Music Row Veteran Larry Sheridan Passes

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Larry Sheridan

Music industry member Larry Sheridan died on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at age 69. He died of adrenocortical carcinoma, an aggressive and rare form of cancer, according to his wife Robin Ruddy Sheridan.

Larry was born on Oct. 31, 1951 in Rockville Centre, New York. He grew up on Long Island, where he worked on the family farm. In high school he was one of three co-captains of the gymnastics team and went on to join the Regional Champions team, The New York Athletic Club, as a gymnast where his specialty was the rings.

A talented musician, in the ’70s Larry acted as a solo artist, playing in clubs around New York City and Long Island.

He and his wife moved to Nashville in 1986 and bought, renovated and added on to a bungalow on Music Row and created The Parlor, and Parlor Productions, a recording studio and production facility. Through their work at The Parlor, Larry became a mentor to many music industry professionals, spawning many successful artists, song pluggers, artist managers and hit songs. Well-known artists such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, John Michael Montgomery and Kenny Chesney recorded at the studio. Robin and Larry took part in the Grammy winning album, Beautiful Dreamer: Songs of Steven Foster, having recorded “Old Folks at Home (Swanee River),” at The Parlor.

Larry was the President of the Nashville Publisher’s Network for a time, working to preserve the integrity and financial well-being of singers and songwriters. He also served on the boards of the YMCA and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He was a leader in the historic preservation and redefinition efforts of the Music Row Neighborhood Association. Caring deeply about protecting the rights and future of the songwriting community, he was a mentor and a sponsor of the National Songwriters Association International (NSAI) for over a decade.

A man of many talents, Larry was also formerly a licensed general contractor and a cabinetmaker.

Larry and Robin co-founded Music Row Realty in 2006, developing an additional business that specializes in the entertainment industry’s real estate needs. His background in general contracting helped his clients envision the possibilities of an improved property.

Larry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Robin Ruddy Sheridan, two sisters Pat Rini and Betty Lange, 7 nieces and nephews, and 8 grand nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life for Sheridan held on Aug. 10 from 4-6 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville.

Donations can be sent in his name to MusicCares and Music Health Alliance, or to the family’s GofundMe to help cover the expense of the studio on Music Row, the home, and all the funeral expenses. Cards and letters can be sent to Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home (660 Thompson Ln., Nashville, TN 37204).

Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Returns To Napa, Zac Brown Band To Headline

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Zac Brown Band is set to headline Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, taking place November 2-4 in Napa, Calif. ZBB will perform at the Lincoln Theater on November 3, along with performances by Chris Janson, Cole Swindell, Tenille Arts and Lainey Wilson.

The event will also include intimate acoustic performances by Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Priscilla Block, Parker McCollum, Matt Stell, Tenille Townes, and more at wineries around the Valley. There will be several private VIP-only events during LITV at picturesque Napa Valley wineries that will feature up close acoustic performances by Chris Bandi, Andrew Jannakos, Alexander Ludwig, Kameron Marlowe, Frank Ray, Tigirlily and more. Additional performers will be announced soon, including a special CMT Next Women of Country Send-Off Brunch.

“We are beyond excited to be bringing live music back to our second home in Napa Valley and to get the chance to showcase and support all of those in the Valley. We could not have asked for better partners than CMT or a better lineup to return back to in person events,” says Live In The Vineyard President Bobbii Jacobs.

“CMT is excited to again partner with Bobbii and the LITV Team who have created a one-of-a-kind, experiential event that showcases our amazing country music talent with the spectacular backdrop of Napa,” adds Leslie Fram, SVP of Music & Talent for CMT.

In person attendance at Live In The Vineyard Goes Country is limited in 2021 and will only be open to invited industry guests such as music supervisors, radio programmers, label executives, and corporate partners. However, fans can enter for a chance to win access to a very special virtual package. For more information on where and how to enter, go to liveinthevineyardgoescountry.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Isaacs, Nathaniel Rateliff, Yola, Valerie June

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The Isaacs

The Fourth of July is almost upon us, and DisClaimer has the song for the holiday.

