Pictured (L-R): Owner of School Boy Records and RBMG Scooter Braun, CNN Political Analyst Hilary Rosen. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Mega manager Scooter Braun delivered an emboldening speech and keynote address after receiving the Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award during the 2018 Music Biz seminar in Nashville on Thursday (May 18), calling for Nashville artists to realize their influence.
“I appreciate that One Love Manchester is a part of this [award], but I wish it was something we never had to do,” said Braun of his humanitarian recognition. “Unfortunately, my belief is this won’t be the last time we see something like this—we’ve seen Vegas happen.”
Keynote moderator, CNN’s Hilary Rosen, observed Braun at the March For Our Lives. “I watched how those Parkland kids looked up to you—how they believed they could change the world—and wanted you to show them how,” she said
“I’m not afraid of this conversation and the problem is people have not wanted to stand up,” said Braun. “I am a gun owner. I have no issue with people in this country owning guns. I have no issue with people driving a car. I think we should be qualified for both…I haven’t met one friend who has guns who doesn’t agree.”
“What happened in Vegas was horrendous and awful. For everybody in [Nashville] who has the ear of so many people who live in states who can make a difference on this issue.
“Our kids have grown up in a community where shootings in schools are a regular thing—we think it’s new, Columbine happened 20 years ago. If it’s another 20 years…or five years…we’ve failed miserably. Those kids put on the biggest march in U.S. history and not a damn thing has happened.”
Braun hopes for artists to lead the way to help conversations among our polarized soliety begin again.
“We’re in a very interesting time where we people have forgotten how to communicate with each other—either they’re afraid to have the conversation, or they think they have to unfollow people on social media with differing opinions. We as an industry have an opportunity. That conversation has to continue, and come from a place of respect even if you think that person is irrational. Music is the universal language. Encourage the artists you know to take a risk and write songs, maybe the label won’t understand, so we can get back to speaking to each other through music. That evil is going to continue to exist, and we as an industry have a responsibility to those we lost by doing this work.
“Especially in [Nashville], I know a lot of artists are afraid to come out and have this conversation. If you really want to be historic, understand these kids are 20 years away from being the next leaders and they’re going to change it. It is just a matter of time. If you want to be on the right side of history, help them. They don’t want to take away guns. They just want to make it so someone who isn’t qualified cant get them.”
Citing music’s influence on changing opinions during the Vietnam War, Civil Rights movement or even raising awareness for poverty, Rosen and Braun advanced the discussion towards Nashville.
“[Nashville] can make a difference. There are a lot of people I know in this town that were nervous to do something after Las Vegas. I get it. You’re trying to feed your families and it’s a scary thing. Go down to Belmont and talk to these kids and ask them what they’re going to do in 20 years. If you listen to the kids, you might find the bravery to do something. It used to be AIDS, homophobia. Our kids shouldn’t be afraid in school.
“What I’m asking is for the entire community to step up and say something, and make it very clear: It’s not about taking away guns. It’s about making sure someone with a gun in their hand understands what is in their hand. It’s not mutually exclusive, but mental health is a part of this issue. I know what the naysayers are going to say, I was with Emma González yesterday. She’s a sweetheart. Her friend is dead. Cameron [Kasky]’s dad is a cop. He grew up with guns. These kids in Chicago and neighborhoods around this country—what they’re going through—it just needs to stop and we need to make an effort.”
Braun explained the responsibility he felt after Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester to combat evil.
“I am the grandson of two Holocaust survivors,” said Braun. “My grandmother was in Auschwitz and my grandfather was in Dachau. I understood this kind of evil exists pretty much my entire life. When Manchester happened, I wasn’t sad. I was angry—I was like, these motherf*&^%$! came at the wrong one…That someone would wait for children [and] make that decision to take their lives, none of us will ever understand. They wanted families to be afraid to bring their child to a concert. I wanted to go immediately and do an event to let them know we’re not afraid, because if they can’t change our way of life, it’s pointless for them to try. I talked to [Ariana] about the idea and she couldn’t stop crying. What I asked was unfair and unreasonable. So I let it go. But when I landed home from seeing her, I had 16 text messages saying, ‘If I don’t do something, these people died in vain and I’m not who I claim to be.’ We came up with One Love Manchester within two weeks of the attack. The night before our show was the London Bridge attack. That was the first time I thought my arrogance was going to get someone killed. The Greater Manchester police issued a statement saying, ‘The show will go on, but the terror level is high, so there is likely going to be an attack.’ I never admitted to anyone I was scared but within an hour of the news of London coming out Chris Martin from Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley and all those performing called to say, ‘We’re still coming.’
