Following Tuesday’s (July 7) announcement of this year’s nominees for the 32 annual MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category.
The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year is voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the first time during the eligibility period of April 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020. In addition, the qualifying song was not recorded by the nominated songwriter.
The MusicRow Awards winners will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 17 at 5 p.m..
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.
Brock Berryhill is the only nominee in this category who earned three No. 1s during the eligibility period: “What Happens In A Small Town” (Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell), and Kane Brown’s pair of chart-toppers “Good As You” and “Homesick.” Berryhill has previous cuts by Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Chris Janson.
Ash Bowers has had notable success in recent years as a publisher, manager and producer, and 2019 yielded his first No. 1 as a songwriter. He co-wrote “Prayed For You” with fellow nominees Allison Veltz-Cruz and Matt Stell, which became Stell’s breakthrough hit. Additionally, Bowers and Stell co-produced the track.
Ben Burgess earned his first No. 1 as co-writer of “Whiskey Glasses,” recorded by Morgan Wallen. This follows Burgess’ numerous cuts with artists as diverse as Dierks Bentley, Tyler Rich, Lil Wayne, Diplo, Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan, and HARDY. Burgess recently signed with Big Loud Records as an artist.
Jennifer Denmark earned her first No. 1 as co-writer of “Make Me Want To,” recorded by Jimmie Allen. She penned the song with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Paul Sikes. Denmark adds this success to her previous cuts by Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Hunter Hayes, Jason Mraz, and Aaron Carter.
Josh Dunne celebrated his first No. 1 with “What Happens In A Small Town,” recorded by Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell, and co-written with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Brock Berryhill. This follows Dunne’s cuts by Chris Young, Kane Brown, and The Cadillac Three.
Sam Ellis scored his first No. 1 as co-writer of “What If I Never Get Over You,” recorded by Lady A. Ellis followed that success with an even bigger hit—”More Hearts Than Mine,” written with fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Ingrid Andress and Derrick Southerland. They are the only Breakthrough nominees who simultaneously scored a Song of the Year nomination.
Lonnie Fowler charted his first No. 1 single with “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot,” written with and recorded by Jordan Davis. Fowler’s other cuts include additional songs recorded by Davis, as well as a Bucky Covington single.
Zachary Kale’s collaboration with newcomer Gabby Barrett resulted in her breakout No. 1, “I Hope.” Kale co-wrote and co-produced the track which was certified Platinum by the RIAA and is now a crossover hit on the pop charts. Kale also has writing credits on Barrett’s follow-up single “The Good Ones,” and Matt Stell’s new song “If I Was A Bar.”
Randy Montana has a solid track record of major label cuts, but it wasn’t until 2019 that he scored his first No. 1, as co-writer of Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart.” Montana’s golden touch continued into 2020 with another No. 1, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” recorded by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, and with Parker McCollum’s single, “Pretty Heart.”
Drew Parker earned his first No. 1 hit as co-writer of “Homemade,” recorded by Jake Owen. Parker adds this success to a string of Luke Combs cuts including “This One’s for You,” “Nothing Like You,” and “1, 2 Many” ft. Brooks & Dunn.
Hunter Phelps scored two hits during the eligibility period: “Talk You Out Of It,” recorded by Florida Georgia Line, and “I Don’t Know About You,” recorded by Chris Lane. Phelps co-wrote “Talk You Out of It” with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Alysa Vanderheym. Phelps also has credits on Chase Rice’s current single “Lonely If You Are.”
Paul Sikes earned his first No. 1 with “Make Me Want To,” co-written with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Jennifer Denmark, and recorded by Jimmie Allen. Sikes follows that success with writing credits on “Everywhere But On,” the new single by Breakthrough Artist nominee Matt Stell.
Derrick Southerland teamed with Sam Ellis and Ingrid Andress to write the No. 1 hit “More Hearts Than Mine.” This talented trio are the only Breakthrough nominees who are also nominated for Song of the Year. Southerland’s catalog is home to more cuts by Andress, Seaforth, High Valley and Kane Brown.
Alysa Vanderheym earned her first Top 10 as a co-writer of “Talk You Out Of It,” penned with fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Hunter Phelps, HARDY and Jameson Rodgers, and recorded by Florida Georgia Line. Vanderheym also has writing credits on the singles “Lose Somebody” (KYGO ft. OneRepublic), and “Fight” (Tayla Parx ft. Florida Georgia Line).
