By Robert K. Oermann
Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley has passed away at age 93.
A veteran session guitarist in Nashville’s renowned “A Team,” Bradley is believed to be the most recorded instrumentalist in history. He was Music Row’s unofficial historian and was the long-tenured president of Nashville’s Local 257 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) union in 1991-2008.
He and his older brother Owen Bradley (1915-1998) built The Bradley Film & Recording Studios in 1954. Popularly known as The Quonset Hut, this was the first entertainment business on what later became known as Music Row.
In addition to his 2006 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Harold Bradley and other members of the “A Team” were made members of the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007. He was honored with a Trustee Award at the Grammy Awards of 2010.
Born in Nashville in 1926, Harold Bradley was urged by keyboardist Owen to switch from playing banjo to the guitar. Owen also got his younger brother a job playing in Ernest Tubb’s band in 1943, when Harold was still a teenager. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Harold returned to his hometown.
While majoring in music at Peabody College, Harold Bradley played guitar backing such stars as Eddy Arnold and Bradley Kincaid at the Grand Ole Opry. His first recording session was in Chicago with Pee Wee King & The Golden West Cowboys in 1946.
Harold Bradley was one of the people who established Nashville as a music center. He and Owen both played the first recording session held in The Castle, Nashville’s first recording studio. It was a 1947 ad jingle for Shyer’s Jewelers. In 1949, Harold played on Nashville’s first country million-seller, Red Foley’s “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy.” In 1950, both brothers performed on Nashville’s first television broadcast.
During the next 60+ years, Harold Bradley’s recording-session work included backing Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Clyde McPhatter, Ruth Brown, Carl Perkins, The Everly Brothers and several other members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
It would be easier to list the country stars he hasn’t backed than those he has. Among the Country Music Hall of Famers he’s on records with are Arnold, King, Tubb, Foley, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Jimmie Davis, Webb Pierce, Jim Ed Brown, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins, The Statler Brothers, Bill Anderson, Kitty Wells, Charley Pride, Tom T. Hall, Conway Twitty, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, George Morgan, Marty Robbins, Lefty Frizzell, Faron Young, Hank Snow, Floyd Cramer, Bob Wills, Dolly Parton, Carl Smith, Johnny Cash, Hank Thompson and Sonny James.
Among the timeless tunes embellished by Harold Bradley’s instrumental work are “The Battle of New Orleans,” “Swingin,’” “Here in the Real World,” “Crazy,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Stand By Your Man,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “The Bunny Hop,” “Make the World Go Away,” “Big Bad John,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “King of the Road,” “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” “It’s Only Make Believe,” “Long Black Veil,” “For the Good Times” and “Farewell Party.”
He was also a record maker, himself. Signed by Columbia Records as its answer to RCA’s Chet Atkins, Harold Bradley recorded Bossa Nova Goes to Nashville (1963), Misty Guitar (1964) Guitar for Lovers Only (1966) and the compilation Guitar for Sentimental Lovers (1972) for the company. His recorded work led to a ciitation form Billboard as one of 1964’s most promising artists. Harold Bradley was also a member of the recording group The Nashville Guitars.
As a record producer, he worked with Mandy Barnett, Sandy Kelly, Eddy Arnold, Slim Whitman and Billy Chinnock, among others.
Although closely associated with country music, Harold Bradley’s recording resume is impressively diverse. He has backed Ivory Joe Hunter, Patti Page, Brook Benton, Connie Francis, Ann-Margret, Burl Ives, Leon Russell, Bobby Vinton, Al Hirt, The Four Aces, Paul Anka, The Newbeats, Robert Mitchum, Michael Nesmith, Tom Jones, Pete Fountain, Henry Mancini, Joan Baez, George Beverly Shea, Damita Jo, Boots Randolph, Perry Como and more.
In addition to guitar, he played “tic-tac” bass, banjo, vibraphone and percussion on various sessions. The Music Row founding figure was also TV musical director and in 1965-66 was the first president of the Nashville chapter of NARAS.
He won the Recording Academy’s Superpicker Award every year between 1974 and 1979. The AFM gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. On January 25, Belmont University announced a guitar scholarship had been established to honor Bradley.
Harold Bradley died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of Jan. 31.
