photo credit: ©2013/Foxland Hall-Melinda J.P. Harlan.
Country singer-songwriter
Wayne Mills was remembered during a memorial service on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 8) in the auditorium of Arab High School in his hometown of Arab, Ala.
Wayne, who died at age 44 on Nov. 23, was the lead singer of the Wayne Mills Band, which toured nationally for more than 15 years and recorded seven albums. Artists including
Jamey Johnson, Blake Shelton and
Taylor Hicks opened for the Wayne Mills Band early in their careers.
Mills’ black boots and his acoustic guitar, decorated with the numerous signatures of the friends he made during two decades of touring, were displayed in front of his black casket, which was adorned with a small University of Alabama sticker. The singer-songwriter’s guitar strap was draped simply across the casket’s top.
His white cowboy hat and crimson University of Alabama No. 91 football helmet were encased in glass boxes beside his casket. Before the service, several of Mills’ songs played as his widow, Carol, greeted friends and family. She handed each mourner a black guitar pick embossed with “WMB” and his band logo on the front and “Wayne Mills” and “1969-2013” on the back.
The service opened with
Heather Little Standifird singing Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” Pastor
Don Ware of Highlands Baptist Church read from Psalms and recited Wayne’s obit. He gave an example of Mills’ selflessness and generosity. “When the tornadoes hit here in Arab, he was the one who came and put on a performance for those who lost everything in that storm.”
“Those grieving with us today and around the world–his reach was that far–do so because of the man that Wayne was, not necessarily his talent,” said Mills’ friend
Gary “Sarge” Sargant said. “While he was an extremely talented and gifted artist, the only thing bigger than his talent was his heart. A man deeply committed to family, he was also deeply committed to his musical family. He was a friend, a mentor, a critic when needed, but more importantly, he was a voice for each and every artist doing it the right way and working hard. The music always came first for Wayne.”
Mills was on the board of directors of the Outlaw Music Association; it was announced that the Guardian award has been renamed the Wayne Mills Memorial Award. “It is up to us to move forward and make sure that his dream of a family of musicians and artists, each and every one of us, happens and comes together where we can love one another and be kind to one another and help one another as he did on a daily basis,” said Sargant.
After the service, the family gathered for a private burial.
Lost Johnny Cash Album To Be Released Next Spring
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“They never threw anything away,” said their son, John Carter Cash. “They kept everything in their lives. They had an archive that had everything in it from the original audio tapes from The Johnny Cash Show to random things like a camel saddle, a gift from the prince of Saudi Arabia.”
The music from the new album reflects a difficult period in Cash’s tumultuous life, during which he was at an ebb in his popularity due to country’s move towards a more pop-based sound, and battling addiction issues.
“Dad was always uniquely himself,” Cash said. “And later on the world would come back around. He never modified himself. But Nashville at the time was in a completely different place. It was the Urban Cowboy phase. It was pop country, and dad was not that. I think him working with Billy was sort of an effort by the record company to put him more in the circle of Music Row and see what could happen at the heart of that machine.”
John Carter Cash and his co-producer Steve Berkowitz brought Marty Stuart back in to re-record the parts he’d played on the original recordings 30 years ago, and Buddy Miller and Jerry Douglas were also brought in to help round out the sound on the new collection, due out March 25.
On The Cover – Jake Owen (Dec. 13/Jan. 14)
/by contributorSince the release of his 2011 watershed album Barefoot Blue Jean Night—which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and delivered four consecutive No. 1 singles: the double platinum title track, the platinum “Alone with You,” and the gold-certified tracks “The One That Got Away” and “Anywhere with You”—Jake has been riding high, and he’s channeled that energy into “Days of Gold.”
Far from simply a summer song, the single is about living life to the fullest. “‘Days of Gold’ is definitive of all seasons, of the good times we all remember, the times with our friends,” says Jake. “But it’s more than that. It’s not just a song about getting out on the riverside with your buddies. There’s so many instances that people can pinpoint in their own lives as days of gold.”
Jake—ever the daredevil—acknowledges the ambitious song is a creative risk for him as an artist. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. “When you take risks you get great rewards and that’s how I’ve always approached life,” he says. The forthcoming album furthers that carpe diem mindset through both empowering anthems and introspective ballads. As such, Days of Gold is set to be a milestone for Jake.
