Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Luke Combs. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
Can 2018 MusicRow Awards Predict Country’s Future?
The 30th anniversary of MusicRow magazine’s awards was celebrated at BMI on Wednesday evening, June 27.
The Warner Music Group was a significant presence at the ceremony, as Atlantic artist Devin Dawson, Elektra/Low Country Sound producer Dave Cobb and Warner Bros. artist Chris Janson all claimed major accolades. Also in the MusicRow spotlight were such up-and-comers as artist-writer Luke Combs and songwriter Emily Shackleton.
MusicRow publisher/owner Sherod Robertson presided at the event. He noted that the awards are voted on by the periodical’s subscribers and that they often presage what happens in Nashville at its big fall awards galas.
Robertson then announced Cobb as this year’s Producer of the Year winner. The producer’s clients include Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ashley Monroe, The Oak Ridge Boys, Anderson East, Lori McKenna, John Prine, Brent Cobb, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile and the Randy Rogers Band.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Dave Cobb. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
“I really feel honored to be here on Music Row,” said Cobb. “It’s an honor to be part of this Nashville music community, which is the best music community in the world.”
Cobb won over such fellow top-notch producer nominees as Dann Huff, Scott Hendricks, busbee and Jay Joyce.
In the Breakthrough Artist/Writer category, the nominees were Jordan Davis, Jordan Walker, Morgan Wallen, Russell Dickerson and winner Devin Dawson.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Devin Dawson. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
“This is bad-ass, man!” exclaimed Dawson as he took the stage. “I’ve never won anything! Anybody who knows me, knows that I LOVE songwriting. Artistry and songwriting go hand-in-hand for me. I was a Belmont student, and I remember reading in MusicRow about all the songwriters I wanted to be. So this is kind of ‘full circle’ for me.”
Luke Combs won the Breakthrough Artist Award over fellow nominees Kane Brown, LANCO, Midland and Carly Pearce.
“I moved here not even four years ago, with a dream like everybody else,” said the new Columbia/River House hit maker. “I stood in this crowd last year, hoping I’d get a chance to come up here and get one of these things one day.”
Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
Next up was Chris Janson. He and cowriters Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas created “Drunk Girl.” It tied for Song of the Year honors with “Most People Are Good,” the Luke Bryan hit co-written by David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear.
Those two songs triumphed despite completion from such stellar compositions as “Cry Pretty,” “Life Changes” and “She Ain’t In It,” which were also nominated.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Rebekah Gordon, Emily Furman, Courtney Gregg, Ben Strain, Dale Dodson, Mike Whelan, John Ozier, Scooter Carusoe, Chris Janson, Tom Douglas, Tim Wipperman, Terry Wakefield. Photo: Moments By Moser/Bev Moser for MusicRow
“It’s pretty unbelievable,” said Janson. “This song really means a lot to me as a husband, a father and a Christian. I did this for my wife and kids, and I’m sorry for crying,” he added as he choked up. “I pray for every parent in here.”
The song’s message of respect, consensual behavior and honor is a deep one, and especially relevant in this “Me Too” era. Janson credited his cowriters for setting an example to him.
“This song was Tom’s idea; I saw the brilliance in it,” said Carusoe. “It took three days to write it, and I think it was worth it. I want to thank Warner Bros. and Chris for having the balls to put it out.”
“We’re grateful and humbled to be part of this,” added Douglas.
As for “Most People Are Good,” Frasier said, “This is an award that I have wanted for a long time. I guess I’m just a late bloomer. This [lyric] is something I’ve believed all my life. We were able to say stuff we actually believed in. And I think most people agree with us.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Kerry O’Neil, Lauren Funk, Marghie Evans, Brian White, David Frasier, Whit Jeffords, Ed Hill. Photo: Moments By Moser/Bev Moser for MusicRow
“We just did this for ourselves,” added Hill. “We weren’t thinking of other people, of artists to record it. But by the grace of God, they did it, and it stayed No. 1 for a long, long time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime song, and it just kind of fell together that day.”
Co-writer Kear was on a family vacation. Publisher Kerry O’Neil accepted on his behalf.
Robertson pointed out that there were 17 people who wrote their first top-10 country hit during this past year, which he indicated is a sure sign that the genre’s future is bright. The accomplishment qualifies them for MusicRow’s 2018 Breakthrough Songwriter Award.
Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
“This has been a 10-year journey for me in this town,” said winner Emily Shackleton, whose breakthrough hit was “Every Little Thing,” sung by cowriter Carly Pearce. “I love MusicRow, the publication. It’s how I cut my teeth learning about this industry.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is write songs. Hearing my song on the radio for the first time is something I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful it was by a female artist, especially in this climate. Thank you for allowing me to have a female point of view. Thank you so much for believing in me.”
Emily Shackelton performs. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
Shackleton capped the event by performing “Every Little Thing” at the piano. Her rendition was every bit as affecting as Pearce’s.
The MusicRow awards are often predictors of CMA success for their recipients. Previous Breakthrough Artist winners who went on to win CMA awards include Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, The Band Perry, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum and Joe Nichols.
The magazine’s Song of the Year winners often graduate to the CMA winner’s circle, as well. Examples include “Humble and Kind,” “Girl Crush,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “If I Die Young,” “The House That Built Me,” “In Color,” “Whiskey Lullaby” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
The annual MusicRow honors are also distinguished in that they are the only awards that salute the session musicians of Nashville. In fact, these are the accolades that launched the magazine’s annual awards giving 30 years ago.
Operations Director Eric T. Parker began Wednesday’s event by announcing these. They are based on a point system, according to how many top-10 albums the instrumentalists performed on.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, Mike Johnson, Derek Wells, Nir Z, Dave Cohen, Russell Terrell, Jimmie Lee Sloas, MusicRow‘s Eric T. Parker. Photo: Moments By Moser/Bev Moser for MusicRow
The 2018 winners were/are Derek Wells (guitar), Nir Z (drums), Dave Cohen (keyboards), Mike Johnson & Russ Pahl (a tie for steel guitar), Russell Terrell (background vocals), Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass), Aubrey Haynie (fiddle) and Justin Niebank (engineer). Cohen, Wells, Johnson and Nir Z were all first-time winners in their categories.
“As soon as I wanted to become a session musician, I wanted to hold one of these one day,” said Wells. “First of all, thank-you to MusicRow for even doing this. It’s one of the only awards for a session musician. I’m beyond honored.”
“This is the award that we all esteem, beyond what you know,” said Sloas. “We’re blown away by this privilege. Thank you so much.”
Robertson summed up the landmark anniversary by noting, “The very first MusicRow awards were held here at BMI in 1989. That was a pivotal year in country music. So here we are today to celebrate a new ‘class.’ Regardless of what happens to the buildings, Music Row will never go away.”
Editor note: Pick up a copy of the 2018 MusicRow Awards print issue at MusicRow.com to read more about the winners, and read exclusive editorial about the popular podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones. Musician royalty streams are discussed by AFM’s Dave Pomeroy and affiliate member Jonathan Yudkin. Red Light Management’s Shawn McSpadden discusses international success of country clients, while Warner Music Nashville’s Shane Tarleton is profiled in his new role as Sr. VP Artist Development. Privacy policies are discussed by Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley’s David Crow while contingency insurance is examined by Anderson Benson/Miller Insurance Services.
In Pictures: 2018 MusicRow Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonMusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
The 30th annual MusicRow Awards were celebrated Wednesday (June 27) at BMI’s Nashville office.
This year’s winners included producer Dave Cobb, Luke Combs (Breakthrough Artist of the Year), Devin Dawson (Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year), Emily Shackelton (Breakthrough Writer of the Year), and the artists and writers behind the hits “Most People Are Good” (recorded by Luke Bryan) and “Drunk Girl” (recorded by Chris Janson).
“Drunk Girl” was written by Janson, Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas. “Most People Are Good” was penned by Josh Kear, Ed Hill, and David Frasier.
The event also honored the 2018 All-Star Musicians, including winners Nir Z (drums), Derek Wells (guitar), Dave Cohen (keys), Mike Johnson and Russ Pahl (tie in the steel category), Russell Terrell (vocals), Aubrey Haynie (fiddle), Justin Niebank (engineer), and Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass).
For a full recap, read Robert K. Oermann’s writeup.
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow Magazine
Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow Magazine
Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow Magazine
Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow Magazine
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 6-27-18 © Moments By Moser Photography
Industry Salutes Nominees And Winners At 30th Annual MusicRow Awards
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Luke Combs. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
Can 2018 MusicRow Awards Predict Country’s Future?
The 30th anniversary of MusicRow magazine’s awards was celebrated at BMI on Wednesday evening, June 27.
