Nashville singer-songwriter Michael Johnson died at age 72 while in hospice care in Minneapolis on Tuesday, July 25.
Johnson made his mark in Music City as both a pop and country hit maker. His Nashville-recorded “Bluer Than Blue” became a No. 1 A/C hit and a major pop success in 1978. He repeated the feat with “This Night Won’t Last Forever” the following year.
In the 1980s, he made the transition to being a country music hit maker with “Give Me Wings,” “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder” and other singles.
Johnson was successful in folk music, as well as in the pop and country fields. Born in Colorado in 1944 [August 8], he took up the guitar at age 13. He won a talent contest that led to a recording contract when he was a college student. He then studied classical guitar in Spain. Back in the U.S., he joined the folk group The New Society, which featured former New Christy Minstrels leader Randy Sparks.
In 1967, Johnson joined The Chad Mitchell Trio. At the time, the group included John Denver, with whom Johnson became a songwriting collaborator. The two also toured together after their Trio gig ended. Next, Johnson became a member of the touring company of the off-Broadway musical “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in
Paris.”
Returning to solo record making, Michael Johnson recorded three folk-pop albums in 1973-76 for Atco Records. After that, he settled in Nashville.
Working with Brent Maher and Steve Gibson, he recorded Randy Goodrum’s song “Bluer Than Blue.” It earned him an EMI America contract and became a big hit. Working for the same label, Johnson charted four other titles on the pop charts in 1978-80, including 1979’s “This Night Won’t Last Forever,” penned by Nashville’s Bill LaBounty with Roy Feeland.
In 1985, Michael Johnson signed with the country division of RCA Records. Late that year, he scored a top-10 hit as the duet partner of the label’s Sylvia with “I Love You By Heart.” His country solo career was introduced with his self-penned “Gotta Learn to Live Without Her” in 1986.
“Give Me Wings,” written by Kye Fleming and Don Schlitz, became a No. 1 country smash for Johnson in late 1986. Hugh Prestwood’s “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder,” became Johnson’s second No. 1 country hit in early 1987.
Johnson co-wrote “Crying Shame” with Brent Maher and Don Schlitz. It returned him to the country Top 10 list in late 1987. He then sang Randy Vanwarmer’s “I Will Whisper Your Name” and Prestwood’s “That’s That,” both of which became Top 10 country hits in 1988.
Michael Johnson continued to record as a country artist for Atlantic (1991-92) and Vanguard (1995). He was the cowriter of the 1995 4 Runner country single “Cain’s Blood.”
Johnson recorded duets with Juice Newton in 1991 (“It Must Be You”) and Alison Krauss in 1997 (“Whenever I Call You Friend”), the latter of which became a video release. He also became a popular troubadour at The Bluebird Café, for whom he recorded a live CD in 2000.
His later albums were also released by such independent labels as Intersound (1997), Yellow Rose (2005) and Red House (2012).
He underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2007. A charitable fund called “Friends of Michael Johnson” was established to help with his medical expenses at the time.
Funeral arrangements for Johnson are still pending.
Opry Entertainment To Debut Eight New Digital Series
/by Lorie HollabaughABCNews.com/GoodMorningAmerica.com will exclusively premiere the series debut of Opry Look Book this Sunday, July 30, featuring Opry member Little Big Town. The episode includes Kimberly Schlapman’s sentiments on wearing her first Gucci dress on the Opry stage, Karen Fairchild’s commentary on Opry guest Pharrell Williams’ Opry wardrobe, and more. Future Opry Look Book episodes feature other artists reflecting on their various Opry stage looks, the progression of their style throughout their careers, and the people and places from which they draw their style inspiration.
Other series will include:
What’s In Your Bag? Country stars reveal the items they have stored in their bags and purses, often surprising not only their fans but also themselves. Premieres August 3 on CountryRebel.com
Guitar Hacks: The guitar geniuses of the genre explain their favorite guitar tips and tricks, providing fans with a means of boosting their guitar game. Premieres August 8, featuring Keith Urban and more.
Another Round: Hosts Austin & Colin take viewers to Nashville’s best bars, restaurants and coffee shops to learn about the people, places and libations that make them unique. Premieres August 12.
