Tommy Overstreet
Singer, songwriter and former Music Row executive Tommy Overstreet passed away on Nov. 2 at his home in Hillsboro, Oregon.
He performed his final show two years ago, and his health deteriorated thereafter. He began home hospice care about a month ago and died from complications relating to emphysema at age 78.
Overstreet enjoyed a run of success on the Billboard country charts during the 1970s. His Top 10 hits included “Gwen (Congratulations)” (1971), “I Don’t Know You (Anymore)” (1971), “Ann (Don’t Go Runnin’)” (1972), “Heaven Is My Woman’s Love” (1972), “Send Me No Roses” (1973), “I’ll Never Break These Chains” (1973), “(Jeannie Marie) You Were a Lady” (1974), “If I Miss You Again Tonight” (1974), “I’m a Believer” (1975), “That’s When My Woman Begins” (1975) and “Don’t Go City Girl On Me” (1977). He was a frequent guest on the national TV show Hee Haw.
Born in Oklahoma City in 1937, Tommy Overstreet was the cousin of 1920s pop superstar Gene Austin, whose million-sellers included “My Blue Heaven,” “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue,” “Ramona” “Bye, Bye Blackbird” and “Tonight You Belong to Me.” Overstreet always cited Austin as a major influence.
He rose to singing prominence as a teenager in Texas. Overstreet appeared regularly on Houston television in the early 1960s on a show called Kitchen Canteen. He also appeared in a Houston musical titled Hit the Road.
Overstreet attended the University of Texas in Abilene, studying radio and TV production. He appeared on local radio and television stations there as “Tommy Dean From Abilene.” During summer months, he toured with cousin Gene Austin, learning to be a show-business professional.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Overstreet moved to Los Angeles to write songs and record pop music. Returning to Texas, he worked with Slim Willet, of “Don’t Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes” fame, then formed his own band in the mid 1960s.
Overstreet came to Nashville in 1967. He became the manager of the Dot Records office that year. His hits for the label led to popularity overseas, as well as in the U.S. During his hit-making days, he did more than 30 international tours. The International Rodeo Association named him its Entertainer of the Year in 1979, 1980 and 1982.
When Dot merged with ABC in 1974, Overstreet left as an executive but remained as an artist for the company. He moved to Elektra Records in 1979. He subsequently recorded for the AMI, Gervasi, Silver Dollar and Madacy labels.
With his band The Nashville Express, the star logged more than a million miles on his tour bus, driving it himself during his early years. Overstreet moved to Branson, Missouri in 1985. He opened a restaurant and became a headliner in the tourism mecca.
Between 1969 and 1986, Overstreet placed 34 singles on the Billboard charts. In addition to the hits listed above, notable recorded performances included “If Love Was a Bottle of Wine” (1977), “Yes Ma’am” (1978), “Fadin’ In, Fadin’ Out” (1978), “This Time I’m In It For the Love” (1977), “What More Could a Man Need” (1979) and a cover of the Gary Puckett pop hit “Young Girl” (1976).
Overstreet was noted for his mellow baritone, good looks, distinctive white hair, snappy attire and optimistic personality. He recorded more than 25 albums, authored a memoir and co-wrote a children’s book. His songs were recorded by Tony Booth, Pat Boone, Tequila Sunrise and Tommy Cash, among others.
Tommy Overstreet moved to Hillsboro, Oregon in 2001 to be near his wife’s parents.
He is survived by wife Diane and daughters Ariel, Amber and Lisa. His son and road manager, Thomas, died in an accident in 1986.
A memorial service will take place on Sun., Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. at Evergreen Christian Center in Hillsboro, Oregon.
MusicRow Podcast Episode 3: The Band Perry
/by Craig_ShelburneThe Band Perry landed a big hit with “Done,” yet that word is barely in their vocabulary. MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson catches up with one of the industry’s hardest-working bands for the third episode of the MusicRow podcast.
Naturally, the conversation covers a lot of ground — from how they learned to develop a thick skin, their endless desire to grow and develop their art, and where their strong work ethic comes from.
As a family band made up of two brothers and a sister, Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry also explain how they go about making decisions when it comes to important moments in their career. And for this trio, the visual representation of their music is key, so they describe how they incorporate spectacle into their live show.
