BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 441
BMI Country Awards winners
The event is called the BMI Country Awards, but nowadays it has less to do with presenting accolades and more to do with being a giant par-tay.
BMI executive
Clay Bradley even dubbed it such. “This is the greatest party in country music,” he said. And it is.
On Tuesday evening (Nov. 5) at BMI’s Music Row headquarters, a throng of country publishers and songwriters schmoozed continuously from 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., when the actual award presentations began.
The schmoozers paid attention to the awarded songwriters for roughly an hour before resuming their schmoozing until 11:00 p.m. Indeed, their noise level nearly drowned out the night’s biggest winners. The schmooze brigade then left the awards banquet and descended to the building’s lobby for desserts, more schmoozing and music by the
Harold Bradley A-Team Band with
Mandy Barnett. This went on into the night.
One explanation for this orgy of socializing is the fact that there is annually no greater concentration of country stars and their teams at one gala. So many hands to shake, backs to slap and contacts to be made, you know.
“Is there anyone here?” asked
Bob Doyle as he arrived on the red carpet. I directed him to the cocktail-party lobby. “Just throw a rock in there: you’re bound to hit a star,” I advised.
I wasn’t kidding.
Chris Young, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Gregg Allman, Larry Gatlin, Clay Walker, Eric Church, The Eli Young Band, Greg Bates, J.T. Hodges, Kip Moore, Will Hoge, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and
Toby Keith merely scratched the surface of the recording celebs in attendance.
Need more proof?
Nashville TV series stars
Sam Palladio and
Charles Esten, Kix Brooks, Dustin Lynch, The Del McCoury Band, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Dickey Lee, Paul Overstreet, the
Duck Dynasty Robertson family members,
Kacey Musgraves, Chris Jansen, The Henningsens, Josh Turner, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, Rory Feek, Rascal Flatts members,
Andy Gibson and
Jason Aldean were there, too.
Several of them were fashion faves.
Ashley Monroe was a knockout in a gown with a strapless green suede bodice, a navy leather skirt and belt, a silver jeweled cuff and matching sparkly high-heeled pumps, accessorized by her handsome new groom, Chicago White Sox pitcher
John Danks. Kimberly Perry of
The Band Perry was in a stunning floral long-sleeved cocktail dress with white collar and cuffs.
Hunter Hayes
Everyone in Little Big Town looked smashing. Karen Fairchild’s dress was of iridescent feathers. Kimberly Schlapman’s black frock featured a metallic filigreed gold center panel. Jimi Westbrook wore a stylish vest over a chocolate-hued silk shirt. Philip Sweet’s two-tone, gray-and-black jacket was one of the eve’s most handsome. Shawn Camp’s black sequined western-cut coat was a stand-out, as was Charlie Worsham’s maroon velvet jacket.
Several of the stars came to sing. To salute this year’s BMI Icon award winner Dean Dillon, lanky Luke Bryan began with a lively performance of “Down and Out.” Lee Ann Womack followed with a divinely soulful “Empty Glass.” She drew a standing ovation, as did Kenny Chesney’s version of “Holed Up in Some Honky Tonk.”
The Dillon tribute concluded with George Strait’s medley of the songwriter’s “Marina Del Ray,” “The Chair” (another s.o.) and “Here for a Good Time.” Strait has recorded 54 Dillon songs over the years. Which is, like, wow. “Congratulations, Icon!” King George exclaimed.
“When Del [Bryant] called me [to tell the Icon Award news], I started to cry, and I’ll tell you why,” said Dillon. “I live, eat, breathe and sleep songs….In the immortal words of Hank Cochran, ‘Isn’t this wonderful?’” Dean Dillon has an incredible 26 BMI songs that have been broadcast more than a million times apiece.
While we’re on the subject of the awards, themselves, Jody Williams, Del Bryant and incoming BMI president Michael O’Neill teamed up to present the Big Three. Del did the honors for the first one: The BMI Country Publisher of the Year was Sony-ATV. This is the 37th (!) time the firm has accomplished this feat.
