Pictured (L-R): David Olney, Phil Madeira
Nashville’s roots-music veterans grab the spotlight in this week’s Americana review column.
Two of them are sharing the Disc of the Day award. One of them is the eternally esteemed David Olney. The other is Phil Madeira, who is taking a radical left turn into jazz with his excellent new project.
Even the DisCovery Award winners have a vet connect. Rolling River Royalty includes Robert Jetton, who has been a Nashville fixture for 40+ years.
Also lending class to this listening session were such old faves as James House and Doug Green (a.k.a Ranger Doug).
JAMES HOUSE & THE BLUES COWBOYS/Long Way Down
Writers: James House; Producer: James House; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James House; Victor (track)
– James has long been a shape shifter. He began as a pop act in the ‘80s, achieved moderate success as country artist in the ‘90s (”This Is Me Missing You”) and then became a highly successful writer for others (”A Broken Wing,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet,” “In a Week or Two”). Now he’s a steamy blues rocker with a new billing and a new CD. His new voice is a hoarse, strangulated, urgent squall, and the tracks are hot stuff. Recommended.
ROLING RIVER ROYALTY/Pissed
Writers: Robert Jetton/Wen Tilley; Publisher: Rocking Ranchero/Wendell Tilley, BMI; Producer: none listed; Kingfish/New Bohemian
– I am a longtime fan of Nashville singer-songwriter Robert Jetton. His latest project is a collaboration with a neighbor named Wen Tilley. Their debut CD features tunes that “Robo” has written with Dennis Lord and Delbert McClinton, a pair of Haggard covers and two traditional tunes, as well as some of the songs he’s created with his new confederate. This one is tongue-in-cheek honky tonker that will have you tapping your toes and smiling like a loon. The sound is charmingly uncomplicated, clear and clean, featuring tasteful guitar work, lilting mandolin, steel, twang and sweet harmonies.
DON MCLEAN/Botanical Gardens
Writers: Don McLean; Publishers: Benny Bird/Universal; Producers: Mike Severs/Don McLean/Pat Severs; BMG
– The title tune of this veteran’s new CD is a rumbling, echo-y, bluesy rocker. But all the cool, moody production in the world can’t change the fact that he sings in a white-boy folk voice.
BEN DE LA COUR/Dixie Crystals
Writers: Ben de aa Cour; Publisher: Flour Sack Cape, BMI; Producers: Ben de la Cour and Joe Lekkas; Flour Sack Cape
– This Music City sing-songwriter kicks off his new CD, The High Cost of Living Strange, with a bopping, fiddle-soaked, dark little vignette of meth addiction. It’s pretty “noir,” but pretty dang cool.
PHIL MADEIRA/Rich Man’s Town
Writers: Phil Madeira; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Phil Madeira; Mercyland
– This man does so many things well. He’s been a stalwart of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt Boys band, an ace session musician, a respected contributor to the CCM genre, a hit Americana music creator and a songwriter for the likes of Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Toby Keith and The Civil Wars. Now he’s a piano-based jazzman with a CD about the tribulations of his working-class New England homeland. This track is a dazzling accomplishment, just one of many on his Providence collection. Essential.
JOHNNY RIVERS/I Stand Accused
Writers: Jerry Butler/Billy Butler; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Soul City
– This ‘60s pop star has crafted a new EP that collects some of his longtime favorite songs. They come from the likes of Glenn Frey, Jack Tempchin and Roy Orbison. His own ballad, “Land of Dreams,” serves as the title tune. The set kicks off with this languid, soulful take on Jerry Butler’s 1964 oldie.
MISSOURI MILE/Make Me Fall
Writers: Sheena Persons/Sheila Rochelle/Byron Hill; Publishers: Song Source/Triage/Rambler American/DHM, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Byron Hill; BHP
– This sister duo has a flawless vocal-harmony blend and a strummy, acoustic-guitar sound. Think of a more folkie Judds. Their new CD, A Million Miles Away, begins with this gentle, airy, relaxing outing that will pleasantly lull your senses. In case you haven’t heard, their producer and songwriting collaborator, Byron Hill, is most deservedly being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this fall.
