Roy William Wunsch passed away in Nashville on Friday (Aug. 31), following a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.
Born June 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Roy P. Wunsch and Ruth Wunsch, Roy is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon, all of St. Louis. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years and friend of 44 years Mary Ann McCready, by daughter Cynthia Wunsch Bowen (Jay) of Nashville, and son Roy Christopher Wunsch of St. Louis. Roy went to Hancock High School, then attended St. Louis University, where he studied journalism. After working for a summer at a CBS Records distribution center, he left SLU to follow his heart into the music business.
For 30 years he worked with some of the most important artists in American music, and he spent the majority of those years with CBS/Sony Music, one of the best known and most competitive record companies in the world, whose label imprints included Columbia and Epic. Often honored for superior work, Roy received many awards of excellence for his performance in numerous musical genres.
In 1975, CBS placed greater emphasis on its Nashville division, and Roy agreed to lead the team as National Promotion and Sales Manager for Columbia’s sister label, Epic Records. Artists on the label included Tammy Wynette, George Jones, David Houston, Bob Luman, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Stampley and Charlie Rich. Many of those artists made timeless records in collaboration with Epic executive and iconic producer Billy Sherrill.
By 1981, Roy’s street smarts and diverse experience earned him the office of Vice President, overseeing Columbia, Epic and CBS Associated labels. He was the first in Nashville to hold that position. He added many notable recording artists and helped further the careers of Johnny Cash, Sonny James, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Ricky Skaggs and Connie Smith (all now members of the Country Music Hall of Fame). He also worked with significant artists such as Lynn Anderson, David Allan Coe, Johnny Duncan, Janie Fricke and Marty Robbins.
Roy was elevated to second-in-command at Columbia’s Nashville office in 1985, and in 1988 — the year Sony Music completed its acquisition of CBS Records — he was appointed Senior Vice President of Nashville Operations, supporting the careers of Chet Atkins, Bobby Bare, Rosanne Cash, Crystal Gayle, the Highwaymen, the O’Kanes, Dolly Parton, The Charlie Daniels Band, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Sweethearts of the Rodeo and Ricky Van Shelton.
In 1990, for his skill and influence in Sony’s success, Roy was rewarded with a promotion to President of the Nashville division, the first person ever to hold that post.
Throughout his career, Roy espoused sophisticated marketing strategies that moved away from country music’s traditional imaging and embraced modern styles that reaped greater revenue and grew the audience for country music. Among his earliest achievements was the marketing of Willie Nelson’s classic Stardust album, a collection of pop standards produced by Booker T. Jones that sounded nothing like anything on country radio. Buoyed by hits “Georgia on My Mind,” “All of Me” and “Blue Skies,” the collection sold more than 10 million copies and stands as one of Sony Music Nashville’s most successful albums. A pair of country legends, Merle Haggard and George Jones, had their first gold and platinum albums under Roy’s stewardship.
In the late 1980s, he signed folk-reared singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter to a country recording contract. Though immediately embraced by critics, she failed to reach popular notoriety until a surprise CMA Awards appearance, enabled by Roy, won her broad notoriety. She recorded two highly successful albums followed by the multiplatinum album Come On, Come On, which yielded an astonishing seven hit singles.
Roy chaired the boards of the Country Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was an early and ongoing supporter of the W.O. Smith School of Music, which makes affordable, quality music instruction available to children from low-income families. The W.O. Smith Music School transforms lives through music.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008, Roy continued to play tennis, a lifelong passion, until three months ago; to love his dog, Maggie; and to be a loyal and avid fan of the city of St. Louis. He and wife Mary Ann enjoyed a life of great friendship, intense love and grand adventure, including a 30-day trip around the world.
In 2012, he began spending time painting and doing pottery with his artist daughter, Cindy, at her local studio. In December of 2015, a record crowd came to support his efforts, where he sold out his entire first exhibition. The show, called “Color Me Happy,” was a testament to his ongoing and courageous fight. The proceeds of this event went to charity.
Services will be at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave. in Nashville officiated by Rev. Father Steiner on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 3:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Fleming Center next door.
