David Briggs. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Keyboardist David Briggs, who performed with a who’s-who of rock and country greats, has died at age 82.
A 60-year veteran of Music Row, Briggs was also a song publisher, studio owner, songwriter and arranger. He was a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame as well as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
His career began in Florence, Alabama in the 1950s as a teenager who performed on local television and won boogie-woogie talent contests. Across the river was Muscle Shoals, which began to emerge as a music capital in the early 1960s. Songwriter Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery invited Briggs to recording sessions at FAME Studio, and the piano player soon became a key member of the original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He and Muscle Shoals bass player Norbert Putnam became lifelong friends and collaborators.
Briggs played on all of the early Muscle Shoals hits, including those of Arthur Alexander, Joe Tex, Jimmy Hughes and Al Green. He began to write songs during this era. Brenda Lee, Percy Sledge and Dan Penn were among those who recorded his early songwriting efforts.
Recording sessions in Alabama weren’t constant. He and many of the other Muscle Shoals players relocated to Nashville, where session musicians worked around the clock. David Briggs arrived in Music City in 1965. During his first year in Nashville, he played on 140 recording sessions. This soon accelerated into 400+ sessions a year.
His versatility was one reason for his success. Those sessions were for such diverse artists as Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, Kenny Rogers, Connie Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Loretta Lynn, The Pointer Sisters, Ronnie Milsap, B.B. King, Waylon Jennings, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Hank Williams Jr., Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, B.J. Thomas, Tony Joe White, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, The Monkees, Reba McEntire, John Prine, Dobie Gray, K.T. Oslin, Don McLean, Donovan, Billy Bob Thornton, Kenny Chesney, Nancy Sinatra, Charley Pride, The Everly Brothers, Eddie Rabbitt, Carl Perkins, Barbara Mandrell, Alice Cooper, George Harrison, Peter, Paul & Mary and many other music legends. He had more than 10,000 music credits on his resume.
During his journey to prominence as an “A Team” session musician, David Briggs also recorded solo albums and performed live, including as a member of the Nashville session supergroup Area Code 615 in 1969-71. In 1974, he was a member of The James Gang. The musician first backed Elvis Presley in 1966. Many recording sessions later, he performed in Presley’s TCB Band throughout 1976.
Briggs was also the music director for network and cable television specials. In addition to playing on records, he was a noted string arranger.
He branched out into other areas of the music business. In the late 1960s, Briggs partnered with Norbert Putnam to open Quadrafonic Sound. It became the premier studio in Nashville for visiting pop and rock musicians, including Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg and Jimmy Buffett. Briggs went on to create his own House of David recording studio nearby.
Also with Putnam, Briggs founded the publishing company Danor Music. The firm signed such Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members as Troy Seals and Will Jennings.
In 1999, David Briggs was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. 10 years later, he and his fellow Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section members entered the Musicians Hall of Fame, which is located in downtown Nashville.
Younger brother John Briggs became an executive at ASCAP and U.S. Bank.
David Briggs died on Tuesday (April 22). He is survived by two sons, Darren and Gabriel. Funeral arrangements have not been posted.
Industry Ink: Troubadour, Riley Green, CeCe Winans, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall of Fame And Museum Hosts Annual Kickoff Party For Troubadour Members
Pictured (L-R): Marie Bradshaw, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ray Fulcher; Elizabeth Lombardi, Troubadour Advisory Council chair and Ben Hall, VP, Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
CMA Triple Play award-winner Ray Fulcher took the stage earlier this week at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual kickoff party for the museum’s Troubadour members. Fulcher, who has co-written more than two dozen of Luke Combs’ songs, including six No. 1 hits, performed songs including “Lovin’ on You” and “When it Rains it Pours.” The goals of the Troubadour membership program are to engage young leaders, ages 21-45, in the museum’s mission, build lifelong relationships between members and the nonprofit museum, and create a special networking space that unites music lovers. The museum hosts quarterly networking events ranging from concerts to exhibition previews for Troubadour members.