Our Disc of the Day winner is “The American Face” by The Isaacs. Previously noted for their work in Southern-gospel and bluegrass settings, the family band steps out with a solid country-rocker that will make you feel patriotic no matter what your political leanings.

It is just one of the many pleasures to be found in this week’s overview of current Americana sounds. Your ears will thank you when you lend them to John Hiatt, Nathaniel Rateliff, Yola, Valerie June and several others gathered here.

The DisCovery Award goes to singer-songwriter Grant Maloy Smith.

JIM LAUDERDALE / “Memory”
Writers: Jim Lauderdale/Robert Hunter; Producer: Jim Lauderdale/Jay Weaver; Label: Yep Roc
— This ballad has extra poignancy, in that it is awash in nostalgia for a departed loved one, and Lauderdale’s longtime lyricist Robert Hunter passed away last year. The singer’s familiar country drawl lingers long on every word. Hunter probably remains best known for his work with The Grateful Dead, but he had a highly creative, decades-long career as a collaborator with this Americana titan.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Transient Global Amnesia Blues”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: none listed; Label: RC
— Transient Global Amnesia is a real diagnosis, a temporary condition wherein the brain switches off temporarily. Rodney crafted this fever dream of a song while recovering from it in a hospital. His haunting delivery of the images is spoken-word poetry at its most beautiful. Jesus Christ, Bob Dylan, The Titanic, The River Styx and Yellowstone all make appearances as he contemplates mortality.

THE ISAACS / “The American Face”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Sonya Isaacs Yeary/Tom Douglas; Producer: Ben Isaacs/Bryan Sutton; Label: House of Isaacs
— For my money, Sonya Isaacs is one of the greatest female country singers walking on this planet. This splendid, electrified country-rocker surrounds her silvery delivery with potent percussion and her family’s always-stellar harmonies. The anthem-like lyric couldn’t be timed more perfectly for Independence Day. Toss your hat in the air. The album by the same title is due in August and will include Isaacs covers of Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” and The Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out,” among other new directions for the group.

STURGILL SIMPSON / “Paradise”
Writers: John Prine; Producer: none listed; Label: Oh Boy/Thirty Tigers
— Drawn from an all-star John Prine tribute album that’s due this fall, this version of one of the late, great troubadour’s best known songs is delivered in a deliberate, acoustic setting. Simpson’s vocal interpretation is low key, allowing the lyric to breathe and live anew. A fitting salute to a humble genius.

THE FLATLANDERS / “Sittin’ on Top of the World”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Flatlanders & Lloyd Maines; Label: Rack ‘Em/Thirty Tigers
— Comprised of Texas stars Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, The Flatlanders are back with new music for the first time in 12 years. This advance track from the group’s Treasure of Love collection finds the boys totally rocking a cover of a classic popularized by Bob Wills, The Grateful Dead and Asleep at the Wheel, as well as its originators,The Mississippi Shieks. Smokin’ hot and ripe for massive airplay.

JP HARRIS’ DREADFUL WIND & RAIN / “Closer to the Mill”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Free Dirt
— This Nashville carpenter and fretless banjo maker creates “Gothic Appalachian music” in an old-time string-band setting. Former Old Crow Medicine Show fiddler Chance McCoy is along for the lively, catchy, acoustic ride. It’s a heart-warming sound.

YOLA / “Diamond Studded Shoes”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye
— Yola’s Nashville recorded debut album was an Americana sensation of 2019. Its follow up, Stand For Myself, is due July 30. This advance, peppy, feel-good single/video from it demonstrates that she’s still on a roll. Producer Auerbach (The Black Keys) once again surrounds her commanding voice with perfect instrumental textures, in this case a snappy little pop-rock ensemble. Tap yer toes and smile.

