Buzz Cason. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Buzz Cason, a key figure in Nashville’s emergence as a music center, passed away on Sunday, June 16, at age 84.
He made his mark as a studio owner, music publisher, artist, songwriter, session vocalist, record producer and industry leader. Cason founded Nashville’s first rock & roll band, co-wrote the pop evergreen “Everlasting Love,” was a hit recording artist, founded Creative Workshop studio, sang national ad jingles and was an ombudsman for Nashville music.
Born James E. Cason, he was a Nashville native who formed The Casuals as a high-school student in 1956. This was Nashville’s first rock & roll band. The group had a regional hit in 1957 with “My Love Song for You,” then became the backup group for the first global pop star, Brenda Lee, in 1958-70. The Casuals continued to record its own singles for Monument, Mainstream, Kem, Sound Stage 7, Minaret, Scarlet and other labels in the 1960s.
In addition to recording with The Casuals, he formed a doo-wop harmony group called The Statues. The group charted with “Blue Velvet” in 1960. Cason’s solo vocal pop hit was 1960’s “Look For a Star,” released as by “Garry Miles.” The Casuals continued to tour with Lee, but Cason left the group in 1962. He briefly relocated to L.A., where he co-produced The Crickets with Leon Russell. Then he toured with the group in 1964, while producing artists for Liberty Records.
Cason returned to Nashville in 1965 and became a member of Ronny & The Daytonas. He co-wrote the group’s hit 1965 ballad “Sandy.” He then formed a duo with “Ronny,” who was Bucky Wilkin. They recorded as “Buzz & Bucky” for the Amy and Monument labels. Throughout this same period, Cason also recorded as a solo artist for Caprice, Janus, DJM, Mega, Warners and Capricorn, among others. He issued Buzz as an LP in 1977. Two years later came his Caught Up in a Dream collection. By then, he had established himself as a hit songwriter. In addition to “Sandy,” Cason was behind “Tennessee” (1962, Jan & Dean), “Soldier of Love” (1963, The Beatles), “Popsicle” (1966, Jan & Dean), “Rainbow Valley” (1968, Love Affair), “Ann Don’t Go Runnin’” (1972, Tommy Overstreet), “Love on a Mountaintop” (1973, Robert Knight) and “Another Woman” (1975, T.G. Sheppard).
Cason became a businessman, too. In 1966, he formed a song-publishing company with fellow songwriter Bobby Russell. They struck paydirt with “Honey” (Bobby Goldsboro), “The Joker Went Wild” (Bryan Hyland), “Little Green Apples” (Roger Miller, O.C. Smith), “Sure Gonna Miss Her” (Gary Lewis & The Playboys), “Bluer Than Blue” (Michael Johnson), “She Believes in Me” (Kenny Rogers) and more. He discovered Jimmy Buffett, cowrote with the future star and published his early songs. In 1984, Buffett brought his entire hit Coral Reefer catalog to Cason for publishing administration.
In 1970, Cason built Creative Workshop in Berry Hill. This established the suburb as an alternative entertainment district to Music Row. There are now more than 40 recording operations in the neighborhood. Among those who have recorded at Creative Workshop are The Faces with Rod Stewart, Olivia Newton-John, The Judds, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, The Doobie Brothers, Leon Russell, Melanie and Dolly Parton.
As a studio vocalist, Cason sang ad jingles for such national brands as R.C. Cola, Schlitz, Ford, Tab, Pabst, Burger King, Mountain Dew, HBO and 7-Up. He was a backup singer on records by Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, Roy Orbison, Janie Fricke, B.W. Stevenson, Donna Fargo, Willie Nelson and Conway Twitty. He was the voice of “Alvin” on several Chipmunks records. As a producer, he worked with Freddy Weller, Dickey Lee, The Glaser Brothers, Buddy Knox and Mac Garden. Cason produced “She Shot a Hole in My Soul” for Clifford Curry in 1967. Released on Cason’s Elf label, it became a “beach music” classic in the Carolinas.
