B.J. Thomas
Five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, died May 29 at home in Arlington, Texas from complications due to stage four lung cancer. He was 78.
Thomas’ expansive career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations since his emergence in the 1960s.
His career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.
He was born Billy Joe Thomas in rural Hugo, Oklahoma, before he moved to Houston, Texas with his family. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.
Thomas’s first taste of success came in 1966 when he recorded “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with producer Huey P. Meaux. Released by Scepter Records, it peaked at No. 8 on the pop charts and became his first million-selling single. He released the follow-up single, “Mama,” and delivered his first solo album that same year.
Thomas’ second million-selling hit came in 1968 with the release of “Hooked on a Feeling” from On My Way, his sophomore album for Scepter. During his days with the New York label, he became friendly with Ronnie Milsap and Dionne Warwick, who were also on the roster at the time. It was Warwick who introduced him to songwriter-producer Burt Bacharach. In January 1970, Thomas topped the charts with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Penned by Bacharach and Hal David, the song was featured in the classic Paul Newman/Robert Redford film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, earning the Oscar for best original song. Sales quickly exceeded two million copies and it has remained one of the most enduring pop hits of all time, reoccurring in such films as Forrest Gump, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Clerks II, and Spider-Man 2 as well as multiple TV shows over the years. He followed that career-defining single with a string of pop/rock hits, including “Everybody’s Out of Town,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “No Love at All” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby.”
After six years with Scepter Records, Thomas signed with Paramount Records where he released two albums—1973’s Songs and 1974’s Longhorns & Londonbridges. In 1975, Thomas released the album Reunion on ABC Records, featuring “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” which holds the distinction of being the longest titled No. 1 hit ever on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Like many successful pop/rock artists, Thomas fell into drugs and battled substance abuse. His wife Gloria became a born-again Christian and the turning point in Thomas’ life came when he became a believer in 1976. He immediately quit drugs and found an avenue for expressing his faith in gospel music. Thomas signed with Myrrh Records and released the album Home Where I Belong in 1976. Produced by Chris Christian, the project won Thomas a Grammy and became the first of two Dove Award wins. The album became the first gospel record to sell a million copies. The warmth and emotional timbre of Thomas’ voice was well suited to the genre and he became one of gospel music’s most successful artists. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” is considered one of the most poignant of the classic hymn’s many covers.
In addition to his country and gospel success, Thomas also enjoyed a healthy run on the country charts in the 1980s with such hits as “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks from an Old Lover Again,” “The Whole World’s in Love When You’re Lonely” and “Two Car Garage.” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. It won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1976 and was nominated for CMA Single of the Year. On his 39th birthday in 1981, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake’s Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.
In 2013, he released The Living Room Sessions, an acoustic album, which celebrated Thomas’ nearly six decades in the music industry. The project featured Thomas dueting with other high profile artists on his most beloved hits, which included teaming with Richard Marx for “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” Vince Gill on “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” Sara Niemietz on “Hooked on a Feeling,” Keb’ Mo’ on “Most of All,” Lyle Lovett on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and The Fray’s Isaac Slade on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The album was well-received with critics praising it as a reminder of just how engaging his voice remained after decades of recording and touring.
Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.
A quote from his website exemplifies Thomas’ humble attitude and appreciation for life. “All I am is just another guy. I’ve been very lucky,” he shared. “I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve been a husband and a father who cherishes his children and now I’m a grandfather, and I’m motivated like all these teachers and preachers and mothers and fathers to help my kids grow up with character and self-respect. I hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my music and with the majority of my life.”
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will remain private. In lieu of flowers, in-memoriam donations will be accepted by Mission Arlington, Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the SPCA of Texas.
Dates Set For Coachella And Stagecoach 2022
/by Sarah SkatesThe Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals will return in 2022, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Tuesday’s (June 1) announcement from festival organizers Goldenvoice, the first weekend of Coachella will take place on April 15-17, 2022, and the second weekend will be April 22-24, 2022.
Stagecoach, the country music festival, is set for April 29-May 1, 2022.
Advance ticket sales for Coachella begin this Friday, June 4, at 10 a.m. PT.
