Jim Ed Brown and The Browns (seated, L-R) Bonnie, Jim Ed, and Maxine Brown) and The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R): Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Joe Bonsall) are the newest inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Grady Martin will be inducted posthumously. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Grady Martin, Jim Ed Brown and The Browns, and The Oak Ridge Boys are set to become the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. During a presentation given by the Country Music Association at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Rotunda this morning (March 25), the new inductees for 2015 were announced.
The event was hosted by Brenda Lee.
Joshua Martin speaks on behalf of his father, Grady Martin, who was announced as the newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Guitarist Grady Martin was part of Nashville’s A-Team, which helped define Nashville music during the Nashville Sound era. Martin will be inducted in the Musician category. By the age of 20, he had appeared on his first recording session, joined the Opry house band, and already hit the road several times. Over the next decade he would become one of Country Music’s most sought after live performers and held positions in the bands of western swing star Paul Howard, the Bailes Brothers, Little Jimmy Dickens, and led Red Foley’s band on ABC-TV’s “Ozark Jubilee.”
He performed on Marty Robbin’s “El Paso,” Willie Nelson’s “On The Road,” Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman,” among many others. Martin passed way in 2001 at age 72.
Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy and CMA Board Chairman; Kyle Young, Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jim Ed Brown; Maxine Brown; Bonnie Brown; The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys; Joshua Martin; Shane McAnally, CMA Awards & Recognition Committee Vice Chairman; Steve Buchanan, President of Opry Entertainment Group and CMA Board member. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
The Veteran Era inductees this year are Jim Ed Brown and The Browns. Jim Ed and sisters Maxine and Bonnie rose to fame in the 1950s. Their song “Looking Back to See” became a No. 8 hit on Billboard‘s Country chart. They signed with RCA Records in 1955, working with Chet Atkins, and recording 250 sides for the label. The 1959 song “The Three Bells” topped the pop and Country charts, and rose to No. 10 on the R&B charts. The success of “The Three Bells” and following hits like “The Old Lamplighter” earned them performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and The Perry Como Show. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963, and disbanded in 1967 when Maxine and Bonnie chose to retire to raise their families.
Jim Ed followed with a solo career in the 1960s and 1970s, with songs including “Pop A Top,” “Southern Lovin’,” and more.
Jim Ed Brown and The Browns (Maxine, left, and Bonnie) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
“This is an honor. I can’t wait to see our picture hanging up here in bronze,” said Bonnie.
“This is one of the biggest thrills I’ve had in my life,” said Maxine. “We never stopped dreaming the dream. We endured all those hardships because of our love of country music and our love of the artists. A hit record and awards don’t mean very much. They last about a year, but this award from the CMA will last a lifetime and we’re so proud of this.”
Jim Brown recently released the album In Style Again, on Plowboy Records.
The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R: Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Modern Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Modern Era category inductees for 2015 are The Oak Ridge Boys. They earned their first No. 1 in 1978, and have sung harmonies for Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, Bill Monroe, and others. Their biggest hit came in 1981 with “Elvira,” followed by “Bobby Sue,” and “Trying To Love Two Women,” “Beautiful You,” “Fancy Free,” “Make My Life With You,” and others. “American Made” became a classic ad jingle.
They have released 40 albums, and sold in excess of 41 million copies.
“Thank you for deeming us worthy of the most prestigious honor to be bestowed on the Oak Ridge Boys,” said Joe Bonsall. “Thank you for your love and support.”
They thanked longtime manager, Jim Halsey, who they called “our godfather.”
“I’m not turning in my singing britches until we see how that goes,” said William Lee Golden. “Thank you, it’s been a great ride and hopefully it’s not nearly over.”
The inductions will take place during a medallion ceremony to be held later this year. With that induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame will have 127 members.
Want In Leadership Music? Deadline Is March 31
/by Sherod RobertsonApplications from established industry leaders will be accepted on-line here until 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2015. Those who are accepted to the program will be notified in late May. Leadership Music, now in its 26th year, is an eight-month leadership education program in Nashville, Tennessee.
The program for this year’s class begins in September and is designed to create understanding among music industry professionals and promote teamwork. Accepted participants are required to attend an orientation, all-day sessions once a month on Fridays, plus opening and closing retreats during the program.
Celebration Of Life Planned For Studio Owner Asa Albert Jolson
/by Troy_StephensonThe celebration of life is planned in Nashville for April 7 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the old Masterlink Studio Tracking Room 114 17th Ave South.
Known to family and friends as “Jolie,” he moved to Nashville in the 1980s, where he studied sound engineering at Belmont University.
Jolson created Al Jolson Enterprises and shortly thereafter opened a recording studio and music publishing business. In 1988, he purchased Masterlink Studio on Nashville’s Music Row.
Jolson expanded his recording business duplicating audio cassettes and later compact discs. After he retired, he sold his company in 2012.
He was the son of the late Al Jolson & Erle Galbraith Jolson Krasna. Mr. Jolson is survived by a daughter, Katharine; one granddaughter, two sisters & one brother. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn in Hollywood.
In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation can be made to:
Nashville Engineer Relief Fund
PO Box 128191
Nashville Tn 37212
Industry Pics: Nash Bash in New York, Lady A in Washington, D.C.
/by Jessica NicholsonLady Antebellum Advocates for Songwriters, Earns NMPA Honor
Lady Antebellum visited Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for songwriters. They performed and spoke about songwriting before a packed house on the famed 101 Constitution rooftop terrace which faces the U.S. Capitol and sang their hits including “Need You Now.”
In attendance were Senator John Thune, Senator Jeff Flake, Rep. Doug Collins, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. John Conyers and Rep. Louie Gohmert, among many others. The trio also met with lawmakers before the performance to discuss the difficulties songwriters face in the digital age.
ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews, ASCAP President Paul Williams, NMPA CEO David Israelite, NMPA General Counsel Danielle Aguirre, RIAA Chairman Cary Sherman, GRAMMY Association Chief Advocacy Officer Daryl Friedman, and many other Capitol Hill staffers were in attendance.
Lady Antebellum performs in Washington, D.C.
The trio was also honored with the National Music Publishers Association’s Icon Award for their contributions to songwriting and advocacy for the industry.
Pictured (L-R): Lady A’s Charles Kelly, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and NMPA CEO David Israelite.
Nash FM 94.7 Hosts Nash Bash in New York
Warner Music Nashville artists and execs attended NASH FM 94.7’s NASH BASH this week at Barclays Center in New York.
Pictured (L-R): Mike Gossin (Gloriana), Michael Ray, Brian Thomas (Corporate PD and PD of Country WNSH), Kevin Herring (SVP, Promotion), John Esposito (President & CEO, WMN), Rachel Reinert (Gloriana), Diane Monk Harrison (NE/MW Regional Manager, WEA), Cole Swindell, Chad Schultz (National Dir., Radio & Interactive Marketing), John Kilgo (VP of Label Relations, Cumulus Media), Tom Gossin (Gloriana).
Top Tier Entertainers To Be Honored with ACM Milestone Award
/by Eric T. ParkerThe award recognizes artists that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music by accomplishing milestones unique to the Academy of Country Music, voted on by the ACM Board of Directors.
The ACM and dick clark productions announced the seven honorees, who will each receive an exclusive trophy, commissioned by designer David Yurman. Crafted in America by master silversmiths and sculpted out of more than 1,000 grams of sterling silver on a zinc base, the trophy reflects the signature cable motif, and the hat is edged with 4.16 carats of black diamonds while the band boasts 18k gold. Topping off the statue is black onyx carved in the shape of David’s signature Albion gemstone, with the numeral 50 inlaid in 18k gold. Each winner’s name will be engraved in a sterling silver plate.
“The history of the ACM Awards and country music would not be the same without the incredible achievements by these seven superstars,” said Bob Romeo, CEO for the Academy of Country Music.
The presentation will take place during the 50th ACM Awards in Arlington, TX April 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET, extended a half an hour in celebration of the golden anniversary. The ceremony, co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, will be broadcast LIVE on CBS. Limited view tickets for the 50th ACM Awards are available at ticketmaster.com.
Watch a video featuring Yurman and the making of the trophy below.
Country Music Hall of Fame Announces New Inductees
/by Jessica NicholsonJim Ed Brown and The Browns (seated, L-R) Bonnie, Jim Ed, and Maxine Brown) and The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R): Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Joe Bonsall) are the newest inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Grady Martin will be inducted posthumously. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Grady Martin, Jim Ed Brown and The Browns, and The Oak Ridge Boys are set to become the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. During a presentation given by the Country Music Association at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Rotunda this morning (March 25), the new inductees for 2015 were announced.
The event was hosted by Brenda Lee.
Joshua Martin speaks on behalf of his father, Grady Martin, who was announced as the newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Guitarist Grady Martin was part of Nashville’s A-Team, which helped define Nashville music during the Nashville Sound era. Martin will be inducted in the Musician category. By the age of 20, he had appeared on his first recording session, joined the Opry house band, and already hit the road several times. Over the next decade he would become one of Country Music’s most sought after live performers and held positions in the bands of western swing star Paul Howard, the Bailes Brothers, Little Jimmy Dickens, and led Red Foley’s band on ABC-TV’s “Ozark Jubilee.”
He performed on Marty Robbin’s “El Paso,” Willie Nelson’s “On The Road,” Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman,” among many others. Martin passed way in 2001 at age 72.
Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chairman of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy and CMA Board Chairman; Kyle Young, Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Jim Ed Brown; Maxine Brown; Bonnie Brown; The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban of The Oak Ridge Boys; Joshua Martin; Shane McAnally, CMA Awards & Recognition Committee Vice Chairman; Steve Buchanan, President of Opry Entertainment Group and CMA Board member. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
The Veteran Era inductees this year are Jim Ed Brown and The Browns. Jim Ed and sisters Maxine and Bonnie rose to fame in the 1950s. Their song “Looking Back to See” became a No. 8 hit on Billboard‘s Country chart. They signed with RCA Records in 1955, working with Chet Atkins, and recording 250 sides for the label. The 1959 song “The Three Bells” topped the pop and Country charts, and rose to No. 10 on the R&B charts. The success of “The Three Bells” and following hits like “The Old Lamplighter” earned them performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and The Perry Como Show. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963, and disbanded in 1967 when Maxine and Bonnie chose to retire to raise their families.
Jim Ed followed with a solo career in the 1960s and 1970s, with songs including “Pop A Top,” “Southern Lovin’,” and more.
Jim Ed Brown and The Browns (Maxine, left, and Bonnie) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
“This is an honor. I can’t wait to see our picture hanging up here in bronze,” said Bonnie.
“This is one of the biggest thrills I’ve had in my life,” said Maxine. “We never stopped dreaming the dream. We endured all those hardships because of our love of country music and our love of the artists. A hit record and awards don’t mean very much. They last about a year, but this award from the CMA will last a lifetime and we’re so proud of this.”
Jim Brown recently released the album In Style Again, on Plowboy Records.
The Oak Ridge Boys (L-R: Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen, and William Lee Golden) are announced as the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Modern Era Artist” category. Photo: Alan Poizner / CMA
Modern Era category inductees for 2015 are The Oak Ridge Boys. They earned their first No. 1 in 1978, and have sung harmonies for Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, Bill Monroe, and others. Their biggest hit came in 1981 with “Elvira,” followed by “Bobby Sue,” and “Trying To Love Two Women,” “Beautiful You,” “Fancy Free,” “Make My Life With You,” and others. “American Made” became a classic ad jingle.
They have released 40 albums, and sold in excess of 41 million copies.
“Thank you for deeming us worthy of the most prestigious honor to be bestowed on the Oak Ridge Boys,” said Joe Bonsall. “Thank you for your love and support.”
They thanked longtime manager, Jim Halsey, who they called “our godfather.”
“I’m not turning in my singing britches until we see how that goes,” said William Lee Golden. “Thank you, it’s been a great ride and hopefully it’s not nearly over.”
The inductions will take place during a medallion ceremony to be held later this year. With that induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame will have 127 members.
MusicRowPics: Rising Women On The Row
/by Kelsey_GradyMusicRow honored five music industry superstars yesterday (March 24) during its annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast, held at the Omni Nashville.
The event saluted ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Loeb & Loeb’s Tiffany Dunn, UMG Nashville’s Dawn Gates, Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jensen Sussman, and Tri-Star Sports and Entertainment’s Lou Taylor.
The morning also included an interview with CMT executive Leslie Fram, and a performance by rising 10-year-old singer-songwriter Emi Sunshine.
Read all about it in Bobby Karl’s recap.
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson welcomes the crowd. Photo: Moments By Moser
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson welcomes performer Emi Sunshine to the stage. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): L-R): MusicRow‘s Sarah Skates with Rising Women on the Row honorees Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman and Lou Taylor, and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser.
CMT’s Leslie Fram and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser.
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Skates, Jensen Sussman, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Skates, Kele Currier, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
CMT’s Leslie Fram speaks with MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Guests enjoy breakfast before the event begins. Photo: Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Skates, Tiffany Dunn, Sherod Robertson. Photo: Moments By Moser
Emi Sunshine Performs. Photo: Moments By Moser
Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jensen Sussman. Photo: Moments By Moser
Tri-Star Sports and Entertainment’s Lou Taylor. Photo: Moments By Moser
UMG Nashville’s Dawn Gates. Photo: Moments By Moser
ASCAP’s Kele Currier.
Loeb & Loeb’s Tiffany Dunn. Photo: Moments By Moser
Weekly Register: Musgraves Bakes ‘Biscuits,’ Janson Rides ‘Boat’
/by Sarah SkatesTop 5 Country Tracks TW
Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time,” 57K
Zac Brown Band, “Homegrown,” 38K
Cole Swindell, “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” 27K
Little Big Town, “Girl Crush,” 25K
Kacey Musgraves, “Biscuits,” 25K
Hunt used the music video for “Take Your Time” to depict the life of a struggling mother in a bad relationship, instead of a more literal interpretation of the song. The video (below) was directed by Tim Mattia (Cage The Elephant), and the track has sold over 700k downloads.
On the country albums chart, Luke Bryan’s Spring Break…Checkin’ Out stays at No. 1 for a second week with 30K/119K RTD. The top country album debut belongs to Allison Moorer, with 1.6K copies.
Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly debuts at No. 1 on the Top 200, selling 363K (324K album only).
Celebration of Life Set For Al Bunetta
/by Jessica NicholsonAl Bunetta
A celebration of life for Al Bunetta has been set for Tuesday, March 31 at the CMA Theater, located within the Country Music Hall of Fame, in downtown Nashville, Tenn.
Bunetta spent more than 40 years guiding the careers of John Prine and the late Steve Goodman. He died March 22. Bunetta was recently diagnosed with cancer and admitted to Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, where he later died.
Seating for the celebration of life service will begin at 10 a.m., with the service starting promptly at 11 a.m.
Direct entrance to the theater can be found on the Fifth Avenue side of the building (222 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203).
Out-of-town visitors can contact the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel for a special rate of $229 daily for the evenings of Monday (March 30), Tuesday (March 31) and / or Wednesday (April 1). Please reference the ‘Bunetta Family’ special rate when calling (800) 336-3335. Reservations will be taken beginning Wednesday morning (March 25) through Saturday evening (March 28). Room availability is limited.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juri Bunetta Friendship Foundation.
Friends and colleagues of Bunetta can email jon@ohboy.com with any photos of Al to be considered for inclusion at the celebration.
Industry Ink: Southern Crossroads Music, Maggie Rose
/by Eric T. ParkerNew signees to Southern Crossroads include Nashville-based Boo Ray and Allen Thompson. From the UK, Southern Crossroads has signed Max Milligan and new Liverpool-based singer/songwriter, Lauren Davenport.
Milligan will work on production projects with the Southern Crossroads artists, while also writing spots for advertising and film/TV. Ray, Thompson and Davenport are currently working on new material to be released later this year.
“Both Boo Ray and Allen Thompson bring an excellent back catalog into Southern Crossroads and we are looking forward to developing exploitation opportunities for their material moving forward,” said Southern Crossroads Music’s Liam McMellon.
The additions join a current roster of Annie Bosko and Don Gallardo.
Maggie Rose, Play It Again Music Publishing’s Austin Marshall Engaged
Maggie Rose proposed to by Austin Marshall. Photo: Facebook
Maggie Rose, a new Play It Again Music Publishing signee, became engaged to Play It Again Music Publishing‘s EVP Austin Marshall after he popped the question on March 21 at Maryland’s Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. Rose usually sings “River Road” with her bass player Tim Braisted. Rose recalls of the proposal:
HoriPro Signs Songwriter/Vocalist Wes Hightower
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Robin Gordon (Gordon Law Group), Bradley Collins (BMI), Lee Krabel (HoriPro), Butch Baker (HoriPro), Wes Hightower, David Preston (BMI), Courtney Crist (HoriPro), Tim Stehli (BMI), Chris Skinner (Gordon Law Group)
HoriPro has signed 12-time MusicRow All-Star Musician Awards Vocalist of the Year Wes Hightower to a publishing deal.
“We are so happy to welcome Wes back to our family. Some of my favorite songs in our catalog are Wes Hightower songs. And he is one of the most heard voices on projects today,” the company said in a statement.
Hightower, a Texas native, has long been one of Nashville’s most in-demand background vocalists. He has sung on more than 150 million records sold worldwide.
In recent years, Hightower has turned his focus more toward songwriting, with songs recorded by Gary Allan, Montgomery Gentry, Gene Watson, and Sammy Kershaw, among others.