Rita MacNeil
Beloved Canadian country-folk singer and songwriter
Rita MacNeil will be buried in her hometown on Cape Breton Island on Monday. She died at age 68 on Tuesday evening (April 16) as a result of complications from surgery.
During her career, she recorded 24 albums, had more than a dozen hits, starred in a national television series, earned three Juno Awards and was named a member of the Order of Canada. MacNeil was voted Entertainer of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards in 1991 and 1992.
Her biggest songs included 1987’s “Flying on Your Own,” which
Anne Murray released as a U.S. single in 1988, and “Working Man,” which reached No. 11 on the British pop charts. MacNeil’s Canadian country hits also included “Leave Her Memory” (1987), “I’ll Accept the Rose” (1988), “Reason to Believe” (1988), “What Do I Think of You Today” (1990) and “Watch Love Grow Strong” (1991).
Between 1987 and 1994 she recorded eight albums that were Platinum-plus sellers north of the border. In 1990, she was Canada’s top selling country artist, outselling even
Garth Brooks. The Canadian icon was also popular in Australia.
Her stardom was unconventional in several respects. MacNeil was short and heavyset with a cleft palate, in sharp contrast to the standards of beauty that are the norm in the music world. She was also extremely shy. In addition, she did not achieve wide popularity until she was well past the age of 40.
Nonetheless, she was adored by her fellow Canadians. Her
Rita and Friends TV variety series was a staple on the CBC network from 1994 through 1997. It was watched by more than two million people a week. Her annual homespun Christmas variety telecasts were also very popular.
She published
On a Personal Note as her memoir in 1998. In 2000, a biographical musical play based on her life was staged. It was titled
Flying On Her Own.
MacNeil’s funeral will be held in the tiny village of Big Pond, Nova Scotia, at St. Mary’s Parish Church on Monday afternoon (April 22). She is survived by son Wade, daughter Laura, several grandchildren and a large extended family.
Canada's Rita MacNeil Passes
/by Robert K OermannRita MacNeil
Beloved Canadian country-folk singer and songwriter Rita MacNeil will be buried in her hometown on Cape Breton Island on Monday. She died at age 68 on Tuesday evening (April 16) as a result of complications from surgery.
During her career, she recorded 24 albums, had more than a dozen hits, starred in a national television series, earned three Juno Awards and was named a member of the Order of Canada. MacNeil was voted Entertainer of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards in 1991 and 1992.
Her biggest songs included 1987’s “Flying on Your Own,” which Anne Murray released as a U.S. single in 1988, and “Working Man,” which reached No. 11 on the British pop charts. MacNeil’s Canadian country hits also included “Leave Her Memory” (1987), “I’ll Accept the Rose” (1988), “Reason to Believe” (1988), “What Do I Think of You Today” (1990) and “Watch Love Grow Strong” (1991).
Between 1987 and 1994 she recorded eight albums that were Platinum-plus sellers north of the border. In 1990, she was Canada’s top selling country artist, outselling even Garth Brooks. The Canadian icon was also popular in Australia.
Her stardom was unconventional in several respects. MacNeil was short and heavyset with a cleft palate, in sharp contrast to the standards of beauty that are the norm in the music world. She was also extremely shy. In addition, she did not achieve wide popularity until she was well past the age of 40.
Nonetheless, she was adored by her fellow Canadians. Her Rita and Friends TV variety series was a staple on the CBC network from 1994 through 1997. It was watched by more than two million people a week. Her annual homespun Christmas variety telecasts were also very popular.
She published On a Personal Note as her memoir in 1998. In 2000, a biographical musical play based on her life was staged. It was titled Flying On Her Own.
MacNeil’s funeral will be held in the tiny village of Big Pond, Nova Scotia, at St. Mary’s Parish Church on Monday afternoon (April 22). She is survived by son Wade, daughter Laura, several grandchildren and a large extended family.
