Alan Jackson performs during a secret show at Nashville’s The Stage on June 4. Photo: Chris Hollo.
More than 60 charted singles, 35 No. 1 hits, 55 music videos, 16 CMA Awards, 18 ACM awards, three CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.
These are just a sampling of the accolades
Alan Jackson has amassed during his 25 years in the spotlight since the release of his first single, “Blue Blooded Woman,” in 1989, and his first No. 1 song, “Here In The Real World,” in 1990.
On Thursday, June 5, radio personality
Gerry House hosted Jackson’s performance, along with Universal Music Nashville CEO
Mike Dungan, CAA booking agent
John Huie, and Country Music Hall of Fame’s
Kyle Young at the CMHoF’s Ford Theater to announce a string of events commemorating Jackson’s 25-year career. Dungan credited “Here In The Real World” with bringing him into the world of Country music. “I could not stop playing this song. I was working around these pop music people, and I’m playing ‘Here In The Real World’ over and over. It was that song that made me feel like I want a career in Country music and in Nashville. I attribute that song to the reason I came here.”
In 2015, Jackson will launch a 25-year anniversary tour, with dates to be announced soon. On Aug. 29, 2014, the Country Music Hall of Fame will open an exhibit dedicated to Jackson’s illustrious career as a singer, songwriter and entertainer. Among the memorabilia will be the Harley Davidson bike featured on the cover of his 1992 album,
A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little ‘Bout Love), as well as the red leather jacket featured in his “Mercury Blues” video.
Jackson has made his 1955 Thunderbird available for display during the exhibition’s opening weekend.
In addition, Jackson will become the Country Music Hall of Fame’s 12th Artist-in-Residence for two concerts on Oct. 8, 2014 and Oct. 22, 2014. The artist-in-residence program will take place in the 800-seat CMA Theater.
“To have all this happen and get to where I am today, it’s the American dream,” Jackson said. “People don’t realize that we had nothing and I didn’t know anything about music when I started. Some guy said, ‘You sound as good as those people on the radio, you should move to Nashville.’ So I did. So much has happened.
Jackson said, of opening his collection of memorabilia to the museum, “It’s so many awards from so many places—radio stations give me things, mayors give me keys to the city, it’s crazy. I can’t believe it when we walk through our house, it makes my head spin. I always try to take it back to the music. I came here to sing Country music, and if you keep having a song every now and then that means something, it will keep your career going for a while. I’m still a fan. I hope it all goes back to the music, ‘cause all the other stuff in the spotlight doesn’t mean anything without the music. Thanks Country Music Hall of Fame for all of this attention.”
He was quick to confirm that he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. “A lot of people were asking if this was a retirement announcement. I tell people, ‘I don’t know what I will retire from, I don’t work that much now,” he quipped. “A lot of my heroes just kept working. I’ll probably do the same thing as long as I’m enjoying it and the fans enjoy it.”
Artist Photos (6/5/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonCraig Morgan was presented with a plaque by F3 Entertainment recently, commemorating his milestone reach of 1 million Facebook likes. More than 700,000 fans were added in less than a year, with the success of his latest hit “Wake Up Loving You” contributing to the recent growth. Morgan was honored as he hosted his annual Fan Club Party from Music City Indoor Karting & Entertainment.
Pictured (Front row, L-R): Sarah Johnson, FBMM; Mollie Cochrane, F3 Entertainment; Craig Morgan; Gordon Kerr, Black River Entertainment; Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Doug Johnson, Black River Entertainment. (Back row): Jake Kennedy, CAA; Jeff Hill, CAA; Ken Madson, F3 Entertainment; Chris Hughes, F3 Entertainment; Jordan Sloat, Black River Entertainment. Photo: F3 Entertainment
• • •
Rodney Atkins, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Tyler Farr close out the fourth annual “Music City Gives Back” concert in downtown Nashville. The shindig benefits Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School.
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Rodney Atkins
• • •
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched 2014’s Hot Nights at the Hall with performances from Striking Matches, Michael Ray and Cam. The series, free to museum members, will continue on July 10 with Josh Thompson and on Aug. 1 with Holly Thompson.
Pictured (L-R): Michael Ray, Cam, CAA’s Rod Essig, Striking Matches’ Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Jenny Alexander. Photo: Randi Radcliff.
• • •
Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr kicked off his CMA Music Festival week on Tuesday morning with Cumulus’ America’s Morning Show.
Pictured (L-R): Chuck Wicks, Terri Clark, Farr and Blair Garner.
• • •
Average Joes and Marco Club Connection celebrated CMA Music Fest with the Mud Digger 5 release party at Second Fiddle on Lower Broadway on June 3.
Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, VP/Marketing & Promotions, Average Joes Entertainment; Shannon Houchins, CEO/President, Average Joes Entertainment; AJE Artists Twang and Round, Sarah Ross, Lenny Cooper; Marco Club Connection’s Brooke Swenson, Jeff Walker, President, AristoMedia Group; Matt Watkins, VP of Marketing and Operations, AristoMedia Group
Alan Jackson, CMHoF To Celebrate 25 Years of Hits
/by Jessica NicholsonAlan Jackson performs during a secret show at Nashville’s The Stage on June 4. Photo: Chris Hollo.
More than 60 charted singles, 35 No. 1 hits, 55 music videos, 16 CMA Awards, 18 ACM awards, three CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.
These are just a sampling of the accolades Alan Jackson has amassed during his 25 years in the spotlight since the release of his first single, “Blue Blooded Woman,” in 1989, and his first No. 1 song, “Here In The Real World,” in 1990.
On Thursday, June 5, radio personality Gerry House hosted Jackson’s performance, along with Universal Music Nashville CEO Mike Dungan, CAA booking agent John Huie, and Country Music Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young at the CMHoF’s Ford Theater to announce a string of events commemorating Jackson’s 25-year career. Dungan credited “Here In The Real World” with bringing him into the world of Country music. “I could not stop playing this song. I was working around these pop music people, and I’m playing ‘Here In The Real World’ over and over. It was that song that made me feel like I want a career in Country music and in Nashville. I attribute that song to the reason I came here.”
In 2015, Jackson will launch a 25-year anniversary tour, with dates to be announced soon. On Aug. 29, 2014, the Country Music Hall of Fame will open an exhibit dedicated to Jackson’s illustrious career as a singer, songwriter and entertainer. Among the memorabilia will be the Harley Davidson bike featured on the cover of his 1992 album, A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little ‘Bout Love), as well as the red leather jacket featured in his “Mercury Blues” video.
Jackson has made his 1955 Thunderbird available for display during the exhibition’s opening weekend.
In addition, Jackson will become the Country Music Hall of Fame’s 12th Artist-in-Residence for two concerts on Oct. 8, 2014 and Oct. 22, 2014. The artist-in-residence program will take place in the 800-seat CMA Theater.
“To have all this happen and get to where I am today, it’s the American dream,” Jackson said. “People don’t realize that we had nothing and I didn’t know anything about music when I started. Some guy said, ‘You sound as good as those people on the radio, you should move to Nashville.’ So I did. So much has happened.
Jackson said, of opening his collection of memorabilia to the museum, “It’s so many awards from so many places—radio stations give me things, mayors give me keys to the city, it’s crazy. I can’t believe it when we walk through our house, it makes my head spin. I always try to take it back to the music. I came here to sing Country music, and if you keep having a song every now and then that means something, it will keep your career going for a while. I’m still a fan. I hope it all goes back to the music, ‘cause all the other stuff in the spotlight doesn’t mean anything without the music. Thanks Country Music Hall of Fame for all of this attention.”
He was quick to confirm that he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. “A lot of people were asking if this was a retirement announcement. I tell people, ‘I don’t know what I will retire from, I don’t work that much now,” he quipped. “A lot of my heroes just kept working. I’ll probably do the same thing as long as I’m enjoying it and the fans enjoy it.”
Dunn Signs With William Morris Endeavor
/by Jessica NicholsonClare Dunn recently signed with William Morris Endeavor for exclusive booking representation. The Colorado native has been touring in support of her self-released single “Get Out,” which is top 25 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. Dunn has recently opened dates for Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Hank Williams, Jr., Jamey Johnson, Parmalee, Colt Ford, and others.
She will be performing on the Bud Light Bridgestone Stage during CMA Fest on Saturday, June 7 at 4:30 p.m.
Pictured (L to R): WME’s Jay Williams, Clare Dunn, WME’s Kevin Neal
MusicRowPics: Akins, Hayslip Honored with 'MusicRow' Challenge Coins
/by Jessica NicholsonRhett Akins and Ben Hayslip were recently honored with a MusicRow Challenge Coin for their work on Jason Aldean‘s “When She Says Baby.” The song reached No. 1 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout chart for the week of Feb. 6, 2014. Publishers on the song include EMI Blackwood Music, WB Music Corp., Tar-Cam-Knox Music, Get A Load Of This Music.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, songwriter Rhett Akins, and MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow chart director Troy Stephenson, songwriter Ben Hayslip and MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson
MusicRow launched the MusicRow Challenge Coins in 2014 to honor songwriters and artists whose works have topped the MusicRow Country Breakout chart.
