A house fire on Wednesday (Oct. 7) has claimed the life of country-music veteran Ray Pennington, 86.
The fire occurred in Sumner County, on the outskirts of Hendersonville on New Hope Road. Officials described it as the community’s largest conflagration in recent memory.
Pennington was a songwriter, record producer, instrumentalist, label executive and singer. He is perhaps best known as the writer of the chart-topping Waylon Jennings 1974 classic “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” and as a founder of Step One Records in 1984.
Born Ramon Pennington on Dec. 22, 1933, he was a native of Clay County, Kentucky. Following early experience performing in an Ohio western-swing band, he signed with King Records in Cincinnati. His debut single was 1958’s “Three Hearts in a Tangle.”
He moved into record producing at King, working with Hawkshaw Hawkins, The Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley and others. In 1961, Roy Drusky gave Pennington his first songwriting success by taking “Three Hearts in a Tangle” to No. 2 on the country charts.
Pennington relocated to Nashville in 1964. Kenny Price had back-to-back top-10 country hits in 1966-67 with Pennington’s songs “Walking on New Grass” and “Happy Tracks.” Price also released nine other singles of Pennington songs, including four top-40 successes.
The songwriter’s own career on the popularity charts began when he signed with Capitol Records in 1966. He first cracked the top-40 on the country hit parade with “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” in 1967. Subsequent stints on the Monument and MRC labels resulted in a total of nine charted titles in the 1960s and 1970s.
His debut LP appeared on Monument in 1970. He wrote half of the songs on Ray Pennington Sings for the Other Woman, which was produced by Fred Foster.
Pennington went to work for RCA Records in 1971. He produced records for the label’s Norma Jean, Willie Nelson and Billy Walker, among others. He co-wrote Walker’s top-20 RCA hit “Don’t Stop in My World” of 1976, as well as other songs the star recorded.
Pennington and Jerry McBee formed the duo Bluestone, which made the charts in 1980 with “Haven’t I Loved You Somewhere Before” on Dimension Records. He co-wrote “Don’t Cheat in Our Hometown,” which became a No. 1 hit for Ricky Skaggs in early 1984.
Later that year, Pennington became a co-founder of the Step One label, whose first signing was superstar Ray Price. Produced by Pennington, Price charted 12 times with Step One singles during the next five years.
The label’s Clinton Gregory continued its success into the 1990s with a string of chart successes, including “(If it Weren’t for Country Music) I’d Go Crazy” (1991) and “Play Ruby Play” (1992). He was also produced by Pennington.
The rest of Step One’s roster featured Faron Young, Charlie McCoy, Western Flyer, The Kendalls, Kitty Wells, Cal Smith, Celinda Pink, Terry McMillan, Hank Thompson, The Geezinslaws and label co-founder Curtis Potter.
Gene Watson’s CDs for Step One were Uncharted Mind (1993), The Good Ole Days (1996), Jesus Is All I Need (1997) and A Way to Survive (1997). Ray Pennington produced all of them.
Pennington, himself, recorded for Step One. He issued Memories (1984) and Dear Lord, I’ve Changed (1988) as LPs for the company.
During this same time period, he formed The Swing Shift Band with steel guitarist Buddy Emmons. The group issued Swingin’ as a double-LP of oldies on Step One in 1984. This was followed by In the Mood for Swingin’ (1986), Swing & Other Things (1988), Swingin’ Our Way (1990) Swingin’ By Request (1992), It’s All In the Swing (1995) and Goin’ Out Swingin’ (1997). The group charted on the label with the single “(Turn Me Loose and) Let Me Swing” in 1988.
Step One Records closed in 1998. Pennington produced artists on a variety of independent labels thereafter.
