By Robert K. Oermann
Friends and family gathered in Bradenton, Florida, on Sunday (Aug. 26) to celebrate the life of hit songwriter Ronnie Samoset.
The veteran Nashville music man died at age 71 on July 29. His death was announced in The Bradenton Herald on Aug. 19. During the acceptance of her ACM Poet’s Award last Wednesday, Matraca Berg memorialized her frequent collaborator from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium.
Samoset’s songs were recorded by Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Linda Ronstadt, Ricky Van Shelton, Tanya Tucker, Diamond Rio, Emmylou Harris, Tom Wopat, Dusty Springfield and Highway 101, among many others.
Among his best known titles are “I’m That Kind of Girl” (Patty Loveless, 1991), “A Jukebox With a Country Song” (Doug Stone, 1992), “(This Thing Called) Wantin’ and Havin’ It All” (Sawyer Brown, 1995), “On Your Way Home” (Patty Loveless, 2003) and the Matraca Berg singles “Baby Walk On” (1990), “The Things You Left Undone” (1990) and “I Must Have Been Crazy” (1991).
The Berg/Samoset song “Lying to the Moon” has been recorded by Robin & Linda Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Purely Wild, Lauren Kennedy and others, in addition to Berg.
His dozens of recorded songs also include cuts by Sammy Kershaw, The Woodys, Johnny Rodriguez, Daron Norwood, Neal McCoy, Michelle Wright, Charlie Floyd, Little Texas, Davis Daniel and Ricochet.
Besides Berg, Samoset’s songwriting collaborators in Nashville included Craig Wiseman, Dave Loggins, Chuck Cannon, Judy Rodman and Gene Nelson. He also wrote solo.
The songwriter’s real name was Ronald A. Santaniello. He is survived by his three children, Corey, Joseph and Anthony Santaniello; by brothers Michael, Andrew, Douglas and Raymond Santaniello; by sisters Diane and Linda and by numerous nieces and nephews.
His memorial gathering was held yesterday at the clubhouse of his residence, the Perico Apartments in Bradenton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ronnie’s memory to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made to ronaldsantaniellomemory@gmail.com.
Michelle Wright To Release New Music Aug. 31
/by Jessica NicholsonMichelle Wright will release two new tracks, including the gospel-influenced “Lovin’ This Day” and “Attitude Is Everything,” on Aug. 31 across all digital platforms. These tracks mark Wright’s first new recordings since 2013’s Strong. In 2014, the singer-songwriter took a break from recording to focus on songwriting and performing.
“My music is always an extension of me,” says Wright, “Each new song is a chance to push a little harder, and dig a little deeper.”
For the new tracks, Wright enlisted the help of producer, fellow Canadian and long-time friend Bob Funk to begin the process of sorting through the mountain of songs she had written, co-written and received from other writers. Together, Wright and Funk also delved into the catalogs of another long-time friend Daryl Burgess and his cowriters Joanna Cotten and Angie Russell.
Wright will continue to write, record and release songs on the Navigator Records imprint, but by releasing the two tracks in single form Wright and her team are reaching out directly to music fans.
“Out on the concert trail, we see the changing way that people are consuming music. I will always make CDs, but technology allows us to put new songs in our show right along with the hits and make them immediately available to those that are moved by the music.”
In the early 1990s, Wright broke through on US country radio with the Top 10 hit “Take It Like A Man.” She has earned numerous No. 1 hits on Canadian country radio with hits including “One Time Around,” “Nobody’s Girl,” “One Good Man,” and more.
Garth Brooks Delivers Encore Performance Following Grand Ole Opry Show
/by Jessica NicholsonGarth Brooks. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Garth Brooks performed during two sold-out shows at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night, delivering what Opry staff members believe to be the first-ever encore performance after the Opry House’s big red curtain had been lowered to end a show.
A few minutes after the night’s second show had concluded, the sellout 4,400-plus fans in attendance were still in the auditorium chanting for more from show-closer Brooks. Hearing the roar of the crowd from backstage, Brooks and band obliged. The show went back on the air, and the curtain went back up for several more Brooks favorites, including the encore lead-off, “That Summer.”
Following several other favorites including a cover of George Strait’s “The Fireman,” the Opry member and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year ended his two-show Opry night with the classic “The Dance” before shouting, “Thank you guys for one of the coolest freaking nights of my life!”
