Carl Jackson
Don’t miss two-time Grammy recipient Carl Jackson on The Producer’s Chair, Thursday, May 25 at Sound Stage Studios at 6:30 p.m.
Carl Jackson has been acknowledged in so many ways for his remarkable talents that it has already become impossible to encapsulate his “legendary“ body of work without leaving out some pretty significant moments. His most recent being Glen Campbell’s 64th and final studio album ADIOS, scheduled for release on June 9, 2017. And how apropos…Campbell was 36 in 1972, when he hired an 18-year-old Jackson to perform with him onstage.
Campbell watched as Jackson concentrated heavily on his vocal and songwriting chops, as well as his musicianship, developing talents from playing banjo to producing. An abbreviated list of artists featured in Jackson’s discography includes; Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Dwight Yoakam, Garth Brooks, Janie Fricke, Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, Marsha Thornton, John Anderson, Mac Davis, Pam Tillis, Radney Foster, Joe Diffie, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Holly Dunn, Lorrie Morgan, Martina McBride, Marty Stuart, Ken Mellons, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams Jr., Rodney Crowell, Mike Reid, James Bonemy, Mindy McCready, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Whitley, George Jones, Rhonda Vincent, Patty Loveless, Ricky Van Shelton, Shawn King, Ashley Monroe, Alecia Nugent, Mark Newton, Bradley Walker, Travis Tritt, Merle Haggard, Jon Randall, Blake Shelton, Roger Miller, Wild Rose, Diamond Rio, Daron Norwood, Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McCLain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Continental Divide, The McCarters, Val Storey, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Mel Tillis, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jerry Salley, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Marty Raybon, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Trisha Yearwood, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Keb’ Mo’, Joey + Rory and the Father of Bluegrass himself Mr. Bill Monroe, just to name a few of the more than 650 albums that Jackson has touched, in some way. Nine of those albums were his own including his most recent Grace Notes, two albums for Capitol Records, (Carl Jackson: Banjo Player and Old Friends) and three for Sugar Hill, (Banjo Man: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs, Song Of The South, and Banjo Hits).
Campbell had a ring-side seat as Jackson emerged as one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters, crafting over 400 songs that have been recorded, with sales in excess of 50 million, by such artists as Trisha Yearwood (“Lonesome Dove”), Pam Tillis (“Put Yourself In My Place”), Diamond Rio (“Close To The Edge”), Patty Loveless (“You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are”), Steve Wariner (“The Same Mistake Again”), Vince Gill (“Real Lady’s Man”), Wild Rose (“Breaking New Ground”), Daron Norwood (“My Girl Friday”), Rhonda Vincent (“I’m Not Over You”), Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McClain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Alecia Nugent, Continental Divide, The McCarters, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Mel Tillis, Bradley Walker, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jon Randall, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Marty Raybon, Joe Diffie, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and of course, Campbell’s “Letter to Home,” Jackson’s first top 10 country cut.
Campbell proudly witnessed Jackson receive his first Grammy in 1992, exactly 20 years after they met, for his album with John Starling entitled Spring Training, and a Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year, “Where Shadows Never Fall,” recorded by Campbell. The ballad, “No Future In The Past,” sung by Vince Gill, was named the No. 1 Country Song of the Year in 1993 by Radio & Records magazine.
And then came Jackson’s second Grammy…the 2003 Country Album of the Year, Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’ – Songs of The Louvin Brothers along with “How’s The World Treating You,” a duet from the album, featuring James Taylor and Alison Krauss, which also won the 2003 Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, for which Jackson received a Grammy Certificate. Then, there are Jackson’s five IBMA Awards, three ASCAP Awards, and an International TV Programming Award.
Carl: Glen and I were close and have remained so all through the years. There were shows all over the world, there was a lot of golf, and although mostly on the road, dinners were not limited to Sunday. Heck, I even introduced Glen to Kim…it was never strictly business…it was family.
During their 45-year relationship, Campbell saw Jackson’s song “Little Mountain Church House,” win the 1990 International Bluegrass Music Association Song of the Year and get recorded by over 100 artists. According to a poll conducted by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Jackson wrote eight of the top bluegrass songs of all time.
Jackson is a Mississippi Musicians Hall of Famer and in 2008 he became an SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats inductee. Jackson has won SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year twice and in 2011, the state of Mississippi honored him with an official Country Music Trail Marker in his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi. The marker, which highlights Jackson’s career, stands within a stone’s throw of the historic Strand Theatre where he performs his annual “Home for Christmas” concert; the very building where he used to watch movies as a kid.
Then, in 2012 Jackson became the recipient of The Governor’s Award for excellence in music.
