Jerry Fuller. Photo: Courtesy of Footprint Sound
Jerry Fuller, the songwriter and producer behind such hits as Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man,” Al Wilson’s “Show and Tell” and Gary Puckett And The Union Gap’s “Young Girl,” died on July 18 due to complications from lung cancer. He was 85.
Born in Forth Worth, Texas into a musical family, Fuller moved to Los Angeles in 1959 to pursue a career. Early on, he worked as a demo singer, which led to a recording/songwriting contract with Gene Autry’s Four Star Music and Challenge Records. He charted several singles on the label, including “Betty My Angel,” “Tennessee Waltz,” “The Place Where I Cry,” “Guilty Of Loving You,” “I Get Carried Away” and “Shy Away.”
Fuller was touring with The Champs in the 1960s when he met Glen Campbell. Impressed by his voice, he convinced Campbell to move to Los Angeles, where the young talent helped him demo the Fuller-penned “Travelin’ Man.” The song became a Gold-certified, No. 1 hit for Nelson, starting a string of Nelson hits with Fuller such as “Young World,” “It’s Up To You,” “A Wonder Like You” and “Congratulations.”
Unfortunately, Fuller was drafted into the U.S. Army just as he was becoming an in-demand songwriter. After two years in the service, he accepted an offer to lead Four Star’s New York office. During a night out in Albany, Fuller made a connection with The Knickerbockers and eventually signed them. His first No. 1 as a producer came with the group’s “Lies” that reached No. 1 in the U.K.
He continued to have hits as a producer in the ’60s and ’70s, including Gary Puckett And The Union Gap’s “Woman, Woman,” “Young Girl,” “Lady Willpower” and “Over You,” all of which sold millions of copies. Fuller also produced O.C. Smith’s “Little Green Apples” and Mark Lindsay’s “Arizona,” “Miss America” and “Silver Bird.”
He ventured further into business in the ’70s, starting companies Moonchild Productions Inc. and Fullness Music Company, and working with artists like Johnny Mathis and Mac Davis. He also started writing country songs, enjoying hits with Ray Price’s “That’s All She Wrote,” “To Make A Long Story Short” and “Feet” as well as Reba McEntire’s “I Still Long To Hold You Now And Then” and “That Makes Two Of Us.” He wrote Al Wilson’s multi-genre smash “Show And Tell,” which was Cashbox‘s Single of the Year for 1973.
In 1982, Fuller produced his old friend Campbell’s Old Home Town album, featuring “I Love How You Love Me” and his song “A Woman’s Touch.”
Other artists who recorded one or more of Fuller’s over 1,100 songs include Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Hank Snow, Roy Clark, Cher, Ray Charles, Don McLean, Dottie West, Barbara Mandrell, Marty Robbins, Johnny Lee, Pat Boone, Steve Wariner, Percy Sledge and many more.
Fuller died surrounded by family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Annette Fuller and their children, Adam Lee and Anna Nicole. Funeral services have yet to be announced.
SOLID Raises $40,000 For CMA Foundation
/by Madison HahnenSOLID Nashville presents CMA Foundation with a check on June 27, 2024 at the CMA Event Space in Nashville, TN. Photo: Britney Buckwalter/CMA
The SOLID organization revealed that they have raised $40,000 for the CMA Foundation during this year’s CMA Fest.
The Backstage Auction, held at Fan Fair X, offered festival attendees the chance to bid on various items including signed instruments, merch bundles, concert tickets and more. Those who could not make it to Nashville were also able to bid online. The auction was spearheaded by SOLID members Leah Ducey, Mark Thress and Samantha Funderlich.
“Our record-breaking donation can be attributed to our continued support from CMA as well as the entire SOLID community coming together to ensure that we once again surprise and delight CMA Fest fans with unique offerings in new ways,” says Ducey. “We are so grateful to CMA for providing one-of-a-kind items and support throughout CMA Fest who ensure that fans know where to find our Backstage Auction online and on-site at Fan Fair X. We were thrilled to greet countless CMA Fest fans who return to our booth and look forward to finding items from their favorite country music artists year after year.
“Of course, none of this would be possible without the combined efforts of my co-chairs, Mark Thress and Samantha Funderlich, our entire SOLID 2024 Board and the SOLID organization as a whole for bringing in special items and exclusive experiences from country music’s biggest stars. I would like to take a moment to thank them all and express extra gratitude to our volunteers who truly made the entire Backstage Auction possible all weekend long. We are absolutely elated with the results this year and look forward to our continued partnership with CMA for years to come.”
SOLID President Rio Van Risseghem shares, “Every year our partnership with CMA on The Backstage Auction grows stronger and we are so thankful to be able to work with them once again. With the addition of some highly coveted items donated from CMA, we surpassed our CMA Foundation contribution from last year and finally hit an incredible $40,000 mark. SOLID’s Music Market Chairs, Leah Ducey, Mark Thress, and Samantha Funderlich rallied SOLID’s entire membership in securing donated items and staffing The Backstage Auction with SOLID volunteers for CMA Fest weekend.”
