Dolly Parton celebrates her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Every night is special at the Grand Ole Opry, but you’d be hard pressed to name a more memorable night than the one that transpired on Saturday (Oct. 12).
The occasion was the celebration of the divine Dolly Parton’s 50th anniversary as an Opry cast member. As you might expect, the Hall of Famer attracted a host of glittering party people.
Among those singing her songs were Toby Keith (“Kentucky Gambler”), Lady Antebellum (“Islands in the Stream”) and Margo Price (“The Seeker”), with a cheering section composed of (among others) Jeannie Seely, Riders in the Sky, John Conlee, Connie Smith, Hank Williams Jr., Candi Carpenter and Stephanie Quayle.
Mary and Randy Travis were backstage saying how pleased they are that his new book, Forever and Ever Amen, is inspiring people. Randy obligingly posed for photos with fans at an invitation-only reception in Studio A. At the same event, Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed it Dolly Parton Day in Tennessee. The superstar cut into a gigantic, three-tiered commemorative cake.
“How is the food?” asked Hall of Famer Bill Anderson. “Whenever I read this column and your description of the party food, I get hungry.”
Alas, the only I food I tried was a cup of the creamy mac & cheese (plus a slice of Dolly’s blue-icing anniversary cake). But it looked to me like the chicken sliders, dessert buffet and veggies-and-cheeses plates were also delish. Who could eat when there was so much going on?
At a pre-show press conference held in the old museum building on the Opry Plaza, Opry manager Dan Rogers recalled how indelible his memory is of seeing Dolly on the show’s stage when he was in kindergarten.
“Well hello, I’m Dolly!” said the legend to the assembled press corps. “This is a big night for me. Ask me anything you want, and I’ll tell you what I want you to hear.”
She recalled her first appearance on the show. It was in 1959 (60 years ago, if you’re keeping score). Jimmy C. Newman gave up one of his song slots so the 13-year-old could sing “Puppy Love.” Johnny Cash introduced her. She joined the cast in 1969, when she was still a member of Porter Wagoner’s troupe.
“It was because of Porter that I got my first big break,” she reminisced. “I think of him every day. Whenever I’m on stage, I think of something he taught me.” Accordingly, she sang his “Carroll County Accident” and brought out Wagonmasters electric-banjo king Buck Trent as her guest on her portion of the Opry broadcast. She also sang her biggies “Joshua,” “Jolene,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Here You Come Again,” “Coat of Many Colors” and, of course, “9 To 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
She told the press about her upcoming Netflix series of movies based on her songs and about her new CCM single with For King & Country, “God Only Knows.” Next, she’s co-hosting the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire and will sing a faith-based medley with a choir on the telecast.
Dolly Parton celebrates her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
She has recorded an upcoming single with Dove-awarded CCM star Zach Williams titled “There Was Jesus” and will release a single titled “Faith” next month.
“I’m going to make it my business to put out songs that are uplifting, that bring light,” she explained.
“I’m going to continue to do what I do until I dream myself into a corner….Maybe I’ll be around for 50 more years. I hope so.
“It’s a dream-like thing…You never know if your dreams are gonna come true….Everybody’s dreams don’t come true.
“It makes me feel very humble. I’m so grateful.”
Digesting every word were Shannon McCombs, Hunter Kelly, Larry McCormick, Deborah Evans-Price, Jessie Schmidt, Dixie Owen, Vernell Hackett, People magazine’s Nancy Kruh, NPR’s Shima Oliaee and representatives from England, Australia and who-knows-where. They also enjoyed the show via a wall-sized screen with a direct video feed from the stage.
Over in the Opry House, the reception was beautifully decorated. The front wall of Studio A held a semi-circle of glass cases containing fabulous Dolly Parton gowns that she’s worn on Opry shows. Curtains surrounding the party area were lit with a rainbow of colors. A huge video screen showed the attendees what was transpiring out in the house.
Enjoying the hospitality were Beth Steiner, Christina Loff, Brian Sweany, Jeff Kleinman, Steve Troha, Alison Petersen, Christina Boys, John Zarling, GOO team members Jordan Pettit, Martin Fischer and Gina Keltner, Dolly’s manager Danny Nozell, Toby’s manager T.K. Kimbrell, and a host of other fabulons.
Did you miss all the excitement? Not to worry. The whole shebang will be an NBC-TV special airing on Nov. 26.
