Musicians Hall Of Fame Launches Music Icons Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Frank Allridge (Head of Special Projects Group, Geller & Head of Finance, Julien’s Auctions), David Goodman (CEO, Julien’s Auctions), Darren Julien (Co-Founder and Executive Director, Julien’s Auctions), Linda Chambers (CEO and Co-Founder, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum), Britt Chambers Hawker (Director of Museum & Artist Relations, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum), Martin Nolan (Co-Founder and Executive Director, Julien’s Auctions), Martin Geller (Founder and Chairman, Geller) and Cristy Barber (VP of Pop Culture & Business Development, Julien’s Auctions). Photo: Courtesy of Marushka Media
The Musicians Hall Of Fame has launched their new Music Icons guitar exhibit. The exhibit features Prince‘s Yellow Cloud 3 guitar, Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson‘s stage-played 1965 Fender Telecaster, John Lennon’s lost 1965 Help! Framus 12-string Hootenanny, Steve Jones’ original Sex Pistols Gibson Les Paul, Randy Bachman’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard and Mark Knopfler’s 1987 Gibson Custom Shop Edition Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar.
The exhibit opened with a preview event on Tuesday (May 14) hosted by the hall of fame and Julien’s Auctions. The limited run exhibit will be open to the public until tomorrow (May 18).
MuttNation Foundation Awards $130,000 In Grants
Miranda Lambert. Photo: Courtesy of Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation Foundation has awarded $130,000 in “It Takes Balls” spay & neuter grants. The grants were given to 34 organizations in east Texas, north Texas and the Texas Panhandle. The grant program was launched in 2023 to spread awareness for the importance of spay and neuter and offers grants to qualifying low-cost programs.
“I’m so happy to announce that our ‘It Takes Balls’ program has just awarded the first grants in my home state of Texas, to 34 organizations in the East, North and Panhandle regions, and we expect to open the application process up to other parts of Texas soon, too,” shares Lambert. “Please remember to spay or neuter your pets—it’s the best way to help reduce pet homelessness and keep animals out of the overcrowded shelters.”
Ben McKee Joins PLA Media
Ben McKee. Photo: Courtesy of PLA Media
Ben McKee has joined PLA Media as a Publicist. Prior to the new role, McKee held stints at 117 Entertainment and Big Machine Label Group. McKee has worked on campaigns for Clay Walker, Emily Ann Roberts, Jackson Dean, Shane Proffitt and more. He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a bachelors degree in Music Business.
“Ben brings an intelligence and fresh enthusiasm to PLA,” says PLA Media President Pamela L. Lewis. “I am delighted to welcome him to our firm.”
North American Contingency Association (NACA) Holds Conference
Gallagher Global Entertainment celebration. Photo: John Fiorentino
Industry guests gathered on the BMI rooftop to celebrate Gallagher Global Entertainment during the North American Contingency Conference. BMI’s Mason Hunter and Gallagher Global Entertainment’s Brent Daughrity welcomed the guests before The Warren Brothers gave a special performance of covers including “Highway Don’t Care,” “Red Solo Cup” and more.
Liv Greene Signs With Free Dirt Records
Liv Greene. Photo: Joseph Ross Smith
Nashville artist Liv Greene has signed a record deal with Washington D.C. label Free Dirt Records. To celebrate the deal, she has released her latest single “Wild Geese.” Greene will also be supporting Sarah Jarosz on tour this month.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Liv,” shares Free Dirt’s Jonathan Newton. “We’ve been fans since her 2020 debut, Every Bright Penny, which we heard about from our friend Isa Burke who also produced the record. We were drawn in by its laid back melancholy, effortless singing, and old-soul songwriting. Liv’s also a hometown hero originally from the DC area, where Free Dirt is based. She’s a perfect fit for the Free Dirt family of artists and we can’t wait to share new music from this impressive talent!”
Country Producer Bud Logan Passes
/by Robert K OermannNoted Nashville record producer Bud Logan has died at age 83.
Logan is best known for producing 23 top 10 hits for Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee between 1978 and 1988, including such signature songs as “Rose Colored Glasses” and “Friday Night Blues.” He also produced “I Tell It Like It Used to Be” and “Hell and High Water,” which launched the career of Opry star T. Graham Brown.
