Pictured (L-R): Gary LeVox; Amy Schoch, VP Human Resources, Nashville Sounds; Joe Don Rooney, Jay DeMarcus. Photo: John Russell
Rascal Flatts gathered their team on Wednesday afternoon (July 13) to celebrate their newest No. 1 single, “I Like the Sound of That.” The trio hosted the party inside the club level of First Tennessee Park, the minor league stadium that is home to the Nashville Sounds.
“I Like the Sound of That” was written by Jesse Frasure, Shay Mooney and Meghan Trainor. Although Trainor was on tour and unable to attend, Frasure and Mooney shared the stage with the Flatts members Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney for nearly the whole afternoon.
Going with the baseball theme, Bradley Collins of BMI showed up with black streaks on his cheeks (known as eye black) to congratulate BMI songwriters Frasure and Mooney. Tina Crawford of Major Bob Music said it was her first time to present an award — in this case, to Frasure — and asked the crowd not to throw tomatoes or baseballs.
Before presenting a plaque to Mooney, BJ Hill of Warner/Chappell noted, “I think this song was really a home run,” eliciting groans from the crowd. ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe chatted about Trainor’s achievements, and her passing reference to “All About That Bass” (or would that be “Base”?) caused the guys to break into song.
Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog Music pitched the song the day after it was written and beamed with joy that she had finally landed a cut with Rascal Flatts. After admitting that Trainor cried after hearing their rendition of the song, DeMarcus interjected, “Can she put me in her meet and greet line?”
Sending in a peppy video, Trainor cheered on all of her collaborators: “Jesse Frasure, I hope you’re there. Shay Mooney, I love you guys so much. I wish I was there so bad! Congrats, Rascal Flatts, this is literally a dream come true, a No. 1 country song. We are pretty awesome! Take a shot for me, have fun, and get crazy!”
Amy Schoch of the Nashville Sounds presented customized jerseys to the Flatts fellows. Avenue Bank did not make a presentation but did drop off a donation for Nashville Humane Association on behalf of the songwriters. Holly Lane of Country Radio Broadcasters was greeted with whoops and hollers when she said “I Like the Sound of That” made 1.1 billion impressions at country radio.
Big Machine Label Group executives Scott Borchetta and Jack Purcell presented enormous plaques to the musicians. Borchetta said he’d wanted to sign Dan + Shay and Jesse Frasure before they got scooped up by other companies. He also recalled the negotiations it took with the band to make sure “I Like the Sound of That” got recorded, then added, “That’s all right, we’re all on the same team.” Purcell said the radio staff sent the tune “out of the park.”
Next, Frasure and Mooney stepped to the plate. Frasure said his parents flipped out when Rascal Flatts cut the song, because it was a band they actually knew about. (They were cheering from the crowd.) Mooney told the audience that he grew up listening to Rascal Flatts and quipped, “They’ve been like grandparents to me.”
Of course, the Nashville industry knows you can’t one-up DeMarcus with one-liners.
During his speech, DeMarcus first noted, “It’s awesome to wake up every day and get to do what you do for a living — and get paid about a third of what you used to.”
After the laughter subsided, he continued, “It’s really great to be in this city. I love this town and I love collaborating. And I love my Flatts brothers. I am a sucker for talent and we knew we had to cut this song when we heard Shay’s vocal [on the demo] and all the licks he stole from Gary.”
Following another round of laughter, DeMarcus remarked, “Hey, that’s for that ‘grandparent’ comment, buddy! I love this dude so much, and he is such a talented singer. And Jesse Frasure, you are a bad, bad boy. Just when I think this town can’t handle any more talent, somebody comes along and blows you away again.”
Rooney took a more serious approach in his comments, saying, “We’re writers, we try to write, but the benchmark is that you’ve got to put your heart on a shelf when you go into a song meeting and you’ve got to go, ‘What is the best song for Rascal Flatts?’ And as a writer, that’s not always easy because you’re like, ‘My stuff over here is pretty good too, man!’ But at the end of the day, a song like ‘I Like the Sound of That’ spoke to us.”
Rooney also gave thanks to management, label, publishers, his wife and especially to DeMarcus as a producer. “He tackled the last six or seven songs we had on this project and he said, ‘Guys, let me do this, I know I can do this,’ and he literally knocked it out of the park.” Before handing off the mic, he also commended LeVox as a lead vocalist and the “safe landing” he delivered on the song.
LeVox also effusively thanked Big Machine Records, country radio, and the publishing community.
“Every time that we go into cut, like we are right now, we just appreciate you thinking enough of us to pitch your writers and their music to us,” he said. “We know each song becomes their baby and we’d be good grandparents to them! So, they’re in good hands with grandpa, grandpa, and grandpa. We’d love to have your children!”
Pictured (L-R): John Zarling, BMLG SVP Partnership Marketing and Promotion; Jay DeMarcus; Erik Powell, Big Machine Records National Director of Radio Promotion; Joe Don Rooney; Scott Borchetta, BMLG President and CEO; Jack Purcell, Big Machine Records SVP Promotion; Gary LeVox; Evyn Mustoe, BMI writer Shay Mooney; BMI writer Jesse Frasure; ASCAP Associate Creative Director; Bradley Collins, BMI Executive Director. Photo: John Russell
APA Signs Scooter Brown Band
/by Jessica NicholsonFront (L-R): Ray Shelide, David Corlew, Steve Lassiter, Scooter Brown Band’s Scott Brown, Chris Looney, Bonnie Sugarman. Back (L-R): Frank Wing, Cass Scripps, Scooter Brown Band’s Brian Rowe, Tiffany Awtry, Jim Butler, Miles Hayes, Jeff Hill
Nashville talent agency APA has signed Texas group Scooter Brown Band. APA Nashville will handle the band’s domestic and international bookings, with consulting by David Corlew of David Corlew & Associates, who also manages The Charlie Daniels Band.
“Scott and the Scooter Brown Band were a pleasant surprise to me. How they present their music and the approach to playing live is reminiscent of the way it happened in the 70’s with the Charlie Daniels Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Marshall Tucker Band,” said Corlew. “Their work ethic is unbelievable. The sound of Southern music is alive and well.”
Led by Marine Corps combat veteran Scott Brown, the band has released the singles “Hard Times” and “Olivia” from their self-titled album.
“We strongly believe in introducing young acts to new markets, and it’s always exciting to develop one as invigorating as Scooter Brown Band,” commented Steve Lassiter, Partner and Head of Concerts for APA Nashville. “With their current fan base and infrastructure, I’m confident we will reach new heights together.”
“We’re extremely excited to be signing with APA,” added Brown. “It’s a huge step for the band, and pretty awesome to see our name on a roster full of many of the artists who’ve inspired us. We’re all looking forward to a long, successful relationship with the APA family!”
Amanda Shires Sets Album Release, Nashville Tour Dates
/by Jessica NicholsonSinger/songwriter/violinist Amanda Shires will release her third album My Piece Of Land on Sept. 16. The project was recorded with producer Dave Cobb at his Low Country Sound studio in Nashville. She previously worked with Cobb while recording Jason Isbell‘s previous two albums; Isbell and Shires married in 2013 and had a daughter in September 2015.
While balancing touring with new motherhood, Shires worked towards a M.F.A. in creative writing from The University Of The South (Sewanee) over the past five years. As part of her studies she has workshopped poems, three or four per week. The process helped her learn the value of editing while strengthening her songwriting. That experience led to writing tracks like “I Know What It’s Like,” “Harmless,” “You Are My Home,” and “Mineral Wells,” which speaks to her home state of Texas.
Shires will begin a national tour on Wednesday (July 20) when she’ll open for Ryan Adams in New York City’s Central Park. She also has a trio of shows in Nashville over the coming months. She will perform Sept. 22 as part of Americanafest, and then on Sept. 30 at the Ryman Auditorium with John Prine. She returns to Nashville Oct. 29 with a show at City Winery.
Rascal Flatts Swing By Ballpark For “I Like The Sound Of That” Party
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Gary LeVox; Amy Schoch, VP Human Resources, Nashville Sounds; Joe Don Rooney, Jay DeMarcus. Photo: John Russell
Rascal Flatts gathered their team on Wednesday afternoon (July 13) to celebrate their newest No. 1 single, “I Like the Sound of That.” The trio hosted the party inside the club level of First Tennessee Park, the minor league stadium that is home to the Nashville Sounds.
“I Like the Sound of That” was written by Jesse Frasure, Shay Mooney and Meghan Trainor. Although Trainor was on tour and unable to attend, Frasure and Mooney shared the stage with the Flatts members Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney for nearly the whole afternoon.
Going with the baseball theme, Bradley Collins of BMI showed up with black streaks on his cheeks (known as eye black) to congratulate BMI songwriters Frasure and Mooney. Tina Crawford of Major Bob Music said it was her first time to present an award — in this case, to Frasure — and asked the crowd not to throw tomatoes or baseballs.
Before presenting a plaque to Mooney, BJ Hill of Warner/Chappell noted, “I think this song was really a home run,” eliciting groans from the crowd. ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe chatted about Trainor’s achievements, and her passing reference to “All About That Bass” (or would that be “Base”?) caused the guys to break into song.
Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog Music pitched the song the day after it was written and beamed with joy that she had finally landed a cut with Rascal Flatts. After admitting that Trainor cried after hearing their rendition of the song, DeMarcus interjected, “Can she put me in her meet and greet line?”
Sending in a peppy video, Trainor cheered on all of her collaborators: “Jesse Frasure, I hope you’re there. Shay Mooney, I love you guys so much. I wish I was there so bad! Congrats, Rascal Flatts, this is literally a dream come true, a No. 1 country song. We are pretty awesome! Take a shot for me, have fun, and get crazy!”
Amy Schoch of the Nashville Sounds presented customized jerseys to the Flatts fellows. Avenue Bank did not make a presentation but did drop off a donation for Nashville Humane Association on behalf of the songwriters. Holly Lane of Country Radio Broadcasters was greeted with whoops and hollers when she said “I Like the Sound of That” made 1.1 billion impressions at country radio.
Big Machine Label Group executives Scott Borchetta and Jack Purcell presented enormous plaques to the musicians. Borchetta said he’d wanted to sign Dan + Shay and Jesse Frasure before they got scooped up by other companies. He also recalled the negotiations it took with the band to make sure “I Like the Sound of That” got recorded, then added, “That’s all right, we’re all on the same team.” Purcell said the radio staff sent the tune “out of the park.”
Next, Frasure and Mooney stepped to the plate. Frasure said his parents flipped out when Rascal Flatts cut the song, because it was a band they actually knew about. (They were cheering from the crowd.) Mooney told the audience that he grew up listening to Rascal Flatts and quipped, “They’ve been like grandparents to me.”
Of course, the Nashville industry knows you can’t one-up DeMarcus with one-liners.
During his speech, DeMarcus first noted, “It’s awesome to wake up every day and get to do what you do for a living — and get paid about a third of what you used to.”
After the laughter subsided, he continued, “It’s really great to be in this city. I love this town and I love collaborating. And I love my Flatts brothers. I am a sucker for talent and we knew we had to cut this song when we heard Shay’s vocal [on the demo] and all the licks he stole from Gary.”
Following another round of laughter, DeMarcus remarked, “Hey, that’s for that ‘grandparent’ comment, buddy! I love this dude so much, and he is such a talented singer. And Jesse Frasure, you are a bad, bad boy. Just when I think this town can’t handle any more talent, somebody comes along and blows you away again.”
Rooney took a more serious approach in his comments, saying, “We’re writers, we try to write, but the benchmark is that you’ve got to put your heart on a shelf when you go into a song meeting and you’ve got to go, ‘What is the best song for Rascal Flatts?’ And as a writer, that’s not always easy because you’re like, ‘My stuff over here is pretty good too, man!’ But at the end of the day, a song like ‘I Like the Sound of That’ spoke to us.”
Rooney also gave thanks to management, label, publishers, his wife and especially to DeMarcus as a producer. “He tackled the last six or seven songs we had on this project and he said, ‘Guys, let me do this, I know I can do this,’ and he literally knocked it out of the park.” Before handing off the mic, he also commended LeVox as a lead vocalist and the “safe landing” he delivered on the song.
LeVox also effusively thanked Big Machine Records, country radio, and the publishing community.
“Every time that we go into cut, like we are right now, we just appreciate you thinking enough of us to pitch your writers and their music to us,” he said. “We know each song becomes their baby and we’d be good grandparents to them! So, they’re in good hands with grandpa, grandpa, and grandpa. We’d love to have your children!”
Pictured (L-R): John Zarling, BMLG SVP Partnership Marketing and Promotion; Jay DeMarcus; Erik Powell, Big Machine Records National Director of Radio Promotion; Joe Don Rooney; Scott Borchetta, BMLG President and CEO; Jack Purcell, Big Machine Records SVP Promotion; Gary LeVox; Evyn Mustoe, BMI writer Shay Mooney; BMI writer Jesse Frasure; ASCAP Associate Creative Director; Bradley Collins, BMI Executive Director. Photo: John Russell
Industry Ink: Ann Chrisman, Tammy Ragusa, CTM Writer’s INK, Broken Bow Records
/by Craig_ShelburneAnn Chrisman Promotions Launches Tour Division
Ann Chrisman
Ann Chrisman has added a country radio artist tour division to her already well-established track record as a country promoter. Ann Chrisman Promotions has added Rick Duvall as Radio Tour Strategist. In his new role, he will schedule, advance, and promote effective artist radio tours featuring on-air interviews and performances focused on connecting with fans and building relationships with radio programmers
Duvall’s career includes time as a performing songwriter, producer, publicist, and NISM-certified social media strategist.
Tammy Ragusa Launches TNT Artist Development & Integrated Marketing
Tammy Ragusa
Tammy Ragusa has launched TNT Artist Development & Integrated Marketing—a full-service artist development company offering management and marketing services to artists, record labels and small businesses on a contract and a la carte basis. She is a former Arista/Nashville, RCA and Capitol Nashville artist development manager and Nash Country Weekly staff writer.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been on both the giving and the receiving end of the media, marketing and promotion machine for the past 20 years. It’s time to put all of those incredible experiences to work for the very reason I first came to Nashville – to help make dreams come true,” Ragusa says. “Technology has changed and will continue to evolve, and artist development isn’t what it used to be, but one thing remains the same—the incredible musical talent I find in Tennessee and Texas. I seek it out and I want to help others discover it.”
In addition to operating TNT, Ragusa continues freelance writing for sites such as Rare Country and Sounds Like Nashville.
CTM Writer’s INK Promotes Brandon Perdue
Brandon Perdue
CTM Writer’s INK has promoted Brandon Perdue to Creative Director. He will oversee development of CTM’s artist/writers, manage internal production projects and work with CEO/President Eddie Robba to develop strategic partnerships for CTM.
Perdue’s previous experience includes a stint at RPM Music Group as the catalog manager and in-house engineer. During that same time, he worked as Production Coordinator and Assistant Engineer for Blake Chancey, working with artists such as Montgomery Gentry, Kellie Pickler, Gretchen Wilson and Heidi Newfield. Perdue also won a Grammy this year for recording and mixing The Fairfield Four’s Still Rockin’ My Soul (Best Album, Roots Gospel).
CTM Writer’s INK represents: Scott Stevens, Chris Roberts, Autumn McEntire, Ella Mae Bowen and Faren Rachels as well as the catalog of Marcus Hummon.
BBR Music Group Adds Marketing Manager
Marisa Henderson Coffin
BBR Music Group has added Marisa Henderson Coffin as marketing manager. In the position, Coffin will be handling logistics and assisting in carrying out details of all marketing plans for the label group. She will be reporting directly to VP of Marketing for BBR Music Group, JoJamie Hahr.
Coffin joins BBR Music Group from Black River Entertainment where she worked as Project Manager for the Creative Department. Previously, Coffin handled fan relations on tour for Hunter Hayes as part of Warner Music Nashville. The Pensacola, Florida native is an ACM, CMA and Women’s Music Business Association Member.
“I couldn’t be more excited and grateful to be joining the BBR Music Group family! They have an amazing staff and a tremendously talented roster. I’m looking forward to jumping right in and getting to work,” says Coffin.
“We knew almost immediately that Marisa would fit perfectly within our BBRMG family,” says Hahr. “Her personality and skill set are exactly what we are looking for to grow the marketing department. So thrilled to have her!”
Coffin can be reached at marisa@BBRMusicGroup.com.
CMT Will Present Storytellers Event With Hazel Smith
/by Craig_ShelburneHazel Smith
CMT will be the presenting sponsor of the first-ever Music Row Storytellers event, honoring Hazel Smith and benefiting Music Health Alliance.
“CMT is proud to celebrate Hazel’s legacy as a first class storyteller while benefitting Music Health Alliance, an organization that is literally changing lives by connecting our creative community to healthcare,” says Lucia Folk, Vice President of Public Affairs, CMT.
Music Row Storytellers is a special event series designed to honor those that stand the test of time in telling the stories that make the music industry so fascinating – the journalists, interviewers, reporters, show hosts and others who chronicle and share the stories of Music Row and its musicmakers.
The event will be held on Monday, Aug. 15 at Well Placed Smile (907 Gleaves St.) A 6 pm cocktail reception will be followed by a 6:30 pm program honoring Smith and benefiting Music Health Alliance. The evening will be filled with smiles, laughter and stories from Smith and surprise guests who have been part of her career.
Tickets are $100, or $110 for reserved seating.
Smith moved to Nashville in the late ’60s; the divorced mother of two would go on to be a songwriter, publicist, manager and journalist. Her ability to capture and translate a story are a tribute to her no-nonsense questioning, to the respect she’s earned from artists and industry leaders alike.
She is often credited with coining the phrase “Outlaw Music” in the 1970s to describe the sound that she was hearing from then-clients Kinky Friedman, Tompall Glaser, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Hazel would go on to tell many more of Music Row’s stories as a writer for Country Music magazine, a radio reporter, and a regular columnist for CMT.com.
The Music Row Storytellers organizing committee is a group of music industry professionals dedicated to celebrating the leaders, influencers and storytellers that “came before,” while providing awareness and financial contribution to a music industry related non-profit organization.
Dave Haywood Honored By University Of Georgia
/by Craig_ShelburneLady Antebellum (Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley). Photo: Joseph Llanes
Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood has been recognized in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2016 presented by alumni association of the University of Georgia in Athens (UGA) .
This program, in its sixth year, recognizes outstanding young UGA alumni under the age of 40. Haywood graduated from UGA in 2004.
This year, nearly 400 nominations were submitted. Selections were based on the graduates’ commitment to a lifelong relationship with UGA and their successes in both personal and professional endeavors.
The honorees will be celebrated during the 2016 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on Sept. 8 at Flourish Atlanta.
“Announcing the 40 Under 40 honorees each year is exciting,” said Meredith Gurley Johnson, executive director of alumni relations. “We received hundreds of nominations this year, highlighting the incredible accomplishments of UGA’s young graduates. It is truly challenging to narrow the list down to 40.”
Industry Ink: SESAC Nashville Music Awards, CRS, iHeartRadio
/by Jessica NicholsonSESAC Sets Date For 2016 Nashville Music Awards
The 2016 SESAC Nashville Music Awards will kick off CMA week on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
The invitation-only event will honor the most popular songs of 2016 with special awards being presented to the Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. The awards feature performances by many hit songwriters and artists.
2017 CRS New Faces Show Sold Out
Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music Show has sold out for 2017. This marks the second consecutive year the show has sold out the day tickets became available.
A special $429 rate, which was available in a limited quantity, sold out in record time. Registration is now available at the “Early Bird” rate of $529. Registrations are available for purchase at countryradioseminar.com. Country Radio Seminar 2017 is set for Feb. 22-24, 2017 and will be held in at the luxurious Omni Nashville, in the heart of downtown Nashville.
iHeartMedia Partners With NPR
iHeartMedia has announced an agreement with NPR that will allow its Member stations to make their live News Talk programming available via iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music and live streaming radio service.
Through this agreement, more than 260 NPR Member stations will have the opportunity to stream their live programming on iHeartRadio, which is available across more than 80 unique device platforms including in-home entertainment, wearables, gaming consoles, enhanced auto dashboards and more. iHeartRadio has over a billion app downloads, more than 85 million registered users and its network reaches more than 85 million social followers offering these public radio stations the ability to reach millions of new listeners nationwide.
In support of the public radio mission, all stations that join iHeartRadio will also have access to fifty percent of their individual iHeartRadio landing page’s digital banner inventory to encourage listeners to donate and directly support the station’s public programming.
DISClaimer: Music Veterans, Female Leaders, And A New Label In Town
/by Robert K OermannCurtis Wright
Today’s stroll through the fields of bluegrass has several scenic views.
First, female personalities continue to make news in this once almost exclusively male genre. Kristin Scott Benson of The Grascals, singer-songwriter Irene Kelley and the women in the young bands NewTown and Flatt Lonesome are all in the spotlight today.
Second, three of this column’s discs come from performers who have migrated to bluegrass after making names for themselves in mainstream country. Kelley is one of them. Another is Ilya Toshinskiy. The third is Curtis Wright, a veteran who nonetheless wins a DisCovery Award for entering a new genre.
Third, there’s a new sheriff in town, label-wise. Companies such as Rebel, Pinecastle and Rounder have long dominated bluegrass music. But in today’s column, fully half of the entries come from the North Carolina based label Mountain Home, which has been expanding its influence dramatically during the past decade.
One of the Mountain Home entries is the Disc of the Day. That would belong to the utterly endearing Flatt Lonesome.
Flatt Lonesome
LONESOME RIVER BAND/Showing My Age
Writers: Brandon Rickman/Jerry Salley; Producer: Lonesome River Band; Publisher: We Don’t Rent Pigs/Universal Brentwood Benson/Lasso the Moon, SESAC; Mountain Home
– These guys have been at it for 25 years, now. Their new Bridging the Tradition finds them exploring some deeper lyrics and sounds. One example is this terrific meditation on turning 40 years old. The midtempo groove is as mellow and flawless as the men’s harmony singing. I remain a fan.
ILYA TOSHINSKIY/Red Grass
Writer: Ilya Toshinskiy; Producer: Ilya Toshinskiy; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; Hadley Music
– The seven-time MusicRow Guitarist of the Year winner returns to his first loves of bluegrass and banjo playing on his new Red Grass album. The “Red” in the title refers to his roots in the much-applauded Russian country band Bering Strait. This signature instrumental from his debut solo CD has lightning-flashing playing not only by Toshinskiy, but such wizards as Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton and Andy Leftwich. Prepare to be dazzled.
CURTIS WRIGHT/Mama Prayed For Me
Writers: Curtis Wright; Producer: Jimmy Metts; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Voxhall
– In the ‘90s, this guy landed a country deal at Liberty Records. He always was a sublimely expressive vocalist, and now he’s applying his talents in the bluegrass field. This outstanding story song from his debut ‘grass collection is beautifully crafted, deeply emotional and tenderly performed. In addition to his own songs, the Curtis Wright CD includes interpretations of works by such talents as Shawn Camp, Merle Haggard, Jerry Salley, Lowell George and John Scott Sherrill. Through it all, this is a performer with a huge country heart.
NEWTOWN/Harlan Road
Writers: Tyler Childer; Producer: Barry Bales; Publishers: Hickman Holler, BMI; Mountain Home
– Kentucky’s NewTown is a fairly recent addition to the bluegrass scene. It brings a modern sensibility to song selection and a vaguely jazzy sensibility to playing. This yearning-for-love CD title tune showcases both. Highly listenable, as is the entire set.
IRENE KELLEY/Carolina Wind
Writers: Irene Kelley/Thomas Jutz/Milan Miller; Producer: Mark Fain; Publishers: Shiny Stuff/Thomm Songs/Songs From the Sillhouse, BMI/SESAC; Mountain Fever
– Like NewTown’s Kati Penn and the gals in Flatt Lonesome, Irene Kelley is part of the next wave of female bluegrassers. Kelley sings like a hillbilly angel on her new These Hills collection. But what is just as jaw dropping is her songwriting. She co-wrote all 11 selections, and they are all shimmering jewels. The collection kicks off with this breezy, rippling mountain melody that has already found favor at bluegrass radio. But you’re in for a treat wherever you land on this CD. Its cast is stellar — Stuart Duncan, The Whites, Adam Steffey, Dale Ann Bradley, Randy Kohrs, Ronnie Bowman, Claire Lynch and Bryan Sutton are just a few of the bluegrass biggies who drop by to pick and sing with her.
THE GRASCALS/I Know Better
Writers: Billy Droze/Christopher J. Myers; Producer: Grascals; Publishers: Broad Vision/Chris Myers, BMI; Mountain Home
– The irrepressible Grascals are back with an album titled And Then There’s This. Its breakneck-speed lead-off track is already at No. 2 on the Bluegrass Unlimited hit parade. Kristin Scott Benson’s fleet-fingered banjo work sets the pace, and the boys are right behind her. The album’s cover photo was shot at Carter Vintage Guitars, a Nashville site that’s well worth visiting.
STEEP CANYON RANGERS/Radio
Writers: Graham Sharp; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Publisher: none listed; Rounder
– This North Carolina group gained fame by backing banjo player, actor and comic Steve Martin. On its own, it has generally been a somewhat more mundane band. But this new Radio CD has a definitely more progressive, denser and increasingly complex sound. An intriguing step forward.
CHRIS JONES & THE NIGHT DRIVERS/Laurie
Writers: Chris Jones/Jon Weisberger; Producer: Tim Surrett & Chris Jones; Publishers: Gal Sal/Wise Kings Global, BMI; Mountain Home
– Infectiously catchy, this single from the band’s current Run Away Tonight collection manages the tricky feat of sounding old-timey and thoroughly modern simultaneously. Lead singer Jones has a hearty, warm baritone delivery that is always immensely appealing.
ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY/Pray Enough
Writers: Oliver Wood/Chris Wood; Producers: Rob Ickes/Trey Hensley; Publishers: Royal Kook/Wood Sound, BMI; Compass
– This collection contains folk, honky-tonk and blues tones, as well as bluegrass performances. This track, for instance, is an acoustic-funk number, embellished by Ickes’ jazzbo resonator-guitar solo. Elsewhere, the repertoire on The Country Blues CD includes such eclectic sources as Ray Charles, The Grateful Dead, Hank Williams, Elton John and Charlie Daniels. It’s a joyful journey of discovery. Happy hunting.
FLATT LONESOME/You’re The One
Writers: Dwight Yoakam; Producers: Danny Roberts, Jeff Collins & Andrea Roberts; Publishers: Figs D, BMI; Mountain Home
– This harmony-soaked, ballad-tempo treatment of Dwight Yoakam’s 1991 country hit has been a fixture on bluegrass radio for months. The overtones in the blending voices of Tennessee siblings Charli Robertson, Kelsey Robertson Harrigill and Buddy Robertson are simply thrilling. And heart melting. There’s a another single called “You’ll Pay,” plus stupendous versions of Gram Parsons’ “Still Feeling Blue” and their own gospel rouser “In the Heat of the Fire,” but I have a hard time tearing my ears away from this audio masterpiece. All four songs are on this young band’s third album, Runaway Train. Buy it.
Funeral Services Set For Craig Morgan’s Son Jerry Greer
/by Craig_ShelburneJerry Greer
[Updated, July 13, 2016, 5:07 p.m. CST]
Funeral arrangements have been set for Jerry Greer, son of singer-songwriter Craig Morgan and wife Karen Greer. Services in memory of Jerry Greer are open to family and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 15 from 5-7pm at Walnut Street Church of Christ, located at 201 Center Avenue in Dickson, TN. The funeral will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 33 Burton Hills Blvd. in Nashville.
Arrangements for Jerry Greer are under the direction of the Taylor Funeral Home. Flowers may be sent to the family at Walnut Street Church of Christ.
Jerry was preceded in death by grandfather William Edward Horn, grandmother Betty Sue Crockett and cousin Brant Keith Kelley. Jerry is survived by his parents Craig and Karen Greer; his sister Marisa Davis, niece Bailey and nephew Jameson; his sister Alexandra Beaird, her husband Ryan and nephew Cruze; his brother Kyle Greer and his fiancé Chelsea Rogers; and his brother Wyatt Greer.
The family and friends of Jerry Greer have established a memorial scholarship fund to honor Jerry’s energy, athleticism, and love of life. The Jerry Greer Memorial Scholarship will ensure that future athletes of Dickson County High School, particularly those with dyslexia, can celebrate Jerry’s life through the opportunities they will receive through this fund. Donations to the Jerry Greer Memorial Scholarship fund may be sent to: Tri-Star Bank 719 East College St., Dickson, TN 37055.
According to an obit for Greer, “Jerry Michael Hardy Greer is the son of Craig and Karen Greer. He was 19 years old on the day of his going home. Jerry was the smile that instantly lit up any room. He was a superstar without even trying. He was a natural athlete that accomplished what most spend a lifetime attempting to achieve. He was a devoted and dedicated son, brother and friend. He loved his God, his family, his friends and his country more than anything. His passions were football, soccer and the outdoors. He will be greatly missed by everyone who came in contact with him. He will be forever in our thoughts, in our words, and in our hearts.”
[Updated, 9:58 p.m., Monday, July 11, CST]
The Humphreys County (TN) Sheriff’s Department recovered the body of Jerry Greer this evening after a search that began Sunday following a boating accident on Kentucky Lake in Tennessee. A 2016 graduate of Dickson County High School, Jerry planned to play football for Marshall University in the fall.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and requests prayers at this time as they privately mourn this terrible loss. Jerry is survived by parents Craig and Karen Greer, sister Aly Beaird and brother-in-law Ryan Beaird, brother Kyle Greer and fiancé Chelsea Rogers and brother Wyatt Greer.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
[Previous story, 8:41 a.m. CST]
Craig Morgan’s Son Missing After Boating Accident
Jerry Greer, the 19-year-old son of country artist Craig Morgan and wife Karen Greer, is missing after a boating accident.
Recovery efforts to locate him are underway, according to a statement released jointly by Morgan’s publicist and record label, as well as Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis.
The accident occurred Sunday (July 10) on Kentucky Lake in Humphreys County, Tennessee. The family resides in Dickson County.
The statement concluded, “The family is grateful for everyone’s support and prayers and requests privacy during this difficult time.”
ASCAP Revamps ACE Repertory Database
/by Jessica NicholsonThe new, mobile-friendly interface allows music creator members, publishers, licensees and the public to more easily search, share and download repertory information. ACE users can search the database using multiple criteria simultaneously, such as song title and performer. The database lists the total share controlled by ASCAP for each work, and users can now get the aggregate writer and aggregate publisher shares for any work in the database.
“ASCAP is driving changes aimed at building a more efficient, effective and transparent music industry, no matter what the future looks like,” said Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP CEO. “The ACE redesign is just the first of many new digital innovations ASCAP has in the works to create the best quality experience for stakeholders. We are looking forward to rolling out more new ASCAP digital tools for our members and our community.”
For more information on ACE, visit ascap.com/ace-title-search/about.aspx