Nathan Chapman
Warner/Chappell Music has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Nathan Chapman.
Chapman has composed more than 30 songs for major label releases, including for Phillip Phillips, Lady Antebellum, Michael Ray, Dan + Shay, Jake Owen, Eric Paslay, Martina McBride, Colbie Caillat, Lauren Alaina, Sara Evans, Rascal Flatts, O.A.R., Mickey Guyton, Thompson Square, and Darius Rucker, whose song “Homegrown Honey” was Chapman’s first No. 1 hit.
Chapman has released his own project, Revival, featuring songs penned with Lori McKenna, Ashley Monroe, Leslie Satcher, Stephanie Chapman, Hillary Lindsey, Andrew Dorff, and Mary Steeburgen. Chapman also penned the end title for the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.
“Warner/Chappell has impressed me for a long time, as their crew have this whole publishing thang dialed in,” said Chapman. “From the writers to the creative staff to the admin peeps, it’s a culture of excellence and positivity. If my career journey led me here, I must be doing something right.”
“We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Nathan for a number of years and have always been impressed with his passion for songwriting and songs,” said Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President of Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. “The depth & diversity of his songwriting voice shines so brightly on his project Revival, and everyone at Warner/Chappell is proud to have Nathan in our family.”
As a producer, Chapman has worked on all five of Taylor Swift’s albums, earning a Grammy award for Album of the Year as a producer on 1989. Chapman has had 16 No. 1 hits as a producer, and has worked with artists such as Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Lionel Richie, Sara Evans, Shania Twain, Colbie Caillat, Cassadee Pope, Lady Antebellum, Jewel, and most recently, on Keith Urban’s No. 1 hit “Break on Me.”
Dottie West Remembered 25 Years After Fatal Car Accident
/by Craig_ShelburneJeannie Seely places a memorial cross near the Briley Parkway exit in Nashville on the 25th anniversary of the car accident there that claimed Dottie West’s life.
Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely paid tribute to her friend Dottie West on Tuesday (Aug. 30) with a memorial cross on the 25th anniversary of the car accident that claimed the entertainer’s life.
Seely placed the cross at the Briley Parkway exit on Interstate 40 in Nashville where the crash took place in 1991. West was a passenger in the car, driven by an elderly neighbor who was driving her to the Grand Ole Opry. West died from injuries sustained in the crash on Sept. 4, 1991.
West recorded 15 Top 10 country hits in her extensive career, including two duets with Kenny Rogers. She is buried in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Nash Pop Camp Unites Writers From Nashville, L.A., New York
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (top row, L-R): Eric Daigle, Holy Graffiti; Courtney Allen, Starstruck; Shane Stevens, Holy Graffiti; Soaky Siren; Erika Nuri; Nash Overstreet; Cameron Montgomery; Jesse Lee; Jesse McCartney. Pictured (bottom row, L-R): Lauren Jane Sanders, Rachel Knepp, Marcus Cobb, Bryan Lyda, Rachel Tripp, James Slater, Jimmy Robbins, Dave Pittenger
Songwriters from Nashville, Los Angeles and New York City schmoozed on a rooftop party at Nashville’s Element Music Row on Aug. 20 as part of the inaugural Nash Pop Welcome Party.
The event is a collaborative work betweenStarstruck Writers Group and artist development company Holy Graffiti, in an effort to cultivate relationships among rising songwriters, artists and musicians.
“Nothing brings me more joy than to have some of the most talented people in the world all in one beautiful room, breaking bread, and celebrating new relationships, and new music, from first time collaborations. Hopefully this party helped to inspire fresh ideas and excitement for what’s to come,” said Holy Graffiti’s Shane Stevens.
“Before I knew Shane Stevens, I was a fan of his work,” says Courtney Allen, Creative Director for Starstruck Writers Group. ” The best thing about this industry is that you get to work with your friends. Eric, Shane and I share the same passion and vision so it seemed like a no brainer to team up with them to create something truly special that has never been done before in Nashville. This is just the beginning of big things to come for Starstruck and Holy Graffiti,” said Allen.
Music tech company Jammber sponsored the event, as the company’s CEO/founder Marcus Cobb offered a presentation that showed Jammber’s ability to manage creative projects and income for artists, songwriters, producers and contributors.
Music City Hit-Makers Sell Out Two Shows At Cheekwood
/by Troy_StephensonPictured L-R: Brett James, Rivers Rutherford, Chris DeStefano. Photo: Kim Hooker
Music City Hit-Makers returned to Cheekwood in Nashville over the weekend (Aug. 26-27) for two sold-out shows. Three of Nashville’s most successful songwriters — Brett James, Rivers Rutherford and Chris DeStefano — performed as part of Cheekwood’s Songwriters Under The Stars annual series.
The show also featured Emily West debuting her symphony set American One Night Standards set to tour in 2017.
Emily West. Photo: Kim Hooker
Sirius XM The Highway’s Storme Warren and The Big 98’s Amy Paige emceed.
For more information and to view upcoming tour dates, visit musiccityhitmakers.com.
Photo: Caitlin Harris Photography
Sam Hunt Sets Record With Fourth No. 1 Single From ‘Montevallo’
/by Craig_ShelburneSam Hunt
With “Make You Miss Me,” Sam Hunt has become the first solo male artist to achieve four No. 1 country singles from a debut album since Billboard launched its Country Airplay Chart in 1990.
The single follows “Leave the Night On,” “House Party” and “Take Your Time” at the top of the chart. “Break Up in a Small Town” reached the Top 5. All the singles come from Hunt’s MCA Nashville debut, Montevallo.
Since the 2014 release of that album, Hunt has accrued 2.53 billion streams and has earned an additional 10.5 million units in RIAA single certifications. Recent certifications include “Take Your Time” going triple platinum; “Leave the Night On,” “Break Up in a Small Town” and “House Party” each earning double platinum;” “Make You Miss Me” reaching platinum; and album track “Ex to See” hitting gold.
Hunt is currently working on new music.
Warner/Chappell Music Signs Nathan Chapman
/by Jessica NicholsonNathan Chapman
Warner/Chappell Music has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Nathan Chapman.
Chapman has composed more than 30 songs for major label releases, including for Phillip Phillips, Lady Antebellum, Michael Ray, Dan + Shay, Jake Owen, Eric Paslay, Martina McBride, Colbie Caillat, Lauren Alaina, Sara Evans, Rascal Flatts, O.A.R., Mickey Guyton, Thompson Square, and Darius Rucker, whose song “Homegrown Honey” was Chapman’s first No. 1 hit.
Chapman has released his own project, Revival, featuring songs penned with Lori McKenna, Ashley Monroe, Leslie Satcher, Stephanie Chapman, Hillary Lindsey, Andrew Dorff, and Mary Steeburgen. Chapman also penned the end title for the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.
“Warner/Chappell has impressed me for a long time, as their crew have this whole publishing thang dialed in,” said Chapman. “From the writers to the creative staff to the admin peeps, it’s a culture of excellence and positivity. If my career journey led me here, I must be doing something right.”
“We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Nathan for a number of years and have always been impressed with his passion for songwriting and songs,” said Ben Vaughn, Executive Vice President of Warner/Chappell Music Nashville. “The depth & diversity of his songwriting voice shines so brightly on his project Revival, and everyone at Warner/Chappell is proud to have Nathan in our family.”
As a producer, Chapman has worked on all five of Taylor Swift’s albums, earning a Grammy award for Album of the Year as a producer on 1989. Chapman has had 16 No. 1 hits as a producer, and has worked with artists such as Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Lionel Richie, Sara Evans, Shania Twain, Colbie Caillat, Cassadee Pope, Lady Antebellum, Jewel, and most recently, on Keith Urban’s No. 1 hit “Break on Me.”
Martina McBride, Kris Kristofferson Set For ‘Grammy Salute To Music Legends’ On PBS
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are Ruth Brown, Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Jefferson Airplane, Linda Ronstadt and Run DMC. John Cage, Fred Foster and Chris Strachwitz are Trustees Award honorees; and EMT and Dr. Harvey Fletcher are Technical Grammy Award recipients. Also being honored is Phillip Riggs, this year’s recipient of the Music Educator Award.
McBride and Souther will honor Ronstadt with a collaboration of “Blue Bayou,” while Souther also offers a rendition of “Faithless Love.”
Kristofferson and Lynne pay tribute to Foster with a turn at “Me and Bobby McGee,” with Lynne continuing for a take on “Oh Pretty Woman.”
Previously held during Grammy Week in February, this is the first time The Recording Academy has celebrated the Special Merit Awards with a stand-alone event and musical tribute. The celebration was recorded at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Josh Kear Collects Four MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher, MusicRow; Josh Kear. Photo: Molly Hannula
Josh Kear picked up four MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins during a visit to the MusicRow office on Thursday (Aug. 25).
Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who achieves a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart receives a coin.
Coins were presented for writing credits on Dierks Bentley’s “Drunk on a Plane,” Blake Shelton’s “Neon Light,” Lee Brice’s “Drinking Class,” and Lady Antebellum’s “Long Stretch of Love.”
Signed to Big Yellow Dog Music, Kear has achieved numerous hit singles over the years, including Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” as well as Tim McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care,” Luke Bryan’s “Drunk on You” and Frankie Ballard’s “Helluva Life.”
Josh Kear with MusicRow staff. Pictured (L-R): Craig Shelburne, Sherod Robertson, Josh Kear, Troy Stephenson, Eric T. Parker, Jessica Nicholson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Luke Bryan, Rare Country Join Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam
/by Craig_ShelburneLuke Bryan
Luke Bryan will be joining Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, and Travis Tritt to celebrate with Charlie Daniels at his 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam on November 30 at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Joining Volunteer Jam for the first time is Cox Media Group’s Rare Country who has signed on as an official media sponsor. RareCountry.com will provide in-depth coverage of the event, including backstage artist interviews, performance footage, and more.
“Rare Country is proud to stand alongside Charlie as he celebrates his 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam,” said Laurissa Phillips, GM, Rare Country. “This year’s incredible performance lineup is a testament to Charlie’s legendary status both on and off the stage. We look forward to providing Rare Country fans with unparalleled access to this epic event.”
A portion of the proceeds from the night will go to the The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager, David Corlew, to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
CMA Awards Nominations Will Be Announced Wednesday Morning
/by Craig_ShelburneDierks Bentley, Cam and Keith Urban will help announce CMA Awards nominations on Wednesday (Aug. 31) on ABC’s Good Morning America.
The three artists will appear live from the Grand Ole Opry House during the half-hour segment that begins at 8:30 a.m. ET.
The Opry House served as the home to the CMA Awards from 1974 to 2004.
Select announcements will air in the 8:30 AM/ET half-hour segment of the top-rated morning news program on Wednesday. The remaining categories will be revealed live on GoodMorningAmerica.com on Yahoo as well as via Good Morning America’s Facebook page through Facebook Live. CMA will then release the full slate of nominees.
Cam will be notifying the finalists for CMA’s Broadcast Station and Personality of the Year with personalized video messages.
“Having these three artists participate together in our 50th Anniversary celebration on Good Morning America makes this kick off to an especially historic Awards season a true celebration of our genre,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “To have Dierks, Cam, and Keith standing on the Opry stage, where so much of the history of the Awards took place, just adds to the excitement of this year’s announcements.”
Artist Updates: Gary Allan, Tucker Beathard, Tegan Marie
/by Jessica NicholsonGary Allan Surprises Super Fan At Her 300th Show
Gary Allan & Renee Wray. Photo: Eric Adkins
On Friday night (Aug. 26) Gary Allan honored a longtime fan for her loyalty. When the singer heard that one of his biggest fans, Renee Wray, was planning to attend the show at The Cotillion in Witchita, Kansas, and that it would be her 300th show, he made the show special for her. When Wray arrived at the venue, Allan and his band were waiting backstage and surprised her with a private gathering, a custom-designed cake, on-stage seats and a specially-designed and handcrafted ring from Allan’s jewelry collection.
Tucker Beathard Welcomes Brother C.J. Beathard During Iowa Show
Pictured (L-R): Dallas Clark (Former Hawkeye), C.J. Beathard (Hawkeye Quarterback),
Ashton Kutcher (actor) and Tucker Beathard. Photo Courtesy of Dot Records
Rising singer-songwriter Tucker Beathard took the stage at the first-ever concert at Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium on Saturday (Aug. 27). Beathard’s performance was part of a lineup that featured Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett and Big & Rich. It was also a full-circle moment as the venue also hosts games for the Iowa Hawkeyes; Beathard’s brother, C.J. Beathard plays starting quarterback for the team. Their father is songwriter Casey Beathard.
Tegan Marie Sings On Good Morning America
Pictured (L-R): Joey Gandolfo – guitar, GMA Host Ginger Zee, GMA Host George Stephanopoulos, Mike Naran- bass, Tegan Marie, Jack Mudd- drums, GMA Host Amy Robach, GMA Host Paula Faris, Ryan Phillips- mandolin and GMA Host Jesse Palmer. Photo: Tony Morrison/ABC News
Tegan Marie made her first major television debut on ABC’s Good Morning America on Monday (Aug. 29), performing her current single “Lucky Me.” The 12-year-old Flint, Michigan, native is continuing to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from “Lucky Me” to the children in her hometown directly affected by the devastating water crisis. Marie became a viral sensation after her rendition of Florida Georgia Line’s hit “H.O.L.Y.” garnered more than 15 million views in just three weeks.