MusicRow is excited to share three essays from renowned songwriter Marcus Hummon, which are part of his larger collection, Letters to a Young Songwriter. Hummon’s best known hits include Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly,” Tim McGraw’s “One of These Days,” and Dixie Chicks’ “Ready to Run” and “Cowboy Take Me Away.” Hummon and co-writers Bobby Boyd and Jeff Hanna won a 2005 Grammy for Best Country Song for Rascal Flatts’ “Bless The Broken Road.”
by Marcus Hummon
Seven or eight years ago, I was asked to perform for an annual dinner celebrating Tennessee’s National Guard. There was a stage set in the midst of a huge convention ballroom. I was to perform with another songwriter-artist, a young man who had previously been a Navy Seal. There were over 700 men and women in dress blue uniforms eating and toasting beneath the chandeliers, and after dinner, during dessert and coffee we began the night’s entertainment. It was not lost on me that some of these soldiers would soon police the vicious streets of Iraq…some would not be returning home.
At these affairs you are expected to play “hits,” if you are fortunate enough to have them. So when it came my turn, I started with a song co-written with Darrell Scott and Sara Evans, and sung by Sara on her album of the same title. The song, “Born To Fly,” was used to introduce Vice President Dick Cheney in both the 2000 and 2004 Republican Conventions. The song went off well, but when it came around to me the next time, I decided to play one of my two Dixie Chick singles, “Cowboy Take Me Away.” As I rolled into the opening acoustic guitar arpeggio-riff, the majority of the crowd began to boo lustily! There was a smaller contingent cheering in response, but primarily the ballroom was filled with angry voices displaying displeasure at my choice of songs. I was in something like a state of shock, and uncertain whether or not to continue. I mean, I was actually being booed en masse…at a gig, by a crowd of American soldiers, no less! Just then, the songwriting Navy Seal to my left leaned into the microphone and said, defending me in this very tense moment, “It’s just a song!”
Now here’s the sick part.
Apart from the passions surrounding this moment, as I began to play my song, in open defiance of the booing, I was thinking, “what the hell does he mean, it’s only a song?!” Looking back on the moment, it doesn’t really bother me that the men and women in uniform chose to boo the song that Martie Maguire and I wrote, clearly demonstrating their dislike of the Dixie Chicks, and more specifically, the Chicks’ politics. I didn’t share this perspective back then or now, but I think it’s very exciting when people rise up and express their opinions in a free society. After all, before Natalie Maines was speaking about the President in England, I was out at a rally in Nashville’s Legislative Plaza, expressing my disagreement with our plans to invade Iraq. As American citizens we have a right to speak out in our country, even if one’s position is unpopular. Like most Americans, I’m all for freedom of speech.
But what the hell did he mean “it’s only a song”? Is a song really that meaningless? What’s so disposable about a song…isn’t it living poetry?!
I want to touch the earth/ I want to break it in my hands/ I want to grow something wild and unruly
As usual, I found my ego taking a leading role in the drama at hand. The beauty of the song is its lack of attachment to any particular position, movement, party affiliation, etc.
We are not necessarily concerned with our “time” when we are songwriting; more often than not, we are concerned with things that are timeless. Even a carefree ditty can capture something deep within the human experience; and it is this, our experience of being fully alive, fully present, that we seek.
The journey of the songwriter is about offering some small piece, a short movement in the symphony of our musical and lyrical times, and then, stepping away from it. Our anonymity keeps us honest.
Ricky Skaggs’ New Album is ‘Music To My Ears’
/by Eric T. ParkerThe 11-tracks were produced by Skaggs and Gordon Kennedy, with all-new songs and fresh takes on older Bluegrass standards including “Soldier’s Son,” co-written by and featuring Barry Gibb. Also on the album, is “Tennessee Stud,” a special tribute for the late Doc Watson; “New Jerusalem,” a new instrumental written by Skaggs; and “You Can’t Hurt Ham,” with lyrics inspired by Bill Monroe, co-written by Kennedy and Skaggs.
Music To My Ears is available for pre-order here.
Skaggs is set to be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame tonight (8/14) and will receive the Pioneer Award from the ACM on September 24. He has 14 Grammy Awards to his name and has release more than 30 albums.
Music To My Ears Track Listing:
1. Blue Night
2. Things In Life
3. You Can’t Hurt Ham
4. Music To My Ears
5. What You Are Waiting For
6. New Jerusalem
7. Soldier’s Son
8. Tennessee Stud – Tribute to Doc Watson
9. Loving You Too Well
10. You Are Something Else
11. Nothing Beats A Family
Snapshots (8/14/2012)
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Billy Swan, Jerry Chesnut, Dallas Frazier, Mac Davis and Museum Editor Michael Gray. Photo: Larry McCormack
The Country Music Hall of Fame presented Songs Fit for a King: Top Songwriters Remember Elvis on Saturday (8/11). Songwriters Jerry Chesnut, Mac Davis, Dallas Frazier and Billy Swan performed a selection recorded by Presley and discussed his influence on their lives and careers.
Producer Chips Moman will deliver an interview this upcoming Saturday (8/18), continuing the Celebrate the King Series.
••••
Pictured Above, L-R: Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry VP/GM and Maggie Rose
Maggie Rose made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage Friday, August 10 where she performed “Preacher’s Daughter” and closed with, “I Ain’t Your Mama.”
“My performance went by in a flash and I woke up the next morning still smiling,” said Rose. “It was a magical night for me.”
••••
(L-R): Philip Craighead, Mayor of Lebanon and Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Alex Torrez
The hometown Mayors of Lebanon and Wilson County proclaimed September 25 as Tracy Lawrence Day in Wilson County. Tracy Lawrence will be recognized for his philanthropy and charitable work, during the inaugural day celebration and Humanitarian Award Gala (9/25), at Legacy Farms in Lebanon, TN.
The open-to-the-public Gala will feature dinner, entertainment, special guests, and auction to benefit New Leash On Life, a charity for stray and abused animals. Tickets can be reserved by phone: 615-364-9082.
Artist Updates (8/14/12)
/by Freeman“The excitement and buzz for this show was through the roof since the day it was announced,” said Interim MetLife Stadium President Ron VanDeVeen. “We couldn’t imagine how last year’s ‘Goin’ Coastal’ show could be topped, but this truly was the biggest country show we’ve ever seen.”
The show included a special appearance by Grace Potter on the duet “You & Tequila,” as well as a full cast encore of Jackson Browne’s “Running on Empty.”
• • • •
Kellie Pickler will join celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Michael Symon, and Carla Hall, as well as style expert Clinton Kelly and health enthusiast Daphne Oz on ABC’s The Chew Thursday, August 16 to create some summer dishes with farm fresh fruits and veggies. The episode airs at 12 pm/CT.
(L-R): Carla Hall, Michael Symon, Kellie Pickler, Mario Batali, Daphne Oz and Clinton Kelly.
• • • •
(L-R): President Grand Ole Opry Group Steve Buchanan, Watkins, Buckley and Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. Photo: Chris Hollo, Hollophotographics for 2012 Grand Ole Opry.
A&M Octone Records’ Miss Willie Brown made their Grand Ole Opry Debut on Saturday (8/11). The duo, which consists of Kasey Buckley and Amanda Watkins, performed “Bonafide” and the ballad “Let Me In.” “I remember being a little girl and taking a tour of the Opry with my parents, so to be standing on that stage was beyond humbling for me. It was a moment I’ve dreamed about since I was 10 years old,” said Watkins.
• • • •
Nashville singer Etta Britt will appear on NBC’s The Today Show on Saturday, August 25. Britt’s new release Out of the Shadows gained national attention following a recent piece about the artist on The Huffington Post.
• • • •
Streamsound Records flagship artist Jaida Dreyer has released her new single “Confessions,” which is available today (8/14) at all digital retailers. The song was written by Dreyer with Angelo and Robert Ellis Orrall. Dreyer is currently working on her debut album with producer and Streamsound co-founder Byron Gallimore.
• • •
Following Exile’s recent appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, the band met up backstage with the members of Rascal Flatts, who were also performing. Exile recently released People Get Ready, its first studio album in 15 years.
CMA Promotes One, Hires Two
/by Sarah SkatesKeris Patton
The Country Music Association has announced the promotion of Melissa Maynard to Manager of Operations, and the additions of Staff Accountant Keris Patton and Membership and Balloting Assistant Brenden Oliver.
As Staff Accountant, Patton will perform a variety of accounting activities and assist with other Finance and Administration Department functions. She joins CMA from Rochford Realty and Construction Company where she served as Accountant and Property Manager. Patton’s accounting experiences also extends to Tyson Foods, Wright CPA Firm, Desoto Family Medical Center, and Property Assessment Services. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Brenden Oliver
“We are thrilled to have Keris join the Finance and Administration team at CMA and value the skills that she brings,” said CMA Sr. VP of Finance and Administration Amy Smartt. “Her broad work experiences and accounting education will make Keris a real asset to CMA.”
Oliver, a May 2012 Vanderbilt University graduate, will assist the Membership and Balloting Department with membership recruitment, applications, payment processing, and inquiries. He will also assist with CMA Awards, CMA Broadcast Awards, and Country Music Hall of Fame balloting. Oliver interned in that department as well as at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Aldredge Law.
Melissa Maynard
“Responding to the needs of our membership as well as maintaining the integrity of our Awards processes has always been vitally important for CMA,” said CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Balloting Brandi Simms. “With the addition of Brenden, our membership and balloting department is at full strength and we look forward to taking all of the member initiatives to the next level.”
Maynard was hired in 2006 as Administration Assistant. She was promoted to Administration Coordinator in 2009 and then to Operations and Administration Coordinator in 2011. In her new role as Operations Manager, she will primarily be responsible for all aspects of operations including CMA’s building and grounds maintenance as well as security. Maynard also organizes events to recognize and celebrate CMA staff successes
“Melissa demonstrated excellent design and management skills during the oversight of the recent remodeling of CMA’s atrium space,” said Smartt. “She has the keen ability to see what needs to be done and the creative ability to find a way to take care of it efficiently and cost effectively.”
McBride to Headline ‘Hymns Hams & Jams’ Benefit
/by FreemanThe Hymns, Hams & Jams concert, hosted by Storme Warren, will feature McBride as well as a live auction with songwriter Bob DiPiero. Auction items include tickets to the 2012 World Series, Garth Brooks and Sugarland autographed guitars, concert tickets, backstage VIP experiences and more. Proceeds benefit The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center, The Shalom Foundation’s medical program in Guatemala.
Tickets are $500 and available through The Shalom Foundation at 615-595-5811 or emailing abender@theshalomfoundation.org. More on the organization here.
Weblinks: Dick Clark Productions On Auction Block
/by Sarah Skates• Former UMPG chairman and CEO David Renzer has been tapped by private investment firm Saban Capital Group to serve as president of music ventures. Saban, which also has a television division, is looking into catalog purchases, and will focus on music for film and TV. Renzer told Billboard that the humongous operation resulting from Sony/ATV’s acquisition of EMI Music Publishing could leave some songwriters and catalogs neglected, providing the opportunity for smaller companies to court them away.
• The Hollywood Reporter unmasks a few superstars’ crazy concert rider requests here. Among the strangest: Cher’s need for her wigs to have their own dressing room, Kanye West’s insistance that his drivers wear 100 percent cotton, and Prince’s request for everything to be covered in plastic wrap.
• Finally, more close to home, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is open at 19th Ave. and Broadway. The joint, started by the owners of Cool Springs meat-and-three Bishop’s, also offers craft brews and traditional Southern fried chicken. More from the Nashville Post.
Kix Brooks Plans New Single, GMA Performance
/by Eric T. ParkerBrooks is also releasing his latest single “Bring It on Home,” which he co-wrote with Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson. The song impacts radio September 3.
“‘Bring It on Home’ is really about a guy just gettin’ back to what matters with love,” said Brooks. “All my life I’ve been running. When I met Barbara, I kind of had that feeling, because bein’ a musician and livin’ in bars, it was that point, meetin’ her, when, you know, it’s like, I think I may be ready to give up this lifestyle and try somethin’ that matters a little bit more.”
Fans can pre-order the self-produced 12-track collection here. Brooks co-wrote 9 titles, sharing production credits with Jay DeMarcus on the title track.
Hiatt Gets ‘Mystic’ With New Album
/by FreemanMystic Pinball was produced by Kevin “Caveman” Shirley (Aerosmith, Iron Maiden), who also produced Hiatt’s Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns. Musical contributors include Doug Lancio (guitar, mandolin, Dobro), Kenneth Blevins (drums/percussion), and Patrick O’Hearn (bass). A full tracklist is included below.
Hiatt has an extensive tour planned to support the release, including dates with Steve Earle, and a two night stay at New York’s City Winery. He also has a special performance scheduled September 14 at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom, during the Americana Music Association Festival & Conference.
Full tour info here.
Mystic Pinball track listing:
1. We’re Alright Now
2. Bite Marks
3. It All Comes Back Someday
4. Wood Chipper
5. My Business
6. I Just Don’t Know What To Say
7. I Know How To Lose You
8. You’re All The Reason I Need
9. One Of Them Damn Days
10. No Wicked Grin
11. Give It Up
12. Blues Can’t Even Find Me
Marcus Hummon’s Pilgrimage—Part 2
/by contributorby Marcus Hummon
Seven or eight years ago, I was asked to perform for an annual dinner celebrating Tennessee’s National Guard. There was a stage set in the midst of a huge convention ballroom. I was to perform with another songwriter-artist, a young man who had previously been a Navy Seal. There were over 700 men and women in dress blue uniforms eating and toasting beneath the chandeliers, and after dinner, during dessert and coffee we began the night’s entertainment. It was not lost on me that some of these soldiers would soon police the vicious streets of Iraq…some would not be returning home.
At these affairs you are expected to play “hits,” if you are fortunate enough to have them. So when it came my turn, I started with a song co-written with Darrell Scott and Sara Evans, and sung by Sara on her album of the same title. The song, “Born To Fly,” was used to introduce Vice President Dick Cheney in both the 2000 and 2004 Republican Conventions. The song went off well, but when it came around to me the next time, I decided to play one of my two Dixie Chick singles, “Cowboy Take Me Away.” As I rolled into the opening acoustic guitar arpeggio-riff, the majority of the crowd began to boo lustily! There was a smaller contingent cheering in response, but primarily the ballroom was filled with angry voices displaying displeasure at my choice of songs. I was in something like a state of shock, and uncertain whether or not to continue. I mean, I was actually being booed en masse…at a gig, by a crowd of American soldiers, no less! Just then, the songwriting Navy Seal to my left leaned into the microphone and said, defending me in this very tense moment, “It’s just a song!”
Now here’s the sick part.
Apart from the passions surrounding this moment, as I began to play my song, in open defiance of the booing, I was thinking, “what the hell does he mean, it’s only a song?!” Looking back on the moment, it doesn’t really bother me that the men and women in uniform chose to boo the song that Martie Maguire and I wrote, clearly demonstrating their dislike of the Dixie Chicks, and more specifically, the Chicks’ politics. I didn’t share this perspective back then or now, but I think it’s very exciting when people rise up and express their opinions in a free society. After all, before Natalie Maines was speaking about the President in England, I was out at a rally in Nashville’s Legislative Plaza, expressing my disagreement with our plans to invade Iraq. As American citizens we have a right to speak out in our country, even if one’s position is unpopular. Like most Americans, I’m all for freedom of speech.
But what the hell did he mean “it’s only a song”? Is a song really that meaningless? What’s so disposable about a song…isn’t it living poetry?!
I want to touch the earth/ I want to break it in my hands/ I want to grow something wild and unruly
As usual, I found my ego taking a leading role in the drama at hand. The beauty of the song is its lack of attachment to any particular position, movement, party affiliation, etc.
We are not necessarily concerned with our “time” when we are songwriting; more often than not, we are concerned with things that are timeless. Even a carefree ditty can capture something deep within the human experience; and it is this, our experience of being fully alive, fully present, that we seek.
The journey of the songwriter is about offering some small piece, a short movement in the symphony of our musical and lyrical times, and then, stepping away from it. Our anonymity keeps us honest.
Swift Announces Album, Debuts Single
/by Caitlin RantalaThe 16-track album includes her new single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” During the live chat, Swift took questions from audience members and Google+ Hangout participants. She dished that the album is full of co-writes, including a duet with Ed Sheeran which they co-wrote on a trampoline.
Swift went on to debut her new single, which she wrote with Max Martin and Shellback.
The single will be available today on iTunes and Google Play, and beginning tomorrow worldwide at all digital retail outlets.
“For the last two years, I’ve been working on an album called Red,” Taylor says. “I called it Red because of the tumultuous, crazy adventures in love and loss that it chronicles. In my mind, when you experience love that’s fast paced and out of control and mixes infatuation, jealousy, frustration, miscommunication, and all of those lovely emotions…in retrospect, it all looks red.”
Album pre-sale dates will be announced in the coming weeks.