Memphis Music Ambassador Knox Phillips Dies

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Memphis Music Hall of Fame member Knox Phillips died Wednesday (April 15) at age 74 after battling cancer for many years.

He was a studio owner, engineer and producer who was a tireless booster of Memphis music. Knox also organized the diverse music makers in his hometown and was a co-founder of the city’s chapter of The Recording Academy in 1973.

The son of legendary Sun Records founder Sam Phillips (1923-2003), Knox grew up in the shadow of that future Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame member. But Knox Phillips began carving his own niche into the Memphis music scene as a youngster by recording such local pop/rock groups as Randy & The Radiants and The Gentrys.

He took over the family’s recording studio and subsequently engineered records by such artists as Willie Nelson (Shotgun Willie, Phases & Stages), Jerry Jeff Walker (“Mr. Bojangles”), The Amazing Rhythm Aces (“Third Rate Romance,” “The End Is Not In Sight”), Phineas Newborn, Jackie DeShannon, Jim Post, Alex Chilton, Panther Burns and more.

Knox Phillips co-produced John Prine’s 1979 Memphis LP Pink Cadillac as well as many recordings by Jerry Lee Lewis. The latter were released in 2014 as Jerry Lee Lewis: The Knox Phillips Sessions.

He always worked to enhance his father’s legacy and reputation, providing invaluable assistance to author Peter Guralnick’s biography Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll (2014). Knox also helped organize the Country Music Hall of Fame’s exhibit “Flying Saucers Rock & Roll: The Cosmic Genius of Sam Phillips” (2015-16).

Knox Phillips is survived by his wife Diane Duncan Phillips, brother Jerry Phillips and nieces Hailey Phillips and Roxanne Phillips Tays. Funeral arrangements have not been disclosed.

Dylan Marlowe Signs With Play It Again Music

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Pictured (L-R): Cade Price, VP of A&R, Dylan Marlowe, Dallas Davidson, Owner/CEO

Dylan Marlowe has signed a publishing and artist development deal with Play It Again Music.

“I’m extremely excited to announce that Dylan Marlowe is joining the Play It Again team,” said Play It Again owner/CEO Dallas Davidson. “Dylan caught my attention two years ago when he was at PIA writing with Trea Landon. I was really digging on the songs he was writing and then absolutely fell in love with his voice.  I think Dylan is a mega-star and look forward to being a part of this Georgia boy’s career.”

“I’m super excited to be joining the Play It Again team, they have treated me like nothing but family so far and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” said Marlowe. “I’ve looked up to Dallas for a long time so to be able to write for him is a dream come true.”

Davidson, an award-winning songwriter with 25 No. 1 hits and more than 250 cuts to his credit, launched Play It Again Music in 2015.

Weekly Radio Report (4/17/20)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.

Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne Diagnosed With COVID-19

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Jennifer Wayne

Jennifer Wayne, part of BBR Music Group trio Runaway June, revealed that she has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Wayne shared the news with her fans through an Instagram post on April 15.

She also shared how she has been fighting the COVID-19 virus, and said she plans to donate plasma to help others.

Wayne’s statement is below:

“I’ve been struggling with whether or not to share, because to be honest it’s kind of rocked me and I wasn’t sure that putting it on a public platform was right for me. But as I’ve been telling people, I’ve had so many people reach out and say they have/had the virus and what did I do, what were my symptoms etc. So anyway, I am sharing this because I did contract Covid 19 (I’m assuming from the grocery store, it’s the only place I’ve been?!) and I had some great advice from doctors and friends and family (@travelingwithfinn !)… and this helped me kick this things ass. Everyone is different, and each body’s immune system fights it off in a different way, so I am definitely not saying I have any answers… just wanted to share what I did in case it helps. I loaded up on Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, B complex; chaga mushrooms and ZINC! Lots of Zinc. I also drank more water and Gatorade then I ever have in my life. I wanted to flush that thing out of my system. Those vitamins and staying hydrated and rest were a lifesaver for me. I’ve read lots of articles about what to do as far as self isolation etc… but not so many on what to do to combat it because there is so much unknown. But that seemed to really help me and I really felt I needed to share. Next up, donating my blood and plasma to help others. Sorry for the long post, and sending LOTS of love to all of you and hope you are staying healthy and safe!”

