BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 510
Pictured (L-R): NaSHOF board chair Pat Alger; Inductees Mark James, Rosanne Cash, Even Stevens and Craig Wiseman and NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
A heavenly host of Nashville songwriters gathered to celebrate their own on Sunday night (Oct. 11) as Even Stevens, Mark James, Rosanne Cash and Craig Wiseman were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“This is angel work,” said Wiseman. “If you’ve written a song with me, will you please do me the honor of standing up?” Dozens did.
“For all the songwriters…staying up too much, drinking too much, missing somebody too much…I’d like to share this award with you tonight,” said Mark James.
“You inspire me,” said Rosanne Cash, “just being around this community of songwriters.”
“This is the 45th anniversary of our Hall of Fame inductions, and this is the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” said NSHoF board chair Pat Alger. “We’re glad you’re here.” The event moved into the grand ballroom of the Music City Center this year, its largest venue ever.
Alger and his fellow songwriters either spoke for or performed for the inductees. Even Stevens, for instance, was inducted by Hugh Prestwood. The band Loving Mary turned in a terrific arrangement of the Stevens co-written “Drivin’ My Life Away.” Nashville pop performer Paul McDonald was equally creative in reimagining “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman.”
“I thought it was an honor when they chose my naked body for the statue in the [Music Row] Roundabout,” quipped Stevens. “But this is somethin’ else.
“I’m humbled to think I’m part of such a great club.”
Jody Williams inducted Mark James. Accompanied by his own dazzling mandolin picking, Hunter Hayes was a delight in his reinterpretation of the James classic “Suspicious Minds.” The still-vibrant voice of B.J. Thomas drew a standing ovation with a thrilling recreation of his immortal “Hooked on a Feeling.” He and James were boyhood friends in Houston, and Thomas has recorded more James tunes than anybody.
“I’ve always loved music,” James told the capacity crowd. “You didn’t put [songs] in categories. You just said, ‘What a great song.’” He should know: Mark James songs have been hits in country, rock, soul, pop and just about every other musical genre.
Pictured (L-R): Mark James, Rosanne Cash, Even Stevens, Craig Wiseman.
Rodney Crowell inducted Rosanne Cash. He was her first husband and is now her good friend. Cash’s present husband, John Leventhal, backed Emmylou Harris on piano as she sang an exquisite rendition of Cash’s “I Was Watching You.” Then the always-awesome Vince Gill delivered Cash’s classic “Seven Year Ache” in the same key in which she recorded it. He was once her band’s guitarist.
“I have so much history in this room,” said Rosanne Cash, noting that Harris, Gill, Leventhal and Crowell have been “my life.”
She added, “I desperately wanted to be a songwriter. I thought it was the most honorable profession in the world. And it is.”
Cash noted that she is almost certainly the only woman who has won Grammy Awards with songs she co-wrote with both of her husbands (““I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” with Crowell and “A Feather’s Not a Bird” with Leventhal). She and Johnny Cash are now the only father-daughter members of the Hall.
“I dream of songs,” she said. “This is the award I have always wanted – ever since I was 18. I’m ‘Driving My Life Away,’ ‘Hooked on a Feeling,’ because I ‘Believe,’” she concluded, quoting song titles of her fellow inductees.
Bob DiPiero inducted Craig Wiseman. Jeffrey Steele creatively wove 11 of Wiseman’s songs into a three-minute medley. Ronnie Dunn came out to perform a sensationally soulful “Believe.” Then Tim McGraw gave the performance of his life on “Live Like You Were Dying.” Both men got standing ovations.
After Wiseman’s wife KK recited “The Lord’s Prayer,” the honoree told the crowd, “What a blessing it is to share this road,” with fellow songwriters. “You’re great, and you made me great. I’m the luckiest man alive…For your grace and your patience, I remain forever grateful…I’m a songwriter, and it’s all I ever wanted to be.”