The Warner Music Group was a significant presence at the ceremony, as Atlantic artist Devin Dawson, Elektra/Low Country Sound producer Dave Cobb and Warner Bros. artist Chris Janson all claimed major accolades. Also in the MusicRow spotlight were such up-and-comers as artist-writer Luke Combs and songwriter Emily Shackleton.
MusicRow publisher/owner Sherod Robertson presided at the event. He noted that the awards are voted on by the periodical’s subscribers and that they often presage what happens in Nashville at its big fall awards galas.
Robertson then announced Cobb as this year’s Producer of the Year winner. The producer’s clients include Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ashley Monroe, The Oak Ridge Boys, Anderson East, Lori McKenna, John Prine, Brent Cobb, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile and the Randy Rogers Band.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Dave Cobb. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
“I really feel honored to be here on Music Row,” said Cobb. “It’s an honor to be part of this Nashville music community, which is the best music community in the world.”
Cobb won over such fellow top-notch producer nominees as Dann Huff, Scott Hendricks, busbee and Jay Joyce.
In the Breakthrough Artist/Writer category, the nominees were Jordan Davis, Jordan Walker, Morgan Wallen, Russell Dickerson and winner Devin Dawson.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Devin Dawson. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
“This is bad-ass, man!” exclaimed Dawson as he took the stage. “I’ve never won anything! Anybody who knows me, knows that I LOVE songwriting. Artistry and songwriting go hand-in-hand for me. I was a Belmont student, and I remember reading in MusicRow about all the songwriters I wanted to be. So this is kind of ‘full circle’ for me.”
Luke Combs won the Breakthrough Artist Award over fellow nominees Kane Brown, LANCO, Midland and Carly Pearce.
“I moved here not even four years ago, with a dream like everybody else,” said the new Columbia/River House hit maker. “I stood in this crowd last year, hoping I’d get a chance to come up here and get one of these things one day.”
Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
Next up was Chris Janson. He and cowriters Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas created “Drunk Girl.” It tied for Song of the Year honors with “Most People Are Good,” the Luke Bryan hit co-written by David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear.
Those two songs triumphed despite completion from such stellar compositions as “Cry Pretty,” “Life Changes” and “She Ain’t In It,” which were also nominated.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Rebekah Gordon, Emily Furman, Courtney Gregg, Ben Strain, Dale Dodson, Mike Whelan, John Ozier, Scooter Carusoe, Chris Janson, Tom Douglas, Tim Wipperman, Terry Wakefield. Photo: Moments By Moser/Bev Moser for MusicRow
“It’s pretty unbelievable,” said Janson. “This song really means a lot to me as a husband, a father and a Christian. I did this for my wife and kids, and I’m sorry for crying,” he added as he choked up. “I pray for every parent in here.”
The song’s message of respect, consensual behavior and honor is a deep one, and especially relevant in this “Me Too” era. Janson credited his cowriters for setting an example to him.
“This song was Tom’s idea; I saw the brilliance in it,” said Carusoe. “It took three days to write it, and I think it was worth it. I want to thank Warner Bros. and Chris for having the balls to put it out.”
“We’re grateful and humbled to be part of this,” added Douglas.
As for “Most People Are Good,” Frasier said, “This is an award that I have wanted for a long time. I guess I’m just a late bloomer. This [lyric] is something I’ve believed all my life. We were able to say stuff we actually believed in. And I think most people agree with us.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Kerry O’Neil, Lauren Funk, Marghie Evans, Brian White, David Frasier, Whit Jeffords, Ed Hill. Photo: Moments By Moser/Bev Moser for MusicRow
“We just did this for ourselves,” added Hill. “We weren’t thinking of other people, of artists to record it. But by the grace of God, they did it, and it stayed No. 1 for a long, long time. This is a once-in-a-lifetime song, and it just kind of fell together that day.”
Co-writer Kear was on a family vacation. Publisher Kerry O’Neil accepted on his behalf.
Robertson pointed out that there were 17 people who wrote their first top-10 country hit during this past year, which he indicated is a sure sign that the genre’s future is bright. The accomplishment qualifies them for MusicRow’s 2018 Breakthrough Songwriter Award.
Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
“This has been a 10-year journey for me in this town,” said winner Emily Shackleton, whose breakthrough hit was “Every Little Thing,” sung by cowriter Carly Pearce. “I love MusicRow, the publication. It’s how I cut my teeth learning about this industry.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is write songs. Hearing my song on the radio for the first time is something I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful it was by a female artist, especially in this climate. Thank you for allowing me to have a female point of view. Thank you so much for believing in me.”
