Jessie Jo Dillon and Jessi Alexander
Two of the five nominees for Songwriter of the Year at the 67th annual Grammy Awards are Music Row hitmakers with more than just a name in common: Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon.
Alexander is credited with penning some of the year’s biggest hits, including the Grammy-nominated “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” by Luke Combs, which became the theme for the Twisters movie, and the No. 1 hit “Chevrolet” by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll. Dillon, meanwhile, has made her mark this year with standout tracks like Morgan Wallen’s “Lies Lies Lies,” Keith Urban’s “Messed Up As Me” and Kelsea Ballerini’s “Sorry Mom.”
The pair also collaborated with rising star Megan Moroney, contributing to her hit “No Caller ID” as well as the Twisters soundtrack standout “Never Left Me.”
Alexander and Dillon’s friendship and mutual respect play a big role in their creative success. The two first connected years ago at a wedding, bonding over their shared love of country music and similar work ethics.
“We’re both grinders,” Alexander shares. “We bring that heart and honesty into every song.”
Pictured (L–R): Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon
The women’s relationship deepened when they committed to doing night writes together, after the hustle of the 9-5 hours on Music Row, where they could set aside commercial concerns to create music that speaks to them personally.
This bond was evident in their collaborative writing with Moroney. Though Dillon had connected with the young star on her reflective “Girl In The Mirror” track, Alexander and Connie Harington joined the two on a writing trip when Moroney was making her sophomore album Am I Okay?
On the same day, the foursome wrote “No Caller ID” and “Noah,” both of which landed on the album.
“Meg is like us, too. She’s a grinder and she loves songs,” Dillon says. “The best thing about writing with her is it comes from a pure place as a songwriter—you are helping somebody to tell their narrative.”
“It’s not about making her a hit,” Alexander adds.
The two, Harrington and Moroney also came together to write her Twisters tune, “Never Left Me,” which was both Alexander and Dillon’s first of two tracks they each wrote for the film.
Pictured (L–R): Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon and Morgane Stapleton
Dillon later joined Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Blake Pendergrass and Jelly Roll for his track on the Twisters album, “Leave the Light On” featuring Alexandra Kay.
Alongside Jonathan Singleton and Combs, Alexander co-penned the movie’s fiery theme “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” which became Combs’ 19th consecutive No. 1 hit months later. Alexander recalls trekking through a snowstorm to write that song.
“I just barely got to to that write,” she says. “Luke had the director and producer on speed dial, which is very rare for songwriters [writing for film and television]. We typically write the song and then we move on, but we had the guy right there so that we could make any tweaks. He said we nailed it.
“We had time after that, so we ended up writing ‘Remember Him That Way’ for Luke’s Fathers & Sons album. It was a great day.”
Another project Dillon put her mark on this year was Post Malone‘s country album. With her dad, Country Music Hall of Famer Dean Dillon and a few other collaborators, she co-wrote Post’s “Two Hearts” and “Go To Hell.” She is one of the only female writers on the project.
“He’s so sweet. Jelly introduced me to him and I said, ‘You should write with girls.’ So we ended up writing with my dad on Father’s Day,” Dillon says. “Post is super nice. He’s from Texas, and he loves country music. He has a real reverence for writers and the music. He’s not just wearing the clothes.”
With the wide variety of artists Alexander and Dillon have crafted hits with over the years, it’s safe to say they can write with anyone. Their songbooks are a testament to their versatility as songwriters, blending traditional country roots with fresh, modern storytelling.
For Alexander, who has balanced her career with family life, stepping back and focusing on quality over quantity has been a game changer. Dillon echoes that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing raw emotion into the writing room.
“We’re craftsmen, but we also bring our own perspective into every room,” Dillon explains.
Pictured (L–R): Jessi Alexander, Miranda Lambert, Jessie Jo Dillon and Stevie Frasure
Their Grammy nominations come at a time when women are still underrepresented in country music. Both Alexander and Dillon say they were surprised by the news that Ella Langley just became the first female artist to top the country radio charts in 2024.
