Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Larry Butler passed away in his sleep yesterday (Jan. 19) at home in Pensacola, Florida. He was 69 years old.
The first and only Nashville producer to win the Grammy for Producer of the Year, Butler experienced his greatest successes as Kenny Rogers’ producer. Their collaboration resulted in landmark hits for Rogers, including “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” “The Gambler,” “Love Or Something Like It,” and “Coward of the County.”
Pensacola native Larry Lee Butler’s musical career began at age six when he joined the Harry James Orchestra. He moved to Nashville in 1963, after encouragement from publisher Buddy Killen.
He began landing session work, playing piano on hits like Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin” and Bobby Goldsboro’s “Honey.” His musical contributions also appear on cuts by Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and many, many more.
In the late 1960s, Butler moved to Memphis and began working with songwriter Chips Moman in the group the Gentrys, who scored hits with “Keep On Dancin’” and “Every Day I Have To Cry Some.”
Butler later returned to Nashville and joined United Artists Records as head of the label’s Nashville office. Under his guidance, the label helped launch the successful careers of Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, Dottie West and the Kendalls.
He won a Song of the Year Grammy for “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” another Chips Moman co-write that B.J. Thomas took to No. 1 in 1975. In 1979, Butler earned his Grammy for Producer of the Year. He launched a publishing company in 1984, signing writers Mickey Newbury, Dean Dillon and Julie Didier and landed the George Strait hits “The Chair” and “Ocean Front Property.” For his multitude of accomplishments, the University of West Florida awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Maultsby Butler, daughter Schanda Butler Olsson, grandson Justin, sister Alva Chop and numerous other extended family members and friends.
Memorial services will be held in Pensacola, Florida Tuesday, January 24 at 11:11 AM at Perdido Bay United Methodist Community Center. A celebration of Butler’s life will be held in Nashville at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Belmont University, Don Gant Scholarship, Office of Development, 1900 Belmont Ave., Nashville, TN 37212.
New Catalog Purchase For Carlin America
/by FreemanBruce Cockburn. Photo: Kevin Kelly
Rotten Kiddies Music, a subsidiary of independent publisher Carlin America, has announced the acquisition of Canadian songwriter Bruce Cockburn’s catalog.
An Ottawa native with over 30 albums to his credit, Cockburn has landed nine Top 10 singles over the course of his career. Hits such as “Going To The Country” (1970), “Wondering Where the Lions Are” (1979), and “Lovers In A Dangerous Time” (1984) all performed well and brought Cockburn acclaim.
An accomplished guitarist, Cockburn has also composed works for television and film including the opening and closing credits to children’s series Franklin. As a songwriter, his works have been recorded by a diverse collection of artists such as Chet Atkins, Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Buffet, Elbow, Dan Fogelberg, the Jerry Garcia Band, k.d. lang, and more.
“The time seemed right to try to bring this music to the attention of a wider audience,” says Cockburn. “When the people at Carlin expressed interest in buying the catalog it felt like the songs had found a perfect home. l’m looking forward to working with them.”
Kobalt Expands Into Label Services With Major Acquisition
/by Sarah SkatesThe Artist and Label Services division is propelled by the company’s acquisition of AWAL, which distributes and promotes the recorded music of more than 5,000 independent labels and artists, including Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, the Editors, and Moby. Through the acquisition, Kobalt obtains access to AWAL’s worldwide distribution network of more than 200 digital retail partners, including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, eMusic, Rhapsody, 7Digital, Beatport, Deezer, Nokia and 247.
During the coming year Kobalt Artist and Label Services division will roll out next generation services for artists and labels worldwide, offering digital retail, subscription, D2C and social media services, and advanced data analytics.
“Our expansion and launch of Kobalt’s Artist and Label Services division and the acquisition of AWAL is a response to our clients’ needs and to a major shift in where we see the market is heading,” said Willard Ahdritz, CEO and Founder of Kobalt Music Group. “With an efficient platform, direct distribution channel, a successful track record and strong management, AWAL was built on similar core values of transparency and integrity as Kobalt was. This acquisition is a building block in Kobalt’s long-term strategy of creating a new kind of full music service alternative for rights holders including artists and labels.”
AWAL will remain a standalone company within Kobalt Music Group. The company is expected to expand and will continue to operate independently from its London and Sheffield offices.
Paul Hitchman will serve as Managing Director of Kobalt Artist and Label Services, effective Feb. 1. Hitchman’s career includes co-founding the European digital music companies Playlouder, MSP and CI, as well as time at Warner Music UK and Arista/BMG UK. AWAL’s management team of Kevin Bacon, Jonathan Quarmby, Denzyl Feigelson and Paul Bower will remain intact reporting to Hitchman.
