Pictured (L-R): Arlo Gilliam, Keith Gattis, Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Kendell Marvel, Mike McAdam, John Henry Trinko, Chris Hennessee, Cowboy Eddie Long. Photo: Nathan Zucker [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
Country songwriter and entertainer,
Kendell Marvel, hosted his first Honky Tonk Experience since the release of his debut album
Lowdown & Lonesome last week (Oct. 24).
The October installment of the rowdy monthly outing at Nashville’s Exit/In included Brothers Osborne, Steve Gorman (drummer for The Black Crowes) in addition to Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett and keyboardist Rami Jaffee.
In particular, Jaffee joined on Marvel’s original “Watch Your Heart” and “That Seat’s Saved.” The Brothers Osborne took over the mic completely from Marvel in addition to a rare vocal showcase of John, for covers of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings” and Johnny Bush/Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River.”
Pictured (L-R): T.J. Osborne, Kendell Marvel, John Osborne. Photo: Nathan Zucker
With a mixture of vocal stylings reminiscent of Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, and Trace Adkins, the honky tonk rocker poured in to a plethora of additional covers from Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams in addition to songs from the debut album. Notably, one of Marvel’s two cuts on Chris Stapleton’s forthcoming From A Room: Volume 2 (“Tryin’ To Untangle My Mind”) is also featured on Marvel’s release.
“Go buy ’em both,” said Marvel of he and Stapleton’s releases. “They’re totally different.”
Stapleton has co-writing credit on three tracks from Marvel’s album. The album also features writing with Randy Houser and vocals with Jamey Johnson. Lowdown & Lonesome was produced by Keith Gattis, who co-wrote seven out of 10 tracks alongside Marvel.
Gattis was featured on stage alongside some of Nashville’s most revered players last week, including Cowboy Eddie Long (pedal steel for Jamey Johnson/Hank Williams Jr.), Chris Hennessee (guitarist for Jamey Johnson), Mike McAdam (guitarist for Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter), Arlo Gilliam (bass player Travis Tritt), Dave Dunseath (drummer for Lee Ann Womack), Melonie Cannon (BGV and daughter of Buddy Cannon) and John Henry Trinko (keyboardist for Randy Houser).
“Now if I could just make enough money to take this band out on the road with me,” Marvel jeered his WME agent. “Jay Williams, if you’re out there…”
Oak Ridge Boys Debut Second ‘Legends Series’ Suit Line
/by Lorie HollabaughIn addition to launching the suit line, Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys has joined the Executive Board of Directors of Liberty Legends USA. In this capacity, Duane will serve as one of the key ambassadors.
“We are honored to have Duane join the Executive Board. We look forward to working with him to build greater outreach networks so that we can take the ‘buy American’ message to greater audiences and the next level,” said Robin Worley, Co-Founder of the Liberty Legends USA brand. “If you have ever been to The Oak Ridge Boys concert, you have heard the passion behind the group’s commitment to the spirit of America. As we searched for our next legend in this mission, it was easy to see these guys have the heart and commitment to take this mission of building awareness to a new level.
“After spending decades traveling across the USA, I have seen the recent closing of many of our manufacturing companies, mill towns, and hometown businesses. When these places close, manufacturing is often relocated overseas, and we not only lose jobs, but Americans often must find a new line of work,” said Allen. “I am happy to be a part of Liberty Legends USA with its goal of keeping our factories and our mill towns open and providing good quality Made in America products. These products might cost a little more, but they’re an investment in our country’s economy. BuyingMade in America provides an opportunity for our businesses to grow, while Americans earn a fair wage.”
O’Neil Hagaman Promotes Sam Powers
/by Jessica NicholsonSam Powers
Sam Powers has been promoted to Senior Manager, Special Projects at O’Neil Hagaman. He now oversees the business management firm’s publishing consulting activities including due diligence, catalog sales and related work.
Powers has worked in O’Neil Hagaman’s Special Projects division since 2007 and has been Manager of Special Projects at the business management firm for the last five years. O’Neil Hagaman’s Special Projects division focuses on intellectual property matters involving recorded masters, publishing, film and TV rights, catalog sales, due diligence and royalty examinations.
“I’ve worked with Sam Powers for 20 years at both Little Big Town Publishing and now at O’Neil Hagaman,” says O’Neil Hagaman co-founder Kerry O’Neil. “He has a rare combination of intellectual excellency and an ability to listen and understand people.”
Prior to joining O’Neil Hagaman, Powers worked at both Little Big Town Music and Sony/ATV Tree Publishing. He was bassist and songwriter for acclaimed indie-rock band Superdrag from 1999 to 2003. He has also contributed features for MusicRow magazine on behalf of O’Neil Hagaman.
Hunter Hayes, Brett Young Set To Perform At 35th Annual Christmas 4 Kids Benefit
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“We are so thankful for all of these great artists who have all volunteered to donate their time and talent to help bring a better Christmas to so many children in need,” says Christmas 4 Kids President Linda O’Connell. “This year, Christmas 4 Kids is celebrating its 35th anniversary so this concert will be extra special!”
