The Songwriters Hall of Fame announced the recipients of its 49th annual Induction and Awards ceremony on Tuesday morning (Feb. 6), and the new class will include Alan Jackson, Bill Anderson and Steve Dorff, among others. The induction event will take place on June 14 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) serves as a bridge between music’s past and future. In the Hall, musical pioneers are enshrined and celebrated, while the organization’s outreach to the music community grooms the next generation of troubadours.
Other songwriters to be inducted this year include John Mellencamp, Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor, Jurmaine Dupri, and Allee Willis.
These songwriters wrote mega-hits such as, “Mama Sang a Song,” “Celebration,” “Through The Years,” “Always Be My Baby,” “Chattahoochee,” “Jack And Diane,” “I’ll Be There For You.”
“The 2018 roster of Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees is a prodigious representation of creators of cross-genre hits, certain to resonate with everyone,” said SHOF co-chairs Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff and president/CEO Linda Moran. “Each year, the slate of songwriters we induct is more diverse and illustrative of the history and contributions that we strive to acknowledge and honor. We could not be more excited to preside over this year’s event and to give these songwriters their due respect.”
Bill Anderson
Bill Anderson is the rare songwriter whose first major label cut went to No. 1 on the charts, was named Song of The Year, and sparked a writing career that is currently in its seventh decade. The song, “City Lights,” was written when Anderson was a 19-year old Georgia disc jockey and became a career-defining hit for Ray Price in 1958. The song opened doors for him in Nashville, leading him to signing with BMI and Tree Publishing.
Anderson was far from a one-hit wonder. He followed “City Lights” with country standards like “Tips Of My Fingers,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Once A Day,” “Saginaw, Michigan,” “That’s What It’s Like To Be Lonesome,” “I Missed Me,” “Cold Hard Facts Of Life,” which earned him another GRAMMY nomination, “Mama Sang A Song,” the crossover smash, “Still,” and countless others. He was voted country Songwriter Of The Year six times during his first decade in Music City.
His success continued into the seventies with award-winning hits like “Slippin’ Away,” “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking,” “I May Never Get To Heaven,” and the disco-flavored, “I Can’t Wait Any Longer.” The eighties saw Anderson’s chart-topping career take a hiatus as he became a TV network game show host, spokesman for a national restaurant chain, and a nonstop touring Grand Ole Opry performer. In the nineties he came roaring back with a vengeance, however, as he seriously turned to co-writing for the first time.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, his collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like “Wish You Were Here,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Two Teardrops,” “A Lot Of Things Different,” for Kenny Chesney, “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” for Vince Gill and two Song Of The Year awards for “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Straight’s “Give It Away,” in 2005 and 2007 respectfully. He continues to write today with songs like Brad Paisley’s “Dying To See Her.”
Steve Dorff
Steve Dorff’s career as a songwriter spans five decades and includes more than forty BMI awards, twenty Top 10 hits, twelve No. 1 hits, and an American Music Award. The GRAMMY- and Emmy-nominated songwriter and composer has had songs recorded by more than four hundred artists from all genres of music, as well as twenty-eight movie scores and numerous theme songs and placements on TV series.
Dorff’s songs have been recorded by iconic artists such as Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Dusty Springfield and countless others. A few chart hits include Rogers’ “Through the Years,” Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love Again,” Strait’s “I Cross My Heart,” and Eddie Rabbitt’s “Every Which Way But Loose”—the title track from Clint Eastwood’s 1978 film.
Dorff has composed TV music for shows such as Murphy Brown, Growing Pains, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, Reba, Spenser: For Hire, Just the Ten of Us, and The Singing Bee. His film contributions include songs and scores for Pure Country, Bronco Billy, Rocky IV, Tin Cup and Honky Tonk Man. Branching into stage productions, he wrote the music for the theatre production, Josephine. Dorff published the 2017 memoir, I Wrote That One Too…A Life in Songwriting from Willie to Whitney, and he enjoys performing his best-loved songs at venues across the country.
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri wrote his first song “Single” at the young age of 15, then his first platinum selling single a mere four years later with the mega hit “Jump” (Kriss Kross) and he hasn’t stopped writing hits since.
Dupri’s songwriting accomplishments have continued for over two decades with over 30 number one hits including “My Boo” (Usher featuring Alicia Keyes) “Nice & Slow” (Usher), “Don’t Forget About Us” (Mariah Carey), “Grillz” ( Nelly featuring Paul Wall), “Confessions Part II” (Usher), “Burn” (Usher), “You Got It Bad” (Usher), “The First Night” (Monica), “Jump” (Kriss Kross) and “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey). His songwriting transcends across all genres of music, with hits “Shake It Off” (Mariah Carey) and “Money Aint A Thang” (Jermaine Dupri feat Jay Z), “Give it 2 U” (Da Brat),“Just Kicking It” (Xscape) and “Where The Party At” (Jagged Edge).
The most iconic singers/rappers of the past quarter-century have recorded his songs: Usher, Aretha Franklin, The Notorious B.I.G., Ludacris, Bow Wow, Aaliyah, 3LW, Destiny’s Child, 112, Anthony Hamilton, Nelly, Fabulous, Lil John, Alicia Keyes, Master P, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Xscape, Run DMC, Isley Brothers, Mase, TLC, New Edition, Tamia, Monica, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey amongst others.