Radio Replay: Country artists put their own spin on the last song they heard on their way to the Opry.Premieres August 14 on Billboard.com
Spotlight Beauty: Country stars reveal the secrets to their beauty routines for their on-stage and off-stage looks. Premieres August 17.
Better Half: The spotlight is on the spouses of country musicians who manage busy careers of their own. From fashion designers to CEOs, these better halves bring their own success stories to the table.Premieres August 19, featuring Shelly Brown (wife of Zac Brown) on PEOPLE.com.
Opry Icons: The lives and times of iconic Opry members who have helped propel the Opry toward the century mark are explored through performance highlights and intimate backstage interviews with legendary country singers and friends. Premieres August 25.
“We have substantially increased our commitment to the creation of video content that moves beyond performances to the broader interests and passions of both artists and fans,” Opry Entertainment President Steve Buchanan said. “Our goal is to be an important platform for discovery and information about the latest breaking artists, the superstars and the legends of today.”
NATD Honors To Celebrate David Corlew, Barbara Hubbard, Jeannie Seely, Butch Spyridon
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (clockwise from top left): David Corlew, Barbara Hubbard, Butch Spyridon, Jeannie Seely
The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) has announced four Nashville leaders who will be recognized at the 7th Annual NATD Honors Gala, scheduled for Nov. 14, 2017, at the Hermitage Hotel. Honorees include David Corlew, long-time personal manager for Charlie Daniels and co-founder of Blue Hat Records, Barbara Hubbard, Executive Director of American Collegiate Showcase (ACTS), Jeannie Seely, GRAMMY®-Award-Winning country artist and Butch Spyridon, President/CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.
The Gala will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. For tickets and sponsorship information visit n-a-t-d.com.
DISClaimer: Michael Ray, Morgan Evans Top New Releases
/by Robert K OermannAll of our contenders for this week’s Disc of the Day come from solo male country performers. They are Joe Nichols, Brett Eldredge, Thomas Rhett and our underdog winner, Michael Ray.
And, surprise, another solo male wins the DisCovery Award. That would be Morgan Evans.
SARA EVANS/Marquee Sign
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Born To Fly
-It has a cool, minor-key vibe that is quite fetching. Her bluesy vocal is complimented by jangly electric guitar effects and an echoey atmosphere. The lyric laments a heartbreaker who gave her no warning.
MICHAEL RAY/Get To You
Writers: none listed, Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– He sings the fire out of this power ballad, from the sensual, husky low notes of the verses to the falsetto leaps in the choruses. Everything works here — the melody, the production, the sexy mood. This is one terrific record. It sounds like this handsome devil is about to become a Big Star.
THOMAS RHETT/Unforgettable
Writers: Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Valory
– It’s a jaunty, thumpy, pop-rocker with hooks a-plenty. Another smash for the boy.
MORGAN EVANS/Kiss Somebody
Writers: Morgan Evans/Chris DeStefano/Josh Osborne; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– The crash-and-burn production stirs up lots of excitement. His vocal powers through, on top of all the noise, with occasional outbursts that come close to shouting. Energetic and intense.
WATERLOO REVIVAL/What Guy Wouldn’t
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
-Strongly sung, but the song is pretty shallow.
THE CADILLAC THREE/Dang If We Didn’t
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– A party-hearty stomper with a drawled vocal, hand claps and piercing electric guitar. These guys should be much bigger stars than they are. Play ‘em.
LITTLE FEATHER/Hillbilly Love Song
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Love the group harmonies and the ‘grassy, uptempo track. Lead singer Liz Sharpe’s voice has a built-in sunny quality, and the picking surrounding her is razor sharp.
JOE NICHOLS/Never Gets Old
Writers: Steve Moakler/Connie Harrington; Producer: Brent Rowan; Publishers: Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse/Highway 76/EMI Blackwood/Great Day at This/Watch This Girl, BMI; Red Bow (track)
– This guy endures as one of the greatest singers in contemporary country music. Listening to this romantic outing, you can get completely lost in his warm baritone. A superb performance. Again.
PARMALEE/Sunday Morning
Writers: Matt Thomas/Ross Copperman/Josh Osborne; Producers: Parmalee, David Fanning & Ben Stennis; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Songs By JMT/EMI Blackwood/Sony-ATV/Rezolant/Anderson Fork in the Road/Kobalt/Smack, BMI/ASCAP; Stoney Creek
– Sparkling and bright. Packed with shiny audio touches, plus a resonant production echo. Ultra modern and super listenable. I remain a fan of this gang.
