Billie Jo Spears Passes

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Billie Jo Spears, one of the most consistent female country hit-makers of the 1970s, has died in Texas at age 74.

She was famous for her 1975 international smash hit “Blanket on the Ground,” as well as for working-girl anthems and for songs that fused country and disco. Spears was extremely popular in Great Britain and was a fixture in Branson, Mo. for a time.

Born in 1937 in the shipyard city of Beaumont, Texas, she was the daughter of a truck driver father. Her mother was a welder in the shipyards, as well as a guitarist in the Light Crust Doughboys western-swing band. Billie Jo Spears began singing professionally at age 13. She first recorded in Houston at that age and also appeared on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, La.

After working as a drive-in restaurant carhop and as a secretary, she moved from Texas to Nashville in 1964. Signing with Capitol Records, she first hit the top-10 on the country charts with 1969’s “Mr. Walker It’s All Over,” the saga of a downtrodden secretary. She followed it with “Pittsburgh General,” which stood up for nurses. Other early singles included “Stepchild” (1969), in which a boy kills his abusive stepfather, and “Marty Gray” (1970), which dealt with teen pregnancy.

She faded from the hit parade and underwent vocal-cord surgery, then scored a huge comeback on United Artists Records with the toe-tapping “Blanket on the Ground.” It became her first and only No. 1 hit, both in the U.S. and abroad.

She fused country songs with danceable pop rhythms in such big hits as 1976’s “What I’ve Got in Mind,” 1977’s “If You Want Me,” 1978’s “57 Chevrolet” and 1979’s remake of Gloria Gaynor’s disco classic “I Will Survive.” Spears was also distinctive in that she rarely recorded female “victim” material. Almost all of her hit ballads are about women asserting themselves. These include “Standing Tall” (1980), “I’ve Got to Go” (1978), “I’m Not Easy” (1977), “Never Did Like Whiskey” (1976) and her revival of Tammy Wynette’s “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad” (1981).

Her other hits include 1976’s “Misty Blue” 1978’s Love Ain’t Gonna Wait for Us” and 1979’s “Livin’ Our Love Together.” She also recorded several notable duets with the late Del Reeves. Throughout her career, she sang with a tangy Texas accent and a feisty attitude. Her last appearance on the national country charts was in 1984.

Billie Jo Spears was married five times. In later years, she retained her popularity in the U.K. and recorded several albums for that market. She continued to tour stateside, despite triple-bypass heart surgery in 1993. Her most recent album was released in 2005. She had 22 British shows booked for 2012 at the time of her death.

She died of cancer on Wednesday morning, December 14. Survivors and funeral details were not available at press time.

Burrell And Houghton to Host BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music

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Kim Burrell and Israel Houghton will host BMI's Trailblazers of Gospel Luncheon

Gospel legends Kim Burrell and Israel Houghton have been named as hosts of the 13th Annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon scheduled for Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 at Rocketown in Nashville.

The invitation-only event will honor Kirk Franklin, the best-selling contemporary gospel artist in SoundScan history, and Pastor Hezekiah Walker, a multiple Grammy-winner and leader of the Love Fellowship Choir. Franklin is one of gospel’s most decorated artists with 20 No. 1 gospel singles, seven Grammys, 37 Stellar Awards, 14 Dove Awards, and six NAACP Image Awards, in addition to sales over 15 million. Walker’s highly influential Love Fellowship Choir has won numerous Grammys and 11 Stellar Awards. He additionally founded the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church and Hezekiah Walker Ministries in New York and Pennsylvania, and resource centers for congregations all over the country.

Nimbit Reports Spotlight Boosting Facebook Sales

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Nimbit.com reports that its direct-to-fan platform has been showing strong growth in terms of Facebook sales for artists and bands. According to VP of Marketing Carl Jacobson, the trend started about 15 months ago when, “We began to see a sharp uptick in the percentage of direct sales that were coming from our artists’ Facebook stores, versus their other Nimbit direct-to-fan stores (on their website, partner sites, etc.).”

