(L-R): Kix Brooks with Hall of Fame inductees Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Connie Smith, and Garth Brooks. Photo: Alan Mayor
Chapter 392
Bobby Karl is a very, very happy boy today.
You see, three absolutely perfect 2012 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame were announced this morning (3/6). In the Musician category, it’s virtuoso country piano player Hargus “Pig” Robbins. In the Veterans category, it’s the divinely gifted Connie Smith. And in the Modern Era category it’s the titanic Garth Brooks.
“Notifying the inductees is one of my favorite things I do as the CEO,” said the CMA’s Steve Moore. “They always think it’s a crank call.”
Following greetings by Moore and the Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young, Kix Brooks took the podium in the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame. “What an awesome responsibility this is,” said Kix. “When I got a chance to see these names early, what a smile I wore around the house.”
He breathlessly rattled off a list of greats Robbins has recorded with – Neil Young, Chris Young, Joan Baez, Vince, Merle, Tammy, Shania, Willie, Conway, Loretta, Dolly, Porter, k.d. lang, Roy Orbison, Keith Whitley and so many more. That rapid-fire piano attack in “White Lightning” by George Jones? That would be Pig. The keyboard parts on Bob Dylan’s masterwork Blonde on Blonde? Pig. That gorgeous rippling keyboard intro in “Behind Closed Doors” by Charlie Rich? Pig. Patsy’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “I Fall to Pieces?” Pig again. The distinctive tinkling figure that runs through “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” by Crystal Gayle? Pig, Pig, Pig.
Robbins acknowledged the standing ovation he received and pronounced himself “honored” to be following in the footsteps of such prior Musician honorees as Floyd Cramer, Harold Bradley and Charlie McCoy. He thanked Murray Nash, Buddy Killen, Shelby Singleton, Jerry Kennedy, Billy Sherrill, Owen Bradley, Chet Atkins and Allen Reynolds. “There have been so many people down through the years who have been kind to me,” concluded the blind keyboardist.
Kix retook the stage to remind one and all of what Dolly Parton once said, “There are really only three female singers – Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt and Connie Smith – the rest of us are only pretending.”
“I’ve had a great week,” said Connie after everyone settled down from a standing ovation. “I get to be here with all my friends and peers. I also had my eighth grandbaby!
“Just to be in the same company as Miss Kitty Wells is enough,” she added. “I’m just honored.” She recalled the importance of Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Bob Ferguson and her husband/producer Marty Stuart to her career. The last-named was on the front row, beaming. “To be called a Veteran is kinda funny to me,” she added. “I’m still learning.
“I love the Hall of Fame. It’s always been magical and very, very spiritual to me. God has given me many blessings. And this is a very special blessing.”
“This next guy changed our town in a huge way,” said Kix in introducing Garth. With sales of 128 million, the RIAA has named Garth the Male Solo Artist of the 20th Century. “I’m convinced that half of the records we sold [as Brooks & Dunn] were people reaching for the ‘other’ Brooks.”
Garth recounted a series of people he met who changed the course of his life – Stephanie Brown, Kent Blazy, Trisha Yearwood and attendees Bob Doyle, Allen Reynolds, Mark Miller, Kerry O’Neil and Rusty Jones, plus the studio musicians and his road band. “It is truly a circle. That’s what I love about Nashville.” Garth is notable for the length and loyalty of his music associations.
“We’ve been together for 25 years,” he commented. “Bob says it feels like 50.” Songwriters, video directors, road companions, record-label execs and more were acknowledged. “There is a guilty feeling about standing here today,” Garth added. Although mentors George Strait, Merle Haggard and George Jones are in the Hall of Fame, he noted that Randy Travis, Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs are not. “These are the guys I cut my teeth on. I stand here in total humbleness. It’s out of order.
“It’s all about God. It’s all about love. It’s all about the songs.”
The Rotunda was full of fabulons. Recent DJ Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Stubbs, always a font of knowledge, pointed out that today is the release date of Bear Family Records’ Just For What I Am, the second boxed-set of Connie’s RCA recordings. Barry McCloud, Barry Mazor, Ed Hardy, Ed Morris, Stacy Schlitz, Jessie Schmidt, Troy Tomlinson, Vanessa Sellers, Steve Buchanan, Gary Overton, Hunter Kelly, Storme Warren and Pat Collins led the cheers.
A continental breakfast was served – muffins, pastries, fruit, coffee and juices. Most of us were too excited to eat.
