Hearts Bluff Music President Scott Parker.
Hearts Bluff Music has acquired the rights to the Muy Bueno Music catalog, founded by George Strait and his manager Erv Woolsey.
Hearts Bluff president Scott Parker made the announcement during Hearts Bluff Music’s 10th anniversary party, held in Nashville. Hearts Bluff Music’s catalog already boasts classics including “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Everlasting Love,” and more. The celebration featured performances from songwriters Aaron Barker, Hugh Prestwood, Mac Gayden, Kevin Welch, and more.
The Muy Bueno Music catalog began with flagship writer Aaron Barker, and over the years the roster grew to include Dana Hunt-Black, Gerald Smith, Donny Kees, and Tony Ramey, among others. Among its songs are the Strait-recorded hits “Baby Blue,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Write This Down,” and “One Night At A Time.” It also includes Lorrie Morgan’s “What Part of No,” Gary Allan’s “It Would Be You,” and Lonestar’s “What About Now,” among others.
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Embry, Creative Manager, Hearts Bluff Music;
Tyler Sutphen, Communication Manager, Hearts Bluff Music; Scott Parker, President, Hearts Bluff Music; Karen Lawrence, Royalty Analyst, Hearts Bluff Music; Richard Rose, Copyright Cafe.
Parker spoke about the importance of the Muy Bueno Music catalog acquisition with MusicRow.
MusicRow: How did this opportunity come about?
Scott Parker: We’ve had a great 10-year co-publishing relationship with Muy Bueno, ever since we purchased the Aaron Barker catalog. This purchase just made sense for all parties, as it was a natural outflow of our relationship. George, Erv and Connie [Woolsey] have built a treasure of songs and I’m so incredibly honored they’ve entrusted us with this legacy.
Muy Bueno’s attorney, Jess Rosen, also played a big part in putting this deal together. He knew I was passionate about this catalog, and helped us put together a fair deal. Hearts Bluff specializes in acquiring high-end, historical catalogs, so we knew the value and were able reach terms very quickly.
MR: In evaluating this catalog, what factors made it an important addition to Hearts Bluff Music?
SP: To my knowledge, this may be the largest independent catalog of George Strait music that’s ever been available…not to mention all the hits by other artists. And like I said before, this made sense with our previous catalog investments. I also had great deal of internal support from my investors. Most of them are based in Texas, and they understand the incredible legacy of this catalog.
MR: What songs in this catalog have not been recorded that you are excited about working on?
SP: There are definitely some “hidden gems” in this catalog. We’re pretty familiar with Aaron Barker’s and Dana Hunt-Black’s catalogs, and we’ll be getting up-to-speed on the deeper catalog. I’m excited about several of the classics again. For example, I’d love to hear a new artist rework a timeless classic like “Baby Blue” for sync placement. Also, I used to write songs with Muy Bueno writers like Dana Hunt-Black, and Christi Dannemiller, and have always admired their craft.
MR: Hearts Bluff is about not only a songwriter’s catalog, but about their legacy as a writer, and the Muy Bueno catalog certainly adds to that. What opportunities are you most looking forward to in working this catalog’s music?
SP: You’re right. For example, the legacy of a writer like Aaron Barker is very important to us. Aaron is a dear friend, and certainly worthy of induction in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. After all, this guy wrote many of George Strait’s biggest No. 1 songs like “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Baby Blue,” “Love Without End, Amen” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” These weren’t just hits, but defined an era in country music. Aaron recently performed at our 10-year Anniversary celebration, and he was absolutely amazing. He’s an American treasure. I look forward to similar experiences with other writers.
Pictured (L-R): Hugh Prestwood, Aaron Barker
Artist Updates: Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Eric Paslay, Charles Kelley, Lee Greenwood, Macy Martin
/by Eric T. ParkerTim McGraw Performs Album Release Party
Tim McGraw. Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for PANDORA Media
Pandora hosted a Tim McGraw album release party on Wednesday (Nov. 11) in New York City. His 14th studio album, Damn Country Music, was released on November 6 by Big Machine Records.
Dierks Bentley Surprised at Veterans Day Concert
Pictured (L-R): Eric Paslay, Dierks Bentley, Charles Kelley. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for CBS RADIO
Eric Paslay and Charles Kelley surprised Dierks Bentley during his set at CBS Radio’s Stars and Strings to perform “The Driver,” a song the three recorded for the Lady Antebellum breakout’s forthcoming solo album. The sold-out Veteran’s Day concert was held at the Chicago Theatre benefitting foldsofhonor.org, which provides educational support to spouses and children of America’s fallen and wounded soldiers. Paslay flew into Chicago just in time to make the show after spending five days in Mexico performing as part of Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Cruise.” Additional performers at the benefit event included Gary Allan, Hunter Hayes, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, Lee Brice, Little Big Town and The Band Perry.
