Pictured (L-R): BMI songwriter Tommy Lee James, ASCAP songwriter Brent Anderson, BMI songwriter Wade Kirby, ASCAP songwriter Ryan Hurd, producer Scott Hendrix, BMI songwriters Phil O’Donnell and Andrew Dorff and ASCAP songwriter Mark Irwin. (Front Row) ASCAP songwriter Josh Osborne, BMI affiliate Blake Shelton, ASCAP songwriters JT Harding and Josh Kear.
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 508
All hail the majesty of Blake Shelton.
Which is to say, “Blake Shelton Week” in Nashville concluded with a humongous celebration of his five most recent No. 1 hits. BMI and ASCAP combined forces to laud the 11 songwriters who penned those tunes at a Thursday afternoon whoop-dee-do at Losers on Division Street (Sept. 24).
“It’s just another week for Blake Shelton,” said BMI”s Bradley Collins. “He throws a street party and 10,000 people show up,” which referred to Wednesday’s phenomenal event on Music Row (Sept. 23). Then there was the star’s fifth-anniversary celebration as an Opry member on Tuesday (Sept. 22).
“Welcome to the five-headed No. 1 party,” Collins added to greet us at this latest of the three Blake bashes.
“Thank y’all for being here at the world’s LONGEST No. 1 party,” said Blake when all the speeches were said and done.
He was so gracious, standing and smiling for an hour and a half while the writers and their many publishers accepted accolades and spoke. He even shouted greetings to the pedal-tavern folks ambling by outside the bar.
BMI’s Collins, Leslie Roberts and David Preston tag-team hosted with ASCAP”s Michael Martin, Mike Sistad and Beth Brinker. The five honored chart-topping Blake hits were “Doing What She Likes,” “My Eyes,” “Neon Light,” “Lonely Tonight” and “Sangria.”
Before the presentations started, Blake posed for LOADS of snapshots with folks. Hiding behind Wes Vause, the Today Show’s Hoda Kotb crept up and popped out to surprise the megastar.
“I’m single now!” Blake exclaimed, grabbing her and planting a kiss. She took a selfie with him.
Collins told the crowd that the five songs being honored had spent 200 weeks on the charts collectively. Wow. He first brought up Wade Kirby and Phil O’Donnell for “Doing What She likes.” This is Kirby’s second No. 1 and O’Donnell’s third.
Kirby recalled that the song was written during a deer hunt. In fact, the song so consumed them (plus it was raining) that no deer were ever harmed.
Pictured: (L-R): (Back Row) BMI’s Bradley Collins, Round Hill’s Mark Brown, WMG’s John Esposito, producer Scott Hendricks, HoriPro’s Courtney Crist, Lee Krabel and Butch Baker. (Front Row, L-R): BMI songwriter Wade Kirby, BMI affiliate Blake Shelton and BMI songwriter Phil O’Donnell.
Next up, Roberts brought on Andrew Dorff, Josh Osborne and Tommy Lee James, the team behind “My Eyes.” Thanks to Kenny Chesney’s chart-topping “Save It for a Rainy Day” this week, Dorff now has four No. 1’s. James has seven of them. ASCAP’s Martin brought on Osborne, who has eight.
Dorff signed with BMI when he was just 12 years old. His father is L.A. songwriting star Steve Dorff.
“He has 12 No 1’s, so I have eight to do to catch up.” said Andrew. The songwriter has three Labrador dogs. “I gotta pay for dog food, so this is important,” he quipped.
James said, “This is a really hard song to sing. There’s no place to breathe in it. But you [Blake] made it sound effortless.”
Preston kept Dorff on stage and added Josh Kear and Mark Irwin for “Neon Light.” “You guys know it’s ‘Blake Shelton Week,’ right?” said Preston. “Well, today is ‘Andrew Dorff Day,’” because of Dorff having two No. 1 hits to celebrate.
Sistad introduced Kear and Irwin. This marked Kear’s 11th No. 1 hit, and he was ASCAP country songwriter of the year in 2013.
“Here’s to one-chord songs,” said Kear of “Neon Light.” “It’s great to hear them on the radio.”
Dorff added that the song was written with Blake in mind: “Thank you for taking my career to the next level. And I want to thank the city of Nashville.”
ASCAP’s Brinker took over to introduce Ryan Hurd and Brent Anderson for “Lonely Tonight.” Both songwriters were celebrating their first No. 1 hit.
