Ted Harris. Photo: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Ted Harris has died at age 78.
According to Hall of Fame executive director Mark Ford, Harris passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22. The Columbia Daily Herald reports that the songwriter died at his residence in Lewisburg, TN.
Among his best-known songwriting hits are Charley Pride’s “The Happiness of Having You,” Dottie West’s “Paper Mansions,” Ferlin Husky’s “Once” and the Glen Campbell/Steve Wariner duet “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.” The much-recorded country standard “Crystal Chandelier” is also a Ted Harris song. He is the most-awarded country songwriter in the history of SESAC.
Born Theodore Clifford Harris in 1937, the songwriter grew up in Lakeland, Florida. He began playing guitar at age 8 and was writing songs by age 12. After working at a local newspaper, he decided to move to Nashville at age 20.
He had no contacts in Music City, but his favorite star was Hank Snow (1914-1999), so he went to visit Snow’s publishing company, Silver Star. Snow turned the Harris-composed “Chasin’ a Rainbow” into a top-10 hit in 1959. He also recorded the songwriter’s “My Lucky Friend.”
Singer-songwriter-publisher Ted Daffan (1912-1996) became the Nashville newcomer’s mentor. Despite the encouragement of Snow and Daffan, Ted Harris worked in the grocery business during his first seven years in Nashville.
In 1965, Harris co-founded his Harbot Music Publishing company. Later that year, Carl Belew recorded “Crystal Chandelier,” which became a top-10 smash. The song was subsequently recorded by dozens of others, including Mac Wiseman, Louis Armstrong, Dickey Lee, Johnny Russell, Billie Jo Spears, Charley Pride, Warner Mack and Vic Dana, who made it a pop hit.
In 1966, Ted Harris scored with “Once,” which became a major hit for Ferlin Husky. Roy Drusky recorded “Rainbows and Roses.” Dottie West followed with 1967’s “Paper Mansions,” another big hit.
Ted Harris became one of the earliest members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in 1968. The following year, he won the first of four consecutive SESAC awards as Country Songwriter of the Year.
“You and Me Against the World” became a hit for Bobby Lord in 1970. This song has also been recorded by Roy Rogers, and as a duet by Jimmy Dean & Dottie West (1970) and Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely (1973).
Similarly, Harris’s song “Here I Go Again” was a hit for Bobby Wright in 1971 and was subsequently recorded by Lynn Anderson, Del Reeves and Nat Stuckey. In 1972, Ted Harris collected a still unequalled 17 SESAC awards as both a songwriter and publisher. By this time, he had become a board member of the Country Music Association (CMA).
Charley Pride took the Ted Harris song “The Happiness of Having You” up the charts in 1976. It won SESAC’s Country Song of the Year award.
“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (Rules the World)” became a 1987 smash for Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner. It won yet another SESAC award. Harris has 87 of these.
Others who have recorded Ted Harris songs include Crystal Gayle, Leroy Van Dyke, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, The Wilburn Brothers, Cal Smith, Conway Twitty, Floyd Cramer, Jerry Wallace, Ray Pillow, Kitty Wells, Wilma Burgess, Porter Wagoner, Vern Gosdin, Johnny Duncan, Charlie Louvin, Jean Shepard, Margie Singleton and Connie Smith.
Ted Harris is uncommon in that he wrote almost all of his hits solo. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1990. He retired in 2001 and sold his publishing company to Sony-ATV. But he remained active on the Nashville scene, occasionally playing at songwriter showcases and pitching his catalog’s tunes.
Ted Harris is survived by wife Jackie, by sons Bradley and Joshua and by three grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for today (Nov. 24) at the London Funeral Home in Lewisburg, Tennessee from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Wednesday (Nov. 25) at the East Commerce Baptist Church in Lewisburg.
LifeNotes: Songwriting Great Ted Harris Passes
/by Robert K OermannTed Harris. Photo: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Ted Harris has died at age 78.
According to Hall of Fame executive director Mark Ford, Harris passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22. The Columbia Daily Herald reports that the songwriter died at his residence in Lewisburg, TN.
Among his best-known songwriting hits are Charley Pride’s “The Happiness of Having You,” Dottie West’s “Paper Mansions,” Ferlin Husky’s “Once” and the Glen Campbell/Steve Wariner duet “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.” The much-recorded country standard “Crystal Chandelier” is also a Ted Harris song. He is the most-awarded country songwriter in the history of SESAC.