Jennifer Wayne, along with her Runaway June cohorts Hannah Mulholland and Naomi Cooke released the project Blue Roses last year and earned a Top 5 country radio single with “Buy My Own Drinks.” They also opened for Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Tour 360.

View this post on Instagram

 

I’ve been struggling with whether or not to share, because to be honest it’s kind of rocked me and I wasn’t sure that putting it on a public platform was right for me. But as I’ve been telling people, I’ve had so many people reach out and say they have/had the virus and what did I do, what were my symptoms etc. So anyway, I am sharing this because I did contract Covid 19 (I’m assuming from the grocery store, it’s the only place I’ve been?!) and I had some great advice from doctors and friends and family (@travelingwithfinn !)… and this helped me kick this things ass. Everyone is different, and each body’s immune system fights it off in a different way, so I am definitely not saying I have any answers… just wanted to share what I did in case it helps. I loaded up on Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, B complex; chaga mushrooms and ZINC! Lots of Zinc. I also drank more water and Gatorade then I ever have in my life. I wanted to flush that thing out of my system. Those vitamins and staying hydrated and rest were a lifesaver for me. I’ve read lots of articles about what to do as far as self isolation etc… but not so many on what to do to combat it because there is so much unknown. But that seemed to really help me and I really felt I needed to share. Next up, donating my blood and plasma to help others. Sorry for the long post, and sending LOTS of love to all of you and hope you are staying healthy and safe!

A post shared by @ jenniferwayne on

Skyline Artists Agency Acquires Strategic Touring

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Mike Kaiz

The Skyline Artists Agency has acquired Strategic Touring as part of an ongoing expansion of its contemporary artist division led by Mark Lourie, who has been promoted to VP of Contemporary.

Strategic Touring founder Mike Kaiz will join Skyline as an agent, bringing with him a roster that includes Henhouse Prowlers, Upstate, Armchair Boogie, Kind Country, and Jeremy Garrett. He and Skyline Nashville agent, James Leslie, have also signed two-time Grammy nominee Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen.

Kaiz founded Chicago-based Strategic Touring in 2018 after a stint at Portland, Oregon’s Blue Sun Entertainment agency.

“Mike has excellent musical taste and the work ethic required to develop new artists, particularly in these challenging times,” said Lourie.

“I’m proud to join a team with Skyline’s passion and experience,” added Kaiz.

Kaiz joins Skyline’s emerging and contemporary artists division which includes argonaut & wasp, Darlingside, Freddy Jones Band, Gangstagrass, Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads, We Banjo 3, Zoe Keating and more.

“At a time when many others are retrenching, we are growing our team and doubling down on our commitment to developing and serving artists,” said Skyline Artists Agency President Bruce Houghton.

Since the first of the year, Skyline has also expanded its Arts division with the promotion of Andrea Sabata to VP of Performing Arts and addition of agent Ben Rossman, and grew its Nashville presence adding Laura Schneider as head of Artist Relations and Sean Quinn as Tour Coordinator.

Singer-Songwriter Gary McSpadden Dies

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Gary McSpadden

Singer/songwriter Gary McSpadden, whose music career includes time performing as part of vocal groups including The Statesmen Quartet, Oak Ridge Boys, Imperials, Bill Gaither Trio and Gaither Vocal Band, died April 15 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 77.

The son of Boyd and Helen McSpadden, he grew up in Lubbock, Texas. In the early 1960s, McSpadden filled in for singer Jake Hess while Hess was on medical leave from gospel group The Statesmen Quartet. McSpadden later joined The Oak Ridge Quartet, around the time the group changed its name to The Oak Ridge Boys; McSpadden recorded three albums with the group.

During the mid-1960s, after Hess left The Statesmen, McSpadden joined Hess as part of his new group, The Imperials, and recorded a dozen albums with the group.

In 1977, McSpadden replaced Danny Gaither as part of The Bill Gaither Trio; by 1981, he was among the first members of The Gaither Vocal Band. McSpadden released his debut solo album in 1965 and went on to release 20 solo projects during his career.

As a songwriter, McSpadden penned songs including “Jesus Lord To Me,” “Hallelujah Praise The Lamb” and “No Other Name But Jesus.” He produced television series such as the Jubilee series, which was filmed in Branson, Missouri. He also produced and appeared in several music concerts in Branson in the 1990s and 2000s.

