Superstar entertainer Kenny Rogers performed two sold-out shows last week (5/9 and 5/10) at the Country Music Hall of Fame as part of the organization’s Annual Artist-In-Residence program.
Museum Director Kyle Young greeted the packed house on Wed (5/9) highlighting Rogers’ many accomplishments, which include selling more than 120 million records worldwide, recording more than 65 albums during his career and having 21 No. 1 hits.”Tonight is all about his music… and he’s about to sing just for you,” Young told the energized audience.
Rogers opened the show with hits “Something’s Burning” and “Reuben James” from his group, The First Edition. The group formed in 1967 and was later renamed Kenny Rogers and The First Edition.
After revealing his upcoming biography, Luck or Something Like It, Rogers directed the audience to watch the background video for what he jokingly called a “1967 Acid Flashback” and performed “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).”
Rogers recited some of the song’s lyrics the crowd:
I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in
I watched myself crawlin’ out as I was a-crawlin’ in
I got up so tight I couldn’t unwind
I saw so much I broke my mind
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
He concluded with the audience, “They just don’t write songs like that anymore.”
Rogers continued tracing the path of his career performing “Walking My Baby Back Home” and “When I Fall In Love.” He shared how he got an early break from a talent show judged by Eddy Arnold and noted, “I’ve been very blessed.”
Following “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Rogers performed a medley of his chart-toppers, “Through the Years,” “You Decorated My Life,” and “She Believes In Me.” Rogers confessed he chooses love songs that “say what every man would like to say, and what every woman would like to hear.” The audience agreed.
Rogers also brought out surprise guest Billy Currington, and the crooners performed “Standing on the Rock of Your Love,” which was written by Vince Gill.
The audience then got a double dose of surprises as Rogers then summoned Billy Dean from back stage to sing “Buy Me a Rose.”
In keeping with such a personal, intimate performance, Rogers introduced his wife, Wanda, who was sitting in the audience. He then performed the Mike Reid-penned song “To Me” while a video montage of his identical twins, Justin and Jordan, played in the background.
Following his performance of “Lucille,” Rogers shared how his 1980 hit “Lady” was originally written by Lionel Richie for the Commodores but rejected.
Rogers continued with his iconic hit “The Gambler” and expressed appreciation for the movie’s many sequels. Rogers also expressed his appreciation for his duet partner Dolly Parton before performing “Islands in the Stream.”
Closing the show with “Sweet Music Man,” Rogers left the audience feeling as if they had been in his living room listening to songs, stories and past-times. The retrospective was a fun and entertaining look back at Rogers’ remarkable six decades of success.
And fortunately, the surprise announcement of Rogers’ upcoming Warner Bros. Records album produced by Dann Huff means there will be even more to add to this Sweet Music Man’s future retrospectives.
All Photos: Donn Jones Photography
John Rich & Friends Play For St. Jude
/by MichelleJohn Rich, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Jeff Foxworthy and Big & Rich will perform at the St. Jude Presents John Rich & Friends concert on June 5 at the Cannon Center in Memphis, Tenn. The event will serve as the first-ever concert kick off for the 2012 FedEx St. Jude Classic. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude and help the hospital continue its work to treat children with cancer and other deadly diseases.
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital holds a very special place in my heart, that’s why I’m excited to kick off the FedEx St. Jude Classic with the John Rich & Friends concert,” said Rich. “I don’t know how you could spend your time any better on this earth than to support something like St. Jude. It’s truly God’s work – taking care of them babies.”
“The John Rich & Friends concert is an incredible way for us to kick off this year’s FedEx St. Jude Classic and celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “This year’s tournament is about so much more than golf. We’ve planned a full week of events for our supporters to enjoy while also helping St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children.”
PRNewsFoto/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
EJ Bernas Joins Bigger Picture Group
/by Sarah SkatesEJ Bernas
Michael Powers, President of Bigger Picture Group Artist Ventures, today announced the hiring of EJ Bernas as Director of National Promotion. In the new role he will oversee radio promotion efforts for Bigger Picture artists Craig Campbell, Chris Cagle, D. Vincent Williams, Rachel Bradshaw, Ryan Kinder and Chris Janson, and assist in promoting Atlantic Records artist Zac Brown Band.
“We didn’t know whether to sign EJ to our artist roster or our executive staff, we only knew that we had to have him and we could figure the rest out later,” said Powers. “Either way, our Twitter numbers are on the rise.”
With more than 10 years of experience in country radio promotion, Bernas has been involved in hits by George Strait, Gary Allan, Lee Ann Womack, Josh Turner, David Nail and Ashton Shepherd. He was most recently VP of Music and Entertainment for the Tin Roof Corporation. Prior to that he spent eight years at Universal Music Group as Senior Director of Southwest Promotion for MCA.
Vice President of Promotion Matt Corbin added, “I’m very excited that my first hire as VP of Promotion is EJ Bernas. He’s a great leader and motivator that will help this company move forward.”
