Chris Janson‘s first-ever new music preview was held at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in downtown Nashville on Tuesday (Jan. 29) for his forthcoming Warner Bros. album, which was described as the perfect vehicle for his live show.
Hosted by longtime supporter and CMT SVP, Music & Talent, Leslie Fram, Janson eloquently described his process on the project, which was recorded at his home.
The sampled tracks were prefaced with Janson hoping they will make the album, with some presented in unmastered form, in addition to live performances.
Songs included a play on words with the country two-stepper “Check” (which was in the running for the first single), “Waiting On Five” (co-written via phone and email with Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, and Shy Carter), “Say About Me” (a flamboyant, country rap “setlist staple” written with Carter in one take), “Hawaii On Me” (written with his wife Kelly Lynn, and previously recorded by Tim McGraw, but not released), “Good Dogs Die, Daddies Get Old” (written about the family dog passing, in addition to his father in law), and the official first single, due Feb. 8, “Good Vibes.” Janson says the track was written with Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley after everyone was hanging out complaining, and Janson only wanted good vibes.
“We wrote and produced [the single] in one day,” said Janson of “Good Vibes.” “Zach suggested we write the title and I was like, ‘Everyone says it, I’m sure there’s a million songs about ‘Good Vibes’—there’s not. When I sing it, it’s subliminally reminding myself—they say sometimes when you give an uplifting talk that you’re really talking to yourself. ‘Good Vibes’ is talking to me, too, because it’s a great reminder—Every day you have the choice to be nice to somebody or not.”
Janson confirmed his songwriting approach has changed over the years, after having cuts by artists such as Tim McGraw, Randy Houser and LOCASH.
“I always would sit down to write for someone else,” he explained. “Now I write in a total reverse way, for me first and whatever I don’t think I can do, it’s open game for my friends…I write songs like a full-time, 9-5 staff writer—every chance I get.”
In what he partially described as country flamboyance, the titles previewed are all conducive to his stage show. “I gauge songs that are going on an album by if they work live or not, because that’s my bread and butter and the biggest way I’ve gotten to people. If people aren’t immediately singing along, hands up, clapping or something then I won’t do it anymore.
“This whole record is just true to life stuff. I’m not putting anything on this album that is made up, fake, hokey—that I wouldn’t want to walk in a room and talk about. I feel like I’ve really come into my own with this [album]. What I mean by that is I didn’t know I was making an album. I just wrote a bunch of songs and had a meeting with Cris Lacy [and wife Kelly Lynn], and it’s been that fun from the get-go. I’ve never actually had that 110 percent opportunity until now—you’re catching me at a great time, it feels so right.”
Janson is riding high on the heels of becoming a Grand Ole Opry member, and has performed at the revered Opry House more than 150 times, in addition to opening/closing the 2018 CMA Awards and ACM Awards. Janson teased the CMT exec, “I hope to put the CMT Music Awards on that list soon.
“When I’m making music, I feel like I’m doing my best at that moment,” continued Janson. “And when I get an opportunity to shine, I give it my all and at the end of the day the cream always rises to the top, the music always wins and the hardest worker always gets there.”
Signature harmonicas were a parting gift in a nod to his time earning tips on Lower Broadway. “I was too poor to eat but I bought a Cracker Barrell harmonica. My tips started doubling and quadrupling and I thought, ‘Well, now I’m a harmonica player.’ And two months ago Hohner Harmonica endorsed me, so it’s full circle.”
Looking back on his life in Nashville, Janson does not see struggle, rather a payoff for hard work.
“It was not so long ago that I was just graduating high school in a farm town in Missouri, listening to J98 The Boot, never thinking I’d be here—but I did believe it deep down,” explained Janson, who slept in his car for the first few months. “Sometimes you look back and say, ‘I can’t believe we did that.’ I can believe it. I don’t come from money, so you either go to Nashville and don’t make it, or you stay at home and don’t make it ever. When I got here, I realized you really have to go to work.”
