Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Celebrates New Home

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Several members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame were on hand for the grand opening of the gallery. Pictured (L-R): Mark D. Sanders, Gary Burr, Pat Alger, Kenny O’Dell, Sonny Curtis, Rory Bourke and Larry Henley. Photo: Bev Moser


NaSHOF inductee Bob DiPiero and wife Leslie.

NaSHOF inductee Bob DiPiero and wife Leslie. Photo: Alan Mayor


The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame finally has a home. The gallery, which opened Sunday (May 19) at the Music City Center, is the first time the revered hall will have a noteworthy physical location.
“It’s a big day for the Nashville songwriting community,” said Pat Alger, Hall of Fame member and chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It took a lot of devoted volunteers a long time to get this done, but after seeing the Hall of Fame Gallery with people standing around it, appreciating the work and using the touch screen displays to learn about the writers behind the songs, I’d say it was well worth it.”
During the grand opening event, several Hall of Fame members were on hand to talk with the visitors, and perform a few of their biggest hits. The Hall of Famers participating included Alger (“Small Town Saturday Night,” “Unanswered Prayers”), Bill Anderson (“The Tips Of My Fingers,” “Whiskey Lullaby”), Rory Bourke (“I Know A Heartache When I See One,” “Shadows In The Moonlight”), Bobby Braddock (“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “I Want To Talk About Me”), Sonny Curtis (“I’m No Stranger To The Rain,” “I Fought The Law (And The Law Won)”), Larry Henley (“Wind Beneath My Wings,” ‘Til I Get It Right”), Don Schlitz (“The Gambler,” “Forever And Ever Amen”) and Thom Schuyler (“16th Avenue,” “Love Will Turn You Around”).
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery is located in MCC’s lobby adjacent to Sixth Avenue and facing Demonbreun Street. It features songwriting artifacts as well as three 55” touch screens that allow visitors to access sound, video and other information about the history of Nashville-associated songwriting and the 188 members of the Hall of Fame. The names of Hall of Fame members, who come from every genre of music, are engraved in a special outdoor Songwriters Square at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun, and on the stone steps leading from Fifth Avenue up to the interior display.
An estimated 15,000 people visited the newly opened Music City Center’s grand opening. See more of MusicRow’s exclusive coverage.
Established in 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame had a physical location for a brief period decades ago. Each year, four writers are inducted into the Hall. The Hall of Fame is funded and managed by the non-profit Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. See the complete list of inductees.
rory bourke

NaSHOF inductee Rory Bourke with the multimedia touchscreen display. Photo: Alan Mayor


bill anderson nashville songwriters hall

NaSHOF inductee Bill Anderson.

ACM Lifting Lives Series Begins at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

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acmliftACM Lifting Lives has partnered with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center once again to launch the ‘ACM Lifting Lives Series at Vanderbilt,’ a vocational experience for young adults with developmental disabilities.
For the next eight months, the series will help its 10 participants (ages 20 to 35) learn vocational and social skills aimed at improving the potential for gaining employment in the entertainment industry. The first session, which focused on songwriting, was held April 23. The participants will gain exposure to additional aspects of the music industry, including songwriting, mixing instrumentals and vocals, recording, public relations and performance. Workshops will also include resume writing, networking and interviewing.
Tammy Vice serves as music consultant for the ACM Lifting Lives Series and Sheryl Rogers serves as project manager.
“The Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives has seen the power of music in its sponsorship of the weeklong annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center,” said Hannah Martin, manager of ACM Lifting Lives. “If one week each summer can be transformative, we realized we could make an even greater impact by providing a more extended experience. We’re so proud of the generous response of persons at every level of Nashville’s music business, which helps make this possible.”
“We’re thrilled at the fantastic opportunity that ACM Lifting Lives Series at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is providing,” said Elisabeth Dykens, director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and co-director of its University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. “Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are significantly unemployed or underemployed, when they have so much to offer. Helping to raise employment aspirations and develop employment skills are a high priority at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. ACM Lifting Lives and so many associated with Nashville’s entertainment industry are making a huge difference by providing these vocational experiences.”
 
