Billy Edd Wheeler. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Known for such hits as “Jackson,” “The Reverend Mr. Black” and “Coward of the County,” Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Billy Edd Wheeler died in North Carolina on Monday (Sept. 16) at age 91.
In addition to being an award-winning songwriter, Wheeler was a playwright, an author, a painter and a poet. He was also a former Music Row publishing executive.
Billy Edd Wheeler was born in 1932 in the coal-mining country of West Virginia. He began playing guitar and writing songs at age 12. He left home at age 16 to work his way through high school in North Carolina. In 1955, he earned his university degree at Berea, Kentucky, then served in the U.S. Navy. Following his discharge, Wheeler worked in administration at Berea College.
In 1958, teen idol Pat Boone recorded his song “Rockin’ Boll Weevil,” his firs taste of songwriting success. Wheeler also launched his recording career while at Berea. He made two folk-music albums for the small Monitor label. The second, 1962’s Billy Earl and Bluegrass Too, featured legendary Coon Creek Girls members Lily May Pennington and Rosie Foley in trio performances with him billed as The Berea Three.
He enrolled in the Yale School of Drama’s playwright program, then moved from New Haven to Manhattan to pursue his music career. In 1963, the superstar folk group The Kingston Trio made Wheeler’s song “The Reverend Mr. Black” a top 10 pop hit. Later that year, the act scored again with the songwriter’s “Desert Pete” and introduced his miner’s classic “Coal Tattoo.” The latter song has been recorded by a dozen others, including Judy Collins, Jim Croce and Kathy Mattea.
Similarly, folk singer Judy Henske’s introduction of Wheeler’s “High Flying Bird” in 1963 led to the song’s embrace by Richie Havens, The New Christy Minstrels, We Five, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young and more. Also in 1963, Hank Snow recorded “Blue Roses,” introducing Billy Edd Wheeler’s songwriting to the country music community.
Kapp Records signed him in 1964, and the following year, he delivered “Ode to the Little Brown Shack Out Back” as a top 10 country smash. This became his biggest success as a performer. He had an even bigger hit as a songwriter when Johnny Cash & June Carter released his “Jackson” as a duet in 1967. Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood recorded it for the pop market and also scored with it. “Jackson” was recorded by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon for the Oscar-winning 2005 movie Walk the Line.
Billy Edd Wheeler moved to Nashville in 1968 to become the manager of United Artists Music. But he returned to North Carolina two years later to make a home and raise a family in Swannanoa.
He published poetry books in 1969 and 1977. Billy Edd Wheeler also continued to work in theater. As a playwright, he was behind more than a dozen musical and dramatic productions. In 1970, The Hatfields and McCoys premiered as an outdoor drama written by him. It has been running continuously in West Virginia ever since. Wheeler’s Young Abe Lincoln outdoor drama premiered in Indiana in 1987, and his Johnny Appleseed premiered in Ohio in 2004. Both are also still running. The National Geographic Society commissioned his folk opera Song of the Cumberland Gap.
Country stars Johnny Darrell (“I Ain’t Buyin’”) and Hank Williams Jr. (“A Baby Again”) succeeded with his tunes in 1968-69. Then Cash returned to his catalog to score a big top 10 hit with 1969’s “Blistered.” Anita Carter & Johnny Darrell memorably dueted on his “The Coming of the Roads” in 1969, and the mountain song has also been sung by Kathy Mattea, Mary Hopkin, Judy Collins and Peter, Paul & Mary, among others
Songwriting success continued in the 1970s. Wheeler’s “Baby’s Smile, Woman’s Kiss” (1972), “It’s Midnight” (1975) and “Gimme Back My Blues” (1978) were winners for Johnny Duncan, Elvis Presley and Jerry Reed, respectively. In 1979, “Coward of the County” became a chart-topping smash for Kenny Rogers on both country and pop hit parades. It inspired a successful TV movie starring Rogers in 1981.