He and Gayden cowrote “Everlasting Love.” Nashville soul singer Robert Knight introduced the song in 1967 on Cason’s Rising Sons record label. It has subsequently become successful for Carl Carlton (1974), Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet (1981) and Gloria Estefan (1995). The song has now logged more than five million plays, according to BMI.Songwriting success continued with “Bar Wars” (1978, Freddy Weller), “Fantasy Island” (1979, Freddy Weller), “A Million Old Goodbyes” (1981, Mel Tillis) and “Timeless and True Love” (The McCarter Sisters, Jeannie Kendall & Alan Jackson). His songs have also been recorded by Charley Pride, Arthur Alexander, Marshall Crenshaw, U2, Pearl Jam, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton, Rick Nelson, Bobby Vee, Gene Watson, The Fleetwoods, Freddy Cannon, Placido Domingo, The Derailers, Tommy Roe, Hanson, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and David Essex, among others.
Meanwhile, Cason continued to record, himself. During the 1980s, he formed the neo-rockabilly, good-time band B.C. & The Dartz. He established his I’m Into Video production company to create the group’s music videos. Cason was also a race-car driver who competed via the International Motor Sports Association. He formed a team called Music City Racing.
He remained musically active into the new millennium. Cason and Tom Douglas co-wrote “Love’s the Only House,” and it became a top-10 hit for Martina McBride in 2000. In 2004, Cason published his memoir, Living the Rock-n-Roll Dream. His solo albums during this period included Hats Off to Hank (2008), Busload of Love (2009), Surf and Turf (2012), Troubadour Heart (2014), Record Machine (2015), Passion (2017) and his collaboration with Billy Swan, Billy & Buzz Sing Buddy (2018). With his children Taylor and Parker, he issued the album Buzz Cason & Sons 2020. In 2019, The Nashville Film Festival showcased the documentary Berry Hill: From Creative Workshop and Beyond, highlighting his career.
Cason’s death was announced by The Country Music Hall of Fame yesterday (June 16). The museum had honored him in its “Poets & Prophets” series in 2014. He is survived by wife Vickie, daughters Tammy Cason, Kristy Cason and Leah Ball Steen, sons Taylor and Parker, nine grandchildren and a large extended family.
A visitation will take place on Thursday, June 20 from 1–3 p.m. CT at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, from 1–2 p.m. CT at Forest Hills Baptist Church. Cason’s burial will be private.
ACM Unveils Industry & Studio Recording Award Winners
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music unveiled the winners of the Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards today (June 17) through video announcements featuring Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Tigirlily Gold and Keith Urban as well as local media personalities from across the nation.
All winners and the soon-to-be-announced Special Award recipients will be celebrated during the 17th Annual ACM Honors on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
The ACM Studio Recording Awards recognize the creators behind the music. To be eligible, each artist, musician, producer and engineer must have played a part in a commercially-released single or album embodying the creator’s performance that achieves top 20 chart position or better during the eligibility period. Nominees are then selected by a professional panel of judges approved by the ACM Officers before being voted on by members classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist categories and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager categories.
Paul Franklin won his second ACM Specialty Instrument Player of the Year award, marking his 18th ACM Award overall while tying fellow steel guitar player J.D. Maness for most ACM Studio Recording Award wins. Dann Huff scored his fifth win for ACM Producer of the Year, bringing his total ACM Award count to 11. Huff is the most-nominated non-artist in ACM Awards history with 57 nominations, surpassed only by artists Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw and George Strait.
Jimmie Lee Sloas took home his fifth win for ACM Bass Player of the Year. Rob McNelley won his first ACM Electric Guitar Player of the Year award, bringing his ACM Award total to four. His previous three awards fell in the ACM Guitar Player of the Year category, which was split into standalone Electric and Acoustic categories in 2021.
