Museum founder Shannon Miller, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Museum founder Bill Miller, Julie Fudge
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 559
Several years ago, I visited Memphis and was mortified to find it had more music attractions than Music City.
At the time, they had Graceland, Sun Records, Stax Records, the Museum of Rock & Soul and an Isaac Hayes restaurant (they’ve now added a blues museum and a Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Back in the day, we had the Country Music Hall of Fame and Opryland, period.
Then came our George Jones Museum (2015), Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013), Ryman history exhibits (2015), Music City Walk of Fame (2006), Fontanel mansion (2010), Opry House dressing rooms (2010) and Musicians Hall of Fame (2005).
The coup de grace came from Shannon & Bill Miller. In the heart of downtown Music City, they opened the hugely popular Johnny Cash Museum (2013) and Nudie’s Honky Tonk, with its collection of vintage costumes (2016). On Thursday (April 6), they presided over the ribbon cutting of their latest triumph, the Patsy Cline Museum.
“I’m so grateful to Bill and Shannon, who stepped up to do this,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “Today, Bill and Shannon have once again created a great space. We continue to add to our ability to attract people to come to Nashville.”
The Mayor, the Millers and Patsy’s daughter Julie Fudge took hold of giant scissors to cut the red ribbon to officially open the new museum. The capacity crowd applauded enthusiastically. Champagne flutes began circulating to one and all.
“Welcome, everybody; I’m Bill Miller, the founder of the Patsy Cline Museum — That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that,” quipped our host. “It’s truly an honor to represent this very special life. This lady has remained one of the biggest icons of all time.
“Patsy had a short career — With Patsy, the first thing I’ve discovered is that there’s not a single interview, print or broadcast. But Patsy was a prolific pen pal, thank God. She was corresponding with about 20 ladies on a very regular basis.”
Mayor Megan Barry. Photo: PLA Media
Many of those letters are on display, as are a remarkable number of original artifacts from her home. The museum contains some of the star’s jewelry collection, as well as furniture from her home’s dining room, lounge, kitchen and porch. As a teen back in Winchester, VA, she was a soda jerk at Gaunt’s Drug Store. One of its original booths is on exhibit, as is its old advertising sign.
A vintage jukebox, Patsy’s record collection, a number of items relating to the tragic plane crash that took her life, many industry awards and her collection of salt & pepper shakers are also in the museum. So are the stage costumes she designed that were hand sewn by her mom, Hilda Hensley.
“It’s been a real honor, exposing this life,” added Miller. “She was a very strong lady, kind of like our mayor.”
“This museum allows people to get a real feel for who she was,” commented Mayor Barry. “This is such an amazing space and such an amazing story. She was a mom, a star, a story and a voice. Every time she comes on the radio, you know it’s Patsy. This is really impactful to be here today.”
Julie took the Mayor through the exhibits, and they chatted at length. I was struck by the number of photos of Patsy I had never seen before that were in the displays. Videos of her performances air continuously on wall screens, and listening stations are scattered throughout. An illustrated timeline traces her life and career. One wall contains copies of every single she released.
Circulating and smiling their approval were Sarah Brosmer, Chuck Dauphin, Bob Paxman, Jim Zumwalt, Mark Logsdon, Steve Betts, Barry Mazor and Greg & Barb Hall.
Barb eagerly took me to the museum’s theater to watch the biographical short film she created using Baverly D’Angelo as its host and narrator.
In the gift shop, the merch is first rate. Tea towels, ashtrays, glasses, t-shirts, posters, kitchenware and records are just a few of the items for sale. Also in the shop is the wax figure of Patsy Cline that was created for the first all-music Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. It will soon become Nashville’s newest attraction.
Expect to see lifelike representations of Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Minnie Pearl, Blake Shelton, Katy Perry, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Patsy and more. It opens in Opry Mills on April 14.
Your move, Memphis.
