Kirke Martin. Photo: Courtesy Bieber Public Relations
Kirke Martin, founder of Martin, Allbee, Miller, Bryan, & Associates, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 16 after battle with cancer. He was 70.
Martin was a business manager for 39 years working with Brad Paisley, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, T. Graham Brown, Tammy Wynette, Keith Whitley and many others, including a large roster of Christian artists.
Born Frederick Kirke Martin III on Jan. 13, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the only child of his parents Kirke and Jenny Martin. Martin was a graduate of North Hills High School and DePauw University. He was an accomplished football and baseball player and was nicknamed “Lurch” for his gentle demeanor and towering stature. Martin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Finance & Business and a master’s degree in Education, and was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
While studying abroad in Denmark, Martin met his eventual wife Margie. The two immediately fell in love and were married June 12, 1971. The newlyweds then moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Martin founded his own music business firm in 1981, Martin and Associates (now Martin, Albee, Miller, Bryan and Associates). Martin was revered for his honesty, loyalty, and practicality, and his advice was sought after by many up-and-coming and established artists. During his 40 years in the Nashville music industry, Martin served on the boards of Leadership Music and Nashville Entertainment Association, and was a member of CMA and GMA. Martin was proud of his business, loved by his colleagues, and counted his clients as friends and family.
Martin and his wife raised four children—Kirke, Edward, Margo and Helen—and he spent most of the ’80s and ’90s coaching and watching soccer, baseball, ballet, and ice hockey. He spent his weekends traveling for his sons’ hockey games and was an integral part of growing the Nashville Youth Hockey League, serving as Board President for multiple terms.
The days up to his death were filled with laughter and tears, music and knitting, and the love of his devoted family.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Kirke Martin Jr. and Jenny Helen Martin, and his parents-in-law, Edward A. and Marguerite Fish. Martin is survived by his beloved wife of 49.5 years, Margie, his children Kirke, Edward and Rachel Martin, Margo and David Cloniger, and Helen and Kris Nonn. As well as by his eleven beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Meridian, and Reuben Cloniger; Dylan, Rowan and Eamon Martin; Olive and McKay Martin; and Ryer, Marlow and Hollis Nonn. Martin is also survived by his dear chosen brother, Thom Schuyler (Sarah Tallu), his brothers-in-law Ed (Toni), John (Denice), and Walter Fish, his niece, nephews, cousins and by his friend, Henry Yarborough.
Due to the current restrictions imposed by COVID-19, there will be a small private service for the family. Martin’s family welcomes any written remembrances in celebration of his life. Please mail your remembrances to: The Martin Family care of MAMBA, P.O. Box 128287, Nashville, TN 37212, or email them to TheMartinFamily3906@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to organizations near to the Martin family: The Store (P.O. Box 128287, Nashville, TN, 37212), The Nashville Food Project (5904 California Ave, Nashville, TN 37209), Monteagle Sunday School Assembly (PO Box 307, Monteagle TN, 37356), or Alive Hospice (1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN, 37203).
Parker McCollum Earns First No.1 At Country Radio With “Pretty Heart”
/by LB CantrellParker McCollum. Photo: David McClister
MCA Nashville newcomer Parker McCollum has earned his first No. 1 on the Billboard and Mediabase country airplay charts this week with his debut single, “Pretty Heart.” The nostalgic track is featured on Parker’s new EP, Hollywood Gold, and was co-written by McCollum along with Randy Montana. The single reached No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in October.
“To have this song really and truly succeed on big time radio is a dream come true,” says Parker. “And for it to happen during such an insanely crazy year makes it just that much more special.”
“Pretty Heart” was just certified Gold by the RIAA and has averaged over 5 million streams weekly. With the release of Hollywood Gold, McCollum earned the highest-selling debut EP of 2020 debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Chart.
Long-Time Business Manager Kirke Martin Passes
/by LB CantrellKirke Martin. Photo: Courtesy Bieber Public Relations
Kirke Martin, founder of Martin, Allbee, Miller, Bryan, & Associates, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 16 after battle with cancer. He was 70.
Martin was a business manager for 39 years working with Brad Paisley, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, T. Graham Brown, Tammy Wynette, Keith Whitley and many others, including a large roster of Christian artists.
Born Frederick Kirke Martin III on Jan. 13, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the only child of his parents Kirke and Jenny Martin. Martin was a graduate of North Hills High School and DePauw University. He was an accomplished football and baseball player and was nicknamed “Lurch” for his gentle demeanor and towering stature. Martin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Finance & Business and a master’s degree in Education, and was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
While studying abroad in Denmark, Martin met his eventual wife Margie. The two immediately fell in love and were married June 12, 1971. The newlyweds then moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Martin founded his own music business firm in 1981, Martin and Associates (now Martin, Albee, Miller, Bryan and Associates). Martin was revered for his honesty, loyalty, and practicality, and his advice was sought after by many up-and-coming and established artists. During his 40 years in the Nashville music industry, Martin served on the boards of Leadership Music and Nashville Entertainment Association, and was a member of CMA and GMA. Martin was proud of his business, loved by his colleagues, and counted his clients as friends and family.
