John Schweers
Hit songwriter John Schweers has died at age 78.
One of the finest country writers of his generation, Schweers was responsible for such iconic songs as Charley Pride’s “Amazing Love,” Ronnie Milsap’s “Daydreams About Night Things,” Dave & Sugar’s “Golden Tears” and Trace Adkins’ “I Left Something Turned on at Home.”
The songwriter was a native of San Antonio who began playing guitar and writing songs while in high school. During his college years, he performed in a rock group that toured throughout southwest Texas. After graduation, he moved to California to hone his songwriting skills as he played in various bands.
He began to make contacts in Nashville. His first recorded song appears to have been 1970’s “Alabama Bull of the Woods” by Del Reeves. The songwriter’s first charted tune was “Poor Folks Stick Together,” recorded by Stoney Edwards in 1971. Tom T. Hall took note of John Schweers’ talents, mentored him and encouraged him to move to Music City.
Schweers arrived in 1972 at age 26 with $45 in his pocket. Soon after his arrival on Music Row, he was signed as a staff songwriter by Pi-Gem Music, co-owned by Charley Pride. During the next dozen years, Pride recorded more than 20 John Schweers songs. The company’s Tom Collins offered suggestions to help make the fledgling writer’s songs more commercial. Just as Collins and Hall had aided him, Schweers discovered a teenage Dean Dillon and brought him to his publisher.
The first No. 1 hit penned by John Schweers was Pride’s “Don’t Fight the Feelings of Love” in 1973. Pride’s follow-up single was “Amazing Love,” which also topped the country hit parade. In 1975, Nick Nixon charted with the Schweers song “She’s Just an Old Love Turned Memory.” Pride recorded it two years later and turned it into another No. 1 hit.
As Collins evolved into record production, Schweers gained the ears of Barbara Mandrell, Sylvia, Ronnie Milsap and other stars. Milsap hit No. 1 with Schweers’ “Daydreams About Night Things” in 1975. The superstar repeated the chart-topping feat with the Schweers songs “What Goes On When the Sun Goes Down” (1976) and “Let My Love Be Your Pillow” (1977). Milsap recorded 15 John Schweers compositions.
The songwriter’s other No. 1 hit during the 1970s was “Golden Tears” by Dave & Sugar in 1979. During the decade, his songs were also recorded by Eddy Arnold, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, David Wills, Johnny Russell, Mel Street, Susan Raye, Jim Ed Brown and Jeanne Pruett, among others. 16 of his songs made the country popularity charts in the ‘70s.
In 1978, the Triple I record label issued Nashville’s Master Songwriters Sing Their Hits. On it, Schweers performed his versions of “Daydreams About Night Things,” “She’s Just an Old Love Turned Memory” and “Early Fall,” all of which he wrote solo. The album featured him alongside Harlan Howard, Danny Dill and Allen Reynolds, each of whom also contributed three songs.
Success continued in the 1980s. During this decade, Schweers wrote such top 10 hits as Steve Wariner’s “Your Memory” (1981), Janie Fricke’s “Do Me With Love” (1982) and Mandrell’s “No One Mends a Broken Heart Like You” (1986). The songwriter’s 10 charing singles in the decade included recordings by R.C. Bannon, Butch.Baker, David Frizzell & Shelly West (1986’s “It’s a Be Together Night”), Louise Mandrell and Tom T. Hall. Others who recorded Schweers songs during the 1980s included The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, The Kendalls, Don Williams, The Osmond Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, Jeannie C. Riley and Charlie Louvin.
John Schweers continued to create hits in the 1990s. Two of his biggest were “Born Country,” sung by Alabama in 1992 and “I Left Something Turned on at Home,” sung by Trace Adkins in 1997. His songs were also recorded in the ‘90s by George Jones, Mel McDaniel, Roy Clark, Daron Norwood & Travis Tritt (1993’s “Phantom of the Opry”), Larry Stewart, Neal McCoy and Johnny Rodriguez.
