Phoebe Binkley
Phoebe Binkley, who coached dozens of Nashville superstars and thousands of unknowns for more than 40 years, passed away on May 11 at age 78.
She was officially a vocal coach, but her many clients thought of her as a career counselor, a life advisor, a guidance guru, a confidante and much more. Among her high-profile students were Kathy Mattea, Ronnie Milsap, Hilary Williams, Ronnie Dunn, Ranger Doug Green, Barbara Cloyd and Crystal Gayle.
Binkley also coached Reese Witherspoon in her Oscar-winning performance singing the songs of June Carter in the Johnny Cash bio movie Walk the Line.
The coach was born Phoebe Knox in Memphis in 1937. Her career began as a radio singer-pianist. One early gig was on the Nashville show “Youth on Parade” alongside Pat Boone. She graduated from Vanderbilt University.
She sang as a soprano for several seasons with the St. Louis Municipal Opera, then went to Manhattan to study and perform.
Returning to Music City, she was recruited by Theatre Nashville to sing the lead in its production of La Boheme. The opera’s musical director was Bob Binkley (1934-2012), whom she married in 1960.
She first entered the country music world as a songwriter. Superstar Marty Robbins (1925-1982) recorded a dozen compositions by Bob & Phoebe Binkley in the 1960s and 1970s. Phoebe assumed leadership of Bob’s vocal-coaching business in 1971, when he became more involved in conducting, arranging and music education. She was noted for treating aspiring amateurs with the same care and attention she provided to Nashville’s biggest stars.
She became so well known in her field that she was chosen to appear on TV’s To Tell the Truth (“Will the real Phoebe Binkley please stand up!?”). She also continued to compose. She and her sister-in-law Ella Prince Knox created the musical Belle! Another notable relative was her father, Jack Knox (1910-1985), who was an editorial cartoonist for The Nashville Banner for many years.
Phoebe Knox Binkley died from complications of Post-Poliomyletis Syndrome. She is survived by son Ed Binkley and daughter Carolyn Knox Binkley. Carolyn, a former Belmont University instructor, will continue the family’s Nashville business, “Voice By Binkley.” Other survivors include Phoebe’s brothers Joseph and Britt Knox, her grandchildren, her nieces and her nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at Vine Street Christian Church on Friday, June 3 at 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to sing in the choir. Come dressed as Binkley would have you, in a way that makes you feel best about yourself.
Memorial contributions may be made in Phoebe Binkley’s name to BrightStone, P.O. Box 682966, Franklin, TN 37068 or to the W.O. Smith Community Music School, P.O. Box 121348, Nashville, TN 37212.
Dylan Scott Sets Album Release Date, Ties The Knot
/by Sarah SkatesDylan Scott will release his self-titled debut album Aug. 12 on Curb Records. The artist recently announced the album release date, as well as his new single “My Girl,” and his wedding.
The self-titled album features 13 songs, seven of which were co-written by Scott. “All the songs on this album are me,” he says. “They are a direct reflection of my life. It’s a special time for me to launch a new single, a new album, and get married all in the same weekend!”
Scott’s most recent single was “Crazy Over Me.” It was the follow-up to his successful debut single, “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy.”
The rising artist was an opener on Lee Brice’s Life Off My Years Tour, and was also highlighted as one of Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists.
Mike Curb To Be Presented With A2IM’s Libera Awards Lifetime Achievement Honor
/by Jessica NicholsonMike Curb
The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) will present its fifth Libera Awards Lifetime Achievement Award to Mike Curb, founder of Curb Records.
The award, which honors executives who have shaped the course of independent music, will be presented during A2IM’s fifth annual Libera Awards, to be held at Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom on Thursday, June 16.
Presented by SoundExchange and hosted by Ted Leo, this year’s ceremony will feature live performances, a seated dinner, and awards honoring the best of Independent music.
“Mike Curb is unique, one of a kind, and in a class of his own. He is not only revered for his diverse career as a label-owner, top-charting songwriter, producer, and for being Lieutenant Governor of California. He has preserved ten of Nashville’s most historic music industry landmarks while championing music business education and being inducted into several Halls of Fame,” said A2IM CEO Richard Burgess. “It is difficult to conceive how anyone can achieve so much in one lifetime. In short, Mike is a complete game-changer to whom we will all be forever grateful for his immeasurable contribution and it is our honor to present him with this award.”
“For the last decade A2IM has represented the independently owned music enterprises and has elevated the independent companies significantly. A2IM has allowed all of us to speak with one voice at a time when the music industry has been extremely challenging. Dr. Richard Burgess is leading us into the next decade which will present even more challenges and more importantly, incredible opportunities,” said Curb. “I am proud to be the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award on the tenth anniversary of A2IM.”