Both events are held in Indio, California.
YouTube is once again the official live stream partner for Coachella 2022, marking its tenth year delivering festival performances to music fans around the world.
George Birge Signs With RECORDS Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughTop row (L-R): Ash Bowers (Wide Open Music), Brendan Rich (Wide Open Music)
Bottom row (L-R): George Birge, Barry Weiss (RECORDS)
George Birge has signed with RECORDS Nashville, the Music City division of Barry Weiss‘ RECORDS label, and will release his debut single, “Beer Beer, Truck Truck,” on June 18.
An established songwriter, Birge has a publishing and management deal with Wide Open Music. He is a co-writer on Clay Walker’s current single “Need A Bar Sometimes,” and “Catching Up With An Ol’ Memory,” on his upcoming album. Birge has also written songs with Matt Stell, Chris Lane, Gary LeVox and Jay Demarcus, among others.
The impetus for “Beer Beer, Truck Truck,” came after Walker suggested Birge create a TikTok account to drive fans to his music. Soon after joining TikTok, he saw a viral video of a made-up song from influencer and music educator Erynn Chambers, who joked that men in country music only sing about “Beer beer, truck truck, girls in tight jeans.” In response, Birge put a twist on her chorus in his own song, acknowledging the country music stereotypes but also insisting that is not all country is about. His demo of “Beer Beer, Truck Truck” blew up on TikTok with 2.7 million views and earned him 130k followers in just two weeks. He gave Chambers co-writing credits.
“The last few months have been life changing for me,” said Birge. “My favorite part about songwriting is taking something obvious and putting an unexpected twist on it. Collaborating with Erynn and seeing people connect with the story of this song has been absolutely amazing. I couldn’t be more thankful to Records’ Barry Weiss and Wide Open Music’s Ash Bowers and Brendan Rich for believing in me and my music. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store!”
Michael Ray Maps Out Just The Way I Am Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMichael Ray is launching his 21-stop 2021 Just The Way I Am Tour later this month in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The tour kicks off June 13 and visits Birmingham, Baltimore, St. Louis, Ft. Lauderdale, and more through November 14. Tickets to the shows are available at MichaelRayMusic.com.
“I can’t wait to be back out on the road and be with all of you again,” said Ray. “There’s nothing better than being with one another and singing the songs that have brought us together over the years, and I’m so excited to share some new songs with you that have come to mean so much to me. Let’s make some memories!”
During the last 12 months, Ray has garnered over 100 million views on his YouTube channel, with the video for “Her World Or Mine,” starring Chad Michael Murray, capturing over 25 million views alone. Additionally, Ray created his livestream series, Honkytonk Tuesday, which showcases his love for classic country and drew in over 700,000 views in 2020 and placed him at No. 32 on the 2020 Pollstar Top 100 Livestreamers year-end list. Ray’s current single “Whiskey And Rain” is currently climbing the charts at radio as it nears 25 million on-demand streams.
Just The Way I Am 2021 Tour Dates (headlining unless otherwise noted):
June 13 Caroline Music Fest, Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Support to Luke Combs)
June 14 Wind Jammer, Isle of Palms, S.C.
June 18 Dr. Pepper Park, Roanoke, Va.
June 19 Country Fest, North Lawrence, Ohio (Support to Sam Hunt and Russell Dickerson)
June 26 Smokin’ Summer Jam, Birmingham, Ala.
July 10 Red River Valley Fair, Fargo, N.D. (Support to Chris Young)
July 17 Timberwood Amphitheater, Hot Springs, Ark.
July 23 Power Plant Live, Baltimore, Md.
July 24 Pinehaven Country Club, Guilderland, N.Y.
July 25 Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, N.H.
July 31 Cam-Plex Heritage Center, Gillette, Wyo.
Aug. 6 Antelope County Fair, Neligh, Neb.
Aug. 21 Brown County Fair, Aberdeen, S.D. (Support to Nelly)
Aug. 22 Central State Fair, Rapid City, S.D. (Support to Kip Moore)
Aug. 25 The Pageant, St. Louis. Mo.
