BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 483
Pictured (L-R): Cole Swindell, Frankie Ballard, Maddie & Tae, Eric Paslay, and Sam Hunt. Photo: AristoPR
The climax of Country Radio Seminar is the annual New Faces Show, a make-or-break presentation of the year’s most promising fledglings.
It is a tense occasion for the performers, since this is the first time that the all-important radio programmers will judge their showmanship. Careers have both soared and crashed as a result of this showcase.
“I know how prestigious this show is, and I don’t take it lightly,” said New Face Frankie Ballard. He has a separated shoulder and has not been playing his guitar at recent concerts. But he was determined to strap it on for this gig. So, shoulder or no shoulder, he showcased his guitar chops. And how.
The New Face who walked away from the show a star was probably Eric Paslay. The singer-songwriter was both an artistic success and an audience favorite.
Eric Paslay performs at the CRS New Faces Showcase. Photo: AristoPR
Paslay’s ballad “She Don’t Love You” was performed with clear-throated vocal finesse and was one of the most honest sounding efforts of the evening. “Song About a Girl” was groovy and funky. “Keep on Fallin” was a snappy, crackling country rocker.
“Thank you for changing my world, and for this song,” said Paslay introducing “Friday Night.” This good-time rocking hit, with its chewy, tasty rhythm groove gave him a joyous, whiz-bang finale.
The second-best New Face presentation was by Maddie & Tae. In fact, considering how truly new and how young they are, this was in some ways the night’s most impressive performance. Unlike the others on the bill, this duo doesn’t even have a full album yet.
Their vocal harmonies were flawless: These women have obviously rehearsed rigorously. The slight drawback of this was that they seemed to concentrate on delivering a perfect presentation, rather than engaging the audience.
Their breakthrough hit, “Girl in a Country Song,” was feisty, bouncy and good natured. “Fly,” the current single, was wafting, airy and lovely. The duo concluded with the warm, comforting and super-accomplished “After the Storm Blows Through.”
Maddie & Tae perform during the CRS New Faces Show. Photo: AristoPR
Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye are barely out of their teens, but they grew up right before our eyes that night. Good for them.
Frankie Ballard was my third favorite. He not only showed off his flashy guitar skills, he worked the stage like a pro and looked like a star in his leather jacket. He gave them the hits “Sunshine and Whiskey” and “Helluva Life,” drawing a big ovation from the crowd.
“I was a nobody from Battle Creek, Mich., before you played this one,” he said of “Helluva Life.” “I can’t tell you how good it feels to play this song and have people know it, and I thank country radio for that. If I wasn’t here [at CRS], I’d be singing it in some honky-tonk in Detroit. So I thank you for that.”
His finale was the raucous, Motor City rocker “Young and Crazy.” This guy was the very definition of a modern young country star.
The act with the most “buzz” leading into the New Faces show was probably Sam Hunt. His sound was full of electronic washes and programmed percussion, with auto-tuned, processed vocals. “Leave the Night On” and “House Party” led him to come off the stage and wade through the crowd at the front tables.
With its mix of spoken-word passages and melodic segments, “Take Your Time” was Hunt’s best and most evocative effort. He ended with the finely honed “Break Up in a Small Town.”
Hunt earned the Worst Wardrobe Award with his long gray t-shirt and a face-obscuring ballcap with a peak so high it looked like it belonged in a Coneheads skit. You’re in trouble when your lead guitarist knows how to visually present better than you do.
Cole Swindell performs during the CRS New Faces Showcase. Photo: AristoPR
Also wearing a ballcap was the finale New Face, Cole Swindell. This caused us to note that Ballard was the lone male act not wearing this hat, which has replaced the Stetson as country’s uniform: Is it just a coincidence that he also came across as the best looking?
Whereas Hunt was at least sonically innovative bro country; Swindell seemed merely routine bro country. In fact, his presentation was practically a Xerox of a Luke Bryan show, from the hat to the jeans to the belt buckle to the hip-thrust stage moves.
