Round Hill Music has signed a co-publishing deal with songwriter/producer Marti Frederiksen. Frederiksen has collaborated with Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Daughtry, Sheryl Crow and Pink, among many others. Frederiksen penned the songs “Jaded” (Aerosmith), “Love Remains The Same” (Gavin Rossdale), “Sorry” (Buckcherry) and “Undo It” (Carrie Underwood), among others.
Pictured (L-R): Josh Gruss, Michael Lau, Marti Frederiksen, Mallory Zumbach, Neil Gillis.
• • •
The Agency Coalition has signed country music duo Haley & Michaels. Nashville-based Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels are originally from the Bay Area. Though they grew up just three miles apart, Haley and Michaels met through a mutual guitar player in Nashville. Other acts on the Agency Coalition roster include Josh Gracin, Julie Roberts, Katie Armiger, Nappy Roots, Space Capone, The Delta Saints and more.
Pictured (L-R): (Back row): The Agency Coalition’s Wesley Harvey, Joe Kappelmann, Brian Waymire, Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels. (Front row, kneeling): The Agency Coalition’s Jeremy Tharp, Ryan Huie.
• • •
BMG Chrysalis has signed songwriter and artist Doug McCormick. McCormick is represented by William Morris Entertainment and has opened for Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, David Nail, and Colt Ford. McCormick is currently working on a new EP and is continuing to play upwards of 150 dates per year.
Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins (BMI Sr. Director, Writer-Publisher Relations); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); Doug McCormick; Matthew Cottingham (Attorney, ICS Law Group, P.C.); Braeden Rountree (Agent, William Morris Entertainment)
• • •
Inside the Johnny Cash Museum.
has received the GEM rating from
AAA. The GEM rating has only been granted to six Nashville attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland, the Hermitage, the Upper Room Chapel and Museum, and the Adventure Science Center.
The AAA GEM rating is recommended when requirements are greatly exceeded and the attraction is of exceptional interest. A GEM symbol means the attraction is a must-see for members.
“It’s very humbling to have our museum receive this incredible recognition from such a highly respected organization like AAA,” says founder
Bill Miller. “We’ve worked very hard to provide a state-of-the-art, cutting edge, yet warm and personal tribute to Johnny Cash and it’s gratifying to see that those efforts are being enjoyed and appreciated by industry leaders as well as by his fans from around the world.”
• • •
Carrie Underwood and the Country Music Hall of Fame recently celebrated the upcoming release of her first concert DVD, The Blown Away Tour: LIVE, which releases Tuesday (Aug. 13). The event, hosted by Sony Music Nashville, presented Underwood a plaque for her eight-year-career milestones, including sales, airplay and industry awards. She was also honored with a plaque from talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), recognizing highlights from her Blown Away Tour. BMI also presented a plaque for recent Millionaire airplay achievements for “Good Girl,” “Mama’s Song” and “All-American Girl.”
Pictured (L-R): Judee Ann Williams, Co-Executive Director, CAA Foundation; Jackie Nelson, Director, Celebrity and Entertainment Outreach Program, American Red Cross; Carrie Underwood; Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; and Leslie Roberts, Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI. Photo Credit: Chris Hollo
CMA Songwriters Series To Visit Austin, Texas
/by Michael_SmithRandy Houser
The CMA Songwriters Series will visit Austin, Texas on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The series will take place at Antone’s at 8 p.m. and feature performances by singer-songwriters Lee Brice, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann and Bob DiPiero.
“Lee, Jerrod, and I have been writing together for a long time – way before any of us had hits,” says Houser. “So it’s really cool to be able to come together and each have a No. 1 to play and share the stories behind a lot of the songs, too.”
“I’m in the process of writing and recording for a new album, so to have the opportunity to play an event as intimate as the CMA Songwriters Series is special,” says Niemann. “Randy, Lee and I cut our teeth in this industry together and Bob is one of our heroes, so we’re all excited to come together for this night to celebrate the music.”
Songwriters Hall of Fame member DiPiero will host the event. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday (Aug. 13). For more information, visit CMASongwritersSeries.com.