Born Theodore Clifford Harris in 1937, the songwriter grew up in Lakeland, Florida. He began playing guitar at age 8 and was writing songs by age 12. After working at a local newspaper, he decided to move to Nashville at age 20.
He had no contacts in Music City, but his favorite star was Hank Snow (1914-1999), so he went to visit Snow’s publishing company, Silver Star. Snow turned the Harris-composed “Chasin’ a Rainbow” into a top-10 hit in 1959. He also recorded the songwriter’s “My Lucky Friend.”
Singer-songwriter-publisher Ted Daffan (1912-1996) became the Nashville newcomer’s mentor. Despite the encouragement of Snow and Daffan, Ted Harris worked in the grocery business during his first seven years in Nashville.
In 1965, Harris co-founded his Harbot Music Publishing company. Later that year, Carl Belew recorded “Crystal Chandelier,” which became a top-10 smash. The song was subsequently recorded by dozens of others, including Mac Wiseman, Louis Armstrong, Dickey Lee, Johnny Russell, Billie Jo Spears, Charley Pride, Warner Mack and Vic Dana, who made it a pop hit.
In 1966, Ted Harris scored with “Once,” which became a major hit for Ferlin Husky. Roy Drusky recorded “Rainbows and Roses.” Dottie West followed with 1967’s “Paper Mansions,” another big hit.
Ted Harris became one of the earliest members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in 1968. The following year, he won the first of four consecutive SESAC awards as Country Songwriter of the Year.
“You and Me Against the World” became a hit for Bobby Lord in 1970. This song has also been recorded by Roy Rogers, and as a duet by Jimmy Dean & Dottie West (1970) and Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely (1973).
Similarly, Harris’s song “Here I Go Again” was a hit for Bobby Wright in 1971 and was subsequently recorded by Lynn Anderson, Del Reeves and Nat Stuckey. In 1972, Ted Harris collected a still unequalled 17 SESAC awards as both a songwriter and publisher. By this time, he had become a board member of the Country Music Association (CMA).
Charley Pride took the Ted Harris song “The Happiness of Having You” up the charts in 1976. It won SESAC’s Country Song of the Year award.
“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (Rules the World)” became a 1987 smash for Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner. It won yet another SESAC award. Harris has 87 of these.
Others who have recorded Ted Harris songs include Crystal Gayle, Leroy Van Dyke, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, The Wilburn Brothers, Cal Smith, Conway Twitty, Floyd Cramer, Jerry Wallace, Ray Pillow, Kitty Wells, Wilma Burgess, Porter Wagoner, Vern Gosdin, Johnny Duncan, Charlie Louvin, Jean Shepard, Margie Singleton and Connie Smith.
Ted Harris is uncommon in that he wrote almost all of his hits solo. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1990. He retired in 2001 and sold his publishing company to Sony-ATV. But he remained active on the Nashville scene, occasionally playing at songwriter showcases and pitching his catalog’s tunes.
Ted Harris is survived by wife Jackie, by sons Bradley and Joshua and by three grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for today (Nov. 24) at the London Funeral Home in Lewisburg, Tennessee from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Wednesday (Nov. 25) at the East Commerce Baptist Church in Lewisburg.
Ashley Campbell Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Steve Buchanan, EVP Ryman Hospitality Properties/President Opry Entertainment Group; Ashley Campbell; Vince Gill
Ashley Campbell performed two of her original songs during her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday (Nov. 21) at the Ryman Auditorium. One of those selections, “Remembering,” is inspired by her father Glen Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Thanks so much to the Opry for having me here tonight,” Campbell told the audience before playing “Better Boyfriend,” the first song of her set. “I played at the Ryman for the first time with my dad in 2011 so it is very surreal to be back here tonight playing my own music. I am so grateful for this opportunity and appreciate you being here.”
Campbell is signed to Dot Records, an imprint of the Big Machine Label Group.
Americana Music Association Launches Online Fundraising Auction
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Americana Music Association has launched its online fundraising auction, which is now open and will run through Dec. 15.
Among the experiences available for bidding through the auction are a house concert at Rodney Crowell‘s home, a recording session with Buddy Miller, a songwriting session with Mary Gauthier, business meetings with business professionals including radio promoter Al Moss, Paradigm Talent Agency’s Jonathan Levine, and Rounder/Sugar Hill senior management Cliff O’Sullivan, Tracy Gershon, and Gary Paczosa.