Braun explained where his strength comes from in speaking out.
“At 36 years old I’ve had a very unique and lucky career. I’ve been to the top of a mountain I never thought I’d get to. And what I saw there was very different than what I expected. I thought being a part of Grammys, No. 1 records and tours would feel like success. I can tell you the greatest moments of my career has been hanging out with friends and family and being a part of just music. I tell artists, ‘If you have a tremendous amount of success and don’t give away blessings when you receive them, it’s like a glass of water getting filled. If you don’t pour it in other glasses it’s going to overflow and you’re going to feel miserable.
“My strategy is to do what you can. There were 20 families who have someone who isn’t coming home, and there are alot more kids who are maimed, burned or injured whose lives are changed forever. People ask me where I get the strength, and when you meet those families and look them in the eye, you don’t have a choice.
“In this business especially, we need to do it as a community. The next person has to step up, and the next person. After we did Manchester, Ron Laffitte and Coran Capshaw put on an amazing event in Charlottesville that they deserve to be honored for…I’m looking at Clint [Higham] in the audience, the work he and Kenny Chesney have done for the work for the community in the islands…Justin Bieber has taken a lot of flack but he is 24-years-old and he is the No. 1 Make A Wish giver in our industry and he never advertised it once. People want to give back, they may not necessarily know how to…You just have to find something you’re passionate about.”
The talk ended with Braun showing Nashville is not alone. He asked the audience to stand if they were in agreement with serious background checks. This writer saw nobody seated.
Gary Morris Hosts Fundraiser for Mid-Cumberland Meals on Wheels
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie Bonagura, Jane Hamrick (Executive Director of M-C Meals on Wheels), Gary Morris, Lisa Harless and Lance Hoppen. [Click to enlarge]
Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie Bonagura and Lance Hoppen (Baillie and the Boys) also performed at the event, which was organized and emceed by Lisa Harless of Regions Bank.
Country Radio Broadcasters To Honor Steve Wariner, Charlie Morgan
/by Jessica NicholsonSteve Wariner, Charlie Morgan
Steve Wariner and Charlie Morgan will be honored at the upcoming Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony, to be held June 20 at 6 p.m. at Marriott Nashville.
Wariner, who has released 20 albums and earned 14 No. 1 hits, will be honored with the 2018 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award. The award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio.
“Steve Wariner is still enjoying of one of the most amazing careers in Country music history; singer, songwriter, Grand Ole Opry member, contributor to his fellow artists, and a member of the most prestigious clubs for extraordinary guitarists. All of this in addition to being the best friend anyone on earth could be blessed to have!” says Bill Mayne, Executive Director of CRB.
Morgan, Senior Vice President/Market Manager of Emmis New York, which includes WBLS, WLIB, and WQHT, will receive the President’s Award.
CRB/CRS President, Kurt Johnson comments, “Charlie is simply one of the best at what he does. And he does a lot. It’s hard to think of anyone who’s made more impact as a leader across a diverse list of organizations in and around Country Radio, earning accolades at every step. He’s been a fixture at CRB and CRS for years and is a good friend to artists, managers, labels, DJs…basically pro’s in every part of Country music. Charlie personifies the spirit of CRS and I’m proud to give him the President’s Award on behalf or the CRB Board.”
The Country Radio Hall of Fame event will also honor the “Class of 2018” radio inductees that were announced during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2018. Seven on-air personalities and two off-air broadcasters will be honored and include Radio category honorees Michael O’Malley of the Albright, O’Malley & Brenner consulting firm, and the late Lisa McKay, VP/Programming at Curtis Media/Raleigh, who doubled as PD for WQDR. The On-Air Personality category includes Andy Ritchie and Alison Mencer (“Andy & Alison”) formerly of WIVK/Knoxville; Steve Harmon and Scott Evans (“Harmon And Evans”) formerly of KPLX/Dallas and WXTU/Philadelphia; and Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry (“Barrett, Fox, And Berry) still active at KKNU/Eugene, Oregon.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the country format. The Country Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1974 to recognize outstanding individuals working in the broadcasting industry who are promoting the country radio format.
A limited number of individual tickets are still available and are $130 each and tables are $2500. Individual tickets can be purchased here or by contacting Darcie Van Etten at darcie@crb.org.
Ryman Auditorium To Launch Six-Week Americana Music Series
/by Jessica NicholsonThe series launches July 15 with Buddy Miller and special guests Lee Ann Womack, Tony Joe White, The McCrary Sisters, Elizabeth Cook, and Parker Millsap.
Similar to the Ryman’s Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series, Americana at the Ryman will also partner with 650 AM WSM. Route 650, a 24/7 streaming station, will be a presenting partner.
“Americana at the Ryman” Schedule:
July 15: Buddy Miller and Friends Lee Ann Womack, Tony Joe White, The McCrary Sisters, Elizabeth Cook and Parker Millsap
July 22: Jim Lauderdale and William Fitzsimmons
July 29: Mark O’Connor and Brandy Clark
Aug. 5: To Be Announced Soon
Aug. 12: Amanda Shires and Caitlin Rose
Aug. 19: Justin Townes Earle and The Band of Heathens
“The Ryman Americana Series is modeled after our Bluegrass Nights Series which will kick off its 25th season this summer,” said Sally Williams, Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations. “Over the course of six weeks, Americana and roots legends will take the stage for the inaugural Americana Series as will the most exciting new artists. With Bluegrass Nights, we see the same season pass holders come back to the same seats year after year. A lot of deep friendships have been formed by bluegrass fans sitting together in Ryman pews. We look forward to the same happening with the Ryman Americana Series.”
“We’re thrilled the Ryman has created a series to show off Nashville’s Americana community to the world. It’s the heart and soul of this town and there is no greater venue in the world to see this talent,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association.
Series passes for “Americana at the Ryman” are on sale now. Individual show tickets are available for purchase beginning June 4 at 10 a.m. With purchase of an “Americana at the Ryman” concert ticket, patrons have the option to add on a daytime tour ticket for a discounted rate of $15.00.
Brenda Colladay Joins Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
/by Lorie HollabaughBrenda Colladay has been hired as vice president, museum services at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In her position Colladay will assume the role of administering the museum’s collection of more than 2.5 million artifacts along with overseeing planning, design and installation of exhibits in the museum’s gallery space, Historic RCA Studio BTM and the Taylor Swift Education Center.
“After working with Brenda in many capacities over the years, we’re delighted to welcome her officially to the museum team,” said CEO Kyle Young. “Brenda brings a unique blend of relevant knowledge that will be invaluable to us as we continue to fulfill our mission of preserving and interpreting the history of country music.”
Colladay holds a master’s degree in public history from Middle Tennessee State University. Her expertise includes 18 years with Gaylord Entertainment/Ryman Hospitality Partners as museum and photograph curator. In 1997, Colladay became the first curator for the historical collections of WSM radio, the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Most recently, she served in a consulting role for several projects including project manager for the research and documentation of the history of RCA Studio A, and historical advisor to the forthcoming documentary series Country Music by Ken Burns. Colladay also has done extensive work with the collection of Marty Stuart. She has curated multiple new exhibits for the Grand Ole Opry Museum, managed and completed an upgrade of the Ryman Auditorium museum experience, and co-wrote the book Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. As a student, Colladay interned at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
“I’ve watched in awe as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has grown into one of the world’s premier museums and art institutions, and I have nothing but respect for the incredible work that they do,” said Colladay. “I am a longtime fan of the museum and its mission. The opportunity to lead and shape the future is a dream come true. I look forward to working with friends and colleagues at the museum as we continue to explore, expand and elevate the ways in which we preserve and share fascinating country music stories and collections.”
