Brooks & Dunn. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“I’m a fan. That’s why I got into this. I’m a country music fan,” said Brooks & Dunn’s Kix Brooks on Thursday evening during a special event at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Like many successful country artists, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn count themselves both fans and students of country music and its history. This October, as the best-selling duo in country music history, Brooks & Dunn will receive one of country music’s highest honors, when they are inducted as the newest members into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
But that’s not the only Hall of Fame accolade that has Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn excited—Thursday evening the duo invited industry members to a preview of their new Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon, which opens today and runs through July 19, 2020.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn took the stage in the Hall of Fame’s rotunda surrounded by the bronze plaques honoring current members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the same room that will soon house similar likenesses of Brooks & Dunn.
“I cannot believe the plaques on this wall, that these are our peers,” Brooks said. “When Ronnie and I go through our induction ceremony in October, just to be in this room, that’s pretty friggin’ special to me.”
“This induction was of course inevitable,” said Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, referencing sales successes of more than 6 million copies of their 1991 debut album Brand New Man, 20 No. 1 Billboard singles and 39 Top 10 singles. “They have done so with music that is excellent, invigorating and full of honky-tonk truth.”
“That’s an awful lot of stuff Kyle,” Brooks said. “The truths in there I think we can really identify with, I think brotherhood is one that probably rings very true with what we’ve been through and what we’ve managed to accomplish.”
Pictured (L-R) Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, and Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Brooks also recalled how he and Dunn went from struggling solo artists to a duo act, courtesy of a meeting with label executive Tim DuBois.
“For a couple of guys who didn’t know each other from Adam…We’d both been around the block for a long time but we were also pretty broke and when anybody throws any kind of opportunity at you in the music business, you generally take it and try to make the best of it,” he said. “That was our first intention and that same week, we met and wrote our first two No. 1 records. When ‘Brand New Man’ became a No. 1 record, we knew we really screwed up,” he quipped, earned laughter from the crowd. “We have to do something now; we’re in business.”
That pairing has sold more than 30 million albums—more than any other duo in history, regardless of genre. The Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon exhibit includes dozens of the duo’s 46 accolades from the Grammys, ACMs, and CMAs, earned between 1992 and 2006.
Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Among the items in the exhibit are early solo albums and photos from both Ronnie and Kix, as well as early drafted lyrics to their hit “Red Dirt Road.” Also included are numerous guitars and stagewear, as well as racing suits emblazoned with the duo’s steer’s head logos, which Brooks & Dunn wore when they drove 5/8th-scale Legends race cars in the 1990s. The exhibit chronicles their careers through to present day, with the release of Reboot earlier this year, a project that found the duo collaborating with fellow country artists including Luke Combs, Midland, Ashley McBryde, and more.
“We just got to go take a peek at what the Hall of Fame has put together for us and it’s really mind-boggling to see that together in one place,” Brooks said. “Those awards he was talking about, those are great and nice, those are big pats on the backs, and those are fun times celebrating with people we owe so much to, almost everybody in this room…you look at those awards and sales, it’s all a byproduct of this amazing experience that we got to have, writing these songs and all the times we spent together with people in this business, all pulling together. That’s what this exhibit is about.”
Dunn was characteristically humble and brief with his remarks, calling the music industry a “big machine of support…It’s hard to stand up here and take a whole lot of credit for all of it.”
Artifacts seen during the opening of Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Artifacts seen during the opening of Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Artifacts seen during the opening of Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Brett Eldredge Celebrates Seventh No. 1 Single
/by Jessica NicholsonEndurance Music Group’s Josh Saxe, BMI songwriters Ross Copperman, Brett Eldredge and Heather Morgan, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg and BMI’s Mason Hunter (Photo: Steve Lowry)
BMI hosted a No. 1 party on Wednesday (Aug. 7) to honor Brett Eldredge‘s seventh career chart-topping song, “Love Someone.” The track marks the third chart-topping writing collaboration from Eldredge, Heather Morgan and Ross Copperman. Copperman also co-produced the track.
