Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink & Dennis Lord, Richard Leigh, Crystal Gayle, Reba McEntire and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
Country Music Week kicked off on Sunday (Nov. 1) with the annual SESAC Nashville Music Awards banquet, and if it was a harbinger of things to come, we’re in for a round of extra-fabulous parties.
The SESAC gig had it all – surprised winners, great music, emotional speeches, lovely décor, good food, an A-list crowd and loads of fellowship.
“Are you sure you got the right guy up here?” said a clearly stunned Cary Barlowe when he was named Songwriter of the Year. “I am so shocked. This is crazy. I am at a loss for words. This is unbelievable.”
He tearfully thanked Toby Mac for giving him his start as a Nashville songwriter, his former pop/rock band Luna Halo (I loved them), his current publisher of nine years Bob Doyle and fellow songwriter Hillary Lindsey, with whom Cary is expecting a baby girl.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Richard Leigh was presented with the SESAC Songwriting Legacy Award. Leigh’s catalog includes “Come From the Heart,” “Cold Day in July,” “Life’s Highway,” “It’s All I Can Do” and “That’s the Thing About Love.”
Reba McEntire sang Leigh’s “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.” Crystal Gayle sang “I’ll Get Over You” and “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Both got standing ovations. Billy Dean appeared via video to cite Leigh’s “Only Here for a Little While” and “Somewhere In My Broken Heart,” the songs that launched his career.
“His songs have sold more than 50 million records,” observed SESAC Executive Vice President Dennis Lord. “Buddy, your music is going to be here forever. Congratulations.”
“This is the highest honor of my life,” responded Richard. “I was so excited, I barely slept last night. Thank you Reba McEntire and Crystal Gayle. I am flabbergasted and extremely grateful. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live. I was orphaned on this date, and songwriting changed my life.
“The musicians, the producers and the artists – you gave me millions of people’s love, who I’ll never know. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is just to listen to them. Thank you all.”
Wyatt Durrette picked up the SESAC Song of the Year award for “Homegrown” (Zac Brown Band). The Publisher of the Year award went to Legends of Magic Mustang for the third year in a row.
Magic Mustang Music wins SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year. Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang’s Rick Shedd, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton-Griffith, Keithan Melton, Lydia Shultz, Josh Brown & Jon Loba and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode
Michael Ray performed a percussive and energetic “Kiss You in the Morning” before presenting Justin Wilson an award for it. Leather-lunged Randy Houser belted “Like a Cowboy” and drew a standing ovation before presenting Brice Long with an award for it. Houser also presented an award to Rob Hatch for “Goodnight Kiss.”
There were more celebs on stage. Jerrod Niemann was there to honor to Lance Miller for “Drink to That All Night.” Lee Brice did the same for Hatch’s co-written “I Don’t Dance.” Joe Nichols gave a SESAC award to Hatch for “Hard to Be Cool.” Cole Swindell honored Josh Martin for “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey.” Kelsea Ballerini presented three awards to Lady A’s Hillary Scott for “Freestyle,” “Long Stretch of Love” and “Hey Bartender.”
The organization’s Americana awards were presented by Jim Lauderdale. “I feel like I’m among royalties tonight,” he quipped. Winners included Jamie Floyd (Ashley Monroe’s The Blade) and Jerry Salley (Chris Stapleton’s Traveller). Songs on 13 Americana albums were honored, as well as 17 top SESAC country songs.
Jaron Boyer (Rascal Flatts’ “Riot,” Dustin Lynch’s “Hell of a Night”), Larry McCoy (Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna”) and Cary Barlowe (Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze”) were among additional winners.
SESAC’s Tim Fink and Shannon Hatch (also Rob’s wife) co-hosted the award presentations. Tim asked for a round of applause for the late Billy Block and Jeff Walker and got an unexpected standing ovation in addition. “It’s really wonderful to be here with the SESAC family,” he said.
SESAC CEO Pat Collins greeted the crowd by stating that SESAC had more No. 1 hits this year than at any other time in its 75-year history. Collins added that SESAC is “the most progressive music licensing firm in America,” citing its recent acquisitions of The Harry Fox Agency and Rumblefish.
“Homegrown” wins SESAC Nashville Music Awards Song of the Year. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Southern Ground’s Richard Blackstone, Wyatt Durrette, Southern Ground’s Rob Parker & SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
The location was the Country Music Hall of Fame’s event space, which gleamed and glowed. Pink and lavender icicle “chandeliers” glittered over our heads. Peach- and pink-rippled columns and panels flanked and backed the stage. The tables were draped in elegant embroidered red-and-pewter toned cloth. Mirrored chargers surrounded clear glass salad plates. The centerpieces were green birds of paradise, blood-orange daisies and succulents floating atop crystal cubes.
