The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has announced the nominees for its sixth annual AIMP Nashville Awards.
The awards will be held on April 27 at 4 p.m. CT at The Listening Room Café in Nashville. Only nominees and sponsors will be invited to attend in person, with masks and social distancing required. The event will also be livestreamed and made available to AIMP members.
Twenty three independent music publishers and 19 songwriters each received multiple nominations this year. Big Machine Label Group was the most-nominated independent publisher with 10 nods, followed by Round Hill Music with five, Concord Music Publishing with four, and Curb | Word Music Publishing, peermusic, Relative Music Group, SMACKSongs, Spirit Music, and Tape Room Music with three each. Ashley Gorley, HARDY, and Jonathan Singleton were the top songwriters with three nominations each.
This year’s categories include Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year.
“In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, independent songwriters and publishers have pushed through and created truly fantastic art to get us to the other side of an unprecedented time,” says Vice President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter and Co-Chair of the AIMP Nashville Awards, Ree Guyer. “While we were forced to cancel last year’s event, we are happy to honor this year’s winners in a safe, socially distanced ceremony, and hope we’ll be able to celebrate with the full Nashville independent publishing community in 2022!”
“Given our currently trying times, it’s even more important to remember and honor the good from the past year,” says AIMP National Chair and President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter, John Ozier. “The independent music publishing community never stops, and this year showed its ingenuity as songwriters found new ways to connect and create music that both captured the moment and provided solace to listeners. We look forward to recognizing their achievements.”
Voting for all AIMP Nashville Chapter members will begin on March 24 and will end on March 30 at 5 p.m. CT. Those who would like to vote must visit www.aimp.org/register by March 23 at 5 p.m. CT to either ensure their membership is in good standing or sign up to become an AIMP Nashville Chapter member.
The full list of nominees by category can be found below.
RISING SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Alex Kline (Ziggys Z Music)
– Benjy Davis (Big Machine Music)
– Jake Mitchell (Reservoir Media / Patrick Joseph Music)
– Matt Alderman (Curb | Word Music Publishing)
– Neil Medley (Mojo Music & Media / Son of a Carl Music)
– Nicolette Hayford (River House / SMACKSongs)
– Steph Jones (Disney Music Publishing / Hipgnosis Song Group)
RISING ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Avenue Beat (Tape Room Music)
– Jameson Rodgers (Combustion Music)
– Ruston Kelly (Concord Music Publishing)
– Ryan Hurd (Big Machine Music)
– Tenille Arts (Oven Music)
– Tenille Townes (Big Yellow Dog)
ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Ashley McBryde (Jody Williams Songs)
– Brothers Osborne (King Pen Music)
– Carly Pearce (Altadena)
– Eric Church (Little Louder Music)
– Jon Pardi (Song Factory Music)
SONG CHAMPION OF THE YEAR:
– Allison Jones (Big Machine Label Group)
– Ciara Shortridge (Curb | Word Music Publishing)
– Jake Gear (Hang Your Hat Music)
– Laurel Kittleson-Cobb (Curb | Word Entertainment)
– Trina Smith-Dort (Me Gusta Music)
– Ward Guenther (Whiskey Jam)
PUBLISHER’S PICK:
– “Beautiful Noise” written by Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Linda Perry, Ruby Amanfu
Independently published by Atlas Music Publishing, Big Machine Music, Carnival Music, Concord Music Publishing, Creative Nation, Deep Dark Robot Music, Happy People Music, Like Butta Baby Music, Maps and Records Music, peermusic
Recorded by Brandi Carlile & Alicia Keys
– “Better Than We Found It” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris
Independently published by Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music, Big Machine Music, Heroes and Halos Music, Millicent Hill Music, JRM3, Muse Magic, Round Hill Music
Recorded by Maren Morris
– “Chasing After You” written by Brinley Addington, Jerry Flowers