Among those celebrating were Endurance Music Group’s Josh Saxe, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, and Warner Music Nashville’s Chairman/CEO John Esposito, and BMI’s Mason Hunter.
Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum Opens Brooks & Dunn Exhibit
/by Jessica NicholsonBrooks & Dunn. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“I’m a fan. That’s why I got into this. I’m a country music fan,” said Brooks & Dunn’s Kix Brooks on Thursday evening during a special event at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Like many successful country artists, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn count themselves both fans and students of country music and its history. This October, as the best-selling duo in country music history, Brooks & Dunn will receive one of country music’s highest honors, when they are inducted as the newest members into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
But that’s not the only Hall of Fame accolade that has Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn excited—Thursday evening the duo invited industry members to a preview of their new Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon, which opens today and runs through July 19, 2020.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn took the stage in the Hall of Fame’s rotunda surrounded by the bronze plaques honoring current members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the same room that will soon house similar likenesses of Brooks & Dunn.
“I cannot believe the plaques on this wall, that these are our peers,” Brooks said. “When Ronnie and I go through our induction ceremony in October, just to be in this room, that’s pretty friggin’ special to me.”
“This induction was of course inevitable,” said Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, referencing sales successes of more than 6 million copies of their 1991 debut album Brand New Man, 20 No. 1 Billboard singles and 39 Top 10 singles. “They have done so with music that is excellent, invigorating and full of honky-tonk truth.”
“That’s an awful lot of stuff Kyle,” Brooks said. “The truths in there I think we can really identify with, I think brotherhood is one that probably rings very true with what we’ve been through and what we’ve managed to accomplish.”
Pictured (L-R) Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, and Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Brooks also recalled how he and Dunn went from struggling solo artists to a duo act, courtesy of a meeting with label executive Tim DuBois.
“For a couple of guys who didn’t know each other from Adam…We’d both been around the block for a long time but we were also pretty broke and when anybody throws any kind of opportunity at you in the music business, you generally take it and try to make the best of it,” he said. “That was our first intention and that same week, we met and wrote our first two No. 1 records. When ‘Brand New Man’ became a No. 1 record, we knew we really screwed up,” he quipped, earned laughter from the crowd. “We have to do something now; we’re in business.”
That pairing has sold more than 30 million albums—more than any other duo in history, regardless of genre. The Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon exhibit includes dozens of the duo’s 46 accolades from the Grammys, ACMs, and CMAs, earned between 1992 and 2006.
Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Among the items in the exhibit are early solo albums and photos from both Ronnie and Kix, as well as early drafted lyrics to their hit “Red Dirt Road.” Also included are numerous guitars and stagewear, as well as racing suits emblazoned with the duo’s steer’s head logos, which Brooks & Dunn wore when they drove 5/8th-scale Legends race cars in the 1990s. The exhibit chronicles their careers through to present day, with the release of Reboot earlier this year, a project that found the duo collaborating with fellow country artists including Luke Combs, Midland, Ashley McBryde, and more.
“We just got to go take a peek at what the Hall of Fame has put together for us and it’s really mind-boggling to see that together in one place,” Brooks said. “Those awards he was talking about, those are great and nice, those are big pats on the backs, and those are fun times celebrating with people we owe so much to, almost everybody in this room…you look at those awards and sales, it’s all a byproduct of this amazing experience that we got to have, writing these songs and all the times we spent together with people in this business, all pulling together. That’s what this exhibit is about.”
Dunn was characteristically humble and brief with his remarks, calling the music industry a “big machine of support…It’s hard to stand up here and take a whole lot of credit for all of it.”
Artifacts seen during the opening of Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Artifacts seen during the opening of Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Artifacts seen during the opening of Brooks & Dunn: Kings of Neon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Olivia Lane Releases ‘The One’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughOlivia Lane has released her new EP The One, today on all digital streaming services. The One tackles a multitude of subjects close to her on the new record, as she poured her heart into meaningful personal statements including “So Good It Hurts,” “Friends Don’t,” and “The Cape.”
