Legendary Guitarist Reggie Young Passes Away

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Reggie Young in 1960

Legendary touring and session guitarist, Reggie Young, passed away on Jan. 17 at age 82.

Young was a leading session musician who played on records with artists such as Elvis Presley, B.J. Thomas, John Prine, Dusty Springfield, Herbie Mann, J.J. Cale, Dionne Warwick, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Roy Hamilton, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, the Box Tops, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Joey Tempest, George Strait, Reba, and many more.

Reggie Young was born on December 12, 1936, in Caruthersville, Missouri. He was raised in Osceola, Arkansas, about fifty miles north of Memphis, Tennessee, where he learned to love music from his father at an early age. Young got his own guitar when his family moved to Memphis in 1949. By the time he was 15, Young had found local bands to play with, like Bud Deckelman and The Daydreamers. One of Young’s first sessions was in 1955 when he backed Barney Burcham with The Daydreamers on Meteor Records. The next year, he was invited to join Eddie Bond and The Stompers.

Young then started playing on the road, backing acts like Cash and Carl Perkins. While on the road, Young caught the attention of a young Johnny Horton, who hired him to play in his band. Together they performed several times on the Louisiana Hayride.

Johnny Horton and Reggie Young at The Louisiana Hayride in 1958.

After some time of the road, Young returned home to Memphis where Bill Black offered him a job playing in the house band at the Hi Records studio. They later formed Bill Black’s Combo, which would go on to have several instrumental hits, like “Smokie, Pts. 1 & 2”, “White Silver Sands,” and an instrumental version of “Don’t Be Cruel.”

In 1960, Young was drafted into the Army. Stationed in Ethiopia, Young kept his guitar muscles working, playing with The Tiny Stoops Band. When Young returned back home, the Beatles invited the Bill Black Combo to open for them during their first U.S. tour in 1964.

Bill Black Combo with the Beatles

After the death of Bill Black in 1965, Young concentrated on studio work. He ended up at American Studios where he became a part of their renowned house band dubbed the Memphis Boys, composed of Young on guitar, Gene Chrisman (drums), Tommy Cogbill and Mike Leech (bass), and keyboardists Bobby Emmons and Bobby Wood. The Memphis Boys played on an estimated 120 pop, country, rock, and soul hit singles until the studio closed in 1971.

In 1971, Young moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he became a session player for mainstream country artists like Jones, Wynette and Parton, as well as the ‘outlaw’ artists including Haggard, Jennings, Nelson, Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Jessi Colter. When Jennings, Nelson, Cash and Kristofferson formed The Highwaymen, they not only invited Young to play on the album, Young also joined them on tour.

Young met his wife, the classically trained cellist Jenny Lynn Hollowell, while playing in Jennings’ Waymore Blues Band in 1999. The two married in 2004 and resided in Leipers Fork, Tennessee.

In 2017 Young released a solo album called Forever Young.

Without Young, we wouldn’t have the masterful guitar playing on tracks like “In The Ghetto” (Elvis Presley), “Pancho & Lefty” (Merle Haggard), “Always on My Mind” (Willie Nelson), “Luckenbach, Texas” (Waylon Jennings), “Family Tradition” (Hank Williams Jr.), “Lucille” (Kenny Rogers), “Little Rock”(Reba McEntire) and many more.

A Celebration of Life for Reggie Young was held Monday (Jan. 21) at Franklin First United Methodist Church.

Weekly Chart Report (1/18/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Russell Dickerson Celebrates Second No. 1 Hit, “Blue Tacoma”

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“Blue Tacoma” writers Casey Brown, Russell Dickerson and Parker Welling celebrate their second No. 1 song. (Photo: Steve Lowry)

BMI and SESAC hosted a celebration highlighting Russell Dickerson‘s second No. 1 single, “Blue Tacoma” on Wednesday (Jan. 16) in Nashville. Dickerson co-wrote the track with Parker Welling and Casey Brown.

The gathering included toasts from Triple Tiger’s Nobert Nix and Kevin Herring, 3 Ring’s Jeffrey Steele, Essential Music Publishing’s Holly Zabka and Kos Weaver on behalf of BMG and Kailey’s Dream.