Riley Green Raises $150K At First Annual Buford Bonds Golf Tourney
Pictured (L-R): Erik Dylan, Bobby Pinson, Riley Green, Nick Walsh and Randy Montana
Riley Green hosted the first annual Buford Bonds Fund golf tournament last week which raised $150,000 for his charitable fund, which was established in 2023 in honor of his grandfathers and supports nonprofits around the country. Following the golf tournament, Green hosted an acoustic writer’s round at The Golden Saw Music Hall (which is located at the former homesite of Green’s late great-grandparents where as a teenager he learned to play guitar and sing as part of the weekly music series) in Jacksonville, Alabama.
The round included Jamey Johnson, Randy Montana, Erik Dylan and Drake White alongside Green himself. Most recently Green’s Buford Bonds Fund has supported The Recording Academy’s fire and hurricane relief efforts, Folds of Honor, and more.
CeCe Winans Appears on American Idol, Releases New Rendition Of ‘Come Jesus Come’ With Cody Johnson
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Ritchie
CeCe Winans recently delivered a soul-stirring performance during American Idol’s recent “Songs of Faith” Easter special. Her powerful rendition of “Come Jesus Come” became an instant viral sensation, garnering 25 million plus views in its first 36 hours and surging to the top three on Apple Music’s All Genre Singles Chart, an extraordinary milestone for a gospel track. Now, building on that momentum, Winans has joined forces with Cody Johnson for a brand-new duet version of “Come Jesus Come,” releasing April 25 on all major streaming platforms.
The collaboration bridges the worlds of gospel and country, blending CeCe’s unmatched vocal purity with Cody’s earthy, heartfelt delivery. This marks the second year in a row Winans has made American Idol history: her 2024 performance of “Goodness of God” with Idol contestant Roman Collins was the most-viewed American Idol performance of all time, reaching over 120 million views across platforms and sparking a renewed national appreciation for gospel music.
Treaty Oak Revival Makes ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Debut
Treaty Oak Revival. Photo: ABC/Randy Holmes
Treaty Oak Revival recently performed their new single, “Bad State of Mind,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Global streams of the song, released in February via TOR Records, have already surpassed 35 million. The band is currently racking up 22 million streams and selling 18,000 albums per week, and is nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award in the New Duo or Group of the Year category. The band is set to perform at Stagecoach on April 27.
Encore Luxury Coach Leasing Meets Transportation Secretary At White House
Pictured (L-R): Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s President Amanda Stophel and CEO Justin Ward, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FOX & Friends co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. Photo: Hunter Pitts
Nashville-based Encore Luxury Coach Leasing’s Amanda Stophel and Justin Ward met Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at The White House in an effort to understand current and future regulations forthcoming from the Dept. of Transportation.
“This was a tremendous conversation,” says Justin Ward, CEO of Encore Luxury Coach Leasing. “I was able to explain how entertainer coaches differ from school buses and how we were lumped in to the overall legislation with regards to seat belt laws. Secretary Duffy was open to learning more about helping our industry. He also mentioned getting a call from Clint Black personally to talk about driver hours and overtime/overdrives. I look forward to our next meeting in Washington, D.C.”
Bandit Lites Nashville Adds Michael Holmes As Chain Hoist Technician
Bandit Lites Nashville office continues its growth in Gen8 with several new hires including Michael Holmes as Bandit’s Chain Hoist Technician. Holmes began his entertainment lighting career as a rigging technician working in the steel isle. He later joined a lighting company and was certified as a motor technician. At Bandit Holmes will be responsible for all the electric chain hoists, ensuring they’re maintained and able to provide safe and operational motors for Bandit’s clients and crew. He’ll also maintain the Bandit custom motor control system and power distribution for motors.
Lulu Roman, Beloved ‘Hee Haw’ Star & Gospel Artist, Dies At 78
/by LB CantrellLulu Roman. Photo: Jeremy Westby
Lulu Roman, the country and gospel music singer, comedian and beloved star of the long-running variety show Hee Haw, passed away on Tuesday (April 22) in Bellingham, Washington. She was 78.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Roman was born with a thyroid condition and placed in an orphanage at birth, facing significant early-life challenges on her path to becoming one of country entertainment’s most beloved figures. Before finding fame, she worked in Dallas nightclubs under the stage name “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer,” in venues owned by Jack Ruby.