“It’s disheartening to see so few women in the charts,” Dillon says. Despite this, they’ve found ways to thrive, often collaborating with other talented female artists like Moroney. “We need more artists like Megan, Kelsea, Ella and Lainey to change the narrative,” Alexander adds.
Both writers acknowledge the unique challenges women face in the industry, from being excluded from writing camps to battling the perception that there’s only room for one “girl” in the writer room. Still, their success proves that determination, talent and a strong support system can defy the odds. Their advocacy for others, through choosing to write with women and cheering on their peers who are breaking through, continues to inspire.
Deservedly so, both are looking forward to representing Music Row in the Songwriter of the Year category at the Grammys in February.
Looking ahead beyond the Grammys, they are excited about the projects on the horizon. Both are passionate about mentoring younger songwriters and continuing to push the boundaries of what country music can achieve on a global stage.
“We’re in such an exciting time for country music,” Alexander says. “The return of authentic storytelling and classic country sounds is bringing a new energy to the genre.”
Their excitement isn’t just about their own success—it’s about the stories they’ve helped bring to life. Dillon and Alexander’s wide-ranging work reflects their ability to transcend sounds while staying rooted in authentic emotion. And as Alexander notes, “the best is yet to come.”
CMHOFM To Offer Special Admission Rate To Nashville Locals Next Month
/by Liza AndersonCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will offer pay-what-you-want admission to Nashville-area residents throughout the month of January. The special admission rate will apply to those living in Davidson county and its bordering counties of Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson.
The museum is open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. Timed tickets are available for museum entry between 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with a limited number of admission tickets available each day.
Various family and public programs are included with pay-what-you-want admission, based on availability. Visitors will also be able to explore current exhibits like the museum’s newest display, “Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror.”
Additionally, PMC is offering $10 parking for locals who visit the museum next month between 8 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Walk of Fame Park Garage, based on availability. The garage is located across the street from the museum, and has a maximum six-hour parking limit. Validation must be obtained at the museum’s information desk to receive the discount.
For more information, click here.
Big Machine Distillery Acquires Pickers Vodka
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Carter Collins, Pickers Vodka; Jeff Pennington, Pickers Vodka; Scott Borchetta, Big Machine and Erik Logann, Big Machine
Big Machine Distillery has acquired the Pickers Vodka brand from Pennington Distilling Co.
In the acquisition, Pickers Vodka co-founder Jeff Pennington joins Big Machine Distillery as Executive Vice President of Vodka Properties. The deal comes at a pivotal moment, amidst speculation that production of Pickers Vodka might cease, and Big Machine Distillery’s commitment ensures the continuation of production and rapid acceleration to fulfill orders and existing demand. Leveraging the state-of-the-art Lynville, Tennessee facility, production and order fulfillment for Pickers Vodka are underway.
“The synergy between Nashville, music, and Pickers Vodka made this acquisition an absolute must for Big Machine Distillery,” says Scott Borchetta, Founder of Big Machine Distillery. “By combining the incredible 11-year foundation of Pickers with the full weight of our Big Machine assets, expertise, and vision, we are poised to elevate this brand to unprecedented heights. Jeff’s leadership and our team’s bold ideas will transform Pickers and Big Machine.”
“For Jenny and me, Pickers Vodka has been a decade-long labor of love and a family passion,” says Pennington. “Partnering with Big Machine—a company with unparalleled assets and shared passion—means realizing dreams we’ve long held for this brand. The possibilities are limitless, and I’m thrilled to be part of this next chapter.”
Big Machine Distillery, part of the Big Machine family of companies, produces a variety of premium craft spirits including Big Machine Platinum Filtered Premium Vodka, Borchetta Bourbon and Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers. The brand is based in Nashville with three tasting rooms, each with a variety of offerings including entertaining and informative tours, live music and food.
