Eric Paslay Advocates For Music Education
Eric Paslay and Sen. Bob Corker. Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for NAMM
EMI Nashville recording artist Eric Paslay traveled to Washington, D.C. this week on behalf of the CMA Foundation to participate in the NAMM Music Education Advocacy Fly-in. During the trip, Paslay met with legislators including Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Jim Cooper, Senator Bob Corker, and Congressman Chuck Fleischman to relay his own experiences with music education and express his dedication to keeping arts education programs thriving.
Paslay addressed participants of the Fly-in at the CMA/NAMM/VH1 Congressional Reception for Music Education and also attended the TurnAround Arts Artist Reception where he joined in an impromptu jam session with blues musicians Keb Mo and jazz musician Bernie Williams. The annual event advances NAMM’s core advocacy theme: music education and legislation that advances access to music education for all children.
Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $13.6 million to support sustainable music education initiatives across the country.
Cody Johnson Plans New Album, Gotta Be Me
Rising country artist Cody Johnson is scheduled to release a new full-length studio album, Gotta Be Me, on August 5. In the last 18 months, his music has been streamed 60 million times and sold 400,000 tracks. Since 2014, the Texas musician has played over 250 cities and sold more than 500,000 tickets. His prior album, Cowboy Like Me, debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s country album chart in January 2014. Since its release, Johnson’s music has surpassed $1 million in sales. Gotta Be Me is available for pre-order at iTunes.
Clark Manson Partners With ORCA Coolers
Pictured (L-R): Nick Fulton, Pat Doyle, manager Pete Olson, Clark Manson, Kelsey Canan, Ashleigh Walker, Regina Pasconi, Grace Santschi, Whit Gammon
Country artist Clark Manson has teamed up with Outdoor Recreation Company of America (ORCA) for an endorsement of ORCA Coolers, a leading brand in the industry. Clark tours nationally, heading festivals as well as opening for acts like Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Dierks Bentley and Chase Rice. He is an Ohio native, where ORCA products are manufactured.
“We are very excited to have Clark as our newest Pro Staff member here at ORCA,” said Ashleigh Walker, VP of Marketing for ORCA Coolers. “Being a Nashville-based company we feel that Clark’s fan base and our customer base are basically one in the same, so this will be a great partnership for both of us.”
Clark’s new single is “Track 9.” He is exclusively represented by William Morris Endeavor and recording an album this month with producer Luke Wooten. He is sponsored by Jägermeister and was the 2015 TouchTunes Breakout Band winner.
Hannah Ellis Performs For National Police Week
Word MusicPublishing/Wordcountry songwriter Hannah Ellis sang her poignant song “Officer Down” during National Police Week held at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 15. The song, written by Ellis and co-writers Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach, is a tribute to her cousin Daniel Ellis who was killed in the line of duty in Richmond, Kentucky, last year. Daniel Ellis and 251 other officers were honored by having their name added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“Being asked to sing at the Fallen Peace Officers Memorial service is an honor in and of itself, but especially considering what my family has been through this past year with losing our own officer, it is something I will never forget,” says Ellis, a former contestant on The Voice. “Having the opportunity to sing a song that’s so personal to me and feel it resonate with so many people who have similar stories was a very moving experience.”
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.
Artist Updates: Eric Paslay, Cody Johnson, Clark Manson, Hannah Ellis
/by Craig_ShelburneEric Paslay Advocates For Music Education
Eric Paslay and Sen. Bob Corker. Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for NAMM
EMI Nashville recording artist Eric Paslay traveled to Washington, D.C. this week on behalf of the CMA Foundation to participate in the NAMM Music Education Advocacy Fly-in. During the trip, Paslay met with legislators including Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Jim Cooper, Senator Bob Corker, and Congressman Chuck Fleischman to relay his own experiences with music education and express his dedication to keeping arts education programs thriving.
Paslay addressed participants of the Fly-in at the CMA/NAMM/VH1 Congressional Reception for Music Education and also attended the TurnAround Arts Artist Reception where he joined in an impromptu jam session with blues musicians Keb Mo and jazz musician Bernie Williams. The annual event advances NAMM’s core advocacy theme: music education and legislation that advances access to music education for all children.
Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $13.6 million to support sustainable music education initiatives across the country.
Cody Johnson Plans New Album, Gotta Be Me
Rising country artist Cody Johnson is scheduled to release a new full-length studio album, Gotta Be Me, on August 5. In the last 18 months, his music has been streamed 60 million times and sold 400,000 tracks. Since 2014, the Texas musician has played over 250 cities and sold more than 500,000 tickets. His prior album, Cowboy Like Me, debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s country album chart in January 2014. Since its release, Johnson’s music has surpassed $1 million in sales. Gotta Be Me is available for pre-order at iTunes.
Clark Manson Partners With ORCA Coolers
Pictured (L-R): Nick Fulton, Pat Doyle, manager Pete Olson, Clark Manson, Kelsey Canan, Ashleigh Walker, Regina Pasconi, Grace Santschi, Whit Gammon
Country artist Clark Manson has teamed up with Outdoor Recreation Company of America (ORCA) for an endorsement of ORCA Coolers, a leading brand in the industry. Clark tours nationally, heading festivals as well as opening for acts like Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Dierks Bentley and Chase Rice. He is an Ohio native, where ORCA products are manufactured.
“We are very excited to have Clark as our newest Pro Staff member here at ORCA,” said Ashleigh Walker, VP of Marketing for ORCA Coolers. “Being a Nashville-based company we feel that Clark’s fan base and our customer base are basically one in the same, so this will be a great partnership for both of us.”
Clark’s new single is “Track 9.” He is exclusively represented by William Morris Endeavor and recording an album this month with producer Luke Wooten. He is sponsored by Jägermeister and was the 2015 TouchTunes Breakout Band winner.
