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.
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:
Luke Bryan To Collaborate with Florida Georgia Line at ACM Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan
The Academy of Country Music and dick clark productions unveiled today (Feb. 7) that the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan, will make a special performance at the 4th Annual ACM Fan Jam live remote at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Sunday, April 6, 2014. The performance is in addition to his co-hosting duties with Blake Shelton at the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Florida Georgia Line recently released the single “That’s How We Roll” which features Bryan and currently sits at No. 37 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
The 4th Annual ACM Fan Jam, hosted by reigning ACM New Artist of the Year Florida Georgia Line, is a fans-only, live concert event which gives Country music fans the ultimate pass to be a part of the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The ACM Fan Jam continues after the Awards telecast ends with a concert featuring Florida Georgia Line; details will be announced soon.
Tickets for the ACM Fan Jam start at $45 and are on sale NOW by visiting ticketmaster.com. For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events, visit acmcountry.com.
Chesney Named Honorary Ocean Conservation Board Member
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney
The Building Conservation Trust, the national marine habitat program of the Coastal Conservation Association, has added Kenny Chesney as an honorary board member. Founded in 2010 to enable people who love and enjoy the oceans, the Trust supports projects that revitalize critical habitat and establish a vibrant foundation for the marine ecosystem.
“We have come to a place where everyone needs to get involved if the oceans, the beaches, the sea life is important to us as human beings,” Chesney said of his involvement. “No one person can save the world – or the water. But in creating alliances, bringing people who care together and creating projects that can have an impact we start to slowly protect and build up this important natural resource.”
Last year, Chesney and the Trust teamed for an “urban reef” project to place two artificial reefs in the St John’s River in downtown Jacksonville to enhance recreational angling opportunities and heighten awareness of the importance of marine habitat.
“When you can have a hand in stewarding the health of the ocean,” Chesney said at the time, “you’re insuring the survival of something very necessary for all of us, whether you’re a beach person or someone that won’t go near the water. The ecological balance is very delicate, especially in Florida, so I am honored to help them achieve this goal.”
Another Trust effort, the Louisiana “floating islands” project, used new technology to restore marsh in Louisiana with participation from local residents, members of an indigenous Native American tribe and students from a nearby elementary school. For its support of the project, Shell Oil Company won the 2013 Gulf Guardian Award bestowed by the Gulf of Mexico Program, an initiative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico.
“The Trust is creating a model for the successful collaboration of business, non-profit organizations and government agencies to revitalize the marine ecosystem, all driven by passionate people in coastal communities,” said Patrick Murray, president of the Coastal Conservation Association. “There is no lack of work for the Trust to do, and with the involvement of Kenny Chesney, the future has never been brighter.”
Industry Ink (2/7/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): James LeBlanc(Writer), Kalisa Ewing(artist/writer), David Reyes (owner/chef of Boca Loca Cantina) and Todd Wilkes of KingSpirit Music
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Current WKDF morning co-host Becca Walls will move to middays, while current midday host Darlas Rai will move to evenings on station WSM-FM, which has been without a radio personality.
Updated information on auditions, applications, and other information can be found at www.upandcomin.jacobseye.com. The registration period ends March 7, 2014.
The show is produced by Massey, Bob Holmes (“Christmas in Rockefeller Center”), Willie “Bum Bum” Baker (Record Producer for PINK, India Arie, BoyzIIMen) and a team of entertainment industry experts that have worked with the biggest names in the business.