Pictured (L-R): Smokey Smith and Johnny Cash. Photo: Snowflake Enterprises
Country Radio Disc Jockey Hall of Fame member
Smokey Smith was buried Sunday (Feb. 9) in Des Moines, Iowa.
He died at age 91 on Feb. 3 due to complications from surgery following a brain injury. In addition to being a radio personality, Smith was also a recording artist, a television entertainer and one of the biggest country concert promoters of his era.
He was born
Donald Charles Smith on Feb. 12, 1922 in Kansas City, Mo., and was raised in Lawrence, Kan. He was 16 when he began his radio career on WREN in Lawrence as a singer/guitarist for Ted West & His Range Riders in 1938.
Smith migrated to California in 1940 to work on airplane engines at Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in San Diego. He resumed his radio career a year later on the city’s KYOR station, working as both a musician and a disc jockey.
He thought that Don Smith was not a good show-business name. He smoked cigars constantly, so his band nicknamed him “Smokey,” which he much preferred.
Smokey Smith and The Gold Coast Boys recorded many country shows for the Mexican “border radio” stations that beamed megawatts of power into the U.S. during the 1940s. In 1946, the group began recording for Crystal Records.
The group scored its biggest hit with a version of
Ted Daffan’s “I’m a Fool to Care” in 1946. Other songs recorded by Smith during the 1940s include “I Love You So Much It Hurts,” “Fading Away” and “Hobo Boogie.”
In 1950, he relocated to KRNT in Des Moines, and the station remained his home for years to come. When KRNT-TV came on the air in 1955, Smokey Smith became one of the Midwest’s country television pioneers as the host of his own show.
He was a key figure in the formation of the Country Music Disc Jockey Association in Nashville in 1953. He was the group’s Treasurer in 1958 when he urged it to disband in favor of forming a broader organization representing the industry, the Country Music Association. Smith held CMA membership card #4 and was a member of its founding board of directors.
Pictured (L-R): Smokey Smith with Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright. Photo: Snowflake Enterprises
Back in Des Moines, Smokey Smith became one of the biggest concert promoters in the Midwest. Beginning in Iowa, he expanded his show territory to include Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois and South Dakota. Known as a “package-show” specialist, he put together multi-artist billings throughout his region.
As a concert promoter, Smith became known for his scrupulous honesty in his financial dealings with stars of the 1950s and 1960s. Among the artists he presented were
Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, George Jones, Sonny James, Elvis Presley, Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens, Hank Thompson, Wanda Jackson and
Tammy Wynette.
Smith left the concert business in 1974. He formed Smokey Smith Tours, taking busloads of tourists to destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
He remained a familiar face in Nashville throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s at music-industry functions, particularly during Country Radio Seminars and at functions presented by R.O.P.E. (the Reunion of Professional Entertainers). It is said that he was more recognized in Nashville than he was in Des Moines.
He was inducted into the Country Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1982. R.O.P.E. presented him with its International Media Award in 2007. In 2010, he became the subject of an illustrated biography by author
Terry Manley,
Smokey Smith: The Legendary Life of Iowa’s Mr. Country Music.
Memorial contributions in Smokey’s honor may be directed to R.O.P.E. International, P.O. Box 2048, Madison, TN 37116-2048.
Bush Joins 650 AM WSM As General Manager
/by Jessica Nicholson“I’m delighted to welcome Randy to 650 AM WSM,” said Steve Buchanan, Opry Entertainment president. “He brings with him the experience, creativity, and passion needed to succeed in one of the most unique positions anywhere in country radio. Randy sees a world of opportunity at WSM and he is excited about continuing the station’s great legacy.”
“I am humbled and thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve as General Manager of WSM-AM, The Legend,” Bush said. “I can’t wait to join such a tremendous group of people.”
Bush officially assumes his new role with the award-winning station Feb. 17.
Charlie Daniels' Scholarship For Heroes Concert Adds Pickler, Black
/by Jessica NicholsonCharlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels and Lipscomb University are partnering to raise funds for veterans education with an all-star line-up of artists at the fifth annual Copperweld Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event.
This show, produced by David Corlew & Associates, will include performances by Daniels along with Kellie Pickler, Clint Black, The Grascals, the Navy Band Sea Chanters and the American Hitmen along with other special guests who will be part of the program set for Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena.
Tickets are available at all Middle Tennessee Daily’s and Twice Daily’s locations and the Lipscomb University box office, and by calling 615-966-7075.
“It’s an honor to be part of something special like the Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes event,” said Black. “As if it weren’t enough that Charlie Daniels asked me to sing—our troops occupy a very special place in our history. We have to do our utmost to make sure the part we play in their history is worthy of their sacrifice and commitment. This event is playing a fantastic role, making higher education a reality for returning veterans. I’m thrilled to be a part of this special evening.”