And I’ll bet Jackson and Campbell kicked-back many-a-time and watched a ball game or two, while harmonizing jazz notes, on the songs Jackson penned for the California Angels “California 9 to 5,” “Dreams” and “Something To Shout About” and the Ole Miss Rebels “Neath The Oaks In The Grove.” Now that’s funny…
Carl: I’ve used the expression “labor of love” many times for projects that I have produced, but this time those words apply even more. Glen Campbell gave me a job when I was 18 years old. Glen featured me on every show he did all over the world from 1972 until 1984. Glen recorded my song “Letter To Home” and made it my first Top Ten country record. He gave me the most beautiful goddaughter anyone could ever hope for. That’s just a very short list… it goes on and on and on. Being entrusted with the production of this final studio album of the man I consider the greatest singer EVER is an honor I will treasure the rest of my life. Glen Campbell is family and I love him dearly.
And family he became. Campbell and his wife Kim asked Jackson to be their daughter Ashley’s godfather.
Carl: That beautiful, talented, young lady is VERY instrumental in my life and my happiness.
ADIOS features 12 cover songs that Campbell has wanted to record for some time, and includes guest appearances by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and Campbell’s children Ashley, Shannon and Cal.
Carl: Due to Glen’s condition (Alzheimer’s), there were definitely some challenges beyond the norm. However, the kinship and love in the room was magic and I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. Glen was remarkable, as always.
Most recently, Jackson has been on a long-overdue and timely hiatus since he finished Othophonic Joy and Campbell’s farewell album ADIOS. I say timely because Jackson’s father (Lee) has not been well for some time. Although Jackson told me his dad is improving, he’s not completely out of the woods yet, so please keep Mr. Jackson in your prayers. It was Lee, in the mid-sixties, who took Jackson backstage to meet and play for Jim & Jesse McReynolds near his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi, which resulted in Carl landing his first professional gig with the bluegrass greats at 14 years of age.
I’m sure Campbell would agree that the richness of Jackson’s musical contributions mirrors the richness of Jackson’s life. And vice-versa.
The Producer’s Chair: Has there ever been a moment in time when you have been discouraged in any way about our industry?
Carl Jackson: Certainly, there have been brief times of discouragement, but I’ve had more than my share of blessings in this business and have no room to complain. I never get discouraged now…unless I turn on “country” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Has bluegrass become more mainstream in the past 10 years?
Carl Jackson: I suppose it has. I just think it’s a realization by a lot more folks these days all over the world that it’s actually alright and even “cool” to like bluegrass. But I’ve always seen a large audience for bluegrass…especially if you didn’t reveal to folks what they were listening to was “bluegrass.”
The Producer’s Chair: Is the bluegrass player bar getting higher with every passing year?
Carl Jackson: It certainly seems that way. Young musicians like Sierra Hull, Noam Pikelny, Chris Thile, etc. seem limitless in their capabilities.
The Producer’s Chair: Being a singer, what qualities do you look for when deciding whether or not to produce a new artist?
Carl Jackson: The quality I most look for is their ability, determination, and desire to actually be an “artist,” rather than just an “act” willing to go in whatever direction the current wind might be blowing. Referring back to one of your earlier questions, it actually is kinda discouraging to accept that true artists like Glen Campbell or Merle Haggard would have a hard time landing a record deal these days.
The Producer’s Chair: How much of a difference has SiriusXM made to the Bluegrass genre?
Carl Jackson: It has made a huge difference I believe. For years it was next to impossible to hear a bluegrass song on main-stream radio. Now, it’s right there 24 hours a day! God bless SiriusXM!
The Producer’s Chair: What is the biggest challenge today that the bluegrass world is facing?
Carl Jackson: Just remaining true to what the music is. Stretching the boundaries in any genre is great and welcomed, but hopefully bluegrass doesn’t follow in the footsteps of country in pursuit of a bigger “piece of the pie” to a point where we hear the expression “that’s too bluegrass” as a reason not to play something on “bluegrass” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Who’s your A-team of musicians these days.
Carl Jackson: Kevin Grantt (bass), Catherine Marx (keyboards), Tony Creasman (drums), Bryan Sutton or myself (acoustic guitar), Guthrie Trapp (electric guitar), Adam Steffey (mandolin), Rob Ickes or Randy Kohrs (Dobro), Mike Johnson (Steel), Aubrey Haynie or Stuart Duncan (Fiddle), and for background vocals, Val Storey, Bradley Walker, Jerry Salley and Sonya Isaacs.
The Producer’s Chair: Who are your most regular co-writers today?
