Tony Brown addresses industry guests attending his book release celebration at BMI for Elvis, Strait, to Jesus. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 595
A picture is worth a thousand words.
At least that’s what uber producer Tony Brown believes. “I was going to write an autobiography, but I didn’t think I could stay with a book that long,” Tony said on Tuesday afternoon (June 12). “So I thought I would tell my story in pictures. If you ever wonder what my life was like, you’ll find it in this book, Elvis, Strait, to Jesus.”
Robert Oermann and American singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris. Photo: MusicRow
The coffee-table tome is visually stunning, containing hundreds of photos from Tony’s stellar career as a gospel pianist, rock sideman, country band member, record producer, label executive and bon vivant. Forty of Tony’s celebrity friends posed for formal portraits in his elaborately carved French Renaissance chair. The various images and Tony’s text have been presented and laid out by the “chair” portrait photographer, Rick Caballo.
At a reception co-sponsored by BMI and MusicRow, Rick and Tony were presented with framed souvenirs saluting the book’s Gold honor as an International Design Award recipient. “This award is as much Tony’s as it is mine,” said designer Rick. “He was the juice. I just squeezed it. Tony’s brilliance is that he lets other people shine in the moment.”
“I’ve been so privileged to work with so many great people,” said Tony. The Hachette Book Group presented him with a leather-bound custom edition of his book. “It looks like a Bible!” exclaimed Tony.
Tony Brown signs copy of his book, Elvis, Strait, to Jesus. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
BMI’s Jody Williams welcomed the crowd, saying, “Tony’s career is a trip through American music history. He was always trying to expand the boundaries of country music. That made our city more attractive to artists of all musical genres.” Which in turn set the stage for Nashville’s emergence as “the IT city.” Jody introduced a video that contained Tony testimonials from Steve Earle, Trisha Yearwood, Rosanne Cash, Lyle Lovett and Reba McEntire. A special video greeting came from Priscilla Presley.
MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and Tony Brown. Photo: MusicRow
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson took the stage to say, “I’m thrilled to be able to participate in this. At MusicRow, we’ve witnessed Tony Brown’s contributions over the years. Our industry is built on relationships, and this book documents those moments that are the building blocks of Music Row.
“People ask me, ‘How do I break into Music Row?’ You don’t ‘break in,’ you build in, and that’s what Tony did. Tony’s influence has created ripples that extend much deeper than we can calculate. I’m one of the many people in this industry who have been impacted by the ripples you created. No one has ever shaped country music as much as Tony Brown did. Our industry is changing. Buildings on Music Row may be torn down. But one thing that will never be torn down is the influence and legacy of Tony Brown.”
Among those applauding the book’s publication were David Briggs, John Briggs, John & Beth Stein, Emmylou Harris, Scott Borchetta, Bill Carter, Melissa Core Caballo, Tim DuBois, Becky Hobbs, Amy Garges, Chuck Ainlay, Jessie Noble and Paul Kennerley, many of whom are pictured in the volume.
Tony Brown and CEO of Big Machine Records Scott Borchetta. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
Juanita Copeland was in the crowd of well-wishers. She’s still managing the Sound Emporium studio, despite its ownership changes. It is now a Lipscomb University property, but she maintains its ties to the past by displaying artifacts recalling Cowboy Jack Clement and Garth Fundis. Sounds like a must-see.
Also lining up for Tony Brown book autographs were Doug Johnson, Dale Dodson, Mark Moffatt, Pat Higdon, Barb Hall, Jim Zumwalt, David Preston, Lois Riggins Ezell, Sarah Brosmer, Jeff Balding and more.
Quoth the Man of the Hour, “Everybody says, ‘What’s so great about being in the music business?’ Everything!”
Tony Brown and American singer-songwriter Becky Hobbs. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
Pictured (L-R): Rick Caballo, Tony Brown, Melissa Core-Caballo. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
Tony Brown (seated) with Pam Russell (standing) and guests. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
Chris Lane Set For ‘Laps Around The Sun’ This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughProduced by Joey Moi, the collection of soulful arrangements includes tracks penned by Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, David Garcia, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Hurd, and more and a collaboration with Danielle Bradbery, “Without You.”
The new album is available for pre-order today, with fans immediately receiving the country-to-the-core track “Fishin’” in addition to the album’s “All The Right Problems” and “Old Flame” upon purchase. “Fishin'” was written by Matt Dragstrem, Brian Kelley, and Josh Thompson.
