The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a preview party on Aug. 13 to celebrate the upcoming Kenny Rogers: Through the Years exhibit, opening Friday, Aug. 15. The exhibit is presented by SunTrust. Pictured at the preview are (l-r): Matt Glassmeyer, Charlie Worsham, SunTrust’s Andrew Kintz, Kenny Rogers, SunTrust’s Earle Simmons, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Kyle Young, Don Schlitz, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Carolyn Tate. Photo: Rick Diamond
I love museums.
To regular readers of Bobby Karl, that might come as no surprise. It seems I’m writing about museum parties just about every month – The Musicians Hall of Fame, The Tennessee State Museum, The Frist Fine Arts Center, The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame gallery and what have you.
It is not true that Bobby Karl would cover an envelope opening. But when it’s an exhibit opening and the
Johnny Cash Museum or the
Country Music Hall of Fame call, I answer.
For one thing, it’s kinda fun to see the displays before anybody else gets to. The folks at the Johnny Cash Museum made the most of that drama at their preview party for “The Legends of Sun.” When you entered the gallery, the cases were all draped in black.
Johnny Cash Museum’s Sun Records Exhibit. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
On Wednesday afternoon Aug. 13, we gathered there. Here’s another great thing or two about this sort of event: There’s usually an open bar and the catering is usually first rate. So while we schmoozed, we snacked on pork & waffles and on hot chicken nuggets & pickles.
Bob Doerschuk, Bob Paxman, Mike Martinovich, Michael Gray, Al Schiltz, Alan Stoker, Billy Burnette, Peter Cooper, Jerry Phillips and
David Anderson mingled.
Attendee
Steve Popovich Jr. says he is planning a Bluebird Café songwriter celebration on Sept. 11 for his finale
Ray Price CD,
Beauty Is. He is also hot on
Tanya Tucker’s trail. He hears she’s working on an album and wants it for his label. Tanya was a big buddy of Steve’s late father and sang beautifully at his memorial service.
Piano wild man
Jason D. Williams was there. Jason has just completed a new CD,
Hillbillies and Holy Rollers. His presence at the party was highly appropriate, since his sound is a living link to the Sun Records era. In fact, the CD was recorded at Sun. It is produced by the great
Dale Watson and features the great
Sleepy LaBeef on guitar. I also got to meet Jason’s business manager, his better half,
Jennifer James Williams.
Johnny Cash museum’s Sun Records Exhibit. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
greeted us in the new exhibit hall. “
Bill Miller met
Johnny Cash when he was nine years old, and they struck up a lifelong friendship,” she related. “Out of that, grew this museum.” She cited the abundant media coverage this extraordinary attraction has generated since it opened last year. Miller’s vast collection of Cash memorabilia forms the basis of the museum. As many have noted, this is an essential stop for anyone visiting Music City.
“I’m just a country boy from Los Angeles who decided to open this a thousand miles away,” said Miller in greeting the crowd. “I live here now, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, other than opening this museum.”
Miller introduced a short film that featured vintage footage of the exhibit’s subjects, Sun Records stars Cash,
Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and
Elvis Presley. The film’s songs include Cash’s “I Walk the Line,” Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” (not recorded at Sun), Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman” (ditto), Perkins’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire.”
One highlight is footage of Cash doing a hilarious send-up of Presley non-singing “Heartbreak Hotel” while throwing out his back gyrating his hips. He was billed as “Velsford” on TV’s
Town Hall Party for that caper. Johnny’s sister
Joanne Cash Yates laughed loudly, as did everyone else. My favorite clip was the studio footage of Cash, Perkins, Orbison and Lewis shot during the recording sessions for the 1986 LP
Class of ’55.
As the film concluded, Miller intoned, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Legends of Sun!” We turned around and behind us, the black drapes fell away and the display cases were fully illuminated. Very classy. The new exhibit features posters, costumes, records, graphics and other artifacts, plus listening stations.