Daniels launched the event in March 2010 to create a greater awareness of the national Veterans Yellow Ribbon education program and to raise funds for veterans to attend Lipscomb University. Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program offers eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill veterans and their family members an undergraduate degree tuition-free or a graduate degree either tuition-free or at a greatly reduced tuition rate.
Members of the military and their families are invited as guests of the event’s corporate sponsors. Attendees will have an opportunity to make a donation at the event. Proceeds from the event benefit the Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes Fund benefitting veteran students at Lipscomb University.
“Our veterans know that freedom isn’t free, but we think their education should be. At Lipscomb we have a very unique opportunity to help open doors for our veterans through higher education,” said Jim Humphrey, associate dean of campus life and director of veterans services at Lipscomb. “We appreciate Charlie Daniels and his organization as well as those artists who have joined us for this event the past five years. The awareness and funds that they raise for our program are impacting the lives of our veterans and their families in significant ways.”
Industry Pics (2/10/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP hosted its monthly songwriters-in-the-round showcase at The Bluebird Cafe on Thursday, Feb. 6. The round featured top ASCAP songwriter members Jon Nite (“Whatever She’s Got”), Jimmy Robbins (“We Were Us,”) and Deric Ruttan (“Mine Would Be You”), as well as breaking Columbia Nashville songwriter-artist Leah Turner (“Take the Keys”).
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Jimmy Robbins, Deric Ruttan, Leah Turner and Jon Nite. Photo by ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.
• • •
Dierks Bentley and OneRepublic took the stage together at Rocketown in Nashville for a taping of CMT Crossroads. CMT Crossroads: OneRepublic and Dierks Bentley will premiere Friday, March 21 at 10 p.m. ET.
Pictured (front, L-R): Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic); Leslie Fram, SVP Music Strategy, CMT; Dierks Bentley; (back, L-R): Margaret Comeaux, CMT executive producer; Zach Filkins (OneRepublic); Tom Forrest, executive producer; Drew Brown (OneRepublic); Eddie Fisher (OneRepublic); Brent Kutzle (OneRepublic); Kathryn Russ; Bill Flanagan, CMT executive producer; John Hamlin, CMT executive producer. Photo Credit: John Russell/MaximumExposure
• • •
New Country duo Dan+Shay recently celebrated their debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry, where they performed their single, “19 You+Me.” Dan+Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) will release their debut album April 1 on Warner Bros. Records.
Pictured (L-R): Lisa Ray, Vice President Brand Management Warner Music Nashville; Todd Ramey, Sandbox Management; Jason Owen, Sandbox Management; Peter Strickland, Executive Vice President and General Manager Warner Music Nashville; Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay; Scott Hendricks, Senior Vice President A+R Warner Music Nashville; John Esposito, President and CEO Warner Music Nashville; Pete Fisher, Vice President, General Manager Grand Ole Opry; Steve Buchanan, President Opry Entertainment Group
Lifenotes: Country Radio Disc Jockey Smokey Smith
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): Smokey Smith and Johnny Cash. Photo: Snowflake Enterprises
Country Radio Disc Jockey Hall of Fame member Smokey Smith was buried Sunday (Feb. 9) in Des Moines, Iowa.
He died at age 91 on Feb. 3 due to complications from surgery following a brain injury. In addition to being a radio personality, Smith was also a recording artist, a television entertainer and one of the biggest country concert promoters of his era.
He was born Donald Charles Smith on Feb. 12, 1922 in Kansas City, Mo., and was raised in Lawrence, Kan. He was 16 when he began his radio career on WREN in Lawrence as a singer/guitarist for Ted West & His Range Riders in 1938.
Smith migrated to California in 1940 to work on airplane engines at Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in San Diego. He resumed his radio career a year later on the city’s KYOR station, working as both a musician and a disc jockey.
He thought that Don Smith was not a good show-business name. He smoked cigars constantly, so his band nicknamed him “Smokey,” which he much preferred.
Smokey Smith and The Gold Coast Boys recorded many country shows for the Mexican “border radio” stations that beamed megawatts of power into the U.S. during the 1940s. In 1946, the group began recording for Crystal Records.
The group scored its biggest hit with a version of Ted Daffan’s “I’m a Fool to Care” in 1946. Other songs recorded by Smith during the 1940s include “I Love You So Much It Hurts,” “Fading Away” and “Hobo Boogie.”
In 1950, he relocated to KRNT in Des Moines, and the station remained his home for years to come. When KRNT-TV came on the air in 1955, Smokey Smith became one of the Midwest’s country television pioneers as the host of his own show.
