BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 524
Pictured (L-R): Ray Stevens, Mike Curb, Bob Santelli, Joe Chambers, Mayor Megan Barry, Neil Portnow, Brenda Lee, Mickey Guyton, Peter Frampton, Butch Spyridon
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Grammy Gallery in the Musicians Hall of Fame turned out to be quite the gala affair.
Visitors to the museum on Tuesday afternoon (March 29) were treated to rocking music, big dignitaries and stargazing as well as a vast new interactive space.
The museum’s creator Joe Chambers introduced Mayor Megan Barry to the hundreds in attendance. The Mayor said she’s looking forward to seeing yellow school buses lined up outside the museum. “This is now going to be the coolest field trip in town,” she said. “I am so proud of this project. I believe in this project. This takes the Musicians Hall of Fame to a whole new level.”
She added that she was delighted to be sharing the stage with longtime museum supporters Brenda Lee and Peter Frampton. “Frampton Comes Alive was the first album I ever bought,” the Nashville leader shared.
Brenda was at her second gig of the day, having presided at the announcement ceremony of the next Country Music Hall of Fame members that morning. She reported that Fred Foster spilled the beans on the selections of fellow inductees Randy Travis and Charlie Daniels during his remarks. (By the way, all three are native North Carolinians).
Peter and Brenda weren’t the only celebrities in attendance at the ribbon cutting. Mingling in the crowd like everyday folks were Ray Stevens, Mickey Guyton, Garth Brooks, BR549’s Jay McDowell (who curates multimedia exhibits for the museum), hit songwriter Buddy Kalb, session aces Bobby Wood and Bruce Bouton, producer/writer Shannon Sanders and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Allen Reynolds, not to mention such major industry honchos as Rod Essig, Joe Galante, George Flanigen, Jody Williams and Jim Ed Norman.
Another such honcho was on stage. Mike Curb had the vision and the finances to bring the Grammy Gallery to Nashville. The city kicked in a million bucks, too. Grammy Museum executive director Bob Santelli made the vision a reality.
Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow said, “Visitors will experience first-hand the mysterious process of making music. We are so looking forward to sharing the recording process.”
Pictured (L-R): Ray Stevens, Joe Chambers, Mike Curb, Neil Portnow, Megan Barry, Brenda Lee, Bob Santelli, Butch Spyridon, Peter Frampton, Linda Chambers.
Individual stations in the Gallery teach various aspects of music creation via interactive videos and headphones. You can learn how to sing backup with Ray Charles & The Raelettes. You can learn to write songs with Motown legend Lamont Dozier and/or Nashville’s Desmond Child. You can learn how to produce with Mike Clink, to engineer with Manny Marroquin, to sing with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and to mix via Garth’s “Friends in Low Places.”
There is also a space where you can to learn how to rap, as well as a performing stage with playable instruments. Want to dance with Tina Turner? You can do that, too.
One segment of the Grammy Gallery tells the history of the Grammy Awards. Another shows how a Grammy statuette is manufactured. A series of displays show how the design of the award has evolved. There is a rehearsal hall. There is a recording studio.
“It is no longer a static experience,” said Santelli. “It is an active experience.”
Music at the event was provided by the Nashville School of the Arts Pop Ensemble, who seriously rocked the joint, doing everything from Adele to Bruno Mars. “You are going to be wowed by this next generation of musicians,” commented Mayor Barry.
Working the room were Pam Lewis, Jed Hilly, Mark Miller, Butch Spyridon, Barry Mazor, Dave Paulson, Kay Smith, Terry Clements, Don Murray Grubbs, Nancy Shapiro, Diane Pearson, Debbie Carroll, Lori Badgett, Linda Chambers, Stuart Ervin, Alicia Warwick and hundreds of delighted “civilians.” All the stars hung around to pose for pictures with fans.
The Musicians Hall of Fame is located in the spacious lower level of historic Municipal Auditorium. Its exhibits salute the musicians of Detroit, Memphis, Los Angeles, Muscle Shoals, New York, Nashville and other music centers.
Its motto is, “Come see what you’ve heard.” If you haven’t been to it, make a date to go at once. It is one of the coolest attractions in town. And now it’s even cooler.
Gary Allan Re-Signs With UMG Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonFront Row (L-R): UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Gary Allan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. Back Row (L-R): UMG Nashville VP Business and Legal Affairs Rob Femia, Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC’s David Crow, FBMM’s MaryAnn McCready, WME’s Rob Beckham, UMG Nashville Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser, UMG Nashville Sr. VP A&R Brian Wright, Lytle Management Group’s John Lytle
Gary Allan has re-signed with Universal Music Group Nashville, the label home for the entirety of his 20-year career. Allan will now be represented by the EMI promotion staff as part of the re-signing.
