Sunset Grill’s Swan Song
As previously reported, after 24 years of service to the Nashville community and a favorite hang for the music industry, Randy Rayburn has closed Sunset Grill. And although the restaurant, located at 2001 Belcourt Ave., in Hillsboro Village is now closed to the public, Randy is holding one last event this evening in support of Metro Council At-Large and candidate for mayor, Megan Barry.
All are invited to stop by the reception today (Jan. 8) from 5:30-7:00pm. Hosts include Randy Rayburn, Sonata Rayburn, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Mike Dungan, Fletcher Foster, Tracy Gershon, Emmylou Harris, Andrew Kautz, Mary Ann McCready, Jason Owen, Nancy Shapiro, Clarence Spalding, Debbie Linn, Stacy Widelitz, Roy Wunsch, Julie Miller, Buddy Miller, Marion Kraft, Kay West, Katie Dean, Erika Wollam Nichols, Fiona Prine, Trip Aldredge, Tori Hughes, Jamie Amos, Patrick Kennedy, Barbara Moutenot and Roger Moutenot. Suggested contributions are $150 and guests can rsvp to rsvp@meganbarry.com.
Sunset Grill opened its doors on November 20, 1990. For lease or sales information regarding the property, contact Robbins Properties at (615) 301-6571.
Britta Coleman
Britta Coleman Exits Average Joes
Britta Coleman, Director of Operations at Average Joes Entertainment, will be exiting the company as of March 1, 2015. Coleman’s career includes 20 years at Sony Nashville in various roles, in addition to 3 1/2 years at Average Joes. Coleman is looking for her next opportunity. You can reach her at britta@averagejoesent.com, or bcolemanj@comcast.net, or her at 615-400-1583.
Country Radio Hall of Fame Class Nominations
Nominations for the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2015 categories are currently being accepted, and must be received by Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. Nominations can be made through countryradioseminar.com. Submissions received after the Jan. 16 deadline will be considered for the 2016 Country Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The 2015 Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction dinner and awards ceremony will take place June 24, 2015. Recipients will be announced during CRS 2015, which will take place at the Nashville Convention Center Feb. 25-27.
Blue Barrel Records Releases First Album
Blue Barrel Records, a Memphis-based record label, will release its first album, Mighty Souls Brass Band’s Lift Up! Funding for the label comes from founder John Buford, who also leads A&R for Blue Barrel alongside noted Memphis artist John Kilzer and Archer Records’ collaborators Ward Archer and Brian Dixon. Label activities are administered by Archer Records (label home of Kilzer, Amy LaVere, Lily Afshar and more). Initial plans dictate that the label will work with two new artists per year, producing an album and funding all pressing, distribution and marketing activities around the release of that record.
Andraé Crouch Dead at 72
/by Sherod Robertson“Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord,” said Pastor Sandra Crouch. “Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best. Details of Andraé’s Celebration Service and Tribute will be forthcoming.”
Andraé’s accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for “The Color Purple,” induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson’s hit singles “Man in the Mirror,” “Keep the Faith,” “Will You Be There” and “Earth Song.”
In Pictures: Honoring “Little” Jimmy Dickens
/by Jessica NicholsonFans, friends, family and industry members gathered earlier today (Jan. 8) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville to honor the life and career of “Little” Jimmy Dickens. The Grand Ole Opry member died Friday, Jan. 2. A trouper to the end, Dickens turned 94 years old on Dec. 19 and performed on the Grand Ole Opry the following day, singing his hit “Out Behind the Barn” and delivering his trademark jokes. He suffered a stroke five days after his final performance and died a week later. Among those honoring the entertainer were Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner, Chris Young, and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Dickens, whose signature songs included “Out Behind the Barn,” and “May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose” as well as more traditional country hits – joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1948.
“If they say that only the good die young, well, evidently the greatest of all live to be 94 and sing two weeks before they pass on,” Gill said at the memorial.
Paisley asked those in attendance to close the celebration with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” saying that Dickens began the tradition of closing country music funerals with that tune.
“We’ll take it from here, little buddy,” said Paisley, who also performed “When I Get Where I’m Going” in tribute to Dickens.
The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee was the oldest member of the Opry cast. The widely loved entertainer was the show’s goodwill ambassador, as well as its elder statesman.
