Eric Heatherly
There are 10 records here, but only one really matters.
Eric Heatherly has more talent than any man ought to be allowed. He writes incredibly addictive songs. He sings like an angel and plays guitar like the devil. His rhythmic sense is impeccable. On top of everything else, he’s a superb showman. He also has the completely unchallenged Disc of the Day.
For our DisCovery Award, we cast our eyes northward. Greg
Hanna lives in Nashville now, but he’s originally a farm boy from rural Ontario.
Greg Hanna
JEFF COOK & THE ALLSTAR GOODTIME BAND/Ashes Won’t Burn
Writer: Bert Colwell; Producer: Jeff Cook; Publisher: Friendly Finley, Bert Colwell, BMI; Quest (track) (www.jeffcook-AGB.com)
—Since quitting the road with Alabama, Jeff Cook has been performing what he calls “funtry” with his band. The title tune to their debut album has “beach music” rhythm, horns, R&B guitar, stellar vocal harmonies and a steady pulse. Jeff sings seven of the lead vocals, including a cover of The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine.” Other covers are handled by group members Ronnie Farmer (”Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”), R.K. Brown (”Brick House”), Link Detten (”All Right Now”) and Randall Key (”King Bee”).
TED RUSSELL KAMP/Just A Yesterday Away
Writer: Ted Russell Kamp; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publisher: none listed; PoMo (track) (www.tedrussellkamp.com)
—Kamp is the bass player for Shooter Jennings, but he also makes solo discs. His first, 2007’s Divisadero, was a gem, and the follow-up, Poor Man’s Paradise, is even better. Its single, this track, is a rumbling, rootsy ramble with Chip Davis shadowing Ted’s lead vocal with a tenor harmony throughout.
RODNEY ATKINS/15 Minutes
Writer: Tony Mullins/Jamie Lee Thurston; Producer: Ted Hewitt & Rodney Atkins; Publisher: Almo/Mullintone/EMI Blackwood, ASCAP/BMI; Curb
—“I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night/And it was the worst 15 minutes of my life.” Ya gotta smile at a line like that. The track bops and the steel guitar shimmers. And, for once, a rowdy-crowd sing-along works perfectly.
GREG HANNA/It’s A Man’s Job
Writer: Ashley Gorley/Wade Kirby/Kim Tribble; Producer: Kim Tribble & Greg Hanna; Publisher: Songs of Combustion/Music of Windswept/Steel Wheels/Songs of Category 5/Songs of RPM, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; Pheromone (www.greghanna.com)
—This guy is apparently already popular in his native Canada. His raucous bid for U.S. acceptance has working-man verses, but in the choruses he shouts that loving you “is a man’s job.” And—guess what?—he doesn’t mind putting in a little overtime to do it.
CLEDUS T. JUDD/Garth Must Be Busy
Writer: Clint Daniels/Michael Heeney/Cledus T. Judd/Christopher Clark; Producer: Cledus T. Judd & Chris Clark; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; E1
—Brooks & Dunn put in a prominent appearance on this parody of their well-known hit. It name-checks Garth Brooks tune titles hither and thither.
CLINT MARTIN/West Side Of The Tracks
Writer: Clint Martin; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Clint Martin; Publisher: LinBrooke, ASCAP; Run Wild (www.clintmartinband.com)
—The track is as country as dirt, but his singing is as bland as water.
THE TRACTORS/Up Jumped The Boogie
Writer: Steve Ripley/Leon Russell; Producer: Steve Ripley; Publisher: Time Standing Still/Young Carney, BMI/ASCAP; Koch (track) (www.kochrecords.com)
—They’re back, and they’re as relentlessly rhythm happy and eccentric as ever. The full CD is called Trade Union.
MARK McKINNEY/Middle America
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producer: Rob Dennis; Publisher: none listed; Super Loud Music (www.markmckinney.com)
—This guy continues his country rocking ways on his latest single. It boasts his strongest blue-collar lyric and hookiest melody to date. Well worth your spins.