The California native released his first album, Used Heart for Sale, in 1996 on Decca Nashville (which was folded into MCA Nashville in 1999), and since then has released eight additional studio albums selling over 7 million albums total. His most recent album, 2013’s Set You Free, features the No. 1 single “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain),” which he co-wrote with Matt Warren and Hillary Lindsey.
Additional career milestones include three platinum albums, five gold albums and five No.1 hits at country radio including “Man To Man,” “Tough Little Boys” and “Nothing On But The Radio.”
“Gary is simply one of the most interesting vocalists and stylists that country music has ever known,” says UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. “He is truly a unique artist, and we are honored and thrilled to be able to continue to represent him.”
Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall To Return To Music Biz 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Music Business Association (Music Biz) will address the needs of the songwriting and publishing community in Nashville and beyond at this year’s Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall, which will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. during the Music Biz 2016 Convention at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. The event will be sponsored by Leavens Strand & Glover LLC.
The event will feature a keynote presentation from Steve Bogard, Director of The Copyright Forum and a songwriter with BBR Music Group’s Magic Mustang Music who has written nine #1 Country songs, including George Strait’s “Carried Away” and “Carrying Your Love with Me” as well as Rascal Flatts’ career breaker, “Prayin’ for Daylight.” He also serves as ex officio advisor to the NSAI Board and sits on the Board of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. His presentation will offer a unique viewpoint on today’s copyright issues, attacking the problem from both an artist and business perspective.
The Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall will also include a variety of panels featuring top publishing and performance rights professionals from companies such as Big Yellow Dog Music, BMG Rights Management, BMI, Combustion Music, Leavens Strand & Glover LLC, MusicSynk/LoudLab, ole, Secret Road Music Services, SESAC, Songtrust/Downtown Music Publishing, Streaming Promotions/Outside the Box Music, Word Entertainment, and Wrensong. Issues to be discussed include artist and songwriter development, indie publishing, synch licensing, streaming promotions, and more.
“The publishing industry is evolving rapidly in the digital age, making it difficult for songwriters to stay abreast of ever-changing digital music services while publishers take on new roles in artist development and more,” said Robby Towns, Director of Digital Strategy & Community at Music Biz. “It’s fitting that we tackle these issues head-on in Music City USA, the songwriting and publishing capital of the world. We look forward to a productive discussion that will give all in attendance a greater understanding of where things stand and what we can do together to improve the industry for all.”
Full Agenda Below:
9 – 9:20 a.m.
Songwriters & Publishers Town Hall Keynote
Although the business landscape has shifted drastically for the American songwriter, the world’s appetite for great original music is stronger than ever. Steve Bogard of BBR Music Group/The Copyright Forum will provide a brief overview of current copyright issues for songwriters, publishers, and PROs from a legislative, DOJ, and Copyright Office perspective. He’ll also recap positive signs in the recorded music market due to growth in streaming volume and income.
· Steve Bogard, BBR Music Group/The Copyright Forum
9:25 – 10:15 a.m.
Breaking the Mold: Modern Music Publishing
Almost every segment of the music industry has become a hybrid of what it used be at its inception. This is a trend that remains true and continues to gain momentum for publishers. From blockchain methodologies for artists like Imogen Heap to managing their own releases and distribution, the modern publisher is agile and forward-thinking. Our roster of expert panelists will expand upon these topics and much more.
· Moderator: Joe Conyers III, Songtrust/Downtown Music Publishing
· Kenley Flynn, Combustion Music
· Scott Jungmichel, SESAC
· Mike Steinberg, BMI
10:20 – 11:10 a.m.
Indie Publishing 2016: How Artist and Songwriter Development Is Changing for the Independent Publisher
With more and more opportunities for music placements popping up each day and many listeners discovering new artists and songs via this exposure, the role of music publishing companies has evolved to include many aspects of A&R, including songwriter and artist development. This focus is even more pronounced at independent publishing companies, many of which are responsible for developing the careers of promising songwriters and artists who have gone on to sign major label record deals and score chart-topping tracks. During this panel, executives from two of the top independent music publishing companies in Nashville will examine this new landscape, provide tips for publishers on how to successfully implement artist development programs, and explain how aspiring artists can use publishing deals to their advantage to take their careers to the next level.
· Moderator: John Ozier, ole
· Ree Buchanan, Wrensong
· John Pisciotta, MusicSynk/LoudLab
· Kos Weaver, BMG Rights Management
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Forward-Thinking Business Models in Synch Licensing & Streaming Promotion
Today, artists are being launched by publishers and synch companies with fuel from major synchs in TV shows, movies, and advertisements. With the power of just one placement, labels then begin to circle with the hope of piggy-backing on this success. Additionally, streaming has created the ability for publishers to promote artists like Jessie James Decker through playlisting strategies with significant return. We’ll discuss some of the various opportunities for synch and streaming and how the landscape continues to change for publishers.
