Brenda Lee, Little Richard, Ashley Capps
The Tennessee Governor’s Arts Awards are the highest honors this state gives to artists. Music, our signature export, was rightfully front and center this year.
Lauded at the Governor’s Mansion at a Wednesday evening gala (Oct. 23) were Brenda Lee, Little Richard, Janice Birchfield, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Bonnaroo co-founder Ashley Capps.
The celebration began with a hot medley of Little Richard hits by the Jimmy Church Band – “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Lucille,” “Jenny Jenny,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Keep a Knockin,’” “The Girl Can’t Help It”, “Rip It Up,” and “Tutti Frutti.” Richard Penniman, the full name of the inaugural Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has been a Tennessee resident for more than 15 years. Before that, he was a resident on and fixture of Jefferson Street in the 1950s.
“Jimi Hendrix was in my band in Nashville [at the Club Baron],” the 86-year-old rock legend recalled. “[Growing up in Georgia,] I listened to [Nashville’s] WLAC all night.
“This shows you how far God brings you….God bless you all.”
Birchfield is the washtub bass player and spokesperson for the East Tennessee string band The Roan Mountain Hilltoppers.
“It has always been an honor and a privilege to represent the music of East Tennessee,” said the Appalachian musician. “It’s been an honor to travel for the state of Tennessee.”
Her old-time country band played, with Janice emceeing and grooving on her homemade bass. The musicians were joined by champion flat-foot cloggers, to the crowd’s delight. Among those mentored by the band are the current Opry stars Old Crow Medicine Show.
Capps not only co-founded Bonnaroo, he was the entrepreneur behind the widely respected Knoxville nightclub Ella Guru’s, the promoter who puts on that city’s annual Big Ears Festival and the owner of Knoxville’s downtown theaters The Bijou and The Tennessee.
“I’m in awe to be here tonight in this extraordinary company,” he said. “It makes me really proud to be a Tennessean.”
Like Capps, the Country Music Hall of Fame was honored in the “Arts Leadership Award” category. The museum’s Kyle Young accepted the accolade.
“Thanks so much for this treasured recognition,” he said. “Country music has not always been treated as a cultural asset. It has not been a particularly easy road. This award is heartening because it offers joyful endorsement of the music that built this town. This art matters. We sustain the music that sustains us.”
The others lauded in the “Arts Leadership” awards category were Linda Caldwell, the founding director of the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association in East Tennessee and former Tennessee Arts Commission executive director Rich Boyd, a Nashvillian.
Mandy Barnett performed three tunes in honor of Brenda Lee – “I’m Sorry,” “Sweet Nothin’s” and “All Alone Am I” – with the piano accompaniment of Chris Walters.
“Mandy, thank you, what a singer you are,” said Brenda. “It’s been a wonderful, wonderful journey. All of you recipients, you are so precious. I’m just so proud to be here. God bless you. God love you. And, as I always say, ‘Keep on rockin.’”
The others honored in the “Distinguished Artist” category were Knoxville editorial cartoonist Charlie Daniel and Nashville abstract-expressionist painter Joanna Higgs Ross.
Alongside old-time musician Janice Birchfield, the “Folklife Heritage” awardees were Jackson folk sculptor Hattie Marshall-Duncan, Morrison basket maker Sue Williams and Smyrna bead maker Sally Wells, a Chocktaw who became the state’s first Native American honoree.
“What an inspired evening this night was,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I know a lot more about why Tennessee is such a marvelous place to live than I did two hours ago. “You are part of a legacy that will impact future generations. We are so proud to be part of this event. We honor each one of you tonight.”
As we entered, we were serenaded by the charming, acoustic, brother-sister duo Giri & Uma Peters. During the program, Austin & Courtney Derryberry performed lively string band sounds in between presentations. John Seigenthaler hosted.
Many h’ors d’oeuvres were snacked upon – cheeses on crackers, grapes, cured meats, shrimp, mini-biscuits, etc. However, the Tennessean Executive Residence Conservation Hall ran out of plates.