Since 2000, John Schweers songs have been sung by Mark Wiils, George Strait, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Marty Raybon, Con Hunley, Don Everly, Brother Slade, Buck Owens and Joe Nichols, among others. In addition, his songs from 25-50 years ago continue to receive airplay. The songwriter picked up BMI or ASCAP awards in three different decades. Few in country music have demonstrated songwriting success over such an extended period of time.
He has been a six-time nominee for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, but has not yet been elected. His accomplishments are all the more remarkable in that he mainly wrote his songs alone. Of his 12 top 10 hits, only three were co-written (with Byron Hill, Charles Quillen or Billy Lawson). In a songwriting community overwhelmingly comprised of co-writers, Schweers stood out.
John Schweers passed away in the early morning hours of May 28.
He will be honored on Thursday (June 6) at Brentwood Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life event will begin with visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The service will be from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Visitation will resume following the service. The family plans to have a private burial prior to Thursday’s Celebration of Life.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lainey Wilson Gives Us A ‘Summertime Smash’
/by Robert K OermannLainey Wilson. Photo: Erick Frost
This month’s ACM Awards put a spotlight on several of today’s DISClaimer candidates.
Among the Top New Male and Female nominees were Kameron Marlowe and Kassi Ashton, both of whom have fine new sounds. Entertainer of the Year nominee Kane Brown shows a whole new side of his artistry with “Georgia on My Mind.” Artist/Songwriter of the Year nominee Hardy is paired today with Travis Denning. Songwriter of the Year nominee Chase McGill is present as a co-writer on that same collaboration.
And then there’s Lainey Wilson, wearing the ACM Female Vocalist sash and the Entertainer of the Year crown. She rules in DISClaimer, too, with our Disc of the Day.
Dust off a tiara for Kayley Green, too. She takes home a DISCovery Award.
HARPER GRACE / “Getaway”
Writers: Cooper Bascom/Harper Gruzins/Nate Kenyon/Tedd Tjornhom; Producers: Cooper Bascom/Tedd T.; Label: Curb Records
– Electro-pop meets country in this rushing, open-road blast of uptempo energy. Grace is a highly skilled vocal communicator, leaping effortlessly from the deep alto passages in the verses to the sunny soprano soaring in the choruses. The whole thing feels like warm summer wind in your face.
MIDLAND / “Old Fashioned Feeling”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne/Mark Wystrach/Matthew Dragstrem; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Machine Records
– Bittersweet barroom heartache, served with the group’s trademark California-country harmonies. A super strong comeback tune.
TRAVIS DENNING & HARDY / “Southern Rock”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Chase McGill/Travis Denning; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Guitar rock is dead on pop radio. All you’ll find there is diva singing, rap shouting and synthesized sounds, sometimes in the same single. What’s a rock lover to do? Country music is still about guitars, so that is where these Southern rockers head, proudly singing of their love for Skynyrd. Denning’s guitar states its case, as do both vocalists. Rock on, bro’s.
KANE BROWN / “Georgia On My Mind”
Writers: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Brown demonstrates his talent for crooning on this string-embellished revival of a much-loved pop standard. He holds his own by comparison with well-known prior versions by Mildred Bailey (1932), Ray Charles (1960), Willie Nelson (1978) and Michael Bolton (1990).
KAYLEY GREEN / “Live Fast Die Pretty”
Writers: Joey Hyde/Kayley Green/Kylie Sackley; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Green is a Lower Broadway veteran who is a regular entertainer at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row honky-tonk. She was heard there by Keith Urban, who invited her to sing with him at Bridgestone Arena. That’s where she got Sony’s attention, and, voila, a rocking major-label single. It’s a little over-produced, but shows great promise.
PAUL OVERSTREET / “All I Ever Wanted To Be (Was A Cowboy)”
Writers: Christopher Harris/Paul Overstreet/Steve Thomas; Producer: Paul Overstreet/Christopher Harris; Label: Horsefly Music
– This stone-country cowboy outing salutes legendary rodeo champion Jack Roddy. Accompanied by a loping western beat and sighing steel, Overstreet still sings with a warm heart.
