Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Steven Dale Jones, songwriter-artist Jordan Davis and songwriter Justin Ebach. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Music Row members gathered in Nashville yesterday (July 30) to celebrate MCA Nashville artist Jordan Davis‘ first No. 1 song, his debut “Singles You Up,” penned by Davis alongside Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach.
Songwriter Paul DiGiovanni also celebrated his first No. 1 as a producer with the track.
“Thanks Jordan for being so talented and easy to work with, and also to Steven and Justin for writing such a great song,” DiGiovanni said. “Zach Sutton, thank you so much for everything you did. I’m happy to be here.”
The party, hosted by ASCAP and held at Nashville hot spot Fat Bottom Brewery, held a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd who cheered Davis as Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan announced the track was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA. To celebrate, Davis has released a special acoustic version of “Singles You Up.”
Presentations and speeches celebrating the songwriters were made by publishers Curb/Word’s Janine Appleton Ebach and ole’s Ben Strain, and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, and Country Radio Broadcasters’ Brooke Sanders were also on hand to celebrate the group.
Davis released his debut album, Home State, in March. Davis co-wrote all 12 tracks on the album, including his current Top 40 single, “Take It From Me.”
“First off, I want to thank my family,” said Davis, who thanked every major person that has been a part of his career thus far. He also noted his uncle Stan, who has been writing songs for years. “I remember the first demo I ever heard—I didn’t know what it was at the time—but it was Uncle Stan’s songs,” Davis continued. “He was the first Davis that made the trek to Nashville and I don’t know if we would be here doing that—me and my brother as well—if you hadn’t have done that a long time ago. Dad, thank you for playing John Prine and Kris Kristofferson records. Thank you to Steven Dale and Justin for getting in the room and writing with a new artist. My goal on that day was to get in and prove to Steven Dale Jones that I can write a song. We’ve all heard the songs this guy has written. Thank you for taking a chance and writing with me.
Mr. DiGiovanni can say this is easy all he wants but I’ve realized I’m not an easy guy to make an album with. I make a lot of tweaks, re-sing a lot of stuff, I’ll be honest, I could still go in right now and redo some vocals on some of those songs, but the cool thing about Paul is he always made time for it. Thank you for doing an incredible job.”
Davis also gave thanks to Robert Filhart for his early belief in Davis’ ability. “The initial move to Nashville was very very tough, and if it hadn’t been for Robert Filhart and a place to live rent-free until I could get on my feet…there’s not a lot of people who do stuff like that. I’m very grateful to Robert for not only giving me a place to live but introducing me to people like Michael and Mike Sistad and everybody as ASCAP. And Ben Strain at ole took a chance on me which led me to a lot of other great people. I can always call you guys and the support you show me has been pretty unreal. Thank you for letting me be part of the ole family.”
He also had words of thanks for UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, as well as VP, A&R Stephanie Wright. “Stephanie has been with me from day one and has been one of my biggest champions in town. Thank you for making Home State what it is.”
Pictured (L-R): (back) Curb/Word’s Janine Appleton Ebach, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, producer Paul DiGiovanni, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Ole’s Ben Strain, Universal Music Group’s Mike Dungan, (front) Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis and Justin Ebach. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): UMG’s Chris Schuler, UMG’s Royce Risser, SVP Promotion, Jordan Davis, UMG’s Donna Hughes, MCA Nashville’s Briana Galluccio, UMG’s Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO. (Front Row): MCA Nashville’s Louie Newman, MCA Nashville’s Anna Johnson, MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, MCA Nashville’s Donna Jo Passuntino, MCA Nashville’s Katie Dean, MCA Nashville’s Michelle Tyrrell, UMG’s David Friedman. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Pictured (L-R): UMG’s Royce Risser, SVP Promotion, UMG’s Brian Wright, EVP A&R, Zach Sutton, Jordan Davis, UMG’s Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO, UMG’s Mike Harris, COO. Photo: Peyton Hoge
SMACKSongs Signs Belmont University Graduate Emily Falvey
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Kobalt’s Mark Abramowitz, SMACK’s Shane McAnally, Emily Falvey, Josh Osborne, Robin Palmer and Lee Krabel. Photo: Rachel Deeb
Nashville-based music publishing company, SMACKSongs, has signed songwriter Emily Falvey to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. Falvey joins a roster of writers, producers, and artists, all led by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.
Falvey is a recent graduate of Belmont University, who earned a BA in Songwriting and a BBA in Music Business. During her time at Belmont, Falvey interned at SMACKSongs, as well as at other companies in the music industry.