Meanwhile, Kapp, United Artists, RCA and other labels continued to release charting singles by Wheeler throughout the 1970s. He issued 15 albums between 1961 and 2006.
“Coward of the County” was co-written with Roger Bowling, who became a steady songwriting collaborator. Beginning in 1980, Bowling issued a string of charting singles containing their co-written songs. Also in 1980, Roy Clark had a hit with the team’s “Chain Gang of Love.”
Another regular songwriting collaborator was Country Music Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins. Wheeler commemorated their friendship with his 1995 album Songs I Wrote with Chet. Over the years, Wheeler’s songs have been recognized with 13 ASCAP awards in Music City.
Beginning with Laughter in Appalachia in 1986, Billy Edd Wheeler published six books of country humor. Star of Appalachia was published as his debut novel in 2004. He issued his memoir Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout in 2018, which contained an appreciation written by his longtime friend Janis Ian. Wheeler also published three songbooks. In addition, Billy Edd Wheeler became an accomplished painter, sculptor and wood worker.
More than 150 artists have recorded his songs. Country’s Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn, Mel Tillis, John Denver, George Strait, Carl Perkins, Hazel Dickens, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Faron Young, George Hamilton IV, Del Reeves, Rex Allen, Jean Shepard, Flatt & Scruggs, Ed Bruce, Bill Anderson, Wanda Jackson, Narvel Felts, Vernon Oxford, Charlie McCoy, Stella Parton and Jerry Lee Lewis are among the many stars who have sung the works of Billy Edd Wheeler. In the pop world, he had cuts by Bobby Darin, The Association, Florence & The Machine, Jose Feliciano, The Chipmunks, Jay & The Americans, Gram Parsons, R.E.M., Lone Justice, Stephen Stills, B.W. Stevenson, The Human League, Lonnie Donegan, Carly Simon, O.C. Smith and more. His songs have sold an estimated 57 million records.
Wheeler was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
“The world has lost a treasure, a character, and a wonderful example of a life lived with beautiful authenticity,” eulogized Kathy Mattea yesterday. “I feel lucky to have known him.”
Billy Edd Wheeler passed away peacefully at his home. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Bannerman Wheeler, by daughter Lucy Wheeler, son Travis Wheeler and brother Robert Stewart.
Dolly Parton & Rachel Parton George Partner With Home Chef To Create New Meal Kits
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George have partnered with meal solutions company Home Chef to create a limited run of meal kits inspired by the sisters’ new cookbook, Good Lookin’ Cookin’, out now.
The sisters have hand-selected a few of their favorite recipes from the book to appear exclusively on the Home Chef menu. Customers can place their orders for the Good Lookin’ Cookin’ collection until Oct. 18. Recipes will change weekly and come in a variety of formats, including the classic Meal Kit, Express Plus and Culinary Collection. Throughout the partnership, every meal ordered from Home Chef’s main menu will arrive in a custom Good Lookin’ Cookin’ co-branded box and each recipe card will feature a QR code linked to the cookbook for purchase.
The special menu includes fried chicken and gravy with mashed potatoes, family favorite meatloaf with southern green beans, sirloin steak wi blue cheese butter with broiled potato wedges and broccoli; Country Fried Trout with purple and white slaw; and Barbecue Chicken Breast with spicy mayo corn.
“We are so excited to know Home Chef is bringing some of our favorite recipes to homes across America,” shares Dolly. “My sister Rachel and I come from a long line of great cooks, and no matter how hard times were growing up, we always found time to gather around the table and celebrate with a meal as a family.”
“That’s so true,” adds Rachel, “Food really is our love language; it has always been a cornerstone in our home, and with each of these recipes comes a cherished memory that’s close to our hearts. We had such a wonderful time reminiscing while putting this collection of recipes together, and it truly is a dream to get to share them with you. We hope you will love them as much as we do.”