Signed to Big Machine Label Group’s Republic Nashville, The Band Perry was named MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist in 2011 and they have gone on to win many awards, including trophies from the CMA, ACM and CMT, as well as a Grammy earlier this year for their rendition of Glen Campbell’s “Gentle on My Mind.” With a new single called “Live Forever,” it’s clear that The Band Perry are in it for the long haul.
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.
Bobby Bones Joins ASCAP
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Producer Eddie; Robert Filhart, Creative Director, ASCAP; Bobby Bones; Michael Martin, VP Of Membership, ASCAP.
iHeartMedia/Premiere Networks on-air personality Bobby Bones of the nationally syndicated weekday country radio morning show The Bobby Bones Show has joined ASCAP as a songwriter member. Bones is half of Black River Entertainment recording artists and comedy duo The Raging Idiots, who recently announced the track listing and Nov. 20 release date for their debut EP, The Raging Idiots Presents – The Raging Kidiots.
Comprised of Bones and “Producer Eddie” of The Bobby Bones Show, The Raging Idiots have performed record-setting sold out shows across the country and have raised more than one million dollars for various charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For tour dates and information on Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots, visit ragingidiots.com.
Demolition Music Publishing Signs Megan Conner
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Abbe Nameche, plugger/consultant; Jon D’Agostino, Demolition President; Steve Bloch, plugger/consultant; Megan Conner; Shane Barrett, plugger/consultant.
Nashville’s Demolition Music Publishing is proud to announce the signing of songwriter Megan Conner.
“Our entire team is thrilled to have Megan on board,” said Demolition President, Jon D’Agostino. “She brings so much talent, experience and positivity to the writing room it’s insane!”
Megan has had recent cuts by Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, The Swon Brothers, and Danny Gokey.
DISClaimer: Chris Stapleton, Ryan Kinder Bring Ace Musicianship To New Singles
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): Chris Stapleton, Ryan Kinder
Big stars are side-by-side with complete unknowns this week.
In fact, more than half of these platters are by newcomers. Fortunately, this quantity creates no confusion about who is the best of them. The hands-down winner of the DisCovery Award is Ryan Kinder.
When dealing with the stars, the choice isn’t all that clear-cut. Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr. all have highly engaging sounds. In a very, very close contest, I’m going with my old fave Chris Stapleton as having the Disc of the Day. He nailed “Tennessee Whiskey” on the CMA telecast, and he nails on the record, as well.
JEFF DANE/Apple Pie Moonshine
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; JD
-It’s about running bootleg hooch. It has no melody.
HANK WILLIAMS JR. & ERIC CHURCH/Are You Ready For The Country
Writer: Neil Young; Producer: Julian Raymond; Publisher: Silver Fiddle, ASCAP; Nash Icon
-Packed with “outlaw” energy. An audio Red Bull jolt.
CURTIS BRALY & KIM CALDWELL/Sooner Or Later
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Studio Gold
-Duet partner Caldwell was an American Idol Season 2 finalist. But this is Braly’s show, since he is the more relaxed and believable vocalist. The song is a power ballad with loads of oomph.
CHRIS STAPLETON/Tennessee Whiskey
Writers: Dean Dillon/Linda Hargrove; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Publishers: Universal – Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.; EMI Algee Music Corp., BMI; Mercury (track)
-Part of the brilliance of Stapleton’s CMA award-winning album is that his vocals are so clear and uncluttered by production. His reworking of this 1983 George Jones hit drips with blue-eyed soul. His electric-guitar solo is just as groovy. Play and believe.
SCOTT BRANTLEY/Good Thing Going
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Studio Gold
-Merrily rollicking and mighty enjoyable. He’s deliriously in love, riding the open road and heading for home. A very tasty production and writing job, so credits would have been nice.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/Bathroom Sink
Writer: Miranda Lambert; Producers: Frank Liddell/Chuck Ainlay/Glenn Worf; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog, BMI
-Smartly written and performed with moxie. Also, it kicks serious butt.
RYAN BEAVER/Dark
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Crush
-The electro-accented production is full of echo and drama. He sings like a man possessed. He keeps drinking and descending into misery. “Bring it on; I ain’t afraid of the dark,” he cries. Gripping and passionate.
