John Loar
Businessman John Loar moved to Nashville to be closer to his daughter. Now he finds himself leading the charge to bring a Major League Baseball team and sports entertainment district to Music City.
His background is in real estate operations and acquisitions. In the late ’90s, Loar led the effort for the Seattle Seahawks acquisition and near-relocation to Los Angeles. He also supported former pitcher and Diamondbacks GM, Dave Stewart, on the acquisition of the Miami Marlins.
It’s clear that Loar sees Nashville’s potential future as part of Major League Baseball as a full circle investment in Music City’s entertainment capacity. He’s interested in creating a sports, family entertainment district—like that of Atlanta, Georgia’s The Battery Atlanta, and Ballpark Village in St. Louis, Missouri—not just a baseball field.
Loar founded Music City Baseball, LLC, an organization primarily of Tennessee business, sports, music, and community leaders that is committed to bringing a MLB franchise to the City of Nashville, without government funding. With a focus on securing MLB approval of an expansion franchise in Nashville, the leadership team is also open to the possibility of relocation and rebranding of an existing franchise.
Understanding the fabric of Music City and it’s business climate, Music City Baseball has already engaged with the music industry, securing Music Advisory Board Members to involve them in the plan for bringing MLB to Nashville and the concept of a new entertainment district. Entertainment icons Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Darius Rucker and Justin Timberlake have joined the Board thus far.
Darius Rucker. Photo: Courtesy FINN Partners
“The importance of the music industry to Music City Baseball’s objectives, extends to why Nashville is an important market,” Loar tells MusicRow. “It’s the opportunity to just connect the two of those going forward. Nashville is Music City, it’s the hottest market in the country. This ballpark is truly not a ballpark, it would be an entertainment venue for world-class entertainment, where you can imagine residencies like in Las Vegas. It would be air conditioned and covered, so they could use it year round. So it’s not about baseball, it’s more about that opportunity to create a world-class [entertainment complex], for convention use, for corporate use, etc.
“Baseball is the reason why I’m the catalyst behind it, but what we’re building here is a world-class entertainment venue. Baseball plays for 22% of the time, 81 games, but what it creates is an opportunity to have a venue within a venue. By design with our partners ASM Global, coordinating our music industry advisors, [the Nashville music industry can have] an important role in being part of this process. They can be included in the design of how the facility operates, how it’s designed and how it functions,” Loar says.
Rendering of potential ballpark / entertainment complex. Photo: Courtesy Music City Baseball
In an effort to build a Major League franchise on equity and celebrate diversity, Music City Baseball wants to name the team Nashville Stars, in honor of several Negro League baseball teams that played games in Nashville in the 1940s. They established a partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which includes a net sharing of revenues from the sale of merchandise bearing the name “Nashville Stars,” and cooperation between marketing and social media efforts.
“It gives Major League Baseball the opportunity to take its place in history and be proactive instead of reactive in the conversations that continue to go on diversity and inclusion,” Loar says.
Music City Baseball was positioned to submit a proposal to Major League Baseball to establish a team in Nashville, but that step has been delayed a year due to business effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Until then, Loar is focused on site selection for the proposed entertainment district.
“We hope it’s in Davidson County, but it will possibly be in Williamson County or Rutherford County. We’ve got eight sites that we’re considering,” Loar says. “We hope it’s part of the East bank, potentially the Tennessee State University site. A downtown ballpark gives us the opportunity to build, with our partner ASM Global, a world-class entertainment venue. The walkability, bringing the Cumberland River alive, and just being part of a downtown park is the objective.”
In 2021, it’s important for Music City Baseball to show their partner (ASM Global) that the Nashville market can be a revenue contributor, the reasons why, and to find a site for the ballpark.
“We think we can privately finance a ballpark here, as it’s really not a ballpark. It’s an entertainment venue. The baseball team becomes a tenant,” Loar says. “It’s driven by the music industry in residencies, and in conventions. It supports the growth of Nashville, the airport growth, the expansion internationally, and the hotel industry and the restaurant industries that continue to grow, even with COVID. People come to Nashville just because it’s Music City, so when the Red Sox, the Phillies, the Giants, or whoever see the Stars on the schedule, they’re going to come here for a three-game series, and be a part of the town and the market area.”
Zac Brown Band’s John Driskill Hopkins Steps Out With New Solo Album
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Jolie Loren Photography
Zac Brown Band member John Driskell Hopkins is releasing a new solo album, Lonesome High, February 19.
