Award-winning country vocalist Joey Martin Feek has died of cancer at age 40.
She passed away in her hometown of Alexandria, Indiana, on Friday afternoon, March 4, surrounded by her praying family.
Joey Martin was born in Alexandria on Sept. 9, 1975. Her first performance occurred when she was six years old in elementary school. She sang Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors,” a song that predicted the strong emotionalism and commitment to country that would characterize her career.
She became an accomplished equestrian and often incorporated cowgirl imagery into her songs. Martin moved to Nashville in 1998. She was signed to Sony and recorded with producers Paul Worley and Billy Crain. But this record was never released.
She married established Nashville songwriter Rory Lee Feek in 2002. Her solo CD debut appeared in 2005 on Feek’s Giantslayer label. It was titled Strong Enough to Cry.
The couple settled in an 1870s farmhouse in Pottsville, TN, near Columbia. On days off, Joey Martin Feek worked with her sister-in-law at their rural café, Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse.
Joey + Rory became a duo in 2008 when they competed on the CMT program Can You Duet and finished third. Joey sang lead in the duo.
Signed by Vanguard/Sugar Hill, Joey + Rory released their debut duo CD, The Life of a Song, in 2008. Album Number Two appeared in 2010. A Farmhouse Christmas was issued in 2011. His and Hers became their fourth Sugar Hill collection in 2012.
Joey + Rory charted with the singles “Cheater, Cheater” (2008) and “That’s Important to Me” (2011). They have 10 music videos.
In 2009 and 2010, the team was nominated as Duo of the Year by both the ACM and the CMA. They won the award at the ACMs in 2010. At the 2011 Inspirational Country Music Awards, Joey + Rory also won Duo of the Year.
In addition to making records, they made their mark as broadcasters. The Joey + Rory Show aired on Friday evenings on RFD-TV in 2012-2014. They also co-hosted “The Joey + Rory Radio Show” on WSM 650 AM.
Inspired: Songs of Faith and Family was issued by the Gaither Music imprint in 2013. Made to Last, released the same year, was on their independent Farmhouse label.
Cracker Barrel distributed Joey + Rory’s 2014 CD Country Classics. The team’s current CD, also a Cracker Barrel outing, is Hymns That Are Important to Us.
Joey Martin Feek had daughter Indiana in February 2014. The baby has Down Syndrome. Rory Feek also has two daughters from an earlier relationship.
In June 2014, Joey revealed that she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments, but the cancer returned vigorously in June 2015. In October, she elected to cease treatments and spend time with her family in Indiana. She was under the care of her sister, a nurse.
Joey + Rory were nominated for a 2015 Grammy Award, and she vowed to live until the Feb. 15, 2016 ceremony.
Joey Martin Feek is survived by husband Rory Feek, daughter Indiana Boon Feek, stepdaughters Hiedi Caroline and Sarah Hope Feek, parents Jack and June Martin and sisters Julie Snyder and Jessie May.
Mark Wright Leads You42 Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonMark Wright
Former Show Dog-Universal head Mark Wright has been named President of the new Nashville office for Atlanta-based entertainment business You42. You42 is a social entertainment network that aims to reinvent how users discover, interact, and collaborate with entertainment content through a single, integrated experience.
Also joining Wright at You42 are former Show Dog radio reps Macy Morgenthaler and Laurie Gore. Morgenthaler joins You42 as VP/Artist Relations & Creative Content, while Gore joins as Sr. Director of Operations.
“Opening an office in Nashville was a no brainer for You42,” says CEO Chris Moreau. “Doing business in the heart of Music City gives us access to some of the best talent in the industry.”
You42 aims to create multiple new revenue opportunities for musicians, filmmakers, athletes, and other media creators to monetize their brands and content to the fullest. The company’s site claims it will distribute 98 percent of all sales back to the social network community.
Gibson Brands’ Henry Juszkiewicz Responds To Credit Downgrade
/by Jessica Nicholson“The downgrade reflects the weak performance and the resulting very high leverage and also the additional financial obligations Gibson incurred from its agreement with a consumer electronics supplier to settle overdue payables and the stress it puts on company’s liquidity profile,” said Kevin Cassidy, Senior Credit Officer at Moody’s Investors Service.
Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman/CEO Gibson Brands, released the following statement:
According to Moody’s, Gibson Brands needs to generate cash flow to address its $36 million financial obligations to a consumer electronics supplier by December 2016, as well as its subsequent $62 million obligation by December 2017. Over the longer term, an upgrade could be considered if Gibson improves and sustains its operating performance.
Gibson Brands Inc. designs, manufactures, markets, and globally distributes premium musical instruments, consumer and professional audio and video products, information products, and related accessories. The company’s product offerings are marketed under a portfolio of brands including Gibson, Philips, Epiphone, Kramer, Baldwin, Onkyo, KRK, and Stanton.