BMI’s Harry Warner Passes
/by Robert K OermannFormer BMI exec Harry Warner with songwriter Jeffrey Steele at the 2005 BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI
Longtime BMI executive Harry Warner died Wednesday, May 16, at age 83.
The Music Row fixture was also a real-estate entrepreneur and a former manager, song publisher and publicist.
Born Feb. 2, 1935, Warner was a native of Pennsylvania who graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and served four years in the Navy.
He came to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University in the 1950s. Warner drove ambulances for Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and married company offspring Margaret Ann Patton in 1960. They raised three children, but later divorced.
Warner also spent time at the advertising and public-relations firm Bill Walker & Associates before being hired by BMI in 1967. By 1972, he was BMI’s Director of Writer Administration.
In the mid-1970s, he was the manager of emerging star Jerry Reed (1937-2008). He also ran Reed’s song publishing company. Among Reed and Warner’s discoveries was Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rodney Crowell.
Harry Warner (standing, far right) celebrates Jake Owen’s signing to BMI in 2006. Pictured: Jake Owen (seated) is welcomed by BMI Nashville’s Mark Mason, Paul Corbin and Harry Warner. Photo: Kay Clary
Harry Warner became a close friend of guitarist-producer Chet Atkins (1924-2001), who ran RCA Records. He facilitated the meeting between Atkins and Jerry Bradley, which led to the latter’s being hired as an RCA executive. Bradley eventually succeeded Atkins as the head of the label in 1981.
In addition, Warner was sometimes by Atkins’ side when the latter recorded Reed, whose star-making RCA hits included “Guitar Man,” “Amos Moses” and “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot.” Warner and Atkins also became investors in Music Row real estate, as did their mutual friend Ray Stevens. Son Treg Warner has continued his father’s involvement in Nashville property speculation.
Meanwhile, back at BMI, Harry Warner rose to become the assistant vice president of writer/publisher relations. He remained at BMI until around 2010.
Surviving are his wife Bonnie, daughter Margaretann Seman, sons Treg and Mark Warner, stepdaughter Michael Maxwell Hitchens and two grandchildren.
Services will be private.
2018 MusicRow Awards: Producer Of The Year Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonFollowing last week’s announcement of this year’s nominees for the 30th annual MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Producer of the Year category. Nominees conjured up some of country music’s most innovative projects during the last 12 months.
CATEGORY 1: PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
The MusicRow Awards will be presented at a private ceremony.
See the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow subscribers. Voting closes on May 25 at 5 p.m. If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive a ballot.
busbee is a first-time MusicRow Awards nominee. His work led to hits by Maren Morris (“I Could Use A Love Song”) and Lauren Alaina (“Road Less Traveled”), as well as the 2018 trophy for ACM Vocal Event of the Year for “The Fighter” by Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood. busbee is a co-writer and producer of Carly Pearce’s Every Little Thing, which earned the singer a nod for MusicRow Breakthrough Artist of the Year. busbee is an in-demand producer who also helmed Lady Antebellum’s Heart Break, and music by Rascal Flatts and Drake White.
Dave Cobb conjured studio magic for Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, who respectively took home Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Best Americana Album. Additionally, Stapleton won Album of the Year from both the CMA and ACM for From A Room: Volume 1. From Cobb’s homebase at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, he also recorded projects by Zac Brown Band, John Prine, Brent Cobb, Ashley Monroe, Brandi Carlile, Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Rogers Band, Old Crow Medicine Show and Anderson East. Cobb won this award in 2016.
Scott Hendricks, longtime producer for Blake Shelton, continued his studio success with Shelton’s latest album Texoma Shore, home to the hits “I’ll Name The Dogs” and “I Lived It.” Adding to Hendricks’ recent tally are Dan + Shay’s pair of No. 1s “How Not To” and “From the Ground Up,” Chris Janson’s rising single “Drunk Girl” (also nominated for MusicRow Song of the Year), and music by Michael Ray and newcomer Tegan Marie.