A private family burial will be held the following day. Pallbearers will include Charles Batt, Jay S. Bowen, Frank Bumstead, Ron Dawson, Ron Elz, Chuck Flood, Jim Ramsey, Andrew Steed and Adam Steed. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Barnes, Rafael Cambronero, Gene Denonovich, Steve Diaz, Joe Mansfield, Mike Martinovich, Jim McCready, John McCready, Stan Moress, David Steed, Kevin Slovacek and Walter Yetnikoff. In memorium pallbearers include Billy Sherrill, Dave Swengros and Jeff Walker.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Gretchen Napier, Julie Ehrlich and Jodi Jackson of Lifelinks; the loving hearts of Jihar Adeny, Lise Brown, Anthony Cuzone, Emily Henry, Ruthie McGonagle Ingram, Dierdre Jenkins, Jim Kemp, Stephanie Kendrick, Mitzi McCormick and Emily Tan; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Petrie, Dr. Peach, Dr. Karlarkar, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Kirshner; Bonnie Wagner, Stuart Dill; Sarah Prince, Dea Smith; and The Richland West End Neighborhood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests and appreciates donations to the W.O. Smith School, P.O. Box 121348, Nashville, TN 37212, Attn: The Roy Wunsch “Stardust” Scholarship, wosmith.org; or to Feed My People, 171 Kingston Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125, feed-my-people.org.
Wunsch’s artwork was proudly featured on the cover of the January 2016 issue of MusicRow. He was an avid and early supporter of the publication, becoming the first head of a major label to purchase subscriptions for every member of his staff.
Chris Tomlin Announces 2018 Christmas Tour
/by Sarah SkatesTomlin is spending September on the road in Canada. His new studio album Holy Roar will be released Oct. 26.
His 2018 spring arena tour, Worship Night in America Tour, ended in May after gathering over 175,000 attendees during its six-week run, including the sold-out ‘Good Friday Nashville’ concert at Bridgestone Arena.
Tomlin, a Nashville resident, will continue the Good Friday concert tradition on April 19, 2019 at Bridgestone, with net proceeds being donated to community charities.
Chris Tomlin Christmas: Christmas Songs of Worship
Nov. 30 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
Dec. 1 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
Dec. 2 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
Dec. 3 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre
Dec. 6 – Richmond, VA – Carpenter Theatre
Dec. 7 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 8 – Newport News, VA – Ferguson Center for the Arts
Dec. 9 – Charleston, SC – Gaillard Center
12/13 – Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theatre
12/14 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
12/15 – Hershey, PA – The Hershey Theatre
12/16 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tickets will be available on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. local times at www.christomlin.com.
Atlas Music Publishing Signs Brandi Carlile, Opens Nashville Office With Tracy Gershon
/by Jessica NicholsonBrandi Carlile
Atlas Music Publishing has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile.
Carlile’s deal will take effect in January 2019, and will cover her back catalog as well as future works. The agreement also includes the work of Carlile’s longtime collaborators and bandmates, Phil and Tim Hanseroth.
“As songwriters, the twins and I are on a constant search of fresh paths and uncharted territory! We are completely thrilled with the promise of this brand new journey with Atlas and we are looking ever forward to writing this story together with them,” states Carlile.
Richard Stumpf, Founder and CEO of Atlas Music Publishing, says, “Atlas has had an incredible run in Nashville within a joint venture that brought us dozens of number ones, a multi-year writer of the year winner, and over 50 PRO awards. Given where we are in our growth, it was time to move beyond a joint venture and plant our own flag in Nashville. I’m happy to announce that Tracy Gershon will be advising us as we build out the Atlas Nashville team and roster. There aren’t many creatives who bring the kind of relationships and experience as Tracy. When I spoke with Tracy about being able to get into business with Brandi, she couldn’t have been more excited.”
Gershon says, “Brandi and I have been looking for a way to work together for awhile, and this new partnership with Atlas will provide some innovative and exciting opportunities! I’m looking forward to working with Brandi, Tim, Phil, Rich and the entire Atlas team.”
The new Nashville office is located at 1030 18th Ave. S.
Tracy Gershon
Lifenotes: Beloved Music Industry Veteran Roy Wunsch Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonRoy William Wunsch passed away in Nashville on Friday (Aug. 31), following a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75.
Born June 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Roy P. Wunsch and Ruth Wunsch, Roy is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon, all of St. Louis. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years and friend of 44 years Mary Ann McCready, by daughter Cynthia Wunsch Bowen (Jay) of Nashville, and son Roy Christopher Wunsch of St. Louis. Roy went to Hancock High School, then attended St. Louis University, where he studied journalism. After working for a summer at a CBS Records distribution center, he left SLU to follow his heart into the music business.
For 30 years he worked with some of the most important artists in American music, and he spent the majority of those years with CBS/Sony Music, one of the best known and most competitive record companies in the world, whose label imprints included Columbia and Epic. Often honored for superior work, Roy received many awards of excellence for his performance in numerous musical genres.