Now in his third decade of writing and producing songs, GRAMMY award-winning Jermaine Dupri shows no signs of slowing down as he continue to pen his way to the top.
Alan Jackson
Recently inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson’s membership among country music’s all-time greats is the latest in a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.
Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Beginning with his first hit, “Here in the Real World,” Jackson’s pen has given us some of country music’s most-memorable songs of the past 30 years –the immediately-recognized “Chattahoochee,” the haunting “Midnight in Montgomery,” the touching “Remember When,” the autobiographical “Livin’ On Love,” “Drive,” and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and the inspired “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica. He’s also the man behind one of Nashville’s most-popular new tourist stops, AJ’s Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown (along a stretch of Broadway known as the “Honky Tonk Highway”) featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.
The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards – including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of GRAMMY’s and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.
Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor P/K/A “Kool & The Gang”
In 1964, Robert “Kool” Bell and his brother, Ronald Bell joined George Brown and other Jersey City neighborhood friends to create a unique musical blend of jazz, soul and funk. After performing for five years under various monikers, Kool & The Gang officially launched in 1969 with the release of their self-titled debut album, which was an introduction to their signature sound.
The band’s stellar reputation grew with each album, but 1973’s gold disc “Wild & Peaceful” took Kool & The Gang to another level, spurred by the immortal party anthems “Funky Stuff,” “Hollywood Swinging” and the platinum smash “Jungle Boogie.” The 1970’s brought hits like “Higher Plane,” the classic “Summer Madness” (featured on the GRAMMY-winning movie soundtrack Rocky) and “Open Sesame,” which was featured on the top-selling movie soundtrack of all-time, Saturday Night Fever, earned the group a GRAMMY.
In 1978, James “JT” Taylor, joined Kool & The Gang. His distinctive voice was discovered at age seven, leading him to start a band and perform at the Apollo Theater by age thirteen. As a songwriter and lead vocalist, his appreciation for all music led him to numerous bands and, ultimately, the group as lead vocalist/songwriter. JT’s contributions made an instant impact. In 1979, the group unveiled a smooth new sound with Ladies Night, their first platinum album, produced by the legendary pop/jazz musician and mentor Eumir Deodato, which heralded an unprecedented decade of mainstream domination, creativity, and innovation.
In 1989, JT pursued a solo career. His first release, the Diane Warren-penned duet with Regina Belle, “All I Want Is Forever,” was featured in the film, Tap. JT’s uninhibited 1st album, Master of the Game, steered him towards industry giants like Teddy Riley, Jeff Lorber, Barry Eastman, Whitney Houston, and George Benson. His next endeavors included projects, such as “The Promised Land” for Ghostbusters II with Bobby Caldwell and Jeff Porcaro, the Simon Law-co-produced Feel the Need album featuring “Long Hot Summer Night,” as well as “Baby I’m Back,” and “A Brand New Me”. Today, JT continues to develop projects, always reaching for new horizons.
Kool & The Gangs iconic songs, including “Celebration,” which was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and remains de rigueur at joyous occasions worldwide, have earned two GRAMMY Awards, 25 Top Ten R & B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, 31 gold and platinum awards, 5 American Music Awards, and numerous Grammy nominations. Marking their 50th anniversary this year, they were honored with a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame and continue to tour the world.
John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp’s career in music, spanning more than 35 years, has seen him transition from pop star to one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation. He is an authentic voice of American music and master storyteller with a commitment to creating traditional rock & roll, bittersweet songs of happiness and melancholia, inequality and fervent political dissent. With dozens of hits to his credit, the singer has taken on the plight of the family farmer, issues with authority figures and, of course, his own musings on relationships. Throughout his prolific career, John Mellencamp has written more than twenty Top 40 hits, Hits like “Jack and Diane,” “Small Town,” “Crumblin Down,” “The Authority Song,” “Rain On The Scarecrow,” “Lonely Ol Night,” “”R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.,” “Paper In Fire,” “Check It Out,” “Pink Houses,” “Pop Singer,” and “Jackie Brown.” These iconic American songs have played an important role in defining Midwestern music and developing the rock genre.
Mellencamp is incredibly acclaimed; he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a GRAMMY® winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, the concert series and organization that has addressed the struggle of American family farmers for more than 25 years.
His latest song, “Easy Target” offers a raspy diagnosis of America’s current political ailments. John wrote the title song for the 2017 film, The Yellow Birds, an American war film directed by Alexandre Moors and based on the novel The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers. The film debuted at Tribeca Film Festival and aired on the Nat Geo Channel.
John continues to focus on another facet of his artistic expression: painting. His style has progressed over the years as evidenced by several museum shows and published portfolios, and in recent years, he has increased his output by completing over 100 new works. He was also involved with an extraordinary collaboration for The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a musical with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp, a libretto by author Stephen King and production by T Bone Burnett.
Allee Willis
Allee Willis is a one-woman creative musical think-tank – a multi-disciplinary artist and visionary thinker whose range of imagination and productivity knows no bounds and whose songs integrate into all fields she works in. The GRAMMY ®, Emmy and Tony award-winning and nominated songwriter’s hits include the seemingly ubiquitous “September,” “I’ll Be There For You (the Friends theme), “Boogie Wonderland,” “Neutron Dance,” “What Have I Done To Deserve This,” “Lead Me On,” “Stir It Up,“ “In The Stone,” and “You’re The Best”. Willis also co-authored the Oprah Winfrey-produced Tony and GRAMMY-winning musical The Color Purple.
