The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) hosted a No. 1 Party on Monday, May 13 to honor the writers of songs reaching the top spot between January and March 2013. The event, sponsored by Bill Lynch of Lynch Wealth Management, also featured several make-up presentations to writers who were unable to attend when their songs were honored previously.

Pictured L-R: (Front row, seated): Billy Montana, Jessi Alexander, Josh Kear, Trevor Rosen, Brandy Clark, Hillary Lindsey, (Second row, standing): Colby Robbins of Lynch Wealth Management, Jonathan Singleton, Chris DuBois, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, Mark Irwin, Shane McAnally,
(Back rows, standing): Brian Dean Maher, Jeremy Stover, David Lee Murphy, Jim Beavers, Jon Randall, Matt Warren, Ben Hayslip, Brett Beavers, Jimmy Robbins, Rodney Clawson. (Not pictured): Recipients Delta Maid, Wendell Mobley, NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller
Songs Recognized (January – March 2013)
Country charts:
“Better Dig Two,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, recorded by The Band Perry
“Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain),” Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Matt Warren, recorded by Gary Allan
“Goodbye In Her Eyes,” Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Hopkins, Sonia Leigh, recorded by Zac Brown Band
“Highway Don’t Care,” Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, recorded by Tim McGraw & Taylor Swift
“How Country Feels,” Vicky McGehee, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, recorded by Randy Houser
“One Of Those Nights,” Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, Chris Tompkins, recorded by Tim McGraw
“Southern Comfort Zone,” Chris DuBois, Kelley Lovelace, Brad Paisley, recorded by Brad Paisley
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Rodney Clawson, Jimmy Robbins, Chris Tompkins, recorded by Blake Shelton
“The Only Way I Know,” Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy, recorded by Jason Aldean w/Luke Bryan & Eric Church
“Til My Last Day,” Brian Dean Maher, Justin Moore, Jeremy Stover, recorded by Justin Moore
“Tornado,” Natalie Hemby, Delta Maid, recorded by Little Big Town
“Two Black Cadillacs,” Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear, Carrie Underwood, recorded by Carrie Underwood
AC & Pop charts:
“I Knew You Were Trouble,” Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift, recorded by Taylor Swift
“Try,” busbee, Ben West, recorded by Pink
Make-up Presentations (For writers who were unable to attend previously when their songs were first honored.)
Billy Montana, “Hard To Love,” recorded by Lee Brice
Hillary Lindsey, “A Little Bit Stronger,” recorded by Sara Evans
Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, “5-1-5-0,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
Jim Beavers, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” recorded by Josh Turner, and “Sideways,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
Jon Randall, “Am I The Only One,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall, “Drink On It,” recorded by Blake Shelton
Josh Kear, “Drunk On You,” recorded by Luke Bryan
Josh Kear, Chris Tompkins, “Blown Away,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
Rodney Clawson, “Take A Little Ride,” recorded by Jason Aldean
Dean Dillon, “Here For A Good Time,” recorded by George Strait
Jonathan Singleton, “Let It Rain,” recorded by David Nail
Chris DuBois, “Remind Me,” recorded by Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood
NSAI Honors No. 1 Songs
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) hosted a No. 1 Party on Monday, May 13 to honor the writers of songs reaching the top spot between January and March 2013. The event, sponsored by Bill Lynch of Lynch Wealth Management, also featured several make-up presentations to writers who were unable to attend when their songs were honored previously.
Pictured L-R: (Front row, seated): Billy Montana, Jessi Alexander, Josh Kear, Trevor Rosen, Brandy Clark, Hillary Lindsey, (Second row, standing): Colby Robbins of Lynch Wealth Management, Jonathan Singleton, Chris DuBois, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison, Mark Irwin, Shane McAnally,
(Back rows, standing): Brian Dean Maher, Jeremy Stover, David Lee Murphy, Jim Beavers, Jon Randall, Matt Warren, Ben Hayslip, Brett Beavers, Jimmy Robbins, Rodney Clawson. (Not pictured): Recipients Delta Maid, Wendell Mobley, NSAI President Lee Thomas Miller
Songs Recognized (January – March 2013)
Country charts:
“Better Dig Two,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, recorded by The Band Perry
“Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain),” Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Matt Warren, recorded by Gary Allan
“Goodbye In Her Eyes,” Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Hopkins, Sonia Leigh, recorded by Zac Brown Band
“Highway Don’t Care,” Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, recorded by Tim McGraw & Taylor Swift
“How Country Feels,” Vicky McGehee, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, recorded by Randy Houser
“One Of Those Nights,” Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, Chris Tompkins, recorded by Tim McGraw
“Southern Comfort Zone,” Chris DuBois, Kelley Lovelace, Brad Paisley, recorded by Brad Paisley
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Rodney Clawson, Jimmy Robbins, Chris Tompkins, recorded by Blake Shelton
“The Only Way I Know,” Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy, recorded by Jason Aldean w/Luke Bryan & Eric Church
“Til My Last Day,” Brian Dean Maher, Justin Moore, Jeremy Stover, recorded by Justin Moore
“Tornado,” Natalie Hemby, Delta Maid, recorded by Little Big Town
“Two Black Cadillacs,” Hillary Lindsey, Josh Kear, Carrie Underwood, recorded by Carrie Underwood
AC & Pop charts:
“I Knew You Were Trouble,” Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift, recorded by Taylor Swift
“Try,” busbee, Ben West, recorded by Pink
Make-up Presentations (For writers who were unable to attend previously when their songs were first honored.)
