Photo: Zach Harrison
The founder of the Johnny Cash Museum has opened his second venture in downtown Nashville.
On Wednesday, entrepreneur Bill Miller staged a press party to showcase his new Nudie’s Honky Tonk. Despite its name, this venue is far more than another Lower Broadway honky-tonk. It is a history lesson in country-music culture.
Nudie Cohn, the site’s namesake, was the creator of the spangled fashions worn by classic country stars. His rhinestone-encrusted, appliquéd, fringed and sequined designs exemplified the “look” of country music for decades. Many of these suits and jackets are in glass cases that line the walls of the venue.
“Welcome to the House of Nudie,” said Miller. “We’re very, very proud to bring country music history to Broadway in downtown Nashville. We wanted to bring these names and faces back to Nashville. These are the architects of real country music. Let’s give credit to them, and let’s give credit to Nudie for making them look great.”
Photo: Zach Harrison
Outfits designed for Hank Williams, Merle Travis, Bill Anderson, Tex Williams, Hank Snow, Jody Miller, Johnny Cash and others are on display. So is the iconic, $10,000 gold lame suit that Nudie designed for Elvis Presley. Many of the most elaborate ensembles are the ones that Nudie designed for himself.
Nudie’s flamboyantly customized El Dorado Cadillac is suspended on one wall. It features pistol door handles, embedded silver dollars and longhorn steer antlers. This is one of only nine surviving “Nudie Mobiles.”
The “silver” theme is carried further atop the downstairs bar, said to be the longest bar in Nashville. The entire length of this 100-foot-long serving station is covered in antique silver dollars.
“I stopped counting at 9,465,” said Miller. “There are probably more than 10,000, counting the ones in the upstairs bar.”
Nudie’s Honky Tonk has three stories, all of them filled with artifacts. There are more than 50 vintage country movie and concert posters. Gold and Platinum record plaques represent top-selling albums by Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Chesney, Johnny Paycheck, Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Emmylou Harris, Chris Stapleton, Tammy Wynette, Toby Keith, The Judds, Keith Whitley, Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton and more.
Photo: Zach Harrison
Above the two-story entryway are two life-sized bucking bronco statues, with riders. There are three performance stages.
Entertaining the attendees with hardcore country tunes on the main floor’s stage was baritone Nick Cross, accompanied by Brad Mitchell on second guitar and harmony vocals.
A merchandise space in back is lit with the famed Nudie logo’s cowgirl, her lariat made of red neon. Miller pointed out that she was originally nude, and can be seen as such on the labels of some of the earliest jackets, such as the one that belonged to Hank Williams.
“The rhinestone cowboy couture was founded in the hands of Nudie Cohn,” he said. “This attraction serves not only as a historical record of the epicenter where fashion perfectly fused country and Hollywood coutures, but also provides a museum-like environment for patrons to enjoy great food, drinks and music.”
Photo: Zach Harrison
Nashville’s country costumer Manuel was trained by Nudie and continues this distinctive fashion tradition today.
Bill Miller opened the acclaimed Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville in 2013. His next venture in Music City will be a Patsy Cline Museum. Nudie’s Honky Tonk is located at 409 Broadway, in the location formerly occupied by Lawrence Brothers Records.
“It’s all about country music,” said Bill Miller. “It has to be.”
Photo: Zach Harrison
DISClaimer: Drake White, Miranda Lambert Tie In Battle Of The Sexes
/by Robert K OermannToday, it’s the battle of the sexes.
We have ties in both of our award categories between guys and gals. For the Disc of the Day, it’s a dead heat between Drake White and Miranda Lambert. For the DisCovery Award, it’s Texan Bret Mullins versus Georgia peach Angie Lynn Carter.
Play them all.
ANGIE LYNN CARTER/Love You That Way
Writers: Angie Lynn Carter/Ryder Sanders; Producers: Jeff Tomei & Ryder Sanders; Publishers: none listed; Crucial (track)
– She has an attractive, throaty vocal quality. The title tune of her CD is a stately, languidly paced lament of lost love. The lead guitarist answers her phrasing eloquently. This lady has the goods. Listen and believe.
