Colorful country entertainer Billy ThunderKloud passed away in Florida on June 5 at age 70.
The former Nashvillian enjoyed a string of chart records in the 1970s, but is more often remembered for the beads, turquoise jewelry, feathers, braids and costumes he wore to recognize his Native American ancestry.
ThunderKloud was born Vincent Clifford in British Columbia, Canada. He was a member of the Gitksan tribe, part of the Tsimshian Indian Nation. His tribe dubbed him Chief Dau-Hkansqu. At age 14, he hopped a train from Port Edward, BC to Edmonton, Alberta in order to attend the Indian Residential School there.
At the school, he formed the Chieftones in 1964 with fellow Native American musicians Jack Wolf, Barry Littlestar and Richard Grayowl. They were initially billed as “Canada’s All-Indian Band.”
In 1965-68, the group issued a series of singles on the Claremont, Cuca and Youngstown labels. The William Morris Agency signed the band. Clifford/ThunderKloud appeared on TV’s To Tell the Truth in 1966, and after his identity was revealed, The Chieftones performed on the national telecast.
The star adopted the stage name Billy ThunderKloud in 1972. Now billed as Billy ThunderKloud & The Chieftones, the act landed a Nashville recording contract with Superior Records, which was owned by Oak Ridge Boys member Duane Allen.
ThunderKloud moved to Nashville in 1974 and signed with 20th Century Records. He and the band debuted on the country charts the following year with “What Time of Day.” It rose to #16 on the country charts and briefly crossed over to the pop hit parade.
After this, the group became noted for country remakes of pop oldies such as “Pledging My Love” (1975), “Indian Reservation” (1976) and “Try a Little Tenderness” (1976) as it moved from 20th Century to Polydor Records.
Billy ThunderKloud & The Chieftones’ last appearance on the country charts was with 1979’s “It’s Alright,” written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice.
Buddy Lee Attractions booked the band, making it a favorite on the fair and festival circuit. On the road, the Chieftones were augmented by the members of Hank Williams Jr.’s band.
The group was chosen to entertain at President Richard Nixon’s second Inaugural Ball in 1973. After an appearance at Walt Disney World the following year, Walt Disney gave his pet mountain lion to ThumderKloud as a gift. It reportedly travelled with the band on its tour bus.
The group’s albums included All Through the Night (1973), Off the Reservation (1974), What Time of Day (1975), Where Do I Begin to Tell a Story (1976) and Some of Nashville’s Finest (1980). In their jacket photos, the band was pictured in feathered headdresses, elaborate silver-and-turquoise belts and necklaces, leather accessories, tunics, long braided-pigtail hairdos and similar regalia.
ThunderKloud was chosen Outstanding Indian of the Year in 1975 by the American Indian Exposition. He continued to tour and make personal appearances until 1991.
He retired to Palm City, FL and died there due to complications from a stroke and pneumonia. He is survived by his wife Bev, daughters Shawnee and Chey Kuzma and by three grandchildren.
At his request, there will be no funeral service. Donations may be made in Billy ThunderKloud’s name to the National Indian Child Welfare Association, to Shriners Hospital for Children, to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.
Bonnaroo 2019 Shifts Dates, To Take Place After CMA Music Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonBonnaroo’s organizers have now announced a shift to the schedule for the 2019 festival, with plans for Bonnaroo to be held the week after CMA Music Fest. Organizers expect future years to follow the same pattern.
Bonnaroo 2019 will be held June 13-16, 2019.
“We have regularly advocated for this change to hold Bonnaroo and CMA Fest on separate weekends to offer more flexibility for the local community as well as the visitors, and we’re excited about this change,” said Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. President Butch Spyridon.
In Pictures: ASCAP At CMA Music Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (front, L-R): Ryan Hurd, Jillian Jacqueline, Chris DeStefano. Back: ASCAP’s Robert Filhart, Alison Webber and Holly Chester
ASCAP presented some of its rising songwriter-artists during CMA Music Fest, starting June 7 at the Nashville Acoustic Corner Stage at Bridgestone Arena. Featured performers included Dylan Brady, Max Camp, Hannah Dasher, Austin Jenckes, Parker McKay, Riley Roth, Steel Union, Matt Stell, TRAVLRS and Sarah Allison Turner.
ASCAP presented a hit songwriters round at the HGTV Lodge on Friday, June 8, featuring Sony/ATV songwriter Chris DeStefano, RCA Nashville songwriter-artist Ryan Hurd, and Big Loud Records songwriter-artist Jillian Jacqueline.
