Pictured: (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI songwriter and Icon Mac Davis with his wife Lise Davis and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Shearer
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 515
As Country Music Week galas go, the BMI Country Awards banquet ranks second only to the CMA Awards themselves for overall oomph.
Maybe that’s why fans were camped out at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 3) across the street from the organization’s Music Row headquarters. A mini throng was there by the time the limos arrived at 6 p.m., and it was still there when we emerged at 11 p.m.
Did I mention that BMI is also the longest of the ceremonies?
The fans’ fidelity was rewarded with red-carpet appearances by Chris Janson, Cam, Dustin Lynch, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, Alabama’s Randy Owen, Hunter Hayes, Brett Eldredge, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Lee Ann Womack, Deborah Allen and Nashville’s Chris Carmack.
Pictured (L-R): President and CEO of BMI, Michael O’Neill, Miranda Lambert, and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, Jody Williams
Also Miranda Lambert, Keith Stegall, Clay Walker, John Oates, Sherrie Austin, Native Run, Gary Allan, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Rice, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Lee Brice, Eric Church, Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban, Tyler Farr, Rob Crosby, Striking Matches, Kix Brooks, The Henningsens, Frankie Ballard, Big Kenny, as well as Ronnie, Rob and Del McCoury, among many other celebs.
Not the least of those glittering in the red-carpet spotlight was Mac Davis, the winner of this year’s BMI Icon honor. During the banquet, videos showed Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Scotty Emerick, Jeffrey Steele, Dean Dillon and Kenny Chesney praising Mac’s talent.
Vintage clips of performances of songs from Mac’s amazing catalog were also screened. That catalog includes “Something’s Burning,” “Watching Scotty Grow,” “Hooked on Music,” “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy,” “Stop and Smell the Roses” and “I Believe in Music.”
“Tonight, we are here to honor an entertainment legend who has had the Midas touch over a five-decade career,” said BMI CEO Mike O’Neill. “Mac’s beloved catalog spans genres and generations. Mac’s gift is writing straight from the heart.”
Mac McAnally performed a tender “Texas in My Rear View Mirror,” and earned a standing ovation. Rascal Flatts delivered a harmony-soaked “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” and also got a standing ovation. Luke Bryan rocked out on “A Little Less Conversation.”
Luke Bryan performs at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com
Then Little Big Town demonstrated that it might be the greatest vocal group in all of music. When Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook shared lead vocals on “In the Ghetto,” they proved what a quadruple threat these four singers truly are. Ethereal harmonies by Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman only added to the goosebumps.
Little Big Town perform at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com
“I think now you know why we call him an Icon,” said O’Neill.
“This is absolutely, totally, humongously awesome,” responded Mac. “I love what I do, and I love that I get to do this for a living. It’s something that we have to do. I really believe that. It’s a gift…I knew I was gonna be emotionally overwhelmed, and I am.
“The great songwriters, I still believe, live here in Nashville,” Mac added. Which is why he has built a home here and plans to collaborate with Music City’s finest. Mac lives next door to Allen Shamblin. He sang their new collaboration, “Where Songs Come From.” The crowd full of songwriters whistled and cheered at its inspirational lyrics and gave him another standing ovation.
Another popular award winner was Mac’s fellow Texas native Rodney Clawson, who won his second BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award. His awarded titles were “Bartender,” “American Kids,” “Burnin’ It Down,” “Dirt,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll,” “Helluva Night” and “Til It’s Gone.”
Pictured (L-R): Songwriters Nicolle Galyon and Rodney Clawson at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com
“It’s a good night for Texas,” said former farmer Rodney. “I’d like to thank all the songwriters I wrote all these songs with. Thank you…and let’s do it again.”
Phil Graham presented the Publisher of the Year award to Sony/ATV. Martin Bandier, Troy Tomlinson, Terry Wakefield and a large contingent of top company staffers accepted. The Frances W. Preston Country Song of the Year was “Beat of the Music,” penned by Ross Copperman, Brett Eldredge and Heather Morgan.
Heather was one of several first-time awardees. Others included Aaron Scherz, Nathan Chapman, Joey Hyde, Justin Wilson, Jesse Frasure, Tyler Farr and Adam Craig.
In addition to Rodney Clawson, multiple-song honorees included Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Andrew Dorff, Randy Houser, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Brett Eldredge, Luke Laird, Cole Swindell, Brantley Gilbert and Marv Green.
“What a party we have going tonight,” commented O’Neill. “It’s a celebration!
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to award you. We brought in over a billion dollars this year.” He spoke of doing battle with Pandora and of efforts in D.C. to gain greater royalties for songwriters.
In keeping with that theme, he gave the inaugural BMI Champion Award to tireless advocate Lee Thomas Miller.
“This is the best room in town,” said Lee. “I’m sitting next to my lifetime heroes.
“I think we’re making a difference. Our music is played at weddings and funerals and graduations, and I think that is worth more than a fraction of a penny” in royalties.
As far as “heroes” goes, Lee could have been referring to the attending Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famers Roger Murrah, Rory Bourke, Even Stevens, Craig Wiseman, Norro Wilson, Dennis Morgan, Thom Schuyler, Bob DiPiero, Randy Owen, Jeffrey Steele, Layng Martine Jr., Jerry Chesnut and Mark James, not to mention Mac Davis. I introduced Barry Dean to Hall of Famer Whitey Shafer, which was a thrill for BMI awardee Barry.
BMI Nashville chief Jody Williams got a standing ovation when he took the stage. He handed out the songwriting awards, along with Leslie Roberts, Bradley Collins and David Preston.
BMI’s 50 top country songs of the year were honored. In addition to those already mentioned, winning writers included Tom Douglas, Tommy Lee James, Tommy Bulford, Trent Tomlinson, Troy Verges, Bart Butler, Shane Minor, Wade Kirby, Phil O’Donnell, Natalie Hemby, Nicolle Galyon (who is married to top winner Rodney), The Warren Brothers, Ed Hill, David Frasier, Laura Veltz, Jason Matthews, Jimmy Yeary, Sarah Buxton, Dylan Altman, Chase Bryant, Philip LaRue, Bryan Simpson, John Ozier and Paul Jenkins.
