Owsley Manier
Nashville music entrepreneur Owsley Manier has died at age 77.
He is best remembered as the co-founder of the legendary Elliston Place nightclub The Exit/In. Earlier in his life, the Nashville native was a member of the 1960s rock band The Lemon Charade.
Owsley Manier (right) with Rock Block historical marker
He and Brugh Reynolds co-founded The Exit/In in 1971. Few Nashville venues have had as rich a legacy as Exit/In. It all started when the relatively unknown singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett auditioned for the partners and was booked on the spot. The venue was initially a listening room for such Nashville songwriters, but it expanded into being a 500-person capacity rock club in the 1980s.
Over its 50+ years, it has played host to an impressive array of talent, from rising local acts to international superstars. Some of the renowned musicians who have entertained at Exit/In include The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Etta James, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, R.E.M., The Allman Brothers, John Lee Hooker, The Black Crowes, Dr. John, The B-52s, Kansas, Lyle Lovett, Billy Crystal, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Police, Garbage, Emmylou Harris, Billy Joel, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Doc Watson, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and Dire Straits.
Comedian Steve Martin once led the audience out into the street in a parade and wound up buying burgers for the whole crowd. The club was featured in the 1975 Robert Altman movie Nashville. Kellie Pickler, among others, used it as the site of a music video. K.D. Lang was introduced to Music City with a performance at the club. It has also been the site of numerous documentary film interviews.
B.B. King, Warren Zevon, Waylon Jennings, The Ramones, Kris Kristofferson, 10,000 Maniacs, The Everly Brothers, Talking Heads, Rick Nelson, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Leon Russell, Fats Domino, The Pointer Sisters, Ronnie Milsap, Barry Manilow, The Guess Who, Cheech & Chong, Dwight Yoakam, The Smithereeens, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels, John Prine, Living Color, Eddie Money, Son Volt, Dan Fogelberg, Train, Hank Williams Jr., The Pretenders, Guy Clark, Ben Folds, The Goo Goo Dolls and Steve Earle have all showcased at The Exit/In.
The club became the anchor of what was known as Nashville’s “Rock Block,” a stretch of Elliston Place that was home to assorted bars, restaurants, music venues, tattoo shops, vape emporiums, newsstands and more. In 2023, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, although it continues to operate as a music venue. More than 25 owners have passed through its history. Since 2022 it has been owned and operated by AJ Capital Partners.
John Owsley Manier died at home in Dowelltown, Tennessee on Friday, October 1. He is survived by his son Aaron Manier and by sisters Cynthia Barbour and Helen Bryan and niece McKeen Butler. There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at The Exit/In on Sunday (Oct. 13) at 3:00 PM featuring music and stories.
CAA Announces 2024 Young Nashville Party Date & Details
/by Liza AndersonCAA will host its annual Young Nashville Party on Thursday, Oct. 24 at Acme Feed & Seed.
The gathering of next-generation professionals from across the entertainment and sports industries seeks to raise money and awareness in support of Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN).
Starting at 8 p.m., this year’s event will feature three floors of entertainment, including an open bar, complimentary food, a mechanical bull and a rooftop view. Additionally, VIP ticket holders will have access to complimentary tattoos, a private rooftop bar and a gifting suite featuring a custom hat bar from JRT as well as products from Dibs, Kingmakers Cigars, Casetify, Hanx Coffee Co. and more.
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
Ben Johnson Renews With Tape Room & Artist Publishing Group, Adds Runner Music To Team
/by Lorie HollabaughBen Johnson. Photo: Dusty Barker
Award-winning songwriter Ben Johnson has extended his publishing deal with Tape Room Music and Artist Publishing Group, and has added Ryan Tedder’s Runner Music to the team.
Originally from Meridian, Mississippi, Johnson has earned nine No. 1 singles, including Nate Smith’s “Bulletproof,” Dierks Bentley’s “Gone,” Paramalee’s “Take My Name” and Dylan Scott’s “New Truck.” His 2021 co-written No. 1 “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice had an unprecedented sweep across ASCAP, BMI and SESAC for Country Song of The Year.
Johnson has landed cuts across genres, from Justin Timberlake, Meek Mill, Diplo, Weezer and David Guetta to Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Thomas Rhett and more. He also writes and records music with his two sisters, Jenna and KK, in their band Track45.
