Kenny Chesney’s ‘American Kids’ Goes Platinum
At San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium recently for the first stadium date of his The Big Revival Tour, Kenny Chesney was presented with an RIAA Platinum plaque for his chart-topping smash, “American Kids,” from his album, The Big Revival.
Pictured (L-R): Morris Higham Management’s Kyle Quiqley; Sony Music Nashville Director, Marketing, Rachel Fontenot and VP, Sales, Caryl Healey; Kenny Chesney; Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP Marketing, Paul Barnabee and Director, Digital Sales, Alaina Vehec. Photo: Jill Trunnell
LOCASH Celebrates Signature Wine Line
Reviver Records duo LOCASH recently celebrated their new signature wine line with an industry party at a private home in Brentwood. The signature line is in partnership with Stonum Vineyards of Lodi, Calif.
Pictured (L-R), Lower front row: Kaitlyn Lucas, Chris Lucas (LOCASH), Kristen White, Preston Brust (LOCASH), Butch Waugh, Belinda Waugh, Skip Bishop. Middle: Jon Ozor (Stonum Vineyards), Rhonda Ozor. Top: Ken Little, Julie Little, Kelly Ziegenfuss (Reviver), Lucas Hoge (Reviver artist), Laura Lynn, Jennifer Ross, David Ross (Reviver).
Razor & Tie Music Publishing Adds Creative Coordinator
Jennifer Duke
Razor & Tie Music Publishing has hired Jennifer Duke as Creative Coordinator. The recent Belmont University graduate assisted Razor & Tie Music Publishing with organizing their week-long film/tv/sync camp, which included approximately 75 producers, artists and writers last year.
“Jennifer has already demonstrated a high level of skill, as she worked part-time for the company while wrapping up her degree. We couldn’t wait to bring her on full-time. I’m thrilled we scooped her up before someone else did!” said Vice President of Creative, Brad Kennard.
Producer Butch Walker Launches Autumn Leaves Project
Producer and artist Butch Walker has partnered with Nashville-based non-profit organization The Nikki Mitchell Foundation to launch the Autumn Leaves Project in an effort to fight pancreatic cancer. Founded in honor of Walker’s late father, Butch Walker Sr., the Autumn Leaves Project will work in conjunction with the Nikki Mitchell Foundation to support individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer, especially artists and musicians who do not have access to proper healthcare.
“Pancreatic cancer doesn’t give you a chance to reconcile with it, doesn’t let you make plans sometimes, or prepare for the ending it just usually sneaks up on you and gives you no warning until it’s too late. We need better programs for pre-screening. We need more affordable alternatives to the methods and drugs that are out there to cope once it’s diagnosed, and most importantly, we’ve got to find a cure for it,” states Walker.
For more information, visit autumnleavesproject.org.
Belmont, ASCAP Honor Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn
/by Jessica NicholsonBen Vaughn is honored with the Belmont University Music City Milestone Award. Photo: Andrea Hallgren
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, alongside industry partner ASCAP, honored alumnus Ben Vaughn as the sixth recipient of the Music City Milestone Award (MCMA).
The MCMA celebrates Belmont’s connection with Music Row while recognizing a Belmont graduate who has achieved success in the entertainment and music industries early in their career. Previous Music City Milestone Award recipients include Beka Tischker, Ashley Gorley, Rusty Gaston, LeAnn Phelan and Carla Wallace.
“Ben does not like attention put on him… But well-deserved to celebrate his journey and impact on the music industry with his family, friends and peers,” said ASCAP’s Michael Martin.
Curb College Dean Doug Howard added, “Ben is a committed family man, an amazing publisher, a true visionary, a friend to songwriters and artists and a valued partner of the Curb College.”
Among those on hand to honor Vaughn were producer and EVP of A&R at Warner Music Scott Hendricks, former Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton and Jon Platt, president of the North American division of Warner/Chappell.
Ben Vaughn with Scott Hendricks. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Gary Overton, Ben Vaughn, and Tom Luteran. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Jon Platt. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Belmont University’s Sarah Cates with Ben Vaughn. Photo: Andrea Hallgren, Belmont University Photographer.
Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Mickey Guyton, Rissi Palmer
/by Troy_StephensonPaisley’s New Video Crushes It
Brad Paisley has released an animated video for his current single “Crushin’ It.” The parody video depicts a country music super hero and includes other country stars including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and more. Paisley completely hand drew the video.
Mickey Guyton Preps EP For Capitol Records Nashville
Guyton will head out on tour with Brad Paisley this summer on his Crushin’ It World Tour, which kicks off May 15 in Philadelphia.
Rissi Palmer To Release Five-Song EP
The project includes original songs penned by Rissi and was produced by Drew Ramsey (India.Arie, Jonny Lang), and Shannon Sanders (Randy Travis, John Legend). The Back Porch Sessions includes the project’s first single “Sweet, Sweet Lovin’,” along with “Well Enough Alone” “Summerville,” “Anything But Yours,” and “Love On You.”
For more information, visit rissipalmermusic.com.
Grand Ole Opry Slates CMA Fest Lineup
/by Eric T. ParkerThe music is set to kick off earlier in the afternoon with a free Opry Plaza Party presented by Humana featuring Tyler Farr and Mo Pitney.
Additional Opry fun will happen later in the week with performers Joe Diffie, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Mickey Gilley, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Clare Bowen, and Mel Tillis.
Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows through Dec. 15. Tickets and information are available at 800-SEE-OPRY and opry.com.
Americana Honors & Awards Nominations To Be Revealed May 14
/by Jessica NicholsonThe awards nominations will take place beginning at 1 p.m. CT, and will be streamed live at musiccityroots.com.
The nominations event will include music from reigning Americana Duo/Group of the Year The Milk Carton Kids, alongside special guests John Hiatt, Nikki Lane, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn.
The Americana Honors & Awards will be held Sept. 16, 2015 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Lady Antebellum Announces CMT Music Awards Noms Tomorrow
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum
Fans will find out which of their favorite country superstars are nominated for a buckle at this year’s 2015 CMT Country Music Awards when Lady Antebellum kicks off the nominations announcement live on Wednesday, May 13 during the 8 a.m. EST hour of the Today show. The trio will perform their new single “Long Stretch of Love,” announce the nominees for Female Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year on-air, and reveal the Video of the Year nominees at Today.com.
Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood will also announce Best Group Video of the Year and Breakthrough Video of the Year respectively on their social media accounts Wednesday morning. Additional categories will be unveiled with the help of Nashville locals via photos taken from iconic areas around Music City and posted on CMT’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms.
All categories will be announced by 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT.
Arista Nashville’s Logan Mize to Release 5-Song EP
/by Eric T. ParkerSelf-produced with Jim Catino and Ryan Gore, the EP was entirely co-written by Mize, including his current single, “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time.”
Coinciding with the release, CMT will air the world premiere of the new music video for the single, directed by Darrin Dickerson and produced by David B. Stevens for Ghostwater Films.
Online now, at PawnShopGuitarEP.com, fans can RSVP for a chance to win a party package, including the EP, an Igloo Party Bar, custom Logan Mize koozies, and a Big Green Egg.
Track listing for Pawn Shop Guitar – EP:
1. “Thank God for You” (Logan Mize/Blake Chaffin/Jon McElroy/Randy Montana)
2. “El Camino” (Mize/Chaffin)
3. “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time” (Mize/Kelly Archer/Chaffin)
4. “Better Off” (Mize/Casey Beathard)
5. “What I Love About You” (Mize/Beathard)
‘ACM Presents: Superstar Duets’ Set To Air May 15
/by Jessica NicholsonCole Swindell and Alan Jackson
A star-studded lineup will share several never-before-seen collaborations during the CBS premiere of ACM Presents: Superstar Duets. The concert will air Friday, May 15 at 9 p.m. ET, and was previously taped during the 3rd Annual Party for a Cause on April 17 & 18 at Arlington, Texas’ Globe Life Park.
The two-hour special will feature performances by John Anderson & Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley & Ashley Monroe & Kip Moore, Clint Black & Joe Nichols, ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan & Ronnie Milsap, Deana Carter & The Band Perry, Brandy Clark & Lady Antebellum, Brett Eldredge & Hunter Hayes, Sara Evans & Darius Rucker, Sam Hunt & Dwight Yoakam, Alan Jackson & New Artist of the Year Cole Swindell, Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert & Patty Loveless, Reba & Brooks & Dunn, Alabama & Eli Young Band along with special performances including a tribute to George Jones by Kenny Chesney, a military tribute performance by Brantley Gilbert, and a performance by Jake Owen dedicated to Stand Up To Cancer.
Ronnie Milsap and Luke Bryan
Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, LOCASH, Razor & Tie, Butch Walker
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney’s ‘American Kids’ Goes Platinum
At San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium recently for the first stadium date of his The Big Revival Tour, Kenny Chesney was presented with an RIAA Platinum plaque for his chart-topping smash, “American Kids,” from his album, The Big Revival.
Pictured (L-R): Morris Higham Management’s Kyle Quiqley; Sony Music Nashville Director, Marketing, Rachel Fontenot and VP, Sales, Caryl Healey; Kenny Chesney; Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP Marketing, Paul Barnabee and Director, Digital Sales, Alaina Vehec. Photo: Jill Trunnell
LOCASH Celebrates Signature Wine Line
Reviver Records duo LOCASH recently celebrated their new signature wine line with an industry party at a private home in Brentwood. The signature line is in partnership with Stonum Vineyards of Lodi, Calif.
Pictured (L-R), Lower front row: Kaitlyn Lucas, Chris Lucas (LOCASH), Kristen White, Preston Brust (LOCASH), Butch Waugh, Belinda Waugh, Skip Bishop. Middle: Jon Ozor (Stonum Vineyards), Rhonda Ozor. Top: Ken Little, Julie Little, Kelly Ziegenfuss (Reviver), Lucas Hoge (Reviver artist), Laura Lynn, Jennifer Ross, David Ross (Reviver).
Razor & Tie Music Publishing Adds Creative Coordinator
Jennifer Duke
Razor & Tie Music Publishing has hired Jennifer Duke as Creative Coordinator. The recent Belmont University graduate assisted Razor & Tie Music Publishing with organizing their week-long film/tv/sync camp, which included approximately 75 producers, artists and writers last year.
“Jennifer has already demonstrated a high level of skill, as she worked part-time for the company while wrapping up her degree. We couldn’t wait to bring her on full-time. I’m thrilled we scooped her up before someone else did!” said Vice President of Creative, Brad Kennard.
Producer Butch Walker Launches Autumn Leaves Project
“Pancreatic cancer doesn’t give you a chance to reconcile with it, doesn’t let you make plans sometimes, or prepare for the ending it just usually sneaks up on you and gives you no warning until it’s too late. We need better programs for pre-screening. We need more affordable alternatives to the methods and drugs that are out there to cope once it’s diagnosed, and most importantly, we’ve got to find a cure for it,” states Walker.
For more information, visit autumnleavesproject.org.
LifeNotes: Former UMGN Exec Michael Deputato Passes
/by Sherod RobertsonPictured: Michael Deputato with wife and daughter
Industry executive Michael Deputato passed away early Saturday morning, May 9, at home surrounded by his family.
“Always positive, caring, selfless, and soulful, Michael’s courageous battle with brain cancer, for the second time, has come to an end” was shared on his Gofundme page.
A member of the committee for the first Leadership Music Digital Summit in 2005 as well as a Leadership Music alum (2006), Michael served as VP, New Media, at Universal Music Group Nashville at that time. After working for UMGN for eight years, Deputato moved to New York in 2012 and joined Bravado International Group as VP, Direct To Consumer Services. He built a reputation as a pioneer in the digital space and a respected marketing expert.
Deputato is survived by his widow, Milenka, and a daughter, Alyssa.
Viewing is Tuesday, May 12, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jorge Rivera Funeral Home, 4543 Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen, N.J.. The funeral will be held the morning of May 13, time TBD, at Saint Joseph’s of the Palisades in West New York, N.J. (Palisades Ave and 65th St.). Flowers can be sent directly to St. Joseph’s, donations can be made here.
NBC Announces Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat Of Many Colors’ Movie
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Bob Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment; Dolly Parton; Sam Haskell, President, Magnolia Hill Entertainment through Warner Brothers Television,; Danny Nozell, CTK Management.
NBC announced this morning (May 11) the first original movie under its development deal with Dolly Parton. Coat of Many Colors is named after her 1971 track and will be based on the singer’s childhood. The movie will be part of NBC’s event programming for next season.
NBC and Parton announced a deal in January that will produce a series of standalone TV movies based on Parton’s songs, stories and life.
Parton will serve as executive producer for Coat of Many Colors and will possibly appear in some future productions.