“I wasn’t sure I was going to have this opportunity,” said Bernas. “I was lucky to have been able to take some time away from promotion and explore another side of the business; to take a step back to reflect and refresh. The passion for music has always been there for me, and this is the moment I have been waiting for. To be a part of this team and to work with the people who are leading the company, to be a piece of this puzzle, it’s amazing.”
EJ can be contacted at ej@biggerpicture.com.
MusicRowPics: Stephanie Grace
/by Caitlin RantalaStephanie Grace took a break from her radio tour to stop by MusicRow headquarters last week (5/8). The Pennsylvania native shared her current single “If You Asked Me.” She also gave us a sneak peak of her upcoming EP with the songs “Hey There,” “Loser” and “Wish I Knew.”
Nine North Taps Jane O’Malia To Lead Northeast Promo
/by Eric T. ParkerO’Malia has worked with WDSY and other stations at CBS Radio Pittsburgh as Promotion Director for the past 11 years where she created signature station promotions including the Y108 Freedom Fest, Tiki Town, and Send Me Backstage.
A graduate of Youngstown State University, O’Malia got her start in radio at Rubber City Radio, which includes WQMX and WONE in Akron, OH. For two years she was on the air at WQMX, then became Promotions Director of WONE for two years.
“This is exactly the forward-looking kind of person that we need in a company like this; she’s a very intelligent, funny and relatable rule-breaker with a world of experience,” Pareigis says.
Reach her here: jane@ninenorthmail.com.
[Updated] ABC Picks Up “Nashville,” Reba’s “Malibu Country”
/by Sarah SkatesCast of "Malibu Country."
After seeing pilot episodes of Nashville and Malibu Country, ABC will proceed with the new series according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Nashville is an hour-long family soap set in Music City. As previously reported here and here, Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere will star. Also appearing will be Eric Close, Powers Boothe, Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson, Robert Wisdom and Charles Esten. Producers include ABC Studios, Lionsgate and Gaylord Entertainment.
Connie Britton
Malibu Country is a new comedy staring Reba McEntire as a mom who leaves her cheating rock star husband and moves from Nashville to Malibu. She relocates with her mother (Lily Tomlin) and three kids in hopes of relaunching her singing career.
Other actors on Malibu Country include Sara Rue, Julietta Angelo, Justin Prentice, Jai Rodriguez and Owen Teague, with Jeffrey Nordling guest-starring in the pilot with the option to recur. Kevin Abbott penned the pilot. Exec producers include McEntire, Narvel Blackstock, Mindy Schultheis, Michael Hanel, Pam Williams, and Dave Stewart. The show will premier November 2 on the network.
See Nashville and the Malibu Country trailers below.
First Performers Announced For CMT Music Awards
/by MichelleTickets for the show will go on sale Monday, May 21 at 10 am/CT at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Bridgestone Arena Box Office.
Fans can vote for their favorites online at CMT.com, and on their mobile devices at CMT Mobile or the CMT Insider app available on iPhone, iPad and Android from now through June 4. The five finalists for VIDEO OF THE YEAR will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com, CMT mobile, on the CMT Insider app and via text message throughout the live telecast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.
New Staffer Joins ASCAP Nashville
/by FreemanA Chicago native, Alison worked in ASCAP’s Chicago Membership office before moving to New York City, where she served as Communications & Media liaison for the Nashville office, among other responsibilities. In her new role, Alison will oversee all aspects of branding and marketing for ASCAP Nashville.
“Alison has such a creative and innovative instinct and has been our go-to Communications & Media rep in New York for a couple of years,” said ASCAP Nashville VP/GM Marc Driskill. “Her time steering our marketing efforts has given her an incredible appreciation for Nashville and our one-of-a-kind creative community. I am thrilled to welcome her to ASCAP Nashville.”
Congratulate her here.
CMA Music Fest Update: Fan Fair Hall Lines Up Fun
/by Sarah SkatesThe 2012 CMA Music Festival merchandise is now available at CMAmusicfeststore.com.
Activities and artists are being added to the Fan Fair® Hall at the 2012 CMA Music Festival. The event runs Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10 with the Fan Fair Hall at the Nashville Convention Center opening at 10:00 AM daily.
Celebrities signing in the Fan Fair Hall include Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Laura Bell Bundy, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Troy, Billy Dean, Donna Fargo, Colt Ford, William Lee Golden, Jack Greene, Casey James, Joey + Rory, The Lacs, LoCash Cowboys, Manuel, The McClymonts, Scotty McCreery, Robin Meade, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, LuLu Roman, Matt Stillwell, Doug Stone, Two Foot Fred, Bryan White, Winfield’s Locket and Chris Young. CMA recently announced new procedures for autograph seekers. Go to www.CMAfest.com until May 28 for details.
The Fan Fair Hall also includes:
• Durango Acoustic Corner Broadcast by 650 AM WSM
• Red Carpet where fans can take photos of the stars as they arrive
• Wrangler Fashion Show Sat., June 9, 1:00-2:00 PM, hosted by GAC’s Suzanne Alexander, with additional designs by Manuel and Durango Boots
• Budweiser partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation to honor fallen soldiers and their families
• Marketplace with vendors including Apparel, The Charleston Soap Company, Dillards for the Reba Brand, Hillbilly Brand, Manuel, Mignon’s and Twisted Sisters
Fan Fair Hall admission is included with four-day ticket packages, and also available separately at Ticketmaster.com and the Nashville Convention Center.