GRANT MALOY SMITH / “The Coal Comes Up”
Writers: Grant Maloy Smith; Producer: Grant Maloy Smith/Jeff Silverman; Label: GMS
— Smith has a penetrating, searing tenor voice that brings his lyrics of everyday Americans vividly to life. The highly effective harmonica work of Jelly Roll Johnson highlights this piercing, country-folk ode to coal miners. The new album, Appalachia: American Stories, drops tomorrow (6/25).

VALERIE JUNE / “Smile”
Writers: Valerie June; Producer: Jack Splash/Valerie June; Label: Fantasy Records
— This fabulously unclassifiable, unforgettable Memphis personality has two nominations at this year’s Americana Music Awards, thanks to her album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers. This new single/video from it is a bouncing bundle of joy. It is sprightly, positive, uplifting roots-pop. Get on board.

JOHN HIATT & THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “Long Black Electric Cadillac”
Writers: John Hiatt; Producer: none listed; Label: New West
— Hiatt’s soulful, bluesy growl finds a surprisingly sympathetic accompaniment in Douglas’s bluegrassy outfit. This ear-grabbing, addictive toe tapper is a highlight of his current collection, Leftover Feelings. You’ll crave more of this Dobro-rockabilly-blues sound, guaranteed. I am a diehard Hiatt fan, as well as a Douglas devotee, so I’m tickled by this new direction.

TODD SNIDER / “I Resign”
Writers: Todd Snider; Producer: none listed; Label: Aimless
— This groove-soaked slab of sound is directed at former business associates from whom Snider has declared his independence. It’s a slow stomper with loads of personality and profanity. He’s always been a one-of-a-kind songsmith, and that’s underscored here once more.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF / “Redemption”
Writers: Nathaniel Rafeliff; Producer: none listed; Label: Stax
— This man has so much soul. His plea for spiritual freedom rings with gospel-tinged conviction. The yearning ballad grapples with divorce, faltering faith, escapism and a quest for meaning. Rateliff is due to drop a live album next month. In the meantime, get lost in this slow-burn meditation and check out his current duet with Willie Nelson, “It’s Not Supposed to Be That Way.” The man is a monster talent.

Americanafest 2021 Reveals Conference Panel Lineup

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Pictured (L-R, clockwise): Jackson Browne, Valerie June, Joe Henry, Aoife O’Donovan

The Americana Music Association has announced some of its conference panel lineup for this year’s Americanafest running Sept. 22-25 in Nashville. Among the artists slated to participate in the panels are Jackson Browne, Valerie June, Aoife O’Donovan, and Joe Henry.

Presented in conjunction with The Grammy Museum, Browne will take part in a keynote interview discussing his latest album, Downhill from Everywhere; the craft of songwriting; and his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. The intimate conversation will be moderated by Scott Goldman, host of The Grammy Museum’s renowned Public Program series since 2010.

To celebrate her 2021 Americana Honors & Awards nominations for Album and Song of the Year, June will open this year’s Americanafest conference by leading a guided meditation open to all attendees at The Westin Nashville. The practice will be followed by a conversation with NPR’s Ann Powers about June’s acclaimed new album, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, which spent eight weeks atop the Americana Radio Albums Chart.

Following a 2019 Americana Duo/Group of the Year Award and 2020 Grammy win with the trio I’m With Her, O’Donovan will be joined by producer Joe Henry and Full Sail University award-winning engineer/producer Darren Schneider to discuss an upcoming project, which found O’Donovan and Henry collaborating remotely during COVID-19 while enlisting contributions and resources from the Full Sail creative community in Orlando.

A detailed schedule for this year’s Americanafest will be announced in August with concert and festival passes currently on sale at $349 or $249 for Americana Music Association Members. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Academy Of Country Music Promotes Four

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Pictured (clockwise): Brandon Campbell, Bridget Cirone, Jen Heaton, Libby Gardner

The Academy of Country Music announced several promotions within three departments.

Jen Heaton will assume the role of Vice President, Strategic Partnerships; Brandon Campbell has been promoted to Director, Creative & Content; Bridget Cirone will assume the role of Manager, Marketing; and Libby Gardner has been promoted to Manager, Creative & Content.

