Pictured (L-R): The HQ’s Ann Edelblute, Cry Pretty Co-Producer David Garcia, Carrie Underwood, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. Photo: Chris Hollo
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 600
When a superstar beckons, we answer.
“We,” in this case, was the throng that gathered on Monday evening (Aug. 20) to listen as Carrie Underwood’s forthcoming Cry Pretty album echoed in the polished, stone-and-cement interior of the Parthenon. Expectations were high, since this was her debut effort for her new label, Capitol Nashville.
John Tumminello, the vice president of the Pathenon conservancy, welcomed “we” with a history of the Nashville landmark and expressed how historic it was that the venue was hosting “new music from the incomparable Carrie Underwood.”
“To know Carrie Underwood is to respect her,” said UMG Nashville president Cindy Mabe. She added that the star is a “strong and brave and bold” role model for girls who is “one of the greatest voices we have ever known. This sets the basis for the rest of her career – Carrie’s most personal album yet.”
The diva took the stage with tears flowing. “The waterworks have already started,” she stammered. “She didn’t say anything about ‘poise,’” she added, referring to Cindy’s intro.
“Today is a big day. It’s a very emotional and nerve-wracking day. This journey has been one of chances taken, and I’m very proud of those steps. I hope what you’re hearing, you love, because it’s part of my heart,” she continued, now weeping openly. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Carrie sat at stage right. Her baby bump was showing in her sequined gold-and-black cocktail frock. Husband and expectant father Mike Fisher sat quietly beside her throughout the night.
Power ballads “Cry Pretty,” “Ghosts on the Stereo,” “Low” and “Backsliding” led up to the rocking “Southbound.” This, in turn, paved the way for the hooky, mid-tempo heartbreaker “That Song That We Used to Make Love To.”
“As you can hear, we covered a lot of ground,” said Underwood, at this halfway point in the listening session. “My partner in crime throughout this whole thing has been [co-writer and co-producer] David Garcia.” This is Underwood’s first venture as a co-producer.
“You guys like it so far?” asked David. “We ‘caught a vibe,’ I guess you could say….It was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had making music. We need to say a big thank-you to all the musicians….and all the songwriters.”
Of the latter, Allen Shamblin, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Brett James, Josh Miller, Marc Beeson and Chris DeStefano were in the house. Carrie and David co-wrote six of the tunes with a number of them. Project engineer Joe Baldridge was also beaming in the crowd.
The bluesy “Drinking Alone,” the ballad weeper “The Bullet,” the quiet portrait of destruction “Spinning Bottles,” the driving and stormy “Love Wins,” a reggae-pop effort “End Up With You” and a home-and-hearth spiritual “Kingdom” were previewed next. The collection will also include a bonus track of her NFL anthem collaboration with Ludacris, “The Champion.”
“Thank you so much for coming and listening to what we’ve been doing for the past year,” said Carrie. “It means a lot to me.”
During the cocktail hour, we snacked on “East Nashville sliders,” which seemed to be mini burgers with pimento cheese. The wait staff also circulated with fried-avocado tacos and cilantro-tomato salsa on toast points. A tower of plates held a plethora of mini desserts.
“We” mutually schmoozed R.J. Curtis, B.J. Hill, Rod Essig, Sherod Robertson, Rondal Richardson, Fletcher Foster, Jon Freeman, Jody Williams, Joanna Carter, Jessica Nicholson, Ashley Eicher, Becca Walls, Chuck Aly, Deborah Evans Price, Eric T. Parker, Leslie Fram, George Flanigen, Hunter Kelly, Donna Hughes, host-with-the-most Mike Dungan, Nick DiFruscia, Tiffany Dunn, Bobby Young, Terry Wakefield, Mary Lauren Teague, Lisa Konicki, Lon Helton, Phyllis Stark, Steve Buchanan and Sally Williams.