Zach Crowell Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Crowell moves up five slots to the No. 5 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with co-writer credits on Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes” and Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads.” Ashley Gorley remains at the top spot for the eleventh consecutive week.
Ross Copperman maintains position at No. 2, Blanco Brown moves up one to No. 3 and David Garcia climbs to No. 4 from No. 8 with “Hell Right” (Blake Shelton feat. Trace Adkins) and “Southbound” (Carrie Underwood) charting.
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.
Pop/Rock News: Jon Santana, Hey Monday, Friday Pilots Club
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville-based Producer/Songwriter Jon Santana On Chart-Topping SuperM Album
Jon Santana. Photo: Seiji Inouye
K-pop supergroup SuperM debuted at No. 1 this week on Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart, with the group’s EP The 1st Mini Album ‘SuperM’ moving 168,000 equivalent album units. Among the contributors to the album is Nashville-based producer/songwriter Jon Santana, who co-wrote the album cut “No Manners,” alongside Shae Jacobs and Tyler Holmes. All three writers are signed with Prescription Songs.
Santana’s previous production successes include Peter Manos’ “In My Head,” which has earned over 100 million streams. Santana’s own song “NY90” off his debut EP And There They Were, placed on Spotify Viral Charts in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Norway and Poland. He has had sync placements on MTV and VH1.
Cassadee Pope Returns To Her Punk-Rock Roots With Hey Monday Show
Pop-punk artist turned country singer Cassadee Pope will return to her rock roots with a “Homecoming” show in Nashville as part of her early pop band Hey Monday.
The show will take place Monday, Nov. 25 at revered Music City rock venue Exit/In. It has been more than a decade since the band debuted with Hold On Tight (Decaydance Records); the band has been on hiatus since 2011. Tickets are available here.
Friday Pilots Club Cover Classic ’80s Pop Tunes On New EP
Big Machine/John Varvatos group Friday Pilots Club cover a trio of classic ’80s pop songs on a new EP While You Wait. The band offers its own spin on The Psychedelic Furs’ “Heartbreak Beat,” Echo and the Bunnymen’s “Lips Like Sugar” and Iggy Pop’s “Real Wild Child (Wild One).” The project was produced by James Kourafas and Friday Pilots Club’s Robert Drew Polovick.
Kelsea Ballerini To Receive Nashville Symphony’s Harmony Award
/by Jessica NicholsonKelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini will receive this year’s Nashville Symphony Harmony Award during the 35th annual Symphony Ball, to be held Dec. 14 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The annual award recognizes individuals who exemplify the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s music community.
“Few artists can boast of such a meteoric rise to start their career like Kelsea Ballerini, who has already had an incredible impact on country music, thanks to her unique talent and a string of history-making hits,” said the Symphony Ball’s Laura Kimbrell. “A strong, confident woman who serves as a wonderful role model—not to mention a native Tennessean who Music City is proud to call one of its own—Kelsea is a worthy addition to the prestigious list of past Harmony Award winners, and we can’t wait for her performance at the Symphony Ball in December.”
Nashville Symphony president and CEO Alan D. Valentine will be presented with an honorary Harmony Award at the event, in recognition of his 20-plus years of service to the organization and the Middle Tennessee community.
“Alan’s passion, dedication and leadership over the past two decades has expanded the Nashville Symphony’s footprint in Middle Tennessee, while also helping to significantly elevate its profile across the country and around the world,” noted the Symphony Ball’s Amy Jackson Smith. “It is fitting that on a night when we’re honoring one of music’s rising stars, we’re also recognizing a veteran like Alan for his invaluable contributions to both the Nashville Symphony and our entire community.”
Ballerini is currently the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry, and has earned two ACM Awards. With the release of her debut album, The First Time, in 2015, she became the only female country artist to achieve three consecutive No. 1 songs from a debut album. Ballerini’s 2017 release Unapologetically marked her second Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200, and she recently headlined her first arena tour. Ballerini’s newest single, “homecoming queen?,” is the first release from her upcoming third full-length album, slated for 2020 on Black River Entertainment.
Valentine joined the Nashville Symphony in June 1998 and has presided over an era of substantial growth for the organization, including construction of the world-renowned Schermerhorn Symphony Center in 2006, as well as 13 Grammy awards and 24 Grammy nominations for the symphony, as well as two Carnegie Hall performances, an East Coast tour, an Emmy Award-winning television broadcast and numerous national radio appearances.