BRETT ELDREDGE/Castaway
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic (track)
– This is a very nicely shaded vocal performance, that ranges from soaring yearning to cracked heartache and burning loss. I’m in. His upcoming collection sounds an awful lot like an Album of the Year contender.
Thomas Rhett Embraces Rebel Side On New CD ‘Life Changes’
/by Lorie HollabaughRhett co-produced the new project alongside Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure, along with Julian Bunetta and Joe London, and penned 10 of the album’s 14 tracks. London was also a co-writer on Thomas Rhett’s smash hit “Die A Happy Man.”
The collection includes his latest chart-topper with Maren Morris, “Craving You,” as well as songs written by Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne, Hillary Lindsey, and others. In his true fearless style, Rhett carves a wild and wide path on this latest album with a mix of coming-of-age country ballads, heartland rockers, EDM-influenced pop tracks, and R&B slow jams.
“I am and will always be a country artist,” Thomas Rhett said. “It’s who I am, it’s in my blood. I will always try to push boundaries because that rebellious side has been in me since I was a kid. My voice and my journey that inspired these songs is the glue that makes this album cohesive. This is where I’m at musically and these are my stories.”
The second single from the new album, “Unforgettable,” drops tomorrow, and a sneak peek of the new tune is available here.
LIFE CHANGES Track List:
1. “Craving You” (featuring Maren Morris) | Dave Barnes, Julian Bunetta
2. “Unforgettable” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
3. “Sixteen” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
4. “Drink A Little Beer” (featuring Rhett Akins) | Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ben Hayslip
5. “Marry Me” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
6. “Leave Right Now” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Edward Drewett, John Henry Ryan
7. “Smooth Like The Summer” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
8. “Life Changes” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
9. “When You Look Like That” | Jessi Alexander, Matt Dragstrem, David Lee Murphy
10. “Sweetheart” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
11. “Kiss Me Like A Stranger” | Thomas Rhett, Dave Barnes, Jordan Reynolds
12. “Renegades” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, John Henry Ryan
13. “Gateway Love” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Sam Ellis, Emily Weisband
14. “Grave” | Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller
Grand Ole Opry Adds Shows To Celebrate Historic Total Eclipse 2017 In August
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Grand Ole Opry has added two more shows to its weekend lineup, with two Saturday (Aug. 19) performances and two Sunday night (Aug. 20) shows.
Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, Wynonna, and Charles Esten are set to play The Sunday (Aug. 20) shows.
The Opry’s eclipse celebration continues with two Total Eclipse Plaza Parties on Sunday, Aug. 20 and Monday, August 21. Guests can expect live music on the Plaza stage, commemorative gifts and eclipse glasses, and an array of themed food and drink, including BBQ and specialty eclipse cocktails. The Opry will feature a one-of-a-kind Nashville Total Eclipse soundtrack Aug. 20 to accompany the approximately two minutes of eclipse totality.
Also marking the total eclipse, Opry House Backstage Tours including an August 20 post-show tour and tours throughout the day August 21 are set to recognize Opry artists whose career achievements have eclipsed all others in the field.
The first Aug. 20 show announced earlier this month is sold out, and tickets for the August 20 9:30 p.m. second show will go on sale Thursday, July 27 at Noon CT.
LifeNotes: Hit Singer-Songwriter Michael Johnson Passes
/by Robert K OermannNashville singer-songwriter Michael Johnson died at age 72 while in hospice care in Minneapolis on Tuesday, July 25.
Johnson made his mark in Music City as both a pop and country hit maker. His Nashville-recorded “Bluer Than Blue” became a No. 1 A/C hit and a major pop success in 1978. He repeated the feat with “This Night Won’t Last Forever” the following year.
In the 1980s, he made the transition to being a country music hit maker with “Give Me Wings,” “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder” and other singles.
Johnson was successful in folk music, as well as in the pop and country fields. Born in Colorado in 1944 [August 8], he took up the guitar at age 13. He won a talent contest that led to a recording contract when he was a college student. He then studied classical guitar in Spain. Back in the U.S., he joined the folk group The New Society, which featured former New Christy Minstrels leader Randy Sparks.