“I am so excited to be part of the Christmas 4 Kids concert for the second year in a row,” said Berry. “Christmas is my favorite time of year and I love the opportunity to spread holiday cheer to kids in the Nashville area.”
Tickets are $38.50 and $60.00 and are available for purchase now at Ryman.com. All proceeds from the concert benefit the Christmas 4 Kids organization.
MusicRowRecess: ‘Today’ Show Brings Halloween To Grand Ole Opry With Reba, Blake Shelton, Shania Twain
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Savannah Guthrie as Kenny Rogers and Matt Lauer as Dolly Parton. Photo: Nathan Congleton / TODAY
The Today show celebrated Halloween this morning (Oct. 31) in country fashion, with appearances by the real Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus.
In front of a Grand Ole Opry backdrop, McEntire announced Today hosts one by one as they revealed their costumes with performances from country stars.
VIEW THE 8 MINUTE SEGMENT HERE (or below)
Al Roker did his best at Willie Nelson. Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer portrayed gender swaps for a rendition of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s “Islands In The Stream,” respectively. Parton herself gave Lauer costume advice in a particular, presumably pre-recorded video segment.
But it was not only Carson Daly‘s version of Billy Ray Cyrus who surprised viewers with an appearance alongside the real country star Cyrus, but Hoda Kotb‘s portrayal of Blake Shelton was also joined by the Warner Music Nashville star. Megyn Kelly‘s version of Shania Twain was surprised later in the morning by the country legend. Twain joined Kelly on her own show later in the day as well as the rest of the costumed hosts. Kathy Lee Gifford made an effort at another Nashville darling, Miley Cyrus.
Shelton then surprised the Today crowd with a Halloween plaza concert in promotion of Texoma Shore, his forthcoming album out Friday (Nov. 3). He performed “I’ll Name the Dogs,” the first single from his new album, along with the album’s title track and the new song, “I Lived It.”
Cole Swindell To Release Latest ‘Down Home Sessions’ Installment Nov. 24
/by Jessica NicholsonCole Swindell will release his fourth installment of his popular Down Home Sessions EP. Down Home Sessions IV is due Nov. 24.
The Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville recording artist will hit the road again in support of Down Home Sessions IV, returning to some of the cities, towns and venues where he made some of his first fans. The Down Home Tour IV follows three previous sold-out headlining Down Home Tours. The tour kickoff with cities and dates will be announced soon.
14th Annual ‘Rumble On The Row’ Matches Set For March
/by Lorie HollabaughThe matches will include: Bobby Cory (CAA) vs. Bryan Vastano (UTA), Luke Cahill (Aloompa) vs. Brian O’Neil (Artist Manager), Tiffany Goss (Curb) vs. Elyse McKenna (Thiel Audio), and Will Lowery (APA) vs. Austin Mullins (WME).
“These fierce competitors are entirely committed to the training process and helping raise money to touch the lives of so many kids,” said Carolyn Miller, founder and chairman of The Charley Foundation which produces the annual event. “Nashville’s music community continues to step up and presenting four bouts this year is a testament to the popularity of this anticipated annual event.”
The action-packed evening includes gourmet dining, music, surprise celebrity guests, a silent auction with one-of-a-kind items, and of course, boxing. The theme for this year’s event will be “The 70s”.
The annual event benefits The Charley Foundation, an organization that supports agencies that provide relief for children who are victims of neglect, abuse or other crises, children who live with chronic or critical illness, children who endure poverty or homelessness, and children who require mentoring or other proactive outreach.
Nashville Attorney Orville Almon, Jr. Dies
/by Jessica NicholsonOrville Almon, Jr.
Prominent Nashville attorney Orville Almon, Jr. has died.
He practiced entertainment and music law, IP law and business law for over 35 years, representing numerous prominent recording artists, music producers and songwriters, as well as record company executives, music publishers, record companies, television production companies, managers and other clients affiliated with the entertainment industry.
His practice has included re-negotiating existing agreements and new technology issues. He has extensive experience in and is renowned for drafting language for difficult-to-define issues, negotiating with record companies and drafting “issue-specific” agreements. Almon has also successfully negotiated high-profile book deals, including deals for Chicken Soup for the Country Soul and Kurt Cobain Journals).
Almon is a founding partner of Zumwalt, Almon and Hayes. In 2010, he opened his private practice Almon Law.
Over the years, Almon has earned many awards and accomplishments including being recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Mid-South Super Lawyers and by BusinessTN as one of Tennessee’s Best 150 Lawyers. He is a Leadership Music Alumni (Class of 2009), and has been a member of the American, Tennessee and Nashville Bar Associations, and the Country Music Association.
Almon earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri. A distinguished military graduate from the Army ROTC program, he served four years in the Army until resigning his commission as a Captain to enter law school at University of Memphis in 1979, where he graduated from Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
While at law school he was selected to the Memphis State University Law Review for his academic achievement and elected to the Editorial Board of the Law Review as Administrative Editor for the 1978-79 school year. Upon graduation he was selected as a member of The Order of Barristers for exhibiting excellence and attaining high honor through the art of courtroom advocacy.
Funeral arrangements have not been released at this time.