Carl Jackson: I’ve actually written quite a few things alone the last few years, but the co-writers I enjoy most would be Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, or Jim Rushing.
The Producer’s Chair: Who is your engineer of choice?
Carl Jackson: Luke Wooten, although I can’t always afford him now! I gave him his very first engineering job when he was going to Belmont and interning at Famous Music. He is the best! I also love to work with John “Hip Hop” Caldwell. John interned with Luke and has become an incredibly talented engineer.
The Producer’s Chair: Studio of choice?
Carl Jackson: Station West – It belongs to Luke Wooten and is where I’ve cut most everything I’ve produced over the years including Livin’ Lovin’ Losin’, Mark Twain: Words & Music, Orthophonic Joy, as well as Adios.
The Producer’s Chair: Is there more or less session work for bluegrass players these days?
Carl Jackson: There has always been quite a bit of work for bluegrass players…especially on the “specialty” instruments like fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and dobro. Country music fans have listened to “bluegrass” musicians like Aubrey Haynie, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Randy Kohrs, Bela Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, Bryan Sutton, and even me on more “country” records than you could shake a stick at!
The Producer’s Chair: Glen used to introduce you on his show as the greatest banjo player in the world. How did you feel about that?
Carl Jackson: It made me feel like a million bucks and whether that was ever true or not, I do know he believed it to be. I dang sure always did my best to not make a liar out of him!!! LOL
Industry Pics: Dierks Bentley And Brett Young Celebrate RIAA Honors, Morgan Evans Makes Opry Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonDierks Bentley Celebrates Multiple RIAA Certifications
Kicking off the new leg of his What The Hell tour at the Merriweather Post Pavilion (Columbia, Maryland) on Friday night (May 19), Dierks Bentley was also presented with several RIAA certifications. His album Black was recognized as being gold-certified by the Recording Industry Association of America. Additionally, Bentley’s songs “Somewhere On A Beach” and “Different For Girls” were both recognized for platinum sales, while his latest single, “Black,” was recognized as being gold-certified.
Pictured (L-R): Dierks Bentley and Jonathan Lamy, Executive Vice President, Communications and Marketing, RIAA.
Brett Young Earns Two Gold Certification Plaques
Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and BMLG EVP and BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen presented Brett Young with his double gold certification plaque today for his first two singles “Sleep Without You” and “In Case You Didn’t Know.” “Sleep Without You” already hit No. 1 on Country radio and “In Case You Didn’t Know” is on its way. Though Young only recently received the gold-certification plaque for “In Case You Didn’t Know,” it was announced today (May 24) that the song has actually earned platinum sales.
Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta, Brett Young, Jimmy Harnen
Pictured (L-R): Red Light Management’s Van Haze and Haley McLemore Haze, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Brett Young, BMLG’s Jimmy Harnen, Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo
Warner Music Nashville’s Morgan Evans Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Warner Music Nashville artist Morgan Evans made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday, May 19.
Pictured (L-R): Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry; Nick Hartley, Fitzgerald Hartley; Leslie Fram, SVP, Music Strategy, CMT; Morgan Evans; Justin Luffman, VP Brand Management, WMN
Jamie Floyd Joins Writer’s Den Music Group Roster
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Sarah Feldman (Creative Director, Writer’s Den Music Group) Bobby Rymer (Partner/GM, Writer’s Den Music Group) Jamie Floyd, Lydia Schultz (Manager, Creative Services SESAC)
Jamie Floyd has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Writer’s Den Music Group.
Floyd recently co-wrote the soundtrack to the Burt Reynolds film Dog Years. She is also a member of the duo Stranger Friends with John Martin, and the two are working on their debut album.
“Her work ethic and talent are unmatched. We are looking forward to trying to keep up with her,” says Bobby Rymer, Partner/GM, Writer’s Den Music Group.
“Over the years I have always admired Bobby and his big heart for songs,” says Floyd. “I ended up running into him while I was waiting tables at [Nashville restaurant] Lockland Table last winter and fatefully it led to our new partnership! I’d been working hard on my own and held out for the last few years looking for the right publisher. I feel fortunate to say I have found a home at Writer’s Den and am so grateful and excited for our future!”
Floyd spoke to MusicRow earlier this year about her work in the recent documentary The Last Songwriter, which premiered at the Nashville Film Festival in April. The documentary chronicles Floyd’s struggle to balance her creative pursuits as a Grammy-nominated songwriter with the necessity to make a living. At the time, Floyd said her (then unofficially announced) new deal made for a happy update to her story.