The Americana Music Association relies on the financial support of the community to sustain its various projects throughout the year. Described by Emmylou Harris as a group “living on the fringe of the mainstream,” the not-for-profit has spearheaded numerous initiatives to fight for artist rights and to raise the profile of the Americana community, including involvement at the 30A festival, partnering to create the Americana Series at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, the State of the Union in partnership with the Newport Folk Festival at City Winery location nationwide, and the AmericanaFest NYC in partnership with Lincoln Center in New York City.
To view the auction visit charitybuzz.com.
MusicRow Podcast Episode 4: Who Is Fancy
/by Sherod RobertsonMillions of people will be asking one thing after Dancing With the Stars tonight: “Who is Fancy?”
MusicRow already knows the answer. Owner/publisher Sherod Robertson sits down with the Nashville-based pop singer and songwriter Who Is Fancy in this week’s podcast episode.
Today, the Republic Records artist releases his irresistible new single, “Boys Like You,” which features pop sensations Ariana Grande and Meghan Trainor.
His memorable first single, “Goodbye,” arrived earlier this year under a cloak of mystery. Without revealing its creator’s identity, the song caught fire online, with three separate videos going viral and racking up nearly 20 million cumulative streams over the course of the year. He then enjoyed a high-profile reveal on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, finally unveiling his face, as well as his undeniable charisma.
Fancy has an impressive industry powerhouse team consisting of Scott Borchetta‘s Big Machine Label Group, Dr. Luke‘s Prescription Songs, manager Scooter Braun and booking agent CAA. He just wrapped up an extremely successful string of dates supporting Grande and will be revealing tour plans and more news soon.
In this podcast episode, we talk with the artist about how he became known as Fancy, why the Arkansas native moved to Nashville to follow a dream, and the importance of being true to yourself and finding your purpose within.
Who Is Fancy will be joined by Grande and Trainor to perform “Boys Like You” tonight (Nov. 23) on Dancing With The Stars two-night finale at 7pm CST on ABC .
Sponsored by SunTrust Bank’s Sports & Entertainment Group, this episode of the MusicRow podcast is the third in a series. All of the MusicRow podcasts are available on iTunes.
Click here to listen to episodes online.
Click here to listen on iTunes.
About the MusicRow podcast:
From Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, The MusicRow Podcast features in-depth conversations with artists and the key industry members behind their music. Hosted by MusicRow Magazine Publisher Sherod Robertson, the series offers unique perspectives from iconic legends and rising talent to key decision makers and gatekeepers in the Nashville music industry.
Alan Jackson, Ply Gem Industries Assist Habitat For Humanity
/by Craig_ShelburneAlan Jackson is partnering with Ply Gem Industries as the ambassador for their “Home for Good Project” to build more than 300 homes across the U.S. with Habitat for Humanity.
As ambassador, Jackson will help raise awareness through his fan base, social media following and support in a local Builders Blitz event in Nashville, scheduled to coincide with the 2016 CMA Music Festival in June.
The “Home for Good Project” is grounded in his song, “You Can Always Come Home,” from his latest album, Angels & Alcohol. The song will be played throughout the program to remind individuals the importance of having a place to call home.
“I’m honored to partner with Ply Gem and Habitat for Humanity on their goal to build 300 homes,” shared Jackson. “Everyone deserves a place they can call home.”
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to put Ply Gem’s products, including performance siding, windows, stone and trim, to support families and communities across the country. Projects of this magnitude, demonstrating unity and passion toward an incredible cause, will no doubt be successful and change lives,” says Gary E. Robinette, Chairman and CEO, Ply Gem. “We are motivated by Habitat for Humanity’s mission of bringing people together to build in partnership and are proud of our alignment with country music icon Alan Jackson. His personal motivation to communicate what home means through his music is now the foundation for the “Home for Good Project.”
“We are grateful to Ply Gem and Alan Jackson for their commitment to raise awareness and make Builder Blitz a success,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “In addition to providing home exterior products for Builders Blitz, Ply Gem’s communications efforts well in advance of the event will help connect more people to our mission of providing a foundation for families to build strength, stability and independence.”
The “Home for Good Project” is a multi-year initiative that includes a donation of over $1 million worth of exterior building products and funds for Habitat for Humanity to use to help families build more than 300 homes throughout the year.
Chris Carmack To Release Debut EP on Dec. 11
/by Jessica NicholsonFans of Nashville are familiar with Chris Carmack for his portrayal as Will Lexington on the ABC drama. Now, Carmack is prepping to share his own music with the world.
His debut EP, Pieces of You, is set for release on Dec. 11. The multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician and actor’s project was produced by Phoenix Mendoza and Ben Fowler. Pieces of You includes five songs penned solely by Carmack.