Dann Huff had a hand in hits by three 2018 MusicRow Awards nominees. He produced Thomas Rhett’s groovy Life Changes album, home to “Craving You,” “Marry Me,” and the title track, which is vying for MusicRow Song of the Year. Huff also steered MusicRow Breakthrough Artist nominees Kane Brown and Midland. He reunited with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill for their duets album and produced recent hits by Brett Young, Billy Currington and Brantley Gilbert. Huff is a two-time MusicRow Producer of the Year, who produced Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” the reigning MusicRow Song of the Year and CMA Single of the Year.
Jay Joyce continued scoring hits by his longtime studio collaborators Little Big Town, as well as rising artists Brothers Osborne and The Wild Feathers. Joyce played a major role in helping newcomers Ashley McBryde, LANCO, and Devin Dawson find unique sounds and hone their songwriting abilities, leading to MusicRow Awards nominations for LANCO (Breakthrough Artist) and Dawson (Breakthrough Artist-Writer). Later this year, listen for Joyce’s upcoming project with Tenille Townes. Joyce won 2017 and 2015 MusicRow Producer of the Year.
[Click photo to enlarge]
Chris Stapleton Earns Three Early Billboard Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton leads country artists with the most early wins leading into Sunday evening’s (May 20) Billboard Music Awards, which airs on NBC at 8 p.m. ET. Winners in non-televised categories were announced Sunday afternoon via social media.
Stapleton earned awards for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, and Top Country Album (for From A Room: Volume 1).
Maren Morris was named Top Country Female Artist, while Florida Georgia Line was named Top Duo/Group Artist. Luke Bryan earned Top Country Tour.
MercyMe earned Top Christian Artist, while Alan Jackson‘s Precious Memories Collection earned Top Christian Album. Hillsong Worship‘s “What A Beautiful Name” took home Top Christian Song honors. Tasha Cobbs Leonard earned two wins for Top Gospel Artist and Top Gospel Album (for Heart. Passion. Pursuit.).
Kendrick Lamar, who is tied with Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran this year for most nominations (15), leads in overall early wins, having already won six awards leading into Sunday evening’s show. Those honors include Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Male Artist, Top Rap Album, Top Streaming Songs Artist and Top Streaming Song (Audio). Bruno Mars follows Lamar with five wins.
Nashville resident Kelly Clarkson will host the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
Billboard Music Awards nominees and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the chart period of April 8, 2017 through March 31, 2018.
The 2018 Billboard Music Awards is produced by dick clark productions. Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman, Kelly Clarkson and Robert Deaton are executive producers.
Dan+Shay To Release Third Warner Music Nashville Album June 22
/by Jessica NicholsonDan + Shay
Dan+Shay will release their third Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville album on June 22. The self-titled album was co-produced by the duo’s Dan Smyers and longtime collaborator and WMN exec Scott Hendricks.
Co-writers on the album include Hillary Lindsey, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Andy Albert, Jesse Frasure, Laura Veltz and more. The project also includes a collaboration with Kelly Clarkson on “Keeping Score.”
The duo, which also includes powerhouse vocalist Shay Mooney, has earned a Gold-certified album with Where It All Began, Platinum certified “19 You+Me,” and “From The Ground Up,” and Gold-certified “How Not To” and “Nothin’ Like You.”
“Our first two albums helped us build an incredible and super loyal fan base, so we knew it was our responsibility to them to put out the best music we could on this record,” said the duo. “Most importantly, we wanted to deliver a project that would satisfy the people who got us where we are in the first place. Where we are musically and in our personal lives is different than where we were when this all started, which makes this album unique while still being true to who we are.”
On June 7, they will perform at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium for this year’s CMA Fest before heading to New York on June 25 for the TODAY Show Summer Concert Series. They will join Rascal Flatts out on the road for the rest of the summer on their Back To Us Tour.