“Ben has established himself as one of the top songwriters and producers across all genres and formats,” says Tape Room President Blain Rhodes. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue our partnership with him alongside APG and Runner moving forward.”
“We are so excited to be working with Ben alongside our friends at Tape Room and APG,” adds Runner Music’s Amanda Hill and Tedder. “Ben is an incredible songwriter who we’ve admired for years and are so happy to now call family.”
“I could not be more excited to be extending my publishing deal with Tape Room/APG and adding Runner to the team,” Johnson shares. “It’s so special to be able to work with people who have been my heroes for so long—first Ashley and now Ryan. I’m grateful for the support of Tape Room, APG and Runner, and can’t wait to get to work together!”
Exit/In Founder Owsley Manier Passes
/by Robert K OermannOwsley Manier
Nashville music entrepreneur Owsley Manier has died at age 77.
He is best remembered as the co-founder of the legendary Elliston Place nightclub The Exit/In. Earlier in his life, the Nashville native was a member of the 1960s rock band The Lemon Charade.
Owsley Manier (right) with Rock Block historical marker
He and Brugh Reynolds co-founded The Exit/In in 1971. Few Nashville venues have had as rich a legacy as Exit/In. It all started when the relatively unknown singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett auditioned for the partners and was booked on the spot. The venue was initially a listening room for such Nashville songwriters, but it expanded into being a 500-person capacity rock club in the 1980s.
Over its 50+ years, it has played host to an impressive array of talent, from rising local acts to international superstars. Some of the renowned musicians who have entertained at Exit/In include The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Etta James, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, R.E.M., The Allman Brothers, John Lee Hooker, The Black Crowes, Dr. John, The B-52s, Kansas, Lyle Lovett, Billy Crystal, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Police, Garbage, Emmylou Harris, Billy Joel, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Doc Watson, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and Dire Straits.
Comedian Steve Martin once led the audience out into the street in a parade and wound up buying burgers for the whole crowd. The club was featured in the 1975 Robert Altman movie Nashville. Kellie Pickler, among others, used it as the site of a music video. K.D. Lang was introduced to Music City with a performance at the club. It has also been the site of numerous documentary film interviews.
B.B. King, Warren Zevon, Waylon Jennings, The Ramones, Kris Kristofferson, 10,000 Maniacs, The Everly Brothers, Talking Heads, Rick Nelson, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Leon Russell, Fats Domino, The Pointer Sisters, Ronnie Milsap, Barry Manilow, The Guess Who, Cheech & Chong, Dwight Yoakam, The Smithereeens, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels, John Prine, Living Color, Eddie Money, Son Volt, Dan Fogelberg, Train, Hank Williams Jr., The Pretenders, Guy Clark, Ben Folds, The Goo Goo Dolls and Steve Earle have all showcased at The Exit/In.
The club became the anchor of what was known as Nashville’s “Rock Block,” a stretch of Elliston Place that was home to assorted bars, restaurants, music venues, tattoo shops, vape emporiums, newsstands and more. In 2023, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, although it continues to operate as a music venue. More than 25 owners have passed through its history. Since 2022 it has been owned and operated by AJ Capital Partners.
John Owsley Manier died at home in Dowelltown, Tennessee on Friday, October 1. He is survived by his son Aaron Manier and by sisters Cynthia Barbour and Helen Bryan and niece McKeen Butler. There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at The Exit/In on Sunday (Oct. 13) at 3:00 PM featuring music and stories.
Opry Entertainment Group Elevates Jordan Pettit & Jenn Tressler
/by Liza AndersonJordan Pettit & Jenn Tressler. Photos: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) has elevated Jordan Pettit to Vice President of Artist Relations and Jenn Tressler to Director of Artist & Industry Relations.
“Both Jordan and Jenn have been instrumental in building the trusted industry relationships and unique fan experiences that set Opry Entertainment Group apart,” says Patrick Moore, OEG CEO. “I am confident that their leadership will help us unlock even more opportunities to connect artists with fans as we move towards the Opry’s centennial.”