Since its inception in 1985, the Ball has raised millions for the Symphony. Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Chet Atkins, Mike and Linda Curb, Rascal Flatts, Béla Fleck, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Marty Stuart, Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Winwood and Trisha Yearwood.
Dierks Bentley Earns RIAA Gold, Platinum
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Amy Beard (Manager of Marketing, UMG Nashville), Dierks Bentley, Mike Harris (COO, UMG Nashville)
Dierks Bentley recently celebrated the success of two consecutive No. 1 hits, “Woman, Amen” and “Burning Man,” both from his ninth studio project The Mountain (Capitol Records Nashville).
Prior to his performance for NBC’s upcoming special Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Grand Ole Opry, Bentley was surprised with plaques commemorating the RIAA Platinum certification for “Burning Man” (ft. Brothers Osborne) and the Gold certification for “Woman, Amen.”
Bentley is currently nominated for a trio of CMA Awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year (“Burning Man”) and Music Video of the Year (“Burning Man”).
Cassidy Daniels Signs Joint Publishing Deal With Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Jessi Vaughn (WCM), Kate Shirley (LRM), Dave Pacula (LRM), Liz Rose (LRM), Cassidy Daniels, Ben Vaughn (WCM), Scott Ponce (LRM)
Cassidy Daniels has signed a joint co-publishing deal with Liz Rose Music and Warner Chappell Music.
A natural performer and gifted songwriter, Daniels has opened for Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Chris Lane, Brothers Osborne, and Rodney Atkins. She has also performed the National Anthem at multiple major league sporting events and took the stage at the Presidential Inaugural Ball.
MercyMe Announces 2020 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMercyMe announced dates for the band’s 2020 Tour today. The new tour kicks off Feb. 13 and will run through April 5 visiting Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Pensacola and more, and features Jeremy Camp and David Leonard. The new tour follows the group’s successful 2019 Imagine Nation Tour.
The MercyMe 2020 Tour will support the band’s upcoming 2020 studio project and brand new single, “Almost Home,” releasing everywhere Oct. 23.
“‘Almost Home’ is a rallying cry to remind us to keep running the race… to keep going, heaven is just around the bend,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We’re almost home and now is not the time to give up or tap out. Whether you’re in ministry or not – parents, moms, dads, whatever – if you just feel like you don’t know if you can go any further, hopefully this song will bring you comfort and help you realize that you’re not alone and that the race is worth running.”
Feb. 14 – Edinburg, TX
Feb. 15 – Houston, TX
Feb. 16 – San Antonio, TX
Feb. 20 – Reading, PA
Feb. 21 – Youngstown, OH
Feb. 22 – Charlottesville, VA
Feb. 23 – Fairfax, VA
Feb. 27 – Bangor, ME
Feb. 28 – Portland, ME
Feb. 29 – Wallingford, CT
March 1 – Providence, RI
March 6 – Estero, FL
March 7 – TBD
March 8 – Sunrise, FL
March 12 – Pensacola, FL
March 13 – Biloxi, MS
March 14 – Augusta, GA
March 15 – TBD
March 19 – Indianapolis, IN
March 20 – Independence, MO
March 21 – Oklahoma City, OK
March 22 – Memphis, TN
March 26 – Des Moines, IA
March 27 – Omaha, NE
March 28 – Sioux Falls, SD
March 29 – Wichita, KS
April 2 – Madison, WI
April 3 – Minneapolis, MN
April 4 – TBD
April 5 – Fargo, ND
Universal Music Group Executive, Digital Music Visionary Jay Frank Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonJay Frank
Universal Music Group executive Jay Frank died Sunday (Oct. 13) following a long battle with cancer. He was 47.
In 2015, he joined Universal Music Group as Sr. VP, Global Streaming Marketing, where he and his team were responsible for utilizing data and analytics to maximize the performance of UMG artists across all streaming platforms and identifying new opportunities for UMG artists on those platforms. He also oversaw the curation and management of UMG’s global playlists, coordinating a worldwide playlist strategy across the company’s labels.
Frank authored two music books, including 2011’s Futurehit.DNA, which analyzed the hit-making elements of music in the digital age, as well 2012’s Hack Your Hit, which offered strategies for artists aiming to better utilize various social media and marketing platforms to expand the reach and impact of their music.