LOUIE THESINGER / “Desperado”
Writers: Bordeaux/Jake Angel/Luis Alfonso Palacios II/Non Native/Xzavier; Producers: Bordeaux/Non Native/Xzavier/Jake Angel; Label: UMG Nashville
– He’s a Mexican-American stylist who sounds confident and cool on this moody portrait of an outsider. The song seems to meander aimlessly despite its repetitive lyric. He needs better material.
LAINEY WILSON / “Hang Tight Honey”
Writers: Driver Williams/Jason Nix/Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson premiered this new tune on The Voice. Its a snappy hillbilly rocker that comes on with whiplash energy and wildfire heat. The lady rules, and this is a summertime smash.
ALEX MILLER / “My Daddy’s Dad”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Miller is a marvelously expressive country vocalist, and this heart-warming word portrait is right up his alley. Father’s Day is approaching, so this ode to a loved granddad couldn’t be more timely. Deserving of many spins.
KAMERON MARLOWE / “I Can Run”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Oscar Charles/Ben Roberts; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Records
– This is the focus track from Marlowe’s sophomore album Keepin’ the Lights On. I have said many times before how much I love his emotional singing. Backed by a rhythmic thump and sympathetic guitar work, he is splendid on this tune of a troubled soul. No one deserves stardom more.
KASSI ASHTON / “I Don’t Wanna Dance”
Writers: Oscar Charles/Kassi Ashton/Emily Landis; Producers: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles; Label: MCA Records
– I dig the bluesy vibe in her alto delivery. The midtempo meditation is sultry and inviting, but, “I don’t wanna dance/If I ain’t dancin’ with you.” So back off, buddy.
JAMEY JOHNSON / “21 Guns”
Writers: Jamey Johnson/Jim Brown; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Johnson premiered this on the PBS Memorial Day concert special. Which was so fitting, because the song is literally about Memorial Day. The somber ballad salutes a fallen young soldier. The singer is a former Marine, himself, and means every last word of this moving meditation. Intense and powerful.
BREAKING: Big Loud Promotes Patch Culbertson To EVP/GM
/by LB CantrellPatch Culbertson. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Big Loud Records has elevated Patch Culbertson to EVP/GM, effective immediately. He is now the company’s first Executive Vice President, and will report directly to Big Loud partners Seth England, Joey Moi and Craig Wiseman.
“Patch has been a critical part of Big Loud’s success for over seven years now,” England says. “He’s a brilliant strategist with an unmatched ability to process information and make sound decisions. Patch is a true leader that’s continued to invest in this company with his time and expertise, and his impact can’t be underestimated. This promotion is well-earned.”
“What sets Patch apart as a GM is that he—like all of us at Big Loud—continues to keep songs first,” Moi adds. “He applies his analytics brain and his firsthand understanding of artists and how they work best to every circumstance, while balancing the growth of our company. We’re grateful for his continued leadership.”
Culbertson first joined Big Loud Records as VP of A&R in 2017 and rose to SVP/GM of the label in 2021. Prior to joining Big Loud, he spent eight years at Republic Records, rising to Director of A&R at their New York headquarters.
In his elevated role, Culbertson will continue to oversee day-to-day operations, strategizing on commercial tactics and helping to expand the creative development of the Big Loud Records roster, which includes Ashley Cooke, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dallas Smith, Dylan Gossett, Ernest, Griffen Palmer, Hailey Whitters, Hardy, Hixtape, Jake Worthington, Larry Fleet, Lauren Alaina, Lauren Watkins, Lily Rose, MacKenzie Porter, Maggie Rose, Morgan Wallen, Shawn Austin, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Zandi Holup.