· Moderator: Katie Jelen, Secret Road Music Services
· Charles Alexander, Streaming Promotions/Outside the Box Music
· Devon DeVries, Big Yellow Dog Music
· Randall Foster, ole
· Hillel Frankel, Leavens Strand & Glover LLC
· Joel Timen, Word Entertainment
Carrie Underwood Extends The Storyteller Tour, Adds Nashville Date
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood has added a fall date in Nashville to The Storyteller Tour—Stories In The Round. Since January, she has played sold-out shows across the United States, in addition to performing five shows in five countries as part of the C2C festival.
The tour has been extended through the fall, including a stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 22, as well as performances at the Los Angeles Staples Center on Sept. 14 and New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Oct. 25.
The fall leg of the tour launches Sept. 4 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, and ends Nov. 28 at Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah.
She is currently on the spring leg of the tour, which runs through May 30 in London, Ontario.
“I always love being on the road performing for my fans,” says Underwood, “but something about this tour feels more magnetic than ever. Having a 360-degree view of the audience gives me the opportunity to connect with more fans and feed off their energy. I can’t wait to continue this tour into the fall!”
CARRIE UNDERWOOD Photo: Steve Jennings
Carrie Underwood, The Storyteller Tour-Stories In The Round Fall Leg:
Sept. 4: Spokane, Washington: Spokane Arena
Sept. 6: Boise, Idaho; Taco Bell Arena
Sept. 8: Seattle, Washington; KeyArena at Seattle Center
Sept. 10: San Jose, California; SAP Center at San Jose**
Sept. 13: Bakersfield, California; Rabobank Arena
Sept. 14: Los Angeles, California; STAPLES Center
Sept. 20: Dallas, Texas; American Airlines Center
Sept. 22: Nashville, Tennessee; Bridgestone Arena
Sept. 24: Columbia, South Carolina; Colonial Life Arena
Sept. 26: Roanoke, Virginia; Berglund Center
Sept. 28: Providence, Rhode Island; Dunkin’ Donuts Center
Sept. 29: Manchester, New Hampshire; Verizon Wireless Arena
Oct. 1: Hershey, Pennsylvania; Giant Center
Oct. 4: Indianapolis, Indiana; Bankers Life Fieldhouse**
Oct. 5: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; BMO Harris Bradley Center
Oct. 7: Des Moines, Iowa; Wells Fargo Arena
Oct. 8: Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Oct. 20: Cincinnati, Ohio; U.S. Bank Arena
Oct. 22: Charlottesville, Virginia; John Paul Jones Arena
Oct. 23: Charlotte, North Carolina; Time Warner Cable Arena
Oct. 25: New York, New York; Madison Square Garden
Oct. 27: Albany, New York; Times Union Center
Oct. 28: Uncasville, Connecticut; Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 6: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; FirstOntario Centre
Nov. 9: Rockford, Illinois; BMO Harris Bank Center
Nov. 11: Evansville, Indiana; Ford Center
Nov. 13: Memphis, Tennessee; FedExForum
Nov. 14: Birmingham, Alabama; Legacy Arena at The BJCC
Nov. 16: Tampa, Florida; Amalie Arena
Nov. 17: Sunrise, Florida; BB&T Center
Nov. 22: Wichita, Kansas; INTRUST Bank Arena
Nov. 23: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Chesapeake Energy Arena
Nov. 26: Las Vegas, Nevada; T-Mobile Arena
Nov. 28: West Valley City, Utah; Maverik Center
Nashville Spirit Awards Will Honor Billy Block On April 18
/by Craig_ShelburneBilly Block
The inaugural Nashville Spirit Awards and a reunion concert honoring the late Billy Block will be held April 18 at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. Organized and hosted by Jill Block, the night will celebrate the memory and legacy of her husband, the legendary Nashville promoter, drummer, radio and TV host who passed in March 2015 from a hard-fought battle with cancer.
The concert will feature original members of the Billy Block Barn Dance house band from the 1996 launch of the weekly show at the Sutler, as well as songwriters and artists from every era of The Billy Block Show over the past 18 years. The awards will honor those in the Nashville community that share Billy Block’s kindness, generosity and talent.
Confirmed artists include: Kevin Gordon, Jim Lauderdale, Kim Richey, Tim Carroll, Jason Eskridge, Rocky Block, Nancy Terzian, Tom Mason, Peter Cooper, Thomm Jutz, Jon Byrd, Kristi Rose and Fats Kaplan, The Delevantes, Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang, Paul Burch, Michael Kelsh, Nick Pellegrino, Ray Stephenson and Gary Nicholson.
Tickets are $15 and proceeds benefit Music Health Alliance.
“As Nashville grows, many Nashvillians have voiced concern over losing the heart of our great city,” said Jill Block. “Billy was all about heart. The Nashville Spirit Awards will help us pay homage to the heart and soul of Music City. It honors the people that make it a great place to live, work, enjoy music, and raise a family. That is why Billy and I were so happy here.”
She continued, “I’m just one of many that want that kind spirit to live on, just like Billy’s spirit lives on. One of his cancer fighting mottos, was ‘Expect a Miracle’. The miracle isn’t that Billy is still walking around town hosting his show today, it’s that his spirit lives on through all of us. So let’s celebrate each other and all the wonderful spirit in this town on April 18.”
The celebration also marks the second anniversary of Billy Block Day, formally recognized by the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2014. Block was surprised by the resolution when Sen. Thelma Harper read it from the stage during the Billy Block Show at Mercy Lounge. The Tennessee State Senate also passed a resolution shortly after his passing in 2015, giving him credit as the “Godfather of Americana” and referring to his nickname of “Mr. Nashville.” Joined by her family, Jill Block gave a speech in the Senate Chambers upon personally accepting the resolution.
DISClaimer: Americana Prizes Go To Griffin House, The Roosevelts
/by Robert K OermannGriffin House
As we sample some current Americana music today, we find offerings from old friends and new.
In the “old friends” category, welcome back Josh Kelley, Will Kimbrough, Anthony Crawford, Griffin House, Hayes Carll and Parker Millsap. Also meet my “new friends” Left Arm Tan, The Grahams, The Roosevelts and Andrew Adkins, all of whom are here with their debut CDs.
As it happens, we have award winners from both camps. The always masterful Griffin House claims the Disc of the Day prize. The instantly-charming The Roosevelts earn a DisCovery Award.
Writers: Josh Kelley/Rachel Thibodeau/Ben Glover; Producer: Josh Kelley; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill
-Many of you will remember Josh from his 2011 run at mainstream success with “Georgia Clay” on MCA. He’s producing himself now on Sugar Hill. His New Lane Road collection drops on April 22, but you can sample this as its lead single now. It’s an aching ode to a lover who’s drifting away. He’s Charles Kelley’s brother, and they share a vocal affinity for a lustrous melody delivered with throaty warmth. He might be signed to an Americana label, but this is as polished and commercial as anything on country radio today.
GRIFFIN HOUSE/Paris Calling
Writer: Griffin House; Producer: Griffin House & Jon Leidersdorff; Publisher: none listed; GHM
-Ten albums into his career, this Nashville troubadour continues to crank out first-rate music. A case in point is this track from his new So On and So Forth collection. The sweetly melodic ode to the City of Light flows as fluidly as the Seine. Even before the album was released this month, CNN invited him to perform it on the air. That’s par for the course, since House’s folk-pop songs have been featured on a number of film and TV soundtracks. His vulnerability tugged at my heartstrings during several of his latest lyric masterpieces. I remain a huge fan.
THE ROOSEVELTS/Peaches
Writers: James Mason/Jason Kloess; Producer: Dwight Baker; Publisher: Beard Face/J Klo, BMI; In Stereo
-This fully bearded Nashville duo churn up a big, crunchy, rootsy sound on a remarkably assured debut album, The Greatest Thing You’ll Never Learn. The lead-off tracks have terrifically infectious hooks, jaunty energy and hearty good vibrations. I was so smitten, I dove instantly into the whole collection until I got to this smoldering soul stew of bluesy heartache. An A+ from this listener.
PARKER MILLSAP/Heaven Sent
Writer: Parker Millsap; Producer: Gary Paczosa & Parker Millsap; Publisher: Northwentz, BMI; Okrahoma
-I was a huge fan of Millsap’s debut album. His new one, The Very Last Day, includes this striking song about a gay son yearning for acceptance from his fundamentalist preacher father. Gripping and essential.
ANDREW ATKINS/May the Stars Fall at Your Door
Writer: Andrew Adkins; Producer: Andrew Adkins; Publisher: Whiskey Begonias, ASCAP; Electranead
-This Music City dude does it all. He writes ‘em, sings ‘em, produces himself and plays most of the instruments on his Glass Castles album. This track from it has a very cool “pulsing” vibe that throbs beneath his clear tenor voice. The poetic lyrics fit the synth-y sound just right.
THE WOOD BROTHERS/Singin’ to Strangers
Writers: C. Wood/O. Wood/J. Rix; Producers: Chris Wood, Oliver Wood & Jano Rix; Publisher: Royal Kook/Wood Sound/Spinach Pitts, BMI/ASCAP; Honey Jar
-This Nashville trio leads off its current Paradise album with this folk-punk outing characterized by slamming beats, manic harmonica, electric-guitar punctuation and bawling vocals. Compulsively listenable.
