Pictured (L -R): Brian Philips, Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., Kenny Rogers, Aubrey Harwell, FedEx CEO Frederick W. Smith; Back row (L-R): Jackie Wilson, Laura Heatherly, Dave Berryman, Scott Borchetta, Joe Walsh, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Leslie Fram, Chris Young, Charles Esten. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
The T.J. Martell Foundation raised $500,000 to benefit leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at last night’s (Monday, Feb. 29) 8th annual Nashville Honors Gala, for a total of nearly $3 million raised since 2009.
Hosted by Charles Esten, the gala brought an array of outstanding performances and tributes to recognize the efforts of dedicated individuals who have provided inspiring leadership to our community.
Ronnie Milsap performs onstage at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Honorees were treated to performances by Esten, Don Henley, Ronnie Milsap, Joe Walsh, Jackie Wilson and Chris Young and special presentations were made by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Hal Moses, Ph.D. and industry executive Scott Borchetta.
This year’s honorees included Aubrey Harwell, Co-Founding Partner of Neal and Harwell receiving the Spirit of Nashville Award, while Brian Philips, President of CMT, received the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award. Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, received the Medical Research Advancement Award, and Grammy award-winning Kenny Rogers received the Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award. Fred W. Smith, founder, chairman, president, and CEO of Fedex Corporation, was also in attendance to accept the Outstanding Global Citizenship Award on behalf of more than 350,000 team members around the world.
Don Henley performs at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Honoring Aubrey Harwell, highlights included Milsap’s performance of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” before peforming his hit, “Smoky Mountain Rain,” one of Tennessee’s state songs, both which greatly pleased the enthusiastic crowd.
Young delivered an acoustic version of his hit “Voices” to honor Dr. Pietenpol while Walsh honored Brian Philips with “A Life of Illusion,” a favorite song of Brian’s children. Rounding out the performances, Henley performed the first song he ever wrote with the late Glenn Frey, “Desperado” to honor Kenny Rogers. The rendition brought everyone to a standing ovation.
Joe Walsh performs at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta (right) presents Brian Phillips with the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Chris Young, T.J. Martell Foundation’s Tinti Moffat, and WME’s Rob Beckham attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Dierks Bentley, Kacey Musgraves Join Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala
/by Craig_ShelburneMack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M), the joint fundraising effort of ESPN analyst/football coach Mack Brown, musician Jack Ingram and actor Matthew McConaughey, have confirmed Dierks Bentley and Kacey Musgraves to headline its gala night on April 14 at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas.
Tickets will be available to the public on Friday, March 4 at acl-live.com.
This spring marks the fourth year of the MJ&M event. Every year thousands of guests enjoy two full days of events all benefitting charities working to empower kids through health, wellness and education programming.
On April 15, MJ&M will continue with a golf tournament at Spanish Oaks Golf Club. Simultaneously, MJ&M will host a fashion show and luncheon featuring Veronica Beard chaired by international supermodel Camila Alves McConaughey. The wraps up with the Jack Ingram & Friends concert presented by H-E-B at ACL Live featuring Eric Church, Jamey Johnson and more.
Funds raised at MJ&M 2016 will support CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, HeartGift, just keep livin foundation and The Rise School of Austin.
Don Williams Announces Retirement After Six-Decade Career
/by Jessica NicholsonDon Williams, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is retiring after six decades in the music industry.
“It’s time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home. I’m so thankful for my fans, my friends and my family for their everlasting love and support,” Williams said.
Williams first gained musical attention as a member of the pop folk trio The Pozo Seco Singers, which had six pop chart hits in 1966-67. Between 1974 and 1991, Williams had at least one major hit every year, including such country standards to be as “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” “Till the Rivers All Run Dry,” “It Must Be Love,” “I’m Just a Country Boy,” and “I Believe in You.” He also had a hit duet with Emmylou Harris on Townes Van Zandt’s “If I Needed You.” Other hits included “Tulsa Time,” “Back in My Younger Days,” “You’re My Best Friend,” “Come Early Morning,” “Lord, I Hope This Day is Good,” “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” and many more.
Williams was the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 1978 and “Tulsa Time” was the ACM Record of the Year for 1979. In 2010, Williams received country music’s highest honor with his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Industry Ink: AIMP, Dune Grass Music, Kobalt, Americana Music Association
/by Jessica NicholsonAIMP, Fifth Third Bank Host “The State Of Independent Music Publishing” Panel
Pictured: Row One: Steve Markland, Marc Driskill, Chris Farren, Mark Brown; Row Two: Kari Barnhart (5/3 Bank) Denise Nichols (The Primacy Firm), John Ozier (AIMP Ex. Director/ole}, Ree Guyer Buchanan (AIMP Treasurer/Wrensong Music), Randy Wachtler (Warner/Chappell Production Music), Craig Currier (peermusic), Brad Peterson (5/3 Bank), John Allen (New West Records/Publishing).
