Bucky Wilkin
Nashville pop-music legend John “Bucky” Wilkin has died at age 77.
He is best known as the writer and performer of the rock ’n’ roll classic “G.T.O.,” billed as Ronny & The Daytonas. Songwriter Wilkin is also notable as a session guitarist. He was the son of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Marijohn Wilkin (1920-2006).
Born John William Wilkin, he began his career at age 8 as a child performer on The Ozark Jubilee & Junior Jubilee TV shows alongside fellow juvenile Brenda Lee. Bucky Wilkin was a prodigy who emulated guitarist Chet Atkins and performed instrumentals on the telecasts from Springfield, Missouri.
Relocating to Nashville, he grew up around the music community. While his mother was writing standards such as “The Long Black Veil,” “One Day at a Time,” “Cut Across Shorty” and “Waterloo,” Bucky Wilkin was exploring the teen sounds of the day. He formed a rock band called The Majestics which performed instrumentals at a roller rink on Thompson Lane. While daydreaming during a high-school physics class at Hillsboro High, he wrote “G.T.O.”
His mother had formed Buckhorn Music Publishing with producer Bill Justis. The latter took him into the studio and got him a recording contract. Wilkin became “Ronny Dayton,” and dubbed his group The Daytonas. In reality, there was no band. In the studio, Wilkin sang with Buzz Cason, Bobby Russell and Bergen White. On the road, he assembled various pick-up groups to accompany him. His high-school friends posed for the “band” pictures on the two record albums, issued in 1964 and 1966.
“G.T.O.” became a million-selling smash in 1964. It remains Nashville’s only hot-rod rock classic. Bucky Wilkin also wrote or co-wrote five charting Ronny & The Daytonas follow-up singles “California Bound,” “Sandy,” “Somebody to Love Me,” “Dianne Dianne” and “I’ll Think of Summer” in 1964-67. He also recorded pop songs as the “Buzz & Bucky” duo with Buzz Cason, notably 1965’s “Tiger-A-Go-Go” which they co-wrote.
His hits provided the financial foundation of Buckhorn Music. The company then signed his mother’s discovery Kris Kristofferson as a staff songwriter. Kristofferson and Wilkin roomed together for a time, and co-wrote several songs (“Blame It On the Stones,” “Apocalypse 1969,” “Screaming Metaphysical Blues,” etc.).
This time using his own name, Wilkin recorded solo LPs for Liberty Records (1970’s In Search of Food, Clothing, Shelter and Sex) and United Artists Records (1971’s Buck Wilkin). He also maintained a career as a session guitarist, appearing on discs by Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Kristofferson, John Stewart, Steve Goodman, Bob Lind, Jessi Colter, Hedge & Donna, Kinky Friedman, Dory Previn and others.
Kristofferson introduced him to Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda. Wilkin accompanied the actors to Peru to make the 1971 film The Last Movie. He provided the production’s soundtrack songs and briefly appeared in it. The film was intended to be the follow-up to Hopper’s successful Easy Rider, but turned out to be an incomprehensible cinematic disaster.
Back in Nashville, Buck Wilkin’s songs caught the ears of a wide variety of artists. “My God and I” was recorded by such diverse stylists as Bobby Goldsboro, Odetta, Frankie Laine, Bobby Vee and Ray Charles. In 1970, Bobbie Gentry made the pop charts with his song “Apartment 21.” His compositions were also recorded by The Chordettes, Southern Pacific, The Beach Boys, Wayne Newton, Alex Chilton, The Hondells, Robert Knight and The Swinging Blue Jeans.
In 1997, New York’s Sundazed Records company issued a “Best Of” compilation of the Ronny & The Daytonas hits. Buck Wilkin’s profile went higher in 2000 when the same label reissued his debut albums G.T.O. and Sandy, both with the original Daytonas billing. He participated in a number of golden-oldie revues under his old “Ronny Dayton” billing.
John “Buck” Wilkin lived in a comfortable RV park in Hickman County, but regularly drove to Nashville to pick up royalty checks at the post office, look after his mother’s legacy and chat with old music industry friends.
He was an only child, and he never married. He passed away on April 6 near Linden, Tennessee. His death was announced by Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. No services are planned.
A celebration of John Buck Wilkin’s life will be announced at a later time.
Russell Dickerson To Head Overseas For ‘Good Day To Have A Great Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughDickerson will visit seven cities in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands including Belfast, London, and Amsterdam through September 1, and tickets will go on sale starting Friday, April 19.
“I’m so excited to see the RD Fam across the world,” says Dickerson. “I’ve had the best time playing in the UK in the past so to be able to return and play in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands is honestly a dream come true. Can’t wait to see everybody – we are going to have many great days on the road this summer!”
The Tennessee native will also release his new song, “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” on May 3. He recently teased the new track on his socials, offering fans a sneak peek at the song’s feel-good lyrics.
In addition to headlining his own “Good Day To Have A Great Tour,” Dickerson will also be hitting the road this summer with Sam Hunt on the “Locked Up Tour 2024” and performing at fairs, festivals, and shows across the country.
“Good Day To Have A Great Tour” Dates:
August 23 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – Ulster Hall
August 25 – Lutterworth, U.K. – The Long Road Festival
August 26 – Glasgow, U.K. – Old Fruitmarket
August 27 – Manchester, U.K. – O2 Ritz
August 29 – Bristol, U.K. – 02 Academy
September 1 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg Max
Bucky Wilkin Of Ronny & The Daytonas Passes
/by Robert K OermannBucky Wilkin
Nashville pop-music legend John “Bucky” Wilkin has died at age 77.
He is best known as the writer and performer of the rock ’n’ roll classic “G.T.O.,” billed as Ronny & The Daytonas. Songwriter Wilkin is also notable as a session guitarist. He was the son of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Marijohn Wilkin (1920-2006).
Born John William Wilkin, he began his career at age 8 as a child performer on The Ozark Jubilee & Junior Jubilee TV shows alongside fellow juvenile Brenda Lee. Bucky Wilkin was a prodigy who emulated guitarist Chet Atkins and performed instrumentals on the telecasts from Springfield, Missouri.
Relocating to Nashville, he grew up around the music community. While his mother was writing standards such as “The Long Black Veil,” “One Day at a Time,” “Cut Across Shorty” and “Waterloo,” Bucky Wilkin was exploring the teen sounds of the day. He formed a rock band called The Majestics which performed instrumentals at a roller rink on Thompson Lane. While daydreaming during a high-school physics class at Hillsboro High, he wrote “G.T.O.”
His mother had formed Buckhorn Music Publishing with producer Bill Justis. The latter took him into the studio and got him a recording contract. Wilkin became “Ronny Dayton,” and dubbed his group The Daytonas. In reality, there was no band. In the studio, Wilkin sang with Buzz Cason, Bobby Russell and Bergen White. On the road, he assembled various pick-up groups to accompany him. His high-school friends posed for the “band” pictures on the two record albums, issued in 1964 and 1966.
“G.T.O.” became a million-selling smash in 1964. It remains Nashville’s only hot-rod rock classic. Bucky Wilkin also wrote or co-wrote five charting Ronny & The Daytonas follow-up singles “California Bound,” “Sandy,” “Somebody to Love Me,” “Dianne Dianne” and “I’ll Think of Summer” in 1964-67. He also recorded pop songs as the “Buzz & Bucky” duo with Buzz Cason, notably 1965’s “Tiger-A-Go-Go” which they co-wrote.
His hits provided the financial foundation of Buckhorn Music. The company then signed his mother’s discovery Kris Kristofferson as a staff songwriter. Kristofferson and Wilkin roomed together for a time, and co-wrote several songs (“Blame It On the Stones,” “Apocalypse 1969,” “Screaming Metaphysical Blues,” etc.).
This time using his own name, Wilkin recorded solo LPs for Liberty Records (1970’s In Search of Food, Clothing, Shelter and Sex) and United Artists Records (1971’s Buck Wilkin). He also maintained a career as a session guitarist, appearing on discs by Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Kristofferson, John Stewart, Steve Goodman, Bob Lind, Jessi Colter, Hedge & Donna, Kinky Friedman, Dory Previn and others.
Kristofferson introduced him to Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda. Wilkin accompanied the actors to Peru to make the 1971 film The Last Movie. He provided the production’s soundtrack songs and briefly appeared in it. The film was intended to be the follow-up to Hopper’s successful Easy Rider, but turned out to be an incomprehensible cinematic disaster.
Back in Nashville, Buck Wilkin’s songs caught the ears of a wide variety of artists. “My God and I” was recorded by such diverse stylists as Bobby Goldsboro, Odetta, Frankie Laine, Bobby Vee and Ray Charles. In 1970, Bobbie Gentry made the pop charts with his song “Apartment 21.” His compositions were also recorded by The Chordettes, Southern Pacific, The Beach Boys, Wayne Newton, Alex Chilton, The Hondells, Robert Knight and The Swinging Blue Jeans.
In 1997, New York’s Sundazed Records company issued a “Best Of” compilation of the Ronny & The Daytonas hits. Buck Wilkin’s profile went higher in 2000 when the same label reissued his debut albums G.T.O. and Sandy, both with the original Daytonas billing. He participated in a number of golden-oldie revues under his old “Ronny Dayton” billing.
John “Buck” Wilkin lived in a comfortable RV park in Hickman County, but regularly drove to Nashville to pick up royalty checks at the post office, look after his mother’s legacy and chat with old music industry friends.
He was an only child, and he never married. He passed away on April 6 near Linden, Tennessee. His death was announced by Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. No services are planned.
A celebration of John Buck Wilkin’s life will be announced at a later time.
Morgan Wade Slates New Album ‘Obsessed’ For Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Matthew Berinato
Morgan Wade is prepping for the release of her third major-label album, Obsessed, on Aug. 16.
The stripped-down, 14-track collection written solely by Wade was produced by her touring guitarist Clint Wells. She writes about the ache for home and the emotion of being reunited with loved ones, of feeling dangerously preoccupied with someone and of situations society might consider outside the norm on the personal new collection.
Following her 2023 project, Psychopath, Obsessed features Wade’s first collaboration, as Kesha appears with her on “Walked on Water.” It also includes sneak-peek releases “Halloween” and “2AM in London.”
She will also embark on her headlining “Obsessed Tour,” which kicks off July 20 in Fargo, North Dakota. Ticket presales begin April 16, with public sales starting on April 19. For more information, click here.
Obsessed Track Listing:
1. “Total Control”
2. “Department Store”
3. “Time to Love, Time to Kill”
4. “Obsessed”
5. “Juliet”
6. “2AM in London”
7. “Hansel and Gretel”
8. “Spin”
9. “Reality”
10. “Walked on Water (feat. Kesha)”
11. “Halloween”
12. “Crossing State Lines”
13. “Moth to a Flame”
14. “Deconstruction”
CAA Expands Management Structure
/by Liza AndersonCAA has expanded its management structure by appointing nine new Managing Directors and a new Agency Board.
The Managing Directors will work alongside Co-Chairman & CEO Bryan Lourd, Co-Chairmen Kevin Huvane and Richard Lovett as well as President Jim Burtson on a wide range of strategic business and operational matters.
Those appointed include Rob Light, Howard Nuchow, Joe Cohen, Michael Levine, Joel Lubin, Maha Dakhil, Chris Silbermann, Tiffany Ward and Paul Danforth. Chief Financial Officer Carol Sawdye and Chief Legal Officer Hilary Krane will continue to serve in their leadership roles.
The Agency Board will work with the agency’s Co-Chairmen and President on ensuring the strength of CAA’s culture of service, collaboration and opportunity, built for personal client service. Among other areas