Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 557
This is a year of significant anniversaries for a number of Nashville’s musical institutions, and a party marking one of them on Monday, March 27, was a doozy.
The day before, the Ryman Auditorium had staged “community day” in honor of its 125th birthday, and on April 1, the Country Music Hall of Fame plans to celebrate its 50th with a day full of events. But on Monday, Tin Pan South was in the spotlight. The Music Row branch of Regions Bank threw open its doors to host the kick-off party for the songwriter festival’s 25th anniversary.
Region’s Lisa Harless proudly showed off a baby grand piano in the bank’s vestibule. It was being played – beautifully — by Rob Arthur. He’s Peter Frampton’s keyboardist who has moved here along with the rock superstar.
Meanwhile, out in the lobby, songwriters were cheek-by-jowl packed in – Rory Bourke, Dennis Morgan, Steve Bogard, Steve O’Brien, Roger Murrah, Jimbeau Hinson, Wood Newton, Jeff Silbar, James Dean Hicks, Lee Thomas Miller, Scott Reeves and more.
Attendee Billy Burnette says he’s set to release an autobiography and accompanying CD this spring. That should be lively reading, since he’s been on the scene since the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, thanks to his pioneering dad and uncle.
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Writer-artists working the room included Jim Lauderdale, Rick Monroe, Marc-Alan Barnette, Jeremiah Richey and the like. Monroe posed for a photo with Mayor Megan Barry, whom everyone wanted to meet and greet. She worked the attending media like a pro, as did Erika Wollam Nichols. Erika’s Bluebird Café, by the way, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
The catering at the Regions Bank bash was by Maggiano’s Little Italy. And, brother, was it deluxe – spicy meatballs, cucumber slices with herb cheese, BBQ pork sliders, tomato caprese skewers and Italian cheeses covered one grazing station. Those with sweeter palates hovered near the table offering mini crème brulee cups, lemon cookies, mini New York cheesecake morsels and assorted baked delights.
A who’s-who of Music Row fabulons worked the room. Sherrill Blackmon, Barry Coburn, Christy Walker-Watkns, Preshus Tomes Harris, Tracy Gershon, David Preston, Chris Keaton, Randy Perkins, Bob Doyle, Cary Owen, Bev Moser, Jessi Maness, Becky Harris, Nathan Pyle, Andrew Kintz, Craig Shelburne, Craig Campbell, Martha Moore and Butch Baker all schmoozed mightily.
“Is it time for Tin Pan South again, already?” asked John Ozier, marveling that a year had flown by since the last gathering that has become America’s largest songwriter fest.
Yes, and now it’s a grown-up 25 years old.
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
This year’s Tin Pan South round of showcases will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, March 29-April 1. The venues are The Blue Bar, The Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Café, The Country, The Station Inn, The Bluebird Café, Whiskey Rhythm Saloon, The Listening Room, The Hard Rock Café, and 3rd & Lindsley. Arrive early. The shows are often sold out.
The bookings are awesome. Among the 400+ tunesmiths slated to appear are Buddy Cannon, Sonny Curtis, Randy Montana, Billy Montana, Billy Falcon, Mac Davis, Lari White, Lori McKenna, Rhett Akins, Dickey Lee, Pat Alger, Leslie Satcher, Shane McAnally, Brothers Osborne, Natalie Hemby, Brent Cobb, Lance Miller, Kellie Pickler & Kyle Jacobs, Beth Nielsen-Chapman, Keb Mo, Desmond Child, Gary Burr, Paul Overstreet, Kim Richey, Angaleena Presley, Matraca Berg, Gretchen Peters, Larry Gatlin, Allen Shamblin, Al Anderson, Rivers Rutherford, Bobby Braddock and Bekka Bramlett.
The presenter of Tin Pan South is the Nashville Songwriters Association International, which is yet another anniversary celebrant in 2017. This is the NSAI’s 50th birthday. In case you’re keeping score, this year is also the Nashville Symphony’s 70th season, the 10th anniversary of the Music City Walk of Fame, the 60th birthday of RCA Studio B and the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
MTSU’S WMOT Roots Radio Affiliates With VuHaus For Video Outlet
/by Jessica NicholsonThe partnership is officially being launched today, March 28, at 5 p.m. CT, with a live performance of the Americana/folk band The Stray Birds from the Aurora Nashville studios in downtown Nashville that will be broadcast at wmot.org and vuhaus.com/nashville.