MusicRowPics: Sundy Best
/by Jessica NicholsonSundy Best Artist Visit
Duo Sundy Best, comprised of Kris Bentley and Nick Jamerson, stopped by the MusicRow offices on Thursday (Aug. 8) to perform songs from their album Door Without A Screen. Last year, they created the album with filmmaker Coleman Saunders, and independently released the project the same year. After penning a multi-album deal with the Entertainment One label, they will re-release Door Without A Screen on Aug. 27. The re-release will add six songs, including new tunes and fan favorites from their concerts.
During the visit with MusicRow staff, Bentley and Jamerson performed “Lily,” “Home (I Wanna Go),” and “Until I Met You.” They are set to film a video for “Drunk Right,” another song off Door Without A Screen, in the next few weeks. The duo will headline a concert at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Aug. 31.
For more information, visit sundybest.com.
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Gator Park – Hayseed Highway
/by contributorFormed during the hottest days of a Tennessee summer, the band began as a casual jam session between friends. Bryan Hobbs and Kerry Justin Degman started swapping songs in “the treehouse,” a small shed nestled into the woods behind Bryan’s home. Within weeks, they were joined by Bryan’s younger brother, Andy Hobbs. Drawing on a mutual appreciation for old-school country tunes anchored by strong, linear storylines, the guys began creating their own material. Since everyone contributed to the songwriting process, they decided to share the frontman role, too, with all three musicians singing on every song.
“When Andy and I were kids, we used to go down to Florida once a year,” says Bryan, who doubles as the band’s bass player. “The kids would run off from the parents and go looking for alligators. To us, that represents the wonder years: a time when we were all young, innocent and carefree. Everyone remembers those days, and that’s why we chose to name the band Gator Park.”
By the end of the summer, Gator Park had written an album’s worth of material. Looking for a producer who shared their vision, the guys flew to southern California, where they teamed up with Max Collins, frontman of the ’90s alt-rock band Eve 6. After recording the bulk of their album at Collins’ L.A. studio, the entire crew flew back to Nashville, where Gator Park wrapped up the recording process at Blackbird Studio, one of the most famous studios south of the Mason Dixon Line. The band’s team expanded, too, with Chuck Ainlay (Steve Earle, Miranda Lambert) and Ben Folwer (Hank Williams, Jr.) doing the final mixes.
The result? The Lake, a sharp, sweeping debut album that paints the picture of three grown men who haven’t forgotten where they came from. It’s an album rooted in memories, anchored by three-part harmonies and sweetened by a combination of fiddle, acoustic guitar, pedal steel and B3 organ. From road anthems like “Hayseed Highway” to rootsy power ballads like “Flowers,” is the sound of a new trio that’s ready to make waves, one harmony-laden song at a time.
website: www.gatorparkmusic.com
Email address: gatorparkmusic@gmail.com
instagram: instagram.com/gatorparkmusic
Twitter: twitter.com/gatorplarkmusic
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gatorparkmusic
Jim Ed Brown Celebrates 50 Years As Grand Ole Opry Member
/by Michael_SmithPictured (L-R): Steve Buchanan, Executive Vice President of Opry Entertainment Group; Jim Ed Brown; Colin Reed,CEO Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc.; Pete Fisher, Opry President and General Manager. Photo: Mark Mosrie
On Saturday, Aug. 10, The Grand Ole Opry honored singer Jim Ed Brown on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member. The celebration featured performances by Brown, his duet partner Helen Cornelius, and singer-songwriter Bobby Bare, who produced Brown’s current single “In Style Again.” Brown was inducted into the Opry on Aug. 12, 1963.
“It’s a great night to honor one of the finest voices in country music history,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Jim Ed has for more than 50 years now amazed Opry fans both on stage and on record. We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone anniversary with him, and we’re excited about even more great music in his future.”
Brown joined the Opry as a member of The Browns, a trio including his sisters Maxine and Bonnie, who attended his anniversary celebration. Before dismantling in the 1960s, The Browns recorded several hits, including “Looking Back To See” and “Here Today and Gone Tomorrow.” Brown later formed a successful country duo with Cornelius and currently hosts the nationally syndicated Country Greats Radio Show.
