Pictured at the video shoot for "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair," which included a cameo by George Foreman. (L-R): writer Billy Yates, George Foreman, Nancy and George Jones, and Frank Dycus. Photo by Alan Mayor
Country songwriting great Frank Dycus has died at age 72. The writer of hits for George Strait, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones, Mark Chesnutt, Porter Wagoner and others passed away on Friday, November 23, following years of failing health.
One of Music Row’s best raconteurs, Marion Franklin Dycus was born in Hardmoney, Kentucky and was one of 13 children. He was fronting a country band by the time he was in his teens. He hitchhiked to California at age 15, then returned to Kentucky and joined the Air Force for a seven-year stint.
He spent time in Kansas working at Boeing and hosting a radio show before moving to Nashville in 1967. Dycus first tasted songwriting success in 1970, when George Morgan had a hit with his co-written “Lilacs and Fire.” Porter Wagoner took the Dycus song “Charley’s Picture” to No. 15 in 1971.
The songwriter’s first top-10 hit was with the 1974 Jerry Lee Lewis single “He Can’t Fill My Shoes.” The Wagoner and Dolly Parton 1976 top-10 hit duet “Is Forever Longer Than Always” was also from the Dycus catalog.
Dycus is perhaps best known for the trio of hits he co-wrote for George Strait, 1981’s “Unwound” and “Down and Out,” plus 1982’s “Marina Del Ray.” George Jones won a 1992 CMA Award for “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair,” which Dycus also co-wrote.
The songwriter hit No. 1 with “Gonna Get a Life,” sung by Mark Chesnutt in 1995, which helped Dycus earn SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year honors.
Dycus also wrote charted singles for Johnny Bush, Red Sovine, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Sun, Stella Parton, David Ball, Doug Supernaw, Gary Allan, Ronny Robbins. The Rovers, Southern Reign, Gary Stewart and his frequent song collaborator, Dean Dillon.
Other Frank Dycus co-writers have included Jim Lauderdale, Larry Kingston, Porter Wagoner, Billy Yates and Kerry Kurt Phillips.
Frank Dycus is survived by his wife, Mary Johnson; by children Sheila Dycus, Shannon Foxen, Shawn Bilbrey and Robert Dycus; by siblings Don Dycus, Jerry Dycus and Dana Forbes; by stepchildren Jamie Scott, Donna Stevenson, Dean Birkheimer and Glen Birkheimer and by grandchildren Vinnie Johnson and Samantha Bilbrey.
Jones-Stewart Funeral Home in Lyons, Georgia is handling the funeral arrangements. Dycus wished to have his ashes scattered off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia. Donations in his name can be made to Vanderbilt Children’s Cancer Center in Nashville.
Country Songs Going to Grammy Hall of Fame
/by Sarah SkatesSeveral Country and Nashville-related songs and albums are among the 2013 inductees to the Grammy Hall Of Fame:
“Act Naturally”
Buck Owens
Johnny Russell, Voni Morrison
Capitol (1963)
Country (Single)
Foggy Mountain Banjo
Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs And The Foggy Mountain Boys
Columbia (1961)
Country (Album)
“Bonaparte’s Retreat”
W.H. Stepp
(Traditional arr. Stepp)
Library of Congress (1937)
Country (Single)
“The Titanic”
Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman
(Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman)
Okeh (1924)
Country (Single)
“Near You” *
Francis Craig And His Orchestra
(Francis Craig & Kermit Goell)
Bullet (1947)
Pop (Single)
Representing a variety of tracks and albums, the 2013 Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees range from AC/DC’s Back In Black album to Frank Sinatra’s recording of “Theme from ‘New York, New York.'” Also added to the highly regarded list are Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” Paul McCartney & Wings’ album Band On The Run, Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack,” the Drifters’ “On Broadway,” and self-titled albums from Elton John and Whitney Houston.
To be eligible, singles and album recordings must exhibit qualitative or historical significance. Recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee comprised of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees. The list currently totals 933 and is on display at the Grammy Museum at L.A. LIVE.