During his long career, Ray Pennington’s songs were recorded by such Country Music Hall of Fame members as Price, Skaggs, Jennings, The Browns, Grandpa Jones, Ferlin Husky, George Morgan, Jean Shepard, Mel Tillis and Porter Wagoner. They have also been sung by Eric Church, Leona Williams, James Brown, Johnny Bush, Montgomery Gentry, Johnny Paycheck, Wanda Jackson, The Wilburn Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Etta James, Jim & Jesse, Dave Dudley and Jack Greene, among many others.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
On The Cover: Ashley McBryde On MusicRow Magazine’s 2020 Publisher Print Issue
/by Jessica NicholsonAshley McBryde is featured on the cover of MusicRow Magazine’s all-new 2020 Publisher Issue.
The Warner Music Nashville artist learned how to sing sad songs in a biker bar off a rural Arkansas highway. The youngest of six, she grew up in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, a little shy yet always watching. McBryde began writing songs at age 12, however she didn’t fully embrace her voice until college. She moved to Nashville in 2007.
Her 2016 EP Jalopies & Expensive Guitars caught the attention of Eric Church, who brought McBryde onstage for a duet of her “Bible and a .44.” She soon made her Grand Ole Opry debut with the title track off her 2018 major label debut, Girl Going Nowhere, later recognized with a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Country Album, an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program for her performance on CBS This Morning Saturday and earning her the titles of ACM New Female Artist, CMT Breakout Artist of the Year and CMA New Artist of the Year, with additional Grammy nominations in 2020 for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. The album’s title track was named Song of the Year at the 2019 MusicRow Awards, with McBryde winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Her follow-up, Never Will, was released April 3, with Gold-certified lead single “One Night Standards,” a Top 15 song at country radio and already her first No. 1 in Canada, named by NPR as one of the best songs of the year. The hit was also nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s MusicRow Awards. Never Will has already been dubbed one of the best albums of 2020 by Variety, Billboard and SPIN. McBryde was nominated for three 2020 ACM Awards and took home her second and third AIMP Awards earlier this year. This fall, McBryde serves as a CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador; a full-circle moment since moving to Music City for the girl once told she was going nowhere.
In the 2020 Publisher print issue, Round Hill Music songwriter Ashley Gorley discusses hitting the milestone of 50 No. 1 songs and his work as a leading publisher and mentor with his own Tape Room Music. Sony/ATV Music Nashville’s Rusty Gaston talks taking the reins of the music publishing powerhouse during a pandemic, while ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, BMI’s Clay Bradley, and SESAC’s ET Brown and Lydia Schultz discuss their new roles at the respective performing rights organizations. This issue also offers discussions with National Music Publishers’ Association President/CEO David Israelite as well as songwriter/producer Luke Laird, who recently released his first album, titled Music Row. Elsewhere the issue focuses on the careers of Jody Williams (who returns to music publishing with Jody Williams Songs), Wide Open Music and RECORDS Nashville’s Ash Bowers, and BMG’s Chris Oglesby.
This issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most impactful tunesmiths, including UMPG’s Sam Ellis, Spirit Music Nashville’s Jonathan Singleton, Rhythm House/Roc Nation/Warner Chappell writer Alysa Vanderheym, RED Creative/Downtown Music Group/Anthem Entertainment writer Kelly Archer, BRELAND, and Big Machine Music’s Jessie Jo Dillon.
In addition to editorial, the Publisher Issue also includes the coveted Publisher Directory, featuring contact information for Nashville’s publishing community.
Single copies of the 2020 Publisher Issue are available for purchase for $45 at musicrow.com, and are included with yearly memberships at no additional cost. Please note that issues of MusicRow Magazine’s Publisher Issue can only be purchased online, as the MusicRow building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.
