Songwriters with their No. 1 plaques.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored Nashville-associated writers whose songs topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital or Hot charts between April 2015 and July 2015 yesterday evening (Monday, Sept. 14). There were 83 songwriters and 20 songs recognized.
The Maggie Cavender award was also presented to Jo Walker-Meador, Layng Martine, Jr. and the late Billy Block. Block’s wife, Jill Block, received the award on his behalf. This is the first time NSAI has presented three recipients with the Maggie Cavender Award within the same year. The NSAI #1 Party was held at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row.
The NSAI #1 Party was sponsored by Klindt, Cole & Associates of Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group.
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Jo Walker-Meador, and Bart Herbison.
Songs Recognized:
“Homegrown Honey,” Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman, recorded by Darius Rucker
“Because He Lives (Amen),” Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, recorded by Matt Maher
“Soul On Fire,” Tai Anderson, Brenton Brown, David Carr, Mark Lee, Matt Maher, Mac Powell, recorded by Third Day
“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, recorded by Sam Hunt
“Say You Do,” Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Drinkin Class,” Josh Kear, David Frasier, Ed Hill, recorded by Lee Brice
“Raise ‘Em Up,” Jaren Johnston, Tom Douglas, Jeffrey Steele, recorded by Keith Urban f/ Eric Church
“A Guy Walks Into A Bar” Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton and Brad Tursi, recorded by Tyler Farr
“Don’t It,” Jaren Johston, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, recorded by Billy Currington
“Smoke,” Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, recorded by A Thousand Horses
“Sippin’ On Fire,” Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem, Rodney Clawson, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Shoulders,” Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, recorded by for King & Country
“Wild Child,” Josh Osborne, Kenny Chesney, Shane McAnally, recorded by Kenny Chesney w/ Grace Potter
“Love Me Like You Mean It,” Forest Glen Whitehead, Josh Kerr, Kelsea Ballerini, Lance Carpenter, recorded by Kelsea Ballerini
“Sangria,” Josh Osborne, JT Harding, Trevor Ronsen, recorded by Blake Shelton
“Little Toy Guns,” Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Love You Like That,” Brett Beavers, Canaan Smith, Jim Beavers, recorded by Canaan Smith
“Tonight Looks Good On You,” Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, recorded by Jason Aldean
“Girl Crush,” Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Little Big Town
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Layng Martine, Jr., and Bart Herbison
Jill Block with sons Rocky and Grady Block, receiving the Maggie Cavender Award on behalf of the late Billy Block.
Industry Ink: Show Dog, CTM Writer’s INK/Cotton Gin, King Baby, We Run The Row
/by Jessica NicholsonCTM Writer’s INK, Cotton Gin Productions Sign Stevens
Pictured (L-R): Shawn Bowling (Creative Manager CTM Writer’s INK), Brandon Perdue (Development/Production CTM Writer’s INK), Erin Enderlin (Cotton Gin), Scott Stevens, Alex Kline (Cotton Gin), Eddie Robba (President/CEO CTM Writer’s INK).
Knoxville native Scott Stevens has signed an artist development/publishing deal with CTM Writer’s INK and Cotton Gin Productions. His recently released self-titled debut EP was produced by Cotton Gin’s Erin Enderlin and Alex Kline.
Stevens joins CTM’s current roster, which includes Marcus Hummon, Ella Mae Bowen, Autumn McEntire and Chris Roberts.
“I’m so pumped to team up with CTM and their already awesome group of writers,” says Stevens. “We share the same passion for making great music happen and I’m humbled to have them believe in me. I’m fired up to watch what happens next.”
“Scott’s dynamic voice captures the listener quickly causing them to tune in and pay attention. I’m so excited to have Scott join our team, he has such a big future ahead of him,” says Eddie Robba, President/CEO of CTM Writer’s INK.
Show Dog Nashville has appointed Jean Williams to the position of Northeast Promotion and Marketing Director, announced GM George Nunes. Williams has extensive music industry experience most recently as Director of Affiliate Sales at Westwood One. Williams has previously held radio promotion positions at Warner Music and Sony Music Nashville.