In 1975, CBS placed greater emphasis on its Nashville division, and Roy agreed to lead the team as National Promotion and Sales Manager for Columbia’s sister label, Epic Records. Artists on the label included Tammy Wynette, George Jones, David Houston, Bob Luman, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Stampley and Charlie Rich. Many of those artists made timeless records in collaboration with Epic executive and iconic producer Billy Sherrill.
By 1981, Roy’s street smarts and diverse experience earned him the office of Vice President, overseeing Columbia, Epic and CBS Associated labels. He was the first in Nashville to hold that position. He added many notable recording artists and helped further the careers of Johnny Cash, Sonny James, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Ricky Skaggs and Connie Smith (all now members of the Country Music Hall of Fame). He also worked with significant artists such as Lynn Anderson, David Allan Coe, Johnny Duncan, Janie Fricke and Marty Robbins.
Roy was elevated to second-in-command at Columbia’s Nashville office in 1985, and in 1988 — the year Sony Music completed its acquisition of CBS Records — he was appointed Senior Vice President of Nashville Operations, supporting the careers of Chet Atkins, Bobby Bare, Rosanne Cash, Crystal Gayle, the Highwaymen, the O’Kanes, Dolly Parton, The Charlie Daniels Band, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Sweethearts of the Rodeo and Ricky Van Shelton.
In 1990, for his skill and influence in Sony’s success, Roy was rewarded with a promotion to President of the Nashville division, the first person ever to hold that post.
Throughout his career, Roy espoused sophisticated marketing strategies that moved away from country music’s traditional imaging and embraced modern styles that reaped greater revenue and grew the audience for country music. Among his earliest achievements was the marketing of Willie Nelson’s classic Stardust album, a collection of pop standards produced by Booker T. Jones that sounded nothing like anything on country radio. Buoyed by hits “Georgia on My Mind,” “All of Me” and “Blue Skies,” the collection sold more than 10 million copies and stands as one of Sony Music Nashville’s most successful albums. A pair of country legends, Merle Haggard and George Jones, had their first gold and platinum albums under Roy’s stewardship.
In the late 1980s, he signed folk-reared singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter to a country recording contract. Though immediately embraced by critics, she failed to reach popular notoriety until a surprise CMA Awards appearance, enabled by Roy, won her broad notoriety. She recorded two highly successful albums followed by the multiplatinum album Come On, Come On, which yielded an astonishing seven hit singles.
Roy chaired the boards of the Country Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was an early and ongoing supporter of the W.O. Smith School of Music, which makes affordable, quality music instruction available to children from low-income families. The W.O. Smith Music School transforms lives through music.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008, Roy continued to play tennis, a lifelong passion, until three months ago; to love his dog, Maggie; and to be a loyal and avid fan of the city of St. Louis. He and wife Mary Ann enjoyed a life of great friendship, intense love and grand adventure, including a 30-day trip around the world.
In 2012, he began spending time painting and doing pottery with his artist daughter, Cindy, at her local studio. In December of 2015, a record crowd came to support his efforts, where he sold out his entire first exhibition. The show, called “Color Me Happy,” was a testament to his ongoing and courageous fight. The proceeds of this event went to charity.
Services will be at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave. in Nashville officiated by Rev. Father Steiner on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 3:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Fleming Center next door.
A private family burial will be held the following day. Pallbearers will include Charles Batt, Jay S. Bowen, Frank Bumstead, Ron Dawson, Ron Elz, Chuck Flood, Jim Ramsey, Andrew Steed and Adam Steed. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Barnes, Rafael Cambronero, Gene Denonovich, Steve Diaz, Joe Mansfield, Mike Martinovich, Jim McCready, John McCready, Stan Moress, David Steed, Kevin Slovacek and Walter Yetnikoff. In memorium pallbearers include Billy Sherrill, Dave Swengros and Jeff Walker.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Gretchen Napier, Julie Ehrlich and Jodi Jackson of Lifelinks; the loving hearts of Jihar Adeny, Lise Brown, Anthony Cuzone, Emily Henry, Ruthie McGonagle Ingram, Dierdre Jenkins, Jim Kemp, Stephanie Kendrick, Mitzi McCormick and Emily Tan; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Petrie, Dr. Peach, Dr. Karlarkar, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Kirshner; Bonnie Wagner, Stuart Dill; Sarah Prince, Dea Smith; and The Richland West End Neighborhood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests and appreciates donations to the W.O. Smith School, P.O. Box 121348, Nashville, TN 37212, Attn: The Roy Wunsch “Stardust” Scholarship, wosmith.org; or to Feed My People, 171 Kingston Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125, feed-my-people.org.