Heaton joined the Academy of Country Music in 2017, most recently serving as Director, Strategic Partnerships. In her time at the Academy, Heaton grew existing partnerships and continues to expand the institution’s footprint with corporate partners. In her role as Vice President, Heaton will continue to plan and execute the ACM and ACM Lifting Lives partners programs—including identifying, cultivating and developing new sponsors across industries and developing a multi-year partnership strategy. She reports to Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy, and can be reached at jen@acmcountry.com.

Campbell first joined the Academy in 2015, most recently serving as Senior Video Manager, Creative & Content. During his time at the Academy, Campbell has contributed to media campaigns for the Academy and its partners CBS and dick clark productions to promote the ACM Awards, ACM Honors and ACM Lifting Lives, among other Academy initiatives. In his role as Director, Creative & Content, Campbell will tap into his extensive video production experience, overseeing creative strategy, development and content production, heavily supporting Marketing and Partnership initiatives with original content, as well as collaborating with Digital Strategy & Engagement to develop cutting-edge social-native content. Campbell also reports to Whiteside, and can be reached at branddon@acmcountry.com.

Cirone first joined the Academy in 2018 as Assistant for both the Marketing and Creative & Content departments, and most recently served as Coordinator, Marketing. In her time at the ACM, Cirone supported all publicity and marketing initiatives for the Academy and ACM Lifting Lives, including overseeing red carpet media, press materials, and more. As Manager, Cirone will add digital publicity initiatives in addition to company publicity and communications. She reports to Melissa Moldovan, Senior Manager, Marketing and can be reached at bridget@acmcountry.com.

Gardner first joined the Academy full-time in 2019 as Coordinator, Creative & Content. In her role as Manager, Gardner oversees the day-to-day management of the Academy’s website properties, photo archives, and email blasts and serves as assistant editor of ACM Tempo. Gardner also acts as a field producer for the Academy’s in-house video content and supervises both the digital and print creative content distributed by the Academy. Gardner reports to Campbell, and can be reached at libby@acmcountry.com.

“The Academy is so thrilled to recognize the promotions of Jen, Brandon, Bridget and Libby,” says Whiteside. “All of these individuals have continued to showcase their hard work, perseverance and knowledge in their areas of expertise, helping to make this past year one of ACM’s most groundbreaking years ever. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow in their careers and enhance our organization for years to come.”

Kelsea Ballerini Seeks Out New Creative Venture With Poetry Collection ‘Feel Your Way Through’

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Multi-Platinum songwriter, producer, and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Kelsea Ballerini will release her debut poetry collection, Feel Your Way Through, on Nov. 16. The collection is published by Ballantine – an imprint of Random House – and showcases a jacket image painted by the two-time Grammy nominated singer.

A born storyteller, lyricist, and wordsmith, Ballerini applies her intuition, introspection, and raw honesty to this candid collection of poems. Throughout, she opens up about family dynamics, relationships, and body image as well as confidence, self-love, sexuality, and the lessons of youth she’s picked up along the way.

“I’ve realized that some feelings can’t be turned into a song, so I’ve started writing poems,” Ballerini shares. “Just like my songs, they talk about what it’s like to be twenty-something trying to navigate a wildly beautiful and broken world.”

After recently teaming up with alt-pop trio LANY for her newest single “I Quit Drinking,” the song has quickly amassed over 11 million streams in its first 2 weeks and shot to No. 2 on the iTunes pop songs chart. Ballerini’s current single at country radio, “Half Of My Hometown (feat. Kenny Chesney)” has also racked up over 47 million world-wide streams to date.

The hardcover collection of Feel Your Way Through is available for pre-order now.

Drew Green Signs With WME [Exclusive]

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Drew Green. Photo: Courtesy Sony Music

Drew Green has signed with WME for representation in all areas.