“WMOT is thrilled to join VuHaus as an affiliate to present Americana music and artists with partner World Cafe in Nashville,” says Val Hoeppner, executive director of WMOT Roots Radio. “At WMOT, we are building a culture of discovery, and this partnership will further our efforts to bring attention to Nashville artists and the sound that is distinctly our Middle Tennessee heritage.”
Radio and online broadcast, WMOT has been a charter member of National Public Radio (NPR) since 1969, serving as the region’s only Americana music channel. The 100,000-watt professional station, housed in the Center for Innovation in Media inside the university’s Bragg Media and Entertainment Building, changed formats last September from its classical, jazz and news-talk focus to Americana in a partnership with Music City Roots, a Nashville-based firm that provides programming for both radio and television.
Last October the station teamed with the NPR-distributed World Cafe from WXPN in Philadelphia to create a new Nashville-headquartered content hub, World Cafe Nashville, focusing on expanded coverage of music and artists from Nashville and the South. Currently WMOT airs World Cafe each night at 10 CT. The program was launched in 1991 and features a mix of artist interviews and in-studio performances from almost every musical genre.
“In launching World Cafe Nashville with NPR Music as a southern hub for World Cafe, we were delighted to partner with a great local station in WMOT,” says Roger LaMay, general manager of WXPN and chair of the VuHaus board of directors. Extending this commitment to exposing the incredible music of Nashville and the region to a video channel on VuHaus is an important next step.”
Deana Carter Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of ‘Did I Shave My Legs For This?’ With Vinyl Release
/by Lorie HollabaughDeana Carter is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her multi-platinum selling 1996 debut album Did I Shave My Legs For This? by re-releasing the album in a special vinyl edition, beginning March 31.
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition bundle which will include an autographed copy of the vinyl album along with a vintage t-shirt and autographed guitar.
Following its release, Did I Shave My Legs For This? climbed to the top of the country charts and sold over five million copies worldwide. The album was nominated for three Grammys and features the chart-topper “Strawberry Wine,” which won the CMA Single of the Year trophy. Carter penned six of the 11 songs on the album, including “Count Me In” and “How Do I Get There.”
All fan packages and purchase information are available at umgn.us/DCUMGNPR.
Did I Shave My Legs For This? Track Listing
Side One
1 I’ve Loved Enough to Know
2 We Danced Anyway
3 Count Me In
4 If This Is Love
5 Love Ain’t Worth Making
6 Before We Ever Heard Goodbye
Side Two
1 How Do I Get There
2 Strawberry Wine
3 That’s How You Know It’s Love
4 Did I Shave My Legs for This?
5 To the Other Side
Webster Public Relations Signs The Judds
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Judds. Photo: Matthew Rolston and courtesy of OWN.
Webster Public Relations has signed The Judds for publicity services.
“When you think back about the songs that defined the 1980’s in Country Music, the names of Wynonna and Naomi are at the top of the list,” says Webster Public Relations president Kirt Webster. “I was honored to work with them during The Last Encore Tour in 2010 and 2011, and am humbled and excited to announce their signing and once again promote The Judds to the masses!”
Both mother and daughter began their musical journey in Ashland, Kentucky, and lived in California for a brief period during the 1970’s before moving to Nashville. The two quickly found a regular slot on WSM-TV’s The Ralph Emery Show. The duo signed with RCA Nashville in 1983, and made their chart debut by the end of the year with “Had A Dream (For The Heart).”
For the rest of the 1980’s, each single from The Judds released by RCA reached the Top 10 on radio, with 14 singles reaching the No. 1 spot. They have earned six Grammy awards, nine Academy of Country Music awards (including the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award), nine Country Music Association awards, and sold over 20 million units worldwide.
The Judds embarked on their Farewell Tour in 1991, after Naomi’s diagnosis of Hepatitis C forced her to retire from the road. Wynonna launched a successful solo career with her self-titled debut album, earning a 5x multi-Platinum certification and her first three singles reaching No. 1 on the country charts. Naomi focused on her health, beating the disease, writing several New York Times best-selling books and becoming a motivational speaker. The duo has returned to the stage on several occasions since, including the successful Last Encore Tour in 2010-2011 and a Las Vegas residency in 2015.