Emily Shackelton performs. Photo: © Moments By Moser Photography
Shackleton capped the event by performing “Every Little Thing” at the piano. Her rendition was every bit as affecting as Pearce’s.
The MusicRow awards are often predictors of CMA success for their recipients. Previous Breakthrough Artist winners who went on to win CMA awards include Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, The Band Perry, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum and Joe Nichols.
The magazine’s Song of the Year winners often graduate to the CMA winner’s circle, as well. Examples include “Humble and Kind,” “Girl Crush,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “If I Die Young,” “The House That Built Me,” “In Color,” “Whiskey Lullaby” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
The annual MusicRow honors are also distinguished in that they are the only awards that salute the session musicians of Nashville. In fact, these are the accolades that launched the magazine’s annual awards giving 30 years ago.
Operations Director Eric T. Parker began Wednesday’s event by announcing these. They are based on a point system, according to how many top-10 albums the instrumentalists performed on.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, Mike Johnson, Derek Wells, Nir Z, Dave Cohen, Russell Terrell, Jimmie Lee Sloas, MusicRow‘s Eric T. Parker. Photo: Moments By Moser/Bev Moser for MusicRow
The 2018 winners were/are Derek Wells (guitar), Nir Z (drums), Dave Cohen (keyboards), Mike Johnson & Russ Pahl (a tie for steel guitar), Russell Terrell (background vocals), Jimmie Lee Sloas (bass), Aubrey Haynie (fiddle) and Justin Niebank (engineer). Cohen, Wells, Johnson and Nir Z were all first-time winners in their categories.
“As soon as I wanted to become a session musician, I wanted to hold one of these one day,” said Wells. “First of all, thank-you to MusicRow for even doing this. It’s one of the only awards for a session musician. I’m beyond honored.”
“This is the award that we all esteem, beyond what you know,” said Sloas. “We’re blown away by this privilege. Thank you so much.”
Robertson summed up the landmark anniversary by noting, “The very first MusicRow awards were held here at BMI in 1989. That was a pivotal year in country music. So here we are today to celebrate a new ‘class.’ Regardless of what happens to the buildings, Music Row will never go away.”
Editor note: Pick up a copy of the 2018 MusicRow Awards print issue at MusicRow.com to read more about the winners, and read exclusive editorial about the popular podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones. Musician royalty streams are discussed by AFM’s Dave Pomeroy and affiliate member Jonathan Yudkin. Red Light Management’s Shawn McSpadden discusses international success of country clients, while Warner Music Nashville’s Shane Tarleton is profiled in his new role as Sr. VP Artist Development. Privacy policies are discussed by Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley’s David Crow while contingency insurance is examined by Anderson Benson/Miller Insurance Services.
The Music Modernization Act Passes Senate Judiciary Committee With Unanimous Vote
/by Jessica NicholsonOn Thursday (June 28), the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to approve the Music Modernization Act, comprehensive legislation, including the CLASSICS Act, that updates music licensing laws for the modern streaming era.
The bill was amended to include increased oversight and ensure greater transparency in the operation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Additionally, amendments were accepted to promote communication between the Department of Justice and Congress regarding any future changes to the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees, as well as to educate copyright owners and songwriters as to the unclaimed royalties process that will be carried out by the new collective.
The Senate vote follows the unanimous approval by the House of Representatives of similar legislation, and paves the way for the legislation to be considered by the full Senate for passage. If passed by the full Senate, the House of Representatives will need to accept the Senate version before sending to the President for signature.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite praised the vote saying, “Today’s vote is a huge step towards the Music Modernization Act becoming law. We are pleased that the MMA as approved by the Committee builds upon the fundamental compromise between music creators and digital services that will greatly benefit songwriters. With the many important stakeholders involved, it is no small feat for the MMA to have made it this far, and once the MMA is signed into law, songwriters will see more of the money they deserve from streaming services who currently operate off of laws from 1909 and consent decrees from 1941. We thank Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein, Senator Hatch, Senator Whitehouse, Senator Alexander, and all of the Senators who have supported MMA for their leadership in helping those behind the music and their steadfast commitment to updating laws that are egregiously behind the times. We look forward to seeing the full Senate pass the MMA.”