Jacobson says that Facebook sales accounted for 49.67% of total sales for Nimbit artists during Nov. 2011. Nimbit is especially interested in this strong sales uptick because the company introduced its new “Spotlight” Facebook store functionality in September 2011. Nimbit Facebook sales for Sept. to Nov. 2011 vs. the same period in 2010 are up 481%,

Nimbit attributes the huge increase to its redesigned Facebook store options— “Spotlight”—plus “better executed promotions by artists.” The company has also compiled a page full of tips for artists about how to best present their Facebook store and get the best sales results.

TFEMC Promotes Raines, Hires Locklin

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty announced key appointments today (12/14) to the Tennessee Film Entertainment and Music Commission (TFEMC).

Bob Raines, who was most recently serving as interim Executive Director, is now the Executive Director.  Music industry veteran Hank Adam Locklin will fill the newly created role of Director of Music and Business Development.

Raines has been with the TFEMC since 2002, and has developed extensive relationships with members of the entertainment industry and local communities and organizations throughout the state. In his previous TFEMC roles, he has administered the state’s film and TV incentive program, successfully negotiated film, television and music projects, and marketed the unique aspects of doing business in Tennessee to companies throughout the country and around the world.

In his new role, Locklin will identify and strengthen partnerships with Tennessee’s one-of-a-kind music industry. A key objective of the TFEMC going forward will be recruiting entertainment companies to relocate jobs to Tennessee and Locklin will lead the state’s efforts in this area. Most recently Locklin was interim Executive Director of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame where he still serves as chairman of the Board. He was previously Senior Manager of Membership and Industry Relations for the Country Music Association, where he was responsible for developing CMA membership and other forms of music industry outreach.

Locklin currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Metro Nashville Tourism and Convention Commission and is a board member of the Women’s Music Business Association. A University of Alabama undergrad and law school graduate, Locklin has previous experience in artist management with Loretta Lynn and Billy Yates and has produced two critically acclaimed albums for his late father, country music star Hank Locklin.

When Gov. Haslam’s Jobs4TN economic development plan was unveiled in the spring, the entertainment industry was identified as one of the key clusters in which the state has a clear competitive advantage. The TFEMC will fall under the supervision of Will Alexander, assistant commissioner of Strategy and Innovation, as the TFEMC staff works to capitalize on Tennessee’s current entertainment assets and explores opportunities for the industry’s expansion and job creation.

“I look forward to working closely with Bob and Hank along with the nine members of the Tennessee Film Entertainment and Music Commission as we develop strategies that will allow our state’s entertainment industry to thrive,” Alexander said.  “The wealth of experience and unique perspectives the TFEMC Commission members and staff offer will help us continue to grow the entertainment sector and forge new paths as we move forward.”

Scenes From the Hall: Sarah Trahern, Suzy Bogguss

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On Saturday (12/10), the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum hosted Suzy Bogguss for a special concert related to the Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player exhibition. Bogguss shared memories and songs from her work with Atkins, including their duet album Simpatico, and performed material from her newest album, American Folk Songbook as well as a few Christmas songs.

(L-R): Director of Museum Programs Ali Tonn, Harry Stinson, Pat Bergeson, Suzy Bogguss, Fred Carpenter, Keith Case, Charlie Chadwick and Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo: Donn Jones

• • • •

On Monday (12/12), the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum honored executive Sarah Trahern at the fifth annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum. The forum traced Trahern’s career from her time at C-SPAN to her current position as General Manager-Senior Vice President for Great American Country Television. Among her creations are Opry at Carnegie Hall, Country at the White House and, most notably, the live three-hour telethon Music City: Keep on Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief. Made possible by the Gibson Foundation, the forum was established in 2007 to explore issues related to the business side of the music industry and annually recognizes an individual who represents the legacy of pioneering agent-manager Louise Scruggs, the adoring wife and savvy business partner of Country Music Hall of Fame member Earl Scruggs.