In 1969, with the endorsement of country legend Buck Owens, Roman joined Hee Haw, where she quickly became known for her infectious laughter, impeccable comedic timing and soul-stirring vocals. She also starred in the Hee Haw spinoff Hee Haw Honeys, the stock car film Corky, and appeared in episodes of The Love Boat and Touched by an Angel.
Roman’s journey wasn’t without challenges. During her early years on Hee Haw, she struggled with drug addiction, which led to a temporary departure from the show in the early 1970s. Her eventual recovery and conversion to Christianity sparked a second act as a gospel artist. Her music career flourished, earning her a Grammy nomination and multiple Dove Awards. Albums like You Were There and Take Me There blended her powerful testimony with moving performances that brought hope and healing to listeners.
Over the years, Roman recorded more than a dozen albums and was inducted into both the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Christian Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, she released At Last, an album of musical standards featuring duets with Dolly Parton, T. Graham Brown, Linda Davis and George Jones. She also shared her life story in her 2019 autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song.
Beyond music and television, Roman devoted her time to numerous charitable efforts, championing causes related to children’s welfare, heart health, and addiction recovery—deeply personal missions that reflected her own path to healing and redemption.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
UMPG Nashville Signs Mitch Crego
/by LB CantrellMitch Crego and TC Courtney (UMPG Nashville). Photo: Trey Bonner
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter and producer Mitch Crego to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
Originally from Rome, Georgia, Crego moved to Nashville in 2018 to attend Belmont University. While still a student, he began forging connections with a rising class of songwriters, artists and music professionals.
Since graduating, he’s continued to collaborate with Nashville’s next generation of hitmakers, writing with the likes of Vincent Mason, LECADE, Colton Venner, Chase McDaniel, Trent Wayne, Matt Mulhare, Mia Mantia and more. Known on Music Row for his fast, polished production style, Crego has quickly become a go-to creative partner in both writing and studio sessions.
“As both a songwriter and producer, Mitch has built himself a brand of relentless work ethic, consistent quality, and lightning-fast efficiency. Our team is excited to partner with a songwriter whose standard of excellence is as high as ours,” says TC Courtney, Manager, A&R, UMPG Nashville.
Crego shares, “I’m so excited to work with TC and the UMPG team. Being at Universal truly feels like home, and I couldn’t be happier here. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and am eager to see where this journey takes me!”
WieRok Entertainment Acquires Amplo Records; Launches Wie3 Records
/by Lauryn SinkWieRok Entertainment, the Franklin, Tennessee-based multi-genre recording, publishing and artist development conglomerate, is expanding with the acquisition of Amplo Records and the reveal of a new general market imprint, Wie3 Records.
“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for WieRok and reflects the natural evolution of our vision and partnership,” says Lance Wieland, Co-Founder of WieRok Entertainment Group. “In Latin, ‘amplo’ means ‘to amplify,’ and this definition underscores our purpose: to increase impact for all our artists. We are deeply grateful to Marcus and Jay for their invaluable contributions to Amplo, and we are excited to continue collaborating with them in new ways.”
The company’s flagship label, WieRok Records, launched in January with the signing of chart-topping singer-songwriter Sean Rodriguez and recently welcomed husband/wife duo Grace + Max. The label has also inked exclusive publishing agreements with songwriters Karin Simmons and Madaline Garcia, as well as writers/producers Greg “Gregatron” Williams, Daniel Macal (Sidewalk Prophets) and Tyler Moody.
The acquisition of Amplo Records brings acclaimed singer-songwriter Nathan Sheridan, noted songwriters Phoebe Scott and Kolby Koloff, and songwriters/producers Andrew Barlow and Cole Tague under the sole purview of WieRok Entertainment.
WieRok Entertainment’s new imprint, Wie3 Records, has signed Nashville-based “popera” vocalist David Ask, whose first single with the label is set to be released Friday (April 25).