Pictured: (L-R): (Back Row) Branden Bosler (Promotion Coordinator), Chad Schultz (Nat’l Dir. Radio & Interactive Mktg), Mallory Opheim (Regional Promotion Manager), Blake Shelton. (Middle Row) Lou Ramirez (Regional Promotion Manager), Mark Niederhauser (Regional Promotion Manager), Kristen Williams (VP Promotion), Rick Young (Regional Promotion Manager), Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion). (Front Row) Katie Bright (Director, National Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN)
“This is the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Anderson. “Now I want another one,” said Hurd, who is a Belmont graduate and looks like a Sunday-school picture of The Good Shepherd. I am told he is an aspiring recording artist.
J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne and Trevor Rosin are the co-writers of “Sangria.” Rosin is on the road becoming a star with Old Dominion (“Break Up With Him”), so he wasn’t there.
Because of his double chart toppers, we were informed that it was also “Josh Osborne Day.”
But the ebullient Harding stole the show. “On the count of ‘3,’ let me hear you say, ‘Blake Shelton for President!’” he exclaimed to the crowd. So we did.
“Everything I say is gonna wind up in a tabloid, so it doesn’t matter what I say,” said Blake. Last week, the scandal sheets said he was hooking up with his fellow judge on The Voice, Gwen Stefani. This week, they screamed that he would die if he didn’t go to rehab.
For the record, he seems lean, trim and wonderfully fit. Not to mention enduringly charming.
He pointed out that Gwen Sebastian was his vocal foil on “My Eyes” and that Ashley Monroe was with him on “Lonely Tonight.” He added, “Thank you, songwriters, for giving me the chance to sing your songs.”
“Blake, this means so much to these songwriters that you’re here,” said Sistad. “So thank you for making the time for this.”
The CMA’s Brandi Simms presented medallions to all of the honored songwriters. Ron Cox of Avenue Bank announced that his company will make donations on behalf of all the songwriters to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Needless to say, publishers were there in abundance. Kent Earls, Butch Baker, Mark Brown, Travis Gordon, Dave Pakula, Mike Owens, Kos Weaver and Robin Palmer were among them.
We sweltered on the outdoor deck of Losers. It was an unseasonably warm 89 degrees. Even the ever-affable Blake complained about the lack of air conditioning.
But persevering were Ron Huntsman, Pete Fisher, Brandon Blackstock, Narvel Blackstock, Frank Rogers, Heather Byrd, Cindy Watts, Mike Vaden, Hank Adam Locklin, Preshias Harris and, natch, Scott Hendricks and Music Row personality-plus John Esposito.
Frankly, I felt exhausted. I bet Blake did, too. But a grand time was had by all.
Blake Shelton celebrates at yesterday’s No. 1 party.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Blake Shelton Celebrates Five No. 1s
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): BMI songwriter Tommy Lee James, ASCAP songwriter Brent Anderson, BMI songwriter Wade Kirby, ASCAP songwriter Ryan Hurd, producer Scott Hendrix, BMI songwriters Phil O’Donnell and Andrew Dorff and ASCAP songwriter Mark Irwin. (Front Row) ASCAP songwriter Josh Osborne, BMI affiliate Blake Shelton, ASCAP songwriters JT Harding and Josh Kear.
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 508
All hail the majesty of Blake Shelton.
Which is to say, “Blake Shelton Week” in Nashville concluded with a humongous celebration of his five most recent No. 1 hits. BMI and ASCAP combined forces to laud the 11 songwriters who penned those tunes at a Thursday afternoon whoop-dee-do at Losers on Division Street (Sept. 24).
“It’s just another week for Blake Shelton,” said BMI”s Bradley Collins. “He throws a street party and 10,000 people show up,” which referred to Wednesday’s phenomenal event on Music Row (Sept. 23). Then there was the star’s fifth-anniversary celebration as an Opry member on Tuesday (Sept. 22).
“Welcome to the five-headed No. 1 party,” Collins added to greet us at this latest of the three Blake bashes.
“Thank y’all for being here at the world’s LONGEST No. 1 party,” said Blake when all the speeches were said and done.
He was so gracious, standing and smiling for an hour and a half while the writers and their many publishers accepted accolades and spoke. He even shouted greetings to the pedal-tavern folks ambling by outside the bar.