“Jean is an amazing, innovative promoter and I’m excited to have her join our team,” commented Rick Moxley, Vice President, promotion. “Her experience, relationships, positive drive and attitude make Jean the perfect addition to Show Dog.” This appointment will reunite Moxley and Williams who worked together for a number of years at both Sony Music and Warner Bros.
“I’m excited and honored to join Show Dog Nashville,” adds Williams. “I look forward to working with the entire Show Dog team.”
Williams can be reached at 615-324-7768 or jean.williams@showdogmail.com.
King Baby Studio To Host Trunk Show Beginning Sept. 17
The launch will showcase King Baby’s new Birth of Americana collection which features one-of-a-kind pieces, hand-cut turquoise stones, Southwestern inspired designs and textures. The event will also feature a silent art auction of selected works from artist Rob Hendon, benefiting the W.O. Smith Music School with a matched donation by King Baby. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music will be included in the event.
King Baby Studio is located at 615 9th Ave. S. in Nashville.
For more information, visit kingbabystudio.com.
Last Week To Sign Up For We Run The Row
For more information, visit weruntherow.racesonline.com.
MusicRowLife: Pete and Kim Olson, Thompson Square, Mo Pitney, Colton Dixon
/by Jessica NicholsonOlsons Welcome Second Child
Pete Olson, President of Master Craft Management and wife Kim Olson, Sr. VP at Wiatr & Assoc. Business Management, have welcomed their second child. Calvin Johnathan “CJ” Olson was born Sept. 15 at 1:35 p.m. in Nashville. He weighs in at 7 lbs, 6 oz. Everyone is happy and healthy.
Thompson Square Expecting a Boy
Shawna and Keifer Thompson of BBR duo Thompson Square recently took to social media for a gender reveal, announcing they are expecting a boy in January 2016. This is the couple’s first child. The duo has been married for 16 years. In a video, the couple used pink and blue balloons for the announcement.
“We’re really, really excited. We’ve been together for a long time, and we’ve done a lot of things, and we just really felt there was something missing,” Keifer Thompson said in an earlier statement. “We love what we do, we love the music business, but we didn’t want to deprive ourselves of having a family.”
Mo Pitney Engaged
Curb singer-songwriter Mo Pitney recently announced his engagement to Emily Bankester.
The couple shared an engagement photo on social media, with Pitney adding, “The Lord is just dumping love on me… I watched Him form the woman I asked for on my knees.. I love this beautiful Jesus loving woman and I’m so excited for a lifetime of serving The Lord together. I’m overflowing with thankfulness for the future Emily Pitney.” He followed with the Bible verse, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22 ESV)
Mo Pitney and Emily Bankester
Colton Dixon Engaged
CCM singer-songwriter Colton Dixon got engaged to his girlfriend Annie Coggeshall recently at Magic Kingdom park, just a few hours before performing at Disney’s annual Night of Joy. DisneyParks offical blog was there to cover the engagement.
Colton Dixon and Annie Coggeshall
ASCAP, Logan’s Partner To Support Emerging Artists With Nationwide Tour
/by Sarah SkatesLogan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese, Jerrod Niemann and ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams.
Logan’s Roadhouse and ASCAP are teaming for the Music City Live! tour, kicking off in early summer 2016 as a way to boost emerging singer-songwriters. Sea Gayle Music/Arista Nashville recording artist and ASCAP member Jerrod Niemann will be the official spokesperson and mentor to artists on the tour. He performed at today’s press event at Logan’s in Nashville, where the tour was announced by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams and Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese.
The Music City Live! tour will visit Logan’s locations nationwide and is part of a larger collaboration between the restaurant company and ASCAP to promote the careers of aspiring songwriter-artists, support music education and more.
On Oct. 1, the Logan’s Roadhouse Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn. will host the restaurant’s first live music showcase featuring emerging artist Chris Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh and Sarahbeth Taite also performed at today’s event.