AARON WATSON/Outta Style
Writer: Aaron Watson; Producers: Marshall Altman/Aaron Watson; Publisher: Tunes From HTK, BMI; Big
-I have always liked this d.i.y. troubadour. His long, successful career gets another goose via this upbeat, romantic toe tapper. As always, he sings with assurance and writes like a total pro. Go, man, go.
MARK McHENRY/I’ll Bring The Beer
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producers: Chris Gill/Gaven Shea; Publishers: none listed; 3 Chords
– He shows promise as a budding songwriter. Vocally, he is just barely on pitch. The session musicians should be ashamed of themselves.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/We Should Be Friends
Writer: Miranda Lambert; Producers: Frank Liddell/Glenn Worf/Eric Masse; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog, BMI; RCA (track)
– Ordinarily, I am leery of double albums. They are usually padded and could easily be edited down to normal length. But Miranda’s The Weight of These Wings is the exception. To put it plainly, it is a stunning achievement, packed with one cool song after another. This second single from it is a wonderfully written, wry commentary on her quirky character. The grunge-y production is just right.
BRET MULLINS/Long Live
Writer: Andrew Dorff; Producers: Michael and Ron Morales; Publishers: none listed; BM (track)
– His smooth, Texas-accented baritone flows easily over this ode to country values. He’s an award winner in his native Lone Star State, and I can sure hear why. Country music, the way it is meant to be performed.
DRAKE WHITE/ Makin’ Me Look Good Again
Writers: Drake White/Monty Criswell/Shane Minor; Producers: Ross Copperman/Jeremy Stover; Publishers: EMI April/Reverend Jack/Sony-ATV Tree/Dixey Bar/Code Six Charles. ASCAP/BMI; Dot (track)
– I remain an enormous fan. This time around, he applies his ultra soulful voice to a love ballad that will melt the heart of every woman who hears it. Face it, this guy is a hoss.
RICK CAVENDER/Renegade Fire
Writers: Rick Cavender; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publisher: Ring Planet, BMI; RC (track)
-Mexicali trumpets flavor this uptempo ditty. He’s not the strongest singer I’ve ever heard, but he gets through it, thanks to the propelling arrangement.
PHIL VASSAR/American Soul
Writers: none listed; Producers: Phil Vassar/Jeffrey Smith; Publishers: none listed; American Soul
– I love this guy. Throbbing energy infuses this celebration of American pop culture. Phil invests everything he performs with intensity and fire. Well worth your spins.
MARK McKINNEY/Bridge
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producers: Eric McKinney/Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; MM
– He points his finger at his ex, pointedly telling her to, “quit throwing matches on that bridge we burned.” You see, she’s so melodramatic, she turns an ordinary rainy day into a hurricane. Exceptionally well written and performed with drawling conviction.
TWYLA FOREMAN/Sunday Kind of Love
Writers: Anita Nye/Barbara Belle/Louis Prima/Stanley Rhodes; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publishers: nonen listed; TF (track)
– She phrases like a classic big-band singer, sticking to the melody but embellishing just enough to give the standard a little jazz spin. The understated production is perfect.
Dolly Parton Establishes Fund For Smoky Mountain Wildfire Victims
/by Sarah Skates“I’ve always believed charity begins at home and my home is some place special,” Parton explained. “That’s why I’ve asked my Dollywood Companies—including the Dollywood theme park, and DreamMore Resort; my dinner theater attractions including Dixie Stampede and Lumberjack Adventure; and my Dollywood Foundation—to help me establish the My People Fund.
“We want to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the fires. I know it has been a trying time for my people and this assistance will help get them back on their feet.”
Anyone who would like to contribute to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org.
More information on the program will be released on Friday, Dec. 2.
Industry Ink: Rumble On The Row, Integrity Music, Press Management Group
/by Jessica NicholsonThird Rumble On The Row Set For March 3
A third “Rumble on the Row” bout has been added to the 13th Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids gala boxing event happening Friday, March 3 in Liberty Hall at The Factory in Franklin, TN. Braden Gall, co-host of “Braden & Fitz” on ESPN 102.5 the GAME, will face AJ Calvin, Southeast Director of Promotions and Marketing for Dot Records. This is the first time in Ringside history that there will be three “Rumble on the Row” bouts.