The Songwriter of the Year was Rodney Clawson. “It’s a pleasure to sit in a room and write with the greatest songwriters in the world, every day,” said Clawson. “Thank you for believing in me. This is awesome.”
The Frances W. Preston Song of the Year went to “Wanted,” co-written by yet another singing star in attendance, Hunter Hayes, with his collaborator Troy Verges.
On either side of the Icon presentation, BMI honored its 2013 most-performed songs. The first 25 were announced before, and the second 25 were honored after.
“What an incredible year we’ve had,” said Jody. “There’s more interest in our music and our lifestyle than ever before. And the best thing is, your songs will live forever.”
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Lee Ann Womack, Dean Dillon, George Strait, Kenny Chesney
Earlier, Clay Bradley dedicated the night to the late Jack Clement and George Jones, both BMI affiliates. Jody recognized new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Bare, who received a hearty standing ovation. Jody also directed applause to new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Layng Martine Jr., Randy Owen and Jeffrey Steele. The last-named was another sartorial standout, wearing a purple jacket festooned with swirling pale blue and silver rhinestones.
Those three were just a drop in the bucket of the stellar singing songwriters at this extraordinary gala. Try Billy Montana, Billy Burnette, Bobby Braddock, Bobby Pinson, Bob DiPiero, Rob Crosby, Jeff Stevens, Jeff Hanna & Matraca Berg, Marcus Hummon, Mark Nesler & Jennifer Hanson, Big Al Anderson, Alex Harvey, Even Stevens, Thom Schuyler, Mac McAnally and Brittany Taylor.
You could get whiplash greeting one fabulon after another. After all, Lee Thomas Miller, Mary Miller, Dallas Davidson, David Israelite, David Malloy, David & Carolyn Corlew (the newly crowned Ms. Senior America), Jerry Crutchfield, Jerry & Connie Bradley, Steve Bogard, Steve Cropper, Steve Dean, Mayor Karl Dean, James Stroud, Jim Catino and Jim Free were all working the room.
The “room” for the awards banquet is actually the fourth floor of the BMI building’s parking garage. It was disguised with mirrors and deliberately kitsch-y, ‘50s “moderne” geometric panels of aqua, black and white. Matching tablecloths surrounded glass cubes holding pale, two-tone orchids.
Swanning through the décor were Norro Wilson, Stacie Standifer & Tim Nichols, Tim Wipperman, Scott & Sandi Spika Borchetta, Luke Laird & Beth Mason, Mike Dungan, Joe Galante, Fletcher Foster, Dennis Morgan, Eddie Perez & Trey Fanjoy, Roy Wunsch & Mary Ann McCready, Regina & Ron Stuve, Chuck Ainlay, Nancy Shapiro, Neil Portnow, Will Rambeaux, Keith Stegall, John Ozier, Dane Bryant, Dick Frank, Craig Hayes, Josh Leo, Whitney Daane, Doug Howard, Randy Scruggs, Carson Chamberlain, Hugh Prestwood, Rory Bourke, Ken Levitan and Kyle Young.
They dined on toast points with a variety of toppings, followed by the main course. Plates were loaded with sautéed collards with pork belly, whiskey ginger glazed carrots, rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes, black Angus beef filet and Coca-Cola fried chicken thighs with dressing. Mmm-mmm good.
Top Winners List:
Song of the Year–“Wanted,” written by Hunter Hayes and Troy Verges. Publishers: Happy Little Man Publishing/Songs From The Engine Room/Songs of Universal
Songwriter of the Year–Rodney Clawson. Songs penned by Clawson include: “Did It For The Girl,” “Drunk On You,” “Drink On It” and many others
Publisher of the Year–Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville
BMI Icon Award–Dean Dillon
[slide]
Weekly Register: The Robertsons, Thomas Rhett and Toby Keith
/by Michael_SmithYTD, album sales are down 7 percent, while Country album sales are down 7.9 percent. Next week’s numbers should reflect a boost in sales from tonight’s CMA Awards, airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC at 7 p.m. CST. Stay tuned next week as we dig into the numbers.
