This year’s nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame have been revealed, including eight nominees in the Songwriters category, and four in the Songwriter/Artists category.
Nominees in the Songwriters category include Kent Blazy, Shawn Camp, Don Henry, Brett James, Tony Martin, Steve Seskin, Tia Sillers, and George Teren. Nominees in the Songwriter/Artists category include Kix Brooks, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Earle, and Phil Vassar.
Each of the nominees earned their first Top 20 songs at least two decades ago. Two songwriters and one songwriter/artist will be elected by their songwriter peers to join the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in these categories. Two more will be voted on by a separate body of veteran voters to elect a veteran songwriter and veteran songwriter/artist, both of whom must have earned their first significant (Top 20) songs at least 30 years ago. As part of that process, nominees in those categories are not announced.
The five inductees-elect are typically honored at the organization’s annual Gala, where they are officially inducted into the Hall of Fame; however, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been rescheduled to 2021. This year’s class will be honored alongside the Class of 2021 in a special double-sized Gala next fall. Details on the 2021 event will be forthcoming.
ABOUT THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME 2020 NOMINEES:
Category 1 – SONGWRITERS
KENT BLAZY
Kent Blazy grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, playing in various local bands. By the mid-’70s, he was touring as a guitar player for Canadian legend Ian Tyson. After a first-place win in a national songwriting competition, Kent decided to make the move to Nashville. In 1982, Gary Morris sent Kent’s “Headed For A Heartache” to No. 5 on the country chart. Soon after, other cuts followed with The Forester Sisters, T. Graham Brown, Donna Fargo and Moe Bandy. In 1987, Kent was introduced to new demo singer Garth Brooks. The two began writing together, and their first collaboration, “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” became Brooks’ first No. 1 single and NSAI’s 1989 Song of the Year. Their writing partnership yielded four additional Top 5 songs with “Ain’t Goin’ Down (’Til The Sun Comes Up),” “Somewhere Other Than The Night,” “It’s Midnight Cinderella” and “She’s Gonna Make It.” Kent also was a co-writer on the Brooks & George Jones duet “Beer Run,” as well as on “That’s What I Get For Lovin’ You” by Diamond Rio, “My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me” by American Idol finalist Danny Gokey, and “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” by Chris Young.
SHAWN CAMP
Shawn Camp grew up on a farm outside of Perryville, Arkansas. Through both parents, who sang and played guitar, he was infused with a love of music. Shawn picked up a guitar at age five and by age 20 had moved to Nashville, where he found work in the late ’80s as a fiddle player in backing bands for The Osborne Brothers, Jerry Reed, Alan Jackson and Trisha Yearwood. After charting a pair of self-penned singles in 1993 as a recording artist on Warner Bros. Records (“Fallin’ Never Felt So Good” and “Confessin’ My Love”), Shawn turned his attention to writing songs—earning his first No. 1 hits in 1998 with “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks and “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn. In 2006, he had Top 5 singles with “Nobody But Me” by Blake Shelton and “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner. Shawn also co-wrote Turner’s “Firecracker,” as well as “River Of Love” by George Strait and “Love Done Gone” by Billy Currington. Shawn’s songs have been recorded by many bluegrass artists. Additionally, he is a member of the award-winning band The Earls of Leicester, a three-time Bluegrass Entertainer of the Year honoree.
DON HENRY
California native Don Henry began writing songs at age 13. By the late 1970s, he was ready to give Nashville a try. His early success came from cuts by T.G. Sheppard and John Conlee, who singled “Blue Highway.” Conlee also recorded “Class Reunion,” as did The Oak Ridge Boys, Gene Watson and Ray Charles. Kathy Mattea has recorded a several of Don’s songs, including “Beautiful Fool,” “Whole Lotta Holes,” and the heart-wrenching “Where’ve You Been.” Also recorded by Patti Page and Dailey & Vincent, that song earned 1990’s Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 1989 ACM Song of the Year, the 1990 CMA Song of the Year and the 1990 NSAI Song of the Year. In 1993 Don released a critically acclaimed album on Sony Records titled Wild In the Backyard. Many of those songs, such as “Harley” and “Mr. God” have become staples in his solo acoustic performance repertoire. Among other hits from Don’s catalogue are “Heart Vs. Heart” by Pake McEntire, “Has Anybody Seen Amy?” by John & Audrey Wiggins and “All Kinds Of Kinds” by Miranda Lambert. Don also records and performs in the duo The Don Juans.
BRETT JAMES
Midway through medical school, Oklahoma City native Brett James left college to pursue music in Nashville. After several years as an Arista/Career recording artist, he continued writing for others, scoring early cuts by Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride. In 2001, “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews became Brett’s first No. 1 hit. In 2006, the chart-topping “Jesus Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2005 ACM Single of the Year, the 2006 ASCAP Country Song of the Year and the 2006 NSAI Song of the Year. Now with more than 300 major-label cuts, Brett’s catalogue includes hits such as “When The Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker, “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood, “It’s America” by Rodney Atkins, “Out Last Night” by Kenny Chesney, “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts, “The Man I Want To Be” by Chris Young and “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert. Brett also has a Top 5 Latin hit with “The One You Love (Todo Mi Amor)” by Paulina Rubio. Brett was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010.In 2020, he released a new self-written album titled I Am Now.