AIMP To Host "Successful Independent Publishers" Luncheon
/by Jessica NicholsonParticipating in the discussion will be: Ree Guyer Buchanan, President/Owner of Wrensong Publishing Corp., Pat Higdon, President/Owner of Patrick Joseph Music and Dan Hodges, Owner/GM of Dan Hodges Music. Heather Cook, CEO of Cook’n Up Music Publishing will serve as moderator.
The event will be held on Monday (April 29) from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at ASCAP’s first floor conference room (2 Music Square West Nashville, TN 37203).
The member rate to attend the luncheon is $25, while the non-member rate is $45. Log onto www.aimp.org to join and register.
Americana Music Association To Launch "Cross-County Lines" Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonAlison Krauss and Jerry Douglas will host and perform at the event, and have invited guests Shawn Colvin, Amos Lee, Sarah Jarosz, Angel Snow and Teddy Thompson to join.
Additionally, a triple scale house band, including Gabe Dixon, Shannon Forrest, Viktor Krauss, Andy Leftwich and Bryan Sutton, will perform throughout the evening with the artists.
The event is a co-production of the Americana Music Association, AEG and Frontgate Ticketing, with proceeds going to the Americana Association. Tickets will go on sale Friday (April 26) at americanamusic.org, with seating at $65 per ticket and general admission at $45. Guests will also have a premier seating option to purchase Patron tables.
Twitter Launches #Music
/by Jessica NicholsonThe app helps music listeners find music that’s popular on Twitter and find music based on the bands you follow. The app centers around four pages or tabs that can be easily accessed.
The Popular page shows new music that’s trending across Twitter. The Emerging tab shows “hidden talent found in tweets.” Meanwhile, on a more personal level, The Suggested page shows artists you might like based on artists you follow on Twitter, and who those artists follow. The #NowPlaying tab shows songs your friends are tweeting about and/or listening to.
MusicRow No. 1 Song
/by Eric T. ParkerKenny Chesney
Columbia Nashville and Blue Chair Records have raised Kenny Chesney’s “Pirate Flag” to full staff on this week’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
Written by David Lee Murphy and Ross Copperman, the song is the first single from Chesney’s forthcoming April 30 album, Life On A Rock.
Chesney once again takes listeners back to the islands where he shows off his most recent sunshine escapades. Have a look at the Shaun Silva-directed music video below, which includes bikinis, underwater swimming and yacht jumping––apparent results of escapism to the islands.
MusicRow recently listened in to the new album at a private Nashville event, click here for coverage.
Chesney’s convoy will bring his “Pirate Flag” booty throughout North America this summer with a variety of opening acts including Eric Church, Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves.
The Mavericks To Headline Manuel Cuevas, Jr. Benefit April 23
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Mavericks. Photo: Mark Tucker
The Mavericks will headline “Wear It Well, Wear It Out,” a benefit for long-time friend Manuel “Manny” Cuevas, Jr., on Tuesday (April 23) at Cannery Ballroom (One Cannery Row, Nashville). The benefit will begin at 6 p.m. CT.
The fashion designer and Nashville personality has successfully followed in his father Manuel’s footsteps. Cuevas, Jr. recently suffered a near-death battle with diverticulitis, which has resulted in multiple surgeries, a lengthy recovery, medical bills and an indefinite pause on growing his “Wear It Out Manuel” brand.
The “Wear It Well, Wear It Out” benefit concert will be hosted by Billy Block and Kelly Maselli. The event also includes performances by Eric Lee Beddingfield, Craig Campbell, William Stuart, Coy Taylor, Ty Bates, Keith Gattis, Jeff “Shaky” Folks, The Pit Crew, Brittany Dunbar, Craig Wayne Boyd, Greta Gaines and others.
Tickets and additional information are available at WearItOutManuel.com.
Grand Ole Opry, ACM Win at Social Media Icon Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jenelle Scott (ACM), Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Jenny Driessen (ACM), Lauren Brauchli (ACM).
The Grand Ole Opry and the Academy of Country Music represented country music at the recent Social Media Icon Awards presented by PR News. The Grand Ole Opry won in the “Twitter: Best Use of Hashtags” category, while the Academy of Country Music won in the“Twitter: PR Campaign” category. Both were recognized for their 2012 marketing campaigns.
