Tony Haselden, who succeeded as both a rock artist and a country songwriter, died last Friday (May 16) in Louisiana at age 79.
Haselden was in the cult-favorite rock band LeRoux and wrote the group’s biggest hit, 1982’s “Nobody Said It Was Easy.” LeRoux was founded in Baton Rouge and was active in 1977-85. Haselden then became a hit country songwriter in Nashville with dozens of cuts and five top 10 hits on his resume.
He wrote or co-wrote Shenandoah’s “Mama Knows” (1988), Keith Whitley’s “It Ain’t Nothin’” (1990), George Strait’s “You Know Me Better Than That” (1991), Michelle Wright’s “Take It Like a Man” (1992) and Collin Raye’s “That’s My Story” (1994), among dozens of other country favorites. More than 40 Nashville artists recorded his works.
Tony Haselden was born in South Carolina, but moved to Louisiana as a teenager. During his four-year service in the Navy, he taught himself to play guitar. Following his discharge, he earned a college degree.
He co-founded LeRoux in 1977. Originally named Louisiana’s LeRoux, the band recorded five albums during its heyday. It initially signed with Capitol, but found greater success after it shortened its billing and signed with RCA. Its 1982 LP Last Safe Place contained the group’s rock-chart success “Addicted,” as well as Haselden’s “Nobody Said It Was Easy.” Other LeRoux fan favorites included “New Orleans Lady,” “Take a Ride on a Riverboat” and “Carrie’s Gone.”
The band’s national TV appearances included Solid Gold, The Midnight Special and Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert. During its eight years of national touring, the band shared stages with the Allman Brothers, Journey, Kansas, Heart, the Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, ZZ Top and The Charlie Daniels Band, among others. It also contributed instrumentally to albums by Tab Benoit, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
When LeRoux split up, Haselden made his way to Nashville. His country songwriting career took off when Shenandoah scored with “Mama Knows.” In 1990, Sweethearts of the Rodeo had a mid-sized hit with “This Heart,” which was revived and charted again for Jon Randall in 1994. The Whitley and Strait No. 1 hits with Haselden songs occurred in 1990-91. They were followed by Shelby Lynne’s version of “Don’t Cross Your Heart” and Martina McBride’s single of “That’s Me” in 1991-92.
Haselden’s streak with female vocalists continued with the Michelle Wright hit in 1992, plus Shania Twain’s career-launching “What Made You Say That” in 1993. Collin Raye scored with “That’s My Story” the following year. Also charting with Haselden songs were Billy Ray Cyrus (1995’s “Fastest Horse in a One-Horse Town”), Reba McEntire (2006’s “Love Needs a Holiday”) and Kid Rock (2017’s “Po-Dunk”).
The songwriter’s “Music Is What I See” was introduced by Mike Dekle, but achieved more prominence as the title tune of Rhonda Vincent’s 2021 bluegrass album. Several of Haselden’s titles were recorded by Tim Mensy, who was his frequent songwriting collaborator. The rock bands Uriah Keep and Bobby & The Midnites both recorded Haselden’s “Lifeline.”
During his Nashville career, Haselden’s songs were embraced by such top country artists as Toby Keith, Glen Campbell, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell, The Statler Brothers, Patty Loveless, Tracy Lawrence and Janie Fricke. Among the many who recorded his works were also Rodney Atkins, Pam Tillis, Marie Osmond, Billy Dean, Doug Stone, Highway 101, Rick Trevino, Joe Nichols, Suzy Bogguss, Mark Wills, The Forester Sisters and Gary Puckett. Haselden also became a Nashville record producer. He worked in the studio crafting tracks for The Kinleys, The Wilkinsons and Georgia Middleman.
A greatest-hits album, 1996’s Bayou Degradable: The Best of Louisiana’s LeRoux, inspired Haselden and LeRoux to regroup and return to performing. In 1997, the band filmed a special for Louisiana Public Broadcasting. It also resumed recording.
Tony Haselden and his family left Nashville and returned to Louisiana in 2008. Two years later, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
He is survived by Julia, his wife of more than 50 years, and by his daughter Casey and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Ordoyne Funeral Home, 1489 Saint Patrick Street Thibodaux, LA 70301. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.