Tickets to the 2013 CMA Music Festival (June 6-9, 2013) go on sale Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 AM/CT at 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. The CMA’s social audience can pre-order now. The 2013 prices experienced an almost across-the-board increase from 2012.
2013 Four Day Ticket Package Prices
Gold Circle (sections A-E)—$350
Floor—$250
Lower Level Premium—$250
Lower Level—$200
Club Level Premium—$200
Club Level—$160
Upper Level Reserved—$135
Upper Level General Admission—$125
2012 Prices
Gold Circle (sections A-E)—$325
Floor—$225
Lower Level Premium—$225
Lower Level—$180
Club Level Premium—$180
Club Level—$160
Upper Level Reserved—$125
Upper Level General Admission—$115
Kenny Rogers HOF Residency Traces Decades of Success
/by Sherod RobertsonMuseum Director Kyle Young greeted the packed house on Wed (5/9) highlighting Rogers’ many accomplishments, which include selling more than 120 million records worldwide, recording more than 65 albums during his career and having 21 No. 1 hits.”Tonight is all about his music… and he’s about to sing just for you,” Young told the energized audience.
Rogers opened the show with hits “Something’s Burning” and “Reuben James” from his group, The First Edition. The group formed in 1967 and was later renamed Kenny Rogers and The First Edition.
After revealing his upcoming biography, Luck or Something Like It, Rogers directed the audience to watch the background video for what he jokingly called a “1967 Acid Flashback” and performed “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).”
Rogers recited some of the song’s lyrics the crowd:
I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in
I watched myself crawlin’ out as I was a-crawlin’ in
I got up so tight I couldn’t unwind
I saw so much I broke my mind
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
He concluded with the audience, “They just don’t write songs like that anymore.”
Following “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Rogers performed a medley of his chart-toppers, “Through the Years,” “You Decorated My Life,” and “She Believes In Me.” Rogers confessed he chooses love songs that “say what every man would like to say, and what every woman would like to hear.” The audience agreed.
The audience then got a double dose of surprises as Rogers then summoned Billy Dean from back stage to sing “Buy Me a Rose.”
Following his performance of “Lucille,” Rogers shared how his 1980 hit “Lady” was originally written by Lionel Richie for the Commodores but rejected.
Rogers continued with his iconic hit “The Gambler” and expressed appreciation for the movie’s many sequels. Rogers also expressed his appreciation for his duet partner Dolly Parton before performing “Islands in the Stream.”
Closing the show with “Sweet Music Man,” Rogers left the audience feeling as if they had been in his living room listening to songs, stories and past-times. The retrospective was a fun and entertaining look back at Rogers’ remarkable six decades of success.
And fortunately, the surprise announcement of Rogers’ upcoming Warner Bros. Records album produced by Dann Huff means there will be even more to add to this Sweet Music Man’s future retrospectives.
All Photos: Donn Jones Photography
Industry Photos (5/14/12)
/by Caitlin RantalaPictured (L–R) backstage at the San Carlos Institute during the 2012 Key West Songwriters Festival are BMI’s Mark Mason and Clay Bradley, Bob DiPiero, Dallas Davidson, Al Anderson, Jeffrey Steele, BMI’s Jody Williams, and Key West Songwriters Festival Director Charlie Bauer.
The Better Angels Key West Songwriters Festival drew Music Row hitmakers, publishers and other key players to the Florida Keys May 2-6. Presented by BMI, the festival offered five straight days of shows at island hotspots, featuring sets that ranged from laid-back acoustic rounds by up-and-comers and hit writers alike, to sold-out full-band concerts headlined by some of the country’s top performers.
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(L–R) Dave Rowe, Diamond Rio's Marty Roe, Eric Kruse and Jeff Johnson.
Members of the Nashville music community gathered at Westhaven Golf Club in Franklin on Monday, April 30, for the 3rd Annual Bridges Domestic Violence Center Golf Scramble. Presented by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the golf scramble paired celebrities with teams of golfers for an afternoon of golf, hole-in-one contests, raffles and a silent auction. The event raised more than $26,000, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting victims of domestic violence.
• • • • •
(L–R) Keith Palmer, Development Director, WMOT; Jonah Rabinowitz, Executive Director, W.O. Smith School; Matt Whittier and Lea Maitlen, Senior Marketing Managers, Naxos of America; Henri Pensis, Director of Broadcasting and Station Manager, WMOT
Public radio station WMOT in Murfreesboro and classical record label Naxos in Franklin have teamed up to provide classical music recordings to the students of the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville. During WMOT’s 2011 year-end pledge drive, the station asked Naxos to donate one CD to the school for every financial donation that was made during that drive. This partnership resulted in a box of 200 CDs of classical music recordings being presented to the school, mostly the music of American composers.