* “Near You” was written and recorded in Nashville. The Frances Craig Orchestra was the house band at the Hermitage Hotel. In 1947, it was released on Nashville’s Bullet Records, the first major hit to come from an independent label. It still holds the record for the longest continuous stay at No. 1 on the pop charts: 17 weeks. The label was unable to keep pace with the record’s runaway success, which led to the construction of Nashville’s first record-pressing plant. Next, “Near You” became Milton Berle’s theme song on television. Later it was revived as a country duet by George Jones & Tammy Wynette and became a No. 1 country hit in 1978.—RKO
Berklee Studies U.S. Music Industry Salaries
/by Eric T. ParkerThe study shows salaries trending upwards for certain positions (Orchestral Musician, Assistant Professor, Public Relations Specialist), while others are seeing a decline (Commercial Jingle Composer, A&R Representative, Music Education Administrator). Here are some of the findings:
Songpluggers: $20,000 – $64,590
Publishing Admin: $20,000 – $60,000
Label A&R: $27,000 – $85,000+
Label Digital Marketing: $24,000 – $55,000
Road Manager: $25,000 – $125,000+
FOH Engineer: $60,000 – $120,000+
Studio Engineer: $25,000 – $150,000+
“There is downward pressure on many music performance salaries right now due to the slowing global economic recovery, changing perceptions of music’s value, and hyper competition,” said Peter Spellman, Director of Berklee’s Career Development Center.
New features for the publication include emerging career paths, current positions expected to experience growth (Mobile Music App Developer, Content Acquisition, Audio Advertising Producer), in addition to salary range and job title reports for Music Supervisors, and Composers. A flowchart is also provided to aid in the negotiation of job offers.
First released by the college in 2010, the 2012 updated study can be viewed in its entirety here.
Songwriters Lead Benefits (11/27/2012)
/by Eric T. Parker••••
Benefitting the Brown Dog Foundation, the evening will feature door prizes, a silent auction, free drinks and doggie bags for furry friends. Tickets can be purchased at www.browndogfoundation.org or for a $5 donation at the door.
••••
To be hosted by Storme Warren, the event will benefit the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund and the Brentwood YMCA with a live auction and a separate VIP package including a wine, food, and live music reception, hosted by Carrabba’s. Additional artists are expected to be announced leading up to the event.
Tickets are currently available here. For sponsorship and VIP seating packages, click here or email rememberalex.com@gmail.com.
••••
Artist Snapshots (11/27/12)
/by MichelleScotty McCreery donated $5,000 from ticket sales to World Vision’s Hurricane Sandy Relief during his show at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on November 23. After seeing the devastation that struck areas in and surrounding New York City, McCreery made the decision to turn the tour date into a benefit concert, and partnered with World Vision. McCreery also invited his friend and American Idol fan favorite Pia Toscano to join him for the performance.
(L-R): World Vision representative Abbie Parker, Toscano, and McCreery
• • •
Grand Ole Opry member and music legend Charlie Daniels was joined by Rodney Atkins, Phil Vassar, Thompson Square and Caroline Kole for the 11th anniversary of The Charlie Daniels Band & Friends Concert on November 19 at the Ryman Auditorium. The sold-out show raised money for Christmas 4 Kids.
Left photo: Phil Vassar and Charlie Daniels
• • •
rpmentertainment’s Maggie Rose spent much of her Thanksgiving Day visiting with wounded warriors and their families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Joining her was Lieutenant General Patricia Horoho, the Surgeon General of the United States Army. Rose’s breakout single, “I Ain’t Your Mama,” is nearing the Top 30 on the radio charts.
Maggie Rose bedside with wounded warrior Kevin Gatson and family.
• • •
Brantley Gilbert spent Veterans Day visiting at Nashville’s VA Hospital through Musicians On Call. Gilbert took time from his Hell On Wheels Tour to spend the holiday sharing his music and honoring some of the men and women who’ve served. The Southern rocker said, “It was an honor to be able to spend time with them and hopefully brighten their day a little. I know it has certainly changed my life.”