Garth Brooks. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Announces Class Of 2018
/by Lorie HollabaughThe AIMP Class of 2018 includes Anna Vaus (Black River Publishing), Jordan Brooker (Warehouse West Entertainment, Kassi Ashton (Creative Nation), Kylie Morgan (SMACKSongs), Mike Walker (HoriPro Entertainment Group), and Nicolette Hayford (Diamond Eye Music).
Since its inception in 2015, the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series has become an indicator of what’s to come from the thriving independent music publishing community.
“Each year, the talented group of writers unveils the budding talent that the independent publishing community prides itself on nourishing and developing here in Nashville,” says AIMP officer Michael McAnally Baum. “The evening is a great way to have everyone come together and get even more fired up about the songs our writers are creating every day.”
Previous AIMP class members have gone on to earn cuts by Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, and more.
Industry Ink: Song Suffragettes, First Company Management
/by Jessica NicholsonSong Suffragettes Donate $10K To Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund
Pictured (L-R): Jenna McDaniel, Candi Carpenter, Jenny Ray, Tasji Bachman, Kalie Shorr, Jenna Paulette, Emma White, Chloe Gilligan, Gracie Schram, Regan Stewart, Emma Lynn White. Photo: Quinton Cook
Nashville’s all-female singer-songwriter collective, Song Suffragettes, celebrated the donation of $10,000 for the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund yesterday (Aug. 27). The money was generated through digital sales and streaming of their song “Time’s Up.”
In January, the group pointedly addressed gender inequality and sexual misconduct against women with their song and accompanying music video. The song was penned by CMT Next Women of Country member Kalie Shorr and Lacy Green.
“As the song and music video continue to be embraced, we look forward to writing even more checks to the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. Hopefully more media outlets and social media influencers will continue to help spread the word about the song, the organization and most importantly, discrimination issues against women.” said Todd Cassetty, founder of Song Suffragettes.
Mike McCloskey Joins First Company Management
Pictured (L-R): Mike McCloskey, general manager; Brandi Wagner, artist manager; Kevin Kookogey, general counsel
Mike McCloskey has joined the First Company Management team as general manager. McCloskey succeeds First Company’s longtime general manager Dave Wagner, whose scope of responsibility has increased within the firm.
With 20 years of experience in artist management, label operations and concert promotions, McCloskey will oversee the artist roster, managers and team strategy for First Company, one of CCM music’s top multi-faceted entertainment firms. He will also handle day-to-day management duties for GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Ryan Stevenson, among other artists.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike to the First Company family,” said Wes Campbell, president and founder, First Company Management. “Mike’s vast experience and knowledge of the music business is an invaluable asset for our team and growing roster.”
First Company has also expanded the role of artist manager Brandi Wagner, as well as general counsel Kevin Kookogey. Wagner’s duties now include strategic and brand management for new clients and liaising with label and live show partners. Kookogey will continue to provide legal counsel for First Company’s executive team, while also offering a diverse range of support to the firm’s artists and managers.
Along with McCloskey and Wagner, the First Company artist management division includes industry veterans Derek Bruner, manager of chart-toppers 7eventh Time Down; as well as Jason Davis, manager of breakthrough singer/songwriter Austin French.
Lee Brice Welcomes Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw, Maddie & Tae For Thistle Farms Benefit Concert
/by Jessica NicholsonBack Row, standing: Red Light/377 Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo, Taylor Dye, Madison Marlow, Lee Brice, Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw. Seated, front row: Haley McLemore, Red Light/377 Management; Amy Paige, The Big 98; Jennifer Clinger, Thistle Farms; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Lydia Schultz, SESAC.
Last night (Aug. 27), Lee Brice hosted the second of his three-show “Lee Brice Presents: The Analog Series” with special guests Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw and Maddie & Tae. The event, emceed by Amy Paige of 97.9 The Big 98, raised funds for local charity, Thistle Farms.
“I was introduced to music by my mom and her sisters. There’s not a time I don’t remember them singing Gospel songs; they even came to Nashville when they were teenagers to record a Gospel album. They all had an artistic influence on me, though it was my Aunt Henrietta specifically, who embodied a soulfulness that still informs my music today,” shares Lee.
“I’m so grateful for the influence of these women in my life. They’re like family to me,” he adds. “Every one of these Analog shows has a meaningful theme. With this show in particular, I wanted to shine a bright light onto the incredible artistry brought to Country music by so many women, and honor their fearless, pioneering spirits and creative contributions. To say I was honored to be on stage with Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw and Maddie & Tae last night is an understatement. Their talent is just mind-blowing.”