Willis, who writes both music and lyrics, has written for artists across many genres, including Earth, Wind & Fire, The Pointer Sisters, Pet Shop Boys, Justin Timberlake, Patti LaBelle, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Cliff, Debbie Harry, DMC, Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Herbie Hancock, Toto, Bryan Adams, Diana Ross, Chaka Kahn, Jennifer Hudson, Ray Charles, Weather Report, Dusty Springfield, Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Tina Turner, Taylor Dane, The Emotions, Boy George, Cher, Ashford & Simpson, Thomas Dolby, Dionne Warwick, Herb Alpert, Gladys Knight, and more.
Willis began writing songs in 1972 when she worked at Columbia/ Epic Records writing ads, radio commercials and liner notes for the artists including Laura Nyro, Barbra Streisand, Santana, Simon & Garfunkle and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Willis’s first song was recorded in 1974 by Bonnie Raitt. But her big break came in 1978 when Patti LaBelle started regularly recording her songs. LaBelle placed Willis with Herbie Hancock, whom she wrote three songs with. A few months later she began collaborating with Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire who introduced her to his brother Maurice, founder and lead singer of the band. Within five minutes of meeting they started writing “September.”
In 1997, representing 3 million BMI songwriters, Willis became the first pop artist to address Congress on artist rights in cyberspace. Throughout the 90’s she consulted with tech and media companies including Microsoft, Intel, AOL, Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. on their music and entertainment web strategies.
Willis most recently completed writing, recording producing, directing and animating “The D,” a song for her hometown of Detroit. It features 5000 vocalists, more people in history than have ever been on a record before. Willis also started performing a series of sold-out one-woman shows, combining her songs with her comedy, art, videos and technology.
Exclusive: Kix Brooks Bonus Q&A Discusses Brooks & Dunn Breakup And Pranks
/by Eric T. ParkerTo read the full interview with Brooks, pick up a copy of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards print magazine, or subscribe to receive your copy.
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There were rumors the reason Brooks & Dunn retired in 2010 was because you and Ronnie disliked each other. But you appeared on his solo album and you still vacation together. Could you explain the decision to part, then reunite in Las Vegas after five years?
The rumor Ronnie and I didn’t like each other is definitely not true. Basically we were offered a record deal without ever even having met. Our first four singles went No. 1. It happened so fast, we wanted to take advantage of it, but at the same time we didn’t have a chance to come up with any personal dynamic. I was 36, Ronnie was going on 40 years old when we met. I can’t think of another case in music—I mean I don’t know any other acts where that kind of thing has happened to them. It’s fun to talk to Florida Georgia Line, because they have had that same meteoric rise getting started, but they were two buddies that wanted to do it. Ronnie and I thought the idea was absurd from the beginning. But, like songwriters do, when Tim DuBois said, ‘Do me a favor and see if you can write a song together,’ we did. The next thing we were off to the races. We kept working it to keep this thing going. As a duo there was always a certain amount of compromise that came with making records, etc. Ronnie evolved as a dynamic singer. For me, did I really want to be a side guy playing guitar? I had always had bands growing up. Obviously from a success standpoint it was extremely rewarding, but at some point it comes with so many compromises you step back to question, what am I really doing here?
The break offered a time to professionally get away from each other to re-evolve where we were as artists, people and musicians. We both went out and performed and got our thing back as individuals. I don’t think we had much intention of doing Brooks & Dunn again, because we had gone as far and high as we expected to go. After some time apart when Caesars came to us asking if we would like to do the residency, and especially with our dear friend and big sister Reba, we were like, “You know what? It would be fun to sing these songs again.” We enjoy about an hour in the dressing room each night, kinda talking over stuff and Ronnie and I are going duck hunting right after the first of the year. It’s not like we don’t want to hang out with each other. It took five years off for us to find the fun spot, musically and professionally again.
You put out a solo album in 2012 [New To This Town] with Arista Nashville. Looking back, was it freeing to creatively explore or did you hear Ronnie’s voice in your head with advice he might have offered?
I just got back to doing what I did. I wrote with a lot of my old buddies. It’s fun to be uninhibited, uncompromised. I wrote a bunch of stuff and went in and produced and recorded it myself. Of course you’ve always got a record company involved but I had one that did like it and believed in it. I’m sure Ronnie felt the same way trying to make Brooks & Dunn music, something that says what two guys together would say with fun and games. It wasn’t that Brooks & Dunn never did personal love songs, but that’s the challenge for duos, whether it’s two guys or two girls or whatever.
Ronnie and I are both at a point in our career where you have to be careful with how much you expect for radio to play. And it’s not just us, that’s the case with Reba, George Strait, Alan Jackson, etc. We’ve had our run at radio and there are a lot of great new artists who are getting their shot now. That’s the way of the world and at some point you have to find joy in the success you’ve had and find a new place as a performer and artist you have to accept time marches on. Just like we did, new artists are going to take a shot and there’s gotta be room for them.
How has the Together In Vegas show evolved and what have you learned with the Las Vegas residency?
