Tommy West. Photo: Bob Monkton, Courtesy PKM
Music producer, songwriter, and recording artist Tommy West died on Sunday, May 2, 2021, from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. He was 78.
West is best known for co-producing three Gold-selling albums for his close friend Jim Croce with longtime music and business partner Terry Cashman (Dennis Minogue). Together, they also produced recordings by Dion DiMucci; Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary; and Henry Gross. As songwriters, he and Cashman wrote many songs for The Partridge Family, and as a solo producer, West recorded songs by country artists Ed Bruce, Gail Davies, Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, and Girls Next Door.
Tommy West was born Thomas Ralph Picardo, Jr. on August 17, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His musical career began in 1958 when he co-founded the doo-wop group, The Criterions, with childhood friend and future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hauser. After graduating from Villanova University in 1963, West served in the National Guard, later becoming a radio personality and music director at Long Branch, New Jersey’s WRLB-FM.
He later moved to ABC’s Command Records in New York City, working in promotion. While at the label, West became a first call session singer, recording background vocals for artists such as Frank Sinatra, Mitch Ryder, Sammy Davis Jr., Perry Como, Connie Francis, and others. During this time, West also befriended and wrote songs with the label’s head of music publishing, Terry Cashman, and songwriter Gene Pistilli, eventually forming the folk-pop group Cashman, Pistilli & West.
In 1968, the trio moved to Capitol Records, releasing their self-titled album produced by Nik Venet. However, with the departure of Pisitilli, West and Cashman went on to produce projects for Maury Muehleisen, Mary Travers, Jim Dawson, and many others. As songwriters, the duo’s material was recorded by many artists including Cass Elliot, The Manhattan Transfer, Al Martino, Mouth & MacNeal, and more.
West co-founded the Nashville-based MTM Music Group, the record label and publishing company division of actress Mary Tyler Moore’s California-based organization. The MTM label featured mostly West-produced albums and songs, including those by Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, Almost Brothers, The Voltage Brothers and Girls Next Door. Following MTM, West created his High Harmony Records label, for which he produced Robert Bonfiglio’s Through The Raindrops album, and additional projects for Time-Life and PBS.
Tommy West is survived by his wife Ann Verner Picardo, sister Ann Marie, brother Rick, daughter Cheyenne, stepsons Bradley and Blair Robinson, and three grandchildren, Lila, Amelia and Haley Robinson.
Private services will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
Alexander Ludwig Inks Global Recording Deal With BBR Music Group/BMG
/by Lorie HollabaughAlexander Ludwig. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Actor and artist Alexander Ludwig has signed a global recording deal with BBR Music Group/BMG, and his self-titled debut EP is due out May 21.
A lifelong country fan, Ludwig has already found success in Hollywood with leading roles in Vikings, Lone Survivor, The Hunger Games, and Bad Boys For Life. Raised outside of Vancouver, Ludwig wrote his first song at 12 and has been writing ever since. After years of fitting in as many trips as he could to Nashville to hone his songwriting chops, Ludwig crossed paths with Jason Aldean band members and songwriters Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy who produced the debut project.
On the 5-track EP, inspired by the classic and contemporary country sounds he grew up listening to, Ludwig puts his love for storytelling on display. Among the songwriters contributing to the EP are David Lee Murphy, Brad Tursi, Jonathan Singleton, and Justin Wilson. The new EP follows Ludwig’s 2020 song, “Let Me Be Your Whiskey,” which he co-wrote with Mike Dulaney ( Faith Hill).
“Alexander is one of those rare individuals who excels at everything he does. A big reason is his work ethic. He never assumes anything will be handed to him and his music career is no exception. He’s been a long-time student of the genre and put in the time over the last several years coming to Nashville, spending time writing, learning from industry vets and honing his craft,” says Jon Loba, President of BMG Nashville. “When he first came to my attention, I was hesitant because often times when an actor or athlete wants to cross into music, it’s just a diversion or vanity project. BBR VP of Promotion Lee Adams assured me that wasn’t the case and pushed for a meeting. I’m so glad she did! Alexander is not only a special artist, but a special human being and I can’t wait for all our partners to meet him and hear his music. I like to say I signed him IN SPITE of his acting career!”
“I’ve been drawn to country music since I was handed my first guitar at nine years old. Life is about the journey and I am so grateful to take these next steps in music with Loba, BBR Music Group/BMG and the community in Nashville and want to thank them for taking a chance and believing in me,” said Ludwig. “I can’t wait to share this music that represents a taste of what I love about country music.”