 
 
 

Ariana Hodes – Brand New Key

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For most hopeful young actresses, it’s a long, hard stretch of highway between Concord, New Hampshire and Beverly Hills, but Ariana Hodes made the journey seem easy.  This summer she’ll hit the road again for a move to Nashville with her eye on the prize of Country music success.  Born into a musical family, performing has always been in her blood. “My mom was in a folk band at the New England Conservatory in Boston when she placed an ad for a guitarist.  My dad was a student at Boston College Law School and answered the ad.  Soon they formed an award-winning family rock-band called Peggosus.”
“My parents used to take my brother and me with them to their gigs. We were their roadies, stage hands and even handled the merch table.  I was always around show business and started performing in community theater plays and musicals when I was around 13.”  It wasn’t long before Hollywood started taking notice and this dark haired beauty began to rack up an impressive list of stage and screen credits, but Ariana wanted more.
In early 2014, she decided it was time to spread her wings and return to her musical roots.  With mentoring and guidance from old family friend, Mike Borchetta, and his wife, Martha, Ariana entered a recording studio.  Her first single, a soulful, bouncy cover of Melanie’s seventies mega hit “Brand New Key”, is ready to hit the charts and Ariana is anxious to once again hit the road.  This time she’ll meet and perform for Country radio programmers and their staffs.
In a nutshell, she’s a multi-talented singer/songwriter/dancer with Shakespearean theater training who plays guitar, piano, loves animals, sports and the Beatles.   In other words, Ariana Hodes is a force to be reckoned with.
“Music has always been a strong presence in my life and of equal interest to me creatively as acting, writing and producing — but the real catalyst for this effort was realizing that I felt incomplete when not singing and making music.  I’m doing this to find my voice, literally and figuratively.”

Ben Harper Signs with BMG Chrysalis

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ben harper111Singer, songwriter and guitarist Ben Harper has signed an exclusive, worldwide co-publishing agreement with BMG Chrysalis US.
Harper says, “I look forward to working with BMG. They have an incredible roster that I’m proud to be a part of. Laurent Hubert and his team are real leaders and innovators in the music publishing space, which is such an important part of an artist’s career.”
For his twelfth studio album, Harper collaborated with acclaimed blues artist Charlie Musselwhite to release Get Up in January 2013.
“Get Up showcases a special musical chemistry between two legendary artists who complement each other’s unique talent and style while pushing artistic boundaries,” said Jill Pedone, Creative Director at BMG Chrysalis US. “It is a rare opportunity to work with a songwriter such as Ben who flourishes with any musical genre.”
 
 
 

Darius Rucker Live Concert To Air on AXS TV

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darius rucker111Darius Rucker‘s first solo headlining tour will be broadcast live from the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. Darius Rucker Live from Red Rocks will air on AXS TV on June 6 at 11:30 p.m. ET.
AXS TV has provided music fans with numerous live performances from country artists since its launch last July, including concerts from Carrie Underwood, Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans; and special events including OutNumber Hunger Live! with The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line and others.
Rucker’s third country album, True Believers, will be in stores May 21. The album was produced by Frank Rogers and features his current single, “Wagon Wheel.”
 

MusicRow No. 1 Song

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BPAlthough summer doesn’t officially start for another month, Brad Paisley already “Beat This Summer” to the punch with his most recent MusicRow No. 1 song.
Written by Luke Laird, Chris DuBois, and Brad Paisley, the song is strong with nostalgic recollections of summers past.
MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann reviewed the single in the March 27 “DISClaimer,” noting: “Brad has a single that sings, ‘Sunshine!’ loud and clear. The cloppy rhythms, snazzy guitar lines, interjected vocal effects and dazzling acoustics in this production are all mighty impressive indications of his ongoing progress as a record maker. Call me dazzled and delighted.”

Paisley recently launched his Beat This Summer tour, a partnership with Cracker Barrel, which features Lee Brice, Chris Young and The Henningsens.
Catch the music video for the single below.

YouTube video

Industry Photos (5-17-13)

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ASCAP held the May edition of their “We Create Music” series on Wednesday (May 15) which featured songwriters Harlene Cronin, Andrea Davidson, Daphne Willis, Brent Anderson and Zac Maloy, as well as the Nashville-based sibling trio Michaelis. The monthly showcase series is held at The Basement.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP's Evyn Mustoe, Zac Maloy, Madeline Michaelis, Andrea Davidson, Daphne Willis, Helene Cronin, Brent Anderson, Meagan Michaelis, ASCAP's Robert Filhart and Mallory Michaelis

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, Zac Maloy, Madeline Michaelis, Andrea Davidson, Daphne Willis, Helene Cronin, Brent Anderson, Meagan Michaelis, ASCAP’s Robert Filhart and Mallory Michaelis

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Country music’s rising stars and songwriters joined together at Nashville’s Tin Roof on Wednesday (May 15) to perform at the inaugural Thumbs Up for What’s Wright concert to benefit the Thumbs Up For Lane Goodwin Childhood Cancer Foundation and The Payton Wright Foundation, both raising money for pediatric cancer research and to help families of children diagnosed with cancer. Emcee’d by host Shane Tallant, the concert featured performances by Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles of Love and Theft, David Nail, Kristen Kelly, Chris Janson, Randy Montana, Brasher Bogue and Falter. Songwriter rounds included Lee Miller, Jonathan Singleton, Brad Tursi, Dan Isbell, Scooter Carusoe and Jason Matthews.

Pictured (L-R): Chris Janson, Randy Montana, Kristen Kelly, Stephen Barker Liles, Eric Gunderson, and David Nail. Photo credit: Randi Radcliff

Pictured (L-R): Chris Janson, Randy Montana, Kristen Kelly, Stephen Barker Liles, Eric Gunderson, and David Nail. Photo credit: Randi Radcliff

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SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development) celebrated its annual Crawfish Boil recently at SESAC. The Crawfish Boil welcomed more than 850 people.

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Kay Hall, SOLID Social Co-Chair, Berkley Myers, Social Committee Crawfish Boil Chair, Sarah McGrady, SOLID President, and Jason Hauser, SOLID Social Chair

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Kay Hall, SOLID Social Co-Chair, Berkley Myers, Social Committee Crawfish Boil Chair, Sarah McGrady, SOLID President, and Jason Hauser, SOLID Social Chair


 

Artist Updates (5-17-13)

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casey james11Casey James will host the Casey James 2013 Frisbee Golf Tournament Benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt on Wednesday, June 5 in Nashville. The event will be held at The Fontanell and will include a round of Fisbee Golf with Casey and special guests, as well as a breakfast and meet and greet with fans. Sponsors for the event include Sony Music, CAA, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment, Neste Event Marketing, The Welcome Aboard Stick, Gunslinger Entertainment and Music City Disc Golf.
For more information, visit musiconelive.com.

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don williams image11Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams will perform two shows at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Sunday, Oct. 6 and Monday, Oct. 7. Both shows will begin at 7 p.m. A few of Williams’ classics include “Tulsa Time,” “I Believe In You,” and “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” among others. For tickets, visit nashvillesymphony.com.

 
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BRCyrusBilly Ray Cyrus is currently in Nashville to executive produce the SkipStone Pictures film Like A Country Song, which will be filmed in Music City. The production began filming on Monday (May 13). Shoot locations will include music venues The Listening Room Cafe, The Station Inn, The Tater Shack, Kimbros Cafe in Franklin, Tenn., Riverbend Nurseries in Thompson Station, Tenn. and the United Methodist Church of College Grove.
 
 
 
 

'Brad Paisley Spins The Wheelhouse' To Air May 29

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sliderpaisleyBrad Paisley will premiere Brad Paisley Spins the Wheelhouse: Live in Vegas, a 90-minute concert special, which will air Wednesday (May 29) at 10 p.m. ET on GAC. The concert was shot at The Orleans in Las Vegas.
The special will feature several guest appearances, in addition to material from Paisley’s current album, Wheelhouse. Songs performed during the GAC special will include “Outstanding in Our Field” (with guest Dierks Bentley), “Beat This Summer,” “The Mona Lisa” and “I Can’t Change the World.” There will also be Paisley’s hits “Mud on the Tires,” “This Is Country Music,” “Old Alabama,” “Water” and “Remind Me” with guest Carrie Underwood. Rocker John Fogerty will also make an appearance.
“It was a special treat for GAC to get the first glimpse of Brad’s new tour and we’re excited to share it with viewers,” said GAC VP/Programming Suzanne Gordon. “Once again he’s put a lot of thought and imagination into his live show.”
 
 

Weekly Chart Report (5/17/13)

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SPIN ZONE

KWNR/Las Vegas' Ransom (R) and Jojo (L) recently visited with Chris Janson before he hit the stage for Country at the Park at Mountain's Edge.

KWNR/Las Vegas’ Ransom (R) and Jojo (L) recently visited with Chris Janson before he hit the stage for Country at the Park at Mountain’s Edge.