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Riley Roth, BMG’s Kos Weaver and Daniel Lee
Pictured (L-R): EmCo’s James Stewart, HoriPro’s Butch Baker and Courtney Crist, Sarah Allison Turner, HoriPro’s Keithan Melton, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart
Pictured: Austin Jenckes
Pictured: ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston and Hannah Dasher
Pictured: Max Camp, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Parker McKay
Pictured (lL-R): Ryan Hurd, Jillian Jacqueline, Chris DeStefano
In Pictures: Florida Georgia Line, Backstreet Boys, Bebe Rexha Celebrate No. 1 Singles
/by Jessica NicholsonTyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley attend the Florida Georga Line multi-No. 1 party at FGL House on June 9, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Big Machine Records)
Nashville’s FGL House was home to major star power as the venue’s namesake duo, Florida Georgia Line, celebrated four of its recent No. 1 singles with a party during CMA Music Fest on Saturday (June 9).
While CMA Fest goers crowded the two lower levels of the venue, a private No. 1 party on the upper floor, complete with mimosas and a variety of food choices, feted the duo’s ongoing success as artists, songwriters, and collaborators. Florida Georgia Line’s album Dig Your Roots was also celebrated with an RIAA Platinum certification.
Three of the No. 1 hits, including four-times platinum “H.O.L.Y.,” and the platinum-certified tracks “May We All” (ft. Tim McGraw) and “God, Your Mama, And Me” (ft. Backstreet Boys), are from the duo’s 2016 Dig Your Roots album. The party also feted the 3x platinum smash hit “Meant To Be” (ft. Bebe Rexha).
As a surprise, all five Backstreet Boys members, as well as Bebe Rexha, were on hand for the celebration, as the party honored Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard‘s fellow songwriters, including “H.O.L.Y.”‘s busbee, Nate Cyphert and William Wiik Larsen, “May We All”‘s Rodney Clawson and Jamie Moore (who was celebrating his very first country No. 1 party), “God, Your Mama, And Me” writers Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson, plus”Meant To Be” writers Rexha, Josh Miller and David Garcia.
Pictured (L-R): A. J. McLean, Howie D., Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line and Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey and Brian Littrell attend the Florida Georga Line multi-No. 1 party at FGL House on June 9, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Big Machine Records)
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, David Garcia, Josh Miller, Bebe Rexha and Brian Kelley attend the Florida Georga Line multi-No. 1 party at FGL House on June 9, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Big Machine Records)
Pictured (L-R): Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, Jimmy Harnen, Storme Warren, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Scott Borchetta, Seth England and Craig Wiseman attend the Florida Georga Line multi-No. 1 party at FGL House on June 9, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Big Machine Records)
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, Rodney Clawson, Jamie Moore and Brian Kelley attend the Florida Georga Line multi-No. 1 party at FGL House on June 9, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Big Machine Records)
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, busbee, Nate Cyphert, William Wiik Larsen and Brian Kelley attend the Florida Georga Line multi-No. 1 party at FGL House on June 9, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Big Machine Records)
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Tops Country Albums, Earns Two Top 5 Digital Sales Tracks
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs.
The deluxe version of Luke Combs‘ This One’s For You, which includes five new and/or additional songs, is at No. 1 this week on the country albums charts, with 55K in total consumption, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Jason Aldean‘s Rearview Town is at No. 2 this week, with 34K, followed by Kane Brown‘s self-titled debut at No. 3 with 18K. Thomas Rhett‘s Life Changes is at No. 4 with 11K.
The top debut this week is Michael Ray‘s Amos, which moved 10.5K to land at No. 5.
On the heels of their record-breaking collaboration with Bebe Rexha, “Meant To Be,” Florida Georgia Line‘s successor “Simple” is at the top of the country digital song sales chart this week, moving 34K. Meanwhile, “Meant To Be” holds the No. 3 spot, with 20K, bringing the smash hit to 1.124 million in digital sales to date.
This week’s album chart-topper Combs has two debuts this week on the country digital sales chart. At No. 2 is “Must’ve Never Met You,” which moved 27K this week. “Houston We Gota Problem” is at No. 4, with 20K.
Dan+Shay‘s “Tequila” rounds out the top 5 with 17K.
Taylor Shomaker Moves From AC Entertainment To Hub International Limited
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Shomaker
Hub International Limited (HUB), a leading global insurance brokerage, announced the expansion of its Nashville operation through the addition of entertainment specialist Taylor Shomaker, joining the firm as vice president.