This marked the 20th anniversary of the awards being given in the organization’s elaborately-disguised parking garage. Its columns were covered in mirrors. Massive floral arrangements flanked the entryways. Tablecloths hued in brushed chrome held centerpieces of red, pink and white roses, lilies and fruit, massed in mounds.
Salad was endive, blue cheese, pears (I think) and macadamia nuts. The entrée was surf-and-turf, plus shredded Brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, gravy and mashed potatoes.
You’d think that by mid-week, I’d have run out of new music-biz fabulons to greet. But you’d be wrong. Working the room were Ken Robold, Kent Earls, Billy Montana, Billy Burnette, Anastasia Brown, Tony Brown, Tony Conway, Jim Free, Jimmy Carter, Steve Moore, Steve Lowery, Bill Catino, Will Rambeaux, John Esposito, John Grady, Jon Randall Stewart, Tom Collins, Tom Roland, Del Bryant, Dane Bryant, Erika Wollam Nichols, Tim Nichols and Tim Wipperman.
“I’m back in the business, Lord help me,” said Wipperman. His new company is called Rezonant Music.
“I tried to quit, but couldn’t,” said Dean Dillon. “I’ve got all these baby songwriters to raise.” Besides, he’s back to performing. Dean is fronting The Texas Jam Band, a spin-off from George Strait’s Ace In the Hole Band.
B.J. Hill, Eddie Bayers, Narvel Blackstock, Byron Gallimore, Bobby Pinson, Bart Herbison (who convinced Mac Davis to move here), Erv Woolsey, Frank Myers, Scott Hendricks, Joe Galante, Jay Orr, Kay West, Debbie Carroll, David Briggs, Trent Summar, Walter Campbell, Whitney Daane, Rick & Janis Carnes, Suzy Ragsdale, Cyndi Forman, Alicia Warwick, Mary Ann McCready and many media mavens schmoozed.
We headed to the BMI lobby for assorted desserts and to enjoy the classic music of The Harold Bradley Band. The party favors were Whimsy Cookies, large round shortbreads with icing that spelled “Mac Davis” or depicted lucky horseshoes.
“It’s a beautiful night,” said Jody Williams. “It’s kind of like Thanksgiving. Mostly, I’m thankful because it’s an honor to serve you.”
2015 BMI Country Awards Winners
ICON
MAC DAVIS
SONG OF THE YEAR
“BEAT OF THE MUSIC”
Ross Copperman
Brett Eldredge
Heather Morgan
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Paris Not France Music
Ross Copperman Songs
Sony/ATV Countryside
Sony/ATV Tree
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
RODNEY CLAWSON
“American Kids”
“Bartender”
“Burnin’ It Down”
“Dirt”
“Helluva Life”
“Lettin’ The Night Roll”
“Til It’s Gone”
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
SONY/ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING NASHVILLE
(EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc, Sony/ATV Countryside and Sony/ATV Tree)
“Automatic”
“Beat Of The Music”
“Close Your Eyes”
“Drink To That All Night”
“Get Me Some Of That”
“Give Me Back My Hometown”
“Goodnight Kiss”
“Hope You Get Lonely Tonight”
“I Don’t Dance”
“I See You”
“Just Gettin’ Started”
“Keep Them Kisses Comin’”
“Later On”
“Like A Cowboy”
“Make Me Wanna”
“Mean To Me”
“Meanwhile Back At Mama’s”
“Play It Again”
“Ready Set Roll”
“Roller Coaster”
“Small Town Throwdown”
“Talladega”
“This Is How We Roll”
“Til It’s Gone”
“Whiskey In My Water”
“Who I Am With You”
2015 BMI COUNTRY AWARDS TOP 50 SONGS
“AMERICAN KIDS”
Rodney Clawson
Luke Laird
Big Red Toe Music
Creative Nation Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“AUTOMATIC”
Nicolle Galyon
Natalie Hemby
Miranda Lambert
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Pink Dog Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
These Are Pulse Songs
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“BARTENDER”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works
“BEAT OF THE MUSIC”
Ross Copperman
Brett Eldredge
Heather Morgan
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Paris Not France Music
Ross Copperman Songs
Sony/ATV Countryside
Sony/ATV Tree
“BOTTOMS UP”
Brantley Gilbert
Indiana Angel Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“BURNIN’ IT DOWN”
Rodney Clawson
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Big Loud Mountain
Big Red Toe Music
Pranch Ringle Music
Round Hill Works
T Hubb Publishing
“CLOSE YOUR EYES”
Adam Craig
Shane Minor
Trent Tomlinson
Big Mosquito Music
Big Spaces Music
Code Six Charles Music
Sony/ATV Tree
“DAY DRINKING”
Barry Dean
Karen Fairchild
Phillip Sweet
Troy Verges
Jimi Westbrook
Country Paper
Creative Nation Music
Magnolia Beach Music
Pulse Nation
Self Made Entertainment
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“DIRT”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works
“DOIN’ WHAT SHE LIKES”
Wade Kirby
Phil O’Donnell
Rooster Pecked Music
Round Hill Works
Sixteen Stars Music
“DRINK TO THAT ALL NIGHT”
Brad Warren
Brett Warren
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Fam Love Music
Sagequinnjude Music
“DRINKING CLASS”
David Frasier
Ed Hill
Big Hits of Amylase
Five Hills Music LLC
Gumbo Mud Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“GET ME SOME OF THAT”
Rhett Akins
Cole Swindell
Brooks County Boy Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“GIRL IN A COUNTRY SONG”
Aaron Scherz
Big Music Machine
“GIVE ME BACK MY HOMETOWN”
Eric Church
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Longer And Louder Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“GOODNIGHT KISS”
Randy Houser
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Little Britches Music
“HELLUVA LIFE”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Round Hill Works
“HOMEGROWN HONEY”
Nathan Chapman
Art In The Pain Publishing
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“HOPE YOU GET LONELY TONIGHT”
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Cole Swindell
Big Loud Mountain
Pranch Ringle Music
Sony/ATV Tree
T Hubb Publishing
“I DON’T DANCE”
Lee Brice
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Mike Curb Music
Two Chord Georgia Music
“I SEE YOU”
Luke Bryan
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Peanut Mill Songs
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“JUST GETTIN’ STARTED”
Rhett Akins
