A Celebration of Life service for singer-songwriter Kenny Marks is scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 17); the CCM star passed away on Oct. 31 of a heart attack at age 67.
He was a Christian rocker, somewhat in the blue-collar mode of his fellow Michigan native Bob Seger. Kenny Marks was billed as “contemporary Christian music’s leading American roots-rock artist.”
A pioneer of the CCM genre, his best-known songs include “Right Where You Are,” “Soul Reviver,” “Make It Right,” “Friends,” ‘Nobody Else But Jesus” and “The Party’s Over.”
He was notable as his genre’s overseas ambassador. Kenny Marks took CCM sounds to seven continents. He had followers in Norway, Germany, England, Holland, New Zealand, Denmark, West Africa, Australia, Belgium, East Asia and Ireland.
Kenny Marks was the son of Yugoslav immigrants. Raised in Detroit, he initially came to attention in the Billy Graham organization during the 1970s. He subsequently recorded for the Word/Myrrh/Dayspring label group in Nashville.
His debut LP, Follow Him, appeared in 1982. His breakthrough occurred via 1984’s Right Where You Are. It yielded seven top-10 CCM hits, including its chart-topping title tune. In 1985, his album Attitude contained three more top-10 successes, including the No. 1 smash “Soul Reviver.”
The title tune of his LP Make It Right was the No. 1 Christian radio hit of 1987. The video for the album’s “The Party’s Over” was nominated for a Dove Award by the Gospel Music Association.
“The Party’s Over” lyric was addressed to young people and urged sexual abstinence prior to marriage. Other teen-oriented Marks messages occurred in such songs as “Growing Up Too Fast,” “Next Time You See Johnny,” “Say a Prayer for Me Tonight,” “Graduation Day” and “White Dress.”
His biggest CCM rock hit was “Nobody Else But Jesus.” It appeared on his 1990 album Another Friday Night. That collection also contained the No. 1 hit “I’ll Be a Friend to You,” whose video was another Dove nominee.
In 1992, he issued Fire of Forgiveness. Its “Turn My World Around” became the first Christian-music video to be filmed in the Soviet Union. His Kim Hill duet on the collection, “Like a Father Should Be,” was marketed as a Father’s Day ode.
The Kenny Marks hits-compilation CD Absolutely Positively was issued in 1994. The title tune of 1995’s World Gone Mad was another youth-oriented composition. The album featured contributions from members of Survivor and John Cougar Mellencamp’s band.
Later in the 1990s, Kenny Marks was a host on cable TV’s Shop-At-Home channel.
Marks is survived by children Allegra Crowder, Sebastian Marks and Shelby Nundahl; by sisters Karen Mrakovich and Kathleen German and by several nieces and nephews.
His Celebration of Life service will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at The Village Chapel. The chapel is located at 2021 21st Avenue South. All are welcome. To send condolences or to sign the guest book, go to crawfordservices.com.
The service will be streamed online. To view the live stream, visit livestream.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gospel Music Trust Fund or to the American Heart Association.
8th Annual Touring Career Workshop Wraps In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Jessica Trindle, Mark Anderson, Mike Marcario, Chris Lisle, Joe Marcario, Erik Parker
The 8th annual Touring Career Workshop, which provides education and networking for those in Nashville’s touring industry, was held Nov. 13 at Soundcheck Annex in Nashville.
The event drew nearly 400 people. More than 20 industry members from fields ranging from financial planning, law, and veteran touring professionals shared their stories of balancing work and personal life. The event was founded and is led by Chris Lisle and Erik Parker. The workshop also featured a keynote address by Mike Cruce of Media Visions, who is celebrating their 25th year of business.
Sponsors included Bandit Lites, Moo TV, Stage Call, Media Visions, Chauvet, Morris Sound & Light, Harman/Martin, Elation Lighting, 4Wall, ACT, Elite Multimedia, High End Systems, Vari Lite/Phillips, DCR, LabeLive, Soundcheck, Robe, Blackbird Academy, Accurate Staging, Clair Brothers, Musician Wellness and Yee Haw Brewery.
