Pictured (Back row, L-R): Luke Laird; Rhett Akins; Chris DeStefano; Tyler Hubbard; Shane McAnally. (Front row, L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Josh Osborne; Ross Copperman; Ashley Gorley; Zach Crowell; Brett James; host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA
Several of Nashville’s chart-topping songwriters were recognized as CMA Triple Play Award winners during the seventh annual CMA Songwriters Luncheon, held today (Feb. 3) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
Seventeen songwriters were honored with the award, which is presented to those who pen three chart-topping hits in a 12-month period.
CMA Triple Play Award recipients included Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Brett James, Jaren Johnston, Brian Kelley, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, and Brad Tursi.
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; CMA’s first triple Triple Play Award recipient Ashley Gorley; and host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA
For the first time since CMA began an annual recognition program for the Triple Play Awards, the Association presented three trophies to one songwriter. Gorley had nine songs reach No. 1 last year. The three Triple Play Awards bring Gorley’s total number of Triple Play honors to seven.
“Being on stage today with so many friends is a great feeling,” Gorley said. “We are all thankful for the CMA and the community of Nashville for respecting and recognizing us as songwriters, and awarding what we do behind the scenes. I’m thankful to be a part of the day.”
Copperman, DeStefano, and McAnally each received two Triple Play trophies, each having six songs race to the top of the charts. This brings their Triple Play Awards career totals to two, three, and four, respectively.
Akins and Laird received their fifth Triple Play Awards during the luncheon.
Receiving their first Triple Play Award today were Copperman, Crowell, Hubbard, Hunt, Johnston, Kelley, Ramsey, Rosen, and Tursi.
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Triple Play Award recipient and reigning CMA Song of the Year Award winner Hillary Lindsey; and host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA
“Songwriters keep Music City playing and I’m honored to return as host for this important event celebrating this significant milestone in their careers,” said Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Nashville and CMA Board member.
“We are very pleased to recognize these talented songwriters and songwriting artists for this impressive accomplishment and significant contribution to country music,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Their craft evokes emotion and we are grateful they’ve chosen the country format to share their rare talents with the world.”
A full list of this year’s CMA Triple Play Award winners follows (in alphabetical order):
- Rhett Akins: “Just Gettin’ Started,” “TonightLooks Good On You,” “Young & Crazy”
- Ross Copperman: “Beat Of The Music,” “Don’t It,” “Smoke,” “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” “Strip It Down,” “Lose My Mind”
- Zach Crowell: “Where It’s At,” “House Party,” “Hell Of A Night”
- Chris DeStefano: “Rewind,” “Something In The Water,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” “Little Toy Guns,” “Kick The Dust Up,” “Smoke Break”
- Ashley Gorley: “Play It Again,” “Yeah,” “I See You,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” “Don’t It,” “Tonight Looks Good On You,” “Kick The Dust Up,” “Young & Crazy,” “Nothin’ Like You”
- Tyler Hubbard: “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Burnin’ It Down,” “Sun Daze”
- Sam Hunt: “We Are Tonight,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time”
- Brett James: “I Hold On,” “Bottoms Up,” “Something In The Water”
- Jaren Johnston: “Beachin’,” “Sunshine & Whiskey,” “Raise ‘Em Up”
- Brian Kelley: “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Burnin’ It Down,” “Sun Daze”
- Luke Laird: “American Kids,” “Sunshine & Whiskey,” “Talladega”
- Hillary Lindsey: “Shotgun Rider,” “Girl Crush,” “Little Toy Guns”
- Shane McAnally: “American Kids,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Say You Do,” “Wild Child,” “Young & Crazy”
- Josh Osborne: “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Wild Child”
- Matthew Ramsey: “Say You Do,” “Save It For A Rainy Day,” “Break Up With Him”
- Trevor Rosen: “Say You Do,” “Sangria,” “Break Up With Him”
- Brad Tursi: “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” “Save It For A Rainy Day,” “Break Up With Him”
Steve Moakler Plans New Album, Spring Tour
/by Craig_ShelburneSteve Moakler
Songwriter Steve Moakler is working on new music with Creative Nation’s Luke Laird and preparing a U.S. tour this spring.