Brooks County Boy Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“KEEP THEM KISSES COMIN’”
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“LATER ON”
Joey Hyde
Justin Wilson
Magic Mustang Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“LETTIN’ THE NIGHT ROLL”
Rodney Clawson
Justin Moore
Big Music Machine
Big Red Toe Music
Double Barrel Ace Music
Round Hill Works
“LIKE A COWBOY”
Randy Houser
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Little Britches Music
“LONELY EYES”
Johnny Bulford
Jason Matthews
Laura Veltz
3JB Music
Fresh Baked Cookies
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“MAKE ME WANNA”
Bart Butler
Thomas Rhett
Bill Butler Music LLC
Cricket On The Line
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“MEAN TO ME”
Brett Eldredge
Paris Not France Music
Sony/ATV Countryside
“MEANWHILE BACK AT MAMA’S”
Tom Douglas
Jeffrey Steele
Jeffrey Steele Music
Sony/ATV Tree
TomDouglasMusic
“MY EYES”
Andrew Dorff
Tommy Lee James
Endorffin Music
Pretty Woman Publishing LLC
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Super Phonic Music
“NEON LIGHT”
Andrew Dorff
Moreendorffin Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“PERFECT STORM”
Lee Thomas Miller
The Country And Western Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“PLAY IT AGAIN”
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“READY SET ROLL”
Rhett Akins
Chase Rice
Brooks County Boy Music
Dack Janiels Publishing
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Countryside
“ROLLER COASTER”
Cole Swindell
Sony/ATV Tree
“SEE YOU TONIGHT”
Scotty McCreery
Dagum Music
“SHOTGUN RIDER”
Marv Green
Troy Verges
Goes Something Like This Music
Songs From The Engine Room
Songs of Universal, Inc.
The Good The Bad The Ugly Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“SMALL TOWN THROWDOWN”
Rhett Akins
Dallas Davidson
Brantley Gilbert
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Indiana Angel Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“SOMETHING IN THE WATER”
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Okie Music
“SOMEWHERE IN MY CAR”
Keith Urban
Mary Rose Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“SUN DAZE”
Sarah Buxton
Jesse Frasure
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Big Loud Mountain
Big Red Toe Music
Bux Tone Music
Pranch Ringle Music
Rio Bravo Music
Round Hill Works
T Hubb Publishing
“SUNSHINE & WHISKEY”
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“TAKE IT ON BACK”
Dylan Altman
Chase Bryant
Tommy Lee James
BMG Platinum Songs
Once In A Blue Tune Music
Orbison Music LLC
Spirit of Nashville One
SWMBMGBMI
“TALLADEGA”
Eric Church
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Longer And Louder Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“THIS IS HOW WE ROLL”
Luke Bryan
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Cole Swindell
Big Loud Mountain
Peanut Mill Songs
Pranch Ringle Music
Sony/ATV Tree
T Hubb Publishing
“TIL IT’S GONE”
Rodney Clawson
Jimmy Yeary
Beattyville Music
Big Red Toe Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Farm Town Songs
Great Day At This Music
Round Hill Works
“WHISKEY IN MY WATER”
Tyler Farr
Phillip LaRue
John Ozier
Let The Road Pave Itself
Maxx Music
Mike Curb Music
Over The Bar Music
Razor & Tie Music Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
“WHO I AM WITH YOU”
Marv Green
Paul Jenkins
Made For This Music
Sony/ATV Tree
The Good The Bad The Ugly Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“YEAH”
Bryan Simpson
Writers of Sea Gayle Music
‘Nashville’ Actors Partner for CMA Songwriters Series
/by Eric T. ParkerChris Carmack (Will Lexington), Will Chase (Luke Wheeler), Charles Esten (Deacon Clayborne), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), and Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott) of ABC’s Nashville will perform for a special CMA Songwriters Series alongside songwriters Trent Dabbs, Chris Gelbuda, Travis Meadows and Jonathan Singleton.
Featuring songs from the show and sharing stories behind the music, the event will be held at Nashville’s CMA Theater on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., the night after the 49th Annual CMA Awards.
The CMA Songwriters Series is now in its 11th season having kicked off 2015 at the Sundance Film Festival and continuing with shows in London, Chicago, Nashville, Washington, D.C., and Toronto.
Artist Updates: Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Luke Bryan
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney Spreads The Love With Additional Stadium Show
Kenny Chesney performs during a Nashville concert in 2015.
Kenny Chesney has extended his run of stadium shows booked for 2016 as part of his Spread The Love Tour, with the addition of a Saturday, May 28, show at Louisville’s Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
“Last year, we stripped things back and we really learned how to push the energy between us and the crowd,” Chesney says. “So getting ready for this year, we’re gonna keep the music a big part of it, and how the fans lean into those songs – the singing, cheering, dancing – so it’s all about that! When you see Miranda (Lambert), Sam (Hunt) and Old Dominion – you know those are all people who take connecting with the audience through their songs as seriously as I do.”
Brad Paisley To Take Part in Billboard Touring Event
Brad Paisley will take part in a keynote Q&A during the upcoming Billboard Touring Conference and Awards, which will be held Nov. 18-19 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Tonight Paisley will be in Nashville, co-hosting the 49th annual CMA Awards alongside Carrie Underwood. The awards show will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC.
Brantley Gilbert Earns Back-to-Back Platinum
Brantley Gilbert. Photo: James Minchin
Brantley Gilbert‘s latest effort, Just As I Am, has earned platinum sales for more than one million scans. It joins Gilbert’s Valory Music Co. debut Halfway to Heaven as a platinum-selling album. The Valory Music Co. SVP Promotion George Briner surprised Gilbert with the news at the CMA Awards radio remotes at the Music City Center.
