The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Historic Nashville, Inc will hold a Rally the Row event on Tuesday, July 24, to promote awareness of actions the public and Metro Nashville can take to help support the preservation of the Music Row area. The event will be held from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Bobby’s Idle Hour (1028 16th Ave. S.). Admission is free, and the event will include live entertainment, as well as food and drinks supplied by San Antonio Taco Company.
“The near-loss of RCA Studio A in 2014 was certainly the most high-profile example of demolition threats to Music Row, but unfortunately it was not the last,” said Carolyn Brackett, senior field officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We can’t just sit back and let Nashville’s unique history be destroyed and its present-day musical culture lost. There are practical solutions that would balance development with the preservation of Music Row’s historic fabric and retain the music businesses that fill them. We urge Mayor Briley and Metro Nashville leaders to adopt them before it’s too late.”
Since the year 2000, a total of 56 historic buildings in the Music Row area have been lost and the demolition pressure continues. Currently, five buildings on 16th Avenue are threatened with demolition. Among the action items in a proposal from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Historic Nashville, Inc. are: designating Music Row a Cultural Industry District, freezing Special Plan exemptions that ultimately encourage demolitions, and creating incentives to keep music businesses on the Row.
“Music Row is an accidental, by-chance location where The Nashville Sound and the music business grew from scratch,” said Trey Bruce, vice president of Historic Nashville and award-winning songwriter, musician and producer. “From this small neighborhood came one of the world’s largest musical footprints. We have to act now to save this place that is iconic and historically priceless.”
Donations can be sent to historicnashvilleinc.org and earmarked for Music Row.
Reba McEntire Inks Publishing Deal With Given Music
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jenny Hall, Creative Director, Given Music Publishing; Reba; Michael Hollandsworth, VP/GM, Given Music Publishing; Cindy Owen, Given Founding Partner.
Reba McEntire has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Given Music Publishing,
McEntire’s professional relationship and friendship with Given Music founding partner Cindy Owen dates back to the early ’80s, when McEntire gave her a start in the music industry when Owen was in her teens. Owen later became McEntire’s VP of Creative Services, a position she held for 15 years before launching her own entertainment company in 2002 and then Given Entertainment with business partner Jim Kacmarcik in 2013.
“Signing Reba to Given is for sure a full circle moment for me,” Owen says. “One of my greatest blessings is having had a front row seat for all these years to watch her blaze new trails and become the icon she is. Her work ethic, talent and determination are unmatched and examples to us all. Reba has always made evident her lifelong passion for songs, songwriters and the songwriting community. We at Given look forward to being a part of her team as she continues to expand new horizons in entertainment and create opportunities for herself and other songwriters.”
“It has been said that it all begins with a song. For me, it starts with the songwriter,” McEntire says. “From their very talented and creative imaginations, they create something that can make you laugh, lift your mood, get you two-stepping or break your heart. What they write affects people in a way that few things can. Joining the Given team is something that excites me in a number of ways; first and foremost that I again get to work with my longtime friend and colleague Cindy Owen. I have great respect for the rest of the creative team, as well as the incredibly talented roster of songwriters who are part of the Given family. As I continue to explore new creative avenues, this is the perfect home for me as a writer.”
Industry Ink: BMI, Austin Burke, PLA Media
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI’s Rooftop Series Features Kalie Shorr, Morgan Wallen
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, Kalie Shorr, George Dickel’s Brian Downing and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen
Earlier this week, the BMI rooftop was brimming with industry tastemakers, friends and family eager to hear from BMI songwriters Kalie Shorr and Morgan Wallen. The evening kicked off with a private toast honoring Wallen’s first No. 1 hit as an artist, “Up Down,” with BMI executives and songwriters CJ Solar, Michael Hardy and Brad Clawson. The summer rooftop series offers a unique opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Nashville skyline while enjoying complimentary food and beverage and the best of Music City’s veteran and rising talent. The summer’s two remaining shows will take place on Aug. 21 and Sept. 11.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, BMI’s Mason Hunter, CJ Solar, Michael Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Brad Clawson, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson.
Austin Burke Signs With 287 Entertainment
Emerging country artist and songwriter Austin Burke has signed with 287 Entertainment for exclusive management representation.
Earlier this month, Burke signed a worldwide recording deal with AWAL, Kobalt’s recording company. AWAL’s partnership with Burke began with global distribution services and progressed in the wake of the success of his EP. AWAL’s newly-acquired partner, in2une Music, is arranging a multi-city radio tour in support of “Whole Lot In Love.” The tour kicks off this week, ahead of Burke’s performance at the Faster Horses Country Music Festival in Michigan.