Born Ira Robert Logan, he was a Tennessee native who first came to prominence as the bass player for The Blue Boys, the backing band of Country Music Hall of Fame member Jim Reeves. After Reeves died in a 1964 plane crash, Logan became the band’s lead singer. The Blue Boys Featuring Bud Logan charted with two RCA singles, 1967’s “My Cup Runneth Over” and 1968’s “I’m Not Ready Yet.”
Logan also recorded as a solo artist, both for RCA (1968-69) and Mercury (1970-71). He formed a successful duo with Wilma Burgess, and the pair had hits with “Wake Me Into Love” and “The Best Day of the Rest of Our Love” in 1974.
He was also a songwriter. Logan’s songs were recorded by Jean Shepard, Billy Large and Charlie Rich, among others. Ernest Tubb released Logan’s “Till My Getup Has Has Gotup and Gone” as a Decca Records single in 1966.
But it was as a record producer that Logan became best known. In addition to the hits of Conlee and Brown, he produced such country artists as Roy Head, Dana McVicker, Johnny Lee, Shane Barnby, B.J. Thomas and Jeff Knight. He was noted as a mentor to many young singers and songwriters in Music City.
Bud Logan passed away in Nashville on May 13. No funeral services have been scheduled. Arrangements are being handled by Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
Jon Pardi Extends ‘Mr. Saturday Night Tour’
/by Madison HahnenJon Pardi. Photo: Courtesy of Red Light Management
Jon Pardi has extended his “Mr. Saturday Night Tour” with 16 additional dates. Priscilla Block, Larry Fleet and Meghan Patrick will serve as support for the fall run.
The tour will kick off on Sept. 5 in Baltimore and will make stops in Toronto, San Diego, Huntsville and more before wrapping up in Corpus Christi on Oct. 12. Pardi’s tour also includes a hometown show in Bakersfield, California on Sept. 28.
A portion of every ticket sold will benefit the Starlight Fund. Founded by Pardi and his wife Summer, the foundation supports organizations dedicated to giving opportunities and resources to young people in need that are pursuing a path in the trades, agriculture and construction.
Tickets will go on sale this Friday (May 24) at 10 a.m. local time.
“Mr. Saturday Night Tour” Dates:
9/5/2024 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion*
9/6/2024 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion*
9/7/2024 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium*
9/12/2024 – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre*
9/13/2024 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre*
9/14/2024 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*
9/20/2024 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheater^
9/21/2024 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre^
9/27/2024 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre^
9/28/2024 – Bakersfield, CA – Mechanics Bank Arena^
10/3/2024 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater#
10/4/2024 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre#
10/5/2024 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater#
10/10/2024 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater^
10/11/2024 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman^
10/12/2024 – Corpus Christi, TX – AmericanBank Center^
* Priscilla Block and Meghan Patrick as support
^ Priscilla Block (direct) and Larry Fleet (opener) as support
# Larry Fleet (direct) and Priscilla Block (opener) as support
YNOT Wednesdays Songwriters Series Announces New Location
/by Lorie HollabaughZebb Luster
The YNOT Wednesdays songwriter series has moved to a new location at Tin Roof on Demonbreun in Nashville. The first round in its new venue will take place on May 29.
Launched in January of 2017 by River House Artists VP/GM Zebb Luster, the series was conceived as a platform for songwriters and artists to showcase their talents and build relationships with other creatives before having traction in the music industry. Over its eight-year run at Demobreun’s Live Oak, the monthly showcase has hosted more than 250 shows featuring performances by notable songwriters and artists such as Ashley McBryde, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Ashley Gorley, Jordan Davis, Austin Snell, Randy Montana and more.
“When I first arrived in Nashville, the very first songwriter event I experienced was Revival at Tin Roof. I vividly recall witnessing the Nashville community come together to support one another, and I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of this vibrant community,” shares Luster. “The sense of support and belonging that I felt then is the exact vision I’ve always held for this event. It was a full-circle moment for me when we found our new home at Tin Roof. We are deeply grateful for the years of support and success with our friends at Live Oak, who welcomed me with open arms.”