Jim “Moose” Brown scored his third ACM Piano/Keys Player of the Year award. Audio engineer Jim Cooley, piano/keys player David Dorn and guitar player Charlie Worsham each received their second career ACM Award for Audio Engineer of the Year, Piano/Keys Player of the Year and Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, respectively. Lastly, Jerry Roe earned his first ACM Award with the Drummer of the Year title.
The ACM Industry Awards honors venues and talent buyers/promoters who have bought or promoted a predetermined number of country music concerts and helped to promote country music ticket sales. Nominees are selected by a professional panel of judges approved by the ACM Officers, with ACM members classified in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Venue, Manager, Talent Agent, Talent Buyer/Promoter categories voting to determine the winners.
Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena, which are one block away from each other, were named ACM Theater of the Year and ACM Arena of the Year, respectively. This marks the Ryman Auditorium’s eighth win, and Bridgestone Arena’s sixth. Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut took home its eighth ACM Award as well in the Casino of the Year – Arena category.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado earned its third ACM Outdoor Venue of the Year title and fifth overall ACM Award. Joe’s Live in Rosemont, Illinois received its third ACM Award for Club of the Year, and the club’s owner Ed Warm notched his first win for ACM Talent Buyer of the Year, bringing his total personal trophy count to six.
Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida took home its third ACM Award for Festival of the Year, and Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma scored its third ACM Award with Casino of the Year – Theater. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo won its second ACM Award for Fair/Rodeo of the Year, and AEG Presents’ Adam Weiser marked his first ACM Award for Promoter of the Year.
SiriusXM’s Jeremy Tepper Dies At 61
/by John Nix ArledgeJeremy Tepper
Jeremy Tepper, Program Director for SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse, has passed away at age 61.
“Jeremy Tepper was a beloved member of SiriusXM. With an unwavering dedication to music and an innovative spirit, Jeremy profoundly influenced us all,” said SiriusXM in a recent Instagram post. “His contributions to our organization, particularly in shaping the identity of Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse, are beyond measure. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
“We lost an amazing friend here at SiriusXM,” echoes Outlaw Country radio host Sunny Sweeney. “[Jeremy] was like my big brother, the best boss I’ve ever known and a completely irreplaceable piece of Willie’s Roadhouse and Outlaw Country. Some of you may not know him by name, but please know that Jeremy Tepper will be so greatly missed and has left a gigantic hole in our world. He was a magical human being [who] was so passionate and knew more about music than any other person I’ve ever known. He had absolutely impeccable taste and knew all the deep cuts. He was the independent artist’s knight in shining armor.”
Willie Nelson’s publicist Elaine Schock adds, “Jeremy was a good friend and we had lots of adventures working with Willie for about twenty years. This just hurts my heart. I’m sick of getting it punched with these blindsides. I will miss him terribly. I was going to see him in a few weeks. I’m so sad for his family–and for myself to be honest. Jeremy was one of the good ones.”
A visitation will take place on Monday, June 24 from 2–6 p.m. CT at Greenwich Village Funeral Home in New York City, NY.
Jessi Alexander Continues To Climb MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJessi Alexander
Jessi Alexander continues to move up the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, sitting at No. 7 this week. The songwriter’s entries for “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and “Chevrolet” give her the spot.
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot this week with “Pink Skies,” “I Remember Everything” and “Nine Ball.” With “I Had Some Help,” “Cowgirls,” “Bulletproof,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “Hell Or High Water” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week.
Josh Phillips (No. 3), Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Chris Stapleton (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.
Nashville Pop Pioneer Buzz Cason Passes
/by Robert K OermannBuzz Cason. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Buzz Cason, a key figure in Nashville’s emergence as a music center, passed away on Sunday, June 16, at age 84.
He made his mark as a studio owner, music publisher, artist, songwriter, session vocalist, record producer and industry leader. Cason founded Nashville’s first rock & roll band, co-wrote the pop evergreen “Everlasting Love,” was a hit recording artist, founded Creative Workshop studio, sang national ad jingles and was an ombudsman for Nashville music.