ABC-TV Planning New Show “Nashville”
/by Sarah SkatesConnie Britton
ABC-TV is working on the pilot for a new TV show called Nashville. The Hollywood Reporter describes the series as a “family soap set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene revolving around one star at her peak and another on the rise.”
It remains unofficial, but MusicRow has learned that the pilot episode will be taped in Nashville.
Starring as Rayna, the country singer struggling to stay at the top, will be Connie Britton, known for roles on ABC’s Friday Night Lights and FX’s American Horror Story.
Hayden Panettiere, who first rose to prominence on ABC’s Heros, will play rising star Juliette Barnes.
Hayden Panettiere
The project is from ABC Studios, Lionsgate and Gaylord Entertainment, with Gaylord’s Steve Buchanan as an executive producer.
According to THR, on board are writers and executive producers Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise) and R.J. Cutler, who will also direct the pilot. Other actors set for the show include Powers Boothe, Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson, Robert Wisdom and Eric Close.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/07/12)
/by Robert K OermannI’m digging this kid’s singing more and more. If memory serves, he has been at the top of the charts twice now. I’m betting that “Til My Last Day” makes it a trifecta.
There’s a lot more music to recommend this week. Curb’s Rachel Holder has her finest single to date. Lionel Richie & Shania Twain are glowing together on Mercury. The Michigan duo Some Velvet Evening have a refreshing retro sound. And speaking of retro, the always dependable Chuck Mead is back and sounding as great as ever.
Our DisCovery Award goes to Logan Mize. Next week, this Big Yellow Dog songwriter will also become the debut artist on the publishing company’s new record label. Raise a glass and wish him bon voyage.
ROY SOLIS/Corpus Christi
Writer: Roy Solis/Johnny Garcia/Troy Powers; Producer: Johnny Garcia; Publisher: Avenue 1/Busy at Play/Mia’s Pub Shop, BMI/ASCAP; Avenue 1 (www.roysolismusic.com)
—Gently rolling, with some wonderfully deft guitar picking in between his softly plaintive tenor vocal phrases. Pleasantly listenable and easily programmable.
JUSTIN MOORE/Til My Last Day
Writer: Brian Dean Maher/Justin Moore/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: Tunes of Bigger Picture/Big Music Machine/Double Barrel Ace/Super 98/EMI Apirl/Songs of Countrywood, ASCAP/BMI; Valory (track)
—He’s a bad boy who promises to change in order to prove the depth of his love. In fact, he’s vowing to love her until the day he dies. The driving, percussive production is terrific. His performance is soaked with sincerity, and the way he employs that small-town Arkansas drawl is completely endearing. This thing is going places.
SOME VELVET EVENING/Shooting the Breeze
Writer: Carrie Shepard/John Holkeboer; Producer: John Holkeboer; Publisher: none listed; SVE (track) (www.somevelvetevening.com)
—This Michigan duo is going for a retro sound here, and they nail it with charming simplicity. The nifty guitar twang and well-practiced harmony singing are both delightful. Check out their vintage, Opry-style video on the website.
LIONEL RICHIE & SHANIA TWAIN/Endless Love
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury (ERG)
—The production is quite toned down from Lionel’s massively successful 1981 version with Diana Ross. But like virtually everything he’s ever written, the melody is so irresistible that you get swept away no matter what the musical surrounding. And, yes, this deserves to be a country smash.
RACHEL HOLDER/In Your Arms
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb (ERG)
—I was smitten with this the moment I heard it during CRS. It’s a lushly melodic power ballad with an almost hymn-like quality, and she delivers it with full fervor. Hang on for the chill-bump, upward modulation in the last chorus.
GEORGE HAMILTON IV & DARRELL McCALL/Abilene
Writer: L. Brown/G. Gibson/J. Loudermilk/A. Stanton; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff Rose, BMI; Heart of Texas (track) (325-597-1895)
—The much-loved and durable Grand Ole Opry star traveled to the Lone Star State to record his new CD, In the Heart of Texas. He kicks it off with a reprise of his 1963 signature song that’s drenched in steel and twin fiddles. Honky-tonk great McCall takes a turn at the mic, too, but with quite a bit more vibrato.
EASTON CORBIN/Lovin’ You Is Fun
Writer: Jim Beavers/Bob DiPiero; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Beavertime/Love Monkey, BMI; Mercury (CDX)
—There’s nothing really wrong with this blandly bouncy ditty. But considering the caliber of material he’s previously released (”A Little More Country Than That,” “Roll With It,” “I Can’t Love You Back”), this has to be counted as a disappointment.