Curb Records Signs Filmore
/by Jessica NicholsonFollowing features on Apple Music, SiriusXM, and The Bobby Bones Show among others, new artist Filmore has inked a recording contract with Curb Records.
His major label single, “Slower,” will release this spring. Filmore co-wrote the track with Justin Ebach and Steven Dale Jones. Following his own headlining tour last year, Filmore joins Walker Hayes’ Dream On It Tour later this week.
“Today we reaffirm Curb’s commitment to signing artists of the highest caliber and with strong artistic vision. We are creating an environment where artists can be artists. Filmore represents this new direction perfectly. He and his team have built an incredible foundation and fan base. We could not be more excited to be working with Filmore and look forward to taking his music to a global audience this Spring,” noted Curb SVP/GM Ryan Dokke.
“Partnering with the team at Curb Records will only amplify and further what we’ve been building over the past few years. I couldn’t ask for a better fit as we roll into 2019,” added Filmore.
American Airlines Offers Customers Free Apple Music In-Flight Access
/by Lorie HollabaughAmerican Airlines customers will now have access to Apple Music to stream more than 50 million songs, playlists, and music videos on any domestic flight equipped with Viasat satellite Wi-Fi beginning this Friday. American is the first commercial airline to provide exclusive access to Apple Music through complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi.
To enjoy Apple Music during flight, customers on Viasat-equipped aircraft can connect to Wi-Fi at no cost and log in with their Apple Music subscription. Customers who don’t already have an Apple Music subscription will also be able to connect to Wi-Fi at no cost, sign-up onboard, and receive free access for three months. Apple Music is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, PC, Android, CarPlay, HomePod, Sonos, and Amazon Echo.
“Our customers want to make the most of their time when flying with us. That’s why we’re investing in high-speed Wi-Fi, the newest movies, live TV and now Apple Music,” said Janelle Anderson, vice president of Global Marketing at American. “Providing customers with more ways to stay connected throughout each flight is one way to show we value their business and the time they spend with us.”
“For most travelers, having music to listen to on the plane is just as important as anything they pack in their suitcases,” said Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music. “With the addition of Apple Music on American flights, we are excited that customers can now enjoy their music in even more places. Subscribers can stream all their favorite songs and artists in the air, and continue to listen to their personal library offline giving them everything they need to truly sit back, relax and enjoy their flight.”
American is also investing in new entertainment and connectivity options throughout its fleet. In addition to launching Apple Music, American is also:
Chris Janson Unveils New Music At First-Ever Preview Event
/by Eric T. ParkerChris Janson‘s first-ever new music preview was held at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in downtown Nashville on Tuesday (Jan. 29) for his forthcoming Warner Bros. album, which was described as the perfect vehicle for his live show.
Hosted by longtime supporter and CMT SVP, Music & Talent, Leslie Fram, Janson eloquently described his process on the project, which was recorded at his home.
The sampled tracks were prefaced with Janson hoping they will make the album, with some presented in unmastered form, in addition to live performances.
Songs included a play on words with the country two-stepper “Check” (which was in the running for the first single), “Waiting On Five” (co-written via phone and email with Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, and Shy Carter), “Say About Me” (a flamboyant, country rap “setlist staple” written with Carter in one take), “Hawaii On Me” (written with his wife Kelly Lynn, and previously recorded by Tim McGraw, but not released), “Good Dogs Die, Daddies Get Old” (written about the family dog passing, in addition to his father in law), and the official first single, due Feb. 8, “Good Vibes.” Janson says the track was written with Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley after everyone was hanging out complaining, and Janson only wanted good vibes.
“We wrote and produced [the single] in one day,” said Janson of “Good Vibes.” “Zach suggested we write the title and I was like, ‘Everyone says it, I’m sure there’s a million songs about ‘Good Vibes’—there’s not. When I sing it, it’s subliminally reminding myself—they say sometimes when you give an uplifting talk that you’re really talking to yourself. ‘Good Vibes’ is talking to me, too, because it’s a great reminder—Every day you have the choice to be nice to somebody or not.”
Janson confirmed his songwriting approach has changed over the years, after having cuts by artists such as Tim McGraw, Randy Houser and LOCASH.
