Chapter 410
This year’s Medallion Ceremony inducting Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Connie Smith and Garth Brooks into the Country Music Hall of Fame was noteworthy and special for a number of reasons.
First and most obvious was the caliber of the inductees. Second was the quality of its musical performances. Third was the welcome and supportive attendance of an unusually large number of prior inductees.
Among those offering the most outstanding tributes in song were Vince Gill & Jeff White, Gene Watson, The Quebe Sisters Band, The Whites, Lee Ann Womack, Bob Seger and honorees themselves, Connie Smith and Pig Robbins.
CMA's Steve Moore, Garth Brooks, Connie Smith, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Steve Turner, and Museum Director Kyle Young. Photo: Peyton Hoge
As for the Hall of Famers present, they were Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune, Jim Foglesong, Sonny James, Jean Shepard, George Strait, Jo Walker Meador, Ray Walker and Curtis Young of The Jordanaires, Bud Wendell, Brenda Lee, Bobby Braddock, Barbara Mandrell, Charlie McCoy, Ralph Emery, Harold Bradley, Emmylou Harris, Roy Clark and Merle Haggard. The capacity audience in the Ford Theater at the County Music Hall of Fame also held a respectful moment of silence for those members we’ve lost this year, Frances Preston, Earl Scruggs and Kitty Wells.
We began Sunday evening (10/21) with a selection from the museum’s Bob Pinson audio archive, Doc Watson’s 1964 recording of “Black Mountain Rag.” Then host Kyle Young introduced the President’s Hymn, Vince Gill & Jeff White beautifully performing “All Prayed Up” as a duo.
Chairman of the Board Steve Turner welcomed the crowd, saying, “We gather here for powerful words and music.” CMA CEO Steve Moore praised all three inductees. The CMA underwrites this annual event.
Young added to Turner’s remarks, stating of all three inductees, “They are known as remarkable human beings as well as remarkable artists.” He then proceeded with the presentations.
Tennessee native Hargus Melvin Robbins, a beloved member of Nashville’s “A-Team” of session musicians, went blind at age 3 after an accident with a knife. He acquired his nickname while attending Nashville’s School of the Blind. Early recording efforts were as “Mel Robbins.”
When Floyd Cramer went off on a solo career, the piano slot in the A-Team opened up for Robbins. As a session musician, his first hit was 1959’s “White Lightning” by George Jones. With John Hobbs handling the rapid-fire keyboard work, Ronnie Dunn performed the song using Mason jars full of clear liquid as props. Joining Hobbs was the rest of the All-Star Medallion Band – Paul Franklin, Eddie Bayers, Brent Mason, Michael Rhodes, Deanie Richardson, Biff Watson, Dawn Sears and Jeff White. This is their eighth year to perform at the ceremony.
Crystal Gayle’s “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” is also noted for its distinctive Robbins piano notes. Gordon Mote accompanied her brilliantly as she recreated the classic.
Young noted that a who’s-who of country stars has benefited from the session musician’s keyboard work. “I Fall to Pieces,” “Back in Baby’s Arms,” “Detroit City,” “King of the Road,” “The Gambler” and “Any Man of Mine” are just a few of the standards he’s played on. Robbins has also backed Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Neil Young and a host of other pop stars.
The first big ovation of the night went to Gene Watson’s “Fourteen Carat Mind,” with Robbins-style piano provided by Dirk Johnson. Watson nailed the song. I’ve been a loyal fan and wasn’t surprised, but you could tell he was a revelation to many in the crowd.
Fellow session star Charlie McCoy presented Robbins’ medallion. “Tonight, we really got it right,” said McCoy. “He’s not only a great musician, he’s got an amazing memory.” McCoy recalled an electrical black-out that once occurred at the Quonset Hut. “Anybody that wants to go to the bathroom, I’ll take you there for a dollar,” wise-cracked Robbins.
McCoy called Robbins, “The best session musician I’ve ever known….The track record speaks for itself.”
“I’m so honored to become a member of this organization, with Harold and Charlie and Floyd,” said Robbins. “I don’t know how many times I can say Thank You.”
He took the piano bench to back Ronnie Milsap, who initially sat on his stool not facing the audience. After he was adjusted, Milsap quipped, “Pig and I are driving home tonight!”
“Congratulations, Mr. Pig Robbins, you are now in the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you belong!” Milsap added. He sang “Behind Closed Doors,” which also features some of Robbins’s most memorable piano work. Robbins was awesome in reviving it with his still-dexterous digits.
Connie Smith and Merle Haggard. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Young began to relate honoree Connie Smith’s bio, then called The Quebe Sisters Band to the stage to sing and swing Smith’s breakthrough hit, “Once a Day.” The Quebes are from Ft. Worth, but regularly come to Nashville to perform on the Opry and on the TV show of Smith’s hubby, Marty Stuart. The gals harmonized flawlessly and dazzled the attendees with their triple fiddling.
