Acclaimed Nashville singer-songwriter Russell Smith, 70, died Friday, July 12, due to complications from cancer.
As the leader of The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Smith wrote and sang “Third Rate Romance” and “Amazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song),” which both became big hits in 1975.
The Aces won a Grammy Award in 1976 with Smith’s “The End Is Not In Sight.” The singer-songwriter re-emerged as a solo artist with five charted country singles in 1984-89.
He also became known on Music Row as a hit songwriter for others. Smith wrote or co-wrote “Big Ole Brew” (No. 1 Mel McDaniel, 1982), “Heartbeat In the Darkness” (No. 1 Don Williams, 1986), “Don’t Go To Strangers” (No. 1 T. Graham Brown, 1987) and “Keep It Between the Lines” (No. 1 Ricky Van Shelton, 1991).
Russell Smith had a fourth incarnation as a member of the 1990s country novelty group Run C&W.
The singer-songwriter was born in Nashville in 1949 and grew up in Lafayette, TN. He graduated from Macon County High School and retained his ties to his alma mater throughout his life.
He formed a group called Fatback in Knoxville in the 1960s. This evolved into The Amazing Rhythm Aces in Memphis in 1972. The group issued Stacked Deck as its debut LP in 1975. “Third Rate Romance” emerged from the collection as the group’s breakthrough single. The song has gone on to become a minor country classic.
Sammy Kershaw revived it as a major hit in 1994, and it has also been recorded by Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello, The Earl Scruggs Revue, Jesse Winchester, The Starland Vocal Band, The Drifters, The Fabulous Poodles and Roger Chapman, among others.
Too Stuffed To Jump was issued in 1976. This yielded the Grammy Award winning “The End Is Not In Sight.” The group began to acquire a cult following, which increased with 1977’s Toucan Do It Too.
The Amazing Rhythm Aces appeared on Saturday Night Live, Austin City Limits and other national TV shows. The group’s distinctive fusion of soul, rock and country styles plus Smith’s gritty, earthy singing voice gave it widespread appeal beyond country’s borders. The band toured with Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, and other pop stars.
At the same time, Smith’s songs were recorded by an increasingly wide range of artists. Tanya Tucker brought his “Dancing the Night Away” onto the country hit parade in 1977, and the song has also been covered by Crystal Gayle, Leo Sayer, The Oak Ridge Boys and Johnny Lee, among others.
The Aces switched from recording in Memphis to making its records on Music Row with 1978’s Burning the Ballroom Down. This collection contained “Ashes of Love” as the act’s next country single.
Smith and his group went to Muscle Shoals to record 1979’s Amazing Rhythm Aces, which contained “Lipstick Traces” as its country chart entry. The band moved from ABC Records to Warner Bros. for 1980’s How the Hell Do You Spell Rythum. It contained “I Musta Died and Gone to Texas,” as well as its version of “Big Ole Brew.”
The band broke up in 1981, but Smith’s success as a country songwriter continued. In addition to the hits listed above, he penned 1989’s “Honky Tonk Heart” for Highway 101, 1985’s “Old School” for John Conlee and 1993’s “Do You Know Where Your Man Is” for Pam Tillis.
Others who sang his tunes included John Anderson, Etta James, New Grass Revival, Lee Greenwood, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Shelby Lynne, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Cleve Francis, Travis Tritt, Kathy Mattea, Ronnie McDowell, Kix Brooks, Barbara Mandrell, Ricochet, Chely Wright, Andy Griggs and The Kendalls.
Smith persevered as a solo recording artist with the albums Russell Smith (1982), The Boy Next Door (1984), This Little Town (1989) and The End Is Not In Sight (2001).
He teamed with Bernie Leadon, Jim Photoglo and Vince Melamed to form the wacky act Run C&W. Signed to MCA, the band issued its Into the Twangy-First Century (1993) and Row Vs. Wade (1995) albums. They showcased its bluegrass-y arrangements of classic r&b songs, plus parodies such as “Itchy Twitchy Spot.”
Despite the legendary group’s hiatus, demand for The Amazing Rhythm Aces continued to grow, particularly in Europe and Australia. The band reconvened for Ride Again (1995), Out of the Blue (1996), Chock Full of Country Goodness (1999) and Nothin’ But the Blues (2003).
Russell Smith died at the Williamson County Medical Center In Franklin, TN on Friday. He is survived by sons Jesse Lee Smith and Matthew Miles Smith, by sister Cathy Smith Kemp, by grandson Hunter Smith and granddaughter Genevieve Smith.
Visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday, July 17, at Alexander Funeral Home in Lafayette, TN from noon to 2 p.m. with the funeral to follow. He will then be interred at the Testament Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Macon County Marching Tigers Band.
Gibson To Move Headquarters To Downtown Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonFor the past 30 years, the company’s headquarters has been located on the outskirts of Nashville proper. Gibson plans to expand into their new HQ by the end of 2019, where it will be home to 100+ employees. In addition to improving workspace functionality, the new space will offer the opportunity to create guitar showrooms for artists, as well as more options to showcase the Gibson brand and story. Over the past several months, Gibson has integrated its Memphis facility and invested in its Gibson USA and Gibson Custom Shop factories in Nashville.
“I’m proud of the progress we have made re-building Gibson and I’m excited to move our new headquarters to the heart of Nashville,” says James “JC” Curleigh, president and CEO of Gibson. “Cummins Station is the perfect choice for our expansion needs, our cultural evolution and our connection to Nashville, Music City U.S.A.”
“Over the past few years we have turned our iconic building into a modern-day solution for companies who thrive on creativity and a connection to Nashville,” says Zach Liff, owner and landlord of Cummins Station. “We are excited and honored that the iconic Gibson brand has selected Cummins Station for their new HQ.”
Russell Dickerson Celebrates Second Platinum Single With “Blue Tacoma”
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Norbert Nix (Triple Tigers), Russell Dickerson, John Dennis (Dennis Entertainment). Photo: Kailey Dickerson
Russell Dickerson recently celebrated his second Platinum certification with his No. 1 single “Blue Tacoma,” off of his full-length debut album Yours. The smash single, which has amassed over 221 million worldwide streams to date, has been a staple on country playlists and radio since its release.
“I remember we had to re-write this song a couple times,” said Dickerson. “After my wife and I took a trip down Highway 1 in California, I plugged that real life story into Blue Tacoma and that’s when we felt the magic on this song!”
Dickerson is currently touring alongside Thomas Rhett as part of the “Very Hot Summer Tour” with upcoming stops in New York, Chicago and Nashville.
Country Radio Broadcasters Reveal 2019-2020 Board
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Country Radio Broadcasters have completed their elections for the organization’s 2019-2020 Board of Directors. Returning as CRB Board President is Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media), elected as Vice President is John Shomby (Cumulus Media) and returning as Secretary is Beverlee Brannigan (SummitMedia).
Serving on this year’s Board of Directors are: Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), Beverlee Brannigan (SummitMedia), Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting), Johnny Chiang (KKBQ-FM), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Andy Denemark (United Stations), Ryan Dokke (Curb), Mike Dungan (UMG), John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), Dan Halyburton (Falls Media), Debra Herman (Apple), Steve Hodges (Sony Nashville), Clay Hunnicutt, Dave Kelly (Big Machine Label Group), Jon Loba (BBR/BMG), Mike McVay (McVay Media), Charlie Morgan (Emmis Communications), Rod Phillips (iHeartCountry), Tim Roberts (WYCD), Royce Risser (UMG), Bob Richards (Emmis Communications/WLHK), Brittany Schaffer (Spotify), John Shomby (Cumulus Media), Lesly Simon (Pearl Records), Matt Sunshine (CFSS), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio/Media), Ryan Redington (Amazon Music), and Kristen Williams (Warner). Charlie Monk continues as a Lifetime Director Emeritus.
CRB/CRS President, Kurt Johnson commented, “This is one of the strongest boards CRB has ever had. So proud to work with this group of radio and Music Row leaders to present country with the best CRS ever February 19-21, 2020.”
The CRS Board of Directors is made up of volunteer professionals from all areas of the country music industry. Together, they govern the organization and see that its mission is being fulfilled. Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. was created to provide a platform and structure for education and growth for the country music format, serving as the conduit connecting the interests of country radio with the country music industry.
Song Master Russell Smith Passes
/by Robert K OermannAcclaimed Nashville singer-songwriter Russell Smith, 70, died Friday, July 12, due to complications from cancer.
As the leader of The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Smith wrote and sang “Third Rate Romance” and “Amazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song),” which both became big hits in 1975.
The Aces won a Grammy Award in 1976 with Smith’s “The End Is Not In Sight.” The singer-songwriter re-emerged as a solo artist with five charted country singles in 1984-89.
He also became known on Music Row as a hit songwriter for others. Smith wrote or co-wrote “Big Ole Brew” (No. 1 Mel McDaniel, 1982), “Heartbeat In the Darkness” (No. 1 Don Williams, 1986), “Don’t Go To Strangers” (No. 1 T. Graham Brown, 1987) and “Keep It Between the Lines” (No. 1 Ricky Van Shelton, 1991).