“I always would sit down to write for someone else,” he explained. “Now I write in a total reverse way, for me first and whatever I don’t think I can do, it’s open game for my friends…I write songs like a full-time, 9-5 staff writer—every chance I get.”
In what he partially described as country flamboyance, the titles previewed are all conducive to his stage show. “I gauge songs that are going on an album by if they work live or not, because that’s my bread and butter and the biggest way I’ve gotten to people. If people aren’t immediately singing along, hands up, clapping or something then I won’t do it anymore.
“This whole record is just true to life stuff. I’m not putting anything on this album that is made up, fake, hokey—that I wouldn’t want to walk in a room and talk about. I feel like I’ve really come into my own with this [album]. What I mean by that is I didn’t know I was making an album. I just wrote a bunch of songs and had a meeting with Cris Lacy [and wife Kelly Lynn], and it’s been that fun from the get-go. I’ve never actually had that 110 percent opportunity until now—you’re catching me at a great time, it feels so right.”
Janson is riding high on the heels of becoming a Grand Ole Opry member, and has performed at the revered Opry House more than 150 times, in addition to opening/closing the 2018 CMA Awards and ACM Awards. Janson teased the CMT exec, “I hope to put the CMT Music Awards on that list soon.
“When I’m making music, I feel like I’m doing my best at that moment,” continued Janson. “And when I get an opportunity to shine, I give it my all and at the end of the day the cream always rises to the top, the music always wins and the hardest worker always gets there.”
Signature harmonicas were a parting gift in a nod to his time earning tips on Lower Broadway. “I was too poor to eat but I bought a Cracker Barrell harmonica. My tips started doubling and quadrupling and I thought, ‘Well, now I’m a harmonica player.’ And two months ago Hohner Harmonica endorsed me, so it’s full circle.”
Looking back on his life in Nashville, Janson does not see struggle, rather a payoff for hard work.
“It was not so long ago that I was just graduating high school in a farm town in Missouri, listening to J98 The Boot, never thinking I’d be here—but I did believe it deep down,” explained Janson, who slept in his car for the first few months. “Sometimes you look back and say, ‘I can’t believe we did that.’ I can believe it. I don’t come from money, so you either go to Nashville and don’t make it, or you stay at home and don’t make it ever. When I got here, I realized you really have to go to work.”
Garth Brooks Reveals Bridgestone Arena Concert, Q&A Session As Part Of CRS 50th Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Blue Rose Inc
Garth Brooks has announced he will make two special appearances during Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary event on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 at Nashville’s Omni Hotel.
On Wednesday, Feb. 13, Brooks will recreate his history-making, one-man show in an intimate concert setting at Bridgestone Arena exclusively for CRS 2019 badge holders with doors opening immediately following the Amazon Music Presents: “Country Heat” at CRS showcase starting at 6 p.m. CT.
On Thursday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. CT, there will be a special Q&A with Brooks and Steve Boom, VP of Amazon Music, moderated by Billboard’s West Coast Editor Melinda Newman. Amazon Music is the exclusive destination for streaming songs and albums from Brooks. Brooks recently announced FUN as the next title of his upcoming studio album, due out this Spring.
The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour has already sold out dates at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO on March 9, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on March 23, and two nights at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Two other announced dates include Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on April 20th and Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA on May 18th.
Wynonna Signs To ANTI- Records, Releases Cover Of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”
/by Jessica NicholsonWynonna has inked a new recording deal, and is working on her upcoming project for Los Angeles-based ANTI- Records. The label’s roster primarily consists of punk, pop-rock, soul, and indie rock artists, including Wilco, Neko Case, The Milk Carton Kids, Mavis Staples, The Drums, and more.
“Now more than ever, I am on a mission to rediscover the reason I got into this business,” Wynonna said, “and Anti- is giving me the musical freedom to do that.”
Wynonna, known for both her solo country hits including “No One Else On Earth,” as well as her lengthy list of hits as part of mother-daughter duo The Judds, recently released a stripped down, a cappella rendition of the Nina Simone classic “Feeling Good,” which the singer recorded on her iPhone.