Pictured (L-R): Essential Music Publishing’s Holly Zabka, Triple Tigers’ Norbert Nix, SESAC’s ET Brown, SESAC songwriter Casey Brown, BMI songwriter Russell Dickerson, BMI songwriter Parker Welling, BMI’s Spencer Nohe, BMG’s Kos Weaver, Kailey’s Dream’s Darrell Franklin, 3 Ring’s Jeffrey Steele and Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis (Photo: Steve Lowry)

SESAC’s ET Brown and BMI’s latest hire and Welling’s husband, Spencer Nohe, also made presentations to the writers.

Prior to the party, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson presented each of the writers with their own MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coin to commemorate their achievement for reaching the top of the chart. Coins numbered 873, 874 and 875 were given to Welling, Brown and Dickerson, respectively.

To launch 2019, Dickerson is on tour with Carly Pearce and has released his new single, “Every Little Thing,” which Dickerson also co-wrote with Welling and Brown.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and “Blue Tacoma” writers Casey Brown, Russell Dickerson and Parker Welling. (Photo: Steve Lowry)

Kinkead Entertainment Adds Erin Enderlin to the Roster

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Kinkead Entertainment has added Erin Enderlin to their roster.

Enderlin’s 2017 album, Whiskeytown Crier, produced by Jamey Johnson and Jim “Moose” Brown, is a 13-song, critically acclaimed record that led to shows with Willie Nelson, Marty Stuart, Kip Moore and Terri Clark.

As a songwriter, Enderlin has written “Monday Morning Church” by Alan Jackson, “Last Call” by Lee Ann Womack, “You Don’t Know Jack” by Luke Bryan, and more for artists including Randy Travis, Terri Clark, Joey + Rory, Tyler Farr, Tara Thompson and Muscadine Bloodline.

Industry Ink: BMI Foundation, Rhythm House, Martin Smith

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BMI Launches Founders Award Internship Program

The BMI Foundation is now accepting applications for its newly revamped BMI Founders Internship Program. This year’s program is in partnership with Beasley Media Group and Hubbard Radio, and is open to broadcasting students nationwide. A 4-6 week paid internship is awarded for the best original essay response submitted to the competition. Aspiring radio newscasters, announcers, sales executives and program directors are encouraged to apply. Internship opportunities are currently available in fifteen media markets. Applicants do not have to live in these markets in order to apply. To learn more or apply, visit bmifoundation.org.

Vanna Moua Joins Rhythm House As Creative Assistant

Vanna Moua

Vanna Moua has joined the Rhythm House creative team. The Knoxville, TN native and recent MTSU graduate joins after working through Rhythm House’s internship program. As Creative Assistant, Moua will work alongside Stevie Frasure and BJ Hill to help manage the growing catalog, assist in writer calendars and development, coordinate Rhythm House events and day-to-day activities, as well as communicate with their Roc Nation and Warner Chappell NY/LA partners.

Martin Smith Signs With First Company Management

Martin Smith (R) and First Company Management’s Mike McCloskey.

Martin Smith has signed with the First Company Management family under the representation of general manager Mike McCloskey. “Martin’s an extraordinary leader and foremost a pioneer of our time—of artistry inside and outside the Church and the modern worship movement,” said McCloskey. “It’s our honor and privilege to partner with him in stewarding all that’s ahead in this season of new music.” Smith’s first live album, Love Song For A City: Live Worship From Around The Globe, bowed last year from Integrity Music, and his full-length studio set is due in May.

Tim McGraw, Jake Owen and Old Dominion Headline Country Summer Music Festival 2019

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Tim McGraw, Jake Owen and Old Dominion will headline the three-day Country Summer Music Festival in Santa Rosa, California on June 14-16.

Celebrating its sixth year in 2019, the festival features a total of 20 performers on the Chevy Silverado Stage and the Redwood Credit Union Stage, showcasing up-and-coming bands between main acts. In 2018, it attracted more than 30,000 fans from 38 states.

Tickets for the Country Summer Music Festival are available on countrysummer.com.

DISClaimer: Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Nathan Stanley With Patty Loveless, Mitchell Tenpenny Lead New Offerings

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Country music is alive and well.

Patty Loveless returns as the duet partner of Ralph Stanley’s grandson Nathan. Tim McGraw is issuing another heart-piercing song to play alongside “Neon Church.” Eric Church continues to reign as an absolutely stunning contributor to the genre. Newcomer Mitchell Tenpenny proves that he belongs in this stellar company with a drinking song that has some brains.