“I’d been waiting to hear we hit a million,” Brantley said. “Because I can tell the way people respond to these songs live. ‘One Hell Of An Amen’ really hits them, and when people feel a song like that, you know it’s a part of their lives.”
Luke Bryan Discusses Career at Country Music Hall of Fame
Pictured are (L-R): UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville; Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ali Tonn, Luke Bryan, Rolling Stone Country’s Joe Hudak, and manager Kerri Edwards
Photo by Rick Diamond, Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a special, sold out appearance by Luke Bryan on Sunday, Nov. 1. The reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year discussed his career and performed a short acoustic set in support of the exhibition Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diary, presented by Citi. The panel was hosted by Joseph Hudak, Senior Editor at Rolling Stone Country.
Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diary, will end its run this Sunday, Nov. 8.
Element Music Row Apartments Command Premium Rent
/by Jessica NicholsonRendering of Element Music Row. Photo: Bradley Hamilton, RM Design Studio.
Ready to move into the penthouse suite next year at one of Nashville’s newest apartments? It could cost you $10,000 per month. Element Music Row, a new structure located at 1515 Demonbreun Street, and developed by Childress Klein, is auctioning its top penthouse suites to the bidder willing to pay the highest rent.
Bids for the 1622-square-foot, one-bedroom penthouses start at $5300 per month. To secure a penthouse (essentially bypassing the auction process), interested parties must be willing to pay $7950 per month. In addition, $10,000-a-month commitment will secure a lease in a three-bedroom unit without going through the auctions.
The penthouses feature floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views, 12′ ceilings, a wine refrigerator, hardwood flooring, custom-designed closets, and more.
Just below the penthouse levels, the starting prices for a (non-auctioned) two-bedroom, 1143-square-foot unit on the building’s 18th level begins at $3300 per month. On the building’s second level, a one-bedroom, one-bath, 792-square-foot studio unit begins at $2635 per month. Some 564-square-foot studio apartments are available for less than $2000 per month.
Tammy Wynette Hologram Stage Show To Debut in Nashville in 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonTammy Wynette. Photo: bmi.com.
Hologram USA will debut a hologram of Tammy Wynette, as well as a stage show to debut in Nashville in 2016. Wynette’s hologram is being developed in partnership with The Bicycle Music Company, which manages her rights. A venue has not yet been announced for the stage show, which will also be distributed by streaming TV company FilmOn.
“It’s an honor to celebrate America’s musical heritage by introducing the artistry of Tammy Wynette to new audiences,” said Hologram USA CEO Alki David. “We are creating a full-length show involving both songs and stories from her life and truly authentic performances.”
Wynette, who died in 1998, notched dozens of hits including her signature tune “Stand By Your Man,” “Til I Get It Right,” “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” and duets with George Jones including “Golden Ring” and “We’re Gonna Hold On.”
Hologram USA is also working on a Patsy Cline hologram, also set for debut in 2016. Other celebrity holograms created by Hologram USA include Whitney Houston, Buddy Holly, Liberace, Redd Foxx and more.
Additionally, Hologram USA will be involved in tonight’s (Nov. 4) Jimmy Kimmel Live!, when the talk show host’s monologue is beamed from a soundstage in Hollywood to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Later in the show, The Band Perry will perform on the stage inside the Country Music Hall of Fame, but will be shown through a hologram on Jimmy Kimmel Live‘s outdoor stage.
Hologram USA’s involvement with country music began with the first hologram appearance by Kimmel in conjunction with the 2014 CMA Awards with Kacey Musgraves and Florida Georgia Line.
Schmidt Relations Expands Artist Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Cole Swindell, Eric Paslay
Cole Swindell and Eric Paslay have joined the public relations client roster at Schmidt Relations.
Schmidt Relations was founded in 1997 by publicist and CEO/Owner Jessie Schmidt. Today the company also includes VP, Publicity Dixie Owen.
Swindell will release his second Down Home Sessions EP on Friday (Nov. 6), just before he launches his fall headlining tour on Nov. 11. He recently earned his fourth consecutive Top 10 single, “Let Me See Ya Girl,” from his self-titled album. He earned the 2015 ACM New Artist of the Year award, as well as the CMA Triple Play Award for earning (at least) three No. 1 songs.
Paslay received the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” honor for the ballad “She Don’t Love You” at the 2015 Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Awards in Nashville. He also joined Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley to perform Kelley’s solo single, “The Driver,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also recently released “High Class,” the lead single for his upcoming sophomore album. Paslay has penned five No. 1 hits, including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love and Theft), “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night,” the lead single from his own self-titled debut album.
The Schmidt Relations roster also includes Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Alan Jackson, David Nail, and the Grand Ole Opry.
BBR Music Group Hosts 6th Annual CMA Pre-Party
/by Eric T. ParkerTrace Adkins performs at the 6th Annual Broken Bow Label Group CMA Pre-Party. Photo: instagram.com/bbrmusicgroup
BBR Music Group Executive VP Jon Loba welcomed a capacity crowd to Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe last night (Nov. 3) for the label group’s 6th Annual Pre-CMA Party. After thanking BBR owner/CEO Benny Brown, Loba invited event host, radio personality the AntMan, to kick off the evening.
Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Chase Bryant, Jackie Lee, Craig Campbell, and many more artists on the BBR roster performed at the invitation-only party. In addition, Parmalee accepted plaques celebrating the platinum-certified single, “Carolina,” which the label’s Rick Shedd revealed, “Benny signed [Parmalee] because of this song.” Shedd also offered thanks to partners U.S. Bank and RED Distribution.
Pictured (L-R): Josh McSwain, Parmalee; Jon Loba, BBR; Parmalee’s Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas; Benny Brown, BBR; Barry Knox, Parmalee; Rick Shedd, BBR. Photo: instagram.com/bbrmusicgroup
New to the label, Adkins rounded out the evening with his own seven-person band, performing titles including “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” which he said was inspired by a woman at the Wildhorse Saloon. He also sang his first single, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, “There’s a Girl in Texas,” in addition to “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and a new title, “Jesus and Jones.” Adkins also featured backup singer Marion Grace on a cover of Paul Young’s “Everytime You Go Away.”