BMI’s Collins, Leslie Roberts and David Preston tag-team hosted with ASCAP”s Michael Martin, Mike Sistad and Beth Brinker. The five honored chart-topping Blake hits were “Doing What She Likes,” “My Eyes,” “Neon Light,” “Lonely Tonight” and “Sangria.”
Before the presentations started, Blake posed for LOADS of snapshots with folks. Hiding behind Wes Vause, the Today Show’s Hoda Kotb crept up and popped out to surprise the megastar.
“I’m single now!” Blake exclaimed, grabbing her and planting a kiss. She took a selfie with him.
Collins told the crowd that the five songs being honored had spent 200 weeks on the charts collectively. Wow. He first brought up Wade Kirby and Phil O’Donnell for “Doing What She likes.” This is Kirby’s second No. 1 and O’Donnell’s third.
Kirby recalled that the song was written during a deer hunt. In fact, the song so consumed them (plus it was raining) that no deer were ever harmed.
Pictured: (L-R): (Back Row) BMI’s Bradley Collins, Round Hill’s Mark Brown, WMG’s John Esposito, producer Scott Hendricks, HoriPro’s Courtney Crist, Lee Krabel and Butch Baker. (Front Row, L-R): BMI songwriter Wade Kirby, BMI affiliate Blake Shelton and BMI songwriter Phil O’Donnell.
Next up, Roberts brought on Andrew Dorff, Josh Osborne and Tommy Lee James, the team behind “My Eyes.” Thanks to Kenny Chesney’s chart-topping “Save It for a Rainy Day” this week, Dorff now has four No. 1’s. James has seven of them. ASCAP’s Martin brought on Osborne, who has eight.
Dorff signed with BMI when he was just 12 years old. His father is L.A. songwriting star Steve Dorff.
“He has 12 No 1’s, so I have eight to do to catch up.” said Andrew. The songwriter has three Labrador dogs. “I gotta pay for dog food, so this is important,” he quipped.
James said, “This is a really hard song to sing. There’s no place to breathe in it. But you [Blake] made it sound effortless.”
Preston kept Dorff on stage and added Josh Kear and Mark Irwin for “Neon Light.” “You guys know it’s ‘Blake Shelton Week,’ right?” said Preston. “Well, today is ‘Andrew Dorff Day,’” because of Dorff having two No. 1 hits to celebrate.
Sistad introduced Kear and Irwin. This marked Kear’s 11th No. 1 hit, and he was ASCAP country songwriter of the year in 2013.
“Here’s to one-chord songs,” said Kear of “Neon Light.” “It’s great to hear them on the radio.”
Dorff added that the song was written with Blake in mind: “Thank you for taking my career to the next level. And I want to thank the city of Nashville.”
ASCAP’s Brinker took over to introduce Ryan Hurd and Brent Anderson for “Lonely Tonight.” Both songwriters were celebrating their first No. 1 hit.
Pictured: (L-R): (Back Row) Branden Bosler (Promotion Coordinator), Chad Schultz (Nat’l Dir. Radio & Interactive Mktg), Mallory Opheim (Regional Promotion Manager), Blake Shelton. (Middle Row) Lou Ramirez (Regional Promotion Manager), Mark Niederhauser (Regional Promotion Manager), Kristen Williams (VP Promotion), Rick Young (Regional Promotion Manager), Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion). (Front Row) Katie Bright (Director, National Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN)
“This is the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Anderson. “Now I want another one,” said Hurd, who is a Belmont graduate and looks like a Sunday-school picture of The Good Shepherd. I am told he is an aspiring recording artist.
J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne and Trevor Rosin are the co-writers of “Sangria.” Rosin is on the road becoming a star with Old Dominion (“Break Up With Him”), so he wasn’t there.
Because of his double chart toppers, we were informed that it was also “Josh Osborne Day.”
But the ebullient Harding stole the show. “On the count of ‘3,’ let me hear you say, ‘Blake Shelton for President!’” he exclaimed to the crowd. So we did.
“Everything I say is gonna wind up in a tabloid, so it doesn’t matter what I say,” said Blake. Last week, the scandal sheets said he was hooking up with his fellow judge on The Voice, Gwen Stefani. This week, they screamed that he would die if he didn’t go to rehab.
For the record, he seems lean, trim and wonderfully fit. Not to mention enduringly charming.
