Top row (L-R): Justin Nicolet, Creative Director, and Alex Diaz, Publishing Coordinator. Bottom row (L-R): Paul Duncan, Chad Segura, VP, Publishing.
Centricity Publishing, the publishing arm of Centricity Music, has renewed its long-term publishing deal with songwriter Paul Duncan. Duncan was first signed to Centricity in 2016.
The Redondo Beach, CA native is a writer on eight songs recorded by Lauren Daigle, including songs on her current and debut RIAA-certified Platinum albums. Duncan is also a writer on five Jordan Feliz radio singles, including the No. 1 hit “Witness,” as well as “Beloved,” “Changed,” “Faith,” and “Glorify,” and the soon-to-be-released “Jesus Is Coming Back.” He is also a writer on Natalie Grant’s “Face to Face,” Micah Tyler’s “New Today,” and Aaron Cole’s “Only U.”
“The team at Centricity has felt like a true family to me over the time we’ve worked together, and I couldn’t be happier about entering a new season with these friends,” says Duncan. “I’m so grateful for their belief in me and for the music we’ve made together so far. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“Paul is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever worked with,” says Chad Segura, Centricity Music, Vice President of Publishing. “Artists love working with him. And his ability to turn a phrase, is truly a rare gift. For all that he’s accomplished so far, I know we’ve only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of…and I’m so glad we get to continue this journey together!”
In addition to penning 15 radio singles and earning numerous ASCAP honors, Duncan has had his work featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show, Stitchers, Crime Watch Daily, Extra, Boston Legal, The Hills, Jersey Shore, and The Real World. He has also penned compositions for T-Mobile, Samsung, Wendy’s, the Criterion Collection, Applegate Farms, Royal Caribbean, and more. He has also served as a guitarist/keyboardist for artists including 98 Degrees, Nick Lachey, Mindy McCready, Mercy Street (RCA) and Sense Field (Nettwerk). He is also a co-founder and co-host of the podcast Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters.
Jerry Lee Lewis To Celebrate 85th Birthday With Star-Studded Virtual Livestream Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughJerry Lee Lewis is turning 85, and “The Killer” is celebrating the milestone birthday with his millions of fans around the world through a giant virtual live stream event, “Whole Lotta Celebratin’ Goin’ On: 85 Years of The Killer.” Hosted by actor John Stamos, the special will feature performances and well wishes from friends and fans including Elton John, President Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack and Joe Walsh, among many others.
The evening, which will air on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. CT via Jerry Lee Lewis’ official Facebook and YouTube channels and on jerryleelewis.com, will also mark the first time in 40 years that Lewis has been in the same room with his famous cousins, country legend Mickey Gilley and televangelist Jimmy Swaggart.
Other celebrities lined up to celebrate Lewis include Billy F Gibbons, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Janson, Jacob Tolliver, James Burton, Jerry Phillips, Linda Gail Lewis, Lindsay Ell, Marty Stuart, The Beach Boy’s Mike Love, Priscilla Presley, Tom Jones, and Wink Martindale along with appearances from Jerry Lee Lewis’ road band, Kenny Lovelace, Ray Gann and Kenny Aronoff. An additional lineup announcement will follow in the coming weeks.
The star-studded event will benefit Christian charity organization World Vision.
Dolly Parton Teams With Tabletops Unlimited For New Lifestyle Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughThe vast collection features a wide variety of products that range from assorted platters and bowls with delicate floral and plaid designs, to wood serving boards and chip and dip sets in shapes such as guitars and butterflies. It also features cereal bowls with quotes from Parton, wicker basket white bakers, water bottles and a tea kettle.
Inspired by her country roots and personal style and featuring images that represent Parton’s legacy, the assortment weaves in a modern farmhouse look to present a cohesive, on-trend look for the home.
“Dolly wanted to create and introduce a new home collection for her brand,” said TTU’s Bonnie Farias, VP, Sales and Product Development. “We were approached by her team and presented with the opportunity to collaborate on this collection. We jumped on the opportunity as we all know Dolly as an icon and living legend. Not only is she beloved around the world, her country roots and style fit well into the farmhouse trend that is popular across the country. Dolly is very involved in this collection, as she reviews and approves every single item in the line. So, that ensures the collection is directly representative of Dolly’s style.”
James Stroud Helms Newly-Launched White Mustang Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Tammy Luker, White Mustang Records; Dewayne Brown, CMG; Pepper Meiler, 9,000 Miles; Craig Campbell, Campbell Entertainment; Michael “Benjy” Cruz, White Mustang Records; James Stroud, White Mustang Records. Photo: Andy Evinger
Music industry veterans James Stroud and Copperline Music Group (CMG)’s Dewayne Brown have launched Nashville-based label White Mustang Records. Stroud will serve as President of the label, which will be distributed by CMG via The Orchard. The label’s first signing will be announced next week.