Like I said, “we” all answered the call. That included the comely trio Runaway June, who will be an opening act on Carrie’s “Cry Pretty” tour.
We perched on Lucite banquet chairs. Pink-and-gold balloon garland encircled the hall’s classical Ionic columns. Yards of gold and black drapes flanked the walkways. Fuchsia-toned up lights cast shadows. The cocktail tables wore crimson skirts.
Looming above it all was the Parthenon’s massive, 42-foot, colossus-statue of a Greek goddess. She is embellished with – no foolin’ – 24-karat gold-leaf gilded helmet, sandals, shield, spear, bracelets, necklace and floor-length tunic
Shanna Strassberg had the guest quote of the night: “There’s only one woman who can upstage Carrie Underwood, and that’s Athena.”
Cry Pretty drops on September 14.
Weekly Register: Cody Johnson Debuts Atop Country Digital Sales Chart With “On My Way To You”
/by Jessica NicholsonCody Johnson
New Warner Music Nashville artist Cody Johnson tops the Country Digital Sales Songs Chart this week, as “On My Way To You” moves 18K in its debut week, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
That feat breaks Florida Georgia Line‘s stronghold on the chart, as their song “Simple” is at No. 2 with 16K. Brett Young‘s “Mercy” lands at No. 3 with 15K, followed by Dan+Shay‘s “Tequila” at No. 4 with 11K. Kane Brown‘s “Weekend” rounds out the Top 5 with 11K.
Meanwhile, Brown holds the top spot on the country streaming songs chart this week, as another track, “Heaven,” brings in 9.5 million streams. Dan+Shay’s “Tequila” is at No. 2 with 8.4 million streams, followed by Young’s “Mercy” with 7.1 million. FGL’s “Simple” is at No. 4 with 6.3 million streams, while Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey” is at No. 5 with 5.9 million streams.
On the albums sales chart, Luke Combs reigns at No. 1 with his album This One’s For You moving 25K. Jason Aldean‘s Rearview Town is at No. 2 with 16K, followed by Kenny Chesney‘s Songs For The Saints at No. 3 with 16K. Dan+Shay’s self-titled album is at No. 4 with 15K, while Kane Brown’s self-titled album is at No. 5 with 14K.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: A First Listen To Carrie Underwood’s ‘Cry Pretty’
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): The HQ’s Ann Edelblute, Cry Pretty Co-Producer David Garcia, Carrie Underwood, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. Photo: Chris Hollo
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 600
When a superstar beckons, we answer.
“We,” in this case, was the throng that gathered on Monday evening (Aug. 20) to listen as Carrie Underwood’s forthcoming Cry Pretty album echoed in the polished, stone-and-cement interior of the Parthenon. Expectations were high, since this was her debut effort for her new label, Capitol Nashville.
John Tumminello, the vice president of the Pathenon conservancy, welcomed “we” with a history of the Nashville landmark and expressed how historic it was that the venue was hosting “new music from the incomparable Carrie Underwood.”
“To know Carrie Underwood is to respect her,” said UMG Nashville president Cindy Mabe. She added that the star is a “strong and brave and bold” role model for girls who is “one of the greatest voices we have ever known. This sets the basis for the rest of her career – Carrie’s most personal album yet.”
The diva took the stage with tears flowing. “The waterworks have already started,” she stammered. “She didn’t say anything about ‘poise,’” she added, referring to Cindy’s intro.
“Today is a big day. It’s a very emotional and nerve-wracking day. This journey has been one of chances taken, and I’m very proud of those steps. I hope what you’re hearing, you love, because it’s part of my heart,” she continued, now weeping openly. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Carrie sat at stage right. Her baby bump was showing in her sequined gold-and-black cocktail frock. Husband and expectant father Mike Fisher sat quietly beside her throughout the night.
Power ballads “Cry Pretty,” “Ghosts on the Stereo,” “Low” and “Backsliding” led up to the rocking “Southbound.” This, in turn, paved the way for the hooky, mid-tempo heartbreaker “That Song That We Used to Make Love To.”