Swindell was another New Face with a heavily processed vocal. He sounded one way when speaking, then as soon as he started to sing, the auto-tuning and triple tracking kicked in on his voice. And even with all the technology, he still sounded just barely on pitch.
Still, Swindell’s renditions of such favorites as “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Chillin It” and “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” were all crowd pleasers.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt. (L-R, front row): Eric Paslay, Maddie & Tae, Frankie Ballard. Photo: AristoPR
The 2015 New Faces Show was staged in the main hall of the old Renaissance Convention Center on Friday (Feb. 27). Video clips throughout the night reminded us that the CRS convention is moving to the Omini Hotel next year. So we’ve eaten our last rubber-chicken banquet in this room.
As usual, Music Row turned out in full force for this annual extravaganza. Working the room were Tom Luteran, Tom Baldrica, Bobby Young, Bob Paxman, Rob Simbeck, Charlie Morgan, Charlie Monk, Chuck Dauphin, Clay Myers, Jessica Myers, Jessica Turri and Travis Moon of St. Jude’s Hospital, Frank Rogers, Earle Simmons, Patrick Clifford, John Ozier, Preshus Tomes, Jack Purcell, Gary Overton, Shawn Carnes of Nasville Underground Entertainment, Don Cusic, Phyllis Stark, Donna Hughes, Todd Cassetty, Sharilyn Pettus, Lorie Hollabaugh, Vernell Hackett, Andrew Capps, Ed Morris, Darin Murphy, Ken Tucker, the triple monikered Deborah Evans Price, Wynne Vanessa Adams and Allison Brown Jones, plus just about everybody else you’ve ever met in this business.
Additionally, the 2015 CRS/Country Aircheck winners were revealed throughout the evening. Winners include:
Station Of The Year: WUSN/Chicago (Major Market); WSM-FM/Nashville (Large Market); WIVK/Knoxville (Medium Market); WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
Market Manager/GM: Mick Anselmo, KMNB/Minneapolis (Major Market); Dan Endom, WSIX/Nashville (Large Market); Tim Feagan, WBCT/Grand Rapids (Medium Market); Jared Stehney, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
OM/PD: Tim Roberts, WYCD/Detroit (Major Market); Charlie Cook, WKDF & WSM-FM/Nashville (Large Market); Sue Wilson, WQMX/Akron (Medium Market); Gator Harrison, WUSY/Chattanooga, TN (Small Market)
MD: Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta
(Major Market); Bob Pickett, KASE/Austin (Large Market); Hoss Michaels, KXKT/Omaha (Medium Market); Bill Poindexter, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
Personality/Show: Ben & Matt, KNIX/Phoenix (Major Market); Amy Paige, WSIX/Nashville (Large Market); Buzz Jackson, KIIM/Tucson (Medium Market); Dex & Mo, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
National/Syndicated Personality: The Bobby Bones Show
Platinum Label: Big Machine
Gold Label: Curb
VP/Promotion: Jack Purcell, Big Machine
Director/National Promotion: Katie Bright, WMN
Regional Director or Manager/Promotion: Alex Valentine, Big Machine
Independent Promotion Team or Executive: GrassRoots
“New Face Of Country” Professional: Kristen Johnson, Republic Nashville
PIctured (L-R): Cole Swindell, Frankie Ballard, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito. Photo: AristoPR
CRS New Faces performers with members of BMLG. Photo: AristoPR
Photo Roundup: Country Radio Seminar
/by Kelsey_GradyArtists, radio executives, and label executives were shining brightly last week during Nashville’s annual Country Radio Seminar.
