BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 502
Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
It was billed as “A Night of Live Music,” but the 9th Annual ACM Honors presentation was more than that.
Staged at the Ryman on Tuesday night (9/1), the event was indeed characterized by swell performances by Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner, Holly Williams, Jason Aldean, Restless Heart, Roy Clark, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Isaak and Randy Houser. Yet the ACM also spent plenty of time honoring its own inner circle – Bob Romeo, Barry Adelman, Tim DuBois and the Ryman, itself.
The gig began with a snazzy cocktail party on the 90-degree Ryman patio outside. This was highlighted by the imaginative catering of M Street. We snacked on such unique fare as mushroom tarts with blueberry vinaigrette, veggie sushi in pink-rice wraps, lobster-and-popcorn hors d’oeuvres and spiced chicken meatballs, plus a more conventional desert of chocolate mousse.
Pre-show schmoozers included John Marks, John Huie, Pat Higdon, Pat McMakin, Debbie Linn, Debbie Carroll, Charlie Cook, Charlie Monk, Terri Walker and Christy Walker Watkins. Fittingly, the very first person we greeted was Ryman Auditorium superstar Sally Williams.
Jake Owen hosts the ACM Honors. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
Inside, Bob Romeo greeted the capacity crowd and asked for a moment of silence for the late, great Jeff Walker. Host Jake Owen took the stage to sing “Feels So Right” in honor of Alabama.
“Feels pretty good tonight in the Ryman, Nashville, Tennessee!” he said. “Are you guys in the mood now?” We were.
The Swon Brothers presented the ACM Industry Awards. The winning venues were Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Hollywood Bowl, the MGM Grand in Vegas, Hard Rock Live in Biloxi and the Country Thunder festival in Wisconsin. Joe’s Bar in Chicago won in the nightclub category and its Ed Warm won Promoter of the Year.
The Ryman won its category for the fourth time. It hosted 76 country shows this year and underwent a $14 million renovation. The venue’s Sally Williams won her second Talent Buyer of the Year ACM accolade.
Sally Williams. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
“I’m really lucky to be doing this job, and I want to acknowledge that,” she said. “In my life, I have never worked with a team of more passionate people.”
The Studio Recording Awards were presented by Kelsea Ballerini. They went to Greg Morrow (drums), Michael Rojas (keyboards), Dan Dugmore (steel), Ilya Toshinsky (specialty instruments) and the absent Jay Joyce (producer), Glenn Worf (bass), Chuck Ainlay (engineer) and Tom Bukovac (guitar).
The Gene Weed Special Achievement Award went to Luke Bryan, who scored six No. 1 hits from his Crash My Party album. Bryan was serenaded by his tour mate Randy Houser with a fiery, intense rendition of “Roller Coaster.”
“Today is September first,” said Bryan. “On Sept. 1, 2001, I moved to Nashville with a dream. I never dreamed I would even be let into the Ryman, never mind this.”
Miranda Lambert performs. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
The Mae Boren Axton Awards went to Tim DuBois and Barry Adelman. The flawless vocal harmonies of Restless Heart on “The Bluest Eyes in Texas” were for the former.
“He’s a visionary in the way he puts words together,” said lead singer Larry Stewart. “He’s a visionary in the way he puts people together. He put us together,” as well as Brooks & Dunn.
Adelman’s music was a heart-tugging performance of “Yesterday When I Was Young” by Roy Clark.
Continuing the theme of honoring its own, the ACM’s Romeo was next presented with a surprise Special Recognition award. He led the way to the ACM 50th-anniversay triumph attracting 70 thousand attendees (in the Dallas NFL stadium) and 16 million viewers to its awards show.
Kacey Musgraves performs. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
The music resumed with Kacey Musgraves doing a wry, winsome “Good Ol’ Boys Club” in honor of Songwriter of the Year winner Luke Laird. He co-produces and co-writes with Musgraves.
“This is all so surreal,” said Laird. “The first time I came to Nashville was in the summer of 1995 on a family vacation. I became a huge country music fan in the 1990s.” He moved here to attend MTSU and break into the biz.
Jason Aldean sang a medley of “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree” and “The Closer You Get” in honor of Career Achievement Award winners Alabama.
“Some of the first music I remember hearing was from Alabama,” said Aldean. “So these guys are a huge reason why I am in this business.” He added that the group is, “the best band that’s ever been, in my opinion.”
