Regarded as the Gentle Giant because of his smooth, baritone voice and mild nature, the late Don Williams was honored with three nights of music by the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Members of Williams’ original touring band joined the symphony in a show curated by “life-long fan” Keith Urban to tribute the Country Music Hall of Famer. The show utilized a 25-foot wide video screen to show concert footage of Williams, while the symphony and the band played along to Williams’ isolated vocal, pulled from the footage, creating a fantastical and touching concert experience for fans of the late singer. The video footage, which came from performances in Africa, Ireland, and Branson, Missouri, and spanned from the 1980s to 2014 and highlighted Williams’ massive international appeal. Williams passed in 2017 at age 78.
Attendees were also able to view some of Williams’ personal items, including the medallion presented to Williams as he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, some items of clothing, record sleeves and Gold records, some of his most recognizable guitars, and the 1971 MCI tour bus, dubbed Gypsy Lady, which carried Williams from show to show for many years until his retirement. His legendary cowboy hat sat up on stage in a chair, much like the chair he sat in on stage during the latter bit of his career, with a singular light shining down on it.
As curator, Urban introduced the experience via video. “This evening is your passport to Don’s magical journey of his hit-making career,” Urban said as he gushed over Williams’ influence on his own career, as well as Williams’ global reach. It was later revealed that Urban had been sitting in the audience with Williams’ long-time manager, Robert Pratt.
Pictured (L-R): Robert Pratt, Don Williams’ longtime manager and Keith Urban, curator. Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media
Thursday night featured special guests Trace Adkins and Tracy Lawrence, Friday night featured Victoria Shaw, and Saturday night featured Eric Paslay. Previously announced performer Sara Evans fell ill and was unable to attend.
“Don Williams set an incredible standard as a vocalist in country music, and in music in general,” Nashville Symphony conductor Enrico Lopez–Yañez said from the stage. He credited conductor Jim Gray for the arrangements.
The Nashville Symphony started the evening off beautifully by playing a specially-crafted overture featuring bits of some of Williams’ 17 No. 1 hits while the screen showed footage of him traveling to Africa, as well as photos and album covers. Then the screen shifted to Williams performing his hit “Good Ole Boys Like Me.” His original band walked out to accompany Williams and the Symphony on the tune, including Mark Johnson (bass guitar), Mike Noble (band leader, guitar), John Gardner (drums), Chris Nole (keyboards & accordion), and Steve Peavey (guitar).
Pictured (L-R): Mark Johnson (bass), Billy Sanford (fmr. guitarist), Mike Noble (guitar & band leader), Jesse Benfield (editor & playback), Keith Urban (curator), John Gardner (drums), Chris Nole (keyboards & accordion), Steve Peavey (guitar). Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media
The Symphony played along with Williams’ stunning voice and the seasoned band through a landscape of his hits like his romantic tunes “Til The Rivers All Run Dry,” “It Must Be Love,” and “I Believe In You,” to his emotional songs, like “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend,” “She Never Knew Me” and “I’m Just a Country Boy,” and his biggest hit, “Tulsa Time.” All the while, Williams’ image smiled down from the screen, and sang along tenderly.
As he is known as the first country artist to perform in Africa, there were several moments of footage of African people singing along to Williams’ music. “Country by country, generation by generation, Don Williams was always the gentle giant,” said Lopez-Yañez.
When it came time for one of his most-loved tunes, “You’re My Best Friend,” Williams led the Symphony, band and audience in song, holding back for the last verse so the audience could sing. In an emotionally palpable moment, The Schermerhorn sang the sweet words up to Williams on the screen, as he grinned. “Fantastic,” Williams said with a smile. “I want to thank everyone of you for coming. Man, y’all are incredible.”
The tribute ended with Williams’ “Louisiana Saturday Night,” and then more footage of Williams in Africa. Attendees stood in the aisles with their coats to watch the final moments of the footage as the lights came on. As attendees were leaving, they were greeted by Williams’ touring bus, Gypsy Lady, and were even able to have a look inside.