Martin and his wife raised four children—Kirke, Edward, Margo and Helen—and he spent most of the ’80s and ’90s coaching and watching soccer, baseball, ballet, and ice hockey. He spent his weekends traveling for his sons’ hockey games and was an integral part of growing the Nashville Youth Hockey League, serving as Board President for multiple terms.
The days up to his death were filled with laughter and tears, music and knitting, and the love of his devoted family.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Kirke Martin Jr. and Jenny Helen Martin, and his parents-in-law, Edward A. and Marguerite Fish. Martin is survived by his beloved wife of 49.5 years, Margie, his children Kirke, Edward and Rachel Martin, Margo and David Cloniger, and Helen and Kris Nonn. As well as by his eleven beloved grandchildren, Samuel, Meridian, and Reuben Cloniger; Dylan, Rowan and Eamon Martin; Olive and McKay Martin; and Ryer, Marlow and Hollis Nonn. Martin is also survived by his dear chosen brother, Thom Schuyler (Sarah Tallu), his brothers-in-law Ed (Toni), John (Denice), and Walter Fish, his niece, nephews, cousins and by his friend, Henry Yarborough.
Due to the current restrictions imposed by COVID-19, there will be a small private service for the family. Martin’s family welcomes any written remembrances in celebration of his life. Please mail your remembrances to: The Martin Family care of MAMBA, P.O. Box 128287, Nashville, TN 37212, or email them to TheMartinFamily3906@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to organizations near to the Martin family: The Store (P.O. Box 128287, Nashville, TN, 37212), The Nashville Food Project (5904 California Ave, Nashville, TN 37209), Monteagle Sunday School Assembly (PO Box 307, Monteagle TN, 37356), or Alive Hospice (1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN, 37203).
Chris Tomlin Wraps 2020 With New Bundle Of Joy And Online Christmas Special
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin‘s Christmas special, K-LOVE Christmas & Chris Tomlin Present Christmas Songs Of Worship, delivered Christmas joy into homes everywhere last weekend.
The 90-minute Christmas concert is available on Stabal’s on-demand platform and includes guests We The Kingdom, Pat Barrett and more, with a special appearance by Ashlyn and Madison Tomlin who joined their father to perform “Silent Night.” Viewing tickets are still available with the purchase of a 30-day pass at christomlin.com, which includes unique behind-the-scenes content including a fireside chat, an acoustic performance of “The First Noel,” and a moving performance of “Tin Roof” by artist Blessing Offor.
Pictured (L-R): Ashlyn, Chris and Madison Tomlin performing “Silent Night”
Tomlin has some extra special blessings to be thankful for this holiday season as he and his wife Lauren and daughters received their own delivery of joy with the birth of a healthy baby girl, Elle Grace Tomlin. Baby Elle was the inspiration for the title track of Chris’ latest Christmas release, Miracle Of Love: Christmas Songs of Worship.
Tomlin premiered the music video for the song, “Miracle of Love,” exclusively on Facebook, and as the only artist in the Christian genre, Tomlin joins the select group of other artists including Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood and others to partner with Facebook in an exclusive release.
“Over the years I have come to experience that songs are like arrows out of a bow. As an artist, we are the bow and we are shooting these songs out into the world and it is always amazing to watch how they go so much further than you could ever see and how they mean so many different things to some many different people,” said Tomlin. “I am beyond words for how God has used new relationships, new music, and opened new doors to help people in 2020… and I am optimistic for what is in store for 2021.”
Carly Pearce Shares Inspiration Behind busbee Tribute Track, “Show Me Around”
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce and busbee. Photo: Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame
Carly Pearce has released a stirring tribute to her champion, writer/producer busbee, and his family following the late producer’s death in in late 2019, called “Show Me Around.” The song was penned alongside their frequent collaborators Emily Shackelton and Ben West and explores the inspiration and legacy busbee left for his wife and children.
“As my mentor and friend, busbee helped me share the parts of my own life that I could only explain through music,” said Pearce. “He holds such a sweet place in my heart, and I truly hope ‘Show Me Around’ brings comfort to his wife Jess and their three little girls. At his funeral, a songwriter that all of us in Nashville love named Barry Dean gave a speech that painted the most beautiful picture of Heaven. There is no way to ease the pain of losing someone you love, this felt like a really hopeful way to look at our loved ones meeting us again one day and showing us around,” said Pearce.
