The Grand Ole Opry, in association with the Ray Charles Foundation, celebrated the songs of Ray Charles and the influence the revolutionary artist had on country music last night (Oct. 8) with a special Monday night show, “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” The event was taped for a television special that will premiere in February 2019 on public television stations nationwide.
Hosted by Opry member Darius Rucker, the event united two iconic entities with unique collaborations and special performances of Charles’ music, performed by a star-studded lineup including Boyz II Men, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Leela James, Jessie Key, Ronnie Milsap, Lukas Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson, and Chris Young.
Pictured (L-R): Valerie Ervin (Executive Producer and President for The Ray Charles Foundation) and Darius Rucker. Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Wanya Morris and Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men, Chris Young, Darius Rucker, LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Wilson, Leela James and Brett Eldredge perform onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Rucker addressed the packed audience at the beginning of the show stating, “As a Grand Ole Opry member I am moved to see the Opry recognize Ray and the magnitude of his contribution to country music. Both the Grand Ole Opry and Ray shared the same vision—to bridge musical genres.”
Trisha Yearwood contributed a memorable rendition of “You Don’t Know Me” that was taped for inclusion in the television special. A powerful all-star collaboration of “America The Beautiful” performed by all of the artists closed out the show with an uplifting message of unity.
“Ray Charles had a deep love for country music. I know he would have been extremely proud and grateful for all of the artists who joined us this evening to pay tribute. Without the passion and support of executive producer Steve Buchanan and the entire Opry family for championing this special, we would not have been able to bring Ray’s legacy to the Opry stage,” said Valerie Ervin, President, Ray Charles Foundation.
Sally Williams, SVP & GM, Grand Ole Opry, stated, “The Opry was thrilled to salute Ray Charles and his passion for the music and storytelling of country music. The performers tonight demonstrated what Ray understood so well—that music has no bounds.”
Pictured (L-R): Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men and recording artist Chris Young. Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Leela James, Cam, and LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured: Brett Eldredge performs onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Ronnie Milsap and Jessie Key perform onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.”Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured: Travis Tritt performs onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Cam and Allen Stone perform onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured: Lukas Nelson performs onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Warner/Chappell Nashville Signs Robyn Collins
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Beth Brinker (ASCAP), Alison Junker (Warner/Chappell), Chase Neely (Attorney), Robyn Collins (Warner/Chappell), B.J. Hill (Warner/Chappell), Will Overton (Warner/Chappell), Phil May (Warner/Chappell)
Songwriter Robyn Collins has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Nashville. With more than two decades of writing experience, previously as a journalist, Collins realized her penchant for writing songs in 2012.
She has since collaborated with various songwriters, including Warner/Chappell’s Jordan Reynolds. Their song “Nothin’ Like Us” (Josh Gracin) has over 15 million streams on Spotify alone.
Faith Hill To Judge New CBS Talent Competition With Creators Behind ‘The Voice,’ ‘American Idol’
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): RuPaul, Faith Hill, James Corden, Drew Barrymore. Photo: CBS
Drew Barrymore, RuPaul and Faith Hill will serve as judges for a new global talent competition, called The World’s Best.
CBS has ordered 10-episodes with James Corden serving as host and executive producer, alongside his The Late Late Show executive producer Ben Winston, through Fulwell 73 Productions, in addition to Mike Darnell (American Idol and Ellen’s Game of Games), Mark Burnett (SURVIVOR, The Voice), Brooke Karzen, Dan Sacks, Alison Holloway, James Breen and Barry Poznick.
Acts from around the world and every genre imaginable will not only have to impress the American judges, but will also need to impress the “wall of the world,” featuring 50 experts from around the world and every field of entertainment to advance through the competition. Only one act will ultimately be crowned THE WORLD’S BEST.
“It’s only fitting that THE WORLD’S BEST perform in front of the world’s best,” said Sharon Vuong, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming for CBS. “James, Drew, Faith and RuPaul are all amazing talents who have excelled in their respective fields on a global scale. We can’t wait for them to bring their distinct voices to a show that’s unlike any other.”
“The very name of the show defined the caliber of judges we sought out and ultimately got. Drew, RuPaul and Faith are incredibly accomplished superstars whose talents encompass every area of entertainment,” added Darnell. “Along with James, THE WORLD’S BEST will now be the gold standard of competition shows.”