Allison Veltz-Cruz celebrated her first No. 1 hit as co-writer of “Prayed For You,” which she penned with fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Ash Bowers and Matt Stell. Among Veltz-Cruz’s other cuts are songs recorded by Carly Pearce, Kalie Shorr, Ross Ellis and Chris Bandi.
Chris Tomlin Releases Track List For New Collaboration Album
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein
Chris Tomlin is teaming up with Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson, Chris Lane, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope, Brett Young, Lady A and more for his latest album Chris Tomlin & Friends, and has revealed the track list for the new project.
The project will be available digitally on July 31 and a physical album will be released on Aug. 28. “Who You Are To Me,” featuring Lady A, is out at Christian radio today. The song was co-written by Chris Tomlin, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, who also co-produced the track.
“This song is about the realization that all the crazy stories in the scripture that you heard growing up, like David & Goliath, are real and that when you are in a place far from God, He comes in and meets you right where you are, and pulls you out of the deep,” said Tomlin. “This song really shows the power of being real and honest, and because it comes from a real place, I think people are going to connect with it.”
“When we got together to write we just shared who God was for us and how he is working from the inside out in our lives,” co-writer/co-producer Dave Haywood said. “We poured all of that into this song and we are grateful to be included in this project.”
Chris Tomlin & Friends Track Listing:
1. “Thank You Lord” (Intro)
2. “Thank You Lord” feat. Florida Georgia Line & Thomas Rhett (Chris Tomlin, Thomas Rhett, Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder, David Garcia)
3. “Reaching For You” feat. We The Kingdom (Chris Tomlin, Shay Mooney, Ed Cash)
4. “Who You Are To Me” feat. Lady A (Chris Tomlin, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood)
5. “God Who Listens” feat. Thomas Rhett (Chris Tomlin, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Gorley, David Garcia)
6. “Power” feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE (Chris Tomlin, Pat Barrett, Ed Cash)
7. “Be The Moon” feat. Brett Young & Cassadee Pope (Chris Tomlin, Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard)
8. “Sing” feat. Russell Dickerson & Florida Georgia Line ((Chris Tomlin, Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Cary Barlowe)
9. “Chase Me Down” feat. RaeLynn (Racheal Lynn David, Josh Kerr, Hannah Ellis)
10. “Gifts From God” feat. Chris Lane (Chris Tomlin, Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard)
11. “Forever Home” feat. Florida Georgia Line (Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Ashley Gorley, Corey Crowder)
12. “Together” feat. Russell Dickerson (Chris Tomlin, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard,
Russell Dickerson, Corey Crowder)
13. “Tin Roof” feat. Blessing Offor (Blessing Offor, Natalie Hemby)
Great Escape Record Retailer Gary Walker Dies
/by Robert K OermannMulti-faceted country music figure Gary Walker passed away on Wednesday (July 8) at age 87.
He is best known to today’s music fans as the founder of the record store and comic book chain The Great Escape. Walker had earlier careers as a hit songwriter, a recording artist, a manager, a publisher, a record producer, a song plugger, a record label executive and a studio owner.
He began his journey in the music business while he was still a college student in his native Missouri. Walker and Porter Wagoner co-wrote “That’s It,” which Wagoner released as a single on RCA in early 1953.
Gary Walker subsequently became a highly successful songwriter in Music City. Among his top-10 hits were “Trademark” by Carl Smith (1953), “According to My Heart” by Jim Reeves (1956) and “Repenting” by Kitty Wells (1957).
He also wrote songs covered by George Morgan (“Look What Followed Me Home Tonight”), Webb Pierce (“One Week Later,” with Kitty Wells), pre-teen Brenda Lee (“Doodle Bug Rag”) and several other top names.
Success as a songwriter led to Walker’s recording contract with MGM Records. In 1957-58, he issued a trio of now collectible singles on the label—“Everybody’s Gotta Go Sometime”/It’s Only a Matter of Time,” “Makin’ Up With You”/”Then I Think of You” and “Runaway Heart”/”Pretty Patty.”
He gave up his recording aspirations to become a studio entrepreneur. He co-owned Reavis Studio, which became Fidelity Recording. This is where many aspiring acts recorded for the independent labels that sprang up to service the teen rockabilly market of the late 1950s.
Gary Walker next pioneered the profession of Nashville song plugger by representing a number of songwriters as well as several out-of-town music publishers. He notably represented Atlanta’s Lowery Music, whose songwriting stable included Jerry Reed, Joe South, Ray Stevens, Freddy Weller and Mac Davis. His successes for the firm included “Misery Loves Company” (Porter Wagoner), “That’s All You Gotta Do” (Brenda Lee) and “Walk On By” (Leroy Van Dyke).