The song evokes just how special their friendship truly was following the debut of Pearce’s Platinum-certified, No. 1 “Every Little Thing,” and Platinum-certified, No. 1 duet with Lee Brice “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Pearce shared some inspiration on the new song in a special video.
ASCAP Nashville Hosts Final 2020 Songwriter Showcase At Belmont University
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top to bottom): Audrey Rose, Rachel Gore, Sophia Hudock, Taylor Foley, Leah Marlene, Janna Jamison, Chandler Henry, Sarah Killian and Emma Martin (Producer).
On Monday, Dec. 14, the longstanding ASCAP Songwriter Showcase took place virtually featuring eight finalists selected from over 75 student demo submissions.
Rachel Gore and Audrey Rose were named the showcase winners. The other finalists were Chandler Henry, Sarah Killian, Sophia Hudock, Taylor Foley, Leah Marlene and Janna Jamison.
The two live showcases, presented by Big Yellow Dog Music, were broadcast virtually for the first time since the series began nearly a decade ago. The evening was produced and hosted by students Emma Martin, Brooke Shuster and Haiden Hill, who serve on the Showcase Council under the guidance of Fallon Nell, Coordinator of Live Events & Showcase Series at Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. The industry judging panel, including Beth Brinker of ASCAP, Nina Jenkins of Jody Williams Songs and Jacee Badeaux of Big Yellow Dog, provided feedback and encouragement.
Diplo Debuts New Country Songs With ERNEST, Leon Bridges, On Deluxe Album Out Today
/by LB CantrellDiplo unveiled two new tracks today (Dec. 18) as part of the deluxe version of his debut country album, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley – Chapter 1: Snake Oil, released earlier this year. “Bottle’s Bout Dead” features rising Nashville star ERNEST, and “Horizon” features Leon Bridges. Stream the album here.
The original version of the album was released in May and features the triple Platinum single “Heartless” with Morgan Wallen, plus collaborations with Thomas Rhett, CAM, Blanco Brown,, Zac Brown, Jonas Brothers, Noah Cyrus and more.
DIPLO PRESENTS THOMAS WESLEY: SNAKE OIL (DELUXE)
1. Intro ft. Orville Peck
2. Bottle’s Bout Dead ft. ERNEST
3. Horizon ft. Leon Bridges
4. Dance With Me ft. Thomas Rhett & Young Thug
5. Heartless ft. Morgan Wallen
6. Lonely with Jonas Brothers
7. So Long ft. CAM
8. Do Si Do ft. Blanco Brown
9. On Mine ft. Noah Cyrus
10. Real Life Stuff ft. Julia Michaels & Clever
11. Hometown ft. Zac Brown & Danielle Bradbery
12. Heartbreak ft. Ben Burgess
13. Heartless with Julia Michaels & Morgan Wallen
14. Old Town Road (Diplo Remix)
Industry Ink: Music Benefactors, Three Hounds Music, Holly Gleason
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville-based Music Finance Startup, Music Benefactors, Hires Two
Kevin Smart, Ronnie Thomas
Nashville-based music finance startup Music Benefactors has hired two new staffers. Ronnie Thomas joins the company as Senior Director of Artist and Label Relations, and Kevin Smart has been named Director of Client Relations. Thomas is a 30-year music industry veteran who worked for Mercury Records and in numerous industry roles in promotion, engineering, producing, artist management and A&R. He comes to Music Benefactors from Sun and Sky Entertainment, where he was Managing Director of A&R. Smart joins Music Benefactors after spending seven years as the Musical Director and Marketing Specialist for Sony artist Jake Miller. In addition to being a touring musician, he assisted Warner Records with creating, managing and analyzing digital marketing campaigns.
Max Flinn Extends Publishing Deal With Three Hounds Music
Max Flinn
Max Flinn has extended his publishing agreement with Three Hounds Music. Flinn has opened for artists like Robert Earl Keen, and his new single will be released in January, followed by the release of his EP, Meant to Be. Houston native Flinn has teamed up with producer/songwriter/musician, Bobby Terry on the new album, which is set for release in early 2021.
“Max is a dynamic performer and a prolific songwriter. I am excited to continue to nurture that talent,” Three Hounds Music founder Tom Harrison said.
Holly Gleason Set To Pen New Book On John Prine’s Legendary Life And Career
John Prine. Photo: Danny Clinch
ALABAMA’s Randy Owen Named Honorary Co-Chair Of The World Games 2022
/by LB CantrellALABAMA frontman and humanitarian Randy Owen has joined The World Games 2022 Birmingham as an Honorary Co-Chair.
Owen will participate in several events at The World Games 2022, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. He will also represent, support and promote the message and mission of The World Games 2022. Owen will join NBA Hall of Fame inductee Charles Barkley, who was announced as an Honorary Co-Chair in July.
