Phran Galante. Photo: Courtesy Galante Family
Phran Rachel Galante, 64, of Nashville, TN, passed away today (Sept. 23) after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer over the last several years.
Born June 5, 1955 in New York City, Phran’s early years were filled with her love of animals—especially horses—theater, swimming, dance and tennis. The child of an Army physician, she moved around the country and even to Japan with her parents and siblings.
A dream of working on Broadway took Phran back to New York in 1981, where she landed a temp job at Chrysalis Records. In 1983, at the suggestion of her boss, she pursued and interviewed for a job at RCA Nashville, where she met her husband, Joe Galante. The two would marry in 1990.
In 1989, she left RCA to become part of the original team that built and launched Arista Records. With a talent for marketing, she designed, orchestrated and executed music marketing plans for a variety of artists and projects throughout her record label career. She also produced music videos for such artists as Alabama, K.T. Oslin, Ronnie Milsap and Alan Jackson.
Returning to Nashville in the early 1990s with her husband, Phran turned her time and efforts toward the community she loved and called home. She volunteered to rescue animals, was on the board of directors for TPAC, and worked at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. She was a founding member of United Partnerships in Animal Welfare, a community-based group sanctioned by the city of Nashville, working to reduce the very high rate of euthanasia in Music City’s animal shelters.
In 2018, she was honored with the Pet Community Center’s Jourdan Parenteau Excellence in Service Award for her 20+ years of leadership in animal welfare. Accepting the award, she said, “Animals can’t speak for themselves, so we must do it for them.”
Phran was also passionate about the work being done by the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, using her record industry contacts to bring music into the facility to brighten children’s days. She raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through her work on the annual Music City Tennis Invitational, helping the event become a cornerstone of the hospital’s funding efforts. In 2017, while serving as honorary co-chair, she was recognized by the event with the MCTI Outstanding Service Award and the MCTI Sportsmanship Award (receiving the latter for a second time) for her many years of service as co-chair, silent auction chair and tournament player.
Almost immediately upon receiving her own diagnosis, Phran began helping friends and even strangers who were beginning their own journey with cancer, lending an ear, offering support and spending time with them. She went on-camera, sharing her voice and personal experience with the public on behalf of the T.J. Martell Foundation and its work to fund cancer research. “As each day goes by, we get closer and closer to a cure,” she said with conviction, giving hope to others through her own determination and fight to keep the disease at bay.
Phran is survived by her husband Joe, sister Debbie Linn, brothers Pete and Myke Schwartz, parents Marvin and Claire Schwartz, and her beloved pets Lexie and Fergie. Phran’s family thanks doctors Bal, Karlekar, Lovly and Meluch along with the nurses at Tennessee Oncology, Sarah Cannon, and the staff at Alive Hospice for the care they provided to Phran.
A celebration of Phran’s life will be held on October 23 at Congregation Micah in Brentwood, Tenn.; further details will be forthcoming. The family asks that anyone wishing to honor her memory consider a donation to the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Phran Galante Memorial Fund for Lung Cancer Research or the Pet Community Center in memory of Phran.
Victoria Shaw Goes ‘Under The Covers’ With Fellow Writers On New Show
/by Lorie HollabaughVictoria Shaw with fellow songwriters Mark Hudson and Jeffrey Steele
Victoria Shaw is set to host a new show, Songwriters Under the Covers with Victoria Shaw, where top-selling songwriters share the little-known stories behind their hits along with an intimate, live acoustic performance on stage. The show will premiere on Oct. 16 on the ALL ARTS streaming app and website, which are available nationally, and the ALL ARTS New York-area broadcast channel.
Songwriters featured in the series include Brett James (Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel”), Desmond Child (Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer”), Angela Hunte (Alicia Keys and Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”), Erika Ender (Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito”), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon’s “Keep on Loving You”), Mark Hudson (Aerosmith’s “Livin’ on the Edge”), and more.
ALL ARTS, the multimedia arts platform launched earlier this year by WNET, announced the launch of the program in collaboration with Shaw and Brighton Entertainment. “Every song has a story, and Songwriters Under the Covers with Victoria Shaw is the ideal vehicle to tell those stories. It’s the perfect balance between great performances and compelling storytelling,” notes Brad J. Fuss, President of Brighton Entertainment and Executive Producer & Director of the show.
“I have been doing these shows for the past 20 years,” said Shaw. “I’m blessed to know a lot of talented, funny, wonderful musicians who are dear friends. I invite those friends who just so happen to be top-selling songwriters from across the pop, rock and country worlds to join me on stage to play their huge hits and reveal what went into creating those iconic songs. It’s very organic, and my shows feel like you’re hanging out in my living room listening in on a bunch of songwriters singing songs, swapping stories and cracking jokes. That’s my goal every night, for my shows to feel like a party at my house.”