Lady Antebellum during their “How 3 Become 1” panel during CRS. Photo: Sara Kauss/AristoPR
CRS Panel. Photo: AristoPR
Keith Urban during his panel titled “Being Present.” Photo: Sara Kauss/AristoPR
Pictured (L-R): BMLG’s Allison Jones, Laurel Kittleson, Erin Burr, and Katie Rose.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood visit CRS. Photo: AristoPR
The Swon Brothers with Jana Kramer. Photo: Sara Kauss/AristoPR
Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, RaeLynn, BMLG’s George Briner, and Jimmy Harnen. Photo: AristoPR
Leadership Music Accepting Applications For Class of 2016
/by Jessica NicholsonThe organization’s aim is to expose participants to each segment of the music industry, and to discuss issues affecting all facets of the industry. Once selected, attendees will attend a four-hour orientation and welcome reception in September, as well as six all-day sessions once a month (on Fridays), and two-day opening and closing retreats during the program. A one-time tuition fee for the program is $1,000.
Leadership Music has more than 1,000 alums.
“When we enter into the selection process, our uppermost goal is to select a passionate, balanced and diversified class of professionals, who are, individually and collectively, the best and brightest leaders in their field and represent all segments of the music industry,” executive director Debbie Schwartz Linn says. “Each year, the selection committee has the difficult task of determining the class slate from far more qualified applicants than we have slots. We are seeing a record level of interest in Leadership Music, which means there are more qualified candidates from which to choose. That’s a good problem to have, but it is often frustrating for those who have applied multiple times. Each year varies depending on how many applicants apply from each category. We strongly encourage applicants to keep applying if not selected. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and well worth the effort.”
Applications must be submitted online no later than March 31, 2015. Application forms, program dates, and more can be found at leadershipmusic.org/apply.
LifeNotes: Services Set For Guitar Great James “Spider” Wilson
/by Robert K OermannJames “Spider” Wilson
A celebration of the life of James “Spider” Wilson is scheduled for 1 p.m. this afternoon (Monday, March 2) at Woodbine Hickory Chapel.
Wilson was an enduring country guitar great who passed away on Thursday, Feb. 26 at age 79. His career spanned six decades and included a very long stint in the Grand Ole Opry’s staff band, 1953-2006.
He was a Nashville native who listened to the Opry through the windows of the Ryman Auditorium when he was a boy. He first came to prominence as a teenaged member of the band of Little Jimmy Dickens beginning in 1947. His sizzling guitar runs were the star’s sonic trademark in his early years. Wilson also toured with Ray Price. During this era, he reportedly acquired his “Spider” nickname because of his lanky frame.
He became a member of the Opry’s staff band at the age of 18. Wilson was also notable as a session musician on Music Row. In addition to Dickens and Price, he backed such stars as Faron Young, Marty Robbins, Buddy Emmons, Dolly Parton and Bill Anderson on recordings.
Young’s “Sweet Dreams” (1956), Price’s “My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You” (1957) and Skeeter Davis’s “The End of the World” (1962) are among the many hits featuring his guitar work.
Spider Wilson was also a familiar face and sound on television. He spent 29 years in the band of Ralph Emery’s local program The Morning Show on WSMV-Channel 4, frequently trading quips with the host. He was also in the “house band” on the nationally syndicated TV series hosted by singer Bobby Lord.
James “Spider” Wilson is survived by his wife Shirley, by sons David and Darryl, by daughter Julie Hannah, by sister Jo Ann Ferguson, by four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many other family members and friends.
Woodbine Hickory Chapel is at the Woodbine Funeral Home at 5852 Nolensville Road. Jonas Taylor will officiate at the service. The interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Bobby Karl Works the CRS New Faces Show
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 483
Pictured (L-R): Cole Swindell, Frankie Ballard, Maddie & Tae, Eric Paslay, and Sam Hunt. Photo: AristoPR
The climax of Country Radio Seminar is the annual New Faces Show, a make-or-break presentation of the year’s most promising fledglings.
It is a tense occasion for the performers, since this is the first time that the all-important radio programmers will judge their showmanship. Careers have both soared and crashed as a result of this showcase.