In addition to Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee, the guests included Manuel, Michael Gray, Robie Cogswell, Jay Orr, Suzanne Kessler, Donna Nicely, Ronnie Shacklett, Sarah Sperling, Gov. Don and Martha Sundquist, Brenda Colladay, Jim Hoobler, Trudy Byrd, George Walker IV, Bobby Fulcher, Anne B. Pope, Joe Kilgore and Joe Brown, the Readyville blacksmith artist who designed the iris-flower-themed statuettes.
The Tennessee Governor’s Arts Awards were established in 1971. They are presented every other year. Prior winners from our
community include Chet Atkins, Earl Scruggs, Eddy Arnold, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Bill Ivey, Mike Reid, Dolly Parton, Charles K. Wolfe, Bobby Blue Bland, The W.O. Smith School, Johnny Maddox, Booker T. & The MGs, Isaac Hayes, Bobby Jones, Loretta Lynn, B.B. King, The Stax Museum, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jim Sherraden, The Fairfield Four, Clara Hieronymus and The Nashville Symphony.
Grayscale Marketing Celebrates 500,000 Tickets Sold
/by Jessica NicholsonGrayscale Marketing recently celebrated its four-year anniversary with a new milestone, announcing it has sold more than 500,000 tickets for its event clients, less than four years after being founded in 2015.
“I’m proud of the real impact we’ve had for our clients as we celebrate another year in business,” said Founder and CEO of Grayscale Marketing, Tim Gray. “Crossing the 500,000 tickets sold mark is a testament to our team, our unique process and that we deliver on what we say we will, every time — few things are more important to me than that.”
Grayscale has represented clients in 37 states and four countries, servicing industries including entertainment, food and beverage, corporate, and non-profit. In the last two years, the company has doubled its annual revenue and team size. Among the companies that have utilized Grayscale Marketing’s services are Sony Music Nashville, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Califia Farms, Pilgrimage Music Festival, and Inked Entertainment.
“We are grateful to our clients and employees, and look forward to continuing our impactful journey to support our clients’ needs,” said Grayscale Chief Operating Officer Robert Hamm.
Thompson Square, Tenille Arts To Play Second Annual Reviverfest Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Reviver Entertainment Group, home of Reviver Records, will host its second annual Reviverfest Concert on Dec. 14 at Tin Roof San Diego. Presented by KSON-FM, this free concert event will feature performances from Thompson Square, Tenille Arts, and Aaron Goodvin.
“We are very excited that so many of our industry partners and tastemakers will be joining us in San Diego in December for Reviverfest 2019,” said Reviver CEO David Ross. “We work hard all year long and can’t wait to sit back, have a cocktail and a conversation while enjoying some quality time with our writers and artists.”
The Reviverfest Concert is part of a larger weekend-long getaway hosted by the Reviver Entertainment Group at San Diego’s Hotel Del Coronado from Dec. 13 – 15. A $10 donation is suggested for concert attendees on behalf of Just in Time, an organization whose mission is to help transition-age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well being so they can thrive and enjoy productive, satisfying lives.
For more, visit revivermusic.com.
Larry Fleet Joins Big Loud Records Roster
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Autumn Ledgin, Good Company Entertainment; Chip Petree, Ritholz Levy Fields LLP; Jon Andolina, Good Company Entertainment; Ali Matkosky, Big Loud Records, Jake Owen; Larry Fleet; Seth England, Big Loud; Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Big Loud; Lloyd Aur Norman, Big Loud; Candice Watkins, Big Loud Records; Joey Moi, Big Loud; Keith Gale, Good Company Entertainment. Photo Credit: Nick Swift
Larry Fleet has signed with Big Loud Records. Fleet’s debut single “Tied Down” is available now across all digital platforms.