Lonesome High features previously released singles, “Lonesome High” ft. Coy Bowles, “Missing You All, All The Time”, and “I Hate To See Good Whiskey Go To Waste,” alongside nine other cuts that reflect Hopkins’ deep love for the craft of songwriting. The project reflects Hopkins’ affinity for the grit of acoustic recording and the songs draw heavily from personal experience. In his time with Zac Brown, he has been an active writing collaborator, with credits including their Billboard No. 1 single “Toes” and the Billboard Mainstream Rock No. 1 “Heavy Is The Head” (ft. Chris Cornell).
He collaborated with some of his closest friends and favorite writers on the new album, including Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers on the opening track, “Good Morning, Believers!”, D. Vincent Williams on “Missing You All, All The Time”, and Mitch Rossell, Levi Lowrey, and Zac Brown on the album’s title track.
Hopkins has released a series of holiday albums over the past few years as well, beginning with his 2016 collaboration with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, In The Spirit: A Celebration Of Christmas, 2017’s You Better Watch Out! and 2019’s Our Finest Gifts.
Lonesome High Track Listing:
Good Morning, Believers Ft. Emily Saliers
8 Tracks In Daddy’s Cadillac
I Know Worries
I Hate To See Good Whiskey Go To Waste
Lonesome High Ft. Coy Bowles
I Decided To Live
Missing You All, All The Time
Close Enough
Rebel Road
All Grown Up
Human
Throw Me From The Mountain
RIAA Announces Class Of 2020 First-Time Gold & Platinum Award Recipients
/by LB CantrellThe RIAA has announced its Gold & Platinum Class Of 2020, recognizing artists and their team members who have achieved Gold or Platinum status for the very first time. For the inaugural class, 53 artists from several different genres earned their first Gold or Platinum certification.
Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett earned a multi-Platinum certification for her smash breakout hit, “I Hope,” and Gold for “The Good Ones.”
Gabby Barrett. Robby Klein
“Wow. 2020 has brought me more firsts than I could have ever imagined, and to be included in the RIAA’s class of ‘First Timers’ is an honor. Seeing ‘The Good Ones’ and ‘I Hope’ grow over the past year has been so exciting and rewarding. To be recognized with these certifications is the cherry on top of a truly surprising year. Thank you to the good Lord above, my husband, my family, my team, my fans and to the RIAA for helping to make this dream come true,” said Barrett.
Barrett’s label-mate Ingrid Andress earned her first Platinum certification for “More Hearts Than Mine.” Andress said, “I look up to so many musicians who have multi-Platinum achievements, and I know how hard and rare it is to have that recognition, so I’m honestly just happy to be here. I feel like a new kid getting invited to a popular cool kid’s party.”
Ashley McBryde, another Warner Music Nashville artist, earned Gold for her “One Night Standards.”
Ashley McBryde
“Hanging my first RIAA Gold single on the wall was one of the best moments in my career thus far. It is a physical representation of how hard we worked on this record and how proud we all are of it… and its evidence that the fans have embraced it, and that means everything to me. Your first Gold only happens once!” said McBryde.
Bad Realm/Atlantic Records’ BRELAND also received Gold for “My Truck,” as did RCA Nashville’s Niko Moon for “GOOD TIME,” MCA Nashville’s Parker McCollum for “Pretty Heart,” and Mercury Nashville’s Travis Denning for “After A Few.”
“It feels amazing. My producer has always joked when we write that we need to write “wall hangers” (songs that will get us a plaque). It’s pretty awesome and a big dream come true to finally have one. That certification means so much, and it’s nice to be somewhere in the books as a gold artist,” Denning said.
Pictured (L-R, top row): Damon Moberly, Mercury Nashville VP Promotion; Royce Risser, UMG Nashville EVP Promotion; Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO; Brian Wright, UMG Nashville EVP A&R; Rob Femia, UMG Nashville SVP Business & Legal Affairs; (L-R, bottom row): Angie Coonrod, Red Light Management; Travis Denning; Tom Becci, Red Light Management; Jeremy Stover, RED Creative Group. Photo: Bo Ibbotson
“We are thrilled to induct 53 artists into RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Class of 2020. Earning your first Gold or Platinum Award is a sign of true success and limitless possibilities. Congratulations to this year’s artists, their labels and teams!” said RIAA Chairman & CEO, Mitch Glazier.
