Veteran Engineer Billy Sherrill Passes

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Billy Sherrill

Billy Sherrill, the engineer who was behind the board for hits recorded by Kenny Rogers, Kenny Chesney, The Chicks, The Marshall Tucker Band and many more, passed away on Tuesday (Sept. 10). He was 77.

Born in west Tennessee and raised for most of his childhood in Paducah, Kentucky, Sherrill was in bands in high school and college. He first got a taste of the recording world when he and the band recorded in a friend’s studio in Benton, Kentucky.

Having connected with Music Row engineer Scotty Morris, Sherrill headed to Nashville after college. Morris introduced him to Thomas Wayne, and Sherrill began to help Wayne set up the studio that became Sound Shop. Soon, Sherrill was making tape copies for publishers on Music Row.

While working at Sound Shop, Sherrill met producer/songwriter Larry Butler, who invited him to work on his first real recording session for Jean Shepard’s “Slippin’ Away” (1973). The record hit the top five on the country charts and garnered more work for Sherrill. It also marked the beginning of his and Butler’s long relationship.

Together the pair worked on hit records for Dottie West, Billie Jo Spears, Ed Bruce, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Mac Davis, Mickey Gilley, John Denver, Paul Anka and more. When Butler bought Jack Clement’s studio, Sherrill followed him.

Butler produced and Sherrill engineered many of Kenny Rogers’ hits, including “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” “The Gambler,” “Love Or Something Like It,” “You Decorated My Life” and “Coward of the County.”

Eventually Sherrill went out on his own. He engineered more hit records such as The Chicks’ Grammy-winning Fly album, and a lot of Kenny Chesney’s early work, like hits “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” and “That’s Why I’m Here.” He also served as the sound mixer for the Grand Ole Opry for several years.

In 2019, the Audio Engineering Society (AES) presented Sherrill with a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in Studio Recording & Mixing. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame the same year.

Billy Sherrill is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter Chandler Nicole and son David.

A visitation for Billy Sherrill will take place on Friday (Sept. 20) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday (Sept. 21) from 2 p.m. until a service will commence at 4 p.m. at Brook Hollow Baptist Church (678 Brook Hollow Road, Nashville, TN 37205).

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Sherrill’s honor to The Musicians Hall of Fame or Brook Hollow Baptist Church.

Niko Moon Announces ‘These Are The Nights: The Tour’

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Niko Moon will kick off “These Are The Nights: The Tour” on Jan. 24.

“I’m beyond excited to hit the road again and bring the energy to these cities,” shares Moon. “This tour is all about the nights where we come together and share the love of music. I can’t wait to see everyone out there!”

Moon will visit Charlotte, Cincinnati, Richmond, Gainesville,and more through March 29 on the new journey. Tickets will go on sale to the general public tomorrow (Sept. 13). For more information, click here.

The tour announcement follows the release of Moon’s latest EP, These Are The Days, which features four tracks all co-written by Moon and a special collaboration with Michael Franti & Spearhead. Ahead of the 2025 run, the artist has slated various dates coast to coast, including a sold-out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 20, which coincides with his birthday.

Big Yellow Dog Signs Trent Tomlinson

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Pictured (L–R, back row): Brannen Carter, Carla Wallace, Jacee Badeaux and Alana Morgan; (front row): Trent Tomlinson

Big Yellow Dog Music has signed established songwriter Trent Tomlinson.

With a career spanning over two decades, Tomlinson has penned hits including No. 1 single “Damn Strait” by Scotty McCreery and RIAA Black Diamond-Certified track “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young, which earned a BMI Song of the Year award. His songwriting work has garnered more than three billion streams across platforms.

As a solo artist, Tomlinson has made his mark in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with singles like “One Wing In The Fire,” “She Just Might Have Her Radio On” and “Drunker Than Me,” and has become an in-demand collaborator for Lainey Wilson, George Strait, Chris Young, Sara Evans and more.

“Trent Tomlinson is a world-class songwriter who has honed his craft through dedication and hard work,” says Carla Wallace, Co-Founder, Big Yellow Dog Music. “I’m thrilled to work with him and proud to welcome him to the Big Yellow Dog Music family.”

“What an honor and privilege to be a part of such an iconic company as Big Yellow Dog,” shares Tomlinson. “From the very first meeting, I knew it’s where I wanted and needed to be. The ownership and staff shared my same passion for the hustle, and the camaraderie was second to none of any place I had ever been professionally. Thank you, Carla and Kerry.”

Kip Moore Partners With Virgin Music Group

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Pictured (L–R): Miles Rivera (RLM), John Mayer (VMG), Cindy James (VMG), Scott Safford (Safford Motley), Jacqueline Saturn (VMG), Kip Moore (Artist) Gaines Sturdivant (RLM), Courtney Johanson (RLM), Jordon Isbell (VMG), Jen Bontusa (VMG) and Julie Boos (FBMM). Photo: Jessie Rogers

Kip Moore has partnered with Virgin Music Group for the next phase of his career. He will release his track entitled “Live Here to Work” under the new deal on Sept. 20. The song, which reunites him with co-producer Jaren Johnston, will serve as his first new release in almost two years.

