Bill Ivey. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Bill Ivey, the Country Music Hall of Fame executive who became the head of the Recording Academy, the American Folklore Society and the National Endowment for the Arts, has passed away.
Ivey, 81, was the Hall of Fame’s CEO from 1971 through 1997. He died in Nashville on Friday, Nov. 7.
While at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bill Ivey founded its Library & Archives, built the museum’s collections, acquired Hatch Show Print and purchased the Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection. His leadership elevated the institution from being a modest tourist attraction to being the world’s center for the preservation and study of country’s many styles, past and present.
Born in Detroit in 1944, Ivey earned an undergraduate history degree at the University of Michigan, then an M.A. in folklore and ethnomusicology at Indiana University. He was also an acoustic-guitar player. He was doing graduate work toward a Ph.D. in 1971, when he decided to apply for a job as director of the library at the Country Music Foundation (CMF), the umbrella nonprofit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Museum had opened on Music Row in 1967, and the board of the Country Music Association (then running the CMF) determined four years later that the Museum should have a proper library and research center.
In August, 1971, Ivey was hired to oversee the development of the library. He so impressed the CMF’s board that he was promoted to director of the CMF by the fall of that year. During the next 25 years, he made the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum a key player in the music industry as well as Nashville’s burgeoning tourism industry. Ivey also set a rigorous standard that ensured the collections of artifacts, recordings and library materials documenting country music would be unmatched. He presided over two building expansions and secured national accreditation for the museum, which it has maintained.
In December 1997, President Bill Clinton selected Bill Ivey to be the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. While there, Ivey established the NEA “Songs of the Century” project to educate students about the history of American popular music. He laid the groundwork for better relations with Congress and led to the funding of his “Challenge America” and “Creative Links, Positive Alternatives for Youth” initiatives designed to foster stronger ties between arts organizations, community groups and federal agencies. He also accompanied First Lady Hillary Clinton to the Grammy Awards when she won in the Spoken Word category.
After four years of serving the NEA in Washington, Ivey returned to Music City. He directed the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University and served on the faculty there from 2002 to 2012.
Bill Ivey rose through the volunteer ranks of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) to become its trustee and two-time national chairman (in 1981-83 and again in 1989-91). He remained a force on the Grammy organization’s board of directors for many years. Ivey was also elected president of the American Folklore Society.
In 1989, he helped found the Leadership Music nonprofit networking forum and served for several years as that organization’s discussion facilitator. He also wrote liner notes for historical reissue albums as well as scholarly articles. In later years, Bill Ivey wrote three books exploring the intersections of popular culture, politics and public policy.
In a social media post, the CMF eulogized Bill Ivey: “He was a challenging thinker who helped cement the reputation of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as a significant and authoritative music history center. His impact on the Museum and the wider arts world is incalculable.”
A Celebration of Life will be held for Ivey on Saturday (Feb. 21) at 2 p.m. CT at the CMA Theater inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Industry Leader Bill Ivey Passes
/by Robert K OermannBill Ivey. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Bill Ivey, the Country Music Hall of Fame executive who became the head of the Recording Academy, the American Folklore Society and the National Endowment for the Arts, has passed away.
Ivey, 81, was the Hall of Fame’s CEO from 1971 through 1997. He died in Nashville on Friday, Nov. 7.
While at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bill Ivey founded its Library & Archives, built the museum’s collections, acquired Hatch Show Print and purchased the Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection. His leadership elevated the institution from being a modest tourist attraction to being the world’s center for the preservation and study of country’s many styles, past and present.
Born in Detroit in 1944, Ivey earned an undergraduate history degree at the University of Michigan, then an M.A. in folklore and ethnomusicology at Indiana University. He was also an acoustic-guitar player. He was doing graduate work toward a Ph.D. in 1971, when he decided to apply for a job as director of the library at the Country Music Foundation (CMF), the umbrella nonprofit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Museum had opened on Music Row in 1967, and the board of the Country Music Association (then running the CMF) determined four years later that the Museum should have a proper library and research center.
In August, 1971, Ivey was hired to oversee the development of the library. He so impressed the CMF’s board that he was promoted to director of the CMF by the fall of that year. During the next 25 years, he made the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum a key player in the music industry as well as Nashville’s burgeoning tourism industry. Ivey also set a rigorous standard that ensured the collections of artifacts, recordings and library materials documenting country music would be unmatched. He presided over two building expansions and secured national accreditation for the museum, which it has maintained.