Carmack has released two songs from the project, including the title track and “Being Alone.” He has also taken part in several events in Music City the past few months, including the Opry’s 90th Birthday Bash, the 2015 CMA Music Festival, and the CMA Songwriter Series, in a songwriters round that featured his male costars Will Chase (Luke Wheeler), Charles Esten (Deacon Clayborne), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), and Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), performing alongside Nashville guest star Mark Collie (Frankie), musician Colin Linden, and Nashville songwriters Trent Dabbs, Chris Gelbuda, Travis Meadows, and Jonathan Singleton.
A native of Washington D.C., Carmack studied at NYU’s Tisch Adler Conservatory before heading out to Los Angeles where he helped launch the theatrical production of The Day I Stood Still. Carmack would spend his off-time practicing guitar, which would later come in handy for his role on Nashville. His performance in The Day I Stood Still attracted the attention of producers from the drama The O.C., who cast him as “Luke Ward” in the series in 2003.
After completing his work on the show, Carmack returned to the stage in NY at the Roundabout Theatre Company, where he took on the role of “Sloane” in Entertaining Mr. Sloane, alongside Alec Baldwin and Jan Maxwell. He also performed in London, playing John Buchanan in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke.
Country Radio Seminar 2016 To Feature Tim McGraw
/by Jessica NicholsonTim McGraw.
Tim McGraw has been announced as a featured guest speaker at the 2016 Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. His program, Transcending / Evolving with Tim McGraw, will provide attendees with knowledge on how to rethink what you do, how you do it, and how to prioritize what’s important with your eye on the prize of a long career.
McGraw has had hit records for 21 years, which is a major accomplishment considering all of the changes within the industry in the last two decades. McGraw will share his insights and experiences on how he has evolved his career and stayed a relevant member of the country music industry.
CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne comments, “CRS strives to highlight the realities and potential of our careers, industry, and personal lives. Tim McGraw’s incredible career, talent, and life experience is one we can all learn large lessons from. He truly displays the significant impact one person can have, so much as an entertainer, singer, artist, actor, husband, father, humanitarian, great friend, and all of this at the highest level. This opportunity to hear Tim speak provides CRS attendees a true experience that is non-traditional and a rare CRS learning opportunity for us all!”
Country Radio Seminar will be held Monday, Feb. 8, through Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Omni Nashville. For more information, visit www.countryradioseminar.com.
Jean Shepard Recognized For 60 Years of Opry Membership
/by Craig_ShelburneBill Anderson and Jean Shepard. Photo: Chris Hollo.
Jean Shepard celebrated the 60th anniversary of her Opry induction on Saturday (Nov. 21). Shepard, the first female to reach 60 years of Opry membership, became an official part of the Opry family on November 21, 1955.
Among a host of fellow Opry members on hand at the Ryman Auditorium to mark the occasion were her longtime friends and fellow Opry members Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Jeannie Seely, Jesse McReynolds, and Vince Gill. In addition to her Opry anniversary, the day also marks the legendary artist’s birthday and wedding anniversary.
Introduced by Anderson, Shepard first sang the standard “Tennessee Waltz.” Next Anderson joined Shepard on the very first song she sang on the Opry, the duet smash “A Dear John Letter.”
Pictured (L-R): Steve Buchanan, Jean Shepard, Bill Anderson. Photo: Chris Hollo, Grand Ole Opry.
Afterward, Anderson and Opry Entertainment President Steve Buchanan presented the Country Music Hall of Famer with both a gift commemorating the Opry’s 90th anniversary and an inscribed gold locket marking Shepard’s 60 years with the Opry.
“Sixty years is a long time to be anywhere, but I made it!” Shepard quipped on stage. “Thank you all for the love. I love you all!”
When Shepard began recording for Ken Nelson at Capitol Records in 1952, there was no precedent in country music for a young woman recording and touring on her own rather than as a member of a family team, couple, or as a band’s “girl singer.” The teenager who dared to sing “Twice the Lovin’ in Half the Time” as her first single would go on to have hard-country hits through the ’50s with “Don’t Fall in Love With a Married Man” and “The Root of All Evil (Is a Man).” Shepard’s hits continued through the classic “Slippin’ Away”.
Born in Oklahoma, Shepard grew up in Visalia, California, one of 10 children in a musically-inclined family that listened to the Opry on the radio but had to save pennies to buy a Jimmie Rodgers record once a year. Hank Thompson spotted her when she was just 14, singing and playing bass in an all-girl band she’d formed called the Melody Ranch Girls.
