Connie Smith with featured guests Dallas Frazier, Kostas and Marty Stuart before her second Artist-in-Residency show Monday night (8/29) at the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum. The theme for the evening was “Connie and the Songwriters.” Smith’s final residency program will be Sept. 12. Pictured (L-R): VP of Museum Programs Jay Orr, Kostas, Dallas Frazier, Connie Smith, Museum Director Kyle Young and Marty Stuart. Photo: Donn Jones
Chapter 372
Inspiration. Celebration. Jubilation.
These were the themes as the party boy made his rounds this week on Music Row. And all were at events that made me fall in love with country music all over again.
• • • • •
I caught the second of Connie Smith’s Artist In Residence performances at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater on Monday (8/29). In a word, wow. I walked out of there tingling, with my spirit completely full of inspiration.
In the first place, she’s one of my favorite singers of all time.
In the second place, our seats were in the second row, center, practically in Connie’s lap. It was as if she was singing to me in her living room.
“This week, it’s about the songs,” she said. So she sang songs she’s written, as well as those of her guests Kostas, Dallas Frazier and Marty Stuart. She was backed by her super band The Sundowners – guitarist Rick Wright, steel man Gary Carter, drummer Ric McClure and bass player Rod Ham, abetted by guitar session stalwart and Opry band member Mark Casstevens and Fabulous Superlatives member Paul Martin. They also play on her new Long Line of Heartaches, her 53rd album.
As Kyle Young reminded us, Connie was famously discovered by Bill Anderson. A song demo tape of his tunes landed her an RCA Records contract in 1964. On it was “Tiny Blue Transister Radio,” which he wrote with Skeeter Davis in mind. Instead, it became a Connie hit, which she sang. She has, by the way, recorded 33 Anderson tunes.
From the new CD, she did the lovely “I’m Not Blue,” cowritten with Kostas. At her invitation, he sang “Blame It On Your Heart.”
“Marty’s a joy to write with,” she said in introducing her husband, producer and songwriting collaborator. “Marty’s a joy to work with. Marty’s a joy to live with.”
“This is how we got together in the first place, writing songs,” he replied. “Our first date, we wrote a country song with Harlan Howard.” He urged her to sing some of her composing efforts, including “If You’re Gonna Go (Take Me With You),” which she penned for Dolly Parton, but never pitched. Marty also read lyrics that Merle Haggard had sent for the occasion, “Too Much Boogie Woogie (And Not Enough Connie Smith).”
She told us that she has recorded 69 Dallas Frazier songs, including “Where Is My Castle,” “Ain’t Love a Good Thing” and “Run Away Little Tears,” which she performed, magnificently. At her invitation, Dallas sang his “Fourteen Carat Mind,” “All I Have to Offer You Is Me” and “If My Heart Had Windows.” The last named was penned for his wife of 53 years, Sharon Frazier, who sat on the front row. Dallas also penned “A Heart Like You” (with attendee Glenn Ashworth), the song that kick-started Connie’s new CD.
A standing ovation followed Connie’s “Peace in the Valley.” She encored with her signature song, Anderson’s “Once a Day.” Then she greeted fans and signed autographs in the Conservatory.
“That was so inspiring,” said Don Henry afterward. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.” I heartily agreed.
The capacity crowd also included Diane Berry, Jo Walker-Meador, Jerry Foster, Bill Denny, Barry Mazor, Duane & Nora Lee Allen, Danny Flowers, Jerry & Ernie Williams, Peter Cronin, Mary Gauthier and Connie’s daughters Julie Ray Barnick and Jodi Lee Seyfried. Along with sister Jeanne Haynes, they’ll be on stage with Connie at her third Artist In Residence show on Sept. 12. That one will spotlight female vocalists.
Connie is the ninth Artist In Residence and its first female. She follows Jack Clement, Guy Clark, Jerry Douglas, Buddy Miller and Hall of Fame members Tom T. Hall, Earl Scruggs, Kris Kristofferson and Vince Gill.
• • • • •
It was sunny and breezy on the BMI patio roof on Tuesday afternoon (8/30). The celebration was for “Dirt Road Anthem.” The year’s biggest Nashville pop crossover hit is sung by the year’s biggest-selling country artist, Jason Aldean.
“This is a historic day at BMI, because this is Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford’s first number-one country single,” said Clay Bradley. “Brantley Gilbert has developed a wide following because of his commitment to hard touring….Colt Ford is loaded with charisma and instinct, performing more than 200 shows a year [with] hip-hop and honky-tonk authentically mashed together.”
