The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) will welcome Lady Antebellum to headline its Spring Songwriter Showcase on March 24. The trio will also be honored with NMPA’s Icon Award for their contributions to the craft of songwriting and advocacy for those in their industry. The event will also recognize the Congressional sponsors of the Songwriter Equity Act, a bill to achieve fairer royalty rates for songwriters.
“It doesn’t get any bigger or any better than Lady Antebellum when it comes to songwriting, singing and caring about the future of creators,” said David Israelite, President and CEO of NMPA. “Hillary, Charles and Dave are all songwriters in their own right, and what’s more, they have not forgotten where they came from and what it took to get where they are. They continue to stand up for creators who struggle to make a living under the streaming regime, and we are thrilled to honor them with our Songwriter Icon Award.”
NMPA’s Spring Songwriter Showcase will take place at 101 Constitution’s rooftop terrace where Brooklyn-based songwriter Grace Weber will open for Lady Antebellum. After a performance, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood will be presented with NMPA Songwriter Icon Awards and NMPA Gold & Platinum Awards for writing their certified hits including “Bartender,” “Need You Now,” and “I Run to You.” Past recipients of the Icon Award include Jon Bon Jovi and Steven Tyler.
Lady Antebellum recently released their fifth studio album, 747, which follows over 11 million albums sold worldwide, nine trips to No. 1 on the country radio charts and six Platinum singles.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10172914/lady-antebellum-2015.jpg255280Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2015-03-10 15:35:482015-03-10 15:35:48NMPA To Celebrate Lady Antebellum with Icon Award
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released 54 Digital Single Awards and Six Album Awards, up to February 2015.
Gold & Platinum’s month-end graduation highlights include 3x Platinum for Florida Georgia Line (feat. Luke Bryan)’s “This Is How We Roll,” 5x Platinum for Taylor Swift‘s “Blank Space” and 1x Platinum for Carrie Underwood‘s “Something In The Water.”
Gold graduations include Brantley Gilbert‘s “More Than Miles,” Swift’s “Style,” and Thomas Rhett‘s “Make Me Wanna.”
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10172721/RIAA-Platinum.jpg260390Eric T. Parkerhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngEric T. Parker2015-03-10 15:32:442015-03-10 15:32:44Platinum and Gold Marks For BMLG and Carrie Underwood
The final song selections for NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years, the collaboration between the Academy of Country Music and NOW That’s What I Call Music!, are being revealed in anticipation of the album’s release on Tuesday, March 31.
The collection of recordings will celebrate the ACM Awards’ 50-year history and will feature two discs as well as a digital collection of ACM award-winning songs. The first disc will feature recent contemporary hits while the second will include timeless classics.
The 50th Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast LIVE on Sunday, April 19 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Television Network. All of the Academy’s proceeds from sales of the album will go to ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.
The complete track listing for NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years includes:
DISC ONE (1990-2015)
1. Jason Aldean (with Luke Bryan & Eric Church) “The Only Way I Know” (2012)
2. Lee Brice “I Drive Your Truck” (2012)
3. Luke Bryan “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” (2011)
4. Blake Shelton “Honey Bee” (2011)
5. Taylor Swift “Mean” (2010)
6. Lady Antebellum “Need You Now” (2010)
7. Miranda Lambert “The House That Built Me” (2009)
8. Brad Paisley & Keith Urban “Start A Band” (2008)
9. Reba & Kelly Clarkson “Because of You” (2007)
10. George Strait “Give It Away” (2006)
11. Carrie Underwood “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (2005)
12. Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying” (2004)
13. Kenny Chesney “The Good Stuff” (2002)
14. Lee Ann Womack “I Hope You Dance” (2000)
15. Faith Hill “This Kiss” (1998)
16. Alan Jackson “Chattahoochee” (1993)
17. Brooks & Dunn “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” (1991)
DISC TWO (1965-1989)
1. Clint Black “Better Man” (1989)
2. Hank Williams Jr. “There’s a Tear in My Beer” (1989)
3. Randy Travis “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987)
4. The Highwaymen “Highwayman” (1985)
5. The Judds “Why Not Me” (1984)
6. Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers “Islands in the Stream” (1983)
7. Willie Nelson “Always on My Mind” (1982)
8. Alabama “Love in the First Degree” (1981)
9. The Oak Ridge Boys “Elvira” (1981)
10. David Frizzell & Shelly West “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” (1980)
11. George Jones “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (1980)
12. Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Bros. “All the Gold in California” (1979)
13. Don Williams “Tulsa Time” (1978)
14. Glen Campbell “Rhinestone Cowboy” (1975)
15. Charlie Rich “Behind Closed Doors” (1973)
16. Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty “Lead Me On” (1971)
17. Merle Haggard “Okie From Muskogee” (1969)
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10172721/unnamed3.jpg191191Troy_Stephensonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngTroy_Stephenson2015-03-10 15:16:332015-03-10 15:16:33‘NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years’ Track Listing Released
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will honor pop singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor with the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award at the Music Biz 2015 Awards Luncheon on May 14 at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville.
Prior to achieving success with her album Title, and its singles “All About That Bass” and “Lips Are Movin,” Trainor came to Nashville after scoring a publishing deal at the age of 17. While there, she co-wrote tracks for major acts such as Rascal Flatts and Hunter Hayes before breaking through on her own after deciding to record “All About That Bass” herself.
“Many people think Meghan was an overnight success, but she has actually been working in the music business for several years, a lot of that time in Nashville,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “Now, we’re thrilled to recognize her incredible talent in the city where her songwriting kicked into high gear.”
Music Biz 2015 will be held in Nashville for the first time on May 12-14. The event allows the industry’s commerce and content sectors a place to network with trading partners, learn about new trends and products impacting the business, and to network with new companies.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10172721/Meghan-Trainor.jpg375300Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2015-03-10 14:59:332015-03-10 14:59:33Meghan Trainor To Be Honored During Music Biz 2015 Awards
With wheels spinning towards 21st century car radio upgrades, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced yesterday (March 9) CarPlay will arrive in over 40 auto models this year.
Every major automaker is expected to deliver the infotainment center, which would be capable of projecting Apple CarPlay software from an iOS device to a car’s dashboard screen, or a Google-user’s home screen with Android Auto software.
Expectedly, apps potentially hazardous to driving are unavailable. Those available include audio (and streaming services), messages (read out loud), Siri, Apple Maps on iOS (Google Map will reportedly not be compatible with Siri). Aftermarket receivers (g.e. Pioneer and Alpine) are currently on the market to upgrade many current models.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is expected to be one of the first models to adopt the technologies, although not available as of yet. In the company’s beta iOS 8.3 release for developers yesterday, CarPlay is said to be the most pronounced upgrade.
Additionally, Apple’s spring reveal included two sizes of Apple Watches (available April 24), an unbundled HBO subscription (exclusive to Apple, available early April), a 12-inch retina display MacBook, and an update for ApplePay (2,500 card-issuing banks now accepting, with a triple in businesses where accepted).
Apple stock peaked yesterday around $129 per share after opening at $127 and closing around $125, where it is currently trading.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10172721/CarPlay.jpg260390Eric T. Parkerhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngEric T. Parker2015-03-10 10:46:172015-03-10 10:46:17Apple To Replace Radios in 40+ Car Models By 2016
Pictured: Natalia, Dallas and their son Dallas Gerald Davidson, Jr. Courtesy: Davidson family
Hit songwriter Dallas Davidson and wife Natalia welcomed their first child, son Dallas Gerald Davidson, Jr., on Wednesday, Feb 25.
Davidson, Jr., weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
“I’ve always wanted children,” says Davidson. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted a son. I have the greatest wife – and now mother – and a beautiful healthy boy. This is what life is all about. I feel like I’m floating on clouds right now. I’m as happy as I’ve ever been. God is great. I’m blessed beyond my wildest dreams.”
Davidson has earned numerous chart-topping songs for artists including Lady Antebellum, Lee Brice, Billy Currington, Randy Houser, Luke Bryan, and others.
He married Australian singer-songwriter Natalia Starzynski in 2014. Starzynski also signed with Warner/Chappell Music Nashville in early 2014, and was a member of ASCAP’s GPS Class of 2013, a program intended to develop Nashville’s most promising unsigned writers alongside members of the publishing community.
CMA Songwriters Series on Friday, March 6, 2015 at indigo at The O2 in London as part of C2C (L-R): Butch Spyridon, Pres. of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corps.; Milly Olykan, Sr. Event Producer of AEG London and CMA Board member; Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA; Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann of Striking Matches; Sam Palladio; Jon Randall; Jessi Alexander; Kix Brooks; and John Esposito, Pres./CEO of Warner Music Nashville and CMA Board President.
The 2015 C2C, Country 2 Country Festival, the U.K.’s largest country music festival, was a success again this year. Concerts were held Feb. 28 and March 1 in Oslo and Stockholm, and March 7 and 8 in London and Dublin, featuring performances from the biggest names in country music, alongside emerging artists from the U.K. and Europe.
The third C2C London event, presented by AEG Europe and SJM Concerts in association with the Country Music Association, attracted more than 30,000 fans.
C2C featured performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Brandy Clark, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Lady Antebellum, Kip Moore, Lee Ann Womack and many others.
The London events kicked off with a special presentation of the CMA Songwriters Series Friday night at indigo at The O2. Presented in partnership with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. (NCVC), the evening was hosted by Kix Brooks with Jessi Alexander, Clark, Nashville cast member Sam Palladio, and Jon Randall. Due to their overwhelming success at last year’s CMA Songwriters Series at C2C, Striking Matches was invited to join the show as special surprise guests.
CMA also hosted meetings and receptions that brought together international executives to discuss all things country music, including a CMA Executive Strategy Session with the CMA U.K. Advisory Council.
Photos: Anthony D’Angio / CMA
BBC Radio’s Mark Hagen (R) interviews Sam Palladio during a “CMA Talk” during C2C Festival Saturday at indigo at The O2 in London.
CMA Songwriters Series on Friday, March 6, 2015 at indigo at The O2 in London as part of C2C. (L-R): Kix Brooks, Brandy Clark, Sam Palladio, Jessi Alexander, and Jon Randall perform during the CMA Songwriters Series at indigo at The O2 Friday in London.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10172722/c2c-london-O2-2015group.jpg349570Sarah Skateshttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngSarah Skates2015-03-10 10:21:242015-03-10 10:21:24Country2Country Festival Wraps Another Successful Year
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will soon get a new lead music booker, MusicRow has confirmed. Julie Gurovitsch, coordinating music producer for NBC’s Today, will begin her new role as lead music booker next month.
The Tonight Show role was previously held by Jonathan Cohen, who left last month.
After starting at Today in 2014, Gurovitsch oversaw 24 bookings for Today‘s Toyota Summer Concert series. The program included artists Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes, Kenny Chesney, and LadyAntebellum, alongside artists including Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Counting Crows, Usher, and more.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10172721/Jule-Gurovitsch.png243300Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2015-03-10 10:05:042015-03-10 10:05:04‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ Lands New Lead Music Booker
Chicago-based entertainment law practice Leavens, Strand & Glover (LSG) has opened a new Nashville office, located on Music Row at 1102 17th Ave. S. The Nashville office will be led by Hillel Frankel, who has joined the firm as partner, and has split his time between Chicago and Nashville for the past year. He joins LSG founding partners Tom Leavens, Peter Strand and Jerry Glover.
LSG’s clients include Pitchfork Media, Inc., The Windish Agency, Second City Communications,Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions, Leo Burnett, Telepictures, and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, among others.
Frankel also represents Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog Music songwriter-producer Chris Gelbuda, who co-wrote and produced two tracks on Meghan Trainor’s debut project, Title.
Leavens has worked on the PBS series Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis, and served as General Counsel for MusicNow and Platinum Entertainment. He also served as executive producer for several House of Blues Essential recordings, and authored the ABA-published Music Law for the General Practitioner.
In his pre-law career, Strand was a full-time touring musician and recorded two albums for RCA/Millennium Records. Strand was recently named one of the top 50 music lawyers in the country by Billboard Magazine and ranked by Super Lawyers as one of the Illinois Top 100 lawyers.
Glover previously served as General Counsel for Chicago public television station WTTW and its radio station WFMT, and now serves as outside counsel to the stations. He heads the firm’s film and television, sweepstakes, and advertising practice. His clients also include motion picture studios, television and film production companies, Broadway producers, advertising agencies, musicians and writers.
“I am thrilled to join my longtime colleagues in music and entertainment law, Leavens, Strand & Glover,” said Frankel. “The new Nashville office will give us the opportunity to better service existing clients and build on our strong relationships in Music City and beyond.”
“This is an exciting time for our firm,” said Leavens. “Thanks to Hillel, we are building on our decades of music and entertainment law experience in Chicago and planting seeds in major music markets around the country.”
The attorneys at Leavens, Strand & Glover have been listed in the Billboard Top 50 Music Lawyers and the US News and World Report Best Law Firms of 2015. They have been featured panelists and moderators at conferences including SXSW, the Winter Music Conference, the Yellow Phone Music Conference, and the Chicago Music Summit, and have served in leadership positions for The Recording Academy, the American Bar Association Forum on the Entertainment & Sports Industries, and Lawyers for the Creative Arts.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Wayne Kemp, who wrote hits for such superstars as George Strait, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty and George Jones, died Monday morning, March 9, in Lafayette, Tenn.
Kemp, who was 74, had multiple ailments and was on kidney dialysis at the time of his passing. He was a native of Greenwood, Ark. As a youth, he was an auto racer.
He first rose to prominence in Music City as the writer of the 1965 George Jones hit “Love Bug.” His “Feelin’ Single, Seein’ Double” was recorded by both Jones and Emmylou Harris. Conway Twitty took Kemp’s “Next in Line” to No. 1 on the country charts in 1968, scored with the songwriter’s “The Image of Me” that same year and also hit with “Darling You Know I Wouldn’t Lie” (1969) and “That’s When She Started to Stop Loving You” (1970). Johnny Cash took Kemp’s “One Piece at at Time” to the top of the charts in 1976. Johnny Paycheck’s 1977 “outlaw” tune “I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised)” was also a Wayne Kemp creation.
Kemp continued to write big hits in the 1980s and 1990s, including “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” (Ricky Van Shelton, 1988), “The Fireman” (George Strait, 1985), a remake of “Love Bug” (George Strait, 1994), “Tell Ole I Ain’t Here He Better Get on Home” (Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley, 1980) and “Who’ll Turn Out the Lights in Your World Tonight” (Mel Street, 1980). Strait also recorded Kemp’s “I Should Have Watched That First Step,” “Haven’t You Heard,” “Hot Burning Flames,” “That’s Where My Baby Feels at Home,” “She Knows When You’re on My Mind” and “Won’t You Come Home and Talk to a Stranger.”
Others who recorded his songs include Faron Young, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams Jr., Ronnie McDowell, Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn, Jack Greene, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Walker, David Allan Coe, Mickey Gilley, Elvis Costello, Michelle Shocked, Tom Petty, Charley Pride, Doug Sahm and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
Kemp was also a recording artist. Between 1969 and 1986, he placed 24 singles on the country charts. His biggest hit as a singer was 1973’s “Honky Tonk Wine.” He recorded for Decca, MCA, United Artists, Mercury and Door Knob.
He died at Macon County General Hospital. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson & Sons Funeral Home in Lafayette, TN. Kemp is survived by wife Patsy, son Robert, daughters Paula Hosale and Natalie Hudgins, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a brother and six sisters.
Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, 10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. with graveside services to follow at 2 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Park.
His medical bills are substantial. The family would welcome contributions c/o Anderson & Sons Funeral Home, 997 Highway 52, Bypass East, Lafayette, TN 37083.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10172725/Waye-Kemp.jpg305250Robert K Oermannhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2015-03-09 16:43:102015-03-09 16:43:10LifeNotes: Country Songwriting Great Wayne Kemp Passes
NMPA To Celebrate Lady Antebellum with Icon Award
/by Jessica Nicholson“It doesn’t get any bigger or any better than Lady Antebellum when it comes to songwriting, singing and caring about the future of creators,” said David Israelite, President and CEO of NMPA. “Hillary, Charles and Dave are all songwriters in their own right, and what’s more, they have not forgotten where they came from and what it took to get where they are. They continue to stand up for creators who struggle to make a living under the streaming regime, and we are thrilled to honor them with our Songwriter Icon Award.”
NMPA’s Spring Songwriter Showcase will take place at 101 Constitution’s rooftop terrace where Brooklyn-based songwriter Grace Weber will open for Lady Antebellum. After a performance, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood will be presented with NMPA Songwriter Icon Awards and NMPA Gold & Platinum Awards for writing their certified hits including “Bartender,” “Need You Now,” and “I Run to You.” Past recipients of the Icon Award include Jon Bon Jovi and Steven Tyler.
Lady Antebellum recently released their fifth studio album, 747, which follows over 11 million albums sold worldwide, nine trips to No. 1 on the country radio charts and six Platinum singles.
Platinum and Gold Marks For BMLG and Carrie Underwood
/by Eric T. ParkerThe Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released 54 Digital Single Awards and Six Album Awards, up to February 2015.
Gold & Platinum’s month-end graduation highlights include 3x Platinum for Florida Georgia Line (feat. Luke Bryan)’s “This Is How We Roll,” 5x Platinum for Taylor Swift‘s “Blank Space” and 1x Platinum for Carrie Underwood‘s “Something In The Water.”
Gold graduations include Brantley Gilbert‘s “More Than Miles,” Swift’s “Style,” and Thomas Rhett‘s “Make Me Wanna.”
‘NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years’ Track Listing Released
/by Troy_StephensonThe collection of recordings will celebrate the ACM Awards’ 50-year history and will feature two discs as well as a digital collection of ACM award-winning songs. The first disc will feature recent contemporary hits while the second will include timeless classics.
The 50th Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast LIVE on Sunday, April 19 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Television Network. All of the Academy’s proceeds from sales of the album will go to ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.
The complete track listing for NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years includes:
DISC ONE (1990-2015)
1. Jason Aldean (with Luke Bryan & Eric Church) “The Only Way I Know” (2012)
2. Lee Brice “I Drive Your Truck” (2012)
3. Luke Bryan “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” (2011)
4. Blake Shelton “Honey Bee” (2011)
5. Taylor Swift “Mean” (2010)
6. Lady Antebellum “Need You Now” (2010)
7. Miranda Lambert “The House That Built Me” (2009)
8. Brad Paisley & Keith Urban “Start A Band” (2008)
9. Reba & Kelly Clarkson “Because of You” (2007)
10. George Strait “Give It Away” (2006)
11. Carrie Underwood “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (2005)
12. Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying” (2004)
13. Kenny Chesney “The Good Stuff” (2002)
14. Lee Ann Womack “I Hope You Dance” (2000)
15. Faith Hill “This Kiss” (1998)
16. Alan Jackson “Chattahoochee” (1993)
17. Brooks & Dunn “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” (1991)
DISC TWO (1965-1989)
1. Clint Black “Better Man” (1989)
2. Hank Williams Jr. “There’s a Tear in My Beer” (1989)
3. Randy Travis “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987)
4. The Highwaymen “Highwayman” (1985)
5. The Judds “Why Not Me” (1984)
6. Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers “Islands in the Stream” (1983)
7. Willie Nelson “Always on My Mind” (1982)
8. Alabama “Love in the First Degree” (1981)
9. The Oak Ridge Boys “Elvira” (1981)
10. David Frizzell & Shelly West “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” (1980)
11. George Jones “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (1980)
12. Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Bros. “All the Gold in California” (1979)
13. Don Williams “Tulsa Time” (1978)
14. Glen Campbell “Rhinestone Cowboy” (1975)
15. Charlie Rich “Behind Closed Doors” (1973)
16. Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty “Lead Me On” (1971)
17. Merle Haggard “Okie From Muskogee” (1969)
Meghan Trainor To Be Honored During Music Biz 2015 Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonMeghan Trainor
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will honor pop singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor with the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award at the Music Biz 2015 Awards Luncheon on May 14 at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville.
Prior to achieving success with her album Title, and its singles “All About That Bass” and “Lips Are Movin,” Trainor came to Nashville after scoring a publishing deal at the age of 17. While there, she co-wrote tracks for major acts such as Rascal Flatts and Hunter Hayes before breaking through on her own after deciding to record “All About That Bass” herself.
“Many people think Meghan was an overnight success, but she has actually been working in the music business for several years, a lot of that time in Nashville,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “Now, we’re thrilled to recognize her incredible talent in the city where her songwriting kicked into high gear.”
Music Biz 2015 will be held in Nashville for the first time on May 12-14. The event allows the industry’s commerce and content sectors a place to network with trading partners, learn about new trends and products impacting the business, and to network with new companies.
For more information, visit musicbiz2015.com.
Apple To Replace Radios in 40+ Car Models By 2016
/by Eric T. ParkerEvery major automaker is expected to deliver the infotainment center, which would be capable of projecting Apple CarPlay software from an iOS device to a car’s dashboard screen, or a Google-user’s home screen with Android Auto software.
Expectedly, apps potentially hazardous to driving are unavailable. Those available include audio (and streaming services), messages (read out loud), Siri, Apple Maps on iOS (Google Map will reportedly not be compatible with Siri). Aftermarket receivers (g.e. Pioneer and Alpine) are currently on the market to upgrade many current models.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is expected to be one of the first models to adopt the technologies, although not available as of yet. In the company’s beta iOS 8.3 release for developers yesterday, CarPlay is said to be the most pronounced upgrade.
Additionally, Apple’s spring reveal included two sizes of Apple Watches (available April 24), an unbundled HBO subscription (exclusive to Apple, available early April), a 12-inch retina display MacBook, and an update for ApplePay (2,500 card-issuing banks now accepting, with a triple in businesses where accepted).
Apple stock peaked yesterday around $129 per share after opening at $127 and closing around $125, where it is currently trading.
MusicRowLife: Songwriter Dallas Davidson, Wife Natalia Welcome Son
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Natalia, Dallas and their son Dallas Gerald Davidson, Jr.
Courtesy: Davidson family
Hit songwriter Dallas Davidson and wife Natalia welcomed their first child, son Dallas Gerald Davidson, Jr., on Wednesday, Feb 25.
Davidson, Jr., weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
“I’ve always wanted children,” says Davidson. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted a son. I have the greatest wife – and now mother – and a beautiful healthy boy. This is what life is all about. I feel like I’m floating on clouds right now. I’m as happy as I’ve ever been. God is great. I’m blessed beyond my wildest dreams.”
Davidson has earned numerous chart-topping songs for artists including Lady Antebellum, Lee Brice, Billy Currington, Randy Houser, Luke Bryan, and others.
He married Australian singer-songwriter Natalia Starzynski in 2014. Starzynski also signed with Warner/Chappell Music Nashville in early 2014, and was a member of ASCAP’s GPS Class of 2013, a program intended to develop Nashville’s most promising unsigned writers alongside members of the publishing community.
Country2Country Festival Wraps Another Successful Year
/by Sarah SkatesCMA Songwriters Series on Friday, March 6, 2015 at indigo at The O2 in London as part of C2C (L-R): Butch Spyridon, Pres. of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corps.; Milly Olykan, Sr. Event Producer of AEG London and CMA Board member; Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA; Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann of Striking Matches; Sam Palladio; Jon Randall; Jessi Alexander; Kix Brooks; and John Esposito, Pres./CEO of Warner Music Nashville and CMA Board President.
The 2015 C2C, Country 2 Country Festival, the U.K.’s largest country music festival, was a success again this year. Concerts were held Feb. 28 and March 1 in Oslo and Stockholm, and March 7 and 8 in London and Dublin, featuring performances from the biggest names in country music, alongside emerging artists from the U.K. and Europe.
The third C2C London event, presented by AEG Europe and SJM Concerts in association with the Country Music Association, attracted more than 30,000 fans.
C2C featured performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Brandy Clark, Florida Georgia Line, Brantley Gilbert, Lady Antebellum, Kip Moore, Lee Ann Womack and many others.
The London events kicked off with a special presentation of the CMA Songwriters Series Friday night at indigo at The O2. Presented in partnership with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. (NCVC), the evening was hosted by Kix Brooks with Jessi Alexander, Clark, Nashville cast member Sam Palladio, and Jon Randall. Due to their overwhelming success at last year’s CMA Songwriters Series at C2C, Striking Matches was invited to join the show as special surprise guests.
CMA also hosted meetings and receptions that brought together international executives to discuss all things country music, including a CMA Executive Strategy Session with the CMA U.K. Advisory Council.
Photos: Anthony D’Angio / CMA
BBC Radio’s Mark Hagen (R) interviews Sam Palladio during a “CMA Talk” during C2C Festival Saturday at indigo at The O2 in London.
CMA Songwriters Series on Friday, March 6, 2015 at indigo at The O2 in London as part of C2C. (L-R): Kix Brooks, Brandy Clark, Sam Palladio, Jessi Alexander, and Jon Randall perform during the CMA Songwriters Series at indigo at The O2 Friday in London.
‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ Lands New Lead Music Booker
/by Jessica NicholsonJulie Gurovitsch
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will soon get a new lead music booker, MusicRow has confirmed. Julie Gurovitsch, coordinating music producer for NBC’s Today, will begin her new role as lead music booker next month.
The Tonight Show role was previously held by Jonathan Cohen, who left last month.
After starting at Today in 2014, Gurovitsch oversaw 24 bookings for Today‘s Toyota Summer Concert series. The program included artists Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes, Kenny Chesney, and Lady Antebellum, alongside artists including Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Counting Crows, Usher, and more.
Entertainment Law Practice Leavens, Strand & Glover Opens Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonLSG’s clients include Pitchfork Media, Inc., The Windish Agency, Second City Communications, Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions, Leo Burnett, Telepictures, and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, among others.
Frankel also represents Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog Music songwriter-producer Chris Gelbuda, who co-wrote and produced two tracks on Meghan Trainor’s debut project, Title.
Leavens has worked on the PBS series Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis, and served as General Counsel for MusicNow and Platinum Entertainment. He also served as executive producer for several House of Blues Essential recordings, and authored the ABA-published Music Law for the General Practitioner.
In his pre-law career, Strand was a full-time touring musician and recorded two albums for RCA/Millennium Records. Strand was recently named one of the top 50 music lawyers in the country by Billboard Magazine and ranked by Super Lawyers as one of the Illinois Top 100 lawyers.
Glover previously served as General Counsel for Chicago public television station WTTW and its radio station WFMT, and now serves as outside counsel to the stations. He heads the firm’s film and television, sweepstakes, and advertising practice. His clients also include motion picture studios, television and film production companies, Broadway producers, advertising agencies, musicians and writers.
“I am thrilled to join my longtime colleagues in music and entertainment law, Leavens, Strand & Glover,” said Frankel. “The new Nashville office will give us the opportunity to better service existing clients and build on our strong relationships in Music City and beyond.”
“This is an exciting time for our firm,” said Leavens. “Thanks to Hillel, we are building on our decades of music and entertainment law experience in Chicago and planting seeds in major music markets around the country.”
The attorneys at Leavens, Strand & Glover have been listed in the Billboard Top 50 Music Lawyers and the US News and World Report Best Law Firms of 2015. They have been featured panelists and moderators at conferences including SXSW, the Winter Music Conference, the Yellow Phone Music Conference, and the Chicago Music Summit, and have served in leadership positions for The Recording Academy, the American Bar Association Forum on the Entertainment & Sports Industries, and Lawyers for the Creative Arts.
For more information, visit www.lsglegal.com.
LifeNotes: Country Songwriting Great Wayne Kemp Passes
/by Robert K OermannWayne Kemp
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Wayne Kemp, who wrote hits for such superstars as George Strait, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty and George Jones, died Monday morning, March 9, in Lafayette, Tenn.
Kemp, who was 74, had multiple ailments and was on kidney dialysis at the time of his passing. He was a native of Greenwood, Ark. As a youth, he was an auto racer.
He first rose to prominence in Music City as the writer of the 1965 George Jones hit “Love Bug.” His “Feelin’ Single, Seein’ Double” was recorded by both Jones and Emmylou Harris. Conway Twitty took Kemp’s “Next in Line” to No. 1 on the country charts in 1968, scored with the songwriter’s “The Image of Me” that same year and also hit with “Darling You Know I Wouldn’t Lie” (1969) and “That’s When She Started to Stop Loving You” (1970). Johnny Cash took Kemp’s “One Piece at at Time” to the top of the charts in 1976. Johnny Paycheck’s 1977 “outlaw” tune “I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised)” was also a Wayne Kemp creation.
Kemp continued to write big hits in the 1980s and 1990s, including “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” (Ricky Van Shelton, 1988), “The Fireman” (George Strait, 1985), a remake of “Love Bug” (George Strait, 1994), “Tell Ole I Ain’t Here He Better Get on Home” (Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley, 1980) and “Who’ll Turn Out the Lights in Your World Tonight” (Mel Street, 1980). Strait also recorded Kemp’s “I Should Have Watched That First Step,” “Haven’t You Heard,” “Hot Burning Flames,” “That’s Where My Baby Feels at Home,” “She Knows When You’re on My Mind” and “Won’t You Come Home and Talk to a Stranger.”
Others who recorded his songs include Faron Young, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams Jr., Ronnie McDowell, Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn, Jack Greene, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Walker, David Allan Coe, Mickey Gilley, Elvis Costello, Michelle Shocked, Tom Petty, Charley Pride, Doug Sahm and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
Kemp was also a recording artist. Between 1969 and 1986, he placed 24 singles on the country charts. His biggest hit as a singer was 1973’s “Honky Tonk Wine.” He recorded for Decca, MCA, United Artists, Mercury and Door Knob.
He died at Macon County General Hospital. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson & Sons Funeral Home in Lafayette, TN. Kemp is survived by wife Patsy, son Robert, daughters Paula Hosale and Natalie Hudgins, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a brother and six sisters.
Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, 10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. with graveside services to follow at 2 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Park.
His medical bills are substantial. The family would welcome contributions c/o Anderson & Sons Funeral Home, 997 Highway 52, Bypass East, Lafayette, TN 37083.