The blue-collar, Tennessee native grew up with a love of music sparked by an eclectic mix of influences, from Merle Haggard to Marvin Gaye and everything in between. To make ends meet, Fleet worked construction jobs but never lost sight of his dream of making music. A chance encounter with Jake Owen in 2017 led to a collaborative friendship and an opening slot on the road with Owen. Not long after, Fleet was sharing the stage with one of his heroes, Willie Nelson. Etching his mark in the Nashville songwriting community co-writing with tunesmiths including Rhett Akins, Brett James and Kendell Marvel, the hard-working family man (and father of newborn son, Waylon) is now ready to make his debut on the country scene.
“We cannot wait for the world to hear Larry Fleet,” says Big Loud partner Seth England. “He has a throwback style with a fresh twist, and a one of kind voice. I’m also glad we get to introduce Larry by releasing a full project right away. Fans won’t have to wait long to hear how great he is. Thanks for trusting Big Loud, Larry!”
“I am very excited and blessed to be a part of such a progressive group at Big Loud Records,” said Fleet. “To be on the same label as my buddy, Jake Owen, makes it even better.”
“Tied Down,” written by Fleet with Will Bundy and Jim McCormick, is the first offering from Fleet’s upcoming full-length project, Workin’ Hard, produced by Joey Moi.
Industry Ink: AIMP, IBMA Foundation, Dillon Carmichael, Reviver
/by Lorie HollabaughAIMP Shines Light On State Of Publishing With David Israelite
(L-R): Mike Molinar (Big Machine), Steve Markland (Downtown Music), Ree Guyer (Wrensong, AIMP Nashville Vice President), David Israelite (NMPA), John Ozier (Reservoir, AIMP Nashville President), Tim Hunze (Anthem Entertainment), Shannan Hatch (Fourward Music), Brad Peterson (Regions), and Dale Bobo (Big Deal Music Group, AIMP Nashville Treasurer)
The AIMP Nashville Chapter recently held an event, “State of the Union for U.S. Music Publishing,” featuring NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. Held at CMA’s Nashville offices, the event saw Israelite discussing a variety of publishing matters, with a focus on implementing the legislation behind the Music Modernization Act.
IBMA Accepting Applications For 2020 Project Grants
Dillon Carmichael Celebrates EP Release
(L-R): Jake LaGrone (287 Management) John Dorris (Hallmark Direction Company), Jennifer Johnson (Riser House Records), Dillon Carmichael, Greg McCarn (287 Management) Photo Credit: Daniel Chuma
Dillon Carmichael celebrated the release of his new EP I Do For You on Thursday (Oct. 17) at The Tracking Room. The five-song collection features a who’s-who of songwriters including Chris Stapleton, Rhett Akins, Casey Beathard and others.
Reviver Adds Regional Promotion Manager
Kellie Longworth
Reviver has welcomed Kellie Longworth as Regional Promotion Manager.
“I am thrilled Kellie is joining our team,” says VP/Promotion Jim Malito. “Her enthusiasm and energy fit perfectly with the Reviver culture.”
Kellie graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelors in Business Administration in Music Business and most recently worked at Cold River Records as Promotion Manager in the Southwest, Northeast and Southeast regions. Her first day on the job will be Nov. 4. She can be reached at 937-232-0574.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: The Tennessee Governor’s Arts Awards
/by Bobby KarlBrenda Lee, Little Richard, Ashley Capps
The Tennessee Governor’s Arts Awards are the highest honors this state gives to artists. Music, our signature export, was rightfully front and center this year.
Lauded at the Governor’s Mansion at a Wednesday evening gala (Oct. 23) were Brenda Lee, Little Richard, Janice Birchfield, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Bonnaroo co-founder Ashley Capps.
The celebration began with a hot medley of Little Richard hits by the Jimmy Church Band – “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Lucille,” “Jenny Jenny,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Keep a Knockin,’” “The Girl Can’t Help It”, “Rip It Up,” and “Tutti Frutti.” Richard Penniman, the full name of the inaugural Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has been a Tennessee resident for more than 15 years. Before that, he was a resident on and fixture of Jefferson Street in the 1950s.