“Mike Curb has fundamentally changed our industry and the Nashville music scene for the better,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “His tremendous philanthropic endeavors aid underprivileged communities and provide music education to so many deserving young artists. As music fans we are all indebted to him for discovering and developing so many artists that we love. SoundExchange is proud to have an opportunity to work with such an incredible leader in the industry. Mike is a legend and this remarkable honor is well-deserved.”
Curb is the founder and chairman of Curb Records. Since its launch in 1962, Curb has had more than 300 No. 1 records with some of country, christian and pop/rock’s biggest acts, including Tim McGraw, Hank Williams Jr. and the Four Seasons.
Curb has stars on the Hollywood and Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame and has been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, Georgia Hall of Fame, National Business Hall of Fame, and the Musicians Hall of Fame.
VP Records co-founder Pat Chin, recipient of the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award, will present this year’s award.
Previous recipients of the A2IM Libera Awards Lifetime Achievement Award include VP Records’ Pat Chin (2015), Alligator Records’ Bruce Iglauer (2014), TommY BoY’s Tom Silverman (2013) and Beggars Group’s Martin Mills (2012).
Country Radio Broadcasters To Honor Randy Travis, Carole Bowen
/by Jessica NicholsonRandy Travis
Randy Travis and Carole Bowen are set to be honored at this year’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony. Travis is the recipient of the 2016 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award, while Bowen is the recipient of the 2016 President’s Award. Josh Turner will pay tribute to Travis with a special performance.
Both honors will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. A cocktail reception will take place at 6:00 p.m. with the induction ceremony to follow at 7:00 p.m.
“This annual event has proven to be one of the most special nights of the year in our industry, as we recognize and honor the greats in our business,” said CRB/CRS Executive Director, Bill Mayne.
The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio.
Travis commented, “To be chosen by the Country Radio Broadcasters for a Career Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor quite unlike any other. The artist’s and the broadcaster’s relationship is one of unspoken respect. I appreciate so much the kindness I have been shown over the years by radio; and, I have enjoyed the many interviews I have had the opportunity to do with so many of the stations across the country. You have each become a part of my success and allowed my fans an opportunity to know me better—as an artist and as a person. Thank you for believing in me…and in my body of work. It is YOU which I take my hat off to.”
Carole Bowen
Bowen has spent 15 years on the CRB Board of Directors. During that time, Bowen was a member of the board’s Executive Committee, holding an officer position as longtime secretary for the organization. Bowen’s more than 30 years of successful radio and sales experience at WKIS in Miami played a role in shaping the success of CRS.
Bowen commented, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be this year’s recipient of the CRB President’s Award. This organization has had a tremendous impact on me both professionally and personally. Serving within this organization has enabled me to learn from the brightest minds in Country Radio and Country Music. It has always been a labor of love and I am very proud to have contributed to the success of Country Radio Seminars and CRB.”
The June 22 Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony will also induct the 2016 Class of Country Radio Hall of Fame recipients. This year’s previously announced inductees are Blair Garner, Mike & Dana Schuff, and Lisa Dent in the On-Air category, and Mick Anselmo, Kerby Confer, Jack Reno, Tim Roberts and Jim Slone in the Radio category.
Combustion Music Signs Anthony Olympia To Publishing Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Kenley Flynn, Safford Motley’s Kelly Donley, Combustion Music’s Chris Van Belkom, Anthony Olympia, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Safford Motley’s Scott Safford
Combustion Music has signed writer, producer and musician Anthony Olympia to a worldwide publishing deal.
The Louisville, Kentucky native relocated to Nashville in 2011, and immersed himself in the country music scene.
“Anthony is a true triple threat: writer, producer, and musician. We at Combustion can’t wait to dig in and help realize his true potential,” said president Chris Farren.
“There couldn’t be a better company for me,” Olympia said of Combustion Music. “I anticipate the next few years to be some of the best of my career.”
Industry Ink: Int’l Country Music Conference, Twitter, Hyundai, Silverado Records
/by Sarah SkatesInternational Country Music Conference Presents Awards
Pictured (L-R): Dr. James Akenson, Co-Chair of the International Country Music Conference; Beville Dunkerley, editor at Rolling Stone Country, which sponsors the Chet Flippo Award; award winner Pete Finney; Michael Gray, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, accepted on behalf of winner Peter Guralnick; and Dr. Don Cusic, Co-Chair of the International Country Music Hall of Fame.
Nashville’s Belmont University hosted the International Country Music Conference on May 26 through 28. During a luncheon on Friday, Pete Finney was honored with the Chet Flippo Award for excellence in country music journalism, and Peter Guralnick was honored with the Best Book on Country Music award for his biography about Sam Phillips. Jimmie Rodgers Snow was a special guest at the event.
What Counts in 140 Characters?