In 1967, Johnson joined The Chad Mitchell Trio. At the time, the group included John Denver, with whom Johnson became a songwriting collaborator. The two also toured together after their Trio gig ended. Next, Johnson became a member of the touring company of the off-Broadway musical “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in
Paris.”
Returning to solo record making, Michael Johnson recorded three folk-pop albums in 1973-76 for Atco Records. After that, he settled in Nashville.
Working with Brent Maher and Steve Gibson, he recorded Randy Goodrum’s song “Bluer Than Blue.” It earned him an EMI America contract and became a big hit. Working for the same label, Johnson charted four other titles on the pop charts in 1978-80, including 1979’s “This Night Won’t Last Forever,” penned by Nashville’s Bill LaBounty with Roy Feeland.
In 1985, Michael Johnson signed with the country division of RCA Records. Late that year, he scored a top-10 hit as the duet partner of the label’s Sylvia with “I Love You By Heart.” His country solo career was introduced with his self-penned “Gotta Learn to Live Without Her” in 1986.
“Give Me Wings,” written by Kye Fleming and Don Schlitz, became a No. 1 country smash for Johnson in late 1986. Hugh Prestwood’s “The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder,” became Johnson’s second No. 1 country hit in early 1987.
Johnson co-wrote “Crying Shame” with Brent Maher and Don Schlitz. It returned him to the country Top 10 list in late 1987. He then sang Randy Vanwarmer’s “I Will Whisper Your Name” and Prestwood’s “That’s That,” both of which became Top 10 country hits in 1988.
Michael Johnson continued to record as a country artist for Atlantic (1991-92) and Vanguard (1995). He was the cowriter of the 1995 4 Runner country single “Cain’s Blood.”
Johnson recorded duets with Juice Newton in 1991 (“It Must Be You”) and Alison Krauss in 1997 (“Whenever I Call You Friend”), the latter of which became a video release. He also became a popular troubadour at The Bluebird Café, for whom he recorded a live CD in 2000.
His later albums were also released by such independent labels as Intersound (1997), Yellow Rose (2005) and Red House (2012).
He underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2007. A charitable fund called “Friends of Michael Johnson” was established to help with his medical expenses at the time.
Funeral arrangements for Johnson are still pending.
650 AM WSM To Launch Weekly Sports Talk Show With George Plaster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher, WSM General Manager Chris Kulick, George Plaster, Belmont University Director of Athletics Scott Corley
George Plaster will return to 650 AM WSM beginning July 30 for a weekly sports talk radio show that will air each Sunday evening, beginning at 5 p.m. The call-in show, Sports Night, bears the same title of the previous long-running show Plaster helmed for 27 years on two Nashville radio stations. WSM Program Director Jonathan Shaffer will serve as show co-host.
The show will also be broadcast online at wsmonline.com, and via the station’s mobile app.
Plaster got his start in radio at 650 AM WSM as a reporter for the Waking Crew with host Ralph Emery. More recently, in addition to the role of sports talk show host, Plaster has been a radio and television play-by-play broadcaster for several college teams. He also serves as the Associate Director of Athletics for Belmont University, a position he will continue to hold in conjunction with his role at 650 AM WSM.
“No matter the season or year, there’s always great stuff to talk about in sports,” Plaster said. “I’m thrilled Jonathan is going to be part of the show with me, and I’m excited to get back in the studio and talk with the fans. I know I’ve got the station’s complete confidence in what I want to do and I know they’re going to allow me to do this the way I want to do it. That’s the only way I would have agreed to this show.”
“We’re excited to welcome George back to the airwaves of WSM,” Shaffer said. “When you have the chance to add a legendary talent to a legendary signal, you do it.”
“I always liked WSM because of its strong signal, and the thought that I’ve got a chance to talk to people in 38 states and half of Canada just intrigues the daylights out of me,” Plaster said.
Banner Music Adds Two
/by Jessica NicholsonSusanne Smith, Ryan L. Cunningham
Banner Music has hired Susanne Smith in the newly-created role of Public Relations Manager, to handle marketing, public relations, and social media for Banner Music and its artists. Smith previously worked at Los Angeles-based fashion boutique public relations operation MHA Media. She also previously held roles at Rogers & Cowan and UMG Nashville.
