Pictured (L-R): Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and Vince Gill. Photo: UMG Nashville/Twitter
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 554
It was one of the most magical musical moments in memory.
On Thursday afternoon, Feb. 23, Keith Urban was on stage in the Ryman Auditorium performing his massive hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color” for the CRS conventioneers. Following his guitar solo, he nodded to stage left. People screamed as Chris Stapleton strolled out.
Chris ripped into a searing electric-guitar solo, and Keith’s playing answered him. Then Keith flashed his megawatt smile at stage left again. More screams erupted as Vince Gill joined Keith and Chris at center stage. He let loose a fluid, eloquent, electrifying solo, and Keith’s playing answered him.
For the next several minutes, time stood still as the three guitarists swapped solo after solo. Notes swirled around the venerable hall as the trio cast a spell over the crowd. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will treasure forever.
The setting for this extraordinary sonic event was the eighth annual Team UMG showcase for CRS. Fourteen stars aligned with MCA, Capitol, Mercury and EMI performed a song apiece while we ate picnic lunches in the pews.
“Welcome…to the Ryman, which is considered to be the finest venue in the world,” said host Royce Risser. He brought out superstar Luke Bryan as the afternoon’s first act.
“What an honor to open our CRS party,” said Luke. “Thank you for playing my Super Bowl Anthem. It means the world to me, and I never take it for granted.” Luke sang his current single, the tender “Fast.”
Lady Antebellum performs during UMG Nashville’s Team UMG show at the Ryman during CRS. Photo: UMG Nashville/Twitter
Royce described Darius Rucker as, “one of the greatest artists and greatest people you will ever meet.” Darius delivered his thumping, insistent and catchy “If I Told You.”
“Everything I said at this event last year about Jon Pardi has come to pass,” said Royce. “I said he was about to break wide open, and he has.”
“Thank you for all the support and love,” said Jon. He performed his bopping “Where You At.”
“We are at the best venue in the world with country music,” said Dierks Bentley. He bravely sang a ballad that is not a single. It was dedicated to Jake, his famous and beloved dog who died last year. “Can’t Be Replaced” earned Dierks the day’s first standing ovation.
“This is always a unique time for us artists,” said Kip Moore. “I’ve grown to really love some of you guys. I’m truly grateful to you: I’m one of the few people on earth who gets to wake up every morning getting to do what I love to do.” Kip did a soulful version of his new single “Girls Like You.”
Next up was Lauren Alaina, who is currently enjoying her first top-10 hit after five years of trying. She sang her rippling waltz “Three” with power and conviction. Since it celebrates having “three minutes on the radio,” the song earned a big cheer from the broadcasters and the day’s second standing ovation.
“He’s a little more country than most of what you play right now, and he intends to stay that way,” said Royce while introducing Easton Corbin. The singer delivered the romping, rhythmic and fun “A Girl Like You.”
“It’s good to be here in the Mother Church of Country Music,” said Josh Turner. “You’re about to witness an epic battle between me and bronchitis for the next four minutes.” Let the record show that Josh was the winner with his wistful “Hometown Girl.”
Lady Antebellum celebrated its 10th CRS by introducing its new, r&b flavored “You Look Good,” complete with horns. “One of the best parts of this job is when Lady A writes a song about you,” wisecracked Royce about “You Look Good.”
“In baseball terms, Billy always gets on base, and his homerun percentage is close to 70%,” said Royce about Billy Currington. Billy’s “Do I Make You Wanna” was rolling and melodic.
“Body Like a Back Road,” the sexy new single by Sam Hunt, has been streamed 7.3 million times in its first week of release. The soon-to-be-married Sam made his Team UMG debut by performing it. “That’s two songs written about me,” quipped Royce.
“Traveller was the biggest selling country album of 2016,” said Royce by way of introducing Chris Stapleton, “and the fourth best-selling album of any genre, right behind Drake, Adele and Beyonce.”
Chris performed an emotional and penetrating “Broken Halo,” written following the cancer death of a friend at age 38. At its passionate finale, the crowd shouted and applauded long and hard.
Vince Gill drew a standing ovation before he even sang a note. “I was the only one who volunteered to sing after Chris Stapleton,” he noted wryly. “That boy is the Real Deal.