Jackie Lee
Get ready for the voice of Jackie Lee — this man can sing! Lee performed “Reminders of You” and “Leave the Light On.” Runaway June and Brooke Eden also made appearances, while newcomer Adam Craig brought an impressive voice to “It’s All Good.” Craig is a songwriter on Jason Aldean’s “Church Pew or Barstool” and Parmalee’s “Close Your Eyes.”
Lindsay Ell, who was announced earlier in the day to join CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour 2016, energetically performed her latest single “By The Way” and “All Alright.”
Young Georgia native Jordan Rager rocked the stage with his single “Feels Like One of Them,” “She Digs Dirt,” and a Randy Montana title, “Young In This Town.”
Former Bigger Picture artist Craig Campbell offered new titles “W-I-Double-N-E-BA-GO” and “Outskirts of Heaven,” along with an innuendo-filled “Fish.”
Craig Campbell
Chase Bryant displayed why he was invited on the road with Tim McGraw when he performed “Little Bit Of You,” “Change Your Name,” and “Take It On Back,” a song for which he was awarded earlier in the evening at BMI’s 2015 Country Awards.
Chase Bryant
Country heartbreaker Granger Smith brought his latest single “Backroad Song” and “Tailgate Town” before channeling his alter ego, YouTube viral sensation Earl Dibbles Jr. on the parody title “City Boy Stuck.”
Granger Smith
Bobby Karl Works the BMI Country Awards
/by Bobby KarlPictured: (L-R): BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI songwriter and Icon Mac Davis with his wife Lise Davis and BMI’s Jody Williams. Photo: John Shearer
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 515
As Country Music Week galas go, the BMI Country Awards banquet ranks second only to the CMA Awards themselves for overall oomph.
Maybe that’s why fans were camped out at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 3) across the street from the organization’s Music Row headquarters. A mini throng was there by the time the limos arrived at 6 p.m., and it was still there when we emerged at 11 p.m.
Did I mention that BMI is also the longest of the ceremonies?
The fans’ fidelity was rewarded with red-carpet appearances by Chris Janson, Cam, Dustin Lynch, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, Alabama’s Randy Owen, Hunter Hayes, Brett Eldredge, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Lee Ann Womack, Deborah Allen and Nashville’s Chris Carmack.
Pictured (L-R): President and CEO of BMI, Michael O’Neill, Miranda Lambert, and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, Jody Williams
Also Miranda Lambert, Keith Stegall, Clay Walker, John Oates, Sherrie Austin, Native Run, Gary Allan, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Rice, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Lee Brice, Eric Church, Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban, Tyler Farr, Rob Crosby, Striking Matches, Kix Brooks, The Henningsens, Frankie Ballard, Big Kenny, as well as Ronnie, Rob and Del McCoury, among many other celebs.
Not the least of those glittering in the red-carpet spotlight was Mac Davis, the winner of this year’s BMI Icon honor. During the banquet, videos showed Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Scotty Emerick, Jeffrey Steele, Dean Dillon and Kenny Chesney praising Mac’s talent.
Vintage clips of performances of songs from Mac’s amazing catalog were also screened. That catalog includes “Something’s Burning,” “Watching Scotty Grow,” “Hooked on Music,” “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy,” “Stop and Smell the Roses” and “I Believe in Music.”
“Tonight, we are here to honor an entertainment legend who has had the Midas touch over a five-decade career,” said BMI CEO Mike O’Neill. “Mac’s beloved catalog spans genres and generations. Mac’s gift is writing straight from the heart.”
Mac McAnally performed a tender “Texas in My Rear View Mirror,” and earned a standing ovation. Rascal Flatts delivered a harmony-soaked “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” and also got a standing ovation. Luke Bryan rocked out on “A Little Less Conversation.”
Luke Bryan performs at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com
Then Little Big Town demonstrated that it might be the greatest vocal group in all of music. When Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook shared lead vocals on “In the Ghetto,” they proved what a quadruple threat these four singers truly are. Ethereal harmonies by Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman only added to the goosebumps.
Little Big Town perform at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com
“I think now you know why we call him an Icon,” said O’Neill.
“This is absolutely, totally, humongously awesome,” responded Mac. “I love what I do, and I love that I get to do this for a living. It’s something that we have to do. I really believe that. It’s a gift…I knew I was gonna be emotionally overwhelmed, and I am.
“The great songwriters, I still believe, live here in Nashville,” Mac added. Which is why he has built a home here and plans to collaborate with Music City’s finest. Mac lives next door to Allen Shamblin. He sang their new collaboration, “Where Songs Come From.” The crowd full of songwriters whistled and cheered at its inspirational lyrics and gave him another standing ovation.
Another popular award winner was Mac’s fellow Texas native Rodney Clawson, who won his second BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award. His awarded titles were “Bartender,” “American Kids,” “Burnin’ It Down,” “Dirt,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll,” “Helluva Night” and “Til It’s Gone.”
Pictured (L-R): Songwriters Nicolle Galyon and Rodney Clawson at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: BMI.com
“It’s a good night for Texas,” said former farmer Rodney. “I’d like to thank all the songwriters I wrote all these songs with. Thank you…and let’s do it again.”
Phil Graham presented the Publisher of the Year award to Sony/ATV. Martin Bandier, Troy Tomlinson, Terry Wakefield and a large contingent of top company staffers accepted. The Frances W. Preston Country Song of the Year was “Beat of the Music,” penned by Ross Copperman, Brett Eldredge and Heather Morgan.
Heather was one of several first-time awardees. Others included Aaron Scherz, Nathan Chapman, Joey Hyde, Justin Wilson, Jesse Frasure, Tyler Farr and Adam Craig.
In addition to Rodney Clawson, multiple-song honorees included Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Andrew Dorff, Randy Houser, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Brett Eldredge, Luke Laird, Cole Swindell, Brantley Gilbert and Marv Green.