DAN + SHAY Track List:
1. “Alone Together” (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey)
2. “Tequila” (Dan Smyers, Jordan Reynolds, Nicolle Galyon)
3. “What Keeps You Up At Night” (Jordan Reynolds, Jordan Minton, Chase Foster)
4. “All To Myself” (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Nicolle Galyon)
5. “Keeping Score” feat. Kelly Clarkson (Dan Smyers, Jordan Reynolds, Laura Veltz)
6. “Make or Break” (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Emily Weisband, Jordan Reynolds)
7. “Speechless” (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Laura Veltz)
8. “Stupid Love” (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Jon Nite, David Hodges)
9. “No Such Thing” (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Matt Dragstrem, David Lee Murphy)
10. “My Side of the Fence” (Shay Mooney, Benjy Davis)
11. “Island Time” (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Andy Albert, Jimmy Robbins)
Arista Nashville Signs Carlton Anderson
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s A&R Manager Margaret Tomlin, A&R Representative Jillian Whitefield, EVP/COO Ken Robold, Director Digital Sales and Streaming Alaina Vehec, SVP A&R Jim Catino, VP Sales and Streaming Caryl Healey Atwood, EVP Promotion and Artist Development Steve Hodges, Carlton Anderson, VP Arista Nashville Promotion Josh Easler, Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman and CEO Randy Goodman, Senior Director Partnership Marketing Nicole Marinake, VP A&R Taylor Lindsey, Director National Promotion Lauren Thomas and EVP Marketing/New Business John Zarling.
Sony Music Nashville has announced the signing of artist and songwriter Carlton Anderson to Arista Nashville.
Anderson, who is signed as a writer to Warner/Chappell Music, is spending time with the Sony Music Nashville team as he prepares to launch his debut single.
Anderson grew up in Cypress, Texas, and began working in the oil fields at 16 (two years before he was of legal age to do so), and also worked at a grocery store to save enough money to purchase a guitar and a small PA, so he could begin playing in dancehalls and honky tonks around Texas.
Eventually, he saved enough money and the necessary co-sign from his grandparents to attend Nashville’s Belmont University. He would go on to play at Swingin’ Doors Saloon for the next five years, as he continued developing his songwriting skills.
Manager Scooter Braun Emboldens Nashville On Gun Control One Year After Manchester
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Owner of School Boy Records and RBMG Scooter Braun, CNN Political Analyst Hilary Rosen. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Mega manager Scooter Braun delivered an emboldening speech and keynote address after receiving the Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award during the 2018 Music Biz seminar in Nashville on Thursday (May 18), calling for Nashville artists to realize their influence.
“I appreciate that One Love Manchester is a part of this [award], but I wish it was something we never had to do,” said Braun of his humanitarian recognition. “Unfortunately, my belief is this won’t be the last time we see something like this—we’ve seen Vegas happen.”
Keynote moderator, CNN’s Hilary Rosen, observed Braun at the March For Our Lives. “I watched how those Parkland kids looked up to you—how they believed they could change the world—and wanted you to show them how,” she said
“I’m not afraid of this conversation and the problem is people have not wanted to stand up,” said Braun. “I am a gun owner. I have no issue with people in this country owning guns. I have no issue with people driving a car. I think we should be qualified for both…I haven’t met one friend who has guns who doesn’t agree.”
“What happened in Vegas was horrendous and awful. For everybody in [Nashville] who has the ear of so many people who live in states who can make a difference on this issue.
“Our kids have grown up in a community where shootings in schools are a regular thing—we think it’s new, Columbine happened 20 years ago. If it’s another 20 years…or five years…we’ve failed miserably. Those kids put on the biggest march in U.S. history and not a damn thing has happened.”
Braun hopes for artists to lead the way to help conversations among our polarized soliety begin again.
“We’re in a very interesting time where we people have forgotten how to communicate with each other—either they’re afraid to have the conversation, or they think they have to unfollow people on social media with differing opinions. We as an industry have an opportunity. That conversation has to continue, and come from a place of respect even if you think that person is irrational. Music is the universal language. Encourage the artists you know to take a risk and write songs, maybe the label won’t understand, so we can get back to speaking to each other through music. That evil is going to continue to exist, and we as an industry have a responsibility to those we lost by doing this work.