“I’m a firm believer that this life is what you make it and is enhanced by the people you surround yourself with,” shares Moore. “I see this next chapter of my career as an opportunity to keep building this thing brick by brick. I was making this record independently when I began having the initial conversations with Virgin and other record labels. It was ultimately the tangible passion from Virgin Music Group that made me want to team up and see where we could take this next chapter.

“There is a trust and a freedom in what I do and I can feel that from this team,” he adds.

“I have been a fan of Kip’s for years now,” shares Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music Group North America, and EVP of Global Artist Relations. “His music’s universal themes transcend genre and appeal to a huge variety of music fans. Along with his music, his commitment to relentless touring has helped him build a powerful global fanbase. We know this next phase of his career is going to be amazing.”

Moore has blazed his own trail since his debut in 2012, building a repertoire of five critically-acclaimed albums and penning over a dozen chart-topping singles along the way. He has garnered over a billion streams and 2.5 million monthly listeners with multi-Platinum tracks like “Something’ ‘Bout a Truck,” “Hey Pretty Girl,” “Beer Money” and “More Girls Like You.”

Moore is in the midst of his “Nomad World Tour,” which resumes in arenas and stadiums later this month with a 14-show run in Australia, includes a return to South Africa where he performed to crowds of over 40,000 fans last year and culminates with a string of dates in the U.S. this fall.

Outback Presents Elevates Emily Scerri

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Emily Scerri

Outback Presents has elevated Emily Scerri to Vice President of Entertainment Strategy.

Based in Nashville, Scerri most recently served as Director of Touring. In her new role, she will continue to expand the live entertainment company’s footprint and drive the success of its special events and music initiatives, working alongside Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Outback Presents’ Board of Directors.

The Brisbane, Australia native started her career working in the box office for music festivals, including Byron Bay Bluesfest, Soundwave and CMC Rocks, with family-owned, independent ticketing and marketing company Emedia Campaigns. She then went on to assist with operations and artist liaison for the Big Pineapple Music Festival and Bondi Beachfest.

Later, Scerri moved to Los Angeles and spent time at Dick Clark Productions, where she assisted with talent booking for the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), American Music Awards and Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve. Scerri also worked in AEG Presents’ Comedy and Global Touring departments. While at Outback Presents, she has been instrumental in overseeing and leading projects for acts like The Kid Laroi, Erykah Badu, Rauw Alejandro, Romeo Santos and America.

“Emily exhibits every attribute of success needed for a tremendous career in this business: integrity, work ethic and core promoter values,” says Smardak. “I am very excited to see all of the things she will accomplish in the future, and I am eager to continue supporting her initiatives.”

“I’m beyond excited to be part of Outback Presents’ continued growth and proud to share the same values of innovation and the boutique approach of an independent promoter,” Scerri shares. “Being part of this team has been an incredible journey so far, and I’m especially grateful to work alongside Mike Smardak. His mentorship, support and extensive industry insight have been invaluable. I’m eager to continue expanding our reach and impact in the live entertainment space.”

Pop Star & Nashville Music Publisher Jimmy Gilmer Passes

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Jimmy Gilmer

Jimmy Gilmer, remembered by oldies fans as the singer of 1963’s “Sugar Shack” and known as a prominent song publisher on Music Row, died on Saturday, Sept. 7, at age 83.

Gilmer died in Amarillo, Texas while in hospice care. He had reportedly been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for two years.

Born in Chicago in 1940 but raised in Amarillo, Jimmy Gilmer became a session vocalist at Norman Petty’s studio in Clovis, New Mexico in 1959. The studio was the recording home of such hit makers as Buddy Knox, Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. A local rock group called The Fireballs came to Petty’s place to record its top 40 instrumental hits “Torquay” (1959), “Bulldog” (1960) and “Quite a Party” (1961). The band’s membership changed in 1962, and Gilmer came on board as The Fireballs’ vocalist.

In 1963, Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs issued “Sugar Shack.” It rose to No. 1 on the pop charts and became the biggest selling single of the year. They followed that Gold record with the similar sounding “Daisy Petal Pickin,’” which rose to No. 15.

Norman Petty used the group to back several other artists that he produced. After Holly’s death, he had The Fireballs record band tracks to go with Holly’s voice on some home-recorded demos he left behind. They also backed folk singer Carolyn Hester.

The group returned to the charts with 1968’s rocking top 10 hit “Bottle of Wine.” One of the follow-up singles was “Come On, React!” Although its national ranking was only No. 63, the record was a top-20 hit in many markets and remained a fan favorite for years.

Gilmer’s albums included Sugar Shack (1963), Buddy’s Buddy (1964), Lucky ‘Leven (1965), Folkbeat (1965), Campusology (1966), Firewater (1968), Bottle of Wine (1968) and Come On, React! (1969).