Green is a songwriter for Brett James’ Cornman Music, a co-venture with Warner Chappell Nashville, and has landed cuts like Florida Georgia Line’s 2019 song, “Colorado.”  James is also Green’s manager.

The McMinnville, Tennessee native cut his teeth as a performer in the house band at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge’s in downtown Nashville. Signing a record deal with Villa 40/Sony Music Nashville in June 2020, Green released his debut EP, Dirt Boy Vol. 1, which included songs “She Got That,” which peaked at No. 2 on Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, and “Little More Be Alright,” which has amassed over 12 million global streams.

Green just released a new single, “The Rest of Our Lives,” which he co-wrote with Mitch Allen.

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Unreleased Johnny Cash Live Album ‘At The Carousel Ballroom’ To Come In September

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Johnny Cash. Photo: Courtesy of The John R Cash Trust

A never-before-heard Johnny Cash live album, Bear’s Sonic Journals: Johnny Cash, At The Carousel Ballroom, April 24 1968, is slated for release Sept. 24 by The Owsley Stanley Foundation and Renew Records/BMG.

The historic concert was recorded in San Francisco by innovative sound engineer Owsley Stanley and captured in the heart of Haight-Ashbury just days before the release of Cash’s iconic At Folsom Prison album (and over six months before the arrival of the equally revered At San Quentin).  At The Carousel Ballroom serves as another time capsule from the era, with Cash leaning into songs about society’s outcasts, while playing a venue operated by The Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead.

At The Carousel Ballroom captures Cash in playful dialogue with his then-new bride June Carter and backed by his legendary band The Tennessee Three: guitarist Luther Perkins, bassist Marshall Grant and drummer W.S. Holland. His set list that evening diverged from other concerts of the time, with covers of two Bob Dylan compositions (“Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright,” and his earliest known recording of “One Too Many Mornings”) and songs such as “The Ballad of Ira Hayes.” The release marks the latest entry in the Owsley Stanley Foundation’s ‘Bear’s Sonic Journals’ series, which has previously included Stanley’s live recordings of The Allman Brothers Band, Tim Buckley, Doc & Merle Watson and many more.

The live album also features new essays by Johnny and June Carter Cash’s son John Carter Cash, Owsley Stanley’s son Starfinder Stanley, The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, and Widespread Panic’s Dave Schools, as well as new art by Susan Archie, and a reproduction of the original Carousel Ballroom concert poster by Steve Catron. The release will also be widely available in all digital formats by Legacy Recordings. “I’m Going to Memphis” from the Carousel Ballroom live recording is available now, as are pre-orders.

Johnny Cash At The Carousel Ballroom, April 24, 1968 Track List:
1. Cocaine Blues
2. Long Black Veil
3. Orange Blossom Special (CD and Digital only)
4. Going to Memphis
5. The Ballad of Ira Hayes
6. Rock Island Line
7. Guess Things Happen That Way
8. One Too Many Mornings
9. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
10. Give My Love to Rose
11. Green, Green Grass of Home
12. Old Apache Squaw
13. Lorena
14. Forty Shades of Green
15. Bad News
16. Jackson
17. Tall Lover Man
18. June’s Song Introduction
19. Wildwood Flower
20. Foggy Mountain Top
21. This Land Is Your Land
22. Wabash Cannonball
23. Worried Man Blues
24. Long Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man
25. Ring of Fire
26. Big River
27. Don’t Take Your Guns to Town
28. I Walk the Line

Trisha Yearwood Celebrates 30-Year Career With ‘Every Girl: Deluxe’

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Trisha Yearwood will be revamping her 2019 album, Every Girl, with a special deluxe release coming Aug. 13. Marking the award-winning artist’s 15th full-length record, Every Girl: Deluxe, will include three new tracks and new album artwork.

For Every Girl: Deluxe – and to celebrate the song’s 30th anniversary – Yearwood has re-recorded her breakout 1991 debut single, “She’s In Love With the Boy.” The smash hit made history when the original sky-rocketed to No. 1, securing a spot in history as she became the first female country artist to have a debut single reach the top of the charts.