The Whites are Smith’s buddies on the Opry. “We learned your songs off the radio,” said Sharon White. “They were playing them so much, we learned it in one day,” added Cheryl White, referring to Smith’s “Just for What I Am.” “You were the road map for so many girl singers,” Cheryl added. “You have been a sister to us.” The family sang a spirited version of “If It Ain’t Love (Let’s Leave It Alone)” in Smith’s honor.
Lee Ann Womack provided a torchy “You’ve Got Me (Right Where You Want Me),” which Smith co-wrote. “All the girl singers want to sing like Connie,” said Womack. “She delivered with such class.”
Merle Haggard did the induction honors. “If you’re talking about a country singer, there just isn’t no better,” he said.
“I just wanted to sing, and I just wanted to feed my kids,” said Smith. “I truly believe this was my destiny. God meant for me to be a country girl singer….Most of all, I want to thank the Lord. Because He’s there even when you think you don’t need Him.” Her awesome vocal sustains and dynamics were on full display as she sang “When I Need Jesus, He’s There.”
Young noted that Garth Brooks, “Took country music into the stratosphere. No one sold more records in the 1990s than Garth Brooks.” George Strait saluted Brooks with “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”
Backed by singers Robert Bailey, Vicki Hampton and Trisha Yearwood, Brooks idol James Taylor sang “The River.” “Congratulations; you deserve it,” said Taylor to Brooks.
“What great performances tonight,” exclaimed Bob Seger. “What fun! Thank you.” Keeping Taylor’s stellar backing trio, he delivered “That Summer” with enormous élan. Come to think of it, the Brooks hit does kinda sound like a Seger song.
Strait inducted Brooks: “Thank you, Garth, for letting me be a part of this special night for you. Passion describes him the best. He blew it up. You can see it in a lot of the young acts out there today who were influenced by you.”
In his acceptance, Brooks did shout-outs to Seger, Strait, Taylor and George Jones, to his business team, to his session instrumentalists, to his producers and to his fans. “Country music has the greatest and most loyal audience,” he said. Brooks concluded with a heartfelt homage to daughters Taylor, August and Allie, as well as to wife Trisha Yearwood.
The night’s performers, as well as all of the Hall of Famers, took the stage for the finale “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Bob Seger looked like he was having the time of his life. Seger, Smith, Brooks, Brenda Lee, Emmylou Harris and others passed the mic around for lead-vocal turns. Bass harmonizing Ray Walker monopolized one mic, as usual.
Finale performance during the Hall of Fame's Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Basking in the glow of one of the best Medallion ceremonies ever were Bob Doyle, Bobby Roberts, Bob Paxman, David Ross, David & Karen Conrad, Mike Milom, Mike Dungan, Tony Conway, Tony Brown, Ken Levitan, Ken Dudney, Kevin Lamb, Kay Clary, Kerry O’Neil, Bill Denny, Bill Gatzimos and our marvelous and ever-smiling, red-carpet, host-with-the-most Bill Cody.
Also grooving were John Ingrassia, John Lytle, Jimmy Capps, Jeff & Terri Walker, Ed Morris, Eddie Stubbs, Ray & Polly Edenton, Ernie & Jerry Williams, Steve Betts, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Rusty Jones, Randy Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, Rod Essig, Lane Brody, Lon Helton, Don Light, Storme Warren, Sarah Brosmer, Bruce Hinton, Victoria Shaw, Vernell Hackett, Frank Mull, Francis Guess, Perry Howard, Tom Roland, Leslie Tomasina, Pat Collins and Pat McCoy.
At the post-ceremony cocktail supper, we dined on succulent beef tenderloin and/or tender turkey breast slices with a variety of toppings, superb wilted lettuce salad, equally yummy deviled eggs, roasted veggies, a variety of delish cheesy pastas in martini glasses, dessert fruit tortes and pumpkin-mousse squares. Then off into the balmy fall night we departed, with our tummies, as well as our hearts and spirits, full.
Jake Owen and Luke Bryan Score With Successful Tours
/by Sarah SkatesJake Owen gets his "Jump" on as he closes a sold out show in Detroit with Van Halen’s classic “Jump.” Photo: Nick Rau
Jake Owen’s first headlining outing is a big success. CMT On Tour: Jake Owen: The Summer Never Ends 2012 is in the midst of the most consecutive sold-out shows since the CMT Tour’s inception eleven years ago. Featuring special guests Love and Theft and Florida Georgia Line, the outing kicked off with sold-out shows in New York, NY and Detroit, MI, and is on deck for advance sell-outs in at least six more markets.
Owen’s single “The One That Got Away,” is No. 1 on the MusicRow chart and follows a string of charttoppers including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and “Alone with You.”