“As you can hear, we covered a lot of ground,” said Underwood, at this halfway point in the listening session. “My partner in crime throughout this whole thing has been [co-writer and co-producer] David Garcia.” This is Underwood’s first venture as a co-producer.
“You guys like it so far?” asked David. “We ‘caught a vibe,’ I guess you could say….It was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had making music. We need to say a big thank-you to all the musicians….and all the songwriters.”
Of the latter, Allen Shamblin, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Brett James, Josh Miller, Marc Beeson and Chris DeStefano were in the house. Carrie and David co-wrote six of the tunes with a number of them. Project engineer Joe Baldridge was also beaming in the crowd.
The bluesy “Drinking Alone,” the ballad weeper “The Bullet,” the quiet portrait of destruction “Spinning Bottles,” the driving and stormy “Love Wins,” a reggae-pop effort “End Up With You” and a home-and-hearth spiritual “Kingdom” were previewed next. The collection will also include a bonus track of her NFL anthem collaboration with Ludacris, “The Champion.”
“Thank you so much for coming and listening to what we’ve been doing for the past year,” said Carrie. “It means a lot to me.”
During the cocktail hour, we snacked on “East Nashville sliders,” which seemed to be mini burgers with pimento cheese. The wait staff also circulated with fried-avocado tacos and cilantro-tomato salsa on toast points. A tower of plates held a plethora of mini desserts.
“We” mutually schmoozed R.J. Curtis, B.J. Hill, Rod Essig, Sherod Robertson, Rondal Richardson, Fletcher Foster, Jon Freeman, Jody Williams, Joanna Carter, Jessica Nicholson, Ashley Eicher, Becca Walls, Chuck Aly, Deborah Evans Price, Eric T. Parker, Leslie Fram, George Flanigen, Hunter Kelly, Donna Hughes, host-with-the-most Mike Dungan, Nick DiFruscia, Tiffany Dunn, Bobby Young, Terry Wakefield, Mary Lauren Teague, Lisa Konicki, Lon Helton, Phyllis Stark, Steve Buchanan and Sally Williams.
Like I said, “we” all answered the call. That included the comely trio Runaway June, who will be an opening act on Carrie’s “Cry Pretty” tour.
We perched on Lucite banquet chairs. Pink-and-gold balloon garland encircled the hall’s classical Ionic columns. Yards of gold and black drapes flanked the walkways. Fuchsia-toned up lights cast shadows. The cocktail tables wore crimson skirts.
Looming above it all was the Parthenon’s massive, 42-foot, colossus-statue of a Greek goddess. She is embellished with – no foolin’ – 24-karat gold-leaf gilded helmet, sandals, shield, spear, bracelets, necklace and floor-length tunic
Shanna Strassberg had the guest quote of the night: “There’s only one woman who can upstage Carrie Underwood, and that’s Athena.”
Cry Pretty drops on September 14.
Signings & Hirings: Spotify Nashville, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Stephanie Taylor Law
/by Lorie HollabaughMary Catherine Kinney Joins Spotify Nashville
Mary Catherine Kinney
Spotify confirmed today (Aug. 21) that Mary Catherine Kinney has been named Manager, Artist & Label Marketing, on Spotify’s Nashville team. In this role, she’ll serve as one of the primary points of contact for Nashville-based artists, labels, and managers, and will help to develop and execute artist campaigns. Kinney joins from Sony Music Nashville, where she served as Associate Director, Media.
Beth Nielsen Chapman Signs With Silverleaf Booking
Beth Nielsen Chapman
On the heels of the release of her critically acclaimed Americana record release, Hearts of Glass, Beth Nielsen Chapman has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Silverleaf Booking to represent her in the US and Canada.