Billy Montana, “Hard To Love,” recorded by Lee Brice
Hillary Lindsey, “A Little Bit Stronger,” recorded by Sara Evans
Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, “5-1-5-0,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
Jim Beavers, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” recorded by Josh Turner, and “Sideways,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
Jon Randall, “Am I The Only One,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall, “Drink On It,” recorded by Blake Shelton
Josh Kear, “Drunk On You,” recorded by Luke Bryan
Josh Kear, Chris Tompkins, “Blown Away,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
Rodney Clawson, “Take A Little Ride,” recorded by Jason Aldean
Dean Dillon, “Here For A Good Time,” recorded by George Strait
Jonathan Singleton, “Let It Rain,” recorded by David Nail
Chris DuBois, “Remind Me,” recorded by Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood
Industry Ink (5-14-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonA hedge fund manager whose company owns a notable 6.5% stake in Sony is pushing the company to spin off part of its entertainment operations and focus on its electronics division, according to the New York Times. The holding, made up of stock and derivatives, is valued at about $1.1 billion. Daniel Loeb leads the hedge fund Third Point and successfully spurred corporate changes at Yahoo.
Pictured (L-R): Front Row: Connie Harrington (This), Janine Appleton (This), Leah Turner, Ben Vaughn (WC), Tim Nichols (This). Back Row: Phil May (WC), Rusty Gaston (This)
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Tyler Hubbard and Rodney Clawson, Steven McMillian, Craig Wiseman, Heather Buresh, Seth England and Joey Moi, Big Loud Shirt writer Brian Kelley. (Front Row, L-R): Chris Tompkins, Kevin Noble, Amy Allmand and Kimberly Gleason. Photo: Justin Mrusek for Big Loud Shirt
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IEBA Opens Registration, Young Professional Membership
/by Sarah SkatesIEBA has added a Young Professionals membership category. Those who join under this category will receive full membership benefits including IEBA voting privileges, the IEBA Member Directory and access to all VIP industry events.
Young Professional members will have the opportunity to vie for the newly created Rookie of the Year award, to be presented during the annual Honors and Awards Dinner at IEBA’s annual conference.
Membership prices for IEBA are $125 Professional, $75 Young Professional and $25 Student (college).
IEBA conference registration rates are based on membership level and increase as the date draws near. Details at www.ieba.org.
Grand Ole Opry Adds 'Nashville' Exhibit
/by Caitlin RantalaCharles (Chip) Esten, who plays Deacon Claybourne on the series, hosts a new video as part of the exhibit in Studio A of the Opry House. The exhibit also features show memorabilia including a sequined dress worn by Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) for her Opry debut in the first episode of the series; an ensemble worn by Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton); Barnes’ Gretsch White Falcon guitar; and more, including road cases, microphones, backstage passes, and laminates created for the Red Lips White Lies Tour featuring co-headliners Barnes and Jaymes.
The Grand Ole Opry House was featured prominently in the series premiere of Nashville, and is set to appear on screen again this Wednesday, when Scarlett O’Conner (Clare Bowen) makes her Opry debut. Opry House Studio A has been seen in the series’ first season as both a rehearsal hall used by Jaymes and the site of a political fundraiser.
Grand Ole Opry House Backstage Pass Tours are available seven days a week through October and after most Opry performances. Tickets and information are available at opry.com, 800-SEE-OPRY, and at the Opry House Box Office.
BMI Tailgate Party Lineup at CMA Music Festival Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Major Management’s Virginia Davis; BMI’s Perry Howard and Penny Everhard; Thomas Rhett; and BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Clay Bradley, and Mark Mason.
BMI will get CMA Music Fans ready to party long before the doors open to the nightly concerts at LP field. The performing rights organization will host the second annual BMI Tailgate Party during this year’s CMA Music Festival. The tailgate will take place each evening, June 6-9, on the South Lawn of LP Field.
On Monday (May 13), BMI held a “tailgate” bomb with artist Thomas Rhett to announce the lineup. Rhett performed several songs, including “1994,” a song written by Rhett, Luke Laird and Barry Dean, and recorded by Jason Aldean.