The yet-to-be-announced performers on the upcoming tour will board three Logan’s Roadhouse/ASCAP-branded tour buses and travel to numerous Logan’s Roadhouse locations. Customers will have the opportunity to interact with artists through meet-and-greets, philanthropic events and more. Niemann will appear at select Logan’s Roadhouses to meet fans and participate in local programs that support music education in schools. The emerging artists featured on the tour will be added to ASCAP-curated playlists at all 230 Logan’s Roadhouse locations in October.
Williams and Borgese noted that it will create income for emerging artists while allowing them to practice their crafts in a friendly environment. “You learn by doing…. In those ‘gulp’ moments before you get on stage,” said Williams. They also saluted ASCAP’s licensing department for coming up with the idea.
“ASCAP’s mission is to make it possible for our members’ music to reach as many music lovers as it can,” said Williams. “To do that we need partners who are as passionate about music as we are. That’s why we are thrilled to join forces with Logan’s Roadhouse to promote some of Nashville’s emerging and most gifted songwriters.”
Niemann said, “I grew up playing in places like Logan’s Roadhouse and there’s not a better place to get the right start. All any artist can ask for is a fair chance to have their music heard.” In fact, when the singer first met his wife, she was working at the Logan’s where today’s event was held. In her honor he performed “What Do You Want?” and followed up with current single “Blue Bandana.”
Borgese said, “We believe that great music comes from emerging artists. We feel they should have a venue that helps support them so that they can continue to tell the stories of life through their music. This tour will give these artists exposure and connect with the Logan’s Roadhouse customers all over America from small towns to big cities.”
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin, Chris Cavanaugh, Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Paul Williams, Sarahbeth Taite and Jerrod Niemann.
Jerrod Niemann
Big Loud Records Heads North With New Radio Promo Hiring
/by Jessica NicholsonNikki Jimenez. Photo: Noel Pennington
Big Loud Records is rounding out their newly formed radio promotion team with Nikki Jimenez joining the label as Northeast Region Director of Promotion today (Sept. 15). Jimenez will report directly to the label President Clay Hunnicutt and can be reached by email at nikki@bigloudrecords.com or via phone at 615-329-2729.
“Nikki is another key building block to our future at Big Loud Records,” remarks BLR’s Hunnicutt. “Her drive, experience and energy will make her a favorite throughout the Northeast and I can’t wait for her to get started.”
Jimenez began her radio career in 2004 at Entercom in Memphis, Tenn., where she handled six formats including Hot AC, AC, Rock, and Sports Talk as an Account Executive. She then served as Promotion Coordinator for Memphis ABC and CW TV station affiliates. Prior to making the move to Big Loud Records, she worked with Cumulus (formerly Citadel) as the Director of Marketing & Promotions for WGKX, WXMX, WRBO, and WKIM for the past five years.
“The thrill is real! I can’t even describe how amazing it feels to know that I will be working alongside a group that shares the same passion for music and radio that I do,” shares Jimenez. “The music and the people at Big Loud Records give me the confidence to know that there is no better team for me to be a part of.”
Big Loud Records is the newly launched label founded by manager Seth England, producer Joey Moi, songwriter Craig Wiseman, manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and radio veteran Hunnicutt.
Nashville’s Country Music Marathon Gets New Name
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville’s largest race is getting a format change. The event, which has been known as the Country Music Marathon since its inception, has been renamed the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.
The name change is meant to integrate the event into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series global brand, and will allow for a greater musical variety in the bands that perform along the course each year.
“Nashville grew from a foundation built on music, and while country music is a pivotal piece of that, it’s not the only genre that defines Music City,” Josh Furlow, President of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, said. “The rock and roll genre roots itself in a spectrum of music styles including bluegrass, jazz, folk, soul and of course country. Our goal is to celebrate Nashville as a destination for live music and running by linking the historical race with the power of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon brand.”
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and 1/2 Marathon will take place on April 30, 2016, beginning on Broadway in downtown Nashville and finishing at Nissan Stadium.
A $55 registration fee is available now through Friday at RunRocknRoll.com/Nashville.
CMHoF Reopens Conservatory Eatery
/by Eric T. ParkerThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced today (Sept. 15) the return of full-service dining to 2|22 Eatery, located in the museum’s Curb Conservatory.
