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.
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.
Brandi Carlile, Old Crow Medicine Show Announce Tour
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Brandi Carlile, Old Crow Medicine Show
A co-headlining tour of Old Crow Medicine Show and Brandi Carlile will launch April 30 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.
Although a Nashville show has not been announced, the 16-date run will conclude at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, with highlights including a night at The Fox Theatre in Detroit and a stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. The artists will collaborate on a handful of songs nightly in addition to performing separate sets.
“Old Crow found a kindred spirit in Brandi Carlile. We’re so excited to make a joyful noise together this year out on the highways and byways of America,” said Old Crow’s Ketch Secor. The Grammy-winning band was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2013.
Carlile said, “Those boys don’t put on a show, they throw a party! That’s the way I want to spend my summer—throwing a party for our crowd with all my buddies.”
Both artists issued their latest albums on ATO Records.
Tour dates are below:
April 30: Atlanta; The Fox Theatre
May 4: Chattanooga, Tenn.; Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
May 6: Simpsonville, S.C.; Charter Spectrum Amphitheatre
May 7: Greensboro, N.C.; White Oak Amphitheatre
July 12: Cleveland, Ohio; Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
July 15: Interlochen, Michigan; Kresge Auditorium
July 16: Detroit, Michigan; The Fox Theatre
July 19: Huber Heights, Ohio; Rose Music Center at The Heights
July 22: Canandaigua, N.Y.; Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands PAC
July 23: Columbia, Md.; Merriweather Post Pavilion
July 24: Camden, N.J.; XPoNential Festival
Aug. 14: Morrison, Colo.; Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Aug. 16: Phoenix, Ariz.; Comerica Theatre
Aug. 17: Tucson, Ariz.; AVA Amphitheater
Aug. 19: San Diego, Calif.; SDSU Open Air Theatre
Aug. 20: Los Angeles; Hollywood Bowl
The Highwaymen Featured In Concert Box Set, PBS Documentary
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Highwaymen will be the subject of a new box set and documentary, both coming in May. The supergroup is composed of four towering figures in country music: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson.
The Highwaymen Live—American Outlaws is a deluxe CD/DVD (or CD/Blu-ray) box set of concert performances due May 20 via Columbia/Legacy.
The box set includes: a previously-unreleased full-length concert film recorded at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., on March 14, 1990 and transferred from the original film reels especially for this collection; two audio discs of music from that concert; and an audio disc with tracks recorded live at various Farm Aid Festivals.
As a bonus, the collection debuts a previously-unreleased recording of Bob Dylan’s “One Too Many Mornings.” A version of the song sung by Cash and Jennings appeared on their 1986 collaborative album, Heroes. Nelson and Kristofferson recorded new vocals for the track in 2014. Those vocals, produced by Mickey Raphael and remixed by Tony Castle, are now included on the recording.
The box set includes a booklet featuring new liner notes by noted music scholar and journalist Mikal Gilmore.
Meanwhile, American Masters—The Highwaymen: Friends Till The End, a new feature-length documentary, premieres on May 27 on PBS. The group’s story is told through vintage performances and new interviews about life on the road and in the studio. In addition, The Highwaymen: Live At Nassau Coliseum (a special broadcast edit of the concert film featured on the box set) will be part of special programming premiering on PBS stations as part of June Pledge 2016.
Columbia/Legacy will also release a new single-disc compilation, The Very Best of The Highwaymen, on May 20.
CMA Music Festival Announces Sunday Night Stadium Lineup
/by Troy_StephensonThey join previously announced Country Music stars Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Jr., and Chris Young who will perform during the Festival’s first three nights.
The 2016 CMA Music Festival runs Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12 in downtown Nashville.
For upcoming announcements and all other info stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com.
Luke Bryan
Photo Credit: Jim Wright
Keith Urban
Photo Credit: Courtesy PFA Media
Brett Eldredge
Photo Credit: Katherine Tyler
Little Big Town
Photo Credit: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment
Thomas Rhett
Photo Credit: John Shearer
Keith Urban Reveals Production, Songwriting Credits Of ‘Ripcord’
/by Jessica NicholsonKeith Urban‘s eighth album, Ripcord, doesn’t release until May 6, but the project has already produced two No. 1 hits for Urban. “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and “Break On Me” were Urban’s 19th and 20th career No. 1 songs.