Sept. 3 Ozark Amphitheater, Camdenton, Mo. (Support to Brantley Gilbert)
Sept. 4 Touchdowns & Tunes, Paducah, Ky. (Support to Brantley Gilbert, Ashley McBryde)
Sept. 10 Washington State Fair, Puyallup, Wash.
Sept. 18 Swine N Dine, Paxton, Ill.
Sept. 23 Island Hopper Songwriters Festival, Ft. Myers, Fla.
Nov. 14 Tortuga Music Festival, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Support to Jon Pardi)
David Ferguson Turns The Tables To Release His Own Project, ‘Nashville No More’
/by Lorie HollabaughDavid Ferguson, a Grammy-winning engineer, composer and studio owner, is stepping from behind the boards and in front of the mic and releasing his own new album, Nashville No More, on Sept. 3.
Ferguson has collaborated with the likes of Johnny Cash, John Prine, Sturgill Simpson, Cowboy Jack Clement, Charley Pride, Eddy Arnold, U2, and many more. Now he’s trying on the role of a recording artist.
The Fat Possum Records project features ten songs, and a preview track from the album, the Pat McLaughlin-penned “Knocking Around Nashville,” was recently released ahead of the new collection. Ferguson recruited plenty of friends to contribute to the new album, including bluegrass power couple Sierra Hull and Justin Moses, who lend their voice and instrumental prowess to album closer “Hard Times Come Again No More.” Margo Price jumps in on “Chardonnay,” and Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Béla Fleck, and Tim O’Brien also play on the album, as well as Mark Howard, Billy Sanford, and Kenny Vaughan.
“I’m so used to doing something and then moving on to the next thing, but I think it’s going to be neat to have a record come out,” Ferguson says. “The hardest thing to do is doing a record on yourself. You’ve got to learn how to listen to it like you’re listening to somebody else. Man, that takes gumption.”
Nashville No More Track List:
Four Strong Winds
Boats to Build
Fellow Travelers
Nights With You
Looking for Rainbows
Chardonnay
Early Morning Rain
Knocking Around Nashville
My Autumns Done Come
Hard Times Come Again No More
Home Free Salute America On New Project ‘Land Of The Free’
/by Lorie HollabaughHome Free are serving up a helping of American pride and a message of unity on their latest project, Land Of The Free, which features some familiar covers, country favorites, and all-star collaborations. The special salute to the red, white and blue is due out June 25 via Home Free Records, with pre-orders available now.
The 10-track project aims to bring a sense of unity to all those who hear it and includes all-new versions of tunes that underscore the spirit of the nation like harmonious renditions of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard’s “Undivided” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America.” The set also features a stirring rendition of “God Bless The U.S.A.” featuring Lee Greenwood and The United States Air Force Band, as well as the group’s version of “American Pie,” featuring the classic’s creator, Don McLean.
“Based merely on the human condition, our differences are far outweighed by our common ground,” explains Home Free’s bass singer Tim Foust. “We hope this album serves as a reminder of the unity to be found in our shared humanity.”
In celebration of the album announcement, fans are getting a preview with the release of Home Free’s version of The Chicks’ emotional track, “Travelin’ Soldier,” alongside a video. “When Austin [Brown] first suggested we cover this song, it had been years since I heard it—and to be perfectly honest, I had forgotten just how beautiful and tragic it truly is. After listening to it again, I was totally on board,” explains Home Free’s tenor Rob Lundquist. “I know this one hits home for a lot of people—myself included. My dad was in the Army when I was born, and when my parents heard our version of this song for the first time, they both had tears in their eyes. Needless to say, there’s something really special about this song, and I’m so glad we decided to sing it.”