Thompson quickly brought her to the attention of Capitol Records. She was an early star, along with Porter Wagoner, of Red Foley’s Ozark Jubilee broadcasts out of Springfield, Missouri, and she preceded Wagoner to the Opry.
The announcement that Shepard was joining the Opry came as somewhat of a surprise 60 years ago. The legend remembers being at Nashville’s Andrew Jackson Hotel during the annual Disc Jockey convention with then-Opry manager Jim Denny.
“Jim was making some announcements to the DJs and the media,” Shepard recalled. “And he said, ‘By the way, we would like to welcome the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jean Shepard. Happy birthday, Jean.’”
In 1960, Shepard married Opry great Hawkshaw Hawkins. The couple had two sons, Don and Harold, the latter born and named for Hawkins after his death in the tragic 1963 plane crash that also took the lives of Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas. Today, Shepard is married to Benny Birchfield, a musician, singer and member of Nashville’s music community.
Nashville Wins Big at American Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonSam Hunt earns the overall New Artist of the Year honor during the 2015 American Music Awards. Photo: American Music Awards Instagram
Nashville’s music was America’s music last night (Nov. 22) at the American Music Awards.
UMG Nashville artist Sam Hunt picked up his first AMA honor, for the overall New Artist of the Year Presented By Kohl’s, besting pop and rock artists including Fetty Wap, Tove Lo, Walk The Moon, and The Weeknd.
Carrie Underwood on the American Music Awards Red Carpet. Photo: AMA Instagram
In the country categories, Sony Music Nashville’s Carrie Underwood picked up her ninth American Music Award, as Favorite Female Artist-Country. She previously picked up the Female Country honor in 2014 and 2007.
Carrie Underwood performs “Heartbeat” on the American Music Awards. Photo: American Music Awards Instagram.
Underwood also performed her new single, “Heartbeat,” from her new album, Storyteller.
Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild perform during the American Music Awards. Photo: American Music Awards Instagram.
UMG Nashville artist Luke Bryan earned Favorite Male Artist-Country. This marks his fourth consecutive win in the category. He also turned in a smoldering rendition of “Home Alone Tonight” with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild.
Florida Georgia Line celebrate their AMA wins. Photo: Florida Georgia Line Twitter.
BMLG duo Florida Georgia Line were two-time winners last night, earning the Favorite Duo or Group-Country trophy, and Favorite Album-Country, for Anything Goes. They previously picked up AMAs in 2013 and 2014.
BMLG artists piled on the trophies last night. Florida Georgia Line’s fellow BMLG artist, country singer-turned-pop icon Taylor Swift earned Song of the Year for “Blank Space,” as well as Favorite Album-Pop/Rock for 1989. She also took home the Favorite Artist-Adult Contemporary. Though she was nominated for six awards and earned three, Swift was not in attendance.
Casting Crowns earned the Favorite Artist-Contemporary Inspirational. The band previously earned the Contemporary Inspirational honor in 2014, 2011, and 2007.
Weekly Register: Chris Young Debuts at No. 1 on Country Album Chart
/by Craig_ShelburneChris Young has overtaken Chris Stapleton at the top of the country albums chart this week.
Young’s I’m Comin’ Over enters the chart with 57K albums sold and hits No. 5 on the overall chart with a combined 65K units of sales and streaming.
Stapleton’s Traveller dips to No. 2 on the country album chart, selling 42K. Its current sales are now at 389K. He’s just behind Young on the overall chart at No. 6, with a combined 53K units.
Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood album.
Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood stands at No. 3 on the country albums chart with 29K albums sold. Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller (16.5K) and Tim McGraw’s Damn Country Music (12.5K) round out the Top 5.
Thomas Rhett
On the country digital singles chart, Thomas Rhett returns to the top with “Die a Happy Man,” selling 56K singles. Stapleton’s right behind him as “Tennessee Whiskey” moves another 45K.
Sam Hunt’s Break Up in a Small Town” (32K), Cam’s “Burning House” (25K) and Young’s “I’m Comin’ Over” (23K) complete the Top 5.
Barrett Baber, a contestant on The Voice, arrives at No. 9 with “Right Here Waiting” (14.5K). Other charting tracks this week from contestants on The Voice include Emily Ann Roberts‘ “Blame It On Your Heart” (No. 22, 8k) and Shelby Brown‘s “In Color” (No. 31, 7K).
Meanwhile, Jamey Johnson‘s original version of “In Color” reappears at No. 46 on the country digital singles chart (5K). Its overall sales figures have now surpassed 1.3 million.