Pictured (L-R): Hazel Daniels, Charlie Daniels, Carolyn Tate, David Corlew. Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Charlie Daniels spoke only for a few minutes during the party thrown in his honor on Tuesday night (Sept. 20) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Despite his brevity, he was able to express his thanks for having a long career that led to an exhibit in his honor, named Million Mile Reflections.
That exhibit officially opens Friday, yet Daniels was able to gather dozens of his friends and business associates (some of whom have worked for him for more than 40 years) to the museum’s BMI Hall a few days early.
The occasion coincided with the 52nd wedding anniversary for Daniels and his wife, Hazel Daniels. David Corlew, who has managed Daniels’ career for 43 years, stood proudly in the back of the room. In addition to the invitation-only event, Daniels and his entourage spent time admiring the exhibit.
Charlie Daniels. Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
After remarks from Sr. Vice President of Museum Services Carolyn Tate, Daniels greeted the well-wishers with remarks he had written in advance. He will be formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.
“At the age of almost 80 years, God has chosen to bless me with yet another wonderful blessing,” he began. He said he considered himself lucky as “a chubby fiddle player who came to town with a dream and a $20 bill.”
Throughout his remarks, he spoke highly of Nashville, and said that when he arrived in 1967 with his wife and infant son, there was no question he was going to stay.
Charlie Daniels. Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
“As I often say, when I leave Tennessee, I wanna go to Heaven because there is no other place but there that I’d rather live,” he said.
He described the museum as a sanctuary from the politics of the music business and as a destination for country fans who want to get a glimpse into the life of the stars they admire.
“It’s a place where the past is respected and the future is excitedly anticipated,” he said. “Of all the other music capitals across the nation, Nashville stands alone as a city where the music is what truly brings us together. It’s the music that brought us here, the music that kept us here – and the music will live on long after we’ve all gone to our eternal awards.”
After recalling his heart’s desire to be part of Nashville’s music community, Daniels concluded, “Not only has that blessing been granted, not only did I get to share my music with the world, but thanks to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, I get to share my life. Thank you for coming. God bless Music City USA.”
Artist Updates: Sam Hunt, Jimmy Wayne, The Last Bandoleros
/by Jessica NicholsonSam Hunt Added As Headliner For Taste Of Country Festival
Sam Hunt
Sam Hunt will join Jason Aldean as a headliner for the fifth annual Taste of Country Music Festival, to be held June 9-11, 2017 at Hunter Mountain Resort in Hunter, New York.
This year, the festival hosted 53,000 fans over the three days, to see Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Kid Rock, Gary Allan, Big & Rich and more.
Jimmy Wayne Honored With Points of Light Award
Pictured: Jimmy Wayne receives Points Of Light Award from Neil Bush
Country artist and author Jimmy Wayne was honored with the Points of Light Award for his work raising awareness for youth in foster care. Prior to receiving the honor from Neil Bush, Wayne met with President George H.W. Bush, the founder of Points of Light, at the Bush family home at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Wayne said, “No one should receive an award for helping kids; it’s what we’re all supposed to do and not expect anything in return. But what do you do with an award that’s been given to you? Use it to raise awareness for more foster youth. It was an honor for me to meet the President of the United States, and to do that in his living room made it even more special. The shoreline leading to his driveway and his home were indeed beautiful, but what impressed me most was how humble he was.”
The Last Bandoleros Announce EP Release
The Last Bandoleros
Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville band The Last Bandoleros announced the Tuesday (Sept. 20) release of their debut self-titled EP during Spotify’s Artists to Watch showcase in New York.
With the official addition of Diego Navaira’s brother Emilio Navaira IV, sons of the late Tejano legend Emilio Navaira III, the band is ready to take country fans on a tour of the Texas borderlands.
The EP’s tracks include “Maria,” “Adios,” “Where Do You Go?”, “Get Down,” “I Don’t Want to Know” and “Take Me to It.”
Charlie Daniels Expresses Deep Gratitude For CMHoF Exhibit
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Hazel Daniels, Charlie Daniels, Carolyn Tate, David Corlew. Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Charlie Daniels spoke only for a few minutes during the party thrown in his honor on Tuesday night (Sept. 20) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Despite his brevity, he was able to express his thanks for having a long career that led to an exhibit in his honor, named Million Mile Reflections.
That exhibit officially opens Friday, yet Daniels was able to gather dozens of his friends and business associates (some of whom have worked for him for more than 40 years) to the museum’s BMI Hall a few days early.
The occasion coincided with the 52nd wedding anniversary for Daniels and his wife, Hazel Daniels. David Corlew, who has managed Daniels’ career for 43 years, stood proudly in the back of the room. In addition to the invitation-only event, Daniels and his entourage spent time admiring the exhibit.
Charlie Daniels. Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
After remarks from Sr. Vice President of Museum Services Carolyn Tate, Daniels greeted the well-wishers with remarks he had written in advance. He will be formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.
“At the age of almost 80 years, God has chosen to bless me with yet another wonderful blessing,” he began. He said he considered himself lucky as “a chubby fiddle player who came to town with a dream and a $20 bill.”
Throughout his remarks, he spoke highly of Nashville, and said that when he arrived in 1967 with his wife and infant son, there was no question he was going to stay.
Charlie Daniels. Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
“As I often say, when I leave Tennessee, I wanna go to Heaven because there is no other place but there that I’d rather live,” he said.
He described the museum as a sanctuary from the politics of the music business and as a destination for country fans who want to get a glimpse into the life of the stars they admire.
“It’s a place where the past is respected and the future is excitedly anticipated,” he said. “Of all the other music capitals across the nation, Nashville stands alone as a city where the music is what truly brings us together. It’s the music that brought us here, the music that kept us here – and the music will live on long after we’ve all gone to our eternal awards.”
After recalling his heart’s desire to be part of Nashville’s music community, Daniels concluded, “Not only has that blessing been granted, not only did I get to share my music with the world, but thanks to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, I get to share my life. Thank you for coming. God bless Music City USA.”
Nashville Songwriter Angel Snow Signs To Nettwerk Music Group
/by Craig_ShelburneAngel Snow is completing work on her first album for Nettwerk Music Group. The Nashville-based artist has signed to the label and publishing divisions of the company.
Snow’s album is expected to be released in 2017. She has re-recorded one of her most popular songs, “Secret,” for the project. The new version will be released in the coming weeks. Her album will have electronic music elements added to her Americana roots influences.
Snow is scheduled to perform at Pilgrimage Music & Arts Festival on Sunday (Sept. 25).
ASCAP Sets ‘Top Shelf Songs: Heartbreak Edition’ Showcase
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP will present Top Shelf Songs: Heartbreak Edition on Wednesday (Sept. 21) at 5:30 p.m. at The Basement.
Aaron Eshuis, Ryan Hurd, Steven Lee Olsen, Jonathan Singleton, Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi and more will offer unique collaborations.
The happy hour event will feature co-writers performing the songs together. While past installments have been built around a publishing company partner, this is the first time the showcase has been curated around a theme.
“I wanted to develop a series to showcase outstanding, not-yet recorded songs written by our ASCAP writers in a fun and collaborative setting,” says ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, who launched the program. “Not just new songs, but extremely well-written songs that deserve a moment to be heard by the A&R, management, and artists and peers.”
Wanda Jackson, Kree Harrison, Ella Mae Bowen Set For Change The Conversation Session
/by Jessica NicholsonWanda Jackson
Wanda Jackson will serve as the special guest mentor of the second Change the Conversation Presents: Rising Young Artists Mentoring Sessions, which will be held at the Bluebird Cafe, on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. The event is part of the 17th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference.
Change the Conversation co-founder Tracy Gershon will lead Jackson in a talk designed to provide advice and guidance to the young artists chosen for the event.
The evening will also feature performances by the artists Arielle, Ella Mae Bowen and Kree Harrison. Taylor Guitars will present each artist with a guitar.
Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. She has released more than 30 studio albums during her international career. Her hits include “Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine,” “A Woman Lives for Love” and “Fancy Satin Pillows.”
“Wanda Jackson is the perfect mentor for our Change The Conversation series. Wanda broke through the male-dominated genre of rock in the early fifties and earned her title as The First Lady of Rock and Roll. Her insight and stories will prove to be inspiring to the young women facing similar challenges today,” says Gershon, who is also Rounder Records Group’s vice president of A&R.
Change the Conversation was formed by Gershon, Beverly Keel and Leslie Fram in 2014. It was formed initially to create an informal atmosphere where women could gather and develop productive ways of solving the problem. The coalition has grown into an organization of influence, which funds research and hosts events where industry experts address their segments of the industry.
“Quality mentoring is so important to our Change The Conversation mission. Young female artists can gain invaluable knowledge and wisdom from successful women who have paved the way,” says Fram, Sr. VP of Music Strategy and Talent at CMT.
John Prine Accepts Literary Excellence Award in Boston
/by Craig_ShelburneJohn Prine
John Prine received the prestigious PEN Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award on Monday (Sept. 19) at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The award is presented every two years by the writers’ group PEN New England. Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan were also recognized with the award.
Drawing from Prine’s catalog, Rosanne Cash and Elvis Costello performed “Hello in There” and John Mellencamp sang “Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone.”
Chuck Berry, Leonard Cohen, Kris Kristofferson and Randy Newman are past recipients of the award.
A longtime Nashville resident, Prine will perform his 1971 self-titled debut album at Station Inn on Thursday (Sept. 22) as part of the Americana Music Festival. He is also slated for sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Prine’s upcoming album, For Better, For Worse, will be released on Oh Boy Records/Thirty Tigers on Sept. 30. He will turn 70 on Oct. 10.
CMA Hosts “Forever Country” Viewing Party At Belcourt Theater
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Lon Helton, Joseph Kahn, Shane McAnally, Karen Fairchild. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen/CMA
CMA unveiled the music video of “Forever Country” with key industry members on Monday night (Sept. 19) at a viewing party presented by YouTube at the Belcourt Theater in Nashville.
CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern welcomed the guests and acknowledged the dedicated work of the CMA Board of Directors – many of whom were in attendance – for spearheading the project through numerous committees and developing a global release plan over the past 18 months.
“I mean it from my heart when I say that ‘Forever Country’ would never have been possible without the industry putting aside individual interests for the opportunity to help us promote the genre around the world and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards,” said Trahern.
The evening also featured a panel with Karen Fairchild, a CMA Board member and member of CMA Award-winning act Little Big Town; Joseph Kahn, Grammy Award-winning director of “Forever Country”; and Shane McAnally, “Forever Country” producer, also a CMA Board member and CMA Award winner. The panel was moderated by Lon Helton, CMA Board member and CMA National Broadcast Award winning host of Country Countdown USA.
Thirty CMA Award-winning acts with careers that span all five decades of the CMA Awards are featured in the “Forever Country” music video, which will be featured in a special sneak peek on Tuesday night on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (8:00-10:00 PM/ET). Fans will be able to view the full version immediately following at ForeverCountry50.com.
The music video is set to a medley of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” Denver, Nelson, and Parton are all former CMA Entertainers of the Year.
Following remarks from Trahern at the industry party, Vivien Lewit, a member of the CMA Board and YouTube Director of Music Content Partnerships, and John Esposito, CMA Board Chairman and CEO/President of Warner Music Nashville, addressed the audience. Also in attendance was CMA Award winner and 2016 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Randy Travis, who makes a special appearance in the “Forever Country” music video.
Pictured (L-R): Steve Buchanan, Opry Entertainment President; Vivien Lewit, YouTube Director of Music Content Partnerships; Lon Helton, host of Country Countdown USA; Terry Calonge, owner of Richards and Southern, Inc.; Mark Bright, owner of Mark Bright Productions; Kurt Johnson, Townsquare Media Senior Vice President of Programming; Karen Fairchild; Deb McDermott, Media General Chief Executive Officer; Shane McAnally; Joseph Kahn; Tony Conway, Conway Entertainment Group President; Randy Travis; Scott Scovill, owner of Moo TV, CenterStaging, LLC, and Moo Creative Media; Sally Williams, Ryman Auditorium General Manager; Sherod Robertson, MusicRow Enterprises President and owner; Victoria Shaw; Biff Watson, Biff-Bangs Productions, Inc. President; Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment President; Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation President and CEO; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Damon Whiteside, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships; Pat Collins, SESAC Vice Chairman; and John Esposito, CEO/President of Warner Music Nashville. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen / CMA
The Valory Music Co. Signs The Church Sisters
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Church Sisters. Photo: Joseph Llanes
The Valory Music Co. has added The Church Sisters to its artist roster. Comprised of fraternal twins Savannah and Sarah, the 20-year-old Virginia natives have been touring the country since age 14. The duo joins the roster’s artists including Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Eli Young Band and Tara Thompson.
“It is a dream come true getting signed to The Valory Music Co.,” shared Sarah Church. “We are thrilled to be working with Scott Borchetta and one of the best labels in Nashville. We will continue to pour our hearts and souls into the music we make with Julian Raymond, and we look forward to seeing where this journey takes us.”
The Church Sisters are in the creative phase of their debut album, while also performing select dates with Delta Rae. In the meantime, the duo has released the video for their rendition of Lukas Graham’s hit “7 Years,” which can be seen on Vevo.
“We would like to thank Sandi Borchetta and the Big Machine creative team for their belief in us, and for bringing the vision for the ‘7 Years’ music video alive,” added Savannah Church. “We are really excited with how it turned out, and we cannot wait for the world to see it.”
The duo is featured on the track “Where We’ll Never Grow Old,” on Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited, which was co-produced by Carl Jackson. The Church Sisters also appeared on another Carl Jackson-produced project, Mark Twain: Words & Music.
Industry Ink: ACM, CMHoF’s Troubadour Society, Duke FM
/by Jessica NicholsonACM Welcomes Tucker Beathard
Pictured (L-R): Lisa Lee, ACM; Tucker Beathard; Brooke Primero, ACM. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Big Machine Label Group artist Tucker Beathard to the office while he was in Los Angeles last week. While at the Academy, Beathard performed songs off his upcoming EP Fight Like Hell slated for release on Oct. 7, including his debut single “Rock On.”
Maggie Rose Performs For CMHoF Fifth Annual Troubadour Society Event
Pictured (L-R): Katie Cline, Mandy Gallagher, Maggie Rose, Emilee Warner, Leanne Weber, Maya Akser
On Thursday (Sept. 15), Maggie Rose performed in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Event Hall for their fifth annual Troubadour Society event, Nightfall at the Hall. Nightfall at the Hall is a benefit to Troubadour Society members, and hundreds of young professionals gathered to enjoy original songs from Rose, as well as a few covers including Drake’s “Hotline Bling.”
Duke FM Teams With Webster Public Relations For Video Vault Series
Duke FM has teamed with Webster Public Relations again to spotlight their clients as part of the second round of Duke FM’s Video Vault series.
Legacy artists including T. Graham Brown, Danny Shirley, Exile, Jimmy Fortune, Lorrie Morgan, T.G. Sheppard, and John Anderson are featured in candid, sit-down interviews on-air, online, and on Midwest Communications digital platforms.
The Video Vault series will be hosted on Duke FM’s eight stations in Knoxville, Tennessee; Appleton, Wisconsin; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Lansing, Michigan; Evansville, Indiana; Fargo, N.D.; Duluth, Minnesota; and Terre Haute, Indiana.
In Pictures: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats At The Ryman
/by Molly_HannulaNathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Photo: Chad Crawford Photography
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats played to a sold-out crowd at the Ryman Auditorium on Monday (Sept. 19). The concert served as a kickoff to the Americana Music Festival, which runs through Sunday in Nashville.
They are nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year, as well as Song of the Year for their hit single “S.O.B.,” at the 2016 Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, set for Wednesday at the Ryman.
In August, the band played a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their breakout self-titled album.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Photo: Chad Crawford Photography
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Photo: Chad Crawford Photography
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Photo: Chad Crawford Photography
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Photo: Chad Crawford Photography