Tour Notes: Rascal Flatts, Reba and Brooks & Dunn, Tyler Farr
/by Craig_ShelburneRascal Flatts Returning With Rhythm And Roots Tour
Rascal Flatts have announced their Rhythm and Roots Tour with special guests Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Lane (“Fix”). The itinerary begins June 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The band wrapped their residency in Las Vegas on Saturday (March 5).
“It’s really important to us that each year our shows are fresh and exciting for our fans,” said Jay DeMarcus. “We put a lot of thought into how to do that this year and mixing it up in Vegas was really fun so we decided to continue with this new change of pace out on the road this summer. We are so pumped because no-one has ever seen Rascal Flatts like this before and we’re really excited to have such great support this year with Kelsea and Chris too, it’s going to be a blast!”
Reba, Brooks & Dunn Add July Dates In Las Vegas
Reba and Brooks & Dunn have added nine more dates to their Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Since launching the residency last summer, they have played 18 consecutive sold-out shows to more than 75,000 fans. Tickets to the new shows go on sale Friday (March 11). The new dates are July 12, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 29, and 30.
Fans also have a chance to catch the trio this spring when they next return to The Colosseum for six previously-announced performances. Tickets are on sale now for shows on May 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, and14.
Tyler Farr Secures Old Milwaukee Beer Sponsorship
Tyler Farr
Columbia Nashville artist Tyler Farr has announced a tour and video partnership with Old Milwaukee Beer to run through the end of 2016. Farr has invited Old Milwaukee to be part of his tour dates including his bus, backstage and VIP areas.
The newly formed partnership will feature multiple custom videos that showcase the humor and lifestyle of both Farr and the Old Milwaukee Beer brand.
“I’ve been holding this secret in for several months and now I can finally let the cat out of the bag. I’m so excited for this one of a kind partnership with Old Milwaukee. We’re going to have a lot of fun out there and I invite all of my fans to come out to shows and join us,” says Farr. “While I’ve been on vocal rest these past few months, I’ve been mentally preparing for when I hit the road next; which will be very soon. I’m ready to bring my energy back to my fans that have been so incredibly supportive. I’m just about ready! I hope the world is!!”
Ryman Auditorium To Feature Lucinda Williams, Cyndi Lauper, Harry Connick, Jr., And More
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Ryman Auditorium has announced upcoming concert dates from Lucinda Williams, Cyndi Lauper, Harry Connick, Jr., Brian Regan, and Silversun Pickups.
Harry Connick, Jr.
Harry Connick, Jr. will perform on Sunday, June 12 and Monday, June 13. Both shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 11, at 10 a.m. Ticket prices range from $45 to $105, plus fees. For more, visit ryman.com.
To date, Connick has released 30 albums, won three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards, and garnered sales of over 28 million album. His newest release, That Would Be Me, features all new songs.
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper will perform Monday, May 9, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. Lauper will release her first country album, Detour, on May 5 via Rhino Records. Tickets range from $45 to $75. For more, visit ryman.com.
Brian Regan
Brian Regan will perform Saturday, Sept. 10 beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available for $47.50 and $52.50. For more information, visit ryman.com.
On September 26, Regan made history with the live Comedy Central broadcast of Brian Regan: Live from Radio City Music Hall, the first-ever live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. The special was critically-acclaimed with Vanity Fair calling Regan, “The funniest stand-up alive.” That performance is now available on CD, DVD or as an audio or video download.
Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups and Foals (with special guests Joywave) will bring their music to the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, May 18. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available for $35, plus applicable service charges. For more information, visit ryman.com.
Lucinda Williams
Lucinda Williams will perform at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 11 at noon. Tickets are available for $24.50, $34.50, and $49.50, plus applicable service charges. For more visit ryman.com.
Williams’ latest album, The Ghosts of Highway 20, is a 14-song collection that includes “Dust,” a song built around a poem written by her late father, poet Miller Williams.
“I know people throw the word around a lot, but this is one of the most organic things I’ve ever worked on,” says Greg Leisz, who co-produced and played guitar on the album. “There aren’t any overdubs, there’s no sweetening, it was the musicians getting into a headspace and bringing the songs to life. We were ecstatic to see how the whole thing came together, how [Lucinda] reacted to seeing the process unfold. It was a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Josh Kelley Signs To Sugar Hill Records
/by Craig_ShelburneJosh Kelley
Singer-songwriter Josh Kelley is working on new music for Nashville-based Sugar Hill Records, the label announced on Monday (March 7).
Kelley has been actively writing, producing, and playing most of the instruments himself for the new project, with most of the work taking place in the state-of-the art studio he built four miles from his home in Utah, where he lives with his wife, actress Katherine Heigl, and their two children.