Jennifer Clinger of Thistle Farms was on hand at the event to share her story and thank the audience and artists for their support on behalf of Thistle Farms and the women it serves. The third and final show in the series — which has already sold out — will take place Monday, Oct. 1 when Lee and several friends pay tribute to Route 91 Festival’s one-year anniversary.
SESAC serves as the official sponsor of the Analog Series, along with the venue itself, Analog At Hutton Hotel.
Charley Pride Named To Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall Of Fame
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Ron Blaylock, courtesy of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience
Country Music Hall of Fame member and Mississippi native Charley Pride, was honored with another industry accolade recently, as a member of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience Hall of Fame class of 2018.
On Aug. 25 in Meridian, Mississippi, Pride was honored along with four other recipients; singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, photographer William Eggleston, writer and editor Willie Morris, and blues musician Howlin’ Wolf. Pride also received a “Walk of Fame’ star as part of the ceremony.
“I’m very humbled to be part of this Hall of Fame class along with these other accomplished Mississippians,” said Pride. “This honor means a lot to me because it comes from my home state. I am so proud to be from Mississippi!”
Pride was born in Sledge, Mississippi. By age 14, Pride had spent nearly a year saving his money to purchase his first guitar—a Silvertone model from Sears & Roebuck.
In 1966, Pride was signed by Chet Atkins to RCA Records. To date, Pride has received three Grammys, three Country Music Association awards, an Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry inductions and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award.
His 52 Top 10 hits include “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town,” “Burgers and Fries,” “Roll On Mississippi” and others.
The 18 other Mississippi artists inducted into the Hall are: painter Walter Inglis Anderson, writer William Faulkner, actor Morgan Freeman, writer John Grisham, puppeteer Jim Henson, bluesman Robert Johnson, actor James Earl Jones, bluesman B.B.King, potter George Ohr, entertainer Elvis Presley, opera singer Leontyne Price, musician Jimmie Rodgers, bluesman Muddy Waters, actor Sela Ward, writer Eudora Welty, playwright Tennessee Williams, entertainer Oprah Winfrey, and writer Richard Wright.
Corner Music Relocates From 12 South Location After 40 Years
/by Lorie HollabaughFor more than 40 years, the music instrument and recording equipment supplier has catered to Nashville’s professional musicians at its convenient-to-Music Row location. But the uptick in the number of home-based recording studios across the city, combined with 12 South’s heavy tourist traffic and limited parking, prompted owner Larry Garris to reconsider offers he had been receiving for the current property.
The new location at the site of a former CVS drugstore at 3048 Dickerson Pike will offer more display area, additional warehouse space and a significant increase in available parking, and will also house Corner Audio & Video, the company’s sound and light installation division.
“We love 12 South and we’re happy to see the way it’s grown,” Garris said. “But sometimes our customers can’t even find a parking spot. As much as we appreciate all our visitors, we’re looking forward to being a pro shop again.”
Big Daddy Weave Celebrates RIAA Platinum Certification For Hit “Redeemed”
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R:) Jen Smith-Wolczyk, Whizbang, Inc.; Joe Shirk and Brian Beihl of Big Daddy Weave; Jim Scherer, Whizbang, Inc.; Jay Weaver and Jeremy Redmon of Big Daddy Weave; Josh Bailey, Curb | Word Entertainment; Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave; Mike Curb, Chairman, Curb | Word Entertainment; Ryan Dokke, SVP/General Manager, Curb | Word Entertainment
Big Daddy Weave celebrated the Platinum certification of their hit “Redeemed” at an event earlier this week in Nashville where the band was presented plaques while being joined by their label, family and friends. During the event World Vision also celebrated its 13-year relationship with Big Daddy Weave and the band’s partnership with the Christian humanitarian organization helping more than 31,000 children in poverty receive life-changing support through sponsorships.
“It is such an honor to celebrate the many achievements of Big Daddy Weave,” said Mike Curb, Chairman, Curb|Word Entertainment and Ryan Dokke, Sr. VP/General Manager, Curb|Word Entertainment. “The band has been together for an astounding 20 years, and has been part of our label family for nearly as long. We are thrilled to be able to share the news that their No. 1 single ‘Redeemed’ has reached platinum status. We also join with World Vision in celebrating the band helping more than 31,000 children get sponsored through their Artist Sponsorship Program. On behalf of all of us at Curb|Word Entertainment, we could not be more proud of the members of Big Daddy Weave. We know this is just the beginning of many more great things to come from the band!”
