Joe Scaife
Noted Nashville studio engineer and record producer Joe Scaife has passed away at age 68.
He was behind two of country music’s catchiest and biggest hits, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus (1992) and “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson (2004). In addition, he produced Montgomery Gentry, Ty Herndon and K.T. Oslin. Scaife was also a songwriter, a percussionist and a backing vocalist.
Joe Scaife was raised in Nashville. His father was Cecil Scaife (1927-2009), a record executive at Sun, Columbia and his own labels. He also co-founded the Gospel Music Association. Joe attended Belmont University, then embarked on a career as an audio engineer.
At age 19, he worked on the sound engineering of the Opry’s last Ryman Auditorium performance and its debut at the Opry House the following night in 1974. He learned his trade by working at his father’s recording studio on Music Row. Early audio engineering clients included Dr. Hook, The Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill.
During the 1980s, Joe Scaife hit his stride as a recording-studio engineer. He worked on albums by John Anderson, Tom Jones, Kathy Mattea, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Glen Campbell, Lionel Richie, Emmylou Harris and Sawyer Brown, among others.
He formed a partnership with audio engineer Jim Cotton (1947-2003). They became mainstays at the Music Mill recording studio, usually working under producer Harold Shedd. After they engineered a number of Shedd’s productions, he promoted them to “associate producer” status on ‘80s Ladies, the landmark debut album by K.T. Oslin. They eventually graduated to become full producers on Oslin’s later successes, such as “Come Next Monday,” “Mary and Willie” and “New Way Home.”
In 1992, Scaife and Cotton produced Some Gave All, the debut album by Billy Ray Cyrus. It contained “Achy Breaky Heart” which won Scaife, Cotton and Cyrus a CMA Award for Single of the Year. They also produced “Could’ve Been Me,” “She’s Not Cryin’ Anymore,” “In the Heart of a Woman” and the singer’s other early hits.
During the 1990s, Joe Scaife also continued to work as a recording-studio engineer, working on albums by superstars such as Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Anne Murray, Crystal Gayle, Sammy Kershaw, Shania Twain and Toby Keith. But as the decade progressed, he became increasingly called upon to produce.
Scaife produced several hits by Montgomery Gentry, including 1999’s “Hillbilly Shoes,” “Lonely and Gone” and “Daddy Won’t Sell the Farm,” plus 2001’s “She Couldn’t Change Me” and “Cold One Comin’ On.” Montgomery Gentry was named the CMA’s Vocal Duo of the Year in 2000. During this era, Scaife also produced records by Ty Herndon, Jeff Foxworthy and Van Zant, among others.
In 2004, he was behind the board for the breakthrough albums by newcomer Gretchen Wilson. They contained “Redneck Woman,” “Here for the Party,” “When I Think About Cheatin,’” “Homewrecker” and “All Jacked Up.” These hits earned her CMA Awards as in the Horizon (2004) and Female Vocalist (2005) categories. “Redneck Woman” also won Wilson a Grammy Award.
Joe Scaife and his wife Danielle established four song publishing companies. One of their hit songs was 2017’s “She Got the Best of Me” sung by Luke Combs. Another was the 2017 Walker Hayes top 10 success “You Broke Up With Me.”
Shortly after Joe Scaife attended Belmont University, his father and his mother, Sherytha, encouraged the establishment of the school’s music-business program. That program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The program has become The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont. It now has a Cecil Scaife Endowed Scholarship to provide financial assistance to students there. Joe and his sisters LaRawn, LaQuita and LaQuela created the scholarship and The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award as an annual event to benefit the scholarship fund. Honorees have included Amy Grant, Wynonna, Ray Stevens and Brenda Lee.
Joe Scaife passed away on June 12. No cause of death has been announced. He is survived by his wife, Danielle Godwin Scaife; children, Jaela Scaife Harris (Prather) and Joe Tristan Payne Scaife; sister LaRawn Scaife Rhea (Richard) and many other family members and friends.
A private burial was held in Perry County on June 15, and a Celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Music Row at a later date. Those who wish to send a memorial in Joe Scaife’s honor can donate to The Cecil Scaife Music Business Endowment at Belmont University (P.O. Box 128079, Nashville, TN 37212).
Shaboozey Plots First Leg Of Fall Headlining Tour
/by Liza AndersonShaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk
Breakout country star Shaboozey has plotted the first leg of his 2024 “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going Fall Tour.”
Kicking off in Minneapolis on Sept. 9, the journey will see the artist play his largest venues to date, making stops in Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Nashville and more. He plans to play some of his latest hits, including double-Platinum tune “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and other tracks from his Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going collection, which debuted at No. 5 on Billboard‘s 200 chart upon its release.
An artist presale for tickets will begin tomorrow (June 25) at 10 a.m. local time, alongside a VIP program, with a TikTok presale starting this Wednesday (June 26) at 10 a.m. local time. A local presale will begin on Thursday (June 27) at the same time, with all presales concluding that same day at 10 p.m. local time. Public ticket sales will then start on Friday (June 28) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
In addition to three sold-out performances in New York, Nashville and Los Angeles last month, Shaboozey has made recent festival appearances at Stagecoach, Roots Picnic, Capital Summertime Ball and CMA Fest. He is also set to take the stage during the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards this Sunday (June 30).
Steve Gilreath Named Executive Director Of Christian & Gospel Music Museum
/by Madison HahnenSteve Gilreath.
The Gospel Music Association has named Steve Gilreath as the first Executive Director of the Christian & Gospel Music Museum at the Dove Center, opening in 2025.
In this role, Gilreath will drive leadership, strategic direction and overall museum management. He will guide preserving, promoting and celebrating the history and cultural significance of all Christian and Gospel music genres and will report directly to Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association.
Rendering of the Christian & Gospel Music Museum at the Dove Center
“I’m thrilled to announce Steve Gilreath as the first Executive Director of the Dove Center’s Christian & Gospel Music Museum. His creativity, shared vision, and passion for our industry make him the right person to lead this kingdom project,” shares Patillo.
Over the past three decades, Gilreath has worked as a producer, director, marketing VP and network executive across various organizations. He has worked with many artists, managers and labels in Christian and Gospel music. Gilreath’s producing credits include a decade as the Producer of the Dove Awards, as well as a White House special presented by the GMA hosted by President George W. Bush featuring CeCe Winans, Bill Gaither, Michael W. Smith, Blind Boys of Alabama, Steven Curtis Chapman and more.
Most recently, he has served as Executive Director of on-demand platforms for K-LOVE. Gilreath founded the K-LOVE On Demand Network, creating hundreds of new shows that feature music in unique settings, including a chance to direct four different shows from Red Rocks Amphitheater. The 2023 event with 10 artists premiered in theaters nationwide as a Fathom Event.
Gilreath also volunteered for 10 years at the Inner City Chicago Young Life Clubs before moving to Nashville. In Music City, he helped create the first online music curriculum, QuaverMusic, which is now used by millions of students. The program helped him understand emerging technologies and education challenges facing teachers and students with the arts, which will be a critical constituency for the museum.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to reveal plans for using this space to honor God through recognizing the work of those who came before and will carry on after us,” Gilreath says of the new opportunity.
“I’ve worked with Steve Gilreath for many years on many different projects. His love for Christian music, his creativity, and his passion for our industry make him the perfect person for this role,” adds Bill Reeves, CEO of David C Cook & Integrity Music.
Nicole Marinake Launches Amplified Ventures
/by Liza AndersonNicole Marinake
Industry veteran Nicole Marinake has launched Amplified Ventures, a new company that focuses on brand marketing and strategy, new technology, cause marketing, licensing and business development.
With over two decades of brand partnership and event activation experience, including time spent at Sony Music Nashville and Madison Square Garden Co., Marinake aims to provide bespoke solutions that amplify the reach and impact of brands and talent while ensuring meaningful engagement with their audiences.
Throughout her career, she has supported acts such as Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Dolly Parton, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley and AJR as well as teams like the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, MTV Networks, The Rockettes and more. Marinake also collaborated with Molson Coors, Chevrolet, T-Mobile, VISA, Google, Marriott, JPMorgan Chase, Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Marathon Petroleum, Harley-Davidson, Hard Rock Hotels, Roblox, ESPN, Samsung Electronics, Martin Guitar, Diageo, Ricoh, JBL Audio, Delta Air Lines, PlayStation, High Rise Beverage Co., EA Sports, SEC Network, American Cancer Society, Victrola and NASCAR in addition to the NFL, NHL and MLB.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with respected brands, iconic IP and superstar talent throughout my career,” she shares. “With Amplified Ventures, we’re so excited to channel our energy into the places and projects we believe in the most while exploring new avenues and opportunities.”