Independently published by Adding Tone Music, Combustion Music, Downtown Music Group, Mojo Music & Media, Tape Room Music
Recorded by Maren Morris & Ryan Hurd
– “Give Heaven Some Hell” written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy
Independently published by Big Blue Nation Music, Caleb’s College Fund, Relative Music Group. Round Hill Music, Tape Room Music
Recorded by HARDY
– “Janice at the Hotel Bar” written by Hailey Whitters, Lori McKenna
Independently published by Carnival Music, Creative Nation, Concord Music Publishing, Maps and Records Music, Pulse Music Group
Recorded by Hailey Whitters
– “Things a Man Oughta Know” written by Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
Independently published by Big Machine Music, Spirit Music
Recorded by Lainey Wilson
SONG OF THE YEAR:
– “Ain’t Always the Cowboy” written by Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson
Independently published by Big Machine Music, MV2 Music, peermusic, Whiskey Tub Music
Recorded by Jon Pardi
– “Bluebird” written by Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
Independently published by Emileon Songs, Little Louder Songs
Recorded by Miranda Lambert
– “Die From a Broken Heart” written by Deric Rutan, Jonathan Singleton, Madison Marlow, Taylor Dye
Independently published by Big Machine Music, Jehovah Nissi Music, Seven Red Birds Publishing, Spirit Music
Recorded by Maddie & Tae
– “I Hope You’re Happy Now” written by Carly Pearce, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, Randy Montana
Independently published by 50 Egg Music, Altadena, Big Machine Music, Jett Music, Spirit Music, Straight Dimes Publishing
Recorded by Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– “One of Them Girls” written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Dallas Davidson, Lee Brice
Independently published by 8Minute Publishing, Artist Publishing Group, Big Blue Nation Music, Caleb’s College Fund, Play It Again Music Group, Natalia’s Music Money, Round Hill Music
Recorded by Lee Brice
– “One Night Standards” written by Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
Independently published by Canned Biscuit Songs, River House, SMACKSongs, Smackstreet Music, Tempo Investments
Recorded by Ashley McBryde
– “Some Girls” written by CJ Solar, Jake Mitchell, Michael Hardy
Independently published by Harding Road Music, Sea Gayle Music, Relative Music Group, West Pass Music
Recorded by Jameson Rodgers
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Michael Hardy (Relative Music Group)
– Ashley Gorley (Round Hill Music)
– Shane McAnally (Tempo Investments)
– Josh Thompson (MV2 Entertainment)
– Ernest K Smith (Big Loud Music)
– Hillary Lindsey (Concord Music Publishing)
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR:
– Big Machine Music
– Downtown Music Publishing
– Kobalt Music
– peermusic
– Round Hill Music
– SMACKSongs
Kenny Chesney Postpones Stadium Tour To 2022
/by LB CantrellKenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell
Kenny Chesney has announced that he is postponing his tour to 2022.
All of the stadiums on the 2021 itinerary will still host Chesney’s 2022 tour. It will be a completely new show with a new name, new line-up, and lots of new music. All current tickets will be honored for the rescheduled show date. Beginning today (March 22), patrons unable to attend the rescheduled shows may request a refund at the original point of purchase.
“We have waited for so long, I can’t play knowing I would disappoint a portion of No Shoes Nation who wouldn’t be able to get into the stadiums and the amphitheaters,” Chesney says. “There’s no way around that this year. As much I hate postponing further, I would hate telling people who waited we won’t be able to let them come due to capacity restrictions. That’s just not fair.”
Messina Touring Group will announce the rescheduled dates for Chesney’s 2022 tour shortly.
Kenny Chesney 2021 Stadiums, Cities and States forthcoming for 2022:
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
GEHA Field at Arrowhead – Kansas City, Mo.
U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
Newport Folk Festival To Release John Prine Live Album
/by Steven BoeroThe Newport Folk Festival is releasing an album of John Prine‘s legendary performance at the festival in 2017 entitled, John Prine and Friends.