WSM Radio Adds Two New Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughEryn Cooper & Lexi Carter
WSM Radio has added two new shows to its lineup, On Air with Eryn, hosted by Eryn Cooper, and Late Nights with Lexi, hosted by Lexi Carter. Both begin Monday (May 20).
On Air with Eryn will take the afternoon drive slot from 3 to 7 p.m. and keep listeners up to date with all things Nashville while serving up the best in country music, exclusive interviews and the latest entertainment from Music City. Cooper, who has spent the last six months as the producer for the WSM Radio flagship show, Coffee, Country & Cody, will also host The Opry Warm Up Show where WSM sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of history-making performances at the Opry, previewing the artists set to perform and honoring Opry Members past and present.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to take this next step with WSM,” says Cooper. “This is an opportunity to carry on the prestigious history of country music’s most famed platform and combine it with the stories of the genre’s newest faces. Country music is meant to make folks feel at home, and I intend to make you feel that way every day during On Air with Eryn.”
Cooper is succeeded on Coffee Country and Cody by Annie Ney, a recent addition to WSM Radio as a Digital Content Coordinator. Ney will assist in the day-to-day production of the morning show simulcast on Circle Country and content distribution across various digital platforms.
Late Nights With Lexi will keep listeners company overnight from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. with a nostalgic mix of classic country from the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Carter started at WSM Radio as a producer for Nashville Today, and quickly rose to host the afternoon drive show before serving as Music Director for WSM Radio, Opry Nashville and Route 650 in her current role.
“I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter with WSM Radio,” shares Carter. “Late Nights with Lexi is not just a radio show; it is a platform for celebrating the rich tapestry of country music and the Grand Ole Opry while connecting with a new audience in the overnight hours.”
Listeners can tune in to both shows on WSM Radio starting May 20 both on-air at 650 AM and online via the WSM Radio website, the WSM Radio mobile app, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and more.
“It is an honor to oversee the expansion of the WSM On-Air team as more exciting announcements are on the horizon, coinciding with the 100-year celebration in 2025,” says WSM Radio General Manager Eric Marcum. “In a short time, Eryn has proven she can shine with the brightest stars in Nashville. Her talents, skills and work ethic are already proving successful both on air and in our digital outlets. Lexi is such a valued member of the WSM family, not only curating a music catalog synonymous with the sound of WSM but also providing a familiar and friendly voice on the air, with more programming opportunities on the way.”
Ryman Auditorium’s Annual Community Day Set For May 26
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Ryman Auditorium will host its annual Community Day on May 26. Tennessee residents are invited to enjoy the Ryman’s daytime tour experience free of charge from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID.
Guests will have the opportunity to experience the Ryman’s newest exhibit, “From Memphis to the Ryman,” which highlights the story of Elvis Presley’s one and only Grand Ole Opry performance through a series of recollections, photographs and artifact displays.
“This year’s Community Day is exciting because it will be the first time Tennesseans can see our new ‘From Memphis to the Ryman’ exhibit for free,” says Gary Levy, General Manager, Ryman Auditorium. “The Ryman is full of unique stories, and Elvis Presley’s Opry debut is one of the most talked-about moments in Ryman history. We are pleased to showcase this new experience to locals.”
As part of the Community Day festivities, the Ryman’s PNC Plaza will include on-site printmaking from Hatch Show Print, free live music, food trucks and games and activities for children like face painting, balloon animals and caricatures. Once visitors enter the Ryman, they will have access to the full daytime tour experience, which includes other exhibits like “Rock Hall at the Ryman” and the “Soul of Nashville” immersive theater as well as a souvenir photo on the stage. Guests will also have access to a new video experience, “Show Day at the Ryman,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on a show at the historic venue.
Other items unique to the Ryman’s daytime tour include a striped jumpsuit owned and worn by Diana Ross, an outfit worn by Luke Combs during his 2018 Ryman debut performance and a designer dress and shoes worn by Taylor Swift during the 2022 NSAI Awards.
Tickets can be reserved in advance. For more information, click here.
Amazon Music Names Nate Smith As Next Breakthrough Artist During ACM Awards
/by LB CantrellAmazon Music announced that Nate Smith would be the platform’s newest Breakthrough artist during the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday night (May 16). Fellow Breakthrough alum Breland presented Smith with the honor.