“This is a room full of people who made all of our dreams come true. Thank you for all the great years.” Vince sang the poignant, heart-tugging ballad “When My Amy Prays,” which he wrote as a birthday present for his wife, Amy Grant. The performance made Vinnie the day’s first performer to earn two standing ovations.
Lauren Alaina performs during UMG Nashville’s Team UMG show at the Ryman during CRS. Photo: Twitter/UMG Nashville
The afternoon’s last performer was Keith Urban. He recalled being an intern at a country radio station in his hometown of Brisbane, Australia at age 15. He was fired after he inadvertently interrupted a news broadcast with the Waylon Jennings single “Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard.”
For his first performance, Keith revived the medley he did at Nashville’s New Year’s Eve celebration. He created it by tying together songs by artists who passed away last year – George Michael (“Careless Whisper”), Leonard Cohen (“Hallelujah”), Glenn Frey (“Take It Easy”), David Bowie (“Heroes”), Merle Haggard (“Mama Tried”) and Prince (“Purple Rain”).
Among those singing along were Erin Morris, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, Peyton Hoge, Brandi Simms, Tom Lord, Barry Mazor, Steve Lowery, Allison Auerbach, Brenden Oliver and Chandra LaPlume.
Then came The Moment. Keith, Vince and Chris drew a richly deserved, roaring, thunderous standing ovation when they finished conjuring their mesmerizing guitar artistry.
“I think that’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” gasped Royce Risser. He thanked us for coming. If you weren’t there, you missed a true treat.
LOCASH Celebrates First No. 1 With Veteran Songwriters During CRS
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R, Back row): Rezonant’s Tim Wipperman and Rebekah Gordon, ole’s Ben Strain, Reviver Records’ Gator Michaels, producer Lindsay Rimes, SONY ATV’s Tom Luteran, ole’s John Ozier, BMI’s David Preston, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, and Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel. Seated (L-R): BMI songwriter Ross Copperman, ASCAP songwriter Jeremy Stover, LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, BMI songwriter Rhett Akins
BMI’s David Preston welcomed a rowdy CRS crowd to the first No. 1 party for the ACM-nominated LOCASH at Nashville’s Lower Broadway venue The Valentine. The celebration also honored the first No. 1, “I Know Somebody,” for the duo’s independent label Reviver Records, and producer Lindsay Rimes.
Preston offered No. 1 pewter cups on behalf of the PRO and its sponsor Pinnacle Bank before Ron Cox presented donations to the Nashville Rescue Mission on behalf of the songwriters Rhett Akins (BMI), Ross Copperman (BMI) and Jeremy Stover (ASCAP).
ASCAP’s Michael Martin took the stage to recognize Stover on behalf of their sponsor, First Tennessee Bank, and the PRO’s executive team in the audience: CEO Elizabeth Matthews, President Paul Williams and EVP John Titta.
“I Know Somebody” was the first collaboration with the three songwriters.
Stover’s ole affiliate (and admin rep for Reviver and LOCASH) John Ozier, presented iPads on behalf of his team and made mention of his song plugger Ben Strain, who pitched the outside cut to the duo.
“David Ross and the Reiver staff pulled off a miracle, pulling this song from No. 6 to No. 1,” recalls Ozier.
A tearful Stover welcomed his daughter to join him on stage after thanking everyone onstage, in addition to his family for his sixth No. 1. “My parents are here,” said Stover. “Thanks to my wife Miley and the kids for being so supportive. It’s so much sweeter having you be a part of this.”
Sony/ATVs Tom Luteran made mention of Copperman’s double triple play award (six No. 1s in a 12-month period) before turning the mic over to the songwriter’s current publisher, Tim Wipperman and Rebekah Gordon. The Rezonant Music executives made mention of Copperman now having received 16 No. 1 songs after presenting a bottle of wine to their songwriter.
“Thank you to Reviver Records,” said Copperman, before his daughter joined onstage too. “We are so thankful for you guys. Going from No. 6 to No. 1 [on the chart], I still want to know the story behind that because that’s amazing! I want to get to know you more.”
Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel had the honor of offering remarks on Akins’ 26th No. 1.
Beuschel recalled the soon-to-be grandfather for two comparing writing songs to deer hunting. “‘If you’re not in the woods, you’re not going to get anything,'” said Beuschel of Akins’ motto. “At the time [Rhett had] 24 No. 1s, but he said, ‘When I get to 25 No. 1s, I’ll feel like I’m halfway there.’ Nothing fired me up more as a publisher to work with someone feeling like they’re just getting started after the massive success he’s had. We’re looking forward to getting to 50!”
Akins remarked, “I have a Mediabase password, which is like being on crack and watching the stock market. I literally checked my phone every two minutes…it was like a horserace with Billy Currington and LOCASH. I could not sleep. The next morning they were No. 1 and it was the greatest feeling on earth, so thank you Reviver!”
Reviver’s Gator Michaels noted LOCASH’s follow-up single, “Ring On Every Finger,” keeps it in the family—written by Akins’ son Thomas Rhett. Michaels also noted his duo respects songwriting and wants the best song to win, which is why the outside song was released.
Rimes was praised by everyone who took to the mic. “Sometimes in this town, you feel nobody will take a chance on you, and these guys did.”
LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas presented all the songwriters with custom, and valuable, Pappy & Company bourbon bottles, and engraved decanters and rocks glasses.
Brust congratulated Rimes, everyone on stage, thanked country radio, his family and the band’s management at Vector before telling of his first meeting with Akins. The two had a hunting incident involving blood, and Brust did not have insurance to go the hospital so Akins had to use superglue to help. “I have insurance now because of you [songwriters],” said Brust.
Lucas announced his wife is pregnant with their third child during his turn at the mic, with gratitude for everyone involved.
“We had Program Directors all over the county calling us, saying “‘Guys we’re playing your song 3 times in a row because we want you to get a No. 1,’” recalled Lucas. “It also came from other label promotion staff members because they all believed in LOCASH from 10 years ago. Thank you country radio—You’ve changed our lives with this first No. 1.”
Artist Updates: Cole Swindell, John Mellencamp, Neal McCoy, John Mayer
/by Lorie HollabaughCole Swindell Mines More Gold With You Should Be Here
John Mellencamp Set To Release Sad Clowns And Hillbillies
John Mellencamp‘s latest single, “Grandview” features Martina McBride and is the first single from his upcoming Sad Clowns & Hillbillies CD.
His 23rd full-length album also features Carlene Carter, and is due out April 28 on Republic Records. Mellencamp will kick off his new Sad Clowns and Hillbillies Tour June 5 in Denver featuring Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, and Lily & Madeleine on select dates.
Neal McCoy To Play Free Show at Jamboree In The Hills
John Mayer Adds Summer Dates To Tour
In Pictures: Garth Brooks, Michael Ray, Chris Janson, Dan + Shay, Broken Bow, Dylan Scott
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Takes CRS Attendees Inside Studio G
Garth Brooks. Photo: Moments By Moser
Garth Brooks gave a special keynote address Thursday morning at CRS, giving attendees a glimpse “Inside Studio G,” with a Q&A based on his Facebook Live series of the same name.
Brooks chatted about the state of the industry, his life since coming out of retirement, his thoughts on terrestrial radio, and his plans for another album with the packed crowd. He also treated 1000 fans to a special secret show the night before at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
Garth Brooks. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Michael Ray and Chris Janson Play CRS Opry Show
Pictured (L-R): Michael Ray, Chris Janson
Warner Music Nashville artists Michael Ray and Chris Janson performed Wednesday night (Feb. 22) at The Grand Ole Opry’s kick-off to CRS 2017 at the Omni Hotel. Ray performed his Top 5 hit “Think A Little Less,” while Janson, whose “Holdin’ Her” is approaching Top 20, made a surprise appearance, which was his 181st appearance on the Opry.
Dan + Shay Celebrate Platinum At Ryman Show
Broken Bow Hosts CRS Bash
(L-R): Back Row: Jojamie Hahr; Chase Bryant; Jackie Lee; Granger Smith; Restless Road; Joe Nichols; Randy Houser; Trace Adkins; Parmalee. Center Row: Renee Leymon; Brooke Eden; Walker McGuire; Kristian Bush; Lindsay Ell; Thompson Square; Jordan Rager; Dustin Lynch. Front Row: Shelley Hargis; Carson James; Jon Loba; Lee Adams; Chris Loss. Photo: Sara Kauss
The Broken Bow Records Music Group held a showcase Wednesday night (Feb. 22), featuring a VIP cocktail party and concert including its artist roster for CRS attendees.
