Publishers and songwriters accept Song of the Year honors for “Merry Go ‘Round.” (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Steve Markland, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Black River’s Celia Froehlig, songwriter Josh Osborne, songwriter Kacey Musgraves, songwriter Shane McAnally, Little Blue Egg’s Robin Palmer, Black River’s Gordon Kerr, UMPG’s Kent Earls. Photo: Isabel Ross
Publishers and songwriters of Song of the Year “I Drive Your Truck.” (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, songwriter Connie Harrington, Sony/ATV EMI’s Tom Luteran, songwriter Jimmy Yeary, songwriter Jessi Alexander, Disney Music’s Patrick Clifford. Photo: Isabel Ross
Producer of the Year Dann Huff. Photo: Isabel Ross
OMG! If the
MusicRow Awards are 25 years old, how old does that make Bobby Karl?!
Okay, seriously: It was newsworthy enough that this week was the magazine’s Silver Anniversary honors event. But even more news was made by exploding country ingénue
Kacey Musgraves, who became the first person ever to take home both the Breakthrough Artist and Breakthrough Songwriter awards. Not only that, she co-wrote her hit “Merry Go ‘Round,” which tied for Song of the Year.
“This has been a crazy year,” said Kacey. “I’m really proud of what’s happening in this town….It’s a great time for everyone, creatively.”
“My mom is here, who inspired the song,” said Kacey’s “Merry Go ‘Round” co-writer
Shane McAnally (
MusicRow’s current cover boy). It seems that his mother remarked to him that there was so much traffic on her street that someone was either selling Mary Kay or Mary Jane, both of which figure in the song’s lyric.
“I just feel real fortunate to be a part of a song I love so much,” said co-writer
Josh Osborne.
“This song really strikes something in me,” added Kacey. “When we wrote it, I almost cried.
“This is such a special day I’ll never forget.”
The Lee Brice hit “I Drive Your Truck” was the other song that tied for Song of the Year. It was inspired by an NPR interview that songwriter
Connie Harrington heard. The man being interviewed (Paul Monti) said that he tried to remain close to his son killed in Afghanistan by driving his truck. She took the idea to
Jessi Alexander. Then they roped in co-writer
Jimmy Yeary.
Song of the Year (“I Drive Your Truck”) co-writer Connie Harrington. Photo: Isabel Ross
“I love Jessi Alexander,” said Jimmy at the MR event. “I love Connie Harringthon. They’ve got big hearts. Connie cried the whole time we wrote this.”
“I’m not gonna cry,” said Connie when she took the mic. Then she did. Which was so cool. “Thank you for your stories that move us songwriters.”
“This song was so blessed,” added Jessi. “I was the lucky one that [songwriting] day.”
Both songs were performed by their writers at the awards reception. “Merry Go ‘Round” was captivating, with Kacey Musgrave’s sweet/sad delivery about “dust settling in this town” being backed by Josh and Shane’s guitars and harmony voices.
“I Drive Your Truck” was spellbinding. I already knew that Jessi was a sensational singer. Jimmy traded verses with her, and his gently raspy delivery was every bit as hypnotic as his co-writer’s.
The event began at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday (6/25) as a cocktail-hour soiree. After welcoming remarks from ASCAP’s hosts-with-the-most
LeAnn Phelan and
Michael Martin, MusicRow publisher/owner
Sherod Robertson took the stage. “Twenty-five years is such a milestone,” he said in greeting. “And one that I am thrilled to share with all of you today, who have made it possible. These awards started back in 1989, before I had even ventured into the business, and it is an honor to continue this legacy today.”
Okay, now you’re really making me feel old.
The 25th annual awards also saluted the 2013 Producer of the Year. That is
Dann Huff, who has worked with The Band Perry, Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and more. “As we all know, this town is graced with an amazing array of talent, unparalleled in all the world,” said Dann. “I am so absolutely dependent on all that talent. You are only as good as the people behind you.”
(L-R): Josh Osborne, Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally perform “Merry Go ‘Round.” Photo: Isabel Ross
“It takes a village,” echoed multiple winner Kacey.
MusicRow’s Sarah Skates and
Eric Parker presented the Top Ten All-Star Musician Awards. These are the only Nashville honors given each year to the recording-session community. This year’s winners included
Jimmie Lee Sloas, Greg Morrow, Shannon Forrest, Dan Dugmore, Paul Franklin, Wes Hightower, Ilya Toshinsky, Charles Judge, engineer
Justin Niebank and – in another unprecedented occurrence – fiddler triple winners
Jonathan Yudkin, Larry Franklin and
Stuart Duncan.
“It’s an amazing community to be a part of,” said Greg. “There’s so much going on with different genres. It’s a great time to be here.”
“The producers and artists encourage us to be as great as it can possibly be,” added Jonathan.
A multitude of fabulons attended the reception at ASCAP. Working the room were
David Preston, David Ross, Dale Bobo, John Briggs, John Mabe, Jon Randall Stewart, Michael Smith, Rich Fagan, Rick Kelly, Barry Coburn, Barry Dean, Bill Wence, Ben Vaughn, Jessica Nicholson, Jeff Walker, Janie West, Andrew Kintz, Anthony Smith, Celia Froehlig, Tom Luteran, Charlie Monk, Caitlin Rantala, Frank Myers, Woody Bomar, Suzanne Lee, Dennis Banka, Patrick Clifford, Susan Collier, Ralph Murphy, Sherrill Blackman, Doak Turner, Luke Laird, Don Cusic, Manuel and oh so many more.
“I just don’t feel like it gets better than this,” said Sherod Robertson following the evening’s wonderful and amazing songwriter performances. “Thank you for attending.”
See the
winners list.
Top Ten Album All-Star Musician Winners. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and Sarah Skates, Jonathan Yudkin (Fiddle), Wes Hightower (Vocals), Charles Judge (Keyboards), Dan Dugmore (Steel), Greg Morrow (Drums), Eric Parker (MusicRow). Photo: Isabel Ross
Apple Sets iTunes Radio Royalty Rate For Independent Artists
/by Jessica NicholsoniTunes Radio will also allow listeners up to six song skips each hour, provided they skip within the first 20 seconds of a song. This also allows Apple to not pay for song skips. According to Billboard, the minimum royalty rate includes 45 percent of net advertising revenue plus $21.25 for each 1,000 listener hours in the first year and $22.25 for the remainder of the license agreement.
Also, Digital Music News reports Apple is threatening to punish iRadio holdouts by removing their music from the iTunes music store.
Below is a portion of the non-negotiable form contract sent to independent and non-major label artists:
Hunter Hayes To Launch Headlining Tour in October
/by Michael_SmithHayes is currently celebrating his first No. 1 album with the release of Hunter Hayes (Encore). The album features the singer’s hit song “I Want Crazy,” in addition to collaborations with Jason Mraz and Ashley Monroe.
For more information on Hayes’s upcoming tour, visit HunterHayes.com/Shows.
CMT on Tour: Hunter Hayes Let’s Be Crazy Tour Dates
Oct. 10 Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Oct. 11 Savannah, Ga. – Johnny Mercer Theatre
Oct. 12 Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina State Fair
Oct. 17 Atlanta – Fox Theatre
Oct. 18-19 Nashville, Tenn. – Ryman Auditorium
Oct. 24 Muncie, Ind. – Emens Auditorium at Ball State University
Oct. 25 Chicago – Rosemont Theatre
Oct. 26 Louisville, Ky. – The Louisville Palace Theater
Nov. 1 Birmingham, Ala. – BJCC Concert Hall
Nov. 2 Greensboro, N.C. – War Memorial Auditorium
Nov. 8 Evansville, Ind. – The Aiken Theatre at The Centre
Nov. 9 Cleveland, Ohio – State Theatre at Playhouse Square
Nov. 10 Detroit – Fox Theatre
Nov. 14 St. Louis – Fox Theatre
Nov. 15 Sioux City, Iowa –Orpheum Theatre
Nov. 16 Omaha, Neb. – Orpheum Theater
Nov. 20 Lafayette, La. – Heymann Performing Arts Center
Nov. 22 Dallas – Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
Nov. 23 Tulsa, Okla. – Brady Theater
Dec. 4-5 Minneapolis – Orpheum Theatre
Dec. 6-7 Kansas City, Mo. – The Midland by AMC
Artist News (6-27-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson• Music icon Brenda Lee traced her half-century career for Leadership Music’s quarterly Off the Record series on Wednesday (June 26) at Nashville’s Sambuca. Music historian, MusicRow contributor, Leadership Music alum and co-author of Brenda Lee’s biography, Bob Oermann interviewed the legend during the 90-minute lunch-and-learn presentation.
Pictured (L-R): Bob Oermann, Lee, incoming Leadership Music President Sally Williams and outgoing Leadership Music President, Jeff Gregg.
Will Hoge
• Will Hoge has partnered with Thirty Tigers to release his ninth studio album, Never Give In, via the independent company on Oct. 15, 2013. “Will Hoge is a versatile talent who has found success as a writer, performer, and recording artist and we are honored to work with him. We look forward to many more successes to come!” shared Thirty Tigers’ David Macias.