“I know how prestigious this show is, and I don’t take it lightly,” said New Face Frankie Ballard. He has a separated shoulder and has not been playing his guitar at recent concerts. But he was determined to strap it on for this gig. So, shoulder or no shoulder, he showcased his guitar chops. And how.
The New Face who walked away from the show a star was probably Eric Paslay. The singer-songwriter was both an artistic success and an audience favorite.
Eric Paslay performs at the CRS New Faces Showcase. Photo: AristoPR
Paslay’s ballad “She Don’t Love You” was performed with clear-throated vocal finesse and was one of the most honest sounding efforts of the evening. “Song About a Girl” was groovy and funky. “Keep on Fallin” was a snappy, crackling country rocker.
“Thank you for changing my world, and for this song,” said Paslay introducing “Friday Night.” This good-time rocking hit, with its chewy, tasty rhythm groove gave him a joyous, whiz-bang finale.
The second-best New Face presentation was by Maddie & Tae. In fact, considering how truly new and how young they are, this was in some ways the night’s most impressive performance. Unlike the others on the bill, this duo doesn’t even have a full album yet.
Their vocal harmonies were flawless: These women have obviously rehearsed rigorously. The slight drawback of this was that they seemed to concentrate on delivering a perfect presentation, rather than engaging the audience.
Their breakthrough hit, “Girl in a Country Song,” was feisty, bouncy and good natured. “Fly,” the current single, was wafting, airy and lovely. The duo concluded with the warm, comforting and super-accomplished “After the Storm Blows Through.”
Maddie & Tae perform during the CRS New Faces Show. Photo: AristoPR
Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye are barely out of their teens, but they grew up right before our eyes that night. Good for them.
Frankie Ballard was my third favorite. He not only showed off his flashy guitar skills, he worked the stage like a pro and looked like a star in his leather jacket. He gave them the hits “Sunshine and Whiskey” and “Helluva Life,” drawing a big ovation from the crowd.
“I was a nobody from Battle Creek, Mich., before you played this one,” he said of “Helluva Life.” “I can’t tell you how good it feels to play this song and have people know it, and I thank country radio for that. If I wasn’t here [at CRS], I’d be singing it in some honky-tonk in Detroit. So I thank you for that.”
His finale was the raucous, Motor City rocker “Young and Crazy.” This guy was the very definition of a modern young country star.
The act with the most “buzz” leading into the New Faces show was probably Sam Hunt. His sound was full of electronic washes and programmed percussion, with auto-tuned, processed vocals. “Leave the Night On” and “House Party” led him to come off the stage and wade through the crowd at the front tables.
With its mix of spoken-word passages and melodic segments, “Take Your Time” was Hunt’s best and most evocative effort. He ended with the finely honed “Break Up in a Small Town.”
Hunt earned the Worst Wardrobe Award with his long gray t-shirt and a face-obscuring ballcap with a peak so high it looked like it belonged in a Coneheads skit. You’re in trouble when your lead guitarist knows how to visually present better than you do.
Cole Swindell performs during the CRS New Faces Showcase. Photo: AristoPR
Also wearing a ballcap was the finale New Face, Cole Swindell. This caused us to note that Ballard was the lone male act not wearing this hat, which has replaced the Stetson as country’s uniform: Is it just a coincidence that he also came across as the best looking?
Whereas Hunt was at least sonically innovative bro country; Swindell seemed merely routine bro country. In fact, his presentation was practically a Xerox of a Luke Bryan show, from the hat to the jeans to the belt buckle to the hip-thrust stage moves.
Swindell was another New Face with a heavily processed vocal. He sounded one way when speaking, then as soon as he started to sing, the auto-tuning and triple tracking kicked in on his voice. And even with all the technology, he still sounded just barely on pitch.