“What a party we have going tonight,” commented O’Neill. “It’s a celebration!
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to award you. We brought in over a billion dollars this year.” He spoke of doing battle with Pandora and of efforts in D.C. to gain greater royalties for songwriters.
In keeping with that theme, he gave the inaugural BMI Champion Award to tireless advocate Lee Thomas Miller.
“This is the best room in town,” said Lee. “I’m sitting next to my lifetime heroes.
“I think we’re making a difference. Our music is played at weddings and funerals and graduations, and I think that is worth more than a fraction of a penny” in royalties.
As far as “heroes” goes, Lee could have been referring to the attending Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famers Roger Murrah, Rory Bourke, Even Stevens, Craig Wiseman, Norro Wilson, Dennis Morgan, Thom Schuyler, Bob DiPiero, Randy Owen, Jeffrey Steele, Layng Martine Jr., Jerry Chesnut and Mark James, not to mention Mac Davis. I introduced Barry Dean to Hall of Famer Whitey Shafer, which was a thrill for BMI awardee Barry.
BMI Nashville chief Jody Williams got a standing ovation when he took the stage. He handed out the songwriting awards, along with Leslie Roberts, Bradley Collins and David Preston.
BMI’s 50 top country songs of the year were honored. In addition to those already mentioned, winning writers included Tom Douglas, Tommy Lee James, Tommy Bulford, Trent Tomlinson, Troy Verges, Bart Butler, Shane Minor, Wade Kirby, Phil O’Donnell, Natalie Hemby, Nicolle Galyon (who is married to top winner Rodney), The Warren Brothers, Ed Hill, David Frasier, Laura Veltz, Jason Matthews, Jimmy Yeary, Sarah Buxton, Dylan Altman, Chase Bryant, Philip LaRue, Bryan Simpson, John Ozier and Paul Jenkins.
This marked the 20th anniversary of the awards being given in the organization’s elaborately-disguised parking garage. Its columns were covered in mirrors. Massive floral arrangements flanked the entryways. Tablecloths hued in brushed chrome held centerpieces of red, pink and white roses, lilies and fruit, massed in mounds.
Salad was endive, blue cheese, pears (I think) and macadamia nuts. The entrée was surf-and-turf, plus shredded Brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, gravy and mashed potatoes.
You’d think that by mid-week, I’d have run out of new music-biz fabulons to greet. But you’d be wrong. Working the room were Ken Robold, Kent Earls, Billy Montana, Billy Burnette, Anastasia Brown, Tony Brown, Tony Conway, Jim Free, Jimmy Carter, Steve Moore, Steve Lowery, Bill Catino, Will Rambeaux, John Esposito, John Grady, Jon Randall Stewart, Tom Collins, Tom Roland, Del Bryant, Dane Bryant, Erika Wollam Nichols, Tim Nichols and Tim Wipperman.
“I’m back in the business, Lord help me,” said Wipperman. His new company is called Rezonant Music.
“I tried to quit, but couldn’t,” said Dean Dillon. “I’ve got all these baby songwriters to raise.” Besides, he’s back to performing. Dean is fronting The Texas Jam Band, a spin-off from George Strait’s Ace In the Hole Band.
B.J. Hill, Eddie Bayers, Narvel Blackstock, Byron Gallimore, Bobby Pinson, Bart Herbison (who convinced Mac Davis to move here), Erv Woolsey, Frank Myers, Scott Hendricks, Joe Galante, Jay Orr, Kay West, Debbie Carroll, David Briggs, Trent Summar, Walter Campbell, Whitney Daane, Rick & Janis Carnes, Suzy Ragsdale, Cyndi Forman, Alicia Warwick, Mary Ann McCready and many media mavens schmoozed.
We headed to the BMI lobby for assorted desserts and to enjoy the classic music of The Harold Bradley Band. The party favors were Whimsy Cookies, large round shortbreads with icing that spelled “Mac Davis” or depicted lucky horseshoes.
“It’s a beautiful night,” said Jody Williams. “It’s kind of like Thanksgiving. Mostly, I’m thankful because it’s an honor to serve you.”
2015 BMI Country Awards Winners
ICON
MAC DAVIS
SONG OF THE YEAR
“BEAT OF THE MUSIC”
Ross Copperman
Brett Eldredge
Heather Morgan
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Paris Not France Music
Ross Copperman Songs
Sony/ATV Countryside
Sony/ATV Tree
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
RODNEY CLAWSON
“American Kids”
“Bartender”
“Burnin’ It Down”
“Dirt”
“Helluva Life”
“Lettin’ The Night Roll”
“Til It’s Gone”
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
SONY/ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING NASHVILLE
(EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc, Sony/ATV Countryside and Sony/ATV Tree)
“Automatic”
“Beat Of The Music”
“Close Your Eyes”
“Drink To That All Night”
“Get Me Some Of That”
“Give Me Back My Hometown”
“Goodnight Kiss”
“Hope You Get Lonely Tonight”
“I Don’t Dance”
“I See You”
“Just Gettin’ Started”
“Keep Them Kisses Comin’”
“Later On”
“Like A Cowboy”
“Make Me Wanna”
“Mean To Me”
“Meanwhile Back At Mama’s”
“Play It Again”
“Ready Set Roll”
“Roller Coaster”
“Small Town Throwdown”
“Talladega”
“This Is How We Roll”
“Til It’s Gone”
“Whiskey In My Water”
“Who I Am With You”
2015 BMI COUNTRY AWARDS TOP 50 SONGS
“AMERICAN KIDS”
Rodney Clawson
Luke Laird
Big Red Toe Music
Creative Nation Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“AUTOMATIC”
Nicolle Galyon
Natalie Hemby
Miranda Lambert
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Pink Dog Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
These Are Pulse Songs
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“BARTENDER”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works
“BEAT OF THE MUSIC”
Ross Copperman
Brett Eldredge
Heather Morgan
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Paris Not France Music
Ross Copperman Songs
Sony/ATV Countryside
Sony/ATV Tree
“BOTTOMS UP”
Brantley Gilbert
Indiana Angel Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“BURNIN’ IT DOWN”
Rodney Clawson