The project’s lead single, “Suitcase,” has been added to the playlist on SiriusXM’s The Highway and The Big 98. His music has also been spotlighted by CMT, Huffington Post, iTunes, Rolling Stone Country, Spotify and Taste Of Country.
The Pittsburgh native moved to Nashville in 2006 to pursue a career in music. His songs have been recorded by Dierks Bentley (“Riser”), Ashley Monroe, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, and Ben Rector.
In support of the Suitcase Tour, Moakler is partnering with Crosley radio for a special giveaway of their SoundBomb, a portable suitcase speaker.
Suitcase Tour Dates
March 30: Austin, Texas (Stubb’s)
March 31: Houston, Texas (Mucky Duck)
April 1: Dallas, Texas (House of Blues)
April 2: Waco, Texas (Common Grounds)
April 14: Columbus, Ohio (The Basement)
April 15: Washington D.C. (Jammin’ Java)
April 16: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Rex Theatre)
April 21: Grand Rapids, Michigan (Pyramid Scheme)
April 23: Madison, Wisconsin (High Noon Saloon)
April 28: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (World Cafe Live)
April 29: Boston, Massachusetts (The Red Room at Cafe 939)
April 30: New York, New York (The Mercury Lounge)
May 5: Birmingham, Alabama (WorkPlay)
May 6: Atlanta, Georgia (Eddie’s Attic)
May 7: Knoxville, Tennessee (The Square Room)
May 25: Nashville, Tennessee (3rd & Lindsley)
May 27: Chicago, Illinois (SPACE)
May 28: Minneapolis, Minnesota (7th Street Entry)
The Swon Brothers Issue Independent ‘Timeless’ EP
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Swon Brothers surprised fans with an independently-released, six-song EP titled Timeless on Friday (Jan. 29). It’s the first collection of new music from the duo since their self-titled 2014 debut on Arista Nashville.
The brothers contributed to the songwriting and played most of the instruments on the album. Production duties were shared with Derek George and bandmate Joe Henderson. Former contestants on The Voice, The Swon Brothers are best known for their hit, “Later On.”
“I don’t think we set out to create a certain sound for this record,” said Colton Swon, “But we did set out to let what we were feeling be heard, and we kind of really put our brains and minds to work and asked, where do we live, where do we feel comfortable singing, and what makes us shine the most? It really embody’s our heart and soul. Plus we had the opportunity to co-write every song on this new EP and it makes a real difference for sure.”
“Artists naturally evolve over the years and people’s sounds naturally change a little bit, but I think we’ve found a musical sweet spot, where we like to sing and play, and at this time it just happens to be capturing music with a little soulful flair,” said Zach Swon. “We put of ourselves into this record, recording much of it in our home studio and playing instruments on the majority of the tracks. A lot of love went into this record, and we hope our current fans like it and that we make some new ones because of it.”
Track listing for Timeless
1. “Just Another Girl” (Zach Swon, Colton Swon, Jordan Schmidt and Cole Taylor) Produced by Derek George and The Swon Brothers
2. “Nobody” (Zach Swon, Colton Swon, Micha Wilshire and Rick Ferrell) Produced by Joe Henderson and The Swon Brothers
3. “Throwback” (Zach Swon, Colton Swon and Derek George) Produced by Derek George and The Swon Brothers
4. “Timeless” (Zach Swon, Colton Swon, Chris Roberts and Jason Gantt) Produced by Joe Henderson and The Swon Brothers
5. “Killing Me” (Zach Swon, Colton Swon and Chris DeStefano) Produced by Derek George and The Swon Brothers
6. “You Got Somebody” (Zach Swon and Micha Wilshire) Produced by Joe Henderson and The Swon Brothers
Industry Ink: NSAI In D.C., Crowd Surf, Harmon Music Management, Crown Pointe Productions
/by Jessica NicholsonNSAI Discusses Music Licensing Reform in Washington D.C.
Representatives from the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), including Executive Director Bart Herbison, participated in three days of meetings in Washington D.C. this week on the topic of music licensing reform.
Pictured (L-R): NSAI Legislative Co-Chair Roger Brown, Songwriter Equity Act sponsor Congressman Doug Collins (GA), songwriter Jeff Cohen, NSAI’S Bart Herbison and Jennifer Turnbow.