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“Shallow,” Yearwood’s cover duet with her husband Garth Brooks, will also be added to the new project along with “I Dare You to Love,” a soaring piano-laden ballad. Every Girl: Deluxe is available for pre-order and pre-save now on all major platforms.

“This one was so magical. The songs really showed up,” Yearwood says. “I can’t imagine this record without all of these songs on there. I mean, it really was a magical experience,” she adds. “Everything happens when it’s supposed to!”

Hillary Lindsey’s Hang Your Hat Music Signs Two New Nashville Songwriters

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Pictured (L-R): Jen Hubbard, A&R Director, Concord Music Publishing; Jake Gear, GM, Hang Your Hat Music; Ben Chapman; Hillary Lindsey, Founder, Hang Your Hat Music; Brad Kennard, SVP A&R, Concord Music Publishing

Hang Your Hat Music, a creative joint venture with Concord Music Publishing founded by two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year Hillary Lindsey, has signed two Nashville-based songwriters and artists, Ben Chapman and Meg McRee, to worldwide publishing deals.

“When we were talking about forming Hang Your Hat Music, Jake played me some of Ben’s music they were working on and I was instantly drawn in and intrigued,” says Lindsey. “I love real people, and real people are hard to find but without even meeting Ben, I was in because he’s so authentic with who he is as a person as well as with his artistry. When we finally did speak on the phone during quarantine, I fell in love with him even more. Then after getting to write with Ben, I knew my gut was right—damn what a talent! The second time we wrote together, Ben pulled in Meg, and within an hour of writing with her, I was all in as well. Meg is so smart with her lyrics, thoughtful with the way she writes, can sing her face off and I knew she was the real deal too. I’m so excited for them to be a part of the Hang Your Hat family—and to see how this next chapter unfolds for them.”

Originally from LaFayette, Georgia, Chapman started playing in bars at the age of 17, where he piqued the interest of a few seasoned Nashville songwriters. His music is heavily inspired by the smooth groove and hard-hitting sounds of the ’70s, pulling inspirations from bands like the Allman Brothers, Little Feat, and Hank Williams, Jr. and songwriting legends Guy Clark and Roger Miller.

“I feel so fortunate to be working with a team that encourages me to find my own sound and write songs that are authentic to me,” says Chapman. “From the short time I’ve worked with Hang Your Hat and Concord it already feels like family.”

Chapman and McRee are both working on their debut albums, which are scheduled to be released later this year. Chapman is working alongside Hang Your Hat Music GM, Jake Gear, who serves as lead producer on the album.

“Ben is a songwriter’s songwriter and true student to the craft—in addition to being an incredible musician and artist,” shares Gear. “He’s a genuine talent that we’re so excited to help cultivate as both a songwriter and artist. We’ve already begun work on his debut release and are stoked to continue to build off the creative relationships he’s already built with his peers and heroes.”

Pictured (L-R): Jen Hubbard, A&R Director, Concord Music Publishing; Jake Gear, GM, Hang Your Hat Music; Meg Mc Ree; Hillary Lindsey, Founder, Hang Your Hat Music; Brad Kennard, SVP A&R, Concord Music Publishing

Hailing from Sugar Hill, Georgia, McRee began her music journey at the age of five, learning to play classical violin and also teaching herself guitar. She attended Vanderbilt University, where she discovered her pull towards music, and pursued multiple internships on Music Row in Nashville. McRee stays true to the tradition of country music, creating fresh sounds and lyrics, all while honoring her southern beliefs.

“Hang Your Hat and Concord felt like the perfect home for me from the start,” says McRee. “I’m thrilled and honored to get to work with the best publishers and songwriters in the industry so early in my career.”

Gear says, “Meg is the real deal. She has an incredible raw talent and passion for the craft of songwriting. She continues to blow me away not only her writing prowess, but ability to connect creatively with other artists in the room. She has a bright future, and we’re stoked to dive in and get to work developing Meg as both a songwriter and artist.”