Any one of these could be a Disc of the Day awardee. Take your pick.

There’s no contest for the DisCovery Award. It belongs to former Lower Broadway performer and now Texas honky-tonk stalwart Chuck Shaw.

CHUCK SHAW/Burn That Oil
Writers: none listed; Producers: Dave Percefull; Publishers: none listed
-He has a penetrating country tenor with plenty of personality. The punchy tune is about burning the midnight oil and partying ‘til dawn, mixed with piquant profiles of friends and lovers gone by. The fiddle, harmonica and organ in the mix are all dandy.
Highly listenable.

TIM McGRAW/Thought About You
Writers: Lee Thomas Miller/Brett Warren/Brad Warren; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: none listed; Columbia/McGraw
-This man belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame. This is yet another example of the heart and soul he puts into his work. It’s a brilliantly written song about love and reflection and the passage of time. Heart tugging. Moving. Awesome.

RAY SCOTT/Honky Tonk Heart
Writers: Ray Scott; Producer: Michael Hughes; Publisher: none listed; RS
– The autobiographical song is fine, and his vocal is solid, as usual. The muddy, garage-level production is an audio mess.

MAREN MORRIS/Girl
Writers: Morris, Sarah Aarons, Greg Kurstin; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
– Uplifting, positive-think, “girl power” lyrics.

KENT BLAZY/Where The Hell Did Music Row Go
Writer: Blazy; Producer: none listed; Publishers: I Want To Hold Your Songs, BMI; KB (track)
– Garth gave his sometime cowriter enough studio time that Blazy could record a whole album with his band. Titled Songwriter, it concludes with this jaunty, sing-along ditty about the loss of such landmarks as Combine Music and Fireside Studio in favor of condo construction. Timely and recommended listening.

NATHAN STANLEY & PATTY LOVELESS/All I Have to Offer You Is Me
Writers: A.L. Owens/Dallas Frazier; Producer: Nathan Stanley; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Acuff-Rose/UniChappell, BMI; TRT
– Sublime country harmonizing. This whole thing brims with hillbilly authenticity. Both vocalists shine in solo turns in the verses. Then they blow the lid off with Patty’s sensational Appalachian-harmony soar above Nathan’s lead on the choruses. The song is a bona fide country classic, thanks to Charley Pride’s immortal 1969 hit. You’ll find this new version on Nathan’s Controversial Man collection.

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Alcohol You Later
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Sam Sumser/Michael Lotten; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tenpenny; Publishers: Sony-ATV Countryside/Sam Sumser/Lava/Kobalt/Lucky Mic/Music of Parallel, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia/Riser House
– Superb. He manages the tricky feat of sounding solidly country with a totally contemporary production. The deep-thump track lies under his feathery vocal delivery of a lyric about a booze-soaked night that will lead to greater romantic things. I’m beginning to think this guy might be sprinkled with stardust.

ERIC CHURCH/Some Of It
Writers: Eric Church/Jeff Hyde/Clint Daniels/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Longer and Louder/Mammaw’s Friend Okra/Little LOuder/Songs of Kobalt/New Writers of Sea Gayle/Not a Track Guy/ClearBox Rights, BMI; EMI
– Life lessons delivered with eloquence and expression. Craftsmanship and heart in every note, from the lyric to the brain-tickling production touches. The guy is a country-music genius. Take this to No. 1.

KHALID & KANE BROWN/Saturday Nights
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Right Hand/RCA
– This is a remix of the pop star’s previously released, dreamy, meandering babbling. If country radio plays it, this genre has truly lost its way.

KELSEA BALLERINI/Lost In Japan
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– This is billed as a “Spotify Single,” which means they are still banking on “Miss Me More.” It’s a Shawn Mendes pop cover delivered in a breathy, dreamy tone.

Ronnie Milsap Celebrates 76th Birthday With A Heart-Warming Night At The Ryman

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Photo: Jason Kempin

Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap celebrated his 76 birthday Wednesday night (Jan. 16) at the Ryman Auditorium for a WSM Listener Appreciation show. The six-time Grammy winner’s newest record, Ronnie Milsap: The Duets, which features performances with George Strait, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves and more, releases on Friday (Jan. 18). Last night’s Ryman show kicked off his 76 For 76 Tour.