Little Jimmy Dickens’ Opry dressing room door. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Brad Paisley performs “When I Get Where I’m Going” during the celebration of life event honoring Little Jimmy Dickens. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Connie Smith performs. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Steve Wariner. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood perform “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Chris Young. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Artists gather at the end of the celebration of life ceremony to honor Little JImmy Dickens onstage at the Grand Ole Opry House. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Little Jimmy Dickens’ truck. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
The A Team: RCA Studio A Saviors Named ‘Nashvillians of the Year’
/by Sarah SkatesThe A Team: RCA Studio A saviors named Nashvillians of the Year by ‘Nashville Scene.’ Click to read.
Members of the Music Industry Coalition, which fought to save RCA Studio A, were named Nashvillians of the Year by the Nashville Scene. On Monday, Jan. 12 The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Music Industry Coalition will share details of their new partnership at an event at Grand Victor Sound Studio (aka historic RCA Studio A). Stay tuned for details.
Rendering of M Residences, coming to 19th Ave.
In more Music Row real estate news:
• Properties totaling about one acre and located at the northeast corner of 19th and Chet Atkins Place, have been rezoned to make way for the M Residences, which will also include retail and a restaurant space, reports the Nashville Post.
• Vanderbilt University, which previously acquired the Sony building on 17th Ave., has also purchased an adjacent property for $1.9 million. Sony will move to the 1201 Demonbreun building.
• The space in Hillsboro Village previously occupied by Boscos will be revamped as the Village Marketplace and Brewery, courtesy of the folks behind neighboring joint Sam’s, reports the Nashville Scene.
Click here for a recap of more developments coming to the Music Row area.
ACM Lifting Lives Announces Additional 2015 Club Shows
/by Troy_StephensonParticipating clubs have agreed to donate a portion of each ticket sold to ACM Lifting Lives, and the money raised will go to help fund organizations that are improving lives through the power of music. Tickets may be purchased directly from the venues listed below.
Schedule of ACM Lifting Lives Club Shows:
Jan. 9- Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL –Tyler Farr
Jan. 9- Wild Bill’s – Duluth, GA- Gary Allan
Jan. 10- The Bluestone – Columbus, OH- Easton Corbin
Jan. 10- The Rave – Milwaukee, WI- Tyler Farr
Jan. 13- Coyote Joe’s – Charlotte, NC- WSOC Stout Pull featuring Sam Hunt, Jerrod Niemann and The Swon Brothers
Jan. 17- Midnight Rode – Springfield, MO- Eric Paslay
March 15- Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL- Sam Hunt
Through a donation from Mattress Firm, fans attending the club shows will have the chance to win a trip via a Twitter sweepstakes to the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 19, 2015 in Texas. Visit acmliftinglives.com for more information.
Ray Scott Adds Crews, Brainard To Team
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Ray Scott, Brian Crews, Dave Brainard
Country recording artist Ray Scott (deciBel Nashville) has added new alliances in management, booking and music production to his team. Brian Crews of Crewser Entertainment and Promotions will oversee Scott’s day-to-day management and booking, while producer Dave Brainard (deciBel Productions) will lead creative, music supervision, and production.
North Carolina native Scott has made more than 40 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. He entered the format as a songwriter, notching songs for Clay Walker (“A Few Questions”) and Randy Travis (“Pray for the Fish”). His major label debut album, My Kind of Music, released on Warner Bros. in 2005. He released his third indie album Ray Scott in October 2014.
Martina McBride To Join Gladys Knight, Estelle on ‘Skyville Live’
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (from top): Gladys Knight, Martina McBride, Estelle
Gladys Knight, Martina McBride and Estelle will join forces to perform on new music series Skyville Live on Jan. 14, 2015 via skyvillelive.com (8:00p ET/7:00p CT).
The series marks the first time a live, television-style program has been broadcast (streamed) exclusively to the internet in front of a studio audience featuring major national and international entertainment.
“I’m so excited to be performing with such talented musicians in Nashville alongside two of the most amazing singers of our time,” says British pop /R&B singer Estelle.
More artists scheduled to appear on future episodes of the new series will be announced in coming weeks.
Deezer Acquires Muve Music
/by Jessica NicholsonMuve will be discontinued on Feb. 7, while “Deezer from Cricket” launches Jan. 31. All Cricket customers will be able to access Deezer, which offers more than 35 million tracks. Muve users will have the option to sign up for an extended free trial, download the Deezer app, and transfer their existing libraries and playlists.
Deezer also recently acquired Stitcher, with plans to add talk radio to its music service. Deezer opened a U.S. office in 2014, but the service was available solely as a premium hi-fi service through Bose or Sonos speakers.
“Our strategy,” Deezer North American CEO Tyler Goldman told MusicWeek, “is to deliver services that fit different market segments. With Sonos we reached the music enthusiasts, who like listening at home with quality audio. With Cricket, we move into the pre-paid wireless segment. I was a big fan before talking to them. They’ve done a good job at building a service. They have effective marketing and distribution channels. They are doing things that are right so it’s a big opportunity for us to market our service to their users.”
Industry Ink: Sunset Grill’s Swan Song, Average Joes Staff Change, CRS, Blue Barrel Records
/by Jessica NicholsonAs previously reported, after 24 years of service to the Nashville community and a favorite hang for the music industry, Randy Rayburn has closed Sunset Grill. And although the restaurant, located at 2001 Belcourt Ave., in Hillsboro Village is now closed to the public, Randy is holding one last event this evening in support of Metro Council At-Large and candidate for mayor, Megan Barry.
All are invited to stop by the reception today (Jan. 8) from 5:30-7:00pm. Hosts include Randy Rayburn, Sonata Rayburn, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Mike Dungan, Fletcher Foster, Tracy Gershon, Emmylou Harris, Andrew Kautz, Mary Ann McCready, Jason Owen, Nancy Shapiro, Clarence Spalding, Debbie Linn, Stacy Widelitz, Roy Wunsch, Julie Miller, Buddy Miller, Marion Kraft, Kay West, Katie Dean, Erika Wollam Nichols, Fiona Prine, Trip Aldredge, Tori Hughes, Jamie Amos, Patrick Kennedy, Barbara Moutenot and Roger Moutenot. Suggested contributions are $150 and guests can rsvp to rsvp@meganbarry.com.
Sunset Grill opened its doors on November 20, 1990. For lease or sales information regarding the property, contact Robbins Properties at (615) 301-6571.
Britta Coleman
Britta Coleman Exits Average Joes
Britta Coleman, Director of Operations at Average Joes Entertainment, will be exiting the company as of March 1, 2015. Coleman’s career includes 20 years at Sony Nashville in various roles, in addition to 3 1/2 years at Average Joes. Coleman is looking for her next opportunity. You can reach her at britta@averagejoesent.com, or bcolemanj@comcast.net, or her at 615-400-1583.
Country Radio Hall of Fame Class Nominations
Nominations for the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2015 categories are currently being accepted, and must be received by Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. Nominations can be made through countryradioseminar.com. Submissions received after the Jan. 16 deadline will be considered for the 2016 Country Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The 2015 Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction dinner and awards ceremony will take place June 24, 2015. Recipients will be announced during CRS 2015, which will take place at the Nashville Convention Center Feb. 25-27.
Blue Barrel Records Releases First Album
‘MusicRow’ Reveals Marketplace Listing Service
/by Eric T. ParkerMusicRow is proud to announce the creation of the MusicRow Marketplace, a listing service for jobs, real estate and more.
Residing on MusicRow.com, listings on the site are free and will be posted for 30 days. Listings are being accepted via the MusicRow Marketplace Submission Form, and will be posted at the discretion of MusicRow.
“Many people have expressed interest in a Music Row listing service, so I welcome the opportunity to offer a hub as a free service for members of the industry,” said MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “I’m excited to watch the Marketplace expand and cater to the needs of our community.”
Navigate to the MusicRow Marketplace by clicking the “Marketplace” tab in the menu bar at the top of MusicRow.com. We look forward to your listings and welcome any feedback.
Kobalt Music Publishing Inks New Deal with Shane McAnally
/by Jessica NicholsonShane McAnally
Kobalt Music Publishing has welcomed ACM Songwriter of the Year 2014 Shane McAnally back to its fold in a new worldwide admin and creative services deal.
Covering all new works from July 2014, the deal also finds Kobalt retaining works from 2009-2012, which have been with the company from the start through an earlier admin deal). Additionally, the agreement covers all works from McAnally’s publishing company SMACKSongs, which represents writers including Jo Eldridge, Matt McGinn, and Matthew Ramsey.
McAnally said of the deal: “Kobalt’s model is one that is often imitated, but has yet to be perfected by anyone else. The combination of their incredible creative team along with the accuracy and reach of their collection methods, make them an undeniable perfect partner for me and the Smack family. We are all very excited to be working together again!”
Kobalt Senior VP, Creative (Nashville) Whitney Daane added: “The opportunity to work with Shane McAnally again, as well as to partner with the team at SMACKSongs, is fantastic. We started this journey with Shane in 2009, and to be a part of the profound impact he has had on contemporary country music and help him continue to expand his career as both a writer and producer is thrilling. His talent and passion for music are inspirational.”