She will be on tour throughout the United States this year with her band The Big Noise. Spring tour dates are listed below.
TOUR DATES
2/15 – Temecula, CA – Pechanga Resort & Casino
2/21 – The Woodlands, TX – Dosey Doe – The Big Barn
2/22 – Lawton, OK – Apache Casino Hotel
2/23 – Waco, TX – Hippodrome Theatre
3/8 – Peshawbestown, MI – Leelanau Sands Casino
3/9 – Kohler, WI – Kohler Memorial Theatre
3/15 – Toppenish, WA – Legends Casino Event Center
3/16 – Salem, OR – The Elsinore Theatre
3/18 – Bend, OR – Tower Theatre
3/20 – Helena, MT – Helena Civic Center
3/22 – Suquamish, WA – Suquamish Clearwater Casino
3/23 – Redding, CA – Cascade Theatre
3/24 – Boise, ID – Egyptian Theatre
3/26 – Aspen, CO – Wheeler Opera House
4/6 – Clinton, IA – Wild Rose Casino & Resort
4/7 – St. Louis, MO – River City Casino & Hotel
4/25 – Wilkesboro, NC – Merlefest 2019
Brandy Clark, Devin Dawson, Lindsay Ell To Play Tokyo For CMA’s Introducing Nashville Series
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA’s new international artist-focused touring series, Introducing Nashville, has added back-to-back shows at Blue Note Tokyo in Japan on Saturday, March 30 featuring Brandy Clark, Devin Dawson and Lindsay Ell. Prior to Japan, Introducing Nashville will visit multiple cities in Australia and New Zealand with Clark, Dawson, Ell and Tenille Townes (Australia only).
CMA will also host an industry event at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Tokyo on Thursday, March 28 with the Deputy Chief of Mission Joseph Young welcoming CMA and Japanese industry representatives from all sectors in the business. The reception will feature Frankie Ballard in addition to Clark, Dawson and Ell.
As part of CMA’s mission to support the expansion of country around the globe, Introducing Nashville will provide a platform to introduce artists to international audiences for the first time. Each tour stop will replicate a Nashville writer’s round, with artists appearing on stage together in an acoustic lineup, introducing their songs and talking about their careers and personal stories.
Introducing Nashville 2019 (Australia, New Zealand, Japan):
March 18 – Lismore, Australia – Lismore City Hall
March 19 – Brisbane, Australia – The Old Museum
March 21 – Sydney, Australia – The Factory Theatre
March 22 – Canberra, Australia – The Abbey
March 23 – Melbourne, Australia – Athenaeum Theatre
March 26 – Auckland, New Zealand – Tuning Fork
March 30 – Tokyo, Japan – Blue Note Tokyo (2 shows)
Ben Vaughn Promoted To President/CEO At Warner/Chappell Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner/Chappell Music has promoted Ben Vaughn to President & CEO. Vaughn will continue to lead the division’s creative and commercial activities. Having joined the company in 2012, Vaughn has been President of Warner/Chappell Nashville since 2017. He will report to Warner/Chappell Music’s incoming Co-Chair & CEO and the company’s Co-Chair & COO, Carianne Marshall.
“Ben has been an exceptional leader for our Warner/Chappell Nashville operation since coming on board seven years ago,” said Steve Cooper, CEO of Warner Music Group. “In addition to being an A&R force who’s deeply invested in the success of each and every songwriter, he’s an innovative, perceptive dealmaker and a staunch advocate for creative rights. Nashville is home to an extraordinary creative community that occupies a central place in the Warner/Chappell culture, and Ben’s richly deserved promotion recognizes both his outstanding accomplishments and his vision for the future.”
“The Nashville songwriting community is like none other in the world, and over the course of his 25 year career, Ben has played a pivotal role in making it the amazing place that it is today,” said Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and COO of Warner/Chappell Music. “From young, next generation songwriters to award-winning superstars, Ben’s instincts and expertise have made Warner/Chappell Nashville the definitive destination for incredible game-changing talent. I’m excited to work with him as our Nashville business continues to grow and flourish.”