Justin Moore, Tracy Lawrence Team For Late Nights And Longnecks Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonJustin Moore and Tracy Lawrence will hit the road together next year on the 2020 Late Nights And Longnecks Tour, sponsored by ROXOR and led by Outback Presents.
The tour launches Jan. 16 at Dodge City, Kansas’ United Wireless Arena. Each night will feature a yet-to-be-announced opening act.
Moore recently earned his eighth chart-topper with “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” the lead single off his fifth album, Late Nights And Longnecks. His followup track, “Why We Drink,” impacts country radio on Sept. 30.
Lawrence has sold more than 13 million albums and has charted 18 No. 1 songs. Lawrence wrote eight of the 12 tracks on his recently-released album, Made In America.
Tickets for the Late Nights And Longnecks Tour will go on sale this Friday (Sept. 27) at 10 a.m. CT at tracylawrence.com.
LATE NIGHTS AND LONGNECKS TOUR:
Thurs., Jan. 16 | United Wireless Arena | Dodge City, KS
Fri., Jan. 17 | Barnett Arena (Rushmore Plaza) | Rapid City, SD
Sat., Jan. 18 | Bismark Event Center | Bismark, ND
Thurs., Feb. 20 | Raising Cane’s River Center Arena | Baton Rouge, LA
Fri., Feb. 21 | Rapides Parish Coliseum | Alexandria, LA
Sat., Feb. 22 | Stride Bank Center | Enid, OK
Fri., Feb. 28 | Bankers Life Fieldhouse | Indianapolis, IN
Sat., Feb. 29 | Wolstein Center | Cleveland, OH
Thurs., Mar. 5 | Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum | Amarillo, TX
Fri., Mar. 6 | Mission Ballroom | Denver, CO
Sat., Mar. 7 | Uptown Theater | Kansas City, MO
Thurs., Mar. 19 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | Atlanta, GA
Fri., Mar. 20 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre | St. Augustine, FL
Thurs., Mar. 26 | Des Moines Civic Center | Des Moines, IA
Fri., Mar. 27 | U.S. Cellular Center | Cedar Rapids, IA
Sat., Mar. 28 | State Farm Center | Champaign, IL
Thurs., Apr. 9 | Scheels Arena | Fargo, ND*
Fri., Apr. 10 | Orpheum Theatre | Minneapolis, MN*
Sat., Apr. 11| Weidner Center | Green Bay, WI*
*Tracy Lawrence not on these dates
Jon Randall Extends Publishing Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jake Gear (Senior Creative Director, BMG), Emily Olson (Creative Director, SWM), Sara Beal (Publishing Director, SWM), Alex Orbison (Co-President, SWM), Jon Randall, Kos Weaver (Executive Vice President, BMG Nashville), Chuck Fleckenstein (General Manager & COO, SWM)
Hit songwriter Jon Randall has extended his worldwide publishing deal with Still Working and BMG. His recent cuts include “Pretty Bitchin” and “Tequila Does” on Miranda Lambert’s upcoming album, Wildcard, “RSVP” on Maren Morris’ album, GIRL, and last year’s ACM Song of the Year “Tin Man,” co-written with Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram.
In addition to writing, Randall will continue to serve as the Head of A&R at Orbison’s Green Iris Records and is currently working with Green Iris artist Rachel Reinert on her forthcoming record.
“JR is the centerpiece of everything we do here at Still Working Music. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be extending our ever fruitful and rewarding relationship. We are simply lucky to have JR in our building and happy to provide a home for those amazing guitars!” said Alex Orbison.
“JR is a triple-threat creatively as a songwriter, player, and producer. He is a ‘destination writer’ here on the Row, and his songs are continuing to find both commercial and critical success. Thrilled to continue working together with JR and our partners at Still Working Music,” said BMG’s Jake Gear.
Still Working Music was founded in 1990 by the late Barbara Orbison and is now run by her sons, Alex Orbison and Roy Orbison, Jr. (Co-Presidents) along with Chuck Fleckenstein (COO and General Manager). Still Working Music writers include Tommy Lee James, Gordie Sampson, Jon Randall, Chase Bryant, Dylan Altman, Lance Miller, Rachel Reinert, and Ian Christian. Still Working Music partners with BMG, Kobalt, and Big Deal, among others. Among the company’s recent successes are Luke Bryan’s No. 1 hit “Knockin’ Boots,” Oliver Heldens’ “Summer Lover,” Conrad Sewell’s “Life,” Carly Pearce’s “Closer To You,” Hunter Hayes’ “Heartbreak,” Ashley Monroe’s “Hands On You,” Travis Denning’s “David Ashley Parker,” Dierks Bentley’s “The Mountain,” Kenny Chesney’s No. 1, “All The Pretty Girls,” and Lost Frequencies’ “Are You With Me,” a chart-topping hit in 18 countries around the world.