RANGER DOUG/The Blue Juniata
Writers: Marian Dix Sullivan; Publishers: public domain; Producer: Joey Miskulin; Rural Rhythm
– No, he hasn’t left Riders In the Sky. In fact, the other members of the group are very much a part of his “solo” Songs of the Frontier album. Four of the selections are traditional cowboy folk songs and all of the rest are so old they’ve slipped into the public domain, including this lovely 1844 tune that begins the proceedings. You’ll take a scenic audio ride into Americana western glories when you spin this disc.
MARK HUFF/Stars For Eyes
Writers: Mark Huff; Publishers: Zero Weather/BMG; SESAC; Producer: Chad Brown; Exodus Empire
– This fellow has been a singer-songwriter on the Nashville scene for about a decade. The title song of his newest CD boasts a sincere, soft, tenor lead vocal and a swirl of layered pop instrumentation. Engaging, if not exactly rootsy.
DAVID OLNEY/This Side Or The Other
Writers: David Olney/Annie McCue/John Hadley; Publishers: Reed Lily/Milkman’s Daughter/Hadley Six, ASCAP/APRA/BMI; Producers: Steve Dawson/DAvid Olney; Black Hen (track)
– This durable troubadour’s troubadour is back with another darkly expressive collection. As always, he is a mountain of vocal charisma as well as a stunning song poet. In addition to a clutch of originals, you’ll find a fascinating cover of The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” on the CD. The title tune waltz speaks of love until death to the accompaniment of sighing steel, chiming guitar and wistful harmonica. Check out the cast — Fats Kaplan, The McCrary Sisters, Charlie McCoy and the man’s own road warriors. This is a record to spend some quality time with, so get in line when it drops a week from Friday.
Weekly Chart Report (8/17/18)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Recording Academy’s Task Force On Diversity & Inclusion Reveals Nashville Listening Forum
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Recording Academy’s Task Force on Diversity & Inclusion, by Tina Tchen of Buckley Sandler LLP, is offering a forum for Nashville music industry members to share their experiences in the following areas:
• Structural barriers to success in the music industry for underrepresented communities
• Sexual harassment and Gender or Racial/Ethnic discrimination in the music industry
• Diversity and inclusion in Recording Academy membership and governance
• Diversity and inclusion in the GRAMMY Awards process
The Recording Academy’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion seeks to examine barriers and biases affecting women and other underrepresented voices in the industry and, specifically, the Recording Academy. Among those named to the Task Force earlier this year include artists Sheryl Crow and Cam, Creative Nation’s Beth Laird, Sony Music’s Julie Swidler, and ASCAP’s Elizabeth Matthews.
Comments can be submitted confidentially online. All comments will be compiled and reviewed by the Task Force on Diversity & Inclusion. Based on the responses to these areas, the Task Force will select individuals to be invited to speak to Members of the Task Force, including Task Force Chair Tchen, to gain insight. Each appearance will last approximately 15 minutes.
To submit submit a comment form, click here.
Wendy Pearl Named VP, Media For Sony Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonWendy Pearl. Photo: Donn Jones
Sony Music Nashville announced today the appointment of Wendy Pearl to the position of Vice President, Media. Pearl, who starts on Sept. 4, will report to SVP Media & Corporate Communications Allen Brown in creating media strategies, national opportunities, and exposure for Sony Nashville’s roster of artists.
In welcoming Pearl to the team, Brown said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Wendy Pearl in various capacities for many years. She embodies all the facets of a fierce advocate: exceptional written communication skills, strong musical context, a great sense of who artists are and why they matter, a tireless work ethic, and strong relationships with the media, business community, and fellow publicists. I am confident she will contribute depth, unbridled enthusiasm, and distinction to the department and contribute on a high level to achieving our label groups’ goals.”
“Since getting my start as a reporter at The Miami Herald, I have believed that the essence of everything is the story,” said Pearl. “I have tried to build my career on finding that core truth, then working with the artists, songwriters, and industry stakeholders to expand that message in a way that reaches consumers. It is thrilling to be working alongside John Zarling and Allen Brown at the company that gave me my break in the music business; and I am eager to take that experience and those relationships and develop individual artists’ stories that help them establish their place in the world of country music.”
Sony Music Nashville Executive Vice President, Marketing & New Business John Zarling remarked, “Wendy Pearl is not only fluent in all media platforms, she is one of the most respected messengers in the realm of country music on a national and international basis for the past two decades. Beyond her extensive experience at the Country Music Association, she has guided major label and network television media departments, and most recently operated her own hyper-focused corporate firm, consulting the Academy of Country Music, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the state of Georgia’s Music Foundation, and the CMA.”