Wunsch’s artwork was proudly featured on the cover of the January 2016 issue of MusicRow. He was an avid and early supporter of the publication, becoming the first head of a major label to purchase subscriptions for every member of his staff.
Mark Your Calendar—September 2018
/by Eric T. ParkerSingle Add Dates
LOCASH/Feels Like A Party/Wheelhouse Records
John Schneider/Can I Buy You A Beer/Maven Entertainment
September 10
Cody Johnson/On My Way To You/CoJo Music/WMN
Jon Langston/When It Comes To Loving You/EMI Nashville
Seth Ennis feat. Little Big Town/Call Your Mama/Arista
Austin Burke/Whole Lot In Love/AWAL/Kobalt Music/in2une Nashville/287 Entertainment
AC Jones/Mr. Moon/SSM Nashville
Marty Heddin/Fine By Me/Nightlife Entertainment Group
Southern Halo/I Think Too Much/Southern Halo
Celeste Kellogg/Country Swagger/Kellogg Entertainment
September 17
Lindsay Ell/Champagne/Stoney Creek
Amy Jack/Got A Life To Catch/Amy Jack Music
Grant Maloy Smith & EmiSunshine/Fly Possum Fly/Suburban Cowboy Records
September 24
Kyle Jennings/Chose To Be a Man/Dark Horse Records
Spensha Baker/Old Soul/Outloud Entertainment
Album Releases
Runaway June/Runaway June [EP]/Wheelhouse Records
Ruston Kelly/Dying Star/Rounder Records
Abby Anderson/I’m Good/Black River
Mike Farris/Silver & Stone/Compass Records
Lauren Daigle/Look Up Child/Centricity Music
Kathy Mattea/Pretty Bird/Captain Potato-Thirty Tigers
Ben Danaher/Still Feel Lucky
Sister Hazel/Wind [EP]/Croakin’ Poets Records-Average Joes Ent.
Larry Stewart/Shifting Gears/5 West Music
September 14
Carrie Underwood/Cry Pretty/Universal Music Group Nashville
Asleep at the Wheel/New Routes/Thirty Tigers
Willie Nelson/My Way/Legacy Recordings
Bill Anderson/Anderson/TWI-Sony Orchard
David Nail & The Well Ravens/Only This and Nothing More/One Five Sound
I AM THE STORM/FIGHT MUSIK VOL. 1 [EP]/The Fuel Music-STORM MUSIK INC.
September 21
Bobbie Gentry/The Girl From Chickasaw County – The Complete Capitol Masters/Capitol-UMe
Maggie Rose/Change The Whole Thing/Starstruck
Tyler Rich/Tyler Rich [EP]/The Valory Music Co.
September 28
Loretta Lynn/Wouldn’t It Be Great/Legacy Recordings
All Them Witches/ATW/New West Records
The Louvin Brothers/Love And Wealth: The Lost Recordings/Modern Harmonic
Industry Events
2018 CCMA Awards at FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, broadcast at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on CBC
September 11-16
AMERICANAFEST 2018
September 12
Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville
September 13
Nashville Creator Awards at Marathon Music Works
September 14-16
Music City Food+Wine Festival
September 21-22
iHeartRadio Music Festival at the T-Mobile Arena and the Las Vegas Festival Grounds
September 22
Music Expo conference hosted by SAE Institute
September 22-23
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival at Franklin, Tennessee’s Harlinsdale Farm
September 25
16th SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium
September 25-29
IBMA’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina
September 27
September 30-October 2
IEBA
In Pictures: Dierks Bentley Celebrates Inaugural Seven Peaks Music Festival
/by Haley CrowLive Nation’s Brian O’Connell and Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley and live entertainment company Live Nation ascended 8,000 feet for a seminal experience this weekend (Aug. 31-Sept. 2), launching the inaugural Seven Peaks Music Festival. Set against the mountain view in Buena Vista, Colorado, fans traveled from 49 states and as far as Australia, coming together for three days of one of the most-uniquely curated festival lineups this year.
“It’s going to take a few days, maybe weeks, for me to process that Seven Peaks actually happened, and happened at the highest possible level,” said Bentley. “Everything about this journey was so special, from the initial seed of an idea, to the last song sung on Sunday night. I couldn’t be more proud of the team that came together to create this, and the fans that adopted the festival so quickly and easily, and have made it their own. Without a doubt I can say this festival is at the very top of any career achievements I’ve had.”