Performers Announced For Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will take place at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday (Feb. 10) from 12:30–3:30 p.m. PT, and will be streamed live internationally via grammy.com. Preceding the 61st Annual Grammy Awards telecast, the Premiere Ceremony will be hosted by Shaggy and will feature a number of performances by current Grammy nominees. Currently slated to perform are singer-songwriter Snatam Kaur, trumpeter Craig Morris, and dance/electronic duo Sofi Tukker. Nigerian Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti and Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara will take the stage together to perform, and for the first time ever, Ángela Aguilar, Aida Cuevas, and Natalia Lafourcade will unite to perform the Mexican folkloric classic “La Llorona,” which all three have recorded during their careers.
Presenting the first Grammy Awards of the day will be current nominees Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, Kalani Pe’a, Questlove, Cécile McLorin Salvant, TOKiMONSTA, and former Recording Academy Chair Jimmy Jam.
The live stream of the Premiere Ceremony will remain on grammy.com as video on demand for 90 days following the event. The 61st Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live following the Premiere Ceremony on the CBS Television Network from 8 p.m. –11 p.m. ET.
On The Row: Bastian Baker
/by LB CantrellSwiss singer-songwriter Bastian Baker dropped by the MusicRow office recently, fresh from […]
Sam Grow Signs With Average Joes Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Grow has signed with Average Joes Entertainment. Grow will deliver his first full-length album for the label this Spring. An A-side, single-pack featuring two new songs, “History” and “Boots,” is scheduled for release Feb. 1 and is available at all digital outlets.
“History” written by Cam Montgomery, Mike Hardy and Nick Donley, showcases Grow’s soulful vocals and tells the tale of a couple who are in and out of a relationship while “Boots,” penned by Josh Thompson and Jason Saenz, is a catchy, uptempo chronicling the colorful journey of a loyal pair of boots.
“The entire team is excited to welcome Sam to the label. His artistry as both a songwriter and entertainer is exceptional, as is his work ethic. He’s done the work, and it’s quite obvious where he’s headed,” said Average Joes’ A&R representative, Forrest Latta.
“I’m excited to get this new music out to my fans. I love both of these songs and feel like they are the perfect introduction to the new album coming this spring,” said Grow.
Big Machine/John Varvatos Records Signs Friday Pilots Club
/by Lorie HollabaughFriday Pilots Club has signed with Big Machine/John Varvatos Records. The band will release their first single under the BMLG imprint, “Glory,” next Friday (Feb. 8) on all digital platforms. Caleb Hiltunen (vocals) and Drew Polovick (guitar) front the Chicago-based band, which has already earned a loyal local following. They will release “Glory” to alternative radio on February 11.
“I’m always on the lookout for a rock band that cuts through the noise with songs, imagination, power and identity,” said BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “From the first time I met Caleb, Drew and the band, to their electric live show, I knew we found something special. Serving notice now, the Pilots are coming.”
“Friday Pilots Club have everything that a great rock band should possess – memorable songs, big hooks, and an exciting stage presence,” adds John Varvatos. “Caleb and Drew are the real deal!”
“Working with BMLG has been incredible in understanding how many parts there are to a successful (pun intended) machine,” said Hiltunen. “Over the past two months, Scott, John and the team have helped us prepare for what I’m hoping will be our first big step into the public eye (and ear). Without them and our personal team, Drew and I (and our boys) would be right where we started. It’s good to have a solid team, the state of rock should always be solid.”
Lineup Revealed For Big Machine Label Group Luncheon At 2019 CRS
/by LB CantrellBig Machine Label Group artists Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Lauren Jenkins and Noah Schnacky will perform at the BMLG luncheon at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) on Friday, Feb. 15. The luncheon will begin in the Broadway Ballroom (CRS Performance Hall) at Omni Nashville at noon. BMLG president and CEO Scott Borchetta will serve as the host.
To register to attend Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary event, visit countryradioseminar.com. Single-day passes are also being made available. Single-day passes (limited to two day passes per person) will be $200. Day passes include access to panels, speakers, luncheons and networking destinations on the day of pass purchase, with the exception of Friday’s New Faces of Country Music show. Day passes will only be available for purchase on-site. The final rate of $699 is now in effect for others planning to attend CRS 2019.
Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy Promotes Three Staffers
/by Jessica NicholsonBusiness management firm FBMM (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.) has promoted Samuel Klemz and Erica Vogler to account executive and Erin Pettit to account manager.