Songwriter & Producer Jerry Fuller Dies At 85
/by LB CantrellJerry Fuller. Photo: Courtesy of Footprint Sound
Jerry Fuller, the songwriter and producer behind such hits as Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man,” Al Wilson’s “Show and Tell” and Gary Puckett And The Union Gap’s “Young Girl,” died on July 18 due to complications from lung cancer. He was 85.
Born in Forth Worth, Texas into a musical family, Fuller moved to Los Angeles in 1959 to pursue a career. Early on, he worked as a demo singer, which led to a recording/songwriting contract with Gene Autry’s Four Star Music and Challenge Records. He charted several singles on the label, including “Betty My Angel,” “Tennessee Waltz,” “The Place Where I Cry,” “Guilty Of Loving You,” “I Get Carried Away” and “Shy Away.”
Fuller was touring with The Champs in the 1960s when he met Glen Campbell. Impressed by his voice, he convinced Campbell to move to Los Angeles, where the young talent helped him demo the Fuller-penned “Travelin’ Man.” The song became a Gold-certified, No. 1 hit for Nelson, starting a string of Nelson hits with Fuller such as “Young World,” “It’s Up To You,” “A Wonder Like You” and “Congratulations.”
Unfortunately, Fuller was drafted into the U.S. Army just as he was becoming an in-demand songwriter. After two years in the service, he accepted an offer to lead Four Star’s New York office. During a night out in Albany, Fuller made a connection with The Knickerbockers and eventually signed them. His first No. 1 as a producer came with the group’s “Lies” that reached No. 1 in the U.K.
He continued to have hits as a producer in the ’60s and ’70s, including Gary Puckett And The Union Gap’s “Woman, Woman,” “Young Girl,” “Lady Willpower” and “Over You,” all of which sold millions of copies. Fuller also produced O.C. Smith’s “Little Green Apples” and Mark Lindsay’s “Arizona,” “Miss America” and “Silver Bird.”
He ventured further into business in the ’70s, starting companies Moonchild Productions Inc. and Fullness Music Company, and working with artists like Johnny Mathis and Mac Davis. He also started writing country songs, enjoying hits with Ray Price’s “That’s All She Wrote,” “To Make A Long Story Short” and “Feet” as well as Reba McEntire’s “I Still Long To Hold You Now And Then” and “That Makes Two Of Us.” He wrote Al Wilson’s multi-genre smash “Show And Tell,” which was Cashbox‘s Single of the Year for 1973.
In 1982, Fuller produced his old friend Campbell’s Old Home Town album, featuring “I Love How You Love Me” and his song “A Woman’s Touch.”
Other artists who recorded one or more of Fuller’s over 1,100 songs include Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Hank Snow, Roy Clark, Cher, Ray Charles, Don McLean, Dottie West, Barbara Mandrell, Marty Robbins, Johnny Lee, Pat Boone, Steve Wariner, Percy Sledge and many more.
Fuller died surrounded by family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Annette Fuller and their children, Adam Lee and Anna Nicole. Funeral services have yet to be announced.
Mac McAnally To Make Headlining Debut At The Ryman In January
/by Lorie HollabaughMac McAnally
Mac McAnally is set to make his headlining debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 31.
During the milestone event, the award-winning creator plans to take the audience through decades of musical work. Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
McAnally has released a rendition of Jimmy Buffet’s “Oysters and Pearls,” which he and Buffet wrote together, and tune “All The Way Around” this year. Serving as a guitarist and longtime member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, he continues to play sold-out shows across the country for his fans and “Parrot Heads,” keeping the spirit of his friend and collaborator alive. In addition to Buffet, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) inductee has penned chart-toppers for the likes of Alabama and Kenny Chesney as well as contributed to albums by Toby Keith, Dolly Parton and George Strait.
McAnally is also involved in Walt Disney World Resort’s revamped Country Bear Musical Jamboree, and is currently producing new projects for Sawyer Brown, Ned LeDoux and more.
Kashus Culpepper To Launch ‘Howlin’ Under The Harvest Moon Tour’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughKashus Culpepper. Photo: Cole Calfee
Kashus Culpepper will hit the road on the “Howlin’ Under The Harvest Moon Tour,” his second headlining journey, this fall.
The Alabama native will be joined by newcomers Coleman Jennings, Anna Graves and Alex Lambert across various dates of the 11-stop tour. The trek will kick off in Austin on Sept. 12, and travel to Dallas, Detroit, Birmingham and more before visiting Nashville on Oct. 12. Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 26), with select presales taking place throughout the week. For more information, click here.