Ashley McBryde Career Stats:
LABEL: Warner Music Nashville
CURRENT ALBUM: Never Will
CURRENT SINGLE: “One Night Standards”
CURRENT PRODUCER: Jay Joyce
CURRENT PUBLISHER: Jody Williams Songs
PRO: BMI
MANAGEMENT: QPrime South
BOOKING: Lane Wilson / WME
RECENT HITS: “One Night Standards,” “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega”
AWARDS: CMA 2019 New Artist of the Year, ACM 2019 New Female Artist of the Year, CMT 2019 Breakout Artist of the Year, AIMP 2018 Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, AIMP 2020 Artist-Writer of the Year, AIMP 2020 Publisher’s Pick – “One Night Standards”
RIAA CERTS TO DATE: “One Night Standards” – Gold (U.S. & CAN)
SPECIAL TV APPEARANCES: Grand Ole Opry performance of “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” CBS This Morning Saturday, NPR’s Tiny Desk at Home
HOMETOWN: Mammoth Spring, AR
INTERESTING FACTS: Ashley grew up playing bluegrass and started playing mandolin when she was 3 years old; she studied music education and if she wasn’t a touring artist, she would work in music education.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Lucinda Williams, Guy Clark, John Prine, Alison Krauss and Union Station, The Cox family, Janis Joplin, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Bowman, Trisha Yearwood, Lorrie Morgan, Patty Loveless, Karen Carpenter, The Chicks, Bekka Bramlett
FAVORITE RECORDS: Aces (Suzy Bogguss), Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (Lucinda Williams), Mountain Soul (Patty Loveless), Sweetheart’s Dance (Pam Tillis), Fearless (Terri Clark), This Side (Nickel Creek)
Country Songwriter, Label Founder Ray Pennington Dies In House Fire
/by Robert K OermannA house fire on Wednesday (Oct. 7) has claimed the life of country-music veteran Ray Pennington, 86.
The fire occurred in Sumner County, on the outskirts of Hendersonville on New Hope Road. Officials described it as the community’s largest conflagration in recent memory.
Pennington was a songwriter, record producer, instrumentalist, label executive and singer. He is perhaps best known as the writer of the chart-topping Waylon Jennings 1974 classic “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” and as a founder of Step One Records in 1984.
Born Ramon Pennington on Dec. 22, 1933, he was a native of Clay County, Kentucky. Following early experience performing in an Ohio western-swing band, he signed with King Records in Cincinnati. His debut single was 1958’s “Three Hearts in a Tangle.”
He moved into record producing at King, working with Hawkshaw Hawkins, The Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley and others. In 1961, Roy Drusky gave Pennington his first songwriting success by taking “Three Hearts in a Tangle” to No. 2 on the country charts.
Pennington relocated to Nashville in 1964. Kenny Price had back-to-back top-10 country hits in 1966-67 with Pennington’s songs “Walking on New Grass” and “Happy Tracks.” Price also released nine other singles of Pennington songs, including four top-40 successes.
The songwriter’s own career on the popularity charts began when he signed with Capitol Records in 1966. He first cracked the top-40 on the country hit parade with “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” in 1967. Subsequent stints on the Monument and MRC labels resulted in a total of nine charted titles in the 1960s and 1970s.
His debut LP appeared on Monument in 1970. He wrote half of the songs on Ray Pennington Sings for the Other Woman, which was produced by Fred Foster.
Pennington went to work for RCA Records in 1971. He produced records for the label’s Norma Jean, Willie Nelson and Billy Walker, among others. He co-wrote Walker’s top-20 RCA hit “Don’t Stop in My World” of 1976, as well as other songs the star recorded.
Pennington and Jerry McBee formed the duo Bluestone, which made the charts in 1980 with “Haven’t I Loved You Somewhere Before” on Dimension Records. He co-wrote “Don’t Cheat in Our Hometown,” which became a No. 1 hit for Ricky Skaggs in early 1984.
Later that year, Pennington became a co-founder of the Step One label, whose first signing was superstar Ray Price. Produced by Pennington, Price charted 12 times with Step One singles during the next five years.
The label’s Clinton Gregory continued its success into the 1990s with a string of chart successes, including “(If it Weren’t for Country Music) I’d Go Crazy” (1991) and “Play Ruby Play” (1992). He was also produced by Pennington.