The record, available for pre-order on March 23, features the late icon’s never before released performance, which features artists Justin Vernon, Jim James, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lucius, and Roger Waters.
Offered exclusively through Newport Folk and produced with the support of The Prine Family and Oh Boy Records, John Prine and Friends has been mixed from the original multi-tracks and mastered specifically for this vinyl release. This limited edition 2-record set will be pressed on premium 180-gram vinyl and housed in a deluxe Stoughton old-style tip-on gatefold jacket. Each pre-order includes an instant digital download of the entire recording.
Proceeds from the sale support the Newport Festivals Foundation’s ongoing initiatives to aid musicians in need and music programs across the country.
The festival was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and was deeply felt as Newport Festivals Foundation relies on the revenue it makes each year at the festivals in order to carry out its work. Thanks to the support of the Newport Folk and Jazz fans and donors, NFF has been able to continue to support music programs in our own backyard of Newport, Rhode Island and all across America.
Bob DiPiero, Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele, More Set For Travis Meadows Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughA host of Nashville’s best are on the lineup for An Evening for Travis Meadows, a benefit set for April 8 at 3rd & Lindsley featuring performances by Jeffrey Steele, Aaron Lewis, Casey Beathard, Bob DiPiero, Luke Dick, Chuck Cannon, Lee Miller, Wendell Mobley, Tim Nichols, Neil Thrasher, Stephen Wilson Jr., Craig Wiseman, and more.
Meadows was seriously injured during a recent surgery, and the special show will help raise money to support his recovery and get him back on his feet and fully healed. The talented songwriter has penned songs like Dierks Bentley’s buoyant “Riser,”Eric Church’s “Knives of New Orleans” and “Dark Side,” Jake Owen’s “What We Ain’t Got,” and Kenny Chesney’s “Better Boat,” among many others.
Tickets are available here.
The event will be hosted by Steele and Casey Lavasseur. The two are seeking sponsorships, brand partnerships, media partnerships, and more to support the event. Those interested can contact casey@3ringcircusmusic.com.
The Station Inn’s JT Gray Passes
/by Robert K OermannJT Gray. Photo: Courtesy The Station Inn
Earl “JT” Gray, the owner of Nashville’s world famous bluegrass mecca The Station Inn, died on Saturday (March 20) at age 75.
He was a 2020 inductee into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
On March 14, Gray appeared on international television during the Grammy Awards salute to America’s independent nightclubs. He always described The Station Inn as “a listening room.” The venue was a destination for lovers of acoustic music and hosted virtually all the top names in bluegrass for more than 40 years.
Gray was a guitarist and singer who was born in Corinth, Mississippi. He moved to Music City in 1971 to become a member of the Nashville-based bluegrass band The Misty Mountain Boys. The group played at venues throughout the city, including The Bluegrass Inn and Old Time Picking Parlor downtown and the Opryland theme park.
In 1976, he formed his own band, J.T. Gray & The Nashville Skyline. He took a hiatus from the group to become a member of Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys in 1979-81, then resumed leading Skyline. At various times, he also backed Vassar Clements, The Sullivan Family and Tom T. Hall.
He left Martin’s group to acquire The Station Inn in early 1981. Founded in 1974, the club was originally at 104 28th Ave. N., near Vanderbilt. In 1978, it moved to 402 12th Ave. S., in a then nearly deserted industrial area called The Gulch. It has remained there, now surrounded by modern condos, upscale retail establishments and fancy restaurants.
Gray renovated the club, which included installing some seats from the Flatt & Scruggs tour bus and decorating its wood-paneled walls with vintage posters. At first, he featured his Nashville Skyline band and other local acts. The Bluegrass Cardinals were the first national bluegrass stars to play the venue, followed the next day by Country Gazette. The humble, 150-seat club was soon full of bluegrass lovers.