Pepper Meiler has joined as Head of Marketing, while Michael “Benjy” Cruz has been added to lead Digital Product. Craig Campbell (Campbell Entertainment) will serve as Head of Media for the label and its artists. Stroud’s longtime associate and administrative assistant Tammy Luker also joins the label.
“The staff and myself here at White Mustang could not be more happy with the future of our new label and the soon to be announced roster,” said Stroud. “As we were building this label we looked to partner with the brightest and most forward thinking distribution companies available before deciding that CMG (Copperline Music Group) was the perfect match for us. Dewayne Brown (CMG SVP of A&R) and his staff at CMG work in the trenches everyday and we are so blessed to have them on board as we grow this new venture. “
“I cannot thank James Stroud and his amazing team at White Mustang Records enough for their vote of confidence in our team here at CMG,” said Brown. “James brings his love of the music and the amazing sound back to the country music format that I believe we have all been missing. The team they have assembled at White Mustang speaks volumes for itself. I’m very excited about the upcoming announcement of their roster and our partnership.”
Centricity Publishing Renews Deal With Paul Duncan
/by Jessica NicholsonTop row (L-R): Justin Nicolet, Creative Director, and Alex Diaz, Publishing Coordinator. Bottom row (L-R): Paul Duncan, Chad Segura, VP, Publishing.
Centricity Publishing, the publishing arm of Centricity Music, has renewed its long-term publishing deal with songwriter Paul Duncan. Duncan was first signed to Centricity in 2016.
The Redondo Beach, CA native is a writer on eight songs recorded by Lauren Daigle, including songs on her current and debut RIAA-certified Platinum albums. Duncan is also a writer on five Jordan Feliz radio singles, including the No. 1 hit “Witness,” as well as “Beloved,” “Changed,” “Faith,” and “Glorify,” and the soon-to-be-released “Jesus Is Coming Back.” He is also a writer on Natalie Grant’s “Face to Face,” Micah Tyler’s “New Today,” and Aaron Cole’s “Only U.”
“The team at Centricity has felt like a true family to me over the time we’ve worked together, and I couldn’t be happier about entering a new season with these friends,” says Duncan. “I’m so grateful for their belief in me and for the music we’ve made together so far. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“Paul is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever worked with,” says Chad Segura, Centricity Music, Vice President of Publishing. “Artists love working with him. And his ability to turn a phrase, is truly a rare gift. For all that he’s accomplished so far, I know we’ve only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of…and I’m so glad we get to continue this journey together!”
In addition to penning 15 radio singles and earning numerous ASCAP honors, Duncan has had his work featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show, Stitchers, Crime Watch Daily, Extra, Boston Legal, The Hills, Jersey Shore, and The Real World. He has also penned compositions for T-Mobile, Samsung, Wendy’s, the Criterion Collection, Applegate Farms, Royal Caribbean, and more. He has also served as a guitarist/keyboardist for artists including 98 Degrees, Nick Lachey, Mindy McCready, Mercy Street (RCA) and Sense Field (Nettwerk). He is also a co-founder and co-host of the podcast Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriters.
Bobby Bones Returning To ‘American Idol’
/by Jessica NicholsonBobby Bones.
Bobby Bones is returning to American Idol, reports deadline.com. The radio personality—who also just announced his engagement to girlfriend Caitlin Parker—has inked a deal to return as an in-house mentor on Idol.
Bones, host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Bobby Bones Show, joins Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest. The music competition will return in 2021.
The Bobby Bones Show recently earned its second CMA Award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year and fourth ACM Award for National On-Air Personality of the Year. Bones is the youngest-ever inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame. In addition to the radio show, he launched the podcast BobbyCast, which includes interview with music industry execs and artists. He won ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (season 27) and also hosts and executive produces the weekly TV program Opry, which airs on Circle Network.
In Pictures: Kane Brown, Music Health Alliance, Pryor & Lee
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown Holds Virtual Town Hall With Boys And Girls Club Members
Kane Brown held a “Worldwide Beautiful” Town Hall last Thursday (Oct. 8) for Boys & Girls Club members, hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier. The 30-minute virtual event was attended by more than 100 Boys & Girls Club members from across the U.S., as well as those living on U.S. military installations worldwide.
Brown recalled when he first became aware of Boys & Girls Club and included the organization’s youth in a VIP meet-and-greet initiative during his “Live Forever Tour” in 2019. He also showed his powerful and unifying “Worldwide Beautiful” music video, inspiring a candid Q&A about diversity, equality and the challenges and opportunities of the next generation and also answered questions from Boys & Girls Club “Youth of the Year” honorees during the session.
Music Health Alliance Offering Free Virtual Health Insurance Advice
Music Health Alliance is offering free virtual health insurance assistance to members of the music industry to ensure they get the healthcare coverage they need during the upcoming open enrollment window. Open enrollment dates are: Medicare: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2020; Insurance Enrollment: Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, 2020.