As the temps begin to rise and summer finally arrives, Brad Paisley‘s current single ushers in warmer temps as summer finally arrives. “Beat This Summer” ranks atop the MusicRow Country Breakout chart. Last week’s No. 1 song, Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift‘s “Highway Don’t Care,” is at No. 2 this week, followed by The Band Perry‘s “Done” at No. 3, Blake Shelton‘s “Boys Round Here” at No. 4 and Jake Owen‘s “Anywhere With You” at No. 5. Luke Bryan‘s “Crash My Party” continues its swift climb to land at No. 6 after six weeks on the chart. The Henningsens‘ “American Beautiful” holds steady at No. 7 again this week, while Zac Brown Band‘s “Jump Right In” ups a notch to No. 8. Kip Moore‘s “Hey Pretty Girl” rises from No. 10 to No. 9, while Carrie Underwood‘s “See You Again” gains two slots to round out the Top 10.
Keith Urban returns to the chart with a new single, “Little Bit of Everything,” from his upcoming album. The song gained the most spins this week (643) to land at No. 42. Lady Antebellum‘s “Goodbye Town” is storming up the chart, jumping from No. 47 to No. 28 this week, with 520 added spins. Luke Bryan‘s “Crash My Party” gained 303 spins enough to put it in the No. 6 slot on the chart. Carrie Underwood‘s “See You Again” adds 288 spins this week, breaking into the Top 10. Chris Young‘s “Aw Naw” accumulated 270 added spins, enough to rise from No. 48 to No. 37.
Keith Urban‘s “Little Bit of Everything” is also the highest debut this week, breaking onto the chart at No. 42, followed by Branch & Dean‘s “The Dash” at No. 66, Mark Chesnutt‘s “When The Lights Go Out” at No. 75, Chuck Wicks‘ “Salt Life” at No. 77 and Tyler Barham‘s “17 & Young” at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: WPPL, KGMN, KVVP, KXBZ, WBKR

Upcoming Singles
May 20
Ashley Monroe/You Got Me/Warner Bros.-WMN
Keith Urban/Little Bit of Everything/Capitol Nashville
Jana Kramer/I Hope It Rains/Elektra Nashville-WAR
Adrianna Freeman/Just a Girl/AFM Entertainment
David Bradley/Get A Hero Home/Gecko
Mark Bray/Let Me Know That You’re Mine/HGN
May 27
Dustin Lynch/Wild In Your Smile/BBR
John Fogerty w/ Miranda Lambert feat. Tom Morello/Wrote A Song For Everyone/Vanguard
Ali Dee/It Ain’t/Diamond Dee
Alexandra Lee/Dancin’ Round the Fire/Wild Blue Records
Jordan Anderson/You Aint Ready For Me/GTD
May 28
David Nail/Whatever She’s Got/MCA Nashville
June 3
Love and Theft/If You Ever Get Lonely/RCA Nashville
Lydia Hollis/All For You/HMG
Chelsea Bane/James Dean/Jobe
Steve Richard/Keep On Rollin’/Force MP
June 16
Travis Tritt (feat. Tyler Reese)/Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough
July 8
Downday/Back In The Day/Render
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New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Keith Urban/Little Bit Of Everything/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 42
Branch & Dean/The Dash/SSM Nashville – 66
Mark Chesnutt/When The Lights Go Out/Nada Dinero – 75
Chuck Wicks/Salt Life/Chuck Wicks – 77
Tyler Barham/17 & Young/YN Records – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Keith Urban/Little Bit Of Everything/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 46
Lady Antebellum/Goodbye Town/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 33
Chris Young/Aw Naw/RCA Nashville – 19
Trace Adkins f. Colbie Caillat/Watch The World End/Show Dog-Universal – 15
Branch & Dean/The Dash/SSM Nashville – 14
Lee Brice/Parking Lot Party/Curb – 13
Thomas Rhett/It Goes Like This/Valory Music Group – 12
Love and Theft/If You Ever Get Lonely/RCA Nashville – 10
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Keith Urban/Little Bit Of Everything/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 643
Lady Antebellum/Goodbye Town/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 520
Luke Bryan/Crash My Party/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 303
Carrie Underwood/See You Again/Arista – 288
Chris Young/Aw Naw/RCA Nashville – 270
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Amber Hayes/Any Day Is A Good Day/GMV Nashville-A-OK Entertainment – 211
Steve Richard/Keep On Rollin’/Force MP – 204
SaraBeth/Kickin’ And Screamin’/Circle S Records – 202
Jason Cassidy/Blame It On Waylon/Blake Records – 196
Shelley Laine/Born Again American/SLG – 192

Streamsound Records’ Dakota Bradley made a recent visit to WUSN/Chicago in support of his current single, "Somethin' Like Somethin,” available May 14th. Pictured (L-R): Jeff Kapugi (WUSN/Chicago, PD), Dakota Bradley, Marci Braun (WUSN/Chicago, MD) and Mike Culotta (Streamsound).

Streamsound Records’ Dakota Bradley made a recent visit to WUSN/Chicago in support of his current single, “Somethin’ Like Somethin,” available May 14. Pictured (L-R): Jeff Kapugi (WUSN/Chicago, PD), Dakota Bradley, Marci Braun (WUSN/Chicago, MD) and Mike Culotta (Streamsound).


The Band Perry visited with KKGO before the finale of American Idol. Pictured (L-R) Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, Shawn Parr and Neil Perry.

The Band Perry visited with KKGO before the finale of ‘American Idol’. Pictured (L-R): Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, Shawn Parr and Neil Perry.