Hayes Carll. Photo: Jacob Blickenstaff
HAYES CARLL/Love Don’t Let Me Down
Writer: Hayes Carll/Darrell Scott; Producer: Joe Henry; Publisher: Highway 87 Publishing/BMG Firefly/I Imagine Music, ASCAP/SESAC; Hwy87
-Americana fave Carll returns on April 8 with his new Lovers and Leavers collection. This stately, solemn ballad is its first focus track. The deep echo, plaintive delivery, eloquent guitar work and lonely lyric cast a magical spell.
LEFT ARM TAN/Freedom Bus
Writers: Troy Austin/Daniel Hines/Jeff Scroggins/Tim Manders/Brian Lee; Producer: Salim Nourallah; Publisher: none listed; LAT
-This loose-limbed rollicking rocker has good times written all over it. A guaranteed toe tapper. The group’s Lorene album that contains it has a due date of April Fool’s Day. The estimable Walt Wilkins and Ken Bethea from The Old 97’s make guest appearances.
WILLIE SUGARCAPPS/Dreamer’s Sky
Writer: Will Kimbrough; Producers: Trina Shoemaker & Willie Sugarcapps; Publisher: none listed; BCPR
-This is an “all-star” collective featuring such super talents as Will Kimbrough, Anthony Crawford, Savana Lee, Grayson Capps and Corky Hughes. Based on the first Willie Sugarcapps album, the band became big NPR favorites. The sophomore collection, titled Paradise Right Here, drops on April 15. It contains this drawling, easy-swaying string-band ditty celebrating the joy of relaxation.
THE GRAHAMS/Griggstown
Writer: none listed; Producer: Wes Sharon; Publisher: none listed; Creative/Three
Alyssa Graham has a piercing vocal delivery with a trembling vibrato. Doug Graham’s harmony singing is right on the money. This strummy, catchy, rapidly shuffling track is from an album titled Glory Bound. Guests include Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, Byron Berline, The Milk Carton Kids and David Garza.
The Recording Academy Plans PBS Special For Special Merit Honorees
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Recording Academy will honor its 2016 Special Merit Awards recipients with an awards ceremony and live tribute concert on Saturday, April 23, at The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
Titled Grammy Salute to Music Legends, the event will be produced in partnership with THIRTEEN as part of the Great Performances series on PBS, set to air later this year. Led by music industry icon Don Was as musical director, the tribute concert will feature rare performances by honorees and renditions by those they’ve inspired. Performers will be announced at a later date.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees include Ruth Brown, Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Jefferson Airplane, Linda Ronstadt, and RUN DMC. Composer John Cage, pioneering country music executive Fred Foster, and Arhoolie Records founder 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 Grammy Foundation Music Educator Award.
Previously held during Grammy Week, this is the first time that The Recording Academy has celebrated the Special Merit Awards with a stand-alone event and musical tribute. In addition to the tribute concert, special celebrity guests will present recipients their award statues and guests will enjoy never-before-seen video packages celebrating each of the honorees’ contributions to the music industry and our cultural heritage.
“For many years now, we’ve wanted to honor Special Merit Awards recipients on a larger scale with an event like Grammy Salute to Music Legends, so I’m delighted to partner with THIRTEEN Productions and PBS to bring this worthy celebration to a bigger stage,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “The contributions of our honorees are innumerable, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening as we pay tribute to their exceptional accomplishments.”
A production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET, Grammy Salute to Music Legends will be written by David Wild and directed for television by David Horn, with Mitch Owgang as producer, and David Horn and Neil Portnow as executive producers.
Artist Updates: Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Sara Evans
/by Craig_ShelburneCarrie Underwood Chimes In With “Church Bells”
Carrie Underwood will debut her new single, “Church Bells,” with a performance on the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3 on CBS. Produced by Mark Bright and written by Zach Crowell, Brett James and Hillary Lindsey, “Church Bells” ships to country radio on Friday, April 1 and officially impacts on Monday, April 11.
Underwood describes “Church Bells” as one of the most dynamic narratives on her Storyteller album. “I love songs about strong women. I love being sucked into that story: rooting for the woman and seeing that she does something powerful that she never thought she could do,” explains Underwood. “People are strongest when they’re pushed to their limits.”
Dolly Parton’s TV Movie Wins Christopher Award
Photo: Jeff Lipsky/NBC
The 2015 TV movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, is the recipient of a Christopher Award, which recognizes feature films, TV/cable programs and books for adults and young people. The awards were created in 1949 to celebrate writers, producers, directors, authors and illustrators whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” The awards ceremony will take place in New York City on May 19.