“We are grateful that the Senate Judiciary Committee has taken the next vital step to advance the Music Modernization Act,” said the RIAA’s President Mitch Glazier. “Music speaks to all parties, all people, in all places. And when a community comes together as we have done, with no segment getting everything they want but recognizing injustice and working toward a common goal, anything is possible. We welcome the momentum surrounding this bill and thank Senators Grassley, Feinstein, Hatch, Coons, Kennedy and all of the cosponsors, for leading the charge in the Senate to right a long-standing wrong with the CLASSICS Act. We look forward to Senate passage of the entire MMA, and this crucial bill finally becoming law.”
Matt Jenkins Extends Deal With Warner/Chappell, Tape Room Music, Combustion Music
/by Lorie HollabaughFront: Kenley Flynn (Combustion), Matt Jenkins, Ashley Gorley (Tape Room Music). Back: Chris Farren (Combustion), Phil May (WC), Ben Vaughn (WC), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion), Blain Rhodes (Tape Room), Cam Caldwell (Attorney), Travis Carter (WC) Photo: Jessica Steddom
Matt Jenkins has extended his publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music, Tape Room Music, and Combustion Music. Jenkins’ has penned five No. 1 singles, including the recent multi-week Billboard chart-topper “Do I Make You Wanna” by Billy Currington.
Having recently worked with artists like Michael Ray, Walker Hayes, Blake Shelton, and Little Big Town, some of Jenkins’ hits include Old Dominion’s “Song For Another Time,” Kenny Chesney’s “Setting The World On Fire” featuring P!nk, Keith Urban’s “Cop Car,” Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” and Florida Georgia Line’s “Confession.” His song “Fade Into You” was also featured in the TV show Nashville.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival Announces Fourth Annual Contest For Local Musicians
/by Jessica NicholsonPilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has announced the fourth annual PlayAtPilgrimage Contest, open to Franklin, Tennessee and Nashville musicians for the chance to be on the same bill as Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Lionel Richie, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Brandi Carlile, Hozier and more. The grand prize winner will perform at the 2018 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and receive a $5,000 cash prize by Jesse W Couch Foundation and the Pilgrimage Foundation to continue to foster the winner’s career.
Pilgrimage will also select 25 runner ups who will win the opportunity to perform at Pilgrimage’s Music on Main & Beyond event on Friday, Sept. 21 to kick off the festival weekend! The Music on Main & Beyond is in partnership with Downtown Franklin Association and Visit Franklin.
“The #PlayAtPilgrimage contest has been a great way to tap into local talent in both Franklin and Nashville,” says co-producer and partner Kevin Griffin. “This year will be even better as we are choosing 25 runner ups for the first time to be part of a kick off event the Friday night before Pilgrimage. Not only will festival goers get to experience downtown Franklin, but they will be able to experience countless local talent.”
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will be held Sept. 22-23 to The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin, Tennessee, for two days of music, art and culture.
BMI Presents Eastside Sounds With Emma Hern, The Stoop Kids
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Stoop Kids stop for a photo with BMI’s Nina Carter following their Eastside Sounds performance.
BMI presented another installation of the Eastside Sounds series on Monday (June 25) with Emma Hern and The Stoop Kids. Emma Hern opened up the evening with powerhouse vocals, followed by an infectious and energetic set from the Stoop Kids. The series will resume in August with a special pop edition featuring Jake Wesley Rogers and Britty.
Emma Hern and her band pose backstage at the Basement East with BMI’s Nina Carter.
The Peach Pickers Celebrate Fifth Annual Georgia On My Mind Concert
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Peach Pickers (Ben Hayslip, Dallas Davidson, and Rhett Akins) on the Peach Carpet before the start of “Georgia On My Mind” Tuesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Georgia music was on full display Tuesday night (June 26) during the “Gretsch Presents the Fifth Annual Georgia On My Mind” benefit concert hosted by the Peach Pickers – Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip– and emceed by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
The popular Peach Carpet kicked off the evening with a who’s who of Georgia-born talent and executives including the honorable Governor of Georgia Nathan Deal and Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal. Performers included Pat Alger, Tony Arata, John Berry, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Travis Denning, Randy Houser, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, Trea Landon, Dustin Lynch and Michael Ray.
Chris Janson
One of the many highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Georgia Music Foundation Flamekeeper Award to Alger and Arata. In a second presentation, Governor Deal, who won the Flamekeeper Award in 2017, presented the a special posthumous Flamekeeper Award to the late country artist and Georgia native Daryle Singletary, who was 46 when he passed away Feb. 12 at his home in Lebanon, Tennessee. His wife, Holly Singletary and their twin, seven-year-old sons Mercer and Jonah accepted on his behalf. The award is presented to a Georgian who tirelessly preserves and promotes Georgia’s musical roots and traditions.