DEEANN DOMINY/Daddy Went to Prison
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Dizzee (track) (www.deeanndominy.com)
—This gal is a previous DisCovery Award winner, and I still say she deserves major-label attention. This is a distinctive, individual new songwriting voice that needs to be nurtured and encouraged.
CHUCK MEAD & JAMEY JOHNSON/You Better Treat Your Man Right
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Ramseur (track) (www.chuckmead.com)
—Back at the Quonset Hut is the second solo CD by this former BR5-49 frontman. In between them, he was the musical director for the successful Broadway musical The Million Dollar Quartet. The concept here is to return to Music Row’s very first studio and cut some straightforward country classics with his band, members of the original A-Team and some terrific guests. Jamey is a merry and lively vocal foil on this wry, Wayne Raney outing. Elsewhere, you’ll find Bobby Bare (”Hey Joe”), Elizabeth Cook (”Pickin’ Wild Mountain Berries”) and Old Crow Medicine Show (”Wabash Cannonball”). Highly recommended.
LOGAN MIZE/Rock N Roll Band
Writer: Logan Mize/Blake Chaffin; Producer: Daniel Tashian & Logan Mize; Publisher: Even the Losers/Year of the Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Music of Parallel/Amplified/Zoe and Her Friend Munkee, ASCAP/BMI; Big Yellow Dog (track) (www.loganmize.com)
—Logan’s Nobody in Nashville debut CD drops next Tuesday. His website is teasing this track as a sneak peak. It showcases his raspy, gripping delivery amid a blue-collar rock audio surrounding. He says he’s a disciple of Tom Petty, but you can also hear the hook-conscious, hillbilly influence of his uncle Billy Mize (who wrote Charlie Walker’s iconic 1960 hit “Who Will Buy the Wine”). To say the least, extremely promising. Count me in.
The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” Lives On
/by Freeman“We are honored by this acknowledgement and thankful that so many of you have connected with this song,” said Kimberly Perry, who won the 2011 CMA Award for Song of the Year for writing “If I Die Young.”
“Each time the bar is set, it seems that The Band Perry surpasses it! Selling over 4 million downloads on just one song is a huge accomplishment,” said Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen. “This extremely talented group is remarkable and we’re thrilled to have them as part of the Republic Nashville family.”
The Band Perry is currently touring with Brad Paisley’s Virtual Reality Tour and headlining their own dates. The group’s next single “Postcard From Paris” is going for adds immediately.
Performers Added to “ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends”
/by Eric T. ParkerLionel Richie
Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw and Jennifer Nettles have been added to the lineup for ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends, which tapes Mon., April 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Rogers. The concert special will air Fri., April 13 on CBS.
Lionel Richie and Friends will feature Richie performing duets with country artists including “My Love” with Chesney, “Sail On” with McGraw, “Lady” with Rogers, “Say You Say Me” with Aldean and more. Recordings of the duets appear on Richie’s upcoming album Tuskegee, out March 26 via Mercury Nashville.
“It has been so rewarding to have my songs embraced by country music artists,” said Richie. “Since Conway Twitty recorded ‘Three Times a Lady’ and Kenny Rogers sang ‘Lady,’ I have been welcomed into the country music family with open arms. It’s the ultimate compliment to have country artists record and perform songs that I’ve written. I’ve always felt right at home in country because I was raised just down the road from Nashville in Tuskegee, Alabama, where I was immersed in country, R&B, gospel and classical music.”
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $100, $150, and $200. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, which works to improve lives through music. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions.
The Orchard and IODA Announce Merger
/by FreemanBrad Navin, CEO of The Orchard, will serve as CEO of the new company, and IODA founder/CEO Kevin Arnold will take on an advisory role to the Orchard’s Board of Directors. Arnold will also work on strategic projects for Sony.
“The Orchard and IODA were both founded to maximize opportunities for independent labels and artists. This deal opens doors for everyone by creating the preeminent platform for distribution, sales and marketing,” said Navin. “We’re combining two talented teams supported by a scalable infrastructure, which will give us more flexibility than ever to stay focused on our clients while continuing to work with the independent label community to improve the future of the industry.”
Billboard reports that Sony, which owns 51% of IODA, will own at least 50% of the merged company.
The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. IODA clients include Allegro, Arts & Crafts, Ghostly International, London Symphony Orchestra and more. The Orchard’s clients include Barsuk Records, Daptone Records, Frenchkiss Records, and more.