As Vice President of Corporate Communications for the Country Music Association, Pearl helped advance the format on a national and international scale for 17 years. She capped her tenure with the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards and global launch of “Forever Country.” She and her team also won the prestigious Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators for CMA’s quarterly CMA Close Up, garnered national exposure for the CMA Foundation and its programs supporting music education, and increased national coverage for CMA Fest and the CMA Awards.
A desire for new challenges compelled Pearl to open Wendy Pearl Public Relations in 2017. Focusing on tactical execution and story definition, Pearl was in demand for targeted, general, and task-oriented campaigns. She also provided copywriting services, campaign advisement, and media training to the T.J. Martell Foundation in addition to several Nashville labels and independent public relations firms.
Having spent eight years at The Miami Herald, including participating in their Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the Gulf War in 1991, and a stint at CNN’s Miami Bureau, Pearl joined Sony Nashville’s Media & Artist Development Department in 1992, where she oversaw campaigns for the Dolly Parton/Loretta Lynn/Tammy Wynette Honky Tonk Angels project, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Waylon Jennings, and Patty Loveless. She also ran Asylum Records’ Media & Artist Development Department, working with Emmylou Harris, Mandy Barnett, Guy Clark, and Bryan White, before taking on the Communications directorship at TNN (now Spike TV).
A native of South Florida, Pearl has a degree in Communications from the University of Miami in Coral Gables.
She can be reached at wendy.pearl@sonymusic.com.
Dan + Shay Celebrate No. 1 Single “Tequila”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode
Dan+Shay‘s two-week No. 1 single “Tequila” is officially the most-streamed country song released in 2018 to date, it was announced Thursday (Aug. 16).
The streaming achievement comes after the duo welcomed industry members to ASCAP’s Nashville office on Tuesday (Aug. 14) to celebrate the song’s success, followed by a massive, 10,000-person strong party in the heart of the Music Row area.
“Tequila” was penned by Dan+Shay’s Dan Smyers, Nicolle Galyon (celebrating her fourth No. 1 single), and Jordan Reynolds (celebrating his very first No. 1 single as a writer).
Among those at the event were BMI’s David Preston, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Buckeye26’s Wendell Mobley, Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill, MusicRow Magazine’s Sherod Robertson, and Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito.
Back row: Wes Vause (SVP Publicity, Warner Music Nashville), Shane Tarleton (SVP Creative Services, Warner Music Nashville), Clark Tedesco (Artist Development Manager, Warner Music Nashville), Tim Foisset (VP Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Tom Martens (National Director Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Tom Starr (Regional Manager Radio & Streaming, Warner Music Nashville), Rohan Kohli (Director A&R, Warner Music Nashville). Front row: Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode
Back row: Lisa Ray (Sandbox Entertainment), Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment), Beth Brinker (ASCAP), BJ Hill (VP A&R, Warner/Chappell), Wendell Mobley (Publisher), John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), David Preston (BMI), Mike O’Neill (BMI). Front row: Jordan Reynolds, Dan + Shay, Nicolle Galyon. Photo: Ed Rode
Matt McGinn Extends Publishing Deal With SMACKSongs
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): SMACKSongs’ Josh Osborne, Robin Palmer, Matt McGinn, Shane McAnally, Lee Krabel and Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox
Songwriter and producer Matt McGinn has extended his worldwide publishing agreement with Nashville-based music publishing company, SMACKSongs. The deal, exclusively administered by Kobalt, comes on the heels of McGinn’s back-to-back No. 1 hits recorded by Kane Brown.
“To be able to call SMACK home is such a privilege,” McGinn says. “Not only is it led by two of the greatest songwriters on the planet, but also I get to work with my friends and some of my favorite people on a daily basis. I just can’t believe this is a job.”
McGinn moved from Virginia to Nashville in 2012, landing his first publishing deal with SMACKSongs six months later, and marking Shane McAnally’s first signing at his soon-to-be award-winning publishing powerhouse. During his time at SMACKSongs, McGinn has written songs recorded by Brown, Florida Georgia Line, Walker Hayes, Jake Owen, Carly Pearce, Michael Ray, Cassadee Pope and more. He has also produced forthcoming projects by artists on the rise, including Renee Blair and Teddy Robb.
