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.
Outback Presents Elevates Emily Scerri
/by Liza AndersonEmily 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
/by Robert K OermannJimmy 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
/by LB CantrellShane 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]
/by Lorie HollabaughBayker 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
/by Lorie HollabaughTucker 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
/by Liza AndersonPictured (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.”
Hunter Hayes Reimagines Tracks On Forthcoming EP
/by Lorie HollabaughHunter Hayes is set to release his new three-song EP,
Lost &Found, which features remixed and remastered versions of his previously released songs.The EP includes “In A Song,” which is set to be unveiled on Sept. 20, as well as “Still Fallin'” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak.” Announced on his birthday, the project aims to be a celebration of his musical journey so far.
Lost &Found is a glimpse into Hayes’ evolving sound and what fans can expect from his upcoming work. Sticking to the songs’ original DNA and playing every instrument on the tracks, the artist reimagines how the tunes have grown with time and seeks to paint a narrative of transformation.“Talking about being an independent artist has been liberating, empowering and inspiring,” says Hayes. “I didn’t want it to be about business, I wanted it to be about ownership of one’s life, story and narrative. That is something I have been learning a lot about in the past 10 years. These are songs that carry important messages for me, and it’s a chance for me to go back to the garden and check on things that I planted over 10 years ago so I can see how they are doing now.”
Larry Fleet To Pour ‘Hard Work & Holy Water’ Into 2025 Tour
/by Liza AndersonLarry Fleet will hit the road on his “Hard Work & Holy Water” headlining run in 2025.
This year has proven to be a big one for the Big Loud Records artist, as he has travelled to various cities on “The Earned Tour” and supported Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi and Morgan Wallen on select dates, while notching a No. 1 with Wallen and Eric Church’s “Man Made A Bar.” Joined by duo Everette, he plans to kick off the new 26-show trek in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Feb. 13.
“It’s a special thing to play your music on a stage as big as the ones we’ve been blessed to play opening for the acts we have,” Fleet reflects. “Playing these songs live is where the real magic is for us, and we’re grateful to Everette for joining us on this journey next year. We’ll take you to church for some, sit next to you on the barstool for others, and it’s a sexy show, but family-friendly, so come on out and see us!”
Tickets go sale this Friday (Sept. 13) at 10 a.m. local time, following presales. For more information, click here.
CMHOFM To Host ‘Night Train To Lovenoise: A Generational Journey Of Black Music In Nashville’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host “Night Train to Lovenoise: A Generational Journey of Black Music in Nashville,” a free concert and conversation exploring the evolution of the city’s Black music scene through the point of view of musicians from different generations, on Oct. 12.
The program will include a panel discussion with music journalist and Nashville Public Radio’s Making Noise Host Jewly Hight, Lovenoise Founder Eric Holt, and musicians Frank Howard, Regina McCrary, Joey Richey and Bryant Taylorr. Following the conversation, Howard, Richey, Levert Allison, Ca$h K, William Davenport and The McCrary Sisters will perform with a house band led by Elijah “DD” Holt.
The museum’s current exhibition “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited,” explores how Middle Tennessee’s pioneering R&B activity played a significant role in building Nashville’s worldwide reputation as Music City in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. For the past two decades, Lovenoise, a Black-owned concert promotion company, has been working to make room for R&B, soul and hip-hop in Nashville’s live music landscape. A four-part series, “Making Noise,” a joint production by WPLN and WNXP, the sister stations of Nashville Public Radio, recently chronicled Lovenoise’s story and impact.
Presented in partnership with Lovenoise and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), the program is free, although seating is limited. For more information, click here.
Spirit Music Nashville Promotes Kennedy Murphy & Andy Hodges
/by Lorie HollabaughKennedy Murphy & Andy Hodges. Photos: Natia Cinco
Spirit Music Nashville has promoted Kennedy Murphy and Andy Hodges to Creative Directors.
The two previously served as Creative Coordinators at Spirit, and in their new roles, will focus on writer development and song-plugging. They will report to Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Music Nashville.
“I am excited to announce the promotions of Kennedy and Andy to Creative Directors at Spirit Music,” says Rogers. “They are both great champions for our songwriters, their music and their careers. I can’t wait to watch them continue to take our writers to new heights.”
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Murphy made her way to Nashville after earning a Music Business degree from Drexel University and interning at Big Deal Music in New York City. After graduation, she landed her first publishing job as A&R/Creative Coordinator at Back Blocks Music. She joined Spirit Music Nashville in October 2022.
Hodges grew up in Manhattan, Kansas. While attending college at Belmont, he interned at Full Stop Management, Azoff Company and Live Nation. After graduating in 2019, Hodges worked on the revenue operations team at Global Music Rights in Los Angeles. He moved back to Nashville in 2022 and joined Spirit Music Nashville.
“I am honored to enter this new role and continue to grow under Frank’s leadership” says Murphy. “The entire Spirit Music Nashville Team has created an incredible culture to work in and I am looking forward to all the future successes we accomplish together. Huge thank you to each and every songwriter who continuously trusts me to represent them and their songs.”
“The songwriters and staff are what make Spirit such an incredible company to be a part of,” shares Hodges. “I’m honored to work under Frank’s leadership and privileged to represent such an impressive roster of songwriters as we continue to grow and create opportunities for their careers.”