Middle Tennesseans Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis and Joe B. Mauldin will be among those entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month.
They are being inducted, along with the late Nikki Sullivan, as members of The Crickets. They recorded such hits as “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” with Buddy Holly. Following his 1959 death, the band continued to tour and record well into the 1990s. See full bio here. The Crickets were inducted into Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame in 2008.
The band is among several being honored with special inductions, including The Miracles, The Comets, The Blue Caps, The Famous Flames and The Midnighters.
The six bands will be entering the Hall of Fame alongside the previously announced “regular” inductees the Beastie Boys, Donovan, Guns N’ Roses, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Small Faces/The Faces, plus Freddie King as an early influence and non performers Don Kirshner, Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns.
The frontmen of all six bands have already been enshrined as solo members of the Hall. The Crickets’ Buddy Holly and The Famous Flames’ James Brown were inducted in 1986. The Miracles’ Smoky Robinson and The Comets’ Bill Haley were inducted in 1987. Hank Ballard of The Midnighters joined the Hall in 1980, and Gene Vincent was inducted in 1998 without his Blue Caps.
The six new inductions are the result of “a special Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee review,” according to a recent press release from the organization. The bands’ names will be placed alongside their lead singers.
“These inductees are pioneers in the development of the music we call rock and roll,” said Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “As part of our mission to recognize the most impactful, innovative and influential artists in rock, the committee brought forth these six groups who belong in the Hall of Fame.”
This month’s Goldmine magazine says that these six inductions, “right some pretty serious wrongs.” The magazine and its readers have frequently criticized the Hall of Fame for its oversights.
Among those often cited as being repeatedly overlooked by the Hall are Chicago, Kiss, Linda Ronstadt, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Rush, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, The Moody Blues, The Monkees, The Clovers, Deep Purple, The Guess Who, Heart, Grand Funk Railroad, Bon Jovi and The Doobie Brothers. None of them have been made Hall of Fame members. Until now, The Miracles and The Crickets were on this list as well.
Other Nashville-area residents who are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame include Duane Eddy, Brenda Lee, Little Richard, The Everly Brothers, Bob Gaudio (4 Seasons), Felix Cavaliere (Rascals), Bernie Leadon (Eagles), Steve Cropper (MGs), Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana.
The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions will take place in Cleveland’s Public Hall on Saturday, April 14.
Nashvillians the Crickets Headed To Rock Hall of Fame
/by Robert K OermannThey are being inducted, along with the late Nikki Sullivan, as members of The Crickets. They recorded such hits as “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” with Buddy Holly. Following his 1959 death, the band continued to tour and record well into the 1990s. See full bio here. The Crickets were inducted into Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame in 2008.
The band is among several being honored with special inductions, including The Miracles, The Comets, The Blue Caps, The Famous Flames and The Midnighters.
The six bands will be entering the Hall of Fame alongside the previously announced “regular” inductees the Beastie Boys, Donovan, Guns N’ Roses, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Small Faces/The Faces, plus Freddie King as an early influence and non performers Don Kirshner, Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns.
The frontmen of all six bands have already been enshrined as solo members of the Hall. The Crickets’ Buddy Holly and The Famous Flames’ James Brown were inducted in 1986. The Miracles’ Smoky Robinson and The Comets’ Bill Haley were inducted in 1987. Hank Ballard of The Midnighters joined the Hall in 1980, and Gene Vincent was inducted in 1998 without his Blue Caps.
The six new inductions are the result of “a special Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee review,” according to a recent press release from the organization. The bands’ names will be placed alongside their lead singers.
“These inductees are pioneers in the development of the music we call rock and roll,” said Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “As part of our mission to recognize the most impactful, innovative and influential artists in rock, the committee brought forth these six groups who belong in the Hall of Fame.”
This month’s Goldmine magazine says that these six inductions, “right some pretty serious wrongs.” The magazine and its readers have frequently criticized the Hall of Fame for its oversights.
Among those often cited as being repeatedly overlooked by the Hall are Chicago, Kiss, Linda Ronstadt, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Rush, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, The Moody Blues, The Monkees, The Clovers, Deep Purple, The Guess Who, Heart, Grand Funk Railroad, Bon Jovi and The Doobie Brothers. None of them have been made Hall of Fame members. Until now, The Miracles and The Crickets were on this list as well.