“These team members are prime examples of the high standard of commitment and service we provide each of our clients,” said Julie Boos, FBMM chairwoman. “Their passion for our clients and our company is evident in everything they do. We have enjoyed watching them grow since they first joined our team, and we feel fortunate to continue to watch these talented individuals excel in the industry.”
Klemz has been with FBMM since 2016 and is now an account executive. His previous experience includes working as a video editor at Red Heron Productions and a compliance manager at Public Affairs Support Services. He also served as the 106.7 The Fan web videographer at CBS Radio. He received his bachelor’s degree in integrative studies/arts and culture from George Mason University.
Vogler came to FBMM in 2015 and is now an account executive. Before her time at FBMM, she served as an intern for the Marketing and Communications department at Presbyterian College. Her previous work experience includes serving as an intern at J-2 Music and the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. She is a member of WMBA (Women in Music Business Association) and SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development), and she graduated from Presbyterian College with a degree in business administration.
Pettit joined the FBMM team in 2013 and has been promoted to account manager. Her previous industry work experience includes serving as a licensing intern at Sony/ATV and as the office manager at Lyon & Phillips, PLLC. She is also a member of the Troubadour Society, is an alumna of the WMBA, and has been an active member of SOLID for three years and currently serves as the treasurer on the board. Pettit graduated with a degree in music business from Middle Tennessee State University.
DISClaimer: Lockeland, Ashley McBryde Lead New Music Offerings
/by Robert K OermannToday’s edition of DisClaimer belongs to country music’s up-and-comers.
Travis Denning turns up with another winner. Kassi Ashton and Kendall Beard redeem themselves with their sophomore singles. Shane Owens continues to hold the flag high for vintage honky-tonk sonic attitude.
Best of all, the goddess Ashley McBryde has issued the title tune to her awesome album. It earns her an unchallenged Disc of the Day award.
A trio called Lockeland wins this week’s DisCovery Award.
KENDALL BEARD/Here Comes Trouble
Writers: Kendall Beard/A.J. Vallejo; Producer: A.J. Vallejo; Publisher: none listed; VMG/Broken Angel
– The track cooks with a neo-rockabilly railroad chug, leaving cinders and smoke in its wake. She rides atop it with a saucy, coy, confident soprano. A toe tapper.
ASHLEY MCBRYDE/Girl Goin’ Nowhere
Writers: McBryde/Jeremy Bussey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Songs of Song factory/Universal Tunes, BMI/SESAC; Atlantic
– The ballad title tune of Ashley’s spectacular debut album plucks at every heart string of every picker there ever was. Her tender, aching delivery contrasts the depressing naysayers of her youth with her ultimate glow in the spotlight. The long delay until the band comes in only adds to the exquisite emotional pinpoints. This woman rules.
EASTON CORBIN/Somebody’s Gotta Be Country
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; EC
– Ya gotta love it. It’s yet another proud-to-be-country romp. But his delivery is just so earnest and good natured that you can’t help smiling. A happy redneck winner.
KASSI ASHTON/Violins
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Luke Dick/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Luke Dick/Luke Laird; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– Despite what you might expect from the title, this is feisty, rocking and smart-ass. The gist is that whatever sympathy tune he’s playing, she ain’t listening. Her spitfire delivery is packed with tart attitude.
TRAVIS DENNING/After A Few
Writers: Travis Denning/Kelly Archer/Justin Weaver; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
– It has a nice, rolling groove with a thumping undertow. His urgent vocal relays the story of a guy who relapses with an ex way too often. I remain a booster of this fellow.
LOCKELAND/Til The Cows Come Home
Writers: Michael Boris/Kyndon Oakes/Mark Vikingstad/Renn Anderson; Producers: Boris/Sean Spence; Publishers: none listed; Lockeland
– Everyone’s trying real hard. Intense picking. Polished group harmonies. Propulsive energy. It has a rather anxious vibe, but there’s no denying the talent here.
SHANE OWENS/Love To Try Them On
Writers: noen listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Amerimonte
– It’s sort of an answer to “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” Which means it is perfect for a hardcore traditionalist like Shane. On top of that, it’s a toe-tapping, honky-tonkin’ par-tay. While he tips his hat to George Jones, Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin and Keith Whitley, he has a blast. Play it.
GARTH BROOKS/Stronger Than Me
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Pearl (ERG)
– I know it is supposed to sound love-y, but I can’t escape the feeling that it is somehow condescending.