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Big Loud Mountain
Big Red Toe Music
Pranch Ringle Music
Round Hill Works
T Hubb Publishing
“CLOSE YOUR EYES”
Adam Craig
Shane Minor
Trent Tomlinson
Big Mosquito Music
Big Spaces Music
Code Six Charles Music
Sony/ATV Tree
“DAY DRINKING”
Barry Dean
Karen Fairchild
Phillip Sweet
Troy Verges
Jimi Westbrook
Country Paper
Creative Nation Music
Magnolia Beach Music
Pulse Nation
Self Made Entertainment
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“DIRT”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Farm Town Songs
Round Hill Works
“DOIN’ WHAT SHE LIKES”
Wade Kirby
Phil O’Donnell
Rooster Pecked Music
Round Hill Works
Sixteen Stars Music
“DRINK TO THAT ALL NIGHT”
Brad Warren
Brett Warren
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Fam Love Music
Sagequinnjude Music
“DRINKING CLASS”
David Frasier
Ed Hill
Big Hits of Amylase
Five Hills Music LLC
Gumbo Mud Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“GET ME SOME OF THAT”
Rhett Akins
Cole Swindell
Brooks County Boy Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“GIRL IN A COUNTRY SONG”
Aaron Scherz
Big Music Machine
“GIVE ME BACK MY HOMETOWN”
Eric Church
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Longer And Louder Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“GOODNIGHT KISS”
Randy Houser
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Little Britches Music
“HELLUVA LIFE”
Rodney Clawson
Big Red Toe Music
Round Hill Works
“HOMEGROWN HONEY”
Nathan Chapman
Art In The Pain Publishing
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“HOPE YOU GET LONELY TONIGHT”
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Cole Swindell
Big Loud Mountain
Pranch Ringle Music
Sony/ATV Tree
T Hubb Publishing
“I DON’T DANCE”
Lee Brice
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Mike Curb Music
Two Chord Georgia Music
“I SEE YOU”
Luke Bryan
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Peanut Mill Songs
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“JUST GETTIN’ STARTED”
Rhett Akins
Brooks County Boy Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“KEEP THEM KISSES COMIN’”
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“LATER ON”
Joey Hyde
Justin Wilson
Magic Mustang Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“LETTIN’ THE NIGHT ROLL”
Rodney Clawson
Justin Moore
Big Music Machine
Big Red Toe Music
Double Barrel Ace Music
Round Hill Works
“LIKE A COWBOY”
Randy Houser
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Little Britches Music
“LONELY EYES”
Johnny Bulford
Jason Matthews
Laura Veltz
3JB Music
Fresh Baked Cookies
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“MAKE ME WANNA”
Bart Butler
Thomas Rhett
Bill Butler Music LLC
Cricket On The Line
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“MEAN TO ME”
Brett Eldredge
Paris Not France Music
Sony/ATV Countryside
“MEANWHILE BACK AT MAMA’S”
Tom Douglas
Jeffrey Steele
Jeffrey Steele Music
Sony/ATV Tree
TomDouglasMusic
“MY EYES”
Andrew Dorff
Tommy Lee James
Endorffin Music
Pretty Woman Publishing LLC
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Super Phonic Music
“NEON LIGHT”
Andrew Dorff
Moreendorffin Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“PERFECT STORM”
Lee Thomas Miller
The Country And Western Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“PLAY IT AGAIN”
Dallas Davidson
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
“READY SET ROLL”
Rhett Akins
Chase Rice
Brooks County Boy Music
Dack Janiels Publishing
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Sony/ATV Countryside
“ROLLER COASTER”
Cole Swindell
Sony/ATV Tree
“SEE YOU TONIGHT”
Scotty McCreery
Dagum Music
“SHOTGUN RIDER”
Marv Green
Troy Verges
Goes Something Like This Music
Songs From The Engine Room
Songs of Universal, Inc.
The Good The Bad The Ugly Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“SMALL TOWN THROWDOWN”
Rhett Akins
Dallas Davidson
Brantley Gilbert
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Indiana Angel Music
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“SOMETHING IN THE WATER”
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Okie Music
“SOMEWHERE IN MY CAR”
Keith Urban
Mary Rose Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“SUN DAZE”
Sarah Buxton
Jesse Frasure
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Big Loud Mountain
Big Red Toe Music
Bux Tone Music
Pranch Ringle Music
Rio Bravo Music
Round Hill Works
T Hubb Publishing
“SUNSHINE & WHISKEY”
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
“TAKE IT ON BACK”
Dylan Altman
Chase Bryant
Tommy Lee James
BMG Platinum Songs
Once In A Blue Tune Music
Orbison Music LLC
Spirit of Nashville One
SWMBMGBMI
“TALLADEGA”
Eric Church
Luke Laird
Creative Nation Music
Longer And Louder Music
Songs of Universal, Inc.
Sony/ATV Tree
“THIS IS HOW WE ROLL”
Luke Bryan
Tyler Hubbard
Brian Kelley
Cole Swindell
Big Loud Mountain
Peanut Mill Songs
Pranch Ringle Music
Sony/ATV Tree
T Hubb Publishing
“TIL IT’S GONE”
Rodney Clawson
Jimmy Yeary
Beattyville Music
Big Red Toe Music
EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
Farm Town Songs
Great Day At This Music
Round Hill Works
“WHISKEY IN MY WATER”
Tyler Farr
Phillip LaRue
John Ozier
Let The Road Pave Itself
Maxx Music
Mike Curb Music
Over The Bar Music
Razor & Tie Music Publishing
Sony/ATV Tree
“WHO I AM WITH YOU”
Marv Green
Paul Jenkins
Made For This Music
Sony/ATV Tree
The Good The Bad The Ugly Publishing
Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“YEAH”
Bryan Simpson
Writers of Sea Gayle Music
Early CMA Award Winners Announced For Video, Vocal Event
/by Jessica NicholsonWinners in two categories of the 2015 CMA Awards were revealed early today (Nov. 4) on Good Morning America — and it certainly is a good morning for Keith Urban, Eric Church, and Maddie & Tae.