Other Nashville-area residents who are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame include Duane Eddy, Brenda Lee, Little Richard, The Everly Brothers, Bob Gaudio (4 Seasons), Felix Cavaliere (Rascals), Bernie Leadon (Eagles), Steve Cropper (MGs), Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana.
The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions will take place in Cleveland’s Public Hall on Saturday, April 14.
Inaugural Rising Women on the Row Event Celebrates Business Leaders
/by FreemanThe sold-out breakfast event was created to recognize women who are becoming visionary leaders in Nashville’s music industry through their dedication, innovation, and contributions.
MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson welcomed the guests and revealed the inspiration behind its creation. “My Grandmother was the most influential person in my life, and she made an impression on me as a kid with all of the struggles she faced as a woman in both her career and role as a single mother. With the platform we have at MusicRow, I knew I wanted to join my staff and do something special to salute and honor the women on Music Row who are making a difference.”
Holly Bell of event sponsor City National Bank noted the female forebears in Nashville who paved the way for today’s leaders. “Today’s honorees continue a longstanding tradition,” she said. Bell also offered a gift from Tiffany for each of the honorees.
Kay West
Robertson introduced the guest speaker, journalist Kay West, whom he lauded for her efforts to help friends and serve as a women’s advocate.
West recalled when she moved to Nashville in 1981 to work in publicity at RCA Records under Joe Galante and Randy Goodman. There were several females in high-powered executive roles at the time, like Connie Bradley at ASCAP, Donna Hilley at Tree, Frances Preston at BMI, Jo Walker Meador at the CMA, and Maggie Cavendar at NSAI. Preston had quite an impact on West, extending her friendship and mentoring the newly arrived publicist. It was a gesture West never forgot.
“After that, I could never say no to Frances Preston,” she explained.
On that point, she urged the honorees and experienced members of the audience to set aside a non-billable hour to spend mentoring a young woman new to the scene.
One by one, the five deserving women were presented their honors. First to take the stage was Mary Hilliard Harrington, whose company Greenroom handles publicity campaigns for Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, and more. Harrington is also a member of the board of directors for both the ACM and CMA. She was quick to give credit to her staff. “Thanks to the girls in my office. They are all badasses and make me look good every day, and to my artists who believe in me as much as I believe in them.”
(L-R): MusicRow's Sarah Skates, honoree Shannan Hatch, MusicRow's Sherod Robertson, honorees Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, and Denise Stevens. Not pictured: honoree Carla Wallace
Next up was SESAC Sr. Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Shannan Hatch, who joined the organization 10 years ago. During her time with the performing rights organization, she has brought in hit songwriters including Monty Powell, Craig Campbell, Jon Stone and Rob Hatch. “I’m used to being on the other side of the award process,” said Hatch. “Thanks to MusicRow. It’s an honor to be part of this creative group. Thanks to SESAC and Tim Fink, who hired me.”
The third honoree was Sony Music Nashville VP of Artist Development/Marketing & Web Initiatives Heather McBee, who has risen through the major label’s ranks to her current post. Like West, she said mentorship was a key component of her professional development. “It can be a challenging industry,” said McBee. “But I must acknowledge the amazing people that I believed in and more importantly, they believed in me along the way. Find those mentors. Be curious and remember what you are passionate about.”
Attorney Denise Stevens was the fourth honoree, and as the Senior Counsel for Loeb & Loeb her accomplishments include drafting the Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act for NSAI and due diligence and analysis for Warner Music Group’s sale to Access Industries. She also serves clients like Carrie Underwood, Wynonna, and Loretta Lynn. “I’m humbled and inspired by this event,” said Stevens. “There is so much talent in this room.”
The final nominee was Big Yellow Dog Publishing Owner and Creative Director Carla Wallace, who was in Austin at SXSW. She sent her colleague Sarah Johnson to accept on her behalf, who relayed a message to the crowd “I’m honored to share in this ceremony,” said Johnson, “and would like to thank so many women who have shared and touched my life.”
Attendees enjoyed a breakfast buffet of southwest-style potatoes, bacon, eggs, fruit, muffins and bottomless cups of coffee and closed the proceedings with a standing ovation for all the 2012 Rising Women on the Row honorees.