Born James E. Cason, he was a Nashville native who formed The Casuals as a high-school student in 1956. This was Nashville’s first rock & roll band. The group had a regional hit in 1957 with “My Love Song for You,” then became the backup group for the first global pop star, Brenda Lee, in 1958-70. The Casuals continued to record its own singles for Monument, Mainstream, Kem, Sound Stage 7, Minaret, Scarlet and other labels in the 1960s.
In addition to recording with The Casuals, he formed a doo-wop harmony group called The Statues. The group charted with “Blue Velvet” in 1960. Cason’s solo vocal pop hit was 1960’s “Look For a Star,” released as by “Garry Miles.” The Casuals continued to tour with Lee, but Cason left the group in 1962. He briefly relocated to L.A., where he co-produced The Crickets with Leon Russell. Then he toured with the group in 1964, while producing artists for Liberty Records.
Cason returned to Nashville in 1965 and became a member of Ronny & The Daytonas. He co-wrote the group’s hit 1965 ballad “Sandy.” He then formed a duo with “Ronny,” who was Bucky Wilkin. They recorded as “Buzz & Bucky” for the Amy and Monument labels. Throughout this same period, Cason also recorded as a solo artist for Caprice, Janus, DJM, Mega, Warners and Capricorn, among others. He issued Buzz as an LP in 1977. Two years later came his Caught Up in a Dream collection. By then, he had established himself as a hit songwriter. In addition to “Sandy,” Cason was behind “Tennessee” (1962, Jan & Dean), “Soldier of Love” (1963, The Beatles), “Popsicle” (1966, Jan & Dean), “Rainbow Valley” (1968, Love Affair), “Ann Don’t Go Runnin’” (1972, Tommy Overstreet), “Love on a Mountaintop” (1973, Robert Knight) and “Another Woman” (1975, T.G. Sheppard).
Cason became a businessman, too. In 1966, he formed a song-publishing company with fellow songwriter Bobby Russell. They struck paydirt with “Honey” (Bobby Goldsboro), “The Joker Went Wild” (Bryan Hyland), “Little Green Apples” (Roger Miller, O.C. Smith), “Sure Gonna Miss Her” (Gary Lewis & The Playboys), “Bluer Than Blue” (Michael Johnson), “She Believes in Me” (Kenny Rogers) and more. He discovered Jimmy Buffett, cowrote with the future star and published his early songs. In 1984, Buffett brought his entire hit Coral Reefer catalog to Cason for publishing administration.
In 1970, Cason built Creative Workshop in Berry Hill. This established the suburb as an alternative entertainment district to Music Row. There are now more than 40 recording operations in the neighborhood. Among those who have recorded at Creative Workshop are The Faces with Rod Stewart, Olivia Newton-John, The Judds, Emmylou Harris, Merle Haggard, The Doobie Brothers, Leon Russell, Melanie and Dolly Parton.
As a studio vocalist, Cason sang ad jingles for such national brands as R.C. Cola, Schlitz, Ford, Tab, Pabst, Burger King, Mountain Dew, HBO and 7-Up. He was a backup singer on records by Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, Roy Orbison, Janie Fricke, B.W. Stevenson, Donna Fargo, Willie Nelson and Conway Twitty. He was the voice of “Alvin” on several Chipmunks records. As a producer, he worked with Freddy Weller, Dickey Lee, The Glaser Brothers, Buddy Knox and Mac Garden. Cason produced “She Shot a Hole in My Soul” for Clifford Curry in 1967. Released on Cason’s Elf label, it became a “beach music” classic in the Carolinas.
He and Gayden cowrote “Everlasting Love.” Nashville soul singer Robert Knight introduced the song in 1967 on Cason’s Rising Sons record label. It has subsequently become successful for Carl Carlton (1974), Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet (1981) and Gloria Estefan (1995). The song has now logged more than five million plays, according to BMI.Songwriting success continued with “Bar Wars” (1978, Freddy Weller), “Fantasy Island” (1979, Freddy Weller), “A Million Old Goodbyes” (1981, Mel Tillis) and “Timeless and True Love” (The McCarter Sisters, Jeannie Kendall & Alan Jackson). His songs have also been recorded by Charley Pride, Arthur Alexander, Marshall Crenshaw, U2, Pearl Jam, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton, Rick Nelson, Bobby Vee, Gene Watson, The Fleetwoods, Freddy Cannon, Placido Domingo, The Derailers, Tommy Roe, Hanson, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and David Essex, among others.