PLA Media Adds Tim Williams To Roster
Tim Williams
PLA Media has added country/Americana artist, actor and Trivago spokesperson Tim Williams to its award-winning roster. Tim, most commonly recognized as the “Trivago Guy,” has served as the face of the travel company across North America since 2013 and will be premiering his debut country project titled Magnolia City this fall.
Williams is joined alongside a client list including the world renowned attractions Johnny Cash Museum, Patsy Cline Museum and Tina Turner Museum, Jesse Rice and Gary Morris.
Jason Isbell, John Berry, Gordon Mote Join Jacksonville State Tornado Relief Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughAlabama, the Charlie Daniels Band, Shenandoah, Jamey Johnson, and Comedian Darren Knight “Southern Momma” have already been announced to perform on the benefit for Jacksonville State University. SiriusXM’s Storme Warren will emcee the event.
On March 19 of this year, JSU and the surrounding Jacksonville community was hit by a EF-3 tornado, severely damaging 23 buildings and impacting more than 50 more. Fortunately there was no loss of life, however millions of dollars in damage was reported following the storm.
“We are so thankful and blessed that friends of ours, and some from our great state of Alabama, have offered to help raise funds to repair the damage from the horrific tornado a few months back,” says Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “The university has been wonderful to work with on helping us setup the concert. From the looks of ticket sales and strong support from sponsors, this will be a very special night for the attendees.”
The rain or shine event begins at 6 p.m. CT. Tickets prices start at $25.00 and are on-sale now at Ticketfly.com or by calling 877-4FLY-TIX.
National Trust For Historic Preservation And Historic Nashville To Hold Rally The Row Event
/by Jessica NicholsonThe National Trust for Historic Preservation and Historic Nashville, Inc will hold a Rally the Row event on Tuesday, July 24, to promote awareness of actions the public and Metro Nashville can take to help support the preservation of the Music Row area. The event will be held from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Bobby’s Idle Hour (1028 16th Ave. S.). Admission is free, and the event will include live entertainment, as well as food and drinks supplied by San Antonio Taco Company.
“The near-loss of RCA Studio A in 2014 was certainly the most high-profile example of demolition threats to Music Row, but unfortunately it was not the last,” said Carolyn Brackett, senior field officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We can’t just sit back and let Nashville’s unique history be destroyed and its present-day musical culture lost. There are practical solutions that would balance development with the preservation of Music Row’s historic fabric and retain the music businesses that fill them. We urge Mayor Briley and Metro Nashville leaders to adopt them before it’s too late.”
Since the year 2000, a total of 56 historic buildings in the Music Row area have been lost and the demolition pressure continues. Currently, five buildings on 16th Avenue are threatened with demolition. Among the action items in a proposal from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Historic Nashville, Inc. are: designating Music Row a Cultural Industry District, freezing Special Plan exemptions that ultimately encourage demolitions, and creating incentives to keep music businesses on the Row.
“Music Row is an accidental, by-chance location where The Nashville Sound and the music business grew from scratch,” said Trey Bruce, vice president of Historic Nashville and award-winning songwriter, musician and producer. “From this small neighborhood came one of the world’s largest musical footprints. We have to act now to save this place that is iconic and historically priceless.”
Donations can be sent to historicnashvilleinc.org and earmarked for Music Row.
Chris DeStefano, Wendell Mobley, Lee Thomas Miller To Play Music City Hit-Makers Show
/by Lorie HollabaughChris DeStefano, Wendell Mobley, Lee Thomas Miller
Music City Hit-Makers returns to Cheekwood in Nashville for its fourth annual Songwriters and Symphony Under the Stars on Aug. 24 and 25, with Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Chris DeStefano and more performing. The outdoor songwriter series will extend into a second weekend at Cheekwood on Oct. 12-13.
The songwriters will perform their chart-topping hits for artists like Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood, accompanied by the sounds of the Music City Symphony. Songwriters for the October shows will be announced at a later date. Sirius XM’s Storme Warren will emcee the event on Friday, Aug. 24, with The Big 98 radio host Amy Paige hosting Saturday’s show.
“This event is so special because it brings harmony to two of Nashville’s greatest assets, its talented musicians and beautiful landmarks,” says Charles Dixon, event creator and producer. “We are thrilled to have so many amazing songwriters joining us for our biggest year yet.”
Nightly tickets are $45 for Cheekwood members and $55 per night for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at cheekwood.org/calendar/songwriters-under-the-stars/.
Dierks Bentley’s Indianapolis Show To Be Live Streamed
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley‘s entire set from his show in Indianapolis will be live-streamed tomorrow (July 21) on the Live Nation Concert Series on Twitter. The show will be live-streamed nationwide for free, showcasing his biggest hits along with standouts off his recent No. 1 album The Mountain.
The live stream will begin at 9:20 p.m. ET on live.twitter.com/dierksbentley.
