(L-R): Songwriter Chris Tompkins, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Jason Aldean, FGL’s Brian Kelley, Songwriter Rodney Clawson. Photo: John Russell
Industry members had a unique opportunity Tuesday (Aug. 11) to celebrate Jason Aldean‘s back-to-back No. 1 songs with the artist and songwriters at Nashville’s City Winery.
The three consecutive No. 1 hits, “Burnin’ It Down,” “Just Gettin’ Started” and “Tonight Looks Good On You,” from Aldean’s platinum album, Old Boots, New Dirt, brought friends and family together for a one-of-a-kind progressive industry party, which moved throughout the venue celebrating each song.
Invited guests first joined Aldean in the large performance hall with songwriters Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, Chris Tompkins and Rodney Clawson to celebrate the album’s lead single “Burnin’ It Down.”
Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Burnin’ It Down.” (L-R): (Back row): BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba and Benny Brown, BMI’s Bradley Collins, producer Michael Knox, Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman and Matt Turner, Round Hill’s Mark Brown and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. (Front row): songwriter Chris Tompkins, BMI songwriter Tyler Hubbard, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean, BMI songwriters Brian Kelley and Rodney Clawson.
“Burnin’ It Down”
BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed the enthusiastic crowd with a shout out to Aldean’s producer Michael Knox, who is celebrating a birthday today (Aug. 13) amidst all his other accolades. ASCAP’s Mike Sistad joined in the celebration before bringing up Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman who was thrilled to be representing the writers proclaiming, “Today, we are stackin’ up some plaques!” Round Hill’s Mark Brown joined in the ceremony before Broken Bow’s Jon Loba shared his gratitude of everyone’s efforts and emphasizing the benefits of risk-taking. “That’s when great things can happen,” shared Loba, giving a thankful nod to BBR label head Benny Brown.
Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox, CRB’s RJ Curtis and CMA’s Brandi Simms and Brenden Oliver also made the rounds to each of the three celebrations expressing their congratulations to Aldean, the songwriters and supporting industry team members. Avenue Bank is a partner with the No. 1 celebrations, making a donation in the songwriters’ names to a charity they support.
Then it was time for the songwriters. Tompkins talked about “Burnin’ It Down” and admitted, “It’s a song I can listen to and enjoy as a listener.” Clawson addressed the other co-writers saying, “Thank you for helping me buy a house in Green Hills.” Kelley and Hubbard gave humbling thanks to Aldean saying, “You gave us the opportunity and we are grateful. It’s a dream come true.” Aldean admitted, “We were a little nervous to put this out. To me, the ones you take a risk on are the ones that pay off the biggest,” before reminding us it was this song that he built his tour around.
(L-R): Songwriter Chris DeStefano, Aldean, songwriters Ashley Gorley and Rhett Akins. Photo: John Russell
“Just Gettin’ Started”
Next up, the party moved to City Winery’s main dining room for accolades on “Just Gettin’ Started,” written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, and Rhett Akins.
BMI’s Leslie Roberts greeted everyone sharing that Rhett “is a great mentor… and takes time for the up-and-comers.” She thanked Knox saying, “You have believed in Jason from the beginning.” ASCAP’s John Titta was next to honor DeStefano and Gorley before Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg said, “Not one bit of it was luck.” Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn articulated what everyone was thinking, “This might be the coolest No. 1 party ever.”
Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Just Gettin’ Started.” (L-R): (Back row): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, ASCAP’s John Titta and Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg. (Front row): songwriter Chris DeStefano, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean, songwriter Ashley Gorley, BMI songwriter Rhett Akins and producer Michael Knox.
Akins shared, “It’s an unbelievable text when you see that [Michael] Knox dug the song.” In a comical turn, Akins revealed he had stopped at Walmart to buy shampoo earlier that day but threw away the receipt before leaving the store. To make sure he wasn’t shoplifting, security stopped him at the door. Akins jokingly admitted it would have been funny to go from being arrested to attending the No. 1 party. The audience agreed.
Gorley was next to dote on Aldean, “What makes Jason great is that he knows who he is and he knows what he wants.” DeStefano added, “There are good days and there are good days. Nashville is, without question, the most amazing place in the world because of the community.” As a side note, both Van Valkenburg and Gorley served as best men at DeStefano’s wedding.
(L-R) Songwriters Ashley Gorley and Dallas Davidson, Aldean, and Songwriter Rhett Akins. Photo: John Russell
“Tonight Looks Good On You”
Closing out the evening in the upstairs loft, the festive crowd celebrated the chart-topping success of “Tonight Looks Good On You.” Written by Akins, Dallas Davidson and Gorley, it is Aldean’s 16th career No. 1.
BMI’s Jody Williams started the third round reminding us that Peach Picker Dallas Davidson’s first No. 1 was “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran squelched the giggling saying, “These three writers have 62 No. 1 songs combined. Adding Jason [Adlean] and Michael [Knox], you get to 95.”
Titta joked, “This is like Nashville’s version of Groundhog Day.” Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, who has been partners with Gorley for 15 years, added, “I’m inspired by him.” BBR’s Benny Brown, Lee Adams and Rick Shedd took the opportunity to present platinum plaques commemorating Aldean’s New Boots Old Dirt selling over a million copies.
Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Tonight Looks Good On You.” (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaugh, ASCAP’s John Titta, BBR Music Group’s Benny Brown, SONY/ATV’s Tom Luteran, BMI songwriter Rhett Akins, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, songwriter Ashley Gorley, BMI songwriter Dallas Davidson, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean producer Michael Knox and BMI’s Jody Williams.
Akins gave kudos to Aldean’s band, reminding everyone the band members actually play on his records so when fans come to a performance, it sounds just like his recordings. Akins also shared he first pitched the song to his son, Thomas Rhett who was interested in recording it. But soon after, Aldean claimed it for himself.
Davidson came to the mic saying, “Thank God for giving us the blessing to write songs,” before adding, “You don’t get a party for No. 2 so thanks to the promotion staff.” Gorley admitted, “There’s so many people that help get the song to No. 1 that we don’t even know and we are grateful.”
“What else can we say?” shared Aldean. “It’s cool to have a song like this to show a different side of you. We are working on a new record and I think some of the guys will have cuts on it too.”
Jody Williams concluded,“We have the greatest songwriting community in the world. It doesn’t happen anywhere else.”
With his staff, Producer Michael Knox celebrates three No. 1s for Jason Aldean, as well as a birthday this week. (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo: C. McTyre
Progressive Party Anyone? Jason Aldean Celebrates Three Chart-Toppers
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R): Songwriter Chris Tompkins, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Jason Aldean, FGL’s Brian Kelley, Songwriter Rodney Clawson. Photo: John Russell
Industry members had a unique opportunity Tuesday (Aug. 11) to celebrate Jason Aldean‘s back-to-back No. 1 songs with the artist and songwriters at Nashville’s City Winery.
The three consecutive No. 1 hits, “Burnin’ It Down,” “Just Gettin’ Started” and “Tonight Looks Good On You,” from Aldean’s platinum album, Old Boots, New Dirt, brought friends and family together for a one-of-a-kind progressive industry party, which moved throughout the venue celebrating each song.
Invited guests first joined Aldean in the large performance hall with songwriters Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, Chris Tompkins and Rodney Clawson to celebrate the album’s lead single “Burnin’ It Down.”
Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Burnin’ It Down.” (L-R): (Back row): BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba and Benny Brown, BMI’s Bradley Collins, producer Michael Knox, Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman and Matt Turner, Round Hill’s Mark Brown and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. (Front row): songwriter Chris Tompkins, BMI songwriter Tyler Hubbard, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean, BMI songwriters Brian Kelley and Rodney Clawson.
“Burnin’ It Down”
BMI’s Bradley Collins welcomed the enthusiastic crowd with a shout out to Aldean’s producer Michael Knox, who is celebrating a birthday today (Aug. 13) amidst all his other accolades. ASCAP’s Mike Sistad joined in the celebration before bringing up Big Loud Shirt’s Craig Wiseman who was thrilled to be representing the writers proclaiming, “Today, we are stackin’ up some plaques!” Round Hill’s Mark Brown joined in the ceremony before Broken Bow’s Jon Loba shared his gratitude of everyone’s efforts and emphasizing the benefits of risk-taking. “That’s when great things can happen,” shared Loba, giving a thankful nod to BBR label head Benny Brown.
Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox, CRB’s RJ Curtis and CMA’s Brandi Simms and Brenden Oliver also made the rounds to each of the three celebrations expressing their congratulations to Aldean, the songwriters and supporting industry team members. Avenue Bank is a partner with the No. 1 celebrations, making a donation in the songwriters’ names to a charity they support.
Then it was time for the songwriters. Tompkins talked about “Burnin’ It Down” and admitted, “It’s a song I can listen to and enjoy as a listener.” Clawson addressed the other co-writers saying, “Thank you for helping me buy a house in Green Hills.” Kelley and Hubbard gave humbling thanks to Aldean saying, “You gave us the opportunity and we are grateful. It’s a dream come true.” Aldean admitted, “We were a little nervous to put this out. To me, the ones you take a risk on are the ones that pay off the biggest,” before reminding us it was this song that he built his tour around.
(L-R): Songwriter Chris DeStefano, Aldean, songwriters Ashley Gorley and Rhett Akins. Photo: John Russell
“Just Gettin’ Started”
Next up, the party moved to City Winery’s main dining room for accolades on “Just Gettin’ Started,” written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, and Rhett Akins.
BMI’s Leslie Roberts greeted everyone sharing that Rhett “is a great mentor… and takes time for the up-and-comers.” She thanked Knox saying, “You have believed in Jason from the beginning.” ASCAP’s John Titta was next to honor DeStefano and Gorley before Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg said, “Not one bit of it was luck.” Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn articulated what everyone was thinking, “This might be the coolest No. 1 party ever.”
Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Just Gettin’ Started.” (L-R): (Back row): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, ASCAP’s John Titta and Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg. (Front row): songwriter Chris DeStefano, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean, songwriter Ashley Gorley, BMI songwriter Rhett Akins and producer Michael Knox.
Akins shared, “It’s an unbelievable text when you see that [Michael] Knox dug the song.” In a comical turn, Akins revealed he had stopped at Walmart to buy shampoo earlier that day but threw away the receipt before leaving the store. To make sure he wasn’t shoplifting, security stopped him at the door. Akins jokingly admitted it would have been funny to go from being arrested to attending the No. 1 party. The audience agreed.
Gorley was next to dote on Aldean, “What makes Jason great is that he knows who he is and he knows what he wants.” DeStefano added, “There are good days and there are good days. Nashville is, without question, the most amazing place in the world because of the community.” As a side note, both Van Valkenburg and Gorley served as best men at DeStefano’s wedding.
(L-R) Songwriters Ashley Gorley and Dallas Davidson, Aldean, and Songwriter Rhett Akins. Photo: John Russell
“Tonight Looks Good On You”
Closing out the evening in the upstairs loft, the festive crowd celebrated the chart-topping success of “Tonight Looks Good On You.” Written by Akins, Dallas Davidson and Gorley, it is Aldean’s 16th career No. 1.
BMI’s Jody Williams started the third round reminding us that Peach Picker Dallas Davidson’s first No. 1 was “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran squelched the giggling saying, “These three writers have 62 No. 1 songs combined. Adding Jason [Adlean] and Michael [Knox], you get to 95.”
Titta joked, “This is like Nashville’s version of Groundhog Day.” Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, who has been partners with Gorley for 15 years, added, “I’m inspired by him.” BBR’s Benny Brown, Lee Adams and Rick Shedd took the opportunity to present platinum plaques commemorating Aldean’s New Boots Old Dirt selling over a million copies.
Celebrating Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “Tonight Looks Good On You.” (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaugh, ASCAP’s John Titta, BBR Music Group’s Benny Brown, SONY/ATV’s Tom Luteran, BMI songwriter Rhett Akins, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, songwriter Ashley Gorley, BMI songwriter Dallas Davidson, BMI affiliate Jason Aldean producer Michael Knox and BMI’s Jody Williams.
Akins gave kudos to Aldean’s band, reminding everyone the band members actually play on his records so when fans come to a performance, it sounds just like his recordings. Akins also shared he first pitched the song to his son, Thomas Rhett who was interested in recording it. But soon after, Aldean claimed it for himself.
Davidson came to the mic saying, “Thank God for giving us the blessing to write songs,” before adding, “You don’t get a party for No. 2 so thanks to the promotion staff.” Gorley admitted, “There’s so many people that help get the song to No. 1 that we don’t even know and we are grateful.”
“What else can we say?” shared Aldean. “It’s cool to have a song like this to show a different side of you. We are working on a new record and I think some of the guys will have cuts on it too.”
Jody Williams concluded,“We have the greatest songwriting community in the world. It doesn’t happen anywhere else.”
With his staff, Producer Michael Knox celebrates three No. 1s for Jason Aldean, as well as a birthday this week. (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo: C. McTyre
Carrie Underwood On The Big Screen For Sunday Night Football
/by Sarah SkatesCarrie Underwood promo. Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC
NBC Sports Group will debut a new cinema spot tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 14, starring Carrie Underwood performing “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” the opening theme to Sunday Night Football on NBC.
The two-and-half minute spot is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this year’s Sunday Night Football show opening sequence featuring Underwood and NFL stars. It will debut in National CineMedia’s FirstLook pre-show program in AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Entertainment Group, a network of more than 19,000 movie screens.
Sunday Night Football is primetime television’s No. 1 program.
“Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” is set to the original Joan Jett song, “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” This marks Underwood’s third season performing the song for NBC Sports.
No. 1 Party: A Thousand Horses Are Smoking Hot
/by Troy_StephensonPictured: (L-R): (back row): ASCAP’s Jon Nite, ATH’s Graham Deloach, Zach Brown, and Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Katherine Susemichael, Kelsey Hamrick, and Andrew Thoen. (Front row): BMLG’s Matthew Hargis, BMI’s Ross Copperman, BMLG’s John Zarling, ATH’s Michael Hobby, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Stacy Blythe and Angie Coonrod. Photo: Steve Lowry
South Bar & Restaurant in Nashville was the site for celebrating the No. 1 song “Smoke,” by Republic Nashville’s A Thousand Horses. It is the band’s debut single and their first No. 1.
The event was hosted by BMI and ASCAP and started with Perry Howard recognizing BMI writers Ross Copperman and A Thousand Horses’ Michael Hobby, who co-wrote the song with ASCAP’s Jon Nite. It is also the first No. 1 single produced by Dave Cobb.
“Smoke” marks the first No. 1 for Hobby as a writer and as an artist. It is Copperman’s fourth chart-topper as a writer.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad took to the stage to congratulate Nite on his fourth No. 1 and said that he currently has four other songs on the chart, and is a 2015 CMA Triple Play Award recipient.
Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Steve Lowry
Executive Vice President of Republic Nashville, Jimmy Harnen, made it known that this was the 15th No. 1 song for the label in only six years. He thanks the band’s manager Scott McGhee for bringing them to his attention, which led to them being signed to the label.
Harnen introduced Big Machine President and CEO, Scott Borchetta and congratulated him on his 171 No. 1 songs. Borchetta reciprocated by saying, “there isn’t anyone I trust more than Jimmy Harnen. When he came to me and said he wanted to sign this band, I had never heard them but it didn’t matter because Jimmy was so passionate about them.”
Copperman remembered going to see the band for the first time. “I feel like I was watching a historical moment. They are so good for our format.”
Nite said that A Thousand Horses plays rock ‘n’ roll music and “the format that we have today has allowed that to happen. I appreciate you guys for playing the music your soul wants to play.”
Hobby called his band “a band of brothers,” and said, “we’ve been doing this a long time together and to share this experience with you guys is pretty amazing.”
Also making presentations were Travis Carter of Warner/Chappell, Josh Van Valkenburg of Sony/ATV, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and reps from the CMA and CRB.
Artist Action: Swon Brothers, Striking Matches, Lee Greenwood, Bill Anderson
/by Lorie HollabaughSwon Song at WE Fest
The Swon Brothers performed at WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, MN this past weekend and with the help of SiriusXM host Storme Warren, surprised the audience in the furthest reaches of the venue with an impromptu acoustic performance. The long-running country music festival attracts a massive crowd annually, so The Swon Brothers and Storme hopped into the back of a pick-up truck and headed into “the nosebleeds” where the sibling duo performed for fans.
Storme Warren and the Swon Brothers
Striking Matches Strikes Out On Headline Tour
The duo will also continue their tour overseas, which is their second headlining tour in the UK. Tickets are currently on sale for all dates. Details at www.strikingmatches.com.
Lee Greenwood Reflects
Lee Greenwood and wife Kim will give fans a sneak-peek into their Franklin, TN home on NBC’s Open House on August 13-14.
The singer will also sit down with Keith Bilbrey for an interview on the all-new series, Reflections, this week on Heartland TV, The Family Channel, Angel Two (DISH TV), AMG-TV, Country TV (New Zealand) and DTC Cable.
Keith Bilbrey and Lee Greenwood
Anderson’s Guitar Reunion
Bill Anderson‘s guitar from years ago found its way back home Saturday night (Aug. 8) into Anderson’s hands and onto the stage of the legendary Grand Ole Opry. The authentic Grammer guitar, given to Anderson personally by Billy Grammer fifty years ago, was in an Arizona pawn shop when the owner saw an inscription with Anderson’s name and called him about the instrument. A thrilled Anderson flew the shop owner and his wife to Nashville and gave them Opry tickets to celebrate the old guitar’s homecoming after 50 years.
In a twist of fate, Anderson, Vicky McGehee and Jamey Johnson co-wrote “The Guitar Song” eight years ago with the lyrics:
I’m just a guitar in the pawn shop on the corner/ And I’m waiting for someone to play me now and then/ My strings are kinda rusty and I’m a little dusty/ Oh, but you’d be too if you’ve been where I’ve been.
Bill Anderson with Mike and Wendie Grauer
Kip Moore Conjures ‘Magic’ On Sophomore Album
/by Sarah SkatesKip Moore discusses his new album Wild Ones. Photo: Alan Poizner
Three years ago, on his debut album, Kip Moore sang “don’t give up on me yet, I’m still growing up.” Fans and his MCA Nashville team stuck with him, and his long-awaited sophomore effort proves why—and how much he grew up in the meantime.
Up All Night was a quality project marked by Moore’s restlessness, with songs about moving around (“Everything But You,” “Reckless”) and youthful loving and leaving (“Crazy One More Time”). Today he’s mostly left behind the field parties and small town shenanigans (“Beer Money,” “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck”) that populated the first album.
What hasn’t changed on his upcoming release is Moore’s penchant for red dresses (“What Ya Got On Tonight”), back seats (“That Was Us,” and, yes, “Backseat”) and passing green around the campfire (“That’s Alright With Me”), as he told the crowd gathered at his short performance last night (Aug. 12) at the Basement East in Nashville.
“I like to have a song on the record that’s a statement song about who I am, and ‘Reckless’ was that song on the Up All Night record,” he said. “People say I can’t talk about left–handed cigarettes in music, and I say ‘yes I can.’”
Today he’s a man who knows what he wants, and he’s upfront about it: “Girl what’s the matter with you… Come and get it,” he sings on the new album. He also knows what his fans want. He never stopped touring between projects and the title track “Wild Ones” is an ode to them.
MCA Nashville’s Kip Moore, UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan. Photo: Alan Poizner
Overall, Wild Ones shares the same top-notch songwriting as his first album but with a heavier sound and bolder lyrics. Whatever a song’s mood, Moore owns it—whether it’s the quieter introspection of “Comeback Kid” or the brashy “I’m To Blame,” where he sings, “Where there’s blue lights, just read me my rights.” Other standout tracks include “What Ya Got On Tonight,” and “Girl of the Summer.” Of the latter, Moore got the idea during a trip to the beach, and the storyline is reminiscent of Don Henley’s classic “Boys of Summer.”
Moore said, “I’ve kept the same core group of writers, because I believe in them and they believe in me. I keep the people close to me that were there for me at the beginning. But Westin [Davis] introduced me to this quirky bird named Luke Dick a little while back. And I love the dude. He really expanded my mind in a different way on this record.”
Moore, Davis and Dick conjured up “Magic,” an album highlight. “We were talking about all the fairy tale stuff that’s written and how we didn’t feel that way a lot of times about love,” said Moore. “So that’s how the song started.”
He closed the set with “Running For You,” which could be the next single. Wild Ones will be released Aug. 21.
Wild Ones Tracklist
1. Wild Ones (Kip Moore, Chris DeStefano, Brett James)
2. Come And Get It (Kip Moore, Brett James, Manny Medina)
3. Girl of Summer (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
4. Magic (Kip Moore, Westin Davis, Luke Dick)
5. That Was Us (Kip Moore, Westin Davis, Dan Couch)
6. Lipstick (Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, David Frasier, Westin Davis)
7. What Ya Got On Tonight (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
8. Heart’s Desire (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Adam Browder, Erich Wigdahl)
9. Complicated (Kip Moore, Chris DeStefano, Rodney Clawson)
10. I’m To Blame (Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, Westin Davis)
11. That’s Alright With Me (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Luke Dick)
12. Running For You (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
13. Comeback Kid (Kip Moore, Erik Dylan, Ross Copperman, Jeff Hyde)
Sara Evans and REO Speedwagon Team For “Crossroads”
/by Lorie HollabaughSara Evans
The latest artists to meet at the CMT Crossroads are Sara Evans and REO Speedwagon. The two will team up on songs and trade stories on an all-new episode of the series, which will premiere Sept. 19. This will mark Evans’ third time on the show.
“We met Sara Evans when REO played with Brad Paisley at the Sony Music Nashville annual cruise and we all became fast friends,” said REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin. “When we got the offer to do ‘CMT Crossroads’ with her we jumped at the chance to hear Sara’s sweet voice on our songs, and to put our spin on hers. Sara put me at ease right away and her energy is contagious.”
“I’ve been a huge fan of REO Speedwagon for as long as I can remember,” said Evans. “Their songs have been a part of the soundtrack of my life and I’m thrilled to be joining them on stage for ‘CMT Crossroads.’ It truly is a dream come true!”
Lynn Anderson’s Final Recording Goes To Radio
/by Sarah SkatesAnderson’s daughter, Lisa Sutton, says, “Bridges is Mom’s first religious CD in her long career of making music. It has been our soundtrack the past few months and now it’s become the perfect memoir. Like a gift left behind, delivered as only Mom can… It’s almost like it was meant to be.”
Nancy Tunick’s GrassRoots Promotion is spearheading promotion efforts.
Anderson passed away on July 31 at age 67.
Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam Welcomes Eric Church, More Surprises
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Daniels and Eric Church
Photo: Rick Diamond / Getty Images for Webster PR
Charlie Daniels celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his annual Volunteer Jam in the biggest way possible last night (Aug. 12) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, offering up surprises galore for the sold-out crowd including bombshell appearances by Eric Church, Jamey Johnson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Blackberry Smoke.
The benefit for servicemen and veterans through the Journey Home Project featured plenty of great music. In the middle of Daniels’ performance of “In America,” Church busted out onstage to join Daniels for a duet. Though the two both hail from North Carolina, the Jam was the first time they had shared a stage.
The evening’s four surprise guests joined billed acts Ted Nugent, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Colt Ford, The Grascals, Lee Greenwood, The Kentucky Headhunters, Tracy Lawrence, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ryan Weaver, Wynonna, Craig Morgan, Lee Roy Parnell, Billy Dean, Michael W. Smith, Travis Tritt, Phil Vassar, Montgomery Gentry, Natalie Stovall and of course Daniels himself.
The 40th Anniversary Volunteer Jam raised hundreds of thousands in proceeds for the non-profit organization, The Journey Home Project, which aids veterans’ organizations in meeting the health care, education and career needs of military servicemen and women and their families. Since 1974, Daniels has rounded up his music friends and peers to come together on a “volunteer” basis to hang out and jam. The Charlie Daniels Band has grown the concept from its early days at the War Memorial Auditorium to the Starwood Amphitheater, to its first year at Music City’s Bridgestone Arena.
Daniels is celebrating another milestone and bringing his career spanning over 50 years full circle with a new release, Live At Billy Bob’s Texas, and its companion DVD on Oct. 16. Recorded in February, the 14-track project pairs The Charlie Daniels Band with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, David Allan Coe, Pat Green, Randy Rogers Band, Stoney LaRue, and others as a member of the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas family.
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Charlie Daniels at the 40th Volunteer Jam. Photo: John Shearer / Getty Images for Webster PR
Charlie Daniels and Billy Dean. Photo: John Shearer / Getty Images for Webster PR
Charlie Daniels and Natalie Stovall trade licks at the Volunteer Jam. Photo: John Shearer / Getty Images for Webster PR
Industry Ink: NSAI Bluebird Show, Michael Knox, Belmont Beatles Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughNSAI Bluebird Series
NSAI kicked off its Performance Series Tuesday night (August 11) at the Bluebird Cafe. Songwriters Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins performed hits including Jason Aldean‘s three latest No. 1’s “Burnin’ It Down,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” and “Tonight Looks Good On You,” with the crowd singing along. Remaining shows in the series will take place on September 9, October 8, November 17 and December 1.
Songwriters and representatives from Bank of America at the NSAI’s Performance Series at the Bluebird Cafe.
Michael Knox’s No. 1 Week
Independent producer and peermusic publishing’s Pres./CEO Michael Knox had a big week this week with the triple No. 1 celebration for Jason Aldean and his own birthday celebration.
Pictured (L-R): Jennifer Crouch, Michael Tyler, Kim Wiggins, Rachel Farley, Shalacy Griffin, Knox and Craig Currier. Photo: C McTyre
Belmont Students’ Beatles Adventure
Students from Belmont traveled to England recently for a course on The British Music Industry led by Dr. Don Cusic. Highlights of the trip included a visit to Liverpool for a “Beatles Day” where they toured the Beatles Museum, the Cavern, and took a bus tour of the early homes of the Beatles.
Pictured (L-R): Michael Crecca, Olivia Autry, Alexa Walther, Athena Kulb, Don Cusic, Anna Gregory, Hailey Nelson and Brittany Waldrep
DisClaimer: The Purebred Strut
/by Robert K OermannSure enough, you’ll find some “dogs” among these new sounds. But there are some real purebred pups strutting around in this column, too. Listen to Rick Monroe, Shanna Henderson and Rusty Golden, for instance. Our DisCovery Award goes to an excellent vocalist named Mike Ryan. He has an album that’s a gem from start to finish.
Unquestionably today’s Best In Show is the classy duet record by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard. It is the Disc of the Day.
LESLIE COURS MATHER/Hell Hath No Fury
Writer: Kelly Lang; Producer: Denny Diante
—She handles this horn-punctuated, feminist, retro-styled blues tune with aplomb. It’s a warning to a guy who hurts a woman that he’s doomed, and how. Nice work.
DEREK ANTHONY/If I Don’t
Producer: Steve Mandile; Bluant Music Group
—He sings well, but the song is pretty wordy and seems to take an awfully long time to get to its hook.
WILLIE NELSON & MERLE HAGGARD & JAMEY JOHNSON/It’s All Going to Pot
Writer: Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson/Larry Shell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Run Slow/BMG Rights/EMI Blackwood/Big Gassed Hitties/Not Her Money
—The Willie-Hag duet CD is called Django and Jimmie. It contains a handful of classics (Willie’s “Family Bible,” Haggard’s “Swinging Doors” and “Somewhere Between”), but really comes alive when the two legends swap lines on new Music Row tunes. This one is a lively, Mexicali-flavored bopper that romps through humorous lyrics with delightfully light-hearted finesse. Jamey Johnson adds harmonies, and later on you’ll find Bobby Bare guesting on the boom-chicka-boom Haggard tune “Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash.” Buy this record.
ANITA STAPLETON & GENE WATSON/Just Someone I Used to Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Dirk Johnson; Publisher: Glad/Pappy Daily/Universal; DirkWorks
—This is such a brilliant country song. Its new revival won’t erase the memory of the 1969 Porter & Dolly original (or the fine Jeannie Seely/Jack Greene version), but these voices blend quite well, and the production is perfect. Newcomer Anita handles the melody, while the fabulous Gene shadows her in flawless harmony.
MIKE RYAN/Bad Reputation
Writer: Ryan/Anderson/DuBois; Producer: Brent Anderson & Ben Phillips
—This strong singing Lone Star State boy rocks and wails on this energetic outing, the title tune of his current CD. The accompaniment is tighter and slicker than we are used to hearing on Texas productions. Special kudos to the lead electric guitarist.
Rusty Golden
RUSTY GOLDEN/Sober
Writer: Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Scott Baggett;RGM
—I have always liked this guy’s work, from way back when he was a kid in the Nashville pop/rock groups The Boys Band, GoldenSpeer and The Goldens. The son of new Country Hall of Fame member William Lee Golden of the Oaks has since had a tumultuous life as a gospel and country songwriter, a session musician, a record producer, a survivor of heart bypass surgery and a druggie. His first solo album is a collection of songs about recovery. The title tune by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Jeffrey Steele will touch your heart with its inspirational fervor. Whether you’ve ever been through recovery or not, this album will do you a world of good.
SARAH ROSS/Shotgun
Average Joes
—Female white rap. Pass.
RICK MONROE/Just the Same
Writer: Jason Brunswick/Josh Dunne/Rick Monroe; Producer: Steve Freeman; MRG
—I dig this fellow. His recent EP spawned the excellent “Great Minds Drink Alike” and “Fire’s Out.” Now expanded into a full-length CD titled It’s a Love Thing, it includes this new, atmospheric. romantic crooner. I like the way he goes from a whisper to a baritone swoon. A relentless touring artist, this solid citizen, talented vocalist and fine songwriter deserves some kind of major-label endorsement.
LINDI ORTEGA/Tell It Like It Is
Writer: Lindi Ortega; Producer: Colin Linden; Last Gang
—I remain a fan. Lindi’s new collection is called Faded Gloryville. It features this throbbing, echo-chamber performance that shines a spotlight on her penetrating soprano as well as her songwriting chops. Americana programmers also take note.
SHANNA HENDERSON/Hell Or Highwater
Writer: Ben Stennis/Katie Kessler; Producer: Ben Stennis & Blake Bollinger
—Banjo notes decorate this moody, sultry performance. Her forceful, laser-arrow vocal hits a bullseye with every phrase. Promising.