The menu was equally deluxe. The salad included roasted butternut squash, cornbread crumbles, endive, dates and goat cheese with a dill pickle vinaigrette. Pink snapper filet, bison steak, pear croquette and heirloom carrots, parsnips and leeks followed. Brown sugar and cinnamon-flavored grilled apples topped with maple syrup mousse and sweet potato-shortcake cookies were served for dessert.
The who’s-who attendees included Mike Doyle, Bob Doyle, Jason Morris, Ed Morris, Dan Hays, Craig Hayes & Pam Brown Hayes, Charlie Monk, Capucine Monk, Mark Moffatt, Tinti Moffitt, Ken Paulson, Dave Paulson, Chris Lacy, Chris Oglesby, Bobby Rymer, Bob Paxman, Rob Beckham, Ron Stuve, Troy Tomlinson, Susan Stewart, Erin Enderlin and Butch Baker (in his “seeing eye” tie).
Clay Myers told me of his new publishing company with Tony Harrell, MV2Entertainment, which recently signed the great Terry McBride. Woody Bomar is newly “hip,” thanks to modern medicine.
One of my favorite Pete Fisher quotes remains, “Wrong virtue,” spoken when I mistakenly greeted his wife as “Faith,” rather than Hope. “Listen to my radio stations,” suggested Bayard H. Walters. whose Cromwell Group owns 102.5 (sports), 102.9 (rock) and The Light (gospel), among other outlets. Ben Vaughn refers to this week as “the playoffs” of schmoozathons. I love that.
You’d think we never see each other during the rest of the year. But during this “playoff” of parties we worked the room like crazy, alongside David & Susana Ross, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Karl Dean & Anne Davis, Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplan and Victoria Shaw & Bob Locknar, as couples on the move.
Fabulettes included Leslie DiPiero, Jewel Coburn, Lori Badgett, Nancy Shapiro, Becky Harris, Lisa Harless, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Erika Wollam Nichols and Diane Pearson. Their fabulon counterparts were Jeff Balding, Jed Hilly, John Ozier, Jim Zumwalt, Bart Herbison, Brett Warren, Peter Cooper, Al Moss, Sherod Robertson, Hank Adam Locklin (did you know he is a Shriner?), Charlie Stefl, Scott Hendricks, Pat Higdon, Dan Hill, Peyton Hoge, Tom Roland, Philip Douglas, Kirt Webster, Randy Wachtler and yadadda, yadadda, yadadda. I’m sure the rest of you will be making appearances as “guest stars” over the next few days.
Keep that tux tidy.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Cary Barlowe, Wyatt Durrette and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
A complete list of SESAC Award Recipients:
Songwriter of the Year:
Cary Barlowe
Song of the Year:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
Publisher of the Year:
Magic Mustang Music
Country Performance Activity Awards:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
Rosest Music
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
“Loving You Easy”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
“Make Me Wanna”
Written by Larry McCoy
Published by Hondo Creek Music
Recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Like A Cowboy”
Written by Brice Long
Published by SingaBLongSong
Tunes of Parallel
Recorded by Randy Houser
“Sun Daze”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Where It’s At (Yep, Yep)”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Ain’t Worth The Whiskey”
Written by Josh Martin
Published by Josh Martin Music
Recorded by Cole Swindell
“Kiss You In The Morning”
Written by Justin Wilson
Published by Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Michael Ray
“Hell Of A Night”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Riot”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd.
