Pictured (L-R, front row): Kayce Singleton; Jonathan Singleton; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; (L-R, middle row): Katie Flynn, Creative Director, SMN; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, SMN; Kara Jackson, Creative Director, SMN; David Crow, Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; (L-R, back row): Derek Wells, Sr. Director A&R/Production, SMN; Derek Crownover, Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, SMN; Tali Canterbury, President/Co-Owner, 50 Egg Music; Chris King, Partner, King Business & Financial Management LLC; Matthew Beckett, Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC.
Songwriter Jonathan Singleton has inked a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville. Spirit has also acquired a portion of Singleton’s song catalog.
Singleton is a co-writer on the current No. 1 country song in the nation, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” as well as Scotty McCreery’s Top 5 single “In Between,” which was also co-written and produced by Spirit Music Nashville CEO Frank Rogers. Singleton also has a co-writing credit on Maddie & Tae’s Top 20 single “Die From A Broken Heart.”
“Jonathan Singleton is a true renaissance man,” said Rogers. “He is a world-class songwriter, singer, musician, producer and businessman. After years of recording his songs and writing songs with him, I could not be more excited to get the opportunity to partner with him as a publisher. The entire Spirit Music Nashville is fired up to welcome Jonathan to the family! PS – Jonathan, you should go ahead and buy your wife that truck!”
“I’m so very excited to start a new chapter with Frank and the Spirit team,” Singleton said. “I can’t wait to see what we can get done, and I know we’ll have fun doing it!”
Singleton’s additional hits including Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” Tyler Farr’s “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” Rascal Flatts’ “Yours If You Want It,” Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” David Nail’s “Let It Rain,” and Tim McGraw’s “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.” Singleton has also penned Gary Allan’s “Watching Airplanes,” Nail’s “Red Light” and Billy Currington’s “Don’t,” along with other songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn and many more.
Since Rogers’ appointment to the role of CEO for Spirit Music Nashville, the company has signed writers including David Garcia, Jeremy Bussey, Derek Wells and his 2 Mix Music enterprise, Bobby Hamrick, Brinley Addington, Frank Ray, Abe Stoklasa and Neil Thrasher.
Other recent successes by Spirit Music Nashville include a publishing interest in Billboard’s No. 1 and No. 2 “Songs of the Decade” (“Meant To Be” via David Garcia and “Body Like a Backroad” via Zach Crowell); the top two Billboard Albums of the Decade (Traveller by Chris Stapleton and Montevallo by Sam Hunt); ASCAP’s Song of the Year (“Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell and Josh Osborne); SESAC’s Song of the Year (“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington); CMA Song of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban) and CMA Album of the Year (From a Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton); and a publishing interest in ACM nominations for Song of the Year (“Whiskey & You” by Chris Stapleton); Single of the Year (“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton and “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland) and Songwriter of the Year (Josh Osborne). The company also has a publishing interest in hits including Sam Hunt’s “Kinfolks,” Carrie Underwood’s “Drinking Alone,” Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads,” and more.
CMT To Exclusively Stream 2020 Concert for Love and Acceptance
/by Lorie HollabaughUp-and-coming artists Shelly Fairchild, Harper Grae, and Brandon Stansell will be honored and featured as the Foundation For Love & Acceptance’s first-ever LGBTQ Country Music Rising Stars during the show.
“CMT is thrilled to amplify our support as the exclusive streaming partner of this year’s show! The caliber of talent coupled with the generosity and support from the country music community to shine a light on these vital issues makes this a truly can’t-miss event. We’re honored to continue our partnership with ACM Lifting Lives and GLAAD who continue to champion these important causes year after year,” said Co-host Cody Alan.
The lineup also includes previously announced appearances and performances by Lauren Alaina, Matt Bomer, Lewis Brice, Terri Clark, Billy Gilman, Mickey Guyton, Dennis Quaid, Kalie Shorr, Tanya Tucker, and Rita Wilson.
Songwriter Larry W. Johnson Passes
/by Robert K Oermann“Don’t Take the Girl” co-writer Larry W. Johnson died on June 16 at age 69.
The song was a massive hit in 1994 for Tim McGraw, becoming the singer’s first No. 1 smash. The record also rose to No. 17 on the pop hit parade.
“Don’t Take the Girl” was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA for sales in excess of two million units. It won Johnson and his co-writer Craig Martin BMI Awards. It inspired a parody, “Please Take the Girl,” which was on the debut Cledus T. Judd album in 1995.