In Pictures: Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Drake White, Chase Rice, Walker McGuire, Liz Rose, Lee Miller
/by Lorie HollabaughBlair And Miranda Discuss Scooby Snacks
(L-R:) Miranda Lambert, Blair Garner, and Blair’s dog, Scooby. Photo: Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert recently sat down for an interview with Blair Garner, host of the syndicated late night radio show, The Blair Garner Show, at the NASH Campus. The two discussed their mutual obsessions with dogs, restoring vintage cars and Airstream trailers, and music. Garner brought his dog Scooby, who lost his lower jaw to a cancerous tumor, in for some questions and a selfie with the singer.
Tim And Faith Celebrate Girl Speak Success
(L-R): Steve Hodges, Luke Jensen, Jenny Shearin, Abi Fishbone, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Ali O’Connell, Lauren Thomas, Josh Easler, Rusty Sherrill, Randy Goodman
Tim and Faith gathered with their new Sony/Arista Nashville family on Monday (March 27) to celebrate 146 first-week station adds for their new single, “Speak To A Girl.”
Drake White Lights ‘Spark’ In New York And Boston
Photo: Andy Hawkes
Drake White brought his high-energy SPARK Tour to sold-out crowds at New York City’s Gramercy Theater on Thursday (March 24) and Boston’s Paradise Rock Club on Friday (March 25). Drake heads south over the next two months with a stop at the Tortuga Music Festival in Ft. Lauderdale on April 9 before the SPARK Tour resumes with back-to-back sold-out shows in Nashville on April 12 and 13 at Exit/In.
Chase Rice Goes Back To Georgia Pub Roots
Photo: Rick Diamond Getty Images
Chase Rice played his first three “Pub Shows” last weekend at select venues throughout Georgia. Rice named the limited series of club dates after his own “Pub 44” backstage hang, re-creating the intimate, feel-good vibe of his early dive-bar-playing days. All three of the weekend shows in Rome, Valdosta, and Columbus, Georgia, were packed to capacity as die-hard fans heard some new material from Rice’s forthcoming studio album for the first time.
Walker McGuire Meets With Westwood One
(L-R): Jordan Walker, George King, Penny Mitchell, Johnny McGuire
Walker McGuire recently stopped by to visit with execs from Westwood One while on a radio tour.
Liz Rose, Lee Miller Petition Copyright Royalty Board
Nashville Songwriters Association International President Lee Miller and Board Member Liz Rose recently testified in a Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) rate proceeding in Washington DC. NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and past-President Steve Bogard have already testified, seeking higher mechanical royalty rates from digital streaming services.
Katy Epley Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Musicians On Call
/by Lorie HollabaughKaty Epley, Executive Vice President of Musicians On Call, is celebrating 10 years with the organization that she helped bring to Nashville. During her decade with the company, Epley has helped Musicians On Call facilitate local visits by artists including Kelly Clarkson, Imagine Dragons, Keith Urban, Charles Esten, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes and more. To date, Musicians On Call has played for 100,000 patients, families and caregivers in Nashville hospitals and well over 500,000 nationwide.
“Katy Epley has been the backbone of Musicians On Call for the past 10 years, ” said Pete Griffin, President of Musicians On Call. “No one better exemplifies what MOC stands for and the values we share with the Nashville community than Katy. Her passion, hard work, dedication and kindness have not only made MOC such a strong program in Nashville, but have helped our organization grow to 23 cities nationwide. The entire MOC family is excited celebrate this fantastic milestone with her.”
Industry Ink: Jon Pardi, HoriPro, Patsy Cline Museum, David Nathan
/by Jessica NicholsonJon Pardi Celebrates RIAA Gold Certification
Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi celebrates “Dirt On My Boots” earning RIAA Gold certification, recognizing its sales and streaming topping 500,000.
Pardi was surprised with a plaque commemorating the success while visiting ABC’s Good Morning America last week with Ginger Zee for National Puppy Day.
“Dirt On My Boots,” written by Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley, follows Pardi’s No. 1 Platinum-selling smash, “Head Over Boots.” Both tunes are featured on his No. 1-debuting album, California Sunrise.
HoriPro Entertainment Group To Honor Dave Hall, Jody Williams
Dave Hall and Jody Williams will be the honorees for the 2017 tournament. Hall started in the industry by performing worldwide with some of country music’s biggest acts and now offers his decades of experience to HoriPro as Executive Advisor of the royalty department and creative team. Williams now directs all writer/publisher relations activities in BMI’s Nashville office after a successful career working in creative positions for many major publishers.
Contact Courtney Crist at 615-255-9837 or courtney@horipro.com for more information on how to sign up or sponsor the event.