Meanwhile, Cason continued to record, himself. During the 1980s, he formed the neo-rockabilly, good-time band B.C. & The Dartz. He established his I’m Into Video production company to create the group’s music videos. Cason was also a race-car driver who competed via the International Motor Sports Association. He formed a team called Music City Racing.
He remained musically active into the new millennium. Cason and Tom Douglas co-wrote “Love’s the Only House,” and it became a top-10 hit for Martina McBride in 2000. In 2004, Cason published his memoir, Living the Rock-n-Roll Dream. His solo albums during this period included Hats Off to Hank (2008), Busload of Love (2009), Surf and Turf (2012), Troubadour Heart (2014), Record Machine (2015), Passion (2017) and his collaboration with Billy Swan, Billy & Buzz Sing Buddy (2018). With his children Taylor and Parker, he issued the album Buzz Cason & Sons 2020. In 2019, The Nashville Film Festival showcased the documentary Berry Hill: From Creative Workshop and Beyond, highlighting his career.
Cason’s death was announced by The Country Music Hall of Fame yesterday (June 16). The museum had honored him in its “Poets & Prophets” series in 2014. He is survived by wife Vickie, daughters Tammy Cason, Kristy Cason and Leah Ball Steen, sons Taylor and Parker, nine grandchildren and a large extended family.
A visitation will take place on Thursday, June 20 from 1–3 p.m. CT at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, from 1–2 p.m. CT at Forest Hills Baptist Church. Cason’s burial will be private.
Canaan Smith Signs With HAYLO Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): HAYLO Music’s Josh Saxe, Canaan Smith and Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Evan Mattingly
Singer-songwriter Canaan Smith has signed an exclusive co-publishing deal with Tyler Hubbard‘s HAYLO Music, which will be administered by Endurance Music Group (EMG).
The Williamsburg, Virginia native has enjoyed success as an artist with Platinum single “Love You Like That.” He has also had cuts with Hubbard, Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean, Hixtape featuring Morgan Wallen and Hardy, along with Cole Swindell. Additionally, Smith co-wrote Hubbard’s newest single, “Park,” alongside Hubbard, Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, which goes to radio today (June 17).
“I’m excited and honored to have Canaan on board as HAYLO’s first official writer,” says Hubbard. “I’ve written songs with Canaan longer than just about anybody in this town and I’ve always considered him one of the best. Not only is Canaan an incredible songwriter and creative but also an amazing guy that I highly respect as we build the foundation and culture of HAYLO Music.”
“I feel fortunate to have this opportunity and couldn’t be more excited to join up with Tyler and the team,” shares Smith. “He’s been a career-long believer in the songs I write, and nothin’ fires me up more than knowing HAYLO is in my corner.”
George Strait Sets Record For Largest Single Ticketed Concert In U.S.
/by Liza AndersonGeorge Strait performing on Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. Photo: @alivecoverage/Courtesy of Messina Touring Group
George Strait set the record for largest single ticketed concert in U.S. history on Saturday (June 15) at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field with 110,905 fans in attendance for his “George Strait: The King at Kyle Field” show. The concert also now holds the venue’s record for a single event.
A record-setting 110,905 fans in attendance for “George Strait: The King at Kyle Field.” Photo: @alivecoverage/Courtesy of Messina Touring Group
The U.S. record was previously held by The Grateful Dead, who had 107,019 Deadheads in attendance at their 1977 show at Raceway Park in New Jersey. Kyle Field’s record was previously set during a Texas A&M football game against Ole Miss, with 110,633 people present, on Oct. 11, 2014.