The set list has changed a little bit. We’ve thrown in a couple Christmas songs over the holiday, which we’ve never done before. But the staples are gonna be there—they want “My Maria,” “Fancy,” “Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” For us, the trick is to keep it fresh and at the same time we tend to go off on so many tangents we have to learn where to reel it in.
Now we’re not sweatin’, we know the songs are there so we’re having a lot of fun with each other.
We get out there and get lost if people are having fun. It’s become so comfortable and Reba is a great responder. Ronnie and I are loose enough that we’re liable to say anything. Just the way Reba gets mad on stage is really funny. I can understand why her TV show did so well for so many years. She’s just got great looks. She has an ability to get out on stage with us and make people laugh.
Brooks & Dunn were known for epic road pranks. Have you pulled any pranks in Las Vegas? Do any stand out over the years?
Knowing we’re going to be in Las Vegas all the time, we prefer not to live in fear. No pranks have gone on in Vegas.
But Ronnie and I honestly never started anything on the road all those years. We’re just really big finishers. Once we sorta got a reputation, we would always tell opening acts, “Don’t start it and there won’t be any, let’s just have a fun tour. But if you start doing stuff, really bad things could happen to you.” We’ve put a hardcore military stink bomb in Reba’s road case. And with Jo Dee Messina, CMT filmed it after she put a bunch of balloons filled with glitter on Ronnie’s bus. I rented this hot air balloon because I knew she was deathly afraid of heights. We grabbed Jo Dee after sound check one day and she saw that balloon inflated and just lost her mind. We’re 30 feet in the air and she was still trying to get out. After Faith Hill put salt water in Wade Hayes’ drinking water and he got so sick when she was opening for Ronnie and I, I bought this eel without a head at a truck stop. We thawed it out and put that in her bed, down where her feet would go when we were in Canada. She never actually commented on it, but when we went back through customs, the agent started putting on gloves saying there was apparently some jewelry missing and I would have to be examined to make sure it wasn’t hidden anywhere [laughs].
Donovan Woods Finds Inspiration From Poets, Novelists On New Album ‘Both Ways’
/by Lorie HollabaughWoods cites the work of poet Bronwyn Wallace and novelists Richard Ford and Alice Munro as major creative inspirations for his approach to Both Ways. “The writing I have always liked, is about things that are indicative of a world but not the entire world,” said Woods. “I’m inspired by writing that leads you into the room and then leaves you to fill in the details.”
Splitting his time between homes in Nashville and Toronto, Woods has already amassed over 45 million streams of his solo material, with more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. In addition, he has garnered the respect of major songwriters and artists on both sides of the border, writing songs for (and with) Tim McGraw, Charles Kelly (Lady Antebellum), Billy Currington and Charlie Worsham, among others.
1. Good Lover
2. Another Way
3. Burn That Bridge
4. Truck Full of Money
5. Our Friend Bobby
6. I Ain’t Ever Loved No One
7. I Live a Little Lie
8. Easy Street
9. I Don’t Belong To You
10. Read About Memory
11. Great Escape
12. Next Year
High Valley To Release Acoustic Album ‘Farmhouse Sessions’ March 23
/by Lorie HollabaughHigh Valley is releasing an acoustic album, High Valley: Farmhouse Sessions, featuring new renditions of some favorite fan tracks, March 23. The project was recorded in their farmhouse outside of Nashville, and includes their debut single “Make You Mine,” their Canadian No. 1 “I Be U Be,” as well as the duo’s current single, “She’s With Me,” which is Top 15 and rising up the charts.
“We were out on our first headline tour in the US this fall and witnessed so many amazing fans singing our songs back to us,” shared Brad Rempel. “We wanted to be able to share that feeling with everyone so we put together a few of our favorites.”
High Valley opened for Chris Janson last night at his sold-out Ryman show, and are set to head out on a run of overseas dates in the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and Australia.
1. “I Be U Be” (Brad Rempel, Jenson Vaughan)
2. “She’s With Me” (Brad Rempel, Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis)
3. “Make You Mine” (Brad Rempel, Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis)
4. “Memory Makin’” (Brad Rempel, Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis)
5. “Roads We’ve Never Taken” (Brad Rempel, Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston)
6. “The Only” (Jon Nite, Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon)
7. “Dear Life” (Brad Rempel, Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis)
Chris Janson Receives Surprise Opry Invitation From Keith Urban During Ryman Show
/by Lorie HollabaughPhotos by Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
Chris Janson was surprised during his sold-out Ryman Auditorium concert last night by Keith Urban with an invitation to become an official Grand Ole Opry member. Fellow Opry member Urban then gave the Ryman audience a surprise by performing alongside Janson on the John Michael Montgomery hit “Sold,” a tune the two had collaborated on on the Opry stage last year.
“Over the course of more than 100 appearances since his Opry debut in 2013, Chris has become a favorite of Opry fans and fellow performers alike,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “It’s been amazing to watch him bring audiences to their feet night after night. He is so passionate about the Opry, including its rich history, the camaraderie it builds between generations of fans and artists, and its place in country music’s future. We could not be more thrilled to officially welcome him later this spring.”
“The Opry is where my heart is,” said Janson about the momentous evening and invitation. “I could probably die if I never got to do anything else.”