Stephanie Taylor Law Adds To Staff
Rachel Guttmann
Rachel Guttmann has joined Stephanie Taylor Law as an associate attorney. Guttmann joins attorney Stephanie Taylor at their new office in East Nashville at 1100 Douglas Avenue.
Before joining Stephanie Taylor Law, Guttmann worked as an attorney in New Orleans at mid-size litigation defense firms, where she developed her own entertainment practice. She has significant trial and appellate experience and served as a judicial law clerk in Louisiana federal court. In 2018, Guttmann taught as an adjunct professor in the Department of Film and Music Industry Studies at Loyola University New Orleans. Guttmann has a J.D. from Tulane University Law School and a B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University. She is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and is practicing in Tennessee pending admission to the bar.
“Rachel is the right counterpart to my practice,” said Taylor. “She brings a unique perspective from the New Orleans music scene, along with her experiences defending corporations, public bodies, and insurance companies in lawsuits.”
Guttman can be reached at rachel@stephanietaylorlaw.com or in the Stephanie Taylor Law office at 615-891-4044.
NSAI Celebrates Chart-Topping Songwriters At Massive Annual No. 1 Party
/by Alex ParryThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) welcomed over 100 songwriters and guests to The Listening Room Cafe Monday (Aug. 20) to celebrate Nashville-associated writers of songs that topped the Billboard or Mediabase charts during the period of January 2018 through May 2018.
At the event sponsored by Suntrust, songwriters in attendance were presented their awards by NSAI President, Steve Bogard, NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, and Suntrust representatives Ashleigh Overly, Earle Simmons, and Dusty Miller.
Songs recognized for reaching No. 1 between January 2018 – May 2018:
“Female”
Writers: Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon
Recorded by: Keith Urban
“Like I Loved You”
Writers: Brett Young, Jesse Lee
Recorded by: Brett Young
“Old Church Choir”
Writers: Zach Williams, Colby Wedgeworth, Ethan Hulse
Recorded by: Zach Williams
“I Could Use A Love Song”
Writers: Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
Recorded by: Maren Morris
“Round Here Buzz”
Writers: Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Recorded by: Eric Church
“Yours”
Writers: Russell Dickerson, Parker Welling, Casey Brown
Recorded by: Russell Dickerson
“O’Lord”
Writers: Paul Mabury, Joe Williams
Recorded by: Lauren Daigle
“Losing Sleep”
Writers: Chris Young, Chris DeStefano, Josh Hoge
Recorded by: Chris Young
“Written In The Sand”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally
Recorded by: Old Dominion
“Legends”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Lindsey, Forest Glen Whitehead
Recorded by: Kelsea Ballerini
“Five More Minutes”
Writers: Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell
Recorded by: Scotty McCreery
“Let You Down”
Writers: Nate Feuerstein, Tommee Profitt
Recorded by: NF
“Marry Me”
Writers: Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure
Recorded by: Thomas Rhett
“All My Hope”
Writers: David Crowder, Ed Cash
Recorded by: Crowder feat. Tauren Wells
“Broken Halos”
Writers: Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
Recorded by: Chris Stapleton
“I Just Need U.”
Writers: Bryan Fowler, Toby McKeehan, Blake NeeSmith
Recorded by: tobyMac
“Most People Are Good”
Writers: David Frasier, Ed Hill, Josh Kear
Recorded by: Luke Bryan
“Singles You Up”
Writers: Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach, Steven Dale Jones
Recorded by: Jordan Davis
“Meant To Be”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard, Bebe Rexha, David Garcia, Josh Miller
Recorded by: Florida Georgia Line
“You Make It Easy”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard, Morgan Wallen, Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt
Recorded by: Jason Aldean
“Heaven”
Writers: Shy Carter, Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes
Recorded by: Kane Brown
“For The First Time”
Writers: Derek George, Darius Rucker, Scooter Carusoe
Recorded by: Darius Rucker
“Say Something”
Writers: Justin Timberlake, Larrance Dopson, Danja, Timbaland, Chris Stapleton
Recorded by: Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton
Nashville Music Publisher Jeff Carlton Dies
/by Jessica NicholsonLongtime Nashville music publisher Jeff Carlton died on Monday (Aug. 20). He was 66.