Industry Ink: BMI, 117 Entertainment, CMA EDU
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI’s Julia Cole Performs For Louisiana Restaurant Association
Pictured: LRA President & CEO Stan Harris, Dickie Brennan & Company’s Geordie Brower, BMI’s Jessica Frost, BMI Singer-Songwriter Julia Cole and Acme Management Group’s Chief Executive Officer and 2019 LRA Board Chair Paul Rotner.
BMI singer-songwriter Julia Cole was the featured entertainment at the Louisiana Restaurant Association annual board dinner held Oct. 28 at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles. The Nashville recording artist performed her two newest singles “Be Where You Are” and “Call It” along with her debut single “Trust You,” which has cumulatively over one million streams.
The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) was established in 1946 to advocate on behalf of the state’s foodservice and hospitality industry among elected officials and regulatory industries. The association represents over 7,500 restaurant operations and related businesses, including hotels, caterers and suppliers of goods and services to the industry.
117 Entertainment Adds Publicity Manager
Erin Fligel. Photo: Courtesy 117 Entertainment
117 Entertainment’s Zach Farnum has added Erin Fligel to the company as Publicity Manager. Fligel will assist with publicity efforts across the PR roster which includes Randy Travis, Kalie Shorr and Jerry Lee Lewis, amongst others, as well as the management roster which includes Bobby Bare, Honey County, Paul Bogart and Scooter Brown Band. She can be reached at erin@117group.com or (615) 997-0100.
CMA EDU, Monument Records’ Teddy Robb Team For Educational Initiative
Monument Records Recording Artist Teddy Robb with CMA EDU students. Photo credit: Hunter Berry/CMA
Monument Records recording artist Teddy Robb and the Country Music Association have partnered on a new CMA EDU initiative to provide college students with real life music business experience. Through this initiative, CMA EDU chapters in five markets across the US are getting the rare opportunity to take a front row seat in the marketing of a brand new artist.
For the last semester, Robb and his team have been meeting and interacting with students in CMA EDU chapters across the country to discuss the different aspects of his early career. Launching with a meeting at CMA headquarters in Nashville, students from these chapters submitted proposals to actually bring a Robb show to their markets. Five of those chapters won the chance to make that happen. Once selected, students worked in tandem with management (Longshot Management), agency (WME) and label (Monument Records) to develop marketing plans, book their show, and then promote it. Upcoming shows will include stops at Miami, Florida’s University of Miami (Nov. 6), Orlando, Florida’s University of Central Florida (Nov. 8), Gainesville, Florida’s University of Florida (Nov. 10) and Murfreesboro, Tennessee’s MTSU (Nov. 18).
Top Songwriters Come Together For Second Annual Andrew Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: Bev Moser
This year’s second annual Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert raised $25,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and featured performances by many of the late songwriter’s friends and co-writers.
Held at Nashville’s City Winery, the show was emceed by Sirius XM’s Storme Warren and opera singer Daniel O’Callaghan opened the evening with an acoustic rendition of “Danny Boy.” The evening included acoustic performances of Dorff’s songs by Josh Osborne (“My Eyes”), Josh Osborne and Barry Dean (“The Man Upstairs”), Lori McKenna (“Fat Kid”), Lori McKenna and Barry Dean (“That’s How You Know”), Jeffrey Steele (“What Hurts The Most”), Rachel Wammack (“Shipwrecked”), Angela Kaset (“Alone Time”), Frank Ray (“Just For A Minute”), Marcus and Levi Hummon (“Make It Love”), Mark Irwin (“Neon Light”), and Sam Bailey (“Bleed Red”). Chris Janson and Devin Dawson shared heartwarming videos about Andrew and Hunter Hayes closed the evening out with two songs he wrote with Dorff, an unreleased song and No. 1 hit “Somebody’s Heartbreak.”
“We honored Andrew’s talent and spirit while raising money for a cause that was important to him. My family and I can’t thank his friends and the music community enough for coming together for a beautiful night of music and generosity,” said Dorff’s father, songwriter Steve Dorff.
All proceeds went to pediatric oncology initiatives at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Dorff was an acclaimed songwriter with five No. 1s to his credit and over 70 songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, Hunter Hayes, Old Dominion, and more.