Johnson had more than 50 other titles registered with BMI. His co-written “If You Think You’re Lonely” was recorded by Ray Price in 2002.
Larry Wayne Johnson passed away in Ashland City, Tennessee. He is survived by wife Becky, as well as sons Joshua and Christopher Johnson plus Shane and Joshua Davis, daughter Ginnifer Line and nine grandchildren.
Condolences can be sent to Cheatham County Funeral Home online at cheathamcountyfh.com. The burial will be private, for family, at Neptune-Smith Cemetery in Ashland City. A celebration of life for Larry W. Johnson will be held at a later date.
Jonathan Singleton Joins Spirit Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R, front row): Kayce Singleton; Jonathan Singleton; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; (L-R, middle row): Katie Flynn, Creative Director, SMN; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, SMN; Kara Jackson, Creative Director, SMN; David Crow, Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; (L-R, back row): Derek Wells, Sr. Director A&R/Production, SMN; Derek Crownover, Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, SMN; Tali Canterbury, President/Co-Owner, 50 Egg Music; Chris King, Partner, King Business & Financial Management LLC; Matthew Beckett, Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC.
Songwriter Jonathan Singleton has inked a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville. Spirit has also acquired a portion of Singleton’s song catalog.
Singleton is a co-writer on the current No. 1 country song in the nation, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” as well as Scotty McCreery’s Top 5 single “In Between,” which was also co-written and produced by Spirit Music Nashville CEO Frank Rogers. Singleton also has a co-writing credit on Maddie & Tae’s Top 20 single “Die From A Broken Heart.”
“Jonathan Singleton is a true renaissance man,” said Rogers. “He is a world-class songwriter, singer, musician, producer and businessman. After years of recording his songs and writing songs with him, I could not be more excited to get the opportunity to partner with him as a publisher. The entire Spirit Music Nashville is fired up to welcome Jonathan to the family! PS – Jonathan, you should go ahead and buy your wife that truck!”
“I’m so very excited to start a new chapter with Frank and the Spirit team,” Singleton said. “I can’t wait to see what we can get done, and I know we’ll have fun doing it!”
Singleton’s additional hits including Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” Tyler Farr’s “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” Rascal Flatts’ “Yours If You Want It,” Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” David Nail’s “Let It Rain,” and Tim McGraw’s “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.” Singleton has also penned Gary Allan’s “Watching Airplanes,” Nail’s “Red Light” and Billy Currington’s “Don’t,” along with other songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn and many more.
Since Rogers’ appointment to the role of CEO for Spirit Music Nashville, the company has signed writers including David Garcia, Jeremy Bussey, Derek Wells and his 2 Mix Music enterprise, Bobby Hamrick, Brinley Addington, Frank Ray, Abe Stoklasa and Neil Thrasher.
Other recent successes by Spirit Music Nashville include a publishing interest in Billboard’s No. 1 and No. 2 “Songs of the Decade” (“Meant To Be” via David Garcia and “Body Like a Backroad” via Zach Crowell); the top two Billboard Albums of the Decade (Traveller by Chris Stapleton and Montevallo by Sam Hunt); ASCAP’s Song of the Year (“Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell and Josh Osborne); SESAC’s Song of the Year (“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington); CMA Song of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban) and CMA Album of the Year (From a Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton); and a publishing interest in ACM nominations for Song of the Year (“Whiskey & You” by Chris Stapleton); Single of the Year (“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton and “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland) and Songwriter of the Year (Josh Osborne). The company also has a publishing interest in hits including Sam Hunt’s “Kinfolks,” Carrie Underwood’s “Drinking Alone,” Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads,” and more.
Tenille Townes’ Big Hearts For Big Kids Benefit Set For June 30
/by Lorie HollabaughTenille Townes. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Tenille Townes is hosting her annual “Big Hearts For Big Kids” benefit concert on Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. CT from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The virtual event will feature performances from Townes along with at-home performances from Dierks Bentley, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Caylee Hammack, Ashley McBryde, Lori McKenna, Chrissy Metz, John Osborne and Lucie Silvas.
“It is a dream to be bringing ‘Big Hearts For Big Kids’ to Nashville, to be lifting up youth who need us in the world right now and celebrating with music from artists that I admire so much,” said Townes. “Watching the way this event has grown in my hometown over the past 10 years has shaped me and taught me what people coming together through music can really do.”