Johnny Cash museum’s Sun Records Exhibit. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
• • •
Over at the Country Music Hall of Fame later that Wednesday eve, the big reveal was the “Kenny Rogers: Through the Years” exhibit. “The Gambler,” himself, was on hand for the party. So were such celebs as Jan Howard, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Nora Lee & Duane Allen, Polly & Ray Edenton, Chuck Mead & Brenda Colladay, Linda Davis & Lang Scott, Manuel, Jeff Wiliams, Jo Walker Meador, Jimmy Capps, Victoria Shaw, Dianne Sherrill and Mandy Barnett. Hall of Famer Patsy Montana’s grandson, singer Michael Montana, was introducing petite singer-songwriter Brittany Bexton, who says she’s making her own luck in Music City.
Kyle Young welcomed the crowd saying, “We’ve invited you to be the first to see ‘Kenny Rogers: Through the Years,’” which will be open through Jan. 14, 2015. The museum is also publishing an accompanying illustrated book, including a forward by Dolly Parton.
Charlie Worsham saluted Rogers by singing “Sweet Music Man.” He was accompanied by Matt Glassmeyer. Matt’s father, Steve Glassmeyer, has been in Kenny’s band for 38 years and was looking on proudly. Talk about an unbroken circle.
“At the end of the day, people relate to you through your voice,” Charlie told the Hall of Fame honoree.
“The a-ha moment happened for me the night you were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Don Schlitz. “It was then that I realized you weren’t just singing from your heart – you were singing from our hearts.”
Schlitz sang “The Gambler,” his composition that gave Kenny his everlasting persona.
“When I came to Nashville in 1973 — at the age of four — the person we all wanted to have sing our songs was Kenny Rogers,” added Schlitz. “I’ve been doing this for 40 years now, and the person I still want to hear singing my songs is you.” Schlitz also co-wrote this year’s Kenny-Dolly duet “You Can’t Make Old Friends.”
“I have a confession to make,” Kenny told the crowd. “I haven’t always been this old.” He introduced the original members of The First Edition, who stood for applause.
Pictured at the exhibit preview are (l-r): Rogers’ current manager Ken Levitan, Rogers, and Rogers’ former longtime manager Ken Kragen. Photo: Rick Diamond
“If I have a skill, it is picking hit songs,” Kenny continued. “If they touch me, I figure they can touch somebody else. We had the best songwriters in the world and the best musicians in the world. And they were stuck with me as the singer.”
He introduced sisters
Susan & Shawn Pirkle, two fans who have been to 1,100 of his concerts: “They saved the collection they’ve had for 30 years, and they gave it to the Hall of Fame.” Kenny Rogers concluded his remarks with an appeal to have his duet partner,
Dottie West, inducted into the Hall of Fame.
As I mentioned, the catering at museum exhibit preview gigs is dandy. The Hall of Fame’s party featured turkey breast and roast beef carving stations, grilled vegetables, Cajun potato wedges, orzo salad, arugula salad and salsa on toast points, plus desert offerings including cream layer-cake slices, cupcakes, chocolate treats and Boston cream pie morsels.
Attending fabulons included
John Briggs, David Briggs, Patsy Bradley, Harold Bradley, Charlie Monk, Charles Dorris, Ken Kragen, Ken Levitan (“all my managers are named Ken,” said Kenny),
Kay West, Andrew Kintz, Jim Bessman, Sandy Knox, Melanie Howard, Anita Hogan, Katie Gillon, Abby White, Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, Cindy Wilson, Dann Huff, Norbert Putnam, Kitty Moon Emery, Lori Badgett, Phyllis Stark, Earle Simmons, Mike Milom and
Kyle Lehning.
One interesting tidbit about Hall of Fame soirees is that they attract loads of city dignitaries, as well as music people. Miss Mary spotted
Howard Gentry, Erica Gilmore, Seab Tuck, Jerry & Ernie Williams, Pat Emery, Frances Guess, Chase Cole, Hershell Warren and more.
The museum will host two opening weekend events on Saturday, August 16: a performance by songwriter Don Schlitz at 11:30 a.m. and an intimate Q&A with Rogers and museum historian
Dr. John Rumble at 2:30 p.m. More information can be found at
countrymusichalloffame.org/calendar.