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Is ‘Philosophical, Moody & Super Compelling’
/by Robert K OermannCody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas
I’m not hearing a lot of playlist essentials among this week’s DISClaimer candidates.
The highlights of the listening session included Runaway June, Bryce Leatherwood, Hardy, Dierks Bentley and our excellent Disc of the Day award winner, Cody Johnson.
The DISCovery Award winner is the aptly named Pynk Beard.
HARDY / “Favorite Country Song”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Beau Bailey/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He hears everything around him, but nothing sounds as good as the sounds of nature back home. Written with finesse and sung with fire. Hardy stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next Tuesday (April 29).
CHASE MATTHEW & LAUREN ALAINA / “Heart Half Empty”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Bailey Manns/Chase Matthew/Matt McVaney/Noah West/Shaylen; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two really tear it up on this power ballad. “With a glass half full, but a heart half empty,” alcohol is ravaging a relationship as he struggles to make things right. Nicely done.
PYNK BEARD / “I Lived”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jeff Gitelman; Producers: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Pynk Beard; Label: Red Bull Records
– He’s a hit songwriter with a punk-pink beard, hence his billing. Fortunately, his music is as memorable as his image. The gospel-bred native of Birmingham expertly blends soul and country in this stirring meditation. There’s something about Cole’s confident, powerful, gripping delivery that makes me think he’s probably a really charismatic pulpit performer.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Well Well Whiskey”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Jordan Reynolds/Seth Ennis; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– He stares down a bottle in this frothing, driving stomper. Rising from the boiling stew of sound are his growly vocal and a hair-raising Bryan Sutton guitar solo. Excitement in the grooves.
BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “Shenandoah”
Writers: Bryce Leatherwood/Jeffrey East/Josh Kelley; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: UMG Nashville
– He brings a burnished baritone voice to this soaring, melodic country love ballad. Strings, steel, harmony vocalists and percussion bolster a brilliantly wistful performance. I’m in.
CODY JOHNSON / “The Fall”
Writers: Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Philosophical, moody and super compelling. “The ride was worth the fall/The fall was worth the smile/Smiles were worth the tears…Life is worth the fall.” A superb song in the throat of a master stylist. Essential.
LANIE GARDNER / “Concrete Cowboy”
Writers: Chris Ganoudis/Katie Cecil/Lanie Gardner; Producers: Chris Ganoudis, Katie Cecil; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– She has a cool, husky, drawled delivery that is perfect for this saga of a country gal whose heart is broken by a city boy. Smooth honey mixed with burning whiskey.
LITTLE FEAT / “Too High to Cut My Hair”
Writers: Fred Tackett/Scott Sharrard; Producers: Bill Payne, Scott Sharrard, Vance Powell; Label: Hot Tomato Productions
– I have always loved this band. Reunited and reinvigorated, their Nashville recorded comeback features blues-funk rhythms and stuttering horns. Plus a video shot at Eastside Bowl. Rock and Americana programmers take note.
KELSEY WALDON / “Commanche”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producers: Justin Francis, Kelsey Waldon; Label: Oh Boy Records
– The Kentucky singer-songwriter explores solitude and finds solace in her Jeep Commanche while guitars and fiddles sparkle around her.
RUNAWAY JUNE / “New Kind of Emotion”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Paul Sikes/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Gorgeously produced. Flawless triplet harmonies seduce the ears as you enter this dreamy, swoon-worthy track. What a delicious dessert dish.
AVERY ANNA / “Danny Don’t”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Anna’s upcoming album is based on letters she’s received from fans who unburdened themselves of their problems. On this stripped-down acoustic ballad, she tells the tale of a child begging her dad not to be suicidal and to press ahead instead.
SAM BARBER / “Man of the Year”
Writer: Sam Barber; Producers: Joe Becker, Ryan Hewitt; Label: Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records
– Cool and rootsy, with a deep-twang guitar and an echo on the chorus vocals. Kinda downbeat and doom-y, but undeniably compelling. This social-media star also has a duet out now with Avery Anna titled “Indigo.”