The concert will be available to stream via Townes’ YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages. Since Townes started the fundraiser a decade ago, “Big Hearts For Big Kids” has raised over $1.9 million for Sunrise House, a local youth shelter in her hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada. Proceeds from this year’s event will once again benefit Sunrise House as well as Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee’s Troop 6000 – an initiative that supports girls without permanent housing. Donations to both organizations can be made through bigheartsforbigkids.com.
The Bobby Bones Show will be the event’s exclusive radio partner, and will feature an on-air interview with Townes and the event’s stream on their Facebook Page.
Kane Brown Reveals New Dates For The Worldwide Beautiful Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonKane Brown has revealed new tour dates on his The Worldwide Beautiful Tour, after announcing that he would be postponing the tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brown’s first international headlining trek will restart on March 13, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas, and will include concerts throughout the United States and Canada, before concluding on May 1 in Lafayette, Louisiana. The tour will also visit Jacksonville, Florida, Charleston, South Carolina, El Paso Texas and Tupelo, Mississippi along the way.
The tour takes its name from Brown’s song “Worldwide Beautiful,” which he released days after the death of George Floyd spurred nationwide protests and calls for social justice and police reforms. Brown co-wrote the song with Shy Carter, Ryan Hurd, and Jordan Schmidt.
for King & Country Celebrates Platinum Certification
/by Jessica NicholsonCurb|Word Entertainment duo for King & Country were surprised last week with the news that their multi-week No. 1 hit “God Only Knows” has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song has earned more than 143 million on-demand streams to date.
“One million people have downloaded ‘God Only Knows,’ which is an astonishing fact to us,” for King & Country’s Luke Smallbone says. “We are grateful and are humbled to know that this song means so much to other people.”
While in the studio recording songs for an upcoming Christmas album, the duo was surprised via a Zoom meeting with fans, who told them the news of the Platinum certification, by holding custom-made signs to the camera that spelled out “Congrats On Platinum.”
Last year, for King & Country teamed with Dolly Parton to perform “God Only Knows” at the CMA Awards. The collaboration also earned a Grammy earlier this year in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song category, while their album Burn The Ships brought a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
They premiered a new song, “Together,” last month.
Endurance Music Group Partners With Summerland Wine Brands
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Summerland Wines Zoom Juice; Endurance Music Group songwriter-artist Natalie Madigan
Endurance Music Group has partnered with California-based Summerland Wine Brands to support local food banks across the country, including in Nashville. Summerland Wine Brands recently released Zoom Juice, five different varieties of California wine dedicated to helping victims of COVID-19 while fueling those remote co-writing sessions. For every case of wine sold, Summerland will donate $6 to local food banks, and Endurance will double that donation for all wine sales in Tennessee.
Endurance Music Group is a full-service Nashville-based independent music publisher, home to chart-topping songwriters Ash Bowers, Scooter Carusoe, Clint Lagerberg and Paul Sikes, hit songwriter-artists Jimmie Allen and Matt Stell, and emerging artist-writers Seth Alley, Natalie Madigan, Ryan Plappert, Jake Rose and Ben Stoll. Endurance also represents the catalogs of multiple hit songwriters, including Kevin Kadish, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey, Matt Jenkins and Extreme Writers Group.
Hit Songwriter Glenn Ray Passes
/by Robert K OermannCountry songwriter Glenn Ray passed away on Thursday (June 11) at the age of 82.
He is best known as the writer of the John Anderson hit “I Just Came Home to Count the Memories.” Released in late 1981, it became a top 10 hit in 1982.
The song first charted for Bobby Wright in 1975. Cal Smith hit No. 15 with it in 1977. “I Just Came Home to Count the Memories” has also been recorded by Tim Barrett (1984) and Jack Scott (2015).
His other big song occurred when Barbara Mandrell had a No. 12 hit with “Hold Me” in 1977.
Glenn Ray also wrote “Til a Better Memory Comes Along,” which has been recorded by Shelby Lynne (1990), Mark Chesnutt (1993) and Gene Watson (2009).
His song “Yesterday Will Come Again Tonight” was recorded by Leroy Van Dyke (1972) and Loretta Lynn (1973).
During his years in Nashville, Ray co-wrote with Ed Bruce and Tim Mensy, among others. He was the cousin of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Ted Harris, who mentored him. Glenn Ray was affiliated with SESAC.
Music Row song publishing executive Sherrill Blackman recalls the songwriter as being a somewhat colorful figure. He was known as “Gator,” reportedly because he had been a game warden in Florida who could catch alligators by hand, without using a snare.
Blackman believes he was also a sideman who toured with several top country artists in the 1970s.
