Alan Jackson performs at LP Field. Photo: CMA
SUNDAY
Morning drizzle and showers cooled the temperature, but also thinned the crowds downtown on Sunday afternoon (6/10). The AT&T and Cisco Fan Fair Hall was the first to fold up its tent. But what a way to go: the dynamic bluegrass band Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out was on schedule to close out the Durango Acoustic Stage at 3:00 p.m.
I asked Manuel how his booth had fared. “It was our first year,” he replied. “We’re learning. We’ll try again next year.” I suggested, “Try small things, like bandanas.”
Before we leave this venue, I must give a shout-out to the street team working for Chris Young. Like last year, they covered the sidewalks outside the Hall with colorful chalk “CY” slogans. Also, his “Neon” cardboard fans were omnipresent at the Fest.
Hundreds poured out of the Convention Center and down the street to the Bud Light Bridgestone Stage. Charlie Worsham was supposed to be entertaining at the time, but wasn’t there. Angie Johnson, Robin Meade and The Hummingbirds were booked to close out this stage.
Volleyball at Hall of Fame park. Photo: CMA
At the Bic Soleil Bella Beach, long, lean Stephanie Quayle was laying down a very cool, groove-soaked sound. “I am so thrilled to be here,” she told the thin but enthusiastic audience. “This is my first CMA Music Festival performance.” She was, in fact, one of the best female “unknowns” I heard all weekend. The excellent Mustang Sally Band and Eric Lee Beddingfield were scheduled to be the finale acts at the Beach. Once again, a volunteer volleyball game was in full swing.
The Beach host was the first to thank the sound tech and stage crew who kept that stage running smoothly. One by one, each of the other venues did the same. In order to put on CMA Fest and Bonnaroo simultaneously, it takes not only every single member of the stage-hands union (IATSE) in Nashville, but those of Knoxville and Memphis and those of almost every Tennessee bordering state.
These are some hard-working folks. There are 16 hours of concerts at LP Field, alone, and at least 24 hours each at the Durango, Bridgestone, Beach and Hard Rock stages, and 30+ hours at Riverfront.
Over at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon (6/10), the store was full of last-minute shoppers. Indeed, all of the souvenir shops downtown were jammed and hopping.
Scotty McCreery with a fan. Photo: CMA
Officials estimate that each Fest registrant spends between $1,200 and $1,600 while in Nashville. That sounds low to me, but at $1,500 times 70,000, that is $105 million spent. Another official stat is that the attendees drop about $30 million in sales taxes.
Flynnville Train was tapped to close out the four days of music at the Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage. Nearby, Luke Bryan was amiably autographing as the finale attraction at The Lodge.
In Fan Alley, Hunt Brothers Pizza was still at it, dishing up free slices steadily, as before. Likewise, the free Blue Bell ice cream cups were still being dispensed in the Buckle zone.
Other free food at the Fest included the yummy grilled sausages on sticks presented at the corner of Broadway and 3rd Ave. by the History Channel to promote its “Cross Country Cookout” show and the free samples of Papa’s Italian Ice being doled out at Riverfront’s entrance. On Sunday, representatives of Edens Edge were passing out free candy sticks in the Buckle zone as well. Jack in the Box’s Jack Burger Truck was parked on Lower Broad giving away Jumbo Jack burgers. I’m not kidding: These were the full-size Real Deals.
Chad Freeman & The Red Line were rocking the Hard Rock’s stage, a little too loudly, I thought. Sunday fare scheduled there also included Erin Enderlin, Adam Sanders and Walker Hayes.
“It’s wonderful,” said Ed Salamon of the Fest. “It’s more music than you can possibly consume.”
The Chevrolet Riverfront Stage area was about 3/4 full, and the crowd was much less rowdy (give them a break, it was Sunday, after all). But Brett Eldredge was giving them an energetic show anyway.
Almost all of the many boaters on the Cumberland who had been behind this stage on Saturday, had vanished by late Sunday afternoon.
