Jeff Walker
Jeff Walker, CEO/President of The AristoMedia Group/Marco Music Group, has passed away. He died suddenly Monday night, Aug. 24, 2015. He was 65.
Walker was a talented entrepreneur who was at the forefront of advancements in marketing within the country music industry. During 35 years of leading his own company, he made significant contributions to the growth and development of Music Row.
An Australia native, Walker is the son of Bill Walker, a noted musical director and arranger who worked on the Johnny Cash Show, and with countless country stars from the 1960s through 1980s.
Jeff Walker graduated from Australia’s Sydney University, where he earned a degree in Economics with a major in Accounting & Law. He moved to Nashville in 1974 and took a job working for Price Waterhouse accounting firm and then later transitioned to Con Brio Records.
In April 1980 he formed the marketing and promotions firm Aristo Music Associates, Inc. Over the next three-and-a-half decades the business grew to encompass divisions offering publicity, web development, radio promotion, video promotion, and label/distribution services.
Walker served on the Country Radio Broadcasters Board for 35 consecutive years and was currently the Treasurer of the organization. He was also a longtime member of the Country Music Association Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, he was an advocate of expanding country music’s international reach. His work was celebrated with honors including the CMA President’s Award, CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award, CMAA (Australia) Lifetime Achievement Award, BCMA (UK) International Services Award, CCMA (Canada) Leonard T. Rambeau International Support Award, Operation Troop Aid Certification of Appointment and others.
Rick Kelly, VP Radio Marketing for Marco Music Group, says, “Jeff was well known and beloved in the Nashville music industry for his humor, his boundless energy, and his tireless devotion to expanding the reach of country music.”
“Jeff Walker was one of my very best friends for over 30 years,” says MusicRow magazine founder David M. Ross. “We had a special bond which I will always treasure. He loved to make jokes and flash a warm smile, but he was also so serious in how he loved and supported his family, friends, the Music Row industry and country’s international community. He’s left us way too soon, way too soon.”
Mayor Karl Dean said, “Jeff Walker played an important role in spreading country music overseas and bringing country music talent from other countries to perform in Nashville. His zeal for growing country music’s appeal around the globe made him an integral part of our Sister Cities program. In particular, Jeff helped develop our partnership with Tamworth, the Country Music Capital of Australia, and nurture our relationship with Edmonton, which also has strong music ties to Nashville. I know our friends from Edmonton were looking forward to seeing Jeff this weekend during their visit and his absence will be deeply felt. With Anne, I extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Walker is survived by father Bill and stepmother Jeanine, wife Terri, daughter Christy Walker Watkins and her husband Matt Watkins, son Jon Walker and his wife Tessa, and granddaughters Lucy and Elle.
The visitation and funeral took place Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, at First Baptist Church Nashville (108 7th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203).
Jeff Walker and family on May 30, 2015, celebrating the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum program Nashville Cats: A Salute to Bill Walker. (L-R): back row: Jeff Walker, Terri Walker, Christy Walker Watkins, Matt Watkins, Tessa Walker, Jon Walker. Seated: Jeanine Walker and Bill Walker.
Jeff Walker (L) was presented with the 2015 President’s Award by CRS Board President Charlie Morgan (R) during the Country Radio Hall of Fame awards, held at the Omni Hotel in Nashville on June 24, 2015. Photo: Kristen England
Kacey Musgraves Partners With Lucchese
/by Troy_StephensonKacey Musgraves
Mercury recording artist Kacey Musgraves has announced a partnership with Lucchese, the Western brand renowned for its handmade bootmaking process.
Together, Musgraves and Lucchese introduced “Kacey for Lucchese,” a new collection of boots inspired by Kacey’s life and experiences over the past couple of years both musically and personally. The line includes a unique range of four different Western designs that capture Kacey’s exciting, youthful essence without straying from Lucchese’s traditional, time-honored craftsmanship. The collection will be available this fall.
“I’ve had so much fun designing my boot line for Lucchese. As a native Texan (and a boot wearer!) this brand means something special to me and this opportunity was a dream come true. Every detail on each boot in this line represents sentiments and pieces of me and my career. I hope y’all will wear them as proudly as I will!”
Doug Kindy, President of Lucchese added, “Working with Kacey is like listening to her music – it’s motivating and fun. The collection celebrates her adventurous and confident spirit and unites it with the heart and soul of the Lucchese brand.”
The boots will be available at all Lucchese stores (located in Houston, San Antonio, Santa Fe and Nashville), on Lucchese.com and through additional retail distribution to be announced in the coming weeks.