The then-unknown family group The Whites began building a following via regular appearances at The Station Inn in 1981-82. The Nashville Bluegrass Band and The Dreadful Snakes got their starts at the nightclub. The venue was also a training ground for future country stars Dierks Bentley, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton and Vince Gill.
Bill Monroe began dropping by unannounced to sit in with whoever was on stage. Ralph Stanley became a visitor, too. At one point, Stanley was joined at the club by his former band members Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley for an impromptu reunion. Such serendipitous events became common at The Station Inn. Among other notables known to drop in to “jam” were Bela Fleck, Stuart Duncan, Mark O’Connor, Alan O’Bryant, Roland White, Tim O’Brien, Sam Bush, Vassar Clements and Jerry Douglas. The club’s weekly Sunday night jam sessions were famous. Opry stars often dropped by following their Friday and Saturday night WSM broadcasts.
The Station Inn had a number of regular performers. Gray formed his band 16th Avenue in 1985, then assumed leadership of The JT Gray Band in 1988. That group endured as Station Inn mainstays until his passing. Peter Rowan & Crucial Country were resident Station Inn entertainers, as was the Sidemen group formed by Rob & Ronnie McCoury, which appeared at the club for 16 years. The Time Jumpers were weekly visitors at the venue for 13 years beginning in 1998 before outgrowing its capacity. The hilarious Doyle & Debbie country parody shows were also fixtures at The Station Inn. Jim Rooney staged his annual birthday celebrations there with John Prine. The old-time country band Old Crow Medicine Show was also a resident attraction.
But keeping the little club afloat was a constant challenge in the early years. Gray sometimes took work as a coach-bus driver for various touring music stars and did other “outside” jobs.
By 2000, the nightclub had become known worldwide as a bluegrass shrine. It was used for photo shoots and as a location for music videos. It was the site of live albums by singer-songwriter Shawn Camp and Grand Ole Opry comic/musician Mike Snider. Celebrities who visited the venue included Robert Duvall, Reese Witherspoon, William Shatner, Mel Gibson and Peyton Manning.
In 2003, JT Gray was given a Distinguished Achievement Award by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Filmmaker Pat Isbey created a feature-length documentary in 2004 called The Station Inn – True Life Bluegrass with commentary by Roland White, Del McCoury, Fleck, Bush, Skaggs, Krauss and Stanley.
Gray began to face health challenges around this time. He had a series of heart-bypass operations while still in his 50s. Nevertheless, in 2005 he issued his first and only album, It’s About Time.
In recent years, the nightspot has launched a web channel—Station Inn TV—to live stream performances. Thousands of fans worldwide have tuned in.
The Country Music Hall of Fame opened a new exhibit devoted to The Station Inn this year. During the Grammy telecast, Gray announced the Best Country Album award going to Miranda Lambert. This year’s Bluegrass Grammy went to Station Inn graduate Billy Strings.
Throughout his life, JT Gray was a kind soul, a Southern gentleman and a generous spirit. He created a warm, welcoming environment for acoustic musicians and their fans, a venue where connections were made, collaborations were born, songs were auditioned and talent was nurtured.
Funeral arrangements are private, for the family. A Station Inn celebration of the life of JT Gray will be announced at a later date.
AIMP Nashville Announces Nominees For 6th Annual Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has announced the nominees for its sixth annual AIMP Nashville Awards.
The awards will be held on April 27 at 4 p.m. CT at The Listening Room Café in Nashville. Only nominees and sponsors will be invited to attend in person, with masks and social distancing required. The event will also be livestreamed and made available to AIMP members.
Twenty three independent music publishers and 19 songwriters each received multiple nominations this year. Big Machine Label Group was the most-nominated independent publisher with 10 nods, followed by Round Hill Music with five, Concord Music Publishing with four, and Curb | Word Music Publishing, peermusic, Relative Music Group, SMACKSongs, Spirit Music, and Tape Room Music with three each. Ashley Gorley, HARDY, and Jonathan Singleton were the top songwriters with three nominations each.