“I’m in the studio every day,” Kelley said. “Being the producer, the engineer and the artist can get lonely sometimes, but it’s very empowering and very satisfying creatively. For me, there’s no better drug than spending the morning writing a song, spending the afternoon recording and producing it, and then making a copy and listening to it in the car on the way home. It’s so much fun having that instant gratification, of creating something from scratch.”
The album is Kelley’s first release since Georgia Clay was issued by MCA Nashville in 2011. His music credits include writing and performing the theme song for the sitcom Mike and Molly, scoring the feature film Home Sweet Hell, and creating the theme song for the Golf Channel.
“Josh Kelley is a tremendous singer songwriter,” said Rounder Label Group’s COO, Cliff O’Sullivan. “As a label that prides itself in having an eclectic music roster, Sugar Hill is a perfect home for an artist like Josh whose career lives in several genres. We’re thrilled to welcome Josh to the Rounder Label Group family.”
Josh Kelley and his brother, Charles Kelley will tour together in April and May. Their Nashville stop is scheduled for May 3 at 3rd & Lindsley.
Dolly Parton Plans North American Tour, Double Album For 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton
In 2016, Dolly Parton will embark on her first major U.S. and Canadian tour in more than 25 years. For the last 20 years, Parton has only played select dates in the U.S., but her upcoming tour will cover cities across North America.
Parton’s set list will include hit songs while weaving in a few new tracks from her upcoming double-disc album Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits. She will also be playing songs that have not been heard live for decades.
“We’re so excited to get out there and see the fans again. I’m really looking forward to singing songs the fans have not heard in a while, as well as the hits, while debuting a few new ones off Pure & Simple,” Parton said.
Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits will include new material as well as a compilation of Parton’s most-loved songs. A track listing for Pure & Simple will be announced soon.
In December, the Country Music Hall of Fame member launched the successful TV movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, which attracted 15.8+ million viewers and was the most-watched movie on network TV in more than three years. Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors will be released on DVD May 3.
Full tour dates and a track listing for Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits will be released soon.
Ali Harnell Will Be Featured Speaker At Rising Women On The Row
/by Craig_ShelburneAli Harnell
MusicRow is proud to announce that Ali Harnell, Senior Vice President at AEG Live, will be the featured speaker for the fifth annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast on Friday, April 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Guests will be treated to insights from Harnell during a conversation with MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson.
A special performance will also be given by Capitol Records Nashville rising star Mickey Guyton.
As previously announced, the 2016 Rising Women honorees are: Abbey Adams, Senior Creative Director, A&R – Sony/ATV Music Publishing; Amanda Cates, Head of Marketing and Digital Strategy – Maverick Nashville; Cris Lacy, VP, A&R – Warner Music Nashville; Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations – BMI; and Risha Rodgers, Partner – WME.
Tickets for the 2016 event are sold out. With any Rising Women on the Row inquiries, please contact Eric at eparker@musicrow.com.
Harnell has managed the Southeast region for AEG Live, overseeing all aspects of bookings and operations as well as national touring activity for Sugarland, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes, and others since 2004. She is co-creator of and curates talent for the international country music festival C2C.
In 2014 Harnell was named Promoter of the Year for IEBA, made Billboard‘s prestigious Top 50 Women in Music annual list the past two years as well as Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City list. In 2015 she was nominated CMA Promoter of the Year and listed as a Nashville Power Player by Billboard.
In addition to her position at AEG Live, she is artist co-manager for The Shadowboxers and Kristian Bush. Philanthropically over the past few years, she chaired Magdalene/Thistle Farms annual fundraiser, was TJ Martell’s Ambassador of the Year, and has produced the annual All For The Hall benefit concerts in Nashville since 2009.
Memberships include Board President, NACPA; Vice President, IEBA; Lifebeat/Music Fights AIDS; ACM; and CMA.
City National Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2016 Rising Women on the Row.
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris Stay Atop Charts
/by Craig_ShelburneChris Stapleton and Maren Morris hold steady at No. 1 on this week’s country album chart and country digital tracks chart, respectively.
Stapleton’s Traveller moves 34K units this week, pushing overall sales to 992K. That’s followed by Joey + Rory’s Hymns, with 32K units sold and 138K overall. Old Dominion’s Meat and Candy ascends to No. 3 with 10K sold, following the release of their music video for “Snapback.” To date, the album is up to 80K units.
Sam Hunt’s Montevallo (9K) and Thomas Rhett’s Tangled Up (7K) complete the Top 5. Chuck Wicks’ Turning Point enters at No. 12 with 3.7K. It’s his first new album since his 2008 debut.
Morris’ “My Church” remains at No. 1 on the country digital tracks chart with 37K this week and 216.5K overall. Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” rises to No. 2 with 31K units and 344K overall. Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” also gets a boost, climbing to No. 3 with 30K sold, and 153K overall. Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” (28K) and Brett Eldredge’s “Drunk on Your Love” (25K) round out the Top 5.