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whiskey Does”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/John Frank/Tom Pino; Producers: David Mescon, Tom Pino; Label: River House Artists
– A choppy groove, unison singing and a stinging electric guitar are the hallmarks of this bare-bones production. The twin-brother duo will drop its debut album, the 16-track Rhinestone Revolution, on June 6.
SOLID & IEBA Host Fourth Annual University Scholarship Competition
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): TC Courtney (SOLID), Lori Bowman (IEBA), Thomas Crabtree, Becky Parsons (SOLID), Jim Grenn, Madeline Edwards, Kayleigh Allen, Brian Wagner (IEBA) and Jason Conner (IEBA). Photo: Morgan Jerkins
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) hosted its Fourth Annual Student Scholarship Competition on April 12-13.
Hosted by the International Entertainment Buyers Association and held at the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), this year’s competition featured guest artist Madeline Edwards. Spearheaded by SOLID Ambassadorship Chair Becky Parsons and Co-Chair TC Courtney, students from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University were challenged with creating a detailed marketing campaign tailored to Edwards’ upcoming album release. They then showcased these campaigns to Edwards and members of her team, and each student walked away with scholarship funds and a professional development toolkit.
“Getting to work with SOLID, IEBA, and the students in this competition was truly inspiring,” says Edwards. “These students brought so much creativity, intention, and thoughtfulness to the table. It’s exciting to see the next generation of music industry leaders rising up with so much passion and perspective.”
IEBA’s Executive Director Brian Wagner, Director of Operations Jason Conner and Director of Events Lori Bowman educated students on the resources IEBA has to offer in the live entertainment space, and engaged in a networking lunch along with SOLID alumni.
“This competition is one of the most meaningful initiatives we offer,” says SOLID President Zach Green. “Watching these students gain confidence and apply what they’ve learned in such a real, impactful way speaks volumes about where our industry is headed.”
Dusty Miller Joins FirstBank As Sr. VP, Senior Relationship Manager
/by LB CantrellDusty Miller
Dusty Miller has joined FirstBank’s Nashville team as Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, bringing with him over 25 years of financial services experience.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dusty to the team and tap into his expertise in the entertainment industry to better serve the unique needs of these clients across Middle Tennessee and beyond,” says Brad Peterson, SVP who oversees FirstBank’s Music and Entertainment Group. “In a city like Nashville, where music, entertainment and sports are at the heart of our culture, having someone who understands that world is essential.”
Miller joins FirstBank after a 13-year tenure as a wealth advisor with SunTrust Bank, and over the past year, he most recently served as President of his own wealth management firm, Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in business marketing and obtained his Certificate in Accountancy from Lipscomb University. Miller also holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses, along with a Tennessee Life & Health Insurance license.
“FirstBank’s sustained growth, both in assets and footprint, combined with its unwavering commitment to a local, personalized approach to banking is what attracted me to this role, and I’m committed to carrying that mission forward,” says Miller. “With a deep understanding of the financial goals and needs of entertainment and sports professionals, I’m here to be a strategic partner who can help them build wealth and further their legacy.”
ACM Awards Reveals Additional Performers
/by Madison HahnenThe Academy of Country Music (ACM) has unveiled the latest round of performers for its 60th annual ACM Awards, taking place May 8 in Frisco, Texas.
The new round of performers includes Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Clint Black, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Wynonna Judd. They join previously announced performers Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Lainey Wilson.
Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 60th annual ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on May 8 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT.
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor is Executive Producer and Showrunner, with Patrick Menton as Co-Executive Producer. Damon Whiteside serves as Executive Producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as Executive Producers for DCP. John Saade will also serve as Consulting Producer for Amazon MGM Studios.
Mark Chesnutt Assembles New Team Members
/by Lorie HollabaughMark Chesnutt. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott
Mark Chesnutt has signed with Conway Entertainment Group / Ontourage Management for management. He has also signed with Absolute Publicity for PR representation.