In December 1997, President Bill Clinton selected Bill Ivey to be the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. While there, Ivey established the NEA “Songs of the Century” project to educate students about the history of American popular music. He laid the groundwork for better relations with Congress and led to the funding of his “Challenge America” and “Creative Links, Positive Alternatives for Youth” initiatives designed to foster stronger ties between arts organizations, community groups and federal agencies. He also accompanied First Lady Hillary Clinton to the Grammy Awards when she won in the Spoken Word category.
After four years of serving the NEA in Washington, Ivey returned to Music City. He directed the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University and served on the faculty there from 2002 to 2012.
Bill Ivey rose through the volunteer ranks of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) to become its trustee and two-time national chairman (in 1981-83 and again in 1989-91). He remained a force on the Grammy organization’s board of directors for many years. Ivey was also elected president of the American Folklore Society.
In 1989, he helped found the Leadership Music nonprofit networking forum and served for several years as that organization’s discussion facilitator. He also wrote liner notes for historical reissue albums as well as scholarly articles. In later years, Bill Ivey wrote three books exploring the intersections of popular culture, politics and public policy.
In a social media post, the CMF eulogized Bill Ivey: “He was a challenging thinker who helped cement the reputation of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as a significant and authoritative music history center. His impact on the Museum and the wider arts world is incalculable.”
A Celebration of Life will be held for Ivey on Saturday (Feb. 21) at 2 p.m. CT at the CMA Theater inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Tyler Hubbard Renews Global Administration Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Tyler Hubbard and Austen Adams (WCM).
Tyler Hubbard has renewed his global administration deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
As a songwriter, Hubbard has penned 19 No. 1 hits, and has become the only country artist to achieve four consecutive chart-topping hits both as part of a duo and as a solo act. His credits include Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy,” “Lights Come On,” and “Burnin’ It Down,” Little Big Town’s “Hell Yeah,” and Cole Swindell’s “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight.” among others.
As a solo artist, Hubbard has garnered more than two billion streams. His 2023 RIAA Gold-certified debut self-titled solo album features chart-toppers “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country,” both earning 3x and 2x Platinum certification by the RIAA, respectively. His most recent self-released hits “Back Then Right Now” and “Park” were both off his 2024 Strong album.
During his time with Florida Georgia Line, Hubbard and duet partner Brian Kelley made history with “Cruise” as the first country song to earn RIAA Diamond certification. They are also the only country act to receive two RIAA Diamond-certified singles for their “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha.
“I’m beyond grateful to continue this journey with Warner Chappell Music,” shares Hubbard. “The team has been such a huge part of my story as a songwriter and publisher, and I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds. Music has always been a way for me to connect with people, and I feel so blessed to keep doing what I love with people who believe in me. Let’s keep this thing rollin!”
“Tyler’s signature voice, bright spirit, and heartfelt songwriting have left a lasting mark on country music,” adds Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “Spanning from his acclaimed early smashes to his latest inspired hits, he continues to prove himself as an artist of undeniable talent and staying power. Spencer Nohe and the entire Warner Chappell team have been incredible champions of this work, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!”
Warner Records Group Elevates Gregg Nadel To President Of A&R
/by Lauryn SinkGregg Nadel.
Warner Records Group has elevated Gregg Nadel to President of A&R. Based in Los Angeles, he reports to Warner Records Group CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck.
Nadel has been with Warner Music Group for his entire 28-year career and most recently served as Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville, now Warner Records Nashville. Prior to that position, Nadel served as President of Elektra Entertainment for seven years. He has spearheaded high-profile campaigns for Ed Sheeran, who he worked with from the early days of Sheeran’s career. Nadel has been named to Billboard’s Power 100 list multiple times. In his current role, he will help drive overall A&R strategy and global collaboration across the company’s three major divisions.
“As we continue to build out Warner Records Group as a tight-knit, seamless global ecosystem, having Gregg join us at the group level will be a huge asset,” says Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson. “He’s a rare, all-around music man, with experience in everything from signing chart-topping artists to making records to developing superstars to leading creative teams. His invaluable relationships, calm judgment, and gift for bringing out the best in world-class talent will make a real difference as we focus our combined efforts on forging long-term careers with our US, UK, and Nashville teams.”