BMG is the world’s fourth biggest music publisher and the first new global player in the recordings business in decades. BMG Nashville, bolstered in 2017 with the acquisition of BBR Music Group, is the company’s third biggest operation of its 15 offices in 12 core music markets. Founded by international media, services and education company Bertelsmann in 2008 as a direct response to music’s digital revolution, BMG not only represents the traditionally separate music publishing and recording rights off the same state-of-the-art platform internationally, it offers a wide range of artist services from production music and neighboring rights to film, books and branded merchandise. BMG represents over 3 million songs and recordings, including the catalogues of Chrysalis, Bug, Virgin, Mute, Sanctuary, Primary Wave and Talpa Music.
ACM Names Chris Stapleton Artist-Songwriter Of The Decade
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Clay Hunt, Red Light Management; Kelly Rich, ACM Special Awards Committee Co-Chair; Chris Stapleton; Zach Peters, Red Light Management; Chuck Aly, ACM Vice President and Special Awards Committee Co-Chair. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music has named Chris Stapleton as the recipient of its newly-minted ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Decade. He was awarded the honor in a surprise presentation recently at the Berry Hill Studios in Nashville.
The award honors an artist who has commercially released material, written in whole or in part, by the artist. This honor also recognizes a songwriter whose creative works and performance have impacted country music over the decade and takes into consideration factors including success at radio, commercial media, sales and streaming, artistic merit and ACM Award recognition.
Since moving to Nashville in 2001, Kentucky native Stapleton has written more than 170 album cuts, with seven No. 1 hits, including 2017’s “Broken Halos.” Following the release of his quadruple-Platinum debut album Traveller in 2015, Stapleton issued two more chart-topping albums in 2017, including From A Room: Volume 1 (Platinum) and From A Room: Volume 2 (Gold). Most recently, he recorded the Randy Newman-penned track “Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy” for the Toy Story 4 soundtrack, and has collaborated on songs with P!nk, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Sheryl Crow.
Stapleton received his first-ever ACM Award nomination in 2014, and in 2015 took home six wins during the 51st ACM Awards. In 2017, Stapleton received three ACM Awards, including Album of the Year. ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Decade Award marks a total of 10 ACM Awards for Stapleton.
“Had Chris Stapleton not been an artist, his impact on country music as a songwriter would be indelible,” says Kelly Rich, ACM Special Awards Committee Co-Chair. “Had he not been a songwriter for himself and others, his influence as a recording artist, performer and vocalist would have been just as undeniable. In combination, however, Chris epitomizes the spirit and intent of this award. We are thrilled to recognize both aspects of his contribution to country music over the last decade.”
Stapleton is the third announced recipient of the seven all-new ACM Decade Award categories, which include ACM Songwriter of the Decade Award recipient Rhett Akins and ACM Song of the Decade Award recipients Miranda Lambert, and songwriters Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin, for “The House That Built Me.” Additional winners will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Hillary Lindsey Advances Into No. 2 Spot On ‘MusicRow’ Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellWith co-writer credits on three charting singles, Hillary Lindsey advances into the No. 2 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ashley Gorley maintains his reign this week for his eighth consecutive week. The top five is rounded out by Jon Nite at No. 3, HARDY at No. 4 and Blanco Brown at No. 5.
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.
BREAKING: Shannan Hatch Named President For New Publishing Venture Fourward Music
/by Jessica NicholsonShannan Hatch
Shannan Hatch has been tapped to serve as President for Fourward’s new publishing venture, Fourward Music. Hatch will serve as President with offices in both Nashville and Los Angeles.
Just over three months since CEO Will Ward announced the launch of Fourward’s Nashville office, the global management, production and business development company announces the formation of new music publishing company, Fourward Music, LLC.
“I am excited to expand and grow the Fourward brand in the publishing space,” says Fourward CEO Will Ward. “Our focus is to sign the most talented songwriters across all genres while bringing competitive advantages, particularly in the sync space, for the benefit of our writers at Fourward Music.