Rogers and family members react to songwriter Don Schlitz’s performance of the hit “The Gambler.” Photo: Rick Diamond
Relevant Communications To Open Nashville Office
/by Jessica NicholsonAllison Zucker-Perelman
South Florida-based public relations company Relevant Communications will open its Nashville office next month. The entertainment and fine art public relations company currently works with pop artist Peter Max, songwriter Bernie Taupin, Grace Slick, Michael Cartellone (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Rick Allen (Def Leppard), Michael Godard, Ashley Brinton, and Autumn de Forest.
The company was founded by Allison Zucker-Perelman in 1999. “This is such an exciting time for Relevant Communications. Our commitment to providing superior client services has made us one of the most in-demand public relations firms in South Florida and the only one specializing in the entertainment industry,” she stated. “Nashville is the next logical step for us as many of our newest clients have been coming from the music industry and have strong ties to country music.”
Joey Amato
Relevant’s Nashville office will be headed by Joey Amato, who relocated to Nashville in 2011, and has previous PR experience in addition to time spent at Sony Music and Clear Channel Communications in New York. “I am so happy to be expanding the Relevant brand to Nashville,” Amato stated. “Since I relocated here, it was always my intention to expand our brand to Music City. The growth and energy that can be felt here is incomparable to anywhere else in the world.”
Nashville native Jesse Walker will join the Relevant Nashville office as Digital Media Manager. The Nashville office is located at 5845 Nolensville Pike, Ste. 311, Nashville, TN 37211.
Scotty McCreery Adds Dates To 'See You Tonight Tour'
/by Jessica NicholsonScotty McCreery. Photo: Russ Harrington
Scotty McCreery will keep his first headlining tour, which originally visited 50 markets beginning in January, on the road through December. McCreery has added 13 stops to the tour. For the fall leg of the trek, he will welcome The Voice Season 4 winner and Big Machine Records artist Danielle Bradbery as an opener.
“The fans have really been incredible at all of our shows so far,” shares McCreery. “I’m excited to keep all the momentum going with Danielle coming out with us; it’s going to be great. We’re going to have a blast on the road!”
Upcoming See You Tonight Tour Dates:
Oct. 17 Fayetteville, N.C.†
Oct. 18 Toms River, N.J.†
Oct. 19 Bethlehem, Pa.†
Oct. 24 Williamsport, Pa.
Oct. 25 West Point, N.Y.
Oct. 26 Indiana, Pa.
Oct. 30 Louisville, Ky.
Nov. 1 Athens, Ohio
Nov. 15 Kansas City, Mo.
Nov. 16 St. Louis, Mo.
Nov. 21 Columbia, S.C.
Dec. 3 Westbury, N.Y.
Dec. 4 Wallingford, Conn.
†Dates Danielle Bradbery will not appear
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Honoring Sun Records and Kenny Rogers
/by Bobby KarlThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a preview party on Aug. 13 to celebrate the upcoming Kenny Rogers: Through the Years exhibit, opening Friday, Aug. 15. The exhibit is presented by SunTrust. Pictured at the preview are (l-r): Matt Glassmeyer, Charlie Worsham, SunTrust’s Andrew Kintz, Kenny Rogers, SunTrust’s Earle Simmons, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Kyle Young, Don Schlitz, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Carolyn Tate. Photo: Rick Diamond
Chapter 463
I love museums.
To regular readers of Bobby Karl, that might come as no surprise. It seems I’m writing about museum parties just about every month – The Musicians Hall of Fame, The Tennessee State Museum, The Frist Fine Arts Center, The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame gallery and what have you.
It is not true that Bobby Karl would cover an envelope opening. But when it’s an exhibit opening and the Johnny Cash Museum or the Country Music Hall of Fame call, I answer.
For one thing, it’s kinda fun to see the displays before anybody else gets to. The folks at the Johnny Cash Museum made the most of that drama at their preview party for “The Legends of Sun.” When you entered the gallery, the cases were all draped in black.
Johnny Cash Museum’s Sun Records Exhibit. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
On Wednesday afternoon Aug. 13, we gathered there. Here’s another great thing or two about this sort of event: There’s usually an open bar and the catering is usually first rate. So while we schmoozed, we snacked on pork & waffles and on hot chicken nuggets & pickles.