Jeffrey Steele. Photo: Bev Moser
Photo credit: Bev Moser
Rachel Wammack. Photo: Bev Moser
Lori McKenna. Photo: Bev Moser
See Tickets Opens Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonTicketing company See Tickets is expanding its U.S. presence with the opening of a Nashville office. Sr. VP, Business Strategy and Partnerships for North America, Chris Donohue, will oversee the Nashville office, while also helping to accelerate product development across the U.S.
Prior to joining the company, Donohue worked as CEO for Vydia, a video monetization service. His career has also included time as GM for label The Militia Group, as well as working in artist management for artists including Weezer and All-American Rejects. See Tickets was established in Nottingham, England, and expanded with offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, and Paris.
“We remain opportunistic where and when we expand. The U.S. is doing great business and has found a rich seam in indie venues and festivals,” said Rob Wilmhurst, Global CEO of See Tickets.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Chris’ tremendous experience and insight to open our Nashville office. In Nashville, Chris will build on our existing relationships and provide the right care to our clients,” said Boris Patronof, CEO at See Tickets North America.
Weekly Register: Old Dominion’s Third Album Debuts Atop Country Albums Chart
/by Jessica NicholsonOld Dominion debuts at the top of this week’s country albums chart, as the group’s self-titled, third album for RCA Nashville moves 31K in total consumption, according to Nielsen Soundscan. The album features their No. 1 hits “Make It Sweet” and the Gold-selling “One Man Band.”
At No. 2 this week is Luke Combs’ This One’s For You at 18K, followed by Dan+Shay’s self-titled album with 11.8K. Morgan Wallen’s If I Know Me is at No. 4 with 10.2K, while Combs’ The Prequel EP moves 9K.
On the country on-demand streaming song rankings, Dan+Shay and Justin Bieber continue to rule with “10,000 Hours,” which earned 13 million streams and remains at No. 1. Diplo ft. Morgan Wallen’s “Heartless” earned 6.6 million streams to land at No. 2. Old Dominion’s “One Man Band” earned 6.2 million streams, coming in at No. 3 this week. At No. 4 is Maren Morris’ “The Bones” with 5 million streams. Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses” is at No. 5 with 4.8 million streams.
Mark Your Calendar—November 2019
/by LB CantrellIndustry Events
November 10, 2019
SESAC Awards
November 11, 2019
ASCAP Awards
November 12, 2019
BMI Awards
November 13, 2019
The 53rd annual CMA Awards live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 7 p.m. central on ABC
November 14, 2019
Bob Kingsley Celebration of Life at CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame at 1 p.m. central
November 19, 2019
NATD Honors
November 20, 2019
Grammy Nominations Revealed
November 24, 2019
The 47th Annual American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles airing live on ABC
Single Add Dates
November 4
LANCO/What I See/Arista Nashville
Dylan Jakobsen/I AM/IAE
Jagertown/Falling on the Blacktop/G&N Entertainment
November 6
Taylor Marie Wagner/Better Off
November 7
Jeff Bates/If I Get Drunk Tonight
November 8
Cody Newman/Mystery Boy
November 11
Will Carter/You Feel Like Home/Way Back Records
Tara Shannon/Mutha/Willow Sound
Josh Ward/One More Shot Of Whiskey/Josh Ward
Keeper of the Plains/Lovin’ and Lettin’ Go
November 14
Chloe Collins/Didn’t Want You/Collins House Music
November 18
Granger Smith/That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads/Wheelhouse Records
Mitchell Tenpenny/Anything She Says/Riser House/Columbia Nashville
November 25
The Green Rumours/Holding Horses/11:11 Records
Album Releases
November 1
Hootie & the Blowfish/Imperfect Circle/Capitol Nashville
Miranda Lambert/Wildcard/Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville
Erin Enderlin/Faulkner County
November 8
Luke Combs/What You See Is What You Get/River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
November 15
Lady Antebellum/OCEAN/BMLG Records
November 22
Jason Aldean/9/Broken Bow Records
Ross Copperman Makes Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellRoss Copperman moves up to No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with four charting tunes including “Living” (Dierks Bentley), “Tip Of My Tongue” (Kenny Chesney), “Catch” (Brett Young) and “What She Wants Tonight” (Luke Bryan). Ashley Gorley remains at the pinnacle for his 14th consecutive week, and Zach Crowell remains at No. 2.