Both writers are also recording artists. In fact, Brantley’s “Country Must Be Country Wide” is in the top-20 and climbing and his debut CD drops soon. He also co-wrote Jason’s CD’s title tune and a hit earlier this year, “My Kinda Party.”
Jason has, “redefined his career with every step he takes,” Clay continued. “’Dirt Road Anthem’ is his fifth single with one million downloads.” Presentations and plaudits came to Steve Markland, Michael Knox and Broken Bow’s Jon Loba.
The label upstaged the host. Broken Bow owner Benny Brown presented Jason’s wife Jessica Aldean with a white, convertible Lexus. We looked down to see it parked six floors below on Music Circle East (15th Avenue South) wrapped in a big red bow.
We snacked on cheeseburger sliders, melon bites, roasted corn salsa and barbecue & slaw on cornbread. Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase, Kevin Lamb, Ron Samuels, Hunter Kelly, Clarence Spalding, Steve Moore, Chris Parr, Charlie Monk, Bill Cody, Brandi Simms, Diane Pearson, Susan Stewart, John Dorris, Bill Mayne, Pete Fisher, Debbie Carroll and Tom Baldrica schmoozed in the sunshine.
BMI toasted Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, and Jason Aldean at a party honoring the no. 1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem,” held August 30 on the rooftop of the company’s Music Row offices. Both successful recording artists in their own right, Ford and Gilbert topped the charts for the first time as a songwriting duo. “Dirt Road Anthem” marks Aldean’s seventh trip to the top. Pictured (L-R): producer Michael Knox, Warner/Chappell Music’s Steve Markland, BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Colt Ford, Jason Aldean, co-writer Brantley Gilbert and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Rick Diamond
• • • • •
That evening (830), we gathered downtown at Avenue for a “Neon Jubilee” party for Chris Young. The jubilation was for his No. 1 hit and Gold single “Tomorrow,” for the Gold certification of his CD The Man I Want to Be and for his newly released collection Neon. Appropriately, the party decorations and swizzle sticks glowed in the dark, neon style.
“I just wanna say, hot-damn, I got a Gold Record,” Chris exclaimed. “Everybody that’s in this room right now, thank you for everything you’ve done for me….I love you…..I’m gonna give a Gold Record to everybody I know.” He also noted that “Tomorrow,” which will be Platinum in two weeks, is the first single he’s had to go Gold before its parent album even came out.
His co-writers on “Tomorrow” are BMI affiliated Frank Myers and SESAC affiliated Anthony Smith. Chris is with ASCAP. So all three PROs had presentations to make. Jody Williams noted that this is Frank’s 11th No. 1 record. Tim Fink presented to Anthony. Tim DuBois said, “Chris started out as a writer and became an artist.”
Also parading across the stage with a variety of framed objects were Ben Vaughn, Butch Baker, Tom Luteran, James Stroud, Marion Kraft, Becky Harris and host-with-the-most Gary Overton.
We noshed on cheeseburger sliders (again), soft pretzels and a smorgasbord of franks and sausages. There went my diet. Will Byrd, Will Rambeaux, Cindy Watts, Cindy Heath, Kay Clary, Kay West, Sarah Skates, Ken Tucker, Ron Cox, Sherod Robertson, Ralph Murphy, Celia Froehlig, David Ross, Tim Nichols, Shannon & Rob Hatch, Kris Wilkinson, Jim McBride, Judy Harris, Norbert Nix, John Mullens, Suzanne Gordon, Julian King and Steve Buchanan joined the jubilation.
Chris Young celebrated the Gold certification of sophomore album The Man I Want To Be, and latest No. 1 “Tomorrow,” which has sold over 750,000 downloads. Young wrote his fourth consecutive chart topper with Frank Myers and Anthony Smith. Pictured (L-R): Sony Nashville chairman Gary Overton, manager Marion Kraft, Anthony Smith, Chris Young, Frank Myers, and producer James Stroud
Apple Promotes Eddy Cue
/by Sarah SkatesUnder the new title, Cue oversees Apple’s industry-leading content stores including the iTunes Store, App Store and the iBookstore, as well as iAd and Apple’s innovative iCloud services.
Cue, a 22-year Apple veteran, played a significant role in creating the Apple online store in 1998, the iTunes Music Store in 2003 and the App Store in 2008.