His new Endless Summer EP was produced by Joey Moi and released following Owen’s run on the Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw blockbuster Brothers of the Sun Tour.
• • • •
Luke Bryan's Farm Tour
Luke Bryan wrapped his fourth annual Farm Tour 2012 earlier this month, performing for 100,000 fans during the eight-city run. That is more than double the attendance of last year’s Farm Tour. The outing visited Georgia Southern University, Clemson University, Auburn University, Valdosta State University, University of West Georgia, University of Georgia, Florida State University and Mercer University. Joining him were Peach Pickers Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins, as well as singer/songwriters Chancie Neal and Cole Swindell.
The tour of outdoor shows celebrates American farmers and proceeds go to scholarships for students from farming families at each college.
The Producer’s Chair: Jeff Stevens
/by contributorJeff Stevens
By James Rea
Don’t miss Jeff Stevens on The Producer’s Chair, Thurs., Oct. 25, 6 p.m., at Douglas Corner. Details at: www.theproducerschair.com.
Jeff Stevens is one of Country music’s top producers, having helmed Luke Bryan’s three studio albums and Spring Break EPs. His most recent album, Tailgates & Tanlines, gave Bryan’s career a major push. It is up for 2012 CMA Album of the Year, and Bryan is nominated for Male Vocalist. He also leads the 2012 American Country Awards nominations with seven nods.
But don’t think Jeff appeared out of nowhere in 2007 when he produced Bryan’s debut album. There’s barely enough wall space in Jeff’s office/studio, to mount all of his songwriting awards. With seven No. 1s and countless top 10s to his credit, his discography includes George Strait No. 1s “Carrying Your Love With Me,” “Carried Away” and “True;” Alabama’s “Reckless;” Tim McGraw’s “Back When;” John Anderson’s “I Fell In The Water;” and Tracy Byrd’s “Big Love” and “I Wanna Feel That Way Again.” Jeff earned a Dove Award nomination for Guy Penrod’s “Pray About Everything.” His discography also includes cuts by Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Lonestar, Mark Wills, Brad Cotter, Rhett Akins, Chris Ledoux, and of course, numerous Luke Bryan hits. One of his newest songs, “Better Than Today,” has been recorded by his musical hero Don Williams.
By the age of 12, Jeff was opening for some of the biggest stars in Country music. “Santa Claus brought me and my brother, Warren, guitars,” he recalls. “My dad was a dreamer of the highest order and he dreamed that we could be country music stars. We learned ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’ entered an adult talent show and won. I was nine. My dad started booking our shows, and my mother sewed sparkly suits for us. By the time I was 12 or 13, I had done shows with all the big stars of the day: Conway and Loretta, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Bill Anderson, Charley Pride and Willie Nelson.”
Jeff also met his future drummer and hit co-writer Terry Dotson in high school and they started writing songs together. Jeff was 20 when they wrote their first two hits, “Sweet Country Music” and “Atlanta Burned Again Last Night,” recorded by Atlanta.
“We had a five-piece band, Jeff Stevens and The Bullets, and we started booking bars and beer joints. Terry and I wrote the songs but my brother Warren was very instrumental in a managerial role. One day, we learned that Alabama was splitting with their manager and we thought he might be looking for a band. So we sent him material hoping he would sign us. He didn’t, but couple of months later, a disc jockey friend of mine called and said a group called Atlanta just sent in one of your songs, ‘Atlanta Burned Again Last Night’ with big cake on fire. So we drove over to the station and had a listen. Thank God, Terry and I had signed up with BMI. From then on, every Tuesday morning I’d get in my Pinto and drive to the news stand and look at a copy of Billboard. In no time it was No. 33, then 29. When it got to 14, Terry and I went to Nashville and had a meeting with Cedarwood publishing. They listened to one of our other songs called ‘Sweet Country Music.’ He told us it wasn’t what country is playing, but it went on to No. 3. It’s now a 2 Million BMI Award-winner.
“After those two songs were hits we recorded an album at Scruggs studio with our own money and that album made its way to Earl Thomas Conley’s producer, Nelson Larkin. Nelson got us the deal on Atlantic Records. That took a couple of years and in that time we moved to Nashville.”
Jeff was eventually re-signed to Atlantic as a solo artist but after a string of low-charting singles found himself struggling financially. “I lost my wedding ring in a pawn shop and I lost all of my guitars. After I had written two hit songs, I didn’t have a guitar, nothing to make music with. I was on the same label as Ray Charles and I was up on Dickerson Rd. financing cars. That was my life in the mid 80s. I was doing everything I could just to survive. That’s how much I wanted to stay here.”
Fortunately during that period Jeff kept writing and at the tail-end of his recording deal with Atlantic, he secured a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell, and discovered a new outlet as a writer. Since then, Jeff has become one of the most successful writing forces in country music. Today, he is signed to BMG/Chrysalis Nashville.
