Frances Preston in 2007. Photo: Richard Patire
Visitation for family, friends and colleagues will be held Sun., June 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where Mrs. Preston will lie in repose in the Rotunda.
A private funeral will take place at First Lutheran Church, with a private graveside service and burial to follow at Nashville’s Landmark Spring Hill Cemetery.
Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery (5110 Gallatin Road, 615-865-1101) is handling the arrangements.
Active pallbearers will be Tom Annastas, Devoran Atwood, Fred Cannon, Dennis DiTraglia, Buckland Farnor, Dr. David Hansen, Bobby Kelley, Stan Moress, Roger Sovine and Harry Warner. Honorary pallbearers are Phil Graham, Mike O’Neill, Alison Smith, Faye Smith and Jody Williams.
Memorial contributions may be made to the T. J. Martell Foundation (15 Music Sq. W.,
Nashville, TN 37203, 615-256-2002); or the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (2301 Vanderbilt Place, c/o Gifts Processing PMB 407727, Nashville, TN 37240-7727, 615-936-0233).
• • • • •
Legendary music executive Frances Williams Preston died June 13, at 4 a.m. She passed peacefully at home from congestive heart failure. She was 83.
Preston served as President and CEO of BMI from 1986 until 2004. She founded the company’s Nashville office, initially working from her parent’s home as a young woman. That led to a six-decade career with the performing rights organization, where she headed Nashville operations and later served as president of the company headquartered in New York. Preston retired from BMI in 2004 and returned to Nashville full time in 2007.
Del Bryant, BMI’s current President & CEO, says, “Frances Williams Preston was a force of nature. She was smart, beautiful, tenacious, and generous. She put BMI on the culture map and shaped the careers of many—especially mine. Though we mourn the loss of a great leader and friend, she lives on through a legacy that is literally set in stone. The BMI Nashville building and her wing at Vanderbilt Hospital and are two monuments that were erected by her and stand in tribute to her passion and drive for those she loved. God speed, dear friend.”
She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, and later became a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.
Born in Nashville on August 27, 1928, Frances Williams began her career as a receptionist at WSM, Nashville’s iconic radio station. She rose quickly through the station’s ranks, eventually hosting her own fashion show on air.
According to a recent article by Kay West in the Nashville City Paper, Preston was in college studying to become a teacher when she took a summer job with National Life Insurance, owner of WSM and the Grand Ole Opry. She went on to become the radio station’s receptionist. Through that role she met Bob Burton, Senior VP of BMI in New York, during his frequent business trips to Nashville, and he tapped her in 1958 to open the organization’s Southern regional office.
By 1964 she had elevated to Vice President. BMI’s vital base of operations in Nashville helped pave the way for the city’s future as the world’s most important center for professional songwriting. In 1985, she rose to Senior Vice President, Performing Rights, and was named President and CEO the following year.
According to Jody Williams, BMI, VP Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, “Frances Preston helped shape the music business ecosystem through her profound respect for songwriters and mentorship of several generations of executives. She is without a doubt the single most important figure responsible for making Nashville ‘Music City.'”
She was the first female executive on Nashville’s fledgling Music Row, joining BMI shortly before her friend, Jo Walker-Meador, was named to lead the Country Music Association. Preston became the first woman to serve as board chairman of the CMA. She was reportedly the first female corporate executive in Tennessee. She continued paving the way for women throughout her life. Preston was the first non-performing woman invited to join New York’s prestigious Friar’s Club, and in 1993 she became the first woman appointed to its board of directors.
Preston was a driven and devoted advocate for songwriters and their rights. Kris Kristofferson dubbed her the “songwriter’s guardian angel.”
She was a powerful force in Washington, D.C., where she testified on the behalf of songwriters and played an instrumental role in several key initiatives, including the Copyright Amendments Act of 1992, which extended copyright protection to older compositions. She was also a leading supporter of the decision to extend the copyright term to life of the composer plus 70 years.
Preston served as a member of the Panama Canal Study Committee as well as on the commission for the White House Record Library during the administration of President Jimmy Carter. In 1995 and 1996, she was a member of Vice President Al Gore’s National Information Infrastructure Advisory Council.
She was a devoted community servant, working as president of the board of directors of the T. J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research. The Frances Williams Preston Research Laboratories at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is named in her honor.