THOMAS RHETT/Die a Happy Man
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Sean Douglas/Joe Spargur; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Publishers:EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Sony-ATV/Warner-Tamerlane/Eastman Pond/Music of Big Deal/Nice Life/Frederic and Ried/BMG Rights Management, BMI; Valory Music Co.
-The softly seductive r&b groove is delicious. His laid-back delivery charms with subtlety. A love-ballad gem.
SHANE MICHAEL TAYLOR & MASON DOUGLAS/Feel Good Side of Life
Writers: Shane Michael Taylor/Lorna Flowers; Producer: Lorna Flowers; Publishers: none listed; Platinum Horse
-The album is credited to Taylor, who is a wheelchair-bound cerebral-palsy patient. In actuality, he is the songwriter of the collection. Vocals are provided by Trent Jeffcoat, Clare Dunn, Josh Helms, Tiffany and, as is the cast here, Mason Douglas. The ballad has a positive, uplifting message.
RYAN KINDER/Tonight
Writers: Ryan Kinder/Luke Sheets; Producer: Paul Worley; Publishers: W.B.M. Music Corp/Crimson Garden Music/Melodies of Bigger Picture (admin by W.B.M. Music Corp.)/Curb Congregation Songs; SESAC; Warner Bros.
-I like the driving, throbbing quality in this sound. He rides atop the pounding production with vocal finesse. It’s a sophisticated booty call, and who can argue with that? Unquestionably, the finest country debut in quite some time.
CMT Gets Ratings Boost From ‘I Love Kellie Pickler’
/by Craig_ShelburneKellie Pickler
CMT broke two of its longstanding ratings records as more than 2.5 million total viewers tuned in to the premiere night of I Love Kellie Pickler on Thursday (Nov. 5).
The premiere episode notched an impressive .81 rating with women (18-49) and .53 rating with adults (18-49) according to Nielsen Media Research, propelling the network to its highest premiere with adults since 2012 and women since 2008. Including encores over the weekend, nearly 4 million viewers have tuned-in.
Kellie Pickler and her husband/co-star Kyle Jacobs lit up social media that night with the series ranking as the No. 2 primetime reality series on Twitter, while the premiere drove a staggering 105% week-over-week increase in visitors and 96% week-over-week increase in total visits to CMT.com. New episodes of I Love Kellie Pickler premiere on Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
CMT is building a successful block of original programming on Thursday nights as the 10th season of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Making the Team concluded its season as the highest-rated to date with adults 18-49, garnering nearly 3 million total viewers, while Party Down South, returning January 7, remains the network’s highest-rated series.
I Love Kellie Pickler is produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions with executive producers Ryan Seacrest, Eugene Young, Rabih Gholam, Lisa Tucker, Noah Moskin, Kellie Pickler and Kyle Jacobs. Jayson Dinsmore, Morgan Selzer and Matthew Trierweiler executive produce for CMT.
Justin Timberlake’s “Drink You Away” Coming To Country Radio
/by Jessica NicholsonJustin Timberlake. Photo: Tom Munro / RCA Records
Pop superstar Justin Timberlake is making his way to country radio. His stirring duet with Chris Stapleton on last week’s CMA Awards (below) spurred Stapleton’s album Traveller to the pinnacle of the album sales rankings. As a result, Sony/RCA Nashville is hoping that country listeners are open to music from Timberlake.
“Drink You Away,” a track from Timberlake’s 2013 album The 20/20 Experience and one of the songs performed during the CMA duet, will be released to country radio on Nov. 23, according to the label. Timberlake is officially signed to RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.
As a solo artist, Timberlake’s first foray into country music came in 2007 when the Memphis native teamed with Reba for “The Only Promise That Remains,” a song he produced with Reba and penned with Matt Morris for Reba: Duets. As a member of *NSYNC, Timberlake and his bandmates appeared on Alabama‘s 1999 single, “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You,” which peaked at No. 3 on country radio. *NSYNC performed the tune with Alabama on the CMA Awards.
This isn’t the first time “Drink You Away” has been released to country radio. Stoney Creek Records artist David Fanning released a cover of the song to radio in 2014 with his then imprint, Red Bow.
Nashville School Among Semifinalists for Grammy Recognition, Funding
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Grammy Signature Schools program was started in 1998, and recognizes top U.S. public high schools that make an outstanding commitment to music education. In mid-March 2016, the foundation will announce the finalists for the Grammy Signature Schools program.