Pictured (L-R): Craig Stahl, MooTV; Brent Barrett, Bandit Lites; David Haskell, Morris Light and Sound; John Dunn, Elation Professional
Dan+Shay, Lauren Daigle To Perform On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Finale
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Daigle, Dan+Shay
Dan + Shay, Lauren Daigle, Avril Lavigne, Robin Thicke, and contestants Tinashe and John Schneider are all set to perform on the Dancing With The Stars two-hour finale set to air Monday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. ET.
The two-hour Thanksgiving spectacular will feature special performances by Dan + Shay singing their hit single, “Speechless,” Lauren Daigle performing “You Say,” Lavigne performing her latest single, “Head Above Water” alongside Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten, Season 27’s John Schneider singing “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” Milo Manheim and Witney Carson dancing to “Living in New York City,” performed by Robin Thicke, and a big dance number featuring a performance by Tinashe.
Lauren Jenkins’ ‘No Saint’ Set To Debut In March
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Jenkins will release her debut album, No Saint, on March 15 on Big Machine Records. The project includes her latest single, “Maker’s Mark & You,” which is available everywhere today.
“No Saint has been a long time in the making,” explains Jenkins. “Some of these songs are from my first chapter of coming to Nashville, and some are from the chapter I’m in right now. I’m so grateful I was able to have my hand in writing, producing and creating all the visuals in telling my story. Flaws and all, this record is part of who I am and who I’ve been.”
Jenkins co-penned “Maker’s Mark & You” with writers Jessie Jo Dillon and Aaron Eshuis, and also co-produced the track with Julian Raymond and executive producer Scott Borchetta. The song details the struggle to move on from bad habits, and a first look video for the song teases the full concept of a forthcoming short film, “Running Out Of Road,” that was created by and will star Jenkins.
1. “Give Up The Ghost” * (Lauren Jenkins, Emily Shackelton)
2. “You’ll Never Know” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ross Copperman, Heather Morgan)
3. “Maker’s Mark And You” * (Lauren Jenkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Aaron Eshuis)
4. “Payday” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ingrid Andress, Joel Weldon Willis)
5. “No Saint” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ingrid Andress)
6. “Running Out Of Road” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ingrid Andress, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tina Parol)
7. “Cadillac” + (Lauren Jenkins, Trey Bruce)
8. “My Bar” ** (Lauren Jenkins, Matt Dragstrem, Liz Rose)
9. “All Good Things” ++ (Lauren Jenkins, Ross Copperman, Blair Daly, Shane McAnally)
10. “Blood” + (Lauren Jenkins, Trey Bruce)
Kenny Chesney Adds Songs For The Saints Tour Dates For 2019
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney has added some dates to his upcoming Songs For The Saints Tour, which kicks off in Louisville April 4 and will include a mix of arenas and stadiums. The first leg of the tour will hit Jacksonville, Florida; Oklahoma City; Albany, New York; Charleston and more through May 25.
“We have played the stadium in Louisville several times, but in really looking at this notion, I wanted to give them something more intimate,” Chesney explains. “This tour is going to really feel like a club show – and put the music front and center. It’s why we’re going to Oklahoma City, Albany, Lincoln and Jacksonville next year. Go to No Shoes Nation, and bring them the songs where they live. We know how to do stadiums, and we love the rush of those shows. But you never want to get to where you take it for granted, or you’re so used to it, it’s just what you do. There’s a real intimacy even in arenas that you don’t have in a stadium, and it’s something we’ve not had for a while. To me, it’s a whole other canvas for us – and I’m psyched about it.”