This year’s categories include Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year.
“In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, independent songwriters and publishers have pushed through and created truly fantastic art to get us to the other side of an unprecedented time,” says Vice President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter and Co-Chair of the AIMP Nashville Awards, Ree Guyer. “While we were forced to cancel last year’s event, we are happy to honor this year’s winners in a safe, socially distanced ceremony, and hope we’ll be able to celebrate with the full Nashville independent publishing community in 2022!”
“Given our currently trying times, it’s even more important to remember and honor the good from the past year,” says AIMP National Chair and President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter, John Ozier. “The independent music publishing community never stops, and this year showed its ingenuity as songwriters found new ways to connect and create music that both captured the moment and provided solace to listeners. We look forward to recognizing their achievements.”
Voting for all AIMP Nashville Chapter members will begin on March 24 and will end on March 30 at 5 p.m. CT. Those who would like to vote must visit www.aimp.org/register by March 23 at 5 p.m. CT to either ensure their membership is in good standing or sign up to become an AIMP Nashville Chapter member.
The full list of nominees by category can be found below.
RISING SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Alex Kline (Ziggys Z Music)
– Benjy Davis (Big Machine Music)
– Jake Mitchell (Reservoir Media / Patrick Joseph Music)
– Matt Alderman (Curb | Word Music Publishing)
– Neil Medley (Mojo Music & Media / Son of a Carl Music)
– Nicolette Hayford (River House / SMACKSongs)
– Steph Jones (Disney Music Publishing / Hipgnosis Song Group)
RISING ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Avenue Beat (Tape Room Music)
– Jameson Rodgers (Combustion Music)
– Ruston Kelly (Concord Music Publishing)
– Ryan Hurd (Big Machine Music)
– Tenille Arts (Oven Music)
– Tenille Townes (Big Yellow Dog)
ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Ashley McBryde (Jody Williams Songs)
– Brothers Osborne (King Pen Music)
– Carly Pearce (Altadena)
– Eric Church (Little Louder Music)
– Jon Pardi (Song Factory Music)
SONG CHAMPION OF THE YEAR:
– Allison Jones (Big Machine Label Group)
– Ciara Shortridge (Curb | Word Music Publishing)
– Jake Gear (Hang Your Hat Music)
– Laurel Kittleson-Cobb (Curb | Word Entertainment)
– Trina Smith-Dort (Me Gusta Music)
– Ward Guenther (Whiskey Jam)
PUBLISHER’S PICK:
– “Beautiful Noise” written by Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Linda Perry, Ruby Amanfu
Independently published by Atlas Music Publishing, Big Machine Music, Carnival Music, Concord Music Publishing, Creative Nation, Deep Dark Robot Music, Happy People Music, Like Butta Baby Music, Maps and Records Music, peermusic
Recorded by Brandi Carlile & Alicia Keys
– “Better Than We Found It” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris
Independently published by Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music, Big Machine Music, Heroes and Halos Music, Millicent Hill Music, JRM3, Muse Magic, Round Hill Music
Recorded by Maren Morris
– “Chasing After You” written by Brinley Addington, Jerry Flowers
Independently published by Adding Tone Music, Combustion Music, Downtown Music Group, Mojo Music & Media, Tape Room Music
Recorded by Maren Morris & Ryan Hurd
– “Give Heaven Some Hell” written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy
Independently published by Big Blue Nation Music, Caleb’s College Fund, Relative Music Group. Round Hill Music, Tape Room Music
Recorded by HARDY
– “Janice at the Hotel Bar” written by Hailey Whitters, Lori McKenna
Independently published by Carnival Music, Creative Nation, Concord Music Publishing, Maps and Records Music, Pulse Music Group
Recorded by Hailey Whitters
– “Things a Man Oughta Know” written by Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
Independently published by Big Machine Music, Spirit Music
Recorded by Lainey Wilson
SONG OF THE YEAR:
– “Ain’t Always the Cowboy” written by Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson
Independently published by Big Machine Music, MV2 Music, peermusic, Whiskey Tub Music
Recorded by Jon Pardi
– “Bluebird” written by Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
Independently published by Emileon Songs, Little Louder Songs
Recorded by Miranda Lambert
– “Die From a Broken Heart” written by Deric Rutan, Jonathan Singleton, Madison Marlow, Taylor Dye
Independently published by Big Machine Music, Jehovah Nissi Music, Seven Red Birds Publishing, Spirit Music
Recorded by Maddie & Tae
– “I Hope You’re Happy Now” written by Carly Pearce, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, Randy Montana
Independently published by 50 Egg Music, Altadena, Big Machine Music, Jett Music, Spirit Music, Straight Dimes Publishing
Recorded by Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– “One of Them Girls” written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Dallas Davidson, Lee Brice
Independently published by 8Minute Publishing, Artist Publishing Group, Big Blue Nation Music, Caleb’s College Fund, Play It Again Music Group, Natalia’s Music Money, Round Hill Music
Recorded by Lee Brice
– “One Night Standards” written by Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
Independently published by Canned Biscuit Songs, River House, SMACKSongs, Smackstreet Music, Tempo Investments
Recorded by Ashley McBryde
– “Some Girls” written by CJ Solar, Jake Mitchell, Michael Hardy
Independently published by Harding Road Music, Sea Gayle Music, Relative Music Group, West Pass Music
Recorded by Jameson Rodgers
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
– Michael Hardy (Relative Music Group)
– Ashley Gorley (Round Hill Music)
– Shane McAnally (Tempo Investments)
– Josh Thompson (MV2 Entertainment)
– Ernest K Smith (Big Loud Music)
– Hillary Lindsey (Concord Music Publishing)
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR:
– Big Machine Music
– Downtown Music Publishing
– Kobalt Music
– peermusic
– Round Hill Music
– SMACKSongs
Carrie Underwood Announces Special ‘My Savior’ Concert Event For Easter Sunday
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood will be performing her new album, My Savior, in a virtual live streaming event from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Easter Sunday, April 4.
Underwood will be bringing the new album to life and performing the gospel hymns she grew up singing for this special concert event, which will benefit Save the Children. The free concert streaming globally on Underwood’s Facebook page will also feature special appearances by CeCe Winans, who duets with Underwood on “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and singer-songwriter Bear Rinehart, frontman of the rock band NEEDTOBREATHE, who joins her on another traditional hymn, “Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus.” Southern gospel and harmonica legend Buddy Greene and 10-time CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally, both of whom played on the album, will also appear with Underwood.
“This is an album I have always wanted to record and I’m thrilled to be able to bring these uplifting, inspirational songs to life in this special way,” says Underwood. “It means so much to be able to bring this event to people in their homes on a day that holds so much meaning for us spiritually and to be able to raise much needed funds and awareness for the incredible work of Save the Children as we celebrate the importance of family.”
Fans can RSVP via Facebook here and “My Savior: Live From The Ryman” will remain exclusively on Facebook for 48 hours. Donations will be accepted throughout the streaming event and for 48 hours after for Save the Children, which works in over 100 countries to ensure that children grow up healthy, educated and safe. To date, Save the Children has supported 30 million people affected by coronavirus around the world, including nearly 12 million children, making sure they have enough to eat, can access healthcare, can continue their education and are protected from violence. Before COVID-19, one in seven children in the U.S. faced food insecurity, which has now increased to one in four. Since March 2020, Save the Children has delivered nearly 21 million meals to kids in need across the U.S.
My Savior will be released globally on CD and digitally March 26, and on vinyl April 30.
