Pictured (L-R): Ryan Dokke of Curb Records, Jim Ed Norman of Curb Records, Wynonna Judd, Director and CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Kyle Young, Naomi Judd and Bryan Stewart of Curb Records attend the new exhibition debut, The Judds: Dream Chasers, at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on August 8, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum )
Bobby Karl Works The Room-Chapter 597
Oh, the drama!
Advance reports had it that Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd were hardly speaking to each other. But there we were at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum for the opening party of an exhibit honoring The Judds on Wednesday (Aug. 8).
They have argued and squabbled openly throughout their multi-award winning, hit-splattered career, often in full view of the media. Hey, how would you like to tour, trapped in a bus, with your mother for 10 years, starting when you were a teenager?
There was only one chair behind the podium. Would both of them appear? Together? So when Naomi took the stage, solo, after being introduced by Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young, we were all ears.
“There are a lot of mothers who save things; I save every stinkin’ thing,” she related in the Hall of Fame’s Rotunda. “I’m the next thing to a hoarder.”
She thanked attendees Joe Galante and Brent Maher for “changing our lives.”
The suspense ended when Naomi introduced Wy, who turned out to be remarkably conciliatory.
“We made it together,” Wy said to her mother. “It’s a miracle: God is good.
“In one of our biggest fights, we talked about which one of us would be institutionalized. But here we are, together,” in an “institution.”
Referring to the museum exhibit, Wy commented, “I’ve been crying all day. I know that I am blessed. I’m just having a really hard time understanding why I’m here. We’re the American Dream who proved that anything can happen…..Thank you for coming to our party. Isn’t this amazing?”
Schmoozing fabulons in the Rotunda included Bob Delevante, Bob Paxman, Bonnie Garner, Lisa Sutton, Lon Helton, Leslie Fram, Eric T. Parker, Erin Enderlin and Earle Simons.
Also working the room were David Conrad, Karen Clark, Craig Shelburne, Chase Cole, Chuck Dauphin, Jim Ed Norman, Scott Hendricks, Paul Kennerley, Tom Roland, Ann Powers, Jewly Hight, Barry Mazur, Tim Wipperman, Scott Perry and Duane and Nora Lee Allen.
We snacked on roasted corn & pepperjack grit cakes, spicy cilantro shrimp, veggies, cured meats, shredded beef on jalapino corn cakes, assorted cheeses and prosciutto, pear & goat cheese bruschetta. Wine was served.
“The Judds: Dream Chasers” officially opens Friday, August 10. It contains an abundance of artifacts, manuscripts, previously unseen photos, keepsake costumes and awards. Naomi’s nurse uniform is even included.
“This is a million-mile story, told with heart and soul, about a miraculous, fortunate and harmonious journey,” said Young.
Tucker Beathard Signs Pub Deal With Little Louder Music
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jefferson Brown – Little Louder, Taylor Lee Titus – Red Light Management, Mary Hilliard Harrington – Red Light Management, Tucker Beathard, Arturo Buenahora – Little Louder, Laura Wright Alexander – Kobalt Music Group, Jesse Willoughby – Kobalt Music Group
Singer/Songwriter Tucker Beathard has signed a new publishing deal with Little Louder Music. Beathard, best known for his former BMLG single “Rock On,” is currently working on new music.
Little Louder Music was founded by Arturo Buenahora Jr. and Eric Church.
“I’m most myself when I’m writing songs, it’s where I can be personal and really the way I’m most comfortable expressing my emotions,” said Beathard. “It’s been awesome getting to know the team at Little Louder Music, they just get me. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years and feel like I’ve been able to grow as an artist, so we are fired up for the world to hear this new music and to start building something fresh!”
ABC Leads Network Race For Average Total Viewers With 2018 ‘CMA Fest’
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: ABC/Ed Herrera
ABC’s three hour CMA Fest broadcast, hosted by Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini, drew in 4.72 million total viewers this year (Wednesday, Aug. 8), leading all network averages in total viewership.
The numbers however were down for ABC, from 5.71 million last year, when the program aired a week later on the calendar and were the largest in three years. At the end of 2011, the CMA signed a 10-year agreement with ABC to broadcast its fest, awards and Christmas special on the network.