Track list for Chris Lane’s Laps Around The Sun:
1. “Take Back Home Girl” feat. Tori Kelly – (David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller)
2. “Fishin’” – (Matt Dragstrem, Brian Kelley, Josh Thompson)
3. “Drunk People” – (Zach Abend, Michael Hardy, James McNair)
4. “I Don’t Know About You” – (Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers)
5. “Laps Around The Sun” – (Bobby Huff, Chris Lane, Ernest Keith Smith)
6. “Bad Girl” – (Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
7. “New Phone, Who’s This” – (Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Marv Green)
8. “All The Right Problems” – (Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
9. “Life Goes On” – (Nate Cyphert, Josh Miller, Ben West)
10. “Sun Kiss You” – (busbee, Ryan Hurd, Jon Nite)
11. “Number One” – (Bobby Huff, Ernest Keith Smith, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
12. “Old Flame” – (Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
13. “Without You” feat. Danielle Bradbery – (Ben Burgess, Ross Copperman, Emily Weisband)
14. “Hero” – (Josh Miller)
Mayor Briley Proclaims June 21 Make Music Day In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughThis year’s Make Music Nashville schedule features over 130 artists performing in 35 venues across Middle Tennessee. The organization will also donate more than 1,200 instruments and more than 1,500 music lessons to festival patrons, all free and open to the public.
Play-along highlights this year include:
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Industry Salutes Tony Brown’s ‘Elvis, Strait, to Jesus’
/by Bobby KarlTony Brown addresses industry guests attending his book release celebration at BMI for Elvis, Strait, to Jesus. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 595
A picture is worth a thousand words.
At least that’s what uber producer Tony Brown believes. “I was going to write an autobiography, but I didn’t think I could stay with a book that long,” Tony said on Tuesday afternoon (June 12). “So I thought I would tell my story in pictures. If you ever wonder what my life was like, you’ll find it in this book, Elvis, Strait, to Jesus.”
Robert Oermann and American singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris. Photo: MusicRow
The coffee-table tome is visually stunning, containing hundreds of photos from Tony’s stellar career as a gospel pianist, rock sideman, country band member, record producer, label executive and bon vivant. Forty of Tony’s celebrity friends posed for formal portraits in his elaborately carved French Renaissance chair. The various images and Tony’s text have been presented and laid out by the “chair” portrait photographer, Rick Caballo.
At a reception co-sponsored by BMI and MusicRow, Rick and Tony were presented with framed souvenirs saluting the book’s Gold honor as an International Design Award recipient. “This award is as much Tony’s as it is mine,” said designer Rick. “He was the juice. I just squeezed it. Tony’s brilliance is that he lets other people shine in the moment.”
“I’ve been so privileged to work with so many great people,” said Tony. The Hachette Book Group presented him with a leather-bound custom edition of his book. “It looks like a Bible!” exclaimed Tony.
Tony Brown signs copy of his book, Elvis, Strait, to Jesus. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
BMI’s Jody Williams welcomed the crowd, saying, “Tony’s career is a trip through American music history. He was always trying to expand the boundaries of country music. That made our city more attractive to artists of all musical genres.” Which in turn set the stage for Nashville’s emergence as “the IT city.” Jody introduced a video that contained Tony testimonials from Steve Earle, Trisha Yearwood, Rosanne Cash, Lyle Lovett and Reba McEntire. A special video greeting came from Priscilla Presley.
MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and Tony Brown. Photo: MusicRow
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson took the stage to say, “I’m thrilled to be able to participate in this. At MusicRow, we’ve witnessed Tony Brown’s contributions over the years. Our industry is built on relationships, and this book documents those moments that are the building blocks of Music Row.
“People ask me, ‘How do I break into Music Row?’ You don’t ‘break in,’ you build in, and that’s what Tony did. Tony’s influence has created ripples that extend much deeper than we can calculate. I’m one of the many people in this industry who have been impacted by the ripples you created. No one has ever shaped country music as much as Tony Brown did. Our industry is changing. Buildings on Music Row may be torn down. But one thing that will never be torn down is the influence and legacy of Tony Brown.”
Among those applauding the book’s publication were David Briggs, John Briggs, John & Beth Stein, Emmylou Harris, Scott Borchetta, Bill Carter, Melissa Core Caballo, Tim DuBois, Becky Hobbs, Amy Garges, Chuck Ainlay, Jessie Noble and Paul Kennerley, many of whom are pictured in the volume.
Tony Brown and CEO of Big Machine Records Scott Borchetta. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
Juanita Copeland was in the crowd of well-wishers. She’s still managing the Sound Emporium studio, despite its ownership changes. It is now a Lipscomb University property, but she maintains its ties to the past by displaying artifacts recalling Cowboy Jack Clement and Garth Fundis. Sounds like a must-see.
Also lining up for Tony Brown book autographs were Doug Johnson, Dale Dodson, Mark Moffatt, Pat Higdon, Barb Hall, Jim Zumwalt, David Preston, Lois Riggins Ezell, Sarah Brosmer, Jeff Balding and more.
Quoth the Man of the Hour, “Everybody says, ‘What’s so great about being in the music business?’ Everything!”