Jessi Alexander & Jessie Jo Dillon Talk Hits, Grammy Nominations & Music Row Sisterhood [Interview]
/by LB CantrellJessie Jo Dillon and Jessi Alexander
Two of the five nominees for Songwriter of the Year at the 67th annual Grammy Awards are Music Row hitmakers with more than just a name in common: Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon.
Alexander is credited with penning some of the year’s biggest hits, including the Grammy-nominated “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” by Luke Combs, which became the theme for the Twisters movie, and the No. 1 hit “Chevrolet” by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll. Dillon, meanwhile, has made her mark this year with standout tracks like Morgan Wallen’s “Lies Lies Lies,” Keith Urban’s “Messed Up As Me” and Kelsea Ballerini’s “Sorry Mom.”
The pair also collaborated with rising star Megan Moroney, contributing to her hit “No Caller ID” as well as the Twisters soundtrack standout “Never Left Me.”
Alexander and Dillon’s friendship and mutual respect play a big role in their creative success. The two first connected years ago at a wedding, bonding over their shared love of country music and similar work ethics.
“We’re both grinders,” Alexander shares. “We bring that heart and honesty into every song.”
Pictured (L–R): Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon
The women’s relationship deepened when they committed to doing night writes together, after the hustle of the 9-5 hours on Music Row, where they could set aside commercial concerns to create music that speaks to them personally.
This bond was evident in their collaborative writing with Moroney. Though Dillon had connected with the young star on her reflective “Girl In The Mirror” track, Alexander and Connie Harington joined the two on a writing trip when Moroney was making her sophomore album Am I Okay?
On the same day, the foursome wrote “No Caller ID” and “Noah,” both of which landed on the album.
“Meg is like us, too. She’s a grinder and she loves songs,” Dillon says. “The best thing about writing with her is it comes from a pure place as a songwriter—you are helping somebody to tell their narrative.”
“It’s not about making her a hit,” Alexander adds.
The two, Harrington and Moroney also came together to write her Twisters tune, “Never Left Me,” which was both Alexander and Dillon’s first of two tracks they each wrote for the film.
Pictured (L–R): Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon and Morgane Stapleton
Dillon later joined Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Blake Pendergrass and Jelly Roll for his track on the Twisters album, “Leave the Light On” featuring Alexandra Kay.
Alongside Jonathan Singleton and Combs, Alexander co-penned the movie’s fiery theme “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” which became Combs’ 19th consecutive No. 1 hit months later. Alexander recalls trekking through a snowstorm to write that song.
“I just barely got to to that write,” she says. “Luke had the director and producer on speed dial, which is very rare for songwriters [writing for film and television]. We typically write the song and then we move on, but we had the guy right there so that we could make any tweaks. He said we nailed it.
“We had time after that, so we ended up writing ‘Remember Him That Way’ for Luke’s Fathers & Sons album. It was a great day.”
Another project Dillon put her mark on this year was Post Malone‘s country album. With her dad, Country Music Hall of Famer Dean Dillon and a few other collaborators, she co-wrote Post’s “Two Hearts” and “Go To Hell.” She is one of the only female writers on the project.
“He’s so sweet. Jelly introduced me to him and I said, ‘You should write with girls.’ So we ended up writing with my dad on Father’s Day,” Dillon says. “Post is super nice. He’s from Texas, and he loves country music. He has a real reverence for writers and the music. He’s not just wearing the clothes.”
With the wide variety of artists Alexander and Dillon have crafted hits with over the years, it’s safe to say they can write with anyone. Their songbooks are a testament to their versatility as songwriters, blending traditional country roots with fresh, modern storytelling.
For Alexander, who has balanced her career with family life, stepping back and focusing on quality over quantity has been a game changer. Dillon echoes that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing raw emotion into the writing room.
“We’re craftsmen, but we also bring our own perspective into every room,” Dillon explains.
Pictured (L–R): Jessi Alexander, Miranda Lambert, Jessie Jo Dillon and Stevie Frasure
Their Grammy nominations come at a time when women are still underrepresented in country music. Both Alexander and Dillon say they were surprised by the news that Ella Langley just became the first female artist to top the country radio charts in 2024.
“It’s disheartening to see so few women in the charts,” Dillon says. Despite this, they’ve found ways to thrive, often collaborating with other talented female artists like Moroney. “We need more artists like Megan, Kelsea, Ella and Lainey to change the narrative,” Alexander adds.
Both writers acknowledge the unique challenges women face in the industry, from being excluded from writing camps to battling the perception that there’s only room for one “girl” in the writer room. Still, their success proves that determination, talent and a strong support system can defy the odds. Their advocacy for others, through choosing to write with women and cheering on their peers who are breaking through, continues to inspire.
Deservedly so, both are looking forward to representing Music Row in the Songwriter of the Year category at the Grammys in February.
Looking ahead beyond the Grammys, they are excited about the projects on the horizon. Both are passionate about mentoring younger songwriters and continuing to push the boundaries of what country music can achieve on a global stage.
“We’re in such an exciting time for country music,” Alexander says. “The return of authentic storytelling and classic country sounds is bringing a new energy to the genre.”
Their excitement isn’t just about their own success—it’s about the stories they’ve helped bring to life. Dillon and Alexander’s wide-ranging work reflects their ability to transcend sounds while staying rooted in authentic emotion. And as Alexander notes, “the best is yet to come.”
Toby Keith Receives New Gold & Platinum Certifications
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith
Toby Keith continues to be saluted and remembered following his death in February with many tributes and a slew of new RIAA certifications, including new Platinum and Gold records for “American Ride,” “God Love Her,” “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song),” “Trailerhood” and “Who’s That Man.”
Immediately after his passing, Keith’s 35 Biggest Hits topped the all-genre Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts. He became the first artist with nine of the top 10 Billboard Country Digital Songs. He also had 12 of the top 15—five of which he solely wrote.
Other RIAA certifications stacked up throughout 2024, including Should’ve Been A Cowboy (four-times Platinum), “Beer For My Horses” (three-times Platinum), “I Love This Bar” (three-times Platinum), American Ride (Platinum), “Who’s Your Daddy?” (Gold) and the Bullets in the Gun (Gold).
In October, Keith was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, with Alabama’s Randy Owen leading the induction and Keith’s wife Tricia accepting on his behalf. The Toby Keith Foundation also celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the opening of OK Kids Korral, and the 20th Anniversary Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic event brought in $3.1 million for a to-date total of $20 million raised.
A TKF endowment was also established and Keith’s family pledged continued commitment to its good works, and proceeds from the Jelly Roll/T-Pain Stagecoach
Shania Twain Announces Limited Run Of Summer Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughShania Twain has announced a final series of summer dates across the United States.
The new run rounds off two years of sold-out performances, as her 2023 “Queen of Me Tour” included over 70 dates across North America and Europe, and her Las Vegas residency, “Shania Twain: Come On Over” featured over 70 performances as well.
The journey will kick off on July 19 in Buffalo, with additional stops in Saratoga Springs, Hershey, Jacksonville and more before wrapping Aug. 1 in Hollywood, Florida at Hard Rock Live.
Tickets go on sale this Friday (Dec. 20). Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, group photo with Twain, exclusive autographed item, specially-designed merchandise bundle, early entry into the venue and more. For more information, click here.
“Shania Twain: Live In Concert” 2025 Tour Dates:
July 19 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
July 20 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
July 22 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
July 24 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
July 26 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
July 29 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Aug. 1 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Corey Kent To Release Live Album Next Week
/by Madison HahnenCorey Kent will release his new album, ’24 Live, on Dec. 27 via RCA Records Nashville.
Recorded from Kent’s two performances at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa this year, the project offers listeners a chance to experience his live show. With this release, Kent continues his tradition of dropping new music at year’s end in celebration of his fans, following last year’s acoustic album, ’23.