“A year ago we were in the thick of filming the restaurant scenes,” Floyd told MusicRow. “If you had told the girl mopping at the restaurant a year ago, that exactly a year later that would be completely taken out of the picture, I don’t know if I would have believed you. I am one of many songwriters that have this exact storyline. It’s meant to encourage my generation to not give up, if they know that this is what they are supposed to do.”
A Retrospective on MusicRow’s Song of the Year Winners
/by Sarah SkatesLori McKenna performs Song of the Year “Humble And Kind” at the 28th Annual MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser
Following yesterday’s (May 23) announcement of this year’s nominees for the 29th annual MusicRow Awards, we reflect on the Song of the Year award.
The category has evolved since it’s inception. From 1985 until 1997, MusicRow presented a Top Songwriter Award to the writer with the most top-20 singles for the year.
In 1996, the Song of the Year category was officially established and continues today. MusicRow has presented the Song of the Year award 21 times—each year since 1996.
Lori McKenna is the winningest songwriter in MusicRow Awards history, with credits on “Humble and Kind,” “Girl Crush,” and “Stealing Kisses.”
Additionally the MusicRow Song of the Year often goes on to win CMA Song of the Year, including “Humble and Kind” (2016), “Girl Crush” (2015), “I Drive Your Truck” (2013), “If I Die Young” (2011), “The House That Built Me” (2010) and “In Color” (2009).
The Best Songs Are The Ones You Write Alone
7 Song of the Year winners were solo-writes:
“Humble and Kind,” Lori McKenna
“Stealing Kisses,” Lori McKenna
“If I Die Young,” Kimberly Perry
“Letter To Me,” Brad Paisley
“Red Ragtop,” Jason White
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” Alan Jackson
“Friends,” Jerry Holland
They Sure Know How To Pick ‘Em
These artists have recorded more than one MusicRow Song of the Year.
Brad Paisley: “Letter To Me,” “Whiskey Lullaby,” “He Didn’t Have To Be”
Miranda Lambert: “All Kinds of Kinds,” “The House That Built Me”
Tim McGraw: “Humble and Kind,” “Red Ragtop”
The Chosen Few
Only three songwriters have won the Song of the Year award multiple times.
Lori McKenna: “Humble and Kind,” “Girl Crush,” “Stealing Kisses”
Allen Shamblin: “The House That Built Me,” “Don’t Laugh At Me”
Brad Paisley: “Letter To Me,” “He Didn’t Have To Be”
Subscribed members of MusicRow will receive ballots by email on Wednesday, May 24. Voting closes on Tues., May 30 at 5 p.m. CT. If you do not have a subscription, you may subscribe to receive your ballot and invitation.
Songwriter Rounds: Backstage Nashville, Olivia Lane’s “Diva Jam,” “Story And A Song” Writer’s Night
/by Jessica NicholsonBackstage Nashville To Welcome Jenny Gill, Gary Nicholson, Buddy Owens, Ray Stephenson
Backstage Nashville will welcome Gary Nicholson, Buddy Owens, Jenny Gill, and Ray Stephenson for its upcoming show at 3rd & Lindsley on May 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Olivia Lane Announces Lineup For Fourth Annual Diva Jam
Artist Olivia Lane will host her fourth annual Diva Jam at The Listening Room Cafe on Saturday, June 10 from 2-5 p.m. during the CMA Music Festival. The series will feature rising female voices including April Kry, Megan & Liz, Colby Dee, Maggie Baugh, SaraBeth, Lucy Angel, Lena Stone and Shelley Skidmore.
“I’m so excited to return for a fourth year with Diva Jam! There are so many talented women in this town that I’m lucky to call friends. Nashville has a real community of women who want to help one another and that has inspired me to continue this amazing event!” said Lane.
Brickshore Media Launches Monthly Writer’s Night
Nashville PR/Marketing firm Brickshore Media and online media outlet Pop Blitz Magazine have teamed for a monthly writer’s night. “Story And A Song,” will be held the last Monday of every month and will feature some of the best new talent in Nashville.
The inaugural show will take place Monday, May 29 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. CT at Nashville venue The Country, and will feature music from Julia Capogrossi, James Hatem, Amy Taylor and Derek Andrew. They will take the stage separately for a 20-minute acoustic set. The event is free and open to the public. The Country is located at 110 28th Ave. in Nashville.
peermusic Renews Long-Term Publishing Deal For Earl Scruggs Catalog
/by Jessica NicholsonEarl Scruggs
peermusic has renewed its long-term global publishing deal for the catalog of bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs. During his life, Scruggs was a collaborator with and close friend to many at peermusic, including peermusic founder Ralph Peer. Scruggs died in 2012.