Nielsen’s specific live + same-day metrics saw this 15th annual broadcast fall 25 percent year-over-year in adults 18-49, averaging a 0.9/5 rating.
ABC’s CMA Fest afterparty with Jimmy Kimmel Live featured music by Brett Eldredge, and saw a bump in metered-market ratings for demo, at 0.5/3.
Elsewhere, CBS’ Big Brother maintained its lead on Wednesday with a 1.5/6 and 5.6 million viewers while NBC’s World of Dance was steady at 1.1/5 with 4.71 viewers and Masterchef earned 1.0/5 for Fox, all in the 8 p.m. hour. 24 Hours to Hell & Back earned 0.9. Overall averages saw Fox leading all networks among the 18-49 demographic with 1.0/5 (3.34 million), while ABC (4.72 million) and NBC (3.82 million) tied for second among the same demo, at 0.9/5.
Bobby Karl Works The Judds Exhibit Opening Party At Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Ryan Dokke of Curb Records, Jim Ed Norman of Curb Records, Wynonna Judd, Director and CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Kyle Young, Naomi Judd and Bryan Stewart of Curb Records attend the new exhibition debut, The Judds: Dream Chasers, at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on August 8, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum )
Bobby Karl Works The Room-Chapter 597
Oh, the drama!
Advance reports had it that Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd were hardly speaking to each other. But there we were at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum for the opening party of an exhibit honoring The Judds on Wednesday (Aug. 8).
They have argued and squabbled openly throughout their multi-award winning, hit-splattered career, often in full view of the media. Hey, how would you like to tour, trapped in a bus, with your mother for 10 years, starting when you were a teenager?
There was only one chair behind the podium. Would both of them appear? Together? So when Naomi took the stage, solo, after being introduced by Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young, we were all ears.
“There are a lot of mothers who save things; I save every stinkin’ thing,” she related in the Hall of Fame’s Rotunda. “I’m the next thing to a hoarder.”
She thanked attendees Joe Galante and Brent Maher for “changing our lives.”
The suspense ended when Naomi introduced Wy, who turned out to be remarkably conciliatory.
“We made it together,” Wy said to her mother. “It’s a miracle: God is good.
“In one of our biggest fights, we talked about which one of us would be institutionalized. But here we are, together,” in an “institution.”
Referring to the museum exhibit, Wy commented, “I’ve been crying all day. I know that I am blessed. I’m just having a really hard time understanding why I’m here. We’re the American Dream who proved that anything can happen…..Thank you for coming to our party. Isn’t this amazing?”
Schmoozing fabulons in the Rotunda included Bob Delevante, Bob Paxman, Bonnie Garner, Lisa Sutton, Lon Helton, Leslie Fram, Eric T. Parker, Erin Enderlin and Earle Simons.
Also working the room were David Conrad, Karen Clark, Craig Shelburne, Chase Cole, Chuck Dauphin, Jim Ed Norman, Scott Hendricks, Paul Kennerley, Tom Roland, Ann Powers, Jewly Hight, Barry Mazur, Tim Wipperman, Scott Perry and Duane and Nora Lee Allen.
We snacked on roasted corn & pepperjack grit cakes, spicy cilantro shrimp, veggies, cured meats, shredded beef on jalapino corn cakes, assorted cheeses and prosciutto, pear & goat cheese bruschetta. Wine was served.
“The Judds: Dream Chasers” officially opens Friday, August 10. It contains an abundance of artifacts, manuscripts, previously unseen photos, keepsake costumes and awards. Naomi’s nurse uniform is even included.
“This is a million-mile story, told with heart and soul, about a miraculous, fortunate and harmonious journey,” said Young.
DISClaimer: Kenny Chesney Tops New Tracks With “Better Boat”
/by Robert K OermannThat’s what is being offered by our DisCovery Award winners, Yvette Landy & The Jukes featuring Roddie Romero. They’re serving something zesty and different. Go ahead, give ‘em a taste.
Kenny Chesney takes home a Disc of the Day trophy. Give both the man and his new label props for letting his debut for the company be a benefit record for Caribbean hurricane relief.