Said Hoge, “The team at Thirty Tigers are all great folks that I’ve either worked with before in other arenas or have always wanted to work with. The music they’ve been able to build already and the things we can do together have me really excited to be part of the roster.”
• Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood will trace their family ancestries on TLC’s Who Do You Think You Are?. The new season is slated to begin Tuesday, July 23. Other celebrities featured include Christina Applegate, Cindy Crawford, Zooey Deschanel, Chelsea Handler, Chris O’Donnell and Jim Parsons.
• The Commorative Air Force’s (CAF) Boeing B-29 Superfortress will visit Smyrna Airport near Nashville for a six-day stay, beginning Tuesday, July 2. Aaron Tippin will be flying copilot when the airplane arrives. Tippin, a CAF member and a spokesperson for the organization, is part of the B-29 crew and also flies their B-24 Liberator. The aircraft will be on display through July 7 for cockpit tours and rides.
Tippin dedicates his time and talent appearing and performing at various Commemorative Air Force events across the country, including the Red, White & Loud Tour celebrating America’s freedom through song and the flight of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, FIFI. “For me, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to bring aviation enthusiasts and country fans together,” says Aaron, “I’m blessed because my kind of country music is patriotic and all-American. My involvement with the CAF caters to both aviation and country music enthusiasts.”
Aaron Tippin
The Media Collective Promotes Lai to Director of Publicity
/by Jessica NicholsonSarah Lai
The Media Collective has promoted Sarah Lai to Director of Publicity.
Lai joined the team at The Media Collective last summer and has worked with clients including TobyMac, Mandisa, Skillet, Matt Redman, Amy Grant, and The Afters. Lai joined The Media Collective following her publicist role at Warner Music Nashville (WMN) and Word Entertainment.
Helmed by 22+ year public relations veteran Velvet Kelm, The Media Collective has garnered press in publications including People, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, The Associated Press, CCM Magazine and other outlets.
Toby Keith Covers 'Forbes' Celebrity 100 Issue
/by Sarah SkatesThe latest issue of the money magazine focuses on the Celebrity 100 list, a ranking of star power that takes into consideration money, tv and radio, press, marketability and social influence.
Among the country set, Taylor Swift ranks No. 6 on the list, with earnings between June 2012 and June 2013 of $55 million. Keith comes in at No. 43 with $65 million. Carrie Underwood ranks No. 46 ($31 million), followed closely by Kenny Chesney at No. 47 ($53 million).
The top five is made up of Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, Steven Spielberg, Beyonce Knowles and Madonna.
No. 1 Party: Hunter Hayes "Somebody's Heartbreak"
/by Jessica NicholsonBMI toasted the team behind Hunter Hayes’ No.1 smash “Somebody’s Heartbreak” on Tuesday, June 25 at BMI Nashville. Hayes co-wrote the song with Andrew Dorff and Luke Laird. This is Hunter’s second No. 1 off his Atlantic Records debut album. He released its follow-up last week, Hunter Hayes (Encore) and announced his CMT On Tour: Let’s Be Crazy Tour which kicks off Oct. 10. Dorff and Laird celebrated their first and thirteenth No. 1 songs, respectively.
Pictured (Top row, L-R): Lou Ramirez, Peter Strickland, Chris Stacey, Kevin Herring (Bottom row, L-R): Scott Hendricks, HH, John Esposito
Pictured are (Front row, L-R): co-writer Luke Laird, Hunter Hayes, co-writer Andrew Dorff, and producer Dann Huff; (Back row, L-R): Martingale Entertainment’s Betsy McHugh and Ansel Davis, Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls and Cyndi Forman, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, and BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley. Photo by Rick Diamond
On The Cover: Shane McAnally (June/July 13)
/by contributorMcAnally went on to co-write a string of No. 1 hits, including Kenny Chesney’s “Somewhere with You” and “Come Over,” Jake Owen’s “Alone with You,” Luke Bryan’s “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two,” Lady Antebellum’s “Downtown” and Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart.” He co-produced Kacey Musgraves’ major label debut, Same Trailer Different Park, and co-wrote nine of the album’s twelve tracks, including the first two singles: “Merry Go ‘Round” and “Blowin’ Smoke.”
An ASCAP member for over 15 years, McAnally marks his 100th major label song cut with “Come Back to Me,” recorded by Keith Urban for his upcoming album, Fuse, due out this fall. He recently completed production work on new country music for Kelly Clarkson, including her single, “Tie It Up,” which he also wrote. In addition, McAnally is working with emerging acts Sam Hunt and Old Dominion.