“It’s been three years since I’ve put out my last project,” says Lane. “In that time, I made it a priority to figure out how to love and take care of myself. Each song on my new EP The One explores a lesson learned along the journey to self-acceptance. I’m so excited to let you in on where my head and heart are now.”
It’s been a busy time for Lane leading up to the release of The One. On Aug. 28 she is set to showcase a new tune on Songland, NBC’s songwriting competition series. Lane collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Ester Deen on the track to perform for featured guest artist Leona Lewis on the new show.
Industry Ink: SESAC, Charlie Daniels, Amy Speace, NATD
/by Lorie HollabaughSESAC Songwriter Series Features Four
(L-R): SESAC’s Zach Green, Emily Ann Roberts, Alex Kline, Allison Veltz, and David DeVaul
SESAC hosted its monthly SESAC Presents Songwriter Series at the Bluebird Café on Tuesday, Aug. 6, featuring four affiliate songwriters, Emily Ann Roberts, Alex Kline, Allison Veltz, and David DeVaul.
Charlie Daniels To Host Second Patriot Award Dinner
Charlie Daniels has announced the second “Charlie Daniels Patriot Award Dinner” to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at The Palm Restaurant in Nashville. The evening will feature remarks by Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins (US Army, retired). Adkins is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Additional special guests include high profile military officers Eddie Gallagher, Michael Flynn, Mark “Oz” Geist and former NYC Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik. Daniels and Darryl Worley are also slated to perform. All proceeds from the evening benefit The Journey Home Project.
Amy Speace Hosts Listening Event For ‘Me And The Ghost Of Charlemagne’
(L-R): Don Henry, Jon Vezner, Kathy Mattea, Amy Speace
Amy Speace hosted a listening event Wednesday night for her upcoming album, Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne, due out Sept. 6. The intimate gathering at The Nations’ Welcome to the 1979 Studio featured a selection of tracks from the album and guests including Don Henry, Kathy Mattea, Jon Vezner and Mary Gauthier.
NATD News
(L-R): NATD Membership Chair Zach Farnum, Todd Cassetty, Leslie Fram, Jordan Pettit, NATD President Steve Tolman, Phil Guerini; Photo Credit: Larry Butler for NATD
Executives from three major platforms spoke at the Nashville Association of Talent Directors’ Speaker Series on August 6 at the CMA Event Space on Music Row. Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy and Talent for CMT, Phil Guerini, VP Music Strategy Disney Channels Worldwide and GM, Radio Disney Networks and Jordan Pettit, Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy for Opry Entertainment Group spoke on a panel to NATD members and guests in a conversation around the strategic pathways available to developing artists. The panel was moderated by Cassetty Entertainment’s Todd Cassetty, an industry exec who has worked extensively with each of the panelists on developing acts. The Valory Music Co./Tape Room Records’ newly signed Avenue Beat performed two songs off their recently released self-titled EP as well at the event.
The Nashville Association of Talent Directors has announced seven honorees who will be recognized at the 9th Annual NATD Honors Gala scheduled for Nov. 19 at the Hermitage Hotel. Tickets for the gala can be purchased here. Honorees being awarded for their accomplishments and service to the Nashville entertainment industry include: (In Memoriam) Former CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group Bill Hearn, publishing and radio legend fondly nick-named “the Mayor of Music Row” Charlie Monk, recently retired GM of the Nashville Municipal Auditorium Bob Skoney, head of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp since 1991 Butch Spyridon, legendary music agent Bonnie Sugarman, Premier Global Productions and Country Thunder’s Troy Vollhoffer and the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time CeCe Winans.
CMA Brings Artists, Songwriters To Support Music Education In North Carolina
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Frank Rogers, Lindsay Ell, Russell Dickerson and Jordan Reynolds. Photo: Kent Smith/CMA
The Country Music Association welcomed artists and songwriters including Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Jordan Reynolds and Frank Rogers in Charlotte, North Carolina, as they met with band students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to discuss songwriting and music. The event was followed by a CMA Songwriters Series performance at the McGlohon Theater.
