(L-R): John Van Mol, chairman of the board, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation; Gregg Morton, President of AT&T of Tennessee and inductees Tony Arata, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry Henley and Kim Williams.
Chapter 408
On Sunday evening (10/7) at the Renaissance Hotel downtown, Tony Arata, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry Henley and Kim Williams took their places in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, while the late song publisher Donna Hilley was also honored.
Their inductions were accompanied by momentous news. On Thursday (10/4), Mayor Karl Dean announced that the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame will become the anchor attraction in the massive, new Music City Center. The Hall has been just a virtual entity for more than four decades.
“After 42 years, we’re finally going to build a Hall of Fame,” said Troy Tomlinson to the capacity hotel ballroom crowd. “Nashville will be the first city, anywhere, to house a songwriters hall of fame.” He entreated the attendees to make financial pledges toward the creation of the exhibit space. The facility will also include a songwriters’ plaza performance venue and entryway stone steps engraved with the name of each songwriter in the Hall plus a representative song title.
Tomlinson also recalled the late Frances Preston, who passed away on June 13. She was a presence at BMI for six decades, and the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award is named in her honor. “We were blessed to know her, and we miss our friend and our close confidante,” said Tomlinson.
This year’s recipient of the award is the late Donna Hilley of Sony/ATV-Tree publishing. Don Cook, Paul Worley and Kix Brooks honored her with heartfelt and telling anecdotes. Hilley’s three daughters accepted on her behalf. Hilley died on June 20.
Richard Leigh inducted Larry Henley into the Hall. Bekka Bramlett & Billy Burnette saluted Henley with soulful versions of the songwriter’s “Is It Still Over,” “Lizzie and the Rainman,” “He’s a Heartache” and “Til I Get it Right.” Trisha Yearwood sang “The Wind Beneath My Wings” for the tunesmith. “I’m about to cry,” responded Henley. “I fee like Susan Lucci.” Like the much Emmy-nominated TV soap star, Henley has been nominated for this honor many prior times. “This is a treasure to me,” Henley continued. “This is a blessing.”
Garth Brooks inducted Kim Williams, singing “New Way to Fly,” “Papa Loved Mama” and “Three Wooden Crosses” in his honor. “Looking backward, it looks like something planned it,” said Williams of his remarkable journey. “God planned it.” His saga includes a horrific East Tennessee industrial accident and multiple reconstructive surgeries. During his lengthy recuperation in Nashville, he began to write. Williams also overcame alcoholism, pain-pill addiction, narcolepsy and a nearly fatal automobile accident. “I dedicate this award to my wife, Phyllis, who has walked through fire for me,” he said. “She was there when my world turned to ashes and pain.”
Don Schlitz did the honors for his sometime song collaborator Mary Chapin Carpenter. “She has no idea the impact her songs have had on the Nashville songwriting community,” he said. Marc Cohn performed Carpenter’s anthemic “The Hard Way.” Yearwood returned to the stage to sing the Carpenter/Schlitz hit “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” “Songwriting has been the one constant in my life, since I was in the second grade,” said Carpenter. “This town is filled with songwriters who have inspired me and allowed me to stand on their shoulders. I am humbled beyond words.”
Pat Alger inducted fellow Georgia native Tony Arata. Accompanied by Jelly Roll Johnson, super vocalists Fred Knobloch and Pete Wasner sang the Arata songs “Here I Am,” “I’m Holding My Own,” “The Change” and “I Used to Worry.” I yearned for my favorite Arata song, “Handful of Dust,” but it was not to be. Brooks reappeared to cap the salute with “The Dance.” “This is a town where some of the most important chapters in the American songbook have been written,” said Arata. “We all come here with the same hope, that we might put something to paper worth remembering. Thank you for this evening, for the chance to share it with family and friends. It’s a sweet memory.”
The ballroom was awash with songwriting greats. Attending were such former Hall of Fame inductees as Jerry Foster, Jerry Chesnut, Roger Murrah, Roger Cook, Tom Shapiro, Thom Schuyler, Bobby Braddock, Bob DiPiero, Allen Reynolds, Allen Shamblin, Paul Overstreet and Kenny O’Dell. In addition to inductors Alger, Leigh, Brooks and Schlitz, the room also held Mark D. Sanders, Hugh Prestwood, Dennis Morgan, Whitey Shafer, Gary Burr, Mike Reid, Dickey Lee, Red Lane, Ted Harris, Kye Fleming, Phil Everly, Wayne Carson, Rory Bourke and Matraca Berg.