The Live Nation Concert series on Twitter has featured, Imagine Dragons, A$AP Ferg, Zedd, Train, 21 Savage, Above and Beyond, Khalid, Niall Horan, G-Eazy and many more.
Industry Pics: Carrie Underwood, SESAC, Bobby Bare
/by Jessica NicholsonUMG Staff Gets First Listen To Underwood’s ‘Cry Pretty’
Carrie Underwood shared her new album, Cry Pretty (Sept. 14), with the Universal Music Group Nashville staff this week. Underwood co-produced the album with David Garcia and this will be her first release on Capitol Records Nashville.
SESAC Presents: In the Round at the Bluebird
SESAC songwriters Spencer Crandall, Josh London, Brett Sheroky, and Nora Collins, along with SESAC Manager of Creative Services, Lydia Schultz filled the room with music at the monthly SESAC Presents: In the Round at the Bluebird Café, held earlier this week.
Bobby Bare Celebrates With Industry Members Post-Opry Performance
Pictured (top, L-R): Straight 8 Entertainment’s Norman Jacob, Singer/Songwriters Jacob Tolliver and Payton Taylor, 117 Entertainment’s Zach Farnum, Bobby Bare, 117 Entertainment’s Heather Trotter, Singer/Songwriter David Tucker. (bottom, L-R): 117 Entertainment’s Max DaCosta, Singer/Songwriter Grayson Michael, NewsChannel5’s Jesse Knutson
Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Bare spent time with young industry professionals and artists after his Opry performance Wednesday night (July 18).
Luke Combs Caught Up In A Hurricane Of Platinum Success
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs’ debut album This One’s For You has gone Platinum, and the breakout artist has surpassed an amazing one billion career streams globally. The achievement was announced by Stephen Colbert on CBS’ Late Show With Stephen Colbert, before Combs’ performance of “One Number Away” Tuesday night (July 17).
This One’s For You is the fastest debut country album to go Platinum since Chris Stapleton’s Traveller in 2015. In the past year since his debut release, Combs has achieved three consecutive No. 1 singles at country radio – the double Platinum “Hurricane,” Platinum “When It Rains It Pours,” and Gold “One Number Away.” Combs reigned at the top of the Billboard Country Albums Chart for seven weeks and remains the most streamed country album of 2018.
His latest single, the newly-recorded version of long-time, fan favorite “She Got the Best of Me,” from his recently released deluxe album, will debut on July 30 on ABC’s Good Morning America. The song is a nod to Combs’ early fans and the then unknown songwriters who teamed up with him before there were sold-out crowds and chart-topping success. It has already racked up more than 45 million streams to date.
Taylor Swift To Join Jennifer Hudson, James Corden In ‘Cats’ Movie Adaptation
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Swift is set to take part in a movie adaptation of the musical Cats, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She will join Jennifer Hudson, James Corden and Ian McKellen. The movie, based on the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, will be directed by Tom Hooper, who directed Oscar-winning work The King’s Speech and worked on 2012’s Les Miserables.
Cats, which includes songs such as “Memory,” is the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, and was the longest-running Broadway show in history from 1997 until 2006. Webber’s musical was based on the T.S. Eliot novel Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
Production on the movie adaptation will launch later this year in the U.K., with additional cast members to be announced.
Alex Flores Joins BMI As Senior Vice President, Creative
/by Lorie HollabaughAlex Flores has been named Senior Vice President, Creative at BMI. Flores will be based out of BMI’s Los Angeles office and will report to Mike Steinberg, Executive Vice President, Creative & Licensing, beginning Aug. 6.
Flores will oversee the Creative teams in BMI’s six offices in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, London and San Juan, helping support the company’s songwriting community and cultivating key industry relationships. She will also oversee the continued development and execution of acquisition and retention strategies that are in line with BMI’s overall mission of growing its leading market share across all genres of music.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Alex to BMI,” said Steinberg. “She brings a wealth of experience across multiple industries that will greatly benefit BMI’s current and future songwriters and composers. I look forward to seeing her lead our Creative team to build upon BMI’s unparalleled roster of established and developing talent and our tremendous success in fostering career-defining opportunities for the music creators we represent.”
Before joining BMI, Flores held various positions at BMG including her most recent post as Senior Vice President of Marketing, North America. In that role, she managed the day-to-day operations of the U.S. Synch Marketing teams while continuing to secure placements for BMG’s repertoire across all media platforms. Flores also worked closely with her international counterparts, songwriters, producers and artists to maximize synch opportunities in the U.S. as well as acquire talent and renew deals. She joined BMG in 2012 as a Director, Marketing, Film & Television where she was responsible for placing music in films, TV shows and soundtracks. She also held positions at Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures and Univision Music Group.
Flores has an MFA from Loyola Marymount University and a BA from Universidad Iberoamericana Noroeste.