“When I think about how I got here, it’s surreal how many brilliant people have invited me to be part of their story,” said Vaughn. “As Nashville continues to evolve, I’m excited to keep pushing forward and to support the phenomenal talent coming out of this city. Music publishing is team ball and we have the best team in the business—with the passion, drive and ambition to help our songwriters create hits on the world’s stage.”
Under Vaughn’s leadership, Nashville writers have experienced unprecedented genre-crossing success, among them Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, and Amy Wadge on Camila Cabello’s “Consequences”; Josh Miller on Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be”; and songwriters on Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” (Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers) and For King & Country’s “Joy” (Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Tedd Tjornhom).
Having championed artist development throughout his career in publishing, Vaughn counts recognizing and cultivating major label deals for such talents as Thomas Rhett, Devin Dawson, Dan + Shay, Midland, Cale Dodds, LANco, Brandon Lay, Josh Phillips, Riley Green, Michael Ray, Gone West, Seth Ennis, A Thousand Horses, Morgan Evans, and Carlton Anderson, among his many achievements.
Vaughn’s roster includes 2018 ACM Songwriter of the Year Rhett Akins, 2018 CMA Song of the Year winner Chris Stapleton, 2018 CMA Album of the Year winner Kacey Musgraves, and 2018 BMI Songwriter of the Year Jesse Frasure, as well as Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, busbee, Nathan Chapman, Dave Cobb, For King & Country, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Brett James, Jay Joyce, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Lee Miller, Randy Montana, Matthew Ramsey, Jordan Reynolds, and Liz Rose, among others. He has also worked with noted songwriters such as Guy Clark, Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Alan Jackson, The Warren Brothers, Chris Young, and many more.
Vaughn serves on the board of CMA and Belmont University’s Music Industry Advisory Board, and is a member of NMPA and a former Chairman of the ACM board. A Kentucky native, he was recently inducted into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonel, and he received the Belmont University/ASCAP Music Milestone Award.
Before joining Warner/Chappell, Vaughn had become the youngest executive to head a major publisher in Nashville, as EVP & GM at EMI. Prior to his work at the majors, Vaughn ran an independent music publishing company starting at the age of 20.
Industry Ink: AIMP, T.J. Martell Foundation, Mike Hicks
/by Jessica NicholsonAIMP Membership Drive Coming Up
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) will hold a membership drive on Tuesday (Feb. 5) from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. at 1200 Villa Place (Ste. 110) in Nashville.
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) was formed in 1977 by a group of Los Angeles music publishers, and has local chapters in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. The organization’s primary focus is to educate and inform music publishers about the most current industry trends and practices by providing a forum for the discussion of the issues and problems confronting the music publishing industry. The AIMP provides a medium for those in the music industry to discuss with their colleagues various points of view from the cutting edge of the ever-changing music business. The opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions with others on issues of mutual concern is fostered by the informal atmosphere of the AIMP’s monthly meetings, forums, and workshops.
T.J. Martell Foundation Benefit Coming Up
The benefit show Sips Sweets and Jewelry, featuring designer Kendra Scott, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Nashville’s Hill Center (4025 Hillsboro Pike). Twenty percent of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation.
Nashville Musician Mike Hicks Sets 3rd & Lindsley Show
Nashville funk/soul artist Mike Hicks will perform at 3rd & Lindsley on Jan. 31 as part of the first Jill Block Presents series. Hicks handpicked Kyshona Armstrong to open the show, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Hicks’ work as a side man and session musician includes stints with Rascal Flatts, Keb’ Mo’, and Johnny Lang. His latest release, Come Go With Me, features Grammy nominee PJ Morton and is available on all platforms.
“Mike’s music is infectious,” says promoter Jill Block. “His love for music – those that create it and share it with him – comes through in every fiber of his being. When you experience Mike on stage, you can’t help but be moved, energized and thrilled.”