“James Corden is at the top of his game, and there is no one better to host this ultimate international competition series,” said Burnett, Chairman of Worldwide Television Group, MGM. “This groundbreaking series is like the Olympics of talent shows and needed the perfect talent combination. Mike and I are thrilled Drew, Faith and RuPaul are all on board. We can’t wait to see the fun they have together.”
Currently, Hill is an executive producer of the Emmy-nominated daytime talk show Pickler & Ben, which began its second season in September.
The 10-episode series will premiere in 2019 on CBS.
Industry Ink: Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Dottie West, Kore PR, Deluge Music
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A, Darius Rucker Say Goodbye To Summer Plays On
Jeannie Seely Hosts Dottie West Birthday Bash
Spence Reed Signs With Kore PR
Deluge Music And Kevin Savigar Celebrate Rod Stewart’s Latest Chart-Topper
Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett, Lauren Alaina Set To Perform At Crash My Playa − 5th Year Fiesta
/by Haley CrowDustin Lynch will return for the fifth year in a row, while Thomas Rhett and Lauren Alaina will both make their first appearances at the destination event.
“So excited to have Thomas Rhett and Lauren join us for the first time at Playa,” said Luke. “I can’t even imagine doing these shows without Dustin a part of it. This makes 5 for 5!”
“I’m pumped to get down to the beach in January to hang out with Luke and play at ‘Crash My Playa’,” said Thomas Rhett. “It’s going to be a blast.”
Dustin shared, “Getting to kick off the last four years at ‘Crash My Playa’ has been amazing. I’ve made so many friends and memories and look forward to going 5 for 5 with my big bro Luke!”
“I love the beach, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Dustin Lynch,” said Lauren. “I have a feeling this will be a trip to remember, or at least try really hard to remember. Ha! Those boys are crazy. I’m so excited and honored to be a part of it.”
The event’s host resort, the Barceló Maya, is sold-out with limited packages remaining at one of four other carefully selected tropical resorts. At all locations fans will enjoy royal treatment all weekend long including all-inclusive food and drink, 24-hour concierge service, convenient nightly shuttle transportation to the main stage performances, daily onsite activities, offsite adventures and excursions, official Crash My Playa − 5th Year Fiesta merchandise packages, and more. To see highlights from last year’s event click here.
For more information about Crash My Playa − 5th Year Fiesta 2019, visit crashmyplaya.com.
BMI Country Awards To Honor Steve Cropper As BMI Icon
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI will celebrate the extraordinary career of Steve Cropper by naming him a BMI Icon at the 66th annual BMI Country Awards. Cropper will receive this honor in recognition of his influence on generations of music makers. The event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 13 at BMI’s Nashville office and will be hosted by BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville.
The BMI Icon Award is presented to songwriters who have distinctly and profoundly influenced the music industry. In receiving the award, Cropper will join an impressive list of Country music’s greatest songwriters including previous recipients Bob DiPiero, Vince Gill, Mac Davis, Hank Williams, Jr., Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson and more.
“The iconic music coming out of Memphis in the 60’s is some of the best known American music ever made and is still heard all over the world. One consummate music man was in the middle of that wave…Steve Cropper,” said Williams. “Not only is Steve a masterful songwriter, he is one of the most influential guitarists in the world. His body of work as an artist and producer, along with the massive hits he wrote, truly make Steve a BMI Icon.”
Throughout the evening, the private event will also salute the songwriters, publishers and administrators of the past year’s most-performed country songs in the United States from BMI’s repertoire of nearly 14 million musical works. The BMI country song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the ceremony.
Cropper made his musical debut on American Bandstand in 1961 and within one year, along with Booker T and the MG’s, he had written the number one hit “Green Onions.” In the years to follow, he established himself as songwriting royalty, co-writing some of music’s biggest classics such as “Knock On Wood,” “Midnight Hour,” and the legendary “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” with friend Otis Redding. In addition to his obvious songwriting prowess, producing became second nature as he turned out timeless tracks by renowned artists like Wilson Pickett, Tower of Power, John Mellencamp, Otis Redding, and more. Cropper’s exemplary guitar work can be heard on albums by Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton, Booker T and the MGs, Ringo Starr, and Wynonna, and he has toured with legends like Neil Young and Jimmy Buffett. In the late 1970s, Cropper began his now famous work as an original of the Blues Brothers Band, appearing in both the major motion pictures and numerous TV shows. Cropper has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was the solo inductee into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Additionally, he has received Tennessee’s Arts and Humanities Lifetime Achievement Award and a lifetime achievement GRAMMY in 2007.