Bryan’s “That’s My Kind of Night” is the top Country track this week (No. 20 overall), selling another 51k unites (1.1 million RTD). Bryan will perform his latest single “Drink A Beer” at the CMA Awards tonight. The top Country debut this week is Rhett’s “Get Me Some of That,” coming in at No. 6 (No. 42 overall) with 30k units sold.
The top overall track is Eminem feat. Rihanna’s “The Monster,” selling 352k units in its debut week. YTD, overall tracks are down 4.1 percent, while Country tracks are up 1.4 percent, yet down from last week’s 2.2 percent.
Country debuts are light next week, with various artists appearing on the release of the Civil War album Divided & United, including Loretta Lynn, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lee Ann Womack, Vince Gill and more.
Barns Named New Nielsen CEO
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Nielsen is successfully implementing its global strategy, and the time is right to name the next leader to take the company to its next phase of growth,” said Calhoun. “Mitch’s strong track record at the helm of a number of key Nielsen business units around the world –- combined with his vision and commitment to our strategic plan – puts the company on solid footing for continued global expansion and value creation,” he added. “I will continue to remain invested in Mitch’s success in my new role.”
“I am honored by this opportunity to serve Nielsen as its Chief Executive Officer, and I am thankful for the Board’s vote of confidence,” said Barns of the new appointment. “Throughout my 16 years at this company, I’ve been privileged to work side-by-side with talented leaders and associates in Nielsen businesses across the world. I look forward to continuing our work together to anticipate client needs with ongoing innovation and expand our footprint in developing markets, while consistently delivering growth and enhancing shareholder value.”
DISClaimer: It's Country Music Week
/by Robert K OermannGeorge Strait
It’s Country Music Week: Take naps in the daytime and schmooze all night with your music-biz pals.
Appropriately for this season, our Disc of the Day belongs to an undisputed country-music king. That would be George Strait.
Also appropriate is the fact that our DisCovery Award winners made their debut at one of the awards banquets. That would be John & Jacob.
AMY ROSE/Sunshine
Writers: Christopher Alan Young/Phil O’Donnell/Tim James; Producers: Marty Beecroft, Glenn Coulson, Amy Rose; Publisher: none listed; Wild Rose (track)
-This slow, sad ballad of loss is ultra melodic. The production is solid. But the best thing about it is her wonderfully expressive, powerfully range-y and sublimely countrified vocal delivery. This gal has the goods.
SAMMY KERSHAW/Can’t Put My Finger On It
Writers: Tony Mullins/Blair Daly; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publisher: Songs of Windswept Pacific/Bless the Bikini/Southside Independent/Almo/Mullintone, BMI; Big Hit (track)
-Sammy’s new CD features re-recordings of his biggest hits, plus a smattering of new tunes. This swampy, funky ditty is one of them. Swerving fiddle work, stuttering guitar and catchy burbled audio effects underscore his light-hearted vocal delivery. Very enjoyable.
ALEX MEIXNER/Three Ring Circus
Writers: Alex Meixner/Ed Klancnik; Producer: Alex Meixner; Producer: none listed, BMI; Meixner (track)
-This hippie-haired guy and his two bandmates opened the Brave Combo polka fest at 3rd & Lindsley last week, and you’ve never heard three people make so much joyous noise. This is the title tune to a 23-tune CD that showcases his musicianship on accordion, trumpet, bass, keyboards and flugelhorn, as well as good-humored vocals. Many of the songs are self-composed. This is proof positive that polka is being reinvented by the next generation.
GEORGE STRAIT/I Got A Car
Writers: Keith Gattis/Tom Douglas; Producers: Tony Brown/George Strait; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pioneer Town/Tomdouglasmusic, BMI; MCA Nashville
-I have loved this ever since I first heard it on George’s current Love Is Everything collection. He can’t offer his girl much more than the car he’s driving. But that’s enough to start a saga of lasting romance. You’ll fall in love with this lyric, and the rolling, irresistible tempo will take you home.
CHARLIE MAJOR/Friday Nights and You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MDM (ERG)
-Canadian superstar Major takes a thumping working-man tune out for a spin. His conversational vocal isn’t exactly powerful, but it certainly sells this effectively, particularly with the production’s emphasis on percussion and some shouting background folks. Very catchy.