Additionally, Marinake recently joined the Board of Directors for Creative Girls Rock (CGR), an organization she has supported for the past four years as Co-Founder of Sony Music’s Nashville Equity Taskforce that seeks to educate and empower women to enhance their lives and the world around them by utilize their creative talents.
Industry Pics: Warner Music Nashville, ACM, Alice Randall, Riley Green
/by John Nix ArledgeWarner Music Nashville Celebrates Pride Downtown
Warner Music Nashville team at the Nashville Pride Parade
Warner Music Nashville employees, along with friends and family, celebrated the 36th year of Nashville Pride at the organization’s kick-off parade on Saturday (June 22).
ACM Hosts Inaugural ‘ACM Country For Y’all’ Showcase
Pictured (L–R): Haley Montgomery, Adam Mac, Denitia, Chris Housman, Brooke Eden, Tommy Moore and Ford Fairchild. Photo: Courtesy of ACM
The Academy of Country Music hosted its inaugural “ACM Country For Y’all” showcase on Thursday (June 20). The event, hosted at Nashville’s Frankie J’s, celebrated the genre’s LGBTQIA+ community with performances from Adam Mac, Brooke Eden, Chris Housman and Denitia.
CMHOFM Discusses ‘My Black Country’ With Alice Randall
Pictured (L-R): Miko Marks, Alice Randall, Saaneah Jamison and Paul Kingsbury. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a conversation and performance with New York Times best-selling novelist and award-winning songwriter Alice Randall.
Hosted by Paul Kingsbury, Randall discussed her latest book, My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future, along with its corresponding album. The event featured sets by Saaneah Jamison and Miko Marks, artists from the album, who performed Randall’s songs.
Riley Green Teams Up With Busch Light To Surprise Fans
Riley Green. Photo: Courtesy of Busch Light
Riley Green treated fans to a surprise set and a round of Busch Light on Thursday night (June 20) at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in downtown Nashville.
He kicked off the show with “Worst Way” from his new EP, followed by hits “Different ‘Round Here” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” before wrapping up with his first No. 1, “There Was This Girl.”
Austin Snell Slates ‘The Still Bleeding Tour’ For Fall
/by Madison HahnenAustin Snell. Photo: Libby Danforth
Austin Snell will hit the road this fall on “The Still Bleeding Tour,” with Graham Barham serving as support.
“I am incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities my band and I have been given this year. Touring is something that we love to do, and we are more than ready to get out there and play the songs from Still Bleeding for the fans,” says Snell. “I am so proud of these songs, and I want every show to reflect the work we have put into this.”
The tour will kick off on Oct. 24 in Kansas City before heading to Indianapolis, Augusta, Chicago and more before wrapping on Dec. 7 in Peoria.
Snell’s debut album, Still Bleeding, is set for release this Friday (June 28) via River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville. The album will explore the concepts of mental health, fast-paced living and the necessity of compassion. To celebrate, Snell has teamed up with Busch Light for a 21+ album release party. The free event will be held tomorrow (June 25) at Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville at 6:30 p.m. CT.
“Busch Light is a staple in my fridge, and teaming up with them during this pivotal moment in my career is a personal milestone,” he shares. “I’m excited to share a sneak peek of my new album and connect with fans in a more intimate setting. I hope to see everyone there, ready to rock!”
Tickets for “The Still Bleeding Tour” are on sale now. For more information, click here.
“The Still Bleeding Tour” Dates:
10.24 – Knuckleheads Saloon – Kansas City, MO
10.25 – Hi-Fi Indy – Indianapolis, IN
10.26 – District 142 – Wyandotte, MI
11.8 – Dirty Boots – Augusta, GA
11.21 – Paradise Music Hall – Boston, MA
11.22 – Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
11.23 – Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON
12.5 – A&R Music Bar – Columbus, OH
12.6 – Joe’s On Weed – Chicago, IL
12.7 – Crusens – Peoria, IL
‘Petty Country’ Tribute Album Out Now
/by Lorie HollabaughTom Petty. Photo: Dennis Callahan
Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, a tribute album curated by some of Petty’s closest friends and collaborators in country and Americana music, is out now via Big Machine Records in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate.
Executive produced by Petty’s close confidant George Drakoulias with Randall Poster and Scott Borchetta, Petty Country includes a handful of songs by the icon’s longtime friends and collaborators, such as George Strait, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson, Marty Stuart and The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Wynonna Judd, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens, Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson also pay tribute to the late musician with their own spin on fan favorites.
“There’s a saying in Nashville ‘it all begins with a song’,” says Marty Stuart. “Well, in this case, it begins with the song and the songwriter. I don’t think anybody can challenge Tom Petty when it comes to songwriting. He touched the American heart—critics, fans, the musicians, everyone agrees on Tom’s songs. There’s just a special magic about him. It’s incredibly rare to find musicians who can navigate and completely understand the intersection of Rock & Roll, Country, Gospel and Folk. That’s what Tom (Petty) & The Heartbreakers did so well. They’re America’s greatest Rock & Roll band.”
In celebration of the new music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Tom Petty: Where I Come From” is open now. The special showcase highlights how the late rocker’s southern roots shaped his music and his continued influence on new generations of country artists. The display is included with museum admission and runs through summer 2025 as an extension of their acclaimed “Western Edge” exhibit.
Additionally, Nashville’s downtown transformed over the weekend into Petty Country, USA to honor his legacy and the album’s release. From June 21-23, dozens of bars and honkytonks around Broadway hosted hour-long “Petty Power Hours,” giving away exclusive merch and more.
Petty Country Tracklist:
1. “I Should Have Known It” by Chris Stapleton
2. “Wildflowers” by Thomas Rhett
3. “Runnin’ Down A Dream” by Luke Combs
4. “Southern Accents” by Dolly Parton
5. “Here Comes My Girl” by Justin Moore
6. “American Girl” by Dierks Bentley
7. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Lady A
8. “I Forgive It All” by Jamey Johnson
9. “I Won’t Back Down” by Brothers Osborne
10. “Refugee” by Wynonna Judd & Lainey Wilson
11. “Angel Dream No. 2” by Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson
12. “Learning To Fly” by Eli Young Band
13. “Breakdown” by Ryan Hurd feat. Carly Pearce
14. “Yer So Bad” by Steve Earle
15. “Ways To Be Wicked” by Margo Price feat. Mike Campbell
16. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Midland
17. “Free Fallin’” by The Cadillac Three feat. Breland
18. “I Need To Know” by Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
19. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Rhiannon Giddens feat. Silkroad Ensemble and Benmont Tench
20. “You Wreck Me (Live)” by George Strait
Industry Ink: Parker McCollum, Hootie & The Blowfish, Paul Mason, More
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum Celebrates Platinum Birthday With The King
Pictured (L-R): Enzo DeVincenzo, Red Light Management; Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO; Parker McCollum and Nick Rhodes, Red Light Management. Photo: Chris Kleinmeier
Parker McCollum recently celebrated his birthday weekend by joining his biggest musical influence George Strait for a sold-out show in College Station, Texas. The concert not only broke the record for the largest U.S. ticketed show in history, but the occasion was even more memorable because McCollum was also presented with a Platinum plaque by UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe for his track, “Burn It Down.”
The song’s video also recently took home the ACM Award for “Visual Media of the Year.”
Hootie & The Blowfish’s ‘Cracked Rear View’ Hits 22 Times Platinum
Hootie & the Blowfish’s Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld and Mark Bryan pose with a plaque celebrating the RIAA 22-time Platinum certification of Cracked Rear View. Photo: ABC/Paula Lobo
Hootie & the Blowfish performed on June 20 on ABC’s Good Morning America, and during the broadcast, received a special surprise: a commemorative plaque from the RIAA celebrating their debut album, Cracked Rear View, achieving 22-times Platinum, further extending its double-Diamond status.
The monumental achievement solidifies Cracked Rear View as one of the top 10 best-selling albums in music history, a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and the album’s lasting impact on the music industry.
Paul Mason Promoted To Cumulus Media’s Spoken Word Programming Operations Manager
Paul Mason
Paul Mason has been promoted to Cumulus Media’s Spoken Word Programming Operations Manager for the Nashville Market. He will provide day-to-day programming oversight for Nashville’s Spoken Word stations, adding SuperTalk 99.7 WTN/WWTN-FM to his existing responsibilities over 104.5 The Zone/WGFX-FM and Titans Radio.