DEE JAY SILVER & CORT CARPENTER/Safe Zone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DJS
– Dull, plodding and repetitive. Even the naked chick in the video can’t save it.
JOHN SCHNEIDER/Who Da Baby Daddy
Writers: Haselden; Producers: Paul Leim, Schneider, Alicia Allain, Bob Bullock; Publisher: none listed; Maven (track)
– Ripping off Stevie Wonder’s groove to “Superstition” is not a promising start. Attempting a black accent while relating the Christmas story digs the hole deeper. However, I have to admit that the lyric is as clever as the dickens. Definitely worth a listen.
dick clark productions Promotes Three
/by Lorie Hollabaughdick clark productions has announced three employee promotions. Longtime Production executive Linda Gierahn has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Production. Veteran communications strategist Kelly Striewski has been elevated to Executive Vice President of Communications & Marketing. Alexi Mazareas has been promoted to Vice President of Programming & Development at the company.
In these new roles, Gierahn will continue reporting to dick clark productions’ COO & CFO Amy Thurlow, Striewski will report to both Thurlow and EVP of Programming & Development Mark Bracco, and Mazareas will continue reporting to Bracco.
Gierahn joined dcp in March of 2017 and will continue to oversee production of the company’s development initiatives as well as all production efforts across dcp’s specials and live event programming including the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, Golden Globe Awards and the NBA Awards in her new role as EVP of Production. A production executive with more than 20 years in the industry, Gierahn has worked on a variety of events in music, fashion and sports, and prior to joining dcp oversaw production of VH1’s tentpole events and specials while also working across cable networks MTV, CMT, Logo and more.
Striewski joined dcp in December of 2016. As EVP of Communications & Marketing, she will lead marketing and publicity efforts for all dcp programming including the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, Golden Globe Awards and So You Think You Can Dance, as well as the company’s overall corporate communications strategy. A communications executive with more than 22 years in the industry, Striewski has led campaigns for many top brands including Nintendo of America, Stand Up To Cancer, Puma, Dell, and Tesla throughout her career. Prior to joining dcp, she spent several years on the agency side with Golin and entertainment firm B|W|R Public Relations, among others.
Mazareas will continue as Executive Producer of the Streamy Awards, Co-Executive Producer of the NBA Awards, and Executive Producer of the red carpet live stream for the Golden Globe Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. As a key development executive, Mazareas will also continue developing programming opportunities for dcp overall. Mazareas began his career at dcp in 2008, and in addition to awards shows, has produced a wide variety of programming for the company including music and holiday specials, sports series, digital content and documentaries.
“Linda’s ability to seamlessly oversee the complex execution of the company’s high-profile live event programming has contributed to the positive evolution of our productions,” said Thurlow. “Kelly’s forward-thinking marketing and communications initiatives have helped shape the way we reach viewers today. Their invaluable expertise in their respective fields has helped guide dcp’s continued growth and I am thrilled to announce their expanded roles.”
“Alexi’s creative vision and innovative ideas in both broadcast and digital content have made him an integral part of the production and development team at dcp,” said Bracco. “I look forward to his continued accomplishments in his new role.”
Deluge Music Announces Management Division
/by Lorie HollabaughDeluge Music is expanding its Nashville presence with the opening of Deluge Management. The management company will be led by Chris Alderman, who was previously at the helm of Rough Hollow Entertainment.
Initial Deluge management clients include Smithfield, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Jason Scheff, and the Becky Buller Band.
“We are thrilled to be working with Chris and his associate Megan Bocklage and we are excited to provide expanded services to our artists and writers,” said David Robkin, CEO and Chairman of Deluge. “We believe there to be wonderful symmetry between our publishing, recording and management capabilities and we look forward to working and growing together.”
“I am so excited to get the opportunity to work with David, Mark, Emily Dryburgh and their incredibly talented roster,” said Chris Alderman, President of Deluge Management. “I look forward to continuing their passionate and creative approach to music. I am proud of what we have accomplished together as a team over the past year with Smithfield’s ongoing success and to what the future holds for Deluge Music.”
“Chris and Megan joining us is a perfect fit,” said Mark Friedman, President of Deluge Music added. “Their work ethic and tenacity bring great value. As we start our fourth year we look forward to all of the opportunities this union will provide.”
The Nashville and Los Angeles-based publishing, recording and management company is home to artists and songwriters including Smithfield, Madeline Merlo, Jason Saenz, Kevin Savigar, Olivia Rudeen, Mason Thornley and the recently announced Kylie Sackley.