Artist News (3/16/12)
/by Caitlin Rantala• • •
Lucedale, MS native Brandon Green was recently handpicked by Keith Urban as the winner of Guitar Center’s “Your Next Record” competition, which earned Green the right to work with Urban and Grammy-winning producer Dann Huff on a musical project. Green’s debut EP Love Lovin’ You is available in the iTunes store now.
(L-R): Huff, Green, Urban
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• • •
Meghan Linsey, the female half of duo Steel Magnolia recently participated in “A Night To Make It Right” for Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Ellen DeGeneres hosted the event, which also attracted co-hosts Drew Brees and Randy Jackson, plus Angelina Jolie, Sean Penn, Morgan Freeman, Blake Lively, Octavia Spencer, Robert DeNiro, Kevin Spacey. Performers included Dr. John, Seal, Sheryl Crow, Kanye West, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg and Soul Rebels.
L-R: Brad Pitt, Virginia Crawford, Meghan Linsey
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Southern Ground Releasing Free Compilation
/by FreemanThe compilation includes tracks by The Wood Brothers, Blackberry Smoke, and a live version of ZBB’s current single “No Hurry.” Also included is the Barroom Radio Mix of Sonia Leigh’s new single “Bar.”
Track listing:
1. One More Day (Live) – The Wood Brothers
2. Hard Headed – Nic Cowan
3. Another Day – Dugas
4. Wherever We Break Down – Levi Lowrey
5. Bar (Barroom Radio Mix) – Sonia Leigh
6. Leavin’ – The Wheeler Boys
7. Everybody Knows She’s Mine – Blackberry Smoke
8. No Hurry (Live) – Zac Brown Band
Performers Announced for Week-Long ACM Experience
/by Eric T. ParkerHighlights of The ACM Experience include the ACM BBQ Throwdown and the ACM Expo. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the ACM BBQ Throwdown will bring together members of the competitive barbeque circuit to compete for a $50,000 purse. The ACM Expo presented by Roper, is a 200,000 sq. ft. marketplace of shopping, gaming and eating.
The week concludes with the 2nd Annual ACM Fan Jam, a separate ticketed event hosted by Zac Brown Band at Mandalay Bay on Sun., April 1. The live ACM Awards telecast will occur simultaneously at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and air on CBS. Live performances, via remote, from Mandalay Bay will be interspersed with the Awards telecast.
ACM Experience performance schedule is as follows:
Friday, March 30; 10am – 6pm
12:30pm – Thomas Rhett – Country Thunder Stage
1:00pm – Greg Bates – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
2:00pm – Edens Edge – Country Thunder Stage
3:00pm – Ira Dean – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
3:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
4:30 pm – PBR & KWNR Battle of the Bands Finalist – Country Thunder Stage
5:00pm – Andy Gibson – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
5:30pm – Kip Moore – Country Thunder Stage
Saturday, March 31; 10am – 9pm
11:00am – Maggie Rose – ACM Expo Acoustic Stage
11:30am – Sonia Leigh – Country Thunder Stage
12:00pm – Darren Warren – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
12:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
1:00pm – Mallary Hope – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Steel Magnolia – Country Thunder Stage
2:30pm – PBR & KWNR Battle of the Bands Finalist – Country Thunder Stage
3:00pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
3:30pm – The Dirt Drifters – Country Thunder Stage
5:30pm – Gloriana – Country Thunder Stage
Sunday, April 1; 10am – 4pm
11:00am – Canaan Smith – Country Thunder Stage
11:30am – Morgan Frazier – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
12:00pm – Blackberry Smoke – Country Thunder Stage
12:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
1:00pm – Chris Janson – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Levi Lowrey – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
1:30pm – Dance Y’all Showcase – Country Thunder Stage
2:00pm – David St. Romain – ACM EXPO Acoustic Stage
2:30pm – LoCash Cowboys – Country Thunder Stage
3:30 pm – PBR & KWNR Battle of the Bands Finalist – Country Thunder Stage
Josh Turner Co-Hosts Today Show
/by MichelleJosh Turner will return to NBC’s Today to co-host with Hoda Kotb on Monday, March 19 at 9 am CT. Turner is currently promoting his radio single, “Time Is Love,” which is one of his fastest-rising singles to-date.
