Chapter 348
(L-R) Dailey & Vincent band member Joe Dean, Jamie Dailey, band member Jesse Stockman, manager Don Light, Darrin Vincent, band member Jeff Parker, publicist Karen Byrd, band member Christian Davis, sound engineer Key Chang.
The bluegrass demographic looks like it is becoming more diverse than ever. Judging by the crowd at the 21st annual International Bluegrass Music Awards at the Ryman (9/30), bluegrass still skews somewhat older. But more than ever, the genre’s fans were hard to pigeonhole. Thin young people mingled with heavyset seniors. Cowboys sat next to hippies, progressives were alongside rednecks. The audience included fans from Europe, Australia and Japan as well as a tiny smattering of African Americans.
No matter who they were, there was no consensus about proper award-show attire. Garb ranged from t-shirts and bluejeans to evening gowns and brocade wraps, from sport coats to sport shirts. Within yards of one another were a middle-aged guy in khaki shorts and a woman roughly his peer in a strapless floor-length gown with a pouffy organza stole.
No matter who they were or what they wore, they were treated to a triumphantly musical, 3 1/2 hour show. Let’s state the obvious: This is one genre where you have to be able to really play and really sing.
Dierks Bentley and an all-star bluegrass assemblage were a great show opener with “Fiddlin’ Around.” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver did a lickety-split, harmony-drenched version of Paul Simon’s “Gone at Last.” What a brilliant cover idea. Dailey & Vincent’s version of The Statler Brothers’ “Elizabeth” was perked up when Statler Jimmy Fortune walked out in mid-song to take over lead vocals on the song he wrote.
The Claire Lynch Band’s cover of Bill Monroe’s “My Florida Sunshine” was embellished with crisp triple fiddles, including Michael Cleveland’s. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of O Brother Where Art Thou were Alison Krauss & Union Station (“Valley to Pray”), The Whites (“Keep on the Sunny Side”) and Dan Tyminski (“Man of Constant Sorrow”). Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out did “Carolina’s Arms.”
The Del McCoury Band were tighter than tight on “Hello Lonely.” The Sam Bush Band did his co-written “The Ballad of Stringbean and Estelle.” Earl Scruggs, 86, led on acoustic guitar when he performed “You Are My Flower” with Gary Scruggs singing lead, plus Randy Scruggs, Jon Randall, Dierks and Rob Ickes accompanying. Earl is the last surviving architect of the bluegrass sound. I, for one, got teary eyed.
The evening was studded with outstanding collaborations. In addition to the Dierks, Claire and Scruggs events. The Josh Williams Band teamed with fleet-fingered Tony Rice on The Delmore Brothers chestnut “Blue Railroad Train.” Darrell Scott fronted Blue Highway to sing his “Bleeding for a Little Peace of Mind.” The evening’s finale was The John Hartford String Band joined by Alison Brown, Tut Taylor, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas and Jamie Hartford for “Gentle on My Mind.” Let the record show that all of these performances were greeted by wild ovations.
Winners? Winning biggest were Dailey & Vincent, with trophies for Entertainer, Vocal Group, Recorded Event and Album. But not far behind were Michael Cleveland (Fiddler, Instrumental Group), Josh Williams (Emerging Artist, Guitarist), The Gibson Brothers (Song, Gospel Performance) and Adam Steffey (Mandolinist, Instrumental Performance).
Many were IBMA repeaters, Steffey has won Mandolin Player of the Year five previous times. Rob Ickes continued his dominance on Dobro. He has won 11 prior IBMAs, including the last five years in succession. Michael Cleveland has won on fiddle eight times previously. Kristin Scott Benson of The Grascals won her third straight Banjo Player of the Year honor. This was Dailey & Vincent’s third consecutive win as both Entertainer and Vocal Group. Marshall Wilburn repeated his 2009 win as Bass Player.
But Russell Moore was a first-timer as Male Vocalist. The Gibson Brothers’ trophies were their first since winning Emerging Artist in 1998. Claire Lynch hasn’t won Female Vocalist since way back in 1997.
“Wow: That’s absolutely sweet,” said Male Vocalist Moore. “This has sucked every bit of the spit outta my mouth. Shoot, I’ll even thank the ones who didn’t vote for me. Everything’s good.” “My very first cut when to Number One, and that’s amazing to me,” said awestruck Song of the Year winner Chet O’Keefe (“Ring the Bell”).
Josh Williams did not have an album out this year, so he was clearly shocked to win Emerging Artist. “Oh my gosh, I love you guys so much,” he said before choking up. “I can’t tell you what this means to me. This is truly a dream come true.” He and his wife are expecting a baby in December, and he thanked his unborn son.
“It’s indeed a great honor to feel bona fide,” said Claire. “You are my family. I’m truly delighted and grateful.” When Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers won Album, Jamie Dailey said, “This was my dream record. I listened to The Statler Brothers from the time I was a 9-year-old kid. I really wanted to do this tribute record.”
“We are touched beyond words,” he added when picking up the Entertainer trophy. “We are all brothers and sisters in this business.”
That sentiment was echoed by Steffey: “One thing about this music that I would not trade for anything, and that’s the friends I’ve made. I love this music.” He was humbled by his win, stating, “If you walked in a mandolin store and there were 31 flavors like Baskin Robbins, I’d be vanilla. I don’t think there’s anything special about what I do.”
Louise Scruggs was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame by Eddie Stubbs. “Mom didn’t let that Man’s World define her,” said Gary. “She did as much as anybody, maybe more, to elevate bluegrass music,” added Randy. I’ll be more blunt. There would not be a bluegrass industry if it were not for Louise Scruggs, who passed away in 2006. It was a poignant touch that she and Earl first met at the Ryman.
John Hartford was inducted into the Hall by Tim O’Brien. “John represented the past, the present and the future of all music, and he was one of ours,” said Tim. “He was a special combination of wise and childlike.” Tim concluded by quoting “Gentle on My Mind,” saying, “I can still see you in my memory, by the rivers, on the backroads, ever smiling, ever gentle on my mind.” Hartford died in 2001, and Tim sang the song at his funeral.
“The only thing that could make this better would be if Dad could be here. He would know what to say,” said daughter Katie Hartford Hogue. As it turned out, he did. John left behind a quote that says, “Bluegrass is America’s last small town. Everybody knows everybody. And you don’t have to lock your doors.”
The show was ably hosted by Jerry Douglas, Sharon White and Cheryl White. At one point, Jerry donned a long silver wig to mock the locks of Ricky Skaggs. Presenters included Kenny & Amanda Smith. Recalling their first date, Kenny quipped, “She said the three words that would melt the heart of any man: ‘You wanna pick?’” Presenters Eddie & Martha Adcock referenced his headline-making recent brain surgery wherein he played his banjo during the operation.
Also taking the stage to hand out honors were Michael Martin Murphey, Hazel Dickens, Peter Rowan, The Grascals, Buck White, Aussies The Davidson Brothers, Dan Tyminski, Missy Raines, Melodie Cannon, humorous Rodney Dillard and Alison Krauss.
For a complete list of winners click HERE.
Digital Summit Strives To Stimulate
/by adminMark Montgomery of Claritas Capitol offered a few brief opening remarks saying, “Our goal at this event should be to lead the conversation about the music business.”
Sessions on Wednesday (the only day this writer was able to attend) were fast paced and generally 40 minutes or less. NPD’s Russ Crupnick admonished the industry for confusing price and value with respect to the CD format. “Consumers wanted more value, not necessarily lower prices,” he said. “The industry created its own CD death spiral by giving the discs such a bad rap and that triggered lowering prices and shrinking shelf space.” Krupnick did note that mainstream connectivity across devices will lead to new revenue streams, “Consumers are willing to pay for music,” he affirmed.
Author/CMT VP Jay Frank interviewed Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta in a (why-is-this-so-short) 20 minute segment designed to provide an operational overview of the elements that have driven his company’s success. “We began to attack every new opportunity we could discover,” said Borchetta thinking back to the company’s start about five years ago. “Many of these online outlets had never been called before by a country music label. It’s all about gatekeepers, you have to take every one of them down.” Borchetta also cautioned, “Once you get someone’s attention you have to be ready. Luckily, with Taylor we didn’t have to teach her, she was already engaging with her fans online.” Borchetta tied the changing marketing landscape back to the music. “It doesn’t matter to me how we distribute the music,” he said. “Our job is to find the best artists and make the best music. We can move faster than the big corporations.” A closing point concerned the unauthorized leak of new releases, especially Taylor Swift’s album which is scheduled for release Oct. 25. “First it’s stealing when that happens,” said Borchetta. “But it’s also a let down, because when we release the music we want to be ready for the fans, with special offers, information, and all kinds of content. When something gets leaked ahead of time we’re not yet ready and that ruins the experience for everyone, most of all the artist.”
Next on the agenda was Evolution Of The 360 Deal. No disrespect to the panelists, but this proved a perfect time for a stretch and a schmooze. The topic was new about 4 years ago.
Highlights through the day included two web surgeons giving tips and tricks—The Site Doctor Is In. Nick Francis of Project 83 offered a checklist of web site dos and don’ts. A fast loading home page is a “do,” using Flash a “don’t.” Also “don’t” disable the browser’s back button… Unfortunately, this presentation was “sandwiched” during lunch to make up for the morning’s late start and as a result was poorly attended.
National Music Publisher’s Association President/CEO David Israelite offered a very persuasive half hour regarding New Challenges and Opportunities for Songwriters and Music Publishers. Challenges included the absence of a free market for songwriter/publisher rights, since royalties and license rates are set by the government. Chief among opportunities were new models including the cloud-based subscription where copies become unnecessary. Israelite believes the music cloud will add so much value for consumers that it might severely limit piracy because all your music would be available all the time on all your devices.
Although the terms “actionable” and “ubiquitous” were repeatedly spoken during the day, one attendee really caught my attention saying, “The speakers this year are really lots of the right people, it’s just that the conversations don’t seem to be actionable.” Couldn’t agree more. Moments on Wednesday of “leading the music business conversation” were few and far between, and rarely actionable.
For example, what about the pros and cons of a single, all-in, digital song royalty? What about a concentrated session with actual hands-on, button pushing advice about the best ways to market using Twitter? or using Facebook? What about building web sites using open source (free) products like Wordpress and Drupal? The concept of new business models was mostly ignored.
Jim Griffin lectured about having a central database for the “ever-expanding legion of online rights holders,” an idea of tremendous significance for all rights holders and collection entities. But his 15 minutes passed without igniting an audience spark. Griffin, a long time visionary, was, as Montgomery suggested, leading the music business discussion. This central database topic will become increasingly important, as the collection world becomes a mad game of musical chairs and many of the established names lose their seat at the revenue table because they haven’t built such an info repository.
In summary, kudos to event planners for a great roster of participants and obviously lots of work putting it all together. However, the agenda needs to find more ways to extract the “Wow” factor from these talented guests. I also question the necessity of a two-day event. Fewer and fewer of attendees can actually dedicate two full days. Pack it into one day with parallel .edu tracks.
Gershon Exits WC; Portnow Wants $2M
/by adminTracy Gershon
[updated 4:36] MusicRow’s Crystal Ball previewed the story (9/29) and now comes official statements from Sr. VP Warner Chappell Music, Tracy Gershon and Scott Francis, President, Warner/Chappell Music and Chairman & CEO, Warner/Chappell Music U.S.
“I am thankful to Scott Francis for the opportunity to help rebuild and reenergize the Warner Chappell Nashville office.” says Gershon. “Now with Scott’s blessing and support, I am able to pursue other opportunities that have come my way. It has been an honor to have worked with the incredible writers and staff at Warner Chappell Music. I will miss working with this team of people who bring so much passion and integrity to everything they do..they truly are an inspiration.”
“After five years with Warner Music Group, our friend and colleague, Tracy Gershon, has decided to leave her position as Senior Vice President and Head of A&R at Warner/Chappell, Nashville,” says Francis. “Since joining Warner/Chappell, Tracy has played an integral role in bringing our Country music roster to new heights and bolstering Warner/Chappell’s presence in Nashville. She has signed, worked with and helped develop many of our successful artists and songwriters. While it is sad to see her leave, we are sure that her diverse knowledge on both the recorded music and music publishing sides of the business as well as her television experience will lead to new exciting and successful projects. Please join me in wishing Tracy well in her future endeavors. She will always be part of the Warner/Chappell family.”
• • •
Neil Portnow
The New York Post reports that Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, is in the midst of renegotiating his employment salary at double his previous rate. According to sources, reports the NYP, Portnow is now seeking “to boost his annual salary to $2 million.” His current contract reportedly ends next year. Portnow responsibilities include the Grammy Awards TV show which saw ratings increase last year. All genre album sales are currently down 13.3% YTD according to Neilsen Soundscan.