ERIC HEATHERLY/Things I Could Do To You
Writer: Eric Heatherly; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Publisher: Psychobilly, ASCAP; Eric Heatherly (track) (www.ericheatherly.com)
—Eric’s new CD is called 2 High 2 Cry. On its single, he once again proves that he’s country’s grooviest guitar slinger. This has it all—a terrific vocal, a killer melody, a heartbeat rhythm and some sizzling guitar solos. If you program just one tune from this week’s stack of platters, by all means make it this one. It’s essential listening.
KATE RUSSELL/Better Days
Writer: Kate Russell; Producer: Kate Russell & Rich Mouser; Publisher: Austramusic, ASCAP; Urunga/Spinville (615-302-0072)
—Her credit cards are maxed out, the bills are piling up, her boyfriend has split. She’s got the blues and has, indeed, “seen better days.” But her potent vocal delivery makes being down-and-out sound just fine.
S1 Songs Makes Significant Acquisition
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Jody Williams, BMI; Brett Beavers; Don Rollins; Chip Petree, Attorney/Copyright Exchange; Pat Finch, Sr. VP/GM S1 Songs Nashville; Shaye Smith; Abbe Nameche, VP Creative, S1 Songs Nashville
S1 Songs has acquired the song catalogs, plus future works, of Brett Beavers, Shaye Smith and Don Rollins, and also purchased an interest in the smash hit singles “Whiskey Lullaby” recorded by Brad Paisley and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” recorded by Alan Jackson. The Nashville office of S1 is headed by Sr. VP/GM Pat Finch. Global CEO of S1 Songs, Steve McMellon says the publisher plans to continue acquiring “good quality Nashville copyrights.”
As a producer/writer, Beavers has garnered multiple hit singles for Dierks Bentley, including “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Lot Of Leavin’ Left To Do,” “Come A Little Closer,” “Every Mile A Memory,” and “Feel That Fire” in addition to producing Bentley’s first five Capitol albums. Beavers has also written singles for Lee Ann Womack, Brooks & Dunn, Eric Church and more.
Shaye Smith is a Grammy nominated songwriter with several No. 1 hits in the U.S. and overseas. Her hits include “Songs About Me” (Trace Adkins), “That’s Why I’m Here” (Kenny Chesney), “How Far” (Martina McBride), “There Is No Arizona” and “Somebody’s Hero” (Jamie O’Neal), “One Boy, One Girl” (Collin Raye), “Single White Female” (Chely Wright), “Complicated” (Carolyn Dawn Johnson) and “I Should Be Sleeping” (Emerson Drive). Her songs have appeared on more than 25 million albums sold.
In 2003 Don Rollins wrote “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” with frequent collaborator Jim “Moose” Brown. The song went on to be a multi-week No. 1 for Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett and win the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. In 2006, Rollins scored two cuts on Reba’s Platinum Duets album. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Neal McCoy, Randy Travis, Ronnie Millsap, and Ricky Skaggs.
Lifenotes: Danny Petraitis (Updated)
/by Sarah Skates––––––––––––––
Much loved member of the music community Danny Petraitis died peacefully last night, June 3, around 7:45 PM in his room at Lakeshore Wedgewood assisted living community. He had an extensive fight with brain cancer and is survived by his children Dylan, Carson, Sadie, and Jed. An obituary with arrangements and details about a memorial fund is expected tomorrow.
According to a post on his Caring Bridge site, “Dan’s wishes were to have his body be cremated and his ashes spread at the Jetty at Long Branch New Jersey. There will be no viewing. As of right now tentative plans are to have a church service possibly Sunday afternoon at Benton Chapel on the Vanderbilt campus with a pot-luck/visitation/celebration/guitar pull afterwards at the A-frame of St. Augustine’s Chapel just a short distance away.”
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dannypetraitis/
Sony Onboard With eMusic
/by Sarah SkatesBack catalog from Sony Music Entertainment will soon be available on popular download site eMusic. This is the first major label to partner with the retailer known largely for indie music. eMusic boasts about 400,000 subscribers who can download a set number of MP3s each month in exchange for a monthly fee.
Following the agreement with Sony, eMusic has raised its monthly prices and cut the number of downloads for some plans. eMusic says that many of the independent labels it works with had also been asking it to increase prices.
Sony considers songs more than two years old “back catalog.”
Artist Exposure Comes Through Many Platforms
/by Sarah SkatesMartina McBride’s latest single “I Just Call You Mine” is getting a lot of exposure through NBC’s Today show. The song, written by Ty Lacy, Jess Clayton Cates, and Dennis Matkosky, is being used in conjunction with one of the morning show’s most popular events, “Today Throws A Wedding.” The tune will be featured throughout the three-month promotion and McBride will perform it at the lucky couple’s wedding reception on July 15. “I Just Call You Mine” is the second single from Martina’s chart-topping new album, Shine.
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New Country group Due West is challenging fans to explore the streets of downtown Nashville with a GeoQuest game containing clues which lead players to historic sites. The free, half-hour walking game during CMA Music Festival is Thurs., June 11, from 1:00-3:00 PM. The course ends with prizes and a special event at one of Nashville’s historic music spots. To get the first clue, call 615-656-5636. Due West’s debut single, “I Get That All the Time,” is at Country radio now.
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Kate & Kacey are on Yahoo! Music as “The New Now,” becoming the first country artists selected this year for the feature. The performance was taped recently in Los Angeles and launches live on Yahoo! today. Fans can see how the girls did behind the Yahoo! cameras, beginning this week at http://new.music.yahoo.com/programs/the-new-now/940/a-sucker-for-katekaceycorona
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Steve Azar will join 13-time PGA Champion Kenny Perry on the Golf Channel’s new TV series, Playing Lessons From the Pros on July 6 at 10 pm/ET. The instructional show features top PGA & LPGA Tour professionals and celebrities in a casual round of golf. On Tues., August 4, Azar will release Slide On Over Here, his new album co-produced with Justin Niebank for Azar’s indie label, Ride Records. The project’s lead single, “Moo La Moo,” was co-written by Azar and is airing on Country radio.
DISClaimer (5/15/09)
/by Robert K OermannEric Heatherly
There are 10 records here, but only one really matters.
Eric Heatherly has more talent than any man ought to be allowed. He writes incredibly addictive songs. He sings like an angel and plays guitar like the devil. His rhythmic sense is impeccable. On top of everything else, he’s a superb showman. He also has the completely unchallenged Disc of the Day.
For our DisCovery Award, we cast our eyes northward. Greg
Hanna lives in Nashville now, but he’s originally a farm boy from rural Ontario.
Greg Hanna
JEFF COOK & THE ALLSTAR GOODTIME BAND/Ashes Won’t Burn
Writer: Bert Colwell; Producer: Jeff Cook; Publisher: Friendly Finley, Bert Colwell, BMI; Quest (track) (www.jeffcook-AGB.com)
—Since quitting the road with Alabama, Jeff Cook has been performing what he calls “funtry” with his band. The title tune to their debut album has “beach music” rhythm, horns, R&B guitar, stellar vocal harmonies and a steady pulse. Jeff sings seven of the lead vocals, including a cover of The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine.” Other covers are handled by group members Ronnie Farmer (”Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”), R.K. Brown (”Brick House”), Link Detten (”All Right Now”) and Randall Key (”King Bee”).
TED RUSSELL KAMP/Just A Yesterday Away
Writer: Ted Russell Kamp; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publisher: none listed; PoMo (track) (www.tedrussellkamp.com)
—Kamp is the bass player for Shooter Jennings, but he also makes solo discs. His first, 2007’s Divisadero, was a gem, and the follow-up, Poor Man’s Paradise, is even better. Its single, this track, is a rumbling, rootsy ramble with Chip Davis shadowing Ted’s lead vocal with a tenor harmony throughout.
RODNEY ATKINS/15 Minutes
Writer: Tony Mullins/Jamie Lee Thurston; Producer: Ted Hewitt & Rodney Atkins; Publisher: Almo/Mullintone/EMI Blackwood, ASCAP/BMI; Curb
—“I gave up smoking, women and drinking last night/And it was the worst 15 minutes of my life.” Ya gotta smile at a line like that. The track bops and the steel guitar shimmers. And, for once, a rowdy-crowd sing-along works perfectly.
GREG HANNA/It’s A Man’s Job
Writer: Ashley Gorley/Wade Kirby/Kim Tribble; Producer: Kim Tribble & Greg Hanna; Publisher: Songs of Combustion/Music of Windswept/Steel Wheels/Songs of Category 5/Songs of RPM, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; Pheromone (www.greghanna.com)
—This guy is apparently already popular in his native Canada. His raucous bid for U.S. acceptance has working-man verses, but in the choruses he shouts that loving you “is a man’s job.” And—guess what?—he doesn’t mind putting in a little overtime to do it.
CLEDUS T. JUDD/Garth Must Be Busy
Writer: Clint Daniels/Michael Heeney/Cledus T. Judd/Christopher Clark; Producer: Cledus T. Judd & Chris Clark; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; E1
—Brooks & Dunn put in a prominent appearance on this parody of their well-known hit. It name-checks Garth Brooks tune titles hither and thither.
CLINT MARTIN/West Side Of The Tracks
Writer: Clint Martin; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Clint Martin; Publisher: LinBrooke, ASCAP; Run Wild (www.clintmartinband.com)
—The track is as country as dirt, but his singing is as bland as water.
THE TRACTORS/Up Jumped The Boogie
Writer: Steve Ripley/Leon Russell; Producer: Steve Ripley; Publisher: Time Standing Still/Young Carney, BMI/ASCAP; Koch (track) (www.kochrecords.com)
—They’re back, and they’re as relentlessly rhythm happy and eccentric as ever. The full CD is called Trade Union.
MARK McKINNEY/Middle America
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producer: Rob Dennis; Publisher: none listed; Super Loud Music (www.markmckinney.com)
—This guy continues his country rocking ways on his latest single. It boasts his strongest blue-collar lyric and hookiest melody to date. Well worth your spins.
ERIC HEATHERLY/Things I Could Do To You
Writer: Eric Heatherly; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Publisher: Psychobilly, ASCAP; Eric Heatherly (track) (www.ericheatherly.com)
—Eric’s new CD is called 2 High 2 Cry. On its single, he once again proves that he’s country’s grooviest guitar slinger. This has it all—a terrific vocal, a killer melody, a heartbeat rhythm and some sizzling guitar solos. If you program just one tune from this week’s stack of platters, by all means make it this one. It’s essential listening.
KATE RUSSELL/Better Days
Writer: Kate Russell; Producer: Kate Russell & Rich Mouser; Publisher: Austramusic, ASCAP; Urunga/Spinville (615-302-0072)
—Her credit cards are maxed out, the bills are piling up, her boyfriend has split. She’s got the blues and has, indeed, “seen better days.” But her potent vocal delivery makes being down-and-out sound just fine.
Pop-Rock DISClaimer (5/15/09)
/by Robert K OermannThe gals, in particular, are rocking the joint. Veteran Jonell Mosser leads a grooving group that also includes Disc of the Day winner Erin McCarley and excellent newcomer Susan Hartman.
The DisCovery Award, however, goes to the guys of Kindercastle. Both Kindercastle and Jonell are playing this evening, and it’s entirely possible for the energetic among you to
catch them both.
JONELL MOSSER/Trust Yourself
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: Bil VornDick; Publisher: Special Rider, SESAC; Better Angels (track) (www.jonellonline.com)
—The opening track and title tune to Jonell’s new CD finds this supremely soulful vocalist grooving in a track full of buzzing, stinging guitars and heartbeat bass. To many, including me, this is Nashville’s finest “unknown” singer. In addition to this Dylan gem, the album includes offerings from Michael McDonald and Harlan Howard, plus four she co-wrote. The cast includes the stellar Jeff Coffin, David Hungate, Tom Britt, Jimmy Hall, John Cowan, Jerry Douglas, Craig Krampf, Stuart Duncan, Victor Wooten and soul sisters Bekka Bramlett, Sheila Lawrence, Etta Britt and Vickie Carrico.
BRUCE SUDANO/It’s Her Wedding Day
Writer: Bruce Sudano; Producer: Nathan DiGesaare & Bruce Sudano; Publisher: Sudano Songs/Soft Summer Songs, BMI; Purple Heart (track) (www.brucesudano.com)
—Best known as Donna Summer’s husband and songwriting collaborator, Nashville’s Sudano has his own history as a member of Alive and Kicking (remember “Tighter, Tighter?”) and Brooklyn Dreams (”Heaven Knows”). He sounds surprisingly youthful on his new solo CD Life and the Romantic. This sweet, touching nuptial ballad from it has become a surprise A/C hit. So good for him.