“It’s hard to think of a more perfect model for the relationship between a songwriter and a publisher than Earl Scruggs and peermusic,” said Kathy Spanberger, President and COO-peermusic Anglo American Region. “Earl and peermusic worked together successfully for decades to share his music with the world, and I’m so glad that his sons, Gary, Randy and peermusic have the opportunity to extend this partnership.”
“Our father left an incredible legacy with his music, and our family wants to do everything we can to preserve that legacy so that his songs can be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Randy and Gary Scruggs in a joint statement. “peermusic is the publisher he trusted for many years—they’ve been friends to our family throughout the years and they know his catalog as well as anybody, so keeping our dad’s catalog with peermusic was an easy decision.”
Scruggs, a gifted songwriter and five-string banjo player, revolutionized the bluegrass genre with a three-fingered picking style that has since become a hallmark of bluegrass banjo. He began his career in 1945, when he joined Bill Monroe’s band and met Lester Flatt. The two were mainstays of Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys for a little over two years before striking out on their own.
Performing as Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, the band eventually began playing major folk festivals as well as some of the nation’s biggest stages, including Carnegie Hall and the Newport Folk Festival. Among their signature recordings are “Earl’s Breakdown,” “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” (the iconic opening and closing theme for The Beverly Hillbillies) and “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” (a song Scruggs wrote and recorded in 1949, which was featured prominently in the 1967 film Bonnie And Clyde).
In 1969 Scruggs began pursuing a solo career by enlisting his sons Gary and Randy to perform with him as the Earl Scruggs Revue. The group found success recording for Columbia Records throughout the 1970s. Scruggs is a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of four Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a National Medal of Arts.
NSAI Celebrates No. 1 Songs
/by Alex ParryPicture (L-R): Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director; Steve Bogard; Tim DuBois; Lee Thomas Miller, NSAI Board President.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored 42 Nashville-associated writers who contributed to Nashville-associated songs that topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts from December 2016 to March 2017.
The Maggie Cavender Award of Service was presented to songwriter and music-industry veteran Tim DuBois. The NSAI No. 1 Party was held on Monday, May 22, at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row.
Songwriters who were recognized.
Songs Recognized
“A Little More Summertime”/Jason Aldean
Jerry Flowers, Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley
“Sleep Without You”/Brett Young
Justin Ebach, Kelly Archer, Brett Young
“May We All”/Florida Georgia Line featuring Tim McGraw
Jamie Moore, Rodney Clawson
“Dirty Laundry”/Carrie Underwood
Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey, Zach Crowell
“Chain Breaker”/Zach Williams
Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Zachary Williams
“Glory (Let There Be Peace)”/Matt Maher
Christopher Stevens, Matt Maher, Rachel Popadic
“Blue Ain’t Your Color”/Keith Urban
Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen
“When I Pray For You”/Dan + Shay
Justin Ebach, Jon Nite, Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney
“A Guy With A Girl”/Blake Shelton
Ashley Gorley, Bryan Simpson
“Star of the Show”/Thomas Rhett
Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett
“Sober Saturday Night”/Chris Young featuring Vince Gill
Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Chris Young
“Dirt on My Boots”/Jon Pardi
Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure
“Today”/Brad Paisley
Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley
“Love Broke Thru”/tobyMac
Bart Millard, Bryan Fowler, Christopher Stevens, Toby McKeehan
“Rise”/Danny Gokey
Benji Cowart, Josh Bronleewe, Danny Gokey
“Seein’ Red”/Dustin Lynch
Kurt Allison, Jason Sever, Steve Bogard, Tully Kennedy
Disney Music Group Signs Tina Parol To Publishing Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Emily Peacock, AAM; Dennis Lord, SESAC; Sarah Beth Gerlecz, Disney Music Group; Ciara Shortridge, Disney Music Group; Tina Parol; Leslie T. DiPiero, AAM; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Lydia Schultz, SESAC.
Disney Music Group has signed Tina Parol to an exclusive worldwide agreement.
A first-generation American born to Polish immigrants, Parol started her career in music in the Big Apple as a pop artist on Universal Motown with a Top 40 single. Since moving to Nashville to pursue songwriting full time, she has had songs recorded by artists including Britney Spears, Jerrod Niemann, Dallas Smith, and Celine Dion. Her songs have been placed in shows on Fox, ESPN, Lifetime, MTV, NBC, CBS, and ABC, including two songs on the show Nashville.
Parol says, “I am honored, grateful and excited to be a part of such a diverse, talented and hard-working team that is Disney Music Group.”