Title sponsors for the evening, Fred and Dinah Gretsch presented a check for $50,000 to the Georgia Music Foundation, to advance grants to cultural and music education programs in the state. The Foundation, which was established in 1994, has distributed more than $300,000 in funding to deserving music education, preservation, and outreach programs in the past four years from “Georgia On My Mind” proceeds.
Pat Alger, Tony Arata
Charles Kelley and Dallas Davidson
Final ‘Nashville’ Soundtrack To Release In July
/by Jessica NicholsonThe final soundtrack for the television show Nashville will be released worldwide on July 27. The Music Of Nashville, Season 6, Vol. 2 (Big Machine Records, Lionsgate Television Inc., ABC Studios) features 16 new tracks and reflects the personal and artistic growth of each beloved character viewers have embraced throughout the riveting series. Several cast members contributed their voices to both the recording and songwriting credits.
Nashville‘s finale airs July 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CMT.
Since Nashville debuted in 2012, Big Machine Records has released 12 soundtracks for the series. More than one million albums and six million single track downloads have been sold with nearly 400 million streams to date.
The Music of Nashville, Season 6, Vol. 2 Track List
1. “When You Came Along” | Clare Bowen, Jake Etheridge
Written by Clare Bowen, Jake Etheridge, Brandon Young
2. “The Giver” | Jonathan Jackson
Written by Jill Andrews, K.S. Rhoads
3. “Let Love In” | Rhiannon Giddens
Written by Rhiannon Giddens, Dirk Powell
4. “Sorry Now” | Rainee Blake
Written by Jill Andrews, Trent Dabbs
5. “Go” | Rainee Blake, Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio
Written by Tim Lauer, Micah Wilshire, Ricky Young
6. “Without Warning” | Maisy Stella
Written by Kevin Griffin, Lennon Stella, Marylynne Stella
7. “Love Goes On” | Ilse DeLange
Written by Ilse DeLange
8. “I’ll Waltz You Home” | Ronny Cox
Written by Ronny Cox, Howard Russell Smith
9. “Going Electric” | Sam Palladio
Written by Jabe Beyer, Trent Dabbs, Sam Palladio
10. “Bring Me An Angel” | Jake Etheridge
Written by Jake Etheridge
11. “Little Fire” | Lennon Stella
Written by Sarah Buxton, Lennon Stella, Kate York
12. “Itty Bitty Ditty” | Charles Esten
Written by Charles Esten
13. “My Turn” | Chris Carmack
Written by Chris Gelbuda, Maren Morris
14. “Love Can Hold It All” | Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella
Written by Peter Groenwald, Tim Lauer, Lauren Strahm
15. “Free” | Hayden Panettiere
Written by Jill Andrews, K.S. Rhoads
16. “A Life That’s Good” | Nashville Cast
Written by Ashley Monroe, Sarah Siskind
Roland Opens Artist Relations Center In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonThe center offers support, A/V services for social media content creation, and more as part of an enhanced artist relations strategy.
Julian Raymond, Senior Vice President of A&R and Staff Producer at Big Machine/John Varvatos Records, was instrumental in working out the details for the facility.
“I am honored to be associated with Roland and their state-of-the-art products and technology,” Raymond says. “Having the new A/R center here in Nashville will really connect our great musical culture with the iconic Roland brand.”
The Nashville facility joins other recently-opened Artist Relations Centers in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto, Canada; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
Raelynn, Friends Kick Off First NSAI ‘Artists & The Songwriters They Love’ Event
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jimmy Robbins, Emily Weisband, RaeLynn, Corey Crowder
RaeLynn helped kick off The Nashville Songwriters Association International three-part City Winery Series “Artists & The Songwriters They Love” June 19, along with fellow writers Corey Crowder, Emily Weisband, and Jimmy Robbins.
During the intimate, in-the-round experience, the audience was treated to performances of hits and the stories behind them like “Love Triangle” (RaeLynn, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy Robbins), “I Could Use A Love Song” (Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz), “Think of You” (Chris Young, Corey Crowder, Josh Hoge), and more.
The second installment of NSAI’s “Artists & The Songwriters They Love” series presented by Ford will take place on July 18 at the Nashville City Winery, and will feature Hunter Hayes with hitmakers Ben Caver and Sara Haze.