Russell Smith had a fourth incarnation as a member of the 1990s country novelty group Run C&W.
The singer-songwriter was born in Nashville in 1949 and grew up in Lafayette, TN. He graduated from Macon County High School and retained his ties to his alma mater throughout his life.
He formed a group called Fatback in Knoxville in the 1960s. This evolved into The Amazing Rhythm Aces in Memphis in 1972. The group issued Stacked Deck as its debut LP in 1975. “Third Rate Romance” emerged from the collection as the group’s breakthrough single. The song has gone on to become a minor country classic.
Sammy Kershaw revived it as a major hit in 1994, and it has also been recorded by Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello, The Earl Scruggs Revue, Jesse Winchester, The Starland Vocal Band, The Drifters, The Fabulous Poodles and Roger Chapman, among others.
Too Stuffed To Jump was issued in 1976. This yielded the Grammy Award winning “The End Is Not In Sight.” The group began to acquire a cult following, which increased with 1977’s Toucan Do It Too.
The Amazing Rhythm Aces appeared on Saturday Night Live, Austin City Limits and other national TV shows. The group’s distinctive fusion of soul, rock and country styles plus Smith’s gritty, earthy singing voice gave it widespread appeal beyond country’s borders. The band toured with Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, and other pop stars.
At the same time, Smith’s songs were recorded by an increasingly wide range of artists. Tanya Tucker brought his “Dancing the Night Away” onto the country hit parade in 1977, and the song has also been covered by Crystal Gayle, Leo Sayer, The Oak Ridge Boys and Johnny Lee, among others.
The Aces switched from recording in Memphis to making its records on Music Row with 1978’s Burning the Ballroom Down. This collection contained “Ashes of Love” as the act’s next country single.
Smith and his group went to Muscle Shoals to record 1979’s Amazing Rhythm Aces, which contained “Lipstick Traces” as its country chart entry. The band moved from ABC Records to Warner Bros. for 1980’s How the Hell Do You Spell Rythum. It contained “I Musta Died and Gone to Texas,” as well as its version of “Big Ole Brew.”
The band broke up in 1981, but Smith’s success as a country songwriter continued. In addition to the hits listed above, he penned 1989’s “Honky Tonk Heart” for Highway 101, 1985’s “Old School” for John Conlee and 1993’s “Do You Know Where Your Man Is” for Pam Tillis.
Others who sang his tunes included John Anderson, Etta James, New Grass Revival, Lee Greenwood, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Shelby Lynne, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Cleve Francis, Travis Tritt, Kathy Mattea, Ronnie McDowell, Kix Brooks, Barbara Mandrell, Ricochet, Chely Wright, Andy Griggs and The Kendalls.
Smith persevered as a solo recording artist with the albums Russell Smith (1982), The Boy Next Door (1984), This Little Town (1989) and The End Is Not In Sight (2001).
He teamed with Bernie Leadon, Jim Photoglo and Vince Melamed to form the wacky act Run C&W. Signed to MCA, the band issued its Into the Twangy-First Century (1993) and Row Vs. Wade (1995) albums. They showcased its bluegrass-y arrangements of classic r&b songs, plus parodies such as “Itchy Twitchy Spot.”
Despite the legendary group’s hiatus, demand for The Amazing Rhythm Aces continued to grow, particularly in Europe and Australia. The band reconvened for Ride Again (1995), Out of the Blue (1996), Chock Full of Country Goodness (1999) and Nothin’ But the Blues (2003).
Russell Smith died at the Williamson County Medical Center In Franklin, TN on Friday. He is survived by sons Jesse Lee Smith and Matthew Miles Smith, by sister Cathy Smith Kemp, by grandson Hunter Smith and granddaughter Genevieve Smith.
Visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday, July 17, at Alexander Funeral Home in Lafayette, TN from noon to 2 p.m. with the funeral to follow. He will then be interred at the Testament Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Macon County Marching Tigers Band.
Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Amy Grant Among Early Supporters Of Heal The Music Day
/by Lorie HollabaughThe day is held in an effort to raise awareness and support for the emergency and ongoing medical needs of our country’s creative community, 76% of whom are self-employed or part of a small business. The majority don’t have access to group health benefits and, in many instances, have limited and unpredictable resources. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness.
