Fusion Entertainment Company Launches In Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Ted Ellis, Mike Meade, Amy Aylward, Chuck Rhodes, Tom Cross, Wayne Halper. Not pictured: Bob Frank, Chuck McDowell III

Longtime music industry execs Chuck Rhodes, Mike Meade, Amy Aylward and Wayne Halper, along with Bob Frank (BFE/Audium Nashville), Ted Ellis and Tom Cross (Creator Ventures CO, LTD.) and Chuck McDowell III (Wesley Financial Group) have launched Fusion Entertainment Company (FUSENTCO) in Nashville. The new company will operate as a booking agency and will offer management and label services to select clients. Additional company staffers include Tayler Bock and Joan Saltel.

“I have known and worked with Mike Meade and Amy Aylward for many years,” says Rhodes. “When the opportunity arose to merge their booking agency Acceleration Music Group into our Fusion launch, I jumped at the chance.”

Meade and Aylward had been operating Acceleration Music Group (AMG) following their departure from Buddy Lee Attractions in 2018. The initial artist roster for booking will include Darryl Worley, Ty Herndon, John Schneider, Michelle Wright, Danielle Peck, country duo Smith & Wesley, Billy Gilman, Brody Ray, Trent Tomlinson, Keith Anderson and Jason Michael Carroll. Additional artists will be announced soon. The management division of FUSENTCO launches with Grammy-nominated guitarist Denny Jiosa.

Rhodes will serve as Executive Vice President/General Manager and oversee day-to-day operations along with Vice Presidents/Agents Meade and Aylward. Halper, who brings his extensive record label and legal experience to the organization, will handle legal affairs and business development.

“We had an incredible year with AMG in 2019 and are looking forward to the future with this new venture, Fusion Entertainment Company,” says Meade. “Our long history with this team in other facets of the industry and the relationships we all share with our clients and friends will prove to be the perfect merger.”

“Mike and I would like to thank Darryl Worley, Ty Herndon and Michelle Wright who initially showed faith and encouraged us to start AMG,” adds Aylward. “We are looking forward to continuing to grow with them and the talented additions to our roster.”

Frank, Founder and CEO of BFE and Chairman/Co-Founder of Fusion, notes, “Chuck Rhodes and I have been discussing this opportunity for a long time now. We work with so many artists who we feel are underserved in this space. Fusion will now super-serve these same artists, and we are thrilled to be able to put together such an experienced team.”

2020 SOURCE Hall Of Fame Honorees Announced

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SOURCE Nashville has announced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, to be honored at the 18th annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards, set for Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. This year’s honorees include:

Margie Hunt (Waylon Jennings/Jessi Colter; AWMZ Entertainment; Hunt Music Services; CBS Records; Sony Music)

Aleene Jackson (Monument Records; Showbud Guitars; Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Conway Twitty Enterprises; Tree International; Cowboy Jack Clement Productions)

Suzanne Lee (ASCAP)

Dottie Oelhfaen (Erv Woolsey Company)

Norma Jean Owen (CBS Records; Columbia Records; Capitol Records; The Entertainment Group)

Betty Sanders (The Pride Group; Blake Melvis; The Hyland Company; Chuck Flood & Associates/Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy)

Ima Withers (Chips Moman & Don Crews American Recording Studios; Warner Brothers; RCA Records; Merit Music; BMI)

SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement.  The Awards show is presented by Springer Mountain Farms.

For more information on the 2020 SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards, please visit sourcenashville.org/awards. Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.

Carly Pearce Previews Sophomore Album, Shows Depth And Vulnerability

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Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Morris Higham’s Kyle Quigley, CAA’s Marc Dennis. Photo: Sonni Young / Remedy Creative

To a crowd full of industry friends and fans, Carly Pearce showed off her skill as a musical communicator when she previewed her self-titled, sophomore album Tuesday night (Feb. 11) at the Analog at the Hutton Hotel. The 13-song project releases on Friday (Feb. 14) on Big Machine Records.

BMLG’s President and CEO, Scott Borchetta introduced Pearce. “Tonight is such a great girl power story,” he said. “For those of you who don’t know her story, it’s incredible. It’s about survival, it’s about perseverance, it’s about ‘I’m going to figure out how to do this.'”

Pearce previewed a handful of tracks from the new record, in addition to her top 20 hit, “Hide The Wine,” and her first No. 1, “Every Little Thing.”

“This is a really special night for me,” Pearce said. “I have wanted to share this music with you guys for so long. I’m so proud.”

Lee Brice, her duet partner on the No. 1 song on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” came out to support Pearce and sing his part of the soaring collaboration. Pearce’s husband Michael Ray joined her on another duet on the project called “Finish Your Sentences,” co-written by Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley.

