Clive Davis Meets With Dolly Parton
Pictured (L-R): Webster PR’s Kirt Webster, Harry Wayne Casey of KC & The Sunshine Band, Dolly Parton, Sony Music Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis, CTK Mgmt’s Danny Nozell and Kyle McClain
Sony Music Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis recently visited with Dolly Parton during her Pure & Simple concert in Miami, Florida.
Davis has earned five Grammys and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-member. During his legendary career, he has guided the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Chicago, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, Blood Sweat and Tears, Santana, Alicia Keys, and numerous others.
In 1988, Davis helped launch Arista’s Nashville division, which became home to artists including Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley and more.
In 1989, Davis teamed with L.A. Reid and Babyface to form LaFace Records, which included Usher, TLC, and Pink, among others. In 1994, Davis teamed with Sean “Puffy” Combs in a 50/50 joint venture to launch Bad Boy Records, which became home to artists Faith Evans, Puffy Combs, Notorious B.I.G. and more.
Keith Urban Donates Concert Tickets To New Zealand Civil Defence, Emergency Services and Defence Force Personnel
Keith Urban
When Keith Urban’s ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2016 arrives at the Westpac Stadium in New Zealand this Saturday, dozens of Civil Defence, Emergency Services and Defence Force personnel will be enjoying the show, thanks to a generous ticket donation by Urban. Urban heard about the Nov. 14 Kaikoura earthquake while finishing up the North American leg of his ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2016.
“We cannot forget the incredible work of our first responders at the local Civil Defense, Emergency Services and Defense Force,” said Urban. “These courageous men and women answer the call without hesitation and represent the best of the human spirit. I’m incredibly appreciative of not only what they did to protect everyone effected by the Kaikoura quake, but of what they do each and everyday – and so to have them come see us play and show them our appreciation is an honor.”
Civil Defense, Emergency Services and Defense Personnel have worked since the earthquake to assist people in affected areas in the top of the South Island and the Wellington region.
Wellington is the only New Zealand stop on the ripCORD World Tour 2016, after which it will head to Australia for performances in Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.
Bill Anderson To Guest On Steve Earle’s Outlaw Country Channel On SiriusXM
Steve Earle and Bill Anderson
“Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson will be Steve Earle’s guest during his hour-long show on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country Channel 60 this Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. ET, to promote his new autobiography Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music and bonus acoustic CD with previously unreleased tracks. Click here to order.
Granger Smith Hospitalized After Concert Injury
/by Jessica NicholsonGranger Smith
Granger Smith has been hospitalized after sustaining injuries Friday night (Dec. 2) during his concert at Sayreville, New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom.
Smith was standing on a monitor when it gave way, causing the singer to fall from the stage and into a metal barricade. Still, Granger finished his set, including a performance of “Backroad Song.”
Smith was taken to a nearby emergency room, and was then admitted to a Level 1 trauma center in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His injuries included two separated, broken ribs, as well as a punctured and partially collapsed lung.
“I took a pretty hard spill last night in Jersey,” Smith said via Twitter. “Thx for the well wishes! Y’all mean the world to me. I’ll be out of the hospital & 100% soon!”
All shows and appearances through the weekend have been cancelled, including shows at City Limits Saloon in Raleigh, North Carolina (Dec. 3) and Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth (Dec. 4).
Information about Smith’s additional December shows is forthcoming.
Eric Clapton’s Personal Guitars Going Fast At Nashville’s Gruhn Guitars
/by Jessica NicholsonEric Clapton. Photo: Gruhn Guitars
Nashville’s Gruhn Guitars is offering a collection of 29 guitars owned and used by guitarist Eric Clapton. The collection includes both vintage and modern guitars, including two pre-WWII Martin acoustics, recently-issued Gretsch, Roland and Gibson electric guitars, and fretless Music Man bass, and an Epiphone Les Paul autographed by Les Paul.
Over half of the collection is already sold, but prices range from $20,000 to $150,000 per guitar. Each guitar is accompanied by a photo of Clapton with the guitar and a signed letter from him attesting ownership and use.
For more, visit guitars.com.
AB9720 Eric Clapton 1941 Martin 000-45
Maren Morris Set For First ‘Saturday Night Live’ Appearance
/by Jessica NicholsonColumbia Nashville singer/songwriter Maren Morris is set to make her first appearance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live as the musical guest for the Dec. 10 episode. The host of the episode will be WWE superstar John Cena.