Keith Urban, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, More To Play HGTV Lodge At CMA Music Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Lodge will also feature special appearances by HGTV stars Jonathan and Drew Scott (Property Brothers), Mina Starsiak and Karen E Laine (Good Bones) and Dave and Kortney Wilson (Masters of Flip) and will host several must-see Facebook Live videos, including performances by Old Dominion and Morris and a Q&A session with Rucker.
“The HGTV venue provides an experience like none other for network fans and country music fans alike,” said Karen Bronzo, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing for Scripps Networks Interactive. “Visitors get a chance to meet their favorite HGTV stars and see musical performances by top country artists in an intimate, one-of-a-kind setting. It’s a remarkable way for the HGTV brand to interact with our fans and consumers.”
Schedule of Events* at HGTV Lodge (All times CST):
Thursday, June 8:
10:00 AM: Michael Ray
11:00 AM: Tyler Farr
12:00 PM: Maren Morris
1:30 PM: Keith Urban
4:30 PM: Brothers Osborne
Friday, June 9:
10:00 AM: Josh Turner
11:00 AM: Sara Evans
12:30 PM: Kane Brown
2:00 PM: Bobby Bones
4:00 PM: Charlie Worsham
5:00 PM: Eli Young Band
Saturday, June 10:
10:00 AM: Russell Dickerson
11:00 AM: Old Dominion
12:00 PM: Eric Paslay
2:00 PM: ASCAP Songwriters Round
3:30 PM: Meet and Greet with Jonathan and Drew Scott
5:00 PM: Carly Pearce
Sunday, June 11:
10:00 AM: Brett Young
11:00 AM: Darius Rucker
12:30 PM: Lauren Alaina
2:00 PM: Chris Janson
3:00 PM: RaeLynn
4:00 PM: Luke Combs
*All appearances and times subject to change without notice.
Hillsong United To Release Sixth Studio Album ‘Wonder’ In June
/by Jessica NicholsonWith the announcement of Wonder comes two instant grats on iTunes and Spotify for songs “Wonder” and “Splinters and Stones.”
“Have we lost the Wonder?” asked Joel Houston, front man for the Australia-born band. “The hope, the imagination to dream, to believe, the tenderness to listen and lead first with mercy, the grace to empathize, the courage to trust, the fearlessness to love without pretense or condition. To see beyond the facts without dismissing them. To respond beyond the fear without reciprocating it. To sing beyond the noise, without adding to it. This is the challenge, and this is what worship— if worship can be summed up as an expression of art and music and story— is ultimately designed to do. To elevate the conversation, re-awaken the soul to something other, and lift our eyes to the wonder of a superlative truth.”
Track Listing for Wonder
1. Wonder
2. Shadow Step
3. Future Marches In
4. So Will I (100 Billion X)
5. Splinters and Stones
6. Glimmer in the Dust
7. Greatest of These
8. Shape of Your Heart
9. Not Today
10. Life
11. Rain / Reign
12. Water to Wine
Producer’s Chair: Carl Jackson
/by contributorCarl Jackson
Don’t miss two-time Grammy recipient Carl Jackson on The Producer’s Chair, Thursday, May 25 at Sound Stage Studios at 6:30 p.m.
Carl Jackson has been acknowledged in so many ways for his remarkable talents that it has already become impossible to encapsulate his “legendary“ body of work without leaving out some pretty significant moments. His most recent being Glen Campbell’s 64th and final studio album ADIOS, scheduled for release on June 9, 2017. And how apropos…Campbell was 36 in 1972, when he hired an 18-year-old Jackson to perform with him onstage.
Campbell watched as Jackson concentrated heavily on his vocal and songwriting chops, as well as his musicianship, developing talents from playing banjo to producing. An abbreviated list of artists featured in Jackson’s discography includes; Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Dwight Yoakam, Garth Brooks, Janie Fricke, Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, Marsha Thornton, John Anderson, Mac Davis, Pam Tillis, Radney Foster, Joe Diffie, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Holly Dunn, Lorrie Morgan, Martina McBride, Marty Stuart, Ken Mellons, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams Jr., Rodney Crowell, Mike Reid, James Bonemy, Mindy McCready, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Whitley, George Jones, Rhonda Vincent, Patty Loveless, Ricky Van Shelton, Shawn King, Ashley Monroe, Alecia Nugent, Mark Newton, Bradley Walker, Travis Tritt, Merle Haggard, Jon Randall, Blake Shelton, Roger Miller, Wild Rose, Diamond Rio, Daron Norwood, Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McCLain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Continental Divide, The McCarters, Val Storey, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Mel Tillis, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jerry Salley, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Marty Raybon, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Trisha Yearwood, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Keb’ Mo’, Joey + Rory and the Father of Bluegrass himself Mr. Bill Monroe, just to name a few of the more than 650 albums that Jackson has touched, in some way. Nine of those albums were his own including his most recent Grace Notes, two albums for Capitol Records, (Carl Jackson: Banjo Player and Old Friends) and three for Sugar Hill, (Banjo Man: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs, Song Of The South, and Banjo Hits).