With a six-piece band, Milsap led the audience down a memory lane of his 40 No. 1 hits, helmed by Milsap and his grand piano. Milsap came ready to party, opening with his rocking “Prisoner of the Highway.” Legendary WSM DJ Eddie Stubbs was on hand to introduce Milsap.

Not to neglect any one of his hits, Milsap went into a medley featuring “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World,” “What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life,” “In Love,” “No Getting Over Me,” “Let’s Take The Long Way Around The World,” “She Keeps The Home Fires Burning,” and a few more, thrilling the audience with every transition.

He played full versions of fan-favorites like “What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down” and “Legend In My Time.” Milsap told stories of his journey through music in between songs. The crowd leaned in, silently, hanging on to every word he said.

Milsap brought a few guests to the stage for the special night. Little Big Town joined Milsap to perform their collaboration on the Duets album, “Lost in the Fifties Tonight.” The vocal band harmonized in the doo-wop style while Milsap’s band member wailed on the saxophone. Lucy Angel also joined him on stage to perform their appropriate Milsap tune from the album, “Happy Happy Birthday Baby.”

Little Big Town eventually rejoined Milsap with a birthday cake and led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to the legend.

“My team knows I don’t like surprises,” Milsap said after the show. “But when they’re surprises like Little Big Town, who sound like angels when they sing, coming out with a birthday cake, I can only think about what a blessed and lucky man I am. I’ve spent my life inside the music, and to make music with folks like Karin, Kimberly, Jimi and Phillip is the most wonderful thing in the world.”

Photo: Jason Kempin

“Ronnie, it’s Joe,” a voice called out, sending a smile to Milsap’s face. Esteemed former RCA Label Group/Sony Music Nashville Chief Joe Galante and the team that worked around Milsap during his time at RCA ventured out on stage with a plaque and presented it to Milsap for 40 million records sold. “Is that Mustang Sally?” Milsap said, referring to Sally Williams with a grin.

“It’s all because of you,” Milsap said of Galante. “Let’s get this right,” Galante interjected. “You cut all [these songs], all I did was help. I’ve had the privilege of working with you for almost 40 years and these songs are timeless and so is your performance.”

The love was reciprocated throughout the night from Milsap.

“He promoted my records along with Jerry Bradley,” Milsap said. “He burned the radio up! Joe Galante was there for me; and I appreciate you, Joe. You’re absolutely the best record man I’ve ever worked with.”

Milsap also took the time to gush about the songwriter who wrote 13 No. 1’s for him, Mike Reid. Some songs that Reid wrote for Milsap include: “Stranger In My House,” “In Love,” “Inside,” “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” “She Keeps the Home Fires Burning,” “Show Her,” “Still Losing You,” and “Where Do the Nights Go.”

He was grateful to WSM, as well. “I’m addicted to the radio, you know,” Milsap said. “I listen to [WSM] all the time. I listen on Alexa! I sure do. That turns out to be my friend out on the road.”

Black River’s Abby Anderson got the evening started, opening the show with some new music.

Feeling grateful to open for the legend, Anderson admitted; “I’m being a 21 year old girl and crying. I’m sorry, it’s just an honor to be on this sacred stage playing for you beautiful people, opening for one of my musical heroes.” She later joined Milsap on stage to sing “Stand By Me.”

Milsap closed up the night the way he opened it: excited. He smiled as he covered The Rolling Stone’s “Honky Tonk Women” and said goodnight to his standing crowd.

Ronnie Milsap is truly ‘a legend in his time.’ Ronnie Milsap: The Duets  will be available tomorrow (Jan. 18).

Kacey Musgraves and Ronnie Milsap

Ronnie Milsap: The Duets Tracklisting:
1. Southern Boys and Detroit Wheels ft. Billy Gibbons
2. Stranger in My House ft. Luke Bryan
3. Smokey Mountain Rain ft. Dolly Parton
4. Prisoner of the Highway ft. Jason Aldean
5. A Woman’s Love ft. Willie Nelson
6. Happy Happy Birthday ft. Lucy Angel
7. No Getting Over Me ft. Kacey Musgraves
8. Lost in the Fifties ft. Little Big Town
9. Houston Solution ft. George Strait
10. What a Woman Can Mean to a Man ft. Jessie Key
11. Misery Loves Company ft. Leon Russell
12. You’re Nobody ft. Steven Curtis Chapman
13. Shakey Ground ft. Montgomery Gentry

 

Tickets for his 76 For 76 tour are available here.

