Warner/Chappell Turns 200

Earlier this year Warner/Chappell and Combustion Music signed hitmaker Brett James. (L-R): BJ Hill (Sr. Director A&R WCM Nashville), Steve Markland (VP A&R WCM Nashville), Nate Lowery (Creative Director for Cornman Music), Brett James, Chris Farren (President Combustion Music), Phil May (VP & GM WCM Nashville), Alicia Pruitt (Sr. Director A&R WCM Nashville), Chris Van Belkom (Sr. Creative Director Combustion Music), Kenley Flynn (Catalog/Office Manager, Combustion Music). Photo: LeeAnn Carlen.

Warner/Chappell Music is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. Since its beginning in 1811 as Chappell & Co. the publisher has grown to a catalogue of more than one million copyrights and a diverse roster of 65,000 composers. A video tells the Warner/Chappell story, which began at a family music shop on London’s Bond Street, and continued through the rise of sheet music, a devastating fire, the merger with Warner Bros. and beyond. Included in the video are Nashville hitmakers Tim James, and Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley.

The local office has had recent hits with “Honey Bee,” and “Dirt Road Anthem.” Among the Nashville writers are Ben Hayslip, Little Big Town, Marv Green, Marcus Hummon, Randy Rogers, Tim Nichols, Wendell Mobley, Brantley Gilbert, Joel Shewmake, Deana Carter and many more. The Nashville branch is headed by VP/GM Phil May, and VP Steve Markland.

Design by Nick Bell, words and music by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant

Throughout its history, Warner/Chappell has been home to legendary songwriters Cole Porter, George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Some of the contemporary hitmakers include Dave Grohl, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Eric Clapton, Katy Perry, Michael Buble, R.E.M., Green Day, Muse, Timbaland, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Bruno Mars.

Warner/Chappell Chairman & CEO, Cameron Strang, said, “This major milestone is testament to the enduring talent of our songwriters, our culture of innovation, and the dedication of the people at Warner/Chappell. We’re thrilled to be celebrating this unique anniversary and we are looking forward to finding new ways of expanding our leaadership position and building our reputation as the industry’s most passionate and creative music publishing company.”

As part of the celebration, Warner/Chappell has commissioned leading graphic designers to transform well-known lyrics from its catalogue into works of art. The artwork is being featured at London’s StolenSpace gallery and can be purchased, with the proceeds being donated to the Save the Children charity. Also in the works is a limited-edition commemorative songbook.

New Addition To Stars For Second Harvest Lineup

The 7th Annual Stars For Second Harvest benefit takes place tonight (Oct. 18) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Recently added to the performance lineup is Martin Johnson from rock band Boys Like Girls.

Presented by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and hosted by songwriter Craig Wiseman, the show will feature acoustic performances from Johnson and previously announced talents Kix Brooks, indie artist Dave Barnes, and songwriter Dallas Davidson. Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas will also be in attendance.

Proceeds from the evening, sponsored by O’Charley’s, will benefit Second Harvest and help raise awareness of hunger issues in the Middle Tennessee area. Tickets are currently on sale through Ticketmaster.

Shane Yellowbird – Bare Feet On The Blacktop

A Cree Indian from Hobbema, Alberta, Shane Yellowbird is one of Canada’s hottest country stars. He initially learned to sing as a technique to overcome a severe stuttering problem, and has gone from quietly pursuing a fine arts degree at college to a thriving music career. In a short span, he has already pumped out five Top 10 Billboard country hits.

“Bare Feet on the Blacktop,” written by Ashley Gorley and Frank Rogers, is Yellowbird’s first single and video release in the United States. A lively up-tempo number with striking guitar licks, witty lyrics, and smooth country harmonies, “Bare Feet” has been a crowd favorite at Yellowbird’s shows all summer.

“This song is a lot of fun both lyrically and on the stage,” explains Yellowbird. “I’ve had so much fun performing it and the crowds at all the festivals have shown a positive reaction to it.”

http://www.shaneyellowbird.com

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YouTube video

Photos: Musica Shreds For Gill

It’s been said that everybody in Nashville owns a guitar, so this was probably bound to happen at some point. But credit Vince Gill and team for executing the clever concept, decorating the dancers of Musica with oversize Telecasters to promote his album Guitar Slinger, due out next Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Jennifer Nettles, Carrie Underwood And George Jones Give Back