Hannah Ellis Performs For National Police Week
Word MusicPublishing/Wordcountry songwriter Hannah Ellis sang her poignant song “Officer Down” during National Police Week held at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 15. The song, written by Ellis and co-writers Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach, is a tribute to her cousin Daniel Ellis who was killed in the line of duty in Richmond, Kentucky, last year. Daniel Ellis and 251 other officers were honored by having their name added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“Being asked to sing at the Fallen Peace Officers Memorial service is an honor in and of itself, but especially considering what my family has been through this past year with losing our own officer, it is something I will never forget,” says Ellis, a former contestant on The Voice. “Having the opportunity to sing a song that’s so personal to me and feel it resonate with so many people who have similar stories was a very moving experience.”
Artist Updates: Dustin Lynch, John Michael Montgomery, Lucas Hoge
/by Craig_ShelburneDustin Lynch Sings For FOX and Friends
Pictured (L-R): FOX & Friends hosts Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt, and Dustin Lynch
Dustin Lynch kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a performance on FOX & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series in New York City on Friday morning (May 27) on the FOX News Channel. His set list included “Mind Reader,” “Where It’s At,” “Hell of a Night” and a new song titled “Small Town Boy Like Me.”
John Michael Montgomery Will Perform For Veterans
John Michael Montgomery
John Michael Montgomery will sing “Letters From Home” for a crowd of veterans and their families on Memorial Day (May 30) in Washington DC. The performance is part of the 12th Annual National Memorial Day Parade in partnership with Helping a Hero, which builds specially-adapted homes for wounded veterans. The entire event will be broadcast nationally on REELZ Channel, American Forces Network and online at Military.com.
The parade will recognize the 75th anniversary of America’s entry into World War II, and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In honor of the 25th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, a special tribute will be made to veterans of the Gulf War as hundreds reunite in what will be the largest reunion of those who served in the war since its end in 1991. Additionally, the parade will recognize the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. More than 1,000 active duty military personnel will participate.
Lucas Hoge Visiting Troops Overseas
Pictured (L-R): Thomas Becker, Erik Anthes, Lucas Hoge
Country artist Lucas Hoge will spend Memorial Day performing for troops overseas. This will be the eighth Wrangler Patriot Tour that Hoge has participated in, traveling to undisclosed locations to perform for our servicemen and women. Previous tours have taken Hoge to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pacific Command and Alaska. Hoge’s patriotic song “Medal of Honor” is the official Wrangler National Patriot theme song.
Founded in 2009 the Wrangler National Patriot tour is a year-round program developed to help raise funds to support American military veterans and their families and to serve as inspiration for all Americans to rally around each other in patriotism.
Dolly Parton Accepts Role As Singing Chicken In Kids Show
/by Craig_ShelburneDolly Parton poses with her character, Noreen, on Lily’s Driftwood Bay.
Dolly Parton will voice a singing chicken named Noleen for a special episode of Lily’s Driftwood Bay, an Irish animated program for preschool children.
Parton says, “I’ve never played a chicken before but I have been known to lay a few eggs! Noleen is a very famous chicken, probably one of the most famous chickens ever there was. She washes up on Driftwood Bay and she’s trying to get Salty to go with her on tour. Now whether he does or whether he doesn’t, you’ll just have to watch and see!”
In Parton’s special double-length episode, Noleen’s luxury yacht gets beached on Driftwood Bay during a storm, much to the surprise of her greatest – and rather starstruck — fan, Lord Stag (Stephen Fry). An impromptu concert sees old sea dog Salty (Peter Mullan) duet with Noleen, who’s astonished by his talent and tries to persuade him to come on tour with her. The episode, titled ‘The Salty Chicken,’ will air next year.
Show creator and producer Colin Williams says, “‘The Salty Chicken’ was the first story outline that we wrote for series two and it was always Dolly that I wanted. It took me a year to convince her but what an honor to meet her, work with her and have her part of our special show. She’s an amazing and lovely lady — and a Lily fan too!”
A series about making fun and adventure from things that you find, Lily’s Driftwood Bay is produced by Sixteen South featuring characters and environments completely created from objects found washed up on the beach. The series is supported by some production funding from Northern Ireland Screen.
The series starts on Nick Jr. in the UK on June 6, followed by airings on Sprout, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment’s 24-hour preschool network in the U.S., on June 27.
In Pictures: Alabama, Sam Moore Join Music City Walk Of Fame
/by Eric T. ParkerAlabama’s Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen, BMG’s Kos Weaver, and the band’s Jeff Cook.
Country Music Hall of Fame members Alabama and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy Hall of Fame member Sam Moore were both honored by Music City with a newly revealed plaque in Nashville’s Walk of Fame Park.
A media gathering and unveiling took place May 26 with attendees Mayor Megan Berry, Bill Cody, Connie Smith, Alabama manager Tony Conway and the BMG Executive VP Kos Weaver. BMG Nashville released Alabama’s newest album, Southern Drawl, in 2015.
Photos: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Connie Smith, Sam Moore’s wife Joy, Sam Moore.
Alabama receiving a plaque on the Music City Walk of Fame.
Pictured (L-R): Sam Moore with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry.
Pictured (L-R): Alabama’s Teddy Gentry, the band’s manager Tony Conway, Alabama’s Randy Owen and Jeff Cook.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Connie Smith (L) presents Sam Moore with commemorative plaque.
Alabama pictured with family.
SunTrust’s 18th Annual Hot Dog Day Set For June 9
/by Jessica NicholsonThe free event, which will be held from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature entertainment provided by Warner/Chappell music publishing.
SunTrust Music Row is located at 1026 17th Ave. S.