Max McNown Slates Deluxe Album For July 18
/by Lauryn SinkMax McNown is set to release the deluxe edition of his sophomore album, Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up), on July 18 via Fugitive Recordings/The Orchard/Columbia Records. Produced by Jamie Kenney, the deluxe album features 11 new tracks, including his newest single, “The Cost Of Growing Up.”
“To me, the cost of growing up is an acceptance that difficult things are going to happen—from minor inconveniences to devastating loss, it’s all a part of life,” says McNown. “But there’s also beauty in that because, without those hard moments, you wouldn’t be able to truly love.”
McNown will continue on his sold-out headline tour through June and is slated to play Boston Calling Festival, CMA Fest and Lollapalooza. Additionally, he will perform on Today on May 29.
Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) Track List:
1. “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Driver Williams)
2. “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Ava Suppelsa, Trenton Kelly Dabbs)
3. “St. Helens Alpenglow” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Jason Nix)
4. “The Cost of Growing Up” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Erin McCarley)
5. “Same Questions” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Summer Overstreet)
6. “Call Me If You Miss Me” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Phil Barton)
7. “This Side of Heaven” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Trenton Kelly Dabbs)
8. “Marley” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Trenton Kelly Dabbs)
9. “Wherever I’m Going” (Max McNown, AJ Pruis, Brent Truit)
10. “Where to Start” (Max McNown, Brett Tyler, AJ Pruis)
11. “Night Diving (Special Feature)” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Erin McCarley)
12. “It’s Not Your Fault” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Aaron Raitiere)
13. “Take This Plane” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Phil Barton)
14. “Hotel Bible” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Driver Williams)
15. “Roses and Wolves” (feat. Hailey Whitters) (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney)
16. “Won’t Let Me Go” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Liz Rose)
17. “Azalea Place” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Driver Williams)
18. “Love I Couldn’t Mend” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Zach Dyer)
19. “Freezing in November” (Revisited) (Max McNown)
20. “Night Diving” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Erin McCarley)
21. “Hindsight & Photographs” (Max McNown, Jamie Kenney, Jason Nix, Lauren McClamb)
Bryce Leatherwood, Kat Luna, More To Play ‘Ole Red On The Rise’ Showcase
/by Lorie HollabaughOle Red’s artist showcase “Ole Red on the Rise” will help kick off CMA Music Fest week on Wednesday, June 4 at Ole Red Nashville from 7-9 p.m.
The free “Festival Edition” show will include performances by five artists currently making waves on the country scene: William Beckmann, Lanie Gardner, Bryce Leatherwood, Kat Luna and Austin Snell.
The evening will be hosted by WSM Radio and Absolute Radio Country host Kelly Sutton and will be livestreamed on Ole Red Nashville’s Facebook for fans who cannot attend in person.
Marcus King Band’s Family Reunion Festival Heads To North Charleston In August
/by Lorie HollabaughMarcus King, along with his Marcus King Band, is bringing family and friends together this summer for the Marcus King Band Family Reunion Festival, which heads down to North Charleston’s Firefly Distillery August 23-24.
King and his musical family, including Jamey Johnson, Stephen Wilson, Jr., Molly Tuttle, Hiss Golden Messenger, Joshua Ray Walker, Leah Blevins, Pearl, Henry’s Pocket and a special Marcus King & Friends set, will take the stage at the festival, which will also feature a sampling of some of the best barbecue in the South.
“When I was growing up in South Carolina, once a year we’d pack the family car up and head to my great grandparents’ home for some front porch pickin’, covered dishes, lots of love, and plenty of leftovers,” says King. “This is where I learned about the joy music could bring and how it’s a powerful force that brings us all together. I want to bring that same joy to all of you folks this year with the return of the annual Marcus King Band Family Reunion. We’re thrilled to bring the reunion down to the coast of South Carolina!”
A variety of ticketing options are on sale now here, with $1 from every ticket sold going towards the Curfew Fellowship Fund, Marcus King’s Charity, which provides and assists those struggling with sobriety, addiction, and also helps fund music education.
Top Songwriter Tony Haselden Passes
/by Robert K OermannTony Haselden, who succeeded as both a rock artist and a country songwriter, died last Friday (May 16) in Louisiana at age 79.
Haselden was in the cult-favorite rock band LeRoux and wrote the group’s biggest hit, 1982’s “Nobody Said It Was Easy.” LeRoux was founded in Baton Rouge and was active in 1977-85. Haselden then became a hit country songwriter in Nashville with dozens of cuts and five top 10 hits on his resume.