“An artist’s career is defined by their catalog of songs and that’s really what I want to put together on Days of Gold, a solid collection of great songs,” Jake says, citing the versatile work of heroes like Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and, especially, Alan Jackson. “Alan wrote songs that were fun-loving, but he also had ‘Remember When.’ That’s what I want in my own career, to record the best songs I can and give them to people.”
Jake has already come into his own as a live performer. His concerts—including the epic free block party he hosted for 20,000 fans in Nashville this summer—are thrilling affairs, and he’s also at the forefront of fan engagement in Country music. He frequently organizes hangouts with surprised fans via Twitter. “I have the ability to reach out to people and give them more than just music—I can give them my personality,” he says.
With his new album, Jake is ramping up to give listeners more of both, sharing with them his own “Days of Gold.”
“I want people to feel more than they did with my past albums, and I think they will,” he says. “Days of Gold is going to be a step forward.”
Or more fittingly for risk-taker Jake, a leap ahead—without a net.
Artist Name: Jake Owen
Label: RCA Nashville
Current Album: Days of Gold
Current Single: “Days of Gold”
Current Video: “Days of Gold”
Current Producer: Joey Moi
Hometown: Vero Beach, Fla.
Management: Brandon Gill, Morris Artist Management
Booking: Mike Betterton, Morris Artist Management
Recent Hits/RIAA Certs to date: “Anywhere With You,” “Alone With You,” “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “The One That Got Away”
Barefoot Blue Jean Night debuted No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and delivered four consecutive No. 1 hit singles, including the multi-week chart-toppers, the double platinum title track and platinum “Alone with You,” in addition to the gold-certified hits “The One That Got Away” and “Anywhere With You.”
Awards: ACA Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2012), ACM Top New Male Vocalist (2009)
Special TV/Film Appearances: Good Morning America, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Chelsea Lately, VH1 Morning Buzz and ESPN’s Game Day
Birthday: Aug. 28, 1981
Interesting Facts: Growing up, Jake participated in a variety of sports, but excelled in golf, and was pursuing a career as a pro. Unfortunately, he was injured in a waterskiing accident, which resulted in surgery, and he was unable to play golf. Fortunately for fans of Jake’s music, he decided to take up the guitar, and soon he was playing in a local bar.
Musical Influences: Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, Keith Whitley, Alabama, Waylon Jennings
Country Artists To Play 'Rock The Ocean' Festival
/by Michael_SmithThe festival, which is produced by HUKA Entertainment and created with the Rock the Ocean Foundation, raises awareness for oceanfront issues and supports marine research and conservation.
“We’ve been incredibly excited to announce our 2014 lineup,” says HUKA Entertainment co-founder and CEO A.J. Niland. “We set out to build on last year’s foundation by putting together an amazing weekend at the beach with an incredible group of country, rock and roots acts.”
Over 25,000 fans attended last year’s festival, raising more than $70,000 in proceeds for various marine conservation organizations, including the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. CMT will partner with the festival this year, providing fans with content and contests across its platforms.
“It just feels great to be able to support our Conservation Village partners with funding for their important work,” says Rock The Ocean founder Chris Stacey. “To know that we played some small part in making sure that our coral reefs are better protected, or that scientists at Nova and the University of Miami might be able to learn a little more about shark behavior, just gives me an amazing feeling of pride.”
Advance ticket sales begin Friday, Dec. 13. Two-day, general admission ticket prices start at $155. For more information, visit tortugamusicfestival.com
Through The Lens (12/10/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonGary Overton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville, visited Carrie Underwood on the set of The Sound of Music Live! at Grumman Studio on Long Island.
Pictured (L-R): Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; and Underwood.
• • •
Songwriter Jason Sellers (who co-wrote Joe Nichols‘ “Sunny and 75”) stopped by the Red Bow Records office to offer a No. 1 congratulations gift to the label’s radio promotions team. Sellers had promised to give the ladies of Red Bow a new car if the song went No. 1. He delivered.
Pictured (L-R): Red Bow Records’ Shelley Hargis and Hilary Hoover; Jason Sellers; RED BOW Records’ Renee Leymon and Caitlin Gordon.