During the 1960s, he branched out into record production. Walker produced sides for Sonny James, Bill Carlisle, Bobby Russell and Lynn Anderson, among others.
In 1964, Walker founded the Chart Records label. Its roster eventually included Anderson, Johnny Bush and Billy “Crash” Craddock, among others. Most of the label’s success occurred after he sold it to Cliff Williamson.
Walker next managed singer Sandy Posey. Her big pop hits of 1966-67 were “Born a Woman,” “Single Girl,” “What a Woman in Love Won’t Do” and “I Take It Back.”
He also continued to work as a song plugger. During the 1970s, he represented the catalogs of Painted Desert Music and Screen Gems. He later took on the posthumous catalog of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Don Wayne.
As a hobby, he began selling records and comics at flea markets and mall shows. The pastime eventually led him to open The Great Escape in 1977. The store has become a beloved Nashville icon.
The Great Escape deals in used records, comic books and pop-culture memorabilia. Its headquarters is a large storefront on Charlotte Avenue. Branches were established in Madison and Murfreesboro, as well as Bowling Green, KY and Louisville, KY. In 2000, The Great Escape Online was added to the retail chain.
Charming and talkative, Gary Walker could often be found in the stores chatting with customers and sharing anecdotes about his life with history-minded record collectors. After selling the retail chain in late 2017, Walker focused his energy on The Great Escape Music Group. It includes three publishing companies and a record label, Great Escape Records, which has had some success in the bluegrass music field.
He was proud of his Ozark County roots. He and his family regularly attended the annual Walker family reunions held in Missouri, most recently in 2019 in Branson.
Gary Ray Walker passed away at Vanderbilt Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, son Greg and daughter Karen, as well as many relations in the extended Walker family in Missouri.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville, MO. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be delayed until a later time. A small graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 13, at Lilly Ridge Cemetery near Gainesville. Those attending are asked to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodmont Christian Church Capital Campaign, 3601 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, or to the charity of the giver’s choice.
Weekly Radio Report (7/10/20)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
Tim McGraw’s New Album Coming In August
/by Jessica NicholsonTim McGraw will release his first album of new music in five years on Aug. 21. The album, Here On Earth, his 16th career release, marks McGraw’s first project since returning to Big Machine Records earlier this year.
McGraw will launch the album on Aug. 21 with an innovative album livestream experience. The project is led by the single “I Called Mama,” penned by Jimmy Yeary, Marv Green and and Lance Miller.
The album also features three Tom Douglas co-writes, including “Hallelujahville,” “Gravy,” and “Doggone.” Jon Nite contributed two tracks, including the title track and “Hold You Tonight,” as did Jaren Johnston (“Good Taste In Women,” “Doggone”). Miller is a co-writer not only on the album’s lead single, but on “War of Art.”
Here On Earth Track List:
1. “L.A.” | Carlton Anderson, Shane Minor, Phil O’Donnell
2. ”Chevy Spaceship” | Jonny Price
3. “Here On Earth” | Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite
4. “Damn Sure Do” | Tony Lane, James T. Slater
5. “Hallelujahville” | Tom Douglas, Blake Griffith, Brett Taylor
6. “Good Taste In Women” | Jaren Johnston, Bryan Simpson, Nathan Spicer
7. “Hard To Stay Mad At” | Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna
8. “Sheryl Crow” | Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Laura Veltz
9. “Not From California” | Levi Hummon, Marcus Hummon, Matt McVaney, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
10. “Hold You Tonight” | Ross Copperman, Jon Nite
11. “7500 OBO” | Matt McGinn, Jennifer Schott, Nathan Spicer
12. “If I Was A Cowboy” | Zack Dyer, Lonnie Lee Fowler, Dave Turnbull
13. “I Called Mama” | Marv Green, Lance Miller, Jimmy Yeary
14. “Gravy” | Andy Albert, Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
15. “War Of Art” | Lance Miller, Jeremy Spillman, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
16. “Doggone” | Claire Douglas, Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Aimee Mayo
2020 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
/by Sarah SkatesFollowing Tuesday’s (July 7) announcement of this year’s nominees for the 32 annual MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category.
The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year is voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the first time during the eligibility period of April 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020. In addition, the qualifying song was not recorded by the nominated songwriter.
The MusicRow Awards winners will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 17 at 5 p.m..
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.