In addition to Gill, Crowell, Steele, DiPiero, Prestwood and Alger, the ballroom held such prior Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees as Bobby Braddock, Gary Burr, Paul Overstreet, Tony Arata, Rory Bourke, Jerry Chesnut, Dickey Lee, Wayland Holyfield, Kye Fleming, Jerry Foster, Layng Martine Jr., Allen Shamblin, Norro Wilson, Mark D. Sanders, Jim Weatherly, Roger Murrah and Dennis Morgan.
Two others, Tom Douglas and Steele, were among the additional songwriters honored during the gala. The event began with Bart Herbison and Lee Thomas Miller presenting awards to the writers of the 11 “Songs I Wish I’d Written,” as voted on by the members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Usually, it’s 10, but there was a tie this year.
Hall of Famers Douglas and Steele won for “Raise ‘Em Up,” co-written with Jaren Johnston. In addition, Jonathan Singleton and Melissa Peirce won for “A Guy Walks Into a Bar” (co-writer Brad Tursi was absent). Kevin Kadish won for “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor was absent). Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird won for “American Kids” (Shane McAnally was absent). Barry Dean, Laird and Singleton were honored for “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.”
Pictured (L-R): Back row NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and NSAI president Lee Thomas Miller. Front Row (L-R): Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna (Song of the Year for “Girl Crush”) and NSAI Songwriter of the Year Rodney Clawson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Chris Tompkins and Clawson won with “Dirt.” The song’s performers Florida Georgia Line were in the crowd. Singers Maddie & Tae were also on hand for “Girl in a Country Song,” written by Aaron Scherz with the duo’s Taylor Dye and Maddie Marlow.
Lee Brice, Dallas Davidson and Rob Hatch were voted winners for their “I Don’t Dance.” The last-named’s wife, SESAC’s Shannon Hatch, was beaming with pride. Josh Kear, Andrew Dorff and Mark Irwin won for “Neon Light.”
Jennifer Wayne was there to collect an award for “She Don’t Love You” (co-writer Eric Paslay was absent). Non-Nashville collaborators Max Martin and Shellback weren’t there for “Shake It Off,” but Taylor Swift accepted via video.
“I wish I was there to hug every single one of you,” she said. Swift also won her seventh Songwriter/Artist of the Year from the NSAI.
Songwriter Nicolle Galyon presented the 2015 NSAI Songwriter of the Year prize to her husband, Rodney Clawson. “He’s my Songwriter of the Year, every year,” she said.
The NSAI’s Song of the Year was “Girl Crush,” penned by Lori McKenna, Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey.
“This is so important, to be voted on by your fellow songwriters,” said Rose. Then the three women sang it, and totally ruled with it. Really. They sounded vocally as good as the Little Big Town record.
Lee Thomas Miller was also in the spotlight when the NSAI screened a video of his testimony before Congress regarding increasing songwriter compensation from digital media’s exploitation of their compositions.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the American songwriter,” he told the attendees. “I will not shut up….This is our night.”
Pat Alger narrated a tribute segment to the seven NSHoF members who have passed away this year – Wayne Carson, Paul Craft, Larry Henley, Wayne Kemp, Red Lane, Don Robertson and Billy Sherrill.
Applauding the salute were such tunesmiths as Georgia Middleman, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Rory Lee Feek, Bucky Wilkin, Don Cusic, Shannon Sanders, Anthony Martin, Paul Kennerley, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Casey Anderson, Colin Linden, Ralph Murphy, James Elliott, Byron Hill and Steve Bogard.
Despite the presence of so many celestial songwriting greats, there were many of us “civilians” in attendance. In fact, publicity executive John Van Mol was given the NSHoF Keystone Award for his work negotiating with the Music City Center to house the NSHoF video displays and artifacts.