• • •
ASCAP‘s final showcase of 2013 was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 and featured up-and-coming Nashville songwriters Morgan Leigh, Little Big Town guitarist Johnny Duke, UMPG songwriter Ryan Hurd and Josh Matheny performing in the round at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe.
Pictured (L-R): Josh Matheny, Ryan Hurd, Morgan Leigh, Johnny Duke and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: ASCAP’s Alison Toczylowski.
WORD Music Publishing Expands Country Roster with Callihan Signing
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Trevor Mathiesen (Assistant Creative Director), Dale Mathews (SVP Publishing), Brian Callihan, Janine Appleton (Creative Director Country/Pop), Joel Timen (Creative Director TV/Film), and Rod Riley (President & CEO WORD Entertainment).
As part of an expansion into Country and Pop genres, WORD Music Publishing has signed Georgia native Brian Callihan to a worldwide publishing deal.
“I am extremely excited to have Brian as a part of our expanded writer roster,” said Janine Appleton, Creative Director (Country/Pop) for WORD Music Publishing. “His natural ability to write commercial radio songs is undeniable. There are many great things in store for this one and his future is extremely bright.”
One of Callihan’s first co-writing sessions after moving in July 2007 to pursue an artist career was with Cole Swindell.
Callihan joins WORD’s existing roster of Country writers, including Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach, as well as Hilary McBride and Brett Rutledge of Americana Duo Running Roots.
Berg Renews Publishing Relationship with PJM/Songs
/by Jessica NicholsonMatraca Berg
PJM/Songs has renewed its long-term publishing agreement with Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Matraca Berg.
“At PJM/SONGS, nothing is more important than our relationships with our songwriters,” said Pat Higdon, founder of Patrick Joseph Music, a joint venture with SONGS Music Publishing. “For the majority of my career as a publisher, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Matraca who I consider to be one of the most talented and successful writers in contemporary country music. I am so pleased we were able to sign her to the company so that she and I can continue our great run together.”
Berg penned her first No. 1 record at the age of 18, “Faking Love,” sung by T.G. Sheppard and Karen Brooks. Berg’s songs have been recorded and performed by artists including Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Deana Carter, Faith Hill, Randy Travis and others.
“I am thrilled to be part of a new venture with Pat,” said Berg. “He has worked with me since I was 22 and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. A new adventure with SONGS is an exciting prospect, a new opportunity to build on what he has been so good at all these years”
Patrick Joseph Music and SONGS announced their partnership in 2012, when Higdon re-launched the publishing company.
Stevens Signs with APA
/by Jessica NicholsonTate Stevens
Tate Stevens, the champion of 2012’s The X Factor competition on FOX, has signed with APA.
“We are very pleased to have Tate join our diverse roster,” said APA Nashville Sr. VP, Steve Hauser. “He is the epitome of today’s Country, as proven by his overwhelming victory on the ‘The X Factor.’ Tate is an incredible live entertainer who knows how to win over a crowd, and we are really looking forward to some exciting times together.”
“APA understands the life,” commented Stevens. “They are an amazing group of people with all the good and right connections. I’m really looking forward to large scale touring again.”
Since his triumph on the competition, Tate has been in the studio recording new music and signed with Scott Siman of RPME for management.
"Save The Music Day" Proclaimed in Tennessee
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Lloyd Krein (STMA Co-Founder and Marketing Executive),
Mark Dreyer (STMA Executive Director), Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director). Photo Credit: Jennifer Pinckney
As part of the Save The Music America: Perspective 2013 in Nashville, a kick-off event was held at the Nashville Songwriters Association International offices (NSAI) on Thursday (Dec. 5). Mayor Karl Dean, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Beth Harwell, Speaker of The House of Representatives, issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 5, 2013 as “Save The Music Day” in Tennessee.
STMA Executive Director Mark Dreyer and NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, among others, addressed the issue and consequence of illegal downloading and its effects on creativity, the songwriters’ livelihood and the economy in a formal presentation before an attentive assembly of music industry professionals.