Kobalt Neighbouring Rights Limited (KNRL) has tapped Hans van Berkel, Founder and former CEO of leading rights society SENA, as KNRL Executive Chairman. In the U.S., John Simson, former executive director of SoundExchange, will serve as U.S. Representative for Artist Relations and Business Development. Sabine Jones, who previously ran neighboring rights societies PAMRA (UK) and SWISSPERFORM, has joined as KNRL Managing Director.
Producer and Songwriter Larry Butler Passes
/by FreemanThe first and only Nashville producer to win the Grammy for Producer of the Year, Butler experienced his greatest successes as Kenny Rogers’ producer. Their collaboration resulted in landmark hits for Rogers, including “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” “The Gambler,” “Love Or Something Like It,” and “Coward of the County.”
Pensacola native Larry Lee Butler’s musical career began at age six when he joined the Harry James Orchestra. He moved to Nashville in 1963, after encouragement from publisher Buddy Killen.
He began landing session work, playing piano on hits like Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin” and Bobby Goldsboro’s “Honey.” His musical contributions also appear on cuts by Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and many, many more.
In the late 1960s, Butler moved to Memphis and began working with songwriter Chips Moman in the group the Gentrys, who scored hits with “Keep On Dancin’” and “Every Day I Have To Cry Some.”
Butler later returned to Nashville and joined United Artists Records as head of the label’s Nashville office. Under his guidance, the label helped launch the successful careers of Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, Dottie West and the Kendalls.
He won a Song of the Year Grammy for “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” another Chips Moman co-write that B.J. Thomas took to No. 1 in 1975. In 1979, Butler earned his Grammy for Producer of the Year. He launched a publishing company in 1984, signing writers Mickey Newbury, Dean Dillon and Julie Didier and landed the George Strait hits “The Chair” and “Ocean Front Property.” For his multitude of accomplishments, the University of West Florida awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Maultsby Butler, daughter Schanda Butler Olsson, grandson Justin, sister Alva Chop and numerous other extended family members and friends.
Memorial services will be held in Pensacola, Florida Tuesday, January 24 at 11:11 AM at Perdido Bay United Methodist Community Center. A celebration of Butler’s life will be held in Nashville at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Belmont University, Don Gant Scholarship, Office of Development, 1900 Belmont Ave., Nashville, TN 37212.
Artist Updates (1/20/12)
/by Freeman(L-R): Morgan, Marc Womack (Co-Producer, Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors) Photo: Joshua Glaudin/Outdoor Channel
Craig Morgan earned two honors at the Outdoor Channel’s 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards last night (Jan. 19) in Las Vegas. Morgan was awarded in the categories Best Turkey and Best Deer from his Outdoor series Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors. “I cannot tell you what an honor it is to get recognition for the show,” says Morgan. “Along with being so much fun to create it’s also a lot of hard work. For the industry to acknowledge our show is an amazing feeling.” Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors airs Saturdays at 10 AM/CT.
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Hayes to Visit GMA, Launch Virtual Mixing Board
/by FreemanAdditionally, Hayes is launching “MixBoard Experience” Jan. 23 on his website, where fans can use a virtual mixing board to create their own audio and video versions of “Storm Warning.” The mixer features five different videos that comprise different parts of the song including drums, bass, vocal, acoustic and utility. Users can experiment with volume levels, muting sections, solos, and more to create a custom mix. Check it out here.
Photo Friday (1/20/12)
/by MichelleThe inaugural Crested Butte Songwriters Festival took place January 13-15. Presented by BMI, Texas Roadhouse, Coors, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort, the fest revolved around days full of skiing and nights full of music, delivered by singer/songwriters like Robert Earl Keen, Dean Dillon, Mac Davis, Marti Frederiksen, Jake Owen, Kristen Kelly, Nicolle Galyon, Emily Shackelton, Kristy Lee Cook, Rodney Clawson and Crested Butte local favorites Tyler Hansen, Steve Snyder and David Paulik. Proceeds benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation and Tough Enough to Wear Pink.
(L-R, back row): host Storme Warren, Robert Earl Keen, Kristy Lee Cook, Mac Davis, Nicolle Galyon, Marti Frederiksen, Kristen Kelly, Dean Dillon, Emily Shackelton and Rodney Clawson; (front row) BMI’s Mary Loving, Julie Stuckey and Tom Anastas; Coors’ Lance Beam; and BMI’s Clay Bradley, Mark Mason and Mason Hunter. Photo by Alex Fenlon
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The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) welcomed creative director, wardrobe stylist and entrepreneur Kyah Hillis to the organization’s first monthly membership meeting of the year recently at NSAI‘s headquarters. Hillis spoke to WMBA members about working with clients to build a brand around an image. She shared industry secrets and current trends, and demonstrated hands-on tips that work for both artists and everyday professionals. Following the meeting, Hillis treated the members to an exclusive tour of her new mobile boutique, The Trunk. For more information on the WMBA, visit wmbanashville.org.