Parton said, “I love the Christopher Award slogan, ‘Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.’ I personally believe that with all my heart. I think the movie, Coat of Many Colors, a true story from my childhood, does throw a light on a lot of things like family, hope, love, kindness, understanding, and acceptance. It really spoke to the issue of bullying. I am very proud at how God works through me to shine a light, and to help heal a lot of hurt in a lot of people, and I am very proud of this award.”
Sara Evans Selected For Symphony Fashion Show
Sara Evans
Sara Evans will be the featured entertainer for the 2016 Symphony Fashion Show, a glamorous evening showcasing the designs of Carolina Herrera and celebrating her 35 years as a fashion icon. Taking place April 26 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the 11th annual event is presented through a partnership among the Nashville Symphony, Carolina Herrera and Gus Mayer of Nashville, with funds going to support the Nashville Symphony’s education and community programs.
Evans will join Herrera and 2016 Symphony Fashion Show Celebrity Chair Lily Aldridge, who is an international fashion model, Victoria’s Secret Angel and Sport Illustrated Swimsuit issue model.
“I’m extremely honored to be part of the 2016 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show,” said Evans. “I have a deep love of fashion, and Carolina Herrera’s designs have always been some of my favorites. I can’t wait to perform and see what everyone’s wearing!”
“With her stunning voice, distinct country-crossover sound and incredible beauty and grace, Sara Evans is the perfect choice for this celebration of Carolina Herrera’s 35 years in fashion,” said Sylvia Bradbury and Suzanne Smothers, 2016 Symphony Fashion Show co-chairs. “We are thrilled to have Sara involved in this amazing night, and we are both looking forward to a memorable and electrifying performance.”
Reba Details New Management Structure At Change The Conversation Event
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Tim Godwin (Taylor Guitars), Beverly Keel (MTSU; Change the Conversation Co-founder), Lexi Mackenzie, Kalie Shorr, Leslie Fram (CMT; Change the Conversation Co-founder), Reba McEntire, Tracy Gershon (Rounder Records Group; Change the Conversation Co-founder), Alana Springsteen, Savannah Keyes & Allison Veltz, Erika Wollam Nichols (The Bluebird Cafe). Photo. Justin McIntosh
Reba McEntire is no longer managed by Narvel Blackstock, her former husband and manager for over 25 years. The news came during a FAQ session at the first Change the Conversation Presents: Rising Young Artists Mentoring Sessions, a Q&A event held at the Bluebird Cafe last night (March 29).
Blackstock and McEntire divorced in 2015. At the time, it was reported the two would continue their working relationship, which began in 1988.
The international star will maintain management offices at 40 Music Square West but will direct her own career as President of Reba’s Business Incorporated (RBI) with team members including Carolyn Snell (Associate Manager/Tour Manager), Leslie Matthews (Brand Manager) and Theresa Connelly (controller). Justin McIntosh continues in his role as VP, Creative & Marketing for Starstruck in addition to RBI.
“I thought it was a good time now to break free from management,” explained McEntire. “My team at Starstruck, which is now RBI, joined together and had a powwow at lunch [brainstorming] ideas. Then we took our list to Nash Icon and they were so excited because we were willing to do things that we hadn’t got to do before. If there was something they asked for in the past, [let’s] bring it up again.
“We all get along and love the business. We’re always trying to find out new ways to do things.”
Blackstock will continue to lead Starstruck Entertainment, managing the careers of Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and Caroline Kole. There was no comment on whether McEntire will retain any ownership in that company she founded with Blackstock, or its studio and relaunched writers group.
Reba (L) speaks at the March 29 Change The Conversation Mentoring Event with Beverly Keel (R).
In addition to detailing her management venture, McEntire offered thoughtful advice and heartfelt encouragement (below) to a room of young female artists, including Cassadee Pope, Erin Enderlin and Natalie Stovall in addition to industry members Ree Guyer Buchanan, Anastasia Brown, Neal Spielberg, Todd Cassetty, Allison Jones, Erin Burr, Jake Basden, Lauren Tingle and more. Newcomer artists/songwriters Savannah Keyes, Lexi Mackenzie, Kalie Shorr, Alana Springsteen and Allison Veltz performed acoustic sets after the interview. The performers each received a Taylor Guitar from the event sponsor.
Change the Conversation began in under the leadership of Tracy Gershon, Leslie Fram and Beverly Keel surrounding the “Tomatogate” incident of 2015 where radio consultant Keith Hill compared women in country music to the garnish on a salad. In response Reba jokingly offered, “Tomatoes are more nutritious than lettuce.”
Alana Springsteen.