Weekly Chart Report (11/16/18)
/by Eric T. ParkerRiser House Entertainment Signs Jordan Rager
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: John Cantu, Matt Swanson, Jennifer Johnson, Jordan Rager
Riser House Entertainment, a full-service record label, artist management and music publishing company, has signed Jordan Rager to a publishing and artist deal. Riser House’s roster of talent also includes artists Mitchell Tenpenny and Dillon Carmichael, as well as writers Michael Whitworth, Dallas Wilson, Claire Douglas, and Rob Crosby.
A Georgia native, 24-year-old Rager was discovered as a teenager by country artist Justin Moore after uploading videos of himself singing classic cover songs to YouTube. Soon after, he was opening an arena tour for Moore. Rager went on to sign with Broken Bow Records and record a song with Jason Aldean that climbed to the Top 40 of the Country Airplay chart. Rager recently released the singles “One Of The Good Ones” and “Georgia Boy.” In December, Rager will play a pair of end-of-year shows at Eddie’s Attic in Georgia.
“I have been following Jordan Rager‘s career for almost four years now and have enjoyed watching him develop not only as an artist, but as an exceptional young man. He is certainly ‘One of the Good Ones!’” said Jennifer Johnson, President, Riser House Entertainment. “We are thrilled to welcome such a highly-talented songwriter and performer to our roster and can’t wait to see what’s in store for him.”
“Riser House is young, hungry, and has something to prove. Just like me. I think that’s why I felt so at home with them. They allow me to create the music I’ve always dreamed of. We make a great team and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both of us,” said Rager.
Rager is currently preparing to go into the studio to record his 2019 release.
Pictured: John Cantu, Brandon Perdue, Samantha Cantu, Jason VanAuken, Matt Swanson, Jennifer Johnson, Megan Schultz, Lexi Sutherland, Jordan Rager
Services Set For CCM Star Kenny Marks
/by Robert K OermannA Celebration of Life service for singer-songwriter Kenny Marks is scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 17); the CCM star passed away on Oct. 31 of a heart attack at age 67.
He was a Christian rocker, somewhat in the blue-collar mode of his fellow Michigan native Bob Seger. Kenny Marks was billed as “contemporary Christian music’s leading American roots-rock artist.”
A pioneer of the CCM genre, his best-known songs include “Right Where You Are,” “Soul Reviver,” “Make It Right,” “Friends,” ‘Nobody Else But Jesus” and “The Party’s Over.”
He was notable as his genre’s overseas ambassador. Kenny Marks took CCM sounds to seven continents. He had followers in Norway, Germany, England, Holland, New Zealand, Denmark, West Africa, Australia, Belgium, East Asia and Ireland.
Kenny Marks was the son of Yugoslav immigrants. Raised in Detroit, he initially came to attention in the Billy Graham organization during the 1970s. He subsequently recorded for the Word/Myrrh/Dayspring label group in Nashville.
His debut LP, Follow Him, appeared in 1982. His breakthrough occurred via 1984’s Right Where You Are. It yielded seven top-10 CCM hits, including its chart-topping title tune. In 1985, his album Attitude contained three more top-10 successes, including the No. 1 smash “Soul Reviver.”
The title tune of his LP Make It Right was the No. 1 Christian radio hit of 1987. The video for the album’s “The Party’s Over” was nominated for a Dove Award by the Gospel Music Association.
“The Party’s Over” lyric was addressed to young people and urged sexual abstinence prior to marriage. Other teen-oriented Marks messages occurred in such songs as “Growing Up Too Fast,” “Next Time You See Johnny,” “Say a Prayer for Me Tonight,” “Graduation Day” and “White Dress.”
His biggest CCM rock hit was “Nobody Else But Jesus.” It appeared on his 1990 album Another Friday Night. That collection also contained the No. 1 hit “I’ll Be a Friend to You,” whose video was another Dove nominee.
In 1992, he issued Fire of Forgiveness. Its “Turn My World Around” became the first Christian-music video to be filmed in the Soviet Union. His Kim Hill duet on the collection, “Like a Father Should Be,” was marketed as a Father’s Day ode.