Pictured (L-R): NSAI Legislative Co-Chair Roger Brown, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA), NSAI’s Bart Herbison
Kim Davison Joins Crowd Surf As Project Manager
Kim Davison
Crowd Surf founders Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver have hired Kim Davison as Project Manager. In her new role, Davison will oversee marketing efforts for Crowd Surf’s Los Angeles-based clients.
“I’ve known Kim for years, and had always hoped that we could work together one day. She has an incredible positive energy, and really super-serves any project she works on. I’m so glad the stars finally aligned, and we were able to make this happen,” said Petrey.
Davison has relocated to Venice, California, after eight years in Nashville, where she managed digital marketing initiatives for companies such as Warner Bros. Nashville and Skyville. She also co-founded her own retail business, Goodbuy Girls. She will report to Driver and Petrey. Davison can be reached at kim@crowdsurf.net.
Harmon Music Management Signs The Vegabonds
Southern rock band The Vegabonds have signed with the roster of Harmon Music Management, spearheaded by Rusty Harmon and Sunni Ray. The band joins an artist roster that includes STELLA//JAMES, Laura Reed, TOWNE, and Chesapeake Sons.
“I love bands that work hard, tour, and write great songs,” states Harmon. “The Vegabonds exemplify all of those qualities. I’m excited to help guide their career and be a part of their business.”
The Vegabonds
Crown Pointe Productions Opens Nashville Office
Michael Maples
Photographer/Director Michael Maples has opened a Nashville outpost of his Los Angeles-based Crown Pointe Productions, a full-service commercial production company that specializes in film, web content, and photography.
A Nashville native, Maples moved to Los Angeles 16 years ago to work as a fashion photographer. His clients have included Google’s popular video game Ingress, women’s fashion line Dickie’s Girl, and Maks and Peta from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
Pointe Productions studios are located at 5915 Robertson Ave, Nashville TN 37209.
Maples can be reached by phone at 323-691-4300 or at CrownPointeProductionsNASH@
Dierks Bentley Exhibit To Open At CMHoF On March 4
/by Craig_ShelburneDierks Bentley. Photo: Jim Wright
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will explore the life and career of Dierks Bentley with the exhibit Dierks Bentley: Every Mile a Memory. Presented by Citi, the exhibit opens March 4 and runs through Sept. 6. Stage wear, guitars, song manuscripts, photos and more items from Bentley’s personal collection will be on display in the museum.
To celebrate the launch of the exhibit, the museum will host a special appearance by Bentley on March 12 at 2 p.m. in the museum’s 800-seat CMA Theater. Bentley will discuss his career and perform a short acoustic set. The program will be hosted by museum editor Peter Cooper.
“It’s crazy to be considered for something like this,” Bentley said. “The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is home to the most revered and influential country artists of all time. Just being in the building as a visitor is humbling, but to actually be featured in one of the museum’s exhibits is something I never would have believed if you’d suggested it back when I started chasing this dream down on Broadway. I’m going to have to go down there to see it for myself to really make it sink in.”
“A master of reinvention, Dierks continues to confound our expectations with music that resonates, both commercially and critically,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “Every mile, every day, every song in Dierks’ remarkable career creates new memories for him and for his fans. I know our visitors will enjoy getting a peek inside some of those memories.”
The March 12 museum program, featuring Bentley in conversation and performance, is included with museum admission and free to museum members. The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.
Artist Updates: Merle Haggard, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Chris Young
/by Craig_ShelburneMerle Haggard Cancels Tour Dates
Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard has cleared his touring calendar to recover from illness, according to a statement from his media representative:
“Haggard has had to cancel his February tour due to his health. He is still feeling weak from his recent struggle with double pneumonia and has decided to seek further treatment for it. Merle is hopeful he will be back on the road later in the spring. Check back at www.merlehaggard.com for updates.”
Carrie Underwood Begins Storyteller Tour
Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller Tour – Stories in the Round. Photo: Steve Jennings
Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller Tour – Stories in the Round launched on Saturday (Jan. 30) in Jacksonville, Florida, and continued Monday in Atlanta, both to sold-out 360-degree crowds. Her next tour stop will be Friday (Feb. 5) in Louisville, Kentucky. Barry Lather is the tour’s Creative Director and Butch Allen is Production and Lighting Designer. The Storyteller Tour required many weeks of technical planning and rehearsing to program lighting cues, automation, and special effects, followed by numerous performance rehearsals with Underwood and her band.