Lee Greenwood To Perform Prior to Sunday Kick Off
Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood will perform his iconic, patriotic song “God Bless the USA” prior to kick off Sunday (Nov. 15) at FedExField, presented by ACM Lifting Lives. The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundations (WRCF) and Redskins Salute will host 200 military surviving family members from TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) at the Washington Redskins versus New Orleans Saints game. During an on-field presentation where they will receive a star (red, white or blue) to represent their fallen hero, Greenwood will sing live.
Macy Martin Delivers 100 Macy’s Toy Box Mascots
Pictured (L-R): band members Brent Layman, Matt Koerner, Phil Ortiz; Dee Dee Martin, Give Kids The World Village; Macy Martin; and volunteers.
Country newcomer and philanthropist Macy Martin recently performed for children and families at the Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Fla., which provides families of children with life threatening illness weeklong, cost free vacations.
Martin additionally met with children at the village and handed out over 100 stuffed “Tumbles” bears. The animals are the mascot of Macy’s Toy Box, a non-profit the singer established to collect new and gently used to toys for those less fortunate year-round.
Beats Music Subscriptions Will End on Nov. 30
/by Craig_ShelburneBeats Music will officially end on Nov. 30 and all subscriptions will be cancelled. The following message was posted to the support page of the company’s website:
The notice arrives just days after Apple, which acquired Beats Music in 2014 for $3 billion, introduced an Android app, making Apple Music available to a broader audience. Apple also launched its own streaming service in June.
YouTube Music App Launches
/by Jessica NicholsonYouTube Music has the ability to switch between video or audio-only features. It also allows users to hear audio from a video on a computer or mobile device, even if the display is turned off or the user is using a different app at the same time.
YouTube Music includes a 14-day “amplified experience” for free. This is a 14-day free subscription to the whole collection of services all at once.
YouTube Music is part of the new Red subscription service, which for $9.99 monthly brings you an ad-free YouTube experience, access to original content, and more.
Weekly Chart Report (11/13/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Hearts Bluff Music Acquires Muy Bueno Music Catalog
/by Jessica NicholsonHearts Bluff Music President Scott Parker.
Hearts Bluff Music has acquired the rights to the Muy Bueno Music catalog, founded by George Strait and his manager Erv Woolsey.
Hearts Bluff president Scott Parker made the announcement during Hearts Bluff Music’s 10th anniversary party, held in Nashville. Hearts Bluff Music’s catalog already boasts classics including “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Everlasting Love,” and more. The celebration featured performances from songwriters Aaron Barker, Hugh Prestwood, Mac Gayden, Kevin Welch, and more.
The Muy Bueno Music catalog began with flagship writer Aaron Barker, and over the years the roster grew to include Dana Hunt-Black, Gerald Smith, Donny Kees, and Tony Ramey, among others. Among its songs are the Strait-recorded hits “Baby Blue,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Write This Down,” and “One Night At A Time.” It also includes Lorrie Morgan’s “What Part of No,” Gary Allan’s “It Would Be You,” and Lonestar’s “What About Now,” among others.
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Embry, Creative Manager, Hearts Bluff Music;
Tyler Sutphen, Communication Manager, Hearts Bluff Music; Scott Parker, President, Hearts Bluff Music; Karen Lawrence, Royalty Analyst, Hearts Bluff Music; Richard Rose, Copyright Cafe.
Parker spoke about the importance of the Muy Bueno Music catalog acquisition with MusicRow.
MusicRow: How did this opportunity come about?
Scott Parker: We’ve had a great 10-year co-publishing relationship with Muy Bueno, ever since we purchased the Aaron Barker catalog. This purchase just made sense for all parties, as it was a natural outflow of our relationship. George, Erv and Connie [Woolsey] have built a treasure of songs and I’m so incredibly honored they’ve entrusted us with this legacy.
Muy Bueno’s attorney, Jess Rosen, also played a big part in putting this deal together. He knew I was passionate about this catalog, and helped us put together a fair deal. Hearts Bluff specializes in acquiring high-end, historical catalogs, so we knew the value and were able reach terms very quickly.
MR: In evaluating this catalog, what factors made it an important addition to Hearts Bluff Music?
SP: To my knowledge, this may be the largest independent catalog of George Strait music that’s ever been available…not to mention all the hits by other artists. And like I said before, this made sense with our previous catalog investments. I also had great deal of internal support from my investors. Most of them are based in Texas, and they understand the incredible legacy of this catalog.
MR: What songs in this catalog have not been recorded that you are excited about working on?