Of the sampling Pearce played, several captured the refreshing emotional rawness that embodied “Every Little Thing,” including “Halfway Home,” a tune Pearce penned with Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz about the heartache that comes with breaking up with somebody. Her co-writers Sam Ellis and Natalie Hemby captured it yet again with “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” a song about persevering through the tough times and savoring the good. Pearce’s vocal delivery, and depth as a songwriter, on both tracks exemplified her skill as a country music communicator.

Another track, “Lightning In A Bottle,” penned by Hannah Ellis and Anna Vaus, captured Pearce’s romantic side, much like her Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and Troy Verges-penned jam “Closer To You.”

Apparently, the Carly Pearce album was the last full record that songwriter/producer busbee produced before he passed away in September of 2019. busbee’s wife flew to Nashville to be at Pearce’s show, and Pearce presented her with a plaque and spoke emotionally about her work with the visionary producer, and said that she had dedicated the record to him.

“I just feel grateful for my time with him, and I feel like it’s my duty to carry on his legacy and be just a small part that gets to keep these songs going and just cherish these little moments of music he created.

“I forever want each and every one of you to listen to this record and hear busbee’s heart in it because his heart was all over this and I will forever be grateful to busbee,” Pearce said.

Carly Pearce Tracklist:
1. “Closer To You” | Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, Troy Verges
2. “Call Me” | busbee, Emily Shackelton, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook
3. “I Hope You’re Happy Now (Carly Pearce and Lee Brice)” | Carly Pearce, Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Jonathan Singleton
4. “Dashboard Jesus” | Victoria Banks, Sara Haze, Emily Shackelton
5. “Halfway Home” | Carly Pearce, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
6. “Heart’s Going Out Of Its Mind” | Carly Pearce, Joe Ginsberg, Laura Veltz
7. “Finish Your Sentences (Carly Pearce and Michael Ray)” | Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett
8. “It Won’t Always Be Like This” | Carly Pearce, Sam Ellis, Natalie Hemby
9. “Lightning In A Bottle” | Hannah Ellis, Anna Vaus
10. “Love Has No Heart” | Sara Haze, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen
11. “Woman Down” | Shane McAnally, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
12. “You Kissed Me First” | Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson
13. “Greener Grass” | Hillary Lindsey, Jonny Price, Ben West

Paul English, Drummer For Willie Nelson, Passes Away At 87

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Paul English (L) pictured with Willie Nelson (R) from the 1985 album Willie Nelson – Me & Paul

Paul English, one of the most colorful characters in country music, died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at age 87.

English was Willie Nelson’s drummer and constant companion for many years. He cut a striking “devil” figure with his goatee, black clothes and crimson-lined satin cape.

He had an equally individualistic personality. Paul English was feared as Willie’s “enforcer,” a bodyguard who packed a gun and wasn’t shy about using his fists.

The drummer was born in Vernon, Texas, in 1932. When he first met Willie in 1955, he was a former boxer involved in gangland activities and working as a pimp.

He joined Willie’s band in 1966, and the two were inseparable from then on. He later shared drumming duties in the band with his brother, Billy English. Paul English was so close to the superstar that Willie named one of his daughters “Paula” in his honor.

Willie Nelson immortalized his friend in his song “Me and Paul.” It first appeared on the 1971 LP Yesterday’s Wine. In that same year, the “Yesterday’s Wine” / “Me and Paul” single climbed to #62 on the country charts.

“Me and Paul” gained further fame when it was included on the million-selling, landmark 1976 LP Wanted: The Outlaws. Next, Willie placed it on his 1981 Greatest Hits collection. It finally achieved prominence on the country hit parade as a 1985 single that made it to #14.

Willie Nelson also wrote 1973’s “Devil in a Sleepin’ Bag” about Paul English. That song appeared on the critically acclaimed LP Shotgun Willie.

The drummer’s signature cape is now on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Outlaws & Armadillos” exhibit.

Paul English is survived by three sons, Evan, D.W. and Paul Jr. No funeral arrangements have been announced.

Storme Warren Recognized With BMI’s Ambassador Award

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(L-R): 2017 BMI Icon Bob DiPiero, Ashley McBryde, Storme Warren, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Janson and BMI’s David Preston. (Photo: Nathan Zucker)

BMI presented the BMI Ambassador Award last night (Feb. 11) to veteran broadcaster Storme Warren during an event held in their Nashville offices. Warren was presented the award in recognition of his continuous support and promotion of Nashville’s vibrant songwriting community.