John Loar Leads Charge To Bring Sports Entertainment District to Music City [Interview]
/by LB CantrellJohn Loar
Businessman John Loar moved to Nashville to be closer to his daughter. Now he finds himself leading the charge to bring a Major League Baseball team and sports entertainment district to Music City.
His background is in real estate operations and acquisitions. In the late ’90s, Loar led the effort for the Seattle Seahawks acquisition and near-relocation to Los Angeles. He also supported former pitcher and Diamondbacks GM, Dave Stewart, on the acquisition of the Miami Marlins.
It’s clear that Loar sees Nashville’s potential future as part of Major League Baseball as a full circle investment in Music City’s entertainment capacity. He’s interested in creating a sports, family entertainment district—like that of Atlanta, Georgia’s The Battery Atlanta, and Ballpark Village in St. Louis, Missouri—not just a baseball field.
Loar founded Music City Baseball, LLC, an organization primarily of Tennessee business, sports, music, and community leaders that is committed to bringing a MLB franchise to the City of Nashville, without government funding. With a focus on securing MLB approval of an expansion franchise in Nashville, the leadership team is also open to the possibility of relocation and rebranding of an existing franchise.
Understanding the fabric of Music City and it’s business climate, Music City Baseball has already engaged with the music industry, securing Music Advisory Board Members to involve them in the plan for bringing MLB to Nashville and the concept of a new entertainment district. Entertainment icons Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Darius Rucker and Justin Timberlake have joined the Board thus far.
Darius Rucker. Photo: Courtesy FINN Partners
“The importance of the music industry to Music City Baseball’s objectives, extends to why Nashville is an important market,” Loar tells MusicRow. “It’s the opportunity to just connect the two of those going forward. Nashville is Music City, it’s the hottest market in the country. This ballpark is truly not a ballpark, it would be an entertainment venue for world-class entertainment, where you can imagine residencies like in Las Vegas. It would be air conditioned and covered, so they could use it year round. So it’s not about baseball, it’s more about that opportunity to create a world-class [entertainment complex], for convention use, for corporate use, etc.
“Baseball is the reason why I’m the catalyst behind it, but what we’re building here is a world-class entertainment venue. Baseball plays for 22% of the time, 81 games, but what it creates is an opportunity to have a venue within a venue. By design with our partners ASM Global, coordinating our music industry advisors, [the Nashville music industry can have] an important role in being part of this process. They can be included in the design of how the facility operates, how it’s designed and how it functions,” Loar says.
Rendering of potential ballpark / entertainment complex. Photo: Courtesy Music City Baseball
In an effort to build a Major League franchise on equity and celebrate diversity, Music City Baseball wants to name the team Nashville Stars, in honor of several Negro League baseball teams that played games in Nashville in the 1940s. They established a partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which includes a net sharing of revenues from the sale of merchandise bearing the name “Nashville Stars,” and cooperation between marketing and social media efforts.
“It gives Major League Baseball the opportunity to take its place in history and be proactive instead of reactive in the conversations that continue to go on diversity and inclusion,” Loar says.
Music City Baseball was positioned to submit a proposal to Major League Baseball to establish a team in Nashville, but that step has been delayed a year due to business effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Until then, Loar is focused on site selection for the proposed entertainment district.
“We hope it’s in Davidson County, but it will possibly be in Williamson County or Rutherford County. We’ve got eight sites that we’re considering,” Loar says. “We hope it’s part of the East bank, potentially the Tennessee State University site. A downtown ballpark gives us the opportunity to build, with our partner ASM Global, a world-class entertainment venue. The walkability, bringing the Cumberland River alive, and just being part of a downtown park is the objective.”
In 2021, it’s important for Music City Baseball to show their partner (ASM Global) that the Nashville market can be a revenue contributor, the reasons why, and to find a site for the ballpark.
“We think we can privately finance a ballpark here, as it’s really not a ballpark. It’s an entertainment venue. The baseball team becomes a tenant,” Loar says. “It’s driven by the music industry in residencies, and in conventions. It supports the growth of Nashville, the airport growth, the expansion internationally, and the hotel industry and the restaurant industries that continue to grow, even with COVID. People come to Nashville just because it’s Music City, so when the Red Sox, the Phillies, the Giants, or whoever see the Stars on the schedule, they’re going to come here for a three-game series, and be a part of the town and the market area.”
Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser Launch Country Cadillac Tour
/by Alex ParryJamey Johnson, Randy Houser
Country singer-songwriters Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser will share the stage on their co-headlining Country Cadillac Tour, which will begin on Feb. 5 at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas. The two longtime friends will perform acoustically and swap stories, jokes and songs.
In their early days in Nashville, Johnson and Houser were part of a close-knit group that also included Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Dallas Davison and Rob Hatch that supported each other personally and professionally as they wrote songs, signed record deals and garnered radio hits and industry awards. Between the two of them, they have racked up numerous Grammy, CMA and ACM nominations and wins.
The two have performed on stage together throughout the years, most recently singing “Lead Me Home” and “Evangeline” at Farm Aid. They both delivered solo sets before joining forces at the show’s end in 2009 when they performed together at New York’s Bowery Bar.
Johnson and Houser had discussed touring together for years, but their overwhelming solo touring demands hadn’t allowed an opportunity to plan a significant co-headlining tour. This acoustic tour, which will feature proper social distancing and other COVID-19-recommended measures, has been years in the making.
Country Cadillac Tour Dates
Feb. 5: Billy Bob’s, Fort Worth, TX
Feb. 19: Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL
Feb. 20: Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL
Feb. 25: Dr. Phillips Center Fontyard Festival, Orlando, FL
Feb. 26: Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta, GA
Feb. 27: Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta, GA
Mar. 12: House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC
Mar. 13: House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC
Mar. 18: Whitewater Amphitheatre, New Braunfels, TX
Mar. 19: Whitewater Amphitheatre, New Braunfels, TX
Apr. 15: Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
Apr. 16: Avondale Brewery, Birmingham, AL
Apr. 17: Avondale Brewery, Birmingham, AL
Warner Music Nashville’s Tom Starr Passes
/by LB CantrellTom Starr. Photo: Courtesy Warner Music Nashville
Warner Music Group Nashville’s Tom Starr has died following a battle with cancer.
Starr was a part of the WAR promotion team, joining in 2014. He was Regional Mgr. of Radio & Streaming when he passed. With the Warner team, Starr helped work singles for Dan + Shay, Chris Janson, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown Band, Frankie Ballard, and more.
Pictured: Tom Starr with Gator Harrison, Tennille Harrison, Kelly Janson, Chris Janson, John Esposito, and Rod Phillips at a Country Radio Seminar celebration in 2018. Photo: Alan Poizner/Peyton Hoge
Prior to joining Warner, Starr worked in pop world music, including stops at Interscope, EMI/Capitol, Jive, MCA and Elektra Records.
Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers posted a heartfelt tribute to Starr on his Facebook page, with a photo of a backstage photo from the early days in their career.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.
IBMA’s 2020 Bluegrass Music Awards To Air On Circle TV
/by Lorie HollabaughThe IBMA’s 31st Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards will air on Circle TV and its affiliated platforms on Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET, with a repeat viewing at 12 a.m. ET. Taped at the Ryman Auditorium with additional performances and presentations from across the U.S., the show originally aired during IBMA Virtual World of Bluegrass. The first-ever virtual format has been viewed by a record number of bluegrass fans.
In conjunction with this special event, Circle TV is hosting a night of bluegrass programming including two Grand Ole Opry shows with Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent and also Old Crow Medicine Show, Billy Strings, and Molly Tuttle, as well as an episode of Opry Docs on Bill Monroe.
“The 31st Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards not only will highlight the accomplishments of beloved bluegrass legends and trailblazers, but also will serve as another way for country music fans to engage with and enjoy an unforgettable night of music from the comfort of their own homes” said Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network general manager. “The Circle Network is honored to partner with the International Bluegrass Music Association to bring this event to our audience for the first time.”
“We are so excited to partner with Circle TV to air this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of IBMA. “This was our first-ever virtual awards show, and everyone is proud of the exceptional performances and memorable presentations to celebrate many of the very best in bluegrass music today and over its 75-year history. Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. We hope this show establishes the building blocks for a lasting partnership to help spread bluegrass music around the world in the years ahead.”
Recording Academy Releases Statement on Recent National Events
/by LB CantrellFollowing the recent national events surrounding the riots in Washington, D.C., the Recording Academy released a statement denouncing “all acts of violence against our democracy.”
Below is the statement in full:
A handful of country artists also spoke out about the violence in the days following the riots.