Kelsea Ballerini on the Blue Carpet. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
“Just wait until you see what we’ll do in the next 30 years,” quipped the group’s Jeff Cook. Host Jake Owen said that he is frequently asked if he is Randy Owen’s son, and that he always answers, “Yes, ma’am.” He isn’t. By the way, Jake’s affable road manager Greg Fowler did that job for Alabama for two decades.
Holly Williams was spellbinding and soulful singing “Like Jesus Does” to honor Eric Church. He was given the Jim Reeves International Award. Church recalled facing a crowd in Cologne, Germany with trepidation.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared,” he recalled. “I smelled marijuana and thought, ‘This is going to go all right.’ They sang every song. They held their boots up. I learned something that night: You don’t have to speak English to speak music fluently.”
A posthumous Poet’s Award went to Boudleaux & Felice Bryant. The enduringly cool Chris Isaak, who is recording his new album in Nashville, sang “Bye Bye Love” in the late couple’s honor.
Chris Isaak performs. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
“This award…shows the enduring quality of their simple yet ingenious works of art,” said son Del Bryant. “As my mama would say, ‘Boud, we did it again,’” added son Dane Bryant.
The resonant, rich, warm voice of Josh Turner delivered “Good Ol’ Boys Like Me” to salute Poet’s Award winner Bob McDill.
“I have always wanted to stand on this stage,” said McDill. “Tonight, I get the chance. Thank you, Nashville, for letting me be a part of this club for 30 years. I am in fine company tonight. Or, as we say in the South, in tall cotton.”
The ACM Crystal Milestone Award was given to Loretta Lynn. Newly divorced Miranda Lambert gave a feisty, spirited performance of Lynn’s divorced-woman song “Rated X.”
Miranda Lambert honors Loretta Lynn. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
“Thank you, ‘Miss Loretty,’ for writing that song and being so brave,” said Lambert. “I am so thankful for woman empowerment.”
“I just thought I’d drop in and see if Miranda was keepin’ it country,” said Lynn. “I want to thank y’all for another award. And, hey, I’ll be back next year for another one!”
Like many, many of the night’s honorees and performers, she was given a standing ovation.
Leading the applause were Mike Sirls, Mike Vaden, Mike Kinnamon, David Macias, David Pomeroy, Fletcher Foster, Sarah Skates, John Ozier, John Peets, John Jarvis, Johnny Duke, Joe Galante, Rac Clark, Karen Clark, Chris Parr, Chuck Aly, Sherod Robertson and Rod Essig.
Bob McDill honored with Poets Award. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
Not to mention attending fabulons Bill Mayne, Lori Badgett, Beverly Keel & Ronnie Steine, Rhonda Adkins, Tony Brown, Paul Worley (who is working with Chris Isaak), Skip Bishop, Butch Waugh, Ed Morris, Diane Pearson, Schatzi Hageman, Vanessa Parker, Tim Fink and Regina Stuve.
Ben Vaughn, Eric Parker, Harry Chapman, Andrew Kintz, Neal Spielberg, event musical director Frank Liddell, Leslie Fram, Beth Laird, Phyllis Stark, Stuart Dill, Sam Lovullo and songwriters Brett James, Buddy Cannon, Dallas Davidson and Barry Dean clapped along with vim and verve.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
DISClaimer: Labor Day Weekend Calls For Bonfires and a “Smoke Break”
/by Robert K OermannAs we head into Labor Day Weekend, the big country stars have our holiday soundtrack all planned.
Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan, Alabama and Carrie Underwood all have new singles readymade for airplay. One of them is, appropriately, about working people. That would be Carrie Underwood’s Disc of the Day, “Smoke Break.”
The DisCovery Award goes to a Knoxville native who has the ears for a great song. Scott Stevens and “Around a Bonfire” have holiday spirit and a sensational new sound.
DARWIN MACON/Getting Over You
Writers: Darwin Macon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Tunecore Digital, BMI, DM
-In this dandy hillbilly rocker, a honky-tonk baritone boozes away her memory, but winds up with a monster hangover. This kicks butt. If you’re looking for tempo, look no further.
RASCAL FLATTS/I Like The Sound of That
Writers: Meghan Trainor/Jesse Frasure/Shay Mooney; Producers: Jay DeMarcus/Rascal Flatts; Publishers: Year of the Dog/Rio Bravo/Warner-Tamerlane/Shay Mooney, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
-Upbeat romance, complete with sunny vocal harmonies, rhythmic propulsion and plenty of melody. Joyous.