The news follows the recent announcement that Universal Music’s Fontana Distribution has been acquired by digital leader INgrooves, and Universal will own a minority share in the new business.
Bobby Karl Works the Hall of Fame Inductees Announcement
/by Bobby Karl(L-R): Kix Brooks with Hall of Fame inductees Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Connie Smith, and Garth Brooks. Photo: Alan Mayor
Chapter 392
Bobby Karl is a very, very happy boy today.
You see, three absolutely perfect 2012 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame were announced this morning (3/6). In the Musician category, it’s virtuoso country piano player Hargus “Pig” Robbins. In the Veterans category, it’s the divinely gifted Connie Smith. And in the Modern Era category it’s the titanic Garth Brooks.
“Notifying the inductees is one of my favorite things I do as the CEO,” said the CMA’s Steve Moore. “They always think it’s a crank call.”
Following greetings by Moore and the Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young, Kix Brooks took the podium in the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame. “What an awesome responsibility this is,” said Kix. “When I got a chance to see these names early, what a smile I wore around the house.”
He breathlessly rattled off a list of greats Robbins has recorded with – Neil Young, Chris Young, Joan Baez, Vince, Merle, Tammy, Shania, Willie, Conway, Loretta, Dolly, Porter, k.d. lang, Roy Orbison, Keith Whitley and so many more. That rapid-fire piano attack in “White Lightning” by George Jones? That would be Pig. The keyboard parts on Bob Dylan’s masterwork Blonde on Blonde? Pig. That gorgeous rippling keyboard intro in “Behind Closed Doors” by Charlie Rich? Pig. Patsy’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “I Fall to Pieces?” Pig again. The distinctive tinkling figure that runs through “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” by Crystal Gayle? Pig, Pig, Pig.
Robbins acknowledged the standing ovation he received and pronounced himself “honored” to be following in the footsteps of such prior Musician honorees as Floyd Cramer, Harold Bradley and Charlie McCoy. He thanked Murray Nash, Buddy Killen, Shelby Singleton, Jerry Kennedy, Billy Sherrill, Owen Bradley, Chet Atkins and Allen Reynolds. “There have been so many people down through the years who have been kind to me,” concluded the blind keyboardist.
Kix retook the stage to remind one and all of what Dolly Parton once said, “There are really only three female singers – Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt and Connie Smith – the rest of us are only pretending.”
“I’ve had a great week,” said Connie after everyone settled down from a standing ovation. “I get to be here with all my friends and peers. I also had my eighth grandbaby!
“Just to be in the same company as Miss Kitty Wells is enough,” she added. “I’m just honored.” She recalled the importance of Bill Anderson, Chet Atkins, Bob Ferguson and her husband/producer Marty Stuart to her career. The last-named was on the front row, beaming. “To be called a Veteran is kinda funny to me,” she added. “I’m still learning.
“I love the Hall of Fame. It’s always been magical and very, very spiritual to me. God has given me many blessings. And this is a very special blessing.”
“This next guy changed our town in a huge way,” said Kix in introducing Garth. With sales of 128 million, the RIAA has named Garth the Male Solo Artist of the 20th Century. “I’m convinced that half of the records we sold [as Brooks & Dunn] were people reaching for the ‘other’ Brooks.”
Garth recounted a series of people he met who changed the course of his life – Stephanie Brown, Kent Blazy, Trisha Yearwood and attendees Bob Doyle, Allen Reynolds, Mark Miller, Kerry O’Neil and Rusty Jones, plus the studio musicians and his road band. “It is truly a circle. That’s what I love about Nashville.” Garth is notable for the length and loyalty of his music associations.
“We’ve been together for 25 years,” he commented. “Bob says it feels like 50.” Songwriters, video directors, road companions, record-label execs and more were acknowledged. “There is a guilty feeling about standing here today,” Garth added. Although mentors George Strait, Merle Haggard and George Jones are in the Hall of Fame, he noted that Randy Travis, Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs are not. “These are the guys I cut my teeth on. I stand here in total humbleness. It’s out of order.
“It’s all about God. It’s all about love. It’s all about the songs.”
The Rotunda was full of fabulons. Recent DJ Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Stubbs, always a font of knowledge, pointed out that today is the release date of Bear Family Records’ Just For What I Am, the second boxed-set of Connie’s RCA recordings. Barry McCloud, Barry Mazor, Ed Hardy, Ed Morris, Stacy Schlitz, Jessie Schmidt, Troy Tomlinson, Vanessa Sellers, Steve Buchanan, Gary Overton, Hunter Kelly, Storme Warren and Pat Collins led the cheers.