McSpadden and his wife Carol led Faith & Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri. Carol wrote the following message on the church’s Facebook page:

As most of you know Gary and I have been in Tulsa at the Cancer Treatment Center of America. Gary has been battling cancer along with other complications over the last several weeks. This has been a quick and difficult journey we have been on. We knew this week that God had a plan and his healing would be here on earth or in heaven. As of 8:40 AM Pastor passed peacefully surrounded by his family into the arms of God.
2 Timothy 4:7 says I have fought a good fight I have finished my course and I have kept the faith. Pastor Gary fought hard, finished the race and was an unbelievable man of faith. I would like to thank all the Faith and Wisdom church family and all the many friends who have prayed with us during this time. Due to extenuating circumstances with Covid 19 we are working on plans for a celebration of life at a later date. We will be communicating those plans as they develop.

Love you and thank you
Carol

DISClaimer: Laine Hardy Records A Love Letter To His Hometown

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Drink up, everybody.

The dominant theme in this stack of sounds is booze, booze and more booze. Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Jameson Rodgers (with Luke Combs) and Brad Paisley all have new drinking songs, while Chingy’s collaboration with Meg & Tyler is their perfect party accompaniment.

The Disc of the Day goes to something a little deeper and a lot more rocking. It’s the always delightful Lee Brice and his “One of Them Girls.”
American Idol champ Laine Hardy earns this week’s DisCovery Award.

LUKE BRYAN/One Margarita
Writers: Michael Carter/Matt Dragstrem/Josh Thompson; Producers: Jeff and Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/243 Music/Round Hill/Matt Drag/Big Loud Proud/Big Machine/Two Laine Collections, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville
-Bopping and charming. As sunny as the summer that will soon be here.

PARKER McCOLLUM/Like A Cowboy
Writers: Al Anderson/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Somewhat disappointing. It’s meant to be a thoughtful ballad, but his delivery is bland.

BRAD PAISLEY/No I In Beer
Writer: Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley/Dann Huff/Luke Wooten; Publisher: none listed; Arista
– It’s about togetherness, which is something we probably all need to hear right now. Especially packaged with the wry, good-natured delivery this guy specializes in. A smile and a head bob.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/Champagne Night
Writers: Andrew DeRoberts/Charles Kelley/Dave Haywood/Dave Thomson/Ester Dean/Hillary Scott/Madeline Rae Merlo/Patricia Conroy/Ryan Tedder/Shane McAnally/Tina Annette Gemza; Producer: Shane McAnally/Andrew DeRoberts; Big Machine
-This happy little ditty competed on the TV show Songland. “Drinking beer on a champagne night” sounds exactly like a summer jam.

JAMESON RODGERS & LUKE COMBS/Cold Beer Calling My Name
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Brett Tyler/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Publishers: none listed; River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– Every time Combs takes the mic, he takes over the song. He’s such a powerful, personality-packed vocalist that Jameson just can’t keep up. Nevertheless, it’s a country-music rousing good time.

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Here
Writers: Jordan Schmidt/Marc Beeson/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Producer: none listed; Riser House Entertainment/Columbia Nashville
– Live it up while ya can, sez Mitch. The busy-busy track scampers nervously behind him while he gives the lyric plenty of oomph and vocal charisma. Less production, please.

LEE BRICE/One Of Them Girls
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Dallas Davidson/Lee Brice; Producers: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs/Lee Brice; Publishers: none listed; Curb
-This man can do no wrong, it seems. This terrific tempo tune describes being completely smitten by an independent, self-sufficient gal. The lyric is cool, and it goes without saying that Lee sings the fire out of it.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Cowboy Cool
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Doug Johnson/Adam Wood; Producer: Doug Johnson & Adam Wood; Publisher: none listed
-He’s such a wonderful country singer. The paint-by-numbers song does nothing for me.

LAINE HARDY/Ground I Grew Up On
Writers: Brandon Kinney/Brett Beavers/Josh Thompson; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: none listed; Hollywood Records/19 Recordings
– This boyish 2019 American Idol winner brims with sincerity on this love letter to his hometown. Earnest and warm and endearing.

MEG & TYLER & CHINGY/The Woah Down
Writers: Chingy, Meghan Linsey, Tyler Cain; Producer: Tyler & Chingy; Publisher: none listed; Full Dekk
– “Meg” is Meghan Linsey, formerly of Steel Magnolia and solo. “Tyler” is her fiancé Tyler Cain. Chingy is, of course, a hip-hop superstar. Their collaboration is meant to be an “Old Town Road” or “The Git Up” kinda thang. Meg sings the hoedown dance instructions, but it’s mainly Chingy’s record, thanks to his distinctive midwestern drawl. The whole thing is as catchy as the dickens.