Patsy Cline family with Cline’s Madame Tussauds wax figure. Photo: PLA Media
Charity Roundup: Stars For Second Harvest, Good Friday Nashville, Stars For St. Bernard
/by Lorie HollabaughStars For Second Harvest Set For June 6
Chris Tomlin’s Good Friday Concert To Benefit Tennessee Kids Belong
Chris Tomlin’s Good Friday Nashville concert, to be held at Bridgestone Arena April 14, will donate proceeds to Tennessee Kids Belong (TKB), the state chapter of national non-profit, America’s Kids Belong. Committed to uniting government, faith, business, non-profit and creative communities around the foster care system, TKB gives children in foster care a face and a voice and helps recruit and build support for foster families across the state.
Gabe Dixon Added To Stars Salute St. Bernard Lineup
Steven McMorran Joins Major Bob Music Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughSteven McMorran has signed with Major Bob Music. The Little Rock, Arkansas, native has had cuts in multiple genres and by a variety of artists including Tim McGraw, Celine Dion, Joe Cocker, and Michael Bolton.
“We are so excited to welcome Steven to the Major Bob team,” said Tina Crawford, VP/ Major Bob Music. “His ability to craft an amazing lyric and then deliver a moving vocal performance is undeniable. He is a great addition to our diverse roster and we’re thrilled to be a part of his continuing career.”
Ryan Hurd’s Self-Titled EP Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughHurd kicked off the year joining Maren Morris on her sold-out HERO tour, and is currently wrapping a 15-show run on Thomas Rhett’s 2017 Home Team Tour with two dates at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheatre on April 20 & 21.
RYAN HURD – EP Full Track Listing:
1.We Do Us – (Ryan Hurd/Mikey Reaves/Laura Veltz)
2. Love in a Bar – (Ryan Hurd/Joey Hyde)
3. City Girl – (Ryan Hurd/Gordie Sampson/Troy Verges)
4. Hold You Back – (Ryan Hurd/Nicolle Galyon/Will Weatherly)
NSAI Plans Anniversary Concert At Ryman Auditorium To Celebrate 50 Years Of Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughThe show will be a star-studded affair, with Kris Kristofferson, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Billy Dean, Bobby Braddock, Dallas Frazier, David Frizzell, Marv Green, Richard Leigh, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Lori McKenna, and Justin Peters already set to appear.
NSAI’s Song of the Year is determined by the song that receives the most votes during the “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written” balloting.
Songs on the list include “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton (recorded by Whitney Houston), “Jesus, Take The Wheel” by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson (recorded by Carrie Underwood),”Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim Nichols, Craig Wiseman (recorded by Tim McGraw),”I Hope You Dance” by Mark D. Sanders, Tia Sillers (recorded by Lee Ann Womack),”I Swear” by Frank J. Myers, Gary Baker (recorded by John Michael Montgomery),”The Song Remembers When” by Hugh Prestwood (recorded by Trisha Yearwood),”If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks, Kent Blazy (recorded by Garth Brooks),”Always On My Mind” by Johnny Christopher, Wayne Carson, Mark James (recorded by Willie Nelson),”Sunday Morning Coming Down” by Kris Kristofferson (recorded by Kris Kristofferson),”Okie From Muskogee” by Merle Haggard (recorded by Merle Haggard), and many more country classics.
Tickets are on sale now at the Ryman Auditorium website.
‘Woman Walk The Line’ Due Out In September
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Swift writes about tiny powerhouse Brenda Lee, Aubrie Sellers looks at influence Alison Krauss, Rosanne Cash pens an essay on matriarch June Carter Cash, and Grace Potter writes about Linda Ronstadt in the new book. Other contributing writers include Alice Randall, Holly George-Warren, Wendy Pearl, and Cynthia Sanz.
Woman Walk The Line is available for pre-order now here.
ASCAP, SACEM, PRS For Music Launch New Copyright Information Sharing Technology
/by Lorie HollabaughThe goal of the project is to engineer a way for the industry to create and adopt a shared, decentralized database of music works metadata with real-time update and tracking capabilities. Under the initiative, data and technology teams from SACEM, ASCAP and PRS for Music are working with IBM, leveraging the open source blockchain technology from the Linux Foundation, Hyperledger Fabric, to match, aggregate and qualify existing links between ISRCs and ISWCs in order to confirm correct ownership information and conflicts.