In addition to recreating these meals, Home Chef is offering five candidates a chance to win a signed copy of the Good Lookin’ Cookin’ cookbook and a $150 Home Chef gift card. Fans can enter by leaving a comment and tagging the person who they love to cook with or for on Home Chef’s giveaway Instagram post now until Oct. 18. For more information, click here.
BMI Wraps 2024 ‘Rooftop On The Row’ Series With Americana Lineup
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, BMI’s Claire Dodelin, BMI’s Clay Bradley, BMI’s Nina Carter, Wyatt Flores, BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Kelsey O’Neill and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
As AmericanaFest takes over Nashville, BMI hosted its final installment of this year’s “Rooftop On The Row” series, presented by George Dickel.
The Hanseroth Twins perform during BMI’s final “Rooftop On The Row.” Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
Nearly 800 industry professionals gathered yesterday evening (Sept. 17) to hear from headliner Wyatt Flores as well as The Hanseroth Twins, Kade Hoffman and Emily Nenni. The evening was emceed by BMI’s Mason Hunter. DJ Smoke set the vibe for those partying on BMI’s rooftop.
Kicking off the night were The Hanseroth Twins, who performed a string of original songs including “Counting The Days” and “Remember Me.” Hoffman followed, soothing attendees with “Tired of Waiting,” “Lady Luck,” “Bonfire Blues” and the contemporary western sounds from his just-released EP, Relics. Genre-blending, singer-songwriter Nenni jumped into “Get To Know Ya,” “Useless” and “Don’t Wanna Cry,” previewing her style before taking the BMI Stage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival next month.
Emily Nenni perform during BMI’s final “Rooftop On The Row.” Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
When Flores took the stage, he thrilled the crowd with “Orange Bottles” and “Running Out Of Time,” before leading into crowd favorites like “Please Don’t Go” and “Milwaukee.” The AMA Emerging Act of the Year nominee continued his energized set with “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” “Oh Susannah” and title track “Welcome To The Plains” from his upcoming album.
The 2024 season of BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” featured affiliates Colbie Caillat, Jackson Dean, Mae Estes, Ella Langley, Ryan Larkins, Redferrin, Josh Ross and Lauren Watkins.
Industry Ink: Big Loud, Red Clay Strays, Tyler Mahan Coe, Dogpark, Zach McPhee
/by Lorie HollabaughBig Loud Wins Big at the 2024 CCMA Awards
Pictured (L-R): Patch Culbertson (GM / EVP, Big Loud Records), Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Global Marketing & Strategy, Big Loud Records), Justin Clark (Label Manager, Canada, Big Loud Records) and Jess Anderson (Sr. Director, Media, Big Loud Records) accept the award for Record Company of the Year at the 2024 CCMA Awards in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Photo: Corey Kelly
Big Loud won big this weekend in Edmonton, Alberta at the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards, taking home Record Company of the Year and Music Publishing Company of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Big Loud Partner/Producer/President of A&R Joey Moi won Record Producer of the Year, Morgan Wallen won Top Selling Album of the Year for One Thing At A Time and co-host MacKenzie Porter took home two awards with Female Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Chasing Tornadoes,” directed by Big Loud’s own Justin Clough.
Red Clay Strays Team Members Toast To Platinum Amid Three Ryman Sellouts
Pictured (L-R): Alex Collignon, Cody Payne and Kanan Vitolo
The Red Clay Strays recently sold out three consecutive headlining shows at the Ryman Auditorium with more than 7,200 fans in attendance. The CMA Vocal Group of the Year nominees celebrated their success after the show with Platinum plaques for their single “Wondering Why” with WME agents Alex Collignon and Kanan Vitolo, and manager, Conway Entertainment’s Cody Payne.
Tyler Mahan Coe Talks Cocaine & Rhinestones At CMHOFM
Tyler Mahan Coe and Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a book talk with host, writer and producer of the country music history podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones, Tyler Mahan Coe. The program was moderated by museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, and during the program, Coe discussed his new book Cocaine & Rhinestones: A History of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, which is based on the podcast’s second season.