(L-R): 2010 Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum honoree Bonnie Garner, Trahern and Museum Senior Vice President of Public Relations and 2008 honoree Liz Thiels. Photo: Donn Jones

Americana Music Association Offering Early Bird Registration

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The Civil Wars perform at the 2011 Americana Honors & Awards show. Photo: Americana Music Association

Early bird registration for the Americana Music Festival’s 13th Annual Festival & Conference, scheduled for September 12-15 and hosted at the Sheraton Downtown Nashville, is now available. Cost is $250 for AMA members and $350 for non-members. Registration includes access to daytime seminars, nightly performance showcases, and one ticket to the Honors and Awards show. More info here.

The 2011 AMA Festival and Conference drew over 10,000 fans and 1,000 industry professionals out to celebrate and experience 300 performing artists in venues around Nashville. Attendance at the conference’s educational workshops and seminars rose over 25% from 2010, and registrations are up 35% since 2009. New AMA memberships rose 13% over the previous year. Performers from previous years have included Robert Plant, The Avett Brothers, The Civil Wars, Buddy Miller, and many more.

Additionally, PBS recently aired ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival with musical performances from the 2011 Americana Honors and Awards show. The special reached over two million households and is the third-highest rated episode of Austin City Limits in 2011.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (12/14/11)

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Let’s close out the year with some holiday tunes, shall we?

This week, we’re looking at some of the more high-profile ones in our community. Next week, we’ll check out the indie artists’ Yuletide offerings.

In the spirit of the season, R.K.O. is spreading the love today, giving out Disc of the Day awards in categories, just like the CMA does. Our Male Vocalist is Tim McGraw. Enduringly great Tanya Tucker wins the Female Vocalist prize. Our Group honor goes to Eli Young Band. The Duo du jour is unquestionably Joey + Rory. And our Vocal Collaboration prize goes to TobyMac & Leigh Nash.

Is everybody happy?

JULIE ROBERTS/Who Needs Mistletoe
Writer: Julie Roberts/Jason Collum; Producer: Jason Collum & Julie Roberts; Publisher: none listed; Aint Skeered (track) (www.julieroberts.com)
—Julie’s seven-song Yule EP is all standards, except for its title tune, which is deep-indigo bluesy and oh-so sexy. Highly listenable.

JOEY + RORY/Remember Me
Writer: Tim Johnson/Rory Feek; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Publisher: Hot Rod 98/Golden Axle/Songs of TJ/Super 98/Milk Barn, SESAC/BMI; Sugar Hill (track) (www.joeyandrory.com)
—Joey + Rory’s A Farmhouse Christmas is full of cool, original holiday tunes. This one’s a sweet, gentle, acoustic ballad that asks us to remember the reason for the season.

TOBYMAC & LEIGH NASH/Christmas This Year
Writer: Toby McKeehan/Cory Barlowe/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Christopher Stevens & Toby McKeehan; Publisher: Achtober/EMI CMG/Castles Bound/Rio Bravo, BMI/SESAC; Word/Provident/EMI (track)
—This occurs on the 32-track CCM compilation Wow Christmas, as well as on TobyMac’s Christmas in Diversecity album. It’s a catchy little ditty with plenty of danceable bounce and bop. Toby sounds totally endearing, while Sixpence None the Richer’s Leigh adds a wafting, soaring soprano counterpoint. Extremely well produced pop.

RICKY SKAGGS/Christmas Time’s A-Comin’
Writer: Tex Logan; Producer: Ricky Skaggs; Publisher: Unichappell, BMI; Skaggs Family (track) (www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com)
—A Skaggs Family Christmas 2 is a CD/DVD set that captures performances by Skaggs, his children and members of the White clan. It kicks off with a revival of Bill Monroe’s Christmas classic. It’s sprightly and merry, but lacks the drive and edge that Daddy Bluegrass gave it.

PHIL VASSAR/Santa’s Gone Hollywood
Writer: Phil Vassar/Tim Nichols/Jeff Outlaw; Producer: Phil Vassar & Dane Bryant; Publisher: Phylvester/Warner-Tamerlane/Made For This/Contentment, ASCAP/BMI; Rodeowave (track)
—Phil’s holiday offering, Noel, is about half standards and half originals. Among the latter is this wildly witty ditty about Santa hitting the PowerBall jackpot and living it up in LaLa Land. Among the lines: “Mrs. Claus is lookin’ hot, she’s even got a new rack/She’s been nip-tucked, lipo-sucked and tightened up good.” As for Santa, he has, “little blue pills” as well as court-side seats at all the Lakers games. Thoroughly entertaining.

MATT WERTZ/Snow Globe
Writer: Chad Cates/Tony Wood/Matt Wertz; Producer: Ben Shive; Publisher: Sony-ATV Timber/Glory Town/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Songs From Exit 7/My Associate Cornelius, SESAC/ASCAP; Handwritten/Provident (track) (www.mattwertz.com)
—CCM star Wertz has released his first Christmas CD. Its title tune is a frothy pop confection that swirls like the thingy it celebrates. His breathy, feathery tenor vocal even sounds like wintertime. Pleasant, if lightweight.

ANDY GIBSON/The Christmas Song
Writer: Robert Wells/Mel Torme; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tunes/Edwin H. Morris/MPL, ASCAP; DMP/R&J (www.randjrecords.com)
—I have liked this newcomer’s work in the past. His rendition of this standard is workmanlike, but no kind of reinvention or reinterpretation. The studio instrumentalists are more creative on their jazzy breaks than he is vocally.

ELI YOUNG BAND/Wonderful Christmastime
Writer: Paul McCartney; Producer: Keith Davis; Publisher: MPL, no performance rights listed; Big Machine (track)
—The Country Christmas Collection is Big Machine’s nine-tune compilation for the Colonial Candle company. Eli Young Band is borrowed from the Republic roster for the set. These guys are bound to have a merry Christmas, since they are coming off their first No. 1 record. By keeping things simple, the group transforms Sir Paul’s tune into a jaunty country carol.

TIM McGRAW/Christmas All Over The World

Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Red Light Management (download)
—This rocks splendidly with a big, beefy production that pounds and chimes in all the right places. Tim’s voice has never sounded more confident and assured. Absolutely joyous.

TANYA TUCKER/Merry Christmas Wherever You Are
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mighty Loud (download)
—Tender and emotional, this one’s for folks who can’t be together at Christmas time. It’s the perfect song gem for anyone missing a loved one who is deployed overseas. Tanya gives the ballad everything she’s got. And that’s plenty from a vocalist this potent. Heart-tugging.

Weak Release Slate Puts Coal In Country Sales Stockings

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Like turning lemons to lemonade, it’s coal dust soufflé when you receive lumps of the black rocks in your holiday stocking. And that’s exactly what country sales departments will be forced to munch as consumers shop their way through the final three weeks of 2011.

What’s the problem you ask? Well, if Nashville had thought to release something with the appeal of Michael Buble’s Christmas album we would have had registers ringing about 480,000 times this week, owned the No. 1 album on the Top 200 all-genre chart, plus had a disc that had sold over 1.5 million units in 7 weeks. Nashville—but not country music—does have some ownership in the Black Keys who have the No. 2 disc this week with the band’s El Camino debut selling over 206,000 units. But, I’m sorry to say, country music couldn’t even muster a top ten showing this week on the all genre Top 200 album chart. Country’s best selling bin bopper was Scotty McCreery who clocks in at lucky No. 13 for the all genre crowd with sales of almost 52,000. McCreery and other performers likely got some boost from last week’s ACA Awards show, but because of the holiday time period it is hard to measure.

A brief look at our graph shows the disappointing trend. At the end of Q3 country YTD sales were ahead of last year by 9% and stretched up to 9.8% a few weeks later before starting a steady and consistent downward slide. Country album sales (physical and digital) this week totaled 1.248 million units bringing our YTD sales unit total to 38.206 million. Doing the math against last year’s total album sales—43.72—shows that breaking even with last year will require sales of 1.838 million units each week. That’s a lot of units without some truly magic shiny disc to draw people away from other format debuts, which are plentiful. Just this past week we saw Top 20 debuts from Black Keys, Amy Winehouse, the Glee Cast, Korn, The Roots and Chevelle. From Nashville—nothing.

Tracks
As we follow the tracks trail we see a bit more vibrancy. Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” was downloaded 96,000 times which would equal almost 10,000 TEA albums increasing his album sales this week by over 30%. I guess having the song performed on Glee last week didn’t hurt. YTD country track sales have passed the 135 million range which in TEA (track equivalent album) language means an additional 13.5 million albums worth of sales. However, as one of this column’s mentors and behind-the-scenes contributors would note, the 13.5 million TEA must be compared to last year’s TEA sales so we are ,”talking apples to apples.” Duly noted, and if anyone out there has last year’s TEA number broken out for country it would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, Nielsen SoundScan, our keepers of the data, did not break country tracks out on a separate chart last year and so that number remains a mystery.

Apples to apples. OK. But even so, 13.5 million albums worth of track sales is a large line item on the country music balance sheet and cannot be ignored. (135 million X $1.29=$174.2 million). Isn’t it time that TEAs became a larger part of the lingo? Focusing on tracks greatly changes the economics of the business. It’s like selling singles beers instead of 12 packs, but the world is a changing folks. And each of us has a choice when it comes to running our business. Stand in front of the train, or climb on board.

What are you going to do?

Aristo International Report Highlights Country’s Global Reach

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Click to view.

The Winter 2011 edition of the Aristo International Report showcases the latest country music happenings around the globe.

Among the highlights are international tours by Dierks Bentley and Dolly Parton. Bentley’s Country and Cold Cans Tour will visit Canada and Australia in February/March 2012, and Parton’s 2011 Better Day World Tour included several dates in Europe and Australia.

This newsletter also discusses the return of the International Festival of Country Music to London’s Wembley Arena after a 20-year hiatus, and a new event at Scotland’s Celtic Connections festival.

Elsewhere, the CMA Songwriter Series includes stops in the UK and Ireland with Bill Anderson, Clint Black and Bob DiPiero, and CMA International Awards were presented to ASCAP Nashville’s Ralph Murphy and Australian sister trio The McClymonts.

Other features include a Q&A with Lytle Management’s Sarah Brosmer, who was a driving force in the international success of acts like The Mavericks, and country music awards in France and Britain.

GAC’s “Headline Country” Expands

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Storme Warren

Headline Country on GAC will begin airing episodes weekly in 2012 with the show scheduled for Thurs., Jan. 12, 10:00 p.m./Eastern. Previously, the show had been airing bi-weekly.

Storme Warren hosts the show providing viewers backstage and behind the scenes access to country music’s biggest artists, events, and celebrations. Warren’s travels have taken him to festivals in Japan, Australia and Europe as well as military base visits in several countries.

“GAC’s dedication to bringing country music fans as close as possible to the stars is undeniable,” Warren says. “As a weekly outlet, Headline Country will provide a constant window to Music Row and we look forward to expanding our coverage of country music around the globe.”

“Storme is tireless and he and his crew work hard to be where the biggest stories in country music are taking place,” says GAC GM/SVP, Sarah Trahern. “It’s great that our fans will now get twice as much news delivered in a timely fashion.”

Headline Country is produced by Surfing Moose Productions; Executive Producers Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Hartley, Storme Warren and Supervising Producer, Jeremy Weber.