The rest of Step One’s roster featured Faron Young, Charlie McCoy, Western Flyer, The Kendalls, Kitty Wells, Cal Smith, Celinda Pink, Terry McMillan, Hank Thompson, The Geezinslaws and label co-founder Curtis Potter.
Gene Watson’s CDs for Step One were Uncharted Mind (1993), The Good Ole Days (1996), Jesus Is All I Need (1997) and A Way to Survive (1997). Ray Pennington produced all of them.
Pennington, himself, recorded for Step One. He issued Memories (1984) and Dear Lord, I’ve Changed (1988) as LPs for the company.
During this same time period, he formed The Swing Shift Band with steel guitarist Buddy Emmons. The group issued Swingin’ as a double-LP of oldies on Step One in 1984. This was followed by In the Mood for Swingin’ (1986), Swing & Other Things (1988), Swingin’ Our Way (1990) Swingin’ By Request (1992), It’s All In the Swing (1995) and Goin’ Out Swingin’ (1997). The group charted on the label with the single “(Turn Me Loose and) Let Me Swing” in 1988.
Step One Records closed in 1998. Pennington produced artists on a variety of independent labels thereafter.
During his long career, Ray Pennington’s songs were recorded by such Country Music Hall of Fame members as Price, Skaggs, Jennings, The Browns, Grandpa Jones, Ferlin Husky, George Morgan, Jean Shepard, Mel Tillis and Porter Wagoner. They have also been sung by Eric Church, Leona Williams, James Brown, Johnny Bush, Montgomery Gentry, Johnny Paycheck, Wanda Jackson, The Wilburn Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Etta James, Jim & Jesse, Dave Dudley and Jack Greene, among many others.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Morgan Wallen Says His ‘SNL’ Appearance Has Been Postponed Due To COVID-19 Protocols
/by Jessica NicholsonMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen, whose song “7 Summers” has been a massive streaming hit, will no longer be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live this weekend.
Wallen posted a video on Instagram from a New York City hotel room on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 7), announcing that ‘SNL’ personnel have told him he will not be appearing this weekend, due to the show’s COVID-19 protocols.
This past weekend, several TikTok videos popped up, showing Wallen socializing without a mask or social distancing at a dorm party and a bar while in Alabama for a University of Alabama football game.
In his video, Wallen clarified that he has not tested positive for COVID-19, but stated that his “actions from this past weekend were pretty short-sighted, and have obviously affected my long-term goals and my dreams.
“I respect the show’s decision because I know I put them in jeopardy, and I take ownership for this. I’d like to apologize to SNL, to my fans, to my team for bringing me these opportunities, and I let them down,” he said, adding, “And on a more personal note, I think I have some growing up to do. I think I lost myself a little bit. I tried to find joy in the wrong places and, I don’t know, it’s left me with less joy, so I’m going to try to work on that. I’m going to take a step back from the spotlight for a little while and go work on myself. I wish I could have made country music and my fans proud this Saturday, but I respect the decision once again.”
He also noted that he was told SNL producers would schedule another time for his SNL appearance.
for King & Country To Launch Holiday Drive-In Tour In November
/by Jessica NicholsonCurb | Word duo for King & Country recently announced an upcoming holiday project, A Drummer Boy Christmas, slated for Oct. 30, and the four-time Grammy winners will complement the new album with their forthcoming drive-in tour, set to launch Nov. 12 in Norco, California. A Nashville stop at the Grand Ole Opry house is set for Nov. 29.
A Drummer Boy Drive-In: The Christmas Tour will include stops at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. The duo will partner with The Salvation Army for a national toy drive, allowing concert attendees to bring new, unwrapped toys to be collected by local Salvation Army representatives and distributed to families.
“It’s been a difficult year for so many,” said Joel Smallbone of for King & Country. “Now more than ever, we felt compelled to get out on the road in a safe and socially distanced way to spread the joy and spirit of Christmas in the best way we know — by sharing a night of music celebrating the greatest hope the world has ever known. But we didn’t want the night to end after the last car leaves the parking lot, so we chose to partner with The Salvation Army and their Rescue Christmas Campaign to bring toys to families unable to afford them.
“This is a cause that’s dear to us,” he added. “We came to this country from Australia and were headed for bean burritos and gifts from the dollar shop before an act of kindness from a first-grade school class gave us a Christmas that we will never forget. They provided our family with food and toys to celebrate the holidays and for that reason we are so proud and honored to be partnering with the Salvation Army, to share a bit of joy with others that might be facing the same fate this Christmas.”
“We are so grateful to have the support of for King & Country and their fans,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “The toys collected at their upcoming concerts will help make the holidays brighter for families and raise awareness of the unprecedented need that many are facing this holiday season.”
The tour presale begins Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. local time (code word DRUMMER), while general public tickets will go on sale Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. local time.
A Drummer Boy Drive-In: The Christmas Tour dates:
11/12 – Silver Lake Sports Complex – Norco, CA
11/13 – Denio’s Market – Roseville, CA
11/14 – International Agri-Center – Tulare, CA
11/15 – Rose Bowl – Pasadena, CA
11/20 – El Paso County Coliseum – El Paso, TX
11/21 – Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ
11/22 – Pima County Fair – Tucson, AZ
11/28 – Globe Life Park (Rangers Stadium) – Arlington, TX
11/29 – Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, TN
12/03 – Richard M Borchard Regional Fairgrounds – Robstown, TX
12/04 – Reed Arena – College Station, TX
12/05 – The MET Church – Houston, TX
12/06 – H-E-B Center – Cedar Park, TX
12/10 – Joy-Lan Drive-In – Dade City, FL
12/11 – Silver Moon Drive-In – Lakeland, FL
12/12 – Ocala Drive-In – Ocala, FL
12/13 – Hertz Arena – Fort Myers, FL
12/18 – Central Florida Fair – Orlando, FL
12/19 – South Florida Fair – West Palm Beach, FL
12/20 – 5 Flags Speedway – Pensacola, FL
Industry Ink: Jon Nite, Niko Moon, Riley Green, Jameson Rodgers
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Nite Inks With SESAC
Pictured (L-R): SESAC Sr. Director, Creative Services Lydia Schultz, Jon Nite, SESAC President Kelli Turner
Jon Nite has signed with SESAC for representation. Nite has penned hits for Gabby Barrett, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Brandi Carlile, Dustin Lynch, Jake Owen, Phillip Phillips, Michael Ray, Chase Rice, Darius Rucker, Brett Young, and more. Most recently, his work with Gabby Barrett and Zach Kale on the unprecedented hit “I Hope” has broken both streaming and airplay records for a debut country artist.
“With his multi-platinum certifications and 14 No. 1 hits, there is no doubt that Jon is one of the most remarkable songwriters in the industry—and continues to be a rising star,” said Kelli Turner, SESAC’s President and COO. “His indelible storytelling and inspiring lyrics not only capture the epitome of great songs but also his talent and passion for the craft. We are simply thrilled to have Jon join the SESAC family.”
Niko Moon Celebrates Golden ‘Good Time’ With Cody Alan On ‘After Midnite’
Pictured (L-R): Randy Goodman, Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO; Niko Moon; Lynn Oliver-Cline, River House Artists Founder/Owner; Cody Alan.
Niko Moon received a surprise this week with news that his single, “Good Time,” has achieved RIAA Gold certification during an interview with CMT’s Cody Alan on his radio show “After Midnite.”
“I am beyond excited that ‘Good Time’ is my first Gold record as an artist!” said Moon. “I cannot thank everyone enough for their support, from country radio and streaming, to my team, to the people who have embraced this song and listened to it over and over – I am so blessed. And of course, Cody Alan who helped break this news! It’s so humbling and I’m just happy to be able spread positivity through country music.” Moon is scheduled to make his Grand Ole Opry debut this Saturday (Oct. 10).
Riley Green Garners Some Heavy Metal For “I Wish Grandpas Never Died”
Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Big Machine Label Group’s Jake Basden, Big Machine Label Group’s Dave Kelly, BMLG Records’ Matthew Hargis, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg. Front Row – Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi Spika Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Riley Green, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones. Photo: Seth Hellman
Riley Green recently celebrated the Platinum certification from the RIAA of his sentimental ballad, “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” The chart-topping Alabama native commemorated over one million in consumption alongside his Big Machine Label Group team with Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and BMLG Records President/CEO Jimmy Harnen presenting a special plaque. Sharing writing credits on “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” posthumously with his family patriarchs, Green honors their memory on the special tune and a connection that has grown beyond his lineage.
Jameson Rodgers Celebrates Gold Certification
Front row (L-R): JP Durant, Red Light Management; Randy Goodman, Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO; Jameson Rodgers, C.J. Solar, Jake Mitchell, HARDY; Lynn Oliver-Cline, River House Artists Founder/Owner. Back row (L-R): Ken Robold, Sony Music Nashville EVP & COO; Jess Valiyi, Sony Music Nashville Director, Digital Strategy; Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management; Chris Farren, Combustion Music President; Lauren Thomas, Sony Music Nashville VP, National Promotion; Paige Altone, Sony Music Nashville Sr. Director, Marketing; Shane Allen, Columbia Nashville SVP, Promotion. Photo Credit: Hunter Berry
River House Artists/Columbia Nashville singer/songwriter Jameson Rodgers is celebrating his first RIAA Gold-certified single as an artist, as his debut single “Some Girls” has reached sales exceeding 500,000 units.
“This song has changed my life,” said Rodgers. “It was the best surprise I’ve had in a long time last night at our softball game. My work family, who I haven’t seen in six months, surprised us with the certified-GOLD record plaques. I can’t imagine a better team to be on this journey with. I’m looking forward to seeing where else this road leads and much better days ahead.”
Several label, publishing and management execs surprised Rodgers with the news, along with songwriters HARDY, Jake Mitchell, and C.J. Solar.
‘It All Begins With A Song’ Documentary Available On Amazon Prime
/by Lorie HollabaughThe songwriting documentary on Music City, It All Begins With A Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter, is now available for free to all Amazon Prime members through the company’s streaming service.
The film shines a spotlight on one of the most important but lesser known forces in music: the Nashville songwriter. Through the documentary, their story is told in a unique way, documenting the struggles of paying dues, working through the creative process, and ultimately hearing their musical creations come to life.
Featuring in-depth interviews with close to 50 Nashville songwriters, the 88-minute documentary can now be seen on Amazon Prime, by searching ‘It All Begins With A Song,’ and is also available for purchase and streaming on iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, FlixFling, UP Faith & Family, and more.
Chuck Wicks Signs With Verge Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Mickey Jack Cones, Chuck Wicks. Photo: Verge Records
Chuck Wicks has signed a new label deal with Verge Records, led by Mickey Jack Cones. Verge is the label arm of music solutions company ONErpm, and is set to release Wicks’s first new song in nearly two years, “Solid Gold.”
The past year has been a whirlwind for Wicks, who is expecting his first child with wife Kasi, and who recently exited his role as an on-air media personality with The Ty Bentli Show.
“The day news broke that I would not be continuing with the radio show, I got two phone calls…one from Bobby Bones and the other was from Mickey Jack,” shares Wicks. “I’ll never forget it. He said, ‘Chuck, you ready to start making music again or what?’ With zero hesitation I told him I’ve been waiting to hear that from a record label for a long time.”
Wicks continues, “I’m re-energized and refocused on what brought me to this town in the first place and that’s my music! Not everyone gets multiple shots at a dream. I’m humbled to get another shot. Mickey Jack is one of the best in the business and I’m beyond excited to take the journey with his team. This is my third record deal, and I strongly believe that third time’s the charm with Verge Records.”
“Chuck is a proven star, and we can’t wait to show him off!” Cones says.
Wicks earned a Top 5 debut single in 2007 with “Stealing Cinderella,” followed by the Top 15 hit “All I Ever Wanted.” Along the way, he’s also opened a tour for Jason Aldean, and competed on Dancing with the Stars.
ACL Fest 2020 To Feature Free Three-Night Event Oct. 9-11
/by Lorie HollabaughIn celebration of the iconic annual two-weekend festival, ACL Fest fans will get to relive memorable past sets captured in Zilker Park and unique original programming and contributions from the entire Austin City Limits family. As part of ACL Fest 2020, Austin Parks Foundation will showcase Austin-based artists filmed in unique park locations across the city, including Mélat from the Zilker Botanical Gardens, Jackie Venson from Pan Am Neighborhood Park, Los Coast from the Zilker Clubhouse and Otis the Destroyer performing at Heath Eiland and Morgan Moss BMX Skatepark.
The festival will also feature classic tapings from Austin City Limits TV, a behind-the-scenes tour of ACL Live, and backstage artist interviews from ACL Radio. And in true ACL Fest tradition, the broadcast will shine a spotlight on the best of the region, including tips from Texas BBQ greats Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, LeRoy & Lewis and SLAB BBQ, an appearance by Austin’s own Louisianna Purchase, and a special performance from the Barton Hills Choir. Fans can also look forward to special appearances by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Matthew McConaughey, Andy Roddick, Bryan Stevenson, Shakey Graves, Donn Adelman, Vince Young, and Ricky Williams.
Jill Tomalty Launches Springboard Professional Coaching/Consulting
/by Lorie HollabaughJill Tomalty has opened Springboard, a professional coaching and consulting company that provides support, accountability and coaching to entrepreneurs, the self-employed, and those working in creative fields. The company works with clients looking to level up their current situation or transition to a new one, and helps them navigate issues like time management, productivity, mindset, and more.
Tomalty’s previous experience includes working at Warner/Word/Curb, Provident, and Flying Island, where she served as marketing director, a regional radio rep and brand manager. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling and three Professional Coaching Certifications in Communications, Emotional Intelligence, and General Life Coaching.
“Having over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry as well as a background in counseling and coaching, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by creative professionals and entrepreneurs. I am excited to be able to offer assistance and perspective as someone who has been there,” Tomalty said.
Tomalty can be reached at jill@springboardpcc.com or by visiting springboardpcc.com.
Kalie Shorr Inks Label Deal With Tmwrk Records
/by Jessica NicholsonLast year, Kalie Shorr’s album Open Book landed the singer-songwriter on numerous top albums lists. Now, she has inked a label deal with New York-based tmwrk records, founded by Andrew McInnes, founder/CEO of tmwrk management. The label is a partnership with Sony-owned music distributor and marketer The Orchard.
Shorr will soon release a deluxe version of her album, titled Open Book: Unabridged, which will include new music that was recorded over the summer.
“Signing with tmwrk records was so worth the wait,” Shorr says. “I’ve always wanted my career to be non-traditional, and they love challenging the norms as much as I do. It obviously meant so much to me that they believe in me as an artist, but even more so that they believe in Open Book enough to re-release it. I never thought I would get a record deal on Zoom while I was wearing sweatpants.”
“We created tmwrk records to fill a void we saw in the artist development process,” said McInnes, adding, “the label exists to help start careers. We bring a level of expertise that can only be gained by our experience and successful history of helping artists start labels and self release albums. One of the main goals of the label is to work with rebellious artists from different genres who are not managed by tmwrk management. When I first heard Kalie’s album Open Book I wanted to meet her and get involved. Even over a Zoom call she is a force and an inspiring digital hang. Her managers are not so bad either.”
Shorr’s team also includes CAA; entertainment one/Vintern Songs; Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy; Ritholz Levy Fields; 117 Entertainment; Cassetty Entertainment and New York-based management company we few.