Carlton spent more than 30 years in Nashville’s music publishing industry, championing songwriters including Tony Martin, Lee Thomas Miller, Monty Criswell, Jimmy Ritchey and more.
While working at Willin’ David Music, the company earned seven BMI million performing pop singles penned by Will Jennings, and three No. 1 country singles penned by writers Carlton developed and signed to their first publishing deals.
Carlton spent time at Stroudavarious Music and later Hamstein Music for eight years; during that tenure, the companies earned more than 75 Top 10 country singles. He also worked for a decade with writer Tom Shapiro.
Later on as an independent publisher he signed writer Erin Enderlin, who earned the NSAI “Song I Wish I Had Written” award for Alan Jackson’s “Monday Morning Church” and a Grammy nomination for “Last Call” by Lee Ann Womack.
During tenures at Bigger Picture and Vibe Room Music, he worked in developing artist/writers including Sam Hunt and Brandy Clark. In 2013, he was brought on as Creative Consultant for THiS Music and Parallel Entertainment Publishing. He also served in a consultant role with Ashley Gorley’s Tape Room Music.
Carlton was part of Leadership Music’s Class of 1997. He was honored with the NSAI’s President’s Award in 2016. Earlier this year, AIMP honored Carlton with the AIMP Nashville Independent Spirit Award.
Jeff Carlton (R) earns the NSAI President’s Award, with Lee Thomas Miller.
Bill Anderson To Issue 72nd Album In September
/by Eric T. ParkerCountry Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson is readying the release of his 72nd album, Anderson, available on Sept. 14.
With a pre-order, fans receive an instant download of the lead single “Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One,” a co-written duet with Jamey Johnson. The Grand Ole Opry veteran co-wrote each of the tracks with venerable songwriters including John Paul White, Buddy Cannon, Paul Overstreet and more.
The 11-song project was produced by Anderson, Thomm Jutz and Peter Cooper, recorded and mixed by Jutz.
“You might think after my having released 71 albums during my career that I’d be tempted to yawn my way through the release of album No. 72,” expressed Anderson. “Well, that’s not the case at all. I’m looking forward to this one as much as any record I’ve ever put out. I know I’ve never enjoyed the recording process more than working here with Thomm Jutz and Peter Cooper. They had the vision…I just tried to follow their lead and bring their ideas to life. I only hope that as folks listen, they’ll feel we succeeded.”
In addition to Grand Ole Opry appearances, Anderson will tour Indiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Virginia in the fall, leading up to a Country Family Reunion cruise in January.
Anderson Track Listing:
1. Old Things New (Buddy Cannon/ Paul Overstreet/ Bill Anderson)
2. Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One (Jamey Johnson/ Bill Anderson)
3. Dixie Everywhere I Go (Bill Anderson)
4. Dead To You (John Paul White/ Bill Anderson)
5. Something To Believe In (Bill Anderson)
6. Watchin’ It Rain (Dave Gibson/ Bill Anderson)
7. That’s What Made Me Love You (Orion Lore/ Bill Anderson)
8. Practice Leaving Town (Bobby Tomberlin/ Lance Miller/ Bill Anderson)
9. The Only Bible (Tim Rushlow/ Bill Anderson)
10. Waffle House Christmas (Erin Enderlin/ Alex Kline/ Bill Anderson)
11. Thankful (Bill Anderson)
Music Health Alliance Adds Director Of Advocacy, Promotes Two
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Nikki Viverette, Bonita Allen, Taylor Clay
Music Health Alliance has announced several new hires and promotions at the Nashville-based non-profit.