Nashville Rock Innovator Robb Earls Passes
/by Robert K OermannRobert Earls
Robb Earls, one of the founding figures of Nashville’s new-wave rock scene of the 1980s, has died at age 69.
A vocalist, songwriter and synthesizer performer, Earls led the acclaimed techno-pop bands Factual, Warm Dark Pocket, Big Bong Theory and This Midnight Stream. He was also active as a producer/engineer for David Olney, Lambchop, Webb Wilder and many others.
Born Robert W. Earls Jr., the pop/rock pioneer was a Nashville native who came of age musically at the nightclub Phranks ‘N’ Steins (1909 West End Avenue, the basement of where the St. Mary’s Bookstore is today). During the venue’s heyday in 1979-80, the punk, new-wave and techno-pop scenes in Music City were born. Early Nashville modern-rock acts during this era included Cloverbottom, File 13, The Ratz and Committee for Public Safety.
After a brief stint in the group Actuel, Robb Earls formed Factual in early 1981 with drummer Bone Brown, bassist Johnny Hollywood and guitarist Skot Nelson. Unlike most studio synth acts, Factual was equally potent as a live band.
The group swiftly grew from being a Nashville club attraction to a touring as a popular phenomenon in Atlanta, Louisville, Chapel Hill, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Indianapolis, Athens, Raleigh, Memphis, Birmingham and Chicago. It eventually scored a showcase at the famed Danceteria in New York City.
Factual made its disc debut with tracks on the local-rock compilations Never In Nashville (1981) and The London Side of Nashville (1982). In the summer of 1982, it issued its debut single “Think to the Beat” / “Your Way” on red vinyl. Reviewers favorably compared the band to Joy Division, Ultravox and Human League. The sound was catchy and highly danceable, yet shot through with socially conscious lyrics.
In 1983 came a blue-vinyl, four-song, mini-LP, which was also favorably reviewed. Factual headlined that fall at the Nashville Music Association’s multi-act extravaganza at Municipal Auditorium called Entertainment Expo.
Robb Earls next formed Warm Dark Pocket with vocalist and synth player Marilyn Blair. The act issued a four-song, techno-pop mini-LP in 1986. Following that, Big Bong Theory was his experiment in psychedelic rock.
Since the 1990s, Robb Earls had been working as the Sound Vortex studio owner, as well as an engineer and producer. In addition to Olney, Wilder and Lambchop, he worked with DeGarmo & Key, Bonepony, Tom House, Doug Hoekstra, Jet Black Factory, Clockhammer, Paul K., Silvain Vanot, Tom Ovans, Dessau and more, including a number of European artists.
While working on a solo project, Earls discovered the work of Nashville rock songwriter Carole Edwards. The two formed This Midnight Stream and issued a full-length, dance-pop CD titled Cinematic in 2001. He was a strong advocate of the Nashville independent-music community by then and remained so thereafter.
Robb Earls died on March 11. He is survived by children Emily and Edwin, sister Karallyn Earls Streit and six cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Condolences may be offered online here.
TwentySeven Music Publishing Signs Jennifer Smestad
/by LB CantrellJennifer Smestad. Photo: Ryan Noble
TwentySeven Music Publishing, led by music executive Barry Weiss and songwriter-producer Jenna Andrews, have signed Jennifer Smestad to a worldwide publishing deal, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
Smestad’s RECORDS Nashville/Sony Music Nashville debut single, “Half The Man,” written with Josh Metheny and Erik Halbeg, released in 2020 and has gone on to garner more than 18 million streams and 100k consumption units.
The Arizona native moved to Nashville in 2016 to pursue her musical dreams as a singer-songwriter, after her faith and family helped her overcome Tourette’s Syndrome, OCD and social anxiety diagnoses. She has garnered a wealth of performing experiences, from time with the Miss America pageant to performing at churches, ballparks, and various music venues. Smestad is managed by Hill Entertainment Group and is gearing up to release new music in the coming weeks, as recently teased to her more than 228,000 TikTok followers.