(L-R): Steve Buchanan (President, Opry Entertainment Group), Chris, Sally Williams (General Manager, Grand Ole Opry / Sr. Vice President, Programming & Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment), Keith, John Esposito- Chairman & CEO Warner Music Nashville
Alan Jackson, Bill Anderson, Steve Dorff Headed To Songwriters Hall Of Fame
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Songwriters Hall of Fame announced the recipients of its 49th annual Induction and Awards ceremony on Tuesday morning (Feb. 6), and the new class will include Alan Jackson, Bill Anderson and Steve Dorff, among others. The induction event will take place on June 14 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) serves as a bridge between music’s past and future. In the Hall, musical pioneers are enshrined and celebrated, while the organization’s outreach to the music community grooms the next generation of troubadours.
Other songwriters to be inducted this year include John Mellencamp, Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor, Jurmaine Dupri, and Allee Willis.
These songwriters wrote mega-hits such as, “Mama Sang a Song,” “Celebration,” “Through The Years,” “Always Be My Baby,” “Chattahoochee,” “Jack And Diane,” “I’ll Be There For You.”
“The 2018 roster of Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees is a prodigious representation of creators of cross-genre hits, certain to resonate with everyone,” said SHOF co-chairs Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff and president/CEO Linda Moran. “Each year, the slate of songwriters we induct is more diverse and illustrative of the history and contributions that we strive to acknowledge and honor. We could not be more excited to preside over this year’s event and to give these songwriters their due respect.”
Bill Anderson
Bill Anderson is the rare songwriter whose first major label cut went to No. 1 on the charts, was named Song of The Year, and sparked a writing career that is currently in its seventh decade. The song, “City Lights,” was written when Anderson was a 19-year old Georgia disc jockey and became a career-defining hit for Ray Price in 1958. The song opened doors for him in Nashville, leading him to signing with BMI and Tree Publishing.
Anderson was far from a one-hit wonder. He followed “City Lights” with country standards like “Tips Of My Fingers,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Once A Day,” “Saginaw, Michigan,” “That’s What It’s Like To Be Lonesome,” “I Missed Me,” “Cold Hard Facts Of Life,” which earned him another GRAMMY nomination, “Mama Sang A Song,” the crossover smash, “Still,” and countless others. He was voted country Songwriter Of The Year six times during his first decade in Music City.
His success continued into the seventies with award-winning hits like “Slippin’ Away,” “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking,” “I May Never Get To Heaven,” and the disco-flavored, “I Can’t Wait Any Longer.” The eighties saw Anderson’s chart-topping career take a hiatus as he became a TV network game show host, spokesman for a national restaurant chain, and a nonstop touring Grand Ole Opry performer. In the nineties he came roaring back with a vengeance, however, as he seriously turned to co-writing for the first time.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, his collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like “Wish You Were Here,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Two Teardrops,” “A Lot Of Things Different,” for Kenny Chesney, “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” for Vince Gill and two Song Of The Year awards for “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Straight’s “Give It Away,” in 2005 and 2007 respectfully. He continues to write today with songs like Brad Paisley’s “Dying To See Her.”
Steve Dorff
Steve Dorff’s career as a songwriter spans five decades and includes more than forty BMI awards, twenty Top 10 hits, twelve No. 1 hits, and an American Music Award. The GRAMMY- and Emmy-nominated songwriter and composer has had songs recorded by more than four hundred artists from all genres of music, as well as twenty-eight movie scores and numerous theme songs and placements on TV series.
Dorff’s songs have been recorded by iconic artists such as Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Dusty Springfield and countless others. A few chart hits include Rogers’ “Through the Years,” Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love Again,” Strait’s “I Cross My Heart,” and Eddie Rabbitt’s “Every Which Way But Loose”—the title track from Clint Eastwood’s 1978 film.
Dorff has composed TV music for shows such as Murphy Brown, Growing Pains, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, Reba, Spenser: For Hire, Just the Ten of Us, and The Singing Bee. His film contributions include songs and scores for Pure Country, Bronco Billy, Rocky IV, Tin Cup and Honky Tonk Man. Branching into stage productions, he wrote the music for the theatre production, Josephine. Dorff published the 2017 memoir, I Wrote That One Too…A Life in Songwriting from Willie to Whitney, and he enjoys performing his best-loved songs at venues across the country.
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri wrote his first song “Single” at the young age of 15, then his first platinum selling single a mere four years later with the mega hit “Jump” (Kriss Kross) and he hasn’t stopped writing hits since.
Dupri’s songwriting accomplishments have continued for over two decades with over 30 number one hits including “My Boo” (Usher featuring Alicia Keyes) “Nice & Slow” (Usher), “Don’t Forget About Us” (Mariah Carey), “Grillz” ( Nelly featuring Paul Wall), “Confessions Part II” (Usher), “Burn” (Usher), “You Got It Bad” (Usher), “The First Night” (Monica), “Jump” (Kriss Kross) and “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey). His songwriting transcends across all genres of music, with hits “Shake It Off” (Mariah Carey) and “Money Aint A Thang” (Jermaine Dupri feat Jay Z), “Give it 2 U” (Da Brat),“Just Kicking It” (Xscape) and “Where The Party At” (Jagged Edge).
The most iconic singers/rappers of the past quarter-century have recorded his songs: Usher, Aretha Franklin, The Notorious B.I.G., Ludacris, Bow Wow, Aaliyah, 3LW, Destiny’s Child, 112, Anthony Hamilton, Nelly, Fabulous, Lil John, Alicia Keyes, Master P, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Xscape, Run DMC, Isley Brothers, Mase, TLC, New Edition, Tamia, Monica, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey amongst others.