“I’m back,” announces Culpepper. “My second headlining run is coming this fall, and I’m bringing along some artists that I truly love and am excited to sing with. Can’t wait to see y’all out there, and connect with y’all on the road. This year has already exceeded my expectations and it’s all because of y’all, so thank you for all the love and support. Hope to see you out at a show!”
The newly-signed Big Loud Records artist has also released his second single, “Who Hurt You,” and inked with Big Loud Publishing and Warner Chappell Music, after signing with CAA earlier this month.
Tucker Wetmore Announces Inaugural Headlining Tour
/by John Nix ArledgeTucker Wetmore. Photo: Anna Schaeffer
Breakout artist Tucker Wetmore has announced the “Waves On A Sunset Tour 2024,” his first-ever headlining run.
The 16-stop tour will kick off in Statesboro, Georgia on Oct. 4 and visit multiple cities through mid-November. Throughout the journey, Wetmore will be joined by Hannah McFarland, Eli Winders and Ashland Craft.
“I am so excited to be going on my first headline tour! Thank you to my fans and listeners for making this possible,” he expresses. “This has been a dream come true of mine for so long. So excited to bring out some of my friends, Hannah McFarland, Eli Winders and Ashland Craft, on the road with me. God is good!”
Presale tickets will be available this Wednesday (July 24) at 10 a.m. local time, with general sales starting this Friday (July 26) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
With his debut radio single “Wind Up Missin’ You” positioned to break into the top 30 in only six weeks, Wetmore continues to release new music. His latest tunes, “Already Had It” and “Steal My Thunder” with Conner Smith, come from the star-studded Twisters soundtrack. Additionally, Wetmore performed for over seven thousand fans at CMA Fest last month.
Ahead of the headlining shows, he plans to support Luke Bryan on his “Farm Tour 2024” as well as Jordan Davis, Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Jelly Roll and more on select dates.
Jonnie Macson To Become Concord’s New VP Of Royalties
/by LB CantrellJonnie Macson
Jonnie Macson will become Vice President of Royalties for Concord Music Publishing.
Expected to be based in Concord’s Nashville headquarters, Macson will focus on improving global royalty systems to help ensure that Concord’s songwriters and publishing clients around the world are fairly, accurately and promptly compensated. He will report to General Manager of International Operations Jeff Van Driel.
Macson spent nearly 20 years in Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG)’s offices in Franklin, Tennessee and London, England, working his way up from Global Royalties Assistant to Vice President in charge of all global administration. While there, he led the launch of the client services portal UMPG Window, project-managed the successful distribution of UPMG’s first-ever TikTok deal and advised senior leadership on administration projects across the company.
“I can think of no one better suited than Jonnie to join our team. He has such a deep understanding of royalty systems and a wealth of technical knowledge needed to significantly enhance our processes,” says Van Driel. “As we continue to grow, it is vital we have people like Jonnie working on behalf of our songwriters, their estates and their legacies.”
“For the past 20 years, I have watched Concord grow by leaps and bounds from a small indie to a global player,” states Macson. “Songwriters are the backbone of the music industry, and it is truly a joy to work on their behalf. I am beyond excited for this opportunity.”
On The Row: Josh Ross Reflects On His Musical Journey Thus Far
/by Liza AndersonJosh Ross. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Josh Ross has gained traction in the country music world with his warm sound and engaging presence. The rising UMG Nashville/Universal Music Canada artist unveiled his latest EP, Complicated, in March, and just dropped new song “Want This Beer (feat. Julia Michaels).”
Pictured (L–R): MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson, LB Cantrell, Josh Ross, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge
While releasing new music, Ross has resided on the road supporting Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Religiously. The Tour.” and Luke Bryan‘s “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” while making appearances at multiple festivals. He shows no signs of slowing down this summer, as he plans to launch his own headlining run at the end of next month before the annual Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards in September, where he’s notched five nominations.
During his brief break from touring last week, the singer-songwriter stopped by MusicRow to reflect on his musical journey thus far and play a few tunes with accompanying guitarist Jake Gantt.
Growing up, the Ontario native’s primary passions centered around sports. After playing hockey for many years, he became a professional motocross racer and later attended Western University on a football scholarship. While in college, Ross underwent two reconstructive surgeries on his right ankle and found himself picking up a guitar as he recovered.
“I was always that friend who would sing karaoke at the bar as a joke,” he shared. “I loved it, but hadn’t really realized it [at that point].”
Once Ross started writing, music became his main way of burning off steam and expressing himself. He then entered some emerging artist showcases in Canada and met people with Nashville connections. Within eight months of commencing his career, Ross knew he wanted to pursue music internationally and made the move to Music City.