NSF board chairman John Van Mol welcomed the crowd and later thanked announcer Bill Cody, publicist Jenny Bohler, event director Mark Ford, production coordinator Erika Wollam Nichols, the rest of the NSF board and returning Gold Sponsor AT&T and its exec Gregg Morton.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International’s Bart Herbison and Lee Miller began the gala by presenting this year’s NSAI “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” as voted on by its membership. They were “A Woman Like You” by Phil Barton/Johnny Bulford/Jon Stone, “Better Than I Used to Be” by Ashley Gorley/Bryan Sampson, “Cost of Livin’” by Phillip Coleman/Ronnie Dunn, “Even If it Breaks Your Heart” by Will Hoge/Eric Paslay, “Fly Over States” by Michael Dulaney/Neil Thrasher, “Just Fishin’” by Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell/Ed Hill, “Red Solo Cup” by Brett & Jim Beavers/Brett & Brad Warren, “Springsteen” by Eric Church/Jeff Hyde/Ryan Tyndell and “You and Tequila” by Matraca Berg/Deana Carter.
Recording artists Church, Dunn and Hoge were not present. Neither was Song of the Year winner Dolly Parton, whose “I Will Always Love You” returned to the charts following Whitney Houston’s death this year. Dolly sent a video: “I will treasure this,” she said. “I will put it in my museum in Dollywood, but it will be near and dear to my heart.”
Also sending a video was Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner Taylor Swift. This was her fifth time in six years to claim this prize. “I’m blown away,” she said via video. “Thank you for doing that. Keep doing that. I am so happy. I’ll see you guys soon.”
Dallas Davidson won the NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year honor. His recent copyrights include “We Owned the Night,” “Just a Kiss,” “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” “I’m truly blessed to be the guy this year,” said Davidson. “I thank God.”
We dined on iceberg lettuce wedges with blue cheese and bacon crumbles, a main course of steak and mixed veggies or a ratatouille-and-cheese torte, with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
Attending fabulons included Tim Nichols, Tim Fink, Pat Collins, Pat Higdon, Mark Mason, Marc Beeson, Mark Miller, Melanie Howard, Perry Howard, Barry Walsh, Barry Coburn, John Briggs, Jon Vezner, John Beiter, Juan Contreras, Jim Rooney, Rep. Jim Cooper, Jenny Yates, Billy Yates, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bill Catino, Ron Cox, Ron Samuels, Dan Hill, Dan Ekback, Sherrill Blackman, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Roy Wunsch, Lee Roy Parnell, Joey + Rory, Raul Malo and Byron Hill.
“It’s like being at a family reunion with all the greatest songwriters in the world,” observed Pat Alger.
Spotted in the throng were Gretchen Peters, Kathy Louvin, Bernie Nelson, Larry Weiss, Brett Jones, Suzi Ragsdale, Bucky Wilkin, Corky O’Dell, Duane Eddy, Monty Holmes and Layng Martine Jr., not to mention Amy Kurland, Anita Hogan, Connie Bradley, Nancy Shapiro, Harry Chapman, Lisa Sutton, Dale Bobo, Gilles Godard, Harold Shedd, Sherod Robertson, David Maddox, Andrew Kintz, Wes Bulla, Holly Bell, Chuck Flood, Walter Campbell, Van Tucker, Mike Vaden, Scott Hendricks, Hank Adam Locklin, Diane Pearson, Dennis Lord, Jason Morris, Jewel Coburn, Jody Williams, Terry Wakefield, Bob Doyle and Pete Fisher.
MusicRowPics: Rosehill Artist Visit
/by FreemanTexas-based duo Rosehill, comprised of Blake Myers and Mitch McBain, stopped by MusicRow headquarters last week to preview a few songs for the staff.
The duo’s second album Crooked Thoughts, due out Oct. 30, was produced by Jay Clementi with Radney Foster serving as an executive producer. Performances included “Shotgun Out of Town,” “Go,” and current single “When the Flame Goes Out.” Both men joked that their wives were giving them a little grief over the amount of “leaving” songs on the record.
Rosehill has numerous dates scheduled through the end of the year. Visit their website to see more.
[slide]
New Performers Added to CMA Awards
/by FreemanPreviously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, and Zac Brown Band.
Chesney is a four-time Entertainer of the Year winner and is nominated for the title once again. If he wins, it will be the most wins by one artist in the category. Church picked up the most nominations of any artist in 2012, including Male Vocalist, Album of the Year (for Chief) and Single of the Year (for “Springsteen”). The Band Perry claimed three CMA Awards in 2011, and are once again nominated for Vocal Group of the Year. CMA Awards co-host Carrie Underwood is a three-time Female Vocalist winner who is nominated again in 2012. If she wins, she will be tied with Martina McBride for most wins in the category.
A full list of CMA Awards nominees is available here.
Bobby Karl Works The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductions
/by Bobby Karl(L-R): John Van Mol, chairman of the board, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation; Gregg Morton, President of AT&T of Tennessee and inductees Tony Arata, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry Henley and Kim Williams.
Chapter 408
On Sunday evening (10/7) at the Renaissance Hotel downtown, Tony Arata, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry Henley and Kim Williams took their places in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, while the late song publisher Donna Hilley was also honored.
Their inductions were accompanied by momentous news. On Thursday (10/4), Mayor Karl Dean announced that the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame will become the anchor attraction in the massive, new Music City Center. The Hall has been just a virtual entity for more than four decades.
“After 42 years, we’re finally going to build a Hall of Fame,” said Troy Tomlinson to the capacity hotel ballroom crowd. “Nashville will be the first city, anywhere, to house a songwriters hall of fame.” He entreated the attendees to make financial pledges toward the creation of the exhibit space. The facility will also include a songwriters’ plaza performance venue and entryway stone steps engraved with the name of each songwriter in the Hall plus a representative song title.
Tomlinson also recalled the late Frances Preston, who passed away on June 13. She was a presence at BMI for six decades, and the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award is named in her honor. “We were blessed to know her, and we miss our friend and our close confidante,” said Tomlinson.
This year’s recipient of the award is the late Donna Hilley of Sony/ATV-Tree publishing. Don Cook, Paul Worley and Kix Brooks honored her with heartfelt and telling anecdotes. Hilley’s three daughters accepted on her behalf. Hilley died on June 20.
Richard Leigh inducted Larry Henley into the Hall. Bekka Bramlett & Billy Burnette saluted Henley with soulful versions of the songwriter’s “Is It Still Over,” “Lizzie and the Rainman,” “He’s a Heartache” and “Til I Get it Right.” Trisha Yearwood sang “The Wind Beneath My Wings” for the tunesmith. “I’m about to cry,” responded Henley. “I fee like Susan Lucci.” Like the much Emmy-nominated TV soap star, Henley has been nominated for this honor many prior times. “This is a treasure to me,” Henley continued. “This is a blessing.”
Garth Brooks inducted Kim Williams, singing “New Way to Fly,” “Papa Loved Mama” and “Three Wooden Crosses” in his honor. “Looking backward, it looks like something planned it,” said Williams of his remarkable journey. “God planned it.” His saga includes a horrific East Tennessee industrial accident and multiple reconstructive surgeries. During his lengthy recuperation in Nashville, he began to write. Williams also overcame alcoholism, pain-pill addiction, narcolepsy and a nearly fatal automobile accident. “I dedicate this award to my wife, Phyllis, who has walked through fire for me,” he said. “She was there when my world turned to ashes and pain.”
Don Schlitz did the honors for his sometime song collaborator Mary Chapin Carpenter. “She has no idea the impact her songs have had on the Nashville songwriting community,” he said. Marc Cohn performed Carpenter’s anthemic “The Hard Way.” Yearwood returned to the stage to sing the Carpenter/Schlitz hit “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” “Songwriting has been the one constant in my life, since I was in the second grade,” said Carpenter. “This town is filled with songwriters who have inspired me and allowed me to stand on their shoulders. I am humbled beyond words.”
Pat Alger inducted fellow Georgia native Tony Arata. Accompanied by Jelly Roll Johnson, super vocalists Fred Knobloch and Pete Wasner sang the Arata songs “Here I Am,” “I’m Holding My Own,” “The Change” and “I Used to Worry.” I yearned for my favorite Arata song, “Handful of Dust,” but it was not to be. Brooks reappeared to cap the salute with “The Dance.” “This is a town where some of the most important chapters in the American songbook have been written,” said Arata. “We all come here with the same hope, that we might put something to paper worth remembering. Thank you for this evening, for the chance to share it with family and friends. It’s a sweet memory.”
The ballroom was awash with songwriting greats. Attending were such former Hall of Fame inductees as Jerry Foster, Jerry Chesnut, Roger Murrah, Roger Cook, Tom Shapiro, Thom Schuyler, Bobby Braddock, Bob DiPiero, Allen Reynolds, Allen Shamblin, Paul Overstreet and Kenny O’Dell. In addition to inductors Alger, Leigh, Brooks and Schlitz, the room also held Mark D. Sanders, Hugh Prestwood, Dennis Morgan, Whitey Shafer, Gary Burr, Mike Reid, Dickey Lee, Red Lane, Ted Harris, Kye Fleming, Phil Everly, Wayne Carson, Rory Bourke and Matraca Berg.
NSF board chairman John Van Mol welcomed the crowd and later thanked announcer Bill Cody, publicist Jenny Bohler, event director Mark Ford, production coordinator Erika Wollam Nichols, the rest of the NSF board and returning Gold Sponsor AT&T and its exec Gregg Morton.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International’s Bart Herbison and Lee Miller began the gala by presenting this year’s NSAI “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,” as voted on by its membership. They were “A Woman Like You” by Phil Barton/Johnny Bulford/Jon Stone, “Better Than I Used to Be” by Ashley Gorley/Bryan Sampson, “Cost of Livin’” by Phillip Coleman/Ronnie Dunn, “Even If it Breaks Your Heart” by Will Hoge/Eric Paslay, “Fly Over States” by Michael Dulaney/Neil Thrasher, “Just Fishin’” by Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell/Ed Hill, “Red Solo Cup” by Brett & Jim Beavers/Brett & Brad Warren, “Springsteen” by Eric Church/Jeff Hyde/Ryan Tyndell and “You and Tequila” by Matraca Berg/Deana Carter.
Recording artists Church, Dunn and Hoge were not present. Neither was Song of the Year winner Dolly Parton, whose “I Will Always Love You” returned to the charts following Whitney Houston’s death this year. Dolly sent a video: “I will treasure this,” she said. “I will put it in my museum in Dollywood, but it will be near and dear to my heart.”
Also sending a video was Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner Taylor Swift. This was her fifth time in six years to claim this prize. “I’m blown away,” she said via video. “Thank you for doing that. Keep doing that. I am so happy. I’ll see you guys soon.”
Dallas Davidson won the NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year honor. His recent copyrights include “We Owned the Night,” “Just a Kiss,” “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” “I’m truly blessed to be the guy this year,” said Davidson. “I thank God.”
We dined on iceberg lettuce wedges with blue cheese and bacon crumbles, a main course of steak and mixed veggies or a ratatouille-and-cheese torte, with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
Attending fabulons included Tim Nichols, Tim Fink, Pat Collins, Pat Higdon, Mark Mason, Marc Beeson, Mark Miller, Melanie Howard, Perry Howard, Barry Walsh, Barry Coburn, John Briggs, Jon Vezner, John Beiter, Juan Contreras, Jim Rooney, Rep. Jim Cooper, Jenny Yates, Billy Yates, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bill Catino, Ron Cox, Ron Samuels, Dan Hill, Dan Ekback, Sherrill Blackman, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Roy Wunsch, Lee Roy Parnell, Joey + Rory, Raul Malo and Byron Hill.
“It’s like being at a family reunion with all the greatest songwriters in the world,” observed Pat Alger.
Spotted in the throng were Gretchen Peters, Kathy Louvin, Bernie Nelson, Larry Weiss, Brett Jones, Suzi Ragsdale, Bucky Wilkin, Corky O’Dell, Duane Eddy, Monty Holmes and Layng Martine Jr., not to mention Amy Kurland, Anita Hogan, Connie Bradley, Nancy Shapiro, Harry Chapman, Lisa Sutton, Dale Bobo, Gilles Godard, Harold Shedd, Sherod Robertson, David Maddox, Andrew Kintz, Wes Bulla, Holly Bell, Chuck Flood, Walter Campbell, Van Tucker, Mike Vaden, Scott Hendricks, Hank Adam Locklin, Diane Pearson, Dennis Lord, Jason Morris, Jewel Coburn, Jody Williams, Terry Wakefield, Bob Doyle and Pete Fisher.
Music City Roots Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
/by Eric T. ParkerThe weekly live radio and web broadcast overseen by Havighurst, and Executive Producers Todd Mayo and John Walker, celebrates its third season when it debuts for the fall season on Wednesday (10/10). Barely changed in format, the show remains rooted in the premise that it generates excitement for the Americana, Folk and Roots music scene, whether the artists live here or are passing through. Organizers have used a clever combination of technology to achieve this goal.
Originally broadcast on WSM-AM, the live program changed hands after its first season to current partner, WRLT/Lightening 100. Now syndicated to roughly 20 national radio stations in addition to public radio, the program mingles legends with up-and-coming artists, sometimes unheard of even by aficionados of the genre.
Last month, Roots Radio launched as a free, mobile-friendly, continual stream of archived performances from live shows. Live HD video footage of the performances are available through Livestream musiccityroots.com, thanks to video director Jim Yockey, who has experience at PBS and TNN.
Additional avenues are being explored to bring programming to television. A recent deal includes a thirteen episode 1-hour series ordered by CMC Television in Australia, which begins in December 2012. To pair with the international exposure, the MCR’s production crew will travel to the country in early 2013 to record a program with Elizabeth Cook and co-host Jim Lauderdale. The trip will take place around the time of the Tamworth Music Festival.
“Our No. 1 export as a city is our musical culture,” said Mayo. “Our goal is to send it out in the best possible light, through every medium possible.”
It takes a full-time crew of 4-5 employees, together with 6-8 part-time, to run the show. They hosted and recorded the first-ever Americana Music Association pre-show for the September awards. Additionally, the crew broadcasted the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Awards for the first time in its history, and has begun producing the “Fiddle/Sticks” ongoing series expected in October.
“For years I have met people through Nashville who have great ideas with their heart in the right place, but it isn’t the most lucrative,” said Havighurst. “I’ve been knocked out by both [Walker and Mayo’s] passion to find ways to reach new people, and close deals for long-lasting sponsors.”
“We are thrilled to reach this milestone and are so excited about the days to come,” said Walker. “Todd Mayo and I had a vision from its inception, and in the three years since our first show, we found the warmth, support and participation we have received from sponsors, attendees and artists to be overwhelming and energizing.”
The 2012 season will feature upgrades to the Roots set, lighting and video production. As the third anniversary unfolds, audiences will be treated to emerging talent and musical legends, along with co-host Lauderdale and veteran Grand Ole Opry announcer Keith Bilbrey as emcee.
For information about shows, tickets, schedules, and sponsors, please visit: www.musiccityroots.com.
Show Dog and Universal Music Renew Agreement
/by Freeman“We are committed to expanding our creative investment in all areas of country music,” stated Mr. Dungan. “Show Dog-Universal Music is on solid ground, and is uniquely situated as one of the premier custom-shop labels in Nashville. With Toby and Mark at the helm, I’m confident that they will be able to expand the label even further.”
“We are extremely proud to be part of the Universal family and their commitment and belief speaks volumes at this time in the music business,” added SDU Music President, Mark Wright.
Since forming Show Dog-Universal Music in 2009, Keith and Wright have expanded the label’s roster to include Trace Adkins, Josh Thompson, JT Hodges, Joel Crouse, Rose Falcon, Jessie James, and Krystal Keith.
Kellie Pickler Finds New Label Home
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Fitzgerald Hartley's, Larry Fitzgerald; Black River's VP of A&R, Doug Johnson; Kellie Pickler; Black River's CEO, Gordon Kerr; Black River's GM, Greg McCarn
It was announced today (10/8) that Kellie Pickler has signed a recording contract with Black River Entertainment.
“From our initial meeting, it was clear to me how much the entire team respects the artists’ musical vision, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into the studio to record and release new music to country radio,” said Picker.
“Anyone who loves country music deserves to turn on their radio and hear Kellie Pickler,” said Doug Johnson, VP of A&R at Black River. “I am honored to have the opportunity to help share her music with the world.”
“She’s real, she adores her fans, she’s rooted in and committed to country music and she’s genuine,” praised Gordon Kerr, CEO of Black River Entertainment. “How can you ask for more than that?”
Pickler has spent the past 6 years with 19/BNA Records for whom she released three albums after appearing on American Idol. Her 2006 debut album, Small Town Girl, sold 800,000 copies and contained the breakout singles, “Red High Heels,” and “I Wonder.”
In 2008, the Albemarle, North Carolina native released her self-titled sophomore record featuring the Taylor Swift co-write and first Top 10, “Best Days of Your Life.”
Pickler co-wrote six of the 11 tracks on her current Frank Liddell and Luke Wooten-produced release, 100 Proof, which she is currently touring to support. She returns to co-host Anderson Live today (10/8) alongside Anderson Cooper, establishing herself as the only co-host to appear twice in history of the show.
Black River is also home to recording artists Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, Due West and Glen Templeton. The company operates the newly renovated Ronnie’s Place and Sound Stage recording studios, Black River Records, Black River Publishing and Black River Management.
For a full list of appearances by the singer, visit www.kelliepickler.com.
Lynda Weingartz Promoted at AirPlay Direct
/by Freeman“I am very proud to have been a contributor to the accomplishments of AirPlay Direct since joining the team,” said Weingartz. “And I look forward to all of the on-going challenges we will face as a company, as well as to the successes I expect in the future.”
In her over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Weingartz has worked in management, talent development, as well as content development for corporate entities such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, UPS and more.
Congratulate her here.
Aristo International Report Highlights CCMA Awards, Americana Week and More
/by Sarah SkatesClick to view the newsletter.
The AristoMedia Group has issued the October issue of its Aristo International Report. Highlights include:
• The 2012 CCMA Awards in Saskatoon
• Australian activities at the Americana Music Conference and Festival in Nashville
• A preview of next year’s CMC Rocks the Hunter festival lineup
• A look back at Lady Antebellum’s hugely successful world tour
• The CMA posthumously honors journalist Rineke Van Beek
• The British Country Music Award winners and Hall of Fame inductees
• Aristo Q&A with RGK Entertainment’s Ron Kitchener
• Photos from this year’s CCMA Awards and Americana Week
The company has been issuing this quarterly review of global activities since 2008. Please click to view the newsletter online at www.AristoMedia.com or download the pdf.
CMA Celebrates Country Music Month
/by Michelle(L-R) Mayor Dean, CMA Board Chairman Gary Overton, CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore, CMA President-Elect Ed Hardy Photo: Christian Bottorff/CMA
The Country Music industry and CMA are celebrating Country Music Month with events and activities designed to heighten awareness of the format leading up to Country Music’s Biggest Night, The 46th Annual CMA Awards, on Thursday, Nov. 1.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean issued a proclamation from the city citing the important role and meaningful impact of the Country music industry on Nashville’s economy and reputation as a center for the entertainment business and global tourism. Country Music Month was also recognized by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, who stated in the proclamation: “I Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as Country Music Month in Tennessee and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.”
As part of the Country Music month celebration, the popular CMA Songwriter Series will take place at Joe’s Bar in Chicago on Oct. 24 and Joe’s Pub in New York City on Oct. 25. Both shows feature feature Sunny Sweeney, Kendell Marvel, Leslie Satcher, and host Bob DiPiero.
The CMA Songwriters Series will also return to Nashville on Wednesday, Oct. 31 (9:00 PM/CT) at Marathon Music Works for a show featuring Kristian Bush, Brantley Gilbert, and host Bob DiPiero. For more information on the CMA Songwriters Series, visit CMAsongwritersseries.com.
“CMA’s mission is to advance Country Music around the world,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And Country Music Month is another tool for reaching consumers who embrace our artists and the format culminating with the live broadcast of the CMA Awards.”
CMA events and industry activities planned for the October include:
• Return of the CMA SRO Awards, honoring members of the touring industry, on Oct. 9
• CMA Songwriter Series events in Chicago (Oct. 24), New York (Oct. 25), and Nashville (Oct. 31)
• Private reception for the 2012 CMA Awards nominees
• CMA Channel for Country Music Month on iHeartRadio
• The 87th birthday celebration of the Grand Ole Opry
• Awards banquets for Nashville performing rights organizations
• CMA giveaways and more featured on CountryMusicMonth.com
Gene Higgins Announces Retirement
/by Freeman“It has been an incredible journey with a whole lot of blessings and satisfaction seeing what this organization has turned into today,” said Gene Higgins. “I would love to invite all the media, industry and friends to come share in this 20 year celebration and retirement ceremony.”
Gene will continue working with Power Source Music, which promotes songs that fit the organization’s motto of Faith, Family and Country.
A special farewell to Gene is planned for Sunday, October 14 at Cornerstone Church (726 W. Old Hickory Blvd., Madison, TN). The music begins at 6:45 pm with performers including T. Graham Brown, John Berry, Stella Parton, The Roys, Jeff Bates, and many more.
The organization’s 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family, & Country Awards are scheduled for Thursday, October 18. Tickets are available here.