A continental breakfast was served – muffins, pastries, fruit, coffee and juices. Most of us were too excited to eat.
Universal Music Publishing Re-Signs Luke Laird
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Evan Lamberg, President, UMPG North America; attorney Derek Crownover; Luke Laird; Kent Earls, EVP/General Manager, UMPG Nashville; Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI; and Beth Laird, Creative Nation.
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the re-signing of Nashville’s award-winning songwriter, Luke Laird, to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. Through the deal, UMPG will now also administer select writers from Creative Nation, the publishing entity of Luke and Beth Laird.
Luke Laird has co-written three No. 1 singles in the last 12 months (“Take a Back Road” recorded by Rodney Atkins, “Drink in My Hand” recorded by Eric Church, and “You” recorded by Chris Young), earning his second consecutive Country Music Association Triple Play Award.
In total, Laird has co-written nine singles that hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs charts: the three mentioned above as well as Carrie Underwood’s “Undo it,” “So Small,” “Last Name,” and “Temporary Home;” Sara Evans’ “A Little Bit Stronger;” and Blake Shelton’s “Hillbilly Bone” featuring Trace Adkins. Laird celebrated multiple wins at the BMI Country Awards in November, and is nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the April 1 ACM Awards. His songs have contributed to the sales of more than 20 million albums. Laird is also co-producing Kacey Musgraves’ debut album on Mercury/Lost Highway.
“It’s an honor, for Universal Music Publishing, to continue to work with Luke who is one of the most successful songwriters to come out of any music genre in years. And it’s an additional honor to start a business relationship with Beth Laird and Luke’s Creative Nation Music,” said Evan Lamberg, President, UMPG North America. “Kudos to Kent Earls and his staff for continuing to put songwriter relationships at the core of what matters most.”
“We are excited and thrilled to continue our already successful relationship with Luke Laird,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville. “Luke continues to deliver smash after smash after smash. He has solidified his place among the Nashville hit-makers with nine No. 1 songs over the last few years. As well, we look forward to working with Beth Laird and the Creative Nation writers to help accomplish their goals.”
“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to make music every day and have really enjoyed working with Evan, Kent and the whole UMPG team,” summed Laird. “With the addition of Creative Nation, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the future.”
Brice to Release Second Album
/by Caitlin RantalaHard 2 Love follows Brice’s debut album Love Like Crazy, which spawned Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2010 by virtue of its title track. Brice repeated the feat in 2011 when Eli Young Band took his song “Crazy Girl” to No. 1, racking up “most played” song numbers in the country genre, and earning an ACM nomination for “Song of the Year.” Brice also penned Garth Brooks’ “More Than A Memory” — the only song in Billboard history to debut at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart.
“Everything on the album reflects who I am right now and where I am in my life,” he noted in a recent interview.
Co-produced by Brice, Kyle Jacobs, Jon Stone, Doug Johnson and Matt McClure, Brice co-wrote eight of the thirteen tracks along with his buddies Billy Montana, Jerrod Niemann, John Ozier, Jon Stone and Eric Church.
Tracks include:
1. Hard To Love
2. A Woman Like You
3. That’s When You Know It’s Over
4. Parking Lot Party
5. Don’t Believe Everything You Think
6. I Drive Your Truck
7. See About A Girl
8. Friends We Won’t Forget
9. Life Off My Years
10. Seven Days A Thousand Times
11. Beer
12. That Way Again
13. One More Day
Lipscomb University Hosts Charlie Daniels, Chris Young, and More
/by Eric T. ParkerThe tour is designed to create awareness of the Veterans Yellow Ribbon education program. Lipscomb offers Post 9/11 GI Bill veterans and their family a tuition-free, or greatly-reduced tuition rate for graduate or undergraduate degrees.
Tickets are available at all Middle Tennessee Daily’s locations and the Lipscomb University box office at 615-966-7075. Since its inception in fall 2009, Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program has grown from 20 original participants to more than 150 veterans enrolled this Spring.
Underwood Announces Album Title, Releases Cover Art
/by Caitlin RantalaLeading up to the announcement, Underwood released parts of the album cover piece by piece on her official website, revealing a new piece to fans every 20 minutes.
Blown Away was produced by Mark Bright and is Underwood’s fourth studio album for 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville. The album cover was shot by Randee St. Nicholas. The album can be pre-ordered now at Carrie’s official music store at http://bit.ly/zkFKBh.