Strait was joined by fellow Texans Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman for the milestone evening. After his second song of the night, he greeted the crowd and added, “It’s so good to be here with Catie Offerman and Parker McCollum—let’s have another big round of applause for those two. And happy birthday Parker, my gosh, what a day, what a place to spend your birthday, right?”
Before diving into “Here For A Good Time,” Strait announced, “We got a lot of songs to play for y’all today/tonight. What a beautiful night, too, right? We got some new stuff that we’re gonna do also, we got a new album … out in September called Cowboys And Dreamers, so we got some stuff from that we’re gonna play from that for you also and we got a really special thing we’re gonna do for you, so alright, what are we here for?!”
He continued with “Check Yes or No,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Troubadour,” “Amarillo By Morning” and “Take Me To Texas” as well as with tracks from the new album such as “MIA in MIA,” “Three Drinks Behind,” Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues” and the unreleased “To The Moon.” Strait paused midway through the show to give the floor to retired Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, presenting his 118th home to hero, Sargent Tiffany Baker, via Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program.
Additionally, Strait has signed and donated “the shirt off his back” through an ongoing front-row ticket raffle fundraiser benefitting the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation, powered by Propeller, at each of the last 17 shows. To date, the program has raised more than $1.1 million for the foundation. He plans to visit Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City next Saturday (June 29).
BREAKING: Scooter Braun Retires From Artist Management
/by Liza AndersonScooter Braun. Photo: Bradford Rogne
After more than two decades, Scooter Braun is retiring from artist management. The industry veteran shared the news via social media this morning (June 17).
“23 years. That’s how long I have been a music manager. 23 years ago a 19-year-old kid started managing an artist named Cato in Atlanta, Georgia and my journey began,” he stated in an Instagram post. “Along the way I have had so many experiences I could never have dreamt of. I have been blessed to have had a ‘Forrest Gump-like’ life while witnessing and taking part in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen. I’m constantly pinching myself and asking ‘how did I get here?’ And after 23 years this chapter as a must manager has come to an end.”
Over the course of his career, Braun has helped to develop talent such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and J Balvin, among others.
Additionally, he sold Ithaca Holdings, the parent company of SB Projects and Big Machine Label Group, to South Korean entertainment conglomerate HYBE in 2021. As he enters this new chapter, Braun will continue to serve as CEO of HYBE America in addition to join the company’s Board.
“In this next chapter, I have been honored to join as a board member of Hybe and serve as the CEO of Hybe America. My brilliant partner these past three years, Chairman Bang, has a vision I truly believe in,” he added. “But even beyond that he has become a true friend who understands where I must be in my life these days. And that is a father first, a CEO second, and a manager no more.”
Jenna Paulette Gears Up For New Album ‘Horseback’ Arriving In September
/by John Nix ArledgeJenna Paulette
Jenna Paulette is gearing up for the release of her sophomore album, Horseback, set for Sept. 6. Since signing with Leo33 earlier this year, Paulette has been preparing new music that fully embraces all aspects of her life.
“This record is a cumulation of perspectives I have from the moments and people that made me: rural, cowboy, America, my biggest heartaches leading to my healing, the men and women I’m so proud to come from and represent,” Paulette shared exclusively with Cowboys & Indians.
“From the ‘ear break’ on the record ‘Prairie Primrose,’ which I literally wrote most of from the saddle, to one of my favorites to perform live, ‘Run the Damn Ball,’ to ‘The Prophet (Grandaddy’s Song),’ it’s all a picture of the perspectives and personalities I’ve been influenced by throughout my life. A body of work I can stand behind,” she adds.
Paulette offers fans a look into what’s to come on this album with songs such as “Darlin’,” “Hang Your Hat” and “Wild Is Her Favorite Color,” available now. The latter, written by Lori McKenna, Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey, aims to be a celebration of the freedom that accompanies living authentically.