CMA Songwriters Series Brings Church To NYC
/by Freeman“I can’t wait to take a bite out of the Big Apple!” says Church. “There is nothing better than sitting back with a few good friends and playing some great tunes. I love the city, I love the company, I can’t wait to throw down in New York!”
Joining Church will be ace songsmiths Carolyn Dawn Johnson (“Single White Female” by Chely Wright), Luke Laird (“So Small” and “Last Name” by Carrie Underwood), and the evening’s host Bob DiPiero (“You Can’t Take The Honky Tonk Out Of The Girl” by Brooks & Dunn).
Tickets to the event are $30 apiece, and can be ordered by visiting www.joespub.com or calling 212-967-7555
Photos: DiPiero and Shaw Sign Flynn; Lambert Kicks Off Tour
/by MichelleAmanda Flynn has signed a publishing deal with Leslie T. DiPiero of Tom-Leis Music & co-publisher Victoria Shaw.
Flynn standing in her Jeep named "Waylon" celebrating her new publishing deal. Pictured: (from L-R) DiPiero, Shaw, Amanda Flynn, Penny Lou Everhard, and Kimberly June.
•••
Columbia Nashville’s Miranda Lambert kicked off her CMT on Tour: Miranda Lambert Revolution fall tour September 29 in New York, the first of more than two dozen dates through early December. Here, Lambert is joined by Sony Music execs to help celebrate her tour launch.
Pictured (L-R): Columbia Nashville Promotion VP Jimmy Rector; Sony Music Entertainment Executive VP Sales & Distribution Darren Stupak; Sony Music Nashville Promotion VP Skip Bishop; Lambert; Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Gary Overton; and Sony Music Entertainment Executive VP Operations/GM of Global Digital & U.S. Sales Dennis Kooker.
Weekly Chart Report (10/01/10)
/by FreemanDr. Bruce Nelson Stratton
RADIO NEWS
Quality Broadcasting’s KFTX/Corpus Christi GM/morning host Dr. Bruce Nelson Stratton has announced his retirement after 50 plus years in radio, 15 of which have been on air with KFTX. His last day will be December 31. “Nobody in this business could ask for a better 52 year career then I have had,” says Stratton. “Imagine getting paid ‘pretty well’ for 52 years for something you would have done for free. Plans include a weekend air shift, handling some very special advertising accounts doing another movie (soon) and calling Scott Borchetta to see if he’s signing any old guys like me. I’m remembering the Moe Bandy song ‘You Ain’t Heard The Last of Me.’” KFTX Sales Manager Cyndi Rowden is expected to take over as GM, and PD/Afternoons Chuck Abel will move to mornings.
(L-R): John Rich and WSLC/Roanoke PD Brett Sharp just before the station's 4th Annual Star-B-Q at the downtown Salems Farmers Market.
SPIN ZONE
Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song” adds an additional 67 spins for a total of 3576 and hangs on to the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot a second week. Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” is decidedly unstuck as it gains 110 spins and jumps to No. 2. Hot on the Mercury duo’s heels is Taylor Swift’s “Mine,” which has made quick work of the chart by ascending to No. 3 in only eight weeks. The lone new entrant to the Top 5 is Reba’s “Turn On The Radio,” which moves ahead of The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” with a gain of 119 spins.
There are only two new additions to this week’s chart, which could be a sign that fall’s feverish release schedule is slightly slowing down. Billy Currington’s “Let Me Down Easy” is out front at No. 73, before his previous single “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” is even off the chart. The second spot also goes to UMG Nashville, as Gary Allan’s “Kiss Me When I’m Down” maneuvers into the No. 78 position.
It’s a difficult time to play the chart game with so many new superstar singles in rotation, but many independent artists are doing it and making some headway. CountryBreakout Award winner Cody McCarver is ahead of the bunch at No. 25, still picking up spins with “I’m America.” Newcomer David Adam Byrnes is a couple slots back at No. 27 with “Sweet Distraction.” Moving through the Top 40 are offerings including “Beautiful” by The Roys (No. 31), “How Long Is Long Enough” by Burns & Poe (No. 32), “What A Day To Shake A Heartache” by Sherry Lynn (No. 35) and “Leaving Home” by Katie Armiger (No. 38).
Upcoming Singles
October 4
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol
The Judds/I Will Stand By You/Curb
Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, & Miranda Lambert/Coal Miner’s Daughter/Columbia
October 11
Craig Morgan/Still A Little Chicken Left On The Bone/BNA
Daniel Smith/Until I Close My Eyes For Good/DLS Records
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury — 73
Gary Allan/Kiss Me When I’m Down/MCA — 78
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Tim McGraw/Felt Good On My Lips/Curb — 479
Toby Keith/Bullets In The Gun/Show Dog – Universal — 432
Keith Urban/Put You In A Song/Capitol — 418
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol — 381
Zac Brown Band feat. Alan Jackson/As She’s Walking Away/Atlantic/Bigger Picture — 299
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Andy Vello/Hank It Up/LoozLip Records — 230
Chris Heers/Happy Thought — 229
Troy Olsen/Good Hands/EMI Records — 218
Rocket Club/One Thing Beautiful/Feather — 218
Mike Aiken/Love You Tonight/Aspirion — 213
Two Week Most Added*
Artist/song/label — New adds
Tim McGraw/Felt Good On My Lips/Curb — 33
Toby Keith/Bullets In The Gun/Show Dog – Universal — 32
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol — 32
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury — 15
Keith Urban/Put You In A Song/Capitol — 11
Randy Houser/A Man Like Me/Show Dog – Universal — 7
LoCash Cowboys/Keep In Mind/Stroudavarious — 7
*Most adds rec’d over two weeks
CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan made stops in Sacramento, Calif. and Portland, Ore. last week for the CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan On Tour. Alan along with KNTY-FM hosted a free concert for fans featuring Joe Nichols and Kevin Fowler in Sacramento on Sept. 22. On Thursday, September 23, CMT Radio Live and KUPL-FM hosted a concert for charity featuring Joe Nichols along with Jack Ingram and Kevin Fowler in Portland. (L-R): KNTY PD Tosh Jackson, Fowler, Alan, MTV Music Grou VP Radio Lori Megown, Nichols and CMT Sr. Dir. Music & Promotion Stephen Linn.
Sherrill Named BMI Icon
/by MichelleBilly Sherrill
BMI will honor Billy Sherrill as a BMI Icon during its its 58th annual Country Awards, slated for Tuesday, November 9 at the organization’s Music Row offices in Nashville. The black-tie ceremony will celebrate songwriters and publishers of the past year’s fifty most-performed country songs from the BMI catalog. BMI will also award the Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year.
Sherrill joins a list of past honorees that includes John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Isaac Hayes, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, the Bee Gees, Ray Davies, James Brown, and more.
The eight-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year has earned 84 BMI Country, Pop and R&B Awards for penning jewels including “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” “Stand By Your Man,” “’Til I Can Make It on My Own,” “My Elusive Dreams,” “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” “Almost Persuaded,” and “Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High).” Yet, Sherrill’s place in musical history would be assured even if he had never written a word. The Grammy-winning architect of countrypolitan produced standards including Charlie Rich’s “Behind Closed Doors,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” and George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Sherrill has received more BMI Country Awards than any other songwriter in history, and was named BMI Country Songwriter of the 20th Century in 1999. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, while the Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed Sherrill earlier this year.
Bobby Karl Works IBMA Awards
/by Robert K OermannChapter 348
(L-R) Dailey & Vincent band member Joe Dean, Jamie Dailey, band member Jesse Stockman, manager Don Light, Darrin Vincent, band member Jeff Parker, publicist Karen Byrd, band member Christian Davis, sound engineer Key Chang.
The bluegrass demographic looks like it is becoming more diverse than ever. Judging by the crowd at the 21st annual International Bluegrass Music Awards at the Ryman (9/30), bluegrass still skews somewhat older. But more than ever, the genre’s fans were hard to pigeonhole. Thin young people mingled with heavyset seniors. Cowboys sat next to hippies, progressives were alongside rednecks. The audience included fans from Europe, Australia and Japan as well as a tiny smattering of African Americans.
No matter who they were, there was no consensus about proper award-show attire. Garb ranged from t-shirts and bluejeans to evening gowns and brocade wraps, from sport coats to sport shirts. Within yards of one another were a middle-aged guy in khaki shorts and a woman roughly his peer in a strapless floor-length gown with a pouffy organza stole.
No matter who they were or what they wore, they were treated to a triumphantly musical, 3 1/2 hour show. Let’s state the obvious: This is one genre where you have to be able to really play and really sing.