At the end of the 1960s, The Fireballs called it quits. In 1970, Jimmy Gilmer relocated to Nashville. He was hired by United Artists Music, where he built a 30-year publishing career. Through a number of mergers and acquisitions, he rose to become a vice president at CBS Songs. plus successive executive positions at EMI and SBK.

Among the many songwriters he aided were Richard Leigh, Bobby Goldsboro and Pat Alger. He also signed Brad Paisley, whom he also managed through the early years of the star’s career.

In 1989-91, he served as the president of the Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy. He was a 1992 graduate of Leadership Music.

Jimmy Gilmer retired in 2007, but continued to perform occasionally at oldies shows.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

JUST IN: Shane Tarleton Joins Morris Higham Management

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Shane Tarleton. Photo: Michael Tedesco

Shane Tarleton has joined Morris Higham Management.

He joins the home to artists Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion and more from his most recent position of Executive Vice President of Artist Development at Warner Music Nashville. Prior to WMN, Tarleton spent time at RCA and Titley / Spalding Artist Management.

At Morris Higham, Tarleton will touch creative and content as management firms oversee more of these needs for their rosters.

“It’s the wild west out there and having Shane’s expertise both in management and label services is invaluable. We’re honored he is joining our team,” shares Clint Higham, Morris Higham Management President.

“I have long respected Shane’s creativity and passion for supporting artists’ visions and as an ambassador for our industry,” adds Kyle Quigley, Morris Higham Management GM. “He has incredible relationships and brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to every artist and project. We could not be more thrilled to have him join our MHM team.”

Of the new chapter, Tarleton shares, “Clint has an impeccable reputation for assembling the best team around the talent he represents, and to play a role in their careers and provide further support to the tenured team at MHM is an incredible gift for this next chapter of my career.”

Bayker Blankenship Signs With CAA [Exclusive]

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Bayker Blankenship. Photo: Aron Duty Media

Bayker Blankenship has signed with CAA for representation.

The 19-year-old Blankenship hails from Livingston, Tennessee and has garnered over 40 million streams in just a few months. Blankenship’s record “Maxed Out” peaked at No. 2 on the Spotify Viral charts, and has over 100,000 creates on TikTok. The song is Blankenship’s second single, following 2021’s “Can’t Get Enough.”

In July, he released his debut EP, Younger Years, which hit over four million streams its first week, and he has already racked up half a million TikTok followers.

Tucker Wetmore Celebrates Gold During Opry Debut

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Tucker Wetmore makes Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Tucker Wetmore made his Grand Ole Opry debut last night (Sept. 10).

Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall, Tucker Wetmore and UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

He received a standing ovation following his three-song set, which included “Wind Up Missin’ You” and a first-ever performance of the unreleased track “What Not To.” But the full-circle moment was made even more special when UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe and Back Blocks Music CEO Rakiyah Marshall surprised Wetmore onstage with two RIAA Gold plaques for his back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 charting hits “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You.”

“Before I moved to Nashville, I came here with my mom in 2020. I remember sitting out front and looking at her the very first day I had ever been to Nashville and I said ‘I’m going to play that one day’ and I’m doing it right now,” reflected Wetmore from the hallowed circle. “I’m here to tell you that if you think you can do something, if you have a dream of doing something, you can… and if you’re wondering how to do it, Philippians 4:13 says ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.’”

Making his debut on Face The Fight Night to raise awareness against veteran suicide, Wetmore took a moment on stage to remove his hat and acknowledge the veterans in the audience, at home, still serving and those that have passed on, sharing that the circle was for each and every one of them tonight.

Wetmore’s debut EP, Waves on a Sunset, is due out on Oct. 4. The eight-song collection includes five brand new tracks, including “Silverado Blue,” which drops this Friday. After joining Luke Bryan’s “Farm Tour 2024” later this month, Wetmore is set to embark on his first-ever headlining tour, “Waves on a Sunset Tour 2024,” on EP release day (Oct. 4), kicking off in Statesboro, Georgia.

Ian Harrison Inks With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L–R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Benji Amaefule, Ian Harrison, OTRmgmt’s Zach Beebe, Brackin Law’s Josh Brackin and Wiles + Taylor Co.’s Alyssa Augello

Singer-songwriter Ian Harrison has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Influenced by country and folk music, the Columbus, Ohio native began his songwriting journey in college and got the chance to compete on NBC’s The Voice, which premiered in 2022. Since then, Harrison has worked to shape his individual sound and songwriting style. He recently released his four-track EP, Ways To Get On Out.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Ian to the Warner Chappell family,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His talent is off the charts, and his ability to craft compelling stories that are personal yet relatable to a wide audience is his superpower. Beyond that, he’s the best human, and I can’t wait to work together to build the foundation of a music career that will reach folks around the country and the world!”

“Songwriting has been an aspiration of mine for as long as I can remember. Doing it next to people who believe in me and encourage me to be my best makes it all that much sweeter,” Harrison shares. “I’ve found a place with the hardest workers and first-rate writers that just feels like home. I’m incredibly excited and proud to join the Warner Chappell team.”