TONY MARTIN
Born in Georgia and raised in Nashville, Tony Martin has been around country songwriting his entire life. The son of classic Country composer Glenn Martin, Tony grew up at the feet of other stellar songwriters such as Sonny Throckmorton, Mickey Newbury and Hank Cochran. During his time as a journalist for a Chicago newspaper, Tony was writing parody songs for fun when his father urged him to take his talent more seriously. On his 10th attempt, Tony wrote “Baby’s Gotten Good At Goodbye,” which his father successfully pitched to George Strait. The song proved to be the dream scenario for a songwriter. It was Tony’s first demo, first cut, first single, first hit and first No. 1. Since that time, Tony has added more chart-topping hits to his resume. Among those are “Banjo” by Rascal Flatts, “I’ll Think Of A Reason Later” by Lee Ann Womack, “Just To See You Smile” by Tim McGraw, “Living And Living Well” by George Strait, “No Place That Far” by Sara Evans, “Settle For A Slow Down” by Dierks Bentley, “Third Rock From The Sun” by Joe Diffie, “Time Is Love” by Josh Turner and “You Look Good In My Shirt” by Keith Urban.
STEVE SESKIN
New York-born Steve Seskin began his songwriting career when he moved to San Francisco in 1972. Upon the advice of Crystal Gayle, Steve visited Nashville in 1985 and began co-writing. He first hit the country chart in 1990 with “Wrong” by Waylon Jennings. He has enjoyed particular success with both John Michael Montgomery (“Life’s A Dance,” “If You’ve Got Love,” “No Man’s Land”) and Neal McCoy (“No Doubt About It” and “For A Change”). His “Don’t Laugh At Me” by Mark Wills was named the 1998 NSAI Song of the Year. The version by Peter, Paul and Mary became the impetus for the Operation Respect/Don’t Laugh at Me project, a curriculum designed to teach tolerance in schools. Other Steve Seskin hits include “Daddy’s Money” by Ricochet, the Grammy-nominated “Grown Men Don’t Cry” by Tim McGraw and “I Think About You” by Collin Raye. That song’s video was named the ACM 1997 Video of the Year, while the song and video were awarded by the Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence. A successful performer and recording artist on his own, Steve has recorded numerous CDs for his own label. He divides his time among Nashville, Northern California and touring.
TIA SILLERS
Growing up in Nashville, Tia Sillers became hooked on songwriting as a high-school student when she attended her first songwriters round. Years later her first publishing deal yielded “Lipstick Promises” by George Ducas in 1995. Also that year, Kenny Wayne Shepherd made Tia’s “Deja Voodoo” a Top 10 rock hit. Three years later, Shepherd delivered a No. 1 rock hit with “Blue On Black,” which earned the 1998 Billboard Music Award for Rock Track of the Year. (The song was re-recorded in 2019 by Five Finger Death Punch with Shepherd, Brantley Gilbert & Brian May.) In 2008, Tia’s co-written “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack with The Sons of the Desert became a chart-topping multi-genre smash that earned the 2000 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2000 ACM Song and Single of the Year, the 2000 CMA Song and Single of the Year, the 2001 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, the 2001 BMI Country Song of the Year and the 2000-2001 NSAI Song of the Year. Other notable songs from Tia’s catalogue include “Land Of The Living” by Pam Tillis, “There’s Your Trouble” by The Dixie Chicks, “I Cry” by Tammy Cochran, “That’d Be Alright” by Alan Jackson, “A Joyful Noise” by Jo Dee Messina and “Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love” by Trisha Yearwood.
GEORGE TEREN
Massachusetts native George Teren moved to Nashville in 1987. During the 1990s, George’s songs were recorded by artists such as Billy Dean, Neal McCoy, Andy Williams and John Michael Montgomery. In 1997, George celebrated his first Top 5 single, “She’s Sure Taking It Well” by Kevin Sharp, as well as his first No. 1 single, “Running Out Of Reasons To Run” by Rick Trevino. Two years later, George concluded the decade with the No. 3 “Busy Man” by Billy Ray Cyrus and soon began the 2000s with more hits: “Man Of Me” by Gary Allan, “A Good Way To Get On My Bad Side” by Tracy Byrd with Mark Chesnutt, “Homewrecker” by Gretchen Wilson and “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks. Three more songs from George’s catalogue—“Real Good Man” by Tim McGraw, “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley with Dolly Parton and “Ladies Love Country Boys” by Trace Adkins—all reached No. 1 on the country chart. George is a multiple award-winning writer and producer of music for radio and TV with a Clio, a Mobius and a number of Tellys and Emmys to his credit. He has composed themes for the NBA, ABC College Football and CBS Winter Olympics.