Other non-songwriters grooving the night away included Melanie Howard, Perry Howard, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, Barry Coburn, Jewel Coburn, David Malloy, Jim Malloy and Amy Kurland. Plus, Butch Baker, Charlie Cook, Troy Tomlinson, Gilles Godard, Mike Vaden, Mike Dye, Rep. Mike Stewart, Mike Sebastian, Ed Morris, Jason Morris, Sarah Trahern, Sarah Cates, Sen. Ken Yager, Ken Paulson, Pat Higdon, Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, David Maddox and David Preston.
Lisa Sutton was sporting a spectacular red coat with gold embroidery. “I just inherited Nashville’s best clothes collection,” she explained, referring to her late mom Lynn Anderson.
Tim Fink, Bob Doyle, Jay Orr, Cindy Owen, Linda Bloss-Baum, Dennis Lord, Sen. Reggie Tate, Rep. Steve McDaniel, Barb Hall, Teri Brown, Phil Graham, Alicia Warwick, Justin Levenson, Tracy Gershon, Jeff Balding, Lori Badgett, John Esposito, Sherry Bond, Jackson Brumley, Del Bryant, Hillary Williams, Jenny Bohler, Rich Hallworth and key event orchestrator Erika Wollam Nichols worked the room.
Bill Cody did the “voice-of-god” announcements and intros. NSHoF executive director Mark Ford presided, saying, “You really did show up! That’s so great. Welcome to Nashville songwriting’s biggest night.”
Bobby Karl Works The 2015 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 510
Pictured (L-R): NaSHOF board chair Pat Alger; Inductees Mark James, Rosanne Cash, Even Stevens and Craig Wiseman and NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
A heavenly host of Nashville songwriters gathered to celebrate their own on Sunday night (Oct. 11) as Even Stevens, Mark James, Rosanne Cash and Craig Wiseman were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“This is angel work,” said Wiseman. “If you’ve written a song with me, will you please do me the honor of standing up?” Dozens did.
“For all the songwriters…staying up too much, drinking too much, missing somebody too much…I’d like to share this award with you tonight,” said Mark James.
“You inspire me,” said Rosanne Cash, “just being around this community of songwriters.”
“This is the 45th anniversary of our Hall of Fame inductions, and this is the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” said NSHoF board chair Pat Alger. “We’re glad you’re here.” The event moved into the grand ballroom of the Music City Center this year, its largest venue ever.
Alger and his fellow songwriters either spoke for or performed for the inductees. Even Stevens, for instance, was inducted by Hugh Prestwood. The band Loving Mary turned in a terrific arrangement of the Stevens co-written “Drivin’ My Life Away.” Nashville pop performer Paul McDonald was equally creative in reimagining “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman.”
“I thought it was an honor when they chose my naked body for the statue in the [Music Row] Roundabout,” quipped Stevens. “But this is somethin’ else.
“I’m humbled to think I’m part of such a great club.”
Jody Williams inducted Mark James. Accompanied by his own dazzling mandolin picking, Hunter Hayes was a delight in his reinterpretation of the James classic “Suspicious Minds.” The still-vibrant voice of B.J. Thomas drew a standing ovation with a thrilling recreation of his immortal “Hooked on a Feeling.” He and James were boyhood friends in Houston, and Thomas has recorded more James tunes than anybody.
“I’ve always loved music,” James told the capacity crowd. “You didn’t put [songs] in categories. You just said, ‘What a great song.’” He should know: Mark James songs have been hits in country, rock, soul, pop and just about every other musical genre.
Pictured (L-R): Mark James, Rosanne Cash, Even Stevens, Craig Wiseman.
Rodney Crowell inducted Rosanne Cash. He was her first husband and is now her good friend. Cash’s present husband, John Leventhal, backed Emmylou Harris on piano as she sang an exquisite rendition of Cash’s “I Was Watching You.” Then the always-awesome Vince Gill delivered Cash’s classic “Seven Year Ache” in the same key in which she recorded it. He was once her band’s guitarist.