Bob Doerschuk, Bob Paxman, Mike Martinovich, Michael Gray, Al Schiltz, Alan Stoker, Billy Burnette, Peter Cooper, Jerry Phillips and David Anderson mingled.
Attendee Steve Popovich Jr. says he is planning a Bluebird Café songwriter celebration on Sept. 11 for his finale Ray Price CD, Beauty Is. He is also hot on Tanya Tucker’s trail. He hears she’s working on an album and wants it for his label. Tanya was a big buddy of Steve’s late father and sang beautifully at his memorial service.
Piano wild man Jason D. Williams was there. Jason has just completed a new CD, Hillbillies and Holy Rollers. His presence at the party was highly appropriate, since his sound is a living link to the Sun Records era. In fact, the CD was recorded at Sun. It is produced by the great Dale Watson and features the great Sleepy LaBeef on guitar. I also got to meet Jason’s business manager, his better half, Jennifer James Williams.
Johnny Cash museum’s Sun Records Exhibit. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
Pam Lewis greeted us in the new exhibit hall. “Bill Miller met Johnny Cash when he was nine years old, and they struck up a lifelong friendship,” she related. “Out of that, grew this museum.” She cited the abundant media coverage this extraordinary attraction has generated since it opened last year. Miller’s vast collection of Cash memorabilia forms the basis of the museum. As many have noted, this is an essential stop for anyone visiting Music City.
“I’m just a country boy from Los Angeles who decided to open this a thousand miles away,” said Miller in greeting the crowd. “I live here now, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, other than opening this museum.”
Miller introduced a short film that featured vintage footage of the exhibit’s subjects, Sun Records stars Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. The film’s songs include Cash’s “I Walk the Line,” Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” (not recorded at Sun), Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman” (ditto), Perkins’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire.”
One highlight is footage of Cash doing a hilarious send-up of Presley non-singing “Heartbreak Hotel” while throwing out his back gyrating his hips. He was billed as “Velsford” on TV’s Town Hall Party for that caper. Johnny’s sister Joanne Cash Yates laughed loudly, as did everyone else. My favorite clip was the studio footage of Cash, Perkins, Orbison and Lewis shot during the recording sessions for the 1986 LP Class of ’55.
As the film concluded, Miller intoned, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Legends of Sun!” We turned around and behind us, the black drapes fell away and the display cases were fully illuminated. Very classy. The new exhibit features posters, costumes, records, graphics and other artifacts, plus listening stations.
Johnny Cash museum’s Sun Records Exhibit. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
• • •
Over at the Country Music Hall of Fame later that Wednesday eve, the big reveal was the “Kenny Rogers: Through the Years” exhibit. “The Gambler,” himself, was on hand for the party. So were such celebs as Jan Howard, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Nora Lee & Duane Allen, Polly & Ray Edenton, Chuck Mead & Brenda Colladay, Linda Davis & Lang Scott, Manuel, Jeff Wiliams, Jo Walker Meador, Jimmy Capps, Victoria Shaw, Dianne Sherrill and Mandy Barnett. Hall of Famer Patsy Montana’s grandson, singer Michael Montana, was introducing petite singer-songwriter Brittany Bexton, who says she’s making her own luck in Music City.
Kyle Young welcomed the crowd saying, “We’ve invited you to be the first to see ‘Kenny Rogers: Through the Years,’” which will be open through Jan. 14, 2015. The museum is also publishing an accompanying illustrated book, including a forward by Dolly Parton.
Charlie Worsham saluted Rogers by singing “Sweet Music Man.” He was accompanied by Matt Glassmeyer. Matt’s father, Steve Glassmeyer, has been in Kenny’s band for 38 years and was looking on proudly. Talk about an unbroken circle.
“At the end of the day, people relate to you through your voice,” Charlie told the Hall of Fame honoree.
“The a-ha moment happened for me the night you were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Don Schlitz. “It was then that I realized you weren’t just singing from your heart – you were singing from our hearts.”