Dylan Scott Enlists Some Ultra-Cute Backup Singers
Country Artists Congregate For ‘Legendary Lunch’
/by Jessica Nicholson(Front row, L-R): Gene Watson, Wanda Jackson, Brenda Lee, Tanya Tucker, WSM’s Bill Cody, Jeannie Seely, Donna Fargo, Jana Jae, Sylvia. (Second row, L-R): Larry Black, Lorrie Morgan, Moe Bandy, Janie Fricke, Razzy Bailey, Crystal Gayle, T.G. Sheppard, Bobby Bare. (Third row, L-R): Mark Wills, Bill Anderson, Webster PR’s Kirt Webster, CMA’s Sarah Trahern, Dave & Sugar’s Dave Rowland, Roy Clark, Kathie Baillie, David Frizzell, Johnny Lee, Tracy Lawrence, Darrin Vincent. (Fourth row, L-R): T. Graham Brown, Ronnie McDowell, Tim Rushlow, Wilson Fairchild’s Langdon Reid and Wil Reid, Jamie Dailey, Lee Greenwood, Michael Bonagura, Forester Sisters’ Christy Forester, Kim Forester, June Forester, Kathy Forester. (Fifth row, L-R): Bellamy Brothers Howard and David, John Conlee, Jennifer McCarter, KY Headhunters Richard Young, Doug Phelps, Fred Young, and John Michael Montgomery. (Back row, L-R): Exile’s Steve Goetzman, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis, Oak Ridge Boys Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, William Lee Golden, Duane Allen. [Click to enlarge photo]
First-time artist attendees included Tracy Lawrence, John Michael Montgomery, Donna Fargo, The Forester Sisters, Johnny Lee, Tim Rushlow, Confederate Railroad’s Danny Shirley, Dailey & Vincent, Baillie & the Boys, Razzy Bailey, Wilson Fairchild, Bobby Bare, Hee Haw’s Jana Jae, Wanda Jackson, and long-time Webster PR client Janie Fricke.
650 AM WSM broadcasted live from the downtown Hilton in celebration of the legendary lunch.
Pictured (L-R): CEG’s Tony Conway, Lorrie Morgan, KMLE’s Tim Richards, CMA’s Sarah Trahern, Tracy Lawrence, WPR’s Kirt Webster
Pictured (L-R): WPR’s Kirt Webster, Donna Fargo, Johnny Lee, CMA’s Sarah Trahern, John Michael Montgomery
Industry Ink: Dierks Bentley, Eric Heatherly, Spencer’s Own
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley’s ‘Black’ Turns Gold
Need More Artist Management Signs Eric Heatherly
Eric Heatherly has signed with Need More Artist Management, the newly-established division of Plowboy Records.
“We are excited to have Eric and his performance and recording brands, The Continental Kings and Goats of Kudzu, be the first additions on our roster. We look forward to helping him expand the possibilities for his already impressive career,” said Ben Ewing, General Manager of Need More Artist Management.
Spencer’s Own At 15th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards
Spencer’s Own visited with Bill Booth, Program Director, WKDZ, Cadiz, KY during the 15th Annual MusicRow Country Breakout Awards at the Listening Room Wednesday (Feb. 22).
Bobby Karl Works Team UMG At The Ryman
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and Vince Gill. Photo: UMG Nashville/Twitter
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 554
It was one of the most magical musical moments in memory.
On Thursday afternoon, Feb. 23, Keith Urban was on stage in the Ryman Auditorium performing his massive hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color” for the CRS conventioneers. Following his guitar solo, he nodded to stage left. People screamed as Chris Stapleton strolled out.
Chris ripped into a searing electric-guitar solo, and Keith’s playing answered him. Then Keith flashed his megawatt smile at stage left again. More screams erupted as Vince Gill joined Keith and Chris at center stage. He let loose a fluid, eloquent, electrifying solo, and Keith’s playing answered him.
For the next several minutes, time stood still as the three guitarists swapped solo after solo. Notes swirled around the venerable hall as the trio cast a spell over the crowd. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will treasure forever.
The setting for this extraordinary sonic event was the eighth annual Team UMG showcase for CRS. Fourteen stars aligned with MCA, Capitol, Mercury and EMI performed a song apiece while we ate picnic lunches in the pews.
“Welcome…to the Ryman, which is considered to be the finest venue in the world,” said host Royce Risser. He brought out superstar Luke Bryan as the afternoon’s first act.
“What an honor to open our CRS party,” said Luke. “Thank you for playing my Super Bowl Anthem. It means the world to me, and I never take it for granted.” Luke sang his current single, the tender “Fast.”
Lady Antebellum performs during UMG Nashville’s Team UMG show at the Ryman during CRS. Photo: UMG Nashville/Twitter
Royce described Darius Rucker as, “one of the greatest artists and greatest people you will ever meet.” Darius delivered his thumping, insistent and catchy “If I Told You.”
“Everything I said at this event last year about Jon Pardi has come to pass,” said Royce. “I said he was about to break wide open, and he has.”
“Thank you for all the support and love,” said Jon. He performed his bopping “Where You At.”
“We are at the best venue in the world with country music,” said Dierks Bentley. He bravely sang a ballad that is not a single. It was dedicated to Jake, his famous and beloved dog who died last year. “Can’t Be Replaced” earned Dierks the day’s first standing ovation.
“This is always a unique time for us artists,” said Kip Moore. “I’ve grown to really love some of you guys. I’m truly grateful to you: I’m one of the few people on earth who gets to wake up every morning getting to do what I love to do.” Kip did a soulful version of his new single “Girls Like You.”
Next up was Lauren Alaina, who is currently enjoying her first top-10 hit after five years of trying. She sang her rippling waltz “Three” with power and conviction. Since it celebrates having “three minutes on the radio,” the song earned a big cheer from the broadcasters and the day’s second standing ovation.
“He’s a little more country than most of what you play right now, and he intends to stay that way,” said Royce while introducing Easton Corbin. The singer delivered the romping, rhythmic and fun “A Girl Like You.”
“It’s good to be here in the Mother Church of Country Music,” said Josh Turner. “You’re about to witness an epic battle between me and bronchitis for the next four minutes.” Let the record show that Josh was the winner with his wistful “Hometown Girl.”
Lady Antebellum celebrated its 10th CRS by introducing its new, r&b flavored “You Look Good,” complete with horns. “One of the best parts of this job is when Lady A writes a song about you,” wisecracked Royce about “You Look Good.”
“In baseball terms, Billy always gets on base, and his homerun percentage is close to 70%,” said Royce about Billy Currington. Billy’s “Do I Make You Wanna” was rolling and melodic.
“Body Like a Back Road,” the sexy new single by Sam Hunt, has been streamed 7.3 million times in its first week of release. The soon-to-be-married Sam made his Team UMG debut by performing it. “That’s two songs written about me,” quipped Royce.
“Traveller was the biggest selling country album of 2016,” said Royce by way of introducing Chris Stapleton, “and the fourth best-selling album of any genre, right behind Drake, Adele and Beyonce.”
Chris performed an emotional and penetrating “Broken Halo,” written following the cancer death of a friend at age 38. At its passionate finale, the crowd shouted and applauded long and hard.
Vince Gill drew a standing ovation before he even sang a note. “I was the only one who volunteered to sing after Chris Stapleton,” he noted wryly. “That boy is the Real Deal.
“This is a room full of people who made all of our dreams come true. Thank you for all the great years.” Vince sang the poignant, heart-tugging ballad “When My Amy Prays,” which he wrote as a birthday present for his wife, Amy Grant. The performance made Vinnie the day’s first performer to earn two standing ovations.
Lauren Alaina performs during UMG Nashville’s Team UMG show at the Ryman during CRS. Photo: Twitter/UMG Nashville
The afternoon’s last performer was Keith Urban. He recalled being an intern at a country radio station in his hometown of Brisbane, Australia at age 15. He was fired after he inadvertently interrupted a news broadcast with the Waylon Jennings single “Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard.”
For his first performance, Keith revived the medley he did at Nashville’s New Year’s Eve celebration. He created it by tying together songs by artists who passed away last year – George Michael (“Careless Whisper”), Leonard Cohen (“Hallelujah”), Glenn Frey (“Take It Easy”), David Bowie (“Heroes”), Merle Haggard (“Mama Tried”) and Prince (“Purple Rain”).