Q&A Highlights From Reba and Beverly Keel’s Conversation
Best Advice
“I don’t get a lot of advice. The advice I got early on was show up, be on time, know what you’re suppose to be doing and be directable. You know in your gut when advice is good, or if you need to take it with a grain of salt.”
On Supporting Other Women
“Girls have to pull together and be supportive. That’s not only artists, that’s publicists or anyone working at the label. Give [women] words of confidence, hope or encouragement. For us girls, it’s all about teamwork and perseverance—work harder, because you’re gonna have to. It is a man’s world, that’s just the way it is. I grew up in a rodeo cowboy mentality on the ranch. You just put on a pretty little smile, don’t bitch about it, just work sometimes three times as hard.”
Best Decision
“To follow my gut. I think that’s the Holy Spirit talking to me. Sometimes I can hear it because it’s a thought—it’s really audible.”
On Critics
“Critics aren’t running the race. They’re not on the stage sweating bullets when they can’t remember the words or worried if the dress zipper will stay together. Sometimes you can learn from them though.”
Evolution of The Female Role
“I started in ’76. That was right on the heels of women needing to do something other than being in a radio station taking up time. I opened shows for [male acts] and it was an honor to get to do that, but my goal the whole time was to be the headliner. That’s why I worked so hard. No matter what men said in radio stations or reviews, I kept going. Because I wanted to stand on stage and sing ‘Is There Life Out There’ and women hold up their diplomas and say, ‘Because of that song, it inspired me to go on.’ Touching the hearts of other women to get through a bad time in their life is so much more important than a No. 1 record.”
Social Media
“I think social media is to be funny and friendly—it’s personal. If you put too much business, it doesn’t work as well as if you post something outlandish—anything that has heart. People just want to see realness.”
Mistakes Of Young Artists When Building A Career
“Moving too fast—but that’s not only their fault. Our business is fast. If you don’t make it quick, you’ll be let go. I was in trucks and U-Haul trailers with vans that leaked for years. Now people get the first-class treatment early where all that money is spent on the front-end. The way I see it, money management is not done correctly. PolyGram Mercury was so sweet to keep me on their roster and train me early on. Every single went a little bit closer to that No. 1 spot. After six or seven years I got a No. 1 record. Unfortunately, that won’t happen today.”
Brett Eldredge Celebrates Fourth No. 1 Single “Lose My Mind”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured, Back Row (L-R): BMI’s Bradley Collins, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg and Warner Music Nashville leader John Esposito. (Front Row, L-R): BMI songwriters Ross Copperman, Brett Eldredge and Heather Morgan with BMI’s Jody Williams.
Brett Eldredge is lobbing singles to the top of the country charts so fast that the No. 1 celebrations can’t keep up.
Eldredge and his team gathered in Nashville on Tuesday afternoon (March 29) for a BMI-hosted event to celebrate his No. 1 single “Lose My Mind,” while his latest single, “Drunk On Your Love” is currently at the pinnacle of the Country Aircheck/Mediabase singles chart. That brings Eldredge’s total to five consecutive No. 1 hits on that chart.
The party was held at trendy new cocktail bar Old Glory, which is located behind Taco Mamacita in Edgehill Village. Old Glory’s location is secretive, too, in a New York kind of way. There’s no official signage to the place, just a nondescript door leading into the cocktail bar. The venue’s aesthetics include exposed brick walls, a smokestack, and 60-foot ceilings. This day, the venue was packed with industry well wishers.
Eldredge, along with his co-writers Heather Morgan and Ross Copperman, as well as BMI’s Bradley Collins, and Warner Music Nashville leader John Esposito addressed the industry-only crowd from the second floor balcony.
“Lose My Mind” marks Morgan’s second No. 1 song, following her contributions to another Eldredge hit, “Beat of the Music.”
The track was Copperman’s eighth No. 1. He also contributed to Eldredge’s “Drunk On Your Love.” In one calendar year, Copperman has taken six songs to the top of the charts. He was also just named the Academy of Country Music’s Songwriter of the Year.
Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, CRB’s Bill Mayne, and Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuels were among those honoring the writers. Avenue Bank offered a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in honor of the songwriters.
“Heather has a special way of looking at the world,” said Van Valkenburg. “She lives on the bright side, but I think she kind of understands the darker sides of things that people go through. Her melodies and lyrics fall somewhere in the middle, which makes her such a special songwriter. Add that to the fact that I’ve seen her work probably twice as hard since she had her first No. 1, it’s no surprise that she’s up here again celebrating this. I think there will be many more of these.”
“I think it’s a strong statement to say that someone has altered the sound of a genre, but I think it’s fair to say that bout Ross Copperman,” Van Valkenburg continued. “Over the past few years, the multitude of hits that he’s had, have truly redefined not only country music, but this generation’s songwriters that are writing for it. It’s constantly pushing the boundaries of what country music can be and where it is headed. I think we are all very lucky to have him in this town.”