“Jimi Hendrix was in my band in Nashville [at the Club Baron],” the 86-year-old rock legend recalled. “[Growing up in Georgia,] I listened to [Nashville’s] WLAC all night.
“This shows you how far God brings you….God bless you all.”
Birchfield is the washtub bass player and spokesperson for the East Tennessee string band The Roan Mountain Hilltoppers.
“It has always been an honor and a privilege to represent the music of East Tennessee,” said the Appalachian musician. “It’s been an honor to travel for the state of Tennessee.”
Her old-time country band played, with Janice emceeing and grooving on her homemade bass. The musicians were joined by champion flat-foot cloggers, to the crowd’s delight. Among those mentored by the band are the current Opry stars Old Crow Medicine Show.
Capps not only co-founded Bonnaroo, he was the entrepreneur behind the widely respected Knoxville nightclub Ella Guru’s, the promoter who puts on that city’s annual Big Ears Festival and the owner of Knoxville’s downtown theaters The Bijou and The Tennessee.
“I’m in awe to be here tonight in this extraordinary company,” he said. “It makes me really proud to be a Tennessean.”
Like Capps, the Country Music Hall of Fame was honored in the “Arts Leadership Award” category. The museum’s Kyle Young accepted the accolade.
“Thanks so much for this treasured recognition,” he said. “Country music has not always been treated as a cultural asset. It has not been a particularly easy road. This award is heartening because it offers joyful endorsement of the music that built this town. This art matters. We sustain the music that sustains us.”
The others lauded in the “Arts Leadership” awards category were Linda Caldwell, the founding director of the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association in East Tennessee and former Tennessee Arts Commission executive director Rich Boyd, a Nashvillian.
Mandy Barnett performed three tunes in honor of Brenda Lee – “I’m Sorry,” “Sweet Nothin’s” and “All Alone Am I” – with the piano accompaniment of Chris Walters.
“Mandy, thank you, what a singer you are,” said Brenda. “It’s been a wonderful, wonderful journey. All of you recipients, you are so precious. I’m just so proud to be here. God bless you. God love you. And, as I always say, ‘Keep on rockin.’”
The others honored in the “Distinguished Artist” category were Knoxville editorial cartoonist Charlie Daniel and Nashville abstract-expressionist painter Joanna Higgs Ross.
Alongside old-time musician Janice Birchfield, the “Folklife Heritage” awardees were Jackson folk sculptor Hattie Marshall-Duncan, Morrison basket maker Sue Williams and Smyrna bead maker Sally Wells, a Chocktaw who became the state’s first Native American honoree.
“What an inspired evening this night was,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I know a lot more about why Tennessee is such a marvelous place to live than I did two hours ago. “You are part of a legacy that will impact future generations. We are so proud to be part of this event. We honor each one of you tonight.”
As we entered, we were serenaded by the charming, acoustic, brother-sister duo Giri & Uma Peters. During the program, Austin & Courtney Derryberry performed lively string band sounds in between presentations. John Seigenthaler hosted.
Many h’ors d’oeuvres were snacked upon – cheeses on crackers, grapes, cured meats, shrimp, mini-biscuits, etc. However, the Tennessean Executive Residence Conservation Hall ran out of plates.
In addition to Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee, the guests included Manuel, Michael Gray, Robie Cogswell, Jay Orr, Suzanne Kessler, Donna Nicely, Ronnie Shacklett, Sarah Sperling, Gov. Don and Martha Sundquist, Brenda Colladay, Jim Hoobler, Trudy Byrd, George Walker IV, Bobby Fulcher, Anne B. Pope, Joe Kilgore and Joe Brown, the Readyville blacksmith artist who designed the iris-flower-themed statuettes.
The Tennessee Governor’s Arts Awards were established in 1971. They are presented every other year. Prior winners from our
community include Chet Atkins, Earl Scruggs, Eddy Arnold, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Bill Ivey, Mike Reid, Dolly Parton, Charles K. Wolfe, Bobby Blue Bland, The W.O. Smith School, Johnny Maddox, Booker T. & The MGs, Isaac Hayes, Bobby Jones, Loretta Lynn, B.B. King, The Stax Museum, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jim Sherraden, The Fairfield Four, Clara Hieronymus and The Nashville Symphony.
Beverly Keel Named Dean Of MTSU College of Media and Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughBeverly Keel
Beverly Keel, chair of MTSU’s top-ranked Department of Recording Industry, will take the reins of the university’s College of Media and Entertainment as its new dean, University Provost Mark Byrnes announced Oct. 23. She succeeds former USA Today editor-in-chief Ken Paulson, who returned to the faculty earlier this year to serve as director of MTSU’s newly-created Free Speech Center. Keel will begin her new role Jan. 1, 2020.
The six-time honoree in the Nashville Business Journal Women in Music City Awards and member of its Hall of Fame will begin her new role with the university Jan. 1.
“Chair Keel’s deep and extensive ties to the recording industry, as well as her considerable experience in journalism and strategic media, elevated her to the top of an impressive list of finalists,” said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee.
Keel received her bachelor’s degree from MTSU in 1988, joined the recording industry faculty in 1995, and was named chair of the department in 2013.
“I want to provide our students with the opportunities, knowledge and experience necessary to compete in the quickly changing workplace,” Keel said. “I want to add value to a degree from MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment and do work that continues to make our faculty, staff and alumni proud. Attending MTSU was one of the best decisions of my life because it prepared me for a multifaceted career in media and entertainment and profoundly shaped my life.”
Keel, who will be the first female dean in the college’s history, joined forces with Tracy Gershon and Leslie Fram in 2014 to create Change the Conversation, a coalition designed to help fight gender inequality in country music. During her tenure at MTSU, she also served as director of the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies and as president of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music-US.
Weekly Radio Report (10/25/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
In Pictures: Musicians Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony And Induction Concert
/by Haley CrowPictured: Garth Brooks and Steve Wariner perform as Musicians Hall of Fame Inductees look on. Photo: Royce DeGrie/Courtesy of Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
The Musicians Hall of Fame inducted its 2019 class on Tuesday night (Oct. 22) with a Medallion Ceremony and Induction Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. The celebratory evening hosted by Paul Shaffer included guest performances by Zac Brown, Mandy Barnett, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Garth Brooks, Keb’ Mo’, and Ricky Skaggs.
This year’s Musicians Hall of Fame inductees were:
*Honored posthumously
Pictured: In addition to their induction to the Musicians Hall of Fame, Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen of ALABAMA received the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Musicians Hall of Fame. Photo: Royce DeGrie/Courtesy of Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Pictured: Paul Shaffer hosting the Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Photo: Royce DeGrie/Courtesy of Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Pictured: Zac Brown performs at the Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Photo: Royce DeGrie/Courtesy of Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
The Cadillac Three Preview New Album ‘Country Fuzz’ At Nashville Party, Reveal Tracklist
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): BMLG’s Mike Rittberg, Clay Hunnicutt, TC3’s Kelby Ray, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, TC3’s Jaren Johnston, BMLG’s Allison Jones, TC3’s Neil Mason, Red Light Management’s Bryan Frasher. Photo: Catherine Powell
Country rock band The Cadillac Three previewed their third studio album, Country Fuzz, for fans and industry members at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. in downtown Nashville on Oct. 23 with a lively outdoor set. Country Fuzz is slated for release Feb. 7, 2020 on Big Machine Records, with tour dates across the globe previewing some of the new tunes. Pre-order begins today (Oct. 25), with “Back Home” and “Long After Last Call” available for download/streaming immediately.