Josh Ross & MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson
He recalls nights spent at The Red Door Saloon introducing himself to industry members as well as meeting Gantt at a poker night and forming his band. But it was back in his homeland during the 2019 CCMA Awards that he met Morgan Wallen, who connected him with Chief Zaruk of The Core Entertainment—his current management team.
After scoring back-to-back top five singles at Canadian country radio, Ross signed his record deal in early 2023 and released Complicated track “Trouble.” He disclosed that tune, which he co-wrote with Mason Thornley, was inspired by a voicemail he left an ex during a night out before performing it for the MusicRow team.
With influences ranging from Steve Earle to Akon, Ross melts multi-genre elements into traditional country tempos to create his own sound. Although he serves as a co-writer on quite a few of his cuts, the songsmith has also recorded outside songs such as “Tell Me A Lie,” which is also featured on the new EP. Ross poured himself into the piece, penned by Cameron Bedell, Lauren McLamb and Johnny Clawson, during his MusicRow visit. He also played fellow Complicated tune and current country radio climber, “Single Again,” which was also sparked by a real encounter Ross experienced.
After taking the Watershed Festival stage, he’ll kick off his “Single Again Tour” in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey on Aug. 28.
Laura Crawford Joins Ryan Seacrest Foundation
/by Lorie HollabaughLaura Crawford
Laura Crawford has been named Manager, Entertainment Relations and Engagement for the Nashville-based Ryan Seacrest Foundation.
In her new role, Crawford supports 14 hospital partners with talent bookings to Seacrest Studios and will oversee the Industry Advisory Committee and Celebrity Ambassador program. She serves as the direct liaison for RSF and the entertainment sector, and will contribute to the organization’s fundraising initiatives, special events and digital campaigns.
Crawford most recently served as Director of Sponsorships at MusiCares, where she oversaw brand partnerships for events such as the Person of the Year gala, and programs such as “Humans of Hip Hop” and “The Day That Music Cares.” Prior to that, she spent over a decade at the Recording Academy in the Membership & Industry Relations department. She also worked as a publicist at Provident Label Group/Sony Music Entertainment and Wortman Works Media & Marketing, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from the University of Tennessee, majoring in Journalism & Electronic Media.
“I’m incredibly honored to join the team at the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and have admired the organization’s work for many years,” shares Crawford. “The opportunity to engage with talent (musicians, actors, authors and more) and create positive and fun experiences for patients and families is near and dear to my heart. I’m looking forward to contributing to the mission of the foundation and collaborating with the entertainment industry to make the greatest impact possible for patients, our 14 Seacrest Studios locations and the foundation at large.”
The Ryan Seacrest Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to inspiring pediatric patients through entertainment and education-focused initiatives. RSF’s primary initiative is to build broadcast media centers—Seacrest Studios—within pediatric hospitals for patients to explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media. Founded in 2009, RSF currently has Seacrest Studios at hospitals in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Memphis, Nashville, Orange County, Orlando, Philadelphia and Washington D.C, Queens and Salt Lake City.
Reach Crawford at lcrawford@ryanseacrestfoundation.org.
The Store Rolls Out The School Store Project For Middle Tennessee Families
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Store is launching The School Store, a new project to provide school supplies for middle Tennessee families in need.
The initiative will collect new backpacks, stainless steel water bottles and one-inch 3-ring binders throughout July at collection sites including Let It Shine Gymnastics, The Getalong, Belmont Bookstore and The Store. Additionally, Kroger Green Hills and Brentwood stores along with other pop-up locations throughout 12 South will collect donations from July 27-28. The Nashville community is invited to The Store to drop off supplies and enjoy games, live music, inflatables and snacks during the fundraiser’s family-friendly event on Saturday, July 27, from 1-3 p.m. CT.
With food insecurity at a decade high, The Store recently launched its “Doubling Our Difference” campaign, aiming to double the number of middle Tennessee families served each year to 700 and expand support services. Individuals wishing to sponsor a families’ groceries, donate school supplies or learn more about future events and volunteering at The Store can visit thestore.org.
“We are grateful to the Nashville community for helping us provide for our customers another much-needed resource for their children as they gear up for a great school year ahead,” share The Store co-founders Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. The Store works with referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while they access other support services, for a more comprehensive and holistic approach for families in need.
Ryan Vojtesak Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenRyan Vojtesak
Songwriter and producer Ryan Vojtesak has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Cowgirls,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Whiskey Whiskey” all helped him claim the No. 10 spot.
Zach Bryan sits at No. 1 for the second consecutive week with 20 songs on the chart, including “28,” “American Nights,” “Better Days” and more off his new The Great American Bar Scene album, as well as continuing fan favorites “I Remember Everything,” “Nine Ball” and “Pink Skies.” Ashley Gorley is at No. 2 this week with “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
Josh Phillips (No. 3), Jessi Alexander (No. 4) and Hunter Phelps (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.