Still, Swindell’s renditions of such favorites as “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Chillin It” and “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” were all crowd pleasers.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt. (L-R, front row): Eric Paslay, Maddie & Tae, Frankie Ballard. Photo: AristoPR
The 2015 New Faces Show was staged in the main hall of the old Renaissance Convention Center on Friday (Feb. 27). Video clips throughout the night reminded us that the CRS convention is moving to the Omini Hotel next year. So we’ve eaten our last rubber-chicken banquet in this room.
As usual, Music Row turned out in full force for this annual extravaganza. Working the room were Tom Luteran, Tom Baldrica, Bobby Young, Bob Paxman, Rob Simbeck, Charlie Morgan, Charlie Monk, Chuck Dauphin, Clay Myers, Jessica Myers, Jessica Turri and Travis Moon of St. Jude’s Hospital, Frank Rogers, Earle Simmons, Patrick Clifford, John Ozier, Preshus Tomes, Jack Purcell, Gary Overton, Shawn Carnes of Nasville Underground Entertainment, Don Cusic, Phyllis Stark, Donna Hughes, Todd Cassetty, Sharilyn Pettus, Lorie Hollabaugh, Vernell Hackett, Andrew Capps, Ed Morris, Darin Murphy, Ken Tucker, the triple monikered Deborah Evans Price, Wynne Vanessa Adams and Allison Brown Jones, plus just about everybody else you’ve ever met in this business.
Additionally, the 2015 CRS/Country Aircheck winners were revealed throughout the evening. Winners include:
Station Of The Year: WUSN/Chicago (Major Market); WSM-FM/Nashville (Large Market); WIVK/Knoxville (Medium Market); WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
Market Manager/GM: Mick Anselmo, KMNB/Minneapolis (Major Market); Dan Endom, WSIX/Nashville (Large Market); Tim Feagan, WBCT/Grand Rapids (Medium Market); Jared Stehney, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
OM/PD: Tim Roberts, WYCD/Detroit (Major Market); Charlie Cook, WKDF & WSM-FM/Nashville (Large Market); Sue Wilson, WQMX/Akron (Medium Market); Gator Harrison, WUSY/Chattanooga, TN (Small Market)
MD: Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta (Major Market); Bob Pickett, KASE/Austin (Large Market); Hoss Michaels, KXKT/Omaha (Medium Market); Bill Poindexter, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
Personality/Show: Ben & Matt, KNIX/Phoenix (Major Market); Amy Paige, WSIX/Nashville (Large Market); Buzz Jackson, KIIM/Tucson (Medium Market); Dex & Mo, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
National/Syndicated Personality: The Bobby Bones Show
Platinum Label: Big Machine
Gold Label: Curb
VP/Promotion: Jack Purcell, Big Machine
Director/National Promotion: Katie Bright, WMN
Regional Director or Manager/Promotion: Alex Valentine, Big Machine
Independent Promotion Team or Executive: GrassRoots
“New Face Of Country” Professional: Kristen Johnson, Republic Nashville
PIctured (L-R): Cole Swindell, Frankie Ballard, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito. Photo: AristoPR
CRS New Faces performers with members of BMLG. Photo: AristoPR
Eric Church To Launch Outsiders Radio on SiriusXM
/by Jessica NicholsonEric Church. Photo: Jill Trunnell
Eric Church will soon give fans a taste of the music that inspires him via Outsiders Radio, a monthly radio show on SiriusXM’s The Highway. Outsiders Radio will premiere Friday (Feb. 27) at 10 p.m. ET on The Highway (channel 56) and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at siriusxm.com. To celebrate the show’s premiere and the one-year anniversary of the release of The Outsiders album, Church will play two tracks that were not released on the album.
The show will air the last Friday of each month, and will rebroadcast on Mondays at 12 a.m. ET, and Wednesdays at 11 p.m. ET.
Church will play his current musical favorites, as well as music from artists who have influenced him. He will also offer exclusive, never-before-heard tunes from his own archives.