He was a key figure in the formation of the Country Music Disc Jockey Association in Nashville in 1953. He was the group’s Treasurer in 1958 when he urged it to disband in favor of forming a broader organization representing the industry, the Country Music Association. Smith held CMA membership card #4 and was a member of its founding board of directors.
Pictured (L-R): Smokey Smith with Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright. Photo: Snowflake Enterprises
Back in Des Moines, Smokey Smith became one of the biggest concert promoters in the Midwest. Beginning in Iowa, he expanded his show territory to include Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois and South Dakota. Known as a “package-show” specialist, he put together multi-artist billings throughout his region.
As a concert promoter, Smith became known for his scrupulous honesty in his financial dealings with stars of the 1950s and 1960s. Among the artists he presented were Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, George Jones, Sonny James, Elvis Presley, Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens, Hank Thompson, Wanda Jackson and Tammy Wynette.
Smith left the concert business in 1974. He formed Smokey Smith Tours, taking busloads of tourists to destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
He remained a familiar face in Nashville throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s at music-industry functions, particularly during Country Radio Seminars and at functions presented by R.O.P.E. (the Reunion of Professional Entertainers). It is said that he was more recognized in Nashville than he was in Des Moines.
He was inducted into the Country Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1982. R.O.P.E. presented him with its International Media Award in 2007. In 2010, he became the subject of an illustrated biography by author Terry Manley, Smokey Smith: The Legendary Life of Iowa’s Mr. Country Music.
Memorial contributions in Smokey’s honor may be directed to R.O.P.E. International, P.O. Box 2048, Madison, TN 37116-2048.
Lifenotes: Gospel Icon Rev. Morgan Babb Passes
/by Robert K OermannThe Rev. Morgan Babb, a fixture of African-American radio in Music City for more than 50 years, has died at age 84.
He owned, operated and starred on station WMBD-AM, which he founded in 1983. Before that, Babb spent nearly three decades on the air on Nashville’s premier African-American broadcaster, WVOL-AM.
Born in Russellville, Ky., in 1929, Babb was the son of a jug-band performer who played for dances, and of a gospel-singing mother. He was the youngest of seven brothers.
He began his career at WHOP in Hopkinsville, Ky., in 1948 as a disc jockey, broadcasting what were then called “race music” records. He cultivated a “jive talking” delivery and billed himself as “Happy Jack.”
In 1950, he joined his brothers Cephus, Ray, Paul and George in a gospel-singing group. They billed themselves as The Radio Four. Morgan Babb became their lead singer, song arranger and guitar accompanist.
In 1952-53, Babb’s stirring, dynamic lead vocals were featured on a series of records the group made for the pioneering Nashville independent labels Tennessee Records and Republic Records. He moved to Music City in 1954, after his fame as “Happy Jack” won him a job at WSOK (later, WVOL), and The Radio Four began to tour using Nashville as their home base.
The Radio Four’s records featuring Babb’s lead vocals were reissued on CD in 1999. He left the group in 1956 to get off the road, spend more time with his family and continue as “Happy Jack” on WSOK/WVOL. He eventually became the station’s chief announcer. Babb also became a talent scout for several Nashville gospel labels. He wrote Lillian Offitt’s 1957 R&B hit “I Miss You So,” which was recorded for Nashville’s Excello Records. He formed The Philco Singers and The Voices of Nashville gospel groups. Babb also sang in the family recording ensemble The Gospel Five.
In 1965, Rev. Morgan Babb founded the King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church on 10th Avenue North in North Nashville. He issued a series of solo gospel records on Music City’s Nashboro Records in the 1960s and 1970s, sometimes backed by his church’s choir. These discs were largely self-composed. The 1995 CD Keep Faith reissued many of his best-known solo efforts.
After starting WMBD-AM, Rev. Babb prayed with station callers, organized meals for the homeless, testified, preached, ministered to the sick, and made the station a clearinghouse for community benefits and events. Always dedicated to African-American music, WMBD was fondly known as “The Big Mouth.” In addition to broadcasting, Babb continued to pastor at his church nearly up to his demise.
Rev. Morgan Babb died on Friday, Feb. 7. He is survived by seven children. Funeral arrangements have not been announced, but will be handled by Smith Brothers Funeral Directors.
Little Extra Music Signs Bowen
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Neil Zacharuk, Erin Enderlin, Will Bowen,
Lisa Ramsey Perkins, Tia Sillers, and BMI’s Bradley Collins.
Industry veteran Lisa Ramsey Perkins recently launched Little Extra Music, a full-service music publishing company based in Nashville, and has signed singer/songwriter Will Bowen. The signing of Bowen is a partnership with hit makers Tia Sillers, Erin Enderlin, Neil Zacharuk and their company 10,000 Hours Music.