Turner is also anticipating his forthcoming summer album release, Punching Bag. On Today, Turner will discuss his new music, songwriting, touring, family and more. “I’m looking forward to co-hosting again with my beautiful Egyptian goddess!” says Turner. “It’s always a blast for me.”
Also on Monday, Great American Country (GAC) will host the world premiere of Turner’s music video, “Time Is Love,” which was directed by Peter Zavadil. The clip will air throughout the day beginning at 9 am CT.
Josh Turner behind-the-scenes on the set of his new music video. Photo: Stephen Shepherd
Wide Open Music Group Signs Lonnie Wilson
/by Sherod RobertsonWilson launched his music career in 1981 as a member of the group Bandana, and was named the Academy of Country Music’s Drummer of the Year in 2002 and 2004. His songs have been recorded by Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn and many others, and he scored hits with Rascal Flatts’ “Love You Out Loud” and Luke Bryan’s “All My Friends Say.” Wilson has also produced several albums for Joe Diffie and is currently co-producing Curb artist Dylan Robinson with veteran producer Jim Ed Norman.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lonnie in the studio for over 15 years,” says Derek George, President of Wide Open Music. “I’m honored to finally have the opportunity to work with him as a songwriter! We at Wide Open are excited about what Lonnie will bring to our creative family!”
www.wideopenmusicgroup.com
Willie Nelson Reveals New Album Details
/by MichelleWillie Nelson, September 9-14, 2011
Willie Nelson’s first album for Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, titled Heroes, will be released May 15. The album is a collection of new and re-imagined cover songs with guest artists Merle Haggard, Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver, Sheryl Crow, Jamey Johnson, and Willie’s sons Lukas and Micah Nelson.
Produced by Buddy Cannon, Heroes was mainly recorded by Steve Chadie at Pedernales Recording Studio in Austin, Texas (with three tracks–“Hero,” “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” and “Come On Back Jesus”–recorded by Butch Carr at Cannon Productions and Sound Emporium Recording Studios in Nashville).
Heroes marks the first release in a historic new record deal between Nelson and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. The agreement is a label homecoming for Nelson, who from 1975-1993 cut a string of top-selling singles and albums for Columbia Records, beginning with his 1975 smash Red Headed Stranger.
“I’m really happy to be back home with Sony Music. We have been partners for many years; all the way back to Pamper Music and Tree Music. We share a great history, and I’m looking forward to many more years together,” says Nelson.
Track Listing: Heroes
1. “A Horse Called Music” with Merle Haggard & Lukas Nelson
2. “Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die” with Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson
3. “That’s All There Is To This Song”
4. “No Place To Fly” with Lukas Nelson
5. “Every Time He Drinks He Thinks Of Her” with Lukas Nelson
6. “Come On Up To The House” with Lukas Nelson & Sheryl Crow
7. “Hero” with Billy Joe Shaver, Jamey Johnson
8. “My Window Faces The South” with Lukas Nelson
9. “The Sound Of Your Memory” with Lukas Nelson
10. “Cold War With You” with Lukas Nelson & Ray Price
11. “Just Breathe” with Lukas Nelson
12. “My Home In San Antone” with Lukas Nelson
13. “Come On Back Jesus” with Lukas Nelson & Micah Nelson
14. “The Scientist”
CountryBreakout No. 1 Song
/by FreemanIn case you can’t recall, Lady Antebellum is here to remind you. “Dancin’ Away With My Heart,” the new CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 song, seems to encapsulate that prom night butterfly-stomach feeling experienced by so many before they set out to try and conquer the world. Some enterprising member of Lady Antebellum’s camp gets it, because the band is holding a contest to reward attendees of one lucky high school’s prom with a private concert. Who knows, maybe someone in the crowd will write another hit song about being young and in love.
Lady A is currently out on its “Own The Night” World Tour, which will visit our Canadian neighbors to the north before returning to the U.S. in April. On April 10, the group will play Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at the “We’re All For The Hall” Benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Summer leg of the Own The Night Tour will begin in early May.