He wrote or co-wrote Shenandoah’s “Mama Knows” (1988), Keith Whitley’s “It Ain’t Nothin’” (1990), George Strait’s “You Know Me Better Than That” (1991), Michelle Wright’s “Take It Like a Man” (1992) and Collin Raye’s “That’s My Story” (1994), among dozens of other country favorites. More than 40 Nashville artists recorded his works.
Tony Haselden was born in South Carolina, but moved to Louisiana as a teenager. During his four-year service in the Navy, he taught himself to play guitar. Following his discharge, he earned a college degree.
He co-founded LeRoux in 1977. Originally named Louisiana’s LeRoux, the band recorded five albums during its heyday. It initially signed with Capitol, but found greater success after it shortened its billing and signed with RCA. Its 1982 LP Last Safe Place contained the group’s rock-chart success “Addicted,” as well as Haselden’s “Nobody Said It Was Easy.” Other LeRoux fan favorites included “New Orleans Lady,” “Take a Ride on a Riverboat” and “Carrie’s Gone.”
The band’s national TV appearances included Solid Gold, The Midnight Special and Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert. During its eight years of national touring, the band shared stages with the Allman Brothers, Journey, Kansas, Heart, the Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, ZZ Top and The Charlie Daniels Band, among others. It also contributed instrumentally to albums by Tab Benoit, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
When LeRoux split up, Haselden made his way to Nashville. His country songwriting career took off when Shenandoah scored with “Mama Knows.” In 1990, Sweethearts of the Rodeo had a mid-sized hit with “This Heart,” which was revived and charted again for Jon Randall in 1994. The Whitley and Strait No. 1 hits with Haselden songs occurred in 1990-91. They were followed by Shelby Lynne’s version of “Don’t Cross Your Heart” and Martina McBride’s single of “That’s Me” in 1991-92.
Haselden’s streak with female vocalists continued with the Michelle Wright hit in 1992, plus Shania Twain’s career-launching “What Made You Say That” in 1993. Collin Raye scored with “That’s My Story” the following year. Also charting with Haselden songs were Billy Ray Cyrus (1995’s “Fastest Horse in a One-Horse Town”), Reba McEntire (2006’s “Love Needs a Holiday”) and Kid Rock (2017’s “Po-Dunk”).
The songwriter’s “Music Is What I See” was introduced by Mike Dekle, but achieved more prominence as the title tune of Rhonda Vincent’s 2021 bluegrass album. Several of Haselden’s titles were recorded by Tim Mensy, who was his frequent songwriting collaborator. The rock bands Uriah Keep and Bobby & The Midnites both recorded Haselden’s “Lifeline.”
During his Nashville career, Haselden’s songs were embraced by such top country artists as Toby Keith, Glen Campbell, Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell, The Statler Brothers, Patty Loveless, Tracy Lawrence and Janie Fricke. Among the many who recorded his works were also Rodney Atkins, Pam Tillis, Marie Osmond, Billy Dean, Doug Stone, Highway 101, Rick Trevino, Joe Nichols, Suzy Bogguss, Mark Wills, The Forester Sisters and Gary Puckett. Haselden also became a Nashville record producer. He worked in the studio crafting tracks for The Kinleys, The Wilkinsons and Georgia Middleman.
A greatest-hits album, 1996’s Bayou Degradable: The Best of Louisiana’s LeRoux, inspired Haselden and LeRoux to regroup and return to performing. In 1997, the band filmed a special for Louisiana Public Broadcasting. It also resumed recording.
Tony Haselden and his family left Nashville and returned to Louisiana in 2008. Two years later, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
He is survived by Julia, his wife of more than 50 years, and by his daughter Casey and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Ordoyne Funeral Home, 1489 Saint Patrick Street Thibodaux, LA 70301. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.
Cyndi Thomson’s Quiet Season Reaps ‘Acres Of Diamonds’
/by Lorie HollabaughCyndi Thomson has released her new EP Acres of Diamonds, today (May 23), more than two decades after the release of her breakout radio hit “What I Really Meant To Say.”
The six-track EP includes previously-released tunes like the title track, and most recent single “Five More Minutes,” which showcases the longing to return and relive the moments that meant the most. The project also includes focus track “Black Celica,” co-written by and featuring Ashley Monroe.