Schlitz sang “The Gambler,” his composition that gave Kenny his everlasting persona.
“When I came to Nashville in 1973 — at the age of four — the person we all wanted to have sing our songs was Kenny Rogers,” added Schlitz. “I’ve been doing this for 40 years now, and the person I still want to hear singing my songs is you.” Schlitz also co-wrote this year’s Kenny-Dolly duet “You Can’t Make Old Friends.”
“I have a confession to make,” Kenny told the crowd. “I haven’t always been this old.” He introduced the original members of The First Edition, who stood for applause.
Pictured at the exhibit preview are (l-r): Rogers’ current manager Ken Levitan, Rogers, and Rogers’ former longtime manager Ken Kragen. Photo: Rick Diamond
“If I have a skill, it is picking hit songs,” Kenny continued. “If they touch me, I figure they can touch somebody else. We had the best songwriters in the world and the best musicians in the world. And they were stuck with me as the singer.”
He introduced sisters Susan & Shawn Pirkle, two fans who have been to 1,100 of his concerts: “They saved the collection they’ve had for 30 years, and they gave it to the Hall of Fame.” Kenny Rogers concluded his remarks with an appeal to have his duet partner, Dottie West, inducted into the Hall of Fame.
As I mentioned, the catering at museum exhibit preview gigs is dandy. The Hall of Fame’s party featured turkey breast and roast beef carving stations, grilled vegetables, Cajun potato wedges, orzo salad, arugula salad and salsa on toast points, plus desert offerings including cream layer-cake slices, cupcakes, chocolate treats and Boston cream pie morsels.
Attending fabulons included John Briggs, David Briggs, Patsy Bradley, Harold Bradley, Charlie Monk, Charles Dorris, Ken Kragen, Ken Levitan (“all my managers are named Ken,” said Kenny), Kay West, Andrew Kintz, Jim Bessman, Sandy Knox, Melanie Howard, Anita Hogan, Katie Gillon, Abby White, Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, Cindy Wilson, Dann Huff, Norbert Putnam, Kitty Moon Emery, Lori Badgett, Phyllis Stark, Earle Simmons, Mike Milom and Kyle Lehning.
One interesting tidbit about Hall of Fame soirees is that they attract loads of city dignitaries, as well as music people. Miss Mary spotted Howard Gentry, Erica Gilmore, Seab Tuck, Jerry & Ernie Williams, Pat Emery, Frances Guess, Chase Cole, Hershell Warren and more.
The museum will host two opening weekend events on Saturday, August 16: a performance by songwriter Don Schlitz at 11:30 a.m. and an intimate Q&A with Rogers and museum historian Dr. John Rumble at 2:30 p.m. More information can be found at countrymusichalloffame.org/calendar.
Rogers and family members react to songwriter Don Schlitz’s performance of the hit “The Gambler.” Photo: Rick Diamond
Gorley Ranks Among Top Songwriters Nationwide
/by Sarah SkatesAshley Gorley
Ashley Gorley is the only Nashville songwriter in Billboard’s Top 10 Songwriters list, based on airplay in the second quarter. During that time period Gorley scored as a co-writer on Luke Bryan’s “Play It Again,” Joe Nichols’ “Yeah,” and Rascal Flatts’ “Rewind.”
Sony/ATV ranked as the top overall publisher on the Publishers Quarterly chart, propelled largely by Country hits including Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic.” Overall, the publishing powerhouse which holds the EMI catalog, had a 32.2 percent share of the top 100 radio songs.
Sony/ATV’s Country share grew from 26.9 in the first quarter, to 34.8 percent in the second quarter.
Warner Chappell landed at No. 2 Country with a 19.8 percent share in the second quarter. WC is No. 3 overall with 14.3 percent.
Nashville indie Big Loud Bucks ranked in the Top 10 overall with 1.6 percent.
Rounding out the overall Top 5 are UMPG at No. 2 with 15.2 percent, followed by Kobalt (9.8%) and BMG Chrysalis (6.5%).
Also of note, Round Hill Music ranked No. 8 on the list with 1.3 percent, due in large part to the success of Nashville songwriter Wade Kirby and rock band American Authors.
Artist Updates: Florida Georgia Line, Lucy Hale, Mindy Smith
/by Jessica NicholsonFlorida Georgia Line. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Florida Georgia Line is set to make a big announcement from NYC’s Central Park on Friday (Aug. 15) when they headline ABC’s Good Morning America Summer Concert Series. The Republic Nashville duo will perform their latest single, “Dirt,” which has sold more than 535,000 downloads to date.
Good Morning America airs beginning at 7 a.m. (all time zones).
• • •
Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles will feature 12 live, intimate performance from various artists, with footage available at youtube.com.
• • •
She will perform the album in its entirety for the first time, accompanied by a full band that includes some original players featured on the studio album. For tickets, visit citywinery.com.
• • •
Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen has been inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, and named an honorary admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Rick Perry. Fellow Oak Ridge Boys members Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban were also proclaimed as honorary Texans.
Pictured (L-R): Duane Allen with Texas State Representative Chris Paddie.
• • •
The third annual Eric Church Band “Put A Club in My Hand” Golf Tournament was held Monday, Aug. 4 at Gaylord Springs Golf Links. The event raised $112,864 for MusiCares, the charitable arm of The Recording Academy. Funds were donated through 160 registered golfers, more than 45 sponsors (including EMI Records Nashville, Q Prime, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, BMI, Hard Rock Cafe, AEG Live/The Messina Group, WME, Jack Daniel’s, Dos Equis, and others), and a silent auction.
To date, the event has raised more than $275,000 for MusiCares.
• • •
Wynonna and husband/producer Cactus Moser performed the national anthem at the LA Dodgers/Chicago Cubs game on Aug. 3 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Pictured (L-R): Cactus Moser and Wynonna
MR Exclusive: Legislating Concert Tickets in Tennessee
/by Eric T. ParkerExpanding on the 2014 Artist Roster print magazine article on concert ticketing, Q Prime South Management’s VP of Touring Fielding Logan takes time to further explain the Tennessee Sports and Entertainment Industry Coalition.
In the state of Tennessee in 2012, Logan testified as a representative of the Tennessee Sports and Entertainment Industry Coalition to combat ticketing challenges. “In 15 different states it’s eBay-owned Stubhub vs. Ticketmaster and groups financed by Ticketmaster,” he said. “Ticketmaster paid for our lobbyists but we were trying to pass bi-partisan laws to protect fans and prevent scalpers from tricking customers.”
• • •
This organization had the same mission as the Fans First Coalition; both are backed by Eric Church, Q Prime South and The Bridgestone Arena, among others. The coalition wanted to make it illegal for scalpers to use venue or artist names in web addresses, to say whether tickets were speculative or not, and to publish the exact seat location and the original face value.
“[The coalition’s breadth] was amazing: colleges, venues across the state, artists, professional sports teams including the Titans, TPAC, NASCAR, and even some tiny playhouse in Cookeville,” continued Logan. “From Bristol to Memphis, anyone actually doing business and paying taxes in Tennessee was lined up.”
Opposing the Fans First Coalition was StubHub and organizations like the Fan Freedom project.
“Stubhub and their army of lobbyists did a lot to cloud and confuse the issue,” continued Logan. “Our Republican sponsor out of Knoxville decided to pull the bill at the last minute because he was getting calls from ambiguous free market, free enterprise consumer protection groups saying ‘this is my ticket and I should be able to do whatever the heck I want with it.’
“My understanding is there is now an armistice in Tennessee where the legislature has basically said we’re not touching a ticketing bill from either side.”
In retrospect, Logan notes legislative efforts to prevent scalping on a state level may be irrelevant. “It’s a national issue,” he said, noting Ticketmaster’s new re-sell program TM+. “A lot of what [the Tennessee Sports and Entertainment Industry Coalition was] trying to address is going to be solved organically, from a technological standpoint, and Ticketmaster is probably happier to dedicate their resources to advancing a better, more transparent market.
“[My] biggest disappointment with the commission is that everyone fighting on the other side was largely ambiguous, out-of-state consumer protection groups. The presumption on my part was every opposing testimony was being paid by Stubhub.”