McAnally’s many recent successes landed him on the Top 10 Billboard Songwriters Airplay Chart for the first quarter of 2013, alongside a diverse list of fellow ASCAP members including Max Martin and Bruno Mars. He was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in April and was featured in Billboard and The New York Times in May.
Asked if he has any advice for young songwriters, McAnally said, “Please be sure you have exhausted all other avenues…I tried everything and I just couldn’t make anything work except for music. When I hear people say, ‘I’ve been thinking about writing songs,’ I say, ‘Well then, think about something else.’ If you just decided you’re going to be a songwriter, you’re not a songwriter. It chooses you.”
Read more about McAnally, co-writer of MusicRow Song of the Year “Merry Go ‘Round,” here.
Industry Celebrates George Strait's 60th No. 1 Song
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, HoriPro Entertainment’s Butch Baker, co-writers Mark Bright and Tim James, Tony Brown, BMI’s Perry Howard, co-writer Phil O’Donnell, Delbert’s Boy Music’s Kirsten Wines, and Warner/Chappell’s Alicia Pruitt and Ben Vaughn. Photo by Ed Rode.
ASCAP and BMI celebrated George Strait‘s 60th No. 1 single, “Give It All We Got Tonight” on Monday (June 24) at the Country Music Association offices. The ballad became Strait’s 115th career single and was the first release from his 40th studio album, Love Is Everything. The song was penned by ASCAP member Mark Bright and BMI’s Tim James and Phil O’Donnell. It marked the first No. 1 song as a songwriter for Bright, who is well-known for his success as Carrie Underwood‘s producer. Bright received ASCAP’s customary gift to songwriters who earn their first No. 1, an ASCAP guitar.
Strait’s longtime producer and former MCA Nashville CEO Tony Brown was on hand for the celebration. This marks Brown’s 19th album with Strait. Current UMG Nashville CEO Mike Dungan was also on hand to honor the artist, label staff and the songwriters. “It’s an honor to work with George Strait, and to experience the 60th No. 1 is spectacular,” said Dungan. “I want to recognize the marketing team for the promotion 60for60. We have the best staff in the world,” he said before giving awards (affectionately known as “The Impaler Award”) to the songwriters and to Brown. MCA Nashville’s “60for60” promotional campaign, designed to give Strait 60 No. 1 songs while he was still 60 years old, pushed “Give It All We Got Tonight” to No. 1 on the Mediabase chart the week of May 12- 18, 2013 — just days before Strait’s 61st birthday.
Publishers Delbert’s Boy Music, Butch Baker of HoriPro Entertainment and Ben Vaughn from Warner/Chappell were also on hand to congratulate the group.
MusicRowPics: 2013 MusicRow Awards
/by Caitlin RantalaMusicRow Magazine presented its 25th annual subscriber-voted MusicRow Awards on June 25 during a ceremony hosted by ASCAP at the organization’s Nashville offices. The event recognized the 2013 Breakthrough Artist, Breakthrough Songwriter, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year and Top Ten Album All-Star Musicians. Enjoy the MusicRowPics below and see the complete winners list or Bobby Karl’s exclusive party coverage.
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Bobby Karl Works The MusicRow Awards
/by Bobby KarlPublishers and songwriters accept Song of the Year honors for “Merry Go ‘Round.” (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Steve Markland, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Black River’s Celia Froehlig, songwriter Josh Osborne, songwriter Kacey Musgraves, songwriter Shane McAnally, Little Blue Egg’s Robin Palmer, Black River’s Gordon Kerr, UMPG’s Kent Earls. Photo: Isabel Ross
Publishers and songwriters of Song of the Year “I Drive Your Truck.” (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, songwriter Connie Harrington, Sony/ATV EMI’s Tom Luteran, songwriter Jimmy Yeary, songwriter Jessi Alexander, Disney Music’s Patrick Clifford. Photo: Isabel Ross
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM—Chapter 431
Producer of the Year Dann Huff. Photo: Isabel Ross
OMG! If the MusicRow Awards are 25 years old, how old does that make Bobby Karl?!
Okay, seriously: It was newsworthy enough that this week was the magazine’s Silver Anniversary honors event. But even more news was made by exploding country ingénue Kacey Musgraves, who became the first person ever to take home both the Breakthrough Artist and Breakthrough Songwriter awards. Not only that, she co-wrote her hit “Merry Go ‘Round,” which tied for Song of the Year.
“This has been a crazy year,” said Kacey. “I’m really proud of what’s happening in this town….It’s a great time for everyone, creatively.”
“My mom is here, who inspired the song,” said Kacey’s “Merry Go ‘Round” co-writer Shane McAnally (MusicRow’s current cover boy). It seems that his mother remarked to him that there was so much traffic on her street that someone was either selling Mary Kay or Mary Jane, both of which figure in the song’s lyric.
“I just feel real fortunate to be a part of a song I love so much,” said co-writer Josh Osborne.
“This song really strikes something in me,” added Kacey. “When we wrote it, I almost cried.
“This is such a special day I’ll never forget.”
The Lee Brice hit “I Drive Your Truck” was the other song that tied for Song of the Year. It was inspired by an NPR interview that songwriter Connie Harrington heard. The man being interviewed (Paul Monti) said that he tried to remain close to his son killed in Afghanistan by driving his truck. She took the idea to Jessi Alexander. Then they roped in co-writer Jimmy Yeary.
Song of the Year (“I Drive Your Truck”) co-writer Connie Harrington. Photo: Isabel Ross
“I love Jessi Alexander,” said Jimmy at the MR event. “I love Connie Harringthon. They’ve got big hearts. Connie cried the whole time we wrote this.”
“I’m not gonna cry,” said Connie when she took the mic. Then she did. Which was so cool. “Thank you for your stories that move us songwriters.”
“This song was so blessed,” added Jessi. “I was the lucky one that [songwriting] day.”
Both songs were performed by their writers at the awards reception. “Merry Go ‘Round” was captivating, with Kacey Musgrave’s sweet/sad delivery about “dust settling in this town” being backed by Josh and Shane’s guitars and harmony voices.
“I Drive Your Truck” was spellbinding. I already knew that Jessi was a sensational singer. Jimmy traded verses with her, and his gently raspy delivery was every bit as hypnotic as his co-writer’s.
The event began at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday (6/25) as a cocktail-hour soiree. After welcoming remarks from ASCAP’s hosts-with-the-most LeAnn Phelan and Michael Martin, MusicRow publisher/owner Sherod Robertson took the stage. “Twenty-five years is such a milestone,” he said in greeting. “And one that I am thrilled to share with all of you today, who have made it possible. These awards started back in 1989, before I had even ventured into the business, and it is an honor to continue this legacy today.”
Okay, now you’re really making me feel old.
The 25th annual awards also saluted the 2013 Producer of the Year. That is Dann Huff, who has worked with The Band Perry, Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and more. “As we all know, this town is graced with an amazing array of talent, unparalleled in all the world,” said Dann. “I am so absolutely dependent on all that talent. You are only as good as the people behind you.”
(L-R): Josh Osborne, Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally perform “Merry Go ‘Round.” Photo: Isabel Ross
“It takes a village,” echoed multiple winner Kacey.
MusicRow’s Sarah Skates and Eric Parker presented the Top Ten All-Star Musician Awards. These are the only Nashville honors given each year to the recording-session community. This year’s winners included Jimmie Lee Sloas, Greg Morrow, Shannon Forrest, Dan Dugmore, Paul Franklin, Wes Hightower, Ilya Toshinsky, Charles Judge, engineer Justin Niebank and – in another unprecedented occurrence – fiddler triple winners Jonathan Yudkin, Larry Franklin and Stuart Duncan.
“It’s an amazing community to be a part of,” said Greg. “There’s so much going on with different genres. It’s a great time to be here.”
“The producers and artists encourage us to be as great as it can possibly be,” added Jonathan.
A multitude of fabulons attended the reception at ASCAP. Working the room were David Preston, David Ross, Dale Bobo, John Briggs, John Mabe, Jon Randall Stewart, Michael Smith, Rich Fagan, Rick Kelly, Barry Coburn, Barry Dean, Bill Wence, Ben Vaughn, Jessica Nicholson, Jeff Walker, Janie West, Andrew Kintz, Anthony Smith, Celia Froehlig, Tom Luteran, Charlie Monk, Caitlin Rantala, Frank Myers, Woody Bomar, Suzanne Lee, Dennis Banka, Patrick Clifford, Susan Collier, Ralph Murphy, Sherrill Blackman, Doak Turner, Luke Laird, Don Cusic, Manuel and oh so many more.
“I just don’t feel like it gets better than this,” said Sherod Robertson following the evening’s wonderful and amazing songwriter performances. “Thank you for attending.”
See the winners list.
Top Ten Album All-Star Musician Winners. Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and Sarah Skates, Jonathan Yudkin (Fiddle), Wes Hightower (Vocals), Charles Judge (Keyboards), Dan Dugmore (Steel), Greg Morrow (Drums), Eric Parker (MusicRow). Photo: Isabel Ross