The album features live performances of songs from his albums Black Bandana, Blacktop and From The West, alongside singles and cover songs.
“Playing live shows is one of the best parts of my job, no doubt,” says Kent. “I’m so grateful to everyone who made it out to a show this year—the energy every night is always something special. I think this album really captures the excitement of this tour and I wanted to release it to say thank you to everyone who made this year so great. Hope y’all love it.”
Kent gave fans an early preview of ’24 Live by releasing “Come Together” off the album, along with the accompanying live performance video.
Along with the release of ’24 Live, Kent is preparing to hit the road with Jon Pardi, joining him as support on select dates of the “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour.” Kent will also launch the 2025 leg of his “Black Bandana Tour,” which will include international dates. This extension comes on the heels of his 2024 tour, where Kent sold between 1,500 and 2,000 tickets per night.
’24 Live Track Listing:
1. “Gold – Live From Tulsa”
2. “Highways – Live From Tulsa”
3. “Postcard – Live From Tulsa”
4. “Come Together [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
5. “Come Together – Live From Tulsa”
6. “How You Know You Made It – Live From Tulsa”
7. “Feels a Lot Like This – Live From Tulsa”
8. “Long Way – Live From Tulsa”
9. “Notorious [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
10. “Better Now – Live From Tulsa”
11. “BiC Flame – Live From Tulsa”
12. “Boys Growing Up – Live From Tulsa”
13. “Something’s Gonna Kill Me – Live From Tulsa”
14. “Tumbleweed – Live From Tulsa”
15. “This Heart – Live From Tulsa”
16. “Never Ready [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
17. “Never Ready – Live From Tulsa”
18. “Wild As Her [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
19. “Wild As Her – Live From Tulsa”
20. “Ain’t My Day [Intro] – Live From Tulsa”
21. “Ain’t My Day – Live From Tulsa”
22. “Bixby [Encore] – Live From Tulsa”
Rumble On The Row Fight Card Unveiled For 21st Annual ‘Ringside: A Fight For Kids’
/by Liza AndersonThe Rumble on the Row fight card has been unveiled for The Charley Foundation’s 21st annual “Ringside: A Fight for Kids” event, taking place Friday, March 7 at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee.
The function will include four bouts, sanctioned by USA Boxing, of Nashville music industry and business professionals squaring off in the ring. Sponsored by SMACKSongs, the 2025 matchups consist of: Kane Brown’s Tour Manager Daryl Dixon vs. Romeo Entertainment Group’s R.J. Romeo; SMACKSongs’ Marissa Turk vs. Elliott Davis|Vaden Group’s Shelby Weimer; AEG Presents’ Anna Dietz vs. Wiles + Taylor & Co.’s Ava Angeli; and GLÜ/Numbers Don’t Lie/The 13th’s Josh Windt vs. UTA’s Alexander Shelley.
The evening will also feature gourmet dining, music and a silent auction. Limited tables and standing-room-only tickets are still available. For more information, click here. Funds raised will support The Charley Foundation’s efforts to provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.
Industry Ink: Brothers Osborne, Jelly Roll, Chayce Beckham, More
/by Lorie HollabaughBrothers Osborne Get Platinum Surprise
Pictured (L-R): TJ Osborne, Lori Christian (UMG Nashville), John Peets (Q Prime), Rob Femia (UMG Nashville), John Osborne and Randi Tolbert (Q Prime). Photo: Chris Hollo
Brothers Osborne was recently surprised by UMG Nashville and Q Prime staff with two plaques commemorating their 2016 debut album Pawn Shop going Platinum, and chart-topping single “Stay A Little Longer” earning triple-Platinum certification. The brothers are nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the upcoming 67th Grammy Awards with “Break Mine,” from their 2024 Break Mine EP. They are currently in the studio working on new music for 2025.
Jelly Roll’s ‘I Am Not Okay’ Achieves Platinum
Jelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
Jelly Roll recently received a Platinum certification from the RIAA for his smash single “I Am Not Okay.” The song appears on his blockbuster Billboard 200 No. 1 sophomore album, Beautifully Broken. He co-wrote “I Am Not Okay” with Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley and Casey Brown with Zach Crowell serving as producer, and the single is currently nominated for two Grammys at the upcoming 67th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 2.
The single cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 14 and captured the No.1 spot on the Billboard U.S. Country Airplay Chart and Mediabase Aircheck chart for multiple weeks as his sixth No. 1 entry on the respective chart. It also vaulted into the Top 3 of the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Songs chart.
Chayce Beckham Surprises Hometown Kids With New Guitars
Pictured (L-R): Chayce Beckham, Callie Hilliard (KP Entertainment), Christina Garber (FG4K) and Ben Dudley (FG4K). Photo: Sarah Krieg
Chayce Beckham returned to his hometown of Apple Valley, California on Dec. 12 to visit the town’s local parks and recreation afterschool program at the Singh Center for the Arts. Partnering with Gibson Gives and Free Guitars 4 Kids, Beckham personally surprised 30 kids with brand-new guitars. From his own experience growing up with music at the center, Beckham knows the positive impact music education can have on children and wants to continue to spotlight and support this mission within Apple Valley.
“Music has always been a big part of my life,” Beckham shares. “One of my most cherished memories is when my grandmother bought me my first guitar. Knowing the impact music can have on someone’s life, especially my own, I want to give these kids the same opportunity and encourage them to dream big.”
Jeff (JB) Brown Receives Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship
Jeff (JB) Brown
Jeff (JB) Brown, Program Director for Curtis Media’s WMMY/WWMY Highway 106.1/102.3 in Boone, North Carolina, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Steve Ferguson CRS Scholarship. Brown was chosen by a panel of country radio programmers and other industry professionals. He will receive a paid registration to attend the 2025 Country Radio Seminar, Feb. 19-21 in Nashville.
Shortly after graduating college, Brown began his career in broadcasting at a local AM station, WKSK in West Jefferson Missouri. Nine years later, he was offered a position at WTQR Winston/Salem/Greensboro North Carolina, where he stayed for the next 19 years. In 2019, he returned home to WMMY/WWMY in Boone, where he serves as Program Director and morning show host.
Dugger Band Hosts Hurricane Helene Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Jeff Idell/ President, AIDNET, Ed Link/AIDNET, Jordan Dugger, Seth Dugger, Tom Smith and Rebecca Tipton, AIDNET Board Members. Photo: Michael Chatman
Country duo Dugger Band hosted a benefit show to raise money for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Kingsport, Tennessee on Nov. 9 with Adam Clouse and Brett Sheroky. The Duggers raised over $17,000 for the cause and presented the check to AIDNET on Dec. 10 at their weekly board meeting at the Greene County Partnership building in downtown Greeneville, Tennessee.
The Dugger Band just released their new Christmas single, “Christmas Lights On” and are gearing up to host their annual Christmas concert, a hometown tradition, on Dec. 17 at the Capitol Theatre of Greeneville.
Midland Announces 2025 ‘Get Lucky Tour’ Dates
/by Lorie HollabaughMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland has extended their “Get Lucky Tour” with additional dates in 2025.
The tour will include special guests Flatland Cavalry and Pug Johnson, and make stops in Tampa, Tucson, Flagstaff and more. The announcement follows the release of their album, Barely Blue, and its deluxe edition featuring Kaitlin Butts and Paul Cauthen earlier this year.
Also in 2024, Midland collaborated with Orville Peck on “The Hurtin’ Kind,” which appeared on Peck’s duets album, Stampede, and released a cover of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” for the star-studded Petty Country album.
