Pictured (L-R): Jim Foglesong, Garth Brooks, Allen Reynolds receive the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award. Photo: Alan Mayor
A service celebrating Jim Foglesong’s life has been scheduled at Vine Street Christian Church, 4601 Harding Pike in Nashville on Tuesday, July 16 at 1 p.m. CT.
• • •
Music industry executive
Jim Foglesong died Tuesday (July 9) at a Nashville hospital after a brief illness. He was 90. Foglesong was the music executive who signed
Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Strait, the Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood and others to major label deals.
“Today, the music industry lost its greatest diplomat for kindness, tolerance, faith, and sincerity,” says Brooks. “But do not weep for Jim, I have never met a man with a stronger faith, anyone who knew Jim knows where he is now. Instead, weep for those of us who are left here without him…truly, a great, great man.”
“We have lost a giant of a man today,” says
Katie Gillon, who worked closely with Foglesong. “Jim was a devoted family man who lived his life with the utmost integrity in every way. He was unfailingly polite, kind and caring to all that he met from the most powerful executives and superstars to the newest eager arrival on Music Row. Jim Foglesong was a true gentleman and what a legacy he leaves us. My heart is broken.”
Jim Foglesong in 1996. Photo: Alan Mayor
“Jim Foglesong was truly one of my heroes, and he’ll be sorely missed,” adds singer-songwriter
Don Williams. “He was a giant in the industry and the model of a true gentleman. He was incredibly supportive of me as an artist and instrumental in much of the success I’ve enjoyed.”
“My family and I are deeply saddened by Jim Fogelsong’s passing,” says
Barbara Mandrell. “Jim’s family and mine have shared so many wonderful times together as dear friends for so many years. He was such an important influence on my career as my record company president for most of the years I spent recording. He was a loving and caring friend who provided thoughtful wisdom and guidance. I have comfort and peace knowing that Jim loved our Lord Jesus Christ and he’s with Him now.”
Foglesong was born in Lundale, W. Va., on July 26, 1922. His career began in New York, where he worked for Columbia, Epic and RCA. He relocated to Nashville to oversee Dot Records in 1970. There he guided the careers of Roy Clark, Don Williams and Donna Fargo among others. In 1973, he became the first executive to be given the title of president of a major record company on Music Row. After ABC purchased Dot Records, ABC/Dot Records added Barbara Mandrell, the Oak Ridge Boys and Freddie Fender to the roster. During Foglesong’s tenure at MCA, the label signed George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Greenwood. He oversaw Capitol Nashville from 1984 through 1989 and signed Garth Brooks as well as renewed the career of Tanya Tucker.
Foglesong was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. He was inducted into Leadership Music’s Class of 1990; he later received Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award in 2009, the same year that Garth Brooks was awarded with the same honor. Foglesong was a long-time member of the Country Music Association and served as chairman of the organization. He was also a recipient of the Nashville Entertainment Association’s Bridge Award.