Category 2 – SONGWRITER/ARTISTS
KIX BROOKS
Raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kix Brooks was playing guitar by age 6, entertaining audiences by age 12 and writing songs by age 14. After stints working on an oil pipeline in Alaska and as an advertising copywriter in Maine, he moved Nashville in 1979. He first hit the charts as a singer-songwriter on an independent label in 1983, then signed with Capitol Records for his debut solo album in 1988. Between 1983 and 1992, Kix’s songwriting yielded three No. 1 country hits—“I’m Only In It For The Love” by John Conlee, “Modern Day Romance” by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and “Who’s Lonely Now” by Highway 101—plus a No. 2 hit with “Sacred Ground” by McBride & The Ride. During the 1990s and 2000s, Kix teamed with Ronnie Dunn to form Brooks & Dunn. Kix co-wrote many of the band’s hits, including “Brand New Man,” “Lost And Found,” “Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up For Nothing,” “My Next Broken Heart,” “Only In America” and “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.” With more than 30 million records sold, they are the highest-selling duo in the history of country music. Together, they earned more than 75 major industry awards—including the CMA’s Vocal Duo of the Year a record 14 times—culminating in their 2019 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
Steven Curtis Chapman grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, where he learned to play guitar at a young age by hanging out in his father’s music store. Following a brief college career as a pre-med student, Steven moved to Nashville to pursue music. The 1987 release of his debut album, First Hand, launched a flood of awards for his self-penned hits, including “His Eyes” (the GMA’s 1989 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “His Strength Is Perfect” (the GMA’s 1990 Inspirational Song of the Year), “The Great Adventure” (the GMA’s 1993 Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Go There With You” (the GMA’s 1994 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Heaven In The Real World” (the GMA’s 1995 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Let Us Pray” (the GMA’s 1998 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year) and “Dive” (the GMA’s 2000 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year). Other award-winning songs from Steven’s catalogue include “I Can See The Hand Of God” by The Cathedrals (the GMA’s 1990 Southern Gospel Song Of The Year) and “Voice Of Truth” by Casting Crowns (the GMA’s 2005 Inspirational Song of the Year). One of the most-honored artists in the history of Christian music, Steven is a 10-time winner of the GMA’s Songwriter of the Year award (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2009), as well as NSAI’s 1999 Songwriter/Artist of the Year.
STEVE EARLE
Steve Earle grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where he began playing guitar at age 11. Dropping out of school at age 16, he moved to Houston. Then in 1974, Steve moved to Nashville, where he worked blue-collar jobs by day and played music by night before landing a gig playing bass in Guy Clark’s band. Ever restless, Steve formed his own band, The Dukes, in 1982—the same year that Johnny Lee took Steve’s self-penned “When You Fall In Love” into the Top 20. Moving on from his previous publishing- and record- deals, Steve released his first full-length album on MCA in 1986. The title track, “Guitar Town,” reached the Top 10 that year, followed by another Top 10, “Goodbye’s All We’ve Got Left,” the next year. In 1987, Steve’s “I Ain’t Ever Satisfied” reached No. 26 on the rock chart. In 1988—the year Patty Loveless reached No. 2 with Steve’s “A Little Bit In Love”—he hit No. 10 on the rock chart with “Copperhead Road,” the title track of his landmark album. Other classic songs from Steve’s pen include “My Old Friend The Blues” (also recorded by T. Graham Brown, Joe Nichols, The Grascals), “Nothing But A Child” (also recorded by Nicolette Larson, Kathy Mattea, Lee Ann Womack), “The Devil’s Right Hand” (also recorded by Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Bob Seger) and Miranda Lambert’s Top 20 hit “Kerosene.”
PHIL VASSAR
Phil Vassar was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. During his college years, he began playing piano and singing in local clubs. Moving to Nashville to pursue music, Phil found the going slow for several years until 1997 when some of his initial songs were recorded by Blackhawk, Skip Ewing, and The Sons of the Desert. Then in 1998, Phil’s songs started gaining traction as singles for a variety of artists. During the next two years, he garnered six chart-topping hits from Collin Raye, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina (including the No. 1 “Bye, Bye”) and Tim McGraw (including the No. 1 “My Next Thirty Years”). During that time, he was named NSAI’s 1998 Songwriter of the Year and ASCAP’s 1999 Country Songwriter of the Year. In late 1999, Phil signed a record deal with Arista Nashville. Released the following year, his debut album generated the self-penned hits “Carlene,” “Rose Bouquet,” “Six-Pack Summer,” “That’s When I Love You” and “Just Another Day In Paradise,” Phil’s first No. 1 as an artist. Propelled by that success, he was named ASCAP’s 2001 Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year. Other hits by Phil as an artist include “American Child,” “In A Real Love” and “Last Day Of My Life.” He was named NSAI’s 2006 Songwriter/Artist of the Year.
Sidewalk Prophets Announce 28-City Livestream Concert Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughSidewalk Prophets will launch their new 28-city livestream series, The Chosen Tour, on Oct. 6. Each concert will broadcast to a different city and a different set of fans each night, and the band will perform every show live from their warehouse in Nashville.
Fans will have the rare opportunity to determine the band’s set list in real time for each date, ensuring every show is completely unique. The band debuted their innovative livestream platform earlier this year when COVID-19 pressed pause on live events and large gatherings. Named for the band’s current single, The Chosen Tour follows the success of their first livestream concert run, The Virtual Album Experience, which took their latest album, The Things That Got Us Here, directly to more than 25,000 viewers in 32 cities.
Ticket options range from $14.99 for Single Household Tickets to $49.99 for Large Group Tickets, perfect for watch parties and youth groups, and a VIP Pre-Show Party option is available for $39.99, featuring zoom access prior to the show and an autographed poster. As previously offered on “The Virtual Album Experience” tour, out-of-radius passes and season passes, which give fans access to all 28 shows, are also available for purchase.