Hicks is offering a VIP Experience that will include reserved premier seating, a pre-show, intimate backstage performance, a meet and greet, photo op and autographed show poster. VIP tickets are $30 in advance and ticket holders must arrive by 6:15. General admission tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. All ages are welcome.
Radio Personality Tricia Jenkins Joins Cumulus Media’s ‘The Ty Bentli Show’
/by Jessica NicholsonTricia Jenkins has joined Cumulus Media’s The Ty Bentli Show, joining host Ty Bentli, Chuck Wicks and the team on-air in mid-February. Jenkins heads to Nashville from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was previously midday personality and Music Director at KMNB-FM, and fill-in personality at K102/KEEY-FM.
The Ty Bentli Show launched earlier this month, following the exit of Kelly Ford to join Nash FM’s 94.7 in New York. The Ty Bentli Show is syndicated exclusively by Westwood One.
John Shomby, Director of Programming, NASH, said: “The cast is now complete. We look forward to TJ being an integral part of The Ty Bentli Show.”
“TJ is one of the most amazing women I know,” Bentli professed. “Her value goes beyond the magic she will bring on-air with The Ty Bentli Show – she’s hilariously honest, strategically focused, and innately curious about others. Tricia Jenkins, welcome to the Music City!”
Jenkins noted: “It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been in this business, it’s still mind blowing to me that I get to live in Music City to be a part of The Ty Bentli Show as my JOB! I can’t wait to join the team at Cumulus Nashville and wake up with all of my new friends across the nation! Thank you, John Shomby, Ty, and Mike McVay for everything, but mostly for moving me out of -57 degrees (the current wind chill as I’m writing this)!”
Memorial Set For Shotgun Red Creator Steve Hall
/by Robert K OermannBy Robert K. Oermann
A celebration of the life of country musician and puppeteer Steve Hall is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater.
Best known as the creator of the popular TNN-TV cowboy puppet Shotgun Red, Hall died at age 64 on Dec. 29, 2018. He and his puppet were regulars on TNN’s flagship series Nashville Now in 1983-1993.
Adept on guitar, saxophone and piano, Hall began playing country music five nights a week as soon as he graduated from high school in Minnesota. He was the leader of the country band Southbound ‘76 when he discovered his puppet in a Brainerd, MN hobby shop in 1980.
After traveling to Nashville to compete in a Seagram’s “Battle of the Bands” contest, Hall and his endearing dummy decided to “crash” Ralph Emery’s early-morning TV show in Music City.
The ploy worked. Emery took a shine to the scruffy, mustached, cowboy-hatted and gravelly voiced Shotgun Red. When Emery graduated to hosting TNN’s Nashville Now, he brought Shotgun Red to national stardom on the program.
The puppet became so popular that Hall/Red and Emery recorded two LPs for RCA Records on Music Row. Ralph & Red: Songs for Children and Christmas With Ralph & Red were issued in 1989.
Steve Hall and Shotgun Red were tapped to host the puppet’s own show, TNN’s Country Clips for six years. In addition, Red was a regular on TV’s Hee Haw for a decade. He also hosted The Shotgun Red Variety Show on RFDTV and appeared on Buckmasters on The Outdoor Channel.
Red/Hall debuted on the Grand Ole Opry in 1993. The act later made several more Opry guest appearances.
Steve Hall & Shotgun Red were nominated as Comedian of the Year at the TNN Music City News Awards in 1995 and 1996.
Shotgun Red reportedly had one of country music’s largest fan clubs, with more than 100,000 members. In the wake of the puppet’s popularity, Steve Hall renamed his group The Shotgun Red Band.
The group became the “house act” at The Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater. It also headlined regularly on the General Jackson showboat.
As a solo pianist, Hall issued the CD Country Crossroads in 2007.
Steve Hall died in his hometown Brainerd, MN while visiting there to go ice fishing.
He is survived by his sons Steve Hall Jr. and Jimmy Gunter, daughter Angela Bavetta, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, a sister and his fiancée Sheila Keeton.
Saturday’s memorial event is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater is located at 2416 Music Valley Drive.