Since joining the company in 2018, Pettit has been instrumental in the creation of artist-driven initiatives and fan experiences that support OEG’s operational goals. He has also served as a bridge-builder to crossover artists, and forged early relationships with country stars as creator of Opry NextStage and other artist-centric programs. In his new role, Pettit will lead the Artist Relations team in developing unique programs and events that hope to further strengthen connections with both artists and fans. Prior to OEG, he held various positions on the label side of the industry, including Vice President of National Radio Marketing at Warner Music Group, for 12 years. Additionally, Pettit currently sits on the Board of Directors for Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) and veteran charity CreatiVets.
Tressler came to OEG in 2020 as Artist Relations Manager, and was promoted to Senior Artist Relations Manager the following year. She has since built partnerships with labels, artists and industry leaders while helping to highlight new talent through initiatives like Opry NextStage. Tressler also represented the company as a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 2024 and ACM’s LEVel Up Class of 2023. In her new role, she will direct the development of creative artist engagement strategies to support artist engagement with a primary focus on the Grand Ole Opry. Tressler previously served as Senior Manager of Industry Relations at Vevo, where she oversaw programming as well as label and artist relations for the country genre.
Industry Ink: Morgan Wallen, Outback Presents, Musicians On Call, AFM Local 257
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time Celebrates Seven Times-Platinum
Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen was presented with a seven times-Platinum plaque at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 22 for his record-breaking third studio album, One Thing At A Time, released in March 2023. Since its release, One Thing At A Time has yielded seven No. 1 hits, and remained atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks—with the most weeks at No. 1 for a country album in history—and was the most-streamed album of the year on Spotify.
Rachel Derosia Promoted To Sr. VP Comedy At Outback Presents
Rachel Derosia
Rachel Derosia has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Comedy at Outback Presents. Originally from Rochester, New York, Derosia moved to Nashville 10 years ago to complete her degree in music business from Belmont University. She began her career in publishing at Sony ATV but following an intense interest in comedy, she ultimately joined Outback Presents Co-CEO Brian Dorfman and Lucy Sinsheimer booking and operating Zanies Comedy Club.
Her time there allowed her to touch every part of the live comedy experience and lead to her hiring as a coordinator at Outback Presents working closely alongside Dorfman. She will collaborate with recently hired Co-SVP of Comedy Joel Bachkoff to continue growing the company’s comedy business.
Old Dominion & Tiera Kennedy Join Musicians On Call In Honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Old Dominion visits hospital. Photo: Dusty Barker
Each September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month brings together organizations nationwide to raise awareness and critical funds to further research and treatment. Hyundai Hope On Wheels and Musicians On Call partnered to bring the healing power of music to pediatric oncology patients in Nashville and New York during the month.
Old Dominion, Tiera Kennedy and Chelsea Cutler participated in the Musicians On Call Bedside and Virtual programs, performing for patients in their hospital rooms. During their time visiting at TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital, Old Dominion brought smiles and shared laughs with the children, their families and caregivers, and Kennedy had patients dancing during her visit to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Steve Wariner, Steeldrivers, More To Perform At AFM Local 257 “For Those We Lost” Event
A fundraiser for the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257 Funeral Benefit Fund will pay tribute to longtime members Duane Eddy, Michael Henderson and Buck Trent tonight (Oct. 9) at its annual “For Those We Lost” event at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville, honoring Local 257 members who have passed in the last year.
Artists performing include Steve Wariner, the SteelDrivers, John England, Kenny Vaughan, Jim Hoke, Yates & Keven McKendree, Fred Newell, Russ Paul and several surprise guest performers. The event will also host an auction with items including a Duane Eddy guitar and a signed guitar donated by Dolly Parton. The concert will also be livestreamed on Volume.com and tickets to the concert are available at 3rdandlindsley.com.
MusiCares Offering Relief To Music Professionals Affected By Hurricanes
/by John Nix ArledgeMusiCares, the Recording Academy’s nonprofit organization that provides health, financial and rehabilitation resources to the music community, is offering support for music industry people affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
For over three decades, MusiCares has been a helping hand to the industry in times of need, from the Las Vegas Route 91 shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic to Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and the California and Maui wildfires.
“MusiCares is committed to ensuring that no music professional feels alone in times of crisis,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Our swift and compassionate disaster relief response allows those affected to focus on rebuilding their lives without the added fear of losing their livelihoods. We’re here to help them every step of the way.”