Tony Brown and American singer-songwriter Becky Hobbs. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
Pictured (L-R): Rick Caballo, Tony Brown, Melissa Core-Caballo. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
Tony Brown (seated) with Pam Russell (standing) and guests. Photo: Tommy Mattox, Dead Horse Branding
L3 Entertainment Names Jenn Tressler VP Digital Marketing/Strategy
/by Lorie HollabaughTressler comes to L3 from Vevo, where she served as Senior Manager, Music and Talent. She will relocate to Nashville from New York City and oversee marketing efforts for the artist management company.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Jenn join our team,” says L3 President Peter Hartung. “With her expertise and solid Nashville relationships within our industry, Jenn will be a huge asset in helping us grow our business and elevating the artists on our roster.”
Tressler can be reached beginning July 9 at Jenn@L3entertainment.biz.
L3 Entertainment is home to country artists Justin Moore, Tyler Rich and Scott Stevens.
Shane McAnally Named To Spotify’s Secret Genius Ambassador List
/by Jessica NicholsonProducer and songwriter Shane McAnally is among the industry members included in Spotify’s inaugural class of inspirational Secret Genius Ambassadors.
McAnally, a producer for Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Midland and Thomas Rhett, among others, was included alongside Ali Tamposi (Selena Gomez/Camila Cabello), Ben Billion (Beyonce, The Weeknd), Benny Blanco (Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber), Frank Dukes (Cardi B), Ina Wroldsen (Calvin Harris), Jamie Scott (Niall Horan), Murda Beatz (Drake), Sky A. Ramirez (Karol G), and Tayla Parx (Demi Lovato).
To honor the new class of Secret Genius Ambassadors, Spotify hosted a dinner at the home of Troy Carter, Global Head of Creator Services. There, some of the most influential names in music gathered to toast a group of visionaries including legends and rising stars such as Quincy Jones, Halsey, and Bebe Rexha. “Hard work pays off,” noted songwriter Ben Billion at the dinner. “Thank you Spotify Secret Genius for acknowledging the craft behind the scenes.”
“Last year our vision of creating a community of songwriters became a reality and we aim to inspire the next generation by announcing a new class of ambassadors as we continue our commitment to music creators,” explained Tiffany Kumar, Spotify’s Global Head of Songwriter Relations. “With Secret Genius, Spotify is able to reveal, celebrate and bring these talents together to foster more creativity.”
Last year, Spotify founded Secret Genius to shine a light on songwriters. Secret Genius revealed all the songs written or produced by the same creator on a playlist, told the stories behind hits on the Secret Genius podcast, and hosted global songwriting camps throughout the year called “Songshops.” Additionally, the coinciding launch of Secret Genius Studios offered up-and-coming songwriters access to the latest studio equipment, as well as opportunities to connect with each other and collaborate on future hits.
Now coming up on its second year and second cohort, Spotify will once again feature these songwriters in the podcast and Songshops, and honor them at the second annual Secret Genius Awards later in the year.
In Pictures: Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inducts Alan Jackson, Steve Dorff, Bill Anderson
/by Haley CrowNEW YORK, NY – JUNE 14: Keith Stegall and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Alan Jackson pose backstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
The 2018 Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner welcomed songwriters and artists Bill Anderson, Steve Dorff, and Alan Jackson into the songwriting profession’s most elite group last night (June 14), alongside fellow new inductees Jermaine Dupri, Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor p/k/a “Kool & The Gang,” John Mellencamp and Allee Willis.
Honored with special awards were Neil Diamond with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, Sara Bareilles with the Hal David Starlight Award and Sir Lucian Grainge with the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award.
Of course, an evening honoring music’s top songwriters is bound to be filled with reams of musical excellence.
Presenter Keith Stegall introduced inductee Alan Jackson, who he called “one of the best we’ve ever had,” after performing “Don’t Rock The Jukebox.” Prior to his memorable performance of “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning),” Jackson said, “it’s such an honor to be included.”
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 14: Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Anderson poses with an award backstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Steve Wariner offered a rendition of “The Tips Of My Fingers” before inducting Bill Anderson who delivered an heartfelt and comical speech prior to performing “Still.”
Fantasia performed a rendition of “I Just Fall In Love” before actor Stephen Dorff inducted his father, Steve Dorff into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. After a heartfelt speech reflecting on his career and fatherhood, Dorff sat at the piano for a performance of “Through The Years.”
The evening kicked off with Brandon Victor Dixon delivering an energetic medley of “Neutron Dance” and “September” to thunderous applause before inducting Allee Willis.
John Mellencamp performed acoustic renditions of “Longest Days” and “Jack and Diane” that ended with an audience sing-a-long and standing ovation after being inducted by Nora Guthrie.