Brock Berryhill is the only nominee in this category who earned three No. 1s during the eligibility period: “What Happens In A Small Town” (Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell), and Kane Brown’s pair of chart-toppers “Good As You” and “Homesick.” Berryhill has previous cuts by Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Chris Janson.
Ash Bowers has had notable success in recent years as a publisher, manager and producer, and 2019 yielded his first No. 1 as a songwriter. He co-wrote “Prayed For You” with fellow nominees Allison Veltz-Cruz and Matt Stell, which became Stell’s breakthrough hit. Additionally, Bowers and Stell co-produced the track.
Ben Burgess earned his first No. 1 as co-writer of “Whiskey Glasses,” recorded by Morgan Wallen. This follows Burgess’ numerous cuts with artists as diverse as Dierks Bentley, Tyler Rich, Lil Wayne, Diplo, Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan, and HARDY. Burgess recently signed with Big Loud Records as an artist.
Jennifer Denmark earned her first No. 1 as co-writer of “Make Me Want To,” recorded by Jimmie Allen. She penned the song with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Paul Sikes. Denmark adds this success to her previous cuts by Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Hunter Hayes, Jason Mraz, and Aaron Carter.
Josh Dunne celebrated his first No. 1 with “What Happens In A Small Town,” recorded by Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell, and co-written with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Brock Berryhill. This follows Dunne’s cuts by Chris Young, Kane Brown, and The Cadillac Three.
Sam Ellis scored his first No. 1 as co-writer of “What If I Never Get Over You,” recorded by Lady A. Ellis followed that success with an even bigger hit—”More Hearts Than Mine,” written with fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Ingrid Andress and Derrick Southerland. They are the only Breakthrough nominees who simultaneously scored a Song of the Year nomination.
Lonnie Fowler charted his first No. 1 single with “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot,” written with and recorded by Jordan Davis. Fowler’s other cuts include additional songs recorded by Davis, as well as a Bucky Covington single.
Zachary Kale’s collaboration with newcomer Gabby Barrett resulted in her breakout No. 1, “I Hope.” Kale co-wrote and co-produced the track which was certified Platinum by the RIAA and is now a crossover hit on the pop charts. Kale also has writing credits on Barrett’s follow-up single “The Good Ones,” and Matt Stell’s new song “If I Was A Bar.”
Randy Montana has a solid track record of major label cuts, but it wasn’t until 2019 that he scored his first No. 1, as co-writer of Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart.” Montana’s golden touch continued into 2020 with another No. 1, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” recorded by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, and with Parker McCollum’s single, “Pretty Heart.”
Drew Parker earned his first No. 1 hit as co-writer of “Homemade,” recorded by Jake Owen. Parker adds this success to a string of Luke Combs cuts including “This One’s for You,” “Nothing Like You,” and “1, 2 Many” ft. Brooks & Dunn.
Hunter Phelps scored two hits during the eligibility period: “Talk You Out Of It,” recorded by Florida Georgia Line, and “I Don’t Know About You,” recorded by Chris Lane. Phelps co-wrote “Talk You Out of It” with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Alysa Vanderheym. Phelps also has credits on Chase Rice’s current single “Lonely If You Are.”
Paul Sikes earned his first No. 1 with “Make Me Want To,” co-written with fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Jennifer Denmark, and recorded by Jimmie Allen. Sikes follows that success with writing credits on “Everywhere But On,” the new single by Breakthrough Artist nominee Matt Stell.
Derrick Southerland teamed with Sam Ellis and Ingrid Andress to write the No. 1 hit “More Hearts Than Mine.” This talented trio are the only Breakthrough nominees who are also nominated for Song of the Year. Southerland’s catalog is home to more cuts by Andress, Seaforth, High Valley and Kane Brown.
Alysa Vanderheym earned her first Top 10 as a co-writer of “Talk You Out Of It,” penned with fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Hunter Phelps, HARDY and Jameson Rodgers, and recorded by Florida Georgia Line. Vanderheym also has writing credits on the singles “Lose Somebody” (KYGO ft. OneRepublic), and “Fight” (Tayla Parx ft. Florida Georgia Line).
Allison Veltz-Cruz celebrated her first No. 1 hit as co-writer of “Prayed For You,” which she penned with fellow MusicRow Awards nominees Ash Bowers and Matt Stell. Among Veltz-Cruz’s other cuts are songs recorded by Carly Pearce, Kalie Shorr, Ross Ellis and Chris Bandi.