He pointed out that Gwen Sebastian was his vocal foil on “My Eyes” and that Ashley Monroe was with him on “Lonely Tonight.” He added, “Thank you, songwriters, for giving me the chance to sing your songs.”
“Blake, this means so much to these songwriters that you’re here,” said Sistad. “So thank you for making the time for this.”
The CMA’s Brandi Simms presented medallions to all of the honored songwriters. Ron Cox of Avenue Bank announced that his company will make donations on behalf of all the songwriters to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Needless to say, publishers were there in abundance. Kent Earls, Butch Baker, Mark Brown, Travis Gordon, Dave Pakula, Mike Owens, Kos Weaver and Robin Palmer were among them.
We sweltered on the outdoor deck of Losers. It was an unseasonably warm 89 degrees. Even the ever-affable Blake complained about the lack of air conditioning.
But persevering were Ron Huntsman, Pete Fisher, Brandon Blackstock, Narvel Blackstock, Frank Rogers, Heather Byrd, Cindy Watts, Mike Vaden, Hank Adam Locklin, Preshias Harris and, natch, Scott Hendricks and Music Row personality-plus John Esposito.
Frankly, I felt exhausted. I bet Blake did, too. But a grand time was had by all.
Blake Shelton celebrates at yesterday’s No. 1 party.
Kenny Rogers To Retire From Touring
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Rogers announces he will retire from touring during an appearance on The Today Show.
Kenny Rogers will soon leave the tour bus behind. After 57 years spent on the road, Rogers announced on NBC’s The Today Show this morning (Sept. 25) that his 2016 world tour will be his last.
Dates and information for Rogers’ final World Tour will be announced at a later date.
To watch Rogers’ announcement on The Today Show, visit today.com.
Rogers is set to ring in the upcoming holidays with his first Christmas album in 17 years, Once Again It’s Christmas (Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville).
.
RCA Studio A Survives To Celebrate 50th Anniversary Next Saturday
/by Eric T. ParkerRCA Studio A Complex. Photo: Facebook
Now that RCA Studio A has been saved from a potentially fateful demise, the historic studio complex can celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Saturday, Oct. 3.
A free “Open House” will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music, food trucks, and memorabilia on display that once belonged to the late Chet Atkins, who helped found the famous studio. Grimey’s will set up an all-day record swap in the Studio A parking lot.
Remarks will be made by proprietors and special guests, including longtime occupant of the space, Ben Folds, at 12:30 p.m. Legendary guitarist Steve Cropper will follow with a music set.
“Studio A is a cornerstone in Music Row’s history,” said Aubrey Preston, who in 2014 joined fellow entrepreneurs Mike Curb and Chuck Elcan to save the landmark from the wrecking ball. “We’re proud to throw open our doors on this special occasion so friends and fans can step inside one of America’s greatest recording studios.”
“Only a handful of studios in the world share the influence of Studio A,” said Dr. Carroll Van West, the state historian of Tennessee and director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. “Fans and the public will be treated with a rare opportunity to stand on truly hallowed musical ground.”
“A year ago, we were facing the heart-breaking prospect of losing an integral part of American music history,” Folds said. “Today, thanks to the support of the countless friends, fans, artists and musicians, Studio A will continue to be a special place where great music of all genres is created.”
Last year, Folds and songwriter-producer Trey Bruce led musicians and preservationists after a developer announced plans to demolish the building and replace it with condos and a restaurant. “Save Studio A” movement resulted in the December 2014 acquisition from partners, Curb, Elcan and Preston to protect the property.
No. 1 Party: Back-To-Back Chart Toppers For Sam Hunt
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, and Jerry Flowers.
It was a double celebration at The Crying Wolf in Nashville as ASCAP hosted a party to honor back-to-back (and the second and third consecutive) No. 1 songs for Sam Hunt yesterday (Sept. 23).
“Take Your Time” and “House Party” became Hunt’s second and third straight chart toppers (following his debut single “Leave The Night On”) and the songwriters and producers were recognized along with Hunt.
Mike Sistad of ASCAP first spoke about “Take Your Time,” which was written by Hunt, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally and was produced by McAnally and Zach Crowell. Sistad stated that McAnally has been very busy since his first No. 1 back in 2010. Since then, he has become an accomplished songwriter and producer. “Take Your Time” is his 13th No. 1 song. Osborne has now been credited with eight No. 1 songs.