Andy Griggs, who was in attendance at the symposium, shared his thoughts regarding the Save The Music America initiative, saying, “I’ve always known that there was a pink elephant that existed in the closet; but, I never knew how enormous it was until now. I don’t think artists, or even the songwriters, have any idea about how much money is being taken out of our pockets. I’ve learned so much in just the last thirty minutes–it’s mind-boggling. It’s been an education for me and I plan to challenge each and every songwriter…every artist…that I know to stand up with me to ‘save the music.'” The forum provided Griggs with statistics using his own music; more than 70,000 Andy Griggs’ songs had been downloaded illegally in the last 30 days.
The Save The Music America: Perspective 2013 program proceeded and concluded at Nashville’s The Listening Room Cafe. The event featured guest speakers and some of Nashville’s singer/songwriters, including Borrowed Blue, Andy Griggs, Eric Heatherly, Lucas Hoge, Buddy Jewell, Billy Yates and others, donated their time and talents perform.
Pictured (L-R): Billy Yates (Hit Songwriter), Mark Dreyer, Barry Neil Shrum (STMA Board Member, Educator and Attorney), Bart Herbison, Craig Kampf (Secretary/Treasurer of Nashville Musicians Association), Buddy Jewell (Singer/Songwriter), Andy Griggs (Singer/Songwriter), Lucas Hoge (Singer/Songwriter). Photo Credit: SoCo Media & Design
Wayne Mills Remembered During Alabama Memorial Service
/by Jessica Nicholsonphoto credit: ©2013/Foxland Hall-Melinda J.P. Harlan.
Country singer-songwriter Wayne Mills was remembered during a memorial service on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 8) in the auditorium of Arab High School in his hometown of Arab, Ala.
Wayne, who died at age 44 on Nov. 23, was the lead singer of the Wayne Mills Band, which toured nationally for more than 15 years and recorded seven albums. Artists including Jamey Johnson, Blake Shelton and Taylor Hicks opened for the Wayne Mills Band early in their careers.
Mills’ black boots and his acoustic guitar, decorated with the numerous signatures of the friends he made during two decades of touring, were displayed in front of his black casket, which was adorned with a small University of Alabama sticker. The singer-songwriter’s guitar strap was draped simply across the casket’s top.
His white cowboy hat and crimson University of Alabama No. 91 football helmet were encased in glass boxes beside his casket. Before the service, several of Mills’ songs played as his widow, Carol, greeted friends and family. She handed each mourner a black guitar pick embossed with “WMB” and his band logo on the front and “Wayne Mills” and “1969-2013” on the back.
The service opened with Heather Little Standifird singing Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” Pastor Don Ware of Highlands Baptist Church read from Psalms and recited Wayne’s obit. He gave an example of Mills’ selflessness and generosity. “When the tornadoes hit here in Arab, he was the one who came and put on a performance for those who lost everything in that storm.”
“Those grieving with us today and around the world–his reach was that far–do so because of the man that Wayne was, not necessarily his talent,” said Mills’ friend Gary “Sarge” Sargant said. “While he was an extremely talented and gifted artist, the only thing bigger than his talent was his heart. A man deeply committed to family, he was also deeply committed to his musical family. He was a friend, a mentor, a critic when needed, but more importantly, he was a voice for each and every artist doing it the right way and working hard. The music always came first for Wayne.”
Mills was on the board of directors of the Outlaw Music Association; it was announced that the Guardian award has been renamed the Wayne Mills Memorial Award. “It is up to us to move forward and make sure that his dream of a family of musicians and artists, each and every one of us, happens and comes together where we can love one another and be kind to one another and help one another as he did on a daily basis,” said Sargant.
After the service, the family gathered for a private burial.
Ballard's 'Sunshine & Whiskey' To Release in February
/by Jessica NicholsonFrankie Ballard. Photo: Nora Snoddy
Warner Bros. Records guitarist-vocalist Frankie Ballard will release his new album, Sunshine & Whiskey, on Feb. 11. The project was produced by Marshall Altman (Amy Grant, Bethany Dillon, Marc Broussard).
“Making this album was freeing,” said Ballard. “If I didn’t like something, we’d change it, and if we liked something, we’d chase it and try to get it perfect. It was an unbelievably cool experience and I’m excited to share the new music with fans.”
The music video for his current single, “Helluva Life,” debuts today (Dec. 9) on CMT and GAC. The video was shot by director Mason Dixon outside of Nashville.
Ballard previously released his self-titled debut album in 2011. For tour dates and more, visit frankieballard.com