Church was recently named MusicRow’s Male Artist of the Year at the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards during CRS week.
Bobby Karl Works the Black River Entertainment Luncheon at CRS
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 482
Pictured (L-R): John King, Craig Morgan, Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: AristoPR
Emotional ovations and cheers of surprise were the order of the day during lunchtime on Friday (2/27) at Country Radio Seminar.
The emotion was provided by the mighty voiced Craig Morgan. Living legend and new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ronnie Milsap was the unannounced, unexpected pleasure. Both appeared at the CRS luncheon sponsored by Black River Entertainment.
Craig Morgan remains one of country music’s finest vocalists. He’s a stand-and-deliver man who can send chills up your spine like few of his peers. He treated the conventioneers to a pair of new songs he’s recorded with producer Byron Gallimore for his upcoming Black River CD.
Kelsea Ballerini
“All Cried Out” was throbbing and thrilling. “Country Side of Heaven” became more and more uplifting and inspiring as its arrangement added complexity and phrases from “Amazing Grace.”
Morgan pulled out all the stops with “If Not Me,” a song on his current album, The Journey. His searing delivery of this blood-stirring anthem became even more emotional when members of the 101st Airborne Army division came striding out to line both sides of the banquet hall. On stage, Morgan was joined by military heroes, including Medal-of-Honor Marine Dakota Meyer. You could practically see the lumps in attendees’ throats.
We thought that was the finale. After all, what could top that? The screens showed a video about the label’s recording studio, which is a restoration of Ronnie’s Place. The curtain parted to reveal its previous owner seated at a piano, resplendent in a sparkling black-and-turquoise western shirt.
“It’s an honor to be here today,” said Ronnie Milsap, 72. “I love what happens when radio adds your record. It’s still a big deal to me. I’m a radio nut I carry them with me everywhere I go.”
John King
He treated the crowd to an extended medley that was ragged-but-right and featured segments of such classics as “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life,” “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World,” “It Was Almost Like a Song,” “(I’m a) Stand By My Woman Man,” “”Pure Love” and “(There’s) No Gettin Over Me.”
Milsap concluded with a reprise of the appropriate “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life.” Then he added, “I’m not done yet: I’m going into the studio next week. And we’re going to make some new records!”
The Black River Entertainment CRS luncheon at the Renaissance Convention Center began with a video touting the conglomerate’s holdings in sports and music — the Buffalo Bills (football) and Buffalo Sabres (hockey) franchises, as well as its Nashville song publishing, record label and recording studio properties.
The label’s John King blasted into the rocking “Baby Let Your Hair Down” with no introduction. Next came his power ballad “Got You Baby,” dedicated to his wife of one year.
Ronnie Milsap
“A year ago was my first CRS; I didn’t know anybody,” said King. “You guys are my friends, my family now. This is my new single. It’s going to be on your desks next week,” he added, before delivering the pounding, catchy and sexy “On Your Lips.”
Kelsea Ballerini was introduced via a video of testimonials by folks who work with her. Her set began with the jaunty, flirty, “Dibs.” The ensuing “The First Time” will be the title tune of her debut album, due in May. This sweetly lilting tune was aided by cello accompaniment and a snippet of Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy.”
“My first single is Top 30 right now, and it’s blowing my mind,” she said to the radio folks. “You guys have given me a voice.” She zipped through “Love Me Like You Mean It,” then added, “Thank you for an incredible year.”
Following a video about Black River’s restoration of the historic Sound Stage Studio (where some 650 No. 1 hits have been recorded), various country stars appeared on screen to praise Black River songwriter Josh Osborne.
He took the side stage to perform an acoustic medley of some hits he’s co-penned, including “Leave the Night On” (Sam Hunt), “Wild Child” (Kenny Chesney). “My Eyes” (Blake Shelton), “Take Your Time” (Sam Hunt) and “We Are Tonight” (Billy Currington).