“It’s been a long journey to get to this day, when we can say the inaugural Seven Peaks Music Festival is under wraps,” said Brian O’Connell, President of Country Touring at Live Nation. “We wanted everything about this festival to be unique and so that meant that no stone was left unturned. I’m so proud of Dierks, his team and my team for this weekend. From the vibe, to the setting, to the first-class music, it is one we won’t ever forget.”
As fans and artists arrived on Friday (Aug. 31), Bentley greeted campers as they arrived to the site, and as the first day of music began he spent the day hopping up on stage, joining Sawyer Brown for a crowd-raising rendition of “Some Girls Do,” as well as a special version of “Killing Time” with Clint Black. Bentley’s own Hot Country Knights also took to the stage, followed by a late night DJ set by AYDAMN at the festival’s Whiskey Row Stage.
Miranda Lambert
Bentley joined fans for Saturday’s (Sept. 1) “Somewhere On A Beach Party,” a daytime gathering set within the campgrounds. As a second day of music got underway, Bentley collaborated with Whiskey Row Stage artist Rapidgrass, and main stage artists Kiefer Sutherland, Sam Bush and Brothers Osborne. Headliner Miranda Lambert brought the night to a close with a hit-filled set.
On Sunday (Sept. 2), Bentley performed his headlining show, and invited many friends to join him
Clint Black and Dierks Bentley
Lindsay Ell Teams With Monster Energy For Headlining Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonLindsay Ell is set to headline the final Monster Energy Outbreak Tour of 2018. The 15-city tour will launch Oct. 27 in Indianapolis, Indiana and will conclude Jan. 19 in San Diego, California.
Ell is currently supporting Sugarland’s Still The Same Tour and will soon join Keith Urban’s Graffiti U World Tour for select dates this fall before embarking on her Monster Energy Outbreak Tour headline run. Additionally, she is an Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year nominee at the 2018 Canadian Country Music Awards, taking place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada later this month.
“I’m so excited to be teaming up with the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour for my first headlining run ever,” Ell says. “It’s going be a show we’ve never done before and I can’t wait for fans to see it!”
“We’ve been a fan of Lindsay Ell since hearing “Criminal” and are thrilled to have her close out another record-setting year for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. She’s a guitar virtuoso with an incredible voice and captivating stage presence, well on her way to stardom in country music and beyond,” adds Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Founder Steve Glazer.
Tickets go on sale starting on Sept. 7 at outbreakpresents.com and lindsayell.com.
TOUR DATES:
Oct. 27 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds
Oct. 28 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
Nov. 8 – Pensacola, FL – Wild Greg’s Saloon
Nov. 9 – Knoxville, TN – Cotton Eyed Joe’s
Nov. 15 – Columbus, OH – Tequila Cowboy
Nov. 16 – Lansing, MI – Tequila Cowboy
Nov. 17 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache
Nov. 30 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes
Dec. 1 – Mount Laurel, NJ – Prospectors Steakhouse
Dec. 8 – West Peoria, IL – Crusens
Jan. 9 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Jan. 10 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Jan. 16 – San Jose, CA – Club Rodeo
Jan. 17 – Bakersfield, CA – Buck Owens
Jan. 19 – San Diego, CA – Moonshine Flats
LifeNotes: Mike Kennedy, Longtime Drummer for George Strait, Dies In Car Crash
/by Sarah SkatesMichael Kennedy, the drummer for George Strait‘s Ace in the Hole band for almost 30 years, died Friday, Aug. 31 from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 59 years old.
The crash with a tractor trailer occurred on Interstate 40 West in Wilson County, Tennessee at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Kennedy’s career also included work with Ricky Skaggs.
Strait said in a statement, “Hard to put into words how much Mike’s passing has affected us all. Our hearts are broken. It’s going to be very strange not being able to look over and see him there in his spot on stage and very emotional as well I’m sure for all of us and also his fans. The band will never be the same. A part of us is gone forever. We all loved Mike and will miss him terribly. He was just as solid a friend to us all as he was a drummer, and that was damn solid. Our hearts and prayers are with his family. The Lord has him now. Rest In Peace my friend.”
Industry Ink: Big Machine, Miller Harris Golf Tournament, APA Nashville, Grayscale Marketing
/by Jessica NicholsonFlorida Georgia Line Named Grand Marshals At Big Machine Vodka 400 At The Brickyard
Global superstars Florida Georgia Line were already slated to have a huge presence as race namesake and festival headliners at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) next weekend. Now, they have also been tapped as the grand marshals of the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line on Sunday, Sept. 9.