Each of the Grammy Signature Schools finalists will receive a custom award and monetary gift ranging from $1000 to $6000 benefit their music programs. The top programs are designated as Gold recipients, while the best program of the Gold recipients is named as the National Grammy Signature School. For economically underserved schools, the Grammy Foundation has also established the Enterprise Award, recognizing the efforts these schools have made in music education.
The Grammy Signature Schools program has been created through the support of Converse, Ford Motor Company Fund, Hot Topic Foundation, Journeys, Les Paul Foundation and RBC Foundation USA.
The Grammy Foundation has also established the Grammy Signature Schools Community Award, an extension of the Grammy Signature Schools program. Through a partnership with Converse, the Hot Topic Foundation, Journeys, Les Paul Foundation, Brookfield Properties and the RBC Foundation USA, the Grammy Foundation identifies deserving public high school music programs to receive the award and a $2,000 grant. To date, 500 awards totaling approximately $1 million in grants have been distributed to high school music programs.
“From our perspective, many public high schools across the country provide top notch music education programs for their students—often working with very limited financial means,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation. “Our Grammy Signature Schools program steps in to augment those resources with cash grants, and to celebrate the excellence of these programs and the beneficial and lasting effects of a music curriculum in the lives of young people. We are especially excited to celebrate a landmark in our Grammy Signature Schools Community Award program, which has awarded its 500th grant since the initiative began in 2010.”
For a full list of semifinalist schools, visit grammyintheschools.com.
Industry Ink: Fusion Music, ole, Rounder Label Group, Integrity Music
/by Jessica NicholsonDaniel Miller
Fusion Music Gets New Address
Fusion Music’s staff has moved into the Red Light Management office. The new address for Fusion Music is 1101 McGavock Street, Ste. 300, Nashville, TN 37203. Fusion Music’s Daniel Miller has updated his phone number to (615) 279-3784. Email address remains the same.
ole Acquires Anthem Entertainment Group, Launches Label Services
The deal adds to ole’s earlier acquisitions of Core Music Publishing (Rush) and Mark Cain (Max Webster), and comprises of all the legacy audio and A/V recordings of Rush and other Anthem artists, including the chart-topping new release Secrets by Ian Thornley, Steven Page’s upcoming solo album, and the upcoming live album and concert film from the Rush R40 Tour. Andy Curran, longtime A&R director at Anthem, joins ole as General Manager Label Services/A&R, together with Tyler Tasson as Manager, Label Services.
Rounder Label Group Adds Project & Partnership Marketing Manager
Brad Chelstrom
Brad Chelstrom has joined the Rounder Label Group as Project & Partnership Marketing Manager. Chelstrom joins the company from Universal Music Group Distribution where he held several positions throughout his 16-year tenure there including his most recent role as Director of Partnership Marketing.
Previously, Chelstrom supervised UMGD’s label artist development field staff and prior to that headed UMGD’s College & Lifestyle Marketing Department. He gained early music business experience as an Artist Development Field Rep himself and started his career as a UMGD College Rep while attending McNally Smith College of Music in Minneapolis.
Cliff O’Sullivan, Rounder Label Group COO says, “We’re delighted to have Brad join the Rounder Label Group marketing team. He brings a wealth of experience in distribution marketing and partnerships to the company.”
Integrity Music Signs Seth & Nirva
Nirva is a backing vocalist in TobyMac’s Diverse City Band, while Seth has served as a backing vocalist for Kirk Franklin, Chris Tomlin, and others.
CMHoF Displays Gary Allan Items
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (front L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ali Tonn, Carolyn Tate. (Back L-R): John Lytle, Lytle Management Group; Gary Allan; and Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is currently displaying platinum-selling recording artist Gary Allan‘s 1948 Gibson J200 acoustic guitar, three of his leather-bound songbooks, and his favorite John Lennon edition Mont Blanc writing pen. Allan’s items can be seen on display in the Taylor Swift Education Center.
“Some kids may think they need a computer or instruments to get started,” Allan said to the Associated Press. “I want kids out there to know that all you really need to write a song is a pen, a piece of paper and a little creativity. Songwriting is a great outlet. It can be a wonderful form of creative expression, it can be therapeutic and it’s fun!”