In 1998, she received a National Trustees Award from the Recording Academy (the highest Grammy prize for a non-performer), MIDEM’s Person of the Year accolade in 1999 (the highest international award accorded to a music industry executive), the National Association of Broadcasters’ Education Foundation Guardian Award in 2005, Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award in 2007, and the Nashville Songwriter Foundation’s Mentor Award in 2010. Last year, the Library of American Broadcasting Association named her to its elite Giants of Broadcasting honoree ranks, and BMI rechristened the BMI Country Song of the Year the BMI Frances W. Preston Award.
“We’ve lost our beloved Frances Preston,” said Dolly Parton. “She was the heart of BMI, not only for me but for every BMI writer. She was a great leader and a great friend to us all. Frances, you were very loved and you will be truly missed.”
Survivors include three sons William Kirk Preston, David J. Preston and wife Emily, and Donald L. Preston, all of Nashville; six grandchildren, Taylor Preston, Lindsey Preston, Jake Preston, Matthew Preston, Stuart Preston, and Frannie Daughrity and husband Brent; and great-granddaughter, Preston Rose Daughrity.
Preston signing Dolly Parton to BMI in the late 1960s. (seated) Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Standing Bill Earl Owens, and Preston. Photo: BMI.com
NMPA Presents Steve Cropper With Songwriting Icon Award
/by FreemanSteve Cropper performs at the NMPA annual meeting. Photo: Gary Gershoff/NMPA
Music industry guests gathered for The National Music Publishers’ Association annual meeting yesterday (6/13) in New York City.
The organization honored songwriting legend Steve Cropper with the 2012 NMPA Songwriter Icon Award, which recognizes outstanding songwriters for personal achievement and who personify the NMPA’s vision. Additionally, U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (NC) was honored with the 2012 President’s Award, which recognizes an individual who works diligently to strengthen intellectual property protection.
“The NMPA is pleased and privileged to recognize Steve Cropper and U.S. Rep. Mel Watt for their achievements in their respective professions,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “At first glance it may appear that these two individuals are very different. Steve’s illustrious music career has led him to the Hall of Fame while Mel’s distinguished public service career has most recently been spent in the halls of Congress. But these two do have one thing in common: unwavering dedication to the creative spirit and to those who generate it. And it’s for that reason that we honor them today.”
As a songwriter, Cropper penned (with Booker T & the MGs) the No. 1 hit “Green Onions,” as well as co-writing “Knock On Wood,” “Midnight Hour,” and Otis Redding’s timeless “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Additionally, his guitar work can be heard on numerous albums by artists including Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton and Ringo Starr, among others.
Songwriters Hall of Fame awardee, Lance Freed (left) with David Israelite, President and CEO of the National Music Publishers' Association (right), present legendary songwriter and musician Steve Cropper with the 2012 NMPA Songwriter Icon Award. Photo: Gary Gershoff/NMPA
Artist News (6/14/12)
/by Freeman(L-R) Kathie Lee Gifford, Josh Turner, Hoda Kotb
Josh Turner performed his current hit single “Time Is Love” on NBC’s Today Show yesterday (6/13). Turner’s new album Punching Bag hit stores on Tuesday, June 12. See the performance here.
• • •
Tim McGraw was recently interviewed by CNN to talk about his HomeFront program, which aids military veterans in getting mortgage-free homes. See the interview here.
• • •
Sara Evans will perform the national anthem tonight (6/14) prior to Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The performance and game airs live on ABC beginning at 7:53 pm/CT.
• • •
Photo: Ed Bunker/No Problem! Marketing
Lee Brice performed his hit “A Woman Like You” on CBS’ The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson last night (6/13). The single has sold more than 1 million digital downloads to date.
• • •
Maggie Rose has been tapped to be Country Weekly’s on the road correspondent during the 2012 Country Throwdown Tour. Rose will provide five installments of behind the scenes footage, which will be featured on the magazine’s website.
• • •
Sugarland’s Kristian Bush has penned “She Won’t Drive In The Rain Anymore,” for Falling Off The Sky, the first album in 30 years by influential Southern power pop group the dB’s. Bush, a longtime fan of the North Carolina band, co-wrote the song with dB’s leader Peter Holsapple and it is the first song released via Bush’s Songs of the Architect publishing company. Bush will also join the CMA Songwriters Series later in June, appearing at Los Angeles’ House of Blues on June 26 and Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum on June 27.
• • •
Gwen Sebastian recently visited KBEQ/Kansas City to promote her new single and perform for some lucky listeners. (L-R): Q104’s Joshua James, Sebastian, Q104’s T.J. McEntire, and Q104 PD Mike Kennedy
Flying Island’s Gwen Sebastian, fresh from a performance at LP Field during CMA Music Festival, will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, June 16. Sebastian is also currently out visiting radio to promote her new single “Met Him in a Motel Room.”