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville and Fifth Third Bank hosted a full house for “The State of Independent Music Publishing” panel. Held Feb. 24 at ASCAP’s Connie Bradley Board Room and moderated by John Allen, panelists Mark Brown (Round Hill Music), Marc Driskill (Sea Gayle Music), Chris Farren (Combustion Music), and Steve Markland (Downtown Music Publishing) discussed current trends in music publishing, changing royalty environments and plans for 2016.
Dune Grass Music Signs Melanie Meriney
Pictured (L-R): Neal Coty, Creative Director; Melanie Meriney; Hannah Gilbert, Creative Manager/Administration
Dune Grass Music has added Melanie Meriney to its roster of songwriters. Meriney joins fellow writers Neal Coty, Chris Harris, Jon Henderson, Eric Torres, Amber White, and recently co-published Brian Maher.
After graduating from Belmont University as a Songwriting major, Meriney showcased a number of times playing live sets on the Billy Block Show. She has been nominated for a Nashville Independent Music Award (NIMA) for Best Female Country Artist. .
“Melanie exceeds expectations as a young and upcoming songwriter,” says Neal Coty.
Meriney adds, “I’m looking forward to joining a roster of incredible writers and making some great music we can share with the world.”
Dune Grass Music is a Nashville-based publishing company with six staff writers and offices in Berry Hill and Virginia. The company recently formed a separate publishing co-venture with renown producer/songwriter Keith Stegall’s Dreamlined Entertainment.
Vip Vipperman Signs Admin Agreement With Kobalt
Vip Vipperman
Vip Vipperman and NewVIP Songs have signed a new worldwide Administration agreement with Kobalt Music Publishing, which offers music publishing royalty collections and affiliated services.
Vipperman has had hits recorded by Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, George Jones, and more.
Americana Music Association Reveals SXSW Lineup
The Americana Music Association has partnered again with Pandora for a day of music at SXSW. The association will take over The Gatsby, located at East 6th Street in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, March 17. The event is open to SXSW badge and wristband holders.
The Strumbellas, 2 p.m.
The Cactus Blossoms, 3 p.m.
Lydia Loveless, 4 p.m.
Jake Bugg, 5 p.m.
Sam Outlaw, 9 p.m.
Wynonna & The Big Noise, 10 p.m.
Hayes Carll, 11 p.m.
Asleep At The Wheel, 12 a.m.
Jack Ingram, 1 a.m.
‘CMT Crossroads’ Announces Pairings For Upcoming Episodes
/by Jessica NicholsonCMT Crossroads returns this spring with the first of four new episodes.
Jennifer Nettles will join 2016 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Cheap Trick in an episode set to air March 24 at 11 p.m. ET.
Rob Thomas and Charles Kelley will join forces and voices for an episode of soulful lyrics and harmonies. Thomas and Kelley each have dual careers as members of bands (Matchbox 20 and Lady Antebellum, respectively), as well as solo artists. The episode will premiere later this spring.
Before Luke Bryan launches his series of stadium concerts this summer, he will join pop star Jason Derulo for an episode that will premiere this summer.
Nick Jonas and Thomas Rhett will reinterpret their catalogs of hits in a mash-up of pop and country. The episode premieres this summer.
CMT Crossroads is executive produced by Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin, produced by Kathryn Russ and executive produced by Margaret Comeaux for CMT.
The Band Perry Exits Big Machine Label Group
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Band Perry is no longer part of Big Machine Label Group, according to a statement issued by BMLG’s Vice President of Publicity Jake Basden.
“The Big Machine Label Group and The Band Perry have amicably parted ways,” the statement said.
On their Facebook page, the band posted, “We and Big Machine Label Group have made a mutual decision to bring our working relationship to a close. We are grateful for 6 years of the big moments and great strides we made with our BMLG family and will carry that foundation forward with us as we begin the next leg of our journey.”
The band released its full-length debut album in 2010 on Republic Nashville, a BMLG imprint.
Their hits include “If I Die Young,” “You Lie,” “All Your Life,” “Postcard From Paris,” “Better Dig Two,” “Done,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” and “Chainsaw.”
They won a 2014 Grammy for their recording of “Gentle on My Mind.”
In 2015, they released a single titled “Live Forever,” which did not reach the Top 25 at country radio.