“Being wild has always gotten a bad rap, but I’ve always felt wild,” Paulette reflects. “Not Fireball shots at 3 a.m. wild, but honeysuckle growing up an old fence post. Horse wide open in a pasture. Sunset on fire, wind in my hair kind of wild. The kind of wild that God smiles about because he’s the one that made the wild…Not people’s opinions, not my own opinions about myself, not the constraints of society, undomesticated but feminine. Ruled by her maker and not the things the world says will make her. Free to be whatever it is that truly makes me come alive. So yes, I’m wild. And I’m hoping that when I’m done with it, it won’t have such a bad rap.”
Additionally, Paulette is currently on the road with Aaron Watson as part of “The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour.”
Horseback Track Listing:
1. Wild Is Her Favorite Color (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)
2. 3 Kings (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
3. The Devil Is An Angel (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
4. Run The Damn Ball (Rodney Clawson, Casey Beathard, Hunter Phelps)
5. The Dirt (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Hillary Lindsey)
6. Chasin’ Whiskey (Joe Fox, Tony Lane)
7. The Prophet (Granddaddy’s Song) (Ashley McBryde, Matraca Berg, Lori McKenna)
8. Outside (Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson)
9. Prairie Primrose (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
10. Darlin’ (Jenna Paulette, Jess Cayne, Matthew Morrisey)
11. Horseback (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
12. Hang Your Hat (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jim Beavers, Rhett Akins)
13. A Hill To Die On (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Lynn Hutton)
Caylee Hammack Readies Next Era With Vulnerable New Single [Interview]
/by Madison HahnenCaylee Hammack. Photo: Kirsten Balani
Capitol Records Nashville recording artist and ACM Award winner Caylee Hammack released her critically acclaimed debut album If It Wasn’t For You in 2o20. After years of touring, connecting with fans and being part of some incredible collaborations, she is ready to pull back the curtain on her new era of music, starting with the release of her new single “The Hill,” out today (June 14).
Hammack recently took some time to speak to MusicRow about her new music.
When she first moved to town in 2013, Hammack immediately got her boots on the ground and started playing in bars all up and down broadway. After two and half years of playing the bars and getting in as many writes as she could, she landed a publishing deal with UMPG Nashville.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in Hammack’s life when she lost her home in electrical fire while at a writer’s retreat. Despite her hard times, the singer-songwriter found her support system here in town, and it showed her what she truly needed in her life.
While her personal life was down, she found that her professional life was going up through that support. At the time, Hammack was starting to hammer down on finding songs for her debut album. She enlisted friend and producer Mikey Reaves for song sampling, and a few of those demos are what you hear on the record today, such as “Family Tree.”
After signing her record deal in 2018, Hammack was off to the races on radio tours to begin introducing herself to industry gatekeepers. She released her debut album in August of 2020, and recalls how hard it was not being able to see fans reacting to songs out on the road, as being able to see music connect is vital to her.
“There’s just a tangible magic, connection and unity that I have with complete strangers [at shows]. That is one of the most beautiful things that music does. It’s a conduit for people and it connects us all,” she says.
“We have so many differing opinions, but for some reason, when that one song plays, people will drunkenly put their arms around each other’s shoulders and sing along together. For those three minutes, we agree on something and we’re happy together,” Hammack explains. “During that time, I realized in an ever deeper level what I already knew—that it is magic the way music is able to draw people in.”
Since live shows have come back, Hammack has been sharing her music with the world non-stop, opening up for Brothers Osborne, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and more. She also embarked on a co-headline tour in the UK with Tenille Arts, and has played CMA Fest, The Long Road Festival, Watershed Festival and more.
“I truly cried after the first gig back [from COVID]. There’s something about when you look out into a crowd. Someone once told me every single show that you play is most likely one person’s first-ever show and one person’s last-ever show, so you better play it that way. That’s how I’ve always viewed it.”
That’s why heading into this new album, Hammack is excited to take on a whole new approach by seeing real-time reactions.