Following the announcement, Smith and Avril Lavigne gave a performance of Smith’s single “Bulletproof.”
Amazon Music’s Breakthrough program aims to amplifying the best new talent and champion them at key moments early in their careers. As a part of this program, the platform will support Smith with a global marketing campaign, increased visibility across playlists and stations, an Amazon Music Original track and more.
“When it came time to select our next Breakthrough country artist, Nate Smith was the obvious choice. A generational voice and a true Nashville success story, it’s been a joy watching his rise and seeing country music fans discover his music over the last few years,” says Jenni Tay, artist relations for Amazon Music. “We’ve long championed his music, and with Nate joining the Breakthrough family, we’re excited to pull every lever and support Nate as he rises even further in country music and beyond.”
“Man, what a week it’s been and now this,” shares Smith. “I’m honestly so grateful to Amazon and the support they have always given me. Love getting to kick off this campaign with a performance with my friend Avril Lavigne. If this is just the start, I’m excited to see where it goes!”
Industry Ink: Musicians Hall Of Fame, MuttNation, PLA, More
/by Madison HahnenMusicians Hall Of Fame Launches Music Icons Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Frank Allridge (Head of Special Projects Group, Geller & Head of Finance, Julien’s Auctions), David Goodman (CEO, Julien’s Auctions), Darren Julien (Co-Founder and Executive Director, Julien’s Auctions), Linda Chambers (CEO and Co-Founder, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum), Britt Chambers Hawker (Director of Museum & Artist Relations, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum), Martin Nolan (Co-Founder and Executive Director, Julien’s Auctions), Martin Geller (Founder and Chairman, Geller) and Cristy Barber (VP of Pop Culture & Business Development, Julien’s Auctions). Photo: Courtesy of Marushka Media
The Musicians Hall Of Fame has launched their new Music Icons guitar exhibit. The exhibit features Prince‘s Yellow Cloud 3 guitar, Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson‘s stage-played 1965 Fender Telecaster, John Lennon’s lost 1965 Help! Framus 12-string Hootenanny, Steve Jones’ original Sex Pistols Gibson Les Paul, Randy Bachman’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard and Mark Knopfler’s 1987 Gibson Custom Shop Edition Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar.
The exhibit opened with a preview event on Tuesday (May 14) hosted by the hall of fame and Julien’s Auctions. The limited run exhibit will be open to the public until tomorrow (May 18).
MuttNation Foundation Awards $130,000 In Grants
Miranda Lambert. Photo: Courtesy of Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation Foundation has awarded $130,000 in “It Takes Balls” spay & neuter grants. The grants were given to 34 organizations in east Texas, north Texas and the Texas Panhandle. The grant program was launched in 2023 to spread awareness for the importance of spay and neuter and offers grants to qualifying low-cost programs.
“I’m so happy to announce that our ‘It Takes Balls’ program has just awarded the first grants in my home state of Texas, to 34 organizations in the East, North and Panhandle regions, and we expect to open the application process up to other parts of Texas soon, too,” shares Lambert. “Please remember to spay or neuter your pets—it’s the best way to help reduce pet homelessness and keep animals out of the overcrowded shelters.”
Ben McKee Joins PLA Media
Ben McKee. Photo: Courtesy of PLA Media
Ben McKee has joined PLA Media as a Publicist. Prior to the new role, McKee held stints at 117 Entertainment and Big Machine Label Group. McKee has worked on campaigns for Clay Walker, Emily Ann Roberts, Jackson Dean, Shane Proffitt and more. He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a bachelors degree in Music Business.
“Ben brings an intelligence and fresh enthusiasm to PLA,” says PLA Media President Pamela L. Lewis. “I am delighted to welcome him to our firm.”
North American Contingency Association (NACA) Holds Conference
Gallagher Global Entertainment celebration. Photo: John Fiorentino
Industry guests gathered on the BMI rooftop to celebrate Gallagher Global Entertainment during the North American Contingency Conference. BMI’s Mason Hunter and Gallagher Global Entertainment’s Brent Daughrity welcomed the guests before The Warren Brothers gave a special performance of covers including “Highway Don’t Care,” “Red Solo Cup” and more.