Alexander Ludwig Track List:
1. “Love Today”— Greylan James, David Lee Murphy, Matt Roy
2. “Sunset Town” — Marv Green, David Lee Murphy, Justin Wilson
3. “How It Rolls” — Eric Arjes, Brad Tursi
4. “Malibu Blue” — Jonathan Singleton, Brad Tursi, Andrew Rollins
5. “Summer Crazy”— Alexander Ludwig, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Justin Wilson
MTM Music Group Co-Founder, Tommy West, Dies At 78
/by Lydia FarthingTommy West. Photo: Bob Monkton, Courtesy PKM
Music producer, songwriter, and recording artist Tommy West died on Sunday, May 2, 2021, from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease. He was 78.
West is best known for co-producing three Gold-selling albums for his close friend Jim Croce with longtime music and business partner Terry Cashman (Dennis Minogue). Together, they also produced recordings by Dion DiMucci; Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary; and Henry Gross. As songwriters, he and Cashman wrote many songs for The Partridge Family, and as a solo producer, West recorded songs by country artists Ed Bruce, Gail Davies, Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, and Girls Next Door.
Tommy West was born Thomas Ralph Picardo, Jr. on August 17, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His musical career began in 1958 when he co-founded the doo-wop group, The Criterions, with childhood friend and future Manhattan Transfer founder, Tim Hauser. After graduating from Villanova University in 1963, West served in the National Guard, later becoming a radio personality and music director at Long Branch, New Jersey’s WRLB-FM.
He later moved to ABC’s Command Records in New York City, working in promotion. While at the label, West became a first call session singer, recording background vocals for artists such as Frank Sinatra, Mitch Ryder, Sammy Davis Jr., Perry Como, Connie Francis, and others. During this time, West also befriended and wrote songs with the label’s head of music publishing, Terry Cashman, and songwriter Gene Pistilli, eventually forming the folk-pop group Cashman, Pistilli & West.
In 1968, the trio moved to Capitol Records, releasing their self-titled album produced by Nik Venet. However, with the departure of Pisitilli, West and Cashman went on to produce projects for Maury Muehleisen, Mary Travers, Jim Dawson, and many others. As songwriters, the duo’s material was recorded by many artists including Cass Elliot, The Manhattan Transfer, Al Martino, Mouth & MacNeal, and more.
West co-founded the Nashville-based MTM Music Group, the record label and publishing company division of actress Mary Tyler Moore’s California-based organization. The MTM label featured mostly West-produced albums and songs, including those by Judy Rodman, Holly Dunn, Almost Brothers, The Voltage Brothers and Girls Next Door. Following MTM, West created his High Harmony Records label, for which he produced Robert Bonfiglio’s Through The Raindrops album, and additional projects for Time-Life and PBS.
Tommy West is survived by his wife Ann Verner Picardo, sister Ann Marie, brother Rick, daughter Cheyenne, stepsons Bradley and Blair Robinson, and three grandchildren, Lila, Amelia and Haley Robinson.
Private services will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
WMG Corp. Q2 Results: Double-Digit Revenue Growth Across Recorded Music, Publishing
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Group Corp. has announced its 2nd quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2021.
“Following a strong first quarter, I’m happy to report that our momentum continued in Q2, and our business is stronger than ever. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we generated double-digit revenue growth in both recorded music and music publishing,” says Steve Cooper, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Our success was driven by chart-topping new releases from our incredible artists and songwriters, as well as bold and imaginative execution from our world-class operators. We’re excited about the rest of year, as we have a fantastic slate of new music coming from established superstars and emerging talent.”
Financial Highlights:
Double-Digit Revenue Growth Highlighted by Strength across Recorded Music and Music Publishing
Recorded Music Streaming Revenue Grew 20% Driven by Chart-Topping New Music
Revenue Attributable to Emerging Streaming Platforms Continues to Show Accelerated Growth
Continued Margin Expansion and High Free Cash Flow Conversion
For the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Total revenue grew 17% or 13% in constant currency
Digital revenue grew 23% or 20% in constant currency
Net income was $117 million versus net loss of $74 million in the prior-year quarter
Read the complete report here.
Brad Paisley Announces New Tour Kicking Off This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Justin Kaicles
Brad Paisley is heading back out on the road for his Tour 2021, kicking off on June 5. Jimmie Allen and Kameron Marlowe will be special guests on the new tour.
Launching on June 5 in Panama City Beach at the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, the tour’s second stop will be Nashville’s 4th of July celebration, Let Freedom Sing!, which is slated to be Music City’s first major event of the year. Paisley will also visit Dallas, Tampa, St. Louis, Phoenix and more during the 30-date run.
Fans can purchase tickets for all dates now at bradpaisley.com. A portion of all ticket sales will go to The Store – the nonprofit free-referral based grocery store co-founded by Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The Store opened for in-store clients on March 12, 2020, following the March 3 tornado that devastated parts of Nashville and was open for only four days when the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread. The Store’s weekly deliveries are currently capped at 450 households and curbside pickup is at 200 per week, six times the initial projection, which equals to over 1.3 million meals distributed.