Before retiring in 2012, Foglesong taught at Trevecca Nazarene University and at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Toni, and four children: James, Jr. “Jimi,” Cindy, Leslie and Rusty, and 16 grandchildren and great-children. Arrangements for a public memorial service are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Career Achievement Timeline
1951 Takes job with Columbia Records, New York City
1951 Studio vocals on Neil Sedaka, Connie Francis, Guy Mitchell, Timi Yuro, Rosemary Clooney recordings
1952-53 Tours with Fred Waring’s Festival of Song
1953 Begins production work with Gentlemen, Be Seated, a various-artists concept album which logged six weeks on Billboard’s Top 10
1953-70 Active as a producer for artists such as Al Hirt, Ed Ames, Julie Andrews, Bobby Vinton, Miriam Makeba and Robert Goulet
1955 Produces Roy Hamilton’s Top 10 “You Can Have Her”
1964 Takes job with Steve Sholes at RCA Victor, New York City
1970 Moves to Nashville to work with Dot Records
1972 Signs Donna Fargo; she earns CMA and Grammy honors
1973 Produces first #1 record in career of Roy Clark
1973 Named President of Dot Records
1974 Dot purchased by ACB, becomes ABC-Dot, later ABC
1974-79 Significant signings include Barbara Mandrell, Freddy Fender, the Oak Ridge Boys, Don Williams, John Conlee
1977 Produces Country Comes to Carnegie Hall featuring Roy Clark, Hank Thompson, Freddy Fender, Don Williams
1979 MCA buys ABC, merges rosters bringing Merle Haggard, Bill Monroe, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn to combined label
1979-84 Signs George Strait, Reba McEntire, Ed Bruce, Terri Gibbs, Lee Greenwood
1984-89 Heads Capitol Nashville, inking Garth Brooks, Tanya Tucker, Sawyer Brown, Suzy Bogguss, Marie Osmond, T. Graham Brown, New Grass Revival
1993 Awarded Nashville Entertainment Association’s Master Award
1993 Receives CMA’s Founding President’s Award
1998 Presented Bridge Award by Leadership Music
2004 Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame
2007 Awarded honorary Doctor of Music degree by University of Charleston (WVa)
2009 Awarded Distinguished Professor status by Trevecca Nazarene University, only third such honor in school history
2009 Awarded Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award along with Garth Brooks and Allen Reynolds
Florida Georgia Line Reveals Cities On First Headlining Tour
/by Jessica NicholsonThe dates and cities for the rest of the tour have been announced, including stops in Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee. The tour will close with a show on Dec. 14 at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash.
HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES TOUR
Oct. 3 Brookings, S.D.— Swiftel Center
Oct. 4 Mankato, Minn.—Verizon Wireless Center
Oct. 5 Fargo, N.D.— Scheels Arena
Oct. 6 Bismarck, N.D. —Bismarck Civic Center
Oct. 10 Murray, Ky.— CFSB Center
Oct. 11 Muncie, Ind. —Emens Auditorium
Oct. 12 Champaign, Ill.—Assembly Hall
Oct. 13 Bowling Green, Ohio —Stroh Center
Oct. 16 Springfield, Mo.—O’ Reilly Center
Oct. 19 Lexington, Ky. —Whitaker Bank Ballpark SOLD-OUT
Oct. 23 Carrollton, Ga.—The Coliseum/Univ. of W. GA
Oct. 31 Chicago —Sears Center Area
Nov. 1 St. Louis —Chaifetz Arena
Nov. 2 Cedar Rapids, Iowa —US Cellular Center
Nov. 3 Milwaukee —Eagles Ballroom
Nov. 7 Florence, S.C. —Florence Civic Center
Nov. 8 Knoxville, Tenn.— Knoxville Civic Coliseum
Nov. 9 Greenville, S.C. —BiLo Center
Nov. 15 New York—Best Buy Theater
Nov. 16 Upper Darby, Pa. —Tower Theater
Nov. 17 Reading, Pa.— Eagle Theater
Nov. 21 Huntington, W. Va.—Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Nov. 22 Salem, Va. —Salem Civic Center
Nov. 23 Greensboro, N.C.— Greensboro Coliseum
Nov. 29 Ft. Worth, Texas—Billy Bob’s Texas
Nov. 30 Belton, Texas— Bell County Expo Center
Dec. 1 Austin, Texas —ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Dec. 6 Los Angeles— Club Nokia LA Live
Dec. 11 Fresno, Calif. —Save Mart Center
Dec. 12 Reno, Nev.— Reno Events Center
Dec. 13 Eugene, Ore. —Matthew Knight Arena
Dec. 14 Kent, Wash.— ShoWare Center
McGraw, Urban Added To iHeartRadio Music Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonMcGraw and Urban join Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Elton John, Bruno Mars, a special performance from Queen and Adam Lambert, Muse, Tiesto, Chris Brown, fun., Phoenix, Zedd, Maroon 5, Ke$ha, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Benny Benassi and other guests.
For the first time, a Fan Village will run during the daytime at a 15-acre parking lot adjacent to the arena. That stage will feature performances from Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, AWOLNATION, Pete Tong, Twenty One Pilots and Jason Derulo.
For more information, visit festival.iheart.com
Eileen Carey – Bottle Your Crazy Up
/by contributorThat title is a phrase you’ll probably find yourself repeating the rest of your life—especially when you’re dealing with a friend’s obsessive behavior.
Here’s the scene of the song: One woman is telling another not to rebound from a bad breakup too hard and too fast. And here’s what she advises:
Don’t order the tequila, ‘cause you know how you get,
Don’t talk about your ex, you ain’t over him yet,
You can wear the short skirt, but I’d forget the heels,
And don’t go on about how you feel. . . .
Bottle your crazy up!*
Set for release to country radio the week of July 7, “BOTTLE YOUR CRAZY UP” is the latest gem from Eileen’s loudly applauded new album, Let It Go.
Eileen will be visiting radio stations throughout the summer for meet-and-greets, interview and live performances of “BOTTLE YOUR CRAZY UP.”
Amy Jack – "Lay Me Down in Oklahoma"
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Lay Me Down in Oklahoma” (2:55) | www.PlayME.com
AMY JACK
Tony Ramey, Si Hill, Kris Bergsnes/O Tex Music-BMI, Twin Rose
The radio friendly, mid-tempo country story song, “Lay Me Down in Oklahoma” is a perfect choice for Amy Jack, a DFW resident and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. The daughter of a voice teacher, Amy sings the difficult, rangy tune with ease and amazing emotion. “Music can go a long way toward helping heal feelings and lift spirits ” she says. Veteran Music Row hit tunesmith, Kris Bergsnes, who also has an Oklahoma ranch co-wrote “Lay Me Down in Oklahoma” with Tony Ramey and Si Hill. Many top music executives feel this will be a country radio hit. Amy knows radio first-hand, since she was one of the marketing salespeople at Clear Channel whose sponsors helped keep the stations on the air. That’s just one more of the countless talents of the remarkable singer, songwriter and producer named Amy Jack.
Publishing–BMI, Warner Tamerlane Publishing–BMI
Produced by Remington Rafael, Linda Septien
Promotion Contact: Anne Weaver Price 214-907-4922 / kweenanne@aol.com
Record Company: Jack of All Trades 972-467-5889 / ajackiam@aol.com
Available on CDX, CD Tex and Play MPE and coming soon to iTunes
For more information call us at 214-907-4922
Alan Jackson's 'The Bluegrass Album' To Release Sept. 24
/by Jessica NicholsonJackson recorded the album in Nashville, according to Bluegrass Today, and the project will be filled with sounds from an ace team of musicians that includes Sammy Shelor (banjo), Adam Steffey (mandolin), Tim Dishman (bass), Tim Crouch (fiddle), Scott Coney (guitar), and Rob Ickes (reso-guitar).
The project is produced by Keith Stegall and Jackson’s nephew Adam Wright. It will feature eight originals, along with covers that include the Dillards‘ “There Is A Time,” John Anderson‘s “Wild and Blue,” as well as a waltz rendition of Bill Monroe‘s “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”
Willie Nelson To Perform Entire 'Stardust' LP For The First Time
/by Jessica NicholsonWillie Nelson
Though Willie Nelson has toured for decades, performing his classic hits and 20 No. 1 country songs, he still finds new ways to please his legions of fans. On Aug. 9 and 10, the legendary performer and songwriter will perform his iconic 1978 project Stardust in its entirety for the first time, according to Rolling Stone. The performance will take place at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl, backed by a full orchestra led by David Campbell.
Nelson first recorded the Stardust album with producer Booker T. Jones. The project featured several pop standards from the 1930s and 1940s, including “Georgia On My Mind,” “Blue Skies” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” The album went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for Nelson’s rendition of “Georgia On My Mind.”
Nelson will also perform many of his greatest hits during the concert. Lyle Lovett and His Large Band will open the shows. Tickets are on sale now.
Summer NAMM In Nashville This Weekend
/by Sarah SkatesSince opening earlier this week, the event has offered the Grand Opening Party, which was a “Nashville Tribute to Jimi Hendrix,” and an “Industry Icons Panel,” moderated by Vince Gill and Two Old Hippies’ Tom Bedell.
Today (July 12), NAMM will present the third annual awards show, “The Top 100 Dealer Awards,” hosted by Steve Wariner.
NAMM’s consumer “Music Industry Day” is set for tomorrow (July 13). One day a year, NAMM opens its doors to musicians and pro-light, sound and staging professionals in Music City. Attendees can meet the artists and engineers designing the equipment of the future, network with others in the music industry and learn from workshop discussions. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $20 at the door. On the agenda is “So, You Want to Be a Session Player?” led by Dave Pomeroy, and “Top Nashville Songwriters Share Tips for Success,” moderated by Laura B. Whitmore, with guests John Ozier (ole), Dean Berner (Edens Edge), and hit songwriters Liz Hengber and Marty Dodson.
Details at NAMM.org.
Artist Photos (7-12-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin stopped by the studio of CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan on Wednesday (July 10). Bryan’s new album Crash My Party will be released Aug. 13, while Gill and Franklin have collaborated on the album Bakersfield, which will be released July 30.
Luke Bryan (L) with Cody Alan (R). Photo courtesy CMT
Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Cody Alan, Paul Franklin. Photo courtesy of CMT
• • •
The Band Perry recently performed a 30-minute set at the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday (July 10). The trio performed their single “Done,” followed by the title track of their current album, Pioneer.
Pictured (L-R): Neil Perry, Steve Buchanan (President, Grand Ole Opry Group), Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry
• • •
Lisa Matassa recently made her Major League Baseball debut, singing the National Anthem at a recent Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game. The sports event was shown on MLB.com and on Fox Sports Arizona.
Lisa Matassa performs at Chase Field.
• • •
Nikki Lane recently performed at the Biscuits & Jam concert series, held at Nashville’s Fontanel Mansion on Sunday (July 7).
Photo: Hector Sanchez/Southern Living.
[Updated] Jim Foglesong Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jim Foglesong, Garth Brooks, Allen Reynolds receive the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award. Photo: Alan Mayor
UPDATE: A service celebrating Jim Foglesong’s life has been scheduled at Vine Street Christian Church, 4601 Harding Pike in Nashville on Tuesday, July 16 at 1 p.m. CT.
• • •
Music industry executive Jim Foglesong died Tuesday (July 9) at a Nashville hospital after a brief illness. He was 90. Foglesong was the music executive who signed Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Strait, the Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood and others to major label deals.
“Today, the music industry lost its greatest diplomat for kindness, tolerance, faith, and sincerity,” says Brooks. “But do not weep for Jim, I have never met a man with a stronger faith, anyone who knew Jim knows where he is now. Instead, weep for those of us who are left here without him…truly, a great, great man.”
“We have lost a giant of a man today,” says Katie Gillon, who worked closely with Foglesong. “Jim was a devoted family man who lived his life with the utmost integrity in every way. He was unfailingly polite, kind and caring to all that he met from the most powerful executives and superstars to the newest eager arrival on Music Row. Jim Foglesong was a true gentleman and what a legacy he leaves us. My heart is broken.”
Jim Foglesong in 1996. Photo: Alan Mayor
“Jim Foglesong was truly one of my heroes, and he’ll be sorely missed,” adds singer-songwriter Don Williams. “He was a giant in the industry and the model of a true gentleman. He was incredibly supportive of me as an artist and instrumental in much of the success I’ve enjoyed.”
“My family and I are deeply saddened by Jim Fogelsong’s passing,” says Barbara Mandrell. “Jim’s family and mine have shared so many wonderful times together as dear friends for so many years. He was such an important influence on my career as my record company president for most of the years I spent recording. He was a loving and caring friend who provided thoughtful wisdom and guidance. I have comfort and peace knowing that Jim loved our Lord Jesus Christ and he’s with Him now.”