Pictured (L-R, top row): Jennifer Smestad, Grace Jones (Hill Entertainment Group); (L-R, middle row): Greg Hill (Hill Entertainment Group), Barry Weiss (TwentySeven Music Publishing); (bottom row): Jenna Andrews (TwentySeven Music Publishing)
“We’re delighted to have Jennifer join the TwentySeven family,” shared both Weiss and Andrews. “Her songwriting has already touched countless people across the world and we’re excited see what she’ll accomplish next.”
“At the beginning of 2020, I set a big goal to sign a publishing deal within a year,” said Smestad. “I can’t believe it’s a year later and it’s actually happening! I’m so grateful to Barry, Jenna, and TwentySeven for believing in me and taking a chance on me.”
Dennis Quaid To Host One Night Takeover On Circle
/by Lorie HollabaughDennis Quaid. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Dennis Quaid is hosting a special one-night network takeover of Circle Network on Monday, March 22. The evening will include Circle Sessions: Dennis Quaid where Quaid relives some iconic roles, talks about his faith, his new film projects including portraying President Ronald Reagan in a new feature film biopic, REAGAN, scheduled for release in 2022, his new gospel album slated for release this summer, and more.
Additional Dennis-themed programming includes a performance on Grand Ole Opry’s Opry Live, My Opry Debut, a sneak peek of Circle Country Countdown, and Phil Vassar’s Songs from the Cellar.
“I’ve been writing and performing songs long before my first acting role. I learned to play guitar before I ever memorized a script, so it’s been a lifelong dream to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. And to open up about my passion with Circle viewers was an added bonus,” Quaid said.
“Circle is honored to have a celebrated artist and actor Dennis Quaid join our network for a night that celebrates his accomplished career highlights and spotlight moments,” said Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network General Manager.
Brett Eldredge Launches The #GoodDayMovement
/by LB CantrellBrett Eldredge. Photo: Greg Noire
Brett Eldredge has launched the #GoodDayMovement, which is a campaign designed to serve communities in need.
In honor of Good Samaritan Day on March 13, and Women’s History Month, Eldredge partnered with the renowned Little Beet restaurant in New York City last Friday (March 12) to donate healthy meals to the women’s shelter Homes for the Homeless, an organization that provides families experiencing homelessness with more than just a place to sleep and eat. They provide on-site childcare, early education programming, after school recreation, and employment training intended to ensure a holistic and community-oriented support system for families.
To join The Locals, Eldredge’s fan club, and be part of the #GoodDayMovement, check for the weekly challenge here.
“I love random acts of kindness, and just helping others. A lot of people have randomly acted in kindness to me in my life. I just know how it feels and how much we need it right now,” Eldredge said in a recent press event.
Photo: Courtesy Warner Music Nashville
The movement aligns with the Warner Music Nashville recording artist’s newest single, “Good Day.”
The single, off his fifth studio album Sunday Drive, was written by Eldredge alongside Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, and walks listeners through the powerful process of positive thinking. It arrived as Top 2 most added at country radio on its add day.
“Daniel and Ian are very unique creators and individuals, which I love,” Eldredge said. “This was our first day to ever write and I was so excited but I didn’t know what it was going to be like. It was just an incredible experience and out of my comfort zone. It was a totally different style of writing.
“Daniel was sitting on the floor and cutting out cardboard and paper, storyboarding the lyrics we were writing in very strange looking ways, but it made me think in a different way. Ian would hop on one instrument to another, and Daniel would hop on one instrument to another,” Eldredge said. “I started to feel this new wavelength that I was writing on. With this song, it was what I was going through in my life. I needed to find a good-feeling song that was more than just a good-feeling song. It’s an intention, I’m making this choice to try to turn my life around just today, just in this moment. It’s gonna be a good day, even if it’s 42 degrees, cold and rainy.”