Tennessee Two’s Marshall Grant Passes

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Marshall Grant with his Fender Tele Bass at The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: musicianshalloffame.com

Musician Marshall Grant, the final surviving member of Johnny Cash’s revered Tennessee Two, died yesterday, Aug. 7. Until the very end, the 83-year-old’s life was tied to the late icon.

Grant collapsed Wednesday (8/3) following rehearsals for a Cash tribute concert in Jonesboro, Arkansas that was raising funds to restore the singer’s boyhood home. Grant was hospitalized and never recovered. Among those who shared his final days were fellow concert performers Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, and Tommy Cash.

Grant’s “boom chicka boom” bass licks helped shape the Man in Black’s signature sound on classics such as “Ring Of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Walk The Line,” “Get Rhythm,” and “A Boy Named Sue.” The self-taught wonder was eventually inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

Cash and Grant’s storied relationship started in Memphis in 1954, where bassist Grant and guitarist Luther Perkins teamed to become Cash’s Tennessee Two, backing him during gospel songs on local radio. When they added drummer W.S. Holland in 1960, they changed the band’s name accordingly.

For years, Grant did double duty as Cash’s sideman and road manager, often shepherding the star through offstage troubles. Historian Robert K. Oermann recalls, “Of all the people around Johnny Cash during his heyday, Marshall was the heartbeat of the band and the steady presence in the organization. He was a rock.”

Later in his career, Grant furthered his management career, taking on the Statler Brothers as clients.

Luther Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Marshall Grant

Through the years, Grant’s friendship with Cash waxed and waned, and their final appearance onstage together was in 1999. Cash died in 2003, and three years later Grant published the autobiography, I Was There When It Happened: My Life With Johnny Cash.

In 2007 The Tennessee Two joined the Musicians Hall of Fame, as part of its inaugural class of inductees. Grant played at the induction ceremony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, backing Johnny’s son John Carter Cash.

At the time of his death, Grant and his wife were residing in Hernando, Mississippi, outside Memphis. Arrangements have not been announced, but will be by Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis.

Tennessee Two's Marshall Grant Passes

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Marshall Grant with his Fender Tele Bass at The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: musicianshalloffame.com


Musician Marshall Grant, the final surviving member of Johnny Cash’s revered Tennessee Two, died yesterday, Aug. 7. Until the very end, the 83-year-old’s life was tied to the late icon.
Grant collapsed Wednesday (8/3) following rehearsals for a Cash tribute concert in Jonesboro, Arkansas that was raising funds to restore the singer’s boyhood home. Grant was hospitalized and never recovered. Among those who shared his final days were fellow concert performers Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, and Tommy Cash.
Grant’s “boom chicka boom” bass licks helped shape the Man in Black’s signature sound on classics such as “Ring Of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Walk The Line,” “Get Rhythm,” and “A Boy Named Sue.” The self-taught wonder was eventually inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.
Cash and Grant’s storied relationship started in Memphis in 1954, where bassist Grant and guitarist Luther Perkins teamed to become Cash’s Tennessee Two, backing him during gospel songs on local radio. When they added drummer W.S. Holland in 1960, they changed the band’s name accordingly.
For years, Grant did double duty as Cash’s sideman and road manager, often shepherding the star through offstage troubles. Historian Robert K. Oermann recalls, “Of all the people around Johnny Cash during his heyday, Marshall was the heartbeat of the band and the steady presence in the organization. He was a rock.”
Later in his career, Grant furthered his management career, taking on the Statler Brothers as clients.

Luther Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Marshall Grant


Through the years, Grant’s friendship with Cash waxed and waned, and their final appearance onstage together was in 1999. Cash died in 2003, and three years later Grant published the autobiography, I Was There When It Happened: My Life With Johnny Cash.
In 2007 The Tennessee Two joined the Musicians Hall of Fame, as part of its inaugural class of inductees. Grant played at the induction ceremony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, backing Johnny’s son John Carter Cash.
At the time of his death, Grant and his wife were residing in Hernando, Mississippi, outside Memphis. Arrangements have not been announced, but will be by Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis.

CRS Accepting Country Radio Hall of Fame Nominations

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Nominations for the 2012 Country Radio Hall of Fame are now being accepted by Country Radio Seminar.
Interested parties may submit nominations here and each nominee will receive official applications later. Applications must be returned before September 9, 2011.
“No other event highlights the accomplishments and contributions of those who have meant so much to the Country Radio industry than the annual Country Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This is the time to be sure that worthy candidates are nominated and included in the process for 2012,” says CRS Hall of Fame Chairman Charlie Morgan.
Air-checks, press clippings, award listings and other materials may be included in submissions. Applications received after Sept. 9 will be considered for the 2013 Hall of Fame class.
The 2012 Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and induction will be held Tuesday, February 21 at the Nashville Convention Center. CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012 at the NCC.
On-Air Personality Hall of Fame Criteria:
—Must have at least a 20 year on-air career in radio, minimum of 15 in the Country format.
—Significant contributions to the growth and development in the Country radio industry and ongoing contributions to the preservation and enhancement of Country music as an art form.
Radio Hall of Fame Criteria:
—Must have at least a 20 year career in radio, minimum of 15 in the Country format.
—Significant contributions to the growth and development of the Country radio industry and ongoing contributions to the preservation and enhancement of Country music as an art form.

Swift Is Most-Honored In Teen Choice Awards History

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Taylor Swift received six surfboards at last night’s (8/7) Teen Choice Awards, including the Ultimate Choice Award, the ceremony’s most prestigious honor. In her first time attending the ceremony, she walked away the evening’s biggest winner, bringing her total career Teen Choice wins to 13—known to fans as the singer’s lucky number—and becoming the most-honored in show history.
Swift’s Ultimate Choice award presentation opened with an introduction by friend Emma Stone and a video tribute (see below).
The discretionary award is not handed out every year, and past honorees include Justin Timberlake, Adam Sandler, and Reese Witherspoon.
Swift also took home surfboards for Female Artist, Female Country Artist, Country Single (for “Mean”), Red Carpet Fashion Icon, and Break-Up Song (for “Back to December”).
Her current album, Speak Now, is the No. 1-selling album in all genres of music over the past 12 months.
http://youtu.be/FQ5-dDMVeac

Urban Tour Places Artist Closer To Fans

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Keith Urban’s Get Closer World Tour enthralled a sold-out Bridgestone Arena crowd in downtown Nashville, Aug. 6. “The idea of the Get Closer stage,” Urban told the crowd, “is to do away with the fences so there’s no me and you— just us…” And that’s how it was.
The Aussie was all over the arena. He and his four piece band owned a simple but, visually compelling stage. In addition, Urban performed on a small circular hydraulic platform in the center of the crowd and later at the rear of the hall—delighting fans in the process, slapping hands as he navigated the throng.

Urban played a variety of guitars including a Gibson ES-335, and what looked to be (based upon the tailpiece and single coil pickup) a Gold Top early ‘50s Les Paul. He also favored a Fender Startocaster and Telecaster, plus acoustic and gut string instruments.


Urban swept the crowd to its feet beginning with “Days Go By,” quickly followed with strong hits like “Raining On Monday” and “Put You In A Song.” The charismatic singer/songwriter/guitarist, who was CMA Entertainer of the Year in 2005 and Male Vocalist numerous times, has always displayed rare vocal and instrumental ability. But on this tour, he has added an astute interactive element making the show more accessible and boosting its entertainment value. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, there was no doubt that Mr. Urban is country’s 2011 Entertainer of the Year…
It was the sum of all the little things, like taking time to read some of the signs held up by fans.
“Wow, you drove 1400 miles to be here, thank you so much.”
“Keith, it’s been a long hot summer waiting to CU.”
“We’ve been to 47 shows in 24 cities.”
“A picture with you would be priceless.”
“Come and get it,” Urban laughed after reading, pleasing the crowd and giving a fan that 10 seconds of fame of which dreams are made as they made a candid shot together on stage.

Jake Owen was a truly impressive opening act. His bravado, and clear baritone voice made him an instant fan favorite, with songs like “Starting With Me,” his new single “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” the riveting new ballad “Alone With You.”


Deep into “Kiss A Girl,” the artist shouted out, “Nashville you’re a singing crowd tonight.” He then randomly chose three fans and conducted a mini-Urban Idol contest giving each one a chance to perform the “Kiss A Girl” chorus center stage and judging the winner based upon applause. The crowd was rapt.
“Til Summer Comes Around,” was a concert highpoint. Fans already know that Urban’s prodigious guitar has distinct personalities. For this song, co-written with Monty Powell, he painted with sustain-packed notes in Santana-esque fashion punctuated with blistering note clusters grouped together like infinite solar systems whirling through space and time. Video b-roll played on the oversize mirror monitor as the star sang,
“The words came out, I kissed your mouth,
No fourth of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go, I understand, but you swore that you’d be back again
And so I’m frozen in this town, til summer comes around.”
It’s a safe bet his fans will be back again, lined up to purchase seats… Over the past few albums, Urban and producer Dann Huff have fashioned a unique and commercial sound that has exposed Urban’s talent, but does makes it difficult, especially  in a live setting to distinguish which album a particular song is from.

Keith Urban with unidentified fan backstage.


“What a magical night tonight,” Urban said to the crowd after two encores, dripping with sweat and glowing like a firebug. “Thank you so much for making the decision, especially in these hard times when I know many of you are facing problems like lost jobs to spend your evening with us. I love you.”
 
Photos: BossRoss

Oak Ridge Boys Inducted Into Opry

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(L-R): Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, Dickens, Opry Vice President & General Mgr Pete Fisher, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban. Photo: Chris Hollo


The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry this weekend by Opry member Jimmy Dickens. The legendary country music group made up of William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen was invited to join the Opry last month by Dickens, who surprised the group by walking on stage dressed as a 4’11” William Lee Golden, including long beard and sunglasses.
After Dickens presented the members of the group with their Opry member awards, Joe Bonsall spoke first for the group, saying, “We’ve always been a friend of the Opry. We’ve always believed in the Opry and loved and respected every member of this brotherhood and sisterhood of country music. We’ve been nervous wrecks all day long because we knew how special this would be. This is a meaningful night, and is it different tonight than it ever has been when we’ve come down here to sing? You bet your life it is!”

“I can not think of any group or any person who deserve this honor more,” Former President George H.W. Bush said in a taped greeting, explaining that he’d been an Oak Ridge Boys fan since he first heard the group from inside the White House while they were singing “Elvira” on the White House lawn. “I ran outside like a little kid,” he said, “and I’ve been blessed to call them friends ever since. I think of the Opry and the Oaks both as American icons, beloved from coast to coast and known around the world. I can’t think of a better union. I love you boys, and my best to everyone at the Grand Ole Opry, one of my favorite places in America.”

The Oak Ridge Boys’ four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have created dozens of country hits and a No. 1 pop smash, earned them Grammy, CMA, ACM, and Dove awards, and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. On September 19, the band will release a new CD to be sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. It’s Only Natural will feature new music and new recordings of select ORB hits, including “Elvira.”

(L-R): Grand Ole Opry Pres. Steve Buchanan; ORB Manager Jim Halsey; ORB members Golden, Allen, Bonsall, and Sterban; Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher. Photo: Chris Hollo

“American Songwriter” Under New Ownership

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Albie Del Favero

Albie Del Favero has taken the reigns of American Songwriter magazine, joining the team as Co-Publisher, and President of its parent company ForASong Media, LLC.

Del Favero’s extensive background in media includes being founding publisher of the Nashville Scene. More recently he served as Nashville-area group publisher at SouthComm, which currently owns The City Paper and the Nashville Scene.

In his latest venture, Del Favero is teaming with former American Songwriter owners Robert Clement and Doug Waterman. They are still in-office at the outlet they purchased in 2004. The magazine has been operated out of Music City since 1984.

The bi-monthly print mag is coupled with American Songwriter’s extensive online activity, which includes free content, iPad apps and more. The May/June issue app alone has been downloaded 5,000 times. Del Favero tells MusicRow, “Besides realizing the full potential of the magazine, the strategy for the company going forward will be to leverage the traffic drawn to the free content on the website to build a membership base of amateur songwriters. These members will have access to tools to hone their writing skills and connect with professionals.”

Songwriting contests are one way American Songwriter attracts users, which have helped the publication amass an email list of over 30,000.

Del Favero admits that some people aren’t bullish on traditional media, but says the shuttering of comparable ‘zines including Performing Songwriter and No Depression has freed up advertising dollars.

He explains, “American Songwriter has a solid niche, a highly recognizable brand and is profitable.”

Albie Del Favero can be reached at albie.delfavero@me.com and (615) 945-2016.

"American Songwriter" Under New Ownership

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Albie Del Favero


Albie Del Favero has taken the reigns of American Songwriter magazine, joining the team as Co-Publisher, and President of its parent company ForASong Media, LLC.
Del Favero’s extensive background in media includes being founding publisher of the Nashville Scene. More recently he served as Nashville-area group publisher at SouthComm, which currently owns The City Paper and the Nashville Scene.
In his latest venture, Del Favero is teaming with former American Songwriter owners Robert Clement and Doug Waterman. They are still in-office at the outlet they purchased in 2004. The magazine has been operated out of Music City since 1984.
The bi-monthly print mag is coupled with American Songwriter’s extensive online activity, which includes free content, iPad apps and more. The May/June issue app alone has been downloaded 5,000 times. Del Favero tells MusicRow, “Besides realizing the full potential of the magazine, the strategy for the company going forward will be to leverage the traffic drawn to the free content on the website to build a membership base of amateur songwriters. These members will have access to tools to hone their writing skills and connect with professionals.”
Songwriting contests are one way American Songwriter attracts users, which have helped the publication amass an email list of over 30,000.
Del Favero admits that some people aren’t bullish on traditional media, but says the shuttering of comparable ‘zines including Performing Songwriter and No Depression has freed up advertising dollars.
He explains, “American Songwriter has a solid niche, a highly recognizable brand and is profitable.”
Albie Del Favero can be reached at albie.delfavero@me.com and (615) 945-2016.

BMI Taps Ari Surdoval For Communications Post

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Ari Surdoval


BMI has named Ari Surdoval Director, Corporate Communications & Media Relations. Surdoval will be based in BMI’s Nashville office, and will report to Kay Clary, Senior Director, Media Relations.
In his new role, Surdoval will direct press campaigns, create editorial content, and develop corporate and branding communications for both the business and creative communities.
“Ari is that rare combination of thinker and executor,” says Clary. “He will be an asset to BMI’s licensees, songwriters, and staff members alike, helping carry the message that BMI is a vital link in the chain that sustains the musical creativity we all get to enjoy. In a way, his approach mirrors BMI itself—an ideal marriage of creative and business.”
Most recently, Surdoval was a Communications Specialist for public relations giant Porter Novelli, where he created editorial, web and social media content, as well as messaging for members of the agency’s executive committee. He also served as the Editorial Director of Gibson Guitar Corp., where he developed the company’s extensive editorial, web and marketing services. Prior to his post at Gibson, Surdoval was Managing Editor of Performing Songwriter magazine. His previous roles also include Marketing Writer for Classic Media and Copy Editor for Condé Nast. He studied at Sarah Lawrence College, with a focus in writing and history. A man of many talents, Surdoval is also a BMI songwriter.
Contact him at asurdoval@bmi.com and (615) 401-2880

Adkins/Chenoweth To Host ACA

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Kristen Chenoweth


Trace Adkins


Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth will co-host the 2nd Annual American Country Awards, live from Las Vegas, Dec. 5 on FOX. Adkins returns to host the youngest of the nationallly televised country award shows and the only one that allows fans to vote in traditional and new categories such as touring. Adkins, a Grand Ole Opy member, has 15 Top Ten hits, plus Gold and Platinum albums with total sales above 10 million. In addition to his music career, he has worked as a television actor, voiceover narrator, commercial spokesman and author. Actor, singer Kristin Chenoweth has performed on stage, television and film. Her upcoming country album is set for release Sept. 13.
AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2011, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Paul Flattery, Tisha Fein and Fletcher Foster serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.