“It’s an absolute dream to finally start my own publishing company,” said Perkins. “To have a writer as talented as Will Bowen to kick things off, and to have my first joint venture be with Tia, Erin & Neil is amazing! I am blessed to have had a long career in the Nashville music industry and have learned so much working for some great companies over the years. I look forward to using the experience I have gained in publishing, writer/artist development and A&R to build a successful company of my own.”
Bowen signed his first publishing deal while still a senior in high school, where he’d already recorded two independent albums. As an artist, he opened for Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, John Mayer, Maroon 5 and Train. With numerous cuts as a songwriter, Bowen reached platinum status internationally with a song on Latin pop star Soraya Arnelas‘ debut album (6x platinum). He also had a song on the American Grammy Nominated album from Tejano artist Rebecca Valadez. After the release of his third record, Love is War, he moved to Nashville in 2008 to focus on his songwriting. Bowen has recently had cuts by Casey James, Due West and others.
Little Extra Music is located at 24 Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203. The company can be reached at littleextramusic@gmail.com.
12th & Porter Gets New Ownership, Undergoes Renovations
/by Jessica Nicholson12th & Porter has over $800,000 in recent improvements including a state-of-the-art sound system, new lighting, a 16-foot x 8-foot high definition video wall, technical advancements, and grid configuration. In recent weeks, 12th & Porter hosted A Great Big World, Nine Days, LOL Improv Comedy, a television premiere, music video releases, and a medley of live music events. The venue can be used for comedy film, televised sports, public speaking engagements, and intimate shows with a sit-down food and beverage option. The venue includes five newly renovated bathrooms. USB charging ports have been installed in the bar and seating areas, so customers can charge their portable devices.
NASH Brand Expands With National Rollout of 'America's Morning Show'
/by Jessica Nicholson“America’s Morning Show” is the newest addition to NASH, joining other long-form content including “Kickin’ It with Kix” hosted by Kix Brooks and “NASH Nights Live” with Shawn Parr. Beginning Monday, Feb. 10, “America’s Morning Show” will expand to a total of 20 Cumulus-owned Country format stations.
Cumulus launched the NASH entertainment brand based on the Country music lifestyle in January 2013 with the flagship NASH FM 94.7 in New York City. In addition to Country radio stations, the NASH brand will include a NASH magazine, concerts/events, online content and television programming.
“The expansion of ‘America’s Morning Show’ is just the latest preview of what’s ahead for NASH. We’re moving full-speed ahead with growing the multi-media content offering that will drive the NASH brand,” said John Dickey, Executive Vice President and co-Chief Operating Officer of Cumulus.
“I’m so incredibly grateful to get to lead this charge. New York Country music fans have been so gracious in allowing ‘America’s Morning Show’ to become part of their daily routine. We’re excited to welcome new listeners into the NASH family, and to honor the music that brought us all together in the first place,” said Garner.
“America’s Morning Show” airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and originates live from Nashville before a studio audience. In addition to Garner, the program is co-hosted by Country music personalities Terri Clark and Chuck Wicks, and features news updates by Robin Meade and Erika Grace Powell. The show features a mix of Country hits, in-studio interviews with Country music’s biggest stars and news about the Country lifestyle.
The following stations and markets will begin airing “America’s Morning Show” beginning Monday at 6 a.m. locally:
Jerrod Niemann Gears Up For High Noon Adventure at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
/by Jessica Nicholson“The High Noon Adventure at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is about good times, good music, and good people,” shares Niemann. “It’s a perfect way to bring people together through music, which is what my new album High Noon is all about.”
The Swon Brothers (Zach and Colton) will allow resort guests to become the stars during a competition in which guests sing for the title, the audience, and for the chance to be mentored by Zach and Colton. The night is capped off with a “Swonfire” live performance on the beach.
“We are so excited that Jerrod invited us to come along for his High Noon Adventure,” says Zach Swon. Colton Swon adds, “We can’t wait to hit the beach, meet some fans, and perform for everyone who comes out for spring break this year.”
The event will also feature an auction; funds raised from the auction will benefit Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization aimed at putting music back in underprivileged schools.
Niemann’s album, High Noon, releases March 25.
Fans will have the chance to win a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and two VIP Passes for the High Noon Adventure. Visit highnoonadventure.com for a complete schedule and more information on entering the sweepstakes.
The Civil Wars To Release Digital EP
/by Jessica NicholsonThe EP features the duo covering classics including Elliot Smith‘s “Between the Bars,” Portishead‘s “Sour Times,” Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” and The Romantics‘ “Talking In Your Sleep.”
The Civil Wars recently won “Best Country/Duo Performance” at the 56th annual Grammy Awards for their song “From This Valley.” The duo previously won a 2013 Grammy for “Best Song Written For Visual Media” and pair of 2012 Grammys for “Best Folk Album” and “Best Country Duo/Group Performance.”
Between The Bars Track Listing: