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.
ASCAP Christian Awards To Honor Twila Paris, Gospel Music Association
/by Jessica Nicholson“Twila has a gift for creating beautiful music and words that can inspire people to dance and rejoice or bring comfort to them in trying times. She has composed a moving body of work that resonates deeply with her listeners,” said ASCAP President Paul Williams. “We are delighted to present Twila Paris with this richly deserved ASCAP Golden Note Award.”
With 33 No. 1 singles from 22 albums, songwriter-artist Twila Paris has made a lasting mark on Christian music, paving the way for many Christian female vocalists and worship leaders. Paris released her first full-length album in 1981 and since then has written books, recorded children’s music, and created timeless worship songs. In the span of a decade, Paris was the recipient of 10 Dove Awards, including the 1995 GMA Song of the Year for “God Is In Control” and the 1992 GMA Praise and Worship Album of the Year for Sanctuary. Churches across America have recognized several of Paris’s songs in hymnals, and congregations can be heard singing her works such as “He Is Exalted,” “We Bow Down,” “Lamb of God” and “How Beautiful.”
The ASCAP Golden Note Award is presented to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include Mark Lowry, Michael W. Smith, Bob McDill, Don Williams, Mary Mary, Reba McEntire and many more.
The Gospel Music Association takes home the ASCAP Partners in Music Award for playing a key role in bringing attention to the music of Christian songwriters. Founded in 1964, the organization aims to preserve the legacies of those that have blazed the trail for gospel music through the GMA Foundation and the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The GMA’s annual Dove Awards promotes and brings awareness to the best and brightest in the Christian and Gospel music industry. The ASCAP Partners in Music Award recognizes an ASCAP-licensed organization which has shown exceptional dedication in presenting ASCAP members’ music to the public.
“ASCAP has always been able to count on the Gospel Music Association for its commitment to exposing the endless variety of Christian music to audiences everywhere,” said Williams. “Through its awards shows and many other programs, the GMA is a touchstone for the Christian and gospel music industry.”
The 2018 ASCAP Christian Music Awards will recognize the writers and publishers of the most-performed songs in Christian music, and features special performances by today’s most popular artists and songwriters in the genre. Top awards go to ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. Recent ASCAP Christian Music Awards honorees include Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, Joel Smallbone (For King & Country), David Garcia, Ben Glover, Colby Wedgeworth, Brown Bannister and many others.
IEBA Announces 2018 Industry Award Nominees
/by Lorie HollabaughThe International Entertainment Buyers Association has announced the nominees for its 2018 Industry Awards. Among the nominees are Nashville’s Marathon Music Works for Club of the Year and Bonnaroo for Festival of the Year. Winners will be announced at the Honors & Awards Ceremony of IEBA’s 48th Annual Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at JW Marriott in Nashville.
Club of the Year
• 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
• Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
• The Paramount – Huntington, NY
• The Rave / Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
• Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
• Stubb’s Bar-B-Q – Austin, TX
• Troubadour – West Hollywood, CA
Casino of the Year
• Agua Caliente Casino Resort – Rancho Mirage, CA
• Chinook Winds Casino Resort – Lincoln City, OR
• Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, OK
• Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT
• Grand Casino Resort – Shawnee, OK
• Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – Prior Lake, MN
• Nugget Casino Resort – Sparks, NV
• Talking Stick Resort and Casino – Scottsdale, AZ
Ryman Auditorium Theater of the Year
• The Anthem – Washington, DC
• Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
• The Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL
• Durham Performing Arts Center – Durham, NC
• Microsoft Theater – Los Angeles, CA
• Orpheum Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
• Smart Financial Centre – Sugar Land, TX
Arena of the Year
• Allstate Arena – Rosemont, IL
• BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
• Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA
• Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
• The O2 – London, UK
• Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
• T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
Amphitheater of the Year
• Austin360 Amphitheater – Austin, TX
• Filene Center at Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
• The Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
• Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA
• Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD
• The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX
• The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – Saint Augustine, FL
• Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, CA
Fair of the Year
• California Mid-State Fair – Paso Robles, CA
• Delaware State Fair – Harrington, DE
• Great Jones County Fair – Monticello, IA
• Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, MN
• OC Fair – Costa Mesa, CA
• Pacific National Exhibition – Vancouver, BC
• Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, WI
Festival of the Year
• Austin City Limits Music Festival – Austin, TX
• Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN
• BottleRock Napa Valley – Napa Valley, CA
• Electric Forest – Rothbury, MI
• KAABOO Del Mar – Del Mar, CA
• Lollapalooza – Chicago, IL
• New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA
• Stagecoach Festival – Indio, CA
Club Buyer of the Year
• Margaret Galton – C3 Presents
• Sonia Grover – First Avenue
• Jim Mallonee – House of Blues
• Max McAndrew – AEG Presents
• Scott Orvold – Zero Mile
• Alan Presley – Coyote Joe’s
• Trevor Starnes – Red Mountain Entertainment
Casino Buyer of the Year
• Frank Deal – Choctaw Casino & Resort
• Leslie Goodwin – C3 Presents
• Kell Houston – Houston Productions
• Tammy Kite – Golden Nugget Casino
• Robyn Smith Levi – Boyd Gaming
• Mike Moloney – Mike Moloney Entertainment, LLC
• Joe Soper – Mohegan Sun
• Randy Wright – Integrity Events
Corporate Buyer of the Year
• Michael Boltzman – AEG Presents
• Paul Creighton – T. Skorman Productions
• Denise Kirk – Brattle Entertainment
• Mark Letson – EastCoast Entertainment
• Michelle Trosclair – National Entertainment Database, Inc.