In 2017, McGinn earned his first No. 1 with Brown’s triple-platinum smash with Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs” which spent five consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He recently earned his second No. 1 with Brown’s double-platinum, two-week chart topper, “Heaven.”
“It’s been so rewarding to see Matt’s growth as a writer and producer since signing him in 2012,” says McAnally. “We are very proud to have him in the SMACK family and are thrilled to continue working with him through this next chapter.”
David Tolliver Extends Agreement With Three Hounds Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Tom Harrison, CEO/Founder, Three Hounds Music; David Tolliver; Tyler Bell, GM, Three Hounds Music
David Tolliver has extended his exclusive publishing agreement with Three Hounds Music. Best known as half of the duo Halfway to Hazard, Tolliver is also a veteran songwriter. Along with co-writing the majority of Halfway to Hazard’s three albums, he has also had cuts by Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann, Brantley Gilbert, Wynonna, Neal McCoy and numerous others.
“I’m so happy to be part of the Three Hounds Music family,” Tolliver says. “Tom Harrison and Tyler Bell are good people, they believe in me and I’m looking forward to a great future with them.”
Three Hounds Music is also home to writers Sarah Beth Terry and Bobby Terry.
DISClaimer: Roots Music Veterans Take The Spotlight
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): David Olney, Phil Madeira
Nashville’s roots-music veterans grab the spotlight in this week’s Americana review column.
Two of them are sharing the Disc of the Day award. One of them is the eternally esteemed David Olney. The other is Phil Madeira, who is taking a radical left turn into jazz with his excellent new project.
Even the DisCovery Award winners have a vet connect. Rolling River Royalty includes Robert Jetton, who has been a Nashville fixture for 40+ years.
Also lending class to this listening session were such old faves as James House and Doug Green (a.k.a Ranger Doug).
JAMES HOUSE & THE BLUES COWBOYS/Long Way Down
Writers: James House; Producer: James House; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James House; Victor (track)
– James has long been a shape shifter. He began as a pop act in the ‘80s, achieved moderate success as country artist in the ‘90s (”This Is Me Missing You”) and then became a highly successful writer for others (”A Broken Wing,” “Ain’t That Lonely Yet,” “In a Week or Two”). Now he’s a steamy blues rocker with a new billing and a new CD. His new voice is a hoarse, strangulated, urgent squall, and the tracks are hot stuff. Recommended.
ROLING RIVER ROYALTY/Pissed
Writers: Robert Jetton/Wen Tilley; Publisher: Rocking Ranchero/Wendell Tilley, BMI; Producer: none listed; Kingfish/New Bohemian
– I am a longtime fan of Nashville singer-songwriter Robert Jetton. His latest project is a collaboration with a neighbor named Wen Tilley. Their debut CD features tunes that “Robo” has written with Dennis Lord and Delbert McClinton, a pair of Haggard covers and two traditional tunes, as well as some of the songs he’s created with his new confederate. This one is tongue-in-cheek honky tonker that will have you tapping your toes and smiling like a loon. The sound is charmingly uncomplicated, clear and clean, featuring tasteful guitar work, lilting mandolin, steel, twang and sweet harmonies.
DON MCLEAN/Botanical Gardens
Writers: Don McLean; Publishers: Benny Bird/Universal; Producers: Mike Severs/Don McLean/Pat Severs; BMG
– The title tune of this veteran’s new CD is a rumbling, echo-y, bluesy rocker. But all the cool, moody production in the world can’t change the fact that he sings in a white-boy folk voice.
BEN DE LA COUR/Dixie Crystals
Writers: Ben de aa Cour; Publisher: Flour Sack Cape, BMI; Producers: Ben de la Cour and Joe Lekkas; Flour Sack Cape
– This Music City sing-songwriter kicks off his new CD, The High Cost of Living Strange, with a bopping, fiddle-soaked, dark little vignette of meth addiction. It’s pretty “noir,” but pretty dang cool.
PHIL MADEIRA/Rich Man’s Town
Writers: Phil Madeira; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Phil Madeira; Mercyland
– This man does so many things well. He’s been a stalwart of Emmylou Harris’s Red Dirt Boys band, an ace session musician, a respected contributor to the CCM genre, a hit Americana music creator and a songwriter for the likes of Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, Toby Keith and The Civil Wars. Now he’s a piano-based jazzman with a CD about the tribulations of his working-class New England homeland. This track is a dazzling accomplishment, just one of many on his Providence collection. Essential.
JOHNNY RIVERS/I Stand Accused
Writers: Jerry Butler/Billy Butler; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Soul City
– This ‘60s pop star has crafted a new EP that collects some of his longtime favorite songs. They come from the likes of Glenn Frey, Jack Tempchin and Roy Orbison. His own ballad, “Land of Dreams,” serves as the title tune. The set kicks off with this languid, soulful take on Jerry Butler’s 1964 oldie.
MISSOURI MILE/Make Me Fall
Writers: Sheena Persons/Sheila Rochelle/Byron Hill; Publishers: Song Source/Triage/Rambler American/DHM, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Byron Hill; BHP
– This sister duo has a flawless vocal-harmony blend and a strummy, acoustic-guitar sound. Think of a more folkie Judds. Their new CD, A Million Miles Away, begins with this gentle, airy, relaxing outing that will pleasantly lull your senses. In case you haven’t heard, their producer and songwriting collaborator, Byron Hill, is most deservedly being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this fall.
RANGER DOUG/The Blue Juniata
Writers: Marian Dix Sullivan; Publishers: public domain; Producer: Joey Miskulin; Rural Rhythm
– No, he hasn’t left Riders In the Sky. In fact, the other members of the group are very much a part of his “solo” Songs of the Frontier album. Four of the selections are traditional cowboy folk songs and all of the rest are so old they’ve slipped into the public domain, including this lovely 1844 tune that begins the proceedings. You’ll take a scenic audio ride into Americana western glories when you spin this disc.
MARK HUFF/Stars For Eyes
Writers: Mark Huff; Publishers: Zero Weather/BMG; SESAC; Producer: Chad Brown; Exodus Empire
– This fellow has been a singer-songwriter on the Nashville scene for about a decade. The title song of his newest CD boasts a sincere, soft, tenor lead vocal and a swirl of layered pop instrumentation. Engaging, if not exactly rootsy.
DAVID OLNEY/This Side Or The Other
Writers: David Olney/Annie McCue/John Hadley; Publishers: Reed Lily/Milkman’s Daughter/Hadley Six, ASCAP/APRA/BMI; Producers: Steve Dawson/DAvid Olney; Black Hen (track)
– This durable troubadour’s troubadour is back with another darkly expressive collection. As always, he is a mountain of vocal charisma as well as a stunning song poet. In addition to a clutch of originals, you’ll find a fascinating cover of The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” on the CD. The title tune waltz speaks of love until death to the accompaniment of sighing steel, chiming guitar and wistful harmonica. Check out the cast — Fats Kaplan, The McCrary Sisters, Charlie McCoy and the man’s own road warriors. This is a record to spend some quality time with, so get in line when it drops a week from Friday.
Kelly Bolton Named VP/Creative At Tape Room Music
/by Lorie HollabaughKelly Bolton
Kelly Bolton has joined Tape Room Music as VP of Creative. The Lexington, Kentucky native joins the Tape Room staff after previous stops at Big Deal Music and Black River Publishing, where she served as Creative Director.
“I’m so excited to have Kelly on board. She’s the perfect fit for our roster and our staff and I look forward to watching her help our company grow. Go Big Blue!”, says Tape Room Founder Ashley Gorley.
“We are pumped to add Kelly to the family! Her A&R abilities and passion for working with creatives made her an obvious choice as we continue building Tape Room Music,” says Blain Rhodes, Tape Room GM.
“I am excited to begin my next chapter at Tape Room Music, joining this innovative team created by Ashley and Blain. I can’t wait to get to work with the extremely talented writers.” says Bolton.
Gorley launched Tape Room Music in 2011 and since then, Tape Room writers have accounted for 16 No. 1 songs and numerous top ten singles by artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Keith Urban, Dustin Lynch and many more.
Bolton can be reached at kelly@taperoommusic.com
Clarence Spalding Bonus Q&A: On Launching Brooks & Dunn, Management Philosophy
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow featured Maverick manager Clarence Spalding in its latest Artist Roster print magazine, an industry directory detailing the team members behind Nashville artists.
In this bonus web Q&A Spalding discusses his 40-year career in the music business, currently managing Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Brooks and Dunn, Terri Clark, Darius Rucker, Rachel Wammack, and more. For more from Spalding’s interview, pick up a print copy of MusicRow’s Artist Roster issue, or subscribe here.
– – –
On Launching Brooks & Dunn:
Bob Titley signed Brooks & Dunn in 1991. I had been working for Stan Moress. We managed Eddie Rabbitt, K.T. Oslin, Lorrie Morgan, Don Williams, Clint Black, Ronnie Milsap and more. Kix and Ronnie were the third act on the Reba tour, and I got a call that Bob was looking for someone. We partnered for 10 years until Bob decided he didn’t want to be in the business. So I formed Spalding Entertainment with [my first artists] Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and Terri Clark. Marne McLyman has been the longest-standing employee. She’s been here 13 years, since she graduated Belmont. She currently handles Reba and Brooks & Dunn.
On Incorporating Big Loud In To The Maverick Fold:
I think Chief and Seth [England] are the type of managers that will benefit most from Maverick. They’re young, aggressive and have acts that love playing in the pop world. If you’re interested in that, there’s no better place to be than with the managers who have the biggest pop acts in the world.
I try to keep my door open because different staff members will come in and lay on the couch with their computers, and ask questions—feeding off each other. A Jason Aldean question can educate you on a lot of subjects because he’s playing at such a high level.
I always stress, every morning you get to wake up and play in a major league ballpark. We should be grateful, but with that comes a responsibility to bust your ass every day…to pay attention, listen and focus—all the things it takes to be a great manager. Then it takes luck. You need a kiss every now and then to break through.
On Ex-employee And Now CEO/Chairman, Sony Records Nashville Randy Goodman:
Randy is a forward, critical thinker. He was great when he was here. I’m not sure he enjoyed management as much as we enjoyed having him here. You see him now…He’s cut out to be a great label person, and I’m damn sure ecstatic he’s running Sony and they’re on top of their game.
On A Together In Vegas Extension:
[Caesars] talking to us about a [2019 extension. Reba, Kix and Ronnie] love doing it. I would have bet a lot of money that we would have done it for one term and they would say, ‘We’ve had enough of Vegas….’ They don’t even leave! They go for two weeks—fly on Wednesday and come home on Sunday—taking advantage of being on the west coast. They eat, golf, run, Ronnie’s always taking the bus out to shoot photos. All of them invite family, friends. It’s like a family reunion back stage. They’ve approached it from the right way, which kind of surprised me.
Africa wasn’t on my bucket list, but Reba had been twice. She was the only one who had—so she put it together. She called my wife and I think Ann had it in her head it was going to be in tents. Reba said, ‘We’re gonna be in lodges!” There were nine total. It was Mike Dungan and his wife Jane, Shane Tarleton, Joe Galante and his wife Fran and then Reba’s boyfriend Skeeter. They said it was during [CMA] music fest, and I said, ‘I’ll do that.’ I called Dungan and used that as a selling point. That’s when you find out if you’re really needed.
But Africa was phenomenal. I’d go back.
T-Mobile To Offer Free Pandora Plus, Live Nation Concert Perks For Customers
/by Eric T. ParkerT-Mobile Pres./COO, Mike Sievert. Photo: Sean Rayford/AP Images for T-Mobile
T-Mobile customers will now receive a free, one year Pandora Plus subscription and exclusive magenta benefits at Live Nation concerts.
The announcement, made Wednesday (Aug. 15), is part of the provider’s “Un-carrier” campaign, which eliminated contracts, subsidized phones and many fees for customers after the 2013 roll-out.
Courtesy of T-Mobile, affiliates receive one year of Pandora Plus streaming service in the U.S. In another first for the Un-carrier, T-Mobile announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with Live Nation, giving Un-carrier customers access to last-minute reserve seats in sold-out sections and discounted tickets at Live Nation amphitheater and arena concerts.
“Our customers get treated like rock stars with Team of Experts, and we believe they ought to be treated like that everywhere they go,” said Mike Sievert, President and COO at T-Mobile. “Music connects us, so we’re connecting our rock star customers with exclusive magenta extras at Live Nation events and with Pandora. Now, when they turn on their tunes or head to a show, they’ll get an elevated experience, just for being with T-Mobile. We’re always looking to thank our customers in bigger, bolder ways…this latest move is no exception – and we won’t stop!”