The book features illustrations by Emmy-winning artist Wayne White, and following the book talk, Coe and White signed books at a reception in the museum’s Haley Gallery, where White’s artworks for the book were on display.
Dogpark Inks With Big Loud Rock’s Severance Records
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Provost (Marketing Manager, Severance Records), Greg Thompson (Partner / President, Big Loud Rock), Danny Berkeley-Scott (SVP, Hallwood Management), Chris Conte (Drums, Dogpark), Billy Apostolou (Guitar, Dogpark), Eamon Moore (Lead Vocals, Dogpark), Declan Harris (Lead Guitar, Dogpark), Will Harford (Vocals / Bass, Dogpark), Mike Easterlin (Co-President, Severance Records) and Stevo Robertson (Co-President, Severance Records). Photo: Jessica Addleman
Nashville-based rock band Dogpark has signed with Severance Records, a division of Big Loud Rock, and released their debut single “Caviar” with the label. The band also recently announced they’re heading out on their “Breaking in America Tour” through December.
“When Mike [Easterlin] and I launched Severance Records less than a year ago, our mission was clear: trust our instincts and sign the bands that truly moved us,” says Steve “Stevo” Robertson, Co-President of Severance Records. “We could feel indie rock on the rise, and we knew we wanted to back bands with world-class vocals and killer songwriting. Dogpark embodies everything we believe in, and from the moment we heard their sound, we were beyond stoked. We never checked the numbers; just the goosebumps on our skin.”
Zach McPhee Signs With RLive
Pictured (L-R): Eva Dunford, Anne Stirk, Zach McPhee, Hannah Buske and Brooke Dunford. Photo: Courtesy of Republic Live
Canadian country artist Zach McPhee has signed with RLive, the management division of Republic Live. McPhee, who has garnered over 12 million global streams to his name in less than a year, was recently crowned the winner of this year’s SiriusXM Top of the Country competition.
“I’ve had the privilege of following Zach’s journey from the start of his music career, and it’s been remarkable to witness his growth. The support he’s received from major streaming platforms and country radio speaks volumes about his talent,” says Anne Stirk, Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Republic Live. “His authenticity, both as a songwriter and performer is evident in his ability to create meaningful connections with listeners. We are beyond excited to welcome him into the RLive family and help him reach new heights as he embarks on this next chapter!”
BREAKING: Randy Goodman To Retire From Sony Music Nashville At End Of 2024
/by LB CantrellRandy Goodman. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Randy Goodman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville, will retire at the end of 2024 after more than 35 years in the music industry. He has helmed the label since 2015, during which time he has also overseen Sony Music’s Christian music enterprise, Provident Entertainment.
“Thank you to Randy for leading our Nashville company through the last nine years and providing some of the biggest new superstars in the genre of country music,” says Sony Music Group Chairman, Rob Stringer. “These artists are part of his legacy, and he should be proud of that. We look forward to building on the strong base he and his team have set up for the future.”
“Thank you to Rob for his leadership and support throughout my entire time at the Company,” Goodman shares. “The Sony Music Nashville and Provident Entertainment teams are some of the finest executives I’ve had the privilege of working with over my many years in this business.”
He adds, “There are too many people to thank specifically who helped and supported me along the way: my family foremost for their support and grace in letting me stay with it all these years. Looking back over my career’s arc, I am humbled and honored to have had the privilege to work with the artist legends I have; and as importantly, the teams I’ve been privileged to work with and lead. As excited as I am for what’s next no doubt it is bittersweet. It’s all been a gift.”
At Sony, Goodman has overseen the careers of stars Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Maren Morris, Megan Moroney and Nate Smith, as well as key breaking artists including Mitchell Tenpenny, Kameron Marlowe, Corey Kent and Morgan Wade among others.