Earlier this week Morris announced that The Hero Tour 2017 will kick off in New York City on Feb. 2, 2017 and after selling out her previously announced Nashville, Tennessee, show in only three minutes, Morris added an additional stop in her hometown for April 4.
Tonight (Dec. 2), Morris will appear on CMT Crossroads with Alicia Keys.
Musicians Team With WSMV For Gatlinburg Wildfire Fundraiser
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Rich
Nashville’s WSMV Channel 4 has teamed up with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for a fundraiser to benefit victims of the recent wildfires in East Tennessee. The fundraiser is being held Friday (Dec. 2) from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The event will broadcast on WSMV Channel 4, and will feature performances and appearances from Peter Frampton, John Rich, John Oates, Kristian Bush, Ty Herndon and more. Other artists will share pre-recorded messages during the broadcast.
Funds from the event will go to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Emergency Response Fund. Channel 4 will collect monetary donations online and in person (cash or check only). Those wishing to give can visit WSMV.com or visit Highland Park Church at 5710 Knob Rd. in Nashville on Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. to drop off donations.
Donations can also be made directly to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Dolly Parton has also announced the My People Fund, expected to give $1,000 a month to each family who lost their homes in the devastation. Interested parties can visit dollywoodfoundation.org to donate there, too.
Merle Haggard Project Among 2017 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Inductions
/by Eric T. ParkerThe Recording Academy announced its 2017 additions, also including Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” Arlo Guthrie‘s “City Of New Orleans,” Bonnie Raitt‘s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” Rod Stewart‘s “Maggie May,” and the Everly Brothers‘ “Wake Up Little Susie,” among many others.
“The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame represents all genres of music, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which The Academy has become renowned,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “Memorable and inspiring, these recordings are proudly added to our growing catalog and are an integral part of our musical, social, and cultural history.”
Recordings are reviewed by a special member committee comprised of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees. With 25 new titles, the Hall, now in its 44th year, currently totals 1,038 recordings.
Eligible recipients receive an official certificate from The Recording Academy. For a full list of recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, visit grammy.org.
Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Music Featured In Major Motion Picture ‘The Shack’
/by Jessica NicholsonThe duo penned “Keep Your Eyes On Me” with hitmakers Lori McKenna and Shane McAnally. The film will also feature music from Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley and Brett Eldredge.
Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, The Shack, the movie stars Sam Worthington as Mack Phillips, a grieving father who learns to heal after his daughter goes missing. McGraw portrays Willie, Mack’s longtime friend.
The Shack will release March 3, 2017. Watch the trailer below.
AIMP Nashville Announces 2017 Board During Holiday Gathering
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Linda Bloss-Baum, SoundExchange; Tim Hunze, Parallel Music; John Ozier, ole; Ree Guyer, Wrensong Music; Leslie Roberts, BMI; Dale Bobo, Big Deal Music.
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville and SoundExchange hosted a pre-holiday party this week at Old Glory in Nashville’s Edgehill area for members and friends.
During the shindig, AIMP announced its 2017-2018 Nashville Board Members, which include: Michael McAnally Baum (SMACKSongs), Dale Bobo (Big Deal Music), Arturo Buenahora Jr. (Little Louder Songs), Rusty Gaston (THiS Music), Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), Tim Hunze (Parallel Music), Michael Martin (ASCAP), John Ozier (ole), Leslie Roberts (BMI), and Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music).
The Recording Academy Urges President-elect Trump To Support Copyright Reform
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Recording Academy has sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, urging him to support copyright reform.
The letter, signed by The Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow, The Recording Academy Board Chair John Poppo and a handful of musician and producer luminaries, notes that in 2015 the U.S. music industry contributed $15 billion to the American economy.
“As your administration begins to chart its course, this is an important moment to ensure the continued viability of music as one of America’s greatest exports and as an integral part of the American innovation story, fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit of the men and women who make up the creative workforce,” the letter reads.
The letter reads in full:
Artist Updates: Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Bill Anderson
/by Jessica NicholsonClive Davis Meets With Dolly Parton
Pictured (L-R): Webster PR’s Kirt Webster, Harry Wayne Casey of KC & The Sunshine Band, Dolly Parton, Sony Music Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis, CTK Mgmt’s Danny Nozell and Kyle McClain
Sony Music Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis recently visited with Dolly Parton during her Pure & Simple concert in Miami, Florida.
Davis has earned five Grammys and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-member. During his legendary career, he has guided the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Chicago, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, Blood Sweat and Tears, Santana, Alicia Keys, and numerous others.
In 1988, Davis helped launch Arista’s Nashville division, which became home to artists including Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley and more.
In 1989, Davis teamed with L.A. Reid and Babyface to form LaFace Records, which included Usher, TLC, and Pink, among others. In 1994, Davis teamed with Sean “Puffy” Combs in a 50/50 joint venture to launch Bad Boy Records, which became home to artists Faith Evans, Puffy Combs, Notorious B.I.G. and more.
Keith Urban Donates Concert Tickets To New Zealand Civil Defence, Emergency Services and Defence Force Personnel
Keith Urban
When Keith Urban’s ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2016 arrives at the Westpac Stadium in New Zealand this Saturday, dozens of Civil Defence, Emergency Services and Defence Force personnel will be enjoying the show, thanks to a generous ticket donation by Urban. Urban heard about the Nov. 14 Kaikoura earthquake while finishing up the North American leg of his ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2016.
“We cannot forget the incredible work of our first responders at the local Civil Defense, Emergency Services and Defense Force,” said Urban. “These courageous men and women answer the call without hesitation and represent the best of the human spirit. I’m incredibly appreciative of not only what they did to protect everyone effected by the Kaikoura quake, but of what they do each and everyday – and so to have them come see us play and show them our appreciation is an honor.”
Civil Defense, Emergency Services and Defense Personnel have worked since the earthquake to assist people in affected areas in the top of the South Island and the Wellington region.
Wellington is the only New Zealand stop on the ripCORD World Tour 2016, after which it will head to Australia for performances in Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.
Bill Anderson To Guest On Steve Earle’s Outlaw Country Channel On SiriusXM
Steve Earle and Bill Anderson
“Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson will be Steve Earle’s guest during his hour-long show on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country Channel 60 this Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. ET, to promote his new autobiography Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music and bonus acoustic CD with previously unreleased tracks. Click here to order.
Industry Ink: Music Biz 2017, Silverado Records, Nashville Music Media
/by Jessica NicholsonMusic Biz 2017 Announces Spotify Leader As Keynote Speaker
Troy Carter
The Music Business Association’s 2017 convention will include a keynote presentation from Troy Carter, Global Head of Creator Services At Spotify. Carter helped launch the career of Lady Gaga and has managed artists including Meghan Trainor, John Legend and more.
Music Biz 2017 is slated for May 15-18, 2017 at Nashville’s Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Silverado Releases Album Plans For HISH
HISH. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Country/EDM crossover artist HISH will release his debut project at music festival Stagecoach on April 28, 2017.
“I can’t think of a better place than Stagecoach to debut my EP,” says HISH. “The energy level there is exactly the same kind of energy I’m pouring into this music, and I know fans are going to love it!” HISH was recently announced on the lineup for the third year, his first year on the Honkytonk Dancehall Stage.
CEO of Silverado Records, Scott Thomas says, “We’re elated that HISH will rock the crowds at Stagecoach with this groundbreaking music. This is the perfect venue to do this, and we know the crowd there is going to be amazed.”
More details about the EP will be announced closer to release.
Nashville Music Media Adds Two To Roster
Publicity and marketing firm Nashville Music Media (NMM) has signed Dylan Schneider and Two Way Crossing to its roster.
At 17, Schneider has gained a following of over 500,000 fans on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter collectively. After the successful release of debut EP Wannabe in August, 17 was released in October, landing at No. 3 on the iTunes chart and No. 32 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Schneider recently released the video to song “Two Black X’s” which currently has over 1 million views, as well as holiday single “Mistletoe.”
Two Way Crossing’s debut single “Car Trouble“ went top 40 on the MusicRow Country Breakout chart earlier this year. The band will release the video for current single “Deja Vu” exclusively with Whiskey Riff just after the first of the year.
Established in 2010, NMM is a Nashville-based boutique publicity and marketing firm. Other clients include Parker McKay, Renn, Adam Wakefield, Macy Martin and more.