Previously announced fights include: Chris Schuler, UMG Nashville’s director of promotion and radio marketing, versus CAA booking agent Justin Cahill; and Hannah Williams, Sony/ATV Nashville’s creative manager, who will duke it out with Lyndsay Church, Columbia Nashville’s regional promotion manager.
The Charley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support to charitable agencies throughout Middle Tennessee addressing the critical needs of children.
For tables, standing room only tickets and additional event information, visit charleyfoundation.org.
Integrity Music Extends Agreement With CCM Artist Darlene Zschech
Pictured (L-R): Morgan Shirey, Marketing, Integrity Music; Adrian Thompson, A&R, Integrity Music; Darlene Zschech; Mike Murray, Creative/Publishing, Integrity Music; Danny McGuffey, WILDFIRE7
CCM artist Darlene Zschech has extended her relationship with Integrity Music. A new live album is set to release March 3, 2017, courtesy of Zschech and her church, Hope Unlimited, in New South Wales, Australia.
“Darlene has been a huge inspiration to worship pastors and leaders globally and we are honored to have her as part of the Integrity Music family,” says Adrian Thompson, Integrity’s Vice President of Song and Artist Development. “She has an undoubted call on her life to build up worshipers and mentor worship leaders, aligning with what we believe God has called us to do as an organization.”
“I couldn’t be happier to enter this next season of writing and recording with Integrity Music,” says Zschech. “It literally feels like coming home. My heart is filled to overflowing with thanksgiving and songs, and I cannot wait to share them.”
The album follows 2013’s Revealing Jesus.
Press Management Group Adds Junior Manager
Kelsey Ellstrom
Kelsey Ellstrom has joined Press Management Group in the role of Junior Manager.
A Belmont graduate, Ellstrom interned with KINGmgmt, Good Time Inc., and Suit Music before joining PMG to work alongside Kimberly Novosel and David Kiggins.
Press Management Group clients include Chris Bullard, Caleche Ryder, Dew Pendleton, Golden West, Jarred Pierce and more.
Ellstrom can be reached at kelsey@pressmanagementgroup.com.
iHeartRadio Launches Tiered Subscription Services From $4.99 Per Month
/by Eric T. ParkerHeartRadio Plus ($4.99 a month) and iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster ($9.99 a month) will be the first to offer a service adding on demand functionality and interactivity to live radio. The services are expected to be fully available on mobile and desktop in January.
iHeartRadio Plus:
iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster:
With more than 850 radio stations in 150 markets that reach over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners across the U.S, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. In addition, 84 percent of iHeartRadio users do not currently subscribe to an on demand service.
“10 times more Americans listen to radio every month than use a subscription service so the debut of iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster is a unique opportunity to capture these non-music subscribers with an on demand service built around radio,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “Whereas the LP, CD and music downloads are the ancestors of all current on demand services, the ancestor for our new on demand offerings is broadcast radio. By combining radio’s popularity and reach with interactive on demand functionality, we have created the first fully differentiated streaming music service for consumers.”
“iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access powered by Napster are revolutionizing how we think of live radio,” said Darren Davis, President of iHeartRadio. “With features such as personal music libraries and playlists, the ability to search and play any song instantly, and the option to save and replay songs directly from live and custom radio listening, our new iHeartRadio on demand offerings are fundamentally changing the way consumers interact with live radio at an unprecedented level. We are introducing a service like no other to tens of millions of consumers across dozens of devices, and also driving massive awareness of the new service to more than a quarter of a billion Americans a month through our broadcast stations alone, which presents a major revenue growth opportunity for our very important strategic partners – artists and the music industry.”
iHeartMedia partnered with Napster to power the music technology back office behind iHeartRadio All Access. Napster brought their depth of experience in on-demand music delivery, customer billing, data and analytics and rights holders’ payments to complement the iHeartRadio-based application.