The new project is the result of one of Urban’s most collaborative processes yet. He calls Ripcord his “most exhilarating album to make, both musically and creatively.”
“This album’s journey began back in January 2015 and took me to a lot of unexplored people and places,” he added. “The end result was the recording and exploring of more songs then I’ve ever done before and carving that down to what I felt constituted Ripcord.”
The 12-track album includes new collaborations with Jeff Bhasker, busbee, Greg Wells and Nile Rodgers, as well as personnel Urban has previously worked with, including Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Dann Huff and Nathan Chapman, all of whom worked with Urban on his previous album, Fuse.
“Getting to work with people like this was unlike anything I’ve envisioned before,” said Urban. “It’s the result of writing, reaching, imagining, and following the muse every step of the way.”
Urban will perform his new single, “Wasted Time,” on American Idol on Thursday night (March 31). He will also sing it on the ACM Awards on Sunday. His Ripcord World Tour 2016 will launch on June 2 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ripcord Track Listing
“Gone Tomorrow (Here Today)”
Written by Jeff Bhasker, Samuel Tyler Johnson, Keith Urban
Co-Produced By Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson & Keith Urban
“John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”
Written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne
Co-Produced by Dann Huff & Keith Urban
“Wasted Time”
Written by Greg Wells, J Hart, Keith Urban
Co-Produced by Greg Wells & Keith Urban
“Habit Of You”
Written by K-Kov, Jackson Morgan
Co-Produced by K-Kov & Keith Urban
“Sun Don’t Let Me Down”
Written by Nile Rodgers, busbee, Armando Christian Perez, Keith Urban
Co-Produced by Nile Rodgers, busbee & Keith Urban
“Getting In The Way”
Written by Emily Weisband, Jordan Reynolds, David Hodges
Co-Produced by Dann Huff & Keith Urban
“Blue Ain’t Your Color”
Written by Steven Lee Olsen, Hillary Lindsey, Clint Lagerberg
Co-Produced by Dann Huff & Keith Urban
“The Fighter”
Written by busbee, Keith Urban
Co-Produced by busbee & Keith Urban
“Break On Me”
Written by Jon Nite, Ross Copperman
Co-Produced by Nathan Chapman & Keith Urban
“Your Body”
Written by busbee, Keith Urban
Co-Produced by busbee & Keith Urban
“That Could Still Be Us”
Written by Jason Duke, Jesse Lee, Jonathan Price
Co-Produced by Jonny Price & Keith Urban
“Worry ‘Bout Nothin’”
Written by Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson, Josh Kear
Co-Produced by Dann Huff & Keith Urban
Rob Beckham To Be Honored, Reba To Headline At Nashville’s Swan Ball
/by Jessica NicholsonRob Beckham
Rob Beckham, WME Partner and co-head of WME’s Nashville office, will be honored with the 2016 Swan Award during the 54th annual Swan Ball, slated for June 4. Additionally, Reba has been named as the musical headliner for the evening.
He was promoted to his current role, co-head of WME’s Nashville office, in 2011. In 2015, WME clients captured 10 of 11 ACM Awards, and 7 of 11 CMA Awards. He is a three-time nominee for the CMA SRO Award for Talent Agent of the Year and won the award in 2014.
In addition to his work at WME, Beckham is also active in the community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association, the TJ Martell Foundation and Make-A-Wish for Middle Tennessee. In 2014, he was named TJ Martell Ambassador of the Year and was honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors at its annual gala. In 2015, he edged out other Music Row executives to raise the most money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pie in Your Face Challenge. He regularly donates his time speaking at events and participating in fundraisers for various local and national charities. A native of Montana, Rob now lives in Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife, Melissa, and his daughter, Ella.
Presented annually since 1969 at Nashville’s Swan Ball, The Swan Award is given to individuals distinguished in the arts or by their dedicated service to humanity.
Previous Swan Award recipients include Martha Rivers Ingram, Bill Ivey, Mrs. Ann Hendricks Bass, The Frist Family, Ann and Monroe Carell, Mrs. Teresa Heinz, Gerald and Florence Van de Kemp, Mr. Kip Forbes, The Honorable Walter H. Annenberg, Dr. Armand Hammer, The Duncan Phillips Family, Mrs. Carroll Petrie, and Veronica Hearst, among others.