A Nashville native, Goodman’s extensive career includes 16 years at the beginning of it with RCA Records where he spent five years as Senior Vice President, Global Marketing for RCA in New York prior to returning to Nashville. He also served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the RCA Label Group in Nashville which would later become known as Sony Music Nashville. While at RCA, he worked with such superstars as Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Wu-Tang Clan, Dolly Parton, Clint Black, Keith Whitley and The Judds.
In 1997, Goodman opened Lyric Street Records for the Walt Disney Co., overseeing the label as President through 2010. He worked with artists who enjoyed multi-Platinum success including Rascal Flatts, as well as Platinum-sellers Aaron Tippin and American Idol finalist Josh Gracin.
A past President and Chairman of the CMA Board and current member, Goodman co-chaired the Music City Music Council with former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and is a board member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In addition, he is on the board of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tennessee Business Leadership Council, and was named the 2019 Presidential Award recipient for outstanding executive achievement by Music Biz.
Dustin Lynch Drives Into Top Spot With 10th No. 1 ‘Chevrolet (Feat. Jelly Roll)’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Homestead Music
The tune topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart this week in the U.S. in addition to reaching No. 1 at Canadian Country Radio and No. 1 on Australia’s Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay chart, powered by Radio Monitor, at the end of July. It has also collected over 110 million on-demand streams to date.
Written by Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander, Hunter Phelps and Mentor Williams, “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll)” seeks to celebrate the forever-young kind of freedom that comes from turning on an ignition and aims to summon a picture, a mood and a memory with the familiar throwback melody of the 1973 Dobie Gray hit “Drift Away.”
“Reaching my 10th No. 1 is a milestone we are so proud of and grateful for. I feel extra blessed to be able to share this one with my buddy Jelly,” shares Lynch. “This is a true testament to the overwhelming support from my fans who have become family over the past 12 years. Also, to my Broken Bow Records fam and country radio friends, alongside my team, band, crew and collaborators—I couldn’t have done any of this without y’all. You are the best of the best. Here’s to the next 10!”
Additionally, Lynch is prepping for his first headlining show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Nov. 6 in Morrison, Colorado.
Erin Kinsey Slates New EP ‘Gettin’ Away With It’ For October
/by Lorie HollabaughErin Kinsey is gearing up for the release of her new EP Gettin’ Away With It, due out Oct. 11 via RECORDS Nashville. The title track from the project, co-written by Kinsey with Lauren McLamb and Brandon Hood and produced by Josh Kerr, is out now.
“‘Gettin’ Away With It’ is a song I wrote about my younger sister, who I think is the coolest person on the planet. Every girl wants to be her best friend and every boy wants to date her. And if I didn’t love her so much, it would be so hard to like her,” Kinsey jokes. “I think Gettin’ Away With It is a cool title for the project because it is symbolic of my relationship to my music. I feel like I am able to say what I want to say, wear what I want to wear and most importantly be myself. I feel like I am ‘getting away with it’ and the process should be harder, but people are relating to the songs and I think it is because they are coming from a genuine place.”
“Gettin’ Away With It” follows viral hits “I Ain’t Crazy” and “Matchmaker,” which also appear on the new EP. The three songs were all co-written by Kinsey, and share a more personal side of the 23-year-old, who has some life under her belt since her last EP and is ready to spill on her experiences. Since its release in April, “I Ain’t Crazy” has amassed over 55 million streams across streaming and socials with no radio airplay.
Gettin’ Away With It Track List:
1. “Matchmaker” – Smith Ahnquist/Dylan Guthro/Erin Kinsey
2. “I Ain’t Crazy” – Travis Wood/Casey Brown/Erin Kinsey
3. “Best of My 20’s” feat. Trousdale – Sarah Buxton/Josh Kerr/Erin Kinsey
4. “Tabs on Me” – Casey Brown/Travis Wood/Erin Kinsey
5. “Gettin’ Away with It” – Lauren McLamb/Brandon Hood/Erin Kinsey
6. “Wild” – Sarah Buxton/Josh Kerr/Erin Kinsey
7. “Trouble” – Laura Veltz/Joybeth Taylor/Sam Ellis
8. “No Fences” – Clara Park/94Skrt/Erin Kinsey
Soundstripe Taps Angela Abbott As Global Head Of Music Partnerships
/by Liza AndersonAngela Abbott. Photo: Jessica Amerson Photography
Music licensing company Soundstripe has added Angela Abbott as Global Head of Music Partnerships.