During the open enrollment dates, Music Health Alliance advocates will meet virtually with clients to advise and enroll members of the music industry and their families in the best plans to meet their medical needs. If you’ve lost your job due to COVID-19, had a change in coverage or need help navigating the health insurance landscape, Music Health Alliance can help you get covered, by connecting with these contacts: Individual/Family Health Insurance: Erin- 615-200-6861 or erin@musichealthalliance.com; Group Health Insurance: 615-200-6897 or bonita@musichealthalliance.com; Medicare (65 or over): 615-200-6892 or shelia@musichealthalliance.
In partnership with MusiCares, Music Health Alliance is also offering two free virtual seminars to inform and empower members of the music community to enroll for new health insurance for the new year. The “What The Health” and “Medicare 101” workshops will be offered this month on Oct. 19 and Oct. 27 to educate the music industry on their individual healthcare options during open enrollment. Advance registration is required for the seminars.
Black River Entertainment Duo Pryor & Lee Perform At Charlotte Motor Speedway
Pictured (L-R): Pryor & Lee (Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee). Photo: Print/online, credit: HHP/Harold Hinson.
Black River’s country duo Pryor & Lee performed the National Anthem on Sunday (Oct. 11) at the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Pathway Lending To Open Applications for Metro CARES Act Grants
/by Lorie HollabaughNonprofit community development financial institution Pathway Lending has announced that applications for Metro CARES Act funds can be submitted beginning Oct. 4.
Nashville small businesses and live music venues seeking financial relief from COVID-related interruptions can now visit the application site at pathwaylending.orgto review the application guide, eligibility requirements, FAQs and helpful links.
Beginning Oct. 14, Pathway Lending will accept completed applications and award grants based on the order in which eligible businesses in Davidson County submit their applications. Applications will close once Pathway Lending has fully committed the grants.
Funds available to small businesses total $2 million with 30 percent reserved for minority-owned businesses and $600,000 for micro-businesses. Small businesses in Davidson County may qualify for grants up to $10,000, and micro-businesses for grants up to $5,000. Funds available to live music venues total $2 million. Live music venues in Davidson County may qualify for grants up to two months of operating expenses, not to exceed $100,000.
Pathway Lending will process applications, make award decisions, and disburse funds with plans to announce Metro CARES Act grant awards as soon as possible after the funds are committed and before the Nov. 15 deadline to disburse funds.
“We recognize the care, diligence that’s gone into the work up to this point and are honored by the trust placed in our organization to deliver these vital funds to the parts of our business community that need them most,” said Pathway Lending President and CEO Clint Gwin.
All businesses that submit a Metro CARES grant application to Pathway Lending qualify for technical assistance from Pathway Lending with a free account and free enrollment in select programs on Pathway Learning, its new on-demand, online learning platform. Learners can access programs, including webinars, workshops, classes, multi-week cohorts and coaching, anytime, anywhere at learn.pathwaylending.org or by downloading the Go Learn app.
Lance Miller Joins Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellWith co-writer credit on Matt Stell’s “Everywhere But On” and new chart-topper, Tim McGraw’s “I Called Mama,” Lance Miller makes his way into the top five this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
The four above Miller remain in position from last week, with HARDY at No. 1, Josh Osborne at No. 2, Jake Mitchell at No. 3, and Thomas Archer at No. 4.
Ernest Keith Smith cracks into the Top 10, at No. 8, with co-writer credit on Chris Lane’s “Big, Big Plans” and Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown.”
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Grand Ole Opry To Resume Friday Night Performances, Expand Shows To Two Hours
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Opry paused performances that included a live audience on March 14, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Opry House will continue to have limited-capacity in-venue audiences, in compliance with operating plans developed in collaboration with the Nashville Public Health Department that include socially distanced seating, mandatory masks for all guests and staff, as well as enhanced cleaning practices.
Jon Pardi, Lindsay Ell Kick Off Live Nation’s New Country Conversations Series
/by Lorie HollabaughLive Nation is launching a special monthly live stream series, Live Nation Presents: Country Conversations, beginning tonight (Oct. 12) at 7 p.m. CT. featuring special guests Jon Pardi and Lindsay Ell.
Hosted by Brian O’Connell (President of Country Touring and creator of Live Nation’s family of country music festivals), the new monthly series will offer fans at home the opportunity to catch up with their favorite artists and enjoy special performances. Each episode will live stream across Live Nation’s Facebook page, as well as Watershed Music And Camping Festival, Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival and Faster Horses Music Festival’s respective Facebook platforms. Fans can also watch the series online on Live Nation’s homepage at LiveNation.com.
“We wanted to start ‘Country Conversations’ because our fans at our festivals and on tour are so important to us, they’re the reason why we do this. We also have a unique platform to help keep us connected and ease how much we are missing them this year,” explained Brian O’Connell. “Being able to check in once a month with artists and fans is going to be fun, and I’m personally looking forward to trying to bring some unique performances with some of my friends, while continuing to innovate this series.’’