Nineties hitmaker Chesnutt earned 14 No. 1s and 23 top 10s with songs like “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” “Too Cold at Home,” “Brother Jukebox” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” and sold more than 12 million albums. He was a CMA Horizon Award Winner, and also won CMA Vocal Event of the Year in 1993 for his participation on the legendary George Jones’ “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.” Billboard named him one of the most-played country artists of the decade.
“I was Mark’s first agent at Buddy Lee up until the time I left after 33 years,” says Conway Entertainment Group Ontourage Management President Tony Conway. “He’s one of the true great male vocalists of country music. After all he’s been through, we wanted to help him get back on the road and in the studio. We’re thrilled to be working with him on his new adventure in life.”
“I’m looking forward to working with the great Mark Chesnutt,” adds Don Murry Grubbs, president of Absolute Publicity. “The next chapter of his career will be a big one, and we can’t wait to help tell his story. It’s truly an honor to welcome him to our roster.”
Chesnutt is represented by the Nashville division of WME (responsible agent Risha Rodgers) for booking.
Music Row Musician & Mogul David Briggs Passes
/by Robert K OermannDavid Briggs. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Keyboardist David Briggs, who performed with a who’s-who of rock and country greats, has died at age 82.
A 60-year veteran of Music Row, Briggs was also a song publisher, studio owner, songwriter and arranger. He was a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame as well as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
His career began in Florence, Alabama in the 1950s as a teenager who performed on local television and won boogie-woogie talent contests. Across the river was Muscle Shoals, which began to emerge as a music capital in the early 1960s. Songwriter Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery invited Briggs to recording sessions at FAME Studio, and the piano player soon became a key member of the original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He and Muscle Shoals bass player Norbert Putnam became lifelong friends and collaborators.
Briggs played on all of the early Muscle Shoals hits, including those of Arthur Alexander, Joe Tex, Jimmy Hughes and Al Green. He began to write songs during this era. Brenda Lee, Percy Sledge and Dan Penn were among those who recorded his early songwriting efforts.
Recording sessions in Alabama weren’t constant. He and many of the other Muscle Shoals players relocated to Nashville, where session musicians worked around the clock. David Briggs arrived in Music City in 1965. During his first year in Nashville, he played on 140 recording sessions. This soon accelerated into 400+ sessions a year.
His versatility was one reason for his success. Those sessions were for such diverse artists as Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, Kenny Rogers, Connie Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Loretta Lynn, The Pointer Sisters, Ronnie Milsap, B.B. King, Waylon Jennings, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Hank Williams Jr., Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, B.J. Thomas, Tony Joe White, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, The Monkees, Reba McEntire, John Prine, Dobie Gray, K.T. Oslin, Don McLean, Donovan, Billy Bob Thornton, Kenny Chesney, Nancy Sinatra, Charley Pride, The Everly Brothers, Eddie Rabbitt, Carl Perkins, Barbara Mandrell, Alice Cooper, George Harrison, Peter, Paul & Mary and many other music legends. He had more than 10,000 music credits on his resume.
During his journey to prominence as an “A Team” session musician, David Briggs also recorded solo albums and performed live, including as a member of the Nashville session supergroup Area Code 615 in 1969-71. In 1974, he was a member of The James Gang. The musician first backed Elvis Presley in 1966. Many recording sessions later, he performed in Presley’s TCB Band throughout 1976.
Briggs was also the music director for network and cable television specials. In addition to playing on records, he was a noted string arranger.
He branched out into other areas of the music business. In the late 1960s, Briggs partnered with Norbert Putnam to open Quadrafonic Sound. It became the premier studio in Nashville for visiting pop and rock musicians, including Neil Young, Dan Fogelberg and Jimmy Buffett. Briggs went on to create his own House of David recording studio nearby.
Also with Putnam, Briggs founded the publishing company Danor Music. The firm signed such Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members as Troy Seals and Will Jennings.
In 1999, David Briggs was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. 10 years later, he and his fellow Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section members entered the Musicians Hall of Fame, which is located in downtown Nashville.
Younger brother John Briggs became an executive at ASCAP and U.S. Bank.
David Briggs died on Tuesday (April 22). He is survived by two sons, Darren and Gabriel. Funeral arrangements have not been posted.