>>>Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles recently completed her third trip to Guatemala on behalf of the Shalom Foundation’s mission in the region. “Shalom likens their service initiatives to a four-legged table: Education, nutrition, homes, and health care,” says Nettles, who first visited Guatemala as a Spanish and anthropology major in college. That initial visit, she says, “was my first time being in direct contact with that degree of poverty on a massive level. I connected on an emotional and spiritual level.” While in Guatemala Nettles visited the Moore Pediatric Surgery Center in Guatemala City, whose construction was made possible thanks to monies collected via Sugarland’s four-year-old practice of donating one dollar per ticket to Shalom. The Moore Center is named after the organization’s Chairman/Founder, Steve Moore who also currently serves as CEO of the Country Music Association.The Shalom Foundation is a 501(c)(3) humanitarian aid organization dedicated to providing assistance to children and their families living in extreme poverty.

Carole Underwood (Mom)- who taught in the Checotah school system- and Carrie Underwood. Photo: Matt Sperling

>>>Carrie Underwood worked alongside hundreds of volunteers on Friday Oct. 14 at Marshall Elementary School in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma. Together, Underwood’s C.A.T.S. Foundation (Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation) and national non-profit KaBOOM! assembled a children’s playground in less than eight hours. Underwood started C.A.T.S. in 2009 as a means to support her home town. The organization has donated money to buy instruments for the school’s music program, and also to help rebuild the local animal shelter. “We had the most amazing day putting together something truly special for the kids – and the community,” said Underwood.  “I’m so proud that so many volunteered their time to be here today.”

 

>>>George Jones was honored at a gala tribute Oct. 3 hosted by Louisiana personalities Hollywood Hal & Rhinestone Al. Hal & Al, formed by Scott Innes (radio host and voice of Scooby Doo and Shaggy) and Jim Hogg (longtime singer-songwriter,) organized the event and invited many of their fellow VIP guests to attend. The event raised over $90,000 for The Miracle League of Cypress Mounds, a non-profit organization that helps children with mental and physical disabilities achieve their dreams and play baseball on a specially designed field. One of the highlights of the evening came when Mike Shepherd, Chairman of The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, inducted Jones into The Hall of Fame. Mayor of Baton Rouge, Kip Holden, followed up by giving Jones a key to their city and a special signed document in his honor from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. The audience included notables such as Marty Raybon (former lead singer of Shenandoah,) Richie McDonald (former lead singer of Lonestar,) Marty Roe (lead singer for Diamond Rio,) Mike Reno (lead singer for Loverboy,) and Jimi Johnson (former lead singer of Survivor.) Mr. Jones also received a special video message from Ronnie Dunn.

 

Flatts Announce 2012 Tour

Rascal Flatts have announced its winter tour, Thaw Out 2012, with special guest Sara Evans and opener Hunter Hayes. The tour will kick off in Charleston, West Virginia at the Civic Center Coliseum on Jan. 12 and run through Feb. 18.

Rascal Flatts wrapped up touring for 2011 last month and critics across the nation touted this year’s Flatts Fest. Since the band’s touring career began, the Flatts have sold over 6 million concert tickets.

The band is nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at the CMA Awards Nov. 9 on ABC, and also received three nominations for the American Country Awards taking place Dec. 5 on FOX.

Thaw Out 2012
Jan. 12     Charleston WV            Charleston Civic Center Coliseum
Jan. 13     Roanoke, VA               Roanoke Civic Center
Jan. 14     Hershey, PA                Giant Center
Jan. 19     Columbia, MO             Mizzou Arena
Jan. 20     Peoria, IL                     Peoria Civic Center
Jan. 21     Columbus, OH             Nationwide Arena
Jan. 26     Albany, NY                 Times Union Center
Jan. 27     Providence, RI             Dunkin’ Donuts Center
Jan. 28     Atlantic City, NJ          Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
Feb. 9       Jacksonville, FL           Jacksonville Arena
Feb. 10     Birmingham, AL          BJCC Arena
Feb. 11     Little Rock, AR           Verizon Wireless Arena
Feb. 17     Wilkes-Barre, PA         Mohegan Sun Arena
Feb. 18     E Rutherford, NJ         Izod Center

Kid Rock Set For Tootsie’s Birthday Bash

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will celebrate with a 51st Birthday Bash on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Kid Rock, who will perform that night at the Ryman Auditorium, is expected to join the celebration.

“We couldn’t be happier that Kid Rock is working with us to make the Tootsie’s Birthday Bash a ‘rockin’ good time for everyone in Nashville,” said Steve Smith, owner of Tootsie’s. “Kid Rock is a part of Tootsie’s history. It’s going to be a memorable night.”

The Tootsie’s Birthday Bash will begin at noon in the streets on Broadway. Entertainment will be on both stages of Tootsie’s, the roof-top of Rippy’s, along with a possible stage in the street. After Kid Rock’s Ryman show, Tootsie’s will continue the celebration into the night.

Tickets to Kid Rock’s show are available at Ticketmaster or at the Ryman box office.

Lauren Alaina To Perform at Martell Family Day

Parallel Entertainment will present The T.J. Martell Foundation’s 2nd Annual Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins “Family Day” on Oct. 29. The event, which takes place at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University in Nashville, will feature a performance by Lauren Alaina. Also, Trace Adkins and his family will be honored with the T.J. Martell Family Achievement Award for Adkins’ success and the strength of their family through the challenges of public and private life. Likewise, Nashville Predators Coach, Barry Trotz, and his family will receive the T.J. Martell Family Spirit Award, recognizing their family for reflecting the spirit of Nashville.

There will also be an indoor carnival, bungees and trick or treat booths. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best costume. Tickets are available at www.nashvillefamilyday.com. Tickets are $50 for a family of four or $15 for individual tickets. There will also be a “Your Family Meets Our Family” reception prior to the event, with special tickets of $150 for a family of four. All proceeds benefit The T.J. Martell Foundation’s fight against cancer and AIDS.

Also benefiting Martell was the recent Best Cellars Dinner, which took place Saturday, Oct. 15 in Atlanta, GA. Scheduled to attend were HLN’s Robin Meade, basketball legend Julius Erving, Styx manager Charlie Brusco, former NFL running back Jamal Lewis, songwriter/producer Dallas Austin, and vocal coach Jan Smith.

Upcoming Releases From Radney Foster, Neal McCoy

Radney Foster is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of his album, Del Rio, Texas, 1959, by recording a live version of the project. Foster and band will perform in Del Rio, Texas, Jan. 27-28 to record the album from top to bottom, as well as other songs. The live album, Del Rio Revisited: Live At The Paul Poag Theater will be released in Spring 2012. Tickets for the Del Rio performances go on sale Nov. 14 at www.radneyfoster.com.

• • • •

Neal McCoy will release the first single off his twelfth album, XII, on Oct. 18. Lead single “A-OK” will be worked at radio by Rodeowave Entertainment. XII was produced by Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Brent Rowan, and is due out in January 2012. It marks McCoy’s first album with label Blaster Records.

Also in the works is a 60-minute concert special, Music of Your Life with Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown, Starring Neal McCoy, and Special Guests Charley Pride and Janie Fricke. The show will include many of McCoy’s hits with the backing of a 20+ piece orchestra. A 13-song CD and 21-song DVD of the performance are due Nov. 8, and will be available through traditional, online and digital outlets. Visit www.nealmccoy.com for more details.

 

Artists Revive Williams’ Unrecorded Songs

When Hank Williams passed away in 1953, he left behind a series of notebooks filled with lyrics. Some songs were only fragments, while others were written in their entirety. These unrecorded songs have recently been revived in The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams. Released earlier this month (10/4), the CD is a collection of previously dormant Williams lyrics recorded for the first time by artists such as Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Jack White and other artists influenced or inspired by Williams.

“The history of Hank’s notebooks is as complex as the legend himself. Yet, in the end, what matters most are the songs, and these new works rise from the ether with ghostly relevance. As with his many standards, these new recordings tap straight into the soul of man. This is songwriting at its most artful and most powerful,” said Michael McCall of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams compliments a current exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Until Dec. 31, the exhibit, Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy, will be open to the public and features Williams’ original lyric notebooks and other memorabilia.

The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams tracklisting:

1. You’ve Been Lonesome, Too – Alan Jackson
2. The Love That Faded – Bob Dylan
3. How Many Times Have You Broken My Heart? – Norah Jones
4. You Know That I Know – Jack White
5. I’m So Happy I Found You – Lucinda Williams
6. I Hope You Shed a Million Tears – Vince Gill and Rodney Crowell
7. You’re Through Fooling Me – Patty Loveless
8. You’ll Never Again Be Mine – Levon Helm
9. Blue Is My Heart – Holly Williams
10. Oh, Mama, Come Home – Jakob Dylan
11. Angel Mine – Sheryl Crow
12. The Sermon on the Mount – Merle Haggard