“Our goal is to raise $500,000 this year to meet the continued increase in critical need,” said MHA Founder/CEO Tatum Allsep. “With a $10 donation, we are able to provide $300 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music, so there’s no doubt that Heal The Music Day is a great investment into the long-term health and wellness of the music industry as a whole.”
Since 2013, there have been more than 9,700 examples of members of the music community from coast-to-coast who have received free assistance from Music Health Alliance. The nine-person team has saved more than $43 Million in healthcare costs, including insurance premium savings, medical bill reductions and discounted medications in six years.
To learn more about Music Health Alliance’s free services and how you can take part in “Heal The Music Day,” contact MHA at 615-200-6896 or info@musichealthalliance.com.
UMG Nashville Signs Kylie Morgan
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R, front row): UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, Kylie Morgan, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan; (L-R, back row): Dickson Wright’s Austen Adams, SMACKSongs Senior Vice President Project Development Robert Carlton, SMACKSongs Owner Shane McAnally, UMG Nashville Senior Vice President Business and Legal Affairs Rob Femia, UMG Nashville COO Mike Harris, UMG Nashville Executive Vice President Promotion Royce Risser. Photo: Katie Kauss
Universal Music Group Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Kylie Morgan. A native of Newcastle, Oklahoma, Kylie began writing songs at the age of 12 and started releasing music independently garnering attention from music producers and talent executives. At 16, she was named “Who New To Watch” by the Country Music Association which led her to make regular trips to Nashville crafting her voice and polishing her songwriting.
After making the official move to Nashville at age 18, Kylie signed with the SMACKSongs team under the guidance of songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. Kylie has previously toured with the likes of Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Gavin DeGraw, Brett Eldredge and Billy Currington; and was named as part of CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2019. She will be performing shows across the country this summer opening for Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Devin Dawson, Lady Antebellum, Carly Pearce and more.
Kylie will release her autobiographical new song, “Boys Girl,” on July 26. Written by Kylie, McAnally, and Ross Copperman, the song is her first release with UMG Nashville. She is currently in the studio working on her debut album with producers McAnally and Ben Johnson.
To commemorate signing her record deal, Kylie stopped by Universal Music Group Nashville’s office and was the first artist to perform in the new space.
Photo: Katy Huffman
Songwriter Jeremy Bussey Inks New Pub Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured L-R: AJ Burton, VP, Fluid Music Revolution; Derek Wells, Senior Director A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Brian Bradford, Sr. Director of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville; Jeremy Bussey; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Michelle Davey, Administration Coordinator/Office Manager, Spirit Music Nashville; and Freeman Wizer, Sr. Director of Creative, Spirit Music Nashville.
Songwriter Jeremy Bussey has signed a publishing deal with Nashville-based company Spirit/Fluid, a joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Fluid Music Revolution.
Bussey has penned songs for Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, Tyler Farr,Thompson Square, Lonestar, Tate Stevens and Mark Wills, among others. He recently won MusicRow’s coveted “Song of the Year” for Ashley McBryde’s “Girl Going Nowhere.” Bussey has also landed songs for synch placements in TV/film and advertising, including Pepsi, Ram Trucks, The Real Housewives of Dallas, Hart of Dixie, and others.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jeremy Bussey to the Spirit and Fluid families. Jeremy is a true songwriter. Great ideas, great lyrics, great melodies – not to mention a great guy.” says Spirit Music Nashville CEO and award-winning producer and songwriter Frank Rogers, who was appointed to the new role at Spirit Music Nashville in May.
“We are thrilled that Jeremy has chosen Spirit Fluid as his next home! His lyrical ability is second to none. A lot of great things are on the horizon with this partnership,” said AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution.
“I’m excited to be working with Frank and AJ and to create some amazing songs and have a lot of fun along the way,” said Bussey.
David Levin Promoted To Sr. VP Licensing At BMI
/by Lorie HollabaughDavid Levin has been elevated from Vice President Digital Licensing to Senior Vice President, Licensing at BMI. In his newly-expanded role, Levin is responsible for all of BMI’s domestic licensing and revenue generation, encompassing radio, television, digital media, cable, satellite and general licensing. Levin, who will oversee teams in New York and Nashville, reports directly to Mike Steinberg, EVP, Creative and Licensing, and is based in New York.
“David has done a phenomenal job leading our digital licensing team, growing the business significantly and helping solidify BMI as a leader in digital rights management,” said Steinberg. “I know David will bring that same drive and creativity to all aspects of our licensing division, and I look forward to his leadership as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Under Levin’s direction, BMI’s digital revenues grew from $50 million in 2012 to more than $250 million in 2018. He helped secure the company’s first licensing deals with Netflix, Amazon’s Music and Video Services, Apple Music, Hulu and Facebook, and also established new licensing structures with Spotify, YouTube and Pandora.
