Prominent Nashville session vocalist Hurshel Wiginton has died at age 79.
As a member of The Nashville Edition, Wiginton sang on hundreds of hits in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s and was familiar to millions via the group’s long tenure on TV’s Hee Haw from 1969 to 1988.
Wiginton sang backup on records by a who’s-who of Nashville’s country recording artists, including Hank Williams Jr., George Jones, Brenda Lee, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap, Waylon Jennings, Eddy Arnold, Mel Street, Gary Stewart, Gene Watson, Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Charlie Rich, Johnny Paycheck, Tom T. Hall and Merle Haggard. The Nashville Edition also backed such pop stars as Henry Mancini, Elvis Presley, Bobby Goldsboro, Nancy Sinatra, Dave Loggins, Tommy James and Bobby Vinton.
The group sang on more than 12,000 recordings during its heyday. Among the many hit titles where the vocal ensemble can be heard are Charley Pride’s “My Eyes Can Only See As Far As You,” Dottie West’s “Country Sunshine,” Marty Robbins’ “El Paso City,” Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn,” Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden,” Freddie Hart’s “Easy Lovin,’” Barbara Mandrell’s “The Midnight Oil,” Melba Montgomery’s “No Charge,” Steve Young’s “Seven Bridges Road” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
Hurshel Wiginton was The Nashville Edition’s bass singer. Group member Joe Babcock believed that Wiginton was the best bass vocalist in the music industry.
Wiginton was born Jan. 28, 1938 in Hamilton, Alabama. His earliest singing was at the Poplar Log Free Will Baptist Church, which was next door to his family’s home.
After his high school graduation, he made his way to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. One of the earliest hits he sang on was 1966’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” by soul singer Percy Sledge. Following a brief stint on the Memphis recording scene, Wiginton moved to Nashville.
He and Babcock became founding members of The Nashville Edition, along with Dolores Edgin and Ricki Page. The quartet stepped into the slot vacated by the mixed-voice backup group The Anita Kerr Singers, who had disbanded when leader Kerr departed Nashville.
By the mid-1970s, The Nashville Edition was performing on four recording sessions a day. The group won Superpicker Awards from the Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy in 1975, 1977 and 1978 due to its prominence on Music Row recordings.
The Nashville Edition was so successful with recording-session work that Wiginton had to persuade the others to take the Hee Haw television job. It turned out to be a long-running and lucrative sideline for the quartet.
Hurshel Wiginton died on Monday, March 6, following several years of declining health. His survivors include wife Doris, son Barry and daughters Jo Swafford, Anna Wiginton and Tina Goodrow, plus two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are brothers James and Roger and sister Adgil Marie Lovett.
Arrangements are being handled by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Alabama. The funeral service will be conducted in the singer’s boyhood church, Poplar Log Baptist.
Dailey & Vincent Become Opry Members, Sign With Dreamlined Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Sally Williams, Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, Steve Buchanan. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Dailey & Vincent became the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday evening (March 11) at an induction ceremony by Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show and Jeannie Seely. The duo had been invited to become Opry members by Marty Stuart during their 100th appearance on the show in December. Seely, who will celebrate 50 years of Opry membership later this year, presented an Opry Member Award to Jamie Dailey, while Old Crow lead singer Ketch Secor did the same for Darrin Vincent.
“I had the honor of introducing Dailey & Vincent for their first Opry appearance,” Seely said. “I thought to myself that night, ‘I hope one day I get to see them become members of the Opry one day because they epitomize everything the Opry is on stage and off.’”
“We are very excited to welcome Dailey & Vincent into the fold,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent have been proclaimed the best in their field across the board, winning awards and media acclaim for their songs, their musicianship, and their one-of-a-kind live performances. Over the past 10 years and more than 100 Opry visits, they’ve brought crowds to their feet both with country, bluegrass, and gospel standards as well as their brand new material. We look forward to Dailey & Vincent being active, beloved Opry members as the Opry looks toward the century mark and beyond.”
Dreamlined Entertainment Group has signed the duo and will release its new album, Patriots & Poets on March 31 via distribution through BFD/RED. The project features collaborations with Steve Martin, Bela Fleck and more.
Pictured (L-R): BFD’s Chuck Rhodes, BFD’s Bob Frank, Dreamlined’s Keith Stegall, Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, Dreamlined’s Scott Miller, Dreamlined’s Jason Campbell)
Pandora Launching New Premium Service This Week
/by Lorie HollabaughThe premium option for $9.99 a month offers fans Pandora’s personalized radio with the ability to search and play any track or album as well as a unique set of playlist features tailored to each person’s distinct preferences. Playlists can be easily curated through the power of Pandora’s Music Genome Project and a “thumbs up” option, and a browse section is stocked with personalized suggestions from the latest releases. Existing Pandora Plus subscribers will enjoy six months of Premium for no additional charge but trial lengths for existing Pandora ad-supported listeners and new listeners vary. Premium is available now for iOS and Android, in the car via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and on Google Chromecast, and will be available on other platforms including the web in the coming months.
“Every day tens of millions of people trust us to choose the exact right song for them. That’s why they spend more time with Pandora than any other music service,” said Tim Westergren, founder and CEO of Pandora. “With Premium, we’re leveraging our immense trove of data and everything we’ve learned about personalization to offer a listening experience that sets a new standard for what a music service should be.”
CMA Songwriters Series Returns To London For 2017 C2C Festival
/by Haley CrowPictured (L-R): Kristian Bush, Drake White, Maren Morris, Bennett Lewis (Morris’ guitarist), Liz Rose and Mac McAnally perform during the sold-out CMA Songwriters Series Thursday at indigo at The O2 in London. Photo: Amy Westney/CMA
The CMA Songwriters Series returned overseas Thursday (March 9) to kick-off the fifth annual Country 2 Country (C2C) Festival at London’s indigo at The O2. The highly-anticipated show featured an award-winning lineup of country music hitmakers: five-time CMA award-winner Kristian Bush, former CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally, reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Maren Morris, former CMA Song of the Year winner Liz Rose, and rising star Drake White. The sold-out show was the CMA Songwriters Series debut for McAnally, Morris, and White.
Kristian Bush
Photo: Amy Westney/CMA
Midway through the set, Bush made a special announcement from the stage, surprising U.K. country duo The Shires with CMA’s Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist originally signed outside of the United States–in both furthering the popularity of country music and bringing attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory.
The intimate CMA Songwriters Series launched in 2005 at Joe’s Pub in New York City and made its European debut in 2012 with stops in London, Dublin, and Belfast. It has returned to London annually as part of C2C since 2014. C2C is the U.K.’s largest country music festival.
For more information, visit CMAsongwritersseries.com.
Mac MacAnally
Photo: Amy Westney/CMA
Maren Morris
Photo: Amy Westney/CMA
Liz Rose
Photo: Amy Westney/CMA
Drake White
Photo: Amy Westney/CMA
Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside, CMA Chief Marketing Officer; Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Chief Executive Officer and Ex-Officio CMA board member; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Mac McAnally; Liz Rose; The Shires’ Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle; Kristian Bush; Milly Olykan, AEG Festival and Live Events Director at The O2 and CMA board member; and Drake White gather following the CMA Songwriters Series. Photo: Amy Westney/CMA
Artist Updates: Tara Thompson, Brothers Osborne, Runaway June, Hudson Moore
/by Eric T. ParkerTara Thompson Promotes Music With New Boots Line Dancing
Tara Thompson (third from left) with New Boots staff and friends. Photo: New Boots Line Dancing
Country artist Tara Thompson promoted her music at Nashville’s New Boots Line Dancing with a dance as part of her #maytagmonday Facebook Live series this week (March 6).
In addition to dancing to her debut single and EP title track, “Someone to Take Your Place,” New Boots organized an encore dance with The Valory Music Co. newcomer’s “Side Effects.” Watch Thompson’s class at facebook.com/newbootslinedancing
Brothers Osborne And Runaway June Play NASH Party Prior To CMA Fest
The 6 p.m. event will benefit Musicians On Call and be held prior to CMA Fest (June 8-11). Tickets for the NASH event are $35 at nashfm1033.com.
Nashville’s Hudson Moore Preps Spring Outing
Hudson Moore. Photo: Jay Trevino
Country guitar slinger Hudson Moore will set out on a seven-date Texas outing, kicking off March 23 at 3TEN Austin City Limits Live. Moore also plans to join Eli Young Band on the road next month at Denim & Diamonds in Wichita Falls, TX. To purchase tickets, visit hudsonmoore.net/tour
Austin Moore Spring 2017
3/23 — Austin, TX 3TEN ACL Live
3/28 — College Station, TX The Tap
4/7 — Dallas, TX Prophet Bar
4/8 — Houston, TX Firehouse Saloon
4/21 — Stephenville, TX Bostock’s Billiards & Bar
4/22 — San Antonio, TX Sam’s Burger Joint
4/28 — McAllen, TX Hillbilly’s
Acquisition Of Dick Clark Productions Officially Terminated
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow received DCP owner Eldridge Industries’ official statement on March 10.
“Eldridge Industries announced today that one of its affiliates has terminated its agreement to sell Dick Clark Productions to the Dalian Wanda Group. Wanda had agreed to acquire Dick Clark Productions in November 2016. Eldridge’s affiliate terminated the agreement this week after Wanda failed to honor its contractual obligations. Eldridge’s affiliate also has filed with the Delaware Chancery Court to compel release of the balance of escrowed funds to which it is contractually entitled given Wanda’s failure to consummate the sale.”
Billboard reports the suit seeks to recover half of a $50 million “reverse termination fee” connected to the deal.
The Academy of Country Music Awards is a 50/50 partnership with Dick Clark Productions and the academy. Additional interests of DCP include 100 percent of TV rights of the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and the New Year’s countdown celebration in New York.
In 2015, Dick Clark Productions was sold by Guggenheim Partners—from a reported $370 million sale in 2012—to Todd Boehly, a executive at Guggenheim. Boehly formed Eldridge Industries whose assets, among others, also include The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard.
Swon Brothers, Alyssa Micaela, Ryan Griffin Celebrate March Album Releases
/by Lorie HollabaughSwon Brothers Debut Their ‘Scars’
“This is our first time to work with Brad, who produced records that garnered Grammy nominations and awards this year, and for good reason,” says Zach. “He’s a very talented guy. He brought out sides of us that we didn’t even know were there, both musically and vocally. He actually brought this song to us also, he’s got a great ear.”
Swon Brothers – Pretty Cool Scars Track Listing:
“Dwight Trashed” – Ben Stennis, Jared Mullins and Blake Bollinger
“Don’t Call Me” – Jordan Reynolds and Robyn Collins
“Pretty Cool Scars” – Heather Morgan, Ross Copperman, Jonathan Singleton
“Take Off” – Chris Roberts, Jason Gantt and John King
“About Last Night” – Zach Swon, Colton Swon, Matt McGinn, Joey Hyde
“Gold” – David Hodges, Jake Scott, David Ryan Harris
Alyssa Micaela Shares Cowboy Songs on New EP
Last year, Alyssa signed with Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. Ben Vaughn, President of Warner Chappell Nashville adds, “We are so excited to see Alyssa’s new music coming out and know that her fans will enjoy watching the growth of this dynamic new artist.”
Cowboys Like That Track Listing:
1. “Clean Break” (Alyssa Micaela, Corey Crowder, Emily Shackelton)
2. “Highlights” (Alyssa Micaela, Seth Ennis, Liz Rose, Corey Crowder)
3. “Cowboys Like That” (Alyssa Micaela, Liz Rose, Emily Shackelton)
4. “I’m In A Bar” (Liz Rose, Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Chris Tompkins)
5. “Getaway Car” (Alyssa Micaela, Derrick Southerland, Jesse Walker)**
** “Getaway Car” produced by Keith Follese
Ryan Griffin Releases Debut Today
Ryan Griffin Sake Of The Summer Track Listing:
MusicRowPics: Rick Monroe Previews New Music
/by Jessica NicholsonRick Monroe with Matt Dyar
Singer-songwriter Rick Monroe recently previewed tracks from his upcoming EP during a visit to the MusicRow office.
Monroe performed three tracks, including “This Side Of You,” a co-write with Ryan Griffin and Jason Duke. Griffin and Duke are also the co-writers of Kelsea Ballerini’s hit “Dibs.” Monroe, along with guitarist Matt Dyar, also performed acoustic renditions of “A Moment Like This” and “Ease On Down.”
“This Side Of You” is the current single from his upcoming EP Gypsy Soul.
The title is appropriate, given that Monroe lived in several places throughout his childhood, including California, Connecticut, and North Carolina. That gypsy spirit continues as he’s taken his music to 17 countries, and nearly every state in the U.S.
Monroe currently has a sponsorship deal with Monster Energy Drink.
Rick Monroe with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson
Industry Ink: Rory Feek, Briana Galluccio, Lexi Larsen
/by Lorie HollabaughRory Feek And Cracker Barrel Celebrate Gold
Photo: Vice President at Gaither Music Group, Paul Sizelove; Vice President of Marketing at Cracker Barrel, Don Hoffman; Associate Merchandise Buyer at Cracker Barrel, Rachel Parker; Senior Marketing Manager at Cracker Barrel, Julie Ulmer; Merchandise Buyer at Cracker Barrel, John Jankowich; and Rory Feek celebrating Joey+Rory’s album “Hymns That Are Important to Us” reaching gold status. Photo: Supervisor of Creative Services at Cracker Barrel, Kevin Neely
Joey+Rory’s album, Hymns That Are Important to Us, reached gold status on March 7, selling more than 500,000 copies, and Rory Feek and his family celebrated at an event at Cracker Barrel’s Home Offices in Lebanon, Tennessee. The project sold nearly 160,000 copies at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, and Gaither Music presented Cracker Barrel with gold plaques at the event, where Feek and his family received custom rocking chairs and congratulations from Cracker Barrel. Feek’s wife Joey passed away almost exactly a year ago on March 4 from cervical cancer.
Joey Feek’s solo album, If Not For You, is set to be released April 7.
Galluccio To Join MCA Nashville Promo Team
Former All Access Nashville Editorial Assistant Briana Galluccio will join MCA Nashville as Coordinator/Promotion March 20. “I am thrilled Briana is joining our MCA team,” said VP/Promotion Katie Dean. “She’s a smart, driven team player and will be a great asset to the MCA roster and staff.”
Galluccio joined All Access in 2015, after serving on the promotion team for Beasley Country WKLB/Boston.
Lexi Larsen Becomes Durango Ambassador
“I’m thrilled to join the Durango family,” says Larsen. “They’re brand and style is unique and timeless, I’m honored to be chosen to work with them.”
LifeNotes: Nashville Edition Singer Hurshel Wiginton Passes
/by Robert K OermannAs a member of The Nashville Edition, Wiginton sang on hundreds of hits in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s and was familiar to millions via the group’s long tenure on TV’s Hee Haw from 1969 to 1988.
Wiginton sang backup on records by a who’s-who of Nashville’s country recording artists, including Hank Williams Jr., George Jones, Brenda Lee, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap, Waylon Jennings, Eddy Arnold, Mel Street, Gary Stewart, Gene Watson, Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Charlie Rich, Johnny Paycheck, Tom T. Hall and Merle Haggard. The Nashville Edition also backed such pop stars as Henry Mancini, Elvis Presley, Bobby Goldsboro, Nancy Sinatra, Dave Loggins, Tommy James and Bobby Vinton.
The group sang on more than 12,000 recordings during its heyday. Among the many hit titles where the vocal ensemble can be heard are Charley Pride’s “My Eyes Can Only See As Far As You,” Dottie West’s “Country Sunshine,” Marty Robbins’ “El Paso City,” Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn,” Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden,” Freddie Hart’s “Easy Lovin,’” Barbara Mandrell’s “The Midnight Oil,” Melba Montgomery’s “No Charge,” Steve Young’s “Seven Bridges Road” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
Hurshel Wiginton was The Nashville Edition’s bass singer. Group member Joe Babcock believed that Wiginton was the best bass vocalist in the music industry.
Wiginton was born Jan. 28, 1938 in Hamilton, Alabama. His earliest singing was at the Poplar Log Free Will Baptist Church, which was next door to his family’s home.
After his high school graduation, he made his way to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. One of the earliest hits he sang on was 1966’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” by soul singer Percy Sledge. Following a brief stint on the Memphis recording scene, Wiginton moved to Nashville.
He and Babcock became founding members of The Nashville Edition, along with Dolores Edgin and Ricki Page. The quartet stepped into the slot vacated by the mixed-voice backup group The Anita Kerr Singers, who had disbanded when leader Kerr departed Nashville.
By the mid-1970s, The Nashville Edition was performing on four recording sessions a day. The group won Superpicker Awards from the Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy in 1975, 1977 and 1978 due to its prominence on Music Row recordings.
The Nashville Edition was so successful with recording-session work that Wiginton had to persuade the others to take the Hee Haw television job. It turned out to be a long-running and lucrative sideline for the quartet.
Hurshel Wiginton died on Monday, March 6, following several years of declining health. His survivors include wife Doris, son Barry and daughters Jo Swafford, Anna Wiginton and Tina Goodrow, plus two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are brothers James and Roger and sister Adgil Marie Lovett.
Arrangements are being handled by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Alabama. The funeral service will be conducted in the singer’s boyhood church, Poplar Log Baptist.
Opry To Get A Little Sand In Its Circle With Throwdown Series
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is going on Spring Break as it takes its “Circle Throwdown” series to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, April 7-9 in conjunction with the Tortuga Music Festival. Festival ticketholders will be treated to pop-up performances from top artists behind the Opry’s signature mic stand and a replica of the famed wooden circle from the Opry House that will be “thrown down” for the impromptu concerts.
Fans from around the world can watch the Circle Throwdowns live through the Grand Ole Opry and Tortuga Festival Facebook pages.
“Surprise performances have always been in the mix at Tortuga, and year five of the festival felt like the right time to take it to the next level and partner with an iconic brand, the Grand Ole Opry,” said Evan Harrison, CEO for HUKA Entertainment. “Our fans will love a little taste of the Opry on the beach!”