Through a financial investment from the CMA Foundation and U.S. Bank, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will support 48 elementary music programs with music library needs and small instruments (accessory instruments, rhythm sticks, boomwhackers, hand chimes and more). In addition, the investment will support 100 hours of coaching for instrumental music programs, supplement district wide repair funds, provide summer music camp opportunities, supplement emerging ensemble programs, and give four secondary schools a basic set of instruments including flutes, clarinets, trumpets and violins.
Pictured (L-R): Frank Rogers, Lindsay Ell, Russell Dickerson and Jordan Reynolds. Photo Credit: Electric Machine/CMA
Sam Williams Joins Cam On European Trek
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Williams is set to cross the pond with Cam on her “Oh, The Places We’ll Go!” European tour in a few weeks. Kicking off in Belfast, Ireland on September 1, the eight-date run will wrap on Sept. 14 in Berlin, Germany. The tour marks Williams’ first official tour and his first time traveling overseas. He’ll play a Music City date Aug. 20 at the Back Corner before heading to the UK.
Williams, who is the son of Hank Williams Jr. and the grandson of Hank Williams Sr., recently released his current single, “Gemini,” which he co-wrote with Jaida Dreyer.
“I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity! I’ve never been on an official tour and I’ve never been to Europe. I’ve been manifesting the idea of it, and even writing songs about it, and to have it happening feels surreal,” said Williams. “Cam is such a true talent and an overall graceful act and I’m so honored she chose me to join her. I’m so eager to see new places and to get to know those abroad, and I hope they’ll enjoy getting to know me, too.”
Upcoming Sam Williams Tour Dates:
Weekly Chart Report (8/9/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
DISClaimer: Allie Colleen, Tyler Childers, Sheryl Crow, Jason Crabb, Mac Powell Lead New Releases
/by Robert K OermannAllie Colleen, Tyler Childers
Come one, come all.
This week’s column includes several folks who made their name in other genres, but who now fit comfortably under country music’s umbrella. Sheryl Crow, Jason Crabb and Mac Powell are such great artists, that we should welcome them with open arms, however and whenever they come calling.
The same goes for Americana favorite, Tyler Childers, who wins this week’s Disc of the Day award. The DisCovery Award honor goes to singer-songwriter Allie Colleen. Lend her your ears.
ALLIE COLLEEN/Work In Progress
Writers: Allie Colleen/Marcus Hummon/Greg Beick; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MC1 Nashville
– Lilting and lovely, it’s a meditation on growing up and taking “a journey to me.” The lyrics describe the uncertainty of youth, but there’s nothing immature about this performance. Extremely promising. This recent Belmont grad is the daughter of Garth Brooks, but richly deserves to be judged on her own talent. Allie Colleen is booked to play The Dawghouse in Music City next Tuesday (8/13).
MAC POWELL & THE FAMILY REUNION & CRAIG MORGAN/Whoo!
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jason Hoard; Publishers: none listed
– A rowdy and rocking invitation to party, party, party. The rhythmic undertow and the chesty baritone lead vocals are irresistible. Powell was formerly with the CCM act Third Day, but he’s a country-rocker now. And how.
SHERYL CROW & CHRIS STAPLETON/Tell Me When It’s Over
Writers: Sheryl Crow/Chris Stapleton; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory
-Thumping and tart, this has a distinct, old-school r&b groove. She begins in a light soprano range, but dips into a throaty alto when Chris joins her on the choruses. The searing guitar solo is the icing on the cake. Sheryl’s highly anticipated Threads CD appears on Aug. 30.
JASON CRABB/Day One
Writers: Jason Crabb/Gloria Gaynor/Chris Stevens; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: none listed; Daywind
– This native Kentuckian possesses one of the most powerful voices in gospel music. Drawn from his Grammy winning Unexpected CD, this stately ballad is one more example of his electrifying greatness.