Sidewalk Prophets have amassed more than 204 million career on-demand streams and sold more than 875,000 in equivalent album sales, and nearly two million digital tracks. In addition, the Dove award-winning group has garnered five No. 1 songs, nine Top 5 radio singles, and more than 47 million views on YouTube since signing with Curb|Word Entertainment.
The Chosen Tour Dates:
Oct. 6 — Wichita, KS
Oct. 7 — Cheyenne, WY
Oct. 8 — Madison, WI
Oct. 11 — Lynchburg, VA
Oct. 13 — Terre Haute, IN
Oct. 14 — Kingsburg, CA
Oct. 15 — Chattanooga, TN
Oct. 18 — Toledo, OH
Oct. 20 — Virginia Beach, VA
Oct. 21 — Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 22 — Tulsa, OK
Oct. 25 — Little Hocking, OH
Oct. 27 — Springfield, MA
Oct. 28 — Columbus, OH
Oct. 29 — Winston Salem, NC
Oct. 30 — Omaha, NE
Nov. 4 — Columbia, MO
Nov. 5 — Houston, TX
Nov. 6 — Colorado Springs, CO
Nov. 7 — Grand Rapids, MN
Nov. 10 — Nashville, TN
Nov. 11 — South Bend, IN
Nov. 12 — Barre, VT
Nov. 13 — Myrtle Beach, SC
Nov. 17 — San Diego, CA
Nov. 18 — Traverse City, MI
Nov. 19 — Orlando, FL
Nov. 20 — Peoria, IL
Chris Young Recognized With Eight New RIAA Certifications
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Adria DeLaune (The AMG Management), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Chris Young, Rob Beckham (The AMG Management). Photo credit: Jeff Johnson
Chris Young was surprised earlier this week by members of his touring, management, business management and label teams with the news that he’s earned more than 3.5 billion career streams. Young accumulated some serious heavy metal from the RIAA just in the last month with eight certifications signifying over seven million consumption units over several projects. The new certifications include:
Single: “Tomorrow” – 2x Platinum
Album: I’m Comin’ Over – Platinum
Single: “Lonely Eyes” – Platinum
Single: “Voices” – Platinum
Single: “Drowning” – Gold
Single: “Raised On Country” – Gold
Single: “Hangin’ On” – Gold
Single: “I Can Take It From There” – Gold
Young has earned 21 RIAA Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum certifications to date.
“Today was absolutely a surprise with all of the plaques,” Young said. “Recording stuff for charity, celebrating the past, and talking about the future… I couldn’t ask for a better day.”
Bonnaroo Sets Three-Day Virtual Festival ‘ROO-ALITY’ For September
/by Jessica NicholsonArchival performances will include 13 legendary moments from Dave Matthews and Friends, Metallica, The White Stripes, James Brown, Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, and more, as well as the full-length streaming premiere of the Beastie Boys’ historic final concert performance, held at Bonnaroo in 2009.
The Virtual ROO-ALITY event will also feature new performances from Nathaniel Rateliff, Chromeo, Big Gigantic, Bruce Hornsby Feat. James Mercer, Rob Moose & Polo G, Old Crow Medicine Show’s Bonnarootenanny, Denzel Curry, Lennon Stella, Billy Strings, Action Bronson, CloZee, Moon Taxi, Live from Tipitina’s featuring Galactic and Tank and The Bangas, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Goose, and more.
A special Whiskey Jam-curated performance will feature Ashley McBryde, Ingrid Andress, Devin Dawson and ERNEST, and many more.
Live Nation Initiative To Turn Concert Venues Into Polling Sites
/by Jessica NicholsonLive Nation has launched an initiative to encourage 2020 elections voting by temporarily turning several of its concert venues into polling places. The company is working with local officials to look into the possibility of using more than 100 Live Nation venues across the country as polling places.
To date, The Wiltern and Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, Emo’s in Austin and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta are confirmed to serve as polling sites, while Philadelphia’s The Fillmore is in the final stages of the vetting process.
The initiative also gives employees paid time off to vote, and includes partnering with organizations including More Than A Vote and Civic Alliance on voter access and educational efforts.
“Core to what we do at Live Nation is helping amplify voices on stage around the world, and supporting voting is another important way we want to continue making voices heard,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation. “We’re honored to work with such incredible partners and will do everything in our power to support and empower voter engagement among our employees and the public.”
“Live Nation is going above and beyond by recognizing that elections are about more than just polling places. They’re about our communities,” said Al Schmidt, City Commissioner of Philadelphia. “Live Nation is really stepping up to help during this challenging time – and we are grateful.”
“By converting their concert venues into voting locations, Live Nation is creating a safe and convenient way for people to exercise their right to vote this fall,” said Michael Tyler, EVP of Public Affairs More Than A Vote. “Similar to the sports arenas More Than A Vote has worked to convert into voting locations, many of Live Nation’s venues are located in the heart of the communities that we are committed to empowering in this election and offer the same COVID protections due to their large capacity.”
Leading up to Election Day, Live Nation has also partnered with HeadCount, a non-partisan organization to use the power of music and amplify artist voices to inspire fans to register to vote and promote participation in democracy.