Warner/Chappell Nashville Signs Johnny Simmen
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Scott Stafford (Stafford-Motley), Erin Kidd (NSAI), Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Johnny Simmen (Warner/Chappell), Will Overton (Warner/Chappell), B.J. Hill (Warner/Chappell)
Songwriter and producer Johnny Simmen has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Nashville. Simmen has more than a decade of experience as an artist and producer across a wide array of projects, bringing a diverse skill set to the Nashville market.
A multi-instrumentalist, Simmen has produced two Toronto Independent Music Award (TIMA)-winning EPs, including The Fifth by Birds of Bellwoods (Best Folk or Roots Album 2015), and Beauty Fools by The Naked Wild (Best Indie Album 2015). He has also collaborated with producers Michael Brauer (Coldplay, John Mayer) and Joe Chiccarelli (Jason Mraz, U2, Elton John).
Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Ray Charles With TV Special
/by Haley CrowHosted by Opry member Darius Rucker, the event united two iconic entities with unique collaborations and special performances of Charles’ music, performed by a star-studded lineup including Boyz II Men, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Leela James, Jessie Key, Ronnie Milsap, Lukas Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson, and Chris Young.
Pictured (L-R): Valerie Ervin (Executive Producer and President for The Ray Charles Foundation) and Darius Rucker. Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Wanya Morris and Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men, Chris Young, Darius Rucker, LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Wilson, Leela James and Brett Eldredge perform onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Rucker addressed the packed audience at the beginning of the show stating, “As a Grand Ole Opry member I am moved to see the Opry recognize Ray and the magnitude of his contribution to country music. Both the Grand Ole Opry and Ray shared the same vision—to bridge musical genres.”
Trisha Yearwood contributed a memorable rendition of “You Don’t Know Me” that was taped for inclusion in the television special. A powerful all-star collaboration of “America The Beautiful” performed by all of the artists closed out the show with an uplifting message of unity.
“Ray Charles had a deep love for country music. I know he would have been extremely proud and grateful for all of the artists who joined us this evening to pay tribute. Without the passion and support of executive producer Steve Buchanan and the entire Opry family for championing this special, we would not have been able to bring Ray’s legacy to the Opry stage,” said Valerie Ervin, President, Ray Charles Foundation.
Sally Williams, SVP & GM, Grand Ole Opry, stated, “The Opry was thrilled to salute Ray Charles and his passion for the music and storytelling of country music. The performers tonight demonstrated what Ray understood so well—that music has no bounds.”
Pictured (L-R): Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men and recording artist Chris Young. Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Leela James, Cam, and LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured: Brett Eldredge performs onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Ronnie Milsap and Jessie Key perform onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.”Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured: Travis Tritt performs onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured (L-R): Cam and Allen Stone perform onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Pictured: Lukas Nelson performs onstage during “An Opry Salute to Ray Charles.” Photo: Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Black & White TV
Newsboys United To Headline 2019 Winter Jam Tour With New “In The Round” Stage
/by Lorie HollabaughRevealing a history-making tour first,
In addition, the Pre-Jam Party is slated to feature hip-hop artist Ty Brasel; rockers Manic Drive; singer/songwriter Dan Bremnes; and special guest former Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline frontman Adam Agee. The tour will also include a Gospel presentation from Dare2Share speakers Greg Stier or Zane Black.
Winter Jam is scheduled to hit 44 cities, making stops at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, Kansas City’s Sprint Center, PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati’s U.S. Bank Arena, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and Norfolk, Virginia’s Scope Arena, among numerous others, before concluding March 31 at Cleveland’s Wolstein Center.
“We’re looking forward to having a 360º stage for the first time,” NewSong founding member/Winter Jam creator Eddie Carswell said. “It’s something we’ve dreamed about and now it’s a reality for us and the fans. This setup will offer better views, more seating and surround sound. More than anything, I’m just ready to see how God is going to use all the artists, songs and speakers to draw people to Himself. He’s the reason we do this every year!”