For more information, visit opry.com.
Taylor Is Teens' Choice At 2013 Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift is still tops with teens as evidenced by the two trophies she took home from Sunday evening’s (Aug. 11) Teen Choice Awards. Though she was unable to attend the ceremonies in California, she received awards for Choice Female Country Artist and Choice Country Song for “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” during the telecast.
Other winners during the evening included Hunter Hayes for Choice Male Country Artist and Lady Antebellum for Choice Country Group. According to Fox-TV, the network that aired the awards, over 150 million votes were cast.
Florida Georgia Line, who was nominated for Choice Summer Song for the remix of “Cruise,” featuring Nelly, performed the tune during the show.
[Updated] Industry Ink (8-12-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonRound Hill Music has signed a co-publishing deal with songwriter/producer Marti Frederiksen. Frederiksen has collaborated with Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Daughtry, Sheryl Crow and Pink, among many others. Frederiksen penned the songs “Jaded” (Aerosmith), “Love Remains The Same” (Gavin Rossdale), “Sorry” (Buckcherry) and “Undo It” (Carrie Underwood), among others.
Pictured (L-R): Josh Gruss, Michael Lau, Marti Frederiksen, Mallory Zumbach, Neil Gillis.
• • •
The Agency Coalition has signed country music duo Haley & Michaels. Nashville-based Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels are originally from the Bay Area. Though they grew up just three miles apart, Haley and Michaels met through a mutual guitar player in Nashville. Other acts on the Agency Coalition roster include Josh Gracin, Julie Roberts, Katie Armiger, Nappy Roots, Space Capone, The Delta Saints and more.
Pictured (L-R): (Back row): The Agency Coalition’s Wesley Harvey, Joe Kappelmann, Brian Waymire, Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels. (Front row, kneeling): The Agency Coalition’s Jeremy Tharp, Ryan Huie.
• • •
BMG Chrysalis has signed songwriter and artist Doug McCormick. McCormick is represented by William Morris Entertainment and has opened for Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, David Nail, and Colt Ford. McCormick is currently working on a new EP and is continuing to play upwards of 150 dates per year.
Pictured (L-R): Bradley Collins (BMI Sr. Director, Writer-Publisher Relations); Kos Weaver (BMG Chrysalis Executive Vice President); Daniel Lee (BMG Chrysalis Senior Creative Director); Doug McCormick; Matthew Cottingham (Attorney, ICS Law Group, P.C.); Braeden Rountree (Agent, William Morris Entertainment)
• • •
Inside the Johnny Cash Museum.
Nashville’s Johnny Cash Museum has received the GEM rating from AAA. The GEM rating has only been granted to six Nashville attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland, the Hermitage, the Upper Room Chapel and Museum, and the Adventure Science Center.
The AAA GEM rating is recommended when requirements are greatly exceeded and the attraction is of exceptional interest. A GEM symbol means the attraction is a must-see for members.
“It’s very humbling to have our museum receive this incredible recognition from such a highly respected organization like AAA,” says founder Bill Miller. “We’ve worked very hard to provide a state-of-the-art, cutting edge, yet warm and personal tribute to Johnny Cash and it’s gratifying to see that those efforts are being enjoyed and appreciated by industry leaders as well as by his fans from around the world.”
• • •
Carrie Underwood and the Country Music Hall of Fame recently celebrated the upcoming release of her first concert DVD, The Blown Away Tour: LIVE, which releases Tuesday (Aug. 13). The event, hosted by Sony Music Nashville, presented Underwood a plaque for her eight-year-career milestones, including sales, airplay and industry awards. She was also honored with a plaque from talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), recognizing highlights from her Blown Away Tour. BMI also presented a plaque for recent Millionaire airplay achievements for “Good Girl,” “Mama’s Song” and “All-American Girl.”