“I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of our roster and staff these past seven years,” Culbertson shares. “It is a privilege to serve these artists and work alongside a best-in-class team that is writing its own chapter in music history. A special thank you to Seth, Joey, Craig, and [Big Loud COO] Austen [Adams] for their support and leadership. They continue to show the world how to win with integrity, and I’m honored to be part of it.”
UMPG Nashville Adds TC Courtney To A&R Team
/by LB CantrellTC Courtney. Photo: Trey Bonner
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has hired TC Courtney as Manager, A&R. Based in Nashville, Courtney will report to UMPG Nashville Chair and CEO Troy Tomlinson.
Courtney joins UMPG from Big Machine Music, where he served for four years in publishing A&R. The New England native has also held positions at Brentwood Benson Music and BMI.
“We are so excited to have TC join our A&R team,” Tomlinson shares. “He brings publishing experience, a fresh perspective, and energy that will complement our A&R staff. His love and appreciation for songwriters make him the perfect fit for us.”
At UMPG, Courtney will be responsible for scouting and developing new talent, as well as helping build opportunity and value for the existing roster of songwriters.
Of the new role, Courtney shares, “I believe that the best publishers are those who prioritize the development and support of songwriters above all else. UMPG’s unparalleled commitment to these values has made them a global leader in music publishing, and I am grateful to join a team whose ultimate priority is to preserve, protect and honor the Nashville songwriting community.”
Big Machine Label Group To Host Pop-Up Event During CMA Fest
/by Liza AndersonBig Machine Label Group will host a free pop-up event at Lainey Wilson’s new Bell Bottoms Up bar during this year’s CMA Fest.
Throughout the three-day function, fans will be able to meet as well as enjoy acoustic performances by Brett Young, Brantley Gilbert, Midland, Jackson Dean, Conner Smith, Chase McDaniel, Mae Estes, Greylan James, Noah Hicks and more.
Meet-and-greets will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. To be guaranteed entry and skip the line, fans can obtain fast pass wristbands with a $25 donation to the Music Has Value Fund. The wristbands will be available Wednesday, June 5 from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. at the Big Machine Distillery. For more information, click here.
Full Schedule:
Thursday, June 6
11 a.m. – Conner Smith
12 p.m. – Jackson Dean
1 p.m. – Brett Young
Friday, June 7
11 a.m. – Shaylen & Noah Hicks
12 p.m. – Brantley Gilbert
1 p.m. – CreatiVets
Saturday, June 8
11 a.m. – Greylan James & Chase McDaniel
12 p.m. – Midland
1 p.m. – Mae Estes
Musicians On Call’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Raises Over $380K
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Charles Esten, Trisha Yearwood, Rondal Richardson, Kelsea Ballerini and Pete Griffin. Photo: Heather Durham Photography
Musicians On Call (MOC) held its “Anthems of Healing” 25th anniversary celebration on May 22 at Marathon Music Works, and raised over $380,000 to continue its mission of delivering the healing power of music to patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments.
Members of the Nashville community and music industry gathered at the special event, which was emceed by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton of Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. Guests were treated to live performances by Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Charles Esten, Tiera Kennedy and one of the night’s honorees, Kelsea Ballerini. Volunteer musician Abigail Rose opened the show with a performance showcasing her time visiting hospital patients at their bedside.
Scotty McCreery & Raffaella Braun. Photo: Heather Durham Photography
During the celebration, Yearwood presented her friend and longtime MOC supporter Rondal Richardson with the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele. Richardson, who is the Senior Entertainment & Donor Relations Liaison for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, has been an advocate for MOC’s mission since it first came to Nashville. Actor, singer-songwriter, MOC Board member and volunteer Esten introduced Ballerini as the night’s Music Heals Golden Ukulele recipient. Following her acceptance speech, she brought the crowd to its feet during her performance, leading a sing-a-long of crowd favorite “You’ve Got A Friend.”
