whom he has written regularly since 2008. Buddy’s credits as a songwriter include “She’s Not Cryin’ Anymore” by Billy Ray Cyrus, “Look At Us” by Craig Morgan, “I’ve Come To Expect It From You” by George Strait, the Vern Gosdin hits “I’m Still Crazy,” “Set ’Em Up Joe” and “Dream Of Me,” as well as the Sammy Kershaw hits “Anywhere But Here” and “If You’re Gonna Walk, I’m Gonna Crawl.” “Give It Away” by George Strait was named the 2007 ACM Song and Single of the Year and also the 2007 CMA Song of the Year.
TOBY KEITH
Oklahoma native Toby Keith received his first guitar at age eight. After high-school graduation, he worked in the oil fields by day and played with his band at night. In the early ’90s, one of his demo tapes found its way to producer Harold Shedd, who signed him to a deal with Mercury Records. In 1993 Toby’s solo-written debut single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” reached No. 1 on the country chart and would go on to become the most played country song of the 1990s. As an artist, he has placed 45 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard charts, including 16 No. 1s and 17 more in the Top 10. Among those compositions are “You Ain’t Much Fun,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This,” “Beer For My Horses,” “I Love This Bar,” “American Soldier,” “A Little Too Late” and “God Love Her.” “As Good As I Once Was” was BMI’s 2006 Country Song of the Year. Among his many awards, he was named BMI’s 2001 Songwriter of the Year, 2004 Writer/Artist of the Year and 2006 Songwriter of the Year. He was NSAI’s 2003, 2004, 2006 Songwriter/Artist of the Year, as well as that organization’s Songwriter/Artist of the Decade (2000-2009). He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York in 2015.
AMY GRANT
Raised in Nashville, Amy Grant was signed to a record deal at age 16 and was a star by the late ’70s. Her singer-songwriter fusion of pop, rock, gospel and ’70s Jesus-music created a fresh, new sound that kick-started the contemporary Christian genre and led to the first Platinum-selling album in the new genre’s history — her 1982 breakthrough, Age to Age. By the mid-’80s, Amy was reaching pop audiences with hits such as “Find A Way” and “Lead Me On.” Her blockbuster 1991 album, Heart in Motion, generated the multi-genre hits “Baby Baby,” “Every Heartbeat,” “Good For Me,” “I Will Remember You” and “That’s What Love Is For.” Another song from this era, “Place In This World,” written with and performed by, Michael W. Smith, earned the 1992 GMA Song of the Year. Amy’s catalog also includes the hymnal mainstay “Thy Word,” as well as her signature holiday standard “[Tender] Tennessee Christmas.” As an artist, she has placed 36 self-penned Top 20 songs on the Billboard and Contemporary Christian music charts, including 12 No. 1s and 18 more in the Top 10. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2003. Amy received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
JOHN SCOTT SHERRILL
John Scott Sherrill was raised in Chappaqua, New York, and in Uganda and Bolivia by parents who were book and magazine writers. Drawn at an early age to folk, country and rock music, he played coffeehouses in Boston and spent time as a musician in Amsterdam. In 1975, on his way to California, John Scott decided to remain in Music City and soon signed a songwriting deal with Combine Music. By 1982, he had his first No. 1 hit – “Wild And Blue” by John Anderson (later recorded by Hank Williams, Jr., Alan Jackson and Lucinda Williams). Throughout the ’80s and into the 2000’s, John Scott enjoyed more No. 1 hits: “Some Fools Never Learn” by Steve Wariner, “That Rock Won’t Roll” by Restless Heart, “(Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes” and “Cry, Cry, Cry” by Highway 101, “The Church On Cumberland Road” by Shenandoah, “No Doubt About It” by Neal McCoy, “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn and “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner. Another popular song, “Nothin’ But The Wheel,” was a Top 20 country hit for Patty Loveless and was also recorded by the bluegrass band Special Consensus and the rock duo of Peter Wolf & Mick Jagger. In the late 1980s, John Scott was a member of the country group Billy Hill and wrote many of their songs.