Campbell had a ring-side seat as Jackson emerged as one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters, crafting over 400 songs that have been recorded, with sales in excess of 50 million, by such artists as Trisha Yearwood (“Lonesome Dove”), Pam Tillis (“Put Yourself In My Place”), Diamond Rio (“Close To The Edge”), Patty Loveless (“You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are”), Steve Wariner (“The Same Mistake Again”), Vince Gill (“Real Lady’s Man”), Wild Rose (“Breaking New Ground”), Daron Norwood (“My Girl Friday”), Rhonda Vincent (“I’m Not Over You”), Mike Snider, The Seldom Scene, Charly McClain, Nancy Sinatra, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Bobbie Cryner, The Lewis Family, Keith Stegall, Tony Rice, Red Steagall, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, lllrd Tyme Out, The Rarely Herd, Alecia Nugent, Continental Divide, The McCarters, The Country Gentlemen, Mark Newton, Johnny Paycheck, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Mel Tillis, Bradley Walker, Jim & Jesse, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Jon Randall, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Mountain Heart, Terri Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Marty Raybon, Joe Diffie, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and of course, Campbell’s “Letter to Home,” Jackson’s first top 10 country cut.
Campbell proudly witnessed Jackson receive his first Grammy in 1992, exactly 20 years after they met, for his album with John Starling entitled Spring Training, and a Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year, “Where Shadows Never Fall,” recorded by Campbell. The ballad, “No Future In The Past,” sung by Vince Gill, was named the No. 1 Country Song of the Year in 1993 by Radio & Records magazine.
And then came Jackson’s second Grammy…the 2003 Country Album of the Year, Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’ – Songs of The Louvin Brothers along with “How’s The World Treating You,” a duet from the album, featuring James Taylor and Alison Krauss, which also won the 2003 Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, for which Jackson received a Grammy Certificate. Then, there are Jackson’s five IBMA Awards, three ASCAP Awards, and an International TV Programming Award.
Carl: Glen and I were close and have remained so all through the years. There were shows all over the world, there was a lot of golf, and although mostly on the road, dinners were not limited to Sunday. Heck, I even introduced Glen to Kim…it was never strictly business…it was family.
During their 45-year relationship, Campbell saw Jackson’s song “Little Mountain Church House,” win the 1990 International Bluegrass Music Association Song of the Year and get recorded by over 100 artists. According to a poll conducted by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Jackson wrote eight of the top bluegrass songs of all time.
Jackson is a Mississippi Musicians Hall of Famer and in 2008 he became an SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats inductee. Jackson has won SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year twice and in 2011, the state of Mississippi honored him with an official Country Music Trail Marker in his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi. The marker, which highlights Jackson’s career, stands within a stone’s throw of the historic Strand Theatre where he performs his annual “Home for Christmas” concert; the very building where he used to watch movies as a kid.
Then, in 2012 Jackson became the recipient of The Governor’s Award for excellence in music.
And I’ll bet Jackson and Campbell kicked-back many-a-time and watched a ball game or two, while harmonizing jazz notes, on the songs Jackson penned for the California Angels “California 9 to 5,” “Dreams” and “Something To Shout About” and the Ole Miss Rebels “Neath The Oaks In The Grove.” Now that’s funny…
Carl: I’ve used the expression “labor of love” many times for projects that I have produced, but this time those words apply even more. Glen Campbell gave me a job when I was 18 years old. Glen featured me on every show he did all over the world from 1972 until 1984. Glen recorded my song “Letter To Home” and made it my first Top Ten country record. He gave me the most beautiful goddaughter anyone could ever hope for. That’s just a very short list… it goes on and on and on. Being entrusted with the production of this final studio album of the man I consider the greatest singer EVER is an honor I will treasure the rest of my life. Glen Campbell is family and I love him dearly.
And family he became. Campbell and his wife Kim asked Jackson to be their daughter Ashley’s godfather.
Carl: That beautiful, talented, young lady is VERY instrumental in my life and my happiness.
ADIOS features 12 cover songs that Campbell has wanted to record for some time, and includes guest appearances by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and Campbell’s children Ashley, Shannon and Cal.
Carl: Due to Glen’s condition (Alzheimer’s), there were definitely some challenges beyond the norm. However, the kinship and love in the room was magic and I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. Glen was remarkable, as always.