Recorded by Rascal Flatts
“Freestyle”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Long Stretch Of Love”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Bartender”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Hard To Be Cool”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Joe Nichols
“I Don’t Dance”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Lee Brice
“Goodnight Kiss”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
“Drink To That All Night”
Written by Lance Miller
Published by Spirit Nashville Three
Melvins Pistol Music
Melvins Bullets Music
Recorded by Jerrod Niemann
AMERICANA HONOREES
Didn’t It Rain
Contributions by
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Published by Songs of Prismlight Music
Recorded by Amy Helm
The Blade
Contributions by Jamie Floyd
Published by Jamie Floyd Music
Recorded by Ashley Monroe
Traveller
Contributions by Jerry Salley
Published by Den What Music
Recorded by Chris Stapleton
Bound By The Blues
Contributions by Robert Johnson, Sonny Landreth
Published by MPCA King of Spades
Land Line Music
Recorded by Sonny Landreth
The Ruffian’s Misfortune
Contributions by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by Snake Farm Publishing
Recorded by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Down To Believing
Contributions by Allison Moorer
Published by Petybug Tunes
WBM Music Corp
Recorded by Allison Moorer
Watkins Family Hour
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Rams Horn Music
Recorded by Watkins Family Hour
Django and Jimmie
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes
Contributions by Bob Dylan, Marcus Mumford
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by The New Basement Tapes
The Firewatcher’s Daughter
Contributions by Seth Avett, Scott Avett
Published by First Big Snow Publishing
Nevoivmusic
Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by Brandi Carlile
And The War Came
Contributions by Esme Patterson
Published by Kid Tiger
Recorded by Shakey Graves
The Way I’m Livin’
Contributions by Hayes Carll
Published by Hwy 87 Publishing
Recorded by Lee Ann Womack
Promise Of A Brand New Day
Contributions by Bonnie Bramlett
Recorded by Ruthie Foster
Benefit News: Rascal Flatts, Off The Record, Kacey Musgraves, Hats Off, Chase Bryant
/by Eric T. ParkerRascal Flatts Marks 10 Years and $4 Million for Vandy
Rascal Flatts visit Vanderbilt. Photo: John Russell
Rascal Flatts marked the 10th anniversary and almost $4 million raised to date with its relationship with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The group performed and visited with patients last week, in addition to holding their annual fundraising dinner for the hospital at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 29. Special guests at the event included RaeLynn, Scotty McCreery, and comedian Henry Cho.
Off The Record Combines Fashion and Music to Benefit Second Harvest
Pictured (L-R): Brian Kelley, Florida Georgia Line with wife Brittney; Old Dominion’s Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi; Gil Cunningham, Neste Event Marketing and EntertainmentBuy; Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey, and Trevor Rosen. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
The inaugural Off The Record event was held last night (Nov. 1) at the estate of Sylvia Roberts (a.k.a. the home of ABC Nashville‘s Rayna James) to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. The gala combined fashion and music with performer appearances from Brian Kelley, Big Kenny, Chase Bryant, Kaleo, Old Dominion, The Cadillac Three, Phil Vassar, and Brooke Eden. Models were flown in to hit the runway in designs from John Varvatos, Gucci, Tribe Kelley, Johnathan Kayne and Kaufman Franco, to name a few. Event concept and execution were spearheaded by Nashville-based Neste Event Marketing’s Gil Cunningham. This event serves as the flagship event for Neste’s new event division, EntertainmentBuy.
Kacey Musgraves Fundraiser Generates $100,000 for Hometown
Kacey Musgraves’ Hometown Hang. Photo: Blake Hall
Kacey Musgraves’ recent Hometown Hang concert raised a total of over $100,000 in Mineola, Texas. The fundraiser generated $65,000 to benefit music and arts programs at Wood County public schools and nearly $40,000 for technology and infrastructure improvements at the Mineola Nature Preserve. Over 4,000 were in attendance and saw close to 200 volunteers with 24 Wood County students involved. Openers John & Jacob and Wade Bowen also played. In addition to launching a Lucchese boot line this month, the star will bring her tour to the U.K. and Europe.
Hats Off Event to Benefit High Hopes Children Therapy Programs
Jonathan Cain of Journey will be joined by Tim Nichols, the Warren Brothers, and Jamie O’Neal on November 15 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for a benefit to Franklin-based High Hopes. The Hats Off event will benefit the organization that serves children with and without special needs utilizing two programs, High Hopes Development Center Inclusive Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic.
Chase Bryant Headlines Inaugural Arthritis Benefit
Chase Bryant. Photo: Joseph Llanes
RED BOW Records’ Chase Bryant will headline the inaugural Music For Mobility concert to benefit the Arthritis Foundation on November 22. Additional guests will be announced soon for the all-ages concert, which will take place at 7 p.m. at Nashville’s The Listening Room. General admission is $15 in advance. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $45, $500 per table. Click for more information.
“A lot of people don’t realize just how painful arthritis is and that it also affects young children,” says Bryant. “My cousin Emma has suffered from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since she was 2 years old. She’s already had a number of surgeries and treatments because of the disease. My aunt Jenifer also suffers from arthritis. My hope is to raise money for research to discover more effective treatments and – ultimately a cure — for the disease.”
Webster PR Expands Staff
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Scott Adkins, Jaime Spinner
Webster Public Relations has expanded its staff, with the addition of VP, Publicity Scott Adkins, and Publicity Manager Jaime Spinner.
In his new role, Adkins will lead a team of publicists to maximize exposure and brand awareness for all Webster PR clients. He will oversee day to day for Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Hank Williams Jr., Phil Vassar, Gene Watson, Roy Clark, Crystal Gayle, Don Williams, Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely. The Ball State University graduate previously worked as Director of Publicity at Kaleidoscope Media.
“Scott’s passion and get-it-done attitude, as well as a diverse background in public relations and communications, tipped the scales. He thinks outside the box and has a unique perspective on how we are going to elevate our clients and team to the next level,” said Webster Public Relations CEO/President Kirt Webster.
Spinner will head publicity and marketing initiatives for Reviver Records clients, including LOCASH, Blackjack Billy, Little Anthony, and Lucas Hoge. Most recently, the Loyola Marymount University graduate led ThinkSwell’s team as Digital Marketing Manager.
“We have been on a search to find just the right dynamic to head up the Reviver Records account, and in Spinner, we’ve hit a home run,” Webster said.
Adkins can be reached at scott@websterpr.com or 615-777-6995 x224.
Spinner can be reached at jaime@websterpr.com or 615-777-6995 x230.
Weekly Register: Carrie Underwood Debuts at No. 1
/by Craig_ShelburneCarrie Underwood’s album launch for Storyteller has a happy ending, as the superstar’s new collection debuts at No. 1 on the country chart this week. Accounting for streaming and digital singles, she achieved sales of 177K units (164K album only) and enters the overall album chart at No. 2.
Meanwhile, Blake Shelton secured 40K units (33K album only) of Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits, hitting the No. 2 spot on the country album chart and No. 5 on the overall chart.
Luke Bryan’s Kill the Lights (14K), Thomas Rhett’s Tangled Up (12K) and Don Henley’s Cass County (10.5K) round out the Top 5 country albums sales.
Sam Hunt’s Montevallo lands at No. 6 (10.5K), just ahead of a reissue of his acoustic mixtape, Between the Pines, at No. 7 (10K). Hunt recorded that set prior to signing to a major label.
Jimmy Fortune, a member of the Statler Brothers, enjoys a No. 10 debut on the country album chart with Hits & Hymns (4K). Other new releases on the country album chart include Colt Ford’s Answer to No One: The Colt Ford Classics (No. 14), The Cox Family’s Gone Like the Cotton (No. 55) and Kyle Park’s Blue Roof Sessions (No. 57).
Meanwhile on the digital country tracks chart, Rhett continues to reign with “Die a Happy Man” at No. 1 (62K), trailed by Kane Brown’s “Used to Love You Sober” (46K), Hunt’s “Break Up in a Small Town” (33K), Cam’s “Burning House” (32K) and Bryan’s “Strip It Down” (32K).
Keith Urban takes a bow with “Break on Me,” entering at No. 7 (22K).
On the overall album chart, 5 Seconds of Summer’s Sounds Good Feels Good debuts at No. 1 with 192K units (179K album only). Adele’s astonishing “Hello” arrives on the digital tracks chart with 1.1 million units in its first week.
Info according to Nielsen Soundscan
Dierks Bentley’s Miles & Music For Kids Raises $636,479
/by Craig_ShelburneDierks Bentley performs during Miles & Music For Kids 2015. Photo: The Greenroom PR
Dierks Bentley’s 10th annual Miles & Music For Kids event, held Sunday (Nov. 1) in Nashville, raised a record-breaking $636,479 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital in Vanderbilt.
Bentley led a motorcycle ride from the Harley-Davidson dealership in Columbia, Tennessee, into downtown Nashville, then hosted an all-star concert at Ascend Amphitheater. The concert featured Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, Canaan Smith, Brooke Eden and emcee Storme Warren.
“You always want to make each year different and raise more money, especially with it being the 10th anniversary,” said Bentley. “We had a killer lineup and moved over to the new Ascend Amphitheater, but I was completely shocked to see that first number when they flipped over the check – a six! Really big thanks to all the fans and friends who helped make it such a huge night.”
The donation brings his 10-year total to nearly $4 million in all.
Dierks Bentley signs a check for Miles & Music For Kids. Photo: The GreenRoom PR
Dierks Bentley’s Miles & Music For Kids. Photo: The Greenroom PR
Mark Your Calendar — November 2015
/by Eric T. ParkerNovember 6
Tim McGraw/Damn Country Music/Big Machine
Old Dominion/Meat and Candy/RCA Nashville
Alan Jackson/Genuine: The Alan Jackson Story/Legacy Recordings-Arista Nashville
Hunter Hayes/The 21 Project [three-discs featuring same seven songs with the different variations]/Atlantic-Warner Music Nashville
Cole Swindell/Down Home Sessions [EP No. 2]/Warner Bros.-Warner Music Nashville
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers/The Gospel According to Gatlin/Curb Records
November 13
Chris Young/I’m Comin’ Over/RCA Nashville
Spencer’s Own/Spencer’s Own [EP]/5 Plus Records
November 27
Johnny Cash/Johnny Cash’s Man In Black: Live in Denmark 1971 [RSD:2-LP red and white vinyl]/Columbia-Legacy Recordings
November 2
Maddie & Tae/Shut Up And Fish/Dot Records
Dave And Whitney/Alibi/Chelsea Creek Entertainment
Ryan Kinder/Tonight/Warner Bros- WEA
Sammy Hakim/Kiss Some Boys/EXT Records
GlenBrooke/Nothing’s Stopping Me/HMG Nashville
November 9
Brett Eldredge/Drunk On Your Love/Warner Bros.
Ashley Campbell/Remembering/Dot Records
Shane Owens/Where I’m Comin’ From/Amerimonte Records
Don Henley feat. Trisha Yearwood/Words Can Break Your Heart/IRS Nashville
November 16
Justin Moore/You Look Like I Need A Drink/Valory Music
Sarah Dunn Band/Backwoods Party/Audacity Records
Scott Brantley/Good Thing Going/Studio Gold Nashville
Industry Events
2015 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
November 2
53rd annual ASCAP Country Music Awards at the Omni Nashville
November 3
63rd annual BMI Country Awards at BMI’s Music Row offices in Nashville
November 4
November 9
NATD 5th Annual Gala at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel
November 12
WHO KNEW event
November 15
Hats off to High Hopes charity event at the Ryman, 7:30 p.m.
November 16
The Dale Franklin Leadership Awards at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater
November 19
•••
Bobby Karl Works the Room: SESAC Nashville Music Awards
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink & Dennis Lord, Richard Leigh, Crystal Gayle, Reba McEntire and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
Country Music Week kicked off on Sunday (Nov. 1) with the annual SESAC Nashville Music Awards banquet, and if it was a harbinger of things to come, we’re in for a round of extra-fabulous parties.
The SESAC gig had it all – surprised winners, great music, emotional speeches, lovely décor, good food, an A-list crowd and loads of fellowship.
“Are you sure you got the right guy up here?” said a clearly stunned Cary Barlowe when he was named Songwriter of the Year. “I am so shocked. This is crazy. I am at a loss for words. This is unbelievable.”
He tearfully thanked Toby Mac for giving him his start as a Nashville songwriter, his former pop/rock band Luna Halo (I loved them), his current publisher of nine years Bob Doyle and fellow songwriter Hillary Lindsey, with whom Cary is expecting a baby girl.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Richard Leigh was presented with the SESAC Songwriting Legacy Award. Leigh’s catalog includes “Come From the Heart,” “Cold Day in July,” “Life’s Highway,” “It’s All I Can Do” and “That’s the Thing About Love.”
Reba McEntire sang Leigh’s “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.” Crystal Gayle sang “I’ll Get Over You” and “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Both got standing ovations. Billy Dean appeared via video to cite Leigh’s “Only Here for a Little While” and “Somewhere In My Broken Heart,” the songs that launched his career.
“His songs have sold more than 50 million records,” observed SESAC Executive Vice President Dennis Lord. “Buddy, your music is going to be here forever. Congratulations.”
“This is the highest honor of my life,” responded Richard. “I was so excited, I barely slept last night. Thank you Reba McEntire and Crystal Gayle. I am flabbergasted and extremely grateful. I’ll never forget this day as long as I live. I was orphaned on this date, and songwriting changed my life.
“The musicians, the producers and the artists – you gave me millions of people’s love, who I’ll never know. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is just to listen to them. Thank you all.”
Wyatt Durrette picked up the SESAC Song of the Year award for “Homegrown” (Zac Brown Band). The Publisher of the Year award went to Legends of Magic Mustang for the third year in a row.
Magic Mustang Music wins SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year. Pictured (L-R): Magic Mustang’s Rick Shedd, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Magic Mustang’s Juli Newton-Griffith, Keithan Melton, Lydia Shultz, Josh Brown & Jon Loba and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode
Michael Ray performed a percussive and energetic “Kiss You in the Morning” before presenting Justin Wilson an award for it. Leather-lunged Randy Houser belted “Like a Cowboy” and drew a standing ovation before presenting Brice Long with an award for it. Houser also presented an award to Rob Hatch for “Goodnight Kiss.”
There were more celebs on stage. Jerrod Niemann was there to honor to Lance Miller for “Drink to That All Night.” Lee Brice did the same for Hatch’s co-written “I Don’t Dance.” Joe Nichols gave a SESAC award to Hatch for “Hard to Be Cool.” Cole Swindell honored Josh Martin for “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey.” Kelsea Ballerini presented three awards to Lady A’s Hillary Scott for “Freestyle,” “Long Stretch of Love” and “Hey Bartender.”
The organization’s Americana awards were presented by Jim Lauderdale. “I feel like I’m among royalties tonight,” he quipped. Winners included Jamie Floyd (Ashley Monroe’s The Blade) and Jerry Salley (Chris Stapleton’s Traveller). Songs on 13 Americana albums were honored, as well as 17 top SESAC country songs.
Jaron Boyer (Rascal Flatts’ “Riot,” Dustin Lynch’s “Hell of a Night”), Larry McCoy (Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna”) and Cary Barlowe (Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Sun Daze”) were among additional winners.
SESAC’s Tim Fink and Shannon Hatch (also Rob’s wife) co-hosted the award presentations. Tim asked for a round of applause for the late Billy Block and Jeff Walker and got an unexpected standing ovation in addition. “It’s really wonderful to be here with the SESAC family,” he said.
SESAC CEO Pat Collins greeted the crowd by stating that SESAC had more No. 1 hits this year than at any other time in its 75-year history. Collins added that SESAC is “the most progressive music licensing firm in America,” citing its recent acquisitions of The Harry Fox Agency and Rumblefish.
“Homegrown” wins SESAC Nashville Music Awards Song of the Year. Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Southern Ground’s Richard Blackstone, Wyatt Durrette, Southern Ground’s Rob Parker & SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
The location was the Country Music Hall of Fame’s event space, which gleamed and glowed. Pink and lavender icicle “chandeliers” glittered over our heads. Peach- and pink-rippled columns and panels flanked and backed the stage. The tables were draped in elegant embroidered red-and-pewter toned cloth. Mirrored chargers surrounded clear glass salad plates. The centerpieces were green birds of paradise, blood-orange daisies and succulents floating atop crystal cubes.
The menu was equally deluxe. The salad included roasted butternut squash, cornbread crumbles, endive, dates and goat cheese with a dill pickle vinaigrette. Pink snapper filet, bison steak, pear croquette and heirloom carrots, parsnips and leeks followed. Brown sugar and cinnamon-flavored grilled apples topped with maple syrup mousse and sweet potato-shortcake cookies were served for dessert.
The who’s-who attendees included Mike Doyle, Bob Doyle, Jason Morris, Ed Morris, Dan Hays, Craig Hayes & Pam Brown Hayes, Charlie Monk, Capucine Monk, Mark Moffatt, Tinti Moffitt, Ken Paulson, Dave Paulson, Chris Lacy, Chris Oglesby, Bobby Rymer, Bob Paxman, Rob Beckham, Ron Stuve, Troy Tomlinson, Susan Stewart, Erin Enderlin and Butch Baker (in his “seeing eye” tie).
Clay Myers told me of his new publishing company with Tony Harrell, MV2Entertainment, which recently signed the great Terry McBride. Woody Bomar is newly “hip,” thanks to modern medicine.
One of my favorite Pete Fisher quotes remains, “Wrong virtue,” spoken when I mistakenly greeted his wife as “Faith,” rather than Hope. “Listen to my radio stations,” suggested Bayard H. Walters. whose Cromwell Group owns 102.5 (sports), 102.9 (rock) and The Light (gospel), among other outlets. Ben Vaughn refers to this week as “the playoffs” of schmoozathons. I love that.
You’d think we never see each other during the rest of the year. But during this “playoff” of parties we worked the room like crazy, alongside David & Susana Ross, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Karl Dean & Anne Davis, Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplan and Victoria Shaw & Bob Locknar, as couples on the move.
Fabulettes included Leslie DiPiero, Jewel Coburn, Lori Badgett, Nancy Shapiro, Becky Harris, Lisa Harless, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Erika Wollam Nichols and Diane Pearson. Their fabulon counterparts were Jeff Balding, Jed Hilly, John Ozier, Jim Zumwalt, Bart Herbison, Brett Warren, Peter Cooper, Al Moss, Sherod Robertson, Hank Adam Locklin (did you know he is a Shriner?), Charlie Stefl, Scott Hendricks, Pat Higdon, Dan Hill, Peyton Hoge, Tom Roland, Philip Douglas, Kirt Webster, Randy Wachtler and yadadda, yadadda, yadadda. I’m sure the rest of you will be making appearances as “guest stars” over the next few days.
Keep that tux tidy.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Cary Barlowe, Wyatt Durrette and SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. Photo: Ed Rode
A complete list of SESAC Award Recipients:
Songwriter of the Year:
Cary Barlowe
Song of the Year:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
Publisher of the Year:
Magic Mustang Music
Country Performance Activity Awards:
“Homegrown”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Wyatt Durrette
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
Rosest Music
Recorded by Zac Brown Band
“Loving You Easy”
Written by Zac Brown, Niko Moon
Published by Day for the Dead Publishing
Southern Ground
“Make Me Wanna”
Written by Larry McCoy
Published by Hondo Creek Music
Recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Like A Cowboy”
Written by Brice Long
Published by SingaBLongSong
Tunes of Parallel
Recorded by Randy Houser
“Sun Daze”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Where It’s At (Yep, Yep)”
Written by Cary Barlowe
Published by We Be Pawtying
Castle Bound Music
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Ain’t Worth The Whiskey”
Written by Josh Martin
Published by Josh Martin Music
Recorded by Cole Swindell
“Kiss You In The Morning”
Written by Justin Wilson
Published by Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Michael Ray
“Hell Of A Night”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd
Recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Riot”
Written by Jaron Boyer
Published by Jaron Boyer Music
peertunes ltd.
Recorded by Rascal Flatts
“Freestyle”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Long Stretch Of Love”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Bartender”
Written by Hillary Scott
Published by Hobbs Hill Publishing
Recorded by Lady Antebellum
“Hard To Be Cool”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Joe Nichols
“I Don’t Dance”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
Recorded by Lee Brice
“Goodnight Kiss”
Written by Rob Hatch
Published by Way Down The Hatch Music Publishing
Legends of Magic Mustang Music
“Drink To That All Night”
Written by Lance Miller
Published by Spirit Nashville Three
Melvins Pistol Music
Melvins Bullets Music
Recorded by Jerrod Niemann
AMERICANA HONOREES
Didn’t It Rain
Contributions by
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Published by Songs of Prismlight Music
Recorded by Amy Helm
The Blade
Contributions by Jamie Floyd
Published by Jamie Floyd Music
Recorded by Ashley Monroe
Traveller
Contributions by Jerry Salley
Published by Den What Music
Recorded by Chris Stapleton
Bound By The Blues
Contributions by Robert Johnson, Sonny Landreth
Published by MPCA King of Spades
Land Line Music
Recorded by Sonny Landreth
The Ruffian’s Misfortune
Contributions by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Published by Snake Farm Publishing
Recorded by Ray Wylie Hubbard
Down To Believing
Contributions by Allison Moorer
Published by Petybug Tunes
WBM Music Corp
Recorded by Allison Moorer
Watkins Family Hour
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Rams Horn Music
Recorded by Watkins Family Hour
Django and Jimmie
Contributions by Bob Dylan
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes
Contributions by Bob Dylan, Marcus Mumford
Published by Special Rider Music
Recorded by The New Basement Tapes
The Firewatcher’s Daughter
Contributions by Seth Avett, Scott Avett
Published by First Big Snow Publishing
Nevoivmusic
Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by Brandi Carlile
And The War Came
Contributions by Esme Patterson
Published by Kid Tiger
Recorded by Shakey Graves
The Way I’m Livin’
Contributions by Hayes Carll
Published by Hwy 87 Publishing
Recorded by Lee Ann Womack
Promise Of A Brand New Day
Contributions by Bonnie Bramlett
Recorded by Ruthie Foster
Justin Timberlake to Collaborate with Chris Stapleton at CMA Awards
/by Eric T. ParkerJustin Timberlake. Photo: Tom Munro / RCA Records
Justin Timberlake has been announced to collaborate with an artist he has long championed, Mercury’s Chris Stapleton, on the 49th Annual CMA Awards.
The announcement was made this morning (Nov. 2) on ABC’s Good Morning America, ahead of Stapleton’s guest appearance on that program tomorrow.
Stapleton is nominated for three 2015 CMA Awards (Male Vocalist, New Artist, and Album of the Year for Traveller). Hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the annual event airs live Wednesday, Nov. 4 (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET) from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Brantley Gilbert Announces Dates For Black Out Tour
/by Troy_StephensonBrantley Gilbert: Photo Credit: James Minchin
Brantley Gilbert has announced his headlining Black Out Tour that will kick off Nov. 11 at Melkweg in Amsterdam. The U.S. leg will start on January 28 in Saginaw, Mich. The Valory Music singer/songwriter will detour to Queensland, Australia for the CMC Rocks QLD at Willowbank Raceway on March 12 before resuming his U.S. dates in April.
“This is why I do this,” Brantley says. “To take it to the people. I want to rock hard and tell the truth and see it in their eyes. My fans know what I’m talking about, and they come for that reason. It’s not for everybody, but it’s its own kind of country… and being out in some of the secondary markets, the kind of places I came up, that feels just like home.”
Tickets for the arena dates will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 6 with a special pre-sale for members of the BG Nation. For more information, visit www.brantleygilbert.com.