Earlier this year, Banner Music also hired Ryan L. Cunningham to serve in artist management for Shelby Lee Lowe and James Robert Webb. Cunningham previously served as A&R Director at OakHill Music, Director of Artist Management at Music Row Management, and as social media coordinator/publicist at PLA Media.
“We are thrilled with the growth our company is currently experiencing,” says Banner Music CEO, Camilla Kleindienst. “We’ve been selective with who we’ve brought in, and so far they’ve been doing an excellent job of making things happen for the company, our artists, and our songwriters.”
Craig Campbell Preps Month-Long Outing With Luke Bryan
/by Eric T. ParkerCraig Campbell
Red Bow Records’ Craig Campbell showcased a rockin’ half-hour set, perfectly tuned for Luke Bryan audiences, exclusively for industry insiders at S.I.R.’s Nashville rehearsal hall on Thursday night (July 25).
The preparations are being made for Campbell’s 13-date appearance on Bryan’s Huntin’ Fishin’ & Lovin’ Every Day Tour, which begin during a three-night run in Gilford, New Hampshire, beginning Aug. 8.
Rob Baker of Longshot Management introduced the star to the rehearsal hall stage after mingling amongst the crowd.
“These guys have been working their tail off to make a hell of a show,” cheered Baker. “I can’t wait for the 13 lucky dates to hear what we already know, that Craig Campbell is one of the best damn singers in this city!”
The set list launched with a unreleased tracks that at least have a good chance of making the cut for Campbell’s forthcoming debut with the label group, if he’s playing them live. New songs include a rambunctious party anthem “Somebody’s Gotta Do It,” medium tempo backroads love song “Talk Country To Me” and his debut, lead single with the label group “Outskirts of Heaven,” which calmed the set just momentarily.
With seven singles released to date, Campbell plans to also treat audiences to some Bigger Picture Music Group hits, including his 2012 Top 15 “Outta My Head,” the 2013 crowd pleaser “Keep Them Kisses Comin’,” and the heavily suggestive 2011 release “Fish,” which was blended with a sample of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ In The Dark.”
“August 8 through September 9 is going to be the best leg of [Luke Bryan’s Huntin’ Fishin’ & Lovin’ Every Day] Tour because I’m on it,” Campbell egged at the conclusion of his performance. “Thank you all so much for showing up and hanging out.”
Although Campbell is only featured from August to September, Bryan’s tour extends through the end of October—interspersed with shows for Bryan’s signature Farm Tour before heading to Mexico in 2018 for the annual Crash My Playa event.
Industry Ink: Brett Eldredge, William Michael Morgan, Jacob Davis, Bar Frog Music, Lorrie And Marty Morgan
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Eldredge, William Michael Morgan Make Radio Stops
Brett Eldredge and KBEQ’s TJ McEntire
Brett Eldredge met with KBEQ’s TJ McEntire and Todd Nixon during a stop on his tour last weekend.
William Michael Morgan recently visited with WGKX’s Duane And Abby In The Morning.
Black River Entertainment’s Jacob Davis Makes ACM Visit
Pictured (L-R): Pete Fisher, CEO, Academy of Country Music; Jacob Davis; Dawn Delvo, Head of Media and Public Relations, Black River Entertainment; Daniel Miller, Red Light Management/Fusion Music. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
Black River Entertainment recording artist Jacob Davis stopped by the ACM offices for a visit while he was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Davis performed his current single, “What I Wanna Be,” and other songs from his upcoming album.
Bar Frog Nashville Opens
Randy Barber jumps into his newest venture creating an independent label services firm, Bar Frog Music. This full-service promotion and consulting label based in Nashville TN, features a full slate of offerings including artist development, management, production services, booking inquiries, radio promotion and tours, publicity and social media execution. The firm has hired Sheena Dickey, a former 10-year radio programmer to serve as Artist Representative and Michael Vorhees, a recent intern with Skyline Artist Agency, to serve as Booking Coordinator. They have also partnered with PR/Marketing firm Brickshore Media to represent them and their artists and Daredevil Productions to help increase their artist fan base on social platforms.
Lorrie Morgan, Marty Morgan Team For Bluebird Cafe Show