Front row (L-R): Marshall Altman, Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon and Rob Crosby, (back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Cal IV Entertainment’s Daniel Hill, The Song Factory’s Jennifer Johnson, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and BMI’s David Preston. Photo: Ed Rode.
“I’ve never seen a team put their heads down and leave blood on the tracks like this one,” assured UMG Nashville boss
Mike Dungan yesterday (Feb. 24) during the No. 1 party for “Friday Night” held at CMA. Then he named every member of the EMI Records Nashville radio promotion team that drove the
Eric Paslay song to the top.
Their efforts resulted in a landmark hit for those behind the cut. It is Paslay’s first chart-topper as an artist and fourth as a songwriter. It is the first No. 1 for co-writer
Rose Falcon and the first for The Song Factory, the publishing home to co-writer
Rob Crosby. “Friday Night” marked Crosby’s third No. 1.
Paslay’s career is as red-hot as his hair. He had previously received the CMA Triple Play award, signifying three chart-toppers in one year, as a writer on “Angel Eyes” (Love and Theft), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen) and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band). Paslay co-wrote the current Rascal Flatts single “Rewind” and has a cut on Amy Grant’s latest album, on which he and Sheryl Crow contribute vocals. (The same song, “Deep As It Is Wide,” also appears on his self-titled debut.)
“Friday Night” first saw the light of day on Lady Antebellum’s 2011
Own The Night, though it wasn’t released as a single. Producer
Marshall Altman is behind Paslay’s rollicking version.
Taking the stage to salute their respective affiliates were ASCAP’s
Mike Sistad and BMI’s
David Preston. Cal IV President
Daniel Hill toasted everyone involved with the hit, saying, “On this side of a No. 1 it looks easy, but it is anything but.” Paslay joined the publishing company as an intern eight years ago. Hill joked, “We’ve been working with him so long we’re starting to look like him,” and held up a mask with a red beard.
Jennifer Johnson from The Song Factory recalled signing Crosby after falling in love with his music. “That’s where my heart was,” she said earnestly before complimenting Crosby’s gentlemanly manners and strong work ethic. She added, “Eric is the first one to congratulate others… He always shows gratitude and graciousness.”
On behalf of Avenue Bank,
Ron Cox presented a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of the writers.
Brandi Simms distributed the CMA’s No. 1 medallions.
“I feel like it’s the end of a movie,” said an emotional Paslay, “but it’s the beginning of a movie, really. Thank y’all for letting me dream and thank you for not waking me up from it.”
The Valory Music Co. Promotes Sidoti
/by Jessica NicholsonAshley Sidoti
The Valory Music Co. has promoted Ashley Sidoti to the role of Southeast Director of Promotion and Marketing. In this position, Sidoti will work in the Southeast region promoting all Valory Music Co. artists including Reba, The Mavericks, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett.
“I am both thrilled and honored to be stepping into this new role,” said Sidoti. “I’ve learned so much from everyone on the Valory team and have met so many wonderful people working in Country radio. I am ecstatic that this opportunity will allow me a bigger opportunity to showcase our talented roster of artists in the Southeast and beyond.”
“Ashley has been a great addition to The Valory Music Co. acting as the Label Promotion Coordinator,” said Valory Vice President George Briner. “I’m now pleased to announce the promotion of Ashley as Southeast Director Promotion and Marketing. Her passion for music and focus to detail makes this a great choice. All of us with The Valory Music Co. and the Big Machine Label Group are excited for Ashley to take on this new position, plus it’s great to see someone grown within the organization.”
She most recently served as the promotion coordinator for The Valory Music Co., where she returned to in 2012 after serving as the Creative Assistant at Better Angels Music and as Client Manager at Harris Business Management.
Sidoti can be reached at 615-574-7827 or via ashley.sidoti@valorymail.com
[Updated] Lifenotes: Penny DeHaven Passes
/by Robert K OermannFuneral services for Penny DeHaven will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at Christ Church in Nashville. Christ Church is located at 15354 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37211. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 27, followed by services at 1 p.m.
[Previous story, 2:22, Feb. 24, 14]
Country singer Penny DeHaven died Sunday, Feb. 23, at the age of 65.
Best known for a series of singles recorded for United Artists and Mercury Records in the 1970s, DeHaven had her biggest hit in 1970 as the duet partner of the late Del Reeves (1933-2007) on “Land Mark Tavern.”
She was born Charlotte DeHaven in Winchester, VA in 1948. Following her high school graduation, she began appearing on WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree in West Virginia. She first made the country popularity charts as “Penny Starr” in 1967. DeHaven moved to Nashville two years later.
Her biggest solo hit was 1969’s “Mama Lou.” DeHaven’s other singles included country remakes of such pop hits as The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” (1970), The Everly Brothers’ “Crying in the Rain” (with Reeves, 1972), Marvin Gaye’s “I’ll Be Doggone” (1974) and Billy Joe Royal’s “Down in the Boondocks” (1969).
Her albums included 1972’s Penny DeHaven and 2011’s gospel collection A Penny Saved. She also appeared on some of the final albums by Country Music Hall of Fame member Porter Wagoner (1927-2007), as well as on a 1982 CD by Boxcar Willie (Lecil Martin, 1931-1999).
Penny DeHaven was in the films Valley of Blood (1973), Traveling Light (1971) and Country Music Story (1972). In addition, she appeared on the 1982 soundtrack of Clint Eastwood’s film Honkytonk Man, singing “Bayou Lullaby.”
According to publicist Vernell Hackett, Penny DeHaven died of cancer. She had most recently been living in Atlanta. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
BBR Music Group Adds VP Promotion for BBR Management
/by Jessica NicholsonJoJamie Hahr
The BBR Music Group is pleased to announce the addition of JoJamie Hahr to its team in the newly-created position of VP of Promotion for BBR Management. The move marks a return home for Hahr who previously spent two years as the Southeast Director of Promotion for Broken Bow Records.
In her new role, Hahr will serve as a liaison between radio and BBR Management whose acts include Thompson Square, Parmalee, Lindsay Ell and American Idol’s Kristy Lee Cook. Hahr will hold additional promotion responsibilities relating to the entire BBR Music Group roster which also includes Jason Aldean, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, Dustin Lynch, and more.
“Every major career move I’ve made has been with Jon Loba. His belief in me is an honor,” said Hahr. “This is such an incredible opportunity for both my personal and professional growth. I will always be grateful for the magic we were able to create at The Valory Music Co. Scott, that entire team, and its amazing artists will always have a place in my heart. I can’t wait to dive in with Benny, Jon and the entire BBR family.”
“From the moment I met JoJamie, when she was the Event Coordinator at K92 in Orlando, I noticed a unique spark. That spark has only grown brighter as she has advanced through the radio and records ranks. Coupled with her honesty and work ethic, JoJamie has excelled at every new opportunity given. Benny and I have wanted to bring JoJamie home for quite some time and the creation of this new position within our management company was the perfect opportunity to do so. While her primary responsibilities will be to the BBR Management acts, we will absolutely utilize her knowledge and relationships throughout the BBR Music Group,” said Executive Vice President of BBR Music Group Jon Loba.
For the past three years, Hahr served as the National Director of Field Promotion for The Valory Music Co. (TVMC) after being promoted from Director of Southeast Promotion & Marketing as which she’d previously served for three years. Immediately prior to joining TVMC, Hahr served as the Director of Southeast Promotion of Broken Bow Records and Promotion Coordinator/ Secondary Promotion at MCA Nashville. Hahr’s previous stints include as Promotion Director for WSIX-Nashville as well as Event Coordinator for K92-Orlando.
Hahr’s position as VP of Promotion for BBR Management is effective Monday, March 10. She can be reached at 615-495-7056 and at Jojamie@bbrmusicgroup.com
'Friday Night' Sweet Ride To No. 1
/by Sarah SkatesFront row (L-R): Marshall Altman, Eric Paslay, Rose Falcon and Rob Crosby, (back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Cal IV Entertainment’s Daniel Hill, The Song Factory’s Jennifer Johnson, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dungan and BMI’s David Preston. Photo: Ed Rode.
“I’ve never seen a team put their heads down and leave blood on the tracks like this one,” assured UMG Nashville boss Mike Dungan yesterday (Feb. 24) during the No. 1 party for “Friday Night” held at CMA. Then he named every member of the EMI Records Nashville radio promotion team that drove the Eric Paslay song to the top.
Their efforts resulted in a landmark hit for those behind the cut. It is Paslay’s first chart-topper as an artist and fourth as a songwriter. It is the first No. 1 for co-writer Rose Falcon and the first for The Song Factory, the publishing home to co-writer Rob Crosby. “Friday Night” marked Crosby’s third No. 1.
Paslay’s career is as red-hot as his hair. He had previously received the CMA Triple Play award, signifying three chart-toppers in one year, as a writer on “Angel Eyes” (Love and Theft), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen) and “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band). Paslay co-wrote the current Rascal Flatts single “Rewind” and has a cut on Amy Grant’s latest album, on which he and Sheryl Crow contribute vocals. (The same song, “Deep As It Is Wide,” also appears on his self-titled debut.)
“Friday Night” first saw the light of day on Lady Antebellum’s 2011 Own The Night, though it wasn’t released as a single. Producer Marshall Altman is behind Paslay’s rollicking version.
Taking the stage to salute their respective affiliates were ASCAP’s Mike Sistad and BMI’s David Preston. Cal IV President Daniel Hill toasted everyone involved with the hit, saying, “On this side of a No. 1 it looks easy, but it is anything but.” Paslay joined the publishing company as an intern eight years ago. Hill joked, “We’ve been working with him so long we’re starting to look like him,” and held up a mask with a red beard.
Jennifer Johnson from The Song Factory recalled signing Crosby after falling in love with his music. “That’s where my heart was,” she said earnestly before complimenting Crosby’s gentlemanly manners and strong work ethic. She added, “Eric is the first one to congratulate others… He always shows gratitude and graciousness.”
On behalf of Avenue Bank, Ron Cox presented a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of the writers. Brandi Simms distributed the CMA’s No. 1 medallions.
“I feel like it’s the end of a movie,” said an emotional Paslay, “but it’s the beginning of a movie, really. Thank y’all for letting me dream and thank you for not waking me up from it.”
BlackHawk Signs With Loud & Proud Records
/by Jessica NicholsonBlackhawk
BlackHawk recently signed with Raleigh, N.C.-based Loud & Proud Records. The band, comprised of Henry Paul and Dave Robbins, is working on their first studio release in 12 years.
“Brothers of the Southland is the product of BlackHawk’s evolution,” says Loud & Proud Owner & President Tom Lipsky. “It represents the band through the years and their many hits, the adversity they faced and Henry and Dave’s decision to continue their musical journey together. BlackHawk’s sound remains a beautiful blend of melody and harmony with genuine and purposeful lyrics and Loud & Proud is excited to be their label partner. We know their legions of fans are going to love experiencing this new music.”
Along with third founding member Van Stephenson, Paul and Robbins made their Country music debut in 1993. The band notched several hit singles including “Goodbye Says It All,” “Every Once In A While,” “I Sure Can Smell The Rain” and “That’s Just About Right.”
In 1999, Stephenson was diagnosed with melanoma. After a courageous fight, Van lost his battle in 2001. Henry and Dave established the Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund in his memory, donating the proceeds of their efforts to the Vanderbilt Cancer Research Center.
Loud & Proud Records is an independent record label founded in 2007 by Lipsky. The label’s current roster includes Jonathan Jackson (currently on ABC’s Nashville) and his band Enation, singer/songwriter Willie Nile, and bands The Winery Dogs, Walking Papers, and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC, and is distributed in the U.S. and Canada by RED.
Industry Ink (2/25/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonAlison Rose
SESAC has promoted Alison Rose to Associate Director, Business Affairs. In the new position, Rose will be responsible for the daily administration task of the Business Affairs department, as well as assist the Senior Director of Business Affairs.
A graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., Rose joined SESAC four years ago following an internship at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. During her tenure at SESAC, she has worked in the Business Affairs department as a full-time administrator, reviewing and processing various agreements, processing statements and serving as a liaison for songwriter and publisher affiliate correspondence.
• • •
Third Floor Records artist Mitch Goudy recently became one of the newest members of the Country Music Association. While on a radio tour to promote his debut single, “Blow These Speakers Out,” Goudy stopped by the CMA office to become an official member.
Pictured (L-R): Carrie Tekautz, Membership & Balloting Assistant; Mitch Goudy; and Brenden Oliver, Coordinator of Membership & Balloting. Photo credit: Christian Bottorff.
• • •
The camps are open to U.S. high school students, and provide seven tracks of study, including Audio Engineering; Electronic Music Production; Music Business; Music Journalism; a performance track for drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, vocal, and wind & string instruments; video production; and songwriting.
For more information, visit grammyintheschools.com.
Belmont University To Honor Gordon Kennedy
/by Jessica NicholsonGordon Kennedy
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will honor Gordon Kennedy with the sixth annual Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence on March 29. The award presentation, which will occur during the University’s 2014 Best of the Best Showcase at Belmont’s Curb Event Center, will feature special performances by Belmont students as well as Kennedy colleagues Peter Frampton and Ricky Skaggs. “Best of the Best” begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
In the spring of 2008, the Curb College established the Award of Excellence in memory of program founder Bob Mulloy to annually recognize an individual who has achieved a level of excellence in the music business and entertainment industries with notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community.
Kennedy, a Shreveport, La., native, was raised in Nashville. His parents are Jerry Kennedy and singer Linda Brannon. While attending Belmont, Gordon Kennedy played guitar for Reba on several cuts including “Today All Over Again” and her first No. 1 song, “Can’t Even Get The Blues.” Kennedy became nationally recognized when he won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1997 for Eric Clapton’s “Change The World,” which Kennedy co-wrote with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Tommy Sims.
Kennedy has also spent time as a member of the bands WhiteHeart and Dogs of Peace, and has had songs recorded by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, George Strait and Martina McBride. He has also played for Peter Frampton, Jewel, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Amy Grant.
Past recipients of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence include Donna Hilley, the International Entertainment Buyers Association, Vince Gill, Mike Curb, Clair Audio and Bandit Lites.
Napa In Nashville Brings Songwriters Round, Wine Tastings
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriters confirmed for the event include Jonathan Singleton (David Nail’s “Let It Rain” and “Red Light,” Gary Allan’s “Watching Airplanes,” Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance”), David Lee Murphy (“Jason Aldean’s “Big Green Tractor,” Thompson Square’s “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”), Jon Randall Stewart (Brad Paisley’s “Whiskey Lullabye”), Ray Stephenson (Kenny Chesney’s “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” Blake Shelton’s “Red River Blue”), and Striking Matches (ABC Nashville‘s “When The Right One Comes Along”).
Featured winemakers will include Michael Baldacci (Baldacci Family Vineyards), Rolando Herrera (Mi Sueno Winery), Dana and Don Gallagher (Trespass Vineyard), Suzanne Phifer Pavitt (Date Night-Phifer Pavitt Wines), Debi Cali (Harmony for NOTES), Ca’Momi, and BNA Wine Group.
For more information and tickets, visit notesforeducation.org. $85 includes wine tasting, heavy hors’ d’oeuvres, and two sets of live music.
Artist Updates (2/25/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonSwift performs in Nashville in 2013.
Taylor Swift is nominated for two 2014 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, including Favorite Female Singer and Favorite Song.
In the Favorite Female Singer category, Swift is nominated alongside Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry. Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” is nominated for Favorite Song along with Perry’s “Roar,” One Direction‘s “Story Of My Life” and Miley Cyrus‘ “Wrecking Ball.”
The 2014 Kid’s Choice Awards are coming to your screen on March 29 at 8 p.m. ET. Voting begins Monday, Feb. 24, on Nick.com.
• • •
The celebrity event, co-hosted by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, is an exclusive VIP evening where Carter, professional athletes, country music artists and other various celebrities take over The Palm as servers before they head over to Honky Tonk Central for the Official After-Party – Jam with Jay DeMarcus & Friends.
After Party tickets are $85 and available online only in advance of the event at waitingforwishes.com. Tickets are limited, and the event is expected to sell out. Proceeds benefit The Kevin Carter Foundation, Make-A-Wish® Middle Tennessee and the YWCA.
• • •
For nearly a decade, Vero Beach-native Jake Owen has been delivering chart-topping country hits, including four consecutive No. 1 singles since 2011. Owen earned GRAMMY and CMA nominations in 2008 with his revival of “Life in A Northern Town” with Sugarland and Little Big Town, and in 2009 he was named Top New Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music. Owen’s first headlining tour, CMT On Tour Jake Owen: The Summer Never Ends 2012, made CMT history for the most sold-out shows in a row for the annual nationwide tour. Owen is launching his second headlining tour in March 2014 – Jake Owen’s Days of Gold. The 55-city plus tour also stars Eli Young Band* along with Parmalee*, Thomas Rhett* and The Cadillac Three. (*select dates).
• • •
TobyMac
TobyMac, Skillet and LeCrae, are joining forces to thrill crowds on a summer shed tour.
Tickets go on sale to the mass public on March 1, with a special presale for artist fan clubs at 10 a.m. local venue time on Feb. 27 through 10 p.m. on Feb. 28. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Industry Pics: Natalie Stovall, Swon Brothers, Danielle Bradbery
/by Sarah SkatesClay Hunnicutt, newly named Exec. VP/GM of National Programming Platforms at Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, visited the HitShop Records suite during the Country Radio Seminar 2014 to a catch a special Natalie Stovall and the Drive performance which included the band’s new single, “Baby Come On With It.”
(L-R): Clay Hunnicutt, Natalie Stovall and HitShop President Skip Bishop
• • •
BMI recently welcomed Big Machine Records artist and The Voice season four winner Danielle Bradbery to its family of songwriters. Bradbery released her self-titled, debut album in November 2013 and is currently on Brad Paisley’s nationwide Beat This Winter Tour 2014.
Pictured (L-R) standing: BMI’s Mark Mason, Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls, G Major Management’s Samantha Thornton, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams; (seated): Gloria Martinez, Danielle Bradbery, and G Major Management’s Virginia Davis. Photo: Drew Maynard
• • •
Taking in the fun aboard last week’s Sony Music Nashville Boat Show were performers The Swon Brothers, together with Bobby Bones and Amy of the ACM Award-winning Bobby Bones Show. The Swon Brothers’ debut single “Later On” officially impacts radio March 3.
Pictured (L-R): Colton Swon, Amy, Bobby Bones, and Zach Swon
• • •
Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore, and Kip Moore, nominees for ACM New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s Department Store, gathered in Nashville to tape ACM New Artist of the Year – a new concert special premiering Monday, March 24, 8 p.m./ET on Great American Country. In the special, hosted by reigning ACM New Artist of the Year winners Florida Georgia Line, viewers will be treated to interviews and special performances by each nominee.
Pictured (L-R): Justin Moore; Suzanne Gordon, vice president of programming, Great American Country; Brett Eldredge, and Kip Moore. (Credit: Ed Rode)