The organization’s comprehensive support includes emergency financial assistance, mental health and emotional support, medical and housing resources and support around basic living expenses.
If you or someone you know has been affected by Hurricane Helene or another crisis, or if you would like to donate, visit musicares.org.
Shaylen Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Liza AndersonShaylen during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Singer-songwriter Shaylen made her Grand Ole Opry debut during back-to-back shows on Saturday night (Oct. 5).
Grand Ole Opry member Chris Young, who invited the Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment artist to make her debut last month, surprised her and the crowd with an introduction as she stepped into the circle for the first time.
“It’s my honor to be able to stand up here on this stage as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and talk about somebody that I think is absolutely fantastic,” shared Young. “She has an amazing voice, [she’s a] great songwriter, great person; y’all make her feel welcome for her very first Grand Ole Opry performance.”
Pictured (L–R): Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Ryan Dokke, Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi and Scott Borchetta, Shaylen, Two Hats Music Group’s Andrew Albert and Jordyn Elliott, Grand Ole Opry’s Samantha Kane and Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Shaylen performed unreleased track “Country Enough,” a rock-tinged tune about the lifelong magnetic pull she’s had to country music. Being one to pen tunes that come straight from her journal, she was overcome with emotion seeing one of those “super big” dreams come to fruition before her eyes, telling the crowd, “It’s crazy to see journal pieces come to life.” Choking back tears, Shaylen closed her set with top-streaming independent release “What If I Don’t,” which she wrote while in the “most broken place” she’s ever been in where she chronicled the tough questions that swirl around your head after a difficult breakup.
She recently lent her vocals to “Second Time Around,” her duet with labelmate Noah Hicks, and released “To Tell You The Truth.” The songstress is also currently in the studio working on her debut project with the Big Machine Label Group imprint.
BREAKING: Steve Hodges To Exit Sony Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellSteve Hodges
Exec. VP of Promotion and Artist Development, Steve Hodges, will exit Sony Music Nashville at the end of the year.
“As proud as I am of the historic last nine-and-a-half years, I’m equally excited about future endeavors and possibilities,” he shared with Country Aircheck.
Hodges joined Sony Music Nashville in 2015, and has overseen the Columbia and RCA Nashville promotion teams. He has 12 years of experience in radio and programming, and previously spent more than 20 years as an executive at Capitol Records Nashville.
The news follows that of Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman’s retirement that was announced in September.
The Listening Room Cafe Ups Savannah Norman
/by Madison HahnenSavannah Norman. Photo: Zach Anderson
The Listening Room Cafe has promoted Savannah Norman to Chief of Staff.
In her new role, the University of Tennessee graduate will oversee all day-to-day operations of the venue. She previously served as Marketing Director, and will continue to work closely with the same executive team.
“I’m excited to step into this new role and guide The Listening Room’s growth while staying true to Chris Blair‘s vision of creating a space that celebrates songwriters and the stories behind their songs,” says Norman. “I value the unique strengths each of our team members bring to the table and will focus on aligning efforts to support the venue’s long-term success with our company core values top of mind.”
“After working with Savannah in a couple different roles with us, it became very clear that she was the best person for this role,” shares Blair, Founder & CEO, The Listening Room Cafe. “Her organization and leadership skills align with exactly what I need to allow me to focus on visionary and high level CEO duties with no worries about operations with her leading the team.”
The Listening Room Cafe is currently looking to fill Norman’s previous role. For more information, click here.
Sturgill Simpson Slates North Carolina Benefit Show
/by Lorie HollabaughSturgill Simpson. Photo: Semi Song
Sturgill Simpson has added a second night at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina on Monday, Oct. 21, for a special benefit concert supporting disaster relief efforts in the state following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Tickets for the show will be available beginning with a local venue pre-sale on Oct. 10 with general on-sale following Oct. 11. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, aiding Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Simpson was originally scheduled to perform at Asheville’s ExploreAsheville.com Arena on Oct. 21, but due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, that show has been canceled. Fans who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for the Asheville date will have refunds processed automatically. Those who bought tickets through other sources should contact their point of purchase. Once the concert is rescheduled, priority access will be granted to fans who held tickets for the original date.