Mason previously spent four years as Program Director for Cumulus Nashville’s 104.5 The Zone and Titans Radio. Prior to joining Cumulus, Mason was Program Director for 14 years for Hubbard Media’s NewsTalk 850 WFTL and Fox Sports 640, serving West Palm Beach and Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Prior to that, he was Assistant Program Director for Clear Channel Communications/iHeartMedia Cincinnati’s 700WLW for six years.
Tim Robinson Launches Aligned Talent Agency
Tim Robinson
Christian music industry veteran Tim Robinson has launched Aligned Talent Agency.
Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, the firm already boasts a stable of Christian artists including Love & The Outcome, Dan Bremnes, 7eventh Time Down and the 2021 winner of Australia’s The Voice, Bella Taylor Smith. In addition, Aligned Talent Agency is home to such diverse emerging acts as bilingual artist Evan Egerer, rockers Ignescent and Detroit-based sibling duo Alive City, among others.
Country For A Cause Raises $70K For Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Country For A Cause Board Members along with Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard and John Berry
Country For A Cause ‘s CMA Fest 2024 concert at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley raised $70,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The show, celebrating its 10th anniversary, was hosted by T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, along with Devon O’Day, and featured performers including Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Moe Bandy, John Berry, Chad Brock, T. Graham Brown, Chapel Hart, Lacy J. Dalton, Mike Farris, Crystal Gayle, Terri Gibbs, Lee Greenwood, The Kody Norris Show, Makenzie Phipps, Stephanie Quayle, Sister Sadie and Leona Williams, along with surprise appearances by Ian Flanigan, Tim Atwood and Rhonda Vincent.
Porter’s Call Announces Date & Lineup For 15th Annual ‘Evening Of Stories’
/by Lorie HollabaughPorter’s Call will host its 15th annual “Evening of Stories” on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for Performing Arts. The event will feature award-winning artist Trisha Yearwood and poet, author and Yale University professor Christian Wiman as storytellers as well as musical guests Kyshona, Tommy Prine and Natalie Hemby.
The storytellers will continue the Nashville tradition of stories in-the-round while the musical guests highlight the unique mission of Porter’s Call through stories and music. All proceeds from the event support the work of the nonprofit, which provides care, support and encouragement for touring recording artists and their loved ones.
As the primary fundraising event for Porter’s Call, “Evening of Stories” seeks to raise at least one-third of the organization’s annual operating budget. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, businesses, foundations, churches or any group that wants to support its mission. Sponsorships include priority seating for the show, a VIP reception and recognition within marketing materials. They are also are tax-deductible, less the cost of goods and services received. If there are remaining seats, individual tickets for this year’s event will be available later this summer. For information about sponsorship packages, contact Ashley Holland at Ashley@porterscall.com.
Hit Producer Joe Scaife Dies At Age 68
/by Robert K OermannJoe Scaife
Noted Nashville studio engineer and record producer Joe Scaife has passed away at age 68.
He was behind two of country music’s catchiest and biggest hits, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus (1992) and “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson (2004). In addition, he produced Montgomery Gentry, Ty Herndon and K.T. Oslin. Scaife was also a songwriter, a percussionist and a backing vocalist.
Joe Scaife was raised in Nashville. His father was Cecil Scaife (1927-2009), a record executive at Sun, Columbia and his own labels. He also co-founded the Gospel Music Association. Joe attended Belmont University, then embarked on a career as an audio engineer.
At age 19, he worked on the sound engineering of the Opry’s last Ryman Auditorium performance and its debut at the Opry House the following night in 1974. He learned his trade by working at his father’s recording studio on Music Row. Early audio engineering clients included Dr. Hook, The Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill.
During the 1980s, Joe Scaife hit his stride as a recording-studio engineer. He worked on albums by John Anderson, Tom Jones, Kathy Mattea, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Glen Campbell, Lionel Richie, Emmylou Harris and Sawyer Brown, among others.
He formed a partnership with audio engineer Jim Cotton (1947-2003). They became mainstays at the Music Mill recording studio, usually working under producer Harold Shedd. After they engineered a number of Shedd’s productions, he promoted them to “associate producer” status on ‘80s Ladies, the landmark debut album by K.T. Oslin. They eventually graduated to become full producers on Oslin’s later successes, such as “Come Next Monday,” “Mary and Willie” and “New Way Home.”
In 1992, Scaife and Cotton produced Some Gave All, the debut album by Billy Ray Cyrus. It contained “Achy Breaky Heart” which won Scaife, Cotton and Cyrus a CMA Award for Single of the Year. They also produced “Could’ve Been Me,” “She’s Not Cryin’ Anymore,” “In the Heart of a Woman” and the singer’s other early hits.