Home Free’s Land Of The Free Track List:
1. “Undivided” (Tyler Hubbard, Chris Loocke)
2. “Only in America” (Kix Brooks, Don Cook, Randall Jay Rogers)
3. “God Bless the U.S.A.” feat. Lee Greenwood + The United States Air Force Band (Lee Greenwood)
4. “Brothers in Arms” (Mark Knopfler)
5. “America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)”
6. “Travelin’ Soldier” (Bruce Robison)
7. “The Land of the Free” (Chris Chatham, Tim Foust)
8. “American Pie” feat. Don McLean (Don McLean)
9. “People” feat. Jeffrey East (Jeffrey East, James Ryan Plappert, Michael White)
10. “Born in the U.S.A.” (Bruce Springsteen)
Brett Young Looks Forward To The Weekends On New Tour This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young announced he’ll be heading back out on the road this fall on his new headlining The Weekends Tour. Launching Sept. 11, the tour features special guests Maddie & Tae and Filmore, with Ryan Hurd and Matt Ferranti on select shows.
The 33-city trek kicks off with two dates in Fort Worth, Texas with stops in Richmond, San Diego, Vegas, Calgary, Cincinnati, Detroit, and many more before wrapping Dec. 3 in Oklahoma City. Pre-sale tickets for fan club members begins today at 12 p.m. ET at brettyoungmusic.com, and tickets for the general public go on sale beginning this Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. local time. Young’s new album, Weekends Look a Little Different These Days, is set for release June 4 on BMLG Records.
“Announcing a headlining tour and preparing to release new music both in the same week truly feels like a dream and something I won’t ever take for granted,” Young says. “It’s emotional thinking about reuniting not only with my band and crew after so much time apart, but with the FANS! I can’t wait to make up for lost time and finally get to perform these new ones we’ve been working on.”
Brett Young’s The Weekends Tour:
9/11/21 – Ft. Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas**
9/12/21 – Ft. Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas**
9/16/21 – Baltimore, MD – MECU Pavilion
9/17/21 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Amphitheater
9/18/21 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point
9/23/21 – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater***
9/24/21 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union LIVE!
9/25/21 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
10/1/21 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
10/2/21 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Avila Beach Resort
10/3/21 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
10/5/21 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre
10/7/21 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union**
10/8/21 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort**
10/9/21 – Las Vegas, NV – Red Rock Casino Resort Spa**
10/10/21 – Bakersfield, CA – Mechanics Bank Theater “formerly Rabobank Theater”**
10/13/21 – Edmonton, AB- Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium**
10/14/21 – Edmonton, AB – Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium**
10/16/21 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre**
10/18/21 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre**
10/28/21 – Milwaukee, WI- The Eagles Ballroom
10/29/21 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center
10/30/21 – Grand Rapids, MI – DeltaPlex***
11/4/21 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland
11/5/21 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
11/6/21 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theater
11/11/21 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
11/12/21 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
11/13/21 – Atlantic City, NJ – Ovation Hall in Ocean Casino Resort
11/18/21 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium**
11/19/21 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
11/20/21 – Boca Raton, FL- Mizner Park Amphitheatre
12/3/21 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion**
** Matt Ferranti Support
*** Ryan Hurd & Filmore Support
B.J. Thomas Dead At 78
/by LB CantrellB.J. Thomas
Five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, died May 29 at home in Arlington, Texas from complications due to stage four lung cancer. He was 78.
Thomas’ expansive career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations since his emergence in the 1960s.
His career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.
He was born Billy Joe Thomas in rural Hugo, Oklahoma, before he moved to Houston, Texas with his family. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.
Thomas’s first taste of success came in 1966 when he recorded “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with producer Huey P. Meaux. Released by Scepter Records, it peaked at No. 8 on the pop charts and became his first million-selling single. He released the follow-up single, “Mama,” and delivered his first solo album that same year.
Thomas’ second million-selling hit came in 1968 with the release of “Hooked on a Feeling” from On My Way, his sophomore album for Scepter. During his days with the New York label, he became friendly with Ronnie Milsap and Dionne Warwick, who were also on the roster at the time. It was Warwick who introduced him to songwriter-producer Burt Bacharach. In January 1970, Thomas topped the charts with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Penned by Bacharach and Hal David, the song was featured in the classic Paul Newman/Robert Redford film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, earning the Oscar for best original song. Sales quickly exceeded two million copies and it has remained one of the most enduring pop hits of all time, reoccurring in such films as Forrest Gump, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Clerks II, and Spider-Man 2 as well as multiple TV shows over the years. He followed that career-defining single with a string of pop/rock hits, including “Everybody’s Out of Town,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “No Love at All” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby.”