Patsy Cline Museum Opening To Feature Patsy Cline Wax Figure
“This will be the first time in more than 50 years that fans will get to grab a photo with Patsy,” says Patsy Cline Museum Founder, Bill Miller. “What is absolutely incredible about Madame Tussauds’ figure is that our patrons will be able to touch, snap photos and experience an exact likeness of the icon. We are honored to work with their team to create this unique offering.”
The Patsy Cline Museum is located at 119 Third Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37202, and will be open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily after April 7.
David Nathan Joins Management Team For New Artist Jessie Chris
David Nathan
Music exec David Nathan has joined the management team for artist Jessie Chris, joining with artist manager Jeff Gulko. Nathan previously served as Sr. VP, Promotion and Artist Development for Republic Records, before joining Big Machine Label Group in 2014.
Jessie Chris released her single “Burn” to radio. She is one of the faces for Disney’s #choosekindness anti-bullying campaign.
Kate Bowen Inks With Neon Cross, Warner/Chappell
/by Lorie HollabaughPhotography credit: Sebastian Smith
Kate Bowen has signed a publishing deal with Neon Cross Music and Warner Chappell. Neon Cross, the publishing and production company owned by producer Jay Joyce, is also home to Jeremy Spillman, Devin Dawson, Andrea Davidson, and Brandon Lancaster with LANco.
“Kate’s genuine and uncompromising approach to songwriting and artistry is a perfect fit for the vision Jay and I have for all the creators at Neon Cross,” said Neon Cross’ Melissa Spillman. “She has an extraordinary talent we can’t wait to share with Nashville and beyond.”
Bobby Karl Works The 25th Anniversary Tin Pan South Kickoff Party
/by Bobby KarlTin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 557
This is a year of significant anniversaries for a number of Nashville’s musical institutions, and a party marking one of them on Monday, March 27, was a doozy.
The day before, the Ryman Auditorium had staged “community day” in honor of its 125th birthday, and on April 1, the Country Music Hall of Fame plans to celebrate its 50th with a day full of events. But on Monday, Tin Pan South was in the spotlight. The Music Row branch of Regions Bank threw open its doors to host the kick-off party for the songwriter festival’s 25th anniversary.
Region’s Lisa Harless proudly showed off a baby grand piano in the bank’s vestibule. It was being played – beautifully — by Rob Arthur. He’s Peter Frampton’s keyboardist who has moved here along with the rock superstar.
Meanwhile, out in the lobby, songwriters were cheek-by-jowl packed in – Rory Bourke, Dennis Morgan, Steve Bogard, Steve O’Brien, Roger Murrah, Jimbeau Hinson, Wood Newton, Jeff Silbar, James Dean Hicks, Lee Thomas Miller, Scott Reeves and more.
Attendee Billy Burnette says he’s set to release an autobiography and accompanying CD this spring. That should be lively reading, since he’s been on the scene since the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, thanks to his pioneering dad and uncle.
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Writer-artists working the room included Jim Lauderdale, Rick Monroe, Marc-Alan Barnette, Jeremiah Richey and the like. Monroe posed for a photo with Mayor Megan Barry, whom everyone wanted to meet and greet. She worked the attending media like a pro, as did Erika Wollam Nichols. Erika’s Bluebird Café, by the way, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
The catering at the Regions Bank bash was by Maggiano’s Little Italy. And, brother, was it deluxe – spicy meatballs, cucumber slices with herb cheese, BBQ pork sliders, tomato caprese skewers and Italian cheeses covered one grazing station. Those with sweeter palates hovered near the table offering mini crème brulee cups, lemon cookies, mini New York cheesecake morsels and assorted baked delights.
A who’s-who of Music Row fabulons worked the room. Sherrill Blackmon, Barry Coburn, Christy Walker-Watkns, Preshus Tomes Harris, Tracy Gershon, David Preston, Chris Keaton, Randy Perkins, Bob Doyle, Cary Owen, Bev Moser, Jessi Maness, Becky Harris, Nathan Pyle, Andrew Kintz, Craig Shelburne, Craig Campbell, Martha Moore and Butch Baker all schmoozed mightily.
“Is it time for Tin Pan South again, already?” asked John Ozier, marveling that a year had flown by since the last gathering that has become America’s largest songwriter fest.
Yes, and now it’s a grown-up 25 years old.