Ronnie Milsap’s 76 for 76 Tour Dates:
January 17 – Mayetta, KS @ Prairie Band Casino & Resort Great Lakes Ballroom
January 18 – Stafford, TX @ The Redneck Country Club
January 19 – Bossier City, LA @ Horseshoe Bossier City The Riverdome
January 27 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Country Music Cruise 2019
January 28 – Key West, FL @ Country Music Cruise 2019
February 9 – Glasgow, KY @ Plaza Theatre
February 16 – Shelby, NC @ Malcolm Brown Auditorium
February 21 – Morgantown, WV @ Metropolitan Brown Auditorium
February 22 – Madisonville, KY @ Glema Mahr Center For the Arts
February 28 – Lexington, KY @ Opera House
March 1 – Lorain, OH @ Palace Theater
March 2 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theater
March 8 – Hinckley, MN @ Grand Casino Hinkley
March 9 – Lac De Flambeau, WI @ Lake of the Torches Casino
March 22 – St. Louis, MO @ River City Casino
March 24 – Austin, TX @ Travis County Expo Center
April 4 – Mobile, AL @ Saenger Theatre
April 5 – Beaumont, TX @ Jefferson Theatre
April 26 – Hopewell, VA @ The Beacon Theatre
April 27 – Cincinnati, OH @ JACK Casino Event Center
May 3 – Eustis, FL @ Lake County Fairgrounds Expo Center
May 10 – Quapaw, OK @ Downstream Casino Resort
May 11 – Hinton, OK @ Sugar Creek Casino
May 17 – Riverside, IA @ Riverside Casino and Golf Resort
May 18 – Larchwood, IA @ Grand Falls Casino Resort
May 23 – Charenton, LA @ Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel

Tucker Beathard To Rev Up New Ride On Tour This Spring

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Tucker Beathard, now a newly-signed Warner Music Nashville artist, is heading back out on the road in February for his RIDE ON 2019 TOUR, which will kick off in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Feb. 22 and run through April 13.

“The past four years of my life have mainly been spent on the road, so for me, it’s where I feel most at home” said Beathard. “I think it’s going to be even more exciting this time around with the first half of the double album out there and having the music I’ve wanted the fans to hear, to tour behind. I see touring as a way to connect with fans one by one and I can’t wait to get going!”

The dates will be the fans first chance to hear songs from the first installment of Beathard’s debut double album, Nobody’s Everything, live. Tickets for the tour will go on sale beginning Jan. 25 at 10am local time at tuckerbeathard.com.

RIDE ON 2019 TOUR Official Dates:
2/22  Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
2/23  Raleigh, NC – City Limits Saloon
3/1    Macon, GA – The Crazy Bull
3/2    Valdosta, GA – Bluewater Bar & Grill
3/7    Pittsburgh, PA – Tequila Cowboy
3/8    Columbus, OH – Tequila Cowboy
3/9    Lansing, MI – Tequila Cowboy
4/10  New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
4/11  Boston, MA – Loretta’s Last Call
4/13  Annapolis, MD – Union Jack’s Annapolis

Songwriters Sarah Buxton, Laura Veltz Added To NSAI Board Of Directors

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Sarah Buxton, Laura Veltz

Songwriters Sarah Buxton and Laura Veltz have been elected as new members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s (NSAI) Board of Directors.

Current board members who were re-elected to two-year terms include Jim Beavers, Nicolle Galyon, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Rivers Rutherford, Anthony L. Smith, Bobby Tomberlin, Troy Verges and Danny Wells.

Roger Brown and Lee Thomas Miller were elected to one-year terms as “Legislative Co-Chairs,” Rhett Akins and Caitlyn Smith were re-elected to one-year terms to the “Artist Writer” board positions and Brett James was re-elected to a one-year term to the “Industry Liaison” position.

They join existing board members Tony Arata, NSAI President Steve Bogard, Jeff Cohen, Corey Crowder, Chris DeStefano, Ben Glover, Connie Harrington, Byron Hill, Liz Rose, Jenn Schott, and Jimmy Yeary whose terms expire in 2020.

NSAI Board elections happen in two phases and include voting by the NSAI Professional Songwriter Membership and appointments by the NSAI Board of Directors. The board terms begin each year at the May meeting.