Now in his third decade of writing and producing songs, GRAMMY award-winning Jermaine Dupri shows no signs of slowing down as he continue to pen his way to the top.
Alan Jackson
Recently inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson’s membership among country music’s all-time greats is the latest in a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.
Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Beginning with his first hit, “Here in the Real World,” Jackson’s pen has given us some of country music’s most-memorable songs of the past 30 years –the immediately-recognized “Chattahoochee,” the haunting “Midnight in Montgomery,” the touching “Remember When,” the autobiographical “Livin’ On Love,” “Drive,” and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and the inspired “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica. He’s also the man behind one of Nashville’s most-popular new tourist stops, AJ’s Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown (along a stretch of Broadway known as the “Honky Tonk Highway”) featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.
The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards – including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of GRAMMY’s and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.
Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor P/K/A “Kool & The Gang”
In 1964, Robert “Kool” Bell and his brother, Ronald Bell joined George Brown and other Jersey City neighborhood friends to create a unique musical blend of jazz, soul and funk. After performing for five years under various monikers, Kool & The Gang officially launched in 1969 with the release of their self-titled debut album, which was an introduction to their signature sound.
The band’s stellar reputation grew with each album, but 1973’s gold disc “Wild & Peaceful” took Kool & The Gang to another level, spurred by the immortal party anthems “Funky Stuff,” “Hollywood Swinging” and the platinum smash “Jungle Boogie.” The 1970’s brought hits like “Higher Plane,” the classic “Summer Madness” (featured on the GRAMMY-winning movie soundtrack Rocky) and “Open Sesame,” which was featured on the top-selling movie soundtrack of all-time, Saturday Night Fever, earned the group a GRAMMY.
In 1978, James “JT” Taylor, joined Kool & The Gang. His distinctive voice was discovered at age seven, leading him to start a band and perform at the Apollo Theater by age thirteen. As a songwriter and lead vocalist, his appreciation for all music led him to numerous bands and, ultimately, the group as lead vocalist/songwriter. JT’s contributions made an instant impact. In 1979, the group unveiled a smooth new sound with Ladies Night, their first platinum album, produced by the legendary pop/jazz musician and mentor Eumir Deodato, which heralded an unprecedented decade of mainstream domination, creativity, and innovation.
In 1989, JT pursued a solo career. His first release, the Diane Warren-penned duet with Regina Belle, “All I Want Is Forever,” was featured in the film, Tap. JT’s uninhibited 1st album, Master of the Game, steered him towards industry giants like Teddy Riley, Jeff Lorber, Barry Eastman, Whitney Houston, and George Benson. His next endeavors included projects, such as “The Promised Land” for Ghostbusters II with Bobby Caldwell and Jeff Porcaro, the Simon Law-co-produced Feel the Need album featuring “Long Hot Summer Night,” as well as “Baby I’m Back,” and “A Brand New Me”. Today, JT continues to develop projects, always reaching for new horizons.
Kool & The Gangs iconic songs, including “Celebration,” which was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and remains de rigueur at joyous occasions worldwide, have earned two GRAMMY Awards, 25 Top Ten R & B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, 31 gold and platinum awards, 5 American Music Awards, and numerous Grammy nominations. Marking their 50th anniversary this year, they were honored with a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame and continue to tour the world.
John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp’s career in music, spanning more than 35 years, has seen him transition from pop star to one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation. He is an authentic voice of American music and master storyteller with a commitment to creating traditional rock & roll, bittersweet songs of happiness and melancholia, inequality and fervent political dissent. With dozens of hits to his credit, the singer has taken on the plight of the family farmer, issues with authority figures and, of course, his own musings on relationships. Throughout his prolific career, John Mellencamp has written more than twenty Top 40 hits, Hits like “Jack and Diane,” “Small Town,” “Crumblin Down,” “The Authority Song,” “Rain On The Scarecrow,” “Lonely Ol Night,” “”R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.,” “Paper In Fire,” “Check It Out,” “Pink Houses,” “Pop Singer,” and “Jackie Brown.” These iconic American songs have played an important role in defining Midwestern music and developing the rock genre.
Mellencamp is incredibly acclaimed; he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a GRAMMY® winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, the concert series and organization that has addressed the struggle of American family farmers for more than 25 years.
His latest song, “Easy Target” offers a raspy diagnosis of America’s current political ailments. John wrote the title song for the 2017 film, The Yellow Birds, an American war film directed by Alexandre Moors and based on the novel The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers. The film debuted at Tribeca Film Festival and aired on the Nat Geo Channel.
John continues to focus on another facet of his artistic expression: painting. His style has progressed over the years as evidenced by several museum shows and published portfolios, and in recent years, he has increased his output by completing over 100 new works. He was also involved with an extraordinary collaboration for The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a musical with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp, a libretto by author Stephen King and production by T Bone Burnett.
Allee Willis
Allee Willis is a one-woman creative musical think-tank – a multi-disciplinary artist and visionary thinker whose range of imagination and productivity knows no bounds and whose songs integrate into all fields she works in. The GRAMMY ®, Emmy and Tony award-winning and nominated songwriter’s hits include the seemingly ubiquitous “September,” “I’ll Be There For You (the Friends theme), “Boogie Wonderland,” “Neutron Dance,” “What Have I Done To Deserve This,” “Lead Me On,” “Stir It Up,“ “In The Stone,” and “You’re The Best”. Willis also co-authored the Oprah Winfrey-produced Tony and GRAMMY-winning musical The Color Purple.