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
This year’s Tin Pan South round of showcases will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, March 29-April 1. The venues are The Blue Bar, The Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Café, The Country, The Station Inn, The Bluebird Café, Whiskey Rhythm Saloon, The Listening Room, The Hard Rock Café, and 3rd & Lindsley. Arrive early. The shows are often sold out.
The bookings are awesome. Among the 400+ tunesmiths slated to appear are Buddy Cannon, Sonny Curtis, Randy Montana, Billy Montana, Billy Falcon, Mac Davis, Lari White, Lori McKenna, Rhett Akins, Dickey Lee, Pat Alger, Leslie Satcher, Shane McAnally, Brothers Osborne, Natalie Hemby, Brent Cobb, Lance Miller, Kellie Pickler & Kyle Jacobs, Beth Nielsen-Chapman, Keb Mo, Desmond Child, Gary Burr, Paul Overstreet, Kim Richey, Angaleena Presley, Matraca Berg, Gretchen Peters, Larry Gatlin, Allen Shamblin, Al Anderson, Rivers Rutherford, Bobby Braddock and Bekka Bramlett.
The presenter of Tin Pan South is the Nashville Songwriters Association International, which is yet another anniversary celebrant in 2017. This is the NSAI’s 50th birthday. In case you’re keeping score, this year is also the Nashville Symphony’s 70th season, the 10th anniversary of the Music City Walk of Fame, the 60th birthday of RCA Studio B and the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Tin Pan South Kick Off Party 3.27.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Carrie Underwood Signs With Universal Music Group
/by Jessica NicholsonUniversal Music Group (UMG) has inked a new worldwide recording agreement with seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner and two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood. Underwood’s label home will be Capitol Records Nashville, one of four labels that form Universal Music Group Nashville. Underwood was previously signed with Sony Music Nashville’s Arista Nashville imprint.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group said, “I’m so thrilled that Carrie has decided to make Capitol Records Nashville and UMG her home globally. As a talented writer, recording artist, performer and actor, Carrie is that exceptionally rare artist who can do it all. I know I speak on behalf of our teams around the world when I say that we look forward to executing her creative vision and bringing her musical career to the next level.”
Mike Dungan, Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO shares, “Already a top tier force in country music, Carrie’s vast talents and creative bravery show that she is an artist who is prepared to take on a wide range of artistic challenges. We are excited for the future, and honored by her decision to make Universal Music Group her label partner in representing this worldwide superstar in the next phase of her career.”
UMG Nashville President, Cindy Mabe was part of the team who launched Carrie’s first album, the eight times platinum, Some Hearts. “When I decided to take my position with Capitol Records in 2007, personally one of the hardest people for me to leave behind was Carrie Underwood,” explains Mabe. “We were a team and I had the opportunity to watch her leave American Idol as a kid and mature into one of the most important artists with the most powerful voice in music. It was amazing to be a small part of that ride. I am so proud and humbled that she has chosen to sign with Universal Music Group Nashville and that we will once again join forces as she writes the next chapter of her soaring career as a global superstar of enormous integrity and talent.”
Underwood states, “It’s so inspiring to me as an artist to feel this excited about the future. The incredible team at UMG shares the heart and passion I have for music as well as the drive, and their innovative spirit has shown that together the possibilities are endless.”
“I also want to be sure to thank every single person who has played a part in my recording career so far. I will be forever grateful to them for all we achieved together,” adds Underwood.
Universal Music Group Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville. Reading like a “who’s who” of Music Row, the combined rosters include Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Canaan Smith, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Easton Corbin, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Gary Allan, George Strait, Haley Georgia, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Sugarland, The Band Perry and Vince Gill.
Braden Carney Named Head of Digital At UpgradeMedia
/by Lorie HollabaughFormer Big Machine Label Group Director of Marketing and Social Media Braden Carney is exiting the label to head the digital department at UpgradeMedia.
Carney has been with BMLG for six years and worked on 20 chart-topping albums during his time with the label.
“While at Big Machine, Braden’s work assisted 20 No. 1 albums! I wanted the best to run Social at UpgradeMedia. Braden, who managed over 223 million followers on Facebook and Twitter alone, brings platinum social performance to our clients.” said Jason Nunnelley, CEO of UpgradeMedia.
“Big Machine has been my home for the past six years and I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible ride. It has been an honor to work with Scott Borchetta, Kelly Rich and the rest of the BMLG team – their guidance and friendship mean the world to me,” Carney said. “The music and magic that has come out of that building is unlike any other and I look forward to witnessing their continued success.”
Carney can now be reached at braden@upgrademedia.com.