Blockchain has become known for its use in payments systems for its ability to manage records without centralized governance – a characteristic that will be harnessed in this project to resolve conflicts between conflicting identifiers for the same work across multiple rights holders.
“ASCAP is always looking for opportunities to exploit new technology platforms to specifically address the needs of our members and the music industry, which has been calling for greater transparency and accuracy,” said Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Blockchain has become well-known for its use in payments systems because of its ability to capture real-time data and transaction updates that can be shared with multiple parties, and in the process, dramatically improve operations by reducing costs. ASCAP is excited to partner with SACEM and PRS on this project on behalf of our members.”
Weekly Chart Report (4/7/17)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Bobby Karl Works The Patsy Cline Museum Grand Opening In Nashville
/by Bobby KarlMuseum founder Shannon Miller, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Museum founder Bill Miller, Julie Fudge
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 559
Several years ago, I visited Memphis and was mortified to find it had more music attractions than Music City.
At the time, they had Graceland, Sun Records, Stax Records, the Museum of Rock & Soul and an Isaac Hayes restaurant (they’ve now added a blues museum and a Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Back in the day, we had the Country Music Hall of Fame and Opryland, period.
Then came our George Jones Museum (2015), Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013), Ryman history exhibits (2015), Music City Walk of Fame (2006), Fontanel mansion (2010), Opry House dressing rooms (2010) and Musicians Hall of Fame (2005).
The coup de grace came from Shannon & Bill Miller. In the heart of downtown Music City, they opened the hugely popular Johnny Cash Museum (2013) and Nudie’s Honky Tonk, with its collection of vintage costumes (2016). On Thursday (April 6), they presided over the ribbon cutting of their latest triumph, the Patsy Cline Museum.
“I’m so grateful to Bill and Shannon, who stepped up to do this,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “Today, Bill and Shannon have once again created a great space. We continue to add to our ability to attract people to come to Nashville.”
The Mayor, the Millers and Patsy’s daughter Julie Fudge took hold of giant scissors to cut the red ribbon to officially open the new museum. The capacity crowd applauded enthusiastically. Champagne flutes began circulating to one and all.
“Welcome, everybody; I’m Bill Miller, the founder of the Patsy Cline Museum — That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that,” quipped our host. “It’s truly an honor to represent this very special life. This lady has remained one of the biggest icons of all time.
“Patsy had a short career — With Patsy, the first thing I’ve discovered is that there’s not a single interview, print or broadcast. But Patsy was a prolific pen pal, thank God. She was corresponding with about 20 ladies on a very regular basis.”
Mayor Megan Barry. Photo: PLA Media
Many of those letters are on display, as are a remarkable number of original artifacts from her home. The museum contains some of the star’s jewelry collection, as well as furniture from her home’s dining room, lounge, kitchen and porch. As a teen back in Winchester, VA, she was a soda jerk at Gaunt’s Drug Store. One of its original booths is on exhibit, as is its old advertising sign.
A vintage jukebox, Patsy’s record collection, a number of items relating to the tragic plane crash that took her life, many industry awards and her collection of salt & pepper shakers are also in the museum. So are the stage costumes she designed that were hand sewn by her mom, Hilda Hensley.
“It’s been a real honor, exposing this life,” added Miller. “She was a very strong lady, kind of like our mayor.”
“This museum allows people to get a real feel for who she was,” commented Mayor Barry. “This is such an amazing space and such an amazing story. She was a mom, a star, a story and a voice. Every time she comes on the radio, you know it’s Patsy. This is really impactful to be here today.”
Julie took the Mayor through the exhibits, and they chatted at length. I was struck by the number of photos of Patsy I had never seen before that were in the displays. Videos of her performances air continuously on wall screens, and listening stations are scattered throughout. An illustrated timeline traces her life and career. One wall contains copies of every single she released.
Circulating and smiling their approval were Sarah Brosmer, Chuck Dauphin, Bob Paxman, Jim Zumwalt, Mark Logsdon, Steve Betts, Barry Mazor and Greg & Barb Hall.
Barb eagerly took me to the museum’s theater to watch the biographical short film she created using Baverly D’Angelo as its host and narrator.