• • •
For the full article: “Recapturing Lost Revenue On The Road: a look at today’s concert ticket industry” featuring Logan and The Bridgestone Arena’s Director of Ticketing, Lonnie Wilkerson, pick up a copy of the Artist Roster print magazine. Magazines are included for free with yearly subscriptions to MusicRow.
The Boxcars, Blue Highway Lead IBMA Awards Nominations
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Original Seldom Scene and Neil Rosenberg are the 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees. The 2014 Distinguished Achievement Award recipients this year are Deering Banjo Company, The Delmore Brothers, European Bluegrass Music Association, Hillbilly at Harvard, and Bill Keith.
Lee Ann Womack and Jerry Douglas will serve as hosts for this year’s IBMA awards, which will be the centerpiece of the World of Bluegrass event, to be held Sept. 30-Oct. 4.
2014 IBMA award nominees:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
The Del McCoury Band
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
The Boxcars
The Del McCoury Band
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Dear Sister” – Claire Lynch (artist), Claire Lynch and Louisa Branscomb (writers)
“Grandpa’s Way of Life” – The Spinney Brothers (artist), Mark ‘Brink’ Brinkman (writer)
“It’s Just a Road” – The Boxcars (artist), William Keith Garrett (writer)
“The Game” – Blue Highway (artist), Shawn Lane and Barry Bales (writers)
“You Took All The Ramblin’ Out of Me” – The Boxcars (artist), Jerry Hubbard (writer)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Hall of Fame Bluegrass – Junior Sisk and Joe Mullins (artist), Junior Sisk and Joe Mullins (producers), Rebel Records
It’s Just A Road – The Boxcars (artist), The Boxcars (producer), Mountain Home
Noam Pikelny Plays Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe – Noam Pikelny (artist) Gabe Witcher (producer), Compass Records
Streets of Baltimore – The Del McCoury Band (artist), Del McCoury (producer), McCoury Music
The Game – Blue Highway (artist), Blue Highway (producer), Rounder Records
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Love Does” – Darin and Brooke Aldridge (artist), Flying (album), Jamie Johnson, Suzanne M. Johnson and Jenee Fleenor (writers), Darin and Brooke Aldridge (producers), Organic Records
“The Day We Learn to Fly” – Volume Five (artist), The Day We Learn To Fly (album), Stacy Richardson and Leroy Drumm (writers), Volume Five (producers), Mountain Fever
“Wait A Little Longer Please Jesus” – Donna Ulisse (artist), I Am a Child of God (album), Hazel Marie Houser (writer), Bryan Sutton and Donna Ulisse (producers), Hadley Music Group
“When Sorrows Encompass Me Around” – The Boxcars (artist), It’s Just A Road (album), Paul Edgar Johnson (writer), The Boxcars (producer), Mountain Home
“Won’t It Be Wonderful There” – Dailey & Vincent (artist), Brothers of the Highway (album), Mildred Styles Johnson (writer), Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent (producers), Rounder Records
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Five Miles to Milan” – The Grascals (artist), When I Get My Pay (album), Danny Roberts (writer), The Grascals (producer), Mountain Home
“Graveyard Fields” – Steep Canyon Rangers (artist), Tell The Ones I Love (album), Mike Guggino (writer), Larry Campbell (producer), Rounder Records
“Johnny Don’t Get Drunk” – Adam Steffey (artist), New Primitive (album), Public Domain, Adam Steffey (producer), Organic
“Skillet Head Derailed” – The Boxcars (artist), It’s Just a Road (album), Ron Stewart (writer), The Boxcars (producer), Mountain Home
“Thank God I’m A Country Boy”- Special Consensus with Buddy Spicher, Michael Cleveland and Alison Brown (artists), Country Boy: A Bluegrass Tribute to John Denver (album), John Martin Sommers (wrtier), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
“American Pickers”- The Grascals with Dierks Bentley (artists), The Grascals (producer), Mountain Home
“Keepin’ It Between the Lines (Old School)” – Peter Rowan with Bobby Osborne, Jesse McReynolds, Ronnie McCoury and Del McCoury (artists), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records
“Martha White, Lester & Earl” – Terry Baucom with Marty Raybon & Buddy Melton (artists), Terry and Cindy Baucom (producers), John Boy and Billy Records