Kacey Musgraves eyes samples of her Kacey for Lucchese line on July 29. Photo: Facebook.
Signings: New Frontier Touring, PLA Media, Highway Promotions
/by Jessica NicholsonDr. Ralph Stanley Inks Deal With New Frontier Touring
Dr. Ralph Stanley
Dr. Ralph Stanley has inked a deal with New Frontier Touring.
“Dr. Ralph Stanley is an American music icon,” said New Frontier Touring President Paul Lohr. “The team at New Frontier Touring is deeply honored and excited to represent ‘The Man of Constant Sorrow’ Tour Featuring Dr. Ralph Stanley with Nathan Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys!”
Stanley has upcoming shows in September at the Grand Ole Opry and Nashville’s Musician’s Corner, as well as tour dates in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, California and more.
PLA Media Signs On To Represent Jake McVey
Jake McVey
PLA Media has added country artist Jake McVey to its roster. He is joined alongside PLA’s many clients including Phil Vassar, Bryan White, Ashton Shepherd, and the Johnny Cash Museum.
McVey performs approximately 300 shows per year, and is promoting his current single, “Y’all Girls.”
PLA Media’s president, Pam Lewis, states, “Jake’s hard work and dedication to his craft sets him apart from many other musicians. We are excited to be a part of his new venture with this great album created under my long time business friends, J. Gary and John Smith’s, direction.”
Highway Promotions Adds Rick Monroe, Brandon Holland
Rick Monroe
Full-service music company Highway Promotions has signed Rick Monroe and Brandon Holland to its roster. Highway Promotions is led by CEO John Wilson. The company will handle non-exclusive national booking duties for both artists, adding them to a roster that includes Cort Carpenter and Ricky Gunn.
Missouri-based Highway Promotions formed in 2007 and offers booking, artist management, and entertainment buying.
Brandon Holland
MV2 Entertainment Adds “Turn On The Radio” Writers To Roster
/by Jessica Nicholson(L-R, standing): MV2’s Clay Myers and Tony Harrell, Lauren Spahn (Oakley’s attorney), Robert Filhart (ASCAP writer rep). (L-R, sitting): Cherie Oakley, Mark Oakley
MV2 Entertainment’s Clay Myers and Tony Harrell have added songwriters Mark and Cherie Oakley to the company’s roster. Mark and Cherie were the songwriting duo behind Reba’s 2011 hit “Turn On The Radio.
Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager shared, “I’m excited to have Mark and Cherie Oakley as newest members of the MV2 team! Cherie’s powerhouse vocals and Mark’s gifted musicianship are an awesome blend of talent.”
Tennessee native Mark Oakley got his first industry gig as a member of Dann Huff’s band Giant. He has gone on to work with artists including like Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Martina McBride, Michael McDonald, Dolly Parton and Michael W. Smith. He has also been the music director for many artists such as Jewel, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood and Gretchen Wilson.
Cherie Oakley has worked as an in-demand background vocalist, performing with artists including Trace Adkins, Big and Rich, Kelly Clarkson, Rosemary Clooney, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Lucy Hale, Alan Jackson, Kenny Loggins, Idina Menzel, Jennifer Nettles, Carrie Underwood, and Gretchen Wilson. She can be heard on records from artists such as Danielle Bradbery, The Band Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, and Cassadee Pope, Gretchen Wilson, ABC’s Nashville and more.
“I am beyond excited to have signed with MV2!,” said Cherie. “It’s been an answer to prayer to find a company that already feels like ‘home’…a company that I can create with and feel the support and encouragement to spread my wings and explore so much more musically than I ever have before. I am so very thankful and excited to see what the future holds!”
Ronnie Dunn Shares Unbelievable Success During CMA Songwriters’ Front and Center Filming
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Dallas Davidson; Don Maggi, Front and Center Executive Producer; Craig Wiseman; Rob Beckham, co-head of WME Nashville and CMA Board member; Neil Thrasher; Brett Eldredge; Wendell Mobley; Scott Scovill, CEO and Director of Moo Creative and CMA Board member; Ronnie Dunn; Bob DiPiero, songwriter and CMA Board member; Tony Martin; Tommy Lee James; and Denis Gallagher, Front and Center Executive Producer. Photo: Donn Jones
Iconic vocalist and songwriter Ronnie Dunn hit the stage at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works this week (Aug. 24) as part of a taping for a special CMA Songwriters Series, filmed for public television’s Front and Center.
The one-half of Brooks and Dunn was billed alongside Brett Eldredge and a previous taping was made earlier in the night with Darius Rucker and friends. The events are expected to be seen in a few months on public television (check your local listings).