Other worthy items on your plate today include singles by Jake Owen, the Calamity Janes and the splendid Danielle Bradbery/Thomas Rhett duet.
DALLAS REMINGTON/Never Turned Around
Writers: Dallas Remington/Regan Stewart; Producers: Kirk Willie/Kimo Forrest; Publishers: none listed; RoadWarrior
– Her vocal is just the teensiest bit flat. The punchy track is masterfully mixed.
HUNTER HAYES/Dear God
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic
– The lyric is very anguished. It reminds me of how conflicted and tormented we all felt as teenagers. The verses are semi-spoken, a style I have never liked much. But there are melodic moments in the choruses. All in all, an odd little single.
YVETTE LANDRY & THE JUKES/I Need Somebody Bad
Writers: B.J. Peters Jr.; Producers: Yvette Landry, Roddie Romero & Justin Tocket; Ben Peters, BMI; Soko Music (track)
– It’s an echoey ‘50s retro sound, complete with piano triplets, sighing steel guitar and softly punctuating sax. She has a cool, seductive voice that dips attractively into deep alto pockets. The track makes you feel like you’re in a bayou honky-tonk. And that’s a good feeling to have. The swampy, spicy album, featuring co lead vocalist Roddie Romero, is titled Louisiana Lovin.’ Seek it out.
JAKE OWEN/Down to the Honkytonk
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud
– Holy mackerel! Jake Owen has issued his most “country” tune ever, and you are going to love it. This is a barroom sing-along, a drinking anthem and a party pleaser. Steel guitar abounds. The chorus is classic. Grab a brew and stomp along.
JOHN SCHNEIDER/Can I Buy You A Beer
Writers: Mason Douglas; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Odyssey
– This sounds feeble. Find a producer.
TUCKER BEATHARD/Real World Hall of Fame
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Casey Beathard/Ryan Tyndell/Jordan Rigby; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; TB
– Written to salute his grandfather’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it also recognizes that there are “Hall of Fame” people everywhere. The video shows footage of a teacher, a fireman, a soldier, a mom, a policeman and other folks, in addition to gridiron stars. Bobby Beathard, the granddad, was a g.m. and/or administrator of the Redskins, Chargers, Dolphins, Chiefs and Falcons during a three-decade career that included four Super Bowl wins.
CHRIS LANE & TORI KELLY/Take Back Home Girl
Writers: none listed; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud
-Tuneless hip-hop. I hate it.
DANIELLE BRADBERY & THOMAS RHETT/Goodbye Summer
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Valory Music
– They sound great together. This swirling, melodic outing showcases both voices beautifully. And both of them prove to be able harmonizers. This is headed straight to the top.
CALAMITY JANES/Light It Up
Writers: A. Childs; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed, BMI; CJ
– Love their harmonies. The gist of the languid, sensuous song is that sometimes it’s best to burn your bridges behind you.
KENNY CHESNEY & MINDY SMITH/Better Boat
Writers: Travis Meadows/Liz Rose; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; WB/Blue Chair
– Gentle, acoustic, contemplative and completely lovely. Mindy’s harmony vocal is angelic. An exquisite listening experience.
Slacker Radio Launches ‘Woman Crush Everyday’ Country Station
/by Lorie HollabaughNatalie Stovall. Photo: Rick Diamond Photography
LiveXLive Media’s Slacker, a global digital media company focused on live entertainment, has launched #WCE (“Woman Crush Everyday”) Country, a digital radio station devoted to introducing and elevating female country artists, and Slacker Studio, a mobile app which allows hosts and contributors to remotely add music and commentary to Slacker stations. Both the station and the app were introduced at an Aug. 7 launch party in Nashville, co-hosted by WME and Change the Conversation.
#WCE Country will be hosted and curated by female artists, with additional women in the music industry adding commentary and selecting songs. Cam, whose “Burning House” was the top-selling single by a female country artist in 2015, is the station’s first host.