“With over two decades of music industry experience, Shannan Hatch has an incredible reputation for discovering talent in music,” adds Ward. “Her relationships are unparalleled; coupled with her remarkable work ethic, arresting wit and infectious laugh, she was my first choice to head this venture. I’m honored to have her join the Fourward family.”
“I have long held great admiration for Will, as he has built some of the biggest movie stars and touring acts in the business,” shares Hatch. “Will’s experience combined with his passion and vision inspires and empowers those around him. I look forward to combining my own experience and relationships with his global access to create a truly diverse and world-class publishing company. I will forever be thankful for my 17 years at SESAC as being a member of that team has been an incredible experience. I am proud to announce this next chapter that affords me an exciting opportunity to continue to service the music community only now from the publishing side.”
A member of the SESAC team since 2002, Hatch most recently served as Vice President of Creative Services for SESAC PRO, where she led the Nashville-based Creative Services team in supporting SESAC-affiliated songwriters and publishers. She serves on T.J. Martell’s Southern Region’s Board of Governors and as a Director at Large for the Academy of Country Music.
Congratulate Shannan Hatch at shatch@fourward.com.
Loretta Lynn Presented With Cracker Barrel Country Legend Award
/by Lorie HollabaughLorettaLynn
Loretta Lynn was recently honored for her role as a trailblazer for women in country music with the 2019 Cracker Barrel Country Legend Award. The award was presented to Lynn by Cracker Barrel’s “Five Decades, One Voice” partner artist Trisha Yearwood at Lynn’s beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
The Cracker Barrel Country Legend Award is given to country musicians with decades in the business, past partnerships with Cracker Barrel’s music program, and a stated impact and influence on present day artists in the genre. Along with the award, Cracker Barrel is making a $5,000 donation to a charity of Lynn’s choice, the Grand Ole Opry’s Opry Trust Fund, whose mission is to help those in the country music industry when they need it the most by offering financial assistance during their time of need. The donation was presented to Grand Ole Opry’s Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers by Cracker Barrel’s Senior Music Manager Julie Ulmer following Loretta’s award presentation at her ranch.
The award comes on the heels of Lynn serving as the leading voice and source of inspiration behind Cracker Barrel’s “Five Decades, One Voice,” a 50th anniversary program to celebrate iconic female country music artists and shine a spotlight on those following in their footsteps.
“For more than five decades, I’ve believed in taking chances where the opportunity for success is limited,” said Loretta Lynn. “To receive this honor from Cracker Barrel in recognition of all those chances and the career it led me to build is incredibly meaningful to me. It comes at an important time when I see so many female artists fighting for a chance to be heard. I want to help them bring their talents to the table and programs like ‘Five Decades, One Voice’ do just that. And trust me; there’s plenty to go around.”
“We’re honored to present Country Legend Award to Loretta Lynn for her long list of accomplishments in the country music genre, but more importantly, the influence she’s had on artists throughout her 60-year career,” said Julie Ulmer. “Loretta laid the groundwork for future generations, especially emerging females in the country music industry. There is no one more deserving, and we’re grateful for her continued partnership.”
Loretta is the second recipient of the award following 2018 winner Randy Travis, who was presented the honor for his impact on the country music genre at large.
Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn
badflower Named Face Of John Varvatos’ Star USA Campaign
/by Jessica NicholsonRock band badflower has been named the face of menswear designer and record label owner John Varvatos‘ fall 2019 John Varvatos Star USA Campaign.
The band, which includes frontman Josh Katz, guitarist Joey Morrow, bassist Alex Espiritu, and drummer Anthony Sonetti, signed a deal with Big Machine/John Varvatos Records in 2017.
“badflower represent everything that’s missing in music and style today,” said John Varvatos. “They are rebels and amazing storytellers that carry themselves with ease and confidence. At the same time they are absolutely one of the best rock bands on the planet. I’m proud to have them representing the John Varvatos Star USA brand and chart topping artists on the Big Machine/John Varvatos label.”
The campaign was shot by photographer/director Mark Seliger, against a New York City backdrop. The fashions include layers and textures like faux fur, and all-black shearling, alongside vintage tees, plaids, and camouflage.
“We had such a blast working on this shoot with John and his crew,” badflower commented. “This was our first time getting involved with anything fashion related and John was with us the whole time making it super fun and low pressure. He’s such a visionary in both the music and fashion scene and we’re privileged to be able to work so closely with him.”
Previous musical collaborators for the John Varvatos brand include Machine Gun Kelly, Hozier, Gary Clark Jr., Jimmy Page and Nick Jonas.
badflower recently earned their second No. 1 with “Heroin,” which topped both Mediabase and Billboard‘s charts for Active Rock. The track followed their debut single, “Ghost,” which was their first No. 1 rock single and landed at No. 7 on Billboard‘s 2018 Year-End Mainstream Rock Songs chart. In addition to their own headlining dates, badflower recently toured with Nothing More as well as multi-Platinum rock band Shinedown and will hit the road this fall for their headlining OK, I’M SICK TOUR.
Nashville Vinyl Pop-Up Store To Open In New York
/by Lorie HollabaughIn addition to the selection of vinyl, the unique pop-up at Showfields will host intimate performances, signings and more, and host guest artists including John Hiatt, Ben Folds, Rayland Baxter, Andrew Combs, Jessy Wilson, and Sugar + The Hi-Lows .
“The Music City brand is at the heart of Nashville’s tourism success and the city’s overall success,” says Butch Spyridon, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “We think this is a creative way to showcase and reinforce the strength and diversity of the music that’s created, written and recorded in Nashville.”
Spin On will be open Oct. 1, 2019-Jan 15, 2020, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Mondays from noon to 8 p.m.
Grimey’s, Nashville’s independent record store since 1999, specializes in new and preowned vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, turntables, and more. The Nashville trademark regularly hosts live performances, record release parties, book signings and interviews. Showfields’ flagship store premiered in December 2018 at 11 Bond Street in New York and has since grown into a revolving array of art, food, drink and community programming bridging art and retail in the heart of NOHO.
Animal Activist And Humanitarian Phran Galante Dies At 64
/by LB CantrellPhran Galante. Photo: Courtesy Galante Family
Phran Rachel Galante, 64, of Nashville, TN, passed away today (Sept. 23) after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer over the last several years.
Born June 5, 1955 in New York City, Phran’s early years were filled with her love of animals—especially horses—theater, swimming, dance and tennis. The child of an Army physician, she moved around the country and even to Japan with her parents and siblings.
A dream of working on Broadway took Phran back to New York in 1981, where she landed a temp job at Chrysalis Records. In 1983, at the suggestion of her boss, she pursued and interviewed for a job at RCA Nashville, where she met her husband, Joe Galante. The two would marry in 1990.
In 1989, she left RCA to become part of the original team that built and launched Arista Records. With a talent for marketing, she designed, orchestrated and executed music marketing plans for a variety of artists and projects throughout her record label career. She also produced music videos for such artists as Alabama, K.T. Oslin, Ronnie Milsap and Alan Jackson.
Returning to Nashville in the early 1990s with her husband, Phran turned her time and efforts toward the community she loved and called home. She volunteered to rescue animals, was on the board of directors for TPAC, and worked at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. She was a founding member of United Partnerships in Animal Welfare, a community-based group sanctioned by the city of Nashville, working to reduce the very high rate of euthanasia in Music City’s animal shelters.
In 2018, she was honored with the Pet Community Center’s Jourdan Parenteau Excellence in Service Award for her 20+ years of leadership in animal welfare. Accepting the award, she said, “Animals can’t speak for themselves, so we must do it for them.”
Phran was also passionate about the work being done by the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, using her record industry contacts to bring music into the facility to brighten children’s days. She raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through her work on the annual Music City Tennis Invitational, helping the event become a cornerstone of the hospital’s funding efforts. In 2017, while serving as honorary co-chair, she was recognized by the event with the MCTI Outstanding Service Award and the MCTI Sportsmanship Award (receiving the latter for a second time) for her many years of service as co-chair, silent auction chair and tournament player.
Almost immediately upon receiving her own diagnosis, Phran began helping friends and even strangers who were beginning their own journey with cancer, lending an ear, offering support and spending time with them. She went on-camera, sharing her voice and personal experience with the public on behalf of the T.J. Martell Foundation and its work to fund cancer research. “As each day goes by, we get closer and closer to a cure,” she said with conviction, giving hope to others through her own determination and fight to keep the disease at bay.
Phran is survived by her husband Joe, sister Debbie Linn, brothers Pete and Myke Schwartz, parents Marvin and Claire Schwartz, and her beloved pets Lexie and Fergie. Phran’s family thanks doctors Bal, Karlekar, Lovly and Meluch along with the nurses at Tennessee Oncology, Sarah Cannon, and the staff at Alive Hospice for the care they provided to Phran.
A celebration of Phran’s life will be held on October 23 at Congregation Micah in Brentwood, Tenn.; further details will be forthcoming. The family asks that anyone wishing to honor her memory consider a donation to the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Phran Galante Memorial Fund for Lung Cancer Research or the Pet Community Center in memory of Phran.