Weekly Chart Report (3/16/2012)
/by FreemanSherry Lynn teamed up with Andy Gibson last Thurs. March 8, for St. Jude’s Partner in Hope fundraising concert. The event was organized and promoted by WPUR/107.3 Cat Country hosted by PD, Joe Kelly. L-R: Joe Kelly, Sherry Lynn & Andy Gibson
SPIN ZONE
The chart game is an intricate dance of planning and strategy, which hopefully pays off if you’ve hit all your marks. Nailing all steps this week is Lady Antebellum’s “Dancin’ Away With My Heart,” which tangos right into the No. 1 spot. Blake Shelton’s boozy “Drink On It” saunters to No. 2, with Taylor Swift’s “Ours,” Jake Owen’s “Alone With You” and Rascal Flatts’ “Banjo” rounding out the Top 5.
Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” has become quite the event, and is shaking things up in the Top 20. The Arista star’s latest single is only three weeks in and is already up to No. 15. That means a slower rising hit single like Kip Moore’s “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” loses spot despite a gain of 76 spins. Alan Jackson’s “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore” (No. 17) and Kellie Pickler’s “100 Proof” (No. 18) both gain spins, but will have to wait a week to advance position.
For many artists, it’s a slow climb to the Top 40 with just The Band Perry’s “Postcard to Paris” (No. 38) and Josh Thompson’s “Comin’ Around” (No. 39) the only new records inside that barrier. But Dustin Lynch’s “Cowboys and Angels” (No. 42) and Thomas Rhett’s “Something To Do With My Hands” (No. 43) look like they’re destined for the Top 40 next week.
Frozen Reports: KDOL, KTTI, KXBZ, WATZ, WBYZ, WRHT, WXXK
Upcoming Singles
March 19
Darryl Worley/You Still Got It/Tenacity
Kix Brooks feat. Joe Walsh/New To This Town/Arista
Eric Paslay/If The Fish Don’t Bite/EMI Nashville
Justin Moore/‘Til My Last Day/Valory
Rachel Holder/In Your Arms/Curb
March 26
Chris Young/Neon/RCA
Martina McBride feat. Pat Monahan/Marry Me/Republic Nashville
Jon Pardi/Missin’ You Crazy/Capitol Records Nashville
• • • • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Toby Keith/Beers Ago/Show Dog-Universal – 65
Justin Moore/’Til My Last Day/Valory – 70
Matt Stillwell/Ignition/Average Joe’s – 76
Acklen Park/Great American Song/Otter Rapids Music – 77
Levi Riggs/My Best Friend’s A Girl/Windridge Records – 80
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Carrie Underwood/Good Girl/19 Recordings/Arista – 459
The Band Perry/Postcard From Paris/Republic Nashville – 427
Eric Church/Springsteen/EMI Nashville – 284
Jason Aldean/Fly Over States/Broken Bow – 278
Toby Keith/Beers Ago/Show Dog-Universal – 271
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
The Band Perry/Postcard From Paris/Republic Nashville – 33
Toby Keith/Beers Ago/Show Dog-Universal – 22
Justin Moore/’Til My Last Day/Valory – 14
Joanna Smith/We Can’t Be Friends/Columbia – 10
Chris Young/Neon/RCA – 9
Easton Corbin/Lovin’ You Is Fun/Mercury – 9
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
One Night Rodeo/We Could Go To Jail – 200
Hunter Hayes/Wanted/Atlantic Records – 197
Susan Cattaneo/Little Big Sky/Jersey Girl Music – 191
Lucas Hoge/Give A Damn/Animal House – 190
Craig Campbell/When I Get It/Bigger Picture – 184
A&M/Octone Records’ Miss Willie Brown, comprised of Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley, dropped by WQYK in Tampa on March 12. L-R: Paul Williams (Skyville Records), Jay Roberts (WQYK), Buckley, Watkins, Mike Culotta (WQYK) and Cat Collins (A&M/Octone Records)
WBYT/South Bend, IN held its annual St. Jude Radiothon on Thurs., March 8-9 and raised over $228,000 for St. Jude Kids. This number was up $50,000 from last year thanks to partners Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Scotty McCreery and more. WBYT Staff L-R: Brad King, Deb Miles, Cody Austin, Jesse Garcia, Heather Hayes, Brittney Baily and Keith Moody