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.
Triple Tigers Records Signs Gone West For Debut EP, ‘Tides’ Out Today
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Kevin Herring (SVP/Promotion), David Macias (Partner/Triple Tigers Records), Norbert Nix (GM/Partner), Chad Jensen (Gone West’s Manager), Bruce Kalmick (Partner/Triple Tigers Records), George Couri (Partner/Triple Tigers Records); (L-R, front row) Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Nelly Joy, Jason Reeves. Photo: Patrick Tracy
Triple Tigers Records has signed country music quartet, Gone West, for their debut EP Tides. Gone West is comprised of Grammy-winner Colbie Caillat, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Jason Reeves, Justin Kawika Young and Nelly Joy.
All based in Nashville with ties to the West Coast, the group was inspired to form after years of musical collaboration, touring and friendship after working together on earlier projects individually. “The song and our band name, ‘Gone West,’ explains where the band came from,” said Young. “We’re all from west of Tennessee and when we’re not in Nashville, chances are we’ve gone west – back to Iowa, Texas, California or Hawaii. [The song, “Gone West,”] is about going to our significant other’s hometown and bringing them to Nashville. It’s autobiographical and our band’s theme song.”
Tides is available everywhere now.
Tides Track List:
1. “Gone West” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves)
2. “Home Is Where The Heartbreak Is” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Liz Rose)
3. “Confetti” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Eric Arjes)
4. “This Time” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Tom Douglas)
Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson Featured In John Lennon 75th Birthday Album And Film
/by Alex ParryBlackbird Presents Records announced today the release of Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert, the concert film and album featuring the collection of legendary singers and superstars who came together for concert event in New York City at The Theater At Madison Square Garden to celebrate the songs of music icon John Lennon.
Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert features performances, interviews and compelling behind-the-scenes action with Aloe Blacc, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Brandon Flowers, John Fogerty, Peter Frampton, Juanes, Kris Kristofferson, Pat Monahan, Tom Morello, Willie Nelson, The Roots, Spoon, Chris Stapleton and Steven Tyler.
“John’s art continues to give hope, light and happiness to generations of people everywhere,” said Yoko Ono. “His belief that each of us can change the world continues to inspire the human race to believe in themselves, and his influence is everlasting in everyone’s hearts as we all share in the possibilities and power of music.”
Blackbird Presents CEO Keith Wortman is creator and executive producer of the show, Grammy and Emmy-winner Greg Phillinganes (Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life: An All-Star Grammy Salute) served as music director, and Gregg Gelfand (The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles) directed.
“It would be impossible to quantify the immense impact John Lennon continues to have on modern culture,” said Wortman. “His music and lyrics continue to shape the lives of musicians and millions of fans around the world. I can’t think of any better way to honor his legacy than with this extraordinary album.”
The full-length concert is available for purchase at: imaginejohnlennon75.com.
Luke Bryan Announces 2019 Sunset Repeat Tour
/by LB CantrellJon Langston, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell. Photo: John Shearer
Luke Bryan announced his 2019 Sunset Repeat Tour will launch on May 31 in Philadelphia, PA at the BB&T Pavilion. Bryan will be bringing Cole Swindell and Jon Langston along, as well as DJ Rock.
Fans can purchase tickets beginning Friday, Jan. 25, for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at www.Megaticket.com. Live Nation is the official promoter of the Sunset Repeat Tour.
Citi is the official presale credit card of the Sunset Repeat Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass program. For complete pre-sale details visit citiprivatepass.com.
Sunset Repeat Tour Dates:
5/31 – Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
6/1 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
6/2 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
6/6 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
6/7 – Burgettstown, PA – KeyBank Pavilion
6/8 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
6/13 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
6/14 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
7/11 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
7/13 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
7/19 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
7/20 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
7/21 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
7/25 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
7/26 – Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
8/17 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/18 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
8/22 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
8/23 – Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
8/24 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
9/5 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage *
9/7 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
9/8 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
9/12 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
9/14 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
10/12 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
*Cole Swindell does not appear
Legendary Guitarist Reggie Young Passes Away
/by LB CantrellReggie 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)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Russell Dickerson Celebrates Second No. 1 Hit, “Blue Tacoma”
/by Jessica Nicholson“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
/by LB CantrellKinkead 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
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI 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
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
/by LB CantrellTim 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
/by Robert K OermannCountry 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.