Most recently, Jackson has been on a long-overdue and timely hiatus since he finished Othophonic Joy and Campbell’s farewell album ADIOS. I say timely because Jackson’s father (Lee) has not been well for some time. Although Jackson told me his dad is improving, he’s not completely out of the woods yet, so please keep Mr. Jackson in your prayers. It was Lee, in the mid-sixties, who took Jackson backstage to meet and play for Jim & Jesse McReynolds near his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi, which resulted in Carl landing his first professional gig with the bluegrass greats at 14 years of age.
I’m sure Campbell would agree that the richness of Jackson’s musical contributions mirrors the richness of Jackson’s life. And vice-versa.
The Producer’s Chair: Has there ever been a moment in time when you have been discouraged in any way about our industry?
Carl Jackson: Certainly, there have been brief times of discouragement, but I’ve had more than my share of blessings in this business and have no room to complain. I never get discouraged now…unless I turn on “country” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Has bluegrass become more mainstream in the past 10 years?
Carl Jackson: I suppose it has. I just think it’s a realization by a lot more folks these days all over the world that it’s actually alright and even “cool” to like bluegrass. But I’ve always seen a large audience for bluegrass…especially if you didn’t reveal to folks what they were listening to was “bluegrass.”
The Producer’s Chair: Is the bluegrass player bar getting higher with every passing year?
Carl Jackson: It certainly seems that way. Young musicians like Sierra Hull, Noam Pikelny, Chris Thile, etc. seem limitless in their capabilities.
The Producer’s Chair: Being a singer, what qualities do you look for when deciding whether or not to produce a new artist?
Carl Jackson: The quality I most look for is their ability, determination, and desire to actually be an “artist,” rather than just an “act” willing to go in whatever direction the current wind might be blowing. Referring back to one of your earlier questions, it actually is kinda discouraging to accept that true artists like Glen Campbell or Merle Haggard would have a hard time landing a record deal these days.
The Producer’s Chair: How much of a difference has SiriusXM made to the Bluegrass genre?
Carl Jackson: It has made a huge difference I believe. For years it was next to impossible to hear a bluegrass song on main-stream radio. Now, it’s right there 24 hours a day! God bless SiriusXM!
The Producer’s Chair: What is the biggest challenge today that the bluegrass world is facing?
Carl Jackson: Just remaining true to what the music is. Stretching the boundaries in any genre is great and welcomed, but hopefully bluegrass doesn’t follow in the footsteps of country in pursuit of a bigger “piece of the pie” to a point where we hear the expression “that’s too bluegrass” as a reason not to play something on “bluegrass” radio!
The Producer’s Chair: Who’s your A-team of musicians these days.
Carl Jackson: Kevin Grantt (bass), Catherine Marx (keyboards), Tony Creasman (drums), Bryan Sutton or myself (acoustic guitar), Guthrie Trapp (electric guitar), Adam Steffey (mandolin), Rob Ickes or Randy Kohrs (Dobro), Mike Johnson (Steel), Aubrey Haynie or Stuart Duncan (Fiddle), and for background vocals, Val Storey, Bradley Walker, Jerry Salley and Sonya Isaacs.
The Producer’s Chair: Who are your most regular co-writers today?
Carl Jackson: I’ve actually written quite a few things alone the last few years, but the co-writers I enjoy most would be Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, or Jim Rushing.
The Producer’s Chair: Who is your engineer of choice?
Carl Jackson: Luke Wooten, although I can’t always afford him now! I gave him his very first engineering job when he was going to Belmont and interning at Famous Music. He is the best! I also love to work with John “Hip Hop” Caldwell. John interned with Luke and has become an incredibly talented engineer.
The Producer’s Chair: Studio of choice?
Carl Jackson: Station West – It belongs to Luke Wooten and is where I’ve cut most everything I’ve produced over the years including Livin’ Lovin’ Losin’, Mark Twain: Words & Music, Orthophonic Joy, as well as Adios.
The Producer’s Chair: Is there more or less session work for bluegrass players these days?
Carl Jackson: There has always been quite a bit of work for bluegrass players…especially on the “specialty” instruments like fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and dobro. Country music fans have listened to “bluegrass” musicians like Aubrey Haynie, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Randy Kohrs, Bela Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, Bryan Sutton, and even me on more “country” records than you could shake a stick at!
The Producer’s Chair: Glen used to introduce you on his show as the greatest banjo player in the world. How did you feel about that?
Carl Jackson: It made me feel like a million bucks and whether that was ever true or not, I do know he believed it to be. I dang sure always did my best to not make a liar out of him!!! LOL