The songwriter’s full name was Glenn Ray McGuirt. He died in Newton Grove, NC. He is survived by wife Edna Williams McGuirt, son Curtis, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are being handled by West & Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove, NC.
Josh Turner Pays Tribute To His Musical Influences On New Project
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh Turner is paying homage to the country legends who have heavily influenced his career on his latest album, Country State Of Mind, which is slated for release Aug. 21 on MCA Nashville.
Turner likes to call the project his “Mount Rushmore of Country Music,” and the 12-song collection pays tribute to five legends who have long held a firm place in his musical journey: Randy Travis, John Anderson, Johnny Cash, Vern Gosdin, and Hank Williams.
Turner also invited some other heroes and contemporary artists to join him in the studio as he crafted his celebration of classic country. The new rendition of the Randy Travis classic “Forever and Ever, Amen” marks Travis’ first recording session since an incapacitating 2013 stroke. “Randy has always been my hero. He was the reason I wanted to become a country singer,” recounts Turner. “He’s an inspiring figure, not just to me but to a lot of people, so to have him sing on this record is pretty special.”
Often performing Vern Gosdin’s first chart-topping single, “I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You’re Gonna Love Me Tonight)” early in his career, Turner wanted to re-introduce it to a new generation of listeners on this album, and he also teams with John Anderson to reprise Anderson’s 1993 hit “I’ve Got It Made.” Turner also plays guitar for the first time on one of his albums on Johnny Cash’s “The Caretaker” and Hank Williams’ “Alone and Forsaken” — the album’s oldest, and darkest, songs.
Kris Kristofferson joined Turner to record a new version of his 1973 chart-topper “Why Me,” and other standout tracks include the title track, which was originally a 1986 hit for Hank Williams Jr., and becomes a duet with fellow Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson, “You Don’t Seem to Miss Me,” (featuring the members of Runaway June on George Jones’ part), and Maddie & Tae with Turner on “Desperately,” a 2004 single for George Strait and the album’s newest song. Gems like “I’m No Stranger To The Rain,” and “Good Ol’ Boys,” also appear on the collection.
Country State of Mind Track Listing:
1. I’m No Stranger To The Rain
2. I’ve Got It Made (Duet with John Anderson)
3. Why Me (Duet with Kris Kristofferson)
4. Country State Of Mind (Duet with Chris Janson)
5. I Can Tell By The Way You Dance
6. Alone And Forsaken (Featuring Allison Moorer)
7. Forever And Ever, Amen (With Special Guest Randy Travis)
8. Midnight In Montgomery
9. Good Ol’ Boys
10. You Don’t Seem To Miss Me (Featuring Runaway June)
11. Desperately (Featuring Maddie & Tae)
12. The Caretaker
Industry Ink: Mountain Home, T.J. Martell Foundation, UMPG
/by Jessica NicholsonSteve Gulley, Tim Stafford Sign With Mountain Home
Pictured (L-R): Gulley, Stafford
Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford have signed with Mountain Home Music Company to release new music, including an album set to release in the Fall. Gulley and Stafford have both established their names in bluegrass as key members or leaders of other noted groups in the genre. Gulley performed with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Mountain Heart and Grasstowne before starting his own group, Steve Gulley & New Pinnacle. Stafford performed with Alison Krauss & Union Station before co-founding the award-winning band Blue Highway.
T.J. Martell Foundation Sends Some Sunshine To Rae Krenn
(L-R): Sherrié Austin, Will Rambeaux, Rae Krenn, Alf Krenn. Photo Credit: Janice Sheil
The T.J. Martell Foundation bestowed its first-ever Sunshine Award to The Palm Restaurant’s Rae Krenn virtually yesterday (June 16). Music City’s “hostess with the mostess” was originally supposed to receive the award in April during the Nashville Comedy Festival, but due to the pandemic, the event was forced to cancel. Krenn received her recognition on a Zoom call, and during the virtual meet, more than 20 of her community friends “Zoomed-in” for her presentation, including former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, Butch Spyridon, Rod Essig, George Armistead, Jamie Isabel, Marty Dickens and her son, Guy Krenn. The award was presented to Krenn onsite at The Palm by T.J. Martell Foundation board member Ben Jumper. Her daughter Sherrié Austin, husband Alf Krenn, and son-in-law Will Rambeaux were also present to help her celebrate the honor.
Aby Gutierrez Inks With UMPG
Aby Gutierrez and Ron Stuve (V.P. A&R, UMPG Nashville)
Aby Gutierrez has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville. This is the first publishing deal for the Wisconsin native.