Scott Stevens
SCOTT STEVENS/Around a Bonfire
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Ryan Beaver; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Cotton Gin
-He has a relaxed, conversational, effortlessly soulful delivery that draws you into this lovely, tuneful story of young people being young. The hooky chorus is irresistible. If he doesn’t have a hit with this, somebody sure should.
MICHAEL RAY/Real Men Love Jesus
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Lance Miller/Adam Sanders; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Famlove, BMI; Atlantic
-The swirling, catchy melody and the memorable, well constructed lyric are both first rate. Very, very listenable.
ELAINA KAY/Masquerade
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jude Dyllan; Publishers: none listed; EK
-She’s trying too hard, and the incomprehensible song isn’t worth the effort.
ALABAMA/Wasn’t Through Lovin’ You Yet
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BMG (track)
-Randy is singing in an attractive lower register. The production has modern, echoey mix with a stirring bottomless rhythm. The moody song is quite “different” for this veteran band. A welcome reinvention.
MACY MARTIN/Baby What Ya Doing
Writers: Macy Martin/Kent Wells; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: none listed; MMM (track)
-Bright and bopping, but little more. It seems to have a two-note range.
SCOTTY McCREERY/Southern Belle
Writers: Jason Saenz/Sean McConnell; Producer: Frank Rogers: Publishers: BMG Platinum/Gravity Gone/Warner-Tamerlane/Little Beluga, BMI; Mercury/19 (CDX)
-Oh goody. Another tuneless rocking song about a down-home country girl in blue jeans. In other words, a yawn.
LUKE BRYAN/Strip It Down
Writers: Luke Bryan/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
-A nice change of pace. Bryan tries out a softer crooning style for this seductive romance ballad. The sultry, atmospheric arrangement and production are just dreamy. Swoon worthy.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Smoke Break
Writers: Carrie Underwood/Chris DeStefano/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Carrie-Okie/EMI April/HillarodyRathbone/BMG Rights Management, BMI/ASCAP; 19/Arista
-Lotsa stomp, power and energy in this celebratory belter about hard-working folks who are just looking for a little respite. As usual, she sings her face off, especially during the wailing, rocking faded finale.
Industry Ink: Webster PR, Deborah Evans Price, CMT Instant Jam
/by Jessica NicholsonExile
Exile Joins Webster Public Relations
Exile has joined the roster of publicity firm Webster Public Relations.
“How many bands with the original members have been around as long as Exile has? Not many,” says Webster Public Relations president Kirt Webster. “Getting the opportunity to represent and work with this group of guys is exciting. Their music is timeless, their attitude towards the business is still full of excitement, and they still sound amazing.”
Founded in Richmond, Ky., in 1963, Exile, recently celebrated 50 years in the music industry. The band found success in 1978 with the hit “Kiss You All Over,” which sold in excess of five-million singles, and haven’t slowed down since. Exile’s achievements include nine consecutive No. 1 singles with tunes such as “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory,” and “Give Me One More Chance.” Exile has sold over 11 million albums and accumulated 13 award nominations from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.
Deborah Evans Price To Release ‘Country Faith Christmas’
Country Faith Christmas releases Oct. 19 via Regnery Publishing. The book includes stories and holiday recipes from Florida Georgia Line, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Darius Rucker, and Brenda Lee as well as a foreword written by Kimberly Schlapman (Little Big Town) and four Advent meditations from Charlie Daniels.
Darius Rucker Surprises South Carolina Fans With CMT Instant Jam Concert
Darius Rucker surprised his hometown of Charleston, S.C., last week with a pop-up concert for CMT. “CMT Instant Jam: Darius Rucker” premieres Saturday, September 5 at 10 p.m., ET/PT. With the Atlantic Ocean serving as the backdrop, the one-hour show features Rucker jamming on the beach at local hotspot The Windjammer to hits including “Homegrown Honey,” “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “Alright,” Hootie and the Blowfish favorite “Only Wanna Be With You,” and more.
Pictured (L-R): Jayson Dinsmore, EVP, Development, CMT; John Hamlin, Executive Producer, Switched On Entertainment; Darius Rucker; Margaret Comeaux, VP, Music & Event Production, CMT; Leslie Fram, SVP Music & Talent, CMT. Photo credit: Getty/Rick Diamond
Alabama Finalizes September Radio Release
/by Eric T. ParkerRadio listeners have less than two weeks to hear the first of new music from legendary country band Alabama. The first radio single from the trio’s full-length album, Southern Drawl, titled “Wasn’t Through Lovin’ You Yet” was written by Tony Lane and David Lee. It will impact radio on Monday, Sept. 21.