The organization also recognized the contributions of two of its volunteers, Raffaella Braun and Sarah Harralson, with the first awards named after its co-founders. Braun was presented with the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele by her friend, hitmaker Scotty McCreery. She has been a volunteer guide for MOC since 2016, and has visited more than 17,000 people in the hospital. Fellow volunteer musicians Tigirlily Gold presented Harralson with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele. She began volunteering in 2015, and has performed for over 19,000 people through the organization.
“We could not have asked for a more extraordinary night kicking off Musicians On Call’s 25th anniversary! To have such iconic artists joining us in honoring the great champions our mission has in Kelsea and Rondal, and the commitment of our volunteers Raffaella and Sarah, meant the world to our organization,” shares Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President & CEO. “Throughout the rest of the year, MOC will be celebrating the most memorable songs and moments that have touched patients, family members and caregivers over our 25-year history.”
Sarah Harralson with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele. Photo: Melanie Dunn
Alan Jackson To Return To The Road
/by Liza AndersonCountry Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson will return to the road with a continuation of his “Last Call: One More For The Road Tour,” starting on Friday, Aug. 2 in Boston.
The journey made stops for standing-room-only crowds in sold-out arenas nationwide in 2022. This year, it will hit an initial list of 10 arenas across America, each marking the last time he’ll ever perform his hits live in that city and surrounding areas.
Jackson’s touring was affected by his diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disorder, a degenerative nerve condition that causes abnormalities in the nerves that supply the feet, legs, hands and arms, thereby affecting his motor and sensory nerves. The “Last Call: One More For The Road Tour” will feature the country icon giving it all for the fans.
“Fans know when they come to my shows, they’re going to hear the songs that made me who I am—the ones they love,” Jackson says. “I’ve been touring for over 30 years—my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way…and I’m enjoying spending more time at home. But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this ‘Last Call.'”
All tickets will go on sale Friday, June 7. VIP experiences will also be available. A dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation. For more information, click here.
“Last Call: One More For The Road Tour” Dates:
Friday, Aug. 2 – Boston, MA (TD Garden)
Saturday, Aug. 24 – Grand Rapids, MI (Van Andel Arena)
Saturday, Sept. 28 – Fayetteville, AR (Bud Walton Arena)
Saturday, Oct. 26 – Kansas City, MO (T-Mobile Center)
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Salt Lake City, UT (Delta Center)
Saturday, Jan. 18 – Oklahoma City, OK (Paycom Center)
Saturday, Feb. 15 – Fort Worth, TX (Dickies Arena)
Friday, March 7 – Orlando, FL (Kia Center)
Saturday, April 26 – Tampa, FL (Amalie Arena)
Saturday, May 17 – Milwaukee, WI (Fiserv Forum)
MaRynn Taylor To Release New EP Tomorrow
/by Madison HahnenMaRynn Taylor. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment.
MaRynn Taylor plans to drop her new EP, Get To Know Me, tomorrow (May 31) via Black River Records.
The five-track project includes previously-released singles “How It’s Gonna Go” and “Small Town Spinnin’.” Taylor is a co-wrote the entire collection alongside writing partners Josh Kerr, Barry Dean, Erin Kinsey and more. Kerr is the sole producer of the EP.
Additionally, Taylor recently signed with CAA for representation.
Taylor is set to take her new music on the road this fall to support Dylan Schneider on his “Bad Decisions Tour.” Fans can also catch Taylor at this year’s CMA Fest next week on the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, the CMA Booth in Music City Center and playing games at the Omni Nashville Hotel. She will also host her “Get To Know Me Party” on June 7.
Get To Know Me Track Listing:
1. “Running Away With You” (MaRynn Taylor, Josh Kerr, Barry Dean)
2. “Small Town Spinnin'” (MaRynn Taylor, Josh Kerr, Erin Kinsey)
3. “Get To Know Me” (MaRynn Taylor, McCall Chapin, Robyn Dell’Unto)
4. “We Could Be In Love Right Now” (MaRynn Taylor, Josh Kerr, Jason Earley)
5. “How It’s Gonna Go” (MaRynn Taylor, Josh Kerr, Parker Welling)
Songwriting Great John Schweers Passes
/by Robert K OermannJohn Schweers
Hit songwriter John Schweers has died at age 78.