Hall Of Fame Guitarist Harold Bradley Passes
/by Robert K OermannBy Robert K. Oermann
Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley has passed away at age 93.
A veteran session guitarist in Nashville’s renowned “A Team,” Bradley is believed to be the most recorded instrumentalist in history. He was Music Row’s unofficial historian and was the long-tenured president of Nashville’s Local 257 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) union in 1991-2008.
He and his older brother Owen Bradley (1915-1998) built The Bradley Film & Recording Studios in 1954. Popularly known as The Quonset Hut, this was the first entertainment business on what later became known as Music Row.
In addition to his 2006 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Harold Bradley and other members of the “A Team” were made members of the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007. He was honored with a Trustee Award at the Grammy Awards of 2010.
Born in Nashville in 1926, Harold Bradley was urged by keyboardist Owen to switch from playing banjo to the guitar. Owen also got his younger brother a job playing in Ernest Tubb’s band in 1943, when Harold was still a teenager. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Harold returned to his hometown.
While majoring in music at Peabody College, Harold Bradley played guitar backing such stars as Eddy Arnold and Bradley Kincaid at the Grand Ole Opry. His first recording session was in Chicago with Pee Wee King & The Golden West Cowboys in 1946.
Harold Bradley was one of the people who established Nashville as a music center. He and Owen both played the first recording session held in The Castle, Nashville’s first recording studio. It was a 1947 ad jingle for Shyer’s Jewelers. In 1949, Harold played on Nashville’s first country million-seller, Red Foley’s “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy.” In 1950, both brothers performed on Nashville’s first television broadcast.
During the next 60+ years, Harold Bradley’s recording-session work included backing Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Clyde McPhatter, Ruth Brown, Carl Perkins, The Everly Brothers and several other members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
It would be easier to list the country stars he hasn’t backed than those he has. Among the Country Music Hall of Famers he’s on records with are Arnold, King, Tubb, Foley, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Jimmie Davis, Webb Pierce, Jim Ed Brown, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins, The Statler Brothers, Bill Anderson, Kitty Wells, Charley Pride, Tom T. Hall, Conway Twitty, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, George Morgan, Marty Robbins, Lefty Frizzell, Faron Young, Hank Snow, Floyd Cramer, Bob Wills, Dolly Parton, Carl Smith, Johnny Cash, Hank Thompson and Sonny James.
Among the timeless tunes embellished by Harold Bradley’s instrumental work are “The Battle of New Orleans,” “Swingin,’” “Here in the Real World,” “Crazy,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Stand By Your Man,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “The Bunny Hop,” “Make the World Go Away,” “Big Bad John,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “King of the Road,” “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” “It’s Only Make Believe,” “Long Black Veil,” “For the Good Times” and “Farewell Party.”
He was also a record maker, himself. Signed by Columbia Records as its answer to RCA’s Chet Atkins, Harold Bradley recorded Bossa Nova Goes to Nashville (1963), Misty Guitar (1964) Guitar for Lovers Only (1966) and the compilation Guitar for Sentimental Lovers (1972) for the company. His recorded work led to a ciitation form Billboard as one of 1964’s most promising artists. Harold Bradley was also a member of the recording group The Nashville Guitars.
As a record producer, he worked with Mandy Barnett, Sandy Kelly, Eddy Arnold, Slim Whitman and Billy Chinnock, among others.
Although closely associated with country music, Harold Bradley’s recording resume is impressively diverse. He has backed Ivory Joe Hunter, Patti Page, Brook Benton, Connie Francis, Ann-Margret, Burl Ives, Leon Russell, Bobby Vinton, Al Hirt, The Four Aces, Paul Anka, The Newbeats, Robert Mitchum, Michael Nesmith, Tom Jones, Pete Fountain, Henry Mancini, Joan Baez, George Beverly Shea, Damita Jo, Boots Randolph, Perry Como and more.
In addition to guitar, he played “tic-tac” bass, banjo, vibraphone and percussion on various sessions. The Music Row founding figure was also TV musical director and in 1965-66 was the first president of the Nashville chapter of NARAS.
He won the Recording Academy’s Superpicker Award every year between 1974 and 1979. The AFM gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. On January 25, Belmont University announced a guitar scholarship had been established to honor Bradley.
Harold Bradley died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of Jan. 31.