Shomaker has spent over 11 years in the concert and festival industry working as a festival director, event safety manager, risk manager, talent buyer, concert promoter and event producer. His extensive knowledge and experience of festival and concert management along with his specialized focus on safety management and risk assessment in this field makes him an invaluable resource to his clients and the entire HUB International roster of clients.
Taylor most recently served as vice president of event operations at AC Entertainment (part of Live Nation), which produces festivals such as Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Forecastle Festival, High Water Festival, Homecoming Festival, Moon River Festival, and Big Ears Festival, as well as over 1,000 concerts per year. Taylor is a member of the Event Safety Alliance and has spoken on panels for International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).
“I’m excited to use the knowledge and expertise I have gained over the past 11 plus years to continue making safety a key focus for the concert and festival industry,” said Shomaker, “Joining the HUB team gives me the platform to utilize the already industry leading unlimited resources and full array of services to provide best-in-class insurance and risk solutions.”
Submissions Now Open For MusicRow’s 2018 ‘Artist Roster’ Print Issue
/by Jessica NicholsonThe issue includes company listings and rosters for Nashville record labels, publicists, lawyers, managers, talent agencies and artist services.
To submit your company for consideration, visit MusicRow.com.
Advertising: To reserve ad space in the Artist Roster print magazine, email sales@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Tenille Townes, Josh Kear Set For Country Music Hall Of Fame Songwriter Session
/by Lorie HollabaughTownes, who writes for publisher Big Yellow Dog, is working on her debut album with Nashville producer Jay Joyce. Fellow Big Dog writer Kear has written thirteen #1 hits including “I Don’t Dance” (Lee Brice), “Drunk on a Plane” (Dierks Bentley), “Drunk on You” (Luke Bryan), “God, Your Mama, and Me” (Florida Georgia Line and Backstreet Boys), “Need You Now” (Lady Antebellum), “Highway Don’t Care” (Tim McGraw), “Neon Light” (Blake Shelton), and “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away” (Carrie Underwood), and has won four Grammys.
The program will take place in the museum’s Ford Theater, and is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program pass is required.
Stagecoach 2019 Passes On Sale Friday
/by Lorie HollabaughStagecoach Festival, 2018
The dates for Stagecoach 2019 have been announced, with the festival set for April 26-28, 2019 at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The announcement follows a record setting 2018 with a record number of passes sold, and performances from superstars Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Florida Georgia Line. Lineup announcements will be revealed this Fall.
Passes for the 2019 experience will go on sale beginning this Friday (June 15) in an advance sale available one day only, while supplies last. All ages welcome with kids 10 & under free in General Admission. Visit stagecoachfestival.com for additional info.
Pass prices:
3-Day GA (advance sale only price) – $329.00
3-Day GA & Shuttle Combo (advance sale only price) – $389.00
3-Day Corral Standing Pit – $1,399.00
3-Day Corral Reserved Seating – C1 – $1,399.00
3-Day Corral Reserved Seating – C2 – $899.00
RV Resort 50 Amp – $619.00
RV Resort 30 Amp – $619.00
RV Resort Dry – $619.00
Preferred Parking – $100.00
Car Camping – $176.00
Camping Companion parking – $60.00
Shuttle Pass – $75.00
Country Singer Billy ThunderKloud Dies
/by Robert K OermannColorful country entertainer Billy ThunderKloud passed away in Florida on June 5 at age 70.
The former Nashvillian enjoyed a string of chart records in the 1970s, but is more often remembered for the beads, turquoise jewelry, feathers, braids and costumes he wore to recognize his Native American ancestry.
ThunderKloud was born Vincent Clifford in British Columbia, Canada. He was a member of the Gitksan tribe, part of the Tsimshian Indian Nation. His tribe dubbed him Chief Dau-Hkansqu. At age 14, he hopped a train from Port Edward, BC to Edmonton, Alberta in order to attend the Indian Residential School there.
At the school, he formed the Chieftones in 1964 with fellow Native American musicians Jack Wolf, Barry Littlestar and Richard Grayowl. They were initially billed as “Canada’s All-Indian Band.”
In 1965-68, the group issued a series of singles on the Claremont, Cuca and Youngstown labels. The William Morris Agency signed the band. Clifford/ThunderKloud appeared on TV’s To Tell the Truth in 1966, and after his identity was revealed, The Chieftones performed on the national telecast.