“Millions of people around the world have grown up with Randy’s one-of-a-kind voice,” says The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “He’s a national treasure for the USA and for the state of Alabama. And we are excited to have that legendary voice as an Honorary Co-Chair of this once in a lifetime moment.”
“I’m so honored to join my fellow outstanding Alabamians—Charles Barkley, Dr. Henry Panion, and those yet to be announced—in helping bring this event to Alabama,” says Owen. “The people in our state have made a tremendous impact on my life and career, and I’m happy to show the world what Alabama is all about. Our people are as diverse as the landscape in our beautiful state. It is my hope that we are able to bring that uniqueness to the forefront and let the light of Alabama shine out into the world.”
A graduate of Jacksonville State University, Owen is best known for his career as the frontman of ALABAMA. One of the most successful country music groups in history, ALABAMA released 21 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum albums, had 43 No. 1 singles, sold more than 75 million records, and earned more than 150 industry awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a career spanning more than 50 years.
As a founding member of ALABAMA, Owen was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and received the BMI President’s Award. Individually, Owen has been the recipient of numerous local and national honors, including the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and has been inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“I could not be more thrilled to have an iconic Alabamian such as Randy Owen join us for this magnificent celebration of sports and the arts, one that will cast the eyes and ears of the entire world upon our city and state,” notes Dr. Henry Panion, who was recently named Artistic Director of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. “There has been no greater ambassador for Alabama than my friend Randy, and I am looking forward to working with him on the festivities for The World Games 2022.”
A Dekalb County, Alabama native, Owen grew up on Lookout Mountain, on a farm that his family still owns today. The property, previously sharecropped by his family, has raised world-class cattle since 1981 and is named “Tennessee River Music, Inc.” after Owen’s first No. 1 single.
The Owen Family outfitted in The World Games gear. Photo: Courtesy Absolute Publicity
Owen is also known for his philanthropic efforts in his own community and around the world, raising millions of dollars through the June Jam and Tornado Relief charity concerts in Alabama, and groundbreaking fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Most notably, Owen created the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon, which has raised more than $900 million dollars for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital located in Memphis, Tennessee. For his fundraising efforts, Owen has also received the Michael F. Tamer Award, The Founder’s Award, National Library of Medicine Award, and the Country Music Association Foundation Humanitarian Award.
“My wife, Kelly, and I raised our family in Alabama,” says Owen. “Our children all graduated from Alabama universities: Jacksonville State (Alison), Samford (Heath), and Auburn (Randa). ‘My Home’s in Alabama’ isn’t just a song or lyrics on a page. My home and heart will always be in Alabama, and now it is the home of The World Games 2022!”
The World Games 2022 Birmingham will be an extraordinary Olympic-style sports experience where elite athletes from all over the world compete for gold in 34 unique, multi-disciplinary sports. Featuring 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries, the international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ unique venues around the greater metropolitan area. The World Games 2022 Birmingham, which marks the 40th anniversary of the event, will take place July 7-17, 2022 and will generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact. The World Games was established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Crowd Surf Founders Jade Driver And Cassie Petrey Launch New Spotify Radio Show
/by Lorie HollabaughJade Driver and Cassie Petrey have launched a new online radio show, Boy Band Top 10s, that is available exclusively on Spotify. Co-founders of the Nashville-based entertainment marketing agency Crowd Surf, Driver and Petrey grew up adoring the boy bands of the 80’s and 90’s.
The pair founded Crowd Surf while living together in a college apartment in 2007. They dreamed of one day having their favorite boy bands become clients of their company, and in 2012, the Backstreet Boys came knocking. After that, 98°,O-Town, New Kids on the Block, McFly, and Why Don’t We all became clients. Over the course of the company’s history, Driver and Petrey have toured the world with many of their favorite boy bands from their teen years, and they now have an interesting combination of both fan stories and professional anecdotes.
On, Boy Band Top 10s, Driver and Petrey count down 10 of their favorite boy band songs each Thursday. The show will feature all kinds of lists, from the greatest boy band songs all of all time to band specific lists and even an upcoming holiday show.
“I love that Cassie and Jade started off as BSB super fans…and still are to this day! They bring so much value to our team because of their passion and knowledge of our history,” said Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean. “I love that they know every single word to every song, who wrote everything and every word I’ve ever been quoted saying. Ha! That kind of knowledge is just priceless!”
Chris Stapleton Earns Two-Week No. 1 On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryChris Stapleton returns to No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Starting Over.” Stapleton co-wrote the song with Mike Henderson.
This is the title track to his latest Mercury Records release which debuted at No. 1 on the country albums chart according to Nielsen. It also landed at No. 2 on Spotify’s all-genre Top 10 U.S. Album Debuts, and No. 5 on Spotify’s Top 10 Global Albums Debut chart.
Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” won an award for the Most-Played Song at this year’s Tunie Awards Show.
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