JERROD NIEMANN/Drink To That All Night
Writers: Derek George/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas and Jerrod Niemann; Publishers: WB/Funky Friar/Songs of Style Sonic/Melvin’s Bullets/Melvin’s Pistol/EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Farmlove, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Sea Gayle/Arista
-This man continues to make some of the most imaginative sounding country music of our day. On this party rocker, he mixes straightforward chorus singing with processed vocals on the verses and a densely produced, layered electro track. I remain a fan, and my hat’s off for audio innovation.
John&Jacob
JOHN & JACOB/Be My Girl
Writers: John Davidson/Jacob Bryant/Derrick Southerland; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Major Bob/Castle Bound/Derrick Southerland, ASCAP/SESAC; Major Bob (track)
-These guys sang their co-written hit “Done” at the SESAC banquet, and Mike Doyle introduced us. Their five-song EP kicks off with this sunny, bopping, Everly-esque duet. It has already been featured on the Nashville TV series and picked up airplay in their hometown of Birmingham and elsewhere. Crunchy, infectious and unstoppable, this little thing is a programmer’s delight. Get on board now: This is an act to watch.
BUSH HAWG/More Than Corn
Writers: Shaun Ames/Ben Hayslip/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: Music of Cal IV/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This Music/EMI Blackwood/Beattyville/Great Day at This Music, BMI/ASCAP; RCA
-It’s something loud and rocking about living rural, raising hell, acting religious and being patriotic. Ho hum.
LILLY OF THE WEST/My Window Faces South
Writers: Bob Wills; Producer: Lilly of the West; Publisher: none listed; Musicauter (track)
-Lead singer and fiddler Lilly Drumeva is visiting Nashville and studying country music. She aims to write the first Bulgarian-language book about the genre. Back home, she hosts her nation’s only country radio show and fronts this hot-picking band. This western-swing track appears on the group’s ninth CD, Swings and Heartaches. She got the thrill of her life when she got up to sing it on stage with The Time Jumpers late last month. By the way, in addition to seven country classics (Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, etc.), the album includes “Malka Moma si se Bogu Moli” and “Brala Moma Ruzha Cvete,” which are traditional Bulgarian songs given acoustic-country arrangements.
BILL ANDERSON & WILLIE NELSON/Bubba Garcia’s
Writers: Bill Anderson/Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TWI (track)
–Life!, the new CD by living legend Anderson, drops digitally a week from today. Whispering Bill’s guests on the collection include Dailey & Vincent, Vince Gill, Joey + Rory, John Anderson and Willie Nelson. The last named merrily duets on this lively, Mexicali-flavored ditty about a guy who’s half redneck and half hispanic and his “barbecue cantina & moonshine margarita” roadhouse. One of its TVs shows NASCAR races and the other one shows bull fights.
Bobby Karl Works the 61st Annual BMI Country Awards
/by Bobby KarlBOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 441
BMI Country Awards winners
The event is called the BMI Country Awards, but nowadays it has less to do with presenting accolades and more to do with being a giant par-tay.
BMI executive Clay Bradley even dubbed it such. “This is the greatest party in country music,” he said. And it is.
On Tuesday evening (Nov. 5) at BMI’s Music Row headquarters, a throng of country publishers and songwriters schmoozed continuously from 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., when the actual award presentations began.
The schmoozers paid attention to the awarded songwriters for roughly an hour before resuming their schmoozing until 11:00 p.m. Indeed, their noise level nearly drowned out the night’s biggest winners. The schmooze brigade then left the awards banquet and descended to the building’s lobby for desserts, more schmoozing and music by the Harold Bradley A-Team Band with Mandy Barnett. This went on into the night.
One explanation for this orgy of socializing is the fact that there is annually no greater concentration of country stars and their teams at one gala. So many hands to shake, backs to slap and contacts to be made, you know.
“Is there anyone here?” asked Bob Doyle as he arrived on the red carpet. I directed him to the cocktail-party lobby. “Just throw a rock in there: you’re bound to hit a star,” I advised.