Eldredge noted that before signing his recording contract, he had been playing shows around Nashville, and drew early supporters of his music.
“It is so crazy so much of a community this town is and how much people get behind you. For the rest of my life, I hope this town never loses that,” he said. “We can never let this town lose that sense of community. It’s the best place in the world.”
Bobby Karl Works The Grammy Gallery Opening At Musicians Hall Of Fame
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 524
Pictured (L-R): Ray Stevens, Mike Curb, Bob Santelli, Joe Chambers, Mayor Megan Barry, Neil Portnow, Brenda Lee, Mickey Guyton, Peter Frampton, Butch Spyridon
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Grammy Gallery in the Musicians Hall of Fame turned out to be quite the gala affair.
Visitors to the museum on Tuesday afternoon (March 29) were treated to rocking music, big dignitaries and stargazing as well as a vast new interactive space.
The museum’s creator Joe Chambers introduced Mayor Megan Barry to the hundreds in attendance. The Mayor said she’s looking forward to seeing yellow school buses lined up outside the museum. “This is now going to be the coolest field trip in town,” she said. “I am so proud of this project. I believe in this project. This takes the Musicians Hall of Fame to a whole new level.”
She added that she was delighted to be sharing the stage with longtime museum supporters Brenda Lee and Peter Frampton. “Frampton Comes Alive was the first album I ever bought,” the Nashville leader shared.
Brenda was at her second gig of the day, having presided at the announcement ceremony of the next Country Music Hall of Fame members that morning. She reported that Fred Foster spilled the beans on the selections of fellow inductees Randy Travis and Charlie Daniels during his remarks. (By the way, all three are native North Carolinians).
Peter and Brenda weren’t the only celebrities in attendance at the ribbon cutting. Mingling in the crowd like everyday folks were Ray Stevens, Mickey Guyton, Garth Brooks, BR549’s Jay McDowell (who curates multimedia exhibits for the museum), hit songwriter Buddy Kalb, session aces Bobby Wood and Bruce Bouton, producer/writer Shannon Sanders and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Allen Reynolds, not to mention such major industry honchos as Rod Essig, Joe Galante, George Flanigen, Jody Williams and Jim Ed Norman.
Another such honcho was on stage. Mike Curb had the vision and the finances to bring the Grammy Gallery to Nashville. The city kicked in a million bucks, too. Grammy Museum executive director Bob Santelli made the vision a reality.
Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow said, “Visitors will experience first-hand the mysterious process of making music. We are so looking forward to sharing the recording process.”
Pictured (L-R): Ray Stevens, Joe Chambers, Mike Curb, Neil Portnow, Megan Barry, Brenda Lee, Bob Santelli, Butch Spyridon, Peter Frampton, Linda Chambers.
Individual stations in the Gallery teach various aspects of music creation via interactive videos and headphones. You can learn how to sing backup with Ray Charles & The Raelettes. You can learn to write songs with Motown legend Lamont Dozier and/or Nashville’s Desmond Child. You can learn how to produce with Mike Clink, to engineer with Manny Marroquin, to sing with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and to mix via Garth’s “Friends in Low Places.”
There is also a space where you can to learn how to rap, as well as a performing stage with playable instruments. Want to dance with Tina Turner? You can do that, too.
One segment of the Grammy Gallery tells the history of the Grammy Awards. Another shows how a Grammy statuette is manufactured. A series of displays show how the design of the award has evolved. There is a rehearsal hall. There is a recording studio.
“It is no longer a static experience,” said Santelli. “It is an active experience.”
Music at the event was provided by the Nashville School of the Arts Pop Ensemble, who seriously rocked the joint, doing everything from Adele to Bruno Mars. “You are going to be wowed by this next generation of musicians,” commented Mayor Barry.
Working the room were Pam Lewis, Jed Hilly, Mark Miller, Butch Spyridon, Barry Mazor, Dave Paulson, Kay Smith, Terry Clements, Don Murray Grubbs, Nancy Shapiro, Diane Pearson, Debbie Carroll, Lori Badgett, Linda Chambers, Stuart Ervin, Alicia Warwick and hundreds of delighted “civilians.” All the stars hung around to pose for pictures with fans.
The Musicians Hall of Fame is located in the spacious lower level of historic Municipal Auditorium. Its exhibits salute the musicians of Detroit, Memphis, Los Angeles, Muscle Shoals, New York, Nashville and other music centers.
Its motto is, “Come see what you’ve heard.” If you haven’t been to it, make a date to go at once. It is one of the coolest attractions in town. And now it’s even cooler.