Abbot brings more than a decade of experience in business development and strategic partnerships from her tenure at music platforms like TIDAL and Pandora, where she secured licensing agreements with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music and other top labels, valued at over $200 million. As Soundstripe’s Global Head of Music Partnerships, she will spearhead strategic relationships with key industry stakeholders, while expanding music offerings in hopes of better serving the needs of content creators, enterprises and music rights holders. Additionally, Abbott is involved with the Recording Academy and serves as Global Co-Chair of Partnerships & Development for Women in Music.
“We founded Soundstripe to address a critical gap in the music licensing space for content creators, but our vision extends far beyond that. With Angela’s proven track record and expertise in negotiating complex licensing deals with the world’s leading music companies, we are excited to accelerate our trajectory and provide top-tier music solutions for both creators and global brands,” says Travis Terrell, Soundstripe Co-Founder & CEO.
“I’m thrilled to join Soundstripe at such an exciting time in its journey,” shares Abbott. “My goal is to forge innovative partnerships that deliver value across the entire music ecosystem, from creators to major brands, while expanding the availability of high-quality music for licensing. Together, we aim to reshape the sync licensing market and unlock new revenue streams for artists, songwriters and rights holders.”
Multi-Talented Songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler Dies At 91
/by Robert K OermannBilly Edd Wheeler. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Known for such hits as “Jackson,” “The Reverend Mr. Black” and “Coward of the County,” Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Billy Edd Wheeler died in North Carolina on Monday (Sept. 16) at age 91.
In addition to being an award-winning songwriter, Wheeler was a playwright, an author, a painter and a poet. He was also a former Music Row publishing executive.
Billy Edd Wheeler was born in 1932 in the coal-mining country of West Virginia. He began playing guitar and writing songs at age 12. He left home at age 16 to work his way through high school in North Carolina. In 1955, he earned his university degree at Berea, Kentucky, then served in the U.S. Navy. Following his discharge, Wheeler worked in administration at Berea College.
In 1958, teen idol Pat Boone recorded his song “Rockin’ Boll Weevil,” his firs taste of songwriting success. Wheeler also launched his recording career while at Berea. He made two folk-music albums for the small Monitor label. The second, 1962’s Billy Earl and Bluegrass Too, featured legendary Coon Creek Girls members Lily May Pennington and Rosie Foley in trio performances with him billed as The Berea Three.
He enrolled in the Yale School of Drama’s playwright program, then moved from New Haven to Manhattan to pursue his music career. In 1963, the superstar folk group The Kingston Trio made Wheeler’s song “The Reverend Mr. Black” a top 10 pop hit. Later that year, the act scored again with the songwriter’s “Desert Pete” and introduced his miner’s classic “Coal Tattoo.” The latter song has been recorded by a dozen others, including Judy Collins, Jim Croce and Kathy Mattea.
Similarly, folk singer Judy Henske’s introduction of Wheeler’s “High Flying Bird” in 1963 led to the song’s embrace by Richie Havens, The New Christy Minstrels, We Five, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young and more. Also in 1963, Hank Snow recorded “Blue Roses,” introducing Billy Edd Wheeler’s songwriting to the country music community.
Kapp Records signed him in 1964, and the following year, he delivered “Ode to the Little Brown Shack Out Back” as a top 10 country smash. This became his biggest success as a performer. He had an even bigger hit as a songwriter when Johnny Cash & June Carter released his “Jackson” as a duet in 1967. Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood recorded it for the pop market and also scored with it. “Jackson” was recorded by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon for the Oscar-winning 2005 movie Walk the Line.