Black River CEO Gordon Kerr introduced Morgan’s set by stating, “I stand with Craig and his love of this country….Craig bleeds red, white and blue. But his passion is music. And not just any music, country music.”
Then the singer-songwriter proved it.
Josh Osborne
Fabulons working CRS that day included Schatzi Hageman, Vanessa Davis, Fletcher Foster, Mark Logsdon, Cindy Hunt, Leslie Fram, Gary Krantz, Brandi Simms, Ken Tucker, Bert Stein, Jimmy Collins, Nicole Zeller and Jaclyn Carter.
As usual at CRS, many artists were working the room as well. Gretchen Peters, Mitch Goudy, Rainy Qualley and Rachele Lynae were on site. A harmony-singing band called Stella // James entertained us while we assembled care packages for Operation Troop Aid and waited to get into the luncheon.
Pictured (L-R): Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, John King, Craig Morgan, Kelsea Ballerini, and Josh Osborne. Photo: AristoPR
Opry Member Jeannie Seely: “I’m Bringing Booty Back”
/by Jessica NicholsonLegendary country entertainer Jeannie Seely is bringing booty back, y’all.
Seely, known for her quick wit in addition to her string of hits including “Don’t Touch Me” and “Wish I Didn’t Have To Miss You” (with Jack Greene), recently recorded a dramatic reading of Meghan Trainor‘s mega pop hit “All About That Bass” as part of the Grand Ole Opry’s 2nd Annual Lights, Camera, Actin’ video contest.
Submissions can be made on the contest’s Facebook page.
Seely is the reigning champion of the contest, which is accepting fan videos of their best dramatic (or humorous) reading of a country song. The winner will earn a trip to Nashville.
Kristian Bush, who is climbing the charts with his single “Trailer Hitch,” also entered a reading of Dierks Bentley‘s “Drunk On A Plane.”
Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley Gives Rare Glimpse Behind The Hits
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, Hillary Lindsey, Carey Barlowe, Phil Barton. Photo: Eric Parker.
There’s something special when songwriters perform for radio decision makers. No royalties, promotions or politics. It’s basically the beginning of a song’s life and–depending on your perspective–the end. Creation to airwaves.
On Feb. 26, 12 songwriters took the stage for radio legend Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley during CRS. Three-fourths of the writers are MusicRow Challenge Coin recipients, having written a No. 1 on the CountryBreakout Chart since 2014.
Appropriately, Kingsley introduced the “female Peach Pickers,” songwriting friends Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna, together known as The Love Junkies. The women played with Caitlyn Smith for the extended final round after the boys set the stage with two rounds.
Rhett Akins (“When She Says Baby,” “Boys ‘Round Here”) prefaced his ’95 single “That Ain’t My Truck,” by recalling a time before cell phones, when after a fight with your girlfriend they would be able to avoid contact indefinitely.
Bob DiPiero (“Gone”), a veteran of songwriting rounds with the CMA Songwriter Series, gave the audience a taste of some secret NSFW lyrics to “Daddy’s Money,” which shall not be repeated.
JT Harding (“You Make Me Smile”) discussed how a chance meeting Mr. Nicole Kidman in a restroom led to cruising in his black sportscar and writing a stand-out title from Fuse, “Somewhere In My Car.”
Casey Beathard (“No Shoes No Shirt No Problems”) played a song dear to his heart, “Homeboy,” which was a Top 20 song.
Ross Copperman (“Beat of the Music”) gave radio a taste of Turner’s ear-candy single “Lay Low.”
Jon Nite (“Beachin'”) failed to entice David Nail, who was in the audience, to join him for “Whatever She’s Got,” but sounded great himself.
Chris DeStefano (“Toy Guns,” “Don’t Ya”) received a standing ovation by some for his title “Something In The Water.”
Jimmy Robbins (“Cool If You Did”), a self-proclaimed goofball, treated audiences to Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert‘s cut “We Were Us.”