“This is where we celebrate the best songwriters in Nashville–probably the entire music business,” said Dunn of the songwriter showcase.
Dunn invited Eldredge for “Believe,” a song he wrote with upcoming Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) inductee Craig Wiseman. Wiseman joined the soulful singers on stage for “the most gratifying song he has ever written” after an introduction by Dunn as the man who discovered “the other duo,” Florida Georgia Line. Eldredge was also welcomed alongside last year’s NaSHOF inductee Tom Douglas, who penned Eldredge’s “One Mississippi” with the Atlantic newcomer.
Newly signed Nash Icon star Dunn shared stories behind the songs he had written, including “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” “Hard Workin’ Man,” She Used To Be Mine,” and “She’s Not The Cheatin’ Kind.” All those titles were solo-writes, penned before the Oklahoma-native moved to Nashville.
Dunn invited Dallas Davidson (“Put A Girl In It,” “Let The Cowboy Rock”), Tommy Lee James (“If You See Him, If You See Her,” “A Man This Lonely”) and another NaSHOF inductee, Bob DiPiero (“Indian Summer,” “Can’t Take The Honky Tonk Out Of The Girl”) onstage; each songwriter performed the latter of their two Brooks and Dunn hits.
Wendell Mobley, Tony Martin and Neil Thrasher joined for Dunn’s latest single the three co-wrote, “Ain’t No Trucks In Texas,” a title the star noted was one in a pile of great songs dumped on him by A&R head Allison Jones at his new label.
The six person band additionally accompanied Dunn for “Red Dirt Road,” and a closing title Dunn disclaimed he didn’t write, but sang: “My Maria.”
Pictured (L-R): Travis Hill; John Esposito, President/CEO Warner Music Nashville and CMA Board President; Brett Eldredge; Heather Morgan; Ross Copperman. Photo: Donn Jones
Eldredge then hit the stage for his turn as the clock struck 11:30 p.m. with Ross Copperman, Travis Hill, and Heather Morgan. Rucker’s set included Casey Beathard, Nathan Chapman, Chris Dubois, Ashley Gorley, Tim James, Charles Kelley, Clay Mills, Frank Rogers, and Rivers Rutherford.
Earlier in the day Rucker celebrated his “Homegrown Honey” No. 1 party in the Marathon complex.
Pictured (L-R): Seated: Clay Mills; Denis Gallagher, Front and Center Executive Producer; Ashley Gorley; Casey Beathard; Charles Kelley; Tim James. Standing: Frank Rogers; Don Maggi, Front and Center Executive Producer; Mike Dungan, Chairman/CEO UMG Nashville and CMA Board member; Darius Rucker; Rivers Rutherford; Nathan Chapman; Chris DuBois. Photo: Donn Jones
Industry Executive Jeff Walker Passes
/by Sherod RobertsonJeff Walker
Jeff Walker, CEO/President of The AristoMedia Group/Marco Music Group, has passed away. He died suddenly Monday night, Aug. 24, 2015. He was 65.
Walker was a talented entrepreneur who was at the forefront of advancements in marketing within the country music industry. During 35 years of leading his own company, he made significant contributions to the growth and development of Music Row.
An Australia native, Walker is the son of Bill Walker, a noted musical director and arranger who worked on the Johnny Cash Show, and with countless country stars from the 1960s through 1980s.
Jeff Walker graduated from Australia’s Sydney University, where he earned a degree in Economics with a major in Accounting & Law. He moved to Nashville in 1974 and took a job working for Price Waterhouse accounting firm and then later transitioned to Con Brio Records.
In April 1980 he formed the marketing and promotions firm Aristo Music Associates, Inc. Over the next three-and-a-half decades the business grew to encompass divisions offering publicity, web development, radio promotion, video promotion, and label/distribution services.
Walker served on the Country Radio Broadcasters Board for 35 consecutive years and was currently the Treasurer of the organization. He was also a longtime member of the Country Music Association Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, he was an advocate of expanding country music’s international reach. His work was celebrated with honors including the CMA President’s Award, CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award, CMAA (Australia) Lifetime Achievement Award, BCMA (UK) International Services Award, CCMA (Canada) Leonard T. Rambeau International Support Award, Operation Troop Aid Certification of Appointment and others.
Rick Kelly, VP Radio Marketing for Marco Music Group, says, “Jeff was well known and beloved in the Nashville music industry for his humor, his boundless energy, and his tireless devotion to expanding the reach of country music.”