ERIN McCARLEY/Love, Save The Empty
Writer: Erin McCarley/Jamie Kenney; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Publisher: Froggle/Sony-ATV/Carver, BMI/ASCAP; Universal Republic (track) (www.erinmccarley.com)
—This young Music City lass has become one of our major pop/rock players. The bopping title tune to her album was featured in the movie He’s Just Not That Into You. The downbeat lyric contrasts with a furious rhythm track, sighing strings and plinkety piano. Like the rest of the CD’s tracks, this is something you’ll want to hear over and over. Worth every dime.
KINDERCASTLE/A New Way Of Life
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Upright T-Rex, BMI; SelecTone (track) (www.kindercastle.net)
—SelecTone is Steve Wariner’s label. This synth-based outfit features his son Ross and cohort Cody Uhler, who have been musical collaborators since they were 14 years old. The wafting tones and falsetto vocal soarings here are quite winning. The track appears on Kindercastle’s new EP Dot to Dot to Dot. It follows the group’s 2008 debut album, In a Tizzy, which is also recommended listening. By the way, Steve’s other son Ryan has been out on the road playing lead guitar for Jewel and is now touring with LeAnn Rimes.
SUSAN HARTMAN/Hip With Me
Writer: Hartman/Ulisse; Producer: Eddie Gore; Publisher: Pink Scarf/Hadley Music Group, ASCAP; Susan Hartman (track) (myspace.com/susanhartman)
—By day she’s a licensing manager at ASCAP. Hartman’s secret life is as a pop rocker. Her scintillating EP kicks off with this groove-soaked track with none other than Steve Cropper providing lead guitar. Her sunny, saucy vocal is as cool as the R&B flavored instrumental work. I’m in.
DISClaimer (5/8/09)
/by Robert K OermannDespite the presence of a number of marquee names in this week’s reviewing stack, the award winners are the lesser knowns.
Up-and-comer Holly Williams lands her first Disc of the Day honor. By the way, her excellent last single (”Keep the Change”) was not co-written by her sister, but rather by Hillary Lindsey. The label information was incorrect.
HOLLY WILLIAMS/Mama
Writer: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank & Holly Williams; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
—Produced with acoustic sparkle, this upbeat ode to mama is also written with deep truth and gifted with a delicious melody. Holly seems to improve in giant steps with each release. I think I’m falling in love.
JEFF GRIFFITH/Dip Me In Beer
Writer: Jeff Griffith/Hobson Smith; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: none listed, BMI; BGM (888-455-5504)
—He wants to be thrown into “a redneck mosh pit,” whatever that is. Who says nobody makes honky-tonk music anymore? You don’t get any more “honky” than this.
JIMMY WAYNE/I’ll Be That
Writer: Jimmy Wayne/Bob Regan/Kevin Paige; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Grandma Dynamite/Green Hills/Travelers Ridge/Regan/Big Loud Bucks/Universal/Z Songs/K.P.P./B.D.A.J., ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music
—Love the breathless rhythm track and the softly sensuous singing. This fulfilling-fantasies ditty rushes by like a cool, gentle wind in your face.
THE PARKS/As Long As You’re Goin’ My Way
Writer: Johnny Park/Clint Park/Brett Beavers; Producer: Johnny Park & Clint Park; Publisher: WB/Warner-Tamerlane/Sony-ATV Tree/Run the Trotline, ASCAP/BMI; Carolwood
—The production is too “busy” sounding, the vocal is mixed too low in it, and the song doesn’t kick in until they get to the chorus.
DOLLY PARTON/Everyday People
Writer: Sylvester Stewart; Producer: Mike Post; Publisher: none listed; RCA Legacy (track)
—What a gal: Her 9 to 5 musical opens on Broadway, and one week later it is nominated for four Tony Awards! The 1980 movie that inspired it also inspired a Dolly concept album called 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. That LP has now been reissued on CD with three bonus tracks including this previously unissued, sprightly rendition of the Sly and the Family Stone classic. The other two bonuses are a frothing disco remix and a karaoke track of the title tune.