Rhett Akins performs during Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley
Caitlin Smith (“Wasting All These Tears,” “Tacoma”), who was well-received, described writing the title track from her latest EP Everything To You on Skype from Minnesota with Rose (who was in Texas) and McKenna (who was in Massachusetts).
Lori McKenna (“Luxury of Knowing”) brought up her Universal Music Publishing cohort and guitar-shredder Sam Ellis for her first live performance of Hunter Hayes‘ “I Want Crazy.”
Hillary Lindsey (“Jesus Take The Wheel”) was joined on guitar by fiancee Carey Barlowe. She described songwriting like fishing–sometimes have to wait for your catch. “Shotgun Rider” was one of those titles that she claimed she had no clue it would have been such a radio hit.
Liz Rose (“Crazy Girl,” “Songs About Rain”) was accompanied by Phil Barton. She explained writing “White Horse” with a multi-tasking Taylor Swift in the studio while the young star was interrupted by merchandise decisions for her upcoming George Strait tour. Rose advised the importance to remaining open, because you never know who will cross your path.
Pictured (L-R): Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Ross Copperman
Having written on records that have sold over 40 million copies between them, The Love Junkies recent success “Girl Crush” beckoned Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild to the stage for a rendition of the Little Big Town title.
The three women songwriters confessed to frequently holing themselves up in a house for three-day writing sessions, equipped with guitars, wine and Cheez-It’s. Although one Love Junkie confessed a desire to wear pajamas to the evening’s midnight show, the audience was wide-eyed at the rare pleasure to witness the writers’ perspective.
Pictured (L-R): Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Bob Kingsley, Chris DeStefano
Entertainment Insurance Company Robertson Taylor International Promotes Two
/by Jessica NicholsonShannon Bare
Robertson Taylor International Insurance Brokers, Inc., a company providing customized insurance and risk management advice to sports and entertainment clients, has announced the Nashville office promotions of Shannon Bare to Senior Vice President and Valerie Gray to Vice President.
Bare, who has 15+ years of insurance experience, provides clients with insight into the multi-faceted world of entertainment and the routes to protecting their insurable interests.
Gray, now in her fifth year with Robertson Taylor, will oversee the day-to-day handling and ongoing account management for all of the company’s existing commercial clientele.
Valerie Gray
RT Global CEO John Silcock states, “Both Shannon and Valerie provide an extremely professional, high quality service to our clients, as well as being highly regarded by the insurance companies. These appointments are in recognition of their huge and ongoing contribution to the success of our Nashville office.”
In its 38th year of business, Robertson Taylor continues to provide customized insurance and risk management advice to top-grossing acts, tours, sporting events, theatrical productions, and tour support companies.
Farmer Named President of Chesney’s Fishbowl Spirits
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Farmer
Fishbowl Spirits, LLC, has appointed David Farmer as President, effective immediately. Singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney wholly owns Fishbowl Spirits, the entity through which Chesney created and produces Blue Chair Bay Rum.
Farmer will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Fishbowl Spirits’ operations and will report to Chesney, Fishbowl Spirits’ Chairman.
Farmer will continue to serve as Chesney’s tour manager, coordinating more than 100 employees during Chesney’s tours. Farmer was worked with the franchise for 18 years.
“Kenny understands how to create not just an incredible show, but a real connection with his fans,” says Farmer. “My goal is to harness that energy and translate that excitement into the Blue Chair Bay brand.”
Named Country Music Association’s Tour Manager of the Year in 2012, Farmer is also a long-standing member of the Business Hall of Fame at East Tennessee State University, where he and Chesney were friends and roommates.
“I’ve known David since we were kids playing football on the street. No one knows me and the things I stand for better than David. His business abilities have helped me take my music from bars to football stadiums. He will bring the same passion, management skills and attention to detail to Blue Chair Bay Rum,” said Chesney.