“Joining the mothership at Warner Records Group is an extraordinary opportunity to champion amazing artists on the global stage and to connect the dots to bring them to audiences everywhere,” adds Nadel. “An incredible devotion to the music is hard-wired into this company’s DNA, and I’m looking forward to working with Aaron, Tom, Joe, Karen, Cris [Lacy], and their brilliant teams on both sides of the Atlantic to discover, nurture, and elevate the next generation of stars.”
Ryman Auditorium Debuts ‘Unexpected Company’ Exhibit
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Eric Ahlgrim
The Ryman Auditorium recently debuted its new exhibit, “Unexpected Company,” which celebrates the wide variety of guests who have taken the Ryman stage.
The exhibit is now open as part of the Ryman’s daytime tour experience. Tickets and tour information are available here.
The collection features rare artifacts and archival materials, including Harry Houdini’s handcuffs used during his 1924 Nashville performance; Jackie Robinson’s personal memorabilia and writings tied to his 1962 appearance at the Ryman, where he spoke to more than 1,200 attendees about the power of the vote and civil rights; a gown worn by Aretha Franklin commemorating her two Ryman performances in 2010 and 2011; Clint Eastwood’s hat and amended film script from the 1982 movie Honkytonk Man, shot on location at the Ryman; a Rowlf the Dog puppet, celebrating his Ryman appearances on The Jimmy Dean Show; and a costume worn by Jessica Lange while portraying Patsy Cline in the 1985 biopic Sweet Dreams, filmed at the Ryman.
Photo: Eric Ahlgrim
Photo: Eric Ahlgrim
Connor Hicks Signs With Tape Room Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Caroline Hodson (Tape Room Music), Nick Tressler (Raised Rowdy Management), Ashley Gorley (Tape Room Music), Connor Hicks, Blain Rhodes (Tape Room Music) and Katherine Godwin (Tape Room Music). Photo: Ike Everard
Connor Hicks has inked an exclusive global publishing deal with Tape Room Music.
Hicks’ music has become popular with fans for its themes of small-town life, enduring love and life’s defining moments. His homestate of Kentucky shapes his bluegrass side, combined with his love of country music. Hicks’ influences include Brett Eldredge and the Zac Brown Band.
Hicks recently released his new single “Lonely Season,” which followed his 2024 releases of “The Heart I Used To Have” and “Remembering Somebody.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue growing into the artist I’ve always wanted to be,” shares Hicks. “My goal has always been to create music that feels real, and I’m thrilled to do that alongside a team like Tape Room that is truly the best of the best. All glory to the man upstairs.”
“From our first meeting with Connor, we knew we wanted to be a part of his journey as an artist,” adds Tape Room Music President Blain Rhodes. “We are so excited to welcome him to the Tape Room family and help him bring his music to the world.”
Essential Music Publishing Promotes Andie Rankins
/by LB CantrellAndie Rankins
Provident Entertainment’s publishing division, Essential Music Publishing, has elevated Andie Rankins to Vice President of Essential Publishing Administration.
Rankins joined the company in 2015, when Provident acquired its catalog from Sony Music Publishing, she assumed responsibility for developing, instituting and overseeing the company’s internal publishing administration process. Since then, Rankins has driven significant growth within the division by expanding its client base and strengthening operations. She rises to her current position after holding the title of Senior Director, Essential Publishing Administration.
Under Rankins’ leadership, Essential Publishing Administration has developed into a thriving, integral part of Provident Entertainment. Her strategic vision and commitment to excellence have expanded the division’s reach beyond Provident’s internal creative community to serve a diverse roster of valued industry partners, including Elevation Worship, Fair Trade Services, Hillsong Publishing, Bell Partners, BEC Worship and many more.
“Andie’s unwavering care and commitment for our copyrights and writers, combined with her servant leadership approach, make her the ideal person to lead Essential Publishing Administration as Vice President,” says Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “I am thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved promotion.”
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Holds Top Spot
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen. Photo: Demian Becerra
Morgan Wallen has held on to his spot atop the streaming charts this week, according to Luminate data. “I Got Better” took the top place on the singles charts with 10 million streams this week, adding to 311 million streams to date. Wallen’s I’m The Problem holds its top position on the albums chart with 77K in total consumption.