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 14: Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Steve Dorff attends the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Ariana Grande surprised the audience with a performance of “No Tears Left To Cry” before The Weeknd honored Sir Lucian Grainge with the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award.
The evening continued as Usher, Mariah Carey and Chad Elliott took to the stage to induct their friend, Jermaine Dupri. “It’s a win for any kid who believes he can do it…even when people tell you no,” said Dupri, who delivered a medley of his songs “Live and Die for Hip Hop” and “Jump” that got the audience dancing.
Past recipient, Jason Mraz took to the stage to honor friend Sara Bareilles with the Hal David Starlight Award, which is presented to young songwriters who are making significant impact in the music industry with their original songs. Mraz said, “Her soul is a songwriter” and “every song she sings is an event.” After receiving her award, Bareilles performed “She Used To Be Mine.”
Keith Stegall performs onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Leon Bridges performed “Get Down On It” before inducting Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor p/k/a “Kool & The Gang,” saying “through music [they have] made a celebration that has lasted 50 years.” Kool & The Gang performed their classic, “Celebration,” together for the first time in 25 years, which brought the audience to its feet, dancing and singing along.
The celebratory evening concluded when SHOF co-chairmen, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff invited Bob Gaudio on stage to award Neil Diamond with the highest honor bestowed by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Johnny Mercer Award. Gaudio said when it comes to producing Diamond, “you just have to capture the magic.” Diamond went on to perform “Sweet Caroline” bringing the evening to a close.
Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Alan Jackson performs onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Steve Wariner performs onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner pose backstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Flatt Lonesome Joins Rounder Records Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughSince the band’s 2013 debut, Flatt Lonesome — Kelsi Robertson Harrigill (mandolin/vocals), Buddy Robertson (guitar/vocals), Charli Robertson (fiddle/vocals), Paul Harrigill (banjo), Dominic Illingworth (bass), and Michael Stockton (dobro) — has amassed an impressive array of honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association, Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America, and the Dove Awards.
“All of us at Rounder are thrilled to be working with Flatt Lonesome, one of the most charismatic and creative young groups around,” said Rounder co-founder Ken Irwin. “They have made an original mark in bluegrass today, are rising stars of their generation, and bring their own vision to the bluegrass world and beyond.”
“To say that we are excited about this partnership would be an understatement,” said the group. “Since day one we’ve had a list of goals we wanted to achieve and ‘signing with Rounder’ was at the very top of that list. Becoming label mates with some of our heroes is a dream come true and we’re honored to say the least. We are all looking forward to the next chapter with Rounder!”
Flatt Lonesome’s captivating live show has made them a favorite on the festival circuit and at the Grand Ole Opry, where they’ve performed more than two dozen times since their Opry debut in 2015. The band plans to go into the studio later this year to record a new album for release in 2019.
Gareth Dunlop Inks Joint Venture Deal With Round Hill Music, Moraine Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Dianna Maher, President, Moraine Music Group; Matthew Beckett, Business & Legal Affairs, Round Hill Music; Gareth Dunlop; Mark Brown, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Round Hill Music; Steve Nalbert, Senior Director, Sync Licensing & Creative, Round Hill Music
Irish singer-songwriter Gareth Dunlop has signed a joint venture deal with Round Hill Music and Moraine Music Group.
Dunlop’s songs have been used in TV shows, commercials, and films including Suits, Lucifer, Bones, Subaru, Disney, and Nashville. He’s also had cuts by a diverse set of artists ranging from rapper T.I. to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He is currently touring across Europe, Ireland, and the UK in support of his new EP, Many Moons Ago, which comes out today (6/15).
“We are thrilled to sign Gareth to Round Hill Music for this exciting phase of his career as an artist and songwriter,” says Dianna Maher, President of Moraine Music Group.
When he’s not opening for artists like Van Morrison, The Stereophonics, or Snow Patrol, Dunlop splits his time between Nashville and his hometown of Belfast. He will also make his acting debut in the film No Postage Necessary, which also features his music. The film is the first ever to be distributed via Blockchain and will be released in theaters on July 6.
“Gareth is a unique talent whose fresh and genuine approach to songwriting is beyond compare,” says Steve Nalbert, Senior Director of Sync Licensing & Creative at Round Hill Music. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Gareth into the Round Hill Music family.”
Weekly Chart Report (6/15/18)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Big Machine Promotes Justin Ford
/by Jessica NicholsonJustin Ford
Big Machine Label Group has promoted Justin Ford to Art Director, reporting to Sandi Spika Borchetta, Sr. VP, Creative.
Borchetta said, “Justin is a brilliant and amazingly talented designer. We love working with him and he is a powerful asset to the Creative Machine!”.
A graduate of Murray State University, Justin joined BMLG in 2015 and has produced multiple award-winning designs across the entire artist roster. He currently serves as President of the Nashville chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design.