One of the finest country writers of his generation, Schweers was responsible for such iconic songs as Charley Pride’s “Amazing Love,” Ronnie Milsap’s “Daydreams About Night Things,” Dave & Sugar’s “Golden Tears” and Trace Adkins’ “I Left Something Turned on at Home.”
The songwriter was a native of San Antonio who began playing guitar and writing songs while in high school. During his college years, he performed in a rock group that toured throughout southwest Texas. After graduation, he moved to California to hone his songwriting skills as he played in various bands.
He began to make contacts in Nashville. His first recorded song appears to have been 1970’s “Alabama Bull of the Woods” by Del Reeves. The songwriter’s first charted tune was “Poor Folks Stick Together,” recorded by Stoney Edwards in 1971. Tom T. Hall took note of John Schweers’ talents, mentored him and encouraged him to move to Music City.
Schweers arrived in 1972 at age 26 with $45 in his pocket. Soon after his arrival on Music Row, he was signed as a staff songwriter by Pi-Gem Music, co-owned by Charley Pride. During the next dozen years, Pride recorded more than 20 John Schweers songs. The company’s Tom Collins offered suggestions to help make the fledgling writer’s songs more commercial. Just as Collins and Hall had aided him, Schweers discovered a teenage Dean Dillon and brought him to his publisher.
The first No. 1 hit penned by John Schweers was Pride’s “Don’t Fight the Feelings of Love” in 1973. Pride’s follow-up single was “Amazing Love,” which also topped the country hit parade. In 1975, Nick Nixon charted with the Schweers song “She’s Just an Old Love Turned Memory.” Pride recorded it two years later and turned it into another No. 1 hit.
As Collins evolved into record production, Schweers gained the ears of Barbara Mandrell, Sylvia, Ronnie Milsap and other stars. Milsap hit No. 1 with Schweers’ “Daydreams About Night Things” in 1975. The superstar repeated the chart-topping feat with the Schweers songs “What Goes On When the Sun Goes Down” (1976) and “Let My Love Be Your Pillow” (1977). Milsap recorded 15 John Schweers compositions.
The songwriter’s other No. 1 hit during the 1970s was “Golden Tears” by Dave & Sugar in 1979. During the decade, his songs were also recorded by Eddy Arnold, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, David Wills, Johnny Russell, Mel Street, Susan Raye, Jim Ed Brown and Jeanne Pruett, among others. 16 of his songs made the country popularity charts in the ‘70s.
In 1978, the Triple I record label issued Nashville’s Master Songwriters Sing Their Hits. On it, Schweers performed his versions of “Daydreams About Night Things,” “She’s Just an Old Love Turned Memory” and “Early Fall,” all of which he wrote solo. The album featured him alongside Harlan Howard, Danny Dill and Allen Reynolds, each of whom also contributed three songs.
Success continued in the 1980s. During this decade, Schweers wrote such top 10 hits as Steve Wariner’s “Your Memory” (1981), Janie Fricke’s “Do Me With Love” (1982) and Mandrell’s “No One Mends a Broken Heart Like You” (1986). The songwriter’s 10 charing singles in the decade included recordings by R.C. Bannon, Butch.Baker, David Frizzell & Shelly West (1986’s “It’s a Be Together Night”), Louise Mandrell and Tom T. Hall. Others who recorded Schweers songs during the 1980s included The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, The Kendalls, Don Williams, The Osmond Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, Jeannie C. Riley and Charlie Louvin.
John Schweers continued to create hits in the 1990s. Two of his biggest were “Born Country,” sung by Alabama in 1992 and “I Left Something Turned on at Home,” sung by Trace Adkins in 1997. His songs were also recorded in the ‘90s by George Jones, Mel McDaniel, Roy Clark, Daron Norwood & Travis Tritt (1993’s “Phantom of the Opry”), Larry Stewart, Neal McCoy and Johnny Rodriguez.