“Acres of Diamonds is the harvest of a quiet season—a reminder that even in stillness, something precious is growing,” says Thomson. “After time away, returning to music feels like unearthing light beneath familiar soil. Each track is a jewel, shaped by the hands of incredible writers and producers. I’m deeply proud of this journey, and endlessly grateful for the brilliance that brought it to life.”
In 2001, Thomson rose to fame with the Gold album My World and chart-toppers like “What I Really Meant To Say,” “I’m Gone,” “I Always Liked That Best” and “If You Were Mine.” Despite stepping away from the spotlight, she remained an influential figure in music, penning hits like Gary Allan’s “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful.”
“I realized one day – I can’t expect my kids to chase their dreams if they don’t see me chasing mine,” shares Thomson. “Leaving music wasn’t about the death of a dream. It was about self-preservation, and making sure what was most important in life came first. However, that fire, that passion inside of me for music never left. I’m just better equipped to satisfy it now than I was in 2001.”
Acres of Diamonds Track List:
1. “Acres of Diamonds” (Cyndi Thomson, Dan Wilson, Jessica Roadcap)
2. “Black Celica” (feat. Ashley Monroe) (Cyndi Thomson, Ashley Monroe, Mikey Reaves)
3. “Five More Minutes” (Cyndi Thomson, Steven Solomon, Lindsay Boreing, Will Boreing)
4. “Falling” (Harry Styles, Thomas Hull)
5. “Devil’s Hands” (Cyndi Thomson, Luke Sheets)
6. “So Glad You’re Mine” (Cyndi Thomson, Ben Reno)
BMI Spark Expands With 11 New Partners
/by Lauryn SinkBMI Spark, the newly launched portal featuring exclusive discounts, special offers and resources for BMI songwriters and composers, has added 11 new partners.
New Spark partners include Backline, iZotope by Native Instruments, Kaotica, Mamas in Music, Pandion Music Foundation, Pinpoint, RoEx, RootNote, Splice, Sight for Sound and TuneHatch. Each service falls within one or more of the program’s three areas of focus: “career development,” “learn and connect” and “well-being and support.”
This new group joins Spark’s inaugural partners BandLab, Berklee Online, Cosynd, DISCO for Artists, FedEx, Hutton Hotel and its Writers Studio, LANDR, Manny’s, Music Health Alliance, Output, Porter’s Call, Rise, School of DISCO and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
More information about Spark is available here.
Riley Green Spends Fourth Week At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Riley Green; Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Riley Green maintains his spot atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the fourth consecutive week with his solo-penned track “Worst Way.”
The song appears on Green’s recent, third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do, and is already certified Platinum.
Green recently graced the cover of MusicRow‘s flagship directory, InCharge. This annual guide highlights some of the most influential industry executives in the Nashville music business. This year’s edition includes 370 profiles which are accompanied by contact information, career biographies and detailed board and organizational membership affiliations.
“Worst Way” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Slater Nalley Inks Management Deal With Play It Again Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): PIA’s Alyssa Ramsey, Slater Nalley, PIA’s Dallas Davidson and PIA’s Cade Price.
American Idol finalist Slater Nalley has inked an artist management deal with Play It Again Music.
The 18-year-old Georgia native secured a top five placement on American Idol after auditioning with his original song, a tribute to his high school English teacher’s late son, “Traces of You.” On the season finale, Nalley performed “I’m Gonna Love You” with Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson.
“The past few months of American Idol have been nothing short of a blessing, and I feel more inspired than ever to create music that speaks to my fans,” Nalley says. “I’m thrilled to be working with Dallas Davidson, Alyssa Ramsey and Cade Price at Play It Again Music. Their belief in me from the start brought me a new confidence, and I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish together in the near future. Stay tuned, y’all.”
“Slater Nalley is special. This young man checks all my boxes when I’m looking at an artist,” says multi-platinum songwriter and Founder of Play It Again Music, Davidson. “Not only does his raw talent immediately draw you in, but he is a kind person. At an extremely young age, Slater carries himself like a seasoned music veteran both on and off the stage. His parents, Slater Sr. and Katie have done an incredible job with him. I can’t wait to start making music with Slater. He is going to have an immediate impact in music, not just in the country genre but globally. PIA is extremely proud to announce that we will be representing Slater on his exciting musical journey ahead.”
“Traces of You” is out now, and Nalley is expected to release more music soon.