“I can think of no greater honor than signing my first publishing deal with SMACKSongs, and to be able to join this extraordinary family of writers and industry leaders,” shares Falvey. “I am especially grateful to Robin Palmer and Lee Krabel at SMACK for believing in me, Mark Abramowitz and the entire Kobalt team, Leslie Roberts and MaryAnn Keen at BMI, Matt Cottingham at Ritholz Levy Fields, the Songwriting department at Belmont University, Emily Weisband, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally for their mentorship and vision. I am excited to be a part of the changing landscape of Nashville and to be able to make music every day!”
“Over the last year we have absolutely loved getting to know Emily as our intern and resident cheerleader for SMACK,” said McAnally. “Her positive energy and budding talent caught our attention early, and we’re so excited to have her as our newest writer at SMACK. We look forward to her bright future ahead.”
Vince Gill Announces Solo Dates For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughAlong with his top-notch band which includes Glenn Worf, bass; Billy Thomas, drums/vocals; John Jarvis, keyboards; Jeff White, guitar/vocals; Tom Bukovac, guitar; Jedd Hughes, guitar/vocals; Wendy Moten, vocals; and Paul Franklin, steel, Gill will be performing 28 shows through November.
On the tour Gill will play some interesting venues, including the historic Surf Ballroom, the location of Buddy Holly’s famous last gig, as well as the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall, his hometown venue where he was famously booed off the stage while performing as part of the bluegrass band Mountain Smoke and opening for rock band KISS.
In addition to his own dates, he’ll also join wife Amy Grant on stage in Nashville for their annual Christmas at the Ryman show, a long-standing Christmas tradition, which finds the couple playing 12 nights throughout November and December.
8/3 Bayfield, WI/Big Top Chautauqua
8/4 Clear Lake, IA/Surf Ballroom
8/5 Madison, WI/The Orpheum Theater
8/6 Grand Rapids, MI/Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
8/10 Roanoke, VA/Berglund Performing Arts Ceter
8/11 Selbyille, DE/The Freeman Stage
8/12 Richmond, VA/Carpenter Theatre
8/13 Kettering, OH/Fraze Pavilion
8/16 Tulsa, OK/Paradise Cove
8/18 Oklahoma City, OK/Civic Center Music Hall
8/19 Salina, KS/Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
9/26 Greenville, SC/Peace Center for the Performing Arts
9/27 Cary, NC/Koka Booth Amphitheatre
9/28 Bloomsburg, PA/Bloomsburg Fair
9/29 Ashland, KY/Paramount Arts Center
11/3 Atlanta, GA/Fox Theatre
11/4 Mobile, AL/Saenger Theatre
11/7 Charlotte, NC/Ovens Auditorium
11/8 North Charleston, SC/North Charleston Performing Arts Center
11/9 Pompano Beach, FL/Pompano Beach Amphitheater
11/10 Orlando, FL/Dr. Phillips Center-Walt Disney Theater
11/11 St. Augustine, FL/The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
11/12 Clearwater, FL/Ruth Eckerd Hall
11/15 Birmingham, AL/The Alabama Theatre
11/16 St. Louis, MO/Peabody Opera House
11/17 Indianapolis, IN/Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
11/18 Danville, KY/Norton Center for the Arts
All Them Witches Returns With Fifth Studio Project In September
/by Lorie HollabaughThe new album was recorded in a cabin in Kingston Springs, Tennessee, with guitarist Ben McLeod at the helm and was self-produced by the band, who added keyboardist/percussionist Jonathan Draper into the fold along with McLeod, bassist/vocalist Charles Michael Parks, Jr., and drummer/graphic artist Robby Staebler.
Additionally the band has announced a headlining tour which kicks off at the Desert Daze Music Festival in Perris, California, on Oct. 12-14 and runs through Nov. 24. Tickets for the new tour go on sale Friday.
Bobby Bare Teams With WSM For New Podcast
/by Jessica NicholsonJamey Johnson and Bobby Bare.
After 60 years in the music industry, Bobby Bare continues seeking new channels for his creativity–including delving into the popular realm of podcasts. His new podcast, Bobby Bare and Friends, launches Wednesday (Aug. 1) on wsmonline.com and on podcast networks. The podcast is produced by 650 AM WSM in association with 117 Entertainment.
The debut episode features a conversation with Jamey Johnson, and future episodes will include Jessi Colter, Billy Joe Shaver, Bill Anderson, Trace Adkins, Ray Stevens, Delbert McClinton, and Joe Ely.
New episodes will be released twice per month, to air on Route 650 (650 AM WSM’s Americana-centric digital streaming station), beginning at 3 p.m. CT on release days.