SP: There are definitely some “hidden gems” in this catalog. We’re pretty familiar with Aaron Barker’s and Dana Hunt-Black’s catalogs, and we’ll be getting up-to-speed on the deeper catalog. I’m excited about several of the classics again. For example, I’d love to hear a new artist rework a timeless classic like “Baby Blue” for sync placement. Also, I used to write songs with Muy Bueno writers like Dana Hunt-Black, and Christi Dannemiller, and have always admired their craft.
MR: Hearts Bluff is about not only a songwriter’s catalog, but about their legacy as a writer, and the Muy Bueno catalog certainly adds to that. What opportunities are you most looking forward to in working this catalog’s music?
SP: You’re right. For example, the legacy of a writer like Aaron Barker is very important to us. Aaron is a dear friend, and certainly worthy of induction in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. After all, this guy wrote many of George Strait’s biggest No. 1 songs like “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Baby Blue,” “Love Without End, Amen” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” These weren’t just hits, but defined an era in country music. Aaron recently performed at our 10-year Anniversary celebration, and he was absolutely amazing. He’s an American treasure. I look forward to similar experiences with other writers.
Pictured (L-R): Hugh Prestwood, Aaron Barker
UMG Revenues Show Streaming and Subscriptons Overtaking Sales
/by Eric T. ParkerThis shift was reported Tuesday (Nov. 10) in UMG parent company Vivendi‘s third quarter financial reports in analyzing nine-month totals.
“It is still too early to tell whether or not we have reached an inflection point,” said Herve Phillippe, Member of the Management Board, CFO.
Those year-to-date figures show UMG’s recorded music at $2.97 billion, up 1.9 percent at constant perimeter and constant currency, with digital up 5.9 percent. Physical sales have been down 7.9 percent YTD, at $937 million.
Still to come, awards boosts (Eric Church, Chris Stapleton), holiday sales (Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Maroon 5) and among new releases, that of Justin Bieber.
According to analysis from Music Business Worldwide, UMG’s specific third quarter revenue fell from the previous quarter, perhaps due to the establishment of Apple Music.
Marbaloo: Marketing Nashville’s Top Artists Through Creativity, Customization
/by Jessica NicholsonMarbaloo founder and managing partner Faithe Parker
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Jeremy Ryan
For Faithe Parker, being part of the successes of Kelsea Ballerini and other Marbaloo clients is the culmination of years of big dreams and hard work. Parker formed Marbaloo (short for “Marketing Hullabaloo”) in 2010. Five years later, the company boasts work with artists including Ballerini, Toby Keith, Maddie & Tae, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and more.
“I come from an entrepreneurial bloodlines,” Parker says. “I always wanted to start my own business, but I wanted to wait until I had the right experience.”
That experience includes international marketing for Interscope Records and a role as International Marketing and Promotions Director for Universal Music Group, working with artists including Lady Gaga, All American Rejects, and 50 Cent. She also worked as VP of Creative Operations for producer and musician Dave Stewart’s production studio Weapons of Mass Entertainment. She says her experience as a label rep working with third-party marketing companies informed her decision to create Marbaloo. “I really felt like we could be a company that would be pro-record company, who could come alongside record labels and management to help market artists,” said Parker.
Parker and her company aim to bring that same level of creativity to each client, regardless of the artist’s star status. “The first thing we do is get to know precisely what a new client needs and what is their perspective of themselves as an artist,” Parker says. “We learn everything from how they see themselves as an artist, to how they envision their career goals. What kinds of social media platforms, if any, they are comfortable using to communicate with fans? What parts of their stories haven’t been communicated with fans? What are their other passions and hobbies? Then we use all these pieces to customize and create new marketing ideas.”
Marbaloo’s staff has expanded to 23 employees adept at marketing, project management, event promotion, tour marketing, digital strategy, integrated publicity, asset production and more. Still, the company’s growth strategy has allowed them to continue to offer each new client personalized attention. “We do have a large roster of artists that we work with, but we have grown our staff as we have grown our client roster, which gives us a larger staff-to-artist ratio than many other marketing companies in town,” Parker says.
As the company’s clientele has expanded, so has its office space. They recently moved into a suite on the 13th floor of Nashville’s L&C Building, with nearly 6,000 square feet of office space. The suite is outfitted with sleek lines and warm colors. Glass walls throughout much of the space promote a collaborative environment. Multiple cooperative areas throughout the office accommodate meetings of all sizes, from phone booth-size enclosed areas for private calls, to couches for intimate meetings, to full-size conference rooms. “We are very collaborative here. Our staffers are very creative, and often work 12- and 16-hour days, so we want it to be a space where people are comfortable and where they can focus.”
“We couldn’t do this without the teamwork of the labels, management, publicists and artists we work with,” Parker says. “We are an extension of the artists we represent, and we aim to market them as creatively as possible. We couldn’t do that without the collaborative spirit in this city.”