The Producer’s Chair: Is it difficult to be objective about selecting songs for the project, when you’re producing and writing with your artist?
Jeff Stevens: For me, producing and songwriting require two different hats. As a producer, my main goal for the artist is to have a long term career and fill arenas, not just a hit, so I must set aside my own personal short term goals to get one of my songs cut. A good producer will mine the artist and Music Row for the best song no matter who wrote it. As a songwriter, if I can support the artist with their sound and style, then certainly I will do that–but it’s not a Jeff Stevens record–it’s the artist’s record and I try never to lose sight of that.
How do you deal with negativity?
There is no room in my life for negativity. No one sticks around very long with that. Ninety percent of what we write is rejected and I need every ounce of positive energy to achieve another hit. Rejection is a major part of this business. I’m in this business to communicate with the listener. When I’m writing a song I don’t think about what my publisher would like. I don’t think about what radio will play or that it will be rejected along the way. I go right to the person that matters and that’s the listener. If you engage the listener, the listener will pull a few dollars out of their pocket and put it in you pocket.
How difficult is it to get a publishing deal today?
It’s really tough, much harder than when I started. My first pub deal was with Warner/Chappell in 1992, when I signed with them there were about 100 writers there. Today there are maybe 30. The numbers are staggeringly different. Now-a-days, it’s my belief, if you’ve got a publishing deal, you must be pretty good.
What do publishers look for in new writers?
In order for it to be a positive experience for both parties, where the songwriter and the publisher have success together, you have to have chemistry, not unlike a marriage. There has to be trust and common goals. The trust is the hardest thing, because as a songwriter, it’s your creation and in order for you to go, “You’re right, I need to change this,” that’s big stuff. You should only be changing stuff when you believe that they are right. And they should be able to prove they’re right by getting it cut. It’s a dynamic that’s hard to achieve, but I’ve found it with Dale Bobo and Michael Knox.
Can you give me an example?
Steve Bogard and I wrote “Carrying Your Love With Me” and we were excited about it and we called Michael in to hear it. He listened to it and his head hit the roof, he just exploded, he loved it. So he went back in his office and I’m sure he got on the phone and called Tony Brown and told him “I got a big hit for you.” An hour later, I was still in my little office and Michael came back in and said, “Can you play it for me again?” He listened to it and said “God that is so good. Explain the second verse. What does that mean?” Well, my heart sank because he had to ask me what it means. I explained it and he was satisfied. Michael never asked me to re-write it, but I respected his feel for songs, so Bogard and I got together a few days later and re-wrote the second verse.
What makes Luke’s vocal performance so compelling?
You’ve seen a little six-year-old kid go “Mommy I went down to the creek and I saw UHHHHHH a big frog and jumped on the UHHHHH…” It’s that thing Luke does when he is truly lost in his delivery. Those things to me are like gold. There are listeners out there who don’t give a flip about the mechanics. All they know is, this artist is speaking to them. They would never notice that he’s even doing that, but it’s there and somewhere inside of them, they’re getting that. I don’t look at them as flaws. That’s what makes Luke different.
How did you wind up producing Luke?
Luke and I met on a songwriting session and wrote a really cool thing called “Baby’s On The Way.” He had previously done a showcase for the folks at Capitol and he took the song over there and the next thing I know they’ve got me on the phone asking me to produce some sides on him! The label is very organic that way and I believe that’s one of the reasons we work so well together.
Jeff is currently developing a couple of other young artists, a Belmont University singer/songwriter named Matt Enik, and a vocalist named Colton Pack.
Sidewalk Records Expands Promotion Staff
/by Eric T. ParkerRoger Fregoso
Sidewalk Records Vice President of Promotion Larry Hughes has announced his relocation to Nashville in December, where he will continue leading the imprint’s growing promotion staff.
Joining the Sidewalk staff is Roger Fregoso, who has been hired as the company’s new west coast regional to be based in San Diego. Fregoso is also a Society of Professional Journalists award winner and previously a writer/photographer for Country Times’ monthly newsletter. Fregoso has also served as an assistant to Rodeowave’s Lori Hartigan. Fregoso’s first day on the job is Saturday, Oct. 27 at KSON’s Country Fest with Clay Walker.
“It’s a dream come true to work with radio promoting the music I love,” said Fregoso. “I’m thrilled to join the Sidewalk Records team and someone of Larry’s caliber to help write a new history for our label.”
Fregoso can be by email here, or by phone at 760-532-8521.