Band members Jaren Johnston (Guitar, Lead Vocals), Kelby Ray (Lap Steel Guitar) and Neil Mason (Drums, Percussion, Vocals) introduced “Hard Out Here For A Country Boy,” “Blue El Camino,” “Back Home” and “Heat” before launching into “Slow Rollin’,” “All The Makin’s Of A Saturday Night” then “Whiskey And Smoke.” They closed out with TC3 fans singing along to “Peace Love & Dixie” from 2016’s Bury Me In My Boots.
Johnston thanked the label Big Machine Records for their partnership, as well as other industry friends who have supported the band.
“We’ve spent the last two and a half years working on this album but our sound even since high school has always been the epitome of Country Fuzz– country, rock and just a little bit of funk. With the blessing of our families and label letting us do what we do, we’re gonna give you a little taste of what’s to come next February 7,” he said.
Country Fuzz’s tracklist featured a collaboration with Chris Janson and Travis Tritt on “Hard Out Here For A Country Boy,” as well as tracks co-written by Lori McKenna, Corey Crowder, Craig Wiseman, Ross Copperman and more. TC3 produced 15 of the 16 tracks on the record, with Dann Huff attributed on “Crackin’ Cold Ones With The Boys.”
Tracklist:
“Bar Round Here” | Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Lori McKenna
“The Jam” | Jaren Johnston, Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley, James McNair
“Hard Out Here For A Country Boy” (featuring Chris Jason and Travis Tritt) | Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Jeremy Stover
“Slow Rollin’” | Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason
“All The Makin’s Of A Saturday Night” | Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Josh Dunne
“Crackin’ Cold Ones With The Boys” | Jaren Johnston, Kelby Ray Caldwell, Neil Mason, Jefferson Brown, Benjamin Dunn, Chris Grainger, Brandon Wootten
“Labels” | Neil Mason, Corey Crowder, Luke Dick
“Raise Hell” | Jaren Johnston
“Back Home” | James McNair, Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman
“Dirt Road Nights” | Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Jeremy Stover
“Blue El Camino” | Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Adam James
“Jack Daniels’ Heart” | Neil Mason, Josh Dunne
“Why Ya Gotta Go Out Like That” | Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Ross Copperman
“Heat” | Jaren Johnston, Kelby Ray Caldwell, Neil Mason, Jimmy Robbins
“Whiskey And Smoke” | Jaren Johnston, Kelby Ray Caldwell, Neil Mason
“Long After Last Call” | Jaren Johnston
Big Yellow Dog Music Signs Jim Beavers
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Carla Wallace (Big Yellow Dog Music), Jacee Badeaux (Big Yellow Dog Music), Jim Beavers (Artist), Lauren Funk (Big Yellow Dog Music), Kerry O’Neil (Big Yellow Dog Music).
Big Yellow Dog Music has signed songwriter and music industry professional Jim Beavers to its roster.
The former Capitol Records label executive’s nine No. 1 hits include “Drink a Beer” (Luke Bryan), “Watching Airplanes” (Gary Allan), “Why Don’t We Just Dance” (Josh Turner) and several by Dierks Bentley, among others. His compositions have received multiple CMA, ACM, BMI, and NSAI awards. Beavers serves on the board of both the CMA and NSAI and co-wrote the new Hootie & the Blowfish single, “Hold On,” with Chris Stapleton.
“I have been a fan of Jim since my college days when I would hoist up my red solo cup to ‘Red Solo Cup,’” says Big Yellow Dog Music Senior Creative Director Lauren Funk. “Little did I know back then that I’d get the chance to work with such a prolific hitmaker. His wit and ability to turn a phrase are what make his songs so special and unique. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Jim and welcome him to the Big Yellow Dog team.”
“Simply put, no other publisher in Nashville can do what Big Yellow Dog does so well,” says Beavers. “I’m excited and proud to be associated with Lauren, Carla, Kerry and the entire Big Yellow Dog crew…and you can quote me on that.”