I wasn’t kidding. Chris Young, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Gregg Allman, Larry Gatlin, Clay Walker, Eric Church, The Eli Young Band, Greg Bates, J.T. Hodges, Kip Moore, Will Hoge, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and Toby Keith merely scratched the surface of the recording celebs in attendance.
Need more proof? Nashville TV series stars Sam Palladio and Charles Esten, Kix Brooks, Dustin Lynch, The Del McCoury Band, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Dickey Lee, Paul Overstreet, the Duck Dynasty Robertson family members, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Jansen, The Henningsens, Josh Turner, Jake Owen, Gary Allan, Rory Feek, Rascal Flatts members, Andy Gibson and Jason Aldean were there, too.
Several of them were fashion faves. Ashley Monroe was a knockout in a gown with a strapless green suede bodice, a navy leather skirt and belt, a silver jeweled cuff and matching sparkly high-heeled pumps, accessorized by her handsome new groom, Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks. Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry was in a stunning floral long-sleeved cocktail dress with white collar and cuffs.
Hunter Hayes
Everyone in Little Big Town looked smashing. Karen Fairchild’s dress was of iridescent feathers. Kimberly Schlapman’s black frock featured a metallic filigreed gold center panel. Jimi Westbrook wore a stylish vest over a chocolate-hued silk shirt. Philip Sweet’s two-tone, gray-and-black jacket was one of the eve’s most handsome. Shawn Camp’s black sequined western-cut coat was a stand-out, as was Charlie Worsham’s maroon velvet jacket.
Several of the stars came to sing. To salute this year’s BMI Icon award winner Dean Dillon, lanky Luke Bryan began with a lively performance of “Down and Out.” Lee Ann Womack followed with a divinely soulful “Empty Glass.” She drew a standing ovation, as did Kenny Chesney’s version of “Holed Up in Some Honky Tonk.”
The Dillon tribute concluded with George Strait’s medley of the songwriter’s “Marina Del Ray,” “The Chair” (another s.o.) and “Here for a Good Time.” Strait has recorded 54 Dillon songs over the years. Which is, like, wow. “Congratulations, Icon!” King George exclaimed.
“When Del [Bryant] called me [to tell the Icon Award news], I started to cry, and I’ll tell you why,” said Dillon. “I live, eat, breathe and sleep songs….In the immortal words of Hank Cochran, ‘Isn’t this wonderful?’” Dean Dillon has an incredible 26 BMI songs that have been broadcast more than a million times apiece.
While we’re on the subject of the awards, themselves, Jody Williams, Del Bryant and incoming BMI president Michael O’Neill teamed up to present the Big Three. Del did the honors for the first one: The BMI Country Publisher of the Year was Sony-ATV. This is the 37th (!) time the firm has accomplished this feat.
The Songwriter of the Year was Rodney Clawson. “It’s a pleasure to sit in a room and write with the greatest songwriters in the world, every day,” said Clawson. “Thank you for believing in me. This is awesome.”
The Frances W. Preston Song of the Year went to “Wanted,” co-written by yet another singing star in attendance, Hunter Hayes, with his collaborator Troy Verges.
On either side of the Icon presentation, BMI honored its 2013 most-performed songs. The first 25 were announced before, and the second 25 were honored after.
“What an incredible year we’ve had,” said Jody. “There’s more interest in our music and our lifestyle than ever before. And the best thing is, your songs will live forever.”
Pictured (L-R): Luke Bryan, Lee Ann Womack, Dean Dillon, George Strait, Kenny Chesney
Earlier, Clay Bradley dedicated the night to the late Jack Clement and George Jones, both BMI affiliates. Jody recognized new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Bare, who received a hearty standing ovation. Jody also directed applause to new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Layng Martine Jr., Randy Owen and Jeffrey Steele. The last-named was another sartorial standout, wearing a purple jacket festooned with swirling pale blue and silver rhinestones.
Those three were just a drop in the bucket of the stellar singing songwriters at this extraordinary gala. Try Billy Montana, Billy Burnette, Bobby Braddock, Bobby Pinson, Bob DiPiero, Rob Crosby, Jeff Stevens, Jeff Hanna & Matraca Berg, Marcus Hummon, Mark Nesler & Jennifer Hanson, Big Al Anderson, Alex Harvey, Even Stevens, Thom Schuyler, Mac McAnally and Brittany Taylor.