Now Open: Submissions For N.B.T. Music Industry Directory
/by LB CantrellSubmissions are now open for the N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory, that will be featured in MusicRow‘s print issue due out in December.
Launched last year, the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to become future leaders in the Nashville music industry. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of 5 or more years experience in the music industry.
This print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artists listing, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry.
For you or a staff member(s) to be considered for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form. (Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory.)
Note: If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate.
Please send a recent head shot to art@musicrow.com. (Photo specs: 2” x 2” or larger, 266+ dpi, color, jpeg).
New submissions for the directory close on Friday, September 25, 2020. For questions, email lbcantrell@musicrow.com or call (615) 349-2171.
Spirit Music Nashville Appoints Mike Fiorentino As Director, A&R/Production
/by Jessica NicholsonMike Fiorentino. Photo: Anna Roberson
Mike Fiorentino has been appointed as Director of A&R/Production for Spirit Music Nashville. He originally signed an exclusive publishing deal with Spirit and Fluid Music Revolution in 2016, and will continue to write for Spirit/Fluid in addition to his expanded role with Spirit Music Nashville.
“It’s such an honor moving into this new role at Spirit Music Nashville. I feel like during my time at Spirit, I’ve had amazing opportunities to create and develop relationships in our music business community. I can’t wait to keep moving forward working with the most talented songwriters, producers, and musicians in Nashville. Having spent time in the writer room and studio with Frank Rogers has been invaluable. He’s been such a leader and friend, and I am beyond excited to continue our relationship further!” said Mike Fiorentino.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Mike Fiorentino for the last several years. In additional to being a talented writer and producer, Mike has a gift of bringing out the best in artists, songwriters and musicians. I am thrilled to expand his role within the company and am excited to watch him use his many talents to help elevate all of the writers and artists at Spirit Music Nashville,” said Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville.
With over 20 years of experience in many different facets of the music industry, Fiorentino has produced artists including Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top), Kyle Cook (Matchbox 20), and Tim Montana (Knox Music/BMG) and as a songwriter has landed cuts with Gibbons, Granger Smith, Thompson Square, Colt Ford and more. As a live sound technician, he spent time on the road touring with Al Di Meola and Gumbi Ortiz. In the early 2000’s he taught for several years in Orlando at Full Sail University, serving as an Associate Course Director in the Media Arts department. He then went on for three years working with Hasbro, Inc. writing and producing songs used in new and legacy brands such as Transformers, GI Joe, My Little Pony, and NERF. After relocating to Nashville in 2007, he has continued songwriting, producing, and developing new artists.
Spirit Music Nashville has earned recent No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart including Maddie and Tae’s “Die From A Broken Heart,” Scotty McCreery’s “In Between,” Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now,” Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Sam Hunt’s “Kinfolks,” Carrie Underwood’s “Southbound,” Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes” and Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads.”
Paquin Entertainment Group Opens Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughCanada-based Paquin Entertainment Group is opening its first U.S. office in Nashville. Artist manager Michelle Szeto is heading up the opening of the Nashville office, which will serve as home base for the growth of Szeto’s management roster which includes Donovan Woods, Wild Rivers, Logan Wall, and Devan.
“My very first trip to Nashville was back in 2013, and it very quickly became my home away from home,” reflects Szeto. “Our company, as well as our many artists, have built lifelong relationships in this town and establishing our first U.S. office here is among a long list of global goals we’re setting out to achieve over the next few years. I’m beyond thrilled to finally make it official with Music City, and we’re thankful to our industry allies who’ve been generous and welcoming from the very beginning.”
Paquin Entertainment Group’s Agency division, Paquin Artists Agency, has also hired new agents Vesna Pejkovic, André Guérette, and Jason Furman, who are joining the team as Vice Presidents.
Pejkovic will work out of Vancouver, welcoming to PAA with her, Chris Botti and Raffi. Guérette and Furman will operate from Toronto. Guérette brings with him to the PAA roster, Patrick Watson, Shabaka Hutchings, Aya Nakamura, and Pink Martini, among others, and Furman’s roster includes Badbadnotgood, Straight No Chaser, grandson, and Matt Dusk. Also joining the PAA team, in the role of Agent Assistant, is Frédérique Bernatchez.
“The hiring of Vesna, Andre, and Jason further solidifies our already strong domestic operation, but each also brings knowledge of the international marketplace, allowing us to broaden our reach outside this country,” says Paquin Artists Agency President, Julien Paquin. “With these new agents, we believe we will come out of the pandemic a stronger and more dynamic agency, ready to bring live music back to audiences all around the world.”
Paquin Entertainment Group is one of Canada’s premier arts and entertainment companies with offices in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Nashville. Established in 1985, Paquin Entertainment Group was founded based on Artist Management and Concert, Theatrical, and Film Production. In 1990, it established the Paquin Artists Agency, which has become one of the largest independent agencies in North America.
Blanco Brown Expected To Make Full Recovery Following Car Accident
/by Lorie HollabaughBlanco Brown is currently recovering from his recent car crash in Atlanta and has been relocated out of the ICU following an additional 12-hour plus surgery. The BBR Music Group artist is continuing his recovery in the hospital and his team of doctors do not anticipate Brown requiring any additional surgeries and expect him to make a full recovery.Brown was involved in a head-on collision near his home in Atlanta on Aug. 31 and sustained significant injuries, undergoing a 12-hour surgery to address the traumas. In a statement released from his label, Blanco, his family and his friends wish to express that they have been humbled and deeply touched by the outpouring of love from all over the world. They would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for continued prayers for Blanco during this time.
Kent Blazy, Brett James, Tia Sillers, Kix Brooks, Steven Curtis Chapman Among Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year’s nominees for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame have been revealed, including eight nominees in the Songwriters category, and four in the Songwriter/Artists category.
Nominees in the Songwriters category include Kent Blazy, Shawn Camp, Don Henry, Brett James, Tony Martin, Steve Seskin, Tia Sillers, and George Teren. Nominees in the Songwriter/Artists category include Kix Brooks, Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Earle, and Phil Vassar.
Each of the nominees earned their first Top 20 songs at least two decades ago. Two songwriters and one songwriter/artist will be elected by their songwriter peers to join the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in these categories. Two more will be voted on by a separate body of veteran voters to elect a veteran songwriter and veteran songwriter/artist, both of whom must have earned their first significant (Top 20) songs at least 30 years ago. As part of that process, nominees in those categories are not announced.
The five inductees-elect are typically honored at the organization’s annual Gala, where they are officially inducted into the Hall of Fame; however, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been rescheduled to 2021. This year’s class will be honored alongside the Class of 2021 in a special double-sized Gala next fall. Details on the 2021 event will be forthcoming.
ABOUT THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME 2020 NOMINEES:
Category 1 – SONGWRITERS
KENT BLAZY
Kent Blazy grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, playing in various local bands. By the mid-’70s, he was touring as a guitar player for Canadian legend Ian Tyson. After a first-place win in a national songwriting competition, Kent decided to make the move to Nashville. In 1982, Gary Morris sent Kent’s “Headed For A Heartache” to No. 5 on the country chart. Soon after, other cuts followed with The Forester Sisters, T. Graham Brown, Donna Fargo and Moe Bandy. In 1987, Kent was introduced to new demo singer Garth Brooks. The two began writing together, and their first collaboration, “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” became Brooks’ first No. 1 single and NSAI’s 1989 Song of the Year. Their writing partnership yielded four additional Top 5 songs with “Ain’t Goin’ Down (’Til The Sun Comes Up),” “Somewhere Other Than The Night,” “It’s Midnight Cinderella” and “She’s Gonna Make It.” Kent also was a co-writer on the Brooks & George Jones duet “Beer Run,” as well as on “That’s What I Get For Lovin’ You” by Diamond Rio, “My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me” by American Idol finalist Danny Gokey, and “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” by Chris Young.
SHAWN CAMP
Shawn Camp grew up on a farm outside of Perryville, Arkansas. Through both parents, who sang and played guitar, he was infused with a love of music. Shawn picked up a guitar at age five and by age 20 had moved to Nashville, where he found work in the late ’80s as a fiddle player in backing bands for The Osborne Brothers, Jerry Reed, Alan Jackson and Trisha Yearwood. After charting a pair of self-penned singles in 1993 as a recording artist on Warner Bros. Records (“Fallin’ Never Felt So Good” and “Confessin’ My Love”), Shawn turned his attention to writing songs—earning his first No. 1 hits in 1998 with “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks and “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn. In 2006, he had Top 5 singles with “Nobody But Me” by Blake Shelton and “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner. Shawn also co-wrote Turner’s “Firecracker,” as well as “River Of Love” by George Strait and “Love Done Gone” by Billy Currington. Shawn’s songs have been recorded by many bluegrass artists. Additionally, he is a member of the award-winning band The Earls of Leicester, a three-time Bluegrass Entertainer of the Year honoree.
DON HENRY
California native Don Henry began writing songs at age 13. By the late 1970s, he was ready to give Nashville a try. His early success came from cuts by T.G. Sheppard and John Conlee, who singled “Blue Highway.” Conlee also recorded “Class Reunion,” as did The Oak Ridge Boys, Gene Watson and Ray Charles. Kathy Mattea has recorded a several of Don’s songs, including “Beautiful Fool,” “Whole Lotta Holes,” and the heart-wrenching “Where’ve You Been.” Also recorded by Patti Page and Dailey & Vincent, that song earned 1990’s Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 1989 ACM Song of the Year, the 1990 CMA Song of the Year and the 1990 NSAI Song of the Year. In 1993 Don released a critically acclaimed album on Sony Records titled Wild In the Backyard. Many of those songs, such as “Harley” and “Mr. God” have become staples in his solo acoustic performance repertoire. Among other hits from Don’s catalogue are “Heart Vs. Heart” by Pake McEntire, “Has Anybody Seen Amy?” by John & Audrey Wiggins and “All Kinds Of Kinds” by Miranda Lambert. Don also records and performs in the duo The Don Juans.