J.D. May, Mark Confroy Join Aloompa
/by Lorie HollabaughJ.D. May, Mark Confroy
Nashville-based tech firm Aloompa has added JD May as Chief Operating Officer and Mark Confroy as Director of Client Fulfillment.
As COO, May will be responsible for developing and executing key growth strategies for the company in addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the current business. May has previously served in executive roles at Songkick, Front Gate Tickets and Ticketmaster. He was also a partner at music tech pioneer echomusic, which was acquired by Ticketmaster in 2007.
“JD has as long and successful history as a music and technology executive helping companies develop scalable, innovative solutions in the live entertainment space,” says company co-founder Drew Burchfield. “He brings a global perspective and a wealth of experience to our team and will help us continue to take advantage of new opportunities in a rapidly developing market.”
“I’ve been a huge fan of Aloompa for many years and have seen first-hand how their powerful platform can combine advanced proximity-based technologies with detailed audience behavior data to provide event producers with never-before-seen insights on their attendees,” May says. “This is game changing for sponsors and brands who are all looking to maximize the impact of their partnerships and return on investment.”
Confroy is a mobile-focused digital leader with more than a decade of experience leading teams and strategy for various brands, institutions and artists. His past experience includes roles at Songkick, HelloWorld, and Mozes.
In 2014, Aloompa created the event proximity platform Presence.
Kendell Marvel Celebrates Album Release With Black Crowes, Foo Fighters, Brothers Osborne
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Arlo Gilliam, Keith Gattis, Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Kendell Marvel, Mike McAdam, John Henry Trinko, Chris Hennessee, Cowboy Eddie Long. Photo: Nathan Zucker [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
The October installment of the rowdy monthly outing at Nashville’s Exit/In included Brothers Osborne, Steve Gorman (drummer for The Black Crowes) in addition to Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett and keyboardist Rami Jaffee.
In particular, Jaffee joined on Marvel’s original “Watch Your Heart” and “That Seat’s Saved.” The Brothers Osborne took over the mic completely from Marvel in addition to a rare vocal showcase of John, for covers of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings” and Johnny Bush/Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River.”
Pictured (L-R): T.J. Osborne, Kendell Marvel, John Osborne. Photo: Nathan Zucker
With a mixture of vocal stylings reminiscent of Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, and Trace Adkins, the honky tonk rocker poured in to a plethora of additional covers from Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams in addition to songs from the debut album. Notably, one of Marvel’s two cuts on Chris Stapleton’s forthcoming From A Room: Volume 2 (“Tryin’ To Untangle My Mind”) is also featured on Marvel’s release.
“Go buy ’em both,” said Marvel of he and Stapleton’s releases. “They’re totally different.”
Stapleton has co-writing credit on three tracks from Marvel’s album. The album also features writing with Randy Houser and vocals with Jamey Johnson. Lowdown & Lonesome was produced by Keith Gattis, who co-wrote seven out of 10 tracks alongside Marvel.
Gattis was featured on stage alongside some of Nashville’s most revered players last week, including Cowboy Eddie Long (pedal steel for Jamey Johnson/Hank Williams Jr.), Chris Hennessee (guitarist for Jamey Johnson), Mike McAdam (guitarist for Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter), Arlo Gilliam (bass player Travis Tritt), Dave Dunseath (drummer for Lee Ann Womack), Melonie Cannon (BGV and daughter of Buddy Cannon) and John Henry Trinko (keyboardist for Randy Houser).
“Now if I could just make enough money to take this band out on the road with me,” Marvel jeered his WME agent. “Jay Williams, if you’re out there…”
Huntsman Entertainment Closes
/by Jessica NicholsonRon and Vivian Huntsman.
Ron Huntsman, President of Huntsman Entertainment, announced Monday (Oct. 30) the company bearing his name has ceased operations. The decision comes after 52 years in the radio, records and artist promotion and development business, 47 of which have been in Nashville. Huntsman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011.
In 1973, he launched Ron Huntsman Promotions. Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Cryin’ In the Rain” was the first of many No. 1 singles he promoted, and others included Waylon Jennings’ “Are You Sure Old Hank Done It This Way,” Billy Swan’s “I Can Help” and Charlie Daniels’ “Uneasy Rider,” “Long Haired Country Boy” and “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again).”
Ron and wife Vivian opened Huntsman Entertainment in 1988.
In addition to his regular programming, Huntsman has overseen production of over 160 album and product release radio specials for virtually every record label in Nashville over the last 29 years. Huntsman Entertainment also produced over 30 Live From Nashville and Live from Hollywood multi-station remote broadcasts during CMA and ACM awards weeks. He was tapped by Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, the radiothon program that has raised over $750 million for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to produce “story songs” used by over 200 Country radio stations.
In 1988, Huntsman was awarded the esteemed CMA Founding President’s Award.
Their weekly syndicated radio show Country HitMakers debuted in April of 1994 and at its peak aired on over 600 stations. The final episode aired October 1, 2017. The entertaining Christmas on Music Row program, now in it’s 26th year, will be available through 2017, and stations interested in running the final episode may contact rh@huntsmanent.com.