After six years with Scepter Records, Thomas signed with Paramount Records where he released two albums—1973’s Songs and 1974’s Longhorns & Londonbridges. In 1975, Thomas released the album Reunion on ABC Records, featuring “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” which holds the distinction of being the longest titled No. 1 hit ever on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Like many successful pop/rock artists, Thomas fell into drugs and battled substance abuse. His wife Gloria became a born-again Christian and the turning point in Thomas’ life came when he became a believer in 1976. He immediately quit drugs and found an avenue for expressing his faith in gospel music. Thomas signed with Myrrh Records and released the album Home Where I Belong in 1976. Produced by Chris Christian, the project won Thomas a Grammy and became the first of two Dove Award wins. The album became the first gospel record to sell a million copies. The warmth and emotional timbre of Thomas’ voice was well suited to the genre and he became one of gospel music’s most successful artists. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” is considered one of the most poignant of the classic hymn’s many covers.
In addition to his country and gospel success, Thomas also enjoyed a healthy run on the country charts in the 1980s with such hits as “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks from an Old Lover Again,” “The Whole World’s in Love When You’re Lonely” and “Two Car Garage.” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. It won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1976 and was nominated for CMA Single of the Year. On his 39th birthday in 1981, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake’s Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.
In 2013, he released The Living Room Sessions, an acoustic album, which celebrated Thomas’ nearly six decades in the music industry. The project featured Thomas dueting with other high profile artists on his most beloved hits, which included teaming with Richard Marx for “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” Vince Gill on “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” Sara Niemietz on “Hooked on a Feeling,” Keb’ Mo’ on “Most of All,” Lyle Lovett on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and The Fray’s Isaac Slade on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The album was well-received with critics praising it as a reminder of just how engaging his voice remained after decades of recording and touring.
Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.
A quote from his website exemplifies Thomas’ humble attitude and appreciation for life. “All I am is just another guy. I’ve been very lucky,” he shared. “I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve been a husband and a father who cherishes his children and now I’m a grandfather, and I’m motivated like all these teachers and preachers and mothers and fathers to help my kids grow up with character and self-respect. I hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my music and with the majority of my life.”
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will remain private. In lieu of flowers, in-memoriam donations will be accepted by Mission Arlington, Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the SPCA of Texas.
Marketing Sr. VP Brooke Primero Exits ACM
/by LB CantrellBrooke Primero
Former Sr. VP/Marketing at the Academy of Country Music, Brooke Primero, has left her position, MusicRow has confirmed.
Primero was with the organization for 14 years. She joined in 2007 after having led the events department at the PR firm BNC (now PMK-BNC), where ACM was a client. Her experience in event marketing and media solutions resulted in highly successful campaigns during her nine years at the agency for clients including T-Mobile, General Motors, Screen Actors Guild Awards, The Miss America Pageant, GUESS?, Red Bull, 7th on Sixth and more, and for magazine clients including Vanity Fair, People, Us Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and more. Prior to that, Primero worked at Paramount Pictures where she handled talent relations and was a key contributor to developing media and promotional events—including film premieres, Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies and Oscar parties—for film launches such as Mission Impossible, Titanic, First Wives’ Club, Face/Off and many more.
Primero is initially taking time off to be with her family, but will launch a marketing consultancy called Left Coast Nash in the fall.
The ACM did not release any plans on filling the position.
Industry Ink: Bonnie Baker, Teri Nelson Carpenter, Musicians On Call
/by Lydia FarthingBonnie J. Baker Launches Bker MGMT, Signs First Client Ryan Petersen
Bonnie J. Baker, Ryan Peterson
Songwriter and producer Bonnie J. Baker has launched bker MGMT and signed Ryan Petersen as its first client.