Tim McGraw Celebrates 49th Chart-Topper At No. 1 Party
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): songwriter Marc Beeson, producer Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw, songwriter Aaron Eshuis, songwriter Tony Lane. Back Row, Chairman & CEO, Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta and ASCAP Nashville Associate Vice President Evyn Mustoe; Photo: Larry McCormack
ASCAP brought Tim McGraw and his team together on Wednesday afternoon (May 22) to celebrate the artist’s whopping 49th No. 1 hit “One Bad Habit.”
Industry members, friends and family gathered on the second floor of Live Oak and received a warm welcome from ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe. Gathered on stage were songwriters Aaron Eshuis, Marc Beeson and Tony Lane alongside producer Byron Gallimore and McGraw.
Mustoe began by congratulating Eshuis on his third No. 1 as a writer, Beeson’s fourth and touting Lane as “everybody’s favorite songwriter.”
SMACKSong’s Sam Sarno was the first to step to the mic, congratulating Beeson for his success and unwavering dedication to the craft. To speak on Eshuis, Concord’s Matt Turner remarked, “We are so proud to celebrate your first No. 1 as a Concord writer. Aaron is one of those guys that you don’t see in public that often because he is usually in a writing room somewhere making magic.”
Up next was Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson who took the mic to speak on behalf of Lane, followed by Big Machine Record’s Kris Lamb who congratulated McGraw. “Not only is this Tim’s 49th No. 1 record, but he has now spent more time atop the Mediabase chart than anyone else in history—77 weeks.”
Of the co-writers, Beeson was the first to speak, expressing his gratitude for the people around him, his love for songwriting and his excitement for his first McGraw cut.
Pictured: L to R: songwriter Marc Beeson, producer Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw, songwriter Aaron Eshuis, songwriter Tony Lane; Photo: Larry McCormack
“It only took me 35 years to get a Tim McGraw cut,” laughed Beeson. “It is such a journey, but it’s part of the process as a songwriter. If you can’t endure what it takes to get it where it is, then you really can’t do this for a living. That holds a lot of meaning to me, but if it takes another 35 years, we probably won’t be around!”
Eshuis took the opportunity to thank his family and co-writers before offering his gratitude to McGraw. “There are a lot of songwriters in town that write for you, specifically. We love to talk about your music and talk about what you are up to. Since you cut a lot of outside songs, it is always so exciting for us.”
Lane was the last of the songwriters to speak saying, “Tim doesn’t know this, but back in the day, us writers would sit in a room and think, ‘Is this a Tim song, a Strait song, or a Kenny song?’ There were only three options. The last thing Tim doesn’t know is that all my passwords are ‘TimMcGraw33.’”
Before McGraw took the mic, Gallimore thanked everyone for their support over the last 30 years and praised McGraw for his amazing voice, commenting that he would be out of a job were it not for him.
Finally, McGraw closed the afternoon out, commending the songwriters, producer and his supporters.
“Look, I write for every album I do. But then I start getting songs from these amazing songwriters and eventually all of mine fall away! Songwriters are the lifeblood of this town and of music. That is where the music starts.”
“I am honored to be here, honored to still be able to do this and honored that all the people in this town still stand beside me.”
Dolly Parton Serves Up New Southern-Inspired Frozen Meal Line
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton’s Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler
Dolly Parton has expanded her retail food line with Conagra Brands to include new single-serve frozen meals that bring her Southern-inspired favorites to homes across the nation.
The new collection of Dolly Parton’s meals features four heat-and-eat dishes: Dolly Parton’s Beef Pot Roast, Chicken & Dumplings, Country Fried Steak and Shrimp & Grits.
“I’ve always believed in the power of a warm, hearty meal, and now with these offerings I’m bringing a little taste of my own Southern favorites to you,” says Parton. “Whether you’re busy or just craving some quick comfort, I hope these dishes warm your heart as much as your belly!”
The launch builds upon the collaboration between Parton and Conagra Brands, which began in 2022 with a line of baking mixes and frostings under the Duncan Hines brand. The partnership has since expanded to include a variety of items inspired by Parton’s Southern roots.
“Our partnership with Dolly Parton has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Tim Nangle, VP & General Manager at Conagra Brands. “Her genuine love for home-cooked meals and deep connection with fans makes this expansion into frozen foods a natural next step. We’re proud to bring even more of Dolly’s warmth and flavor into homes across the country.”