Liv Greene Signs With Free Dirt Records
Liv Greene. Photo: Joseph Ross Smith
Nashville artist Liv Greene has signed a record deal with Washington D.C. label Free Dirt Records. To celebrate the deal, she has released her latest single “Wild Geese.” Greene will also be supporting Sarah Jarosz on tour this month.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Liv,” shares Free Dirt’s Jonathan Newton. “We’ve been fans since her 2020 debut, Every Bright Penny, which we heard about from our friend Isa Burke who also produced the record. We were drawn in by its laid back melancholy, effortless singing, and old-soul songwriting. Liv’s also a hometown hero originally from the DC area, where Free Dirt is based. She’s a perfect fit for the Free Dirt family of artists and we can’t wait to share new music from this impressive talent!”
Music Business Association Concludes Music Biz 2024
/by Madison HahnenKeynote Conversation With John Josephson, CEO, SESAC Music Group. Photo: Jason Mallory
The Music Business Association wrapped the Music Biz 2024 Conference yesterday (May 16) at the JW Marriott Nashville.
The fourth and final day of programing included panels featuring industry executives from SESAC, Downtown Music Holdings, Warner Music Group and more. Attendees also finished out their week long learning in topic focused tracks “Past, Publish, Future,” “Backstage 2.0,” “Disrupting The Norm” and more. They also hosted “Women in the Room: Music Biz Leadership Roundtables.”
Robert Levine of Billboard hosted a keynote conversation with SESAC Music Group CEO John Josephson. During the session, Josephson spoke about licensing, rights management and future trends in the publishing space.
Presented by the Music Business Association and the National Museum of African American Music, the “Are We Supporting Our Most Important Resource?” panel spoke on the increase of post-pandemic DEI initiatives and why the industry should continue to foster well-being in the workplace by supporting the needs of their people. Panelists included Sandye Taylor of BMI, Natoya Brown of Universal Music Group and Ryan Butler of The Recording Academy.
Ryan Butler (The Recording Academy) and Natoya Brown (UMG) in the “Are We Supporting Our Most Important Resource?” panel. Photo: Jason Mallory
Female executives from Symphonic Distribution, Vevo, Universal Music Group, Spotify, BMI and more shared their stories to help create an inclusive environments for women and other marginalized groups within the music industry during the “Women In The Room: Music Biz Leadership Roundtables.”
“Women In The Room: Music Biz Leadership Roundtables.” Photo: Jason Mallory.
The “Syncing Soundscapes: Exploring Music’s Role in Gaming Evolution” panel explored new ways music is integrated and licensed across various game formats, as well as how the usage of music is impacting the gaming industry. Tom Riley of Songtradr, Bradley Patter of Kobalt Music, Alex Malcolm of Warner Music Group and Melissa Rassas Bortnick of Epic Games all took part in the conversation.
“Syncing Soundscapes: Exploring Music’s Role in Gaming Evolution” panel. Photo: Jason Mallory
Music Biz 2025 will take place May 12-15, 2025 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
Hardy Drops New Track ‘Psycho’ From Upcoming Album ‘Quit!!’
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy. Photo: Robby Klein
Hardy continues to crank out new music, debuting latest track “Psycho” today (May 17). The song will be featured on his upcoming album, Quit!!, out July 12 via Big Loud Rock.
Hardy’s “Truck Bed” recently hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country charts—marking his first solo Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country No. 1, fifth No. 1 as an artist and 14th chart-topper as a songwriter.
He performed at Stagecoach last month, and is set to make more festival appearances this summer. Hardy will also kick off his headlining “Quit!! Tour,” which includes two back-to-back nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a return to his home state of Mississippi for his first-ever stadium show.
Cody Johnson Tops MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Dirt Cheap’
/by LB CantrellCody Johnson has nabbed his fifth No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his moving ballad “Dirt Cheap.”
The tune, written solely by Josh Phillips, appears on Johnson’s 2023 album Leather. The singer performed the touching tune on the ACM Awards on Thursday night (May 16).
“Dirt Cheap” currently sits at No. 16 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.