“I have so much history in this room,” said Rosanne Cash, noting that Harris, Gill, Leventhal and Crowell have been “my life.”
She added, “I desperately wanted to be a songwriter. I thought it was the most honorable profession in the world. And it is.”
Cash noted that she is almost certainly the only woman who has won Grammy Awards with songs she co-wrote with both of her husbands (““I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me” with Crowell and “A Feather’s Not a Bird” with Leventhal). She and Johnny Cash are now the only father-daughter members of the Hall.
“I dream of songs,” she said. “This is the award I have always wanted – ever since I was 18. I’m ‘Driving My Life Away,’ ‘Hooked on a Feeling,’ because I ‘Believe,’” she concluded, quoting song titles of her fellow inductees.
Bob DiPiero inducted Craig Wiseman. Jeffrey Steele creatively wove 11 of Wiseman’s songs into a three-minute medley. Ronnie Dunn came out to perform a sensationally soulful “Believe.” Then Tim McGraw gave the performance of his life on “Live Like You Were Dying.” Both men got standing ovations.
After Wiseman’s wife KK recited “The Lord’s Prayer,” the honoree told the crowd, “What a blessing it is to share this road,” with fellow songwriters. “You’re great, and you made me great. I’m the luckiest man alive…For your grace and your patience, I remain forever grateful…I’m a songwriter, and it’s all I ever wanted to be.”
In addition to Gill, Crowell, Steele, DiPiero, Prestwood and Alger, the ballroom held such prior Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees as Bobby Braddock, Gary Burr, Paul Overstreet, Tony Arata, Rory Bourke, Jerry Chesnut, Dickey Lee, Wayland Holyfield, Kye Fleming, Jerry Foster, Layng Martine Jr., Allen Shamblin, Norro Wilson, Mark D. Sanders, Jim Weatherly, Roger Murrah and Dennis Morgan.
Two others, Tom Douglas and Steele, were among the additional songwriters honored during the gala. The event began with Bart Herbison and Lee Thomas Miller presenting awards to the writers of the 11 “Songs I Wish I’d Written,” as voted on by the members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Usually, it’s 10, but there was a tie this year.
Hall of Famers Douglas and Steele won for “Raise ‘Em Up,” co-written with Jaren Johnston. In addition, Jonathan Singleton and Melissa Peirce won for “A Guy Walks Into a Bar” (co-writer Brad Tursi was absent). Kevin Kadish won for “All About That Bass” (Meghan Trainor was absent). Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird won for “American Kids” (Shane McAnally was absent). Barry Dean, Laird and Singleton were honored for “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.”
Pictured (L-R): Back row NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and NSAI president Lee Thomas Miller. Front Row (L-R): Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna (Song of the Year for “Girl Crush”) and NSAI Songwriter of the Year Rodney Clawson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Chris Tompkins and Clawson won with “Dirt.” The song’s performers Florida Georgia Line were in the crowd. Singers Maddie & Tae were also on hand for “Girl in a Country Song,” written by Aaron Scherz with the duo’s Taylor Dye and Maddie Marlow.
Lee Brice, Dallas Davidson and Rob Hatch were voted winners for their “I Don’t Dance.” The last-named’s wife, SESAC’s Shannon Hatch, was beaming with pride. Josh Kear, Andrew Dorff and Mark Irwin won for “Neon Light.”
Jennifer Wayne was there to collect an award for “She Don’t Love You” (co-writer Eric Paslay was absent). Non-Nashville collaborators Max Martin and Shellback weren’t there for “Shake It Off,” but Taylor Swift accepted via video.
“I wish I was there to hug every single one of you,” she said. Swift also won her seventh Songwriter/Artist of the Year from the NSAI.
Songwriter Nicolle Galyon presented the 2015 NSAI Songwriter of the Year prize to her husband, Rodney Clawson. “He’s my Songwriter of the Year, every year,” she said.
The NSAI’s Song of the Year was “Girl Crush,” penned by Lori McKenna, Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey.
“This is so important, to be voted on by your fellow songwriters,” said Rose. Then the three women sang it, and totally ruled with it. Really. They sounded vocally as good as the Little Big Town record.
Lee Thomas Miller was also in the spotlight when the NSAI screened a video of his testimony before Congress regarding increasing songwriter compensation from digital media’s exploitation of their compositions.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the American songwriter,” he told the attendees. “I will not shut up….This is our night.”
Pat Alger narrated a tribute segment to the seven NSHoF members who have passed away this year – Wayne Carson, Paul Craft, Larry Henley, Wayne Kemp, Red Lane, Don Robertson and Billy Sherrill.
Applauding the salute were such tunesmiths as Georgia Middleman, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Rory Lee Feek, Bucky Wilkin, Don Cusic, Shannon Sanders, Anthony Martin, Paul Kennerley, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Casey Anderson, Colin Linden, Ralph Murphy, James Elliott, Byron Hill and Steve Bogard.
Despite the presence of so many celestial songwriting greats, there were many of us “civilians” in attendance. In fact, publicity executive John Van Mol was given the NSHoF Keystone Award for his work negotiating with the Music City Center to house the NSHoF video displays and artifacts.
Other non-songwriters grooving the night away included Melanie Howard, Perry Howard, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, Barry Coburn, Jewel Coburn, David Malloy, Jim Malloy and Amy Kurland. Plus, Butch Baker, Charlie Cook, Troy Tomlinson, Gilles Godard, Mike Vaden, Mike Dye, Rep. Mike Stewart, Mike Sebastian, Ed Morris, Jason Morris, Sarah Trahern, Sarah Cates, Sen. Ken Yager, Ken Paulson, Pat Higdon, Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, David Maddox and David Preston.
Lisa Sutton was sporting a spectacular red coat with gold embroidery. “I just inherited Nashville’s best clothes collection,” she explained, referring to her late mom Lynn Anderson.
Tim Fink, Bob Doyle, Jay Orr, Cindy Owen, Linda Bloss-Baum, Dennis Lord, Sen. Reggie Tate, Rep. Steve McDaniel, Barb Hall, Teri Brown, Phil Graham, Alicia Warwick, Justin Levenson, Tracy Gershon, Jeff Balding, Lori Badgett, John Esposito, Sherry Bond, Jackson Brumley, Del Bryant, Hillary Williams, Jenny Bohler, Rich Hallworth and key event orchestrator Erika Wollam Nichols worked the room.
Bill Cody did the “voice-of-god” announcements and intros. NSHoF executive director Mark Ford presided, saying, “You really did show up! That’s so great. Welcome to Nashville songwriting’s biggest night.”
Trace Adkins Kicks Off ‘Power Through Tour’
/by Kelsey_GradyTrace Adkins
Trace Adkins has teamed up with KIOTI Tractor to kick-off a year long promotion benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project on his Power Through Tour. For a $25 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, KIOTI Tractor and Trace Adkins fans alike can enter to win Adkins’ autographed KIOTI DK65 tractor and attached front-end loader and backhoe. Participants may enter multiple times by donating in increments of $25.
The promotion is currently open for entry, and will close on Oct. 19, 2016 at 11:59:59 a.m. EST. All valid entries will be entered into the drawing for the grand prize. The winner will be announced within 30 days of the end of the Power Through Tour.
Power Through Tour:
Oct. 3 – NCSU Ag Day – Raleigh, N.C.
Oct. 20-22 – Sunbelt Ag Expo – Moultrie, Ga.
Dec. 4 – ACC Football Championship – Charlotte, N.C.
Feb. 3-5 – Southern Farm Show – Raleigh, N.C.
Feb. 10-13 – National Farm Machinery Show – Louisville, Ky.
Aug. 16-18 – Penn State Ag Progress Day – State College, Pa.