“We are excited to celebrate a very special and unique 25-year relationship between BMI and Storme Warren, who has consistently and fiercely spotlighted the magical force that makes this community so special… the songwriter,“ said David Preston, Senior Director, Creative, Nashville. “As Storme’s career evolved from presenting GAC’s Headline Country to becoming the host of the popular The Highway morning show on Sirius XM, one thing has remained constant: his unwavering love of songwriters and the ability to highlight their talent.”

Warren, who has actively supported BMI since 1993, has played a critical role in the success of various BMI events and initiatives, and has used his platform as a forum for songwriters to publicly highlight their craft while providing an outlet for fans to hear the stories behind their favorite hits. The event featured comments by BMI’s David Preston, along with BMI Icon Bob DiPiero and BMI songwriters Chris Janson and Ashley McBryde. The evening also included a speech and special performance of Rascal Flatts‘ “Every Day” by former BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele.

“Songwriters put into words what we can’t. It’s impossible to imagine living life without what you all do for a living,” said Warren in his acceptance speech. “To all of you who are here, to BMI, and to my team, thank you for this friendship. Whether you’ve written 500 songs or you’re still struggling to write your first one, please don’t stop writing because your stories make up our book and I don’t want our book to end.”

Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett To Headline Watershed Festival’s Ninth Year

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Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban will headline the ninth-annual Watershed Music and Camping Festival at George, Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge on July 31-Aug. 2.

The three-day, two stage camping festival will also include performances on the main stage by Kelsea Ballerini, Billy Currington, Travis Denning, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Gone West Ft. Colbie Caillat, HARDY, Randy Houser, and Jon Pardi.

“Watershed, to me, is all about the annual anticipation of a great weekend with 26,000 friends, in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth,” said Brian O’Connell, President of Live Nation Country Touring. “I feel like it is a privilege to not only get to go, but to share it with so many ‘Shedders that have been there since day one. These artists, that setting, and the ‘Shedders make Watershed more than just a festival, it’s a true rite of passage for country music fans, and I am so proud to host this event every year. Here is to year nine being the best Watershed Festival yet!”

Passes go on sale Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. PT at watershedfest.com.

Industry Ink: Russell Dickerson, Billy Blue Records, Womens Music Business Association

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Russell Dickerson Celebrates Gold

Pictured (L-R): Norbert Nix (Triple Tigers), Russell Dickerson, John Dennis (Dennis Entertainment) Photo Credit: Kailey Dickerson

Russell Dickerson recently celebrated an RIAA Gold Certification for his debut album Yours, just months after earning his third Gold certification for his most recent No. 1 single, “Every Little Thing.” The smash single has amassed over 175,000,000 worldwide streams to date. Following the tremendous success of his singles “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma,” Dickerson now has three Gold singles in his discography, the first two already reaching multi-platinum and Platinum status.

“I’m blown away by the constant love of this army aka #RDFam that has supported me on this entire ride,” said Dickerson. “What an amazing way to close out the Yours album with a big ole GOLD celebration!!!”

 

Alan Bibey & Grasstowne Join Billy Blue Records Roster

Jerry Salley and Ed Leonard (Billy Blue Records, standing L-R), Alan Bibey (seated)

Alan Bibey & Grasstowne have signed with Billy Blue Records. Bibey has a reputation as one of the most technically gifted mandolinists in bluegrass and acoustic music. He was an original member of ground-breaking bands, The New Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, and BlueRidge. For the last 12 years, he has fronted his own Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, and in 2019, Bibey was voted IBMA Mandolin Player Of The Year. He has been voted SPBGMA Mandolin Performer Of The Year six times, including in 2020.

“Bluegrass veteran, Alan Bibey, is easily one of the very best mandolin players in our genre of all time,” says Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director for BBR. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to work with such a talent and with his incredible band, Grasstowne, one of the top groups in our industry.”

 

Womens Music Business Association Hosts Spotify’s Brittany Schaffer

2020 WMBA Officers pictured with speaker Brittany Schaffer. (L-R): Emily Boardman, Kelsey Wise, Brittany Schaffer (Spotify), Kaleigh Imbriale, Lauren Simon, Dana Dickie, Nina Schollnick.

The WMBA started the year on a high note with Brittany Schaffer, Spotify’s Head of Artist and Label Marketing for Nashville, as the featured speaker at their January Membership Meeting. Eighty members of WMBA gathered at ASCAP on Jan. 28 to learn about Schaffer’s experience as a lawyer in the music industry and how she transitioned to her current role at Spotify.

Warner Music Group To Revamp Nashville Offices

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Warner Music Group has announced that Warner Chappell Music Nashville will move its operations next door to 21 Music Square East, as part of an effort to renovate Warner Music Group’s music label and music publishing properties at 20-21 Music Square East. Both buildings will be renovated and equipped with first-rate amenities, contemporary furniture, and modernized fixtures.