The Mavericks backstage at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
It began to drizzle around 3:45 p.m. and by 4:00, a light rain was falling. Stage-closing Wade Bowen and Lorrie Morgan and their “show-must-go-on” spirits prevailed.
By the way, ASCAP’s backstage hospitality at Riverfront was lovely. Where else at the Fest could you find something as healthy, hygienic and delish as individually packaged portions of hummus, pita bread, eggplant salsa and Tennessee trail mix?
By the time we hit LP Field (6/10), the skies were overcast but dry. The Mavericks kicked things off, complete with accordion and a horn section. Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson turned in a nice, acoustic mini set.
Then came Scotty McCreery. After winning at Wednesday’s CMT Awards, he returned home to North Carolina to graduate from high school on Thursday. Rushing back to Nashville to sing was all in a day’s work. During his senior year, he earned a Platinum Record for his debut CD, two Gold singles and two New Artist awards, in addition to pitching for his high school’s baseball team. He graduated with honors, by the way.
Dierks Bentley at the nighttime concerts at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
Host Evan Farmer next brought out Dierks Bentley, who fired ‘em up with “Am I the Only One” and “Sideways.” Then he brought out LBT’s Karen Fairchild to duet on “When You Gonna Come Around.” There was some question about whether Dierks would be there. His father died at the beginning of the week. Nevertheless, he gave the fans his all. Steel Magnolia, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson and Martina McBride ensued, bringing the fabulous Fest to its conclusion.
Relaxing and schmoozing in the CMA hospitality suite were Hank Adam Locklin, Debbie Miller & Bill Purcell, MusicRow’s Eric Parker, Melissa Maynard, Bill Deutsch (you vets might remember him from Sound 70; he’s now in the convention biz in Florida), John Dorris, Brandi Simms, Aaron Hartley and Horton Frank.
Attendee John Briggs has a cool new gig. He’s working with the new musical The Nutty Professor. It has its world premiere in Nashville at TPAC on July 24, prior to heading for Broadway. It is being directed by comedy immortal Jerry Lewis, who created the 1963 film of the same name. The book and lyrics are by Rupert Holmes (“Escape: The Pina Colada Song” to you pop fans, The Mystery of Edwin Drood to you musical-comedy nerds). Marvin Hamlisch (“The Entertainer”) is writing the music and conducting.
Here’s an important suite visitor: Bill Hagerty. He’s the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, the man primarily responsible for job creation in this state.
This year, fans came to CMA Music Festival from all 50 states and 23 foreign countries. They booked 110,000 hotel-room nights. That takes a lot of support staffing.
More than 400 artists participated. And they all have employees. So come and visit next year, too, Bill. We’ll be here. With jobs to do.
Fans pack the Riverfront concerts.
CMA Music Festival Attendance Up 9.2 Percent
/by Sarah SkatesLP Field during the nightly concerts on Friday, June 8 at the 2012 CMA Music Festival in Downtown Nashville. Photo: Bennett Farkas/CMA
CMA Music Festival set a new attendance record in 2012 with daily attendance topping 71,000 fans, a 9.2 percent increase over the 65,000 fans who attended last year. It was a sell out for the third consecutive year at LP Field.
The increase was attributed to expanded seating at LP Field for the nightly concerts, and mild temperatures that drove increased attendance in the free event and concert areas downtown.
“Third time’s the charm and to achieve a sell out for a third straight year and increase attendance says a lot about the strength of this event, the dedication of our fans, the support of our industry and local community, and the popularity of our music and artists,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
Carrie Underwood performs at LP Field on Friday, June 8 during the 2012 CMA Music Festival.Photo: John Russell/CMA
Attendance figures for 2012 include four-day ticket packages, promotional and single night tickets, as well as attendance in non-ticketed free areas and events. In all, more than 450 artists performed more than 200 hours of concerts.
Week-long mild temperatures in Nashville resulted in increased attendance in the numerous free areas including The Buckle, Fan Alley, public events, and concert venues. In fact, there was record attendance on Friday and Saturday at Chevrolet Riverfront Park with more than 25,000 fans attending the free concerts throughout each day.