Maddie & Tae earned Music Video of the Year honors for ‘Girl In A Country Song.” The clip was directed by TK McKamy.
Meanwhile, Musical Event of the Year went to Church and Urban’s “Raise ‘Em Up.”
Tim McGraw performed live from the plaza in front of the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville for Good Morning America, and Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and New Artist of the Year nominee Chris Stapleton was also on hand.
The 49th annual CMA Awards, co-hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight on ABC.
CMT Announces Tour With Jennifer Nettles, Next Women of Country
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured: (L-R) Lindsay Ell, Tara Thompson, Jennifer Nettles and Brandy Clark. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)
CMT unveiled plans for a 2016 tour with Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Clark, Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson as part of the network’s Next Women of Country initiative.
“I always take any opportunity to champion women in music and throughout society at large,” said Nettles. “I am absolutely energized to headline this year’s ‘CMT Next Women of Country’ tour and celebrate these exciting artists on the precipice of so much greatness.”
Billed as “CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour,” the itinerary will begin Jan. 15 in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, and continue through April 22. Nettles made a surprise appearance at CMT’s third annual Next Women of Country event at Nashville’s City Winery on Tuesday (Nov. 3) to announce the tour. She will be releasing her first single on Big Machine Records in January.
The lunchtime gathering was also a chance for CMT SVP of Music Strategy and Talent Leslie Fram to introduce the 2016 class of CMT Next Women of Country: Ashley Campbell, Courtney Cole, Sara Haze, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Rainey Qualley, Aubrie Sellers and Tara Thompson. Fram co-hosted the ceremony with Kelsea Ballerini.
In addition, the event featured performances by Nettles and Clark, as well as Lauren Alaina, Danielle Bradbery, Cam, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Ashley Monroe, Morris, and Cassadee Pope. The annual event is an extension of the network’s multi-platform Next Women of Country campaign, which aims to give voice to and raise the profile of women in country music.
“We are honored to have a superstar headline and curate our second ‘Next Women of Country Tour” said Fram. “This will be the year for Jennifer Nettles with new music coming out on Big Machine Label Group. Brandy Clark will release her sophomore album on Warner Bros. Records, Lindsay Ell just premiered her new video on CMT for ‘By The Way,’ and newly-signed Tara Thompson has already generated huge buzz for her talents to round out a stellar lineup for our 2016 Tour.”
“Next Women of Country” Event at City Winery Nashville. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)
“CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour” Dates
Jan. 15 – Orillia, Ontario, Canada/Casino Rama
Jan. 16 – Northfield, Ohio/Hard Rock Live
Jan. 17 – Wheeling, W.V./Capitol Theatre
Jan. 20 – New York City, N.Y./Beacon Theatre
Jan. 22 – Upper Darby, Pa./Tower Theater
Jan. 23 – Boston, Mass./House of Blues
Jan. 24 – Lancaster, Pa./American Music Theatre
Feb. 5 – Durham, N.C./DPAC
Feb. 6 – Cherokee, N.C./Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center
Feb. 12 – Wendover, Nev./Peppermill Concert Hall
Feb. 13 – Beaver Creek, Colo./Vilar PAC
Feb. 14 – Colorado Springs, Colo./Pikes Peak Center
Feb. 17 – Hobbs, N.M./Lea County Events Center
Feb. 19 – Phoenix, Ariz./Celebrity Theatre
Feb. 20 – Prescott, Ariz./Yavapai College
Feb. 23 – Los Angeles, Calif./The Wiltern
Feb. 26 – Santa Rosa, Calif./Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Feb. 27 – Bakersfield, Calif./Majestic Fox Theatre
March 1 – Oakland, Calif./Fox Theater
March 3 – Tacoma, Wash./Emerald Queen Casino
March 4 – Airway Heights, Wash./Northern Quest Casino
March 5 – Grand Ronde, Ore./Spirit Mountain Casino
March 17 – Ft. Wayne, Ind./Embassy Theatre
March 18 – Hammond, Ind./Horseshoe Casino
March 19 – Milwaukee, Wis./Venue TBA
April 8 – Branson, Mo./Venue TBA
April 10 – Lawrence, Kan./Lied Center
April 14 – Ralston, Neb./Ralston Arena
April 15 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa/US Cellular Center
April 16 – Green Bay, Wis./Resch Center
April 21 – Morristown, N.J./Mayo Performing Arts Center
April 22 – Albany, N.Y./The Palace Theatre
Nashville Roundup: Edgehill Village, Google Fiber, Dan McGuiness Irish Pub
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville’s Edgehill Village will soon welcome two tenants, including a J. Crew retail shop and Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar. The additions were announced during a media event yesterday (Nov. 2).
J. Crew, an apparel retailer, boasts nearly 300 store nationwide, as well as 148 factory stores.
Barteca, a Connecticut-owned business that recently opened Bartaco in Nashville’s 12South area, will open Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar next to Edgehill Village’s Legato Gelato. There are 12 other Barcelona locations in four states. Barcelona’s menu features Spanish tapas, larger shared plates, an extensive wine list, cocktails, and more.
Other recently opened or announced businesses for the Edgehill Village include eyewear retailer Warby Parker, jeans maker Beija-Flor, and Old Glory cocktail bar, and well as the expansion of popular coffee shop Edgehill Cafe.
The Gulch Gains Google Fiber
Google recently committed to providing Google Fiber in satellite communities around Nashville, including Oak Hill, Forest Hills, Belle Meade, and Berry Hill.
Google Fiber is up to 10x faster than what most American households employ.
News that Google Fiber would be coming to Nashville was made official in January 2015.
Dan McGuiness Rebrands As Harp & Fiddle
Across the street from Element Music Row, longtime Irish eatery Dan McGuiness is slated to break from the Dan McGuiness franchise and reopen as independent Irish eatery Harp & Fiddle. The pub is located at 1538 Demonbreun Street, and will reopen Fri., Nov. 5. They will go smoke free and will make upgrades to the menu.