Paisley recently partnered with Vanderbilt Health in a national PSA to encourage fans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “It’s been a real difficult year, a nightmare for anyone who makes their living with a group of people. I feel very passionate about the chance we have for normalcy right now with the vaccine—there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I have a band and crew just waiting to get back out on the road. The more of us that Take the Shot the safer it will be for all of us to gather,” he says.
Paisley’s Tour 2021 Dates:
June 5 Panama City Beach, FL Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
*July 4 Nashville, TN Let Freedom Sing! Music City – Downtown
July 8 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
July 9 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 10 West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
**July 17 Hinkley, MN Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater
July 22 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
July 23 Tuscaloosa, AL Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
July 24 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
July 30 St Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
July 31 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center
***August 9 Canton, OH Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
August 14 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
August 15 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
*August 21 Lima, OH Allen County Fair
August 22 Cincinnati, OH The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park
August 27 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
August 28 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
August 29 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
September 10 Chicago, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
September 11 Clarkson, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
**September 23 Doswell, VA After Hours at The Meadow Event Park
***September 24 West Springfield, MA Court of Honor Stage
****September 26 Bloomsburg, PA Bloomsburg Fair
September 30 Sacramento, CA Toyota Amphitheatre
October 1 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
October 2 Chula Vista, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
October 7 Albuquerque, NM ISLETA Amphitheatre
October 8 Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion
October 9 Irvine, CA FivePoint Amphitheatre
*Festival – includes Paisley and multiple artists
** Paisley only
***Co-headline with Lynyrd Skynyrd
****Jordan Davis only
Nicolle Galyon Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellNicolle Galyon moves up six spots to No. 6 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. She is a co-writer on Dierks Bentley’s “Gone,” Blake Shelton’s “Minimum Wage,” and Kelsea Ballerini’s “Half Of My Hometown.”
Taylor Swift remains at No. 1 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with her “Love Story,” “You All Over Me,” “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” “Forever & Always,” “Fearless,” and “You Belong With Me” charting on the country charts. Jesse Frasure stays at No. 2 this week, and Josh Osborne moves up one spot to No. 3.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Warner Music Group Teams Up With Wave To Develop New Virtual Performances
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Group (WMG) has announced a new partnership with and investment in Wave, one of the leaders in virtual entertainment.
Through this collaboration, Wave will develop virtual performances, experiences, and monetization opportunities for WMG’s global roster of emerging and established artists. This includes new forms of ticketing, sponsorship, and in-show interactions for fans. The duo will also use Wave’s cutting-edge technology to transform participating artists into digital avatars, performing live and taking fans into an immersive virtual experience. The news comes after WMG announced their partnership with Genies, one of the world’s largest avatar technology companies.
“WMG has an incredible history of being a trailblazer in the music industry. They share our vision for pulling the future forward using new technologies that benefit artists and fans alike,” says Adam Arrigo, CEO and co-founder of Wave. “We’re excited to partner with them to create interactive events that are unlike any other virtual concerts ever experienced.”
Wave offers fans unique and interactive offerings including live chats, virtual gifting and voting, as well as real-time audience appearances during artist performances. Through Wave, WMG will be able to forge more powerful artist activations, incorporating new and fan-favorite features into their shows to fuel audience engagement.
“The commercial opportunity in the metaverse has exploded in the last several years, with the past few months seeing a tipping point for mainstream adoption of immersive social experiences and virtual communities,” says Oana Ruxandra, EVP, Business Development and Chief Digital Officer at WMG. “Wave is indisputably a leader in the interactive virtual entertainment space and the right partner to help us grow WMG’s efforts. Our artists and their fans will be getting best-in-class experiences, as we pioneer new forms of consumption and monetization.”
Midland Returns To The Road This Fall On The Last Resort Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMidland will hit the road this fall as the headliners on The Last Resort Tour which kicks off on October 7 with special guest Hailey Whitters.
Tickets for the tour, launching in Phoenix and running through December 16 in Shreveport, Louisiana, go on sale May 7 at 1o a.m. local time via midlandofficial.com. The group will visit 25 cities including two Nashville dates on December 1-2 as well as stops in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Atlanta, and more.
Spotify fans in participating markets will receive a special pre-sale code via email on Tuesday, May 4 to get early access to tickets. Fans who have signed up for Midland’s mailing list will also be emailed a special promo code Wednesday, May 5 for early access tickets.
Midland has remained diligent over the last year, finding new ways to connect with fans until they could return to touring. The trio recently released the Midland:The Sonic Ranch documentary across ViacomCBS platforms, including CMT and MTV Live, which shined a light on their beginnings and featured never-before-seen footage and original recordings. The documentary film and accompanying album tells the origin story of the band five years prior to landing on country radio with their 2017 Platinum-certified and double Grammy-nominated “Drinkin’ Problem” on Big Machine Records.