Loretta Lynn Details Patsy Cline Friendship With New Video For "I Fall To Pieces"

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Loretta Lynn celebrated her 88th birthday earlier this week on Tuesday (April 14) and is releasing a new video today for “I Fall to Pieces.” Created by director Aaron Ray, the video celebrates Loretta’s friendship with the late country legend Patsy Cline, and features custom illustrations and animations.

In the spring of 1961, Cline suffered severe injuries in a car accident. While Cline was in the hospital, Lynn appeared on the radio show Midnight Jamboree, and dedicated a performance of Cline’s hit “I Fall to Pieces” to the ailing singer. Upon hearing Lynn, Cline had her husband arrange for Lynn to pay a visit, and the two clicked immediately.

“Friendship can help us during difficult times, like what we are all going through now. I wanted to share this song and video in honor of Patsy,” said Loretta.” “She was my friend, mentor, my strength and I miss her to this day.”

The track and video are in celebration of the new book Me & Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust (released April 7 through Grand Central Publishing), an up-close-and-personal portrait of a friendship that changed country music indelibly and is also a meditation on love, loss and legacy. The “I Fall to Pieces” video includes quotes from the book.

Lynn’s newly-recorded version of “I Fall to Pieces,” one of Cline’s most-recognizable hits, was released digitally on April 3 through Legacy Recordings. The track was recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee and produced by Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash, who produced Lynn’s Grammy-nominated album, Full Circle, as well as her last studio album Wouldn’t It Be Great, which received a Grammy nomination for the title track.

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Luke Combs Captures What So Many Are Feeling In New Song "Six Feet Apart"

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jim Wright

Luke Combs debuted a new song during his livestream Wednesday evening (April 15), and the song captures what so many are going through during these days of social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

“Six Feet Apart,” which Combs penned with Brent Cobb and Rob Snyder, focuses on the simple pleasures and social interactions that so many take for granted, and things that so many look forward to after this time of social distancing finally comes to an end—a hug, visiting bars, and hanging out with friends and family.

There’ll be crowds and there’ll be shows, he sings, referencing the many concerts, music festivals and social events that have been stalled or canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The song acknowledges the uncertain times but also the hope of better days in the lyrics, It’s a mystery I suppose just how long this thing goes/There’ll be life after dark/Someday when we aren’t six feet apart.

See the full performance below:

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Curb Records, Mike Curb Foundation Partner With Community Organizations To Provide Meals For Homeless

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Curb Records and The Mike Curb Foundation, along with the community leaders of the Nashville Rescue Mission, Second Harvest Food Bank, Room In The Inn, Safe Haven, and Chick-fil-A, are making sure Nashville’s homeless population are taken care of during the pandemic by providing over 24,000 meals. Food started being served this past Sunday (April 12), and will continue through the end of the month.

“We are so grateful for this gift from Mike Curb and The Mike Curb Foundation,” shares Glenn Cranfield, President and CEO of the Nashville Rescue Mission. “This donation will do so much more than just satisfy hunger pains, it sends a message to our most vulnerable neighbors that they matter, and someone genuinely cares about them. We are honored to be a part of this endeavor.”

Due to the tornado in Nashville last month and the current coronavirus, many of the homeless in Nashville are without food and shelter. The Nashville Rescue Mission began providing a portion of these meals on Easter Sunday and will continue providing meals through the end of April. Second Harvest Food Bank is providing a portion of the meals at the Nashville Fairgrounds, which has opened its facilities to the homeless as social distancing keeps many out of the shelter, and The Room In The Inn is providing a portion of the meals at their facility as well.

“I’d like to thank our good friends Jim Van Hook and Susan and Rod Riley for partnering with us at their Chick-fil-A here in Nashville, and creating and assembling great food on such short notice. It’s wonderful to partner with such caring people at this time,” said Curb. “I also want to thank Glenn Cranfield for his incredible leadership in coordinating this effort, along with Father Charles Strobel and Rachel Hester from the Room In The Inn. I also want to thank Nancy Keil and Kim Molnar from Second Harvest Food Bank, and Rachael Wilkins from Safe Haven.”