Keith Urban Adds Three Tour Dates
Keith Urban
Keith Urban has added three new ripCORD World Tour 2016 performances.
On Aug. 4, Urban will mark his first performance in Bozeman, Montana, since 2005. He’ll follow that with his first-ever show in Pocatello, Idaho, on Aug. 5. In addition, Urban will return to Sioux City, Iowa, on Oct. 7 for his first concert there since 2004.
Urban’s ripCORD Tour will kick off on June 2 in Kansas City, Missouri. Special guests are Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris.
Chris Young Joins T.J. Martell Gala
Chris Young
The T.J. Martell Foundation has announced that Chris Young, Joe Walsh and Ruby Wilson will join host Charles Esten and previously announced performers Don Henley and Ronnie Milsap at the 8th Annual Nashville Honors Gala taking place at Nashville’s Omni Hotel on Feb. 29.
This year’s previously-announced honorees are:
Aubrey Harwell: Spirit of Nashville Award
Brian Philips: Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award
Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D.: Medical Research Advancement Award
Kenny Rogers: Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award
FedEx Corporation: Outstanding Global Citizenship Award with Frederick W. Smith accepting on behalf of more than 350,000 team members around the world
Honors Gala co-chairs this year are board members, Dave Berryman, president of Gibson Guitar Corporation, and Leslie Fram, CMT’s senior vice president of music strategy. The evening is produced by Martin Fisher and Edie Hoback of High Five Entertainment.
The Honors Gala has raised over $3.5 million since its inception in 2009.
Mary Chapin Carpenter Works With Dave Cobb On New Album
/by Craig_ShelburneMary Chapin Carpenter
Mary Chapin Carpenter will release a new album titled Things That We Are Made Of on May 6 on Lambent Records via Thirty Tigers. She recorded the project in Nashville with producer Dave Cobb during the spring and summer of 2015.
In addition to Carpenter (vocals, electric/acoustic guitar) and Cobb (electric/acoustic/gut string guitar, percussion, Moog, Mellotron), the album features Annie Clements (bass), Brian Allen (bass), Chris Powell (drums, percussion), Mike Webb (piano, B3 organ, reed organ, Mellotron, Fender Rhodes) and Jimmy Wallace (piano, B3 organ).
Cobb added, “I wanted to work with Mary Chapin because very few people can cut with words like she can. She’s an absolute poet and legend. I was so happy to collaborate on this album together.”
This is Carpenter’s first release with Lambent/Thirty Tigers. She previously recorded for Zoë/Rounder and Columbia Nashville.
Track Listing for Things That We Are Made Of
1. “Something Tamed Something Wild”
2. “The Middle Ages”
3. “What Does It Mean To Travel”
4. “Livingston”
5. “Map Of My Heart”
6. “Oh Rosetta”
7. “Deep Deep Down Heart”
8. “Hand On My Back”
9. The Blue Distance
10. “Note On A Windshield”
11. “The Things That We Are Made Of”
DISClaimer: Cam, Brandy Clark, Aubrie Sellers Break Up The Boys Club
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): Brandy Clark, Cam, Aubrie Sellers
For a while, it looked like Billy Currington, LOCASH or Dierks Bentley was going to rule the day, but you know what they say about the best laid plans.
Down the track came Brandy Clark and Cam, and they ran over those boys like a pair of locomotives. The two women finish in a tie for the Disc of the Day award.
Today’s DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Aubrie Sellers.
LESLIE COURS MATHER/That Was The Whiskey
Writer: Nini Camps; Producer: Denny Diante; Publisher: none listed; CM (track)
-I think I have liked everything this gal has put out. This time around she applies her soulful, husky pipes to a punchy rocker about a wild child who looked an awful lot like her when she was tearin’ up the town last night. “That was the whiskey,” not her, in that red dress dancing on the table. Lots of verve. Lots of fun.