Frank also founded the singles-focused music subscription label DigSin, which signs new artists to deals that aim to leverage new platforms, social networks and analytics to expose their music to wider audiences. He also launched the music marketing company DigMark.
Prior to launching the two companies, Frank served as Sr. VP, Music Strategy at CMT from 2007-2011. Frank also previously served as VP, Music Programming and Label Relations for Yahoo! Music, and was responsible for all of the company’s music programming.
Early in his career, he served as Sr. Music Director at The Box Music Network, and worked in marketing/A&R for Ignition Records. His career also included time managing a live music venue, programming radio stations and creating two local music video shows.
A member of the 2007 class of Leadership Music, Frank also served on Leadership Music’s board, as well as on the boards of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and the Academy of Country Music. He was part of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, and a consultant at FLO (Thinkery).
As a leader and visionary in the music and digital spaces, he spoke at conferences including MIDEM, SXSW, ASCAP Expo, Digital Music Forum, CMJ, and SF Music Tech Summit, among others.
Frank is survived by wife Linda and daughter Alex.
UMG leader Sir Lucian Grainge released the following memo:
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has created the Jay Frank Memorial Musical Scholarship Fund in honor of his immense musical legacy. If you’d like to donate, click here.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Dolly Parton Lights Up The Grand Ole Opry For 50th Anniversary
/by Bobby KarlDolly Parton celebrates her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Every night is special at the Grand Ole Opry, but you’d be hard pressed to name a more memorable night than the one that transpired on Saturday (Oct. 12).
The occasion was the celebration of the divine Dolly Parton’s 50th anniversary as an Opry cast member. As you might expect, the Hall of Famer attracted a host of glittering party people.
Among those singing her songs were Toby Keith (“Kentucky Gambler”), Lady Antebellum (“Islands in the Stream”) and Margo Price (“The Seeker”), with a cheering section composed of (among others) Jeannie Seely, Riders in the Sky, John Conlee, Connie Smith, Hank Williams Jr., Candi Carpenter and Stephanie Quayle.
Mary and Randy Travis were backstage saying how pleased they are that his new book, Forever and Ever Amen, is inspiring people. Randy obligingly posed for photos with fans at an invitation-only reception in Studio A. At the same event, Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed it Dolly Parton Day in Tennessee. The superstar cut into a gigantic, three-tiered commemorative cake.
“How is the food?” asked Hall of Famer Bill Anderson. “Whenever I read this column and your description of the party food, I get hungry.”
Alas, the only I food I tried was a cup of the creamy mac & cheese (plus a slice of Dolly’s blue-icing anniversary cake). But it looked to me like the chicken sliders, dessert buffet and veggies-and-cheeses plates were also delish. Who could eat when there was so much going on?
At a pre-show press conference held in the old museum building on the Opry Plaza, Opry manager Dan Rogers recalled how indelible his memory is of seeing Dolly on the show’s stage when he was in kindergarten.
“Well hello, I’m Dolly!” said the legend to the assembled press corps. “This is a big night for me. Ask me anything you want, and I’ll tell you what I want you to hear.”
She recalled her first appearance on the show. It was in 1959 (60 years ago, if you’re keeping score). Jimmy C. Newman gave up one of his song slots so the 13-year-old could sing “Puppy Love.” Johnny Cash introduced her. She joined the cast in 1969, when she was still a member of Porter Wagoner’s troupe.
“It was because of Porter that I got my first big break,” she reminisced. “I think of him every day. Whenever I’m on stage, I think of something he taught me.” Accordingly, she sang his “Carroll County Accident” and brought out Wagonmasters electric-banjo king Buck Trent as her guest on her portion of the Opry broadcast. She also sang her biggies “Joshua,” “Jolene,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Here You Come Again,” “Coat of Many Colors” and, of course, “9 To 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
She told the press about her upcoming Netflix series of movies based on her songs and about her new CCM single with For King & Country, “God Only Knows.” Next, she’s co-hosting the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire and will sing a faith-based medley with a choir on the telecast.
Dolly Parton celebrates her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
She has recorded an upcoming single with Dove-awarded CCM star Zach Williams titled “There Was Jesus” and will release a single titled “Faith” next month.