Industry Pics (11/27/12)
/by Sarah SkatesArtist/songwriter James Otto recently joined SESAC for representation and stopped by the organization’s Nashville headquarters to visit with executives. Otto, who topped the charts with “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” has been busy in the recording studio working on his next album.
Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, James Otto and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode
• • • • •
SOLID hosted its annual Songwriters Round at the Bluebird recently. Participating hitmakers included Lance Miller, Jon Stone, Jerrod Neimann, Rob Hatch and Tony Arata. All proceeds will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Front row (L-R): SOLID Community Outreach members Eric Wright, Lauren White, Heather Dicus, Writers Tony Arata and Rob Hatch. Back row: Community Outreach member Erik Blumenfeld, Community Outreach Co-chair Meredith Herberg-Waldron, writers Jerrod Neimann, Jon Stone, Community Outreach Chair Matt Rizor and writer Lance Miller.
• • • • •
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Jewel for a visit while she was in Los Angeles. She performed several hits, which will be included on an upcoming greatest his album, and signed up for professional ACM membership. Jewel recently spent time in Atlanta filming a new movie, The June Carter Cash Story, which will premiere in early 2013 on the Lifetime Movie Network.
(L-R): Jonathan Koch, President, Asylum Entertainment; Jewel; Bob Romeo, Academy of Country Music CEO
Steve Barnett To Lead Capitol Music Group
/by Sherod RobertsonSteve Barnett
Universal Music Group has appointed Steve Barnett Chairman & CEO of its Capitol Music Group. He most recently served as Co-Chairman & COO of Columbia Records. Barnett will report to Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of UMG.
Based at the iconic Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles, Barnett will be responsible for the overall management of the company which includes Capitol Records, Virgin Records, Blue Note, Astralwerks, Harvest, Capitol Christian Music Group, Caroline and the Capitol Studios. This does not include UMG Nashville’s Capitol imprint.
According to UMG, this appointment is among the first of many steps that will be taken to expand EMI’s creative ranks, reinvest in new talent, and enhance innovation.
“As we begin to invest in and revitalize EMI globally, the Capitol Music Group, including Virgin, will play a central role in our creative and commercial initiatives. And there is no one better to spearhead this than Steve,” said Grainge.
“Throughout my career in music, I’ve always been keenly aware of EMI’s impact on the world’s culture, so I could not be more excited and grateful for the opportunity Lucian has given me to build the Capitol Music Group into an exceptional record company,” added Barnett. “I greatly appreciate his confidence in me, and I will work tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive home for great artists while carefully tending the hugely important catalogue that defines the Capitol legacy.”
Country Songwriter Frank Dycus Passes
/by Robert K OermannPictured at the video shoot for "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair," which included a cameo by George Foreman. (L-R): writer Billy Yates, George Foreman, Nancy and George Jones, and Frank Dycus. Photo by Alan Mayor
Country songwriting great Frank Dycus has died at age 72. The writer of hits for George Strait, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones, Mark Chesnutt, Porter Wagoner and others passed away on Friday, November 23, following years of failing health.
One of Music Row’s best raconteurs, Marion Franklin Dycus was born in Hardmoney, Kentucky and was one of 13 children. He was fronting a country band by the time he was in his teens. He hitchhiked to California at age 15, then returned to Kentucky and joined the Air Force for a seven-year stint.
He spent time in Kansas working at Boeing and hosting a radio show before moving to Nashville in 1967. Dycus first tasted songwriting success in 1970, when George Morgan had a hit with his co-written “Lilacs and Fire.” Porter Wagoner took the Dycus song “Charley’s Picture” to No. 15 in 1971.
The songwriter’s first top-10 hit was with the 1974 Jerry Lee Lewis single “He Can’t Fill My Shoes.” The Wagoner and Dolly Parton 1976 top-10 hit duet “Is Forever Longer Than Always” was also from the Dycus catalog.
Dycus is perhaps best known for the trio of hits he co-wrote for George Strait, 1981’s “Unwound” and “Down and Out,” plus 1982’s “Marina Del Ray.” George Jones won a 1992 CMA Award for “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair,” which Dycus also co-wrote.