Challenge coins celebrate distinguished individuals, and the challenge coin term and tradition is believed to date back to WWI, when they were initially given to American soldiers. Varying accounts exist, but the most common story behind the coin’s name is as follows. After receiving a challenge coin, organization members carried it with them at all times. When challenged to prove membership, they would produce it to verify their membership status. Some stories add if the member couldn’t produce the coin, they had to buy the challenger(s) a drink and vice versa.
MusicRowRecess: Fan Fair Flashback
/by Sarah SkatesRemember when it was called Fan Fair and it took place at the fairgrounds? Relive Nashville in the ’90s, courtesy of these photos submitted by Bev Moser and JoAnn DiUbaldo.
Artist Updates (6/4/14)
/by contributorTim McGraw
By: Laura Hostelley
Tim McGraw will be featured on Oprah’s Master Class this Sun., June 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. The series features first-person insight into the minds and lives of top entertainers. Previous guests on the series include Reba McEntire. This season also features Justin Timberlake and Barbara Walters, among others.
• • • •
A musical tribute to Waylon Jennings and Hank Cochran will be held on July 9 to benefit the Nikki Mitchell Foundation. Jamey Johnson will host the event at Marathon Motor Works, and will be joined by Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Stapleton and other guests. VIP tickets are $35, general admission is $25.
• • • •
Bill Anderson
Eddie Stubbs of 650-AM WSM will host Mother Church Memories during CMA Music Fest in the Music City Center. Presented by The Ryman, the hour-long event will take place on the CMA Close Up Stage in Fan Fair X on Thursday, June 5 at 4 p.m. Ricky Skaggs, Bill Anderson and members of Old Crow Medicine Show will share their memories of the Ryman.
• • • •
Crowder debuts at the Grand Ole Opry
Last Saturday (May 31), David Crowder’s new band, Crowder, made its Grand Ole Opry debut. Opry performances that evening included Deana Carter and Ricky Skaggs. Crowder’s debut album Neon Steeple broke into the Top 10 on Billboard‘s 200 this past week.
• • • •
Duo Dailey and Vincent will debut their bluegrass sound at Carnegie Hall on Sunday, June 8 after performing at the Library of Congress on May 30. The New York appearance will be a part of Bluegrass and Gray: Sounds of Americana, which is presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York.
• • • •
LiveWire. Pictured (L-R): Bobby DeGonia, Brad Allen, Scott Kwapiszeski, Andy Eutsler and Cory Shultz. Photo: Flick Wiltshire
LiveWire announced its Drivin’ You Outta My Mind Tour as its Way Out West Records’ single by the same name prepares to impact the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart this week. The tour will head out for a June 6 stop in Galena, Kansas followed by stops at festivals, casinos, club and county fairs shows through September.
Industry Ink (6/4/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonRuiz will be based in Los Angeles and will report to Dualtone CEO/Co-founder Scott Robinson and Dualtone President Paul Roper.
She can be reached at angie@dualtone.com.
• • •
The winning spot is titled “Across The Internet” and features the Non-Stop Trailers’ catalog track “Solace.
• • •
Katie LaMasters
Curb Music Publishing has hired Kate LaMaster as Catalog Manager. LaMaster was previously employed at Universal Music Group, Skyline Music and Masville Music. Originally from Colorado, LaMaster graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Recording Industry Management.
She can be reached at klamaster@curb.com and 615-963-9318.
• • •
Bakersfield-Inspired Restaurant To Open in Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonRestaurant chain Bakersfield takes its name from the era of Country music popular in the 1950s and 1960s that boasted such musicians as Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. The restaurant is slated to open in SoBro area mixed-use tower Encore’s street-level retail space in late 2014.
The approximately 4,000-square-foot Bakersfield space, owned by John Lanni, Joe Lanni and Alex Blust, will join Encore restaurants Etch and The Farm House. Bakersfield will offer Mexican street-style tacos and tortas, along with 100 types of tequilas and American whiskeys.
The restaurant will not offer live music, but will feature the sounds of Bakersfield-era tunes. For weekend partiers, the bar and kitchen will remain open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bakersfield launched in 2012; Nashville will be the chain’s fourth location, following locations in Columbus and Indianapolis.
Encore is located at 301 Demonbreun Street in Nashville.
Bobby Karl Works 2014 CMA Music Fest–Day One
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 457
As a result of my meander through downtown on Tuesday evening (June 3), let me be the first to inform you that this year’s CMA Music Festival attendees are already here in full force and ready to party.
The ones I saw were mostly young couples. They are here to celebrate Country music. They are here to celebrate one another. These are my People!
Sarah Darling performs for CMT One Country & Dentastix party.
As the sun began to set, the fans were flocking to Lower Broadway for the “Music City Gives Back” outdoor show by Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Josh Thompson and Rodney Atkins. This benefited the W.O. Smith Community Music School. Jimmy Carter was there grabbing fan testimonials for Channel 4’s evening newscast. Rodney and Jana got airtime, too.
The Country Music Hall of Fame was doing its part to boost the festivities. Its Tuesday show featured former Belmont students Striking Matches, plus Michael Ray and blonde newcomer Cam. They were subbing for the originally scheduled The Henningsens, who are reportedly on doctor’s orders for vocal rest. In addition to presenting music, this was also an early autographing event.
MusicRow’s Sarah Skates and Kelsey Grady shamelessly declared themselves to be part of the fan brigade. They headed for Mercy Lounge for another Tuesday benefit. This one was for “Musicians on Call,” which brings music to patients in healthcare facilities. This “Country Weekly Kick-Off Party’ starred such heartthrobs as Kip Moore, Frankie Ballard and Chuck Wicks.
Yet another benefit was taking place at 3rd & Lindsley. This one was for Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s multiple sclerosis research. Clay Walker and Montgomery Gentry were booked to headline.
Meanwhile at The Ryman, there was “Stars for Second Harvest,” yet another benefit show. Craig Wiseman “and his friends” were the stars.
Carrie Underwood at her fan club party at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo.
I didn’t explore much beyond downtown, but out at the Opry House, there was an outstanding Tuesday lineup. The GOO was featuring Carrie Underwood (who had already had staged her fan-club party there on Monday), Jennifer Nettles, Trace Adkins, Josh Turner, Terri Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys.
Instead, I headed for the warehouse Peter Nappi Studios in North Nashville for the Tuesday-eve launch party of RollingStoneCountry.com. This fiesta was pretty much wall-to-wall artists and publicists. Heading the former list were Brett Eldredge, Chris Young, Maggie Rose, Al Gore (!), Nikki Lane, John & Martina McBride, Eric Paslay, Dustin Lynch, Kellie Pickler, Dann Huff, Leah Turner and party performer Keith Urban. Not to mention Nashville TV soap cast members Jonathan Jackson (“Avery”), Clare Bowen (“Scarlett”), Sam Palladio (“Gunnar”) and Chaley Rose (“Zoe”).
Wait staff circulated with trays of exotic hors d’oeuvres. I didn’t recognize any of the food by sight, and I still couldn’t identify the two tastes I tried. The place was sweltering, but the good news was that they offered Patron Popsicles (essentially, frozen margarita on a stick).
As I mentioned, if you were looking for a friendly flack, this was the spot to be. Working the room were Scott Stem, Craig Campbell, Claire Cook, Alison Auerbach, Ronna Rubin, Erin Morris, Jenny Bohler, Regina Stuve, Jim Havey, Jacqueline Marushka, Cindy Hunt and Lyndie Wenner.
Other scene makers included John Esposito, John Grady, Heather Byrd, Lisa Konicki, Barry Mazor, Jewly Hight and the ubiquitous Tracy Gershon. Presiding were the publication’s exec Jann Wenner, his son Gus Wenner (who is all of 23 years old), plus Beville Dunkerley and Joseph Hudak.
The stars and schmoozers who weren’t at Peter Nappi’s were probably at the annual CAA barbecue downtown, which was happening simultaneously.
Weekly Register: Waiting On 'Platinum'
/by Sarah SkatesWith no huge debuts, this week’s sales chart is fairly static, with Coldplay and Brantley Gilbert retaining their first and second places, respectively, on the all-genre album chart. Both in their second week of release, the Brit rockers moved 83K (down 78% from last week) and Gilbert sold 65K (down 69%).
Mariah Carey’s latest was the week’s top debut selling 58k and landing at No. 3. The top Country debut is courtesy of Jamie Lynn Spears with 2.1k.
The top five Country albums belong to Gilbert (65k), Rascal Flatts (17k), Luke Bryan (14.5k), Florida Georgia Line (14k), and Eric Church (7.5k).
Tracking Tracks
Bryan’s “Play It Again” is playing along in the No. 1 position on the Country tracks chart, selling 76.5k TW (1.228 million RTD). That is followed by Jake Owen’s sunny “Beachin'” (59k), FGL and Bryan’s “This Is How We Roll” (57k), Lee Brice’s “I Don’t Dance” (46k) and Dierks Bentley’s “Drunk on a Plane” (45k).
Jana Kramer’s “Love” is the best selling Country debut single, with 15.5k.
Check back after CMA Music Festival to see how this week’s new releases fared: Lambert, Lucy Hale, Big Smo, Native Run and Now That’s What I Call Country Vol. 7.