As previously reported, the new 13-track album will mark the end of a 14-year album hiatus for members Jeff Cook, Randy Owen, and Teddy Gentry. The three co-produced the forthcoming project, which is set for release on BMG in association with Skip Bishop‘s Studio1Bee Entertainment on Sept. 18.
Last night (Sept. 1) the group was honored with the ACM’s Career Achievement Award at the Ryman Auditorium.
Additionally, Alabama will be playing with the Nashville Symphony as part of the FirstBank Pop Series from May 12-14, 2016.
Alabama receives ACM’s Career Achievement Award at the Ryman Auditorium, September 1, 2015 .Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
In Pictures: Maddie & Tae, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Denny Strickland, Shanna Henderson, Lady A
/by Kelsey_GradyMaddie & Tae Give Fans A Sweet Treat
Last night (Sept. 1), after a day full of press including two performances on the TODAY show, Maddie & Tae entertained fans at the flagship Dylan’s Candy Bar on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. Dylan’s Candy Bar is owned by Ralph Lauren’s daughter Dylan.
Maddie & Tae welcome guests to a private performance at Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York City – the famed candy shop owned by Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan. Photo: Getty Images for Dot Records
Kenny Chesney Performs With Matthew Ramsey and Brad Tursi
As Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour played Gillette Stadium this past weekend, Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey and Brad Tursi joined Kenny on stage for a performance of his current single, “Save it for a Rainy Day,” co-written by Brad, Matthew and Andrew Dorff.
Pictured (L-R): Chesney, Ramsey, Tursi. Photo: Kyle Beerman
Carrie Underwood Meets KMNB’s Kenny Jay And Son
Before her sold-out show at the Minnesota State Fair this past weekend, 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville’s Carrie Underwood caught up with KMNB PD Kenny Jay and his son, Brooks, who marched boldly up to Carrie and exclaimed, “You are Beautiful!”
Brooks, Kenny Jay, Carrie Underwood
Denny Strickland Opens For Kentucky Headhunters
Red Star Productions artist Denny Strickland is celebrating his hot new single, “How Far You Wanna Go” and his recent show hosted by WKSR Radio in Pulaski, Tenn., opening for the Kentucky Headhunters.
Pictured (L-R): Richard Young, Greg Martin, Denny Strickland, Doug Phelps and Fred Young.
Photo: Red Star Productions
Lady A Continues Sold Out Tour
This weekend, Lady Antebellum’s Wheels Up 2015 Tour touched down for more capacity crowds. Stopping for the PGA Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in Endicott, N.Y. (Aug. 28) and the Allen County Fair in Lima, Ohio (Aug. 29), the trio rocked the “largest concert crowd in Allen County Fair history” (The Lima News) hosting a total of over 45,000 fans across the course of the weekend.
Shanna Henderson Visits WSM
Oliver Ann Music’s Shanna Henderson stopped by the WSM Studios recently to visit with Charlie Mattos, co-host and producer of Coffee, Country and Cody. The star of the hit show Glee Project 2 debuted her new single “Hell or Highwater,” and chatted about the song’s music video, which you can click here to watch.
Pictured (L-R): WSM’s Mattos, Henderson and guitar player Cam Passara.
Celebration of Life Event To Be Held In Memory of Jeff Walker
/by Jessica NicholsonJeff Walker
A celebration of the extraordinary life of music industry veteran Jeff Walker will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, from 5:00-7:30 pm at City Winery (609 Lafayette St., Nashville, Tenn.). Walker’s many friends and colleagues are invited to gather for music and laughter, and to share stories and memories. Valet parking is available at the venue.
Walker, CEO/President of The AristoMedia Group/Marco Music Group, died Monday night, Aug. 24, 2015. He was 65.