The songwriter hit No. 1 with “Gonna Get a Life,” sung by Mark Chesnutt in 1995, which helped Dycus earn SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year honors.
Dycus also wrote charted singles for Johnny Bush, Red Sovine, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Sun, Stella Parton, David Ball, Doug Supernaw, Gary Allan, Ronny Robbins. The Rovers, Southern Reign, Gary Stewart and his frequent song collaborator, Dean Dillon.
Other Frank Dycus co-writers have included Jim Lauderdale, Larry Kingston, Porter Wagoner, Billy Yates and Kerry Kurt Phillips.
Frank Dycus is survived by his wife, Mary Johnson; by children Sheila Dycus, Shannon Foxen, Shawn Bilbrey and Robert Dycus; by siblings Don Dycus, Jerry Dycus and Dana Forbes; by stepchildren Jamie Scott, Donna Stevenson, Dean Birkheimer and Glen Birkheimer and by grandchildren Vinnie Johnson and Samantha Bilbrey.
Jones-Stewart Funeral Home in Lyons, Georgia is handling the funeral arrangements. Dycus wished to have his ashes scattered off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia. Donations in his name can be made to Vanderbilt Children’s Cancer Center in Nashville.
GAC Special Highlights Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour
/by Sarah SkatesLuke Bryan onstage during the Farm Tour.
Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, the singer’s first televised concert special, will premiere Wednesday, November 28 at 10:00 p.m./EST on GAC.
The special was shot at his tour stop in Athens, GA with 14,000 music lovers in attendance. It also shows behind-the-scenes production of the large-scale concert and Bryan’s visit to one of his favorite venues—Athen’s Georgia Theatre. TackleBox Films’ Shaun Silva directed the special.
The eight-city run attracted 100,000 fans, doubling the attendance of his 2011 Farm Tour. Proceeds from the Farm Tour go to college scholarships for students from farming families within the communities the tour played.
Bryan embarks on his first headlining tour, Dirt Road Diaries, in 2013.
Airdate For CMT Artists of the Year
/by Sarah SkatesHosts Rascal Flatts and Hayden Panettiere
The celebrity line-up for the third annual 2012 CMT Artists of the Year continues to heat up with appearances or performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Sammy Hagar, Hunter Hayes, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Kenny Rogers, Thompson Square, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson and more to be announced.
Rascal Flatts and Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere will host the 90-minute special honoring the top country acts of 2012. The show premieres Saturday, December 8 at 11:00 p.m., ET/PT.
For the first time, CMT is keeping the list of honorees secret until they are revealed on December 8. The show was previously taped in Nashville.
CMT Artists of the Year is executive produced by R.A. Clark, John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux.
Benefit Concerts: Vince Gill Gets String Fever; Skaggs Family Christmas
/by Sarah SkatesVince Gill
Vince Gill will headline and host “String Fever,” a concert benefitting the Tennessee State Museum Foundation on Thurs., Dec. 12 at TPAC’s Polk Theater. He will be joined by an all-star cast of 20 top musicians including Phil Brown, Larry Carlton, Steve Cropper, Duane Eddy, Steve Gibson, Rory Hoffman, Johnny Hyland, John Jorgenson, Colin Linden, Jack Pearson, Al Perkins, Andy Reiss, Marty Stuart, Guthrie Trapp and Steve Wariner. The back-up band includes multi-talented players Peter Abbott, Kenny Greenberg, Jon Jarvis and Michael Rhodes. The benefit concert is presented by the Tennessee State Museum Foundation in conjunction with the exhibition, The Guitar: An American Love Story.
• • • •
Skaggs Family Christmas
Ricky Skaggs will headline the 15th annual Concert for Cumberland Heights on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ryman Auditorium. The show will feature Skaggs along with acclaimed trio The Whites, which includes his wife Sharon, sister-in-law Cheryl, and father-in-law Buck White. The evening will be a holiday-themed, variety-style show titled “A Skaggs Family Christmas,” featuring holiday classics and newer Christmas music. Tickets are on sale via the Ryman box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.