The lineup includes:
Thursday, June 6
4:30 p.m. -5 p.m. Joey Hyde
5:15 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Joel Crouse
6 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Thomas Rhett
Friday June 7:
4:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Lindsay Ell
5:15 p.m.–5:45 p.m. David Fanning
6 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Josh Thompson
Saturday, June 8:
4:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Westbound Rangers
5:15 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Native Run
6 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Jon Pardi
Sunday, June 9:
4:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Curious Band
5:15 p.m.–5:45 p.m. The Railers
6 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Brazilbilly
Keith Urban To Perform New Single on 'American Idol' Finale
/by Jessica NicholsonThe song is from Urban’s forthcoming album, slated for release this Fall. To hear the single, visit keithurban.net.
“‘Little Bit Of Everything’ conveys a sentiment that’s always felt right to me,” said Urban. “I connected with that from the first time I heard it. I ‘felt it’ and I loved it. I gravitate towards the sound of a song and it’s instrumentation. On this song I was able to take the elements of sound that I’ve used before and blend them together into a fusion of spirit and energy.”
“Little Bit of Everything” was penned by Brad and Brett Warren and Kevin Rudolf and co-produced by Urban and Nathan Chapman.
Collin Raye Enters New Booking Agreement
/by Sarah SkatesRaye’s career launched in the early 1990s with debut smash “Love, Me,” and went on to spawn 15 No. 1s. His hits include “Little Rock,” “In This Life,” “My Kind of Girl” and “I Can Still Feel You.”
Three years ago, following the death of his granddaughter Haley, Collin founded a charity in her memory which aims to help families in need of wheelchairs for their children. It is called the Haley Bell Blessed Chair Foundation.
Reach Brand Entertainment Agency’s Greg Burns at 615-562-3726 ext. 2 or greg.burns@brandentagency.com.
Joey+Rory Bring Home 'Farmhouse Concert Series'
/by Caitlin RantalaThe dates for the Farmhouse Concert Series are June 28-29, July 26-27, Aug. 23-24, Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 25-26.
“After touring the country and singing for everyone in their hometowns, we decided to start inviting fans and friends to come to our hometown (actually our home) to hear some great music, eat good food, and have some wonderful down-home fun!” said Joey Feek.
As Joey+Rory gear up for the July 16 release of their album Inspired, Songs of Faith and Family, they are also inviting fans to their farm in Pottsville for the 5th Annual Bib & Buckle Fest on Saturday, June 1 (1 p.m.-8:30 p.m. CT).
For tickets to the Farmhouse Concert Series go to www.joeyandrory.com.
Dierks Bentley Readies New Album
/by Jessica NicholsonThe album’s title track, “I’m A Riser,” was penned after the death of Bentley’s father in 2012.
“Life in general has a way of knocking you down,” Bentley says. “It’s different reasons for different folks – could be personal reasons, could be family reasons, your job, drugs, alcohol. That song really applies to anybody that’s lived. There have always been those moments when we have to get back up and get on our feet. They are defining moments…breakthrough moments.”
CMT Adds Brown As Executive Producer
/by Jessica NicholsonQuinn Brown
CMT has added Quinn Brown in the newly-created position of Executive Producer. Brown will oversee all of the channel’s hosted news/entertainment shows from pre-production through post-production, including CMT Hot 20 Countdown, CMT #1 Music and a Movie, and various network specials.
Brown will be based out of CMT’s Nashville office.
“Having produced some of the biggest names in music and television, Quinn Brown brings an impressive track record to CMT,” says John Hamblin, Sr. VP, Music Events and Talent. “We are fortunate to have his creative eye and his steady hand to guide our studio based productions including our ever important weekly franchise, Hot 20 Countdown.”
Most recently, Brown helped launch Fuse News for Madison Square Garden’s Fuse TV, where he field produced the Grammys and Brit Awards and lead the show’s franchises unit. Prior to that, he worked as a producer on ABC News’ World News with Diane Sawyer and as senior producer on the launch of Nigel Lythgoe’s Opening Act and HLN’s Dr. Drew in 2011.
More than a decade of Brown’s career was spent at CNN, including an eight-year run on Larry King Live, where he held a variety of positions, including field producing, line producing and creative directing. He was also a reporter and contributor at CNN.com, covering all genres of music.
Brown won an Emmy Award for the 23rd Annual News and Documentary Awards while at CNN for 9/11 coverage. He is also a recipient of multiple Peabody Awards for CNN’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina (2005), Election Coverage (2008) and the Gulf Oil Disaster (2010), as well as a Dupont Award for CNN Tsunami coverage (2005).
Brown graduated from the University of Georgia and is a native of Atlanta. He relocated from New York and now resides in Nashville with his wife Jennifer and dog Hank.