RSVP to ashley@crb.org
ole Enters Co-Publishing Deal with Songwriter, Producer Phil O’Donnell
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (back row, L-R): Gilles Godard (ole, VP Corporate Affairs and Development), Ben Strain (ole, Creative Director), Mike Whelan (ole, Sr. Director, Creative), and Shellien Kinsey (ole, Creative Coordinator). (Front row, L-R): John Ozier (ole, GM Creative) and songwriter/producer Phil O’Donnell.
ole has signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with songwriter and producer Phil O’Donnell. The deal covers current and future copyrights. O’Donnell penned the No. 1 hits “Doin’ What She Likes” (Blake Shelton), “Give It All We Got Tonight” (George Strait), and “Back When I Knew It All” (Montgomery Gentry), and also produced Craig Morgan‘s six-week No. 1 country hit, “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
“ole is committed to expanding our catalog with the best songs and songwriters, and Phil is a certified hit-maker who knows what it takes to reach the top of the charts,” said John Ozier, GM of Nashville Creative at ole. “Having already written with and had songs recorded by a who’s who of country superstars, Phil will fit right in with ole’s world-class roster of songwriters and artists. We are looking forward to promoting his music globally.”
“ole has their finger on the pulse of the country music scene, and I’m excited to get to work with them and their stable of songwriters,” said O’Donnell. “There are some extremely talented musicians in the ole family, and I’m looking forward to sitting down with them and seeing what we can create.”
A native of Canada, O’Donnell made his first trip to Nashville in 1983 before developing his songwriting skills and relocating officially in 1994. O’Donnell also co-wrote Parmalee‘s current single, “Already Callin’ You Mine” and Easton Corbin‘s new single, “Yup.” Other cuts include “Love Remembers,” “I Got You” and “More Trucks Than Cars” by Craig Morgan; “Tougher Than Nails” by Joe Diffie, “Fore She Was Mama” and “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” by Clay Walker; “Sounds Like Life to Me” by Darryl Worley; and “He’s Mine” by Rodney Atkins.
O’Donnell’s production credits include releases by Craig Morgan, Josh Thompson, Keith Anderson, Matt Mason, Justin McBride, Chris Janson, Mark Wills, Tara Oram, Jason Blaine, High Valley, Steve Richard, and the Davisson Bros. Band.
Casting Crowns, Lauren Daigle Among 46th Annual Dove Awards Performers
/by Jessica NicholsonThe GMA Dove Awards will take place at Allen Arena at Lipscomb University on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 and will air on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015.
Fans will also get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a choir supporting Casting Crowns on stage. “We are so excited to bring this unique experience to our fans,” shares GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo. “This will be a memory that people can carry with them throughout their lives, and it gives us an opportunity to engage fans in the Dove Awards experience!”
The choir is part of the Dove VIP Experience where fans have the opportunity to enjoy behind-the-scenes excitement of the show through Selfie Row (meet and greet), backstage tour, access to the PreTelecast and dinner before hitting the awards show. Click here for more information about the Dove Awards Choir.
Lecrae leads this year’s nominees with nine nominations, followed by for KING & COUNTRY with seven, with Crowder and Matt Maher each receiving six nominations.
Over 1,500 professional members determine the Dove Award nominees with the winners voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500. The awards are produced by the GMA.
Tickets to the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards are now on sale at the Allen Arena box office in Nashville or at doveawards.com. Ticket prices range from $35.00 to $200.00.
Bobby Karl Works The 9th Annual ACM Honors
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 502
Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
It was billed as “A Night of Live Music,” but the 9th Annual ACM Honors presentation was more than that.
Staged at the Ryman on Tuesday night (9/1), the event was indeed characterized by swell performances by Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner, Holly Williams, Jason Aldean, Restless Heart, Roy Clark, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Isaak and Randy Houser. Yet the ACM also spent plenty of time honoring its own inner circle – Bob Romeo, Barry Adelman, Tim DuBois and the Ryman, itself.
The gig began with a snazzy cocktail party on the 90-degree Ryman patio outside. This was highlighted by the imaginative catering of M Street. We snacked on such unique fare as mushroom tarts with blueberry vinaigrette, veggie sushi in pink-rice wraps, lobster-and-popcorn hors d’oeuvres and spiced chicken meatballs, plus a more conventional desert of chocolate mousse.
Pre-show schmoozers included John Marks, John Huie, Pat Higdon, Pat McMakin, Debbie Linn, Debbie Carroll, Charlie Cook, Charlie Monk, Terri Walker and Christy Walker Watkins. Fittingly, the very first person we greeted was Ryman Auditorium superstar Sally Williams.
Jake Owen hosts the ACM Honors. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
Inside, Bob Romeo greeted the capacity crowd and asked for a moment of silence for the late, great Jeff Walker. Host Jake Owen took the stage to sing “Feels So Right” in honor of Alabama.