You could get whiplash greeting one fabulon after another. After all, Lee Thomas Miller, Mary Miller, Dallas Davidson, David Israelite, David Malloy, David & Carolyn Corlew (the newly crowned Ms. Senior America), Jerry Crutchfield, Jerry & Connie Bradley, Steve Bogard, Steve Cropper, Steve Dean, Mayor Karl Dean, James Stroud, Jim Catino and Jim Free were all working the room.
The “room” for the awards banquet is actually the fourth floor of the BMI building’s parking garage. It was disguised with mirrors and deliberately kitsch-y, ‘50s “moderne” geometric panels of aqua, black and white. Matching tablecloths surrounded glass cubes holding pale, two-tone orchids.
Swanning through the décor were Norro Wilson, Stacie Standifer & Tim Nichols, Tim Wipperman, Scott & Sandi Spika Borchetta, Luke Laird & Beth Mason, Mike Dungan, Joe Galante, Fletcher Foster, Dennis Morgan, Eddie Perez & Trey Fanjoy, Roy Wunsch & Mary Ann McCready, Regina & Ron Stuve, Chuck Ainlay, Nancy Shapiro, Neil Portnow, Will Rambeaux, Keith Stegall, John Ozier, Dane Bryant, Dick Frank, Craig Hayes, Josh Leo, Whitney Daane, Doug Howard, Randy Scruggs, Carson Chamberlain, Hugh Prestwood, Rory Bourke, Ken Levitan and Kyle Young.
They dined on toast points with a variety of toppings, followed by the main course. Plates were loaded with sautéed collards with pork belly, whiskey ginger glazed carrots, rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes, black Angus beef filet and Coca-Cola fried chicken thighs with dressing. Mmm-mmm good.
Top Winners List:
Song of the Year–“Wanted,” written by Hunter Hayes and Troy Verges. Publishers: Happy Little Man Publishing/Songs From The Engine Room/Songs of Universal
Songwriter of the Year–Rodney Clawson. Songs penned by Clawson include: “Did It For The Girl,” “Drunk On You,” “Drink On It” and many others
Publisher of the Year–Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville
BMI Icon Award–Dean Dillon
[slide]
so much MOORE media Celebrates 25 Years
/by Jessica NicholsonMartha Moore
Martha E. Moore is celebrating her 25th year as head of her independent, boutique public relations firm, so much MOORE media.
So much MOORE media opened in November 1988.
During the past several decades, Moore has worked with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Brenda Lee, Merle Haggard, Barbara Mandrell, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Kathy Mattea, Lee Greenwood, David Frizzell, Don Williams, Tom Jones, John Mellencamp, KISS, Tears for Fears, Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Joe Cocker and more.
In recent years so much MOORE media has represented Hank Cochran, Ricky Skaggs, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, actress/performer Kassie DePaiva, Guy Penrod, The Grascals, Jerry Reed, Sylvia, Randy Thompson, The Stetson Family, Todd Fritsch, Lisa O’Kane, Flynnville Train, Becky Schlegel, Aiken & Friends Fest and Tappedinto.com.
Moore is currently engaged in strategic partnerships with PR firm Webster & Associates, and indie label Way Out West Records. Her present roster includes APA-Nashville, The Roys, LiveWire, Lisa Matassa, Jay Jolley, Joanna Mosca, Sherry Lynn, Lizzie Sider and Mike Aiken.
Moore was born in Washington, D.C. She began her career in music as a copywriter for WKGN Radio (Knoxville) while studying Advertising and Marketing at the University of Tennessee. Martha moved to Nashville in 1976 to take a position at WLAC Radio (AM Promotion/FM Traffic). She worked at MCA/ABC Records as the label’s Manager of Press & Artist Development for just over four years before moving to PolyGram Records. While there, Moore was the Director of Press & Artist Relations/Nashville for nearly eight years. Jerry Kennedy, then VP of A&R/Nashville recalls Moore as “very creative and dependable.” “We were very fortunate to have Martha on the team. She did a great job for our roster,” he states.