In the gift shop, the merch is first rate. Tea towels, ashtrays, glasses, t-shirts, posters, kitchenware and records are just a few of the items for sale. Also in the shop is the wax figure of Patsy Cline that was created for the first all-music Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. It will soon become Nashville’s newest attraction.
Expect to see lifelike representations of Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Minnie Pearl, Blake Shelton, Katy Perry, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Patsy and more. It opens in Opry Mills on April 14.
Your move, Memphis.
Patsy Cline family with Cline’s Madame Tussauds wax figure. Photo: PLA Media
Maren Morris Wraps Sold-Out Tour With Soul, Surprise Guests In Nashville
/by Eric T. ParkerMaren Morris. Photo: Blythe Thomas/Maren Morris/Facebook
Wednesday, April 5 was a bittersweet homecoming for Columbia Nashville recording artist Maren Morris.
On one hand the Cannery Ballroom date marked the final US stop of her Hero Tour 2017. On the other, the date marked the confirmation of a revival of sorts for the Arlington, Texas native who moved to Nashville four years ago feeling like her time on stage—mostly performing in the Texas circuit—had ended. But like it always does, undeniable talent rises to the surface.
With the influence of publisher Carla Wallace and manager Janet Weir, Morris released “I Wish I Was” on a Spotify EP and later, the full-length Hero with Sony Nashville. She has gone on to perform on Saturday Night Live and win awards with MusicRow, as well as Grammy, ACM and CMA honors.
Much like predecessors Adele and Katy Perry, who both offered Cannery Ballroom dates on early tours, Morris has launched a movement. Her bustier top and eloquent choker was a hip throwback to a ’90s Shania, Selena or Whitney.
That sex appeal, mixed with her own originality and soul, accompanied Morris through a 60-minute set, which included her trepidatiously vulnerable latest single “I Could Use A Love Song,” a sample of Beyonce’s “Halo” and the two singles that really helped launched her, “80s Mercedes” and “My Church.”
“The Hero Tour is my first ever headlining tour,” said Morris. “My road has been quick the last year, and I’m totally just holding on for dear life.
“I will always be from Texas, but I have lived in Nashville the last four years. Thank you guys for being my hometown forever more, and supporting me as a new artist. There are a lot of people in the room that have seen me play in the crappiest bars and coffee shops. If you don’t support new artists, it doesn’t give us any incentive to do this, so thank you for making my dreams come true.”
Set to spend time after the tour in the writing room for an upcoming record, Morris praised those writers influential in helping her craft her setlist. With nearly every title, Morris continued her homage to these poets (Brett Tyler, “Space;” Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz, “Sugar;” Ian Fitchuk and Heather Morgan,”Bumin’ Cigarettes;” and Ryan Hurd, “I Wish I Was”).
“I get asked a lot, ‘How did you make that happen?’,” said Morris. “I would say be humble, real, authentic, kind, work hard and be patient. There is room for everybody. As a songwriter, it’s the most wonderful town to be a sponge. You can learn from the most incredible people that write here.”
Not only an original songwriter, but soulful and dynamic powerhouse, Morris’ pipes were on full display for titles like “Once” and “Second Wind.”
Hurd, Morris’ label mate and significant other, was welcomed to the stage for the encore performance of the couple’s “Last Turn Home,” which Tim McGraw included on his album Sundown Heaven Town.
Brothers Osborne, Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris. Photo: Blythe Thomas/Maren Morris/Facebook
Surprise guest the Brothers Osborne joined Morris and Hurd for “Greener Pastures,” a track the four newcomers wrote together, which appears on the reigning ACM New/Vocal Duo of the Year winners’ debut album. Hurd has held the opening slot for many of Morris’ Hero Tour 2017 dates, trading off with Nashville opener, Warner/CAA/Sandbox artist Devin Dawson. Dawson was welcomed for a version of Morris’ “Company You Keep.”
The 20-something crowd sang along, full-force to “Drunk Girls Don’t Cry” and “Rich,” showing the Maren Morris craze among the demographic. Morris even appeared genuinely confused whether or not to move on to the next song or let the audience finish the chorus once the former title had ended, calling it the loudest “shit” she had heard.
The star will hit the UK/Ireland in November for the international leg of her Hero Tour 2017.
Brett Eldredge Celebrates No. 1 ‘Wanna Be That Song’
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured: (L-R): Carnival Music’s Frank Liddell, Warner Music’s John Esposito, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, ASCAP songwriter Scooter Carusoe, BMI singer-songwriter-producer Brett Eldredge, BMI songwriter-producer Ross Copperman, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg and Rezonant’s Tim Wipperman. Photo: Erika Goldring [Click To Enlarge]
Tomlinson offered celebratory cups on behalf of his PRO after offering remarks to his two writers, Eldredge and Ross Copperman, who celebrated his sixth No. 1. BMI’s partner in No. 1 parties, Pinnacle Bank, welcomed Cooper Samuels to note a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
With her signature likability, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker toasted their First Tennessee Bank sponsor Andrew Kintz, on behalf of the PRO’s writer Scooter Carusoe (Travis Hill) for his fourth No. 1.
Carusoe’s Carnival Music partner, and recent ACM Album of the Year producer, Frank Liddell took to the mic to express gratitude to everyone involved in the success.
“When you’re in this business, we’re all trying to get paid and make money, and it’s important,” said Liddell. “But when you work with someone for so long, things like this just feel better. That’s why people listen to music—it feels good—so let’s keep kicking ass, let’s keep this going.”
“This song was Brett’s idea,” said Carusoe. “He was very intentional about it. We were on the road writing and he was getting ready to walk on stage and looked right at me and said ‘I want to write a song called ‘Wanna Be That Song,’’ turned around and walked to the microphone and started singing. I love that.”
For Copperman, Rezonant Music Publishing’s Tim Wipperman and Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg were present. Van Vaulkenburg also spoke on behalf of Eldredge.
“Ross Copperman is one of the best I’ve ever had to work with,” said Wipperman. “There’s an idea a minute coming out of him and I think for the next 200-300 years he’s gonna be on top of the charts.”
Wipperman dispersed his new tradition, handing out bottles of artisan Merlot to the producers and writers, which in this case Eldredge and Copperman were co-producers and writers, which he noted “got [him] off cheap.”
“Thank you Brett for being one of my best friends and being there from the beginning for me,” responded Copperman, who was suffering a broken rib from a wrestling match with his boy.
“To the core, Brett is a songwriter,” said Van Vaulkenburg. “He is someone that writes because he has to, and I can tell you that’s the type of writer/artist you want to work with because its something they have to do with every bit of their body.”
Esposito, who noted a reporter from a famous New York publication was following him around for the day, was dripping with charm.
“You want to have as many of these No. 1 parties in your life as possible,” said Esposito. “That’s all there is to it. They don’t celebrate this in New York or Los Angeles…This ride [with Brett] is just getting started.”
“This is my second No. 1 I’ve got to celebrate with Scooter and my fourth with Ross,” said Eldredge from the top of his head. “These guys are unbelievable. No one spends more time on a lyric than Scooter. I’m working on album number three with Ross right now.
“We developed something that didn’t happen overnight. It took someone that see what I could do and I think you guys for sticking with me and knew when it would work when it did work. Now we’re on our sixth No. 1.
“Writing these songs is not only a joy. I think we captured with this song, more than any other, why I love to write songs and why I like to write with these kind of guys. You create this music and years down the road these plaques are collecting dust, but all that matters is the people you celebrated with and memories you made. It’s about sitting in a writing room staring at each other until something in your heart jumps out and has to be written. This song is everything I want to say in music.”
Eldredge concluded with an a cappella version of those lyrics:
I wanna be that song that gets you high
Makes you dance, makes you fall
That melody rewinds years
Once disappear, makes time stall
Wanna be those words that fill you up
Roll your windows down and keeps you young
Makes you believe you’re right where you belong
I wanna be that song
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter Scooter Carusoe, BMI singer-songwriter-producer Brett Eldredge and BMI songwriter-producer Ross Copperman. Photo: Erika Goldring.