Bare, a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, has notched more than 50 hits, and hosted his own television show in the 1980s, which was also titled Bobby Bare And Friends.
“Bobby Bare and Friends” Upcoming Guests:
Aug. 1 – Jamey Johnson
Aug. 15 – Trace Adkins
Aug. 29 – Outlaw Episode: Jessi Colter and Billy Joe Shaver
Sept. 12 – Outlaw Episode: Delbert McClinton and Joe Ely
Sept. 26 – Ray Stevens
Oct. 10 – Bill Anderson
Mark Your Calendar—August 2018
/by Eric T. ParkerIndustry Events
2018 Black Music Honors at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville
August 22
12th annual ACM Honors at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium
Single Add Dates
Dan + Shay/Speechless/Warner Bros./WAR
Riley Green/There Was This Girl/Big Machine Records
Sarah Ross/Nervous Breakdown/Average Joes/Star Farm
Re Mattei/Feels Like It’s Gonna Rain/BarFrog
Nick Brennan/Come On And Dance/MC1 Nashville
Larry Stewart/What’s That Cowgirl See In Me/5 West Music
August 13
Chase Rice/Eyes On You/BBR Music Group/BMG/Broken Bow Records
William Shatner & Jeff Cook/Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Alone/Heartland Records Nashville
FLO/Sincerely, Not Really/Nine North Label Group
Katlyn Lowe/Rise Up/HK And J
Tim Williams/Magnolia City/WeWax Entertainment
The Ashley Sisters/Reckless/GKM Records
The Band Steele/Sit Awhile/Fire River Records
August 20
Runaway June/Buy My Own Drinks/Wheelhouse
Ryan Kinder/Stay/Crimson Garden Records
August 27
Tenille Arts/I Hate This/Reviver Records
Cassadee Pope/One More Red Light/Awake Music
Candy/Farm Girl/Sunny Day Records
Album Release Dates
Amanda Shires/To the Sunset/Silver Knife-Thirty Tigers
Jim Lauderdale/Time Flies/Yep Roc Records
Jim Lauderdale/Jim Lauderdale And Roland White/Yep Roc Records
Riley Clemmons/Riley Clemmons/Capitol CMG
Phil Wickham/Living Hope/Fair Trade Services
Dustin Collins/It’s Been Awhile/Average Joes Entertainment-DCDL Entertainment
Patrick Droney/Patrick Droney/Kobalt-AWAL
August 10
Rhett Walker Band/Rhett Walker Band [EP]/Essential Records-Sony Music
The War and Treaty/Healing Tide/Strong World-Thirty Tigers
Liz Cooper & The Stampede/Window Flowers/Sleepyhead Records-Thirty Tigers
William Shatner & Jeff Cook/Why Not Me/Heartland Records Nashville
Various/Elvis Presley – Where No One Stands Alone/RCA-Legacy Recordings
Amy Stroup/Helen of Memphis
Charlie Farley/Winning With The Losers/Backroad Records
August 17
Cole Swindell/All Of It/Warner Bros. Records
Buck Owens/Country Singer’s Prayer/Omnivore Recordings-Buck Owens Estate
Lydia Luce/Azalea
Mark Schultz/Follow
August 24
Lucie Silvas/E.G.O.
Aaron Watson/Aaron Watson Live at the World’s Biggest Rodeo Show/Big Label Records
Cypress Spring/American White Trash/Average Joes Entertainment
August 31
Meghan Trainor/Treat Myself/Epic Records
Various/King Of The Road: A Tribute To Roger Miller/BMG
Industry Ink: BMI, Richlynn Group, AIMP
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI Reveals New Partnership With Boca Raton Resort & Club
“We are excited to embark on this new partnership with Boca Raton Resort & Club, another fantastic Waldorf Astoria property,” says Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “This unique event will provide an opportunity for attendees to see behind the curtain of how hit songs are created, experience some great music, and relax in a beautiful setting.”
The Labor Day weekend getaway is exclusive to Boca Raton Resort & Club members and guests only. The New Sounds of Nashville is able to offer guests an unparalleled variety of opportunities to enjoy live music in a rare setting. Events include a sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, award-winning bourbon tastings, a craft beer and barbeque cookout, and the End of Summer Celebration concert.
Music Tech Maker LR Baggs Signs With Richlynn Group
Some of the artists who have been featured to date include: Tyler Childers, Kacey Musgraves, Charlie Worsham, John Oates, Sturgill Simpson, Peter Frampton, Gangstagrass, Valerie June, Siera Hull and Joshua Headley. Both series are recorded in Nashville.