“iHeartMedia has a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the tremendous value premium streaming services bring to music fans, and to the music community at large,” said Mike Davis, Napster CEO. “We’re honored that iHeartMedia selected the Napster platform and brand to power a great music experience for consumers, and we’re excited to play a role in what will be a successful launch.”
Aside from the two new subscription on-demand services, iHeartRadio will remain free.
CMT Offers Sneak Peek of New Season of ‘Nashville’
/by Sarah SkatesAccording to the show’s reps, “The season begins with Rayna and Deacon facing a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.”
Nashville stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Maisy Stella as Daphne Conrad and Lennon Stella as Maddie Conrad. In addition, the upcoming season will feature Joseph David-Jones as Clay, Rhiannon Giddens as Hallie Jordan, Jen Richards as Allyson Del Lago, and Cameron Scoggins as Zach Welles in recurring roles.
Produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, production is currently underway in Nashville. The series is executive produced by Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick (the creators of Thirtysomething), Steve Buchanan and Callie Khouri. Jayson Dinsmore and Morgan Selzer executive produce for CMT.
The series airs in 225 territories worldwide. Since its debut, the show has inspired 10 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which have collectively sold more than one million album units and over 5 million single-track downloads to date. It has also been nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards.
Nudie’s Honky Tonk Celebrates Country History
/by Robert K OermannPhoto: Zach Harrison
The founder of the Johnny Cash Museum has opened his second venture in downtown Nashville.
On Wednesday, entrepreneur Bill Miller staged a press party to showcase his new Nudie’s Honky Tonk. Despite its name, this venue is far more than another Lower Broadway honky-tonk. It is a history lesson in country-music culture.
Nudie Cohn, the site’s namesake, was the creator of the spangled fashions worn by classic country stars. His rhinestone-encrusted, appliquéd, fringed and sequined designs exemplified the “look” of country music for decades. Many of these suits and jackets are in glass cases that line the walls of the venue.
“Welcome to the House of Nudie,” said Miller. “We’re very, very proud to bring country music history to Broadway in downtown Nashville. We wanted to bring these names and faces back to Nashville. These are the architects of real country music. Let’s give credit to them, and let’s give credit to Nudie for making them look great.”
Photo: Zach Harrison
Outfits designed for Hank Williams, Merle Travis, Bill Anderson, Tex Williams, Hank Snow, Jody Miller, Johnny Cash and others are on display. So is the iconic, $10,000 gold lame suit that Nudie designed for Elvis Presley. Many of the most elaborate ensembles are the ones that Nudie designed for himself.
Nudie’s flamboyantly customized El Dorado Cadillac is suspended on one wall. It features pistol door handles, embedded silver dollars and longhorn steer antlers. This is one of only nine surviving “Nudie Mobiles.”
The “silver” theme is carried further atop the downstairs bar, said to be the longest bar in Nashville. The entire length of this 100-foot-long serving station is covered in antique silver dollars.
“I stopped counting at 9,465,” said Miller. “There are probably more than 10,000, counting the ones in the upstairs bar.”
Nudie’s Honky Tonk has three stories, all of them filled with artifacts. There are more than 50 vintage country movie and concert posters. Gold and Platinum record plaques represent top-selling albums by Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Chesney, Johnny Paycheck, Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Emmylou Harris, Chris Stapleton, Tammy Wynette, Toby Keith, The Judds, Keith Whitley, Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton and more.
Photo: Zach Harrison
Above the two-story entryway are two life-sized bucking bronco statues, with riders. There are three performance stages.
Entertaining the attendees with hardcore country tunes on the main floor’s stage was baritone Nick Cross, accompanied by Brad Mitchell on second guitar and harmony vocals.
A merchandise space in back is lit with the famed Nudie logo’s cowgirl, her lariat made of red neon. Miller pointed out that she was originally nude, and can be seen as such on the labels of some of the earliest jackets, such as the one that belonged to Hank Williams.