“We have amazingly talented women making music in Nashville, and they deserve to be heard,” said Jess Wright, Slacker’s Country Format Captain. “In 2017, more than 97% of the artists who appeared on the year-end Country Top 40 were male. This doesn’t reflect the quality of music created by women; it reflects a lack of support from the gatekeepers of country music who believe that women have limited commercial appeal. I’m excited that, through Slacker, we can bring the music of female country artists directly to our audience, curated by the people who are most passionate about it – the women in Nashville’s music industry.”
Emerging artists Natalie Stovall, Post Monroe, and Lauren Duski performed at the Nashville launch event. Held at WME’s Nashville office, attendees included musicians, songwriters’ managers, journalists, and other women involved in Nashville’s music industry, many of whom were given VIP access to the Slacker Studio app to share their perspective and personal stories on #WCE Country.
“I’m thrilled that there’s another platform to support female artists,” said Leslie Fram, the co-founder of Change the Conversation and the senior vice president of strategy at CMT. “Women have always been the cornerstone of country music, and their voices need to be heard.”
IBMA Announces Nominees For Special Awards, Momentum Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced the nominees for this year’s Special Awards and Momentum Awards. The recipients of both categories will be presented with their awards at luncheons on Sept. 26-27 in Raleigh, North Carolina as part of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event Sept. 25-29. Thursday’s Awards Luncheon will include a segment honoring the recipients of the 2018 Distinguished Achievement Awards. Registration for the IBMA Business Conference is required to attend the events.
“The virtuosity of bluegrass musicians is recognized worldwide. With the Special Awards, we recognize that same quality, found in our industry professionals who make vital contributions felt by everyone,” says IBMA’s Executive Director Paul Schiminger. “The Momentum Awards celebrate both the incredible achievements of the rising stars in our music, and the generosity of those who mentor them. Congratulations to each and every nominee for being recognized by your peers!”
The Special Awards recognize outstanding work in categories including Broadcaster of the Year, Bluegrass Event of the Year, Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project, Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project, Print/Media Person of the Year and Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year. New this year will be Sound Engineer of the Year, in recognition of audio professionals in both live and studio settings.
The Momentum Awards recognize both musicians and bluegrass industry professionals who, in the early stages of their careers, are making significant contributions to or are having a significant influence upon bluegrass music. These contributions can be to bluegrass music in general, or to a specific sector of the industry. The Mentor Award, in contrast to the other Momentum Awards, recognizes a bluegrass professional who has made a significant impact on the lives and careers of newcomers to the bluegrass industry.
The 2018 IBMA Special Awards nominees are:
Graphic Design:
Drew Bolen & Whitney Beard – Project: Old Salt Unionby Old Salt Union
Lou Everhart – Project: A Heart Never Knowsby The Price Sisters
Richard Hakalski – Project: Portraits and Fiddlesby Mike Barnett
Corey Johnson – Project: Sounds of Kentuckyby Carolina Blue
Karen Key – Project: Big Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad Tradition by Various Artists
Liner Notes:
Craig Havighurst – Project: The Story We Tell by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Steve Martin – Project: The Long Awaited Album by Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers
Joe Mullins – Project: Sounds of Kentucky Grassby Carolina Blue
Ted Olson – Project: Big Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad Traditionby Various Artists
Peter Wernick – Project: Carter Stanley’s Eyesby Peter Rowan
Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year:
Larry Carter
Michelle Lee
Steve Martin
Alan Tompkins
Kris Truelsen
Print Media Person of the Year:
Derek Halsey
Chris Jones
Ted Lehmann
David Morris
Neil Rosenberg
Songwriter of the Year:
Becky Buller
Thomm Jutz
Jerry Salley
Donna Ulisse
Jon Weisberger
Event of the Year:
Bluegrass on the Green – Frankfort, IL
County Bluegrass – Fort Fairfield, ME
Emelin Theatre – Mamaroneck, NY
Flagler Museum’s Bluegrass in the Pavilion – Palm Beach, FL
FreshGrass Festival – North Adams, MA
Sound Engineer of the Year:
Dave Sinko
Stephen Mougin
Gary Paczosa
Tim Reitnouer
Ben Surratt
Momentum Award nominees:
Festival/Event/Venue
Anderson Bluegrass Festival – SC
Farm & Fun Time – VA
Hovander Homestead Bluegrass Festival – WA
Red Wing Roots Music Festival – VA
SamJam Bluegrass Festival – OH
Industry Involvement:
Megan Lynch Chowning and Adam Chowning
Justin Hiltner
Kris Truelsen
Mentor:
Daniel Boner
Cathy Fink
Scott Napier
Jon Weisberger
Pete Wernick
Band:
Cane Mill Road
Man About a Horse
Midnight Skyracer
The Trailblazers
Wood Belly
Vocalist:
Ellie Hakanson (Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, Greg Blake Band)
Will Jones (Terry Baucom & the Dukes of Drive)
AJ Lee (AJ Lee & Blue Summit)
Evan Murphy (Mile Twelve)
Daniel Thrailkill (The Trailblazers)
Instrumentalist [three are chosen in this category]:
Tabitha Agnew (Midnight Skyracer)
David Benedict (Mile Twelve)
Catherine (“BB”) Bowness (Mile Twelve)
Thomas Cassell (Circus No. 9)
Hasee Ciaccio (Molly Tuttle Band)
Matthew Davis (Circus No. 9)
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (Mile Twelve)
Aynsley Porchak (Carolina Blue)
Trajan Wellington (Cane Mill Road)
Will Lowery Joins Endeavor Content
/by Jessica NicholsonEndeavor Content is a division of Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG).
Lowery most recently worked at APA, where he served as head of the content finance and strategic advisory department. During his time at APA, Lowery represented financiers and production facilities, in addition to consulting for Pinewood Atlanta Studios, spearheading an agency sports partnership with Leigh Steinberg Enterprises and advising the Island of Cayman on its International Film Festival. Prior to APA, Lowery was a talent manager and producer at Defy Media, formerly known as Generate.
In addition, Lowery was recently appointed to sit on the board of directors for the Tennessee Entertainment Commission by Governor Bill Haslam. The Commission handles incentives and legislation for all media related entertainment subsidies. He is also a board member of the Nashville Film Festival and a mentor and advisor at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center.
Lowery is a graduate and former All Academic SEC Football Player at Vanderbilt, and was a participant in last year’s annual “Music City Rumble on the Row” Charity Boxing event.
AIMP Nashville Pubcast Launches Second Season
/by Jessica NicholsonAIMP Nashville has launched season two of its AIMP Nashville Pubcast.
Hosted by AIMP Nashville Board Member Tim Hunze of Parallel Music and sponsored by Jammber and SoundExchange, the podcast’s first episode features an interview with Tyler Hubbard, member of Florida Georgia Line and co-owner of Tree Vibez Music.
Future episodes, which will be posted weekly on Wednesdays, will feature writer-publishers Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Luke Laird, and Josh Osborne, among others. Each week, Hunze sits down with music industry professionals to address topics such as Sync Licensing, Publishing Deals, Legislative Issues, Administration and A&R’s role.
Three Keith Urban Albums Head To Vinyl, Including Latest ‘Graffiti U’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe three hit-filled albums are pressed on standard weight black vinyl and have all been expanded to 2LPs to present the music in the highest quality.
Graffiti U, Urban’s ninth studio album, emerged as one of 2018’s Top 10 best-selling albums in any genre. The 15-song collection includes the hits “Female,” “Parallel Lines” and its latest song “Coming Home,” featuring Julia Michaels, which borrows an iconic guitar riff from Merle Haggard’s classic “Mama Tried.”
The double platinum smash Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing, originally released in November 2006, features the No. 1 hit “Once in a Lifetime,” which set a record for what was then the highest debuting single in the six-decade history of Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, along with three more Top Five hits: “I Told You So,” “Everybody,” and Urban’s second Grammy-winning song “Stupid Boy.”
Be Here, Urban’s third American album, was originally released in 2004, and achieved quadruple platinum status, spawning three Number No. 1 singles, “Days Go By,” “Better Life” and the Rodney Crowell-penned “Making Memories of Us.”