Experienced healthcare advocate Nikki Viverette, a native of Atlanta who has lived in Nashville since 2010, has joined Music Health Alliance Director of Advocacy and Insurance.
Viverette most recently served as Health Policy Analyst at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, advocating for individuals and families trying to access coverage and care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), TennCare, and CoverKids. In her role as a federally-certified Navigator under the ACA, Nikki also developed curriculum, trained, and provided support to staff at Federally-Qualified Health Centers, as well as other ACA enrollment assisters across the state, and provided education to the public about coverage and care options under the ACA. For the last few years, she carried her experience to the field of health policy and applied that to her research and writing on Medicaid, health reform, and insurance coverage.
“I’m excited to move back into a role where I can work directly with individuals in a way that educates and empowers them,” says Viverette. “It’s important to me to work with a team committed to advocating for those in need, and I look forward to supporting the music community across the country along with everyone at Music Health Alliance.”
Several members of the Music Health Alliance team have also received promotions and new titles to represent updated roles and responsibilities. Bonita Allen has added group health insurance to her responsibilities and has been promoted to Director of Advocacy, Group and Individual Insurance. In addition, Taylor Clay is promoted to Senior Director of Advocacy and Insurance.
With Allen’s promotion MHA announces its first full-time group health division. MHA now offers full-service group health insurance for small businesses with a purpose-filled twist. All revenues from MHA’s group health division are deposited directly into the Cowboy Jack Clement Fund providing grants to cover the cost of medical needs not covered by health insurance to music industry professionals experiencing a health crisis. To date, the Cowboy Jack Clement Fund has provided 221 grants totaling over $78,000 in life-saving medical needs.
Images Released For Upcoming 16th Avenue Panattoni Development
/by Jessica NicholsonImages have been released for the six-story, mixed-use building that developer Panattoni Development has planned for the 1030 16th Avenue South location currently home to Bobby’s Idle Hour, according to the Nashville Post.
The building is set to be completed in mid-2020, and will include 130,000-square-feet of office and retail space.
Other existing buildings slated to be torn down to make way for the new development include buildings that have housed Warner/Chappell Music’s publishing company, as well as former offices for Ed Bruce Agency.
Warner/Chappell Nashville Signs Jason Massey
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Massey
Songwriter and producer Jason Massey has signed a worldwide agreement with Warner/Chappell Nashville. Among his many accomplishments, Massey co-produced Kelsea Ballerini’s debut album, The First Time, in 2015 and recently co-produced her second full length album Unapologetically, including the lead single “Legends.”
Other recent projects include producing/co-writing on Hannah Ellis’ debut EP, as well as Chris Bandi’s breakout “Man Enough Now,” and co-producing/co-writing Waterloo Revival’s “What Guy Wouldn’t.”
Previously, the California native played drums and guitar in a number of bands and saw his music placed in mainstream television shows.
The Roots, Dustin Lynch, Elle King Set For ‘Six Degrees To Tennessee’ Event
/by Lorie HollabaughThe concert is being held to celebrate the launch of Tennessee Music Pathways, a statewide program designed to guide visitors to their musical points of interest through an online travel-planning experience featuring hundreds of landmarks and attractions promoting the seven musical genres—blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll—that call Tennessee home.
Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam will be held at the historic New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street, a destination on the Pathways. Tickets to Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam are free and will be available exclusively at tnrootsjam.com.
“We are looking forward to bringing our jam session to Memphis! It is always a great time getting our friends together on stage to perform, and we know that Memphis will be no exception,” said The Roots.
“Tennessee Music Pathways connects fans to the people, places and genres that make Tennessee the Soundtrack of America. From the largest cities to the smallest communities, this state-wide program identifies, explains, and preserves the legacy of music in Tennessee,” said Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “The Six Degrees to Tennessee Roots Jam showcases the talents of artists who share a common love of music and a direct connection to the music that is made every day in Tennessee.”