BILLY CURRINGTON/It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To
Writers: Billy Currington/Cary Barlowe/Shy Carter; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Coconut Hut/Castle Bound/We Be Pawtying/BMG Rights Management/You Want How Much of What Pub/Worldwide EMG, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Mercury (CDX)
– Crunchy and stomping. He sings the fire outta this lyric about a guy going through hell getting over a heartbreak. The shuddering guitar, shouted chorus boys and catchy, chesty chorus are all just terrific. Currington strikes pay dirt again.
DIERKS BENTLEY/Somewhere On A Beach
Writers: Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Alex Palmer/Dave Kuncio/Josh Mirenda; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Peermusic III/Peertunes/Jaron Boyer/BMG Silver/Fuego/BMG Rights Management/David Ryan/The Real Brain/WB/Music of the Corn, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Capitol (CDX)
– Take this, ex-girlfriend. He’s getting over you by chilling next to the ocean with a hot babe and a cold drink. So there.
LORRIE MORGAN/How Does It Feel
Writers: Mark Oliverius/Loretta Lynn Morgan/Kelly Lang; Producer: Richard Landis; Publishers: Omee/Kelly Lang, BMI; Shanachie (CDX)
– Still one of our most lustrous vocalists. Morgan uses her range and emotive abilities to alternately caress with a soprano whisper and contemplate with an alto moan on this ballad. The “answering” harmonica and steel guitar are both expertly deployed by producer Landis. Recommended.
CAM/Mayday
Writers: Camaron Ochs/Tyler Johnson; Producers: Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Publishers: Marvelous Oaks/One Year Yesterday/Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse, BMI; Arista/RCA (track)
– As before, extremely melodic and sung with superb élan. The double-time undertow thump in the production is a nifty contrast with her soaring, broken-note soprano. A hit if I’ve ever heard one.
LOCASH/I Know Somebody
Writers: Ross Copperman/Jeremy Stover/Rhett Akins; Producer: Londsay Rimes; Publisher: none listed; Reviver (track)
– These boys are on a roll. This whole lyric is one extended pick-up line. And the track cooks with gas. Check ‘em out at Monday’s MusicRow Margaritaville showcase and radio awards show.
BRANDY CLARK/Girl Next Door
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Highway 508/House of Sea Gayle/Clearbox Rights/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Universal/Smack Ink, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
– She’s kinda rough and kinda trashy. She’s definitely no debutante, Marcia Brady, Barbie or girl next door. And she rocks while she’s dishing out the facts to you, buddy. Attitude on a platter. Spunk and snark and sass you can dig for days.
PETE SCOBELL BAND/Walkin’ A Wire
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Cactus Moser; Publishers: Big White Tracks/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room/Old Desperados/N2D, ASCAP/BMI; FrogBonz
– I like the slight rasp in his delivery and the chiming guitar in the band’s sound. He’s trying to make time with her, but is pretty scared and tense about it. A tempo tune with countryboy feelings.
AUBRIE SELLERS/Sit Here and Cry
Writers: Aubrie Sellers/Adam Wright; Producer: Frank Liddell: Publishers: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– The band is stark and raw on this toe tapper. She sings with splendid assurance and moxie. Aubrie is the daughter of songwriter Jason Sellers and singer Lee Ann Womack, but she definitely has her own thing goin’ on. Garage country, anyone?
THOMAS RHETT/T-Shirt
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: External Combustion/Songs of Southside Independent/WB/Atlas/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Smack Ink, ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music
– The track bobs and bops and burbles. He babbles atop it about falling in love. There’s not much of a tune, here, but plenty of energy crackles in it.
Chris Stapleton Added To Grammy Performers
/by Craig_ShelburneChris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton will join Gary Clark Jr. and Bonnie Raitt in a tribute to the late B.B. King on the upcoming Grammy Awards. The show will take place on Monday, Feb. 15 in Los Angeles and air live on CBS.
Stapleton is up for four awards this year: Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Traveller; and Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for “Traveller.”
In addition, Justin Bieber will join Diplo and Skrillex to perform their Grammy-nominated hit, “Where Are Ü Now,” marking the duo known as Jack Ü‘s first live television performance. Pitbull will collaborate with Travis Barker, Robin Thicke, and surprise special guests. Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry will also unveil their rock supergroup, The Hollywood Vampires.
Previously announced performers include country nominees Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, and Carrie Underwood, as well as Adele, James Bay, Andra Day, Ellie Goulding, the Broadway cast of Hamilton, Tori Kelly, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd.
ASCAP Names Paul Rourke Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer
/by Craig_ShelburnePaul Rourke
ASCAP has appointed Paul Rourke as the organization’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Rourke will be a key member of ASCAP’s executive management team and will be responsible for all of the organization’s financial matters across all business units on a global basis.
Most recently Rourke was EVP/CFO, Finance and Technology at Viacom International Media Networks from 2011 to 2015, where he also served as an active Board member on joint ventures in India and Korea. Rourke joined MTVN in 2006 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance.
Prior to joining MTVN, Rourke worked as Senior Vice President of Treasury Operations for CBS Radio, one of the largest major radio operators in the U.S. He also served as Treasurer of Scient Inc., a New York based tech consulting firm, and held a number of positions at Young & Rubicam Inc, a marketing and communications company.
Matthews said, “ASCAP is in the midst of a major transformation into a new and modernized era in performing rights including the ability to provide our members and our licensing partners first-in-class services on a global basis. Paul has vast experience working in international markets around the world, setting up and developing the financial infrastructure to support growth in the media, technology and entertainment sectors. His global financial experience and ability to deliver excellent results on strategic initiatives will prove invaluable to ASCAP’s execution of our multi-year strategy. We look forward to having his expertise as part of ASCAP’s new executive management team.”
Rourke added, “ASCAP is at the heart of driving a transformation in the music industry in ways that will ensure a healthy future for music creators, for licensees and for fans alike. As a music lover, I am thrilled about joining the ASCAP team, where I believe that I can make a real difference in the lives of ASCAP’s writer and publisher members by building an efficient, global and growth-driven financial infrastructure in support of ASCAP’s strategic vision.”
CMA Honors Triple Play Award-Winning Songwriters
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (Back row, L-R): Luke Laird; Rhett Akins; Chris DeStefano; Tyler Hubbard; Shane McAnally. (Front row, L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Josh Osborne; Ross Copperman; Ashley Gorley; Zach Crowell; Brett James; host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA
Several of Nashville’s chart-topping songwriters were recognized as CMA Triple Play Award winners during the seventh annual CMA Songwriters Luncheon, held today (Feb. 3) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
Seventeen songwriters were honored with the award, which is presented to those who pen three chart-topping hits in a 12-month period.
CMA Triple Play Award recipients included Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Tyler Hubbard, Sam Hunt, Brett James, Jaren Johnston, Brian Kelley, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, and Brad Tursi.
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; CMA’s first triple Triple Play Award recipient Ashley Gorley; and host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA
For the first time since CMA began an annual recognition program for the Triple Play Awards, the Association presented three trophies to one songwriter. Gorley had nine songs reach No. 1 last year. The three Triple Play Awards bring Gorley’s total number of Triple Play honors to seven.
“Being on stage today with so many friends is a great feeling,” Gorley said. “We are all thankful for the CMA and the community of Nashville for respecting and recognizing us as songwriters, and awarding what we do behind the scenes. I’m thankful to be a part of the day.”
Copperman, DeStefano, and McAnally each received two Triple Play trophies, each having six songs race to the top of the charts. This brings their Triple Play Awards career totals to two, three, and four, respectively.
Akins and Laird received their fifth Triple Play Awards during the luncheon.
Receiving their first Triple Play Award today were Copperman, Crowell, Hubbard, Hunt, Johnston, Kelley, Ramsey, Rosen, and Tursi.
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Triple Play Award recipient and reigning CMA Song of the Year Award winner Hillary Lindsey; and host Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Photo: Donn Jones / CMA
“Songwriters keep Music City playing and I’m honored to return as host for this important event celebrating this significant milestone in their careers,” said Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Nashville and CMA Board member.
“We are very pleased to recognize these talented songwriters and songwriting artists for this impressive accomplishment and significant contribution to country music,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Their craft evokes emotion and we are grateful they’ve chosen the country format to share their rare talents with the world.”
A full list of this year’s CMA Triple Play Award winners follows (in alphabetical order):