Since 2000, John Schweers songs have been sung by Mark Wiils, George Strait, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Marty Raybon, Con Hunley, Don Everly, Brother Slade, Buck Owens and Joe Nichols, among others. In addition, his songs from 25-50 years ago continue to receive airplay. The songwriter picked up BMI or ASCAP awards in three different decades. Few in country music have demonstrated songwriting success over such an extended period of time.
He has been a six-time nominee for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, but has not yet been elected. His accomplishments are all the more remarkable in that he mainly wrote his songs alone. Of his 12 top 10 hits, only three were co-written (with Byron Hill, Charles Quillen or Billy Lawson). In a songwriting community overwhelmingly comprised of co-writers, Schweers stood out.
John Schweers passed away in the early morning hours of May 28.
He will be honored on Thursday (June 6) at Brentwood Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life event will begin with visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The service will be from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Visitation will resume following the service. The family plans to have a private burial prior to Thursday’s Celebration of Life.
Buchalter Expands Nashville Team
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Jay Bowen, Lauren Kilgore, Lauren Spahn, Aaron Steinberg and John Baxter; Not Pictured: Rebekah Shulman, Jim Zumwalt, Jacob Clabo, Jeffrey Melcher and Bradley Segal
Full-service business law firm Buchalter has expanded its Nashville team by adding 10 attorneys as well as other professional staff members to its Music, Entertainment, Real Estate and Litigation Practices departments.
Shareholders Jay Bowen, Lauren Kilgore and Lauren Spahn come to the firm from Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton LLP alongside Rebekah Shulman, Jim Zumwalt, Jacob Clabo, Aaron Steinberg and John Baxter. Shareholder Jeffrey Melcher moves to Buchalter from Dickinson Wright and Shareholder Bradley Segal comes from Maynard Nexsen PC.
They all join Real Estate Shareholders Josiah Reid, Jeff Farano, Lucas Davidson and Kaitlin White in the Music City office.
Buchalter was founded 91 years ago in Los Angeles, and now has nearly 500 lawyers across 12 offices with 17 practice areas and a range of legal specialties. Buchalter aims to serve clients through all life cycles of business, while offering over 35 industry specialties that cater to clients in diverse sectors.
Its Nashville office was established in 2022 by Office Managing Shareholder Jason Brooks, and moved to new space at 1 Music Circle South. With the latest additions, the firm hopes to provide clients with deeper expertise in the real estate sector as well as thorough intellectual property capabilities, including litigation, especially in the Nashville music and entertainment industry.
“Our decision to expand in Nashville aligns with our growth strategy to better serve our clients and grow our capabilities in thriving business communities,” says Adam Bass, Buchalter President & CEO. “Nashville represents a vibrant and dynamic legal market, and there is no better group to join this office. Jay, Lauren, Jeffrey, Bradley and Lauren, along with their teams bring a wealth of experience, expertise and dedication to our firm. Together, we are poised to make a significant impact in Nashville’s legal landscape and beyond.”
Spotify House Unveils Fresh Finds Rooftop Lineup
/by Madison HahnenJoining previously-announced main stage artists, Spotify has revealed their line up of emerging country artists set to take over the Fresh Finds Rooftop powered by Samsung Galaxy at Ole Red during CMA Fest 2024.
Aidan Canfield, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Anne, Grace Tyler, Hannah McFarland, HunterGirl, Jenna Paulette, Kashus Culpepper, Maddox Batson, Maggie Antone, Max McNown, Mike Parker, Noah Rinker, Scoot Teasley, Vincent Mason, Waylon Wyatt, Zach Top and Zandi Holup are all set to perform.
Performances will take place each night from June 6-8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The artists will play in a round-style lineup with two rounds per night, featuring three artists per round. The Fresh Finds Rooftop is free and open to the public.