JD Souther. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Songwriters Hall Of Fame member JD Souther passed away on Tuesday (Sept. 17) at age 78. The tunesmith was behind a myriad of hits from the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, and was a pivotal part of the country-rock sound that reverberated in southern California during the ’70s
The Grammy nominee also wrote for country hitmakers Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks and more. As an artist himself, Souther issued several solo albums over the last 20 years. He notched two hits as a solo artist in his career, “You’re Only Lonely” in 1979 and “Her Town Too” in 1981 alongside longtime friend James Taylor.
Born John David Souther in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in Amarillo, Texas, the talented musician first started making music with a local band called The Cinders. After their first 45 record caught the attention of Warner Brothers Records, Souther found himself moving to L.A.
He soon met musician and songwriter Glenn Frey, and eventually roomed with him. The two clicked as collaborators and friends, and formed the folk duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle. Their only album was released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen’s Amos Records.
Souther then formed the Souther–Hillman–Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay. The men released two albums before calling it quits.
Other artists began to cut Souther’s songs in the ’70s. He co-wrote several hits for the Eagles, including “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid In Town,” “Doolin-Dalton,” “Victim of Love” and their final chart-topping song, “Heartache Tonight.”
Souther also collaborated heavily with Linda Ronstadt in the ’70s, whom he also dated. In addition to co-producing her Don’t Cry Now album, Souther wrote songs for several of her multi-Platinum albums, such as “Faithless Love” from Heart Like a Wheel and “White Rhythm and Blues” on Living in the USA. The two also recorded many duets together, like “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win” and “Hearts Against the Wind.” The latter was featured in the 1980 hit film Urban Cowboy.
Other artists that recorded Southers’ songs include Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Hugh Masekela, Burt Bacharach, The Chicks, Raul Malo, India Arie, Roy Orbison, Arthur Hamilton, George Strait, Brian Wilson, Bob Dipiero, Bernadette Peters and Trisha Yearwood.
In ’76, Souther released his second solo LP, Black Rose, featuring another popular duet with Ronstadt “If You Have Crying Eyes.” He scored his biggest solo hit with the 1979 song “You’re Only Lonely” from the album of the same name, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the top spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for five consecutive weeks. His hit with Taylor, “Her Town Too,” reached No. 11 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the AC chart in 1981.
In the ’80s, Souther contributed to, performed on and did the vocal arrangements for the Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night concert and video. He sang the Platters’ “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” in Steven Spielberg’s 1989 film Always, wrote the theme song to the 1989–92 sitcom Anything But Love and co-wrote one of Henley’s solo hits “The Heart of the Matter.” He also acted in the third season of the television drama Thirtysomething in ’89, playing John Dunaway.
The ’90s and 2000s brought more acting opportunities for Souther. He played Ted in the 1990 film Postcards from the Edge, played Jeffrey Pommeroy in the 1994 film My Girl 2 and Jesse James in the 1999 movie Purgatory. Souther appeared in the 2004 audiobook of Jimmy Buffett’s A Salty Piece of Land and in 2012, he appeared in the mystery thriller Deadline.
In 2002, Souther moved to Nashville and became a large presence in the town’s creative community. 10 years later, he landed a recurring role as Watty White in the first season of country music drama series Nashville. He reprised his role in a 2017 episode of the fifth season.
In 2008, Souther released his first new studio release in nearly 25 years with If the World Was You. In 2009 he followed it up with a live album titled Rain − Live at the Belcourt Theatre. 2011 brought Natural History, a collection of new versions of Souther’s songs recorded by other artists. He released his last album, Tenderness, in 2015.
JD Souther was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. At the induction ceremony he was heralded as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.”
Souther has received over 20 ASCAP performance awards and the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in 2009. In 2023, he was interviewed as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Poets and Prophets” series.
“It’s been said that JD Souther could have been a major artist if he had kept more of those beautiful, introspective songs he wrote for himself,” says the museum’s CEO Kyle Young. “He had the aching tenor voice, the good looks that got him TV acting jobs. But he was happy to co-write ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Best of My Love’ with his friends the Eagles and give ‘Prisoner in Disguise’ to Linda Ronstadt. He wasn’t a star of country-rock, but he was crucial to its enduring power.”
Souther is survived by two sisters, his former wife and her daughter, as well as his dogs Layla and Bob. Gifts in his honor can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society.
Lainey Wilson Celebrates Bell Bottoms Up Grand Opening
/by Madison HahnenLainey Wilson during her Bell Bottoms Up grand opening. Photo: Erick Frost
Lainey Wilson celebrated the grand opening of her new bar Bell Bottoms Up on Tuesday night (Sept. 17).