“Eighty percent of our four-day ticket holders come from outside of Tennessee,” said Moore. “What we are seeing is gains with our locals who are coming out to support our free areas in increasing numbers.”
According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, the direct visitor spending generated by CMA Music Festival in 2011 was $30 million, a $6 million increase over 2010 making the Festival the top annual generator of tourist income in Nashville. And it appears that 2012 was a boon to business again. Figures for 2012 will be released by the NCVB at a later date.
Blake Shelton performs at LP Field on Friday, June 8. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA
CMA Music Festival benefits downtown businesses, but it also supports music education in Music City. The artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their exhaustive efforts, The CMA Foundation donates proceeds from the event to music education on the artists’ behalf through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program. To date, CMA has donated more than $6.1 million to the cause.
Corporate brand partnerships are a key element to the marketing, fan experience, and financial support of the Festival. Nearly 50 different brands, including longtime partner Chevrolet, participated in the CMA Music Festival generating a combined activation and consumer engagements of more than 1.25 million – an increase of nearly 40 percent over numbers for 2011 (900,000). These various engagement elements included product sampling, dedicated registrations and sales leads, as well as brand impressions.
“This year more than 15 new brands—including AT&T, BIC, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Emerald Coast Vacations, Jelly Belly, Jack in the Box, Cracker Barrel, Bad Boy Buggies, and Cabot Cheese—participated at the Festival with dynamic consumer activities,” said Sheri Warnke, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Festival attendees came from all 50 states and two dozen countries.
The ABC television special CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock will air Mon., Sept. 17 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET).
Tickets for 2013 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, are available now.
Brad Paisley Presented With CMA’s International Artist Achievement Award
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Steve Moore, Brad Paisley, Gary Overton
Brad Paisley was surprised with the Country Music Association’s International Artist Achievement Award at the backstage press conference before Paisley took the stage at LP Field on Thurs., June 7.
CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore presented the award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who contributes to the awareness and development of Country Music outside the United States.
Since 2000, Paisley has performed in Canada, Europe, and Japan. In 2010, he played in London for the first time and performed in front of two sold-out audiences at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire before traveling to Norway for the Notodden Musikk Festival. In 2011, he played a highly acclaimed show at the O2 Arena in London; three sold-out shows in Ireland; and four shows in Scandinavia where he performed in front of a combined total of more than 40,000 fans.
“Brad is an outstanding ambassador for Country Music around the globe,” said Moore. “CMA is proud to present him with our International Artist Achievement Award.”
Previous winners include Bellamy Brothers, Dierks Bentley, BR549, Brooks & Dunn, Dixie Chicks, Lonestar, The Mavericks, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, and Dwight Yoakam.
CMA Fest Fun: BMI Tailgate, HGTV Lodge, Ice Cream For Rocketown
/by Sarah SkatesThe BMI Tailgate Party stage at the 2012 CMA Music Festival hosted four nights of performances outside LP Field, prior to the nightly concerts. Brent Cobb and The Peach Pickers christened the new stage on its opening night.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Jody Williams, Brent Cobb, Peach Pickers Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins, and BMI’s Mark Mason
• • •
The HGTV Lodge at CMA Music Festival was a 2,400 square foot custom-built structure that offered interactive experiences, performances, and autograph signings. It was hosted by HGTV and sister networks GAC, DIY Network and Travel Channel. The air-conditioned building included a misting station, device-charging outlets and shaved ice treats celebrating DIY Network series The Vanilla Ice Project. Celebrity appearances included Rodney Atkins, Scotty McCreery, Gary Allan, Thompson Square, Lauren Alaina, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, rapper Vanilla Ice, HGTV’s Drew and Jonathan Scott (The Property Brothers), Amie and Joli Sykes (Junk Gypsies) and Chris Lambton (Going Yard).
Pictured (L-R): GAC GM/SVP Sarah Trahern, artist manager Greg Hill, HGTV President Burton Jablin, Rodney Atkins, GAC President Ed Hardy and GAC VP/Programming Suzanne Gordon
• • •
Rhonda Vincent, The Roys, Jason Crabb and Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton were among the celebrities handing out free ice cream at a charity event at CMA Music Fest. For every scoop of Moose Tracks ice cream served, its maker Denali Flavors donated $1 to Rocketown, a teen center started by Michael W. Smith. 10,000 scoops were served and $10,000 raised.
Pictured (L-R): WKRN’s Jennifer Johnson, Scott Hamilton, Predators mascot Gnash, Jason Crabb and Rhonda Vincent
Chesney Featured in ESPN SportsCenter Commercial
/by FreemanIn the clip, Chesney tries to ignore ESPN anchor Steve Levy’s attempts to join him at the popular table in the ESPN cafeteria. Seated with Chesney are Pistol Pete from Oklahoma State, Smokey from the University of Tennessee, Miles from the Denver Broncos, Hook ‘Em from the University of Texas and two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. The commercial was filmed at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. headquarters. Watch it here.
“I got to see a lot of the anchors I’ve become friends with over the years, a lot of the people who come to our shows,” said Chesney. “I love visiting the ESPN campus, and I love the relationships I have there.”
The second weekend of Chesney’s Brothers of the Sun tour with Tim McGraw played to nearly 100,000 fans in Dallas in Kansas City. Next up on Chesney’s itinerary is a Brothers of the Sun show in Philadelphia and the June 19 release of his new album Welcome To The Fish Bowl. Tickets and tour dates here.
Les Paul Auction Draws Nearly $5 Million
/by Sherod RobertsonLes Paul pictured with his 1951 Fender No-Caster which sold for $216,000 at auction.
Julien’s Auctions and the Les Paul Foundation held their auction of instruments, equipment, and artifacts owned by the legendary musician and inventor on Fri. and Sat. (6/8-6/9) in Beverly Hills, CA. The auction fetched nearly $5 million benefiting the charity which honors and shares the life, spirit and legacy of Les Paul by supporting music education, engineering and innovation, as well as, medical research.
Some of the auction’s notable highlights include a 1951 Fender No-Caster which sold for $216,000, a 1982 Gibson Les Paul that went for $180,000 and a wire and wood harmonica rack crafted by Les Paul as a child together with a vintage Hohner tremolo concert harp which yielded $59,375.
Other items included a recording mixing console ($106,250), a 1940s Epiphone Zephyr ($144,000), and a touring amp featured in his autobiography ($81,250). The memorabilia in the sale also included guitar schematics, tools and supplies, and hand-cut acoustic wall panels from one of his home recording studios.
As an inventor, he produced one of the first solid-body electric guitars, which went on to become the beloved Gibson Les Paul. He also pioneered new recording techniques, including commissioning the first 8-track tape recorder.
The sale concluded Saturday, on what would have been his 97th birthday.
Bobby Karl Works CMA Music Festival (Part 3)
/by Bobby KarlAlan Jackson performs at LP Field. Photo: CMA
SUNDAY
Morning drizzle and showers cooled the temperature, but also thinned the crowds downtown on Sunday afternoon (6/10). The AT&T and Cisco Fan Fair Hall was the first to fold up its tent. But what a way to go: the dynamic bluegrass band Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out was on schedule to close out the Durango Acoustic Stage at 3:00 p.m.
I asked Manuel how his booth had fared. “It was our first year,” he replied. “We’re learning. We’ll try again next year.” I suggested, “Try small things, like bandanas.”
Before we leave this venue, I must give a shout-out to the street team working for Chris Young. Like last year, they covered the sidewalks outside the Hall with colorful chalk “CY” slogans. Also, his “Neon” cardboard fans were omnipresent at the Fest.
Hundreds poured out of the Convention Center and down the street to the Bud Light Bridgestone Stage. Charlie Worsham was supposed to be entertaining at the time, but wasn’t there. Angie Johnson, Robin Meade and The Hummingbirds were booked to close out this stage.
Volleyball at Hall of Fame park. Photo: CMA
At the Bic Soleil Bella Beach, long, lean Stephanie Quayle was laying down a very cool, groove-soaked sound. “I am so thrilled to be here,” she told the thin but enthusiastic audience. “This is my first CMA Music Festival performance.” She was, in fact, one of the best female “unknowns” I heard all weekend. The excellent Mustang Sally Band and Eric Lee Beddingfield were scheduled to be the finale acts at the Beach. Once again, a volunteer volleyball game was in full swing.
The Beach host was the first to thank the sound tech and stage crew who kept that stage running smoothly. One by one, each of the other venues did the same. In order to put on CMA Fest and Bonnaroo simultaneously, it takes not only every single member of the stage-hands union (IATSE) in Nashville, but those of Knoxville and Memphis and those of almost every Tennessee bordering state.
These are some hard-working folks. There are 16 hours of concerts at LP Field, alone, and at least 24 hours each at the Durango, Bridgestone, Beach and Hard Rock stages, and 30+ hours at Riverfront.
Over at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon (6/10), the store was full of last-minute shoppers. Indeed, all of the souvenir shops downtown were jammed and hopping.
Scotty McCreery with a fan. Photo: CMA
Officials estimate that each Fest registrant spends between $1,200 and $1,600 while in Nashville. That sounds low to me, but at $1,500 times 70,000, that is $105 million spent. Another official stat is that the attendees drop about $30 million in sales taxes.
Flynnville Train was tapped to close out the four days of music at the Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage. Nearby, Luke Bryan was amiably autographing as the finale attraction at The Lodge.
In Fan Alley, Hunt Brothers Pizza was still at it, dishing up free slices steadily, as before. Likewise, the free Blue Bell ice cream cups were still being dispensed in the Buckle zone.
Other free food at the Fest included the yummy grilled sausages on sticks presented at the corner of Broadway and 3rd Ave. by the History Channel to promote its “Cross Country Cookout” show and the free samples of Papa’s Italian Ice being doled out at Riverfront’s entrance. On Sunday, representatives of Edens Edge were passing out free candy sticks in the Buckle zone as well. Jack in the Box’s Jack Burger Truck was parked on Lower Broad giving away Jumbo Jack burgers. I’m not kidding: These were the full-size Real Deals.
Chad Freeman & The Red Line were rocking the Hard Rock’s stage, a little too loudly, I thought. Sunday fare scheduled there also included Erin Enderlin, Adam Sanders and Walker Hayes.
“It’s wonderful,” said Ed Salamon of the Fest. “It’s more music than you can possibly consume.”
The Chevrolet Riverfront Stage area was about 3/4 full, and the crowd was much less rowdy (give them a break, it was Sunday, after all). But Brett Eldredge was giving them an energetic show anyway.
Almost all of the many boaters on the Cumberland who had been behind this stage on Saturday, had vanished by late Sunday afternoon.
The Mavericks backstage at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
It began to drizzle around 3:45 p.m. and by 4:00, a light rain was falling. Stage-closing Wade Bowen and Lorrie Morgan and their “show-must-go-on” spirits prevailed.
By the way, ASCAP’s backstage hospitality at Riverfront was lovely. Where else at the Fest could you find something as healthy, hygienic and delish as individually packaged portions of hummus, pita bread, eggplant salsa and Tennessee trail mix?
By the time we hit LP Field (6/10), the skies were overcast but dry. The Mavericks kicked things off, complete with accordion and a horn section. Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson turned in a nice, acoustic mini set.
Then came Scotty McCreery. After winning at Wednesday’s CMT Awards, he returned home to North Carolina to graduate from high school on Thursday. Rushing back to Nashville to sing was all in a day’s work. During his senior year, he earned a Platinum Record for his debut CD, two Gold singles and two New Artist awards, in addition to pitching for his high school’s baseball team. He graduated with honors, by the way.
Dierks Bentley at the nighttime concerts at LP Field. Photo: Alan Mayor
Host Evan Farmer next brought out Dierks Bentley, who fired ‘em up with “Am I the Only One” and “Sideways.” Then he brought out LBT’s Karen Fairchild to duet on “When You Gonna Come Around.” There was some question about whether Dierks would be there. His father died at the beginning of the week. Nevertheless, he gave the fans his all. Steel Magnolia, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson and Martina McBride ensued, bringing the fabulous Fest to its conclusion.
Relaxing and schmoozing in the CMA hospitality suite were Hank Adam Locklin, Debbie Miller & Bill Purcell, MusicRow’s Eric Parker, Melissa Maynard, Bill Deutsch (you vets might remember him from Sound 70; he’s now in the convention biz in Florida), John Dorris, Brandi Simms, Aaron Hartley and Horton Frank.
Attendee John Briggs has a cool new gig. He’s working with the new musical The Nutty Professor. It has its world premiere in Nashville at TPAC on July 24, prior to heading for Broadway. It is being directed by comedy immortal Jerry Lewis, who created the 1963 film of the same name. The book and lyrics are by Rupert Holmes (“Escape: The Pina Colada Song” to you pop fans, The Mystery of Edwin Drood to you musical-comedy nerds). Marvin Hamlisch (“The Entertainer”) is writing the music and conducting.
Here’s an important suite visitor: Bill Hagerty. He’s the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, the man primarily responsible for job creation in this state.
This year, fans came to CMA Music Festival from all 50 states and 23 foreign countries. They booked 110,000 hotel-room nights. That takes a lot of support staffing.
More than 400 artists participated. And they all have employees. So come and visit next year, too, Bill. We’ll be here. With jobs to do.
Fans pack the Riverfront concerts.
Creative Nation Announces Grand Opening, First Signing
/by FreemanLuke and Beth Laird
Songwriting and publishing power couple Luke and Beth Laird have announced the grand opening of their publishing and management company Creative Nation. The company will offer tailored deals for songwriters and producers in an effort to meet each individual’s needs. Creative Nation’s first signing is songwriter/producer Barry Dean.
“Luke and I both love music and are so excited to start this new business together to help elevate other songwriters and market them across multiple genres and platforms,” says Beth Laird. “I can’t think of two better songwriters to work with out of the gate. I feel so blessed to get to represent Luke and Barry Dean and look forward to new opportunities in the future.”
Barry Dean
Dean’s credits as a writer include the Martina McBride single “God’s Will” and Reba’s “Moving Oleta.” Dean also produced and co-wrote five songs with Lori McKenna for her acclaimed album Lorraine. Currently Dean has the Little Big Town single “Pontoon,” which is rapidly moving up the charts. Additionally he has cuts by Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, Jason Aldean and many more.
Luke Laird has co-written nine No. 1 singles in the last five years, including Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name,” Blake Shelton’s “Hillbilly Bone” and Eric Church’s “Drink In My Hand.” Beth Laird was most recently in writer/publishers for five years at BMI.
At launch, Creative Nation has over 15 cuts including the ConAgra “Child Hunger Ends Here” campaign theme performed by Jewel, Jay Sean, Owl City and Little Big Town.
More info here.
Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” Remixed
/by Freeman“Stand By Your Man” was chosen for the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2010, and remains Wynette’s signature recording. Audé transforms the song into a pulsing dance remix reminiscent of his work with superstars like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez and many more. Since 1996, he has had over 75 No. 1 Billboard Dance tracks.
“Stand By Your Man (Dave Aude Radio Remix) and “Stand By Your Man (Dave Aude Club Mix)” will be available for digital download June 15. Fletcher Foster and Darrell Brown served as executive producers on the project.
The new remixes are not Wynette’s first brush with dance music. In 1991, she sang on the hit “Justified and Ancient (Stand By the JAMs)” by English rave troublemakers The KLF. The song went on to hit No. 2 on Billboard’s Dance chart, No. 11 on the Hot 100, and hit No. 1 in 18 countries.
Craig Morgan Appears on Travel Channel, Supports USO
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Craig Morgan, Anthony Melchiorri (Hotel Impossible)
Craig Morgan is set to appear on Travel Channel’s new series Hotel Impossible, Mon., June 11 at 9 PM/CT. The upcoming episode features Morgan and hotel “fixer” Anthony Melchiorri attempting to revive Nashville’s historic Fiddler’s Inn.
For the episode, Melchiorri plans a surprise food truck competition judged by Morgan with an acoustic performance at the hotel.
This appearance adds to Morgan’s small screen resume as he appeared on Army Wives earlier this year and recently filmed a role on Rizzoli & Isles to air later this summer. His own show Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors enters its third season on the Outdoor Channel starting July 1.
• • • •
Morgan was out at CMA Music Festival last week collecting support for the Jack Daniels’ “Toast to the Troops” campaign. A supporter since it began in 2005, Morgan collected messages of support on Thursday (6/7) from fans in the CMA Fan Fair Hall.
“I’m more than happy to take a photo and sign anything my fans would like during the CMA Music Festival, but what I really want is for them to sign a message of support for our troops,” said Morgan. “We want them to know that they have our unconditional love and support.”
Volunteers will compile the ‘toast’ messages with items requested by servicemen and women serving overseas, such as prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen, disposable cameras and snacks as part of the June 18 ‘Stuffing Party’ hosted at Navy Pier Chicago. The event will conclude with a free and open-to-the public concert by Morgan at 7:00 PM on the East End Plaza of the Pier.
Morgan spent over 10 years of active duty in the Army and an additional nine years in the Army Reserves. He is a supporter of America’s military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award.
Since the first Toast to the Troops event at Fort Campbell, Jack Daniel’s and the USO have held 15 stuffing events across the country and sent more than 160,000 Operation USO Care Packages to our troops serving overseas.
Rocker Bob Welch Passes
/by Robert K OermannThe musician was best known for the big 1977-78 pop hits “Sentimental Lady” and “Ebony Eyes,” with the band Paris, and as a 1971-74 member of Fleetwood Mac. The Los Angeles native had been a Nashvillian since the 1990s.
The singer and guitarist first rose to prominence in Fleetwood Mac, but the band’s biggest hits occurred in the late 1970s after he left the group. Although he recorded the LPs Future Games (1971), Bare Trees (1972), Penguin (1973), Mystery to Me (1973) and Heroes are Hard to Find (1974) with Fleetwood Mac, he was not included in the lineup that was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Welch formed the British rock band Paris in 1976. During his subsequent solo career, he scored a top-10 hit with “Sentimental Lady” in 1977. Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham sang background vocals on the record. “Ebony Eyes” was a top-20 hit in 1978. Other charting singles included “Hot Love, Cold World” (1978), “Precious Love” (1979), “Church” (1979) and “Two to Do” (1981). Following a stint in Phoenix in the band Avenue M, Welch moved to Music City.
His albums while in Nashville included Looks at Bop (1999) and Live from the Roxy (2004).
In 1994, he filed suit against Fleetwood Mac for unpaid royalties. The case was settled out of court. Perhaps as a consequence, he was the only early member of the band not included in its Hall of Fame induction.
Bob Welch’s songs were recorded by Kenny Rogers, Sammy Hagar, The Pointer Sisters and others.
Police officers were called to his home on Thursday afternoon, June 7, after Welch’s wife Wendy discovered his body. He had been dealing with health issues in recent months. Doctors had reportedly told him following spinal surgery that he would not be recovering and would become an invalid.
Welch shot himself in the chest. According to The Tennessean, he left his wife a suicide letter explaining that he didn’t want to burden her with caring for him.
Longtime Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks told The Associated Press, “The death of Bob Welch is devastating. … I had many great times with him after Lindsey and I joined Fleetwood Mac. He was an amazing guitar player—he was funny, sweet—and he was smart. I am so very sorry for his family and for the family of Fleetwood Mac—so, so sad.”
The family is not planning a funeral service.