“Get Lucky Tour” Dates:
* with Pug Johnson
^ with Flatland Cavalry
Feb. 20 – Tampa, FL – Hard Rock Event Center *
Feb. 21 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live *
Feb. 22 – Immokalee, FL – Seminole Casino *
March 8 – Berlin, DE – C2C Berlin
March 22 – Niagara Falls, NY – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Event Center
March 25 – Rotterdam, NL – C2C Netherlands
April 11 – McAllen, TX – McAllen Convention Center
April 25 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena ^
April 26 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pepsi Amphitheater ^
April 27 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach Festival
May 2 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort
June 28 – Pendleton, OR – Jackalope Jamboree
Music Row Veteran Martha Sharp Passes
/by Robert K OermannMartha Sharp. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Martha Sharp, who had successful careers as both a songwriter and a record-label executive, died on Wednesday morning (Dec. 11) at age 87.
She wrote a series of pop hits in Music City in the 1960s. She reemerged as a longtime A&R executive at Warner in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Among her signings to the label were the superstars Randy Travis and Faith Hill.
Martha Marion Sharp was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1937. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, Virginia, and Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia. She came to Music City in 1963 to become a songwriter.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Sharp signed with Painted Desert Music as a staff songwriter in Nashville. Producer Chips Moman found her song “Born a Woman.” He brought Memphis singer Sandy Posey to Muscle Shoals to record it in 1966, and it became a big pop hit.
Next, Bob Beckham signed Sharp to Combine Music on Music Row and published the songwriter’s next Sandy Posey hit, 1967’s “Single Girl.” This became Maratha Sharp’s most recorded composition. An appreciative Sharp wrote the liner notes for Posey’s third album.
Pop star Bobby Vee dipped into Sharp’s Painted Desert catalog to record her song “Come Back When You Grow Up.” It hit No. 3 on the pop hit parade in 1967 and became Sharp’s biggest songwriting hit. She also wrote “Maybe Just Today” as a Bobby Lee single of 1968.
Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Eddy Arnold had a minor country success with her song “You Fool” in 1969. Irish crooner Val Doonican had a top 10 U.K. hit in 1965 with Sharp’s “The Special Years.” In 1970, Jean Shepard had a top 20 country hit with the songwriter’s “I Want You Free.”
Her songs were also recorded by Tom Jones, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings, Nick Lowe, Barbara Eden, The Browns, Dottie West, Jan Howard, Leif Garrett, Johnny Tillotson, Cilla Black, The Lennon Sisters, Wilma Burgess, Brook Benton and several European artists. Martha Sharp mainly wrote solo, although a few of her songs were cowritten with Larry Butler. One of these was “Another Goodbye Song,” which Rex Allen Jr. took onto the country charts in 1974.
Martha Sharp on the cover of MusicRow Magazine in 1995
Combine Music was owned by Fred Foster, who also owned Monument Records. He co-produced a 1973 Monument album for Martha Sharp titled Anywoman. This was her only recording. Her fellow Combine/Monument signee Kris Kristofferson wrote its liner notes.
Martha Sharp’s skill as a songwriter led her into A&R work, finding songs and singers for country record labels. She initially worked for Jimmy Bowen at Elektra Records in 1980, then moved to Warner when it absorbed the company in 1983. Under Warner leader Jim Ed Norman, Sharp was named a vice president of the label.
At Warner, Sharp signed Randy Travis after he’d been turned down by every record company in Music City. She also took a chance on an unknown Faith Hill. She was involved with the Warner careers of Highway 101, Carlene Carter, The Forester Sisters, Crystal Gayle, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Anderson, Gary Morris, Holly Dunn, Travis Tritt and the company’s other stars of that era. Sharp contracted with producers, recording studios, mastering labs and all other aspects of record production.
Martha Sharp retired from the record label in 1995 and moved to Richmond, Virginia to pursue her avocation as a painter. She returned to Music City about a decade ago. In 2014, Leadership Music and SOURCE presented a panel discussion with Sharp and RCA’s Mary Martin about Nashville’s pioneering female A&R executives.
Martha Sharp is survived by her brothers, Hardin Marion of Lexington, Virginia, and Dave Marion of Zephyr Cove, Nevada. There will not be a funeral.