• • •
Glen Templeton will make his national television debut Sunday, June 17, when he visits Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends. His two performances will be his latest single “Sing That Song Again,” and his rendition of Conway Twitty’s classic “That’s My Job.” The appearance will air beginning at 7:10 am/CT on Father’s Day.
• • •
Render Records’ Jason Charles Miller has been added to the lineup of the KKGO “Go Country 105 Summer Under the Stars” concert, set for July 20 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Alan Jackson is the headliner, and Ashley Monroe will also perform.
• • •
Mark Wayne Glasmire is featured this week on Inside Music Row, which airs locally in Nashville on WNAB-TV. Glasmire and host Kelly Lynn taped the segment in Hillsboro Village across from the Belcourt Theatre and discussed his summer touring plans and new self-titled EP.
Trustees Re-elected to Country Music Hall of Fame Board
/by Sarah SkatesTrustees and officers were elected at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s quarterly board meeting today (6/14). Re-elected to three-year terms as trustees were Rod Essig, agent, Creative Artists Agency; Keel Hunt, president, the Strategy Group; Ken Levitan, co-president, Vector Management; Mary Ann McCready, president, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.; and Steve Turner, president, Butler’s Run LLC.
Turner was also tapped for a fifth term as chairman, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill was re-elected to an eleventh consecutive term as president.
Remaining trustees include David Conrad, J. William Denny, Randy Goodman, John Grady, Henry Juszkiewicz, Ernie Williams and Jody Williams.
Current officers Earl Bentz, Mark Bloom, Connie Bradley, Tony Brown, Mike Dungan, Vince Gill, Al Giombetti, Francis Guess, Lon Helton, Mike Helton, Don Light, Donna Nicely, Brian O’Connell, David Ross, John Seigenthaler, Clarence Spalding, Troy Tomlinson and Tim Wipperman were all re-elected.
• • • •
In more news from the Hall, the Museums welcomed country fans with a slew of events during the recent CMA Music Festival, and is hosting the Hot Nights At The Hall series throughout the summer.
David Nail became an honorary “Friends and Family” member of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum when he kicked off the members-only Hot Nights at the Hall summer concert series. Pictured (L-R): Rachel Weingartner, Membership Manager; Jeff Krones, Agent, CAA; Kyle Young, Director; David Nail; Pamela Johnson, VP, Development; and Brian Wolf, Red Stick Management.
Steve Wariner performed at the Hall on Sat., June 9 during CMA Music Festival in support of the Chet Atkins exhibit, which closes July 15. Pictured (L-R): Director of Education and Public Programs Ali Tonn, John Knowles, Marie Yandell, Steve Wariner and Don Light. Photo: Larry McCormack
Corb Lund to Release New Album
/by Caitlin RantalaMixing witty observations with imagery from cowboy life and elsewhere, Cabin Fever places Lund in the company of songwriters like Hayes Carll, James McMurtry, and Dave Alvin. He cites his time in the punk/metal band The Smalls as an influence on his writing. Lund says, “Chaos and irreverence informs the way I write. I’m also drawn to harmony and chord choices that are outside the norms of country.”
Written in his cabin in Alberta, New York City, Austin, and Las Vegas, Cabin Fever offers a portrait of a survivalist preparing for the apocalypse (“Gettin’ Down On The Mountain”); a tale of a rural man losing a woman to the allure of New York City life (“September”); an ode to his vintage BMW motorcycles (“Mein Deutsches Motorrad”); and much more. Carll guests on “Bible On The Dash.”
A Juno Award winner who has multiple Canadian Gold Records to his name, he has shared bills with The Who, Emmylou Harris and Robert Plant, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. He has also won the Canadian Country Music Awards Roots Artist of the Year seven times running.
Cabin Fever track listing:
1. Gettin’ Down On The Mountain
2. Dig Gravedigger Dig
3. Bible On The Dash
4. September
5. Mein Deutsches Motorrad
6. Cows Around
7. (You Ain’t A Cowboy) If You Ain’t Been Bucked Off
8. Drink It Like You Mean It
9. Priceless Antique Pistol Shoots Startled Owner
10. The Gothest Girl I Can
11. One Left In The Chamber
12. Pour ‘Em Kinda Strong
Pardi Like There’s No Tomorrow
/by Sarah Skates“Joe’s Bar is one of my favorite clubs to play and if the world really is going to end, I can’t think of a better place to spend what might be our last night on earth,” says Pardi, who announced the concert last night (6/13) during a performance at Losers in Nashville. “But if we survive, we’ll party like there’s no tomorrow, all night long!”