John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville said, “The heartbeat of our music community has long been on Music Row and we have found it an important part of our identity and soul. We’re excited to continue our longstanding presence on The Row in a new, more creative atmosphere.”

Ben Vaughn, President/CEO, WCM Nashville said, “We’re thrilled to have our own building entirely dedicated to WCM, and still right near our friends at WM Nashville. A welcoming space for writers to create and clients to come experience the best music from WCM writers, it’ll allow us to collaborate in an artistic environment all our own.”

Sugarland Reveals 2020 Tour, Welcomes All-Female Opener Lineup

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Sugarland is heading back out on the road this Summer for their There Goes The Neighborhood Tour 2020 with special guests Mary Chapin Carpenter and Tenille Townes, as well as Danielle Bradbery on select dates.

The tour will kick off in Toronto on June 4 and hit 26 cities including Dallas, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and more before wrapping in Charlotte on Aug. 1. Citi is the official presale credit card of the There Goes The Neighborhood Tour, and Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets through Citi Entertainment.

Sugarland will also release a special collection of tracks on their Bigger, Louder, Live EP on Big Machine Records on Feb. 28. The live versions honor their sixth studio album BIGGER as Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush prepare to record some new music later this year.

There Goes The Neighborhood Tour 2020:
June 4 – Toronto, ON / Budweiser Stage *^
June 5 – Syracuse, NY / St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview *^
June 6 – Hartford, CT / Xfinity Theatre *^
June 12 – The Woodlands, TX / Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman *^
June 13 – Dallas, TX / Dos Equis Pavilion *^
June 14 – Austin, TX / Germania Insurance Amphitheater *^
June 18 – Albuquerque, NM / Isleta Amphitheater *^
June 19 – Phoenix, AZ / Ak-Chin Pavilion *^
June 20 – Chula Vista, CA / North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre *^
June 25 – Wheatland, CA / Toyota Amphitheatre *^
June 26 – Mountain View, CA / Shoreline Amphitheatre *^
June 27 – Irvine, CA / FivePoint Amphitheatre *^
July 2 – Aurora, IL / River Edge Park ^
July 3 – Prior Lake, MN / Mystic Lake Casino Amp ^
July 10 – Mansfield, MA / Xfinity Center *^
July 11 – Camden, NJ / BB&T Pavilion *^
July 12 – Wantagh, NY / Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater *^
July 16 – Holmdel, NJ / PNC Bank Arts Center *^
July 18 – Bangor, ME  / Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion *^
July 19 – Gilford, NH / Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion *^
July 23 – Burgettstown, PA / S&T Bank Music Park *~
July 24 – Clarkston, MI / DTE Energy Music Theatre *~
July 25 – Milwaukee, WI / American Family Insurance Amphitheater *~
July 30 – Cincinnati, OH / Riverbend Music Center +^
July 31 – Alpharetta, GA / Ameris Bank Amphitheatre *^
August 1 – Charlotte, NC / PNC Music Pavilion +^

* Mary Chapin Carpenter
^ Tenille Townes
~ Danielle Bradbery
+ Special guest to be announced

Tim McGraw Exits Sony Music Nashville

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Tim McGraw has exited Sony Music Nashville, which has been confirmed by MusicRow Magazine’s sources. The news was first reported by Billboard.

McGraw, along with wife Faith Hill, inked a multi-album agreement with Sony in 2017, joining the Sony imprint Columbia Nashville. He teamed with Hill to release the duets album The Rest of our Life that same year.

Prior to signing with Sony, McGraw had been with Big Machine, where he released the albums Damn Country Music, Sundown Heaven Town, and the Gold-certified Two Lanes of Freedom. His Damn Country Music album included the Lori McKenna-penned track “Humble and Kind,” which earned a CMA Award for Song of the Year in 2016, as well as a Grammy for Best Country Song, and an American Music Award for Favorite Country Song. The song was certified 2x multi-Platinum by the RIAA.

Most recently, the superstar released the tracks “Neon Church” and “Thought About You,” and is set to release the album, Here on Earth.

McGraw’s Here on Earth tour launches July 10 with openers Midland and Ingrid Andress, and includes two stadium shows with Luke Combs.

McGraw has expanded his portfolio of business ventures recently, partnering with Snap Fitness for the TRUMAV line of boutique fitness centers in 2018, and launching the book Grit & Grace: Train the Mind, Train the Body, Own Your Life in November 2019. He also teamed with historian Jon Meacham to co-write Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest and the Music That Made a Nation.