Hyundai Offers DIY Smartphone Integration
Hyundai owners can add now smartphone integrations to several existing models, via do-it-yourself installation. These software updates include CarPlay for iPhone and Android Auto, offering features including calls, messages, music and maps. See more here.
Silverado Records Debuts Songwriters Series
Silverado Records has tapped Zack Dyer as the first songwriter to be featured on its upcoming Silverado Signature Songwriter’s Series recordings. The release date is yet to be announced, and the label intends to release several volumes per year.
“This is a great way to connect music fans with the best songwriters, as well as Country music’s future stars,” said Silverado Records CEO Scott Thomas. “Zack is the perfect talent to kick this off, and represents well the abundant talent out there in the songwriting community.”
Dyer, a Minnesota native, moved to Nashville in 2015 to pursue a full-time music career.
Photos: Wildhorse Saloon Celebrates $8.6 Million Renovation
/by Jessica NicholsonWildhorse Saloon. Photo: Chad Lee Photography
Longtime Nashville venue The Wildhorse Saloon celebrates an $8.6 million renovation, complete with a new sound and audio/visual system that will allow the venue to live stream its performances.
Additionally, the renovation of the 66,000-square-foot entertainment venue includes new furnishings, a renovated private event space, bars and restrooms. The space’s 3,300-square-foot dance floor is overlooked by two horseshoe-shaped balconies.
A new menu will include a wide selection of local craft beer on tap, including a Yazoo beer crafted exclusively for the Wildhorse Saloon, called Lucky 22.
Wildhorse Saloon. Photo: Chad Lee Photography
“Our Wildhorse Saloon has been an integral part of downtown Nashville’s entertainment district for more than 20 years, and we’re excited for locals and visitors alike to see how the enhancements to this iconic venue reflect the vibrancy of today’s Music City brand,” said Pete Weien, general manager of Gaylord Opryland Resort and Attractions.
“We are confident guests will love the new changes and upgrades, especially the new state-of-the-art sound audio visual system and live streaming capabilities that will carry on the tradition of sharing the Wildhorse stage with the world and connecting even more people to Nashville,” Weien said. “Visitors can now experience the effects of a national touring audio/video package in a relaxed and intimate setting.”
The Wildhorse Saloon, which opened in 1994, is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, and is located at 120 2nd Ave. N. The venue can hold more than 2,000 people for concerts.
Wildhorse Saloon. Photo: Chad Lee Photography
Wildhorse Saloon. Photo: Chad lee Photography
Wildhorse Saloon. Photo: Chad Lee Photography
TKO Artist Management Signs Glen Campbell
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): TK Kimbrell and Glen Campbell.
TKO Artist Management Owner/President TK Kimbrell has signed the legendary Glen Campbell to his artist roster.
Kimbrell takes the reigns from Campbell’s longtime manager and business manager of over 50 years, Stan Schneider, to become the steward of Campbell’s legacy. Schneider will continue as Campbell’s business manager.
“[Glen Campbell] is one of the greatest talents to ever walk the face of the earth,” Kimbrell says. “I’ve helped on a few projects over the years… Stan is Glen’s age and he asked a while back if I would consider taking over and the family blessed that. My goal is to make sure Glen’s musical legacy lives on forever and is passed down for generations to come.”
Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease has only escalated since the entertainer’s farewell tour and corresponding 2014 documentary I’ll Be Me. Documentary director James Keach (Walk The Line), is currently working on a biopic for Campbell.
“There’s a ton of unreleased music and the more you get into it the more you find,” Kimbrell continues. “There were years Glen played guitar or sang on 500-600 records per year. There are unreleased recordings of him with [famed LA studio musicians] The Wrecking Crew — lots of them.”
As for Campbell’s current health, Kimbrell reported: “He seems really happy. It’s hard for him to put words together. Physically, he looks healthy — like the Glen Campbell we all know. He smiles a lot, and loves seeing his wife Kim and the family. They are always there caring for him.”
Kimbrell is the longtime manager for Toby Keith. Additionally he manages the late Chris LeDoux and Campbell’s son and daughter, Shannon Campbell and Dot recording artist Ashley Campbell, among other artists.
Weekly Register: Blake Shelton’s ‘If I’m Honest’ Debuts At No. 1
/by Sarah SkatesIt’s a big week for Blake Shelton, whose new album If I’m Honest debuts at No. 1 country and No. 3 overall. The project’s total consumption clocks in at 170K units, and 153K album-only, more than any other album-only sales this week.
On the overall charts, Drake is hanging at No. 1 with 189K (50K album), followed by Ariana Grande’s No. 2 debut of Dangerous Woman, selling 175K (129K album).
Rounding out the top 5 country albums, behind Shelton, are Chris Stapleton (19K album), Keith Urban (14K), Jennifer Nettles (12K) and Cole Swindell (11K).
Over on the tracks chart, Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.” stays at No. 1 selling 72K TW and 365K RTD. Adam Wakefield, from The Voice, debuts two tracks in the country top 5. “Lonesome, Broken and Blue” lands at No. 2 selling 57K to become the week’s top debut overall. Wakefield also launches “When I Call Your Name” at No. 4 country, selling 32K. Tim McGraw stays “Humble and Kind” at No. 3 with 35K, and Dierks Bentley is anywhere but lost with “Somewhere On A Beach” reeling in 29K.
“Freeform” Local Radio Station WXNA To Launch In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonWXNA-LPFM, a non-profit, listener-supported community radio station will make its on-air debut in Nashville on June 4 at 10:15 a.m. CT. Special programming will include WXNA’s local, volunteer DJs appearing on air on Saturday and Sunday to preview the station’s programming.
The freeform format will include more than 120 hours of locally generated programming, which will debut when the station’s regular schedule begins Monday, June 6.
“WXNA will feature more than 80 programs designed to be as exciting, varied and unique as Nashville’s music, art and cultural scenes,” programming director Randy Fox says. “There will be individual specialty shows focusing on the many flavors of rock’n’roll, soul, country, funk, jazz, blues, electronica, traditional pop vocals, movie soundtracks and much more. We’ll also feature a variety of talk shows that will examine community issues and culture, food, health issues, Nashville’s stand-up comedy scene and many other topics.”
The “Low Power, High Voltage Radio” station will broadcast at 101.5 FM, with effective power of 100 watts. The station is expected to reach 425,000 listeners in Nashville’s urban core, with an additional 215,000 listeners in its coverage area, as well as additional listeners through online streaming and the TuneIn app.
“The letter X signifies many things,” WXNA board president Heather Lose says. “I like to see it as a physical symbol of a meeting place or a crossing point. We want WXNA to be a cultural meeting place for all the voices in our city, dedicated to free expression, community-building and preservation of all genres of music. WXNA’s success is not guaranteed. We have gotten this far—which is a big accomplishment—and we are grateful to everyone who has helped. From this point forward, we will need Nashville’s continued love and support to maintain, grow, and allow WXNA to reach its full potential.”
LifeNotes: Revered Vocal Coach Phoebe Binkley Passes
/by Robert K OermannPhoebe Binkley
Phoebe Binkley, who coached dozens of Nashville superstars and thousands of unknowns for more than 40 years, passed away on May 11 at age 78.
She was officially a vocal coach, but her many clients thought of her as a career counselor, a life advisor, a guidance guru, a confidante and much more. Among her high-profile students were Kathy Mattea, Ronnie Milsap, Hilary Williams, Ronnie Dunn, Ranger Doug Green, Barbara Cloyd and Crystal Gayle.
Binkley also coached Reese Witherspoon in her Oscar-winning performance singing the songs of June Carter in the Johnny Cash bio movie Walk the Line.
The coach was born Phoebe Knox in Memphis in 1937. Her career began as a radio singer-pianist. One early gig was on the Nashville show “Youth on Parade” alongside Pat Boone. She graduated from Vanderbilt University.
She sang as a soprano for several seasons with the St. Louis Municipal Opera, then went to Manhattan to study and perform.
Returning to Music City, she was recruited by Theatre Nashville to sing the lead in its production of La Boheme. The opera’s musical director was Bob Binkley (1934-2012), whom she married in 1960.
She first entered the country music world as a songwriter. Superstar Marty Robbins (1925-1982) recorded a dozen compositions by Bob & Phoebe Binkley in the 1960s and 1970s. Phoebe assumed leadership of Bob’s vocal-coaching business in 1971, when he became more involved in conducting, arranging and music education. She was noted for treating aspiring amateurs with the same care and attention she provided to Nashville’s biggest stars.
She became so well known in her field that she was chosen to appear on TV’s To Tell the Truth (“Will the real Phoebe Binkley please stand up!?”). She also continued to compose. She and her sister-in-law Ella Prince Knox created the musical Belle! Another notable relative was her father, Jack Knox (1910-1985), who was an editorial cartoonist for The Nashville Banner for many years.
Phoebe Knox Binkley died from complications of Post-Poliomyletis Syndrome. She is survived by son Ed Binkley and daughter Carolyn Knox Binkley. Carolyn, a former Belmont University instructor, will continue the family’s Nashville business, “Voice By Binkley.” Other survivors include Phoebe’s brothers Joseph and Britt Knox, her grandchildren, her nieces and her nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at Vine Street Christian Church on Friday, June 3 at 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to sing in the choir. Come dressed as Binkley would have you, in a way that makes you feel best about yourself.
Memorial contributions may be made in Phoebe Binkley’s name to BrightStone, P.O. Box 682966, Franklin, TN 37068 or to the W.O. Smith Community Music School, P.O. Box 121348, Nashville, TN 37212.