The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
IEBA Scholarships To Honor Rod Essig, Jay Williams, Kerri Edwards, Todd Boltin, Steve Dahl
/by Lorie HollabaughKevin Meyer (MiEntertainment Group), Jay Williams (WME), Robert Black (University of the South), Audrey Bounds (WME), and Barry Jeffrey (WME)
IEBA has announced $350,000 in new scholarships through its Educational Outreach Fund.
Six new scholarships were established in honor of Rod Essig (CAA), Jay Williams (WME), Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment), Todd Boltin (Variety Attractions), The Delaware State Fair, and the late Steve Dahl (Paradigm Talent Agency). These new scholarships are endowed at Belmont University, The University of the South, Lipscomb University, University of Delaware, and University of Kansas.
Fundraising efforts are led by Barry Jeffrey, President of IEBA Educational Outreach Fund board of directors, and Todd Boltin, the Fund’s Vice President/Treasurer. IEBA members contribute to the Fund as do artists including Old Dominion, 98 Degrees, for King & Country, Charlie Daniels, Styx, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, Ed Roland & Collective Soul, and Tim McGraw.
Through a mix of programs, IEBA awarded 29 scholarships totaling over $62,000 in 2019. Donations to IEBA Educational Outreach Fund are tax deductible and can be made at ieba.org.
Barry Jeffrey (WME), Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment), Beth Morrow (Lipscomb University), Audrey Bounds (WME), and Gene Lundgren (Aquarian)
Late Don Williams Honored With Three Nights Of Remembrance By Nashville Symphony
/by LB CantrellRegarded as the Gentle Giant because of his smooth, baritone voice and mild nature, the late Don Williams was honored with three nights of music by the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Members of Williams’ original touring band joined the symphony in a show curated by “life-long fan” Keith Urban to tribute the Country Music Hall of Famer. The show utilized a 25-foot wide video screen to show concert footage of Williams, while the symphony and the band played along to Williams’ isolated vocal, pulled from the footage, creating a fantastical and touching concert experience for fans of the late singer. The video footage, which came from performances in Africa, Ireland, and Branson, Missouri, and spanned from the 1980s to 2014 and highlighted Williams’ massive international appeal. Williams passed in 2017 at age 78.
Attendees were also able to view some of Williams’ personal items, including the medallion presented to Williams as he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, some items of clothing, record sleeves and Gold records, some of his most recognizable guitars, and the 1971 MCI tour bus, dubbed Gypsy Lady, which carried Williams from show to show for many years until his retirement. His legendary cowboy hat sat up on stage in a chair, much like the chair he sat in on stage during the latter bit of his career, with a singular light shining down on it.
As curator, Urban introduced the experience via video. “This evening is your passport to Don’s magical journey of his hit-making career,” Urban said as he gushed over Williams’ influence on his own career, as well as Williams’ global reach. It was later revealed that Urban had been sitting in the audience with Williams’ long-time manager, Robert Pratt.
Pictured (L-R): Robert Pratt, Don Williams’ longtime manager and Keith Urban, curator. Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media
Thursday night featured special guests Trace Adkins and Tracy Lawrence, Friday night featured Victoria Shaw, and Saturday night featured Eric Paslay. Previously announced performer Sara Evans fell ill and was unable to attend.
“Don Williams set an incredible standard as a vocalist in country music, and in music in general,” Nashville Symphony conductor Enrico Lopez–Yañez said from the stage. He credited conductor Jim Gray for the arrangements.
The Nashville Symphony started the evening off beautifully by playing a specially-crafted overture featuring bits of some of Williams’ 17 No. 1 hits while the screen showed footage of him traveling to Africa, as well as photos and album covers. Then the screen shifted to Williams performing his hit “Good Ole Boys Like Me.” His original band walked out to accompany Williams and the Symphony on the tune, including Mark Johnson (bass guitar), Mike Noble (band leader, guitar), John Gardner (drums), Chris Nole (keyboards & accordion), and Steve Peavey (guitar).
Pictured (L-R): Mark Johnson (bass), Billy Sanford (fmr. guitarist), Mike Noble (guitar & band leader), Jesse Benfield (editor & playback), Keith Urban (curator), John Gardner (drums), Chris Nole (keyboards & accordion), Steve Peavey (guitar). Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media
The Symphony played along with Williams’ stunning voice and the seasoned band through a landscape of his hits like his romantic tunes “Til The Rivers All Run Dry,” “It Must Be Love,” and “I Believe In You,” to his emotional songs, like “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend,” “She Never Knew Me” and “I’m Just a Country Boy,” and his biggest hit, “Tulsa Time.” All the while, Williams’ image smiled down from the screen, and sang along tenderly.
As he is known as the first country artist to perform in Africa, there were several moments of footage of African people singing along to Williams’ music. “Country by country, generation by generation, Don Williams was always the gentle giant,” said Lopez-Yañez.
When it came time for one of his most-loved tunes, “You’re My Best Friend,” Williams led the Symphony, band and audience in song, holding back for the last verse so the audience could sing. In an emotionally palpable moment, The Schermerhorn sang the sweet words up to Williams on the screen, as he grinned. “Fantastic,” Williams said with a smile. “I want to thank everyone of you for coming. Man, y’all are incredible.”
The tribute ended with Williams’ “Louisiana Saturday Night,” and then more footage of Williams in Africa. Attendees stood in the aisles with their coats to watch the final moments of the footage as the lights came on. As attendees were leaving, they were greeted by Williams’ touring bus, Gypsy Lady, and were even able to have a look inside.
Kacey Musgraves Inks Deal For Amazon Prime Video’s First Holiday Special
/by Jessica NicholsonAmazon Prime Video has announced its first-ever holiday special, The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show, will release Nov. 29.
Kacey Musgraves will welcome several artists including Fred Armisen, who will perform on “Silent Night,” Camila Cabello (“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”), Lana Del Ray (“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”), Leon Bridges (“Present Without A Bow”), James Corden (“Let It Snow”), and Zooey Deschanel (“Mele Kalikimaka”). The Radio City Rockettes will perform with Musgraves on “Ribbons and Bows.” Also on hand for the special will be Kendall Jenner and Musgraves’ grandmother. Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy will narrate the special.
“I can say without a doubt that this project is unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” Musgraves said. “What started as the small seed of an idea one night over a year ago has turned into something I’m so proud of. Some truly brilliant comedic and musical guests are featured in the show – as well as my own grandma. My vision was to bring my old Christmas album to life visually and create a modern and fashionable, fresh take on a classic format. It’s a nostalgic, Wes Anderson-inspired reimagining of the holidays. It’s heartfelt, funny, and most of all, real. I can’t wait to finally share.”
The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show is produced by Fulwell 73 Productions and executive produced by Ben Winston, Emma Conway, Musgraves, and Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen.
Earlier this year, Musgraves earned the all-genre Grammy for Album of the Year (for Golden Hour), and picked up Country Album of the Year for the same project, as well as Best Country Song (“Space Cowboy”) and Best Country Solo Performance (“Butterflies”).
A full track list for the special is below:
Russell Dickerson Lands Third Consecutive No. 1 Hit
/by Jessica NicholsonRussell Dickerson.Photo Credit: Spencer Combs
Triple Tigers artist Russell Dickerson has earned his third consecutive No. 1 single with “Every Little Thing,” from his debut album Yours.
The chart-topper follows his previous No. 1 singles “Blue Tacoma” and “Yours.” “Every Little Thing” has earned more than 125.6 million streams to date.
“THREE IN A ROW! WOW!” said Dickerson of the achievement. Adding, “I could not be more proud and more grateful. So proud of Team RD and so grateful to work with them every day! Thank you country radio for believing in me and my music and who I am. What an incredible way to close out a huge year with a third No. 1!”