Dierks Bentley and an all-star bluegrass assemblage were a great show opener with “Fiddlin’ Around.” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver did a lickety-split, harmony-drenched version of Paul Simon’s “Gone at Last.” What a brilliant cover idea. Dailey & Vincent’s version of The Statler Brothers’ “Elizabeth” was perked up when Statler Jimmy Fortune walked out in mid-song to take over lead vocals on the song he wrote.
The Claire Lynch Band’s cover of Bill Monroe’s “My Florida Sunshine” was embellished with crisp triple fiddles, including Michael Cleveland’s. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of O Brother Where Art Thou were Alison Krauss & Union Station (“Valley to Pray”), The Whites (“Keep on the Sunny Side”) and Dan Tyminski (“Man of Constant Sorrow”). Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out did “Carolina’s Arms.”
The Del McCoury Band were tighter than tight on “Hello Lonely.” The Sam Bush Band did his co-written “The Ballad of Stringbean and Estelle.” Earl Scruggs, 86, led on acoustic guitar when he performed “You Are My Flower” with Gary Scruggs singing lead, plus Randy Scruggs, Jon Randall, Dierks and Rob Ickes accompanying. Earl is the last surviving architect of the bluegrass sound. I, for one, got teary eyed.
The evening was studded with outstanding collaborations. In addition to the Dierks, Claire and Scruggs events. The Josh Williams Band teamed with fleet-fingered Tony Rice on The Delmore Brothers chestnut “Blue Railroad Train.” Darrell Scott fronted Blue Highway to sing his “Bleeding for a Little Peace of Mind.” The evening’s finale was The John Hartford String Band joined by Alison Brown, Tut Taylor, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas and Jamie Hartford for “Gentle on My Mind.” Let the record show that all of these performances were greeted by wild ovations.
Winners? Winning biggest were Dailey & Vincent, with trophies for Entertainer, Vocal Group, Recorded Event and Album. But not far behind were Michael Cleveland (Fiddler, Instrumental Group), Josh Williams (Emerging Artist, Guitarist), The Gibson Brothers (Song, Gospel Performance) and Adam Steffey (Mandolinist, Instrumental Performance).
Many were IBMA repeaters, Steffey has won Mandolin Player of the Year five previous times. Rob Ickes continued his dominance on Dobro. He has won 11 prior IBMAs, including the last five years in succession. Michael Cleveland has won on fiddle eight times previously. Kristin Scott Benson of The Grascals won her third straight Banjo Player of the Year honor. This was Dailey & Vincent’s third consecutive win as both Entertainer and Vocal Group. Marshall Wilburn repeated his 2009 win as Bass Player.
But Russell Moore was a first-timer as Male Vocalist. The Gibson Brothers’ trophies were their first since winning Emerging Artist in 1998. Claire Lynch hasn’t won Female Vocalist since way back in 1997.
“Wow: That’s absolutely sweet,” said Male Vocalist Moore. “This has sucked every bit of the spit outta my mouth. Shoot, I’ll even thank the ones who didn’t vote for me. Everything’s good.” “My very first cut when to Number One, and that’s amazing to me,” said awestruck Song of the Year winner Chet O’Keefe (“Ring the Bell”).
Josh Williams did not have an album out this year, so he was clearly shocked to win Emerging Artist. “Oh my gosh, I love you guys so much,” he said before choking up. “I can’t tell you what this means to me. This is truly a dream come true.” He and his wife are expecting a baby in December, and he thanked his unborn son.
“It’s indeed a great honor to feel bona fide,” said Claire. “You are my family. I’m truly delighted and grateful.” When Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers won Album, Jamie Dailey said, “This was my dream record. I listened to The Statler Brothers from the time I was a 9-year-old kid. I really wanted to do this tribute record.”
“We are touched beyond words,” he added when picking up the Entertainer trophy. “We are all brothers and sisters in this business.”
That sentiment was echoed by Steffey: “One thing about this music that I would not trade for anything, and that’s the friends I’ve made. I love this music.” He was humbled by his win, stating, “If you walked in a mandolin store and there were 31 flavors like Baskin Robbins, I’d be vanilla. I don’t think there’s anything special about what I do.”
Louise Scruggs was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame by Eddie Stubbs. “Mom didn’t let that Man’s World define her,” said Gary. “She did as much as anybody, maybe more, to elevate bluegrass music,” added Randy. I’ll be more blunt. There would not be a bluegrass industry if it were not for Louise Scruggs, who passed away in 2006. It was a poignant touch that she and Earl first met at the Ryman.