Prior to BMI, Levin spent 12 years at Sony Music Entertainment where he held various positions including Senior Vice President, Digital Sales, and Vice President, New Media. While at Sony, Levin established the digital and mobile business channels which started as a small, nontraditional segment, but soon became much of the company’s core business. Before joining Sony, he ran the marketing department for Getmusic.com, a joint venture between BMG and Universal.
Levin holds an MBA and BA from Rutgers University and resides in Brooklyn.
UMG Nashville Promotes Katie Dean
/by Jessica NicholsonUniversal Music Group Nashville announces today that Katie Dean has been promoted to Senior Vice President Promotion for MCA Records Nashville. In 2015, Katie was named head of the label imprint’s promotion team and has since led the team with accomplishments including Jordan Davis’ back-to-back No.1 hits, George Strait’s first Top 20 single in five years, as well as, five No.1 hits for Sam Hunt, with “Body Like A Back Road” spending 25 weeks atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The MCA Nashville roster also includes Kassi Ashton, Clare Dunn, Vince Gill, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Turner.
“I am truly excited for this promotion for Katie,” says Royce Risser, Executive Vice President Promotion. “Katie is not only one of the best promotion people in Nashville, she’s also one of the best people I know, period. I’m so proud of the leader she has become since taking the helm of the MCA team. She is smart. She is fierce. She is genuine. In short, she is the triple threat (minus the normal height you would associate with ‘threat’). Congratulations Bug!”
“The MCA roster of the ’90s is why I fell in love with country music,” says Katie. “It’s an honor and privilege to work with this team to maintain the MCA legacy while we break the next generation of superstars.”
Katie has spent almost 15 years UMG Nashville and has previously held positions with AristoMedia, CMA, Lyric Street Records and MediaBase.
On The Row: Jameson Rodgers Talks Opening Shows For Luke Combs, Songwriting Successes
/by Jessica NicholsonRodgers has spent much of 2019 opening more than 30 shows on Combs’ Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour, and will be out on the road opening more concerts for the superstar, including two shows at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
“It’s been a crazy few months,” Rodgers said during a recent visit to the MusicRow offices. “Going from songwriter rooms to playing arena stages has been a change.”
Similar to the streaming success that kicked off Combs’ early career, a track from Rodgers’ 2016 EP, “Midnight Daydream,” began gaining traction on streaming platforms. The song also caught the ear of Combs’ now-fiancée Nicole Hocking.
“She sent my music to Luke and it’s funny, he tells the story that was like somewhere out west, like in a hot tub with his tour manager and like four other guys. She sent them a song called ‘Midnight Daydream.’ He said they all listened to it like 10 times and loved it. Luke sent me an Instagram message and I didn’t know who he was—this was before ‘Hurricane’ hit. He wanted to co-write and of course I said yes.
“A year later, I had another EP out and he called me and said ‘You’re great, the songs are great.’ Then it was like three months of silence, before he texted me randomly at like 8 in the morning and was like ‘Call Me.” So I did and he said, ‘I’m doing 30 arenas next year, you want to come?’ We got to play Red Rocks, and the arena in Memphis I grew up going to. It’s been unreal. I’m trying not to mess it all up.”
It’s a heady season in his career for Batesville, Mississippi native Rodgers, who moved to Nashville in 2010. He spent the next few years working at FedEx by day and playing songwriter rounds at night. Along the way, he became friends with fellow rising writers and artists such as Hardy, who wrote two of the tracks on Rodgers’ project, including “Like You’ve Been There Before” and the debut single “Some Girls.”
“I fell in love with the demo like five years ago and I always told them I wanted to cut it,” he says of “Some Girls.” “I think every artist in town had ‘Some Girls’ on hold at some point. When you are coming up with those guys over the years, in the trenches and nobody even has a publishing deal, you’re just writing songs together and you’re sharing these demos. I would hear these songs and think ‘How has nobody cut this song?’ So I asked if I could cut them.”
A songwriter with Combustion Music, Rodgers has earned a few top-shelf songwriter credits of his own, penning Florida Georgia Line’s “Talk You Out Of It,” and Chris Lane’s “I Don’t Know About You.”
Between tour dates, Rodgers is working on his full-length debut major label album alongside Chris Farren, Mickey Jack Cones and Jake Mitchell.
Jameson Rodgers with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow