David Fanning performs for MusicRow staff.
David Fanning‘s name and voice might be new to country radio listeners, but his musical work surely isn’t. Fanning has produced three No. 1 hits, including Parmalee‘s “Carolina” and the Thompson Square hits “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You.”
The Tennessee native taught himself to use ProTools at the age of 14. Eight years ago, he moved to Nashville, where he met members of Jason Aldean’s band, including Rich Redmond. “They started working on a project with me at that time, and realized we worked really well together, so we started New Voice Entertainment,” said Fanning. “The first act we signed was Thompson Square.” New Voice Entertainment’s team includes Fanning, Redmond, Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy.
Now, as one of the newest artists signed to Red Bow Records, Fanning is eager to bring his own musical style and voice to the masses. Red Bow Records is also recording home to Joe Nichols, Chase Bryant, and Craig Campbell.
Fanning stopped by the MusicRow office to preview tracks from his own upcoming solo project. The set included “Slow It On Down,” a pop/country confection peppered with spoken word verses, followed by “Crash,” which highlighted Fanning’s smooth vocals.
“Homegrown,” not to be confused with the Zac Brown Band song of the same title, was penned by Fanning four years ago. “It really celebrates being from a small town, small town girls, and the good things that come from living in a town like that,” he says.
He finished with his current single, “Doin’ Country Right,” penned by Jimmy Robbins, Josh Osborne, and Heather Morgan.
“Since we are a production team–four of us total–we filter ideas off each other. It’s not just me in the studio obsessing over the music–though I do,” Fanning says of the recording process with his New Voice Entertainment teammates thus far. “I’ve learned that great songs almost record themselves, you just have to give them a little more flair and it works itself out.”
Fanning already has approximately 15 songs cut, with plans to record four or five additional tracks before he and his team begin winnowing down songs to their final selections. He has managed to balance time in the recording studio and touring with production work on albums for Lindsay Ell and Parmalee’s upcoming album.
“It’s cool to go from doing production stuff to getting to do what I really have always dreamed about doing,” says Fanning. “Red Bow is awesome and it’s been an awesome journey. Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m ready to keep playing and keep going.”
David Fanning with MusicRow staff.
Midnite Jamboree Association Aims To Revive Radio Show
/by Jessica NicholsonThe newly-formed Midnite Jamboree Association aims to help the Midnite Jamboree resume its shows by May 2015 and continue into the future, by raising funds to cover the show’s production costs.
The show, which is free to attendees, typically costs between $2,200 and $2,500 to produce each week, and has been supported financially by the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. However, the rising popularity of streaming services and digital downloads has resulted in dwindling profits for the store, resulting in the show going on hiatus.
The Jamboree has aired on 650 AM WSM since its inception, and broadcasts from the Texas Troubadour Theatre at Nashville’s Music Valley Drive.
The Midnite Jamboree stage was the proving grounds for many legendary artists, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Jim Ed Brown, Steve Wariner and Garth Brooks.
“The Midnite Jamboree is a piece of country music history and I believe it should be preserved, just like any other national treasure,” Ernest Tubb’s nephew and songwriter, Glenn Douglas Tubb, said. “Some friends and I have started a Midnite Jamboree Association which we hope will help pay the weekly costs for keeping this show on the air.”
The Midnite Jamboree Association is offering memberships for a donation of $75. The membership will include an official membership card, a personally signed welcome letter from Glenn Douglas Tubb, and a copy of the Glenn Tubb song “The Midnite Jamboree.” Members also will receive a copy of a Christmas CD recorded by Glenn and his wife, Dottie.
Affiliate memberships also are available for $10. Affiliates will receive a link to their website or social media site, or a banner ad with their name on it on the official website, www.midnitejamboreeassociation.com.
To become a member or an affiliate of the Midnite Jamboree Association, checks or money orders can be sent to The Midnite Jamboree Association, P.O. Box 159326, Nashville, TN 37215.
MusicRowPics: Artist-Producer David Fanning Previews Debut Red Bow Project
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Fanning performs for MusicRow staff.
David Fanning‘s name and voice might be new to country radio listeners, but his musical work surely isn’t. Fanning has produced three No. 1 hits, including Parmalee‘s “Carolina” and the Thompson Square hits “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You.”
The Tennessee native taught himself to use ProTools at the age of 14. Eight years ago, he moved to Nashville, where he met members of Jason Aldean’s band, including Rich Redmond. “They started working on a project with me at that time, and realized we worked really well together, so we started New Voice Entertainment,” said Fanning. “The first act we signed was Thompson Square.” New Voice Entertainment’s team includes Fanning, Redmond, Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy.
Now, as one of the newest artists signed to Red Bow Records, Fanning is eager to bring his own musical style and voice to the masses. Red Bow Records is also recording home to Joe Nichols, Chase Bryant, and Craig Campbell.
Fanning stopped by the MusicRow office to preview tracks from his own upcoming solo project. The set included “Slow It On Down,” a pop/country confection peppered with spoken word verses, followed by “Crash,” which highlighted Fanning’s smooth vocals.
“Homegrown,” not to be confused with the Zac Brown Band song of the same title, was penned by Fanning four years ago. “It really celebrates being from a small town, small town girls, and the good things that come from living in a town like that,” he says.
He finished with his current single, “Doin’ Country Right,” penned by Jimmy Robbins, Josh Osborne, and Heather Morgan.
“Since we are a production team–four of us total–we filter ideas off each other. It’s not just me in the studio obsessing over the music–though I do,” Fanning says of the recording process with his New Voice Entertainment teammates thus far. “I’ve learned that great songs almost record themselves, you just have to give them a little more flair and it works itself out.”
Fanning already has approximately 15 songs cut, with plans to record four or five additional tracks before he and his team begin winnowing down songs to their final selections. He has managed to balance time in the recording studio and touring with production work on albums for Lindsay Ell and Parmalee’s upcoming album.
“It’s cool to go from doing production stuff to getting to do what I really have always dreamed about doing,” says Fanning. “Red Bow is awesome and it’s been an awesome journey. Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m ready to keep playing and keep going.”
David Fanning with MusicRow staff.
Sony Pictures Classics Gains Worldwide Rights To Hank Williams Biopic
/by Jessica NicholsonThe biopic I Saw The Light is based on Escott’s ‘Hank Williams: The Biography.’
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired global rights to the upcoming Hank Williams biopic, I Saw The Light, according to Variety.
No release date has been slated for the project.
Tom Hiddleston stars as Williams in writer/director Marc Abraham‘s project, which began filming in Shreveport, La., in 2014. The biopic is based on Colin Escott‘s biography of the late singer-songwriter and country legend.
Also taking part in I Saw The Light are Elizabeth Olsen, Bradley Whitford, David Krumholtz, and Cherry Jones.
Executive producers include RatPac’s James Packer and Creative Wealth Media Finance’s Jason Cloth. Producers include RatPac Entertainment’s Brett Ratner and Bron Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert, as well as G. Marq Roswell and Abraham.
“All of us at RatPac Entertainment are thrilled that Sony Pictures Classics is distributing I Saw the Light, as Michael and Tom are unparalleled in their marketing and distribution expertise,” Ratner said. “This film is a perfect fit, especially given their passion for country music, and we could not be in better hands.”
Track Listing and Cover Art Revealed for Kelsea Ballerini Debut
/by Eric T. ParkerClosing in on 150k sales, the single has seen 15k+ downloads this week. The official music video is currently out.
The Knoxville, Tenn., native co-wrote every track on the Forest Glen Whitehead– and Jason Massey-produced project. Ballerini’s currently released five-track digital EP contains five tracks that also appear on the forthcoming full-length project.
Ballerini, who was named one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” late last year, moved to Nashville at 15. At age 19, she signed a publishing deal with Black River Publishing in 2013 and later that year signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment.
Tour schedule and track listing below.
Official Track Listing for The First Time
1. “XO” (Ballerini, Gravitt, O’Brien)
2. “Peter Pan” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Lee)
3. “Love Me Like You Mean It” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Kerr, Carpenter)
4. “Square Pegs” (Ballerini, Osborne, Stepakoff)
5. “The First Time” (Ballerini)
6. “Lookin’ At Stars” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Stepakoff)
7. “Sirens” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Denmark)
8. “Secondhand Smoke” (Ballerini, Kerr, Shellhart)
9. “Dibs” (Ballerini, Kerr, Griffin, Duke)
10. “Stilettos” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Savigar)
11. “Yeah Boy” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Timmer)
12. “Underage” (Ballerini, Kerr, Stepakoff)
Upcoming Tour Dates Include:
4/3 – Augusta, GA – The Country Club
4/10 – Norfolk, NE – w/ Scotty McCreery
4/12 – Green Bay, WI
4/17-19 – Dallas, TX – ACM Awards
4/25 – Los Angeles, CA – Radio Disney Music Awards
5/2 – Indianapolis, IN
6/6 – Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Field
6/17 – Wichita, KS
6/19 – Pueblo, CO – Bands in the Backyard w/ Toby Keith; Eli Young Band
6/26 – Cadott, WI – Chippewa Valley Music Fest w/ Tim McGraw
Ray Scott Unleashes Adult Beverage Apparel and Accessories Line
/by Jessica NicholsonRay Scott at the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show.
Ray Scott has partnered with Team Cocktail to launch a line of adult beverage apparel and accessories, dubbed The Ray Scott Collection.
The line includes t-shirts, glassware, and koozies featuring Scott’s one-liners. Scott and Team Cocktail introduced the collection at the 30th annual Nightclub and Bar Convention and Trade Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Merchandise will be available at retail locations, online, and at Scott’s concerts, beginning in May.
Scott recently augmented his professional team, adding Brian Crews of Crewser Entertainment to oversee day-to-day management and booking, and producer Dave Brainard to lead creative, music supervision and production.
Weekly Chart Report (4/3/15)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report
Date Set For 2015 CMT Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year, the CMT Music Awards will be held Wednesday, June 10, with the show airing beginning at 7 p.m. CT. The show airs just before the kickoff for CMA Music Festival, which will bring multitudes of fans to downtown Nashville June 11-14.
Performers and ticket on-sale dates for this year’s CMT Music Awards will be announced soon.
Yesterday, CMT announced several new and returning programs as part of CMT’s upcoming lineup. The announcements were made in New York City during the annual 2015 CMT Upfront, held at The Times Center. The event featured a performance from Darius Rucker. Billy Ray Cyrus, Kellie Pickler and husband Kyle Jacobs were also in attendance. Cyrus is set to star in the comedy Still The King, while Pickler and Jacobs will invite fans to get an inside look at their life on the comedy I Love Kellie Pickler (working title).
Country Cooking: Trisha Yearwood, Matt Moore Offer New Recipes
/by Sarah SkatesTrisha Yearwood’s third cookbook, Trisha’s Table: My Feel-Good Favorites For A Balanced Life (Clarkson Potter) hit shelves this week. Written by Yearwood with her sister Beth Yearwood Bernard, and including a foreword by husband Garth Brooks, the book’s 100-plus new recipes include dairy-free Angel Hair Pasta with Avocado Pesto, vegetarian Smashed Sweet Pea Burgers, Edamame Parmesan, Slow Cooker Georgia Pulled-Pork Barbecue, Chicken Tortilla Casserole, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls.
On April 18, the sixth season of Trisha’s Southern Kitchen premieres at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT on Food Network.
Her line of cookware, Trisha’s Precious Metals, will also be revealed in April. It will be available at Walmart and Sears, among others places.
In 2014, Yearwood returned to the road with Brooks and released a new album, PrizeFighter: Hit After Hit, featuring current single, “I Remember You.”
A Southern Gentleman’s Kitchen
Nashville songwriter-turned-chef Matt Moore recruited some country music pals from his homestate Georgia for his new cookbook, A Southern Gentleman’s Kitchen. Luke Bryan and Dave Haywood are both featured in the Southern Living/Oxmoor House release, available April 28.
Moore offers over 150 recipes fashioned with a realistic, simple, and healthy approach—with plenty of anecdotes mixed in.
How does this meal sound? Crab Cakes with Caper Remoulade, Georgia Peach Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction, Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Peppered Goat Cheese, Grilled Corn with Tequila-Lime Butter and Momma’s Carrot Cake, with a savory Bacon Old-Fashioned.
His self-published debut cookbook, Have Her Over for Dinner, was highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Today Show.
Warner Bros. Nashville Working Kid Rock Single to Country Radio
/by Jessica NicholsonThe singer-songwriter has long had ties to Nashville. In 2002, his duet with Sheryl Crow, “Picture,” was a staple on country radio. His single “All Summer Long” hit No. 4 on the country radio chart in 2008.
Kid Rock hosted the CMT Music Awards in 2010 and 2011 in Nashville.
LifeNotes: Singer-Songwriter Sandy Mason Passes
/by Robert K OermannSandy Mason Theoret
Nashville singer-songwriter Sandy Mason died in Ormond Beach, Fla., on Wednesday afternoon, April 1.
She is best known for writing the 1979 Crystal Gayle hit “When I Dream” and for co-writing the Garth Brooks 1998 No. 1 smash “Two Pina Coladas.” She was 71 years old.
Sandy Mason Theoret was a native of Birdsville, PA, a town near Tarentum northwest of Pittsburgh. She was a child performer on Pittsburgh radio and TV. By the time she was in her teens, she excelled as a pianist, comic, singer, guitarist and ventriloquist. She became an alumnus of The Pittsburgh Playhouse, Western Pennsylvania’s top venue for training stage performers.
By the age of 20 in 1963, Mason was in New York recording for Roulette Records and working as a ventriloquist at a club called The Boulevard Room. During her 1963-64 booking at The Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, she revamped her act from ventriloquist to singer. Returning to Pittsburgh, she landed her own local television show in 1965.
She first attracted attention in Nashville by being signed to Hickory Records in 1966. Her Hickory single “There You Go” appeared on the country charts in 1967. She subsequently released singles for Epic, Mercury and JMI in the early 1970s.
Her songwriting career took off in the late 1970s. After Gayle sang Mason’s “When I Dream,” the song was recorded by more than 70 other artists. Mason’s “Only Love” was popularized by Don Williams, Roger Cook and John Prine, the latter two of whom were her co-writers on the song. Another perennial favorite was “All I Want to Do in Life,” which was recorded by George Jones, Jack Clement, Gayle and Marianne Faithfull. Mason co-wrote it with Allen Reynolds, her most frequent collaborator.
Debby Boone and Paul Anka both recorded her “I’d Even Let You Go.” Pat Alger co-wrote and recorded “You’ll Come Back to Me.” Petula Clark recorded Mason’s “Feel the Love Go Round.” Johnny Cash recorded “After All.”
Others who recorded her songs include Lynn Anderson, Eddy Arnold, Roger Whittaker, Nanci Griffith, Julie Andrews, Floyd Cramer, Tompall Glaser, Mac Davis, Willie Nelson, George Hamilton IV, Trisha Yearwood, Helen Reddy and several European and Japanese artists.
Sandy Mason sang backup on records by Cash, as well as Gayle, Prine, Brooks and others. Her own recording career resumed with the 1982 LP Only Love.
She co-wrote “Two Pina Coladas” with Shawn Camp and Benita Hill. It became her biggest hit and again led to recording her own albums. There Goes That Song Again (2001), Romance (2003), Angels in Disguise (2004) and Out There and In Here (2008) captured her distinctive performing style.
Sandy Mason’s music was never easily classified. Roger Cook described her songs as being “between The Beatles and George Gershwin.” Her amusing, self-deprecating, pixie-like musical personality frequently charmed audiences at The Bluebird Cafe, Douglas Corner and other local venues.
Sandy Mason left Nashville after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several weeks ago. She reportedly declined aggressive chemo therapy, opting to let the disease take its course as she reposed in Florida.
No funeral arrangements have been announced.