“Wild Montana Skies” – Special Consensus with Claire Lynch & Rob Ickes (artists), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records
“Wild Mountain Honey” – Junior Sisk and Joe Mullins (artists), Junior Sisk and Joe Mullins (producers) Rebel Records
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Detour
Flatt Lonesome
The Spinney Brothers
Town Mountain
Volume Five
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Del McCoury
Buddy Melton
Tim O’Brien
Frank Solivan
Dan Tyminski
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley
Alison Krauss
Claire Lynch
Amanda Smith
Rhonda Vincent
INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR
BANJO
Jens Kruger
Mike Munford
Noam Pikelny
Sammy Shelor
Ron Stewart
BASS
Barry Bales
Mike Bub
Missy Raines
Mark Schatz
Darrin Vincent
FIDDLE
Jason Carter
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan
Bobby Hicks
Ron Stewart
DOBRO
Jerry Douglas
Andy Hall
Rob Ickes
Randy Kohrs
Phil Leadbetter
GUITAR
Tony Rice
James Alan Shelton
Kenny Smith
Tim Stafford
Bryan Sutton
Music For A Cause: Upcoming Nashville Benefits
/by Jessica NicholsonThe night of music will raise funds for Root 53 Future Rulers Initiative, a three-month incentive-based program that includes weekly healthy and positive living challenges to supplement the school curriculum of middle school students in under-served communities. The event will include catering from Riffs Catering, as well as an open bar, silent auction, gift bags, and more.
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Additional performers and attendees will include Tracy Lawrence, Lynda Carter (who played the role of “Wonder Woman”), the Beegie Adair Trio, Chip Esten, The Henningsens, The Willis Clan, and Jesse Lee Jones, owner of Robert’s Western World and leader of its house band Brazilbilly.
Restless Heart hosted the first “Music With A Mission” concert in 2010. For more information, visit mwmnashville.com.
Web Links: Kings of Leon, ABC, Cumulus and More
/by Sarah SkatesNashvillians Kings of Leon played Fallon last night (Aug. 12) with Questlove sitting in on drums for Nathan Followill, who is recovering from an injury.
Kings Of Leon has canceled a string of live dates this month to allow drummer Nathan Followill to heal from broken ribs sustained in a bus crash.
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The distribution deal between ABC News Radio and Cumulus Media is coming to an end reports the LA Times.
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A decision by the California Labor Commissioner about the state’s longstanding Talent Agencies Act may change the way artists, producers and managers engage with one another. More from Billboard.
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Concord Music Group is being sued by Evergreen Media over Concord’s Broadway musical about Stax Records. According to the lawsuit, Concord holds rights to Stax sound recordings, but Evergreen has the publishing rights.
Industry Pics: Grand Ole Opry, NSAI, BMLG
/by Jessica NicholsonColumbia Nashville artist Tyler Farr visite the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville recently in between stops on the Burn It Down Tour. He performed his new single, “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” which is set to impact Country radio on Aug. 18, as well as his chart-topping singles “Redneck Crazy” and gold-certified hit “Whiskey in My Water.”
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Farr with Grand Ole Opry General Manager Pete Fisher.
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Big Machine Label Group artists RaeLynn and Maddie & Tae visited the NASH FM studios recently while in New York City. The Valory Music Co.’s RaeLynn and Dot Records duo Maddie & Tae discussed their burgeoning careers and current singles, “God Made Girls” and “Girl In A Country Song.”
Pictured (L-R): Maddie, Erika Grace Powell (America’s Morning Show), Tae, Brian Thomas (WNSH), RaeLynn and Kelly Ford (WNSH)
Pictured (L-R): Front Row – Tori Tullier and Jenn Schott. Back Row: NSAI Song Evaluations Manager Amanda Toney, Justin Klump, Bo Brendle, and NSAI Membership Representative Lindsay Gum.