National Museum of African American Music Receives $1 Million Donation From Amazon
/by LB CantrellAmazon announced a $1 million donation to the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) today (Jan. 12).
The gift will sponsor several initiatives at the museum, including “A Soundtrack for All: Amazon STEAM Days,” which will sponsor local schools’ field trips to the museum. Amazon hopes to foster a collaborative musical learning environment through a co-written curriculum and other initiatives that involve the greater community.
“We are excited and grateful that Amazon has embraced the Nashville community and is committed to expanding opportunities and access for our students,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools. “Understanding and experiencing the deep cultural impact of African Americans on all genres of music through NMAAM will be sure to enrich the educations and lives of our students.”
“We are especially proud that Amazon’s partnership will mean more young people and students can access the museum and additional educational enrichment,” said David Bozeman, vice president, Amazon Transportation Services. “The intersection of the creative class of musicians with science and technology will continue to give all Nashvillians an amazing opportunity to learn and educate.”
Additionally, The Best of Theater within the museum will be sponsored by Amazon. The donation announcement follows the news that the museum will officially have its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Jan. 18, with galleries opening to the public later that month. Amazon is an enthusiastic partner and will be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
“Amazon’s gracious contribution to the museum is an investment not only in our mission, but also in the Greater Nashville music community,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, president and CEO of NMAAM. “The museum tells a story that is meant to be experienced, not just learned, and it is through partnerships like these that we are able to provide that to our patrons.”
“There is a rich tapestry of stories to be told within the walls of NMAAM, and the museum does an extraordinary job of making them vibrant and accessible,” said Courtney Ross, Amazon’s senior manager of External Affairs in Nashville. “We are excited to play a part in bringing them to life and contributing to the music education of the Nashville community.”
Morgan Wallen Breaks Streaming Records With ‘Dangerous: The Double Album’
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen‘s highly anticipated sophomore album, Dangerous: The Double Album, has already broken streaming records after launching last Friday (Jan. 8).
Dangerous set the record at Apple Music for the biggest first day and biggest first week country album of all-time on the platform. After becoming the most pre-added country album in Apple Music history, Dangerous currently sits atop their Overall Albums charts in the U.S., Canada and Australia, while simultaneously staking its claim as the No.1 Top Country Album in 62 countries worldwide.
Meanwhile at Amazon Music, Wallen also continued his streak, breaking their global first day streaming record for a country album debut. Keeping with the trend, Dangerous is now Spotify’s biggest all-time first day streaming record for a country album, as Wallen reigns No. 1 globally and in the U.S. on Spotify’s Top Debuts charts.
Tonight (Jan. 12), Wallen will take the stage for his first-ever headline show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for a full band, livestream concert. Wallen will play selections from the all-new double album, inviting fans worldwide to celebrate Dangerous on his Facebook and YouTube pages. He also launched a new series, “The Dangerous Sessions,” an acoustic video series featuring all new cuts, starting with “Sand In My Boots,” “Wasted On You,” and “Still Goin Down.”
Amy Speace With The Orphan Brigade Debut New Single “There Used To Be Horses Here”
/by Lorie HollabaughThe new album features eleven new songs carved directly from Speace’s depth of personal experiences—childhood memories, coming of age in New York City, and losing a parent while learning to become one. The new project is due out April 30 on Proper Records/Wind Bone Records.
“A month after I turned 50, I gave birth to my son, Huckleberry,” said Speace. “My father was present for the birth and held him within hours. My Dad was 81 years old and we both knew my Dad would not see my son grow up. In the year between my son’s birth and my father’s death, these songs spilled out of me. I grieved in writing. I wanted to illuminate my father and his stories, from the horse farm near his home that was bulldozed to make room for condos (‘There Used To Be Horses Here’) to his memory of a car ride that came back to him in a dream the night before he died (‘Down The Trail’) to a photograph found in an old album (‘Father’s Day’). I wrote to my son as I nested with him in the morning (‘One Year,’ ‘Mother Is A Country’). I sang to our ailing world as the pandemic raged around us (Warren Zevon’s ‘Don’t Let Us Get Sick’).”
Down the Trail
There Used to Be Horses Here
Hallelujah Train
Father’s Day
Grief is a Lonely Land
One Year
Give Me Love
River Rise
Shotgun Hearts
Mother is a Country
Don’t Let Us Get Sick