AIMP Nashville Holds Publishing Panel
From left: John Barker (ClearBox Rights), Brad Peterson (Regions), Noah McPike (Dickinson Wright), John Ozier (AIMP Nashville Executive Director, ole), Tiffany Dunn (Loeb & Loeb, LLP), Jason Turner (Keller Turner Ruth Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC), Denise Nichols (The Primacy Firm, PLLC), Michael McAnally Baum (AIMP Nashville Secretary, SMACKSongs), Tim Hunze (AIMP Nashville Board Member, Parallel Music Publishing), Michael Martin (AIMP Nashville Board Member, ASCAP), and Leslie Roberts (AIMP Nashville Board Member, BMI).
AIMP Nashville recently hosted the panel “Know The Deal: The Ins and Outs of Publishing Contracts,” which was held July 31 in the Connie Bradley Board Room at ASCAP’s Nashville offices. AIMP Nashville Board Member Tim Hunze of Parallel Music Publishing moderated a panel consisting of prominent attorneys Tiffany Dunn of Loeb & Loeb, LLP; Noah McPike of Dickinson Wright; Denise Nichols of The Primacy Firm, PLLC; and Jason Turner of Keller Turner Ruth Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC. They offered their perspectives on the current state of artist/writer deals, copyright law, catalog sales, and other relevant issues.
‘Greatest Hits Live Tour’ To Feature NewSong, Point Of Grace, Rebecca St. James, Nicole C. Mullen
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Greatest Hits Live Tour is bringing together some of Christian music’s biggest icons for a seven-city tour launching in November. Presented by NewSong, the inaugural outing will also feature Point of Grace, Avalon, Nicole C. Mullen, Bob Carlisle and Rebecca St. James.
Sponsored by Holt International, Greatest Hits Live will kick off Nov. 1 in Jacksonville and will hit Dallas, Atlanta, Birmingham, Tupelo and Louisville before wrapping Nov. 11 in Bossier City, Louisiana.
“We hope ‘Greatest Hits Live’ will be a night of falling in love with these classic songs all over again,” said tour creator and NewSong founding member Eddie Carswell. “There are nearly 100 #1 hits among all six artists on the tour, and we’ll each be performing some of these singles for the first time in years. Not only is the music so personal to us, but we continue to hear stories of how God has used these songs to work in the hearts of others. It’s a powerful reminder of why we all do what we do.”
Kenny Chesney’s ‘Live In No Shoes Nation’ Certified Platinum
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“When you get caught up in the moment, you have no way of really hearing how good the fans sound, or even really understanding how much these songs mean to them,” Chesney says. “But I hear it every night, and I am continually blown away. As I was listening, I wanted No Shoes Nation to hear it, too… And I didn’t put this out worrying about how it sold, but letting the fans hear it, too. Turns out they like living the songs again every bit as much as I do.”
Chesney’s latest album, Songs For The Saints, was released last Friday (July 27), and is expected to debut at No. 2 on Nielsen Soundscan’s Top 200 albums, with estimates of more than 65K units in its first week.
Florida Georgia Line, Bebe Rexha’s “Meant To Be” Breaks Chart Record
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Bebe Rexha (C) performs with Brian Kelley (L) and Tyler Hubbard (R) of musical group Florida Georgia Line onstage during the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha now have the longest-running streak on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with their 3X Platinum-certified hit “Meant to Be,” released via Warner Bros. Records. The global entertainers premiered at the top of the chart on Dec. 16, 2017, and have controlled the chart pinnacle for an unprecedented 35 weeks straight.
“I’m so honored to be a writer and an artist on this song,” FGL’s Tyler Hubbard said. “I’m thankful to just be one of the many people who put so much energy and effort into making music history. Now, it’s time to get back in the studio and try to break the new record.”
FGL’s Brian Kelley adds, “The power of music continues to blow our minds, and we are extremely humbled and thankful that ‘Meant’ has spent the better part of a year at the top. The connection we feel with our fans through our music is extra special with this song. Bebe and her camp were a blast to work with.”
“I’m grateful to be able to create music that allows me to push limits and push myself,” Bebe Rexha said. “I’m grateful for all the love and warmth from the country community [and give] credit to country greats who influenced me: Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and so many more. Here’s to writing with your heart and breaking boundaries.”