“Feels pretty good tonight in the Ryman, Nashville, Tennessee!” he said. “Are you guys in the mood now?” We were.
The Swon Brothers presented the ACM Industry Awards. The winning venues were Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Hollywood Bowl, the MGM Grand in Vegas, Hard Rock Live in Biloxi and the Country Thunder festival in Wisconsin. Joe’s Bar in Chicago won in the nightclub category and its Ed Warm won Promoter of the Year.
The Ryman won its category for the fourth time. It hosted 76 country shows this year and underwent a $14 million renovation. The venue’s Sally Williams won her second Talent Buyer of the Year ACM accolade.
Sally Williams. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
“I’m really lucky to be doing this job, and I want to acknowledge that,” she said. “In my life, I have never worked with a team of more passionate people.”
The Studio Recording Awards were presented by Kelsea Ballerini. They went to Greg Morrow (drums), Michael Rojas (keyboards), Dan Dugmore (steel), Ilya Toshinsky (specialty instruments) and the absent Jay Joyce (producer), Glenn Worf (bass), Chuck Ainlay (engineer) and Tom Bukovac (guitar).
The Gene Weed Special Achievement Award went to Luke Bryan, who scored six No. 1 hits from his Crash My Party album. Bryan was serenaded by his tour mate Randy Houser with a fiery, intense rendition of “Roller Coaster.”
“Today is September first,” said Bryan. “On Sept. 1, 2001, I moved to Nashville with a dream. I never dreamed I would even be let into the Ryman, never mind this.”
Miranda Lambert performs. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
The Mae Boren Axton Awards went to Tim DuBois and Barry Adelman. The flawless vocal harmonies of Restless Heart on “The Bluest Eyes in Texas” were for the former.
“He’s a visionary in the way he puts words together,” said lead singer Larry Stewart. “He’s a visionary in the way he puts people together. He put us together,” as well as Brooks & Dunn.
Adelman’s music was a heart-tugging performance of “Yesterday When I Was Young” by Roy Clark.
Continuing the theme of honoring its own, the ACM’s Romeo was next presented with a surprise Special Recognition award. He led the way to the ACM 50th-anniversay triumph attracting 70 thousand attendees (in the Dallas NFL stadium) and 16 million viewers to its awards show.
Kacey Musgraves performs. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
The music resumed with Kacey Musgraves doing a wry, winsome “Good Ol’ Boys Club” in honor of Songwriter of the Year winner Luke Laird. He co-produces and co-writes with Musgraves.
“This is all so surreal,” said Laird. “The first time I came to Nashville was in the summer of 1995 on a family vacation. I became a huge country music fan in the 1990s.” He moved here to attend MTSU and break into the biz.
Jason Aldean sang a medley of “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree” and “The Closer You Get” in honor of Career Achievement Award winners Alabama.
“Some of the first music I remember hearing was from Alabama,” said Aldean. “So these guys are a huge reason why I am in this business.” He added that the group is, “the best band that’s ever been, in my opinion.”
Kelsea Ballerini on the Blue Carpet. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
“Just wait until you see what we’ll do in the next 30 years,” quipped the group’s Jeff Cook. Host Jake Owen said that he is frequently asked if he is Randy Owen’s son, and that he always answers, “Yes, ma’am.” He isn’t. By the way, Jake’s affable road manager Greg Fowler did that job for Alabama for two decades.
Holly Williams was spellbinding and soulful singing “Like Jesus Does” to honor Eric Church. He was given the Jim Reeves International Award. Church recalled facing a crowd in Cologne, Germany with trepidation.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared,” he recalled. “I smelled marijuana and thought, ‘This is going to go all right.’ They sang every song. They held their boots up. I learned something that night: You don’t have to speak English to speak music fluently.”
A posthumous Poet’s Award went to Boudleaux & Felice Bryant. The enduringly cool Chris Isaak, who is recording his new album in Nashville, sang “Bye Bye Love” in the late couple’s honor.
Chris Isaak performs. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
“This award…shows the enduring quality of their simple yet ingenious works of art,” said son Del Bryant. “As my mama would say, ‘Boud, we did it again,’” added son Dane Bryant.
The resonant, rich, warm voice of Josh Turner delivered “Good Ol’ Boys Like Me” to salute Poet’s Award winner Bob McDill.