• Rick Whetsel – G7 Entertainment Marketing
• Kevin White – OnStage Talent Group
International Buyer of the Year
• Mike Anderson – Trixstar (Canada)
• Dion Brandt – Frontier Touring (Australia)
• Denis Desmond – MCD Productions (Ireland)
• Toby Leighton-Pope & Steve Homer – AEG Presents (UK)
• Riley O’Connor – Live Nation (Canada)
• Ron Sakamoto – Gold & Gold Productions (Canada)
• James Smith – Live Nation (Japan)
Fair Buyer of the Year
• Casey Blakeley – Inked Entertainment
• Bill Magann – Variety Attractions
• Cathy Mordente – San Diego County Fair
• R.J. Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
• Sara Shelton Novak – Triangle Talent
• Greg Walton – Fun, Fairs, & Festivals
• Suzanne Wilson – Wilson Events
Festival Buyer of the Year
• Amy Corbin – C3 Presents
• Tom Hoppa & Dave Graham – BottleRock Napa Valley
• Alicia Karlin – Madison House Presents
• Roger LeBlanc – Madison Entertainment
• Mark Monahan – Ottawa Bluesfest
• Jay Sweet – Newport Festivals Foundation
• Tim Sweetwood – C3 Presents
Venue Executive of the Year
• Kim Bedier – Tacoma Dome, Cheney Stadium, Pantages and Rialto Theaters, & Theater on the Square
• Donna Julian – Spectrum Center
• Geni Lincoln – The Forum
• Beth Paul – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
• Michele Powell – Capital One Arena
• Kristin Ropp – U.S. Bank Arena
• Tricia Silliphant – Scotiabank Arena, Coca-Cola Coliseum, & BMO Field
Young Professional of the Year
• Sabrina Butera – CAA
• Brooke Ivey – APA
• Louisa Leiser – Outback Concerts
• Emily Mayer – AEG Presents
• Paige Ryan – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Ryan Soroka – UTA
• Bobby Weglarz – Live Nation
Talent Agent of the Year
• Dennis Arfa – Artist Group International
• Joe Atamian – Paradigm Talent Agency
• Marc Dennis – CAA
• Cara Lewis – Cara Lewis Group
• Cheryl Paglierani – UTA
• Brent Smith – WME
• Mario Tirado – CAA
• Jay Williams – WME
Promoter of the Year
• Russell Doussan – Live Nation
• Don Fox – Beaver Productions
• Larry & Fred Frank – Frank Productions
• Geoff Gordon – Live Nation
• Ali Harnell – AEG Presents
• Darin Lashinsky – NS2
• Gregg Perloff – Another Planet Entertainment
• Mike Smardak – Outback Concerts
Courtney Beebe Joins Sony Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonCourtney Beebe
Sony Music Nashville has hired Courtney Beebe to the position of Manager, Media. Beebe will start on Sept. 4, and will report to Sr. VP Media & Corporate Communications Allen Brown. Beebe previously joined Sweet Talk Publicity in 2017. Her career also includes time at CMA as Communications Manager and Managing Editor of CMA Close Up Magazine.
The news follows the recent departure of Sony’s Mary Catherine Kinney, who has joined Spotify. Sony Music Nashville also recently hired PR veteran Wendy Pearl as VP, Media for Sony Music Nashville. Beebe can be reached at courtney.beebe@sonymusic.com.
RG Jones Departs Sony Music Nashville After 22 Years
/by Eric T. ParkerRG Jones. MusicRow/Haley Crow
Sony Music Nashville’s Dir./Promotion Strategy & Analysis RG Jones has left the label after 22 years.
“It’s been an amazing run with the Sony labels and the future is limitless,” Jones told MusicRow.
Jones was responsible for Indicator, Activator and MusicRow reporting stations at the label. He noted those responsibilities have been assigned among other members of the promotion team. Prior to joining then-RCA Label Group, Jones worked at WQBE/Charleston, West Virginia.
Reach him at 615-496-6350 or RGJones615@gmail.com.
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)