T.J. Martell Foundation Nashville Honors Gala Offers Inspiration
/by Sherod RobertsonPictured (L -R): Brian Philips, Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., Kenny Rogers, Aubrey Harwell, FedEx CEO Frederick W. Smith; Back row (L-R): Jackie Wilson, Laura Heatherly, Dave Berryman, Scott Borchetta, Joe Walsh, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Leslie Fram, Chris Young, Charles Esten. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
The T.J. Martell Foundation raised $500,000 to benefit leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at last night’s (Monday, Feb. 29) 8th annual Nashville Honors Gala, for a total of nearly $3 million raised since 2009.
Hosted by Charles Esten, the gala brought an array of outstanding performances and tributes to recognize the efforts of dedicated individuals who have provided inspiring leadership to our community.
Ronnie Milsap performs onstage at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Honorees were treated to performances by Esten, Don Henley, Ronnie Milsap, Joe Walsh, Jackie Wilson and Chris Young and special presentations were made by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Hal Moses, Ph.D. and industry executive Scott Borchetta.
This year’s honorees included Aubrey Harwell, Co-Founding Partner of Neal and Harwell receiving the Spirit of Nashville Award, while Brian Philips, President of CMT, received the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award. Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, received the Medical Research Advancement Award, and Grammy award-winning Kenny Rogers received the Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award. Fred W. Smith, founder, chairman, president, and CEO of Fedex Corporation, was also in attendance to accept the Outstanding Global Citizenship Award on behalf of more than 350,000 team members around the world.
Don Henley performs at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Honoring Aubrey Harwell, highlights included Milsap’s performance of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” before peforming his hit, “Smoky Mountain Rain,” one of Tennessee’s state songs, both which greatly pleased the enthusiastic crowd.
Young delivered an acoustic version of his hit “Voices” to honor Dr. Pietenpol while Walsh honored Brian Philips with “A Life of Illusion,” a favorite song of Brian’s children. Rounding out the performances, Henley performed the first song he ever wrote with the late Glenn Frey, “Desperado” to honor Kenny Rogers. The rendition brought everyone to a standing ovation.
Joe Walsh performs at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta (right) presents Brian Phillips with the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award at the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Chris Young, T.J. Martell Foundation’s Tinti Moffat, and WME’s Rob Beckham attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Feb. 29, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell)
Granger Smith To Recite Pledge Of Allegiance In 13 Original Colonies, Washington D.C.
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Granger Across Merica Pledge Of Allegiance Tour Powered By Yee Yee Energy will coincide the release of Smith’s album Remington (available March 4).
“I’ve always felt compelled to voice my love of this country,” said Smith. ” My granddad and so many countless others have fought for our freedom. That freedom allows us as Americans to pursue our dreams and I am proof they can come true. I feel blessed to have a platform that may inspire others to remember what this nation was founded on. I hope folks will join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as a symbol of our thanks for those who defend our God-given rights.”
Smith has shown a strong support for military men and women in a variety of ways. He personally founded the 100-Mile Boot Walk to raise awareness surrounding the challenges and needs troops face upon returning home and has benefitted the Boot Campaign. He has also performed several shows overseas for troops. Granger’s popular country boy alter-ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., even pays homage to the United States with his new song, “Merica,” featured on the new album.
Granger Across Merica Pledge of Allegiance Tour Powered by Yee Yee Energy is built into Granger’s album release week activities, which include appearances on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, AOL Build, KTLA and more.
In February, Smith celebrated his first national No. 1 country single with “Backroad Song.”
