(L-R): Honorees Mayor Karl Dean, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels and Randy Owen
Chapter 409
For the ninth presentation of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards, they tried a few new things. The Wednesday evening (10/17) event was held at the historic War Memorial Auditorium for the first time. Instead of a sit-down banquet, it was an outdoor cocktail supper on Legislative Plaza. Production values were notched up. War Memorial isn’t noted for its great acoustics, yet the music at this event sounded better than it ever has. In addition, the visual projections and video walls looked good.
Named for Leadership Music’s founding executive director, the awards recognize music industry figures who embody leadership and exemplify leading by example. This year’s honorees were Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels and Randy Owen. In addition, Mayor Karl Dean was presented with the Brian Williams Ambassador Award.
Leadership Music’s Debbie Schwartz Linn and Jeff Gregg welcomed the crowd, the latter noting that there are now more than 900 alumni and calling LM, “a truly unique and remarkable organization.” Debbie introduced our host, radio star Blair Garner, who will be a member of the 2013 Leadership Music class.
“It’s an honor to be with you tonight,” Blair said to Vince. “If Vince was needed, he would just say yes, and that was all there was to it,” Blair added. He listed just a few of the star’s MANY charitable endeavors.
Vince’s bandleader John Hobbs said that Vince is, “incredibly generous with his time, his talent and his heart.” Fiddler Kenny Sears mentioned Vince’s participation as a sideman in the country swing ensemble The Time Jumpers. “Vince insisted, I’m one in 11, no more, no less,” Kenny said. He continued, “I think Vince is one of the most generous men I know, no more, no less.”
With Dawn Sears on lead vocals, the band performed the Vince-penned ballad “The Faint of Heart.” Then Big Al Anderson rocked Vince’s “One More Last Chance.”
“Just with your presence and your humanity and your big heart, you made us all better people,” said Rodney Crowell. He then reminded the crowd of the star’s sense of humor. Rodney romped through “It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night (That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long).”
Vince’s daughter Jenny Gill and wife Amy Grant presented the award, a crystal vase. “Vince Gill, you are freakishly gifted in the creativity department,” said Amy. Jenny recalled how her father declined his first opportunity to play the Grand Ole Opry because it was on the same night he’d promised to back her on guitar in her first grade talent show.
“Do you know how many peanut M&Ms I can fit in this,” Vince quipped, accepting the vase. “A room together for a common cause is a night well spent,” he added, citing his fellow honorees. “Have a great night, and the M&Ms are on me.”
Blair introduced the house band. Keyboardist John Hobbs led Eddie Bayers, Paul Franklin, Brent Mason, Deanie Richardson, Michael Rhodes, Bobby Terry, Dawn Sears and Terry White. Debbie recognized the event’s sponsors and introduced Lori Badgett.
Lori talked of her late mentor, Brian Williams. Amy Grant presented the award named in Brian’s honor to the Mayor. “Brian built bridges,” noted Karl. “I’m flattered and humbled by this award….The cities that are going to succeed are the cities of education and the cities of creativity.”
I am told that the honorees were asked to keep their acceptance remarks to four minutes. Presenter Storme Warren evidently wasn’t given the same instruction. His lengthy remarks about his relationship with Charlie Daniels were followed by The Grascals performing “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Then Ronnie Dunn provided the night’s most electrifying vocal performance, “Mississippi.” A nine-voice armed-services chorale sang “How Great Thou Art.”
Tennessee Major General Max Haston presented Charlie’s honor. “I’ve had the ability to recognize leaders by their actions, rather than their words,” he said. “Charlie goes where our troops are.”
“Since I learned my first chords on the guitar, I have wanted to be a part of the music scene here in Nashville,” said Charlie. “We live in the greatest place in the world, the greatest music city. Thank you, Nashville. Thank you, everybody here tonight. Thank you, God.”
Blair returned to the stage, noting that Randy Owen has raised more than $400 million for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Longtime Alabama friend and colleague Greg Fowler spoke lovingly of his lifelong friend. David Nail performed Randy’s “Feels So Right.”
Little Big Town was up next. “You have no idea what an influence you have been on the four of us,” said the group’s Kimberly Schlapman to Randy. “It’s such an honor being here. We love you.” The group turned in a lovely, harmony-soaked rendition of “My Home’s in Alabama.” “I think the future of country bands is in good hands with those guys,” commented an appreciative Blair.
St. Jude’s exec Rick Shadyac presented the award. He’s the son of hospital founder, actor Danny Thomas. “It’s because of you, Randy, that no family pays St. Jude’s for anything,” Rick said. “You are the ‘Angel Among Us,’” he added, referencing one of Alabama’s finest songs.
A clean-shaven Randy took the stage to accept, noting that he also gives educational scholarships, among his charitable activities. “I’m just a country boy….I appreciate this….Thank you,” he said.
Recent cancer survivor Wade Hayes provided the evening’s finale, a moving rendition of “Angels Among Us” featuring many of the night’s performers, as well as St. Jude’s parents and children.
Taking it all in were Steve Gibson, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Steve Fishell & Tracy Gershon, Dennis Lord, Tom Lord, Teresa George, George Briner, John Slater, John Beiter, John Van Mol, previous honoree Tony Brown, Tony Conway, Deborah Evans Price, Debbie Carroll, Ron Samuels and Ron Cox, plus Fletcher Foster, Sarah Skates, Chase Cole, Karen Clark, Kevin Lamb, Kathleen & Tim O’Brien, Andrew Kintz, Kira Florita, Ken Paulson and Kay West.
Fabulous pal and fellow balcony attendee Jill Napier snagged me a program book from the downstairs celebration. The throng also included Joe & Phran Galante, Jeff Green, Jody Williams, Jay Frank, Suzanne Gordon, Sherod Robertson, newly short-haired Stacy Widelitz, Sandy & Chuck Neese, Chuck Flood, Liz Thiels, Lynn Morrow, Lisa Harless, Del Bryant, Dan Hill, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, David Corlew, Tim McFadden, Tom Baldrica, Bob & Leslie Tomasina DiPiero, Bo Thomas, Terry Hemmings and Rod Essig.
Our cocktail supper on the plaza was prepared by Daily Dish Catering, and it was far, far better than most hotel banquet meals I have had at such affairs. Buffet tables held a sampling of fruits and cheeses, delicious smoked gouda mac & cheese, roasted vegetables, shrimp & grits, pork tenderloin slices with varied toppings and pita or bread chips with hummus and/or pesto dips.
Inside the auditorium, Gaylord Hotel provided finger-licking good little desserts such as lemon squares, mini chocolate cakes, fruit-and-custard cups and cannolis.
Mingling and munching were Pat McMaken, Hank Adam Locklin, Nancy Shapiro, Woody Bomar, Craig Hayes, Holly Gleason, Randy Goodman, event manager Anita Hogan, Ben Payne, Wayne Halper, Bebe Evans, Paula Szeigis, Allison Jones, Marion Williams, Earle Simmons, Caroline Davis, Judi Turner and more.
Capitol Street Party Invades Broadway
/by FreemanLuke Bryan performs in downtown Nashville
Nashville’s lower Broadway was invaded by approximately 25,000 fans last night for the annual Capitol Street Party. It was the largest crowd to date in the event’s five year history, and the first time for it to be held downtown.
Luke Bryan headlined the concert, his fourth time to play it since the inaugural Street Party in 2007. Also performing were newcomers Kelleigh Bannen and Jon Pardi.
(L-R): Kelleigh Bannen, Capitol Records Nashville SVP Promotion Steve Hodges, COO Tom Becci, Luke Bryan, SVP Marketing Cindy Mabe, Jon Pardi
Bobby Karl Works The Dale Franklin Awards
/by Bobby Karl(L-R): Honorees Mayor Karl Dean, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels and Randy Owen
Chapter 409
For the ninth presentation of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Awards, they tried a few new things. The Wednesday evening (10/17) event was held at the historic War Memorial Auditorium for the first time. Instead of a sit-down banquet, it was an outdoor cocktail supper on Legislative Plaza. Production values were notched up. War Memorial isn’t noted for its great acoustics, yet the music at this event sounded better than it ever has. In addition, the visual projections and video walls looked good.
Named for Leadership Music’s founding executive director, the awards recognize music industry figures who embody leadership and exemplify leading by example. This year’s honorees were Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels and Randy Owen. In addition, Mayor Karl Dean was presented with the Brian Williams Ambassador Award.
Leadership Music’s Debbie Schwartz Linn and Jeff Gregg welcomed the crowd, the latter noting that there are now more than 900 alumni and calling LM, “a truly unique and remarkable organization.” Debbie introduced our host, radio star Blair Garner, who will be a member of the 2013 Leadership Music class.
“It’s an honor to be with you tonight,” Blair said to Vince. “If Vince was needed, he would just say yes, and that was all there was to it,” Blair added. He listed just a few of the star’s MANY charitable endeavors.
Vince’s bandleader John Hobbs said that Vince is, “incredibly generous with his time, his talent and his heart.” Fiddler Kenny Sears mentioned Vince’s participation as a sideman in the country swing ensemble The Time Jumpers. “Vince insisted, I’m one in 11, no more, no less,” Kenny said. He continued, “I think Vince is one of the most generous men I know, no more, no less.”
With Dawn Sears on lead vocals, the band performed the Vince-penned ballad “The Faint of Heart.” Then Big Al Anderson rocked Vince’s “One More Last Chance.”
“Just with your presence and your humanity and your big heart, you made us all better people,” said Rodney Crowell. He then reminded the crowd of the star’s sense of humor. Rodney romped through “It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night (That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long).”
Vince’s daughter Jenny Gill and wife Amy Grant presented the award, a crystal vase. “Vince Gill, you are freakishly gifted in the creativity department,” said Amy. Jenny recalled how her father declined his first opportunity to play the Grand Ole Opry because it was on the same night he’d promised to back her on guitar in her first grade talent show.
“Do you know how many peanut M&Ms I can fit in this,” Vince quipped, accepting the vase. “A room together for a common cause is a night well spent,” he added, citing his fellow honorees. “Have a great night, and the M&Ms are on me.”
Blair introduced the house band. Keyboardist John Hobbs led Eddie Bayers, Paul Franklin, Brent Mason, Deanie Richardson, Michael Rhodes, Bobby Terry, Dawn Sears and Terry White. Debbie recognized the event’s sponsors and introduced Lori Badgett.
Lori talked of her late mentor, Brian Williams. Amy Grant presented the award named in Brian’s honor to the Mayor. “Brian built bridges,” noted Karl. “I’m flattered and humbled by this award….The cities that are going to succeed are the cities of education and the cities of creativity.”
I am told that the honorees were asked to keep their acceptance remarks to four minutes. Presenter Storme Warren evidently wasn’t given the same instruction. His lengthy remarks about his relationship with Charlie Daniels were followed by The Grascals performing “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Then Ronnie Dunn provided the night’s most electrifying vocal performance, “Mississippi.” A nine-voice armed-services chorale sang “How Great Thou Art.”
Tennessee Major General Max Haston presented Charlie’s honor. “I’ve had the ability to recognize leaders by their actions, rather than their words,” he said. “Charlie goes where our troops are.”
“Since I learned my first chords on the guitar, I have wanted to be a part of the music scene here in Nashville,” said Charlie. “We live in the greatest place in the world, the greatest music city. Thank you, Nashville. Thank you, everybody here tonight. Thank you, God.”
Blair returned to the stage, noting that Randy Owen has raised more than $400 million for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Longtime Alabama friend and colleague Greg Fowler spoke lovingly of his lifelong friend. David Nail performed Randy’s “Feels So Right.”
Little Big Town was up next. “You have no idea what an influence you have been on the four of us,” said the group’s Kimberly Schlapman to Randy. “It’s such an honor being here. We love you.” The group turned in a lovely, harmony-soaked rendition of “My Home’s in Alabama.” “I think the future of country bands is in good hands with those guys,” commented an appreciative Blair.
St. Jude’s exec Rick Shadyac presented the award. He’s the son of hospital founder, actor Danny Thomas. “It’s because of you, Randy, that no family pays St. Jude’s for anything,” Rick said. “You are the ‘Angel Among Us,’” he added, referencing one of Alabama’s finest songs.
A clean-shaven Randy took the stage to accept, noting that he also gives educational scholarships, among his charitable activities. “I’m just a country boy….I appreciate this….Thank you,” he said.
Recent cancer survivor Wade Hayes provided the evening’s finale, a moving rendition of “Angels Among Us” featuring many of the night’s performers, as well as St. Jude’s parents and children.
Taking it all in were Steve Gibson, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Steve Fishell & Tracy Gershon, Dennis Lord, Tom Lord, Teresa George, George Briner, John Slater, John Beiter, John Van Mol, previous honoree Tony Brown, Tony Conway, Deborah Evans Price, Debbie Carroll, Ron Samuels and Ron Cox, plus Fletcher Foster, Sarah Skates, Chase Cole, Karen Clark, Kevin Lamb, Kathleen & Tim O’Brien, Andrew Kintz, Kira Florita, Ken Paulson and Kay West.
Fabulous pal and fellow balcony attendee Jill Napier snagged me a program book from the downstairs celebration. The throng also included Joe & Phran Galante, Jeff Green, Jody Williams, Jay Frank, Suzanne Gordon, Sherod Robertson, newly short-haired Stacy Widelitz, Sandy & Chuck Neese, Chuck Flood, Liz Thiels, Lynn Morrow, Lisa Harless, Del Bryant, Dan Hill, Doug & Linda Edell Howard, David Corlew, Tim McFadden, Tom Baldrica, Bob & Leslie Tomasina DiPiero, Bo Thomas, Terry Hemmings and Rod Essig.
Our cocktail supper on the plaza was prepared by Daily Dish Catering, and it was far, far better than most hotel banquet meals I have had at such affairs. Buffet tables held a sampling of fruits and cheeses, delicious smoked gouda mac & cheese, roasted vegetables, shrimp & grits, pork tenderloin slices with varied toppings and pita or bread chips with hummus and/or pesto dips.
Inside the auditorium, Gaylord Hotel provided finger-licking good little desserts such as lemon squares, mini chocolate cakes, fruit-and-custard cups and cannolis.
Mingling and munching were Pat McMaken, Hank Adam Locklin, Nancy Shapiro, Woody Bomar, Craig Hayes, Holly Gleason, Randy Goodman, event manager Anita Hogan, Ben Payne, Wayne Halper, Bebe Evans, Paula Szeigis, Allison Jones, Marion Williams, Earle Simmons, Caroline Davis, Judi Turner and more.
Parallel Entertainment Adds New Management Client
/by Caitlin Rantala“At such a young age, Kayla has proven herself a talented singer and songwriter,” said C.T. Wyatt, manager for Parallel Entertainment. “We’re honored to be with Kayla at the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career.”
Conn recently finished shooting her first music video for her new iTunes release, “Memory For Two.” The song, dedicated to her grandparents, raises awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. “Memory For Two” was co-written with Brian White and Karyn Williams and produced by Blake Bollinger. Bollinger is also co-writing and developing Conn’s upcoming project.
Full Circle Music Publishing Inks New Writer
/by MichelleSongwriter Tommy Cecil has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Full Circle Music Publishing. Cecil, a Bardstown, KY native, has had recent cuts by Colt Ford, Billy Dean and J.B. and the Moonshine Band. Some of the recent hits in Full Circle’s catalog include Jason Aldean’s “Fly Over States,” Brad Paisley’s “Old Alabama” and “Anything Like Me,” Kenny Chesney’s “The Boys of Fall,” and Craig Morgan’s “This Ain’t Nothin’.”
(L-R): Brad Kennard (Vice President, Full Circle Music), Cecil, Michael Hollandsworth (Owner, Full Circle Music), and Noah McPike (Almon Law, PLLC).
SESAC Nashville Music Awards Names Performers
/by FreemanPerformers at the annual invitation-only gala include chart-topping artists Lee Brice and Thompson Square, who will perform their hit songs being honored. Songwriter Monty Powell will join retired Special Operations Forces officer Mike Vaughn on a performance of Keith Urban’s hit “For You,” which was featured in the film Act of Valor.
Additionally, Americana favorites The Avett Brothers will be honored with a special “Summit Award” recognizing the band’s rapid ascent to popularity and eclectic musical style. Group member Seth Avett will be present to perform and accept the honor.
As previously announced, the SESAC Nashville Music Awards will also feature a tribute to the Bluebird Cafe as part of the legendary venue’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Ru-dy! Ru-dy! Ru-dy!
/by Sherod Robertson(L-R): Regions Bank Sr. VP Lisa Harless; Rudy Ruettiger; MR Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Bev Moser
Regions Bank hosted a meet and greet luncheon earlier this month for members of the industry to shake hands with Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger.
Rudy is best known as the former football player for the University of Notre Dame and the inspiration for the motion picture Rudy. The movie chronicles how Rudy overcame obstacles and rejection to achieve his dream of playing for the legendary team.
At the event guests enjoyed chatting one on one with Rudy and received autographed copies of his book, Rudy: My Story. The soiree, led by Regions Sr. VP, Entertainment & Sports Division Lisa Harless, was held at the bank’s Nashville office on Division Street. Rudy is currently on a tour promoting the new book which details the inspiration behind the film.
I confess, there were others in that room that knew more about Rudy’s story than I did, but on that day it didn’t matter. From our initial handshake I was inspired by his presence. I suddenly had the urge to go out and do something great. Some people are described as “lighting up a room” when they enter, but Rudy opens floodgates of inspiration like few others.
Photo: Bev Moser
Rudy continued sharing stories during lunch in the bank conference room. “When God’s plan works, it’s powerful,” he told the crowd. “At the same time, we know that plan is not about football and it’s not about Notre Dame. We use football as a metaphor, of course, and Notre Dame as the canvas.”
Rudy has shared many experiences with attorney Rusty Jones, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Rudy Foundation’s Board of Directors. “One of the greatest experiences I had was walking down the tunnel of the Tennessee game with Rusty Jones,” said Rudy. “As we were walking, I turned to Rusty and said, ‘you alright brother?’ and Rusty said, ‘This is the greatest moment of my life, Rudy.'”
Rudy’s many interesting stories included how he met Rusty, the time he was kicked off the field at a USC game, and how his tour of the Pentagon was interrupted by a call from the President to the Commodore guiding his visit.
“In the struggles God gives us, there’s a blessing,” Rudy continued. “You’ve got to recognize it so you can pass it on to help people. It’s all about getting hit hard and coming back.” He shared his belief of hard work over entitlement, the importance of respect, and his love for Country Music, noting the mutual respect among members of our industry.
He was quick to point out that he is inspired by stories of people overcoming obstacles, whether it’s about a Country singer or an athlete. “My dad always inspired me and here’s why,” he said. “Not because he was a great achiever in monetary means but because he was a great achiever in life.
“We have a great country. We are not going to fail. This country is not going to go down the tubes like they say. We have some major issues but we always come back because the American Dream is real.”
Now, that’s a dose of Rudy we all needed to hear.
(L-R): Vice Chairman of the Rudy Foundation Board Rusty Jones, and Rudy Ruettiger. Photo: Bev Moser
Martina Performs For Musicians On Call
/by MichelleMartina McBride Photo: Randee St. Nicholas
Martina McBride will be performing at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville on Nov. 16 to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Musicians On Call’s (MOC) committed service to Music City.
Tickets are now available with prices starting at $75 for general admission. Limited VIP packages, which include a meet and greet with McBride, are also available for purchase. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Nashville branch of MOC.
“I’m proud to be able to help raise money for this amazing organization,” adds McBride. “The fact that MOC takes music, with all its healing and uplifting power, directly to the people who need it most is so touching to me.” She explains, “As musicians, all we want to do is have our music heard and used to inspire or bring a smile. MOC has figured out the perfect way to do just that.”
For more information on MOC and the fifth anniversary celebration with Martina McBride, please visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org.
MusicRowPics: Lizzie Sider Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaUp-and-coming artist Lizzie Sider visited MusicRow headquarters on Monday (10/15) before heading back home to Florida.
The high school freshman shared her current single “Butterfly,” which is at radio now. She wrote the song after being bullied in school. “My dad used to tell me, ‘No one has the power to ruin your day,'” Sider said, “It took me a little while to understand what he meant by that.”
She also played “How ‘Bout You” and “Souvenir.” All three songs were co-written with Jamie O’Neal.
For more information visit lizziesider.com.
[slide]
Joanna Smith Shoots Video; Blue Sky Riders At Franklin Theatre
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Director Ry Cox and Joanna Smith
RCA Records artist Joanna Smith spent a rainy Friday in scenic downtown Franklin, Tenn. recently shooting a music video for her debut RCA single “We Can’t Be Friends,” from her Be What It Wants To Be EP. The clip follows Smith as she runs into her old flame and deals with the heartache of knowing it’s time to move on. Directed by Ry Cox and produced by April Dace for Revolution Pictures, the video will hit airwaves next month.
• • •
Blue Sky Riders
Blue Sky Riders (Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr) will perform a two-night stand near Nashville at the Franklin Theatre on Nov. 16 and 17. The shows will benefit NSAI. Tickets here.
For local fans who can’t wait until next month, BSR will livestream a performance from Santa Barbara, CA on Thurs., Oct. 18 at 5 PM PST. The concert can be viewed on Stageit.com or via the Blue Sky Riders Facebook page. The trio will perform songs from its upcoming album, Finally Home, which is scheduled for release Jan. 22, 2013.
Select singles from the album are available on iTunes along with the Live At The Rutledge EP. Blue Sky Riders recently completed a 14-city national tour, including a five night residency in New York.
On The Cover: Brad Paisley (Oct./Nov. 2012)
/by Caitlin RantalaArtist Name: Brad Paisley
Label: Arista Nashville
Current Album: New album “yet to be titled” due out April 9
Current Single: “Southern Comfort Zone,” written by Paisley, Chris DuBois and Kelley Lovelace
Hometown: Glen Dale, West Virginia
Management: Bill Simmons, Fitzgerald-Hartley
Booking: William Morris Endeavor
Recent Hits: With 20 No. 1 singles to his credit, Brad’s most recent hits are “Remind Me” duet with Carrie Underwood, “Old Alabama” and “This Is Country Music.”
Awards: 14 CMA Awards (including 2010 Entertainer of the Year), 14 ACM Awards (including 5 consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year) and 3 Grammys.
RIAA certs to date: With career sales over 12 million albums worldwide, Brad’s double-Platinum certifications include Time Well Wasted and Mud On The Tires.
Touring: Brad is currently headlining his Virtual Reality World Tour with special guests The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery.
Special TV/Film Appearances: For the fifth consecutive year, Brad will co-host the The 46th Annual CMA Awards on November 1 on ABC with label mate Carrie Underwood.
Birthday: October 28