CASSADEE POPE/I’ve Been Good
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Awake
– When her ex asks how she is, she answers, “I’ve been good,” meaning she’s been good at being miserable. But she’s darned if she’s going to show him that. As usual, she sings with aplomb, even when the track plods just a little.
RODNEY ATKINS/Thank God For You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb
– The hell-raising boy becomes a settled man. He sings well, and the rocking song is a good one. But there is something unattractive about how compressed and muffled this sounds. It should have been much edgier.
DYLAN SCOTT/When You Say Nothing At All
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jim Ed Norman, Matt Alderman, Curt Gibbs; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Dylan sings this classic every night in his concerts. Now it is the debut video from his Keith Whitley tribute CD An Old Memory. It’s a flawless, heartfelt performance on a record meant to keep alive Whitley’s music and legacy. It’s Dylan’s way of saying “Thanks” to his biggest influence. And just as important, it’s a statement about who he really is as an artist, a proud neo-traditionalist. Absolutely play this.
CRYSTAL GAYLE/Ribbon of Darkness
Writer: Gordon Lightfoot; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Southpaw
– For her first album in 16 years, Crystal revisits the country classics she grew up on. You Don’t Know Me features the first recorded trio of her with sisters Loretta Lynn and Peggy Sue (”Put It Off Until Tomorrow”), as well as this rippling, lustrous lead single. The evergreen was previously a hit for Marty Robbins (1965) and Connie Smith (1969). Crystal’s single of it drops tomorrow.
JOE DIFFIE/As Long As There’s A Bar
Writers: Jessica Pearson/Galen Griffin/Keith Burns; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: none listed; Silverado
– Diffie returns to down-home honky tonking with this steel-soaked, twanging, drawling roadhouse outing. Personality on parade.
TYLER CHILDERS/Country Squire
Writer: none listed; Producer: Sturgill Simpson/David Ferguson; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– The title tune to Tyler’s latest is a peppy two stepper. He reigns as the Americana genre’s Emerging Artist honoree, but there’s no reason on earth why mainstream country music shouldn’t embrace this authentic, gifted, rootsy singer-songwriter. I love this real-deal artist. You should too. Tyler appeared on Jimmy Fallon this week. I’d say that’s a pretty good launch for his CD.
Gable Bradley Signs With Cornman Music And Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Abigail Wate (Cornman Music), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Brett James (Cornman Music), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Gable Bradley, Nate Lowery (Cornman Music), Anthony “Gino” Genaro (CDA Entertainment), Jessi Vaughn (WCM), Zack Hallcroft (CDA Entertainment), Molly Shehan (Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC)
Gable Bradley has inked a worldwide co-publishing deal with Cornman Music and Warner Chappell Music.
The singer/songwriter has performed all over the Southeast from Florida’s panhandle to the Ozarks in Missouri. With a duffle bag and guitar, the Hot Springs native moved to Nashville in 2016 where he continues to hone his craft.
Bradley is represented by CDA Entertainment and BMI.
Academy Of Country Music Announces 2019-2020 Board Officers
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“I’ve greatly enjoyed my involvement with the Academy and am looking forward to carrying the torch from Duane. I’m proud to work with the many talented industry people who volunteer their time for our artists, industry and fans,” said ACM Chairman Ed Warm.
“The Academy’s history is one of continually building upon its successes and supporting the artists we love and the music they create that shapes our culture. I am grateful for and proud of the hard work and dedication of the Academy’s board, our partners and our passionate staff. With Ed stepping in as Chairman, I am confident we are in the best hands to guide our organization to new heights. This year, we decided the Academy would benefit by officers serving an August to August term better positioned during the Awards cycle. I look forward to seeing the Academy continue to grow and achieve greatness in its future and am excited to see Ed’s leadership in action,” said past Chairman Duane Clark.
Chairman of the Board-Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
President-Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Vice President-Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Treasurer*-Carmen Romano, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms–Gayle Holcomb, WME
Parliamentarian-Paul Moore, PGM Connections
Secretary-Tommy Moore, Academy of Country Music
*Treasurer elected in 2019 for a three-year term