The band has worked with World Vision for more than a decade, traveling the world to see poverty firsthand and World Vision’s transformational work in Ecuador, Tanzania, Cambodia, and Armenia. In their travels they’ve witnessed a wide variety of work and experiences, from the horror of human trafficking to the triumph of a family being able to support themselves for the first time.
“Big Daddy Weave’s commitment to be the hands and feet of Christ through the work of World Vision has impacted more than 155,000 children in the most vulnerable places around the world,” said Sarah Beth Hallada, Executive Director World Vision Artists. “We are honored to partner with Big Daddy Weave, and we value their dedication to share Christ’s love to concert-goers and to children and families around the globe. Their example of service inspires us!”
Big Daddy Weave plans to release a new album next year, and their Jesus I Believe 2018 Fall tour kicks off Sept. 9.
Hit Songwriter Ronnie Samoset Passes
/by Robert K OermannFriends and family gathered in Bradenton, Florida, on Sunday (Aug. 26) to celebrate the life of hit songwriter Ronnie Samoset.
The veteran Nashville music man died at age 71 on July 29. His death was announced in The Bradenton Herald on Aug. 19. During the acceptance of her ACM Poet’s Award last Wednesday, Matraca Berg memorialized her frequent collaborator from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium.
Samoset’s songs were recorded by Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Linda Ronstadt, Ricky Van Shelton, Tanya Tucker, Diamond Rio, Emmylou Harris, Tom Wopat, Dusty Springfield and Highway 101, among many others.
Among his best known titles are “I’m That Kind of Girl” (Patty Loveless, 1991), “A Jukebox With a Country Song” (Doug Stone, 1992), “(This Thing Called) Wantin’ and Havin’ It All” (Sawyer Brown, 1995), “On Your Way Home” (Patty Loveless, 2003) and the Matraca Berg singles “Baby Walk On” (1990), “The Things You Left Undone” (1990) and “I Must Have Been Crazy” (1991).
The Berg/Samoset song “Lying to the Moon” has been recorded by Robin & Linda Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Purely Wild, Lauren Kennedy and others, in addition to Berg.
His dozens of recorded songs also include cuts by Sammy Kershaw, The Woodys, Johnny Rodriguez, Daron Norwood, Neal McCoy, Michelle Wright, Charlie Floyd, Little Texas, Davis Daniel and Ricochet.
Besides Berg, Samoset’s songwriting collaborators in Nashville included Craig Wiseman, Dave Loggins, Chuck Cannon, Judy Rodman and Gene Nelson. He also wrote solo.
The songwriter’s real name was Ronald A. Santaniello. He is survived by his three children, Corey, Joseph and Anthony Santaniello; by brothers Michael, Andrew, Douglas and Raymond Santaniello; by sisters Diane and Linda and by numerous nieces and nephews.
His memorial gathering was held yesterday at the clubhouse of his residence, the Perico Apartments in Bradenton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ronnie’s memory to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made to ronaldsantaniellomemory@gmail.com.
Eric Ethridge Wins 2018 Unsigned Only Music Competition
/by Lorie HollabaughIn addition to winning $20,000 in cash and $20,000 in merchandise and services, Ethridge also receives one-on-one mentoring from a group of music industry executives including: Dan Chertoff (VP of A&R, RCA Records); Riggs Morales (VP of A&R and Artist Development, Atlantic Records); Nick Haussling (Sr, Director of A&R, Concord Music); Kim Stephens (President, Forward Entertainment); Zoe Young (VP of A&R, Epic Records); Doug Johnson (VP of A&R, Black River Entertainment); and Allison Jones (Sr. VP of A&R, Big Machine Label Group).
“Being named the Grand Prize winner of the 2018 Unsigned Only Music Competition has truly been an incredibly humbling and life changing experience.” said Ethridge. “This opportunity has truly given me the chance to take my career to the next level and live my passion, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
Canadian native Eric Ethridge won the CCMA Discovery Program, charted on the Canadian Country charts, and most recently debuted on SiriusXM’s The Highway. His debut EP was released in July, 2018 and peaked at No.1 on the iTunes Country chart and No. 3 on the all-genres chart. A doctor-turned-country-artist,
Established in 2012, Unsigned Only is open to all artists who are unsigned to a major record label, and over the years has become an important source for discovering new talent. Winners in 13 categories were selected from 6,000 entries submitted by entrants in 95 countries throughout the world.