(L to R): Rachel Rodriguez, Leona Edwards, Trina Lloyd-Weidner, Darcy Ferris, Brandi Simms, Kyah Hillis, Kama Upton, Becky Lynn Street, and Becky McIntosh
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Lee Brice recently performed “A Woman Like You” for Ram’s “Country Covers” Session taping at Yahoo! Studios in Los Angeles. The single is currently No. 20 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.
(L-R): David Fleming, Producer, Ram Country/Yahoo Originals; Claire Cook, Webster PR; Ed Bunker, No Problem! Marketing; Wendy Hermanson, Yahoo! Country; and Curb artist Lee Brice.
Carrie Underwood, Steven Tyler Meet at Crossroads
/by Eric T. ParkerIn 2011, Underwood and Tyler performed “Undo It” and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” together on the 2011 ACM Awards.
As Aerosmith’s lead singer, Tyler has become one of rock’s most popular vocalists. He joined Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez on the judging panel for the 2010 season of American Idol and was featured in the Jan. 1 premiere of Oprah’s Next Chapter on her OWN network. Underwood recently celebrated more than 14 million in album sales and is nominated for a Grammy for her co-written single “Mama’s Song.”
Crossroads is produced by Tom Forrest and Kathryn Russ.
Bryan and Church to Headline ACM Weekend Concerts
/by Caitlin RantalaThe event will be held Mar. 30-31, 2012. Bryan will headline on Friday night, Mar. 30 and Church will headline on Saturday, Mar. 31.
These concerts take place in conjunction with the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The show will be be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, Apr. 1 at 8 PM/ET on CBS.
Brad Paisley to Play Wrigley Field
/by FreemanJoining Paisley for the date will be special guest Miranda Lambert, as well as Virtual Reality tourmates Chris Young, The Band Perry, and Jerrod Niemann. The tour kicked off Jan. 12 with three-sold out shows in one weekend. More tour dates here.
Wrigley Field has hosted 99 seasons of baseball, and 97 of those with the Chicago Cubs. This event will be only the second time Wrigley has hosted a live country concert.
Federal Agents Seize Media Sharing Hub, Hackers Retaliate
/by Eric T. ParkerThe indictment alleges the individuals and the two corporations — Megaupload Limited and Vestor Limited — are responsible for more than $500 million in harm to copyright owners from more than five years of distributing movies, music, television programs, e-books, and software. The site is said to have generated more than $175 million in proceeds from premium memberships.
As a response to the shutdown, a collection of Megaupload supporters from the “Hacktivist” collective Anonymous tweeted “One thing is certain: EXPECT US! #Megaupload” from @anonops as websites for organizations started to crash, including the Department of Justice, the US Copyright Office, Universal Music, the RIAA, BMI, WMG and the MPAA. Anonymous is said to have caused the crashes by flooding the websites with traffic to overwhelm servers, rather than any kind of security breach. CNN reported today (1/20) that most sites are back up and running.
Nevertheless, RIAA Chairman and CEO Cary Sherman responded to the federal action by saying, “We are deeply grateful to the Justice Department professionals who worked tirelessly on this case for two years. Federal law enforcement has delivered a historic blow against one of the most notorious illegal distribution hubs in the world…that posed a very real and serious problem for the creative community. The indictment should send a clear signal to other similar illegal distribution hubs that think they can violate the law with impunity.”
The Virginia issue charges employees of New Zealand, Germany, Slovakia and the Netherlands. No U.S. citizens were named, however the site has servers in Ashburn, VA., and Washington D.C., which prompted the investigation.
“The government has many tools at its disposal, including criminal prosecution,” said Sherman. “But if this service were hosted and operated, for example, in a foreign country, our government would be essentially powerless to do anything about it. That needs to change.”
The individuals each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the charge of conspiracy to commit racketeering, five years in prison on the charge of conspiracy to commit copyright infringement, 20 years in prison on the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering with reward programs for users and affiliates, and five years in prison on each of the substantive charges of copyright infringement.
Megaupload.com, is advertised at one point to be the 13th most frequently visited website on the Internet accounting for four percent of the total traffic on the Internet, having more than 150 million registered users and 50 million daily visitors.
This case is part of efforts by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force) to stop the theft of intellectual property.