John Hartford was inducted into the Hall by Tim O’Brien. “John represented the past, the present and the future of all music, and he was one of ours,” said Tim. “He was a special combination of wise and childlike.” Tim concluded by quoting “Gentle on My Mind,” saying, “I can still see you in my memory, by the rivers, on the backroads, ever smiling, ever gentle on my mind.” Hartford died in 2001, and Tim sang the song at his funeral.
“The only thing that could make this better would be if Dad could be here. He would know what to say,” said daughter Katie Hartford Hogue. As it turned out, he did. John left behind a quote that says, “Bluegrass is America’s last small town. Everybody knows everybody. And you don’t have to lock your doors.”
The show was ably hosted by Jerry Douglas, Sharon White and Cheryl White. At one point, Jerry donned a long silver wig to mock the locks of Ricky Skaggs. Presenters included Kenny & Amanda Smith. Recalling their first date, Kenny quipped, “She said the three words that would melt the heart of any man: ‘You wanna pick?’” Presenters Eddie & Martha Adcock referenced his headline-making recent brain surgery wherein he played his banjo during the operation.
Also taking the stage to hand out honors were Michael Martin Murphey, Hazel Dickens, Peter Rowan, The Grascals, Buck White, Aussies The Davidson Brothers, Dan Tyminski, Missy Raines, Melodie Cannon, humorous Rodney Dillard and Alison Krauss.
For a complete list of winners click HERE.
Performance Royalty Wrangling Spurs FM Research
/by adminThe new Apple iPod nano music player has a built-in FM tuner.
As part of the debate framing the discussion of a performance royalty for terrestrial radio, airwaves advocate NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) has asked for a government mandate that all cell phones be equipped with an FM radio.
The CEA (consumer electronics association) has recently released a study showing that 70% of cell phone and smart phone owners were not interested in having FM built into their device. The study also showed that 80% opposed a government mandate to require them.
On the other side of the aisle, the NAB’s research shows that 73% of cell owners considered “having a radio in their cell phone for local weather and emergency alerts would be very or somewhat important.” NAB also reports that more than 50% of those surveyed didn’t realize that FM was an option in cell phones.
CEA President Gary Shapiro said, “We understand that radio broadcasters are facing competition from new services and technologies, but rather than rely on government mandates, we encourage broadcasters to provide innovative services that Americans actually want to use.”
Joe Nichols Makes $125,000 Donation
/by Eric T. ParkerAccording to Cyndy Teas, the camp’s co-founder and director of development, Nichols’ donation will be combined with a fund program from the Mabee Foundation making it possible for the camp to break ground immediately on a much-needed Health Care Facility.
“Every camper who comes to our summer program has a medical need,” Teas explains, “applying the money from Joe in this way provides the maximum benefit for the dollar to all of the campers. We are so appreciative of his honoring us and his sister Kelli in this way.”
Nichols will continue to tour through early December while his latest single, “The Shape I’m In” moves up the charts.
Opry Plans “Spirit Of Nashville Day”
/by FreemanOpry member Dierks Bentley will host a virtual tour of the refurbished Opry house Saturday, Oct. 2
With the Grand Ole Opry now returned to its permanent home at the Opry House, visitors and fans are invited to celebrate its homecoming on “Spirit of Nashville Day” Saturday, October 2.
The day will offer free tours of the Opry House from 10 am – 4 pm CT, as well as free music in the plaza starting at 12 noon and including a 6 pm performance by CMA Award nominees The Band Perry. Special Opry shows will recognize persons affected by the May 2010 Nashville flooding, as well as many who assisted with the relief efforts. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will join the 7 pm Opry show as a Guest Announcer, and performers for the night’s shows include Charley Pride, Craig Morgan and Kevin Costner.
For those unable to attend in person, Opry member Dierks Bentley will host his own Opry House tour for fans around the globe on the Opry’s Facebook page, starting at 10 am. Bentley is also celebrating his 5th anniversary as an Opry member with a performance tomorrow night (Oct. 1).
“Spirit of Nashville Day” kicks off the Opry’s 85th Birthday Month, which includes highlights such as the 85th Birthday Bash (Oct. 8-9) with Trace Adkins, Roy Clark, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and more; Opry Goes Pink (Oct. 15) supporting breast cancer awareness with the Judds and Kimberly Williams-Paisley; and Blake Shelton’s Opry Induction (Oct. 23).
Republic Nashville's The Band Perry will play a free concert Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Grand Ole Opry House.