Industry Ink Thursday (9/1/11)
/by Sarah SkatesRachel Holder and her producer Wilbur Rimes have been visiting MusicRow CountryBreakout chart reporters all over the country to promote her single "Chocolate." Pictured (L-R): Wilbur Rimes, Rachel Holder and Colby Erickson KVWF/Wichita, KS
• Digital services company ground(ctrl) has added two employees to its Nashville team. Wyatt Thomas, most recently of Sony Music Nashville, has joined the staff, and Eddy Boer is expanding his role to full-time after overseeing marketing strategy for the last several months. Ground(ctrl) clients include Sugarland, Martina McBride, Nicki Minaj, Matchbox Twenty, Jake Owen and Backstreet Boys. The company is also planning to move to a new location near Music Row later this year. Reach them at wyatt.thomas@groundctrl.com or eddy.boer@groundctrl.com, or by calling 1.877.GND.CTRL. www.groundctrl.com
• Jay Frank—expected to reveal details about his new gig next month—is set for an Oct. 7 presentation at the Digital Music Forum West in Los Angeles. Along with BigChampagne CEO Eric Garland, he will lead a segment titled “The Label of the Future.”
• Scott Borchetta, CEO Big Machine Label Group, will be honored with the TJ Martell Foundation’s Spirit of Excellence Award at the New York Honors Gala on Nov. 3 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. In related news, Big Machine Records celebrates its sixth anniversary this week.
• SAE Institute Nashville and PCG Nashville have teamed for the Music Row Master Series of informational seminars about the country music industry. The monthly sessions include a 40-minute lecture followed by Q&A at the SAE Institute in Nashville (7 Music Circle N.). Dave Pomeroy, president of the Nashville Musicians Association (AFM Local 257), was the August speaker. The upcoming Sept. 16 session will feature John Ozier, Director Of A&R, Curb Records.
• Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will headline the R.O.P.E. Awards Show on Oct. 6 at the Al Menah’s Shriner’s Temple. For tickets, call (615) 860-9257.
• The Jägermeister Get UR Country On Club Tour rolls through Nashville tonight (9/1) at 3rd & Lindsley. Rick Monroe will be joined by Gary Ray on the 15-city trek.
• The Crook & Chase television show is expanding into more than 130 syndicated markets for the 2011-2012 broadcast season. Cable/satellite scheduling on RFD-TV brings total television coverage of Crook & Chase to more than 90 million U. S. households. Meanwhile, radio’s Crook & Chase Countdown is heard on more than 220 stations in the U. S. and Canada, and on Sirius XM, by more than one million weekly listeners.
• The Nashville Live Music app launched by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau is now available to Android users. The app has been available on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad since early June and has already been downloaded by nearly 4,000 people.
• Red Dirt Music Company has relocated its offices to 1622 16th Ave. S. Suite 100. Company head Ben Ewing has tapped Richie Owens for A&R duties, and Matt Rizor to serve as Artist Develop Manager. Red Dirt has also signed Andy Velo and Johnny Solinger to the management division. Contact dirt@reddirtmusiccompany.com.
• Art Wasem’s Foothill Entertainment Group and Artists on the Edge are hosting a benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Irene tonight (9/1), 6 – 9 p.m. at Red Rooster featuring Mason Douglas, Kelly Murray, Amanda Page Cornett, Ayla Brown, Bryan Edwards, Brittany Schiavone, Bronson Bush, Brandon Maddox, Tyler Matl, Amanda Christine, and Mark Lonsway.
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) kicked off the Music Row Habitat for Humanity Build recently with 32 music industry volunteers working on the new home in north Nashville.
The Doc Is In At Nine North
/by FreemanDoc Gonzales
Nine North Records Nashville has announced the addition of Doc Gonzales to the Director of Promotion, SE/SW position effective today. He joins the team of Larry Pareigis, Tom Moran, Jim Dorman and Will Robinson.
“I am very excited to begin working with Larry Pareigis at Nine North Records and look forward to bringing my work ethic and experience in both management and record promotion to add to the team,” says Gonzales. “I am ready to get out there and see my great friends at radio in the Southeast and Southwest.”
Gonzales brings 30 years experience to Nine North, including 16 years in promotion, marketing, management and artist branding at Graham Management Company. He describes owner Herb Graham as his “mentor and friend.”
Reach Gonzales at his new cell 615-678-2522 or doc@ninenorthmail.com.
Nashville Gets A New “Label”
/by Sherod RobertsonRenee Layher and Gary Allan. Photo: HBPR
The Label, Nashville’s newest men’s boutique, opens today in the 12South District at 2222 12th Ave S.
Country artist Gary Allan and long-time stylist Renee Layher joined forces to bring a new crop of design talent to Nashville. Their high-end, exclusive men’s boutique offers cutting edge design in clothing, jewelry and home furnishings. During a trip to LA with his stylist Layher, who serves as the store’s General Manager, the two discussed the need for such designs in Nashville. Through that conversation, the concept for The Label was born.
Tony Sartino, designer for celebrities such as Prince, Kings Of Leon, Bon Jovi and Goo Goo Dolls, will create custom suits, pants and shirts. Sartino resides in Los Angeles, but he will be available regularly at The Label.
Designer offerings also include DAO Home by Su Chitpanich, Leather apparel from Logan Riese, Stand and Deliver by Corey Parks, Marcelo Pequeno, Prophetik by local designer Jeff Garner, Naga jewelry and Moods Of Norway. Many of the designers represented in the store are sold exclusively.
Quick Pics
/by Eric T. Parker(L-R): Armiger, Doug Gray, Bo Bice
The Marshall Tucker Band brought southern rock to the riverfront stage in Nashville at the Music City BBQ Fest (8/26).
Bo Bice and Katie Armiger made surprise appearances to join their heroes onstage contributing to “Fire On The Mountain,” and “Can’t You See,” respectively.
“Performing on-stage with the Marshall Tucker Band was like a dream come true,” notes Armiger. “My dad played their music all throughout my childhood. They’re like Rock and Roll royalty!”
This year The Marshall Tucker Band celebrated its 40th anniversary with the releases of a Greatest Hits CD, and lead singer Doug Gray’s lost solo recordings, Soul Of The South. The band recently returned from entertaining United States military personnel on a five-concert tour of Iraq and Kuwait.
(L-R): Caroline Cutbirth, Tayla Lynn, Jennifer Wayne
•••
Stealing Angels just returned from a 10-day trip throughout Iraq and Kuwait to entertain U.S. troops as part of the United States Forces Iraq J-1 Entertainment Office “Homecoming Tour.”
•••
Sarah Darling performed (8/27) for NASCAR fans on the GAC stage at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. While at Bristol, Darling caught up with GAC’s Nan Kelley to tape GAC Top 20 Country Countdown, expected to air beginning Friday (9/2). Also appearing in the countdown this week is Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Aflac Ford and the No. 60 Fastenal Mustang.
Sarah Darling’s music video “Something To Do With Your Hands,” from her CD Angels & Devils, reached No. 2 on GAC’s Top 20 Countdown and No. 1 on CMT.com. Darling has joined forces with producer Dann Huff for her upcoming album.
Charlie Craig Memorial Set For Tuesday
/by Robert K OermannLate songwriter Charlie Craig
Doug Johnson, Rob Crosby and other Music Row songwriters plan to celebrate the music and the memory of the late Nashville songwriting great Charlie Craig. The event will take place at Douglas Corner on Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“It will be an informal gathering to raise a toast to Charlie and share our memories of his long and successful career and his wonderful character and friendship,” says Crosby.
Charlie Craig passed away at age 73 on July 1 following a long battle with cancer.
During his lengthy career, Craig had more than 300 recordings of his songs by the biggest stars in Nashville. Among his hits are “Wanted” (Alan Jackson, 1990), “I Would Like to See You Again” (Johnny Cash, 1978), “She’s Single Again” (Janie Fricke, 1985), “Between an Old Memory and Me” (Travis Tritt, 1994) and “Leavin’s Been a Long Time Comin’” (Shenandoah, 1992). All of these are BMI award winners.
Charlie Craig also provided songs for the Oscar winning 1983 film Tender Mercies starring Robert Duvall. In addition, his songs were heard on the soundtracks of such TV shows as Mary Hartman and Northern Exposure.
Among the dozens of artists who have recorded Charlie Craig songs are Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty, George Strait, Kitty Wells, Jerry Reed, Tanya Tucker, Barbara Mandrell, Ray Charles, Keith Whitley and Waylon Jennings. His career stretched from the 1960s to the present.
Born in 1937 in South Carolina, Charlie Craig was a cotton-mill worker who began playing part-time in bands in 1957. He came to Nashville to record as a solo artist in 1967. In 1968, Hank Locklin, Nat Stuckey and Judy Lynn became the first country stars to record his tunes.
He first made the charts as a songwriter in 1969, thanks to Johnny Duncan and Jeannie C. Riley. The latter was nominated for a Grammy Award for singing Craig’s “The Generation Gap.” Roy Rogers brought the songwriter his first top-40 hit in 1970 with “Money Can’t Buy Love.”
Craig’s “Lay a Little Lovin’ on Me” became a hit for Del Reeves in 1973 and was subsequently recorded by Bill Medley, B.J. Thomas and Wayne Newton. Similarly, after Johnny Cash popularized “I Would Like to See You Again” in 1978, the song was recorded by Kenny Rogers, Don Williams and many others.
In 1980, “Following the Feeling,” as recorded by Moe Bandy and Judy Bailey, became Craig’s first top-10 success. Bandy and Becky Hobbs hit the top-10 with Craig’s “Let’s Get Over Them Together” three years later. Also in 1983, not only were five of Craig’s songs selected for Tender Mercies, he appeared on the film’s soundtrack LP singing three of them.
Other notable successes during this period included the Billie Jo Spears hit “Rainy Days and Stormy Nights” in 1979 and Keith Stegall’s hit with “California” in 1985.
In the late 1980s, Charlie Craig began collaborating with the then unknown Alan Jackson. In addition to the CMA Song of the Year nominee “Wanted,” the superstar has recorded Craig’s co-written “All American Country Boy,” “Tropical Depression,” “What a Day Yesterday Was” and “Bring on the Night.”
In recent years, Charlie Craig provided tunes to The Wilkinsons, Tyler Alexander, Billy Joe Royal and the late Porter Wagoner. He was inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1998.
He also worked at Gusto/Starday Records. He issued his debut CD, The Hitmaker, on Gusto in 2008 and published his autobiography Old Memories and Me in 2009.
“I think we will share the love and respect that Charlie deserves from Music Row,” says Crosby of the upcoming event. Among those planning to honor Charlie Craig at Tuesday’s gathering are Keith Stegall, Tim DuBois, Monty Allen and Jerry Crutchfield. Douglas Corner is at 2106 8th Avenue South.
Bobby Karl Works The Room
/by Bobby KarlConnie Smith with featured guests Dallas Frazier, Kostas and Marty Stuart before her second Artist-in-Residency show Monday night (8/29) at the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum. The theme for the evening was “Connie and the Songwriters.” Smith’s final residency program will be Sept. 12. Pictured (L-R): VP of Museum Programs Jay Orr, Kostas, Dallas Frazier, Connie Smith, Museum Director Kyle Young and Marty Stuart. Photo: Donn Jones
Chapter 372
Inspiration. Celebration. Jubilation.
These were the themes as the party boy made his rounds this week on Music Row. And all were at events that made me fall in love with country music all over again.
• • • • •
I caught the second of Connie Smith’s Artist In Residence performances at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater on Monday (8/29). In a word, wow. I walked out of there tingling, with my spirit completely full of inspiration.
In the first place, she’s one of my favorite singers of all time.
In the second place, our seats were in the second row, center, practically in Connie’s lap. It was as if she was singing to me in her living room.
“This week, it’s about the songs,” she said. So she sang songs she’s written, as well as those of her guests Kostas, Dallas Frazier and Marty Stuart. She was backed by her super band The Sundowners – guitarist Rick Wright, steel man Gary Carter, drummer Ric McClure and bass player Rod Ham, abetted by guitar session stalwart and Opry band member Mark Casstevens and Fabulous Superlatives member Paul Martin. They also play on her new Long Line of Heartaches, her 53rd album.
As Kyle Young reminded us, Connie was famously discovered by Bill Anderson. A song demo tape of his tunes landed her an RCA Records contract in 1964. On it was “Tiny Blue Transister Radio,” which he wrote with Skeeter Davis in mind. Instead, it became a Connie hit, which she sang. She has, by the way, recorded 33 Anderson tunes.
From the new CD, she did the lovely “I’m Not Blue,” cowritten with Kostas. At her invitation, he sang “Blame It On Your Heart.”
“Marty’s a joy to write with,” she said in introducing her husband, producer and songwriting collaborator. “Marty’s a joy to work with. Marty’s a joy to live with.”
“This is how we got together in the first place, writing songs,” he replied. “Our first date, we wrote a country song with Harlan Howard.” He urged her to sing some of her composing efforts, including “If You’re Gonna Go (Take Me With You),” which she penned for Dolly Parton, but never pitched. Marty also read lyrics that Merle Haggard had sent for the occasion, “Too Much Boogie Woogie (And Not Enough Connie Smith).”
She told us that she has recorded 69 Dallas Frazier songs, including “Where Is My Castle,” “Ain’t Love a Good Thing” and “Run Away Little Tears,” which she performed, magnificently. At her invitation, Dallas sang his “Fourteen Carat Mind,” “All I Have to Offer You Is Me” and “If My Heart Had Windows.” The last named was penned for his wife of 53 years, Sharon Frazier, who sat on the front row. Dallas also penned “A Heart Like You” (with attendee Glenn Ashworth), the song that kick-started Connie’s new CD.
A standing ovation followed Connie’s “Peace in the Valley.” She encored with her signature song, Anderson’s “Once a Day.” Then she greeted fans and signed autographs in the Conservatory.
“That was so inspiring,” said Don Henry afterward. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.” I heartily agreed.
The capacity crowd also included Diane Berry, Jo Walker-Meador, Jerry Foster, Bill Denny, Barry Mazor, Duane & Nora Lee Allen, Danny Flowers, Jerry & Ernie Williams, Peter Cronin, Mary Gauthier and Connie’s daughters Julie Ray Barnick and Jodi Lee Seyfried. Along with sister Jeanne Haynes, they’ll be on stage with Connie at her third Artist In Residence show on Sept. 12. That one will spotlight female vocalists.
Connie is the ninth Artist In Residence and its first female. She follows Jack Clement, Guy Clark, Jerry Douglas, Buddy Miller and Hall of Fame members Tom T. Hall, Earl Scruggs, Kris Kristofferson and Vince Gill.
• • • • •
It was sunny and breezy on the BMI patio roof on Tuesday afternoon (8/30). The celebration was for “Dirt Road Anthem.” The year’s biggest Nashville pop crossover hit is sung by the year’s biggest-selling country artist, Jason Aldean.
“This is a historic day at BMI, because this is Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford’s first number-one country single,” said Clay Bradley. “Brantley Gilbert has developed a wide following because of his commitment to hard touring….Colt Ford is loaded with charisma and instinct, performing more than 200 shows a year [with] hip-hop and honky-tonk authentically mashed together.”
Both writers are also recording artists. In fact, Brantley’s “Country Must Be Country Wide” is in the top-20 and climbing and his debut CD drops soon. He also co-wrote Jason’s CD’s title tune and a hit earlier this year, “My Kinda Party.”
Jason has, “redefined his career with every step he takes,” Clay continued. “’Dirt Road Anthem’ is his fifth single with one million downloads.” Presentations and plaudits came to Steve Markland, Michael Knox and Broken Bow’s Jon Loba.
The label upstaged the host. Broken Bow owner Benny Brown presented Jason’s wife Jessica Aldean with a white, convertible Lexus. We looked down to see it parked six floors below on Music Circle East (15th Avenue South) wrapped in a big red bow.
We snacked on cheeseburger sliders, melon bites, roasted corn salsa and barbecue & slaw on cornbread. Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase, Kevin Lamb, Ron Samuels, Hunter Kelly, Clarence Spalding, Steve Moore, Chris Parr, Charlie Monk, Bill Cody, Brandi Simms, Diane Pearson, Susan Stewart, John Dorris, Bill Mayne, Pete Fisher, Debbie Carroll and Tom Baldrica schmoozed in the sunshine.
BMI toasted Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, and Jason Aldean at a party honoring the no. 1 hit “Dirt Road Anthem,” held August 30 on the rooftop of the company’s Music Row offices. Both successful recording artists in their own right, Ford and Gilbert topped the charts for the first time as a songwriting duo. “Dirt Road Anthem” marks Aldean’s seventh trip to the top. Pictured (L-R): producer Michael Knox, Warner/Chappell Music’s Steve Markland, BMI’s Jody Williams, co-writer Colt Ford, Jason Aldean, co-writer Brantley Gilbert and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Rick Diamond
• • • • •
That evening (830), we gathered downtown at Avenue for a “Neon Jubilee” party for Chris Young. The jubilation was for his No. 1 hit and Gold single “Tomorrow,” for the Gold certification of his CD The Man I Want to Be and for his newly released collection Neon. Appropriately, the party decorations and swizzle sticks glowed in the dark, neon style.
“I just wanna say, hot-damn, I got a Gold Record,” Chris exclaimed. “Everybody that’s in this room right now, thank you for everything you’ve done for me….I love you…..I’m gonna give a Gold Record to everybody I know.” He also noted that “Tomorrow,” which will be Platinum in two weeks, is the first single he’s had to go Gold before its parent album even came out.
His co-writers on “Tomorrow” are BMI affiliated Frank Myers and SESAC affiliated Anthony Smith. Chris is with ASCAP. So all three PROs had presentations to make. Jody Williams noted that this is Frank’s 11th No. 1 record. Tim Fink presented to Anthony. Tim DuBois said, “Chris started out as a writer and became an artist.”
Also parading across the stage with a variety of framed objects were Ben Vaughn, Butch Baker, Tom Luteran, James Stroud, Marion Kraft, Becky Harris and host-with-the-most Gary Overton.
We noshed on cheeseburger sliders (again), soft pretzels and a smorgasbord of franks and sausages. There went my diet. Will Byrd, Will Rambeaux, Cindy Watts, Cindy Heath, Kay Clary, Kay West, Sarah Skates, Ken Tucker, Ron Cox, Sherod Robertson, Ralph Murphy, Celia Froehlig, David Ross, Tim Nichols, Shannon & Rob Hatch, Kris Wilkinson, Jim McBride, Judy Harris, Norbert Nix, John Mullens, Suzanne Gordon, Julian King and Steve Buchanan joined the jubilation.
Chris Young celebrated the Gold certification of sophomore album The Man I Want To Be, and latest No. 1 “Tomorrow,” which has sold over 750,000 downloads. Young wrote his fourth consecutive chart topper with Frank Myers and Anthony Smith. Pictured (L-R): Sony Nashville chairman Gary Overton, manager Marion Kraft, Anthony Smith, Chris Young, Frank Myers, and producer James Stroud
Pistol Annies Shoot Straight To The Top
/by Sarah SkatesPistol Annies
The digital-only debut from feisty female trio Pistol Annies shot straight to the top of this week’s country album chart, debuting with 42K units sold.
Comprised of Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley, the Sony Nashville group’s first project Hell on Heels marched to the No. 1 slot on the all-genre digital chart.
“Holler Annie,” aka Presley, explains, “Pistol Annies has been an organic, artistically driven project from the beginning and we are so proud that our couch dream has become critically and commercially successful.”
“Lonestar Annie,” better known as Lambert, says, “We are so thrilled and even more inspired than ever. Thank you so much to our country fans. Pistol Annies are here to stay!”
“Hippie Annie,” Monroe adds, “I am completely overwhelmed and humbled…I couldn’t be more encouraged that country music is being embraced so completely.”
Also debuting this week is Sunny Sweeney’s Concrete, which lands solidly at No. 7 on the country albums list with 14K units.
Pistol Annies may have the hottest album on the country album charts, but another trio and Sweeney’s BMLG labelmate, The Band Perry, is still sitting at the top of the digital country singles chart with “If I Die Young.” It sold over 73K downloads this week, and at that pace will likely pass the 3 million mark in the next few weeks.
Bigger picture: Country album sales are up 6.4% over last year, and overall album sales are up 2.4%.
In other related news, Lambert was featured on Dateline NBC this week in a sit-down interview with Hoda Kotb. See clips here. And Lambert and Pistol Annies were both reassigned to new label home RCA today, as previously reported in MusicRow’s breaking news.
ICM Reveals Awards Finalists
/by FreemanNominees include Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Chuck Day, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Richard, Tommy Brandt, The Roys, Greg McDougal, Point of Grace, the Oak Ridge Boys and more. The finalists in all categories will be voted upon by ICM membership by September 30th. Awards will be announced at the October 28th awards presentation.
The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards caps off the annual Inspirational Country Music Week, which runs Oct. 24-28 in Nashville that draws fans and industry alike. Nashville’s Millennium Maxwell House Hotel will host the week’s activities before the Awards.
“We feel this year’s presentation will bring the ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards to a new level of recognition within the industry, from the scripting of the show itself to the list of nominees, to the level of presenters, and special guests still to be announced,” says ICM Association Exec. Dir. Jason Higgins. “Working with our host charity, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, promises to offer a very compelling element of humanitarian importance to the event.”
Full Nominees:
Entertainer
Chuck Day, Johnny Lee Cook, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Richard, Tommy Brandt
Male Vocalist
Chuck Day, Greg McDougal, Guy Penrod, Jeff Bates, Tommy Brandt
Female Vocalist
Kali Rose, Laura Dodd, Mary James, Nicole Hope, Sharon Parks
Vocal Duo
Amanda Fessant featuring Tommy Brandt, Branded, Bruce & Betsy Mullen, Joey+Rory, The Roys
Vocal Group or Band
Corey Brooks Band, Last Light Band, Point of Grace, Sunday Drive, The Springs
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
Bleed Red – Ronnie Dunn
I Won’t Let Go – Rascal Flatts
If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away – Justin Moore
That’s Important to Me – Joey+Rory
The Breath You Take – George Strait
Mainstream Country Artist
Buddy Jewell, Carrie Underwood, Jeff Bates, Joey+Rory, Josh Turner
Inspirational Country Song
I Wonder What God’s Thinking – The Roys
I’ll Stand Up And Say So – Chuck Day
Loves Gotta Go Somewhere – Steve Richard
Someday Soon – Ricky Skaggs
That’s What Freedom Costs – Russ Murphy
Songwriter (tie in category)
Chuck Day, Greg McDougal, James Payne, Paul Staggs of Branded, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt
Legend/Pioneer Award (award has already been determined)
Fox Brothers, Melanie Walker, Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs
Video
Hello World – Lady Antebellum: Capitol Nashville, Director-Roman White
I Am Strong – The Grascals w/Dolly Parton: BluGrascal Records , Director-David Corlew
If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away – Justin Moore: Valory Music Co., Director-Peter Zavadil
If I Die Young – The Band Perry: Republic Nashville, Director-David McClister
Mama’s Song – Carrie Underwood: Arista Nashville, Director-Shaun Silva
New Artist
Aubree Bullock, Chuck Hancock, Kali Rose, Lucas Hoge, Renee Spencer
Musician
Dennis Agajanian, Doyle Lawson, Greg McDougal, Jayc Harold, Ricky Skaggs
Comedian
Barry McGee, Chonda Pierce, Jeff Treece, Johnny Lee Cook, LuLu Roman
Radio Personality
J.R. Pitsenbarger, Leon Joplin, Mona Faith, Rich Miller, Scott Perkins
Radio Station
Inspirational Country Radio Network
KABF-Little Rock, AR
WCWV-Summersville, WV
WSM AM 650 – Nashville, TN
WTYS- Marianna, FL
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Nathan Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, The Isaacs, The Roys
Youth In Music (tie in category)
Aubree Bullock, Hannah Faith, Matthew Wacaster, McDougal Kids, Renee Spencer, Voices of Glory
Music Evangelist
Corey Brooks, Greg McDougal, Johnny Lee Cook, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt
“Faith, Family & Country Movie”
Country Strong, Pure Country 2: The Gift, Secretariat, Soul Surfer, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Television Network
Daystar, Gospel Music Channel, Great American Country, TBN, TCT Networks
Songwriter George Green Passes
/by Robert K OermannThe Oaks had a major hit with "Come On In," written by George Green and Rick Giles. (Editor's note: no photos of Green are available.)
George Michael Green, a hit songwriter in both the country and pop fields, has died at age 59 of lung cancer.
Green is best known for his collaborations with John Mellencamp on such hits as “Hurts So Good,” “Crumblin’ Down” and “Rain on the Scarecrow.” Over the years, Mellencamp has recorded more than a dozen of their co-written songs. The two were school classmates and boyhood friends in Seymour, Indiana, and Green spent most of his career in Bloomington.
He also often collaborated with Nashville songwriters. The Oak Ridge Boys scored a major hit with “Come On In (You Did the Best That You Could Do),” a 1985 song co-written by Green and Rick Giles. Ricky Skaggs recorded Green’s “My Father’s Son,” Gary Morris sang the songwriter’s “South December Road,” Dwight Yoakam recorded his “Common Day Man,” The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did “America My Sweetheart” and Lacy J. Dalton recorded Green’s “This Ol’ Town” and “Up with the Wind.”
Kenny Chesney, who released a cover version of “Hurts So Good,” co-wrote “Hook in the Heart,” “Home Sweet Home” and “Girl in the Coffee Shop” with George Green.
Others who have recorded the late songwriter’s efforts include Nashville rocker Tom Kimmell, Barbra Streisand, Hall & Oates, Van Zant, Christopher Cross, Vanessa Williams and Melissa Manchester.
Singer-songwriter Jude Cole called Green, “a gifted and humble gentleman.” Mellencamp eulogized him as, “a dreamer.” In addition to Cole, Giles and Mellencamp, Green’s songwriting collaborators included Dennis Matkosky, Steve Dorff, Kent Agee, Dave Robbins and the late Van Stephenson.
On Sunday, August 28, George Green died in Albuquerque, NM, where he had lived for the past decade. He is survived by his wife Kathryn and children Nicholas Green, Carrie Evans, Ian Green and Sarah Bolivar, as well as 16 grandchildren. He was cremated in Albuquerque, and a memorial service is being planned in Bloomington.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Riley Hospital Foundation, 545 Barnhill Dr., Ste. 215, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or online at www.rileykids.org to the George M. Green Memorial Fund.