Alternative band The 1975 enters at No. 1 on the overall sales chart, marking their first chart-topping project there. Tapping out at nearly 75 minutes in length, the project’s full-title is I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It. The set marks 108K units this week (98K album only). Meanwhile, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis debuts at No. 4 with This Unruly Mess I’ve Made with 61K units (51K album only) and Anthrax debuts at No. 9 with For All Kings with 34K units (33.5K album only).
The No. 1 digital track overall is Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece By Piece,” rocketing to No. 1 after her emotional performance on American Idol.
Info provided by Nielsen Soundscan.
LifeNotes: Joey Martin Feek Passes
/by Robert K OermannAward-winning country vocalist Joey Martin Feek has died of cancer at age 40.
She passed away in her hometown of Alexandria, Indiana, on Friday afternoon, March 4, surrounded by her praying family.
Joey Martin was born in Alexandria on Sept. 9, 1975. Her first performance occurred when she was six years old in elementary school. She sang Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors,” a song that predicted the strong emotionalism and commitment to country that would characterize her career.
She became an accomplished equestrian and often incorporated cowgirl imagery into her songs. Martin moved to Nashville in 1998. She was signed to Sony and recorded with producers Paul Worley and Billy Crain. But this record was never released.
She married established Nashville songwriter Rory Lee Feek in 2002. Her solo CD debut appeared in 2005 on Feek’s Giantslayer label. It was titled Strong Enough to Cry.
The couple settled in an 1870s farmhouse in Pottsville, TN, near Columbia. On days off, Joey Martin Feek worked with her sister-in-law at their rural café, Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse.
Joey + Rory became a duo in 2008 when they competed on the CMT program Can You Duet and finished third. Joey sang lead in the duo.
Signed by Vanguard/Sugar Hill, Joey + Rory released their debut duo CD, The Life of a Song, in 2008. Album Number Two appeared in 2010. A Farmhouse Christmas was issued in 2011. His and Hers became their fourth Sugar Hill collection in 2012.
Joey + Rory charted with the singles “Cheater, Cheater” (2008) and “That’s Important to Me” (2011). They have 10 music videos.
In 2009 and 2010, the team was nominated as Duo of the Year by both the ACM and the CMA. They won the award at the ACMs in 2010. At the 2011 Inspirational Country Music Awards, Joey + Rory also won Duo of the Year.
In addition to making records, they made their mark as broadcasters. The Joey + Rory Show aired on Friday evenings on RFD-TV in 2012-2014. They also co-hosted “The Joey + Rory Radio Show” on WSM 650 AM.
Inspired: Songs of Faith and Family was issued by the Gaither Music imprint in 2013. Made to Last, released the same year, was on their independent Farmhouse label.
Cracker Barrel distributed Joey + Rory’s 2014 CD Country Classics. The team’s current CD, also a Cracker Barrel outing, is Hymns That Are Important to Us.
Joey Martin Feek had daughter Indiana in February 2014. The baby has Down Syndrome. Rory Feek also has two daughters from an earlier relationship.
In June 2014, Joey revealed that she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments, but the cancer returned vigorously in June 2015. In October, she elected to cease treatments and spend time with her family in Indiana. She was under the care of her sister, a nurse.
Joey + Rory were nominated for a 2015 Grammy Award, and she vowed to live until the Feb. 15, 2016 ceremony.
Joey Martin Feek is survived by husband Rory Feek, daughter Indiana Boon Feek, stepdaughters Hiedi Caroline and Sarah Hope Feek, parents Jack and June Martin and sisters Julie Snyder and Jessie May.
Ray Stevens To Relocate Business Office, Open Nashville Music Venue
/by Jessica NicholsonA rendering of Cabaray. Photo: Moments By Moser
Ray Stevens announced today plans to relocate his Ray Stevens Music offices–a longstanding feature at the corner of Grand Avenue and 17th Avenue on Music Row–into a new music venue the singer-songwriter is opening in West Nashville, according to The Tennessean.
A groundbreaking was held for new 27,000-square-foot music venue, which will be called CabaRay and located at 5724 River Road, just off Charlotte Pike in Nashville.
The building will include a 700-seat room for live performances, a dining area, bar area, ticket offices and a gift shop. The portion of the building which will house Ray Stevens Music’s business operations, will include a recording studio and video production area.
Stevens moved to Nashville in 1962 and landed pop hits like “Guitarzan,” “The Streak,” and the Grammy-winning “Everything Is Beautiful.” He won another Grammy for his 1975 country hit, “Misty.” He joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980. From 1991 to 1993, Stevens operated a performance theatre in Branson, Missouri.
Breaking ground on CabaRay. Photo: Moments By Moser
Ray Stevens during the groundbreaking ceremony for CabaRay. Photo: Moments By Moser