During the 1990s, Joe Scaife also continued to work as a recording-studio engineer, working on albums by superstars such as Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Anne Murray, Crystal Gayle, Sammy Kershaw, Shania Twain and Toby Keith. But as the decade progressed, he became increasingly called upon to produce.
Scaife produced several hits by Montgomery Gentry, including 1999’s “Hillbilly Shoes,” “Lonely and Gone” and “Daddy Won’t Sell the Farm,” plus 2001’s “She Couldn’t Change Me” and “Cold One Comin’ On.” Montgomery Gentry was named the CMA’s Vocal Duo of the Year in 2000. During this era, Scaife also produced records by Ty Herndon, Jeff Foxworthy and Van Zant, among others.
In 2004, he was behind the board for the breakthrough albums by newcomer Gretchen Wilson. They contained “Redneck Woman,” “Here for the Party,” “When I Think About Cheatin,’” “Homewrecker” and “All Jacked Up.” These hits earned her CMA Awards as in the Horizon (2004) and Female Vocalist (2005) categories. “Redneck Woman” also won Wilson a Grammy Award.
Joe Scaife and his wife Danielle established four song publishing companies. One of their hit songs was 2017’s “She Got the Best of Me” sung by Luke Combs. Another was the 2017 Walker Hayes top 10 success “You Broke Up With Me.”
Shortly after Joe Scaife attended Belmont University, his father and his mother, Sherytha, encouraged the establishment of the school’s music-business program. That program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The program has become The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont. It now has a Cecil Scaife Endowed Scholarship to provide financial assistance to students there. Joe and his sisters LaRawn, LaQuita and LaQuela created the scholarship and The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award as an annual event to benefit the scholarship fund. Honorees have included Amy Grant, Wynonna, Ray Stevens and Brenda Lee.
Joe Scaife passed away on June 12. No cause of death has been announced. He is survived by his wife, Danielle Godwin Scaife; children, Jaela Scaife Harris (Prather) and Joe Tristan Payne Scaife; sister LaRawn Scaife Rhea (Richard) and many other family members and friends.
A private burial was held in Perry County on June 15, and a Celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Music Row at a later date. Those who wish to send a memorial in Joe Scaife’s honor can donate to The Cecil Scaife Music Business Endowment at Belmont University (P.O. Box 128079, Nashville, TN 37212).
Ty Myers Signs With RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): RECORDS’ Andrew Saltman, RECORDS Nashville’s Josh Easler and Joe Fisher, Columbia Records’ Jenifer Mallory; Ty Myers; Columbia Records’ Julian Swirsky and Joe Gallo; RECORDS’ Barry Weiss; Starstruck Entertainment’s Narvel Blackstock and RECORDS’ David Enriquez. Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Records
Ty Myers has signed a record deal with RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records.
“After a year of being pursued by every major label from Nashville to LA to New York, I am beyond excited to have signed with RECORDS/Columbia,” Myers says. “They felt like family from the very start and they share the vision I have for my music & my future. I feel incredibly blessed and honored that they are backing me and I am just so stoked to get started. It’s a dream come true.”
The 17-year-old Texas native began enjoying music from a very young age, and listened to an array of artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Chris Stapleton and George Strait, among others. To hone in on his songwriting and playing, Myers opted for homeschooling. In 2023, he released his debut single “Tie That Binds,” which has amassed over 6.1 million streams on Spotify. Shortly after, “Drinkin’ Alone” gave the singer another 11 million Spotify streams.
“It’s not often you meet a proper singer/songwriter at the tender age of 17 who writes, sings, plays guitar and performs like Ty Myers,” shares CEO and Co-Founder of RECORDS’ Barry Weiss. “Simply put, this is what the music business is all about. We’re wildly excited at RECORDS Nashville to have signed him with our colleagues at Columbia Records.”
So far this year, Myers has been playing headline shows in his home state and has opened up for Willie Nelson. He is set for more headline shows in Austin, Terrell and Stephenville throughout the summer, and will open up for Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers Band, Cody Johnson and Josh Meloy.
Myers is also set to release his new single “Let ‘Em Talk” soon.
Myers is managed by Narvel Blackstock of Starstruck Entertainment and represented by CAA.