“The rhinestone cowboy couture was founded in the hands of Nudie Cohn,” he said. “This attraction serves not only as a historical record of the epicenter where fashion perfectly fused country and Hollywood coutures, but also provides a museum-like environment for patrons to enjoy great food, drinks and music.”
Photo: Zach Harrison
Nashville’s country costumer Manuel was trained by Nudie and continues this distinctive fashion tradition today.
Bill Miller opened the acclaimed Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville in 2013. His next venture in Music City will be a Patsy Cline Museum. Nudie’s Honky Tonk is located at 409 Broadway, in the location formerly occupied by Lawrence Brothers Records.
“It’s all about country music,” said Bill Miller. “It has to be.”
Photo: Zach Harrison
Reba, Brooks & Dunn Extend Las Vegas Residency
/by Sarah SkatesThe extension will make Reba, Brooks & Dunn the longest-running country music residency at The Colosseum since the venue opened in 2003.
Presented jointly by Caesars Entertainment and AEG Live, the show premiered in June 2015 and has played over 30 concerts. The two-hour production features more than 30 hits.
Tonight, the artists return to The Colosseum to kick off their last run of shows in 2016.
Reba and Brooks & Dunn first toured together in 1993.
The 12 new 2017 show dates are:
2017: June 21, 24, 25, 28
2017: July 1, 2
2017: Nov. 29
2017: Dec. 1, 2, 5, 8, 9
Previously announced 2017 show dates already on sale are:
2017: Feb. 22, 24, 25
2017: Mar. 1, 3, 4
Ticket prices are $205/ $155/ $105/ $85/ $59.50 at thecolosseum.com.
Carrie Underwood Wraps The Storyteller Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood with The Swon Brothers. Photo: Carrie Underwood/Instagram
Carrie Underwood wrapped her ambitious The Storyteller Tour-Stories In The Round on Nov. 28 with a show in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since the trek launched in January, Underwood and her band have performed 92 shows, playing for one million fans. Along the way, the spectacle met with sold-out crowds in New York City (Madison Square Garden), Los Angeles (STAPLES Center), Nashville (Bridgestone Arena), Toronto (Air Canada Center) and more.
During the tour’s final stop, Underwood’s openers Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers, commemorated the tour by surprising Underwood with custom artwork.
Easton Corbin and Carrie Underwood. Photo: Carrie Underwood/Instagram
The tour has logged more than 50,000 miles, and includes 18 trucks and eight buses to keep the production on the road.
The 150-feet-long, in-the-round style stage included seven stage elevators, three rings of video screen, and a revolving central stage. Barry Lather, who has worked with Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Usher, served as the tour’s creative director. Butch Allen, who has worked with Metallica, Eric Church, and No Doubt, was Production & Lighting Designer. Underwood’s tour wardrobe, designed by Marina Toybina, included 32 custom-made costumes and 214 pieces of jewelry to create different outfit combinations for the show’s five acts in each city.
Ray Stevens’ Show Moving To Public Television
/by Sarah SkatesRecorded at his Music Row television studio, Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville spotlights some of pop and country music’s most well-known singers and songwriters. The show features Stevens, backed by his ace house band, performing many of his classic hit songs including “Gitarzan,” “The Streak,” “Everything Is Beautiful,” and “Mississippi Squirrel Revival.” Plus, there’s often a “Video Jukebox” segment featuring Stevens’ many comedy video hits.
Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville will air weekly on Public Television affiliate stations starting Jan. 6. Check local listings for air dates and times.
Also, Stevens recently broke ground on Ray Stevens CabaRay, a 27,000-square-foot music venue set to make its Nashville debut in 2017.
Belmont, MTSU Ranked Among ‘The Hollywood Reporter’s’ Top Music Schools
/by Sarah SkatesIncluded in the prestigious ranking are Nashville’s Belmont University and Murfreesboro’s Middle Tennessee State University.
MTSU ranked 18th on the list, with notable alumni including executives Gary Overton and Kent Earls, and hitmakers Michael Knox, Luke Laird and Eric Paslay.
According to THR, which focuses on the film industry, the top five music schools are The Juilliard School, USC, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, and University of North Carolina School for the Arts.
See the complete list.