Named after its downtown location (at 222 5th Avenue South), the refreshed restaurant offers a metropolitan twist on Southern favorites, as well as an updated look and name. There is an 80-seat dining room with updated interior, including burnt orange, upholstered chairs with aged copper legs, linenless tables, and custom wooden accents.
Under the direction of the museum’s executive chef, Bobby Hammock, and sous chef, Ian Coppock, highlights on the menu include sweet and citrus crab cakes; deconstructed chicken pot pie; savory chicken and waffles; cheesy pork and pimento sandwich; plum salad loaded with pickled watermelon radishes, golden raisins, arugula and pistachios served with a honey citrus balsamic vinaigrette; and much more.
2|22 Eatery has partnered with local and regional farmers including The Peach Truck and Porter Road Butcher in Nashville, Tenn.; The Hamery in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Three Graces Dairy in Asheville, N.C.; Ashley Farms in Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Black Hawk Farms in Black Hawk, Ky.
Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the restaurant is a wholly owned subsidiary of the museum.
Music Biz’s Academic Partnership Program Adds 12 Colleges In First Year
/by Troy_Stephenson· Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
· Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
· Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
· Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
· Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
· Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Murfreesboro, Tennessee
· Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey
· New Jersey City University (NJCU), Jersey City, New Jersey
· New York University (NYU), New York, New York
· University of Miami, Miami, Florida
· University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas
· William Paterson University, Paterson, New Jersey
Music Biz is once again inviting students from Academic Partnership Program members to volunteer at Music Biz 2016. Last year, 15 students from Belmont and MTSU took the opportunity to do just that at Music Biz 2015. They learned valuable music industry lessons and skills, while connecting with top executives at all three major labels as well as top publishers, managers, artists, entrepreneurs, and startups.
“The students, faculty, and staff of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University are extremely grateful for the many benefits, scholarships, and real-world opportunities that are made available through the Academic Partnership Program,” said Doug Howard, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. “In addition, we applaud the Music Business Association for providing access to a variety of industry resources that support student and faculty research and compliment our academic mission of developing graduates with the critical thinking skills needed to lead and succeed in our unique and dynamic profession.”
To learn more about the Music Biz Academic Partnership Program, contact Evelyn Dichter at 856.596.2221 or evelyn.dichter@musicbiz.org or click here.
NSAI Celebrates Chart-Topping Songwriters
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriters with their No. 1 plaques.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) honored Nashville-associated writers whose songs topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital or Hot charts between April 2015 and July 2015 yesterday evening (Monday, Sept. 14). There were 83 songwriters and 20 songs recognized.
The Maggie Cavender award was also presented to Jo Walker-Meador, Layng Martine, Jr. and the late Billy Block. Block’s wife, Jill Block, received the award on his behalf. This is the first time NSAI has presented three recipients with the Maggie Cavender Award within the same year. The NSAI #1 Party was held at the Music Mill, NSAI’s headquarters on Music Row.
The NSAI #1 Party was sponsored by Klindt, Cole & Associates of Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group.
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Jo Walker-Meador, and Bart Herbison.
Songs Recognized:
“Homegrown Honey,” Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman, recorded by Darius Rucker
“Because He Lives (Amen),” Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, recorded by Matt Maher
“Soul On Fire,” Tai Anderson, Brenton Brown, David Carr, Mark Lee, Matt Maher, Mac Powell, recorded by Third Day
“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally, recorded by Sam Hunt
“Say You Do,” Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Drinkin Class,” Josh Kear, David Frasier, Ed Hill, recorded by Lee Brice
“Raise ‘Em Up,” Jaren Johnston, Tom Douglas, Jeffrey Steele, recorded by Keith Urban f/ Eric Church
“A Guy Walks Into A Bar” Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton and Brad Tursi, recorded by Tyler Farr
“Don’t It,” Jaren Johston, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, recorded by Billy Currington
“Smoke,” Michael Hobby, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, recorded by A Thousand Horses
“Sippin’ On Fire,” Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem, Rodney Clawson, recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Shoulders,” Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, recorded by for King & Country
“Wild Child,” Josh Osborne, Kenny Chesney, Shane McAnally, recorded by Kenny Chesney w/ Grace Potter
“Love Me Like You Mean It,” Forest Glen Whitehead, Josh Kerr, Kelsea Ballerini, Lance Carpenter, recorded by Kelsea Ballerini
“Sangria,” Josh Osborne, JT Harding, Trevor Ronsen, recorded by Blake Shelton
“Little Toy Guns,” Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Love You Like That,” Brett Beavers, Canaan Smith, Jim Beavers, recorded by Canaan Smith
“Tonight Looks Good On You,” Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, recorded by Jason Aldean
“Girl Crush,” Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, recorded by Little Big Town
Pictured (L-R): Lee Thomas Miller, Layng Martine, Jr., and Bart Herbison
Jill Block with sons Rocky and Grady Block, receiving the Maggie Cavender Award on behalf of the late Billy Block.
Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” Video Case Leads To Copyright Precedent
/by Jessica NicholsonPrince
Under a new ruling from a federal appeals court, Universal Music Group could be liable for attempting to take down a 29-second home video of a baby dancing to Prince‘s “Let’s Go Crazy.” In February 2007, Gallitzin, Pa., resident Stephanie Lenz uploaded the video featuring her then 13-month-old infant to YouTube. Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” was playing in the background. UMG sent YouTube a takedown notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), alleging the video infringed on the song’s copyright. Advocacy Group The Electronic Frontier Foundation represented Lenz, suing UMG on her behalf and arguing that Universal had misapplied the DMCA by inappropriately targeting a legal fair use.
On Monday (Sept. 14), the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (San Francisco)’s three-judge panel ruled that copyright holders are required to consider fair use before sending a takedown notification.
“Universal faces liability if it knowingly misrepresented in the takedown notification that it had formed a good faith belief the video was not authorized by the law, i.e., did not constitute fair use,” Judge Richard C. Tallman’s opinion reads. “Here, Lenz presented evidence that Universal did not form any subjective belief about the video’s fair use — one way or another — because it failed to consider fair use at all, and knew that it failed to do so.”
The Ninth Circuit stated a jury would need to decide whether UMG had formed a good faith belief that the video breached the fair use policy. Fair use allows portions of copyrighted material to be used for purposes of criticism, comment, research, or in other limited circumstances without a license from the copyright holder.
“Today’s ruling sends a strong message that copyright law does not authorize thoughtless censorship of lawful speech,” said Corynne McSherry, legal director for The Electronic Frontier Foundation.
A spokesman for the Recording Industry Association of America, Jonathan Lamy, said, “We respectfully disagree with the court’s conclusion about the DMCA and the burden the court places upon copyright holders before sending takedown notices.”
New Book Examines The Beatles’ Country Roots
/by Sarah SkatesBelmont University’s Don Cusic is releasing his new book The Beatles and Country Music.
In the book Cusic examines The Beatles’ earliest influences, including skiffle and folk music, as well as early rockabilly influences from Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Bill Haley and Carl Perkins. Early in their career, The Beatles performed country songs in Hamburg and at the Cavern in Liverpool.
When the group first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964, George Harrison was playing a Gretsch guitar—inspired by his love of Chet Atkins, who also played a Gretsch.
Gene Autry was one of Ringo’s biggest musical influences, according to the book. And Ringo sang the Buck Owens hit, “Act Naturally,” on an album by The Beatles. Ringo recorded his 1970 album Beaucoups of Blues in Nashville, which was produced by legendary Music City steel guitarist Pete Drake.
Drake also played on George Harrison’s album, All Things Must Pass and Harrison’s song “Behind That Locked Door.”
The book documents Paul McCartney’s 1974 Nashville recording sessions with local steel guitarist Lloyd Green.
Cusic writes about country artists who have recorded Beatles songs, including Chet Atkins, who also played on a McCartney song.
This is the 26th book by Cusic. He has written biographies of Eddy Arnold, Roger Miller, and Gene Autry. Other books include Elvis and Nashville, Baseball and Country Music, and Saved By Song: A History of Gospel and Christian Music.
The Beatles and Country Music is available here.