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.
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.
Florida Georgia Line Reaches “Cruising” Altitude
/by FreemanAmazingly, this has all happened in advance of hitting critical mass on the monitored airplay country charts. How, you ask? Through a combination of aggressive touring and grassroots fan building in secondary/small radio markets. And of course, having a killer song is pretty critical as well.
For the uninitiated, Florida Georgia Line (FGL) is Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, who (you might have guessed) hail from Florida (Kelley) and Georgia (Hubbard). The pair met while studying at Belmont University and began writing songs together, playing local clubs when they could.
Kelley had been working on “Cruise” with his friends, Chase Rice and Jesse Rice (no relation), when he took a demo version to Hubbard and producer Joey Moi. The ensemble finished the tune and with Moi’s experienced hand guiding the recording, a hit-in-waiting was born.
“It was one of those songs that just happened—and we’re glad it did,” says FGL’s Kelley. “We knew we had something we loved but could never imagined it would be something like this.”
At the time, FGL was essentially operating as an independent through Big Loud Mountain, a partnership between Craig Wiseman’s Big Loud Shirt publishing enclave, manager Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, and Moi. Not having the major entertainment finances behind FGL meant the typical high dollar radio promotion push wasn’t in the cards, at least in the beginning. FGL’s day to day manager Seth England felt building from the ground up would be the right approach, citing as justification the massive costs and unrealistic expectations created by treating brand new artists like superstars.
“The problem with that is it leaves little room for natural growth with fans,” explains England.
The duo had already begun building a fan base through their busy touring schedule and wanted to continue the work they had started. That included visiting friends in radio and refining their stage performances.
“They wouldn’t take no for an answer,” recalls England. “We recognized that secondary radio was the perfect place to begin since we were independent. We made it a very serious focus and followed up in many markets with club shows, and treated those stations just like we treat major markets now. It was really intriguing what can be built in some of these secondary markets. In a way, we had some of these major markets surrounded with radio support, and hardcore fans, before we ever approached them with Republic Nashville.”
Helping to surround those markets with secondary airplay were veteran promotion representatives Rick Kelly, of Marco Promotions, and Jerry Duncan, of Jerry Duncan Promotions. Kelly says he and Duncan heard the music in demo form before its official release, and were immediately excited about the project. “They already seemed like a fully formed act,” says Kelly.
“I distinctly remember thinking they were an independent act with all the key ingredients: great songs, great singers, hard working, good looking, personable, and already touring,” adds Duncan. “All they needed was radio support.”
Kelly and Duncan sent the music out, and the early feedback from radio was very encouraging, with support from WXMM/Appleton, WI; SiriusXM; KBXB/Sikeston, MO; and more. FGL was also added to the lineup on the popular summer Country Throwdown Tour with Gary Allan, Rodney Atkins, and others.
“We did as many radio visits as we could possibly squeeze in during the Throwdown tour, and were able to impact a good cohort of stations in tour markets, and in transit to other dates,” says Kelly. “The song was really reactive for our stations. It was during this time that SiriusXM came on and started really supporting the record, which seemed to move the needle considerably.”
Touring has been the other critical component of the FGL success story. England and the Big Loud Mountain team approached Buddy Lee’s Kevin Neal, who helped build Jason Aldean’s career as well as that of touring warrior Colt Ford. FGL, England figured, had a lot in common with these artists.
“We felt like they had obvious commercial appeal but had an edge that these small clubs would eat up early on,” says England.
Thankfully, touring isn’t a chore for the duo, who love to be on the road and in front of enthusiastic crowds. “We get to make new friends, see new places and watch the effect music can have on people,” says FGL’s Kelley. “We also have a real brotherhood within our band and that makes it a blast.”
Wisely, FGL’s team recognized the importance of giving concert-going fans an opportunity to purchase the duo’s music at live dates. FGL released its debut EP, It’z Just What We Do, in May and had it ready to roll for the summer concert season.
“We wanted to have more music out than just ‘Cruise,’” notes England. “That can be a bit of a misstep with new artists just getting a record deal. You’ll see artists release a single and not have any physical music for fans to buy live.”
In July, FGL signed with Big Machine Label Group’s Republic Nashville. The label immediately ramped up the promotion efforts for “Cruise,” which had already sold 100,000 downloads independently.
“By the time the record hit major market radio in August, we were on about 80% of MusicRow stations, with about 14,000 spins to date on the single at that panel, and about 116,000 singles sold,” says Marco’s Rick Kelly.
“I’m not sure the Republic Nashville staff sleeps,” adds England. “They have jumped on board with our vision, didn’t ask to change a thing – they just wanted to blow it up, and they have. Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen have surrounded themselves with an incredible staff who deeply care about their artists.”
Blowing it up is exactly what is going on. Sales are already impressive, and yet “Cruise” still has some room to grow on the charts, considering it is only No. 12 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the MusicRow Chart.
Beyond that, Republic Nashville will release the duo’s debut album Here’s to the Good Times just in time for the holidays on Dec. 4. Beginning in 2013, FGL will be opening Luke Bryan’s headlining Dirt Road Diaries Tour.
It’s a crazy moment in time for the guys, but for FGL’s Kelley, it’s exactly what he wants. “Needless to say, our lives are a whirlwind right now, and we love it!”
MusicRowPics: Lucas Hoge Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaLucas Hoge visited MusicRow headquarters last week (10/16). Hoge, who is promoting his self-titled new album, played several songs, including his single “Do What makes You Feel Good.” The song is currently no. 54 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. He also shared “Should’ve Loved Her More,” a song that looks back on a failed marriage, and “Who’s Gonna Be There.”
Hoge hosts Animal Planet’s Last Chance Highway, a show that follows adopted dogs on their journey from the pound to their new homes. The show’s theme song was written by Hoge about one of the show’s rescued dogs.
For more information visit www.lucashoge.com.
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Brian D’Arcy Presented With CMA International Broadcaster Award
/by FreemanCMA Director of International Relations Bobbi Boyce (left) presents Brian D'Arcy with the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award.
Veteran Northern Ireland-based broadcaster and journalist Brian D’Arcy was presented with the CMA International Broadcaster Award during a recent visit to London. CMA Director of International Relations Bobbi Boyce made the presentation.
D’Arcy hosts a weekly show on BBC Radio Ulster and is also a frequent contributor to RTE Radio. Also known through Ireland as a priest, D’Arcy hosted a weekly inspirational show on BBC Radio 2 until recently.
A longtime supporter of Country music, D’Arcy has covered the CMA Awards every year since 1972. He has been writing professionally about Country music since 1967, and has authored 14 books, served as a newspaper columnist, and more.
“I was not just surprised but truly shocked to receive this prestigious Award,” said D’Arcy. “It is the most rewarding recognition I’ve had or will have, as a broadcaster. I’ve devoted my broadcasting career to the promotion of good Country Music because I believe in Country Music and its people. The Award will have place of pride in my life. I’m sincerely grateful to all who brought this about.”
Nokia Music Sets Sights on Nashville
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Theo Gupta/Nokia, Anthony Montenegro/Nokia, Henrik Bowadt/Nokia, Lila Gerson/Billboard, Maggi Demko/MAC Presents, George Couri/Triple 8 Management, Marcie Allen/Mac Presents, Mike Eli, Ray Waddell/Billboard, Chris Thompson, Elizabeth Mitchell/Nokia, Jon Jones, James Young
Nokia hosted a luncheon in the Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Friday afternoon (10/19) celebrating the launch of Nokia Music, a mobile streaming service exclusive on Nokia Lumia 900 and 710 handsets.
Currently available through AT&T, Nokia Music offers unlimited ad-free music on over 150 multi-genre playlists maintained by “expert US based musicologists” and artists themselves including Eli Young Band, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Ray, among others.
“Listeners also have the opportunity to scan personal music collections to build channels with similar and familiar tracks as well as recommendations,” said Anthony Montenegro, Nokia Music, Head of Americas. “You can cache up to four channels on the phone itself for offline listening.”
With a catalog of over 16 million tracks, the advertisement-free service requires no registration or subscription.
Friday’s event featured an acoustic set by Eli Young Band and was hosted by Billboard’s Ray Waddell. Nokia presented a $10,000 check to Musicians On Call, which is celebrating 5 years of service in Middle Tennessee.
“The support from Nokia Music will allow us to keep providing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in the healthcare facilities in Nashville,” said Scott Welch, Chairman of the Board at Musicians On Call. “We look forward to continuing collaborations with them.”
Consumers who already own the specific Lumia devices can download the Nokia Music app from Marketplace.
Bluegrass Pioneer Passes Away
/by Robert K OermannConnie Gately
Bluegrass headliner Connie Gately was laid to rest in Hermitage Memorial Gardens over the weekend.
The lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of Connie & Babe and The Backwoods Boys died on Monday, October 15. He was 83 years old. The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has identified Gately as a “bluegrass pioneer” and selected him for its oral-history program.
Born in St. Louis in 1929, he grew up in Middle Tennessee. Gately attended university at Lipscomb, Memphis State and Peabody, earning a masters degree while playing college baseball.
He formed The Backwoods Boys with guitarist/singer Babe Lofton (1929-1993) around 1952, when it debuted on disc on the Nashville independent label Republic Records. The core of the group also included banjo player Joe Drumright.
Gately and Drumwright served a brief stint as members of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys band in the late 1950s, but maintained their membership in Connie & Babe as well. Gately’s group recorded extensively for Starday Records in the late 1950s.
All of the Backwoods Boys also had careers outside of music. Writer Walt Saunders has speculated that this might be a reason why the group was able to survive for more than 40 years. Gately was in management at Aladdin Industries in Nashville for more than three decades.
Following a long hiatus from the studio, Connie & Babe and The Backwoods Boys resumed recording in 1992. Rounder Records issued the group’s comeback CD, Down the Road to Home, in 1995.
Among the band’s noteworthy performances were “Toil, Tears and Trouble,” “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” “Lonely Years,” “How Will the Flowers Bloom,” “Roll On Blues” and “Grave on the Rolling Hillside.” All of these were composed by Gately. His “Home Is Where the Heart Is” was later recorded by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman.
Gately’s son Fred Gately and Drumwright’s son Jody Drumwright have reportedly continued the group as Sons of the Backwoods.
Connie Gately is survived by his wife Bernita, son Fred and daughters Connie and Carol, as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, step-children and step-grandchildren. Services at the Hermitage Funeral Home and the burial were held on Saturday, October 20.
Katie Couric Special Features the Women of Country Music
/by Eric T. Parker“All Access Nashville with Katie Couric” will feature additional appearances from Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean and others who will contribute to the conversation about great female Country singers.
The one-hour special airs at 9 pm/ET. Watch a video preview of the show below.
Brittany Perlin Joins Dashboard Media
/by MichellePhoto: Chris Mastalia
Dashboard Media has announced the addition of Brittany Perlin in the role of Associate Publicist. Dashboard Media was officially launched in Oct. 2011 by publicist Natalie Kilgore.
“Brittany’s work ethic, passion for music and zest for life perfectly embodies the spirit of Dashboard Media and its artists,” says Natalie Kilgore, President of Dashboard Media. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a unique perspective to the team coupled with a natural instinct and drive that can’t be taught. She’s the perfect yin to my yang and to say I’m ‘over the moon’ to welcome her to the Dashboard Media team would be a vast understatement.”
Most recently the music booker at The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in Los Angeles, Perlin began her career as an intern at Cosmopolitan magazine in Santa Monica, CA, where she served for a full year while completing her degree at California State University–Dominguez Hills.
Perlin’s new role is effective immediately. Reach her at Brittany.Perlin@dashboardmedia.biz .
Little Big Town’s “Tornado” Storms Country Sales
/by Caitlin RantalaThe vocal group is set to perform on Live! With Kelly And Michael on Oct. 24 and on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars on Oct. 29. As previously announced, the band will also perform on the 46th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 1, where they are nominated for three awards – Vocal Group Of The Year, Single Of The Year and Video Of The Year for “Pontoon.”
For more information, visit www.littlebigtown.com.
Songwriter Ryan Beaver Inks With HoriPro
/by MichelleRyan Beaver has entered into an exclusive publishing agreement with HoriPro Entertainment Group, Inc. The Austin-based artist has been busy touring the South to promote his two independently released albums, Under the Neons and the most recent Constant.
“Ryan is the best artist/writer I have seen in years. It was a no-brainer for us to want to be involved with him,” says HoriPro’s Butch Baker. “Nobody sings like him, and he is a great young songwriter that completely gets it. He’ll be singing and writing for a long, long time.”
This is Beaver’s first publishing deal. “I’m glad to be part of such a great team and I’m looking forward to our future accomplishments together.”
(L-R): Bradley Collins (BMI), Butch Baker (HoriPro), Ryan Beaver, Jonathan Motley (Safford Motley PLC), Laura McKinley (Clover Management), Lee Krabel (HoriPro), Tim Stehli (HoriPro), and Clay Bradley (BMI)