A member of the CMA, ACM, Americana Music Association, IBMA and SOURCE, Moore was recently featured in a Bluegrass Unlimited article on publicists, and has also appeared in various media outlets including Country Music People Magazine, Music News Nashville, Third Coast Magazine, Roots Music Report and MusicRow magazine. Additionally, Moore wrote a popular music column, “Roots, Boots & ‘Billy,” for Ireland’s Country Music Plus Magazine for a year.
“I cannot imagine doing anything else,” Moore states. “To work hand-in-hand with such talented artists every day is just a blessing. I am incredibly grateful to the Nashville music community and to the media who continue to trust in me. I follow my passion, and it’s rarely steered me wrong.”
First Winners For 47th Annual CMA Awards Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonThe video for “Highway Don’t Care,” directed by Shane Drake, won Video of the Year.
The awards show will feature a string of musical collaborations, including performances by Luke Bryan with Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban with Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band with Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Hunter Hayes with Jason Mraz, as well as Alan Jackson and George Strait (in a tribute to the late George Jones). Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts will honor Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Rogers.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will host the CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.
Bryan To Debut New Single on 'The 47th Annual CMA Awards'
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan
Luke Bryan will open The 47th Annual CMA Awards with his recent No. 1 hit, “That’s My Kind of Night.” The singer-songwriter will return later in the show to sing his poignant new single “Drink A Beer,” dedicating this performance to his brother Chris and sister Kelly, whom he lost in 1996 and 2007 respectively.
“This is the coolest sad song ever,” said Bryan. “It holds a special place in my heart and I am honored the writers allowed me to record it.”
The song was written by Jim Beavers and Chris Stapleton. Stapleton, who sang background vocals on the album track, will also perform them with Bryan during the CMA Awards performance.
Bryan is nominated for three CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist and Musical Event for “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Eric Church.
Urban Debuts Guitar Collection on HSN
/by Jessica Nicholson“With the sellout world premiere of the URBAN(TM) Guitar Collection, HSN has once again demonstrated its unique ability to showcase a brand across all platforms like no other retailer in the world,” said Joy Mangano, President of Ingenious Designs, an affiliate of HSN. “This unprecedented launch marks the beginning of an exciting and dynamic partnership and I congratulate Keith on his tremendous debut. I look forward to our continued success as we work together to provide access to high-quality guitar packages to aspiring musicians everywhere.”
The URBAN(TM) Guitar Collection features two versions of the “Phoenix Edition” guitars – electric and acoustic/electric — and was offered in Brazilian Burst, Emerald Brazilian Burst, Rich Black and Vintage Natural Ivory. It is part of a 21-piece set that includes a custom amplifier, coated guitar strings, embroidered guitar strap, guitar picks, instructional DVDs featuring one-on-one lessons from Urban.
MerleFest 2014 To Feature Alan Jackson, Ralph Stanley
/by Lorie HollabaughStatler Brother Jimmy Fortune will also appear along with Dailey & Vincent during the festival to deliver a set of the Statler’s biggest hits, and Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott will perform hits from their new collaborative album, Memories and Moments.
“With just this first list of performers, fans will see that we have a great mix of ‘vintage MerleFest’ and ‘fresh faces,’” said Steve Johnson, artist relations manager for MerleFest. “While we have many more artists yet to announce, we can say now that we have an incredible depth of music for 2014 that lives up to the ‘traditional plus’ lineup MerleFest attendees have come to enjoy over the years. We are especially excited to offer a few special jams and MerleFest moments that no one will want to miss!”
The entire lineup can be found at merlefest.org, and tickets go on sale Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. ET and can be purchased on the website.
Eric Church Reveals New Album Artwork and Release Date
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Outsiders project was produced once again by Jay Joyce, and starting tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 6) fans can pre-order an exclusive album bundle directly from ericchurch.com, which includes the album and exclusive merchandise including: T-Shirt, sticker, and/or a leather cuff bracelet. Fans visiting the site can also view a special video introducing the new single and the spirit behind it.