The 27,000 square foot space first opened in May, where Wilson hosted an eight hour meet and greet with fans. Since then, Wilson has made several appearances in the space, including her ACM Honors after party to celebrate her Triple Crown and Milestone ACM Awards.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Sam Calderon
During the grand opening, Wilson cut the venue ribbon before hoping on the rooftop stage for a surprise performance. The setlist included some of the singer’s biggest hits such as “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Heart Like A Truck.” She also dove into her new Whirlwind album with “4X4XU” and “Hang Tight Honey,” among others.
The event also featured a sneak peek of Wilson’s upcoming
“Bell Bottoms Up is a dream come true,” shared Wilson. “Every time I’m in Nashville it’s where I want to be, because it’s a place my ‘Wild Horses’ can call home. I’m living my own honky-tonk dream, and to celebrate the opening of a honky-tonk of my own is truly something special. I hope to see y’all there soon!”
Bell Bottoms Up has two stages with four bars total. The mezzanine level showcases a lounge space called Neon Diamonds that overlooks the first-floor stage and dining area. The rooftop level boasts a ’70s-style Western aesthetic including a dance floor, disco-inspired décor and frozen daiquiri cocktails.
The three-story building is filled with Wilson’s signature flair and features several framed outfits from her top performances. With a Cajun-inspired food menu, guests can pay homage to Wilson’s Louisiana upbringing. Next door is Bayou Keys, Nashville’s newest dueling piano bar, which is also a nod to Wilson’s roots and the place where dueling pianos first began, New Orleans.
Bell Bottoms Up and Bayou Keys are owned and operated by TC Restaurant Group, which serves as the leading operator and partner for dining and entertainment venues in downtown Nashville.
Spirit Music Nashville & The Futuristics Sign Brock Westover
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC’s Leisl Eschbach, David Crow, Spirit Music Nashville’s Gray Schubert, Fluid Music Revolution’s AJ Burton and Spirit Music Nashville’s Brian Bradford; (L–R, front row): Spirit Music Group’s Frank Rogers, Brock Westover, Spirit Music Nashville’s Andy Hodges and Kennedy Murphy. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Nashville
Spirit Music Nashville and multi-Platinum songwriting and production duo The Futuristics have formed a creative joint venture and signed Brock Westover to a worldwide publishing deal that encompasses his entire song catalog and future works.
Westover is a Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer. His recent credits include Flyanaboss’s “Big One,” Martin Jensen and Jay Sean’s “Days Like This,” Kyle Dion’s “Boyfriend Jeans” and Jordy’s “Mind Games” as well as songs recorded by Frawley, Francis Karel and Jake Miller, among others.
“Spirit Music is excited to partner with the The Futuristics and announce the signing of Brock Westover,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Brock is an undeniable talent as a songwriter, producer, musician and singer. The sky is the limit for Brock in both Nashville and Los Angeles. Let’s go!!!”
“Brock is one of the most hard-working, dedicated and talented producers/writers we have ever met,” add Alex Schwartz and Joe Khajadourian of The Futuristics. “Having watched him grow and hone his craft over the last couple years, we’re thrilled to be partnering with Spirit and know as a team we’re going to watch Brock have a ton of success.”
“I’m excited to be joining the Spirit roster as a joint venture with The Futuristics,” shares Westover. “It’s always been a dream of mine to bridge my experience creating pop music in L.A. with my country roots growing up in Mississippi. This partnership with Frank is a perfect match. We’ve already hit the ground running, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’re working on.”
T.J. Martell Foundation Honors Seth England
/by LB CantrellPictured (L–R): Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Ernest attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th Annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Michael Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s leading foundation that provides funds for innovative cancer research, hosted its 49th Annual New York Honors Gala last night (Sept. 17) at Cipriani 42nd Street. The star-studded evening honored Big Loud Partner/CEO Seth England, who received the Lifetime Music Industry Award. It also broke the foundation’s record as the most successful gala in more than 20 years, raising $2.6 million.
Pictured (L–R): Joey Moi, John Esposito, Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Steve Gawley attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
The evening featured a special writers’ round performance by Big Loud hitmakers Morgan Wallen, Hardy and Ernest. Hardy performed his No. 1 hit “Truck Bed,” while Wallen and Ernest serenaded the room with “Flower Shops.” Wallen also gave attendees an early listen to an unreleased song titled “Love Somebody.”
“When I asked Seth England to be this year’s Honoree, he didn’t hesitate, he didn’t need to check his schedule, he just said yes, because that’s the kind of person Seth is. He truly cares, understood the gravity of our cause and he jumped in with both feet. Seth’s only question was, ‘How do we make the most impact?’ Because Seth always thinks big,” said Steve Gawley, T.J. Martell Foundation Chairman-Elect of the Board of Trustees, during his remarks.
He went on to share that the following day, England’s wife and fellow music business executive Rakiyah Marshall kicked off the campaign with a quarter million dollar personal donation. Soon after, the Big Loud and T.J. Martell teams planned a kickoff breakfast in Nashville which raised over $1.1 million.
Hardy, Morgan Wallen and Ernest perform onstage at the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
“Our fundraising work continued full speed into the summer and that’s when I received a call from Craig Wiseman, Seth’s other partner at Big Loud,” Gawley said. “What Craig made clear to me was simply the enormous pride he took in having mentored Seth for his entire career. Craig asked me ‘How much do you need to go over the two million dollars—I’m giving you $300,000 today, we’re breaking the record today and now go on and get even more for cancer research my friend.’ I was pretty stunned.”
When England took to the podium, he continued to highlight the life-changing work of the foundation.
“None of us would be here without the incredible work of the historic T.J. Martell Foundation. This year, I’ve had a massive learning curve about all that this organization means to folks—learning about the people it’s helped save and the money raised that continues to go to cancer research,” England shared. “The work that the T.J. Martell Foundation has done has touched countless lives, and being a part of that legacy is beyond humbling. I’m honored to be able to contribute to this mission in tonight’s small way.”
Pictured (L–R): Brianne Deslippe, Eric England, Candice Watkins, Greg Thompson, Patch Culbertson, Joey Moi, Seth England, Austen Adam, Craig Wiseman, Kimberly Gleason Sara Knabe and Paul Logan attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 49th annual New York Honors Gala. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for the T.J. Martell Foundation
Referring to Wallen, Hardy and Ernest, he added, “I like to always remind the three of them and anyone else who will listen that this business is what you do, it’s not who you are. Tonight, I couldn’t be more proud of those three in particular who showed up for me, showed up for this foundation and for cancer research because that’s who they are as people.”
The evening also included a fundraising auction, and Archie Davis, Def Jam’s Chief Creative Officer/EVP who received the New York Honors Gala Rising Music Superstar Award in 2023, announced an important new initiative that will continue to raise awareness of early screening and testing.
The event was hosted by Gawley and the Gala Co-Chair committee including Ben Adelson, Tyler Arnold, Scott Borchetta, Tom Corson, Archie Davis, John Esposito, Clint Higham, Lynn-Anne Huck, Monte Lipman, Avery Lipman, Rakiyah Marshall, Debbie Martell, Joey Moi, Brian O’Connell, Andre Stapleton, Julie Swidler, Greg Thompson, Candice Watkins and Wiseman.
Treasured Country-Rock Songwriter JD Souther Passes
/by LB CantrellJD Souther. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Songwriters Hall Of Fame member JD Souther passed away on Tuesday (Sept. 17) at age 78. The tunesmith was behind a myriad of hits from the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, and was a pivotal part of the country-rock sound that reverberated in southern California during the ’70s
The Grammy nominee also wrote for country hitmakers Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks and more. As an artist himself, Souther issued several solo albums over the last 20 years. He notched two hits as a solo artist in his career, “You’re Only Lonely” in 1979 and “Her Town Too” in 1981 alongside longtime friend James Taylor.
Born John David Souther in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in Amarillo, Texas, the talented musician first started making music with a local band called The Cinders. After their first 45 record caught the attention of Warner Brothers Records, Souther found himself moving to L.A.
He soon met musician and songwriter Glenn Frey, and eventually roomed with him. The two clicked as collaborators and friends, and formed the folk duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle. Their only album was released in 1970 on Jimmy Bowen’s Amos Records.
Souther then formed the Souther–Hillman–Furay Band with Chris Hillman and Richie Furay. The men released two albums before calling it quits.
Other artists began to cut Souther’s songs in the ’70s. He co-wrote several hits for the Eagles, including “Best of My Love,” “James Dean,” “New Kid In Town,” “Doolin-Dalton,” “Victim of Love” and their final chart-topping song, “Heartache Tonight.”
Souther also collaborated heavily with Linda Ronstadt in the ’70s, whom he also dated. In addition to co-producing her Don’t Cry Now album, Souther wrote songs for several of her multi-Platinum albums, such as “Faithless Love” from Heart Like a Wheel and “White Rhythm and Blues” on Living in the USA. The two also recorded many duets together, like “Prisoner in Disguise,” “Sometimes You Can’t Win” and “Hearts Against the Wind.” The latter was featured in the 1980 hit film Urban Cowboy.
Other artists that recorded Southers’ songs include Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Hugh Masekela, Burt Bacharach, The Chicks, Raul Malo, India Arie, Roy Orbison, Arthur Hamilton, George Strait, Brian Wilson, Bob Dipiero, Bernadette Peters and Trisha Yearwood.
In ’76, Souther released his second solo LP, Black Rose, featuring another popular duet with Ronstadt “If You Have Crying Eyes.” He scored his biggest solo hit with the 1979 song “You’re Only Lonely” from the album of the same name, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the top spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for five consecutive weeks. His hit with Taylor, “Her Town Too,” reached No. 11 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the AC chart in 1981.
In the ’80s, Souther contributed to, performed on and did the vocal arrangements for the Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night concert and video. He sang the Platters’ “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” in Steven Spielberg’s 1989 film Always, wrote the theme song to the 1989–92 sitcom Anything But Love and co-wrote one of Henley’s solo hits “The Heart of the Matter.” He also acted in the third season of the television drama Thirtysomething in ’89, playing John Dunaway.
The ’90s and 2000s brought more acting opportunities for Souther. He played Ted in the 1990 film Postcards from the Edge, played Jeffrey Pommeroy in the 1994 film My Girl 2 and Jesse James in the 1999 movie Purgatory. Souther appeared in the 2004 audiobook of Jimmy Buffett’s A Salty Piece of Land and in 2012, he appeared in the mystery thriller Deadline.
In 2002, Souther moved to Nashville and became a large presence in the town’s creative community. 10 years later, he landed a recurring role as Watty White in the first season of country music drama series Nashville. He reprised his role in a 2017 episode of the fifth season.
In 2008, Souther released his first new studio release in nearly 25 years with If the World Was You. In 2009 he followed it up with a live album titled Rain − Live at the Belcourt Theatre. 2011 brought Natural History, a collection of new versions of Souther’s songs recorded by other artists. He released his last album, Tenderness, in 2015.
JD Souther was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. At the induction ceremony he was heralded as “a principal architect of the Southern California sound and a major influence on a generation of songwriters.”
Souther has received over 20 ASCAP performance awards and the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in 2009. In 2023, he was interviewed as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Poets and Prophets” series.
“It’s been said that JD Souther could have been a major artist if he had kept more of those beautiful, introspective songs he wrote for himself,” says the museum’s CEO Kyle Young. “He had the aching tenor voice, the good looks that got him TV acting jobs. But he was happy to co-write ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Best of My Love’ with his friends the Eagles and give ‘Prisoner in Disguise’ to Linda Ronstadt. He wasn’t a star of country-rock, but he was crucial to its enduring power.”
Souther is survived by two sisters, his former wife and her daughter, as well as his dogs Layla and Bob. Gifts in his honor can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society.
Country Jam Colorado To Return To Grand Junction
/by John Nix ArledgeCountry Jam Colorado, the longest-running festival in the state, is returning to Grand Junction on June 26 – June 28, 2025.
CMA Award winners Luke Bryan and Cody Johnson, along with Platinum-certified artist Bailey Zimmerman, will headline the event. The three will be joined by Cooper Alan, Flatland Cavalry, Tracy Lawrence Ashley Cooke, Diamond Rio, Rodney Atkins, Billy Dean, Josh Ross, Bayker Blankenship, Timothy Wayne, Owen Riegling, Mae Estes and more to come.
Tickets and camping passes for Country Jam Colorado will be available starting Friday, Sept. 27 at 10:00am CT.
‘Brantley Gilbert’s World’s Largest Album Release Party’ Draws Crowd Of 118K
/by Liza Anderson“Brantley Gilbert’s World’s Largest Album Release Party.” Photo: Corey Roberson
Brantley Gilbert celebrated the release of his seventh studio album, Tattoos, by closing down Nashville’s famous Broadway and bringing 118,000 people together for his “World’s Largest Album Release Party” last Friday (Sept. 13).
Gilbert performed a mix of hits and fan favorites along with tracks from the new project, starting the night with his headlining tour’s namesake, “Off The Rails.” He was joined by various surprise guests, including “Over When We’re Sober” duet partner Ashley Cooke and Gary LeVox as well as frequent collaborators and tour mates Demun Jones and Struggle Jennings and Colt Ford, marking his first performance since suffering from a severe heart attack earlier this year.
The multi-Platinum artist took a moment to thank his team behind the scenes and addressed fans, stating, “We wouldn’t be here doing this without y’all, so thank you for being here. It means the world to us.”
Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford during his “World’s Largest Album Release Party.” Photo: Brian Vaughan
The event also served as the finale to the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix (BMMCGP)’s “Freedom Friday” festivities and featured supporting performances Brian Kelley, Mae Estes, Chase McDaniel, Noah Hicks, Mackenzie Carpenter and Shaylen. In addition to the music, vendors and activations, such as airbrush tattoos, lined the streets to entertain fans.
Additionally, Gilbert’s “Off The Rails Tour” continues tomorrow (Sept. 19) in Huntington, West Virginia, with more stops slated through mid-October.
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.