McAnally stated, “I could stand up here and say a million good things about Sam and Josh. It’s been fun to watch this from the very beginning. Nobody deserves this or even ‘gets it’ like Sam.”
Osborne added, “On top of all these accolades, it has been a lot of fun to write with Shane and Sam.”
Also taking time to offer congratulations were members of Universal Publishing, Three Mules Music and Black River Publishing.
Sistad returned to the stage to say that “House Party” marks Hunt’s fifth No. 1 song as a songwriter along with his third as an artist.
Pictured (front row, L-R): McAnally, Flowers, Hunt, Crowell Pictured (back row, L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, UMPG’s Kent Earls, Three Mules Music’s Chris Hunter, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, UMG’s Royce Risser, Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, Hunt’s manager Brad Belanger, and Combustion Music’s Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn
The hit was written by Hunt, Crowell and Jerry Flowers. Ashley Gorley of External Combustion Music texted in his words of thanks and congratulations while challenging Crowell to make a speech that lasted more than five seconds. The remark got a laugh from the crowd while Crowell, accepting for his second No. 1 as a songwriter, spoke for about 10 seconds while simply thanking everyone involved.
It was a special day for Flowers, as he celebrated his first No. 1. Flowers has been a part of Keith Urban’s band for 22 years. Flowers said the best part of being a writer on this song was that Urban now introduces him each night on stage as “the guy that wrote ‘House Party’ by Sam Hunt.”
Crowell and McAnally were producers on this song as well.
Universal Music’s Royce Risser spoke and said the has never seen a career take off like Hunt’s. Members of the Country Radio Broadcasters offered statistics of radio airplay for both songs before Hunt took to the microphone. He stated that there are so many people that are thankful for these songs. “The songs have provided jobs for the crew that is on the road with us. And each night on stage, I see that these songs are providing joy to the fans that come out to see us play.”
Pictured (front, L-R): Osborne, McAnally, Hunt, Crowell. Pictured (Back, L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Black River’s Dave Pacula, UMPG’s Kent Earls, Three Mules Music’s Chris Hunter, UMG’s Royce Risser, Hunt’s manager Brad Belanger, and Smacktown Music’s Robert Carlton and Robin Palmer
Nashville Toasts ‘Women In Music City’ Honorees
/by Jessica NicholsonLittle Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild served as keynote speakers for the event.
Honorees are as follows:
Marcie Allen, President of MAC Presents
Brandi Brammer, Human Resources Executive of Creative Artists Agency
Debbie Carroll, Executive Director of MusiCares
Sarah Cates, Director of Development and Industry Relations of Belmont University
Legina Chaudoin, Principal of O’Neil Hagaman PLLC
Beville Dunkerley, Senior Editor of Rolling Stone Country
Lucia Folk, Vice President, Public Affairs of CMT
Cyndi Forman, Vice President, Creative of Universal Music Publishing Group
Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music Strategy of Viacom/CMT
Tracy Gershon, Vice President of A&R of Rounder Records/Manager at Red Light Management
Lisa Harless, Senior Vice President/Private Wealth Advisor — Entertainment Division of Regions Bank
Ali Harnell, Senior Vice President of AEG Live/The Messina Group
Becky Harris, Principal Partner of Huskins-Harris
Deana Ivey, Chief Marketing Officer of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Beverly Keel, Chairwoman, Department of Recording Industry/Journalism and Industry Consultant of Middle Tennessee State University
Gina Keltner, Talent Manager of Grand Ole Opry
Chandra LaPlume, Vice President and Partner of Taillight
Danielle Lares-Bouharoun, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Private Bank
Lynn Morrow, Partner and Partner-In-Charge of the Music Row Office of Adams and Reese LLP
Erika Wollam Nichols, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Bluebird Cafe
Kelly Rich, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Interactive of BMLG
Brittany Schaffer, Attorney of Loeb & Loeb LLP
Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA
Ellen Truley, Vice President of Corporate Relations of SESAC
Elizabeth “Betsy” Williams, Director of Human Resources of Universal Music Group
Sally Williams, General Manager, Ryman Auditorium; Vice President Concerts & Entertainment, Opry Entertainment Group of Ryman Auditorium/Opry Entertainment Group
Weekly Chart Report (9/25/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Dale Franklin Leadership Awards Honorees Named for 2015
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jo Walker-Meador, Steve Buchanan, Reba
The Dale Franklin Leadership Awards honorees have been revealed for 2015. The gala is slated to take place Monday, Nov. 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.
CMA’s legendary long-time Executive Director, Jo Walker-Meador, will receive a new award named for Leadership Music’s Founding Council. Steve Buchanan, President of the Opry Entertainment Group (a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties), has been chosen as the recipient of the Brian Williams Ambassador Award. Reba McEntire, award-winning musical artist, television personality and Broadway star, will be honored with Leadership Music’s prestigious Dale Franklin Award.
Big Machine Label Group is the title sponsor for the 2015 event.
The Leadership Music® Dale Franklin Award, named for the first Executive Director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest attributes of leadership and leading by example. Previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009), Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson (2010), CMA (2011) and Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Alabama’s Randy Owen (2012).
“These are three exceptional leaders who have devoted their lives to the music industry,” noted Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn. “Both Jo Walker-Meador and Steve Buchanan have commanded respect and admiration throughout their careers for their integrity, their professionalism and their passion for country music’s heritage. Reba is an iconic leader who has left an indelible mark on a variety of entertainment platforms over the past four decades, including music, television, movies, and musical theater as well as being a respected entrepreneur. All three have been deeply involved in charitable endeavors as well.”
Tickets for the industry-only event will go on sale Oct. 5.
Tucker Beathard Joins Maddie & Tae Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Maddie & Tae, Tucker Beathard
Maddie & Tae have invited singer/songwriter and BMLG labelmate Tucker Beathard to open their upcoming Start Here Tour. The 12-city trek begins at New York City’s Highline Ballroom on Oct. 7.
Beathard, a Dot Records artist and Big Machine Music writer, is a multi-talented drummer, guitarist and vocalist, who’s already opened shows for Eric Church, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert. He is currently working on his debut album.
Lone Star PR Adds Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Cameran Nelson To Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville-based PR firm Lone Star PR has added the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Texas troubadour Cameran Nelson to its current roster, which includes JT Hodges, Dailey & Vincent, Sammy Arriaga, Rich O’Toole and Kasey Lansdale.
“I am thrilled to see such tremendous growth with Lone Star PR over the past few years and am ecstatic to represent Lone Star State staples such as Cameran Nelson and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” said Heather Blankenship, president of Lone Star PR, who hails from Houston, Texas. “From attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo while growing up to interning for them in college, where I gained valuable experience, the opportunity to represent the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a dream come true.”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock show and richest regular-season rodeo and 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to benefiting youth, supporting education and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentations. Lone Star PR will work with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to secure optimal coverage for this iconic Texas tradition.
Blankenship is also looking forward to working with Gino Genaro, new Vice President of Country Music Management at Thirty Tigers, who brought long-term client Cameran Nelson to join the Thirty Tigers roster. Nelson is preparing for a fall tour and the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album slated for a release this fall with Smith Music Distribution.
Charity Notes: Healing Hands Helping Heroes, Chords For A Cause
/by Jessica NicholsonArtists Line Up For Healing Hands Helping Heroes
The Middle Tennessee Chapter of AORN is excited to announce that three-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and contemporary blues artist Keb’ Mo’ will join the star-studded lineup that also includes feature entertainment by the “Frontmen of Country,” Richie McDonald of Lonestar, Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart – all of the original voices behind the hits.
The event will benefit the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Middle Tennessee Chapter and REBOOT Combat Recovery and is set to take place Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at The Rosewall (1120 McGavock St) with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner buffet and program at 7:00 p.m. and entertainment to follow at 8:00 p.m.
Healing Hands Helping Heroes tables are now on sale to the public. Tables are $3,800 (table of 8) or half table (4 tickets) is $1,900. Visit https://
Cornman Music Writers To Perform For Chords For A Cause
Jimmy Robbins, Leah Turner, and James Slater will join songwriters from Cornman Music on Sept. 29 for a special songwriter edition of Chords For A Cause; Cornman Music & Friends, benefitting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital At Vanderbilt. Cornman Music will be represented by writers Steven Lee Olsen, Caitlyn Smith, and Josh Mirenda. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. Money raised will benefit Children’s Cancer Research.
This 3rd edition of Chords for a Cause will be hosted at B.B. Kings Blues Club on 152 Second Avenue North in Nashville. Tickets are $30 for VIP seats, or $10 for Music City Cat Seating. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.