Graffiti U Tracks:
LP1
SIDE A
1. Coming Home (featuring Julia Michaels)
2. Never Comin’ Down
3. Same Heart
4. (My Wave Intro)
5. My Wave (featuring Shy Carter)
SIDE B
6. Parallel Line
7. Drop Top (featuring Kassi Ashton)
8. Way Too Long
LP2
SIDE C
9. Horses (featuring Lindsay Ell)
10. Gemini
11. (Texas Time Intro)
12. Texas Time
SIDE D
13. Love The Way It Hurts (So Good)
13. Female
15. Steal My Thunder
Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing Tracks:
LP1
SIDE A
1. Once In A Lifetime
2. Shine
3. I Told You So
SIDE B
4. I Can’t Stop Loving You
5. Won’t You Let You Down
6. Faster Car
7. Stupid Boy
LP2
SIDE C
8. Used To The Pain
9. Raise The Barn (feat. Ronnie Dunn)
10. God Made Woman
SIDE D
11. Tu Compania
12. Everybody
13. Got It Right This Time
Be Here Tracks:
LP1
SIDE A
1. Days Go By
2. Better Life
3. Making Memories of Us
SIDE B
4. God’s Been Good to Me
5. The Hard Way
6. You’re My Better Half
LP2
SIDE C
7. I Could Fly
8. Tonight I Wanna Cry
9. She’s Gotta Be
SIDE D
10. Nobody Drinks Alone
11. Country Comfort
12. Live To Love Another Day
13. These Are The Days
Keith Urban, busbee and Carrie Underwood Celebrate No. 1 “The Fighter”
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): busbee, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. Photo: Steve Lowry
“‘The Fighter’ was born out of a real conversation I had with my wife before we got married, trying to reassure her that I was a safe place and that I would take care of her so she could remain vulnerable and didn’t have to become hardened,” confessed Keith Urban at the No. 1 party for one of his 24 No. 1 songs.
“…I’m saying too much, but people say you have to have thick skin…I don’t agree with that,” continued Urban. “I think you should be vulnerable and have your spirit and be real. And maybe if people would stop being so harsh—especially toward ourselves sometimes—we could be just me more of who we already are, which is pure spirit, fragile and real. Real human beings. ‘When they try to get to you, baby I’ll be the fighter’ is what that’s about.”
Urban was joined on stage by co-writer and co-producer busbee, who was celebrating his fifth No. 1 single. Urban’s duet partner and labelmate Carrie Underwood also joined to celebrate the chart-topping song. The three performed “The Fighter” during the party, one year and two weeks after the single reached the top of the charts.
“It’s never too late to celebrate a No. 1 record,” teased host Jody Williams in representing his BMI writers. Pinnacle Bank made a donation on behalf of the writers.
“This is an honest [song] with one person completely showing all their vulnerabilities,” gushed label president Mike Dungan. “…and it’s a tempo. What a wonderful thing!”
While Underwood’s vocals were recorded in Pennsylvania, the song was written at Kensaltown Studios in London after busbee flew to write with Urban during a break.
“Keith worked out in the morning and ran to the studio,” recalled busbee. “As soon as he could get it out of his mouth we were singing this to each other. It was one of those magical days. [Songwriting] is an otherly thing. I believe in God…we walk in to a room and pull something out of the sky.”
Underwood testified to the songwriting process, saying, “The demo was busbee doing all the girl stuff. Thank you for that little gift. I saved it…that’s gonna come back to haunt you at some point.”
“This is a spins party, so it’s about our radio promotion team,” continued Dungan. “Nobody beats the Capitol team: Bobby Young, Mara Sidweber, Brent Jones, Annie Sandor, Ashley Laws, Megan Youngblood, and Katelyn Lester.” Nearly everyone who took the stage recognized the same promo department, including Urban, who named everyone without notes.
UMG’s Radio Promotion team celebrates with Universal Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and busbee. Photo: Steve Lowry [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
Williams congratulated busbee’s publishers on the song, Ben Vaughn and BJ Hill from Warner/Chappell. Publishers who lauded the creatives from the stage included Daniel Lee from BMG and Ron Stuve from Universal Music Publishing Group. Brandi Simms from the CMA was also on hand to deliver No. 1 medallions.
Pictured (L-R): busbee, BMI’s Jody Williams, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. Photo: Steve Lowry