The chart-topping and history-making duo, made up of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, will headline the first annual FGL Fest concert on Saturday, Sept. 8 at IMS, leading a revved-up lineup that also includes Cole Swindell, Nelly, Raelynn, Jillian Jacqueline, Mason Ramsey, Riley Green and Stephanie Quayle.
“Our growing relationship with Big Machine and Scott Borchetta has helped create an exciting new era for the NASCAR weekend at IMS this year with a new September date, exciting lineup of five days of on-track action and such a great collection of music superstars at FGL Fest,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Scott, Tyler and Brian have been such strong supporters of this event, so it’s fitting they receive these prestigious roles on Race Day.”
Big Machine Label Group Founder, President and CEO Scott Borchetta will wave the green flag to start the 25th Running of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, which starts at 2 p.m. ET on the 2.5-mile IMS oval.
Miller Harris Golf Tournament Coming In September
The Miller Harris Foundation is now accepting registrations for the 19th Annual Miller Harris Golf Tournament. The golf tournament takes place at Temple Hills Golf Club on Monday, Sept. 10. Spearheaded by Source Nashville Founder, Judy Harris (Judy Harris Music), the annual golf tournament benefits The Miller Harris Foundation.
A silent auction with all proceeds going to the foundation will be on site with items like Nashville Predators autographed memorabilia, a weekend stay at The Aertson Hotel and much more. In addition to the golf tournament, The Miller Harris Foundation will hold a fund-raising event at The Bluebird Café on Wednesday, Sept. 5, with Doug Johnson as host.
Tickets are available at thebluebirdcafe.com.
APA Nashville Hosts Grayscale Marketing
Tim Gray, Grayscale Marketing CEO stated, “Grayscale has experienced such growth over the last year that the agencies have begun to overlap with our marketing, advertising and PR event clients. We thought it would be nice to spend one on one time strengthening the relationship between the teams since we’re often working with the same festivals, fairs, theaters, and PACs, around the country.”
Grayscale Marketing is a fully integrated firm that provides communication, marketing and advertising solutions for businesses around the country. Their clients include Virgin Hotels, Hangout Music Festival, IEBA, Warner Chappell Production Music, Pilgrimage Music Festival, Country Stampede and more.
Francesca Battistelli Announces New Album Release In October
/by Lorie HollabaughFrancesca Battistelli is set to release her album Own It, on Oct. 26. The album is the follow-up to 2014’s Grammy-nominated album If We’re Honest featuring the Grammy-winning song “Holy Spirit.” A pre-sale of Own It begins today.
Battistelli, recently touted as an Artist on the Rise from YouTube Music, co-wrote nine of the ten songs on Own It with writers including Matt Maher, Mia Fieldes, Jeff Pardo, Molly Reed, Ellie Holcomb, Seth Mosley and Josh Bronleewe. “The Breakup Song,” penned with David Garcia and MercyMe’s Bart Millard, is the album’s first single and debuted in June to all digital outlets and its music video exclusively debuted on Apple Music.
Battistelli had prepared new music for an album two years ago, but so much changed during that time, the project took a completely different tone.
“I thought I had a handle on what this album was going to be, but my husband and I prayed before every songwriting session, and God gave me a completely different set of songs than I was expecting,” Battistelli exclaims. “These songs are so empowering. What they represent to me is my desire to own my identity in Christ, to kick fear out of my life, to own the present moment and not live in the past or even the future. I don’t want to walk in half of what God has for me. I want to walk in all of it. I want to own it! And I want that for everyone who listens, too.”
“Royalty,” the album’s second digital release, releases today on all digital platforms. Both “The Breakup Song,” which is climbing at radio and currently top 15 on multiple charts, and “Royalty” are available now with the live pre-order. Additionally, a special pre-sale with all LifeWay stores begins tomorrow, and with every advance purchase of Own It made in-store, the consumer will receive an advance CD of three songs from the new album: “The Breakup Song,” “Royalty” and “This Could Change Everything.”
Track Listing:
Thousand Foot Krutch Frontman Trevor McNevan To Release New EP Sept. 14
/by Jessica NicholsonThe first single from FIGHT MUSIK VOL. 1, “These Lines” is available at Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon.com and more.
Track List:
Beastmode
Freq Show
Hip-Hop His(Tory)
These Lines
Fire In The Booth
Man Vs Machine
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