BRETT JAMES
Midway through medical school, Oklahoma City native Brett James left college to pursue music in Nashville. After several years as an Arista/Career recording artist, he continued writing for others, scoring early cuts by Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride. In 2001, “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews became Brett’s first No. 1 hit. In 2006, the chart-topping “Jesus Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2005 ACM Single of the Year, the 2006 ASCAP Country Song of the Year and the 2006 NSAI Song of the Year. Now with more than 300 major-label cuts, Brett’s catalogue includes hits such as “When The Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker, “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood, “It’s America” by Rodney Atkins, “Out Last Night” by Kenny Chesney, “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts, “The Man I Want To Be” by Chris Young and “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert. Brett also has a Top 5 Latin hit with “The One You Love (Todo Mi Amor)” by Paulina Rubio. Brett was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010.In 2020, he released a new self-written album titled I Am Now.
TONY MARTIN
Born in Georgia and raised in Nashville, Tony Martin has been around country songwriting his entire life. The son of classic Country composer Glenn Martin, Tony grew up at the feet of other stellar songwriters such as Sonny Throckmorton, Mickey Newbury and Hank Cochran. During his time as a journalist for a Chicago newspaper, Tony was writing parody songs for fun when his father urged him to take his talent more seriously. On his 10th attempt, Tony wrote “Baby’s Gotten Good At Goodbye,” which his father successfully pitched to George Strait. The song proved to be the dream scenario for a songwriter. It was Tony’s first demo, first cut, first single, first hit and first No. 1. Since that time, Tony has added more chart-topping hits to his resume. Among those are “Banjo” by Rascal Flatts, “I’ll Think Of A Reason Later” by Lee Ann Womack, “Just To See You Smile” by Tim McGraw, “Living And Living Well” by George Strait, “No Place That Far” by Sara Evans, “Settle For A Slow Down” by Dierks Bentley, “Third Rock From The Sun” by Joe Diffie, “Time Is Love” by Josh Turner and “You Look Good In My Shirt” by Keith Urban.
STEVE SESKIN
New York-born Steve Seskin began his songwriting career when he moved to San Francisco in 1972. Upon the advice of Crystal Gayle, Steve visited Nashville in 1985 and began co-writing. He first hit the country chart in 1990 with “Wrong” by Waylon Jennings. He has enjoyed particular success with both John Michael Montgomery (“Life’s A Dance,” “If You’ve Got Love,” “No Man’s Land”) and Neal McCoy (“No Doubt About It” and “For A Change”). His “Don’t Laugh At Me” by Mark Wills was named the 1998 NSAI Song of the Year. The version by Peter, Paul and Mary became the impetus for the Operation Respect/Don’t Laugh at Me project, a curriculum designed to teach tolerance in schools. Other Steve Seskin hits include “Daddy’s Money” by Ricochet, the Grammy-nominated “Grown Men Don’t Cry” by Tim McGraw and “I Think About You” by Collin Raye. That song’s video was named the ACM 1997 Video of the Year, while the song and video were awarded by the Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence. A successful performer and recording artist on his own, Steve has recorded numerous CDs for his own label. He divides his time among Nashville, Northern California and touring.
TIA SILLERS
Growing up in Nashville, Tia Sillers became hooked on songwriting as a high-school student when she attended her first songwriters round. Years later her first publishing deal yielded “Lipstick Promises” by George Ducas in 1995. Also that year, Kenny Wayne Shepherd made Tia’s “Deja Voodoo” a Top 10 rock hit. Three years later, Shepherd delivered a No. 1 rock hit with “Blue On Black,” which earned the 1998 Billboard Music Award for Rock Track of the Year. (The song was re-recorded in 2019 by Five Finger Death Punch with Shepherd, Brantley Gilbert & Brian May.) In 2008, Tia’s co-written “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack with The Sons of the Desert became a chart-topping multi-genre smash that earned the 2000 Grammy for Best Country Song, as well as the 2000 ACM Song and Single of the Year, the 2000 CMA Song and Single of the Year, the 2001 ASCAP Country Song of the Year, the 2001 BMI Country Song of the Year and the 2000-2001 NSAI Song of the Year. Other notable songs from Tia’s catalogue include “Land Of The Living” by Pam Tillis, “There’s Your Trouble” by The Dixie Chicks, “I Cry” by Tammy Cochran, “That’d Be Alright” by Alan Jackson, “A Joyful Noise” by Jo Dee Messina and “Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love” by Trisha Yearwood.
GEORGE TEREN
Massachusetts native George Teren moved to Nashville in 1987. During the 1990s, George’s songs were recorded by artists such as Billy Dean, Neal McCoy, Andy Williams and John Michael Montgomery. In 1997, George celebrated his first Top 5 single, “She’s Sure Taking It Well” by Kevin Sharp, as well as his first No. 1 single, “Running Out Of Reasons To Run” by Rick Trevino. Two years later, George concluded the decade with the No. 3 “Busy Man” by Billy Ray Cyrus and soon began the 2000s with more hits: “Man Of Me” by Gary Allan, “A Good Way To Get On My Bad Side” by Tracy Byrd with Mark Chesnutt, “Homewrecker” by Gretchen Wilson and “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks. Three more songs from George’s catalogue—“Real Good Man” by Tim McGraw, “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley with Dolly Parton and “Ladies Love Country Boys” by Trace Adkins—all reached No. 1 on the country chart. George is a multiple award-winning writer and producer of music for radio and TV with a Clio, a Mobius and a number of Tellys and Emmys to his credit. He has composed themes for the NBA, ABC College Football and CBS Winter Olympics.