Pictured (L-R): Judee Ann Williams, Co-Executive Director, CAA Foundation; Jackie Nelson, Director, Celebrity and Entertainment Outreach Program, American Red Cross; Carrie Underwood; Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; and Leslie Roberts, Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI. Photo Credit: Chris Hollo
Songwriters Tribute Reba During CMHoF Weekend Session
/by Eric T. ParkerHengber kicked off the Reba-themed songwriter round with the title track from the entertainer’s best-selling album to date, For My Broken Heart. The track, co-written with Keith Palmer, was inspired by a breakup Henber was going through. The idea for the song was furthered sparked by a line in the 1969 movie A Boy Named Charlie Brown, where Linus explained that “the world didn’t stop” while Charlie Brown was bemoaning having lost a spelling bee contest. The songwriter also offered “And Still” and the Reba and Trisha Yearwood Duets song “She Can’t Save Him” from her treasure trove of Reba cuts which also include “Forever Love,” “It’s Your Call.”
Robinson offered “I Know How He Feels,” a co-write with Rick Bowles, which was originally demoed with the pronoun, she. After a quick re-write, the title was recorded with a simple guitar-vocal and shortly thereafter, Reba’s version reached the No. 1 position on Country radio. Additionally, Robinson performed “Will He Ever Go Away,” a song from Reba’s 1992 It’s Your Call album. “Will He Ever Go Away” was co-written with songwriter and former Nashville WSIX-FM radio personality Gerry House.
Between songs, questions from the audience were fielded by the songwriters and Starstruck’s Cliff Williamson. Questions ranged from “Where do you find inspiration?” to “How do song royalties work?”
Collins sat out the first pass, but offered her vocal on “Goodbye Looks Good On Me,” the theme song she co-wrote for Reba’s 2012-13 Malibu Country ABC-TV season. The young singer’s outstanding vocal wrapped the morning session by accompanying the Hengber, Robinson and McEntire title “Somebody’s Chelsea.”
Stay tuned at MusicRow.com for highlight’s from McEntire’s afternoon interview, with over an hour and a half of insight into the Hall of Famer’s Country Music Hall of Fame life trajectory.
Court Declines to Hear Lawsuit Against Tim McGraw/Big Machine
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw
A court has declined to hear Curb Records’ lawsuit against Tim McGraw and Big Machine Label Group, according to the Associated Press. A district court judge in Nashville signed an order administratively closing the case until a decision over copyrights of McGraw’s music is made in a lawsuit filed in Tennessee state court.
The suit was initially filed by Curb in May 2011 against McGraw and Big Machine for breach of contract to try and bar him from signing with the label. McGraw countersued, and a judge allowed him to release new music with a new label for the first time in over 20 years.
The resulting album, Two Lanes Of Freedom, was released earlier this year and is nearing gold certification from the RIAA. It has produced three hit singles so far, including “Truck Yeah,” “One of Those Nights” and “Highway Don’t Care” featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. McGraw’s latest single release is “Southern Girl.”
Jody Payne, Guitarist For Willie Nelson, Dies
/by Jessica NicholsonJody Payne. Photo: willienelson.com
Jody Payne, a guitarist who toured with Willie Nelson from 1973 until 2008, has died at age 77. Payne, a Kentucky native, passed away at 5:13 a.m. on Saturday (Aug. 10) from cardiac problems, according to the Associated Press.
It is estimated that during his time performing with Nelson as part of The Family Band, Payne performed between 3,500 and 7,000 concerts with the entertainer. He then retired to Stapleton, Ala., with his wife Vicki, where Payne taught guitar at Picker’s Paradise, a local music store.
A post on Nelson’s Facebook page regarding Payne’s death stated, “Our friend will be missed.”
Nashville Gets Second Luke Bryan Show
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan
Luke Bryan‘s Dirt Road Diaries Tour will stay in Nashville for an extra evening. After selling out a Friday, Oct. 18 show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, a second show has been added for Saturday, Oct. 19. The sold-out Oct. 18 show will feature Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square as openers. The Oct. 19 show will feature guests Dierks Bentley and Cole Swindell.
Tickets for Bryan’s Saturday, Oct. 19 concert will be on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. at livenation.com, ticketmaster.com, the Bridgestone Arena Box Office or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.