TRACE ADKINS/All I Ask For Anymore
Writer: Casey Beathard/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose/Warner Tamerlane/T Bird’s, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Trace with a string section? You bet. On a stately, inspirational, common-man ballad, no less. I’ve always said this guy is underrated as a vocalist, and this is one of his most expressive performances ever.
NATHAN LEE JACKSON/Small Town Rain
Writer: none listed; Producer: Jeff Glixman; Publisher: none listed; CO5/Star City (615-469-1756)
—Nicely done. The production rocks happily, and his earnest vocal is as comfy as a well-worn shoe. This kid has the goods.
JOHN ANDERSON/Cold Coffee And Hot Beer
Writer: none listed; Producer: James Stroud & John Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Country Crossing (track) (615-750-5938)
—Drawling and bluesy, this totally swings. John is eternally cool. Somebody get the name of that barrelhouse piano player.
CHARLIE ROBISON/Beautiful Day
Writer: Charlie Robison; Producer: Charlie Robison; Publisher: Bantex, BMI; Dualtone (track) (www.dualtone.com)
—The title tune to Charlie’s new CD chronicles one woe after another in sunny L.A. The track is excellent, with dynamite country-rock guitar and snazzy organ riffs. And it goes without saying that his steeped-in-Texas vocal performance is a winner. Most of the collection is self-penned, but there are also a pair of Keith Gattis tunes, a rocking number courtesy of Bobby Bare Jr. and an evocative cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing in the Street.”
SARAH DARLING/Jack Of Hearts
Writer: Sarah Darling/Marc Beeson/Don Pfrimmer; Producer: Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: Want a Fresh One/Sarah Darling/Crossfire 3/Wounded Sky/EGBE, ASCAP; Black River (track) (www.sarahdarling.com)
—Evidently, Sarah was featured on a 2003 E! network reality show called The Entertainers. You couldn’t prove it by me, but I know a singer when I hear one. The production is percussively perfect, and the extremely well written song has a melodic hook and/or an ear-catching line around every corner. The album is called Every Monday Morning, and I strongly urge you to give it—and this single—your full attention.
Festival Fundraiser Memorializes Steele’s Son
/by Sarah SkatesThe free festival opens at 2 PM with a performance by Steele, who will also close out the bash ending at 9 PM. In between, American Bang, LoCash Cowboys, Ricky Young & Red White Blue, and Pearl Heart, will rock the stage. The event featuring skate demos, giveaways, games, food and an auction was created in loving memory of Steele’s late son Alex, an avid skater who died at age 13. www.rememberalex.com.
If you’d like to get involved with the organization, contact Casey LeVasseur at rememberalex.com@gmail.com. Title sponsors are BMI and 3 Ring Circus Music & Records.
Strait Adds To Platinum Tally
/by Sarah SkatesMore good news for Strait came this morning when SoundScan reported a more than 300% increase in sales for his albums Troubadour, 22 More Hits, and 50#1’s (a 2-CD set). The significant sales bump is due largely to the George Strait: ACM Artist of the Decade All Star Concert which aired last week on CBS.
This weekend Strait has the honor of headlining the inaugural event at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. The June 6 concert, with guests Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough, sold out in less than one hour.
Grammy Changes Reflect Growth of Americana Music
/by Sarah SkatesAMA Exec. Director Jed Hilly
NARAS has also divided the Grammy category for Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album into two categories: Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Americana Album.
MusicRow spoke with Hilly about the significance of today’s news. “This is recognition of the growing popularity and strength of Americana music,” he said. “It is exactly what we’ve been fighting for and trying to tell the world for 10 years.”
The Americana Music Association will host its 10th annual Festival & Conference Sept. 16-19 at the Nashville Convention Center and premier venues throughout the city. More than 12,000 fans, artists and industry professionals are expected at the event. The Music Festival will feature approximately 75 showcase or performance slots for both established and emerging artists, while the Conference will include numerous educational panels, seminars and more.
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In other Nashville-related NARAS news, award-winning music video director/producer George Flanigen was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees. Music supervisor/composer/film music executive Doug Frank was elected Vice Chair, and engineer/producer Glenn Lorbecki was elected Secretary/Treasurer at its annual spring Trustees meeting. Outgoing Chair of the Board and five-time GRAMMY® winner Jimmy Jam will become Chair Emeritus.