Foglesong was born in Lundale, W. Va., on July 26, 1922. His career began in New York, where he worked for Columbia, Epic and RCA. He relocated to Nashville to oversee Dot Records in 1970. There he guided the careers of Roy Clark, Don Williams and Donna Fargo among others. In 1973, he became the first executive to be given the title of president of a major record company on Music Row. After ABC purchased Dot Records, ABC/Dot Records added Barbara Mandrell, the Oak Ridge Boys and Freddie Fender to the roster. During Foglesong’s tenure at MCA, the label signed George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Greenwood. He oversaw Capitol Nashville from 1984 through 1989 and signed Garth Brooks as well as renewed the career of Tanya Tucker.
Foglesong was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. He was inducted into Leadership Music’s Class of 1990; he later received Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award in 2009, the same year that Garth Brooks was awarded with the same honor. Foglesong was a long-time member of the Country Music Association and served as chairman of the organization. He was also a recipient of the Nashville Entertainment Association’s Bridge Award.
Before retiring in 2012, Foglesong taught at Trevecca Nazarene University and at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Toni, and four children: James, Jr. “Jimi,” Cindy, Leslie and Rusty, and 16 grandchildren and great-children. Arrangements for a public memorial service are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Career Achievement Timeline
1951 Takes job with Columbia Records, New York City
1951 Studio vocals on Neil Sedaka, Connie Francis, Guy Mitchell, Timi Yuro, Rosemary Clooney recordings
1952-53 Tours with Fred Waring’s Festival of Song
1953 Begins production work with Gentlemen, Be Seated, a various-artists concept album which logged six weeks on Billboard’s Top 10
1953-70 Active as a producer for artists such as Al Hirt, Ed Ames, Julie Andrews, Bobby Vinton, Miriam Makeba and Robert Goulet
1955 Produces Roy Hamilton’s Top 10 “You Can Have Her”
1964 Takes job with Steve Sholes at RCA Victor, New York City
1970 Moves to Nashville to work with Dot Records
1972 Signs Donna Fargo; she earns CMA and Grammy honors
1973 Produces first #1 record in career of Roy Clark
1973 Named President of Dot Records
1974 Dot purchased by ACB, becomes ABC-Dot, later ABC
1974-79 Significant signings include Barbara Mandrell, Freddy Fender, the Oak Ridge Boys, Don Williams, John Conlee
1977 Produces Country Comes to Carnegie Hall featuring Roy Clark, Hank Thompson, Freddy Fender, Don Williams
1979 MCA buys ABC, merges rosters bringing Merle Haggard, Bill Monroe, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn to combined label
1979-84 Signs George Strait, Reba McEntire, Ed Bruce, Terri Gibbs, Lee Greenwood
1984-89 Heads Capitol Nashville, inking Garth Brooks, Tanya Tucker, Sawyer Brown, Suzy Bogguss, Marie Osmond, T. Graham Brown, New Grass Revival
1993 Awarded Nashville Entertainment Association’s Master Award
1993 Receives CMA’s Founding President’s Award
1998 Presented Bridge Award by Leadership Music
2004 Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame
2007 Awarded honorary Doctor of Music degree by University of Charleston (WVa)
2009 Awarded Distinguished Professor status by Trevecca Nazarene University, only third such honor in school history
2009 Awarded Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award along with Garth Brooks and Allen Reynolds
'MusicRow' No. 1 Song
/by Eric T. ParkerJustin Moore
It’s summertime and MusicRow CountryBreakout chart reporting stations decided to spin Justin Moore’s rowdy and rompin’ single, “Point At You,” to this week’s No. 1 position.
Written by Rhett Atkins, Ross Copperman and Ben Hayslip, the tune is Moore’s initial offering from his forthcoming Sept. 17 Valory Music Co. release, Off the Beaten Path.
In March, MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann reviewed the single, saying: “He drawls his tale with gusto. He has a wild side, but if you want to see his soft, sweet, best side, look at his gal. Sonically, it’s a jumbo joyride that romps along with all the goofy best of intentions. This will sound splendid on the radio.”
The forthcoming Jeremy Stover-produced project will boast 16 songs on the deluxe album including Moore’s collaboration with Miranda Lambert (“Old Habits”), in addition to “For Some Ol Redneck Reason” with Charlie Daniels. We’re looking forward to the new tunes!