Among those singing along were Erin Morris, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, Peyton Hoge, Brandi Simms, Tom Lord, Barry Mazor, Steve Lowery, Allison Auerbach, Brenden Oliver and Chandra LaPlume.
Then came The Moment. Keith, Vince and Chris drew a richly deserved, roaring, thunderous standing ovation when they finished conjuring their mesmerizing guitar artistry.
“I think that’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” gasped Royce Risser. He thanked us for coming. If you weren’t there, you missed a true treat.
LifeNotes: Label And Publishing Exec Ilene Berns Dies
/by Robert K OermannIlene Berns
Ilene Berns, the force behind Bang Records and Web IV publishing, has died at age 73.
The label launched the career of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Paul Davis. The publishing company included iconic works by the executive’s late husband Bert Berns, as well as such Music City songwriters as Davis and Monty Holmes.
Bert Berns was the writer of the rock and soul standards “Twist and Shout,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Tell Him,” “Here Comes the Night,” “Cry to Me,” “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,” “A Little Bit of Soap,” “I Want Candy,” “Cry Baby” and “Hang on Sloopy.” He formed Bang Records in 1965. The label made stars of Neil Diamond and Van Morrison, but Bert died of a heart attack in 1967 at age 38.
His widow Ilene Berns was a former model and dancer at The Peppermint Lounge in Manhattan. At age 24, she became the head of her husband’s fledgling enterprises. She soon became one of the most successful female independent label chiefs of all time.
She moved Bang Records to Atlanta in 1970. She rebuilt its catalog with the Paul Davis hits “I Go Crazy,” “Sweet Life,” “Ride ‘Em Cowboy” and “Do Right.” Others on the roster included Brick (“Dazz”), Derek (“Cinnamon”), Nigel Olsson and Peabo Bryson. She also hired future hit Nashville producers Ed Seay and James Stroud.
Bert Berns and Ilene Berns
She sold the label’s masters to CBS in 1979, but retained the company’s song-publishing firms Web IV Music and Sloopy II Music. During the early 1980s, she continued to operate Bang as a CBS imprint. She also bought several country and r&b radio stations.
Ilene Berns moved her businesses to Nashville in 1993. She pitched a country version of “Piece of My Heart” to Faith Hill, who had a No. 1 hit with it in 1994.
Bang II Records was located at 1707 Division Street. The label signed Miguel Salas as a country artist and charted three country singles by Monty Holmes in 1998 – “Why’d You Start Lookin’ So Good” (written by Paul Davis), “Alone” and “Leave My Mama Out of This.” The company also issued r&b records out of its Atlanta office.
Ilene Berns later promoted the 2014 Bert Berns biography Here Comes the Night, campaigned for her husband’s 2016 induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, appeared in the 2016 documentary film Bang: The Bert Berns Story and spearheaded the forthcoming Broadway musical Piece of My Heart.
Ilene Berns died on Monday, Feb. 20. Funeral arrangements are unknown at press time.
Weekly Chart Report (2/24/17)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
DISClaimer: The Stars Come Out For CRS
/by Robert K OermannBackstreet Boys with Florida Georgia Line on the set of their new video. Photo: Justin Mrusek
The stars are out for CRS week.
Among those stepping up to the plate with new sounds are Cole Swindell, Lady Antebellum, Rodney Crowell, Rascal Flatts and Kristian Bush. They all swing for the fences, but the home run hitters turn out to be Florida Georgia Line and Backstreet Boys. They earn the Disc of the Day award.
Interestingly, their closest competitors are not from the roster of any major-label team. Challenging the big boys on the field today are Presley & Taylor, the young female duo with a winning ballad performance.
The DisCovery Award goes to Philip Dain Powell, about whom I know nothing except that Fred Vail produces him.
PHILIP DAIN POWELL/I Died Today At 3
Writer: none listed; Produce: Fred Vail; Publisher: none listed; PDP (track)
– She left him this afternoon, and he is way beyond blue. The song is country cool, and his performance is super strong, range-y and emotional. This guy has the goods.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/You Look Good
Writers: none listed; Producer: busbee; Publishers: none listed; Capitol (ERG)
– Bright brass bursts and thumping beats characterize this party ditty. I fail to hear anything “country” about it.
BROOKE EDEN/Act Like You Don’t
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Bow (ERG)
– Well sung, if rather forgettable, song-wise.