Promo Heavyweights Square Off For “Rumble on the Row”
/by Freeman(L-R) Top: Keith Gale, EJ Bernas; Bottom: Damon Moberly, Jimmy Rector. Photos: Karen Will Rogers
Four music industry heavyweights will square off in the boxing ring for “Rumble on the Row,” which returns from a three-year hiatus Friday, March 8 at Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin. The event will be the ninth “Ringside: A Fight for Kids” boxing event, and benefits The Charley Foundation, the Nashville non-profit that provides support to charitable agencies benefiting area children.
Spectators will get to take in two bouts during the evening, when returning “Rumble” champ Keith Gale (VP National Promotion, RCA Nashville) takes on EJ Bernas (Director of National Promotion, Bigger Picture); and previous “Rumble” belt-holder Jimmy Rector (Director of Promotion, Midwest, EMI Records Nashville) faces off against Damon Moberly (VP Promotion, Mercury Nashville).
“These gents are all champions in my book,” said Carolyn Miller, Charley Foundation founder and chairman. “Their involvement, including the time and dedication required for the rigorous physical training, will directly make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of local children, their families, and their communities.”
The event also includes gourmet dining, live music, celebrity guests, and three professional boxing bouts sanctioned by the Tennessee Athletic Commission in addition to the “Rumble” bouts. Show Dog-Universal VP Promotion Tom Baldrica will serve as the ring announcer.
Individual tickets are $250 each. More info here.
Industry Ink (10/22/12)
/by Sarah SkatesThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently (9/29) honored soprano Millie Kirkham in its quarterly series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. Kirkham entertained the audience with tales from her recording sessions with George Jones, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Leon Russell and many others. Pictured (L-R): back row: Program Host Bill Lloyd, Ray Walker, Jimmy Capps, Millie Kirkham, Weldon Myrick, D.J. Fontana, David Briggs, Curtis Young and Joe Johnson. Front row: Gordon Stoker and Wayne Moss. Photo: Donn Jones
• Taylor Swift kicked-off release day for her highly-anticipated album Red this morning (10/22) on ABC’s Good Morning America. She will return to the show tomorrow to perform at an exclusive fall concert event. Also, Swift and GMA announced that she will sing “Begin Again” on The 46th Annual CMA Awards. She is CMA’s reigning Entertainer of the Year, and is nominated for three CMA Awards in 2012.
• Hit songwriter Brett James has been added to the lineup for the Wed., Oct. 31 CMA Songwriters Series at Marathon Music Works. A new show time of 8:00 PM/CT has also been announced. James will join the previously announced performers Kristian Bush, Brantley Gilbert, and host Bob DiPiero. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at marathonmusicworks.com.
• SOLID is accepting teams for its annual Turkey Bowl, set for Sat., Nov. 17 at Ted Rhodes Park. The fundraiser costs $600 per team and SOLID will again collect food for the Second Harvest Food Bank. More information here.
• The Nashville Symphony Association Board of Directors and Giancarlo Guerrero have reached an agreement extending Maestro Guerrero’s contract through 2020.
• The Listening Room Café is moving to downtown Nashville at 217 2nd Ave. S. and hopes to re-open before year’s end. The local restaurant and music venue closed its original Cummins Station location in August. Upon reopening, owner Chris Blair plans to launch publishing company Emerge Nashville, and a full service video and audio recording division.
• Aura, a world fusion cuisine restaurant, is now open in midtown at 1811 Division St.
Jamey Johnson Announces “Living For A Song Tour”
/by Eric T. ParkerPhoto: Jack Spencer
Jamey Johnson has announced his upcoming Living For A Song Tour, which will run from November 8 to December 31.
The tour will support Johnson’s latest album Living For a Song, a tribute to songwriting legend Hank Cochran, which was released on Oct. 16. Johnson played a sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on release day.
Chris Hennessee and Wayne Mills will accompany Johnson on select dates throughout the tour. A full list of dates, with more to be released, appears below.
Visit www.jameyjohnson.com for information.
Living For A Song Tour 2012
November 8- Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
November 9- Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center Concert Hall
November 15- Paducah, KY – Carson Center
November 16- Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre
November 17- Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room
November 18- Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theater
November 24- Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s
November 30- Miami, OK – Buffalo Run Casino
December 14- Las Vegas, NV – Riviera Hotel & Casino
December 15- Wendover, NV – Peppermill Casino
December 31- Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
Benefit Snapshots (10/22/12)
/by FreemanMichael W. Smith recently hosted Rocketown’s annual fundraising dinner and auction to raise awareness and support of the Nashville-based non-profit outreach for teens. Themed “Comedy for a Cause,” the event included guest comedians Henry Cho and Jeff Allen. Among the attendees were Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and First Lady Chrissy Haslam, Tennessee Titan Matt Hasselbeck, Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz, and more.
(L-R): Henry Cho, First Lady Chrissy Haslam, Rocketown Founder, Michael W. Smith, Governor Bill Haslam, Jeff Allen Photo by: Steve Lowry
• • • •
The Nashville Palm recently welcomed “Charlie Daniels Scholarships for Heroes,” a charity event benefiting Sentinels of Freedom and veteran students at Lipscomb University. Charlie Daniels and his wife Hazel hosted the event, which raised more than $60,000 and included guests such as singer Aaron Lewis, Navy veteran Sal Gonzales, and “A Night With Saddam” author Mark Green.
Charlie Daniels and Aaron Lewis
• • • •
The inaugural “Boots & Bandana” National Golf Championship was held Oct. 13, 2012 at the Franklin, TN farm of Brent and Janel Maher, the site of the original Boots and Bandana golf course. The event benefited MusiCares and the Facial Pain Research Foundation, and performers included Mike Reid, Tia Sillers, and Mark Selby.
(L-R): John Reger, Jr.(PGA Golf Professional), Debbie Carroll (Executive Director of MusiCares), Brent Maher (CEO, Moraine Music), and Dr. Michael Pasternak (Founding Trustee of The Facial Pain Research Foundation).
Industry Pics: Carrie Underwood, Sarah Darling, WMBA
/by Sarah SkatesCAA Signs Sarah Darling
Black River Entertainment’s Sarah Darling recently signed with Creative Artists Agency. Her single “Home To Me” is in rotation on SiriusXM’s The Highway, and has sold over 23,500 downloads, prior to impacting terrestrial radio today (10/22). It is the lead single from her upcoming album with producer Dann Huff.
(L-R): CAA's Brad Bissell, Black River Management’s John Alexander, Sarah Darling, CAA's Rod Essig
“Blown Away” Platinum
Carrie Underwood brought her Blown Away Tour to Los Angeles on Oct. 16, where she was presented with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Platinum certification of the digital single “Blown Away.” It is her eleventh Platinum or Multi-Platinum digital single. The album of the same name made history this spring by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart, making Underwood only the second country artist in the 47-year chart history to have their first four albums debut at No. 1.
(L-R): Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP Marketing Paul Barnabee and Chairman & CEO Gary Overton; Underwood; and Arista Nashville VP Promotion Lesly Tyson. Photo: Matt Sperling
WMBA Hosts Management and Touring Panel
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) hosted its annual prospective member reception at the Country Music Association on Oct. 16. The panel was moderated by WMBA President Kama Upton and featured panelists TKO Artist Management’s TK Kimbrell, Paradigm’s Curt Motley, Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell, and Varnell Enterprises’ Ben Farrell. The panelists discussed aspects of touring and artist management and took questions from the audience. The event also marked the opening of WMBA’s membership application period, which closes Dec. 1. Membership application details at wmbanashville.org.
Back Row (L-R): TK Kimbrell, Ben Farrell, WMBA's Kama Upton and Josee Deschenes, Curt Motley, Brian O'Connell. Front Row: WMBA's Leona Edwards, Becky Lynn Street, Trina Llyod-Weidner, Becky McIntosh, and Brandi Simms. Photo: Amanda Fletcher
Rascal Flatts Celebrates Touring Milestone at Nashville Concert
/by Sherod RobertsonRascal Flatts performed to a sold-out crowd of over 13,000 in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Fri., Oct 19, with supporting guests Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge.
Before the show, Brian O’Connell, President of Live Nation Country Touring presented a commemorative ticket to band members Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus. The backstage presentation celebrated the touring milestone achievement of over 7 million career concert tickets sold culminating with the night’s performance. The band gave heartfelt thanks to team members behind their success and referred to O’Connell as the “fourth Flatts.”
Brian O’Connell, President, Live Nation Country Touring presents a commemorative ticket to the members of Rascal Flatts to celebrate a touring milestone before their Bridgestone Arena concert in Nashville on Oct. 19, 2012..
The show began with each Rascal Flatts member appearing in a cylinder of lights that lifted up as they played “Changed” followed by “Banjo,” the first two tracks on their latest No. 1 album, Changed. Their vocals were stellar which is no surprise coming from these seasoned performers.
The stage was minimal in structure yet high impact with spectacular lighting and various sized rectangular video walls framing the backdrop. Hanging high above the stage were suspended video cubes that provided additional video images and graphics throughout the show.
Playing to a very energetic crowd, the band continued with “Summer Nights,” “Fast Cars and Freedom,” and “These Days” reminding all concert goers that when you come to a Flatts concert, you are in the minority if you are not standing for the duration of the show and singing every word.
The show continued with two more songs from their current album, current single “Come Wake Me Up,” which is No. 4 and climbing on the MusicRow Chart, followed by “Hot In Here,” during which the video cubes hanging above the stage were lowered giving the effect of suspended fire.
Rascal Flatts followed the request block with “Stand,” “Why Wait,” and two covers, “Lean On Me,” and “Open Arms.” While showing a montage of family photos on the video wall, the band performed “God Bless the Broken Road” giving us all a moment to take pause and appreciate our own family, friends and loved ones.
There was no loss of enthusiasm from the crowd when the band momentarily left the stage to feature drummer Jimmy Riley solo. Jo Don then followed with his own guitar solo, reminding us of his musical talents. The band joined in and performed “Me & My Gang,” “Life is a Highway,” and “Here’s to You.”
Flatts offered fans an encore with “What Hurts the Most,” and followed that with “We’re an American Band,” bringing out supporting acts Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge for the grand finale.
Not only was it a great Rascal Flatts show, but the impressive lineup of opening artists made this a must-see concert.
Bobby Karl Works the Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony
/by Bobby KarlChapter 410
This year’s Medallion Ceremony inducting Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Connie Smith and Garth Brooks into the Country Music Hall of Fame was noteworthy and special for a number of reasons.
First and most obvious was the caliber of the inductees. Second was the quality of its musical performances. Third was the welcome and supportive attendance of an unusually large number of prior inductees.
Among those offering the most outstanding tributes in song were Vince Gill & Jeff White, Gene Watson, The Quebe Sisters Band, The Whites, Lee Ann Womack, Bob Seger and honorees themselves, Connie Smith and Pig Robbins.
CMA's Steve Moore, Garth Brooks, Connie Smith, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Steve Turner, and Museum Director Kyle Young. Photo: Peyton Hoge
As for the Hall of Famers present, they were Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune, Jim Foglesong, Sonny James, Jean Shepard, George Strait, Jo Walker Meador, Ray Walker and Curtis Young of The Jordanaires, Bud Wendell, Brenda Lee, Bobby Braddock, Barbara Mandrell, Charlie McCoy, Ralph Emery, Harold Bradley, Emmylou Harris, Roy Clark and Merle Haggard. The capacity audience in the Ford Theater at the County Music Hall of Fame also held a respectful moment of silence for those members we’ve lost this year, Frances Preston, Earl Scruggs and Kitty Wells.
We began Sunday evening (10/21) with a selection from the museum’s Bob Pinson audio archive, Doc Watson’s 1964 recording of “Black Mountain Rag.” Then host Kyle Young introduced the President’s Hymn, Vince Gill & Jeff White beautifully performing “All Prayed Up” as a duo.
Chairman of the Board Steve Turner welcomed the crowd, saying, “We gather here for powerful words and music.” CMA CEO Steve Moore praised all three inductees. The CMA underwrites this annual event.
Young added to Turner’s remarks, stating of all three inductees, “They are known as remarkable human beings as well as remarkable artists.” He then proceeded with the presentations.
Tennessee native Hargus Melvin Robbins, a beloved member of Nashville’s “A-Team” of session musicians, went blind at age 3 after an accident with a knife. He acquired his nickname while attending Nashville’s School of the Blind. Early recording efforts were as “Mel Robbins.”
When Floyd Cramer went off on a solo career, the piano slot in the A-Team opened up for Robbins. As a session musician, his first hit was 1959’s “White Lightning” by George Jones. With John Hobbs handling the rapid-fire keyboard work, Ronnie Dunn performed the song using Mason jars full of clear liquid as props. Joining Hobbs was the rest of the All-Star Medallion Band – Paul Franklin, Eddie Bayers, Brent Mason, Michael Rhodes, Deanie Richardson, Biff Watson, Dawn Sears and Jeff White. This is their eighth year to perform at the ceremony.
Crystal Gayle’s “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” is also noted for its distinctive Robbins piano notes. Gordon Mote accompanied her brilliantly as she recreated the classic.
Young noted that a who’s-who of country stars has benefited from the session musician’s keyboard work. “I Fall to Pieces,” “Back in Baby’s Arms,” “Detroit City,” “King of the Road,” “The Gambler” and “Any Man of Mine” are just a few of the standards he’s played on. Robbins has also backed Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Neil Young and a host of other pop stars.
The first big ovation of the night went to Gene Watson’s “Fourteen Carat Mind,” with Robbins-style piano provided by Dirk Johnson. Watson nailed the song. I’ve been a loyal fan and wasn’t surprised, but you could tell he was a revelation to many in the crowd.
Fellow session star Charlie McCoy presented Robbins’ medallion. “Tonight, we really got it right,” said McCoy. “He’s not only a great musician, he’s got an amazing memory.” McCoy recalled an electrical black-out that once occurred at the Quonset Hut. “Anybody that wants to go to the bathroom, I’ll take you there for a dollar,” wise-cracked Robbins.
McCoy called Robbins, “The best session musician I’ve ever known….The track record speaks for itself.”
“I’m so honored to become a member of this organization, with Harold and Charlie and Floyd,” said Robbins. “I don’t know how many times I can say Thank You.”
He took the piano bench to back Ronnie Milsap, who initially sat on his stool not facing the audience. After he was adjusted, Milsap quipped, “Pig and I are driving home tonight!”
“Congratulations, Mr. Pig Robbins, you are now in the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you belong!” Milsap added. He sang “Behind Closed Doors,” which also features some of Robbins’s most memorable piano work. Robbins was awesome in reviving it with his still-dexterous digits.
Connie Smith and Merle Haggard. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Young began to relate honoree Connie Smith’s bio, then called The Quebe Sisters Band to the stage to sing and swing Smith’s breakthrough hit, “Once a Day.” The Quebes are from Ft. Worth, but regularly come to Nashville to perform on the Opry and on the TV show of Smith’s hubby, Marty Stuart. The gals harmonized flawlessly and dazzled the attendees with their triple fiddling.
The Whites are Smith’s buddies on the Opry. “We learned your songs off the radio,” said Sharon White. “They were playing them so much, we learned it in one day,” added Cheryl White, referring to Smith’s “Just for What I Am.” “You were the road map for so many girl singers,” Cheryl added. “You have been a sister to us.” The family sang a spirited version of “If It Ain’t Love (Let’s Leave It Alone)” in Smith’s honor.
Lee Ann Womack provided a torchy “You’ve Got Me (Right Where You Want Me),” which Smith co-wrote. “All the girl singers want to sing like Connie,” said Womack. “She delivered with such class.”
Merle Haggard did the induction honors. “If you’re talking about a country singer, there just isn’t no better,” he said.
“I just wanted to sing, and I just wanted to feed my kids,” said Smith. “I truly believe this was my destiny. God meant for me to be a country girl singer….Most of all, I want to thank the Lord. Because He’s there even when you think you don’t need Him.” Her awesome vocal sustains and dynamics were on full display as she sang “When I Need Jesus, He’s There.”
Young noted that Garth Brooks, “Took country music into the stratosphere. No one sold more records in the 1990s than Garth Brooks.” George Strait saluted Brooks with “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”
Backed by singers Robert Bailey, Vicki Hampton and Trisha Yearwood, Brooks idol James Taylor sang “The River.” “Congratulations; you deserve it,” said Taylor to Brooks.
“What great performances tonight,” exclaimed Bob Seger. “What fun! Thank you.” Keeping Taylor’s stellar backing trio, he delivered “That Summer” with enormous élan. Come to think of it, the Brooks hit does kinda sound like a Seger song.
Strait inducted Brooks: “Thank you, Garth, for letting me be a part of this special night for you. Passion describes him the best. He blew it up. You can see it in a lot of the young acts out there today who were influenced by you.”
In his acceptance, Brooks did shout-outs to Seger, Strait, Taylor and George Jones, to his business team, to his session instrumentalists, to his producers and to his fans. “Country music has the greatest and most loyal audience,” he said. Brooks concluded with a heartfelt homage to daughters Taylor, August and Allie, as well as to wife Trisha Yearwood.
The night’s performers, as well as all of the Hall of Famers, took the stage for the finale “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Bob Seger looked like he was having the time of his life. Seger, Smith, Brooks, Brenda Lee, Emmylou Harris and others passed the mic around for lead-vocal turns. Bass harmonizing Ray Walker monopolized one mic, as usual.
Finale performance during the Hall of Fame's Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Basking in the glow of one of the best Medallion ceremonies ever were Bob Doyle, Bobby Roberts, Bob Paxman, David Ross, David & Karen Conrad, Mike Milom, Mike Dungan, Tony Conway, Tony Brown, Ken Levitan, Ken Dudney, Kevin Lamb, Kay Clary, Kerry O’Neil, Bill Denny, Bill Gatzimos and our marvelous and ever-smiling, red-carpet, host-with-the-most Bill Cody.
Also grooving were John Ingrassia, John Lytle, Jimmy Capps, Jeff & Terri Walker, Ed Morris, Eddie Stubbs, Ray & Polly Edenton, Ernie & Jerry Williams, Steve Betts, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Rusty Jones, Randy Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, Rod Essig, Lane Brody, Lon Helton, Don Light, Storme Warren, Sarah Brosmer, Bruce Hinton, Victoria Shaw, Vernell Hackett, Frank Mull, Francis Guess, Perry Howard, Tom Roland, Leslie Tomasina, Pat Collins and Pat McCoy.
At the post-ceremony cocktail supper, we dined on succulent beef tenderloin and/or tender turkey breast slices with a variety of toppings, superb wilted lettuce salad, equally yummy deviled eggs, roasted veggies, a variety of delish cheesy pastas in martini glasses, dessert fruit tortes and pumpkin-mousse squares. Then off into the balmy fall night we departed, with our tummies, as well as our hearts and spirits, full.