Surpassing 1 billion total streams globally, “Meant to Be” became FGL’s first No. 1 1 Hot Country Songs debut and marked only the fourth No. 1 entrance in the chart’s history. Rexha also became the first solo female to launch in the top spot. Hubbard, Rexha, Josh Miller, and David Garcia penned the single, which has now surpassed FGL’s former record-breaking “Cruise” (24 weeks).
FGL has ruled Billboard’s Hot Country Songs for the most weeks – 91 cumulative – since it launched in 1958. The duo hit the top of the chart with six songs, including “Cruise”; “Stay”; “This Is How We Roll”; “Dirt”; “H.O.L.Y.”; “Meant to Be” (Bebe Rexha & FGL).
MCA Nashville’s Jordan Davis Celebrates Platinum, Chart-Topper Status For “Singles You Up”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Songwriter Steven Dale Jones, songwriter-artist Jordan Davis and songwriter Justin Ebach. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Music Row members gathered in Nashville yesterday (July 30) to celebrate MCA Nashville artist Jordan Davis‘ first No. 1 song, his debut “Singles You Up,” penned by Davis alongside Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach.
Songwriter Paul DiGiovanni also celebrated his first No. 1 as a producer with the track.
“Thanks Jordan for being so talented and easy to work with, and also to Steven and Justin for writing such a great song,” DiGiovanni said. “Zach Sutton, thank you so much for everything you did. I’m happy to be here.”
The party, hosted by ASCAP and held at Nashville hot spot Fat Bottom Brewery, held a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd who cheered Davis as Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan announced the track was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA. To celebrate, Davis has released a special acoustic version of “Singles You Up.”
Presentations and speeches celebrating the songwriters were made by publishers Curb/Word’s Janine Appleton Ebach and ole’s Ben Strain, and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, and Country Radio Broadcasters’ Brooke Sanders were also on hand to celebrate the group.
Davis released his debut album, Home State, in March. Davis co-wrote all 12 tracks on the album, including his current Top 40 single, “Take It From Me.”
“First off, I want to thank my family,” said Davis, who thanked every major person that has been a part of his career thus far. He also noted his uncle Stan, who has been writing songs for years. “I remember the first demo I ever heard—I didn’t know what it was at the time—but it was Uncle Stan’s songs,” Davis continued. “He was the first Davis that made the trek to Nashville and I don’t know if we would be here doing that—me and my brother as well—if you hadn’t have done that a long time ago. Dad, thank you for playing John Prine and Kris Kristofferson records. Thank you to Steven Dale and Justin for getting in the room and writing with a new artist. My goal on that day was to get in and prove to Steven Dale Jones that I can write a song. We’ve all heard the songs this guy has written. Thank you for taking a chance and writing with me.
Mr. DiGiovanni can say this is easy all he wants but I’ve realized I’m not an easy guy to make an album with. I make a lot of tweaks, re-sing a lot of stuff, I’ll be honest, I could still go in right now and redo some vocals on some of those songs, but the cool thing about Paul is he always made time for it. Thank you for doing an incredible job.”
Davis also gave thanks to Robert Filhart for his early belief in Davis’ ability. “The initial move to Nashville was very very tough, and if it hadn’t been for Robert Filhart and a place to live rent-free until I could get on my feet…there’s not a lot of people who do stuff like that. I’m very grateful to Robert for not only giving me a place to live but introducing me to people like Michael and Mike Sistad and everybody as ASCAP. And Ben Strain at ole took a chance on me which led me to a lot of other great people. I can always call you guys and the support you show me has been pretty unreal. Thank you for letting me be part of the ole family.”
He also had words of thanks for UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, as well as VP, A&R Stephanie Wright. “Stephanie has been with me from day one and has been one of my biggest champions in town. Thank you for making Home State what it is.”
Pictured (L-R): (back) Curb/Word’s Janine Appleton Ebach, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, producer Paul DiGiovanni, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Ole’s Ben Strain, Universal Music Group’s Mike Dungan, (front) Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis and Justin Ebach. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): UMG’s Chris Schuler, UMG’s Royce Risser, SVP Promotion, Jordan Davis, UMG’s Donna Hughes, MCA Nashville’s Briana Galluccio, UMG’s Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO. (Front Row): MCA Nashville’s Louie Newman, MCA Nashville’s Anna Johnson, MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, MCA Nashville’s Donna Jo Passuntino, MCA Nashville’s Katie Dean, MCA Nashville’s Michelle Tyrrell, UMG’s David Friedman. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Pictured (L-R): UMG’s Royce Risser, SVP Promotion, UMG’s Brian Wright, EVP A&R, Zach Sutton, Jordan Davis, UMG’s Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO, UMG’s Mike Harris, COO. Photo: Peyton Hoge