Charlie Daniels Funeral Service To Be Livestreamed
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Daniels‘ public funeral service this morning at 11 a.m. CT at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee will be livestreamed via World Outreach Church’s Facebook Page and website (wochurch.org), as well as The Charlie Daniels Band Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
The funeral procession route details have been released, and details are as follows:
-8:00 a.m./CT – procession departs Sellars Funeral Home (2229 North Mt. Juliet Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN)
-Industrial Dr. to Golden Bear Gateway
-Golden Bear Gateway to Interstate 40
-Interstate 40 to Hwy 109
-Hwy 109 to Interstate 840
-Interstate 840 to Interstate 24
-Interstate 24 to World Outreach Church (1921 State Hwy 99 in Murfreesboro, TN)
Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Gretchen Wilson and Trace Adkins will perform during the service honoring Daniels’ life. The funeral will be led by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and pastor Allen Jackson. A private burial will follow at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens in Mt. Juliet, TN.
Daniels passed away on Monday, (July 6) at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN of a hemorrhagic stroke. He was 83.
DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Luke Bryan, Lindsay Ell, Avenue Beat, And More
/by Robert K OermannLuke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright
We have gender parity this week, which in country music is a shameful rarity.
Both our male and female entries are worthy contributors. For country vocal supremacy, I present Travis Denning. For production creativity, let me suggest Ingrid Andress, Niko Moon and Avenue Beat. The singles by Denning, Avenue Beat and RaeLynn have the songwriting chops.
So does our Disc of the Day winner, Lindsay Ell. Truth is the greatest lyric of all.
Jason Morey is staging his debut in this column as the new duet partner of Sherry Lynn. Give the man a DisCovery Award.
RAELYNN/Me About Me
Writers: RaeLynn/Bob DiPiero/Jeff Garrison; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publisher: none listed; Round Here Records
-Decidedly an A-plus for songwriting finesse. The lyric describes a relationship that doesn’t work because she listens and learns all about him, but he knows next to nothing about her inner self. The clear production and concise vocal delivery are bonus points. Play it, for sure.
NIKO MOON/It’s A Great Day To Be Alive
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA Nashville
-The 2001 Travis Tritt hit gets an r&b-flavored makeover. Moon retains the twang, but adds hip-hop beats as well as a banjo. Very creative. The track is an Amazon Original exclusive.
AVENUE BEAT/F2020
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BMLG
-There’s nothing even remotely “country” about it, and the cussing will doubtless restrict any airplay. But you’ve gotta hand it to the lyric: This year does suck, in just about every possible way. And by making the message sound so downright jaunty, ya gotta love these folks.
TRAVIS DENNING/Where That Beer’s Been
Writers: Travis Denning/Rhett Akins/Chris Stevens/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: Warner Chappell/Sony ATV; Mercury
-He’s coming off a No. 1 hit (“After A Few”), and this stuttering, hooky rocker is even better. Get this: “I don’t know where that beer’s been/But I know where it’s going.” Or this: “It could’a been brewed in Colorado, Milwaukee or St. Louey/The only thing on my mind right now is what it’s gonna do to me.” The nifty, novelty guitar licks are superb, and the boy is a bona fide, country-as-grits sanger.
SHERRY LYNN & JASON MOREY/The Ride of Your Life
Writers: none listed; Producer: Christos Gatzimos; Steal Heart
– It rocks nicely, and they both sing splendidly here. But the overall sound is a little “thin.” More oomph, please. Producer Gatzimos is the son of Crystal Gayle.
LINDSAY ELL/Make You
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Brandy Clark; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek
-Stunning. Beautiful. Courageous. This powerfully sung ballad is about surviving the shame, overcoming the damage and rising above being a teenage rape victim. “That canyon in your chest is the little girl you lost.” and “There’s peace in saying something out loud.” And “It’s amazing where a broken heart can take you/That’s what’s gonna make you.” By sharing her truth, she has created a country-music masterpiece.
NOAH SCHNACKY/Feels Like Love
Writers: Matt Rogers/Schnacky/Ross Copperman; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; BMLG
-Disliked the quasi-spoken hip-hop verses. Loved the soaring choruses. Very upbeat, positive and summer-y sounding.
BILLY CURRINGTON/Seaside
Writers: Billy Currington/Jordan Schmidt/Steven Lee Olsen; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
– A melody would have been nice.
INGRID ANDRESS/Waste Of Lime
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Derrick Southerland/Sam Ellis/Shane McAnally; Producer: Andress/Sam Ellis; Publisher: none listed; Atlantic/Warner Nashville
-“The Stranger” remains the current single. But this kiss-off bopper has summertime verve, courtesy of some “Kokomo” style licks.