The Kenny Marks hits-compilation CD Absolutely Positively was issued in 1994. The title tune of 1995’s World Gone Mad was another youth-oriented composition. The album featured contributions from members of Survivor and John Cougar Mellencamp’s band.
Later in the 1990s, Kenny Marks was a host on cable TV’s Shop-At-Home channel.
Marks is survived by children Allegra Crowder, Sebastian Marks and Shelby Nundahl; by sisters Karen Mrakovich and Kathleen German and by several nieces and nephews.
His Celebration of Life service will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at The Village Chapel. The chapel is located at 2021 21st Avenue South. All are welcome. To send condolences or to sign the guest book, go to crawfordservices.com.
The service will be streamed online. To view the live stream, visit livestream.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gospel Music Trust Fund or to the American Heart Association.
Demolition Music Signs Worldwide Admin Deal With Angry Mob Music
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville-based Demolition Music has entered into a worldwide administration deal with Los Angeles publisher Angry Mob Music. Under the deal, Angry Mob will provide creative, administration and synch services for Demolition songwriters and its catalog.
“Demolition Music achieved one of its most important goals this year when it aligned its pool of passion and talented songwriting team with the ‘get it done’ DNA of a truly remarkable L.A. company like Angry Mob.” says Demolition President Jon D’Agostino. “It’s a bi-coastal relationship that is bridged with common threads of passion, hard work, and determination to build a winning brand of songs together. ”
“We are thrilled to begin working with the great team and songwriters of Demolition Music,” says Marc Caruso, CEO Angry Mob Music. “Our companies share an ethos to work hard, to be forward thinking, and to respect and value the American songwriter. Our teams truly complement each other and we look forward to achieving great success together.”
Concord Music Taps Rachel Reynolds To Lead New Creative Content Production Department
/by Eric T. ParkerRachel Reynolds
Concord Music has hired Rachel Reynolds to lead its new Creative Content Production department as Senior Director.
Reynolds spent the past 12 years at Los Angeles public radio outlet KCRW where she produced their flagship music show Morning Becomes Eclectic, created the popular podcast the Guest DJ Project, assisted with booking KCRW’s Summer Nights series and served as the Music Publicity Director. Additionally, she helped program and produce content from the station’s annual SXSW showcases and arranged pop-ups at the Sundance Film Festival.
In her Senior Director role, Reynolds will lead a team to serve the wide variety of content needs within the label group (Concord Records, Fantasy Recordings, Fearless Records, Loma Vista Recordings and Rounder Records). She will oversee the creation and execution of video content, podcasts, live events, and support other creative visions across the company.
Reynolds states, “I have long admired Concord Music from afar as a home to exceptional talent, a mind-blowing catalogue and a dedicated staff. Also, it is a thrill and an honor to work for someone like Tom Whalley, whose passionate and soulful approach is more akin to an artist than most executives.”
Concord Music Chief Label Officer Tom Whalley comments, “Rachel is a strategic thinker and an extremely talented producer. She and I share a vision of developing our artists’ careers in new and exciting ways. I have no doubt that her unique perspective and passion for telling stories through music will help guide the newly created Content Department to success.”
52nd Annual CMA Awards Wins Night But Ratings Drop 34 Percent From 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonThose numbers top the evening, but also mark a 34 percent drop in the 18-49 demo from 2017, and a 29.5 percent drop in total viewers from last year’s 14.29 million. It also represents more than a full point rating drop from last year’s 3.2 rating.
The awards show’s previous low came in 2016, when it brought in 12.5 million viewers and a 2.9 rating in the demo, though the show was airing opposite the World Series Game 7 that year.
Source: The Nielsen Company, posted on Zap2it.com.
CMA Awards Viewership (live and same day)
2017—14.29 million viewers
2016—12.5 million
2015—13.6 million
2014—16.1 million
2013—16.8 million
2012— 13.6 million
2011—16.3 million
2010—16.45 million
2009—17.2 million
2008 —15.9 million