The Last Resort 2021 Tour Dates:
October 7 | Phoenix, AZ
October 9 | Tucson, AZ
October 16 | Morrison, CO
October 21 | Tulsa, OK *
October 22 | Omaha, NE
October 23 | Chesterfield, MO
October 27 | Cincinnati, OH
October 28 | Detroit, MI
October 29 | Milwaukee, WI
October 30 | Chicago, IL
November 5 | Philadelphia, PA
November 6 | Richmond, VA
November 11 | Boston, MA
November 12 | New York, NY
November 13 | Pittsburgh, PA
November 18 | Columbus, OH
November 19 | Cleveland, OH
November 20 | Indianapolis, IN
December 1 | Nashville, TN
December 2 | Nashville, TN
December 3 | Charlotte, NC
December 4 | Asheville, NC
December 9 | Knoxville, TN
December 10 | Chattanooga, TN
December 11 | Atlanta, GA
December 16 | Shreveport, LA
* Midland only
Big Loud Inks Publishing Deal With John Byron
/by Lydia FarthingJohn Byron. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle.
Rising songwriter John Byron has inked his first publishing deal with Big Loud.
Stacking co-writer credits on Sean Stemaly’s recent release, “Hello, You Up,” and Morgan Wallen’s “865” off his record-breaking Dangerous: The Double Album, Byron’s songwriting is centered around clever phrasing and melodies.
“From the moment John started sharing his songs and writing with our writers, working together felt like a perfect fit,” shares Michael Giangreco, senior director of A&R. “John’s attitude and work ethic speak volumes. We couldn’t be more proud that he chose Big Loud to be his publishing home.”
His latest cut, “Summer Job Money,” delivered by multi-Platinum country artist Chris Lane last Friday (April 30), marks Byron’s third consecutive release from a Big Loud Records artist.
“I feel immensely blessed to be a part of one of the most influential companies in the entire industry – Big Loud was the one place I wanted to sign with,” admits Byron. “It honestly still feels like a miracle every time I get to walk into the building; every single night, I thank God for making it part of His plan for me. It’s the same for being a co-writer on these songs. I love and respect these guys who I’m lucky enough to say have become my friends.”
Sandbox Entertainment Launches Estate Management Division
/by LB CantrellSandbox Entertainment has announced the launch of Sandbox Succession, the company’s newly formed division providing comprehensive estate management services in all exploitations focusing on name and likeness.
The division will be led by Josh Matas, who joined the company in 2015. Working with Sandbox Entertainment President/CEO Jason Owen, Matas aims to cultivate a business that delivers best-in-class services across artist management, legacy preservation and development of creative artistic opportunities in today’s cultural landscape.
Sandbox Succession counts the estates of late American icons Johnny Cash (John R. Cash Revocable Trust), June Carter (June Carter Cash Trust) and The Carter Family (The Carter Family – FFCM LLC) as clients.
The announcement comes on the heels of signing NASCAR’s most decorated driver in history, NASCAR Hall of Fame member Richard Petty (Richard Petty IP LLC).
The division’s full scope of services includes brand development and partnerships; merchandising and licensing; hospitality; exhibitions; live performances; and entertainment development across film, television, music, content, gaming and books.
“I’m thrilled to announce the creation of Sandbox Succession which is a natural extension of the artist-first mentality that drives all of our businesses,” says Owen. “It’s an honor and a privilege to work with the Estates of these icons. We look forward to preserving and furthering their enduring legacies.”
“Jason and I both come from branding backgrounds, and I got a unique opportunity early on in my time at Sandbox to work with Johnny Cash’s estate.” Matas adds. “The depth of this work emphasized the importance of managing these critical brands. Audiences have shown a continued reverence for this particular collection of individuals—and that’s where we as brand managers are excited by the idea of not only presenting sustainable business models, but also continuing to tell their stories as a pillar of the greater cultural landscape.”
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Returns To Peak Of Country Albums Chart
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album continues its streak of chart domination this week rising back into the top spot on the country albums chart with 54K according to Nielsen.
Eric Church‘s new album Soul lands in a close second with 53K, with Taylor Swift‘s Fearless (Taylor’s Version) pulling in 33K in third, Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get at 27K and Carrie Underwood‘s gospel collection My Savior with 22K rounding out the week’s top 5.
Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett is the streaming champ this week with “The Good Ones” scoring 7.5 million and 186 million RTD, according to Nielsen. Church’s “Hell Of A View” takes the second spot with 7.3 million, while Combs’ “Forever After All” comes in third with 7 million for the week. Wallen’s “Wasted On You” with 5.5 million and Chris Stapleton‘s “Starting Over” at 5.5 million complete the top 5 on the streaming side.