LUKE BRYAN/Build Me A Daddy
Writers: Brett Tyler Mikkelson/Jake Mitchell/Josh Thompson; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publisher: Warner Chappell/Kobalt; Capitol Records Nashville
-Sung from a child’s point of view, this is for the millions of folks who grow up fatherless.
Recording Academy Extends Over 2,300 New Membership Invites
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 2020 class of invitees is 48% female, 21% African American/African descent, eight percent Hispanic, and three percent Asian American and Pacific Islander. The class representation also spans different ages, genres and regions. The Recording Academy’s current membership is 26 percent female and 25 percent from traditionally underrepresented communities.
“We are proud of the strides we’ve made toward ensuring our membership is diverse and inclusive, which is reflected within this new pool of invitees,” said Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “While this progress signifies meaningful impact, there’s still more work to be done. We’ll continue to fight to achieve inclusive representation across gender, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, and beyond within our community. Furthermore, we’re excited to see how the contributions of the incoming new member class will help inspire meaningful change within the music industry.”
Convening virtually in April, the Recording Academy’s Peer Review Panel of music creators evaluated new member submissions considering criteria including craft, genre and overall diversity. The more than 2,300 new invitations were extended under the Academy’s community-driven and peer-reviewed membership model. Implemented in 2018 in an ongoing effort to build a more representative and relevant membership body, the annual member submission process entails two community-centered key elements: industry recommendations and peer review.
To celebrate the incoming new member class, GRAMMY.com Editor-In-Chief Justin Dwayne Joseph hosted a moderated discussion on June 24 titled “Your Academy: Welcoming The 2020 New Member Class.” Featuring new invitees and existing members, the conversation showcased a look into what it means to be a member of the Academy, the important initiatives worked on year-round, progress members hope to see within the Academy, and diversity and inclusion in the music industry at large. The roundtable debuted today on GRAMMY.com.
Darius Rucker’s ‘Darius & Friends’ St. Jude Benefit Concert Goes Virtual For 2020
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker is holding his annual “Darius & Friends” benefit for St. Jude this year as a virtual event powered by LiveXLive on Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m. CT. Rucker will be joined by Clint Black and Tracy Lawrence on the Grand Ole Opry stage for the concert, which Rucker will bring this year to fans as a pay-per-view live stream event available on LiveXLive.com/Darius and on LiveXLive’s app.
“Even though we can’t all get together for a normal concert right now, it’s important that we continue to support St. Jude and the amazing work that they do,” shares Rucker. “I hope we can bring a fun night of music to everyone watching from home while also raising money for this important cause.”
Tickets to the pay-per-view event start at $15 with VIP options offering limited-edition and signed posters priced at $50 and $100 respectively. All tiers go on sale tomorrow, July 10, at 10 a.m. CT. Now in its 11th year, the annual event has raised over $2 million to date. Rucker made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2008, after touring the hospital and witnessing the work they do.
Rucker will also appear on NBC’s TODAY tomorrow (July 10), to discuss his upcoming “Live from the Drive-In” concert at Nissan Stadium as well as forthcoming new music.
Carson Jeffrey Inks With Red 11 Music
/by Lorie HollabaughCarson Jeffrey has signed with Red 11 Music for booking.
A Texas native, Jeffrey spent much of his childhood in his hometown of Cat Spring and at his family’s ranch in southwest Texas. On the long and frequent road trips between the two family outposts, Jeffrey found early inspiration listening to the music of Cross Canadian Ragweed, Chris Knight and Ryan Bingham. After picking up his guitar in high school and penning his first songs, Jeffrey began to book a growing number of live shows while attending university at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas.
“I came across Carson’s debut record not long after it was released last fall,” Red 11’s Geoff Turner says. “The storytelling in songs like ‘Ranch Girl Dream’ and ‘Pot in Huntsville’ was remarkable for such a young artist. I could quickly see that Carson was about to make his own unique mark in the Texas music scene. His rapid streaming growth on Spotify, even despite the COVID-19 touring freeze, is really showing just how much his music is already resonating with fans.”
Red 11’s Geoff Turner is Jeffrey’s responsible agent. Red 11 Music has offices in Nashville and Austin and is home to artists in the Texas country, red dirt, Americana and indie rock scenes including Cody Johnson, Turnpike Troubadours, Shooter Jennings, Old 97’s and Charley Crockett.