On the albums chart, Wallen holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 30K in total consumption and the No. 3 spot with Dangerous: The Double Album garnering 24K in total consumption. At No. 4 is Jason Aldean’s 30 Number One Hits with 21K in total consumption. Shaboozey holds the No. 5 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going earning 15K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top three positions. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” takes the No. 2 spot with 10 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” comes in at No. 3 with 8.4 million streams this week. At No. 4 this week is Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” with 8.1 million streams. Rounding out the chart at No. 5 is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 6.6 million streams.
Ashley Nite Joins Kobalt
/by Madison HahnenAshley Nite. Photo: Taylor Lewis
Ashley Nite has joined Kobalt’s Nashville office as Creative Director.
“We are excited to welcome Ashley to the Kobalt family,” says Stephanie Cox, GM & SVP Creative, Nashville. “Her deep creative insight, strong relationships, and proven ability to identify and elevate songwriters make her an invaluable addition to the team.”
Nite is a Nashville native with publishing A&R executive experience. She most recently serves as Head of A&R at Eastside Avenue Publishing where she spearheaded strategy and secured cuts alongside company founder Andrew DeRoberts. With Eastside, she helped writers secure cuts with Justin Timberlake, Tate McRae, Blake Shelton, Alexandra Kay, Hudson Westbrook, The Fray, Kip Moore and more.
Other career stops include Concord Music Publishing and JRM Publishing & Mailbox Money Music. Nite graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Music Business with a Minor in Marketing.
“I’m honored to join the incredible team at Kobalt,” adds Nite. “Kobalt’s forward-thinking approach to publishing and its commitment to empowering songwriters deeply resonate with me, and I’m excited to contribute to the continued success of our creators.”
Hannah McFarland Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkHannah McFarland.
Hannah McFarland made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct 31, playing her breakout track “Hey Highway” and “If Heaven Had a Hotline.”
“Playing the Grand Ole Opry was #1 on my bucket list as a kid, and I can officially say I’ve crossed it off,” she says. “Stepping into the circle on the greatest stage in country music is something I don’t take lightly, and it will forever be one of the highest accomplishments of my life. Thank you to everyone at the Opry for not just believing in me, but trusting me to honor all those who stepped into the circle before me.”
McFarland recently collaborated with Chase Rice on “Foolin’,” Riley Green on “I Just Need You,” and Brett Young on “In Case You Didn’t Know 2.0.” She released her debut EP, Broken Hearts, earlier this year and has toured with the likes of Tucker Wetmore and Kip Moore. She is set to join Green on the road next spring and take the stage in April at Stagecoach.
Turnpike Troubadours Extend ‘Wild America Tour’ Through Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughTurnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister
The Turnpike Troubadours are extending their “Wild America Tour” through next summer.
Newly confirmed shows include New York’s The Rooftop at Pier 17, two nights at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s, Philadelphia’s The Met Philadelphia, Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boise’s Extra Mile Arena, and more. Tickets for the new dates will be available for pre-sale starting this Wednesday (Nov. 12), with general on-sale following Nov. 14 at turnpiketroubadours.
In addition to the “Wild America Tour” dates, the band will once again join forces with Cross Canadian Ragweed for two more “The Boys From Oklahoma” co-headline shows next year at Stillwater, Oklahoma’s Boone Pickens Stadium on April 11 and Lincoln, Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium on Aug. 22.
The Troubadours released their surprise new album, The Price of Admission, this past spring via Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers which was produced by Shooter Jennings and debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes all-genre and country charts, and No. 1 on the Billboard Digital Albums and Current Digital Albums Sales charts. The band has racked up more than 2.2 billion streams globally and over 1.7 million equivalent units sold to date, and was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Turnpike Troubadours New Tour Dates:
January 30—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s
January 31—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s
February 5—Philadelphia, PA—The Met Philadelphia~
February 6—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Arena~
February 7—Boston, MA—MGM Music Hall at Fenway~
March 27—West Valley City, UT—Maverik Center^
March 28—Boise, ID—Extra Mile Arena^
June 5—New York, NY—The Rooftop at Pier 17†
June 6—Asbury Park, NJ—The Stone Pony Summer Stage†
~with special guest Robert Earl Keen
^with special guests Charles Wesley Godwin and Buffalo Traffic Jam
†with special guest Lucero