Willis, who writes both music and lyrics, has written for artists across many genres, including Earth, Wind & Fire, The Pointer Sisters, Pet Shop Boys, Justin Timberlake, Patti LaBelle, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Cliff, Debbie Harry, DMC, Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Herbie Hancock, Toto, Bryan Adams, Diana Ross, Chaka Kahn, Jennifer Hudson, Ray Charles, Weather Report, Dusty Springfield, Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Tina Turner, Taylor Dane, The Emotions, Boy George, Cher, Ashford & Simpson, Thomas Dolby, Dionne Warwick, Herb Alpert, Gladys Knight, and more.
Willis began writing songs in 1972 when she worked at Columbia/ Epic Records writing ads, radio commercials and liner notes for the artists including Laura Nyro, Barbra Streisand, Santana, Simon & Garfunkle and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Willis’s first song was recorded in 1974 by Bonnie Raitt. But her big break came in 1978 when Patti LaBelle started regularly recording her songs. LaBelle placed Willis with Herbie Hancock, whom she wrote three songs with. A few months later she began collaborating with Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire who introduced her to his brother Maurice, founder and lead singer of the band. Within five minutes of meeting they started writing “September.”
In 1997, representing 3 million BMI songwriters, Willis became the first pop artist to address Congress on artist rights in cyberspace. Throughout the 90’s she consulted with tech and media companies including Microsoft, Intel, AOL, Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. on their music and entertainment web strategies.
Willis most recently completed writing, recording producing, directing and animating “The D,” a song for her hometown of Detroit. It features 5000 vocalists, more people in history than have ever been on a record before. Willis also started performing a series of sold-out one-woman shows, combining her songs with her comedy, art, videos and technology.
Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley Will Not Return To Host ACM Awards In 2018
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley
Last year’s ACM Awards co-hosts Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will not return this year to host the 2018 ACM Awards, the Academy of Country Music has confirmed.
Bentley leaked the news during today’s launch of Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, with an off-the-cuff comment during a Q&A Session.
As a photo of Bentley and Bryan at the Academy of Country Music Awards was portrayed on a screen, he commented, “That’s over… We got fired. Is that not common knowledge?”
The Academy of Country Music has confirmed the news with musicrow.com.
A representative from the Academy of Country Music also noted that host information for this year’s ACM Awards will be announced in coming weeks. The broadcast will air on April 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Awards
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 582
If you were looking for early-bird country radio conventioneers on Monday, the place to find them was the Listening Room Café.
That’s where MusicRow Magazine hosted its 16th annual “Country Radio Meet & Greet” and “CountryBreakout Awards” fiesta. And, boy, was it packed. Although staged at its largest venue to date, the event continues to be a wall-to-wall schmoozathon.
“We want to give a special thanks to our MusicRow reporters and our MusicRow [chart] promoters,” said owner/publisher Sherod Robertson in greeting the throng.” The awards are based on spins the artists get on the magazine’s panel of reporting stations.
Its chart is widely regarded in the country industry as the one to watch for breaking new artists and records. Its reporting stations are heavily weighted toward secondary markets where new music is easier to launch.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Kelsea Ballerini and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
The female winner of this year’s Country Breakout Award was Kelsea Ballerini, earning her second consecutive such honor.
“This is awesome,” she said. “My childhood was defined by the female voices I heard on the radio, and I am truly thankful that radio is playing young female voices. Cheers!”
Florida Georgia Line earned its fourth consecutive Group/Duo award.
“It’s an honor to be up here,” said the superstar duo’s Tyler Hubbard. “We’re lovin’ life, and it’s an honor to do what we love.”
His FGL partner Brian Kelley added, “Thank you, MusicRow. You have believed in us from the very beginning. It’s really inspiring to be part of this creative community.”
Pictured (L-R): Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Sherod Robertson also presented each FGL fellow with six Challenge Coins for the six No. 1 hits they’ve written to date.
The Male winner was Blake Shelton. Sherod noted that Blake is the first country artist to win People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive honor. “What you may not know, is that he narrowly beat his producer, Scott Hendricks, the Second Sexiest Man Alive.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Scott Hendricks and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
“Not!” said Scott when he accepted on Blake’s behalf. “If Blake were here, he’d thank everybody at MusicRow, the songwriters, the publishers and everyone here.”
The Songwriter of the Year was Ashley Gorley, who has co-written an incredible seven No. 1 hits during the past 12 months. He was also ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year for a record-setting fifth time last year.
“Thank you guys for believing in the songs and playing them,” said Ashley. Sherod gave him nine Challenge Coins.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Ashley Gorley and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
MusicRow chart director Alex Kobrick was attending her first “Country Radio Meet-and-Greet.” “I’m excited to finally meet every one of you,” she said to the radio folks she speaks with via phone each week. She presented the Independent Artist of the Year award to Shane Owens.
Pictured(L-R): MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick, Ann Chrisman Promotions’ Ann Chrisman and Anne Sarosdy, Shane Owens, Grassroots Promotions’ RJ Jordan and Nancy Tunick, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
“Country radio, you rock,” he said. “They make dreams come true for guys like me. God bless country music.”