“At bker MGMT we care deeply about the creation of music. Every artist, every player, every song is treated with respect. Our focus is to inspire and support music makers who create outside the lines. Gender bias, racial bias, homophobia, silence and fear have kept our music community divided. At bker MGMT we build bridges from the mainstream to the colorful, vibrant margins and create access for all,” says Baker. “As a company we can’t make anything grow but we can foster the environment where growth is a byproduct of living a full, balanced and creative life.”
Petersen, also an esteemed songwriter and producer, is half of the duo acting as the production team for the hit CW show Riverdale. Petersen has numerous credits to his name for artists including Matt Stell, Switchfoot, Jonas Brothes, Simple Plan, Cody Simpson, Echosmith, and Rachel Platten, to name a few.
“I couldn’t be more excited to start working with bker MGMT. I have known Bonnie for a long time and she’s always been my biggest champion and believed in me every step of the way,” shares Petersen. “Thrilled to be a part of this new chapter with her and the bker MGMT team.”
Teri Nelson Carpenter Launches Second Office For Reel Muzik Werks In Nashville
Teri Nelson Carpenter
Music and film/TV industry veteran, speaker and entrepreneur, Teri Nelson Carpenter, has opened the Reel Muzik Werks, LLC Nashville office.
The new office is located in the boutique creative community of Berry Hill on East Iris Drive. With a recording studio, writer room and lounge, this office will be the new home to a multifaceted team specializing in international rights management, licensing & clearance, music administration and music supervision for all media.
“I love Nashville and have done business here for years. This new office and recording studio is a natural extension of our commitment to Nashville’s music, artist, and television and film communities. We’re thrilled to be here,” says Carpenter.
This is Reel Muzik Werks’ second U.S. office and its new headquarters. Carpenter established the first office in 2009 in Los Angeles with successes in placement of music in blockbuster films such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. II, Puss in Boots, Geostorm and television productions such as Handmaid’s Tale, Dancing with the Stars, Shameless, NCIS: Los Angeles and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, to name a few.
Musicians On Call Teams Up With FlyteVu To Host Virtual Prom
Musicians On Call (MOC), which brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities, has teamed up with artists and influencers to host the Musicians On Call Prom Presented by FlyteVu.
This virtual prom, hosted by pop artist and MOC Volunteer Zach Matari, will feature performances and messages of encouragement from Blanco Brown, Rita Ora, Joshua Bassett, Dove Cameron, Andrew Rannells, JP Saxe, Zara Larsson, Faouzia, We The Kings, and more.
“Prom is one of the more memorable milestones for teenagers, and it was important to us that a stay in the hospital not get in the way of patients making special memories,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “With hospitals remaining closed off to visitors and volunteers because of the pandemic, Musicians On Call wanted these patients to know they are not alone right now. Thanks to FlyteVu and all of the artists involved, we are excited to bring a smile to their faces this prom season.”
Jeremy McComb’s ‘Frontier Rock’ Set For June Release
/by Lorie HollabaughJeremy McComb is releasing Frontier Rock, a new six-song collection, on Average Joes Entertainment on June 18.
Inspired by McComb’s travels as a modern-day wanderer, the new compilation provides insight into his life with songs like “Cotton’s Gettin’ High,” and “Under Glass,” which harkens back to happier times captured in a picture. The EP includes McComb’s version of the classic Patty Loveless throwback track “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” as a raw duet with newcomer Sarabeth Taite, and the grungy “Withdrawals,” featuring Jonell Mosser. The collection rounds out with a soulful cover of Billie Eilish’s “When The Party’s Over.”
Fans can pre-order or pre-save Frontier Rock now, and instantly get the nostalgic new song, “Under Glass” penned by McComb and Rick Huckaby.
Frontier Rock Track List:
1. “Cotton’s Gettin’ High” – Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Luke Laird
2. “Last Man Standing” – Rick Huckaby, Matt Nolen
3. “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” Feat./Sarahbeth Taite – Gretchen Peters
4. “Under Glass” – Jeremy McComb, Rick Huckaby
5. “Withdrawals” – Jeremy McComb, Dan Olsen, Linnea Lundgren
6. “When The Party’s Over” – Finneas O’Connor
*Produced by Nick Gibbens