“I have always wanted to stand on this stage,” said McDill. “Tonight, I get the chance. Thank you, Nashville, for letting me be a part of this club for 30 years. I am in fine company tonight. Or, as we say in the South, in tall cotton.”
The ACM Crystal Milestone Award was given to Loretta Lynn. Newly divorced Miranda Lambert gave a feisty, spirited performance of Lynn’s divorced-woman song “Rated X.”
Miranda Lambert honors Loretta Lynn. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
“Thank you, ‘Miss Loretty,’ for writing that song and being so brave,” said Lambert. “I am so thankful for woman empowerment.”
“I just thought I’d drop in and see if Miranda was keepin’ it country,” said Lynn. “I want to thank y’all for another award. And, hey, I’ll be back next year for another one!”
Like many, many of the night’s honorees and performers, she was given a standing ovation.
Leading the applause were Mike Sirls, Mike Vaden, Mike Kinnamon, David Macias, David Pomeroy, Fletcher Foster, Sarah Skates, John Ozier, John Peets, John Jarvis, Johnny Duke, Joe Galante, Rac Clark, Karen Clark, Chris Parr, Chuck Aly, Sherod Robertson and Rod Essig.
Bob McDill honored with Poets Award. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
Not to mention attending fabulons Bill Mayne, Lori Badgett, Beverly Keel & Ronnie Steine, Rhonda Adkins, Tony Brown, Paul Worley (who is working with Chris Isaak), Skip Bishop, Butch Waugh, Ed Morris, Diane Pearson, Schatzi Hageman, Vanessa Parker, Tim Fink and Regina Stuve.
Ben Vaughn, Eric Parker, Harry Chapman, Andrew Kintz, Neal Spielberg, event musical director Frank Liddell, Leslie Fram, Beth Laird, Phyllis Stark, Stuart Dill, Sam Lovullo and songwriters Brett James, Buddy Cannon, Dallas Davidson and Barry Dean clapped along with vim and verve.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
Entertainment Law Firm Trading Gulch Digs for Music Row Office
/by Jessica NicholsonKeller Turner Ruth Andrews Ghanem & Heller is currently located at the Terrazzo building in the Gulch.
The company has brought in Manuel Zeitlin, who designed the firm’s current offices in the Terrazzo building, to renovate the space.
“We are very excited about our impending move to Music Row mid to late 2016,” Turner says. “While we have loved our offices in The Gulch, the move will provide us with the ability for continued growth for years to come.”
Keller, Turner, Ruth, Andrews Ghanem & Heller was founded in 2011 by six partners. The company offers a wide range of services, from protecting intellectual property, to real estate, tax, and estate planning services.
ole Signs Co-Pub with Warner Music Canada Country Artist
/by Eric T. ParkerMeghan Patrick
ole has signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with rising Warner Music Canada country music artist Meghan Patrick. The agreement covers existing and future music copyrights from Patrick and augments her previous deal with ole and ole co-venture partner Jackoby Music.
“ole is committed to utilizing our world-class resources to ensure that Meghan gets the worldwide exposure that she deserves for her songs,” said John Ozier, GM of Nashville Creative at ole. “We have had tremendous success building the careers of artists such as Charlie Worsham and Josh Dorr.”
“Having had the opportunity to work with some amazing ole songwriters, I’ve seen firsthand the passion that ole has for songwriting and artistry, not to mention the Canadian country music scene,” said Patrick.
“We’re excited to expand our deal with ole and Meghan and are looking forward to great things for her,” said Jason Klein, co-founder of Jackoby Music and an entertainment attorney. “Meghan is a truly gifted songwriter, and with this additional support from ole, I am confident that she will achieve international success.”
Raised in Bowmanville, ON, Patrick was previously a member of the popular roots act The Stone Sparrows and, in 2013, won country radio station KX96’s Star Search competition as a solo act. She has written with a variety of major songwriters and recording artists, including Brian Howes, Ryan Stewart, Chantal Kreviazuk, Carly McKillip of One More Girl, Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace, Johnny Reid, Patricia Conroy, Phil Barton, and Jesse Labelle as well as current ole songwriters Marty Dodson, Bruce Wallace, Matt Rogers, Jason Massey, Sam Grow, and Frank Myers. Patrick also performed at the closing ceremonies of the 2015 Parapan Am Games. She is scheduled to perform various shows during CCMA Country Music Week next week. Patrick is represented worldwide by Ralph James and Nick Meinema of United Talent Agency.