Billy Edd Wheeler moved to Nashville in 1968 to become the manager of United Artists Music. But he returned to North Carolina two years later to make a home and raise a family in Swannanoa.
He published poetry books in 1969 and 1977. Billy Edd Wheeler also continued to work in theater. As a playwright, he was behind more than a dozen musical and dramatic productions. In 1970, The Hatfields and McCoys premiered as an outdoor drama written by him. It has been running continuously in West Virginia ever since. Wheeler’s Young Abe Lincoln outdoor drama premiered in Indiana in 1987, and his Johnny Appleseed premiered in Ohio in 2004. Both are also still running. The National Geographic Society commissioned his folk opera Song of the Cumberland Gap.
Country stars Johnny Darrell (“I Ain’t Buyin’”) and Hank Williams Jr. (“A Baby Again”) succeeded with his tunes in 1968-69. Then Cash returned to his catalog to score a big top 10 hit with 1969’s “Blistered.” Anita Carter & Johnny Darrell memorably dueted on his “The Coming of the Roads” in 1969, and the mountain song has also been sung by Kathy Mattea, Mary Hopkin, Judy Collins and Peter, Paul & Mary, among others
Songwriting success continued in the 1970s. Wheeler’s “Baby’s Smile, Woman’s Kiss” (1972), “It’s Midnight” (1975) and “Gimme Back My Blues” (1978) were winners for Johnny Duncan, Elvis Presley and Jerry Reed, respectively. In 1979, “Coward of the County” became a chart-topping smash for Kenny Rogers on both country and pop hit parades. It inspired a successful TV movie starring Rogers in 1981.
Meanwhile, Kapp, United Artists, RCA and other labels continued to release charting singles by Wheeler throughout the 1970s. He issued 15 albums between 1961 and 2006.
“Coward of the County” was co-written with Roger Bowling, who became a steady songwriting collaborator. Beginning in 1980, Bowling issued a string of charting singles containing their co-written songs. Also in 1980, Roy Clark had a hit with the team’s “Chain Gang of Love.”
Another regular songwriting collaborator was Country Music Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins. Wheeler commemorated their friendship with his 1995 album Songs I Wrote with Chet. Over the years, Wheeler’s songs have been recognized with 13 ASCAP awards in Music City.
Beginning with Laughter in Appalachia in 1986, Billy Edd Wheeler published six books of country humor. Star of Appalachia was published as his debut novel in 2004. He issued his memoir Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout in 2018, which contained an appreciation written by his longtime friend Janis Ian. Wheeler also published three songbooks. In addition, Billy Edd Wheeler became an accomplished painter, sculptor and wood worker.
More than 150 artists have recorded his songs. Country’s Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn, Mel Tillis, John Denver, George Strait, Carl Perkins, Hazel Dickens, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Faron Young, George Hamilton IV, Del Reeves, Rex Allen, Jean Shepard, Flatt & Scruggs, Ed Bruce, Bill Anderson, Wanda Jackson, Narvel Felts, Vernon Oxford, Charlie McCoy, Stella Parton and Jerry Lee Lewis are among the many stars who have sung the works of Billy Edd Wheeler. In the pop world, he had cuts by Bobby Darin, The Association, Florence & The Machine, Jose Feliciano, The Chipmunks, Jay & The Americans, Gram Parsons, R.E.M., Lone Justice, Stephen Stills, B.W. Stevenson, The Human League, Lonnie Donegan, Carly Simon, O.C. Smith and more. His songs have sold an estimated 57 million records.
Wheeler was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001, the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
“The world has lost a treasure, a character, and a wonderful example of a life lived with beautiful authenticity,” eulogized Kathy Mattea yesterday. “I feel lucky to have known him.”
Billy Edd Wheeler passed away peacefully at his home. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Bannerman Wheeler, by daughter Lucy Wheeler, son Travis Wheeler and brother Robert Stewart.
BMI Honors John Oates With 2024 Troubadour Award
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Clay Bradley, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Troubadour John Oates, BMI’s Mike Steinberg and BMI’s Mike O’ Neill. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI
BMI awarded John Oates with its coveted Troubadour Award last night (Sept. 16) during a private dinner reception at BMI’s Nashville location. Designed to recognize songwriters on the mastery of the American musical landscape, Oates’ legacy was celebrated by a bevy of performers and speakers.
Guthrie Trapp, Sam Bush and Tom Bukavoc jam at the 2024 BMI Troubadour Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
BMI’s President and CEO, Mike O’ Neill, alongside BMI Nashville’s VP of Creative, Clay Bradley, presided over the evening.
“A Troubadour is someone who mixes knowledge with memories and puts that into songs to help us better understand the connections we all share,” Bradley said. “John Oates is the epitome of that. For the past 15 years, he has deepened the Americana community with his timeless albums like Arkansas and Reunion and he continues to raise the bar with music that transcends time.”
Oates’ musical footprint was highlighted throughout the evening with performances by Bekka Bramlett (“Stand Strong”), Sam Bush (“Arkansas”), AJ Croce (“Reunion”), Wendy Moten with Rome Ramirez (“She’s Gone”) and Molly Tuttle (“Out of Touch”). The honoree himself closed out the night with a performance of his new song “Mending,” featuring Devon Gilfillian.
Molly Tuttle performs at the 2024 BMI Troubadour Awards. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
Former BMI President and Chief Executive Officer, Del Bryant, shared words about Oates, as did longtime friends and collaborators James Burton, Roger Daltrey, Chris Epting and The War & Treaty. The evening’s band was compromised of prolific instrumentalists Tom Bukovac, Guthrie Trapp, Steve Mackey, Greg Morrow, Russ Pahl and Jimmy Wallace.
Now a Troubadour Award recipient, Oates joins the ranks with Billy F Gibbons and Robert Earl Keen, who were in the audience last night, along with John Hiatt, John Prine and Lucinda Williams. Also in attendance were many BMI affiliates like Ronnie Bowman, BMI Icon Bob DiPiero, The Band Loula, She Returns From War, SistaStrings, Liz Rose and Daniel Tashian.
The Troubadour Award serves as a precursor to AmericanaFest, which takes over Nashville Sept. 17-21.
Devon Gilfillian and 2024 BMI Troubadour John Oates debut a new song. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
Wendy Moten and Rome Ramirez perform. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
‘Hometown To Hometown’ Event To Honor Ali Harnell, Brittney Spencer & Maren Morris
/by Liza AndersonThe Save The Music Foundation has announced that its fifth annual “Hometown To Hometown” fundraising event, taking place on Oct. 15 at City Winery Nashville, will honor President of Live Nation Women Ali Harnell as well as singer-songwriters Brittney Spencer and Maren Morris.
Harnell is longtime Save The Music Advisor who has produced tours for Morris, Brandi Carlile and Oprah Winfrey, among others. Along with her efforts to elevate female-led tours and events, she has helped to raise tens of millions of dollars collectively for causes and nonprofit organizations, producing large-scale benefit events annually.
Save The Music will recognize rising songstress Spencer, who performed at both the “Hometown To Hometown” and “Music Saves L.A.” event last year, for her consistent support, and multi-Grammy nominee Morris for her industry achievements and music education advocacy.
Co-hosted by CMT’s Leslie Fram and artist Angie K, the fundraiser will feature acoustic performances by Spencer, Morris, Abbey Cone, Allison Russell with Ruby Amanfu, Brandy Clark and Joy Oladokun in addition to appearances by Morris’ mother Kellie, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Beverly Keel and more.
For over 25 years, Save The Music has donated more than $78 million in instruments and music technology equipment to over 2,800 public schools nationwide. All proceeds from this year’s event will go toward music technology programs in under-resourced high schools in Nashville, Baltimore and Dallas. Tickets are available now until Oct. 14. For more information regarding tickets and sponsorship packages, click here.