Sept. 20-22 – Ohio Farm Science Review – London (Columbus), Ohio
MusicRowPics: Makenna & Brock
/by Jessica NicholsonMakenna & Brock perform for MusicRow staffers.
Makenna Sullinger and Brock Wade, better known as country duo Makenna & Brock, first caught the attention of America when they auditioned for The X Factor in 2011. On the strength of their duet on Zac Brown Band’s “Colder Weather,” the couple passed the audition, ultimately charming viewers with their harmonies and charisma to make it to the Top 12.
They first met in 2007 while performing at a Children’s Miracle Network benefit show. Since their X Factor appearance, the duo has been strengthening their songwriting and live show through numerous live shows and co-writes, and the career guidance of Clif Doyal Agency’s Clif Doyal.
Makenna & Brock visited the MusicRow offices this week to perform the current single, “Burnin’ The Night Down,” which they co-wrote six months ago. The track was produced by Paul Carabello and Doyal.
“There aren’t really a lot of songs on country radio that talk about moving on when a relationship ends,” states Makenna. “They are usually more from the stand-point of one person in the relationship wanting the other one back. Brock and I wanted to write a song that says that they can move on – and everything will be OK. Life goes on and it’s OK to not feel sad about breaking away from a bad relationship,” she says.
Brock adds, “We watch so much drama on Facebook about relationships falling apart and we wanted to let them know that sometimes it’s better if you just say ‘enough is enough’ and move on.”
They also offered original songs “The Keith Whitley Song” and “Drive.”
Makenna & Brock with MusicRow staffers.
Brantley Gilbert, Co-Writers Celebrate Emotional No. 1
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Mike Dekle, ASCAP / Brantley Gilbert, BMI / Brian Davis, BMI. Photo: Valory Music Co.
Members of Nashville’s music industry gathered at Nashville restaurant South on Demonbreun Street yesterday (Oct. 8) to toast Brantley Gilbert and co-writers Brian Davis and Mike Dekle in celebrating the chart-topping success of “One Hell of An Amen.”
Perry Howard of BMI honored Warner/Chappell writer Gilbert, as well as Davis, who earned his very first No. 1 with “One Hell of An Amen.” In BMI tradition, the PRO gave Davis an Epiphone guitar to commemorate his first No. 1. Davis, an artist in his own right, has been on the road opening for Gilbert.
Ole’s John Ozier and ASCAP’s Beth Brinker honored Dekle, who has been an ASCAP member for 33 years.
Others honoring the writers included BMLG’s George Briner, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, CMA’s Brenden Oliver and CRB’s Ashley Silver.
(Back Row: L-R: John Ozier, Ole / Perry Howard, ASCAP / Drew Alexander, Mike Curb Music / George Briner, The Valory Music Co. / Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell / Rich Egan, Hard 8 Management / Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group / Dan Huff, Producer
Front Row: L-R: Beth Brinker, ASCAP / Mike Dekle ASCAP Writer / Brantley Gilbert, BMI Writer / Brian Davis, BMI Writer)
BMLG founder/CEO Scott Borchetta showed his full support of the Gilbert and the song by showing off his Brantley Gilbert T-shirt to the crowd. “When he brought this song in it was special. Songs like this are not easy to get [to No. 1] at radio. I tried to think of a similar moment where a hit song honored people who passed. Twenty years ago I worked the song by Vince Gill called, ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain.’ It reminds us what is good and great about true songwriters and great about country music. Brantley Gilbert is a true songwriter and artist, and we are glad the song went all the way.”
Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox was on hand to announce the company’s donation to the Kory Potts Foundation. The foundation honors Gilbert’s childhood friend Kory Potts, who died at age 23 of leukemia. The foundation grants scholarships to student athletes with exemplary leadership skills. The foundation also supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The song and celebration were emotional for Gilbert, who shared a testimony of how the song brought healing to his longtime friend, Josh Greene. Greene, an Army Ranger, had watched his Army buddy Jonathan Lootens die after his Humvee was bombed. Gilbert recalled that Greene wasn’t the same after the incident. “I watched Josh struggle with substances, I watched him struggle with his mind … you know when you know someone well enough to know something is on their heart?…I never could figure out what it was.”
When Greene discovered that Lootens’s parents would be attending a Brantley Gilbert concert a few years later, he tagged along, and was able to meet the parents of his Army buddy.
“Josh finished the story,” Gilbert says, explaining that Lootens went on the mission with Greene, even though he didn’t have to. According to the story, Lootens and Greene had argued about Lootens going on the mission, and then they left in different vehicles. Soon the bombing happened.
“Josh witnessed every second of what went down. I saw a young man look into a mother’s eyes and tell her that her son was not alone when he died,” Gilbert told the crowd. “That he held his hand every second of the way. One of the things she said was, ‘I just worried he was alone.’ And Josh cried and said ‘He was not alone, I was right there with him. I never left him.’
“Josh is a new man,” Gilbert told Lootens’s mother, who attended the No. 1 party. “That’s one more person that your man saved.”
The Valory Music Co. Promotions Team with the writers. Back Row: L-R: George Briner / Ellen Mundy / Bradford Hollingsworth / BMLG’s Scott Borchetta / Hard 8’s Rich Egan, Brad Howell / Front Row: Mike Dekle, Brantley Gilbert, Brian Davis.
The Warren Brothers Sign Co-Publishing Deal With Big Loud Shirt
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Big Loud Shirt Creative Director Matt Turner, Brad Warren, Big Loud Shirt Owner Craig Wiseman, Brett Warren, and Big Loud Shirt VP Seth England
Songwriters Brad and Brett Warren, better known as the Warren Brothers, have signed a co-publishing deal with Big Loud Shirt Industries.
Their songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw (“If You’re Reading This,” “Felt Good On My Lips,” “Highway Don’t Care”), Toby Keith (“Red Solo Cup”), Keith Urban (“Little Bit of Everything”), Dierks Bentley (“Feel That Fire”), Jerrod Niemann (“Drink to That All Night”), Martina McBride (“Anyway”), Faith Hill (“The Lucky One”) and more.
“The Warren Brothers are the piece of the puzzle that we’ve been trying to find over here. Brad and Brett know how to have fun, treat people the right way, and write amazing songs,” said BLS’s Creative Director Matt Turner. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to add them to our roster and put their songs in a position to win. We are looking forward to the years ahead with these guys!”
When asked about the signing, Brett Warren said, “We love Big parties, Loud music, and taking our Shirts off, so it seemed like the perfect fit for us!”
Brad Warren added, “Big Loud Shirt is like summer camp with liquor…and now we are the designated drivers! We couldn’t be with a better group of people or in a better creative environment.”
Tune In: Dwight Yoakam, Jack Black, Carrie Underwood, Ray Stevens
/by Jessica NicholsonDwight Yoakam, Jack Black Team For New TV Comedy
Dwight Yoakam
Dwight Yoakam and Jack Black are set to executive produce a family comedy for Fox, with the world of country music as its backdrop, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Created by Alex McAulay (Eastbound and Down), Belles and Whistles centers on an unfulfilled father who is fired from his tech job in Silicon Valley, and moves his dysfunctional family to Nashville in order to pursue his lifelong dream of music stardom.
Yoakam will executive produce alongside Black and Spencer Berman.
Carrie Underwood Slated For ‘Citi Concert Series on Today’
For more than two decades, Today’s live performances have featured appearances from artists on the plaza and in the famed Studio 1A.
Ray Stevens To Debut TV Talk Show
Ray Stevens
Singer, songwriter, entertainer and comedian Ray Stevens will soon add national television talk show host to his career highlights. The Grammy Award-winning comedy and country music legend has announced the premiere of Ray Stevens’ Nashville, a regular/weekly 30-minute music show debuting on RFD-TV on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8:30 PM ET.
MusicRowPics: Leigh Nash
/by Jessica NicholsonLeigh Nash performs for MusicRow staffers.
Leigh Nash‘s sweet voice is familiar to anyone who grew up on the music of Sixpence None The Richer. As lead singer for the group, Nash’s voice was a staple on pop radio in the late ’90s with songs like “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes.” Now, 16 years after her first radio prominence, Nash has released a batch of songs inspired by her love of traditional country music.
Nash’s first independent country album, The State I’m In, released in September. The 12-track project was produced by The Raconteurs member Brendan Benson.
“I’ve talked about making this record for 20 years. It took every minute of the last 20 years to complete, but it’s worth it,” said the singer. She recalled growing up in Texas, and learning from the music of artists such as Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline.
Nash visited the MusicRow offices to give a three-song acoustic snippet of the album. She offered renditions of “Cool Heart,” “Tell Me Now, Tennessee,” and “Somebody’s Yesterday,” a co-write with longtime radio personality and songwriter Gerry House.
“We wrote this after driving home from Texas. I’ve been here 19 years, and I moved from Texas when I was 19, so I’m at that point where I’ve spent as much time here as I did in Texas,” said Nash, explaining how the drive to Texas to Tennessee inspired the song “Tell Me Now, Tennessee.”
Sixpence parted ways in 2004, after which Nash released a series of solo albums, including 2006’s pop collection Blue on Blue, 2007’s Fauxliage, and 2011’s Hymns and Sacred Songs. Nash will showcase songs from the new project during her show at Nashville’s City Winery on Oct. 14.
Leigh Nash with MusicRow staffers.
Industry Ink: Mark Wills, Nan Kelley, Brett Eldredge, YEP
/by Craig_ShelburneMark Wills Signs With Hallmark Direction, Webster PR
Mark Wills has teamed with John Dorris of Hallmark Direction Company for management. In addition, the singer’s publicity will be handled by Webster Public Relations.
Wills’ hits include “Don’t Laugh at Me,” “19 Somethin’,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Back at One” and more. The Georgia native’s most recent album was 2011’s Looking for America.
Nan Kelley Named Spokesperson for Red Gold Tomatoes
Nan Kelley
Nan Kelley has partnered with Red Gold Tomatoes to become the company’s spokesperson. She began the new position by interviewing Luke Bryan in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Red Gold Tomatoes is a sponsor of Bryan’s 2015 Farm Tour. The interview will be posted to the company’s website. Kelley also hosts Great American Country’s Top 20 Countdown.
Brett Eldredge Performs Near His Hometown
Brett Eldredge performed a sold-out show in Terre Haute, Ind., on Thursday night (Oct. 8), just 22 miles from his hometown of Paris, Ill. Eldredge’s new album is titled Illinois. With 5,000 tickets sold, Eldredge performed at the Hulman Center on the campus of Indiana State University.
Pictured (L-R): Rob Baker, Longshot Management; Rick Mischell, Mischell Productions; Eldredge and Rob Beckham, William Morris Entertainment.
YEP’s Classic Country Showcase Tickets Now on Sale
Weekly Chart Report (10/9/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Martina McBride Inks Management Deal With Red Light
/by Jessica NicholsonMartina McBride. Photo: Kristin Barlowe
Martina McBride has formed a new working relationship with Coran Capshaw, Daniel Miller and the Red Light Management team for career management.
McBride was first signed to RCA Nashville in 1991 and rose to fame with hits such as “Independence Day,” “Wild Angels,” “A Broken Wing,” “Whatever You Say,” “Blessed” and more. Her 12 studio albums have sold nearly 20 million records to date, and earned her multiple CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year Awards, as well as 14 Grammy nominations.
McBride is currently in the studio recording her first release for Nash Icon Records with producers Dann Huff and Nathan Chapman.