Allan’s songbooks on display contains his No. 1 “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain),” handwritten pieces including framed handwritten lyrics to Allan’s favorite song he has written, “Puttin’ Memories Away.”
“Music education sits at the core of our mission at the Museum,” said Ali Tonn, the Museum’s Director of Education and Public Programming. “We host hundreds of education programs in our Taylor Swift Education Center each year, and songwriting is at the heart of our flagship program Words & Music. We’re thrilled to be able to feature artifacts Gary Allan used to craft so many of his hits and hope that this installation will inspire and encourage young, budding songwriters.”
LifeNotes: Country Singer Tommy Overstreet Passes
/by Robert K OermannTommy Overstreet
Singer, songwriter and former Music Row executive Tommy Overstreet passed away on Nov. 2 at his home in Hillsboro, Oregon.
He performed his final show two years ago, and his health deteriorated thereafter. He began home hospice care about a month ago and died from complications relating to emphysema at age 78.
Overstreet enjoyed a run of success on the Billboard country charts during the 1970s. His Top 10 hits included “Gwen (Congratulations)” (1971), “I Don’t Know You (Anymore)” (1971), “Ann (Don’t Go Runnin’)” (1972), “Heaven Is My Woman’s Love” (1972), “Send Me No Roses” (1973), “I’ll Never Break These Chains” (1973), “(Jeannie Marie) You Were a Lady” (1974), “If I Miss You Again Tonight” (1974), “I’m a Believer” (1975), “That’s When My Woman Begins” (1975) and “Don’t Go City Girl On Me” (1977). He was a frequent guest on the national TV show Hee Haw.
Born in Oklahoma City in 1937, Tommy Overstreet was the cousin of 1920s pop superstar Gene Austin, whose million-sellers included “My Blue Heaven,” “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue,” “Ramona” “Bye, Bye Blackbird” and “Tonight You Belong to Me.” Overstreet always cited Austin as a major influence.
He rose to singing prominence as a teenager in Texas. Overstreet appeared regularly on Houston television in the early 1960s on a show called Kitchen Canteen. He also appeared in a Houston musical titled Hit the Road.
Overstreet attended the University of Texas in Abilene, studying radio and TV production. He appeared on local radio and television stations there as “Tommy Dean From Abilene.” During summer months, he toured with cousin Gene Austin, learning to be a show-business professional.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Overstreet moved to Los Angeles to write songs and record pop music. Returning to Texas, he worked with Slim Willet, of “Don’t Let the Stars Get In Your Eyes” fame, then formed his own band in the mid 1960s.
Overstreet came to Nashville in 1967. He became the manager of the Dot Records office that year. His hits for the label led to popularity overseas, as well as in the U.S. During his hit-making days, he did more than 30 international tours. The International Rodeo Association named him its Entertainer of the Year in 1979, 1980 and 1982.
When Dot merged with ABC in 1974, Overstreet left as an executive but remained as an artist for the company. He moved to Elektra Records in 1979. He subsequently recorded for the AMI, Gervasi, Silver Dollar and Madacy labels.
With his band The Nashville Express, the star logged more than a million miles on his tour bus, driving it himself during his early years. Overstreet moved to Branson, Missouri in 1985. He opened a restaurant and became a headliner in the tourism mecca.
Between 1969 and 1986, Overstreet placed 34 singles on the Billboard charts. In addition to the hits listed above, notable recorded performances included “If Love Was a Bottle of Wine” (1977), “Yes Ma’am” (1978), “Fadin’ In, Fadin’ Out” (1978), “This Time I’m In It For the Love” (1977), “What More Could a Man Need” (1979) and a cover of the Gary Puckett pop hit “Young Girl” (1976).
Overstreet was noted for his mellow baritone, good looks, distinctive white hair, snappy attire and optimistic personality. He recorded more than 25 albums, authored a memoir and co-wrote a children’s book. His songs were recorded by Tony Booth, Pat Boone, Tequila Sunrise and Tommy Cash, among others.
Tommy Overstreet moved to Hillsboro, Oregon in 2001 to be near his wife’s parents.
He is survived by wife Diane and daughters Ariel, Amber and Lisa. His son and road manager, Thomas, died in an accident in 1986.
A memorial service will take place on Sun., Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. at Evergreen Christian Center in Hillsboro, Oregon.