The star adopted the stage name Billy ThunderKloud in 1972. Now billed as Billy ThunderKloud & The Chieftones, the act landed a Nashville recording contract with Superior Records, which was owned by Oak Ridge Boys member Duane Allen.
ThunderKloud moved to Nashville in 1974 and signed with 20th Century Records. He and the band debuted on the country charts the following year with “What Time of Day.” It rose to #16 on the country charts and briefly crossed over to the pop hit parade.
After this, the group became noted for country remakes of pop oldies such as “Pledging My Love” (1975), “Indian Reservation” (1976) and “Try a Little Tenderness” (1976) as it moved from 20th Century to Polydor Records.
Billy ThunderKloud & The Chieftones’ last appearance on the country charts was with 1979’s “It’s Alright,” written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice.
Buddy Lee Attractions booked the band, making it a favorite on the fair and festival circuit. On the road, the Chieftones were augmented by the members of Hank Williams Jr.’s band.
The group was chosen to entertain at President Richard Nixon’s second Inaugural Ball in 1973. After an appearance at Walt Disney World the following year, Walt Disney gave his pet mountain lion to ThumderKloud as a gift. It reportedly travelled with the band on its tour bus.
The group’s albums included All Through the Night (1973), Off the Reservation (1974), What Time of Day (1975), Where Do I Begin to Tell a Story (1976) and Some of Nashville’s Finest (1980). In their jacket photos, the band was pictured in feathered headdresses, elaborate silver-and-turquoise belts and necklaces, leather accessories, tunics, long braided-pigtail hairdos and similar regalia.
ThunderKloud was chosen Outstanding Indian of the Year in 1975 by the American Indian Exposition. He continued to tour and make personal appearances until 1991.
He retired to Palm City, FL and died there due to complications from a stroke and pneumonia. He is survived by his wife Bev, daughters Shawnee and Chey Kuzma and by three grandchildren.
At his request, there will be no funeral service. Donations may be made in Billy ThunderKloud’s name to the National Indian Child Welfare Association, to Shriners Hospital for Children, to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.
Midland, Randy Travis, Lee Brice, RaeLynn Pick Up Honors During CMA Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonWhile hundreds of artists were on hand over the weekend to perform as part of CMA Music Fest, some artists were also picking up career honors.
Cracker Barrel presented its inaugural Country Legend Award to Randy Travis. The honor is awarded to country musicians with over 30 years in the business, including past partnerships with Cracker Barrel’s music program. The company also made a $5,000 donation in Travis’ name to the CMA foundation.
Pictured (L-R): Michael Ray, Randy Travis and Julie Ulmer, Cracker Barrel Sr. Marketing Manager
During their set on June 9 as part of Spotify’s Hot Country lineup, Midland was surprised when Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta presented the Texas trio with a plaque to commemorate the RIAA platinum certification of their debut single “Drinkin’ Problem.”
Pictured (L-R): Jess Carson, Mike Ritteberg, Jim Weatherson, Scott Borchetta, Mark Wystrach, Kris Lamb and Cameron Duddy. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Spotify
Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville artist RaeLynn was also surprised with some RIAA hardware during her CMA Fest set at Chevy Riverfront Stage. Her WMN family honored the singer-songwriter with a Gold plaque for her hit single “Love Triangle.”
Pictured (L-R): Kerry Hansen (Manager, Big Enterprises); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); RaeLynn; John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Katie Bright (National Director Radio & Streaming, WMN)
Meanwhile, Lee Brice was inducted into Pandora’s “Billionaires Club” during CMA Fest. Brice is one of the Top 25 most-streamed country artists of all time on the streaming service, with more than 2 billion streams. He was surprised with a plaque commemorating the milestone. He is only the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque.
Photo ID (L-R): Enzo DeVincenzo (Red Light Management), John Clore, VP Marketing (Curb | Word Entertainment), Jessie Lowe, Promotion Coordinator (Curb Records), Blair Munday, VP Creative (Curb | Word Entertainment), Benson Curb, SVP Revenue (Curb | Word Entertainment), Beville Dunkerley, Director of Artist Marketing and Industry Relations (Pandora), Lee Brice, Haley McLemore (Red Light Management) Rachel Whitney, Head of Country Programming (Pandora), Kris Waitr (Waitr & Associates), Ryan Dokke, SVP/General Manager (Curb | Word Entertainment), Jeff Tuerff, SVP Marketing & Creative (Curb | Word Entertainment) RJ Meacham, VP Promotion (Curb Records). Photo by Spidey Smith [Click to enlarge]