Brantley Gilbert’s Black Out Tour Dates:
Nov. 11: Melkweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nov. 12: Fabrik, Hamburg, Germany
Nov. 13: Technikum, Munich, Germany
Nov. 14: Im Wizemann, Stuttgart, Germany
Nov. 17: Oran Mor, Glasgow, Scotland
Nov. 18: Manchester Academy, Manchester, England
Nov. 19: Birmingham Institute Library, Birmingham, England
Nov. 20: O2 Shephard’s Bush Empire, London, England
Jan. 28: Dow Event Center, Saginaw, Mich.
Jan 29: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Ky.
Jan. 30: ISU Hulman Center, Terre Haute, Ind.
Feb. 4: James Brown Arena, Augusta, Ga.
Feb. 5: CFE Arena at University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
Feb. 6: Donald L Tucker County Civic Center, Tallahassee, Fla.
Feb. 11: Rogers K Rock Arena, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Feb. 12: GM Center, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Feb. 13: Budweiser Gardens, London, Ontario, Canada
Feb. 18: Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio
Feb. 19: Nutter Center, Dayton, Ohio
Feb. 20: Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, N.Y.
Feb. 24: AT&T Center Rodeo, San Antonio, Texas
Feb. 25: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Feb. 26: ASU Convention Center, Jonesboro, Ark.
Feb. 27: BanCorp South Center, Tupelo, Miss.
March 3: Rushmore Plaza Ice Arena, Rapid City, S.D.
March 4: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman, Mont.
March 12: CMC Rocks QLD: Willowbank Raceway, Queensland, Australia
April 14: Giant Center, Hershey, Pa.
April 15: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tenn.
April 16: Salem Civic Center, Salem, Va.
April 21: Swiftel Center, Brookings, S.D.
April 22: Bismark Civic Center Arena, Bismark, N.D.
April 23: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minn.
April 28: Resch Center, Green Bay, Wis.
April 29: US Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
April 30: Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Neb.
John Marks Joins Spotify
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Marks has joined Spotify in the role of Global Senior Editor/Music Programmer, Country, MusicRow has confirmed.
Marks will be based in Nashville, where he will be responsible for curating Spotify’s country playlists, allowing him to promote country music globally. Prior to joining Spotify, he was SiriusXM Sr. Director of Country Programming.
“This is such an amazing ‘build it from the ground floor’ opportunity and I’m grateful to Spotify for the opportunity to develop their country platform worldwide,” Marks told MusicRow.
Marks announced that he was leaving SiriusXM in September. During his time at SiriusXM, Marks became known for helping to break promising new talent including Florida Georgia Line, Brandy Clark, Chase Rice and others.
Marks’ new position takes effect immediately. He can be contacted at johnmarks@spotify.com.
Artist Updates: Old Dominion, Sister Hazel, Craig Morgan
/by Jessica NicholsonOld Dominion’s Album On NPR Music’s First Listen
Old Dominion
Old Dominion is gearing up for the Nov. 6 release of their debut album Meat and Candy, and offering fans an early look at the project via NPR Music’s First Listen. The band’s first single, “Break Up With Him” was recently certified Gold.
The band will attend the ASCAP Country Awards on Monday, Nov. 9, as well as the 49th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and then head back out on the road for shows in Mobile and Tuscaloosa, AL, Winston Salem, NC, Indianapolis, Kansas City and then wrap up the full release week in Los Angeles on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Sister Hazel To Release Country Project in 2016
Craig Morgan, Kidde Fire Safety Launch New Ad Campaign
Craig Morgan with firefighters from the Dickson, Tenn. fire department.
Craig Morgan and Kidde Fire Safety are encouraging families to be fire safe and stay connected to home. The televised ad campaign features the TV host, military veteran and Country Music chart-topper along with Kidde’s new RemoteLync™ Monitor and Camera, and Kidde’s Worry Free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Filmed on location with the Dickson, Tennessee Fire Department, the 30- and 15-second spots, featuring Black River Entertainment artist Morgan, began airing on ABC television stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Houston, Raleigh, Fresno and Nashville in connection with “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” on ABC on Nov. 4. Morgan and Kidde representatives will join national and local fire service leaders for an official “kick off” event the morning of the CMA Awards in Nashville.
“As a former first responder, I know danger can strike at any time and I want to know my family is safe whenever I leave home,” shared Morgan. “I’m glad to work with Kidde to help keep other families safe and help them find simple solutions to keep them connected to home.” In 2011, the Country Music star put his EMT training to use and rescued two children from a burning house in his home state.
“Working with Craig Morgan and the Dickson Fire Department was a great experience,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president of marketing, Kidde. “This is our fourth year locally sponsoring the CMA Awards on ABC. Kidde’s mission, to help protect family and property from fire, directly aligns with the core values of many Country Music fans — family, home and safety. It’s a partnership that resonates and that will hopefully help save lives and keep families connected.”