He also has a new website at jonpardi.com, and a webisode series called “My Name Is Jon: The Year Of The Pardi,” which showcases his wacky adventures.
Little Big Town’s Ride For a Cure Raises $55,000
/by Freeman(L-R): Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Mike Wolfe, Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet. Photo: Randi Radcliff
Little Big Town’s 6th Annual Ride For a Cure took place over the weekend on Sunday, June 10 in Franklin and Columbia, TN. Due to inclement weather, the motorcycle ride portion of the event was cancelled but the jam sessions at Mickey Roo’s and the Harley Davidson Columbia Superstore went on as planned.
The event raised over $55,000 for the T. J. Martell Foundation and its mission of finding cures for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS. Since its inception, the popular event has raised more than $310,000 for the cause.
One of the most sought-after auction items from the event was an autographed Epiphone Guitar signed by Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and Edens Edge. The winning bid went to none other than Mike Wolfe, co-host of The History Channel’s American Pickers.
CMA Research Study Reveals Listening Behavior
/by Sherod RobertsonHighlights of the findings reveal 87% of country music fans are listening to country radio stations as much or more than a year ago with 18-24 year olds being twice as likely to listen to more Country Music than the previous year. Loyalty is a top influencer, as evidenced by 75% of listeners reporting they have listened to the same station for years.
While AM/FM car radio remains the top source, 74% of fans are also listening to music online via a desktop or laptop computer, ranking it 2nd, and preferring Pandora over Spotify at a ratio of nearly 2 to 1.
Country Music listeners use both terrestrial and online radio radio outlets as their primary source for new artist and song discovery followed by music video channels.
Regarding future purchases, nearly 30% of respondents plan to purchase more Country Music by means of digital tracks, digital CDs, and physical CDs in the next 12 months.
The survey was conducted online with a random sample of 1,109 respondents aged 18+ from the CMA Insider Fan Panel, a group of more than 13,000 Country Music fans. Respondents were queried on their favorite methods to purchase and listen to music and discover new artists and songs, as well as their loyalty to the genre.
CMA’s research reports are a benefit of CMA membership and complete findings of this and previous studies are available on CMA’s members-only website.
Two Promoted at Black River Entertainment
/by FreemanBill Lubitz, Brian Rhoades
Black River Entertainment VP Promotion Rick Baumgartner has announced the immediate promotions of promotion staffers Bill Lubitz and Brian Rhoades.
Most recently Dir./West Coast Promotions for BRE, Lubitz will now take on the role of Dir./National Promotion. He will also be relocating to Nashville from Las Vegas for the gig. Congratulate him here.
Rhoades has been promoted to Sr. Director of Promotion & Strategy. He joined the label a year ago and has been serving as Dir./Northeast Promotions. Reach him here.
“I’m thrilled to announce these promotions within our department,” says Baumgartner. “Bill and Brian joined our team last year and their impact to the growing success of our label has been tremendous. Both Bill and Brian will be valuable assets as we continue to build Black River Entertainment.”
Incognito Bandito at 3rd and Lindsley
/by Sarah SkatesWho is this Incognito Bandito guy anyway?
Mystery band Incognito Bandito is set for a special performance Tues., June 19 at 3rd and Lindsley. The concert is a benefit for Jan Grantt, the wife of in-demand bassist and Incognito Bandito member Kevin “Swine” Grantt.
Also on the line up are Carl Jackson, Craig Morgan, Ashton Shepherd, Josh Thompson, Trent Willmon and Darryl Worley.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Grantt has performed with Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, James Taylor, Waylon Jennings and others. Jan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and will be in New York for at least 12 weeks undergoing treatment. Her treatment is a huge medical expense and Jan does not have medical insurance.
Donations can be sent to:
The Jan Grantt Fund
635 John Wright Road
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Arrangements Set For Legendary Music Exec. Frances Preston
/by Sarah SkatesFrances Preston in 2007. Photo: Richard Patire
Visitation for family, friends and colleagues will be held Sun., June 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where Mrs. Preston will lie in repose in the Rotunda.
A private funeral will take place at First Lutheran Church, with a private graveside service and burial to follow at Nashville’s Landmark Spring Hill Cemetery. Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery (5110 Gallatin Road, 615-865-1101) is handling the arrangements.
Active pallbearers will be Tom Annastas, Devoran Atwood, Fred Cannon, Dennis DiTraglia, Buckland Farnor, Dr. David Hansen, Bobby Kelley, Stan Moress, Roger Sovine and Harry Warner. Honorary pallbearers are Phil Graham, Mike O’Neill, Alison Smith, Faye Smith and Jody Williams.
Memorial contributions may be made to the T. J. Martell Foundation (15 Music Sq. W., Nashville, TN 37203, 615-256-2002); or the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (2301 Vanderbilt Place, c/o Gifts Processing PMB 407727, Nashville, TN 37240-7727, 615-936-0233).
• • • • •
Legendary music executive Frances Williams Preston died June 13, at 4 a.m. She passed peacefully at home from congestive heart failure. She was 83.
Preston served as President and CEO of BMI from 1986 until 2004. She founded the company’s Nashville office, initially working from her parent’s home as a young woman. That led to a six-decade career with the performing rights organization, where she headed Nashville operations and later served as president of the company headquartered in New York. Preston retired from BMI in 2004 and returned to Nashville full time in 2007.
Del Bryant, BMI’s current President & CEO, says, “Frances Williams Preston was a force of nature. She was smart, beautiful, tenacious, and generous. She put BMI on the culture map and shaped the careers of many—especially mine. Though we mourn the loss of a great leader and friend, she lives on through a legacy that is literally set in stone. The BMI Nashville building and her wing at Vanderbilt Hospital and are two monuments that were erected by her and stand in tribute to her passion and drive for those she loved. God speed, dear friend.”
She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, and later became a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.
Born in Nashville on August 27, 1928, Frances Williams began her career as a receptionist at WSM, Nashville’s iconic radio station. She rose quickly through the station’s ranks, eventually hosting her own fashion show on air.
By 1964 she had elevated to Vice President. BMI’s vital base of operations in Nashville helped pave the way for the city’s future as the world’s most important center for professional songwriting. In 1985, she rose to Senior Vice President, Performing Rights, and was named President and CEO the following year.
According to Jody Williams, BMI, VP Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, “Frances Preston helped shape the music business ecosystem through her profound respect for songwriters and mentorship of several generations of executives. She is without a doubt the single most important figure responsible for making Nashville ‘Music City.'”
She was the first female executive on Nashville’s fledgling Music Row, joining BMI shortly before her friend, Jo Walker-Meador, was named to lead the Country Music Association. Preston became the first woman to serve as board chairman of the CMA. She was reportedly the first female corporate executive in Tennessee. She continued paving the way for women throughout her life. Preston was the first non-performing woman invited to join New York’s prestigious Friar’s Club, and in 1993 she became the first woman appointed to its board of directors.
Preston served as a member of the Panama Canal Study Committee as well as on the commission for the White House Record Library during the administration of President Jimmy Carter. In 1995 and 1996, she was a member of Vice President Al Gore’s National Information Infrastructure Advisory Council.
She was a devoted community servant, working as president of the board of directors of the T. J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research. The Frances Williams Preston Research Laboratories at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is named in her honor.
In 1998, she received a National Trustees Award from the Recording Academy (the highest Grammy prize for a non-performer), MIDEM’s Person of the Year accolade in 1999 (the highest international award accorded to a music industry executive), the National Association of Broadcasters’ Education Foundation Guardian Award in 2005, Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Award in 2007, and the Nashville Songwriter Foundation’s Mentor Award in 2010. Last year, the Library of American Broadcasting Association named her to its elite Giants of Broadcasting honoree ranks, and BMI rechristened the BMI Country Song of the Year the BMI Frances W. Preston Award.
“We’ve lost our beloved Frances Preston,” said Dolly Parton. “She was the heart of BMI, not only for me but for every BMI writer. She was a great leader and a great friend to us all. Frances, you were very loved and you will be truly missed.”
Survivors include three sons William Kirk Preston, David J. Preston and wife Emily, and Donald L. Preston, all of Nashville; six grandchildren, Taylor Preston, Lindsey Preston, Jake Preston, Matthew Preston, Stuart Preston, and Frannie Daughrity and husband Brent; and great-granddaughter, Preston Rose Daughrity.
Preston signing Dolly Parton to BMI in the late 1960s. (seated) Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Standing Bill Earl Owens, and Preston. Photo: BMI.com