GRANGER ACROSS MERICA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TOUR POWERED BY YEE YEE ENERGY TOUR SCHEDULE:
Sunday, March 6
7:00-7:30 a.m.: Atlanta, Georgia (Georgia State Capitol)
9:20-9:50 a.m.: Greenville, South Carolina (Liberty Bridge)
11:15-11:45 a.m.: Charlotte, North Carolina (Bank of America Stadium)
1:40-2:10 p.m.: Norfolk, Virginia (USS Wisconsin)
4:15-4:45 p.m.: Washington, D.C. (Washington Monument)
5:45-6:15 p.m.: Baltimore, Maryland (Baltimore City Hall)
TBD: Wilmington, Delaware (Rodney Square/Horse Statue)
Monday, March 7
7:15-7:45 a.m.: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Liberty Bell)
10:00-10:30 a.m.: Hartford, Connecticut (Hartford State Capitol Building)
12:00-12:30 p.m.: Providence, Rhode Island (Mile End Cove across from Dominion Energy Manchester Street Station)
2:30-3:00 p.m.: Boston, Massachusetts (USS Constitution/Old Ironsides Ship)
4:30-5:00 p.m.: Portsmouth, New Hampshire (North Church at Town Square)
7:00-7:30 p.m.: East Rutherford, New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
8:15-8:45 p.m.: New York, New York (Battery Park)
Mark Your Calendar — March 2016
/by Eric T. ParkerSingle Add Dates
Jake Owen/American Country Love Song/RCA Nashville
Tucker Beathard/Rock On/Dot Records
Iron Cowboy with Cathy Paty/Love Me Alone/SMG Nashville
Allie Louise/Stillettos/Sixth Beat
March 14
Granger Smith/If The Boot Fits/Wheelhouse Records
Courtney Dickinson/Young Forever/Graffiti Peace Records
Brian Collins/Healing Highway/Blue Light
Kayla Calabrese/Happily Never After/Burning Ground Entertainment
Farewell Angelina/Hillbilly 401K/in2une Nashville
Steve Moakler/Suitcase/Creative Nation Records
March 21
Josh Abbott Band/Wasn’t That Drunk/Sixteen-08
Matt Stillwell/Hey Dad/723 Entertainment
Lauren Lizabeth/To Be Young/Nine North Records
Industry Events
Final Round Ballot for ACM Awards closes
March 11-20
SXSW in Austin, Texas (Interactive, March 11–15; Film, March 11–19; Music, March 15–20)
Album Releases
Loretta Lynn/Full Circle/Legacy Recordings
Granger Smith/Remington/Wheelhouse Records
March 8
Various/Opry 9.0, Vol II: Discoveries From The Circle
March 11
Randy Houser/Fired Up/Stoney Creek Records
Shooter Jennings/Countach (for Giorgio) [on vinyl].
Jamie Floyd/Sunshine & Rainbows [EP].
Steve Moakler/Steve Moakler [EP]/Creative Nation Records
March 15
James Robert Webb/Pictures/Bison Creek Records
March 18
Various/Southern Family/Low Country Sound-Elektra Records
Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots/The Critics Give It 5 Stars/Black River Entertainment
William Michael Morgan/William Michael Morgan [EP]/Warner Bros. Records-Warner Music Nashville
Jordan Smith/Something Beautiful/LightWorkers Media-Republic Records
Various/The Passion: New Orleans Soundtrack/dick clark productions-Virgin Records-Deep Well Records
Agenda Committee Applications Being Accepted For CRS 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry Radio Broadcasters is accepting applications from interested parties seeking to be considered for the 2016-2017 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Agenda Committee.
The application deadline is March 16.
The CRS Agenda Committee is made up of volunteer professionals from all areas of the Country radio and record industries. The committee is primarily responsible for planning events for the upcoming year’s Country Radio Seminar. Prospective applicants must be available to attend agenda meetings in Nashville on June 22-24. Applicants are also expected to attend CRS 2017, held Feb. 22-24.
Visit www.countryradioseminar.com to fill out the application by March 16. Email Sheree Latham with any questions at sheree@crb.org or call the CRB office at (615) 327-4487.
Penny Gattis Joins Round Hill Music, Kari Smith Starts Management Company
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Penny Gattis, Kari Smith
Round Hill Music has added Penny Gattis to the position of Senior Director of A&R in the company’s Nashville office. Gattis is the former Director of Writer/Publisher Relations in BMI’s Nashville office.
While at BMI, Gattis developed new opportunities for BMI songwriters and publishers. She launched Sync THIS!, an exclusive, two-day networking and musical discovery gathering designed to connect Nashville talent and tastemakers with top music supervisors in 2013. Also, she helped create and coordinate BMI’s substantial calendar of local and national songwriter-focused showcases, seminars, and other events including Lollapalooza, Hangout, ACL, Key West Songwriter Festival, Fontanel Winter Songwriter Retreat, Maui Songwriter Festival, East Side Sounds and many more.
Before joining BMI, Gattis served as Creative Director at Tom-Leis Music and Love Monkey Music. A Wisconsin native, Gattis graduated from Nashville’s Belmont University with honors with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Music Business degree.
Gattis can be reached at pgattis@roundhillmusic.com.
Additionally, Kari Smith has exited Round Hill Music to launch management company Hear Candy Music. Smith continues to work with Round Hill Music on behalf of Marti Frederiksen’s joint venture, Riding Songs. Hear Candy’s roster includes Frederiksen, Lindsey Lee, and band Loving Mary, as well as Riding Songs.
Smith can be reached at kari@hearcandymusic.com.