PRESLEY & TAYLOR/This Phone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; SMG (ERG)
– The female duo’s vocal harmony work is splendid on this lovelorn ballad. Everything about this is perfection, from the swirling, fiddle-embellished production to the beautiful song craftsmanship. Play and believe.
RASCAL FLATTS/Yours If You Want It
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (ERG)
-This has a certain nervous energy that is quite captivating. The boys sing above a driving, propulsive track, delivering a rapid-fire lyric about winning a girl’s heart. Turn it up and sing along.
COLE SWINDELL/Flatliner
Writers: none listed; Producer: None listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner (ERG)
– She’s so gorgeous she stops his heart, hence the title of this generic country rocker.
THE SCOTT BROTHERS & ERIC PASLAY/My House
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Star Farm (ERG)
– The phrase “my house” is repeated six times in each chorus, just so you don’t forget the title. Except at the end, when “my house” is chanted endlessly. Okay, okay, okay: We get it.
KRISTIAN BUSH/Sing Along
Writers: none listed; Producer: None listed; Publishers: none listed; Wheelhouse (ERG)
-Tuneful and sunny. Very pleasant, with the blush of true romance.
BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS & RODNEY CROWELL
Writers: Fearing/Linden/Wilson; Producer: Colin Linden; Publishers: Fearing and Loathing/Colin Linden, SOCAN; File Under Music (Canada)
-Blackie & The Rodeo Kings are a Juno-winning big deal north of the border. Their new Kings and Kings collection features collaborations with Eric Church, Vince Gill, Jason Isbell, Raul Malo, Buddy Miller and more. It kicks off with this lively bopper featuring a plaintive guest vocal by Rodney Crowell. It’s a toe tapper with a biting edge.
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE & THE BACKSTREET BOYS/God, Your Mama, and Me
Writers: Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Year of the Dog/Champagne Whiskey/Words & Music/Hillarody Rathbone/BMG Firefly/Dash8, ASCAP (Big Machine)
– Eternal, unconditional love, expressed in luscious, layered harmonies. An audio landscape to get lost in.
Industry Ink: Darius Rucker, John Jaszcz, Maggie Rose, Holly Kellar
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker Brings Cheer to Patients at Lenox Hill
Darius Rucker visited Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC recently following a performance on the Today Show for the Musicians On Call program. Rucker performed hits like “Wagon Wheel,” “Hold My Hand,” and “Only Wanna Be with You” for the patients, going room to room in the orthopedic rehab unit as part of Musician’s On Call’s Bedside Performance Program. Rucker also took requests at the Nurses station and performed for hospital staff and caregivers.
John Jaszcz Acknowledged With Grammy Gold
Pictured (L-R): Ron Hill (Franklin Management), John Jaszcz, Kirk Franklin, Sean Martin (co-producer), Adam David Smith (assistant engineer) at Blue Grotto Studio
Producer/engineer John Jaszcz is helping raise Nashville’s profile as an urban gospel music hub. “Yosh,” as he is known, has mixed for Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and Travis Greene, among others and his work yielded recent Grammys for him for Franklin’s Best Gospel Album-winning Losing My Religion and Tamela Mann’s Best Gospel performance/song for “God Provides.” Yosh also worked on three other Grammy-nominated projects from Greene, Jekalyn Carr and William Murphy, and he currently has five of the top 10 songs on the Billboard gospel singles chart and six of the top 10 albums on the Billboard gospel album chart with seven more rounding out the top 25. He also mixed songs for the new TV show, Greenleaf on the Oprah Winfrey Network as well as the song “On My Way” for Nashville.
Maggie Rose Inks With Starstruck and CAA
Maggie Rose. Photo: Dusty Barker
Maggie Rose is going to have a busy 2017 as she continues performing on her 13-date run on Martina McBride’s CMT Next Women of Country Tour, and also joins Hunter Hayes on tour this Spring and Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on their Soul2Soul tour this summer. She also recently signed to Starstruck Management and Creative Artist Agency (CAA) for representation as well.
Holly Kellar Named CMO of Barbershop Harmony Society
Holly J. Kellar has been named Chief Marketing Officer of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and will reside in the Society’s Nashville office. In her role, she will oversee a broad portfolio of marketing, branding and communications initiatives for the 22,000-member society, with emphasis on growing revenue from events, merchandising,