“Especially in [Nashville], I know a lot of artists are afraid to come out and have this conversation. If you really want to be historic, understand these kids are 20 years away from being the next leaders and they’re going to change it. It is just a matter of time. If you want to be on the right side of history, help them. They don’t want to take away guns. They just want to make it so someone who isn’t qualified cant get them.”
Citing music’s influence on changing opinions during the Vietnam War, Civil Rights movement or even raising awareness for poverty, Rosen and Braun advanced the discussion towards Nashville.
“[Nashville] can make a difference. There are a lot of people I know in this town that were nervous to do something after Las Vegas. I get it. You’re trying to feed your families and it’s a scary thing. Go down to Belmont and talk to these kids and ask them what they’re going to do in 20 years. If you listen to the kids, you might find the bravery to do something. It used to be AIDS, homophobia. Our kids shouldn’t be afraid in school.
“What I’m asking is for the entire community to step up and say something, and make it very clear: It’s not about taking away guns. It’s about making sure someone with a gun in their hand understands what is in their hand. It’s not mutually exclusive, but mental health is a part of this issue. I know what the naysayers are going to say, I was with Emma González yesterday. She’s a sweetheart. Her friend is dead. Cameron [Kasky]’s dad is a cop. He grew up with guns. These kids in Chicago and neighborhoods around this country—what they’re going through—it just needs to stop and we need to make an effort.”
Braun explained the responsibility he felt after Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester to combat evil.
“I am the grandson of two Holocaust survivors,” said Braun. “My grandmother was in Auschwitz and my grandfather was in Dachau. I understood this kind of evil exists pretty much my entire life. When Manchester happened, I wasn’t sad. I was angry—I was like, these motherf*&^%$! came at the wrong one…That someone would wait for children [and] make that decision to take their lives, none of us will ever understand. They wanted families to be afraid to bring their child to a concert. I wanted to go immediately and do an event to let them know we’re not afraid, because if they can’t change our way of life, it’s pointless for them to try. I talked to [Ariana] about the idea and she couldn’t stop crying. What I asked was unfair and unreasonable. So I let it go. But when I landed home from seeing her, I had 16 text messages saying, ‘If I don’t do something, these people died in vain and I’m not who I claim to be.’ We came up with One Love Manchester within two weeks of the attack. The night before our show was the London Bridge attack. That was the first time I thought my arrogance was going to get someone killed. The Greater Manchester police issued a statement saying, ‘The show will go on, but the terror level is high, so there is likely going to be an attack.’ I never admitted to anyone I was scared but within an hour of the news of London coming out Chris Martin from Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley and all those performing called to say, ‘We’re still coming.’
Braun explained where his strength comes from in speaking out.
“At 36 years old I’ve had a very unique and lucky career. I’ve been to the top of a mountain I never thought I’d get to. And what I saw there was very different than what I expected. I thought being a part of Grammys, No. 1 records and tours would feel like success. I can tell you the greatest moments of my career has been hanging out with friends and family and being a part of just music. I tell artists, ‘If you have a tremendous amount of success and don’t give away blessings when you receive them, it’s like a glass of water getting filled. If you don’t pour it in other glasses it’s going to overflow and you’re going to feel miserable.
“My strategy is to do what you can. There were 20 families who have someone who isn’t coming home, and there are alot more kids who are maimed, burned or injured whose lives are changed forever. People ask me where I get the strength, and when you meet those families and look them in the eye, you don’t have a choice.
“In this business especially, we need to do it as a community. The next person has to step up, and the next person. After we did Manchester, Ron Laffitte and Coran Capshaw put on an amazing event in Charlottesville that they deserve to be honored for…I’m looking at Clint [Higham] in the audience, the work he and Kenny Chesney have done for the work for the community in the islands…Justin Bieber has taken a lot of flack but he is 24-years-old and he is the No. 1 Make A Wish giver in our industry and he never advertised it once. People want to give back, they may not necessarily know how to…You just have to find something you’re passionate about.”
The talk ended with Braun showing Nashville is not alone. He asked the audience to stand if they were in agreement with serious background checks. This writer saw nobody seated.