“I feel like I’m getting to do [the album cycle for the first time] all over again. I’m working on these songs and am on the road at the same time,” she says. “We’re releasing stuff, getting to tour, getting to do the TV shows and everything versus just spending eight or nine hours a day on Zoom doing interviews, Instagram lives and DM-ing people and then laying in bed going, ‘I hope they like it.'”
Gearing up for the project, Hammack zeroed in on her sound and artistry.
“This next record is much more organically influenced and infused with more acoustic energy like the music I was raised on. On the first album, we did a lot of sampling and such because we were working with demo budgets. That album came out exactly how it should, but I remember listening back and it felt poppy for me. It doesn’t sound the way my heart sounds when I sing these new songs.”
Hammack enlisted trusted producers Dann Huff and John Osborne to co-produce her next album with. By letting her creativity flow with no limits and learning from Huff and Osborne, she’s confident that it will truly show who she is as an artist.
“I was able to truly fall into the bells and whistles, the little pad parts, the ways of layering things and certain effects that I love dearly. I had so much more freedom. I got to step back and truly be the artist.”
Hammack is a co-writer on all but one of the album’s songs, but feels her first outside cut was truly made for her. Her friend and fellow songwriter Mia Mantia played her a track she was working on that was a spin off of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.” This version was from the woman’s point of view, saying, “don’t let your babies grow up to love cowboys.”
The song struck a chord with Hammack, as it reminded her of a family member Matthew Rue, who had just passed away from complications with MS. Rue was a huge musical influence for Hammack, as he was her only musical family member.
“I heard it and thought of Matthew and the old country music that he loved. I got these goosebumps all over my body,” Hammack recalls. “I just felt like God was telling me that I needed to cut the song. It just was so serendipitous the way it happened and the way my body reacted.”
Lyrically, Hammack is sharing some of her favorite stories from her catalog, some tracks even dating back to 2018. She wants to share the vulnerable part of herself, hoping to cultivate connection to the fans.
“What I’ve learned is the songs that are the most vulnerable—the ones about the grittiest and saddest parts of my life—have been the ones that most people have connected to,” she shares. “When I realized that they connected to the vulnerable parts of me that I tried to hide, it gave me this new revival of hope.”
To start off the new era, Hammack released her new single “The Hill” today (June 14). Written with Tenille Townes and Logan Wall, the single kicks off the album’s vulnerability.
“‘The Hill’ is a white flag being waved by a broken arm in the middle of a battle. There is no point in fighting. If you win this argument, you might just lose the other person, so winning this argument is not worth it at all if you lose them.”
More of Hammack’s new music is on the way.
Sadler Vaden Releases Surprise Solo Project For Father’s Day
/by Lorie HollabaughSadler Vaden of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit has released a surprise solo project, Dad Rock, via Thirty Tigersjust in time for Father’s Day.
Vaden recorded the eight-song set of classic rock jams and ballads just after he became a father, and recruited fellow dad rockers Benmont Tench, Elliot Easton, Art Edmaiston and more to join him on the album.
Dad Rock includes new tracks that Vaden wrote specifically for his two sons, “Townsend’s Theme” and “I’ll Always Come Back,” the latter of which was inspired by what he tells them every time he leaves for tour, as well as older tracks he has waited to share with the world, like “Two Balloons,” a tribute to his late parents that matches the tattoo on his left arm.
“I was technically only in the studio for two days, two sessions in December just days before my second son Theo was born,” says Vaden. “Everything else was done remotely or at my home studio when I could carve out an hour here and there. I really knew what I wanted things to sound like on this record, so it was important to me to not let things get overcooked by laboring over parts and sounds too much. We mixed the record remotely with Owen Lewis using Audiomovers, which is software that you can put on the stereo output of your DAW and send a link to a mix or recording session in real time. I’d be listening to the link in my airpods while he’s mixing and I’d be changing dirty diapers or making bottles or chasing my toddler around getting ready for bedtime, ‘Dad Rock’ indeed.”
Since his last release, Vaden has continued touring and recording with Isbell while further establishing himself behind the board by producing Morgan Wade’s last two records, Reckless and Psychopath, among others.