“Jeff Walker was one of my very best friends for over 30 years,” says MusicRow magazine founder David M. Ross. “We had a special bond which I will always treasure. He loved to make jokes and flash a warm smile, but he was also so serious in how he loved and supported his family, friends, the Music Row industry and country’s international community. He’s left us way too soon, way too soon.”
Mayor Karl Dean said, “Jeff Walker played an important role in spreading country music overseas and bringing country music talent from other countries to perform in Nashville. His zeal for growing country music’s appeal around the globe made him an integral part of our Sister Cities program. In particular, Jeff helped develop our partnership with Tamworth, the Country Music Capital of Australia, and nurture our relationship with Edmonton, which also has strong music ties to Nashville. I know our friends from Edmonton were looking forward to seeing Jeff this weekend during their visit and his absence will be deeply felt. With Anne, I extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Walker is survived by father Bill and stepmother Jeanine, wife Terri, daughter Christy Walker Watkins and her husband Matt Watkins, son Jon Walker and his wife Tessa, and granddaughters Lucy and Elle.
The visitation and funeral took place Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, at First Baptist Church Nashville (108 7th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203).
Jeff Walker and family on May 30, 2015, celebrating the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum program Nashville Cats: A Salute to Bill Walker. (L-R): back row: Jeff Walker, Terri Walker, Christy Walker Watkins, Matt Watkins, Tessa Walker, Jon Walker. Seated: Jeanine Walker and Bill Walker.
Jeff Walker (L) was presented with the 2015 President’s Award by CRS Board President Charlie Morgan (R) during the Country Radio Hall of Fame awards, held at the Omni Hotel in Nashville on June 24, 2015. Photo: Kristen England
No. 1 Party: Darius Rucker Chart-Topper Gets A “Homegrown” Celebration
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R, front row): “Homegrown Honey” co-writers Charles Kelley, Darius Rucker and Nathan Chapman; (back row): Warner/Chappell’s BJ Hill, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, UMG’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s Jody Williams, UMPG’s Ron Stuve and producer Frank Rogers. Photo: Ed Rode
The William Collier’s Room at Marathon Music Works in Nashville served as the location to celebrate the recent No. 1 song “Homegrown Honey” by Darius Rucker. Co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, the event recognized Rucker as an artist and co-writer on the song along with Charles Kelley and Nathan Chapman. The song was Rucker’s seventh No. 1, Kelley’s 11th No. 1 and Chapman’s first No. 1 tune as a songwriter.
Mike Sistad of ASCAP praised Rucker and thanked him for being an ASCAP member for 21 years. Producer Frank Rogers was also credited for adding to his throng of hit productions.
Jody Williams of BMI spoke about Chapman as a distinguished and accomplished record producer, artist and now, a chart-topping songwriter.
Universal Music Group Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan made sure the Universal Team was recognized, including the product management, A&R, and promo teams. Also on hand to commemorate the chart-topper were Warner/Chappell Music’s BJ Hill, and UMPG’s Ron Stuve, and CRB’s Bill Mayne.
Ron Cox of Avenue Bank announced a contribution in the name of the songwriters to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
(Pictured, L-R): Charles Kelley, Darius Rucker and Nathan Chapman celebrate Rucker’s No. 1 hit, “Homegrown Honey.” Photo: Ed Rode
Rogers amused Chapman and the crowd by boasting that he produced a No. 1 song for Taylor Swift’s producer. Chapman has had a hand in producing all five of Swift’s records. Rucker and Kelley were both humbled by the celebration, but were more excited that “Homegrown Honey” is Chapman’s first No. 1 as a songwriter.
Kelley was sure to mention that he grew up a fan of Hootie & The Blowfish. “If you would have told me when I was 15 that I would be sharing the stage with Darius, celebrating a No. 1 song we wrote together, I would’ve said you were crazy.”
South Carolina resident Rucker was quick to thank all of the Capitol Records promo staff along with UMG’s Cindy Mabe and Mike Dungan. “They championed me and believed in me…Dungan gave me a record deal. I wouldn’t have given me a deal even if I was my own cousin,” Rucker joked. “But I am thankful to them and anyone that has ever believed in me, or even written something nice about me.”
Chapman took his time on the mic to thank mostly his family. “When I saw the song in the top 5, I was hoping it would hit No. 1. Not to celebrate me, but to give me the chance to stand up here and thank them. It’s a big moment, and I’m thankful.”
Josh Thompson Brings ‘Change’ With ole Digital Release
/by Jessica NicholsonAfter releasing his debut album in 2010, singer-songwriter Josh Thompson enjoyed the success of three Top 30 singles, including “Way Out Here,” “Beer on the Table” and “Won’t Be Lonely Long.”
His new album, Change: The Lost Record, Volume One, the first in a two EP series, was originally recorded in 2011 while Thompson was still signed to RCA Nashville. After parting ways with the label, Thompson held onto the songs, refashioning them into his new project, set for digital release Oct. 9 via partnership with ole Digital/The Orchard.
“It’s been soul cleansing to finally be able to share this music with my fans,” said Thompson, who is a co-writer on every song from the album. “I think if there’s one thing people can cling to it’s their beliefs and their way of life, I think people need that simplicity in country music and that was my goal with this record.”
“ole is proud to facilitate the long-overdue release of such an incredible album from Josh Thompson,” said John Ozier, GM of Nashville Creative at ole. “Ever since we first heard this record, we knew that we needed to have Josh on the ole team. We’re thrilled that his fans and the world at large will finally have a chance to hear these songs, and we look forward to ensuring that these EPs receive all the attention they deserve.”
peermusic Heads East With New Signing
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Michael Knox, VP, peermusic Nashville; Jeffrey East; Karl M Braun, Esq., Hall Booth Smith P.C.; Kim Wiggins, Senior Creative Director peermusic Nashville. Photo: Shalacy Griffin
peermusic has signed singer/songwriter Jeffrey East to its Nashville roster. The Texas native moved to Nashville with his family in 1993, and was signed to his first publishing deal in 2006 by the late Harley Allen.
He has cuts by Rainey Qualley, Point of Grace and Selah.
“There is no doubt when you listen to a Jeffrey East song the passion that he puts into every word,” stated peermusic Sr. Creative Director Kim Wiggins. “I consider Jeffrey a true craftsman and could not be happier to have him on the peermusic team. “
“Making music goes generations deep for me and peermusic is a company that is built on generations of great music,” said East. “I am proud to be a part of such an amazing company.”
Paul Simon Added To All For The Hall New York
/by Sarah SkatesPaul Simon
Paul Simon has been added to the stellar lineup for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s All for the Hall New York benefit concert on Oct. 6 at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square. He will join award-winning Grand Ole Opry members Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, as well as Country Music Hall of Fame (and Opry) members Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris in a guitar-pull format performance.
All for the Hall New York is produced by CAA’s Rod Essig, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan, Gary Overton and BMI’s Jody Williams. The event is made possible by the generosity of AEG Live and the Best Buy Theater.
Concert tickets for mezzanine seating are on sale at axs.com or at the Best Buy Theater box office for $100. A limited number of VIP tables and tickets are on sale, and patrons have the option of purchasing a full table of 10 for $10,000, a half table for $5,000, or individual floor-level seats for $1,000 each. A full list of VIP ticket levels and benefits can be found at www.countrymusichalloffame.org/afthny. To purchase VIP tickets or for more information, contact Rachel Shapiro at 615-416-2069 or rshapiro@countrymusichalloffame.org. A portion of this year’s table and ticket purchases are a tax deductible charitable contribution to support the preservation and interpretation of country music’s heritage.
Industry Ink: WAR Team, WMN, Thompson Entertainment Group
/by Jessica NicholsonWar Team Celebrates Frankie Ballard’s No. 1 Single
Pictured (L-R): Chad Schultz (National Director, Radio Marketing & Promotion), Chris Palmer (VP, Promotion), Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Cris Lacy (VP, A&R), Scott Hendricks (EVP, A&R), Tom Martens (Director, National Promotion), Lisa Ray (VP, Brand Management), Anna Cage (Midwest/Northeast Regional Promotion Manager), Jessica Rouse (Promotion Coordinator, WAR).
WMN Expands PR Department
Victoria Chaitoff
Warner Music Nashville has expanded its public relations team with the addition of Victoria Chaitoff. Chaitoff, a College of William and Mary graduate, joined the team Aug. 10. She previously interned with Black River Entertainment.
She served as Executive Director of Alma Mater Productions at College of William and Mary, organizing entertainment events for the student body and hosting approximately 120 events each year.
Chaitoff can be reached at victoria.chaitoff@wmg.com or at 615-214-1407.
Michelle Wright Signs with Thompson Entertainment Group
Michelle Wright
Thompson Entertainment Group has inked a deal to manage singer-songwriter Michelle Wright. Wright has charted singles in the United States and Canada. In 2011, she was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. She is based in Nashville and recently released to radio the single “Laugh A Little,” from her album Strong.
“We are honored to be a part of the successful musical brand that Michelle has created and look forward to working with her and to bringing her music to her lifelong fans as well to legion of new ones,” says TEG President Chuck Thompson.