The Breakout Artist award went to Luke Combs. “Thanks, you guys, for having me,” he said. “Thanks to country radio and all the stations on the panel.”
Capitol Records won its 14th Label of the Year accolade and its 13th consecutive one. “It’s great to see everyone – a lot of old friends,” said the company’s Bobby Young in accepting. “Thank you so much to everyone for supporting this roster. Now we have to do this for 15 years!”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Luke Combs and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson, Capitol Records’ Bobby Young and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
The magazine’s radio Reporter of the Year honor went to Alex Hardy of KYYK in Texas. “I’ve made amazing friendships with everybody; that’s what makes this special,” she said.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick, Alex Hardy and MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
In between the award presentations, the party rolled on. Hit singer-songwriter John Berry and Uncle Si of Duck Dynasty posed for selfies with fans.
Southern Halo, Lucas Hoge, Bailey James, Tony Jackson, April Kry, Rachel Holder, Keith Burns, Amber Hayes, John Schneider, Ashley Barron, Branch & Dean, Terry McBride, Eric Beddingfield, Cowboy Troy, Heidi Raye, Bucky Covington, James Dupree, James Robert Webb, Jagertown, Rick Monroe, Lewis Brice, Irlene Mandrell, The Band Steele, Tim Elliott, Lonely Highway Band, Dallas Remington, Jeff Bates, Harper Grae and many other artists signed up to work the room.
The music was provided by two promising up-and-comers.
“This is an awesome turnout,” said singer-songwriter Michael Tyler as he took the stage. “Look at this crowd.”
Michael favored the mob with a gently rolling, good natured rendition of “Somewhere on a Beach,” the chart-topper he cowrote for Dierks Bentley. He also offered his languid, dreamy “They Can’t See” and his catchy, endearingly boyish current single “Hey Mama.”
Denny Strickland did his rhythmic current tune “California Dreamin,’” the thumping rumbler “Close My Eyes” and an urgent, intense version of “We Don’t Sleep.”
The crowd chowed down on a Mexican buffet and schmoozed like there was no tomorrow. Fabulons working the room included Steve Popovich, Steve Pope, Steve O’Brien, Nancy Peacock, Nancy Tunick, Zach Farnum, Zach Stone, Ron Cox, Michael Knox, Mike Martinovich, Martha Moore, Edie Emery, Sarah Skates, Sam Cerami, Diane Richey, Dennis Banka, Preshius Harris, Susan Niles, Neal Spielberg, Ray Shelide, Andrew Kintz, L.B. Rogers, Woody Bomar, Jenny Bohler, Tim McFadden, Shannan Hatch, Bob Reeves, Troy Stephenson and Teri Brown.
By the way, the sound quality at The Listening Room was a huge improvement over the other venues where this annual event has been staged. At least it was up in the balcony where I sat.
Michael Tyler. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Denny Strickland. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton Takes Top Three Country Albums Sales Slots
/by Jessica NicholsonKane Brown is at No. 4 this week with his self-titled album, while fellow Grammy nominee Thomas Rhett was at No. 5 with Life Changes moving 14K.
Jason Aldean has the top debut this week both Nielsen Soundscan’s downloads chart and country streaming chart with “You Make It Easy,” which earned overall sales of 77K, and 4.5 million streams.
On the country digital song downloads chart, Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line‘s “Meant To Be” is at No. 2 with 37K, followed by Thomas Rhett‘s “Marry Me” at No. 3 with 19K. Chris Stapleton‘s “Broken Halos” is at No. 4 with 18K, and Kane Brown‘s “Heaven” rounds out the Top 5 with 15K.
Information courtesy of Nielsen Soundscan.
Lance Carpenter Signs With United Talent Agency
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Lance Roberts Agent, Co-Head of UTA Nashville Office; Lance Carpenter,, Curt Motley, Agent, Co-Head of UTA Nashville Office; Nick Meinema, Agent, Co-Head UTA Nashville Office; Mandi Dixon (Lance Carpenter’s Manager of Mandolin Entertainment).
Nashville recording artist and songwriter Lance Carpenter has signed with United Talent Agency in all areas. Carpenter recently earned a No. 1 single for co-writing the hit track “Love Me Like You Mean It,” by Kelsea Ballerini. Following his self-titled debut album, Carpenter released a five-track EP titled, Mustang, in 2017.
He has performed alongside major musicians including Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, Justin Moore, Randy Rogers Band, among others. He recently signed to Toby Keith’s Show Dog Records, in addition to releasing a debut duet and music video with Krystal Keith titled, “Anyone Else.”
Carpenter will continue to be represented by Mandi Dixon of Mandolin Entertainment and Austen Adams of Dickinson Wright.
Country Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (clockwise from top left): Andy Ritchie and Alison Mencer; Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry; Lisa McKay; Mike O’Malley; Scott Evans; Steve Harmon.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame announced nine broadcasters (including seven on-air personalities and two off-air broadcasters) that will join in 2018, as artist Cassadee Pope revealed this year’s inductees during Monday’s (Feb. 5) opening ceremonies for Country Radio Seminar in Nashville.
The 2018 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class includes 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 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 Induction and Dinner will be held in Nashville on Wednesday, June 20, at a location to be announced soon.