Category 2 – SONGWRITER/ARTISTS
KIX BROOKS
Raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kix Brooks was playing guitar by age 6, entertaining audiences by age 12 and writing songs by age 14. After stints working on an oil pipeline in Alaska and as an advertising copywriter in Maine, he moved Nashville in 1979. He first hit the charts as a singer-songwriter on an independent label in 1983, then signed with Capitol Records for his debut solo album in 1988. Between 1983 and 1992, Kix’s songwriting yielded three No. 1 country hits—“I’m Only In It For The Love” by John Conlee, “Modern Day Romance” by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and “Who’s Lonely Now” by Highway 101—plus a No. 2 hit with “Sacred Ground” by McBride & The Ride. During the 1990s and 2000s, Kix teamed with Ronnie Dunn to form Brooks & Dunn. Kix co-wrote many of the band’s hits, including “Brand New Man,” “Lost And Found,” “Mama Don’t Get Dressed Up For Nothing,” “My Next Broken Heart,” “Only In America” and “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.” With more than 30 million records sold, they are the highest-selling duo in the history of country music. Together, they earned more than 75 major industry awards—including the CMA’s Vocal Duo of the Year a record 14 times—culminating in their 2019 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
Steven Curtis Chapman grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, where he learned to play guitar at a young age by hanging out in his father’s music store. Following a brief college career as a pre-med student, Steven moved to Nashville to pursue music. The 1987 release of his debut album, First Hand, launched a flood of awards for his self-penned hits, including “His Eyes” (the GMA’s 1989 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “His Strength Is Perfect” (the GMA’s 1990 Inspirational Song of the Year), “The Great Adventure” (the GMA’s 1993 Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Go There With You” (the GMA’s 1994 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Heaven In The Real World” (the GMA’s 1995 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year), “Let Us Pray” (the GMA’s 1998 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year) and “Dive” (the GMA’s 2000 Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year). Other award-winning songs from Steven’s catalogue include “I Can See The Hand Of God” by The Cathedrals (the GMA’s 1990 Southern Gospel Song Of The Year) and “Voice Of Truth” by Casting Crowns (the GMA’s 2005 Inspirational Song of the Year). One of the most-honored artists in the history of Christian music, Steven is a 10-time winner of the GMA’s Songwriter of the Year award (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2009), as well as NSAI’s 1999 Songwriter/Artist of the Year.
STEVE EARLE
Steve Earle grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where he began playing guitar at age 11. Dropping out of school at age 16, he moved to Houston. Then in 1974, Steve moved to Nashville, where he worked blue-collar jobs by day and played music by night before landing a gig playing bass in Guy Clark’s band. Ever restless, Steve formed his own band, The Dukes, in 1982—the same year that Johnny Lee took Steve’s self-penned “When You Fall In Love” into the Top 20. Moving on from his previous publishing- and record- deals, Steve released his first full-length album on MCA in 1986. The title track, “Guitar Town,” reached the Top 10 that year, followed by another Top 10, “Goodbye’s All We’ve Got Left,” the next year. In 1987, Steve’s “I Ain’t Ever Satisfied” reached No. 26 on the rock chart. In 1988—the year Patty Loveless reached No. 2 with Steve’s “A Little Bit In Love”—he hit No. 10 on the rock chart with “Copperhead Road,” the title track of his landmark album. Other classic songs from Steve’s pen include “My Old Friend The Blues” (also recorded by T. Graham Brown, Joe Nichols, The Grascals), “Nothing But A Child” (also recorded by Nicolette Larson, Kathy Mattea, Lee Ann Womack), “The Devil’s Right Hand” (also recorded by Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Bob Seger) and Miranda Lambert’s Top 20 hit “Kerosene.”
PHIL VASSAR
Phil Vassar was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. During his college years, he began playing piano and singing in local clubs. Moving to Nashville to pursue music, Phil found the going slow for several years until 1997 when some of his initial songs were recorded by Blackhawk, Skip Ewing, and The Sons of the Desert. Then in 1998, Phil’s songs started gaining traction as singles for a variety of artists. During the next two years, he garnered six chart-topping hits from Collin Raye, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina (including the No. 1 “Bye, Bye”) and Tim McGraw (including the No. 1 “My Next Thirty Years”). During that time, he was named NSAI’s 1998 Songwriter of the Year and ASCAP’s 1999 Country Songwriter of the Year. In late 1999, Phil signed a record deal with Arista Nashville. Released the following year, his debut album generated the self-penned hits “Carlene,” “Rose Bouquet,” “Six-Pack Summer,” “That’s When I Love You” and “Just Another Day In Paradise,” Phil’s first No. 1 as an artist. Propelled by that success, he was named ASCAP’s 2001 Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year. Other hits by Phil as an artist include “American Child,” “In A Real Love” and “Last Day Of My Life.” He was named NSAI’s 2006 Songwriter/Artist of the Year.
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit To Play Socially Distanced Tennessee Shows To Support NIVA
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit are set to perform at The Caverns Above Ground Concert Series in Pelham, Tennessee, on Oct. 9-11, 2020. One dollar from each ticket sale will be donated to the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). The concerts will take place outdoors and in pods on a hillside above The Caverns cave music venue and overlooking the picturesque Payne Cove.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. CT. More information and tickets can be found at thecaverns.com/above-