“With Peter and Phil back onstage with us, we can’t wait to bring the Newsboys United show to Winter Jam next year,” says Newsboys’ Michael Tait. “It’s a blast to join forces with such an incredible lineup of artists, and the ministry at the heart of Winter Jam is always evident.”
Earlier this year Winter Jam was crowned the top first quarter music tour in the world. Landing at No. 2 on Pollstar’s “2018 1Q YTD Worldwide Ticket Sales Top 100 Tours” chart, the Winter Jam 2018 Tour Spectacular took the top spot of all music tours, following No. 1 outing “Disney On Ice.” In 2018 Winter Jam hit a total of 46 cities across the country from January through March, boasting 17 sold-out shows.
John Prine Among Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2019 Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Prine
The nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 were announced this morning (Oct. 9). Among the nominees is singer-songwriter John Prine, the reigning Americana Awards Artist of the Year. This marks Prine’s first time on the rock hall ballot. His latest album, The Tree of Forgiveness, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, earning Prine his best debut on the chart. Released on Oh Boy Records, the album is Prine’s first album featuring new material in over 13 years and was produced by Dave Cobb.
In September, Prine was honored with BMI’s Troubadour award in Nashville.
Other Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees include:
Def Leppard
Devo
Janet Jackson
John Prine
Kraftwerk
LL Cool J
MC5
Radiohead
Rage Against the Machine
Roxy Music
Stevie Nicks
The Cure
Todd Rundgren
Rufus & Chaka Khan
The Zombies
To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Inductees will be announced in December 2018. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2019 Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on March 29, 2019. Ticket on-sale information will be announced in January.
Ballots will be sent to an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians and members of the music industry. Factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique are taken into consideration.
Fans will be able to participate in the induction selection process again this year, beginning today (Oct. 9) and running through Dec. 9, 2018. Fans can visit rockhall.com to cast votes for who they believe to be most deserving of induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2019 inductees. Fans will need to login to vote. Voting is capped at one ballot per day.
HBO will once again broadcast the ceremony in 2019, and SiriusXM will also carry a radio simulcast, along with specials leading up to the Ceremony devoted to the Rock Hall’s Inductees—past and present— on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Radio (Ch. 310).
Tim McGraw Celebrates New Music With Surprise Nashville Show
/by Jessica NicholsonTim McGraw. Photo: Thien Phan
Tim McGraw surprised his label, industry guests and some very lucky fans Thursday night (Oct. 4) with a secret club show at Nashville’s The End. Guests were packed wall to wall and lined down the block trying to get in when Tim took the stage to play a set list of his biggest hits along with two just released songs, “Neon Church” and “Thought About You.”
Both tracks are available to stream and download now via Columbia Nashville/McGraw Music. McGraw has indicated both songs are part of an upcoming 2019 album project.
Tim McGraw. Photo: Thien Phan
Prior to the pop up show, pictured here at Bourbon Sky Rooftop at JW Marriott are SMN label execs and EM.Co management toasting Tim McGraw on the release of “Neon Church,” his first single on Columbia Nashville (left to right) are: Sony Music Nashville’s EVP Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges, VP Sales & Streaming Caryl Atwood, SVP A&R Jim Catino, Director Sales & Streaming Alaina Vehec and EVP Marketing & New Business John Zarling, EM.Co’s James Stewart and Kelly Clague, SMN Associate Director Digital Strategy Jamie Marconette, Columbia Nashville’s SVP Promotion Shane Allen and Regional Bo Martinovich, Tim McGraw, EM.Com’s Brian Kaplan, Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman, VP Digital Strategy Ed Rivadavia, Marketing Lead Liz Cost, Columbia Nashville’s Regional Cliff Blake and Mark Janese, SMN Sr. Dir. Partnership Marketing, EM.Co’s Scott Siman, Sony Music Nashville’s National Director Promotion Lauren Thomas, Content Producer Adam Davis and VP A&R Taylor Lindsey, EM.Co’s Jack Purcell, Columbia Nashville’s Specialist Christy Garbinski and Regional Lyndsay Church, and Sony Music Nashville’s SVP Media & Corporate Communication Allen Brown and COO & EVP Ken Robold.