Bachman-Gretsch Guitar Collection Coming to CMHoF
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will debut its largest exhibition of stringed instruments next year, when it explores the history of the guitar with the exhibition American Sound and Beauty: Guitars from the Bachman-Gretsch Collection. The collection opens Jan. 15, 2016, and runs through July 2016.
The 75 guitars that will be presented as part of the exhibit will provide a look at the instrument’s evolution from the late 1920s to the early 1980s. The exhibit is also the most comprehensive look at the Bachman-Gretsch Collection ever made available to the public.
The collection was amassed by Canadian guitarist and songwriter Randy Bachman, a key member of rock bands The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Bachman acquired more than 300 historic and rare Gretsch guitars in the 1970s and 1980s. His collection was purchased in 2008 by the Gretsch Foundation, the charitable arm of the Gretsch family.
Guitars from the Bachman-Gretsch Collection. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are incredible stewards of over two million artifacts in their own collection,” said Gretsch president Fred Gretsch. “When thinking about where to debut this collection, they were the obvious choice to both tell the Gretsch story and showcase these beautiful works of art to the world.”
“This collection of instruments tells a story of American life,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “From the Great Depression to the social unrest of the 1960s and 1970s, music has always evolved to reflect the important issues of the day, providing a soundtrack to history. Through sound and beauty these guitars reflect that evolution and tell our story.”
Edison Research To Present Study Results At CRS 2016
/by Troy_StephensonEdison Research will present findings of a research study during Country Radio Seminar 2016 on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Edison’s Larry Rosin and Megan Lazovick will present the study, “What Content Makes Country Radio Matter?”
Edison surveyed more than 1,500 listeners about their content preferences and conducted dozens of one-on-one interviews in three different markets. The study will answer questions such as, How can Country radio distinguish itself by being relevant? What do radio listeners want to hear when your talent cracks the mic? Is it live? Is it local? Is it community service? Is it continuous music? When listeners choose between all of the delivery systems available today, including broadcast radio, streaming services, subscription models, and all the other technologies available: what motivates the decision? Is Country radio their companion by choice, by curation, by convenience, or by default?
“At a time when there are more delivery systems available for content, this study truly breaks ground in determining the consumers’ primary content desires and especially why they choose radio for that specific content delivery daily across America” said Edison President Larry Rosin.
For more information, visit countryradioseminar.com.
Artist Updates: Jimmy Wayne, Clare Bowen, Austin Webb, Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots
/by Jessica NicholsonJimmy Wayne Supports Musicians On Call
Jimmy Wayne celebrated Veterans Day with work for Musicians On Call, a non-profit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. At the Nashville VA medical center, he serenaded veterans with songs including “Sara Smile” and his own “Do You Believe Me Now.”
The visit was the first in partnership with the Grand Ole Opry, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, and its Circle Throwdown, which brings performances with Opry artists and a replica of the famed six-foot Opry Circle of wood symbolizing the oak center stage at the Opry House to new locations across the country.
Jimmy Wayne. Photo: Glenn Sweitzer / Fresh Films
Nashville‘s Clare Bowen Explains Her New Look
Clare Bowen. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Nashville actress Clare Bowen recently took to social media to explain why her character has a new look. Bowen, 31, cut off her signature long blonde hair in an effort to encourage others to look beyond physical appearance. She also did it to encourage children and adults undergoing cancer treatment.
Bowen shared her own childhood experience of being diagnosed with end stage nephroblastoma, a kidney cancer that is responsible for 95 percent of kidney and renal cancers in children under the age of 14.
“I was really inspired when I heard a story about a little girl who said she couldn’t be a princess because she didn’t have long hair, and I wanted her, and others like her, to know that’s not what makes a princess, or a warrior, or a superhero. It’s not what makes you beautiful either. It’s your insides that count…even if you happen to be missing half of them,” she wrote on Facebook. “Every scar tells a story, every baldhead, every dark circle, every prosthetic limb, and every reflection in a mirror that you might not recognize anymore. Look deeper than skin, hair, nails, and lips. You are who you are in your bones. That is where you have the potential to shine the brightest from. It is where your true beautiful self lives.”
Austin Webb Gets Engaged
“I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life,” he shared via Instagram. “The most supportive, beautiful, smart, funny, great cooking, good lookin, kind hearted woman said yes #1111#shesaidyes”
The couple has not announced a wedding date.
Webb’s singles include 2013’s “Slip On By” and 2015’s “All Country on You.”
Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots To Release Children’s EP
Comedy duo and Black River Entertainment recording artists Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots will released the children’s EP The Raging Idiots Presents-The Raging Kidiots on Nov. 20. Beginning Nov. 13, fans can pre-order the EP on iTunes.
Photo: Robert Chavers
Courtesy of Black River Entertainment