“I’m going to make it my business to put out songs that are uplifting, that bring light,” she explained.
“I’m going to continue to do what I do until I dream myself into a corner….Maybe I’ll be around for 50 more years. I hope so.
“It’s a dream-like thing…You never know if your dreams are gonna come true….Everybody’s dreams don’t come true.
“It makes me feel very humble. I’m so grateful.”
Digesting every word were Shannon McCombs, Hunter Kelly, Larry McCormick, Deborah Evans-Price, Jessie Schmidt, Dixie Owen, Vernell Hackett, People magazine’s Nancy Kruh, NPR’s Shima Oliaee and representatives from England, Australia and who-knows-where. They also enjoyed the show via a wall-sized screen with a direct video feed from the stage.
Over in the Opry House, the reception was beautifully decorated. The front wall of Studio A held a semi-circle of glass cases containing fabulous Dolly Parton gowns that she’s worn on Opry shows. Curtains surrounding the party area were lit with a rainbow of colors. A huge video screen showed the attendees what was transpiring out in the house.
Enjoying the hospitality were Beth Steiner, Christina Loff, Brian Sweany, Jeff Kleinman, Steve Troha, Alison Petersen, Christina Boys, John Zarling, GOO team members Jordan Pettit, Martin Fischer and Gina Keltner, Dolly’s manager Danny Nozell, Toby’s manager T.K. Kimbrell, and a host of other fabulons.
Did you miss all the excitement? Not to worry. The whole shebang will be an NBC-TV special airing on Nov. 26.
Kenny Dixon, Drummer For Kane Brown, Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Dixon. Photo: Alex Alvga
Kenny Dixon, drummer for Kane Brown, died Saturday (Oct. 12) in a car accident. The Dalton, Georgia native was 27, and was a longtime member of Brown’s band. Dixon is survived by his fiancé Sarah and son Levi James, 3. Kenny and Sarah were set to be married on Nov. 30.
Brown’s team shared the following statement:
“It is with profound sadness and disbelief that we confirm we lost our drummer Kenny this weekend in a tragic car accident. Kenny was a member of our family from the very beginning and our hearts are with his fiancé Sarah, his son, and everyone who knew and loved him. He was truly one of the greatest and kindest people on and off stage we’ve ever known.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Vocal Coach Renee Grant-Williams Shares Battle With Parkinson’s Disease
/by Sherod RobertsonVocal coach Renee Grant-Williams‘ shares her escalating battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
“I want people to know what is happening with me and why I have been in seclusion for such a long time,” says Grant-Williams.
She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1993 after a routine visit with her doctor. She shares details of her battle admitting, “Everything from putting on my shoes to ordering a cheeseburger is an effort beyond anything others can imagine. Like a boa constrictor, PD wraps itself around your body and mind strangling your will to accomplish. You must motivate yourself 100% of the time to do even the little everyday things, let alone try to live a full and rich life.”
In a candid testimony, she offers personal details of her life that she has kept private up to now. She says, “Not only has Parkinson’s interfered and dominated my private life, like rolling over in bed which is difficult, like getting dressed by myself which is impossible, like tying my shoes– but it’s affected my life as a musician.”
Her motivation keeps her fighting the best way she knows how saying, “Against all odds, I’ve been able to live with Parkinson’s.”
This escalating disease has prompted a GoFundMe account to be established by her long-time care giver, Steve Goldinger. The fund has been established to help support Grant-Williams with her medical costs, 24/7 care and other escalating financial obligations.
“With a busy schedule and steady clientele, she always thought her work would secure her a comfortable financial future, but with the onset of Parkinson’s, everything changed. The debilitating limitations Parkinson’s has put on her means she must limit the hours that can teach,” says Goldinger.
Grant-Williams has worked with many country greats including, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks, and Garth Brooks as well as rock and pop artists such as Scott Stapp (Creed), Christina Aguilera, Linda Ronstadt, Ben Folds, Huey Lewis, Bob Weir (Grateful Dead) and Dave Mustaine (Metallica/Megadeth). In addition to her training offerings in Nashville, she’s conducted international seminars in countries including South America, Europe, and Australia.
Grant-William’s formal education took place at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she also taught. She served as the Director of the Division of Vocal Music at the University of California, Berkeley, and worked as a Musical Director at the Actors Studio in Manhattan before eventually establishing permanent residence in Nashville.