The Social Media Icon Awards, held in New York, honor the most outstanding social media campaigns in the communications and public relations arena.
“It’s an honor for the Opry to be recognized for this achievement in social media,” said Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager. “Just as with the Opry itself, we have country music fans and great country artists to thank for our successes in social media. We’re particularly thrilled that our award comes in recognition of the country music community sharing its love for one of the Opry’s greatest treasures, Loretta Lynn.”
“We have a gifted team here at the Academy, and I’m proud that their collective creative vision and spot-on execution is being recognized,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “A lot of folks are under the impression that country music fans don’t necessarily embrace technology, but we’ve found that if you have an authentic daily dialogue with them, the response can be remarkable.”
The Opry went up against campaigns from Guthy-Renker, Neiman Labs and SAP. The Academy faced off with other finalists including Cathay Pacific Airways, Dixon Schwabl, Littelfuse, National Safe Boating Council, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, and Weber Shandwick + MilkPEP. For more information on PR News Social Media Icon Awards, visit www.prnewsonline.com.
Industry Ink (4-19-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonSongwriter Kat Higgins stopped by BMI offices to play a few songs and officially become part of the BMI family. A native of Vancouver, Canada, Higgins has spent most of her life writing and performing music. Previously part of the Canadian trio, The Higgins, she moved to Nashville in 2012 to pursue a solo recording career. Higgins recently inked a publishing/artist development deal with Patrick Joseph Music / Songs Music Publishing.
Pictured (L-R): PJM’s Pat Higdon, BMI’s Jody Williams, Kat Higgins, PJM’s Stevie Erickson, BMI’s Penny Everhard. Photo: Drew Maynard
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Admission is $25 and the doors will open at 5 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit the Payton Wright Foundation and the Thumbs Up For Lane Goodwin Childhood Cancer Foundation. For more information visit TinRoofNashville.com.
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Music City Roots: Live From The Loveless Cafe will host its first-ever show devoted to Nashville’s jazz scene on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Performers include Jeff Coffin & The Mu’Tet, Rahsaan Barber & Everyday Magic, Annie & The Hot Club, Ryan Cavanaugh & Tyson Rogers, and David Jacobs-Strain. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 to the public.
Country Artist Jim Seal Passes
/by Eric T. ParkerJim Seal
Country artist Jim Seal passed away April 17 at his home in Nashville. He was 68.
Seal performed most of his early career in the Los Angeles area, and began recording in Nashville in the late 1970s, earning the Billboard chart hit “Bourbon Cowboy” in 1980.
In 1994, Jim was an independent A&R consultant for BNA Records, and later played a role in bringing California artist Gary Allan to Nashville producer/songwriter Byron Hill. Jim is survived by his wife Keven, and son Marc Seal.
Service arrangements have not yet been announced.
CMT/MTV/VH1 Debut Opportunities for Artists Pages
/by Eric T. ParkerBeginning yesterday (April 18), artists having claimed or created an account are able to be selected by fans to receive on-air, editorial and partnership opportunities among the site’s affiliates.
“For the first time, we’re opening our gates and providing artists with a massive entry point to have their music spotlighted and heard across and beyond all of our channels and screens,” said Van Toffler, President of MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo. “We’re handing the power over to the fans and their rallying cries and artist support will help decide which artist’s breakthrough.”
Inaugural offerings include selection as Hunter Hayes’ opening act; all-expense-paid performances at Hangout Festival for two artists with recording opportunities; videos/track submission for editorial features across CMT/MTV/Vh1 networks; and on-air music video rotation during 1200 hours of weekly music video programming in addition to potential MTV/VH1/CMT shows features, Palladia, and advertiser sponsorships. Evaluations will be based on fan engagement on each artist’s page.
More than 100 million potential homes are reached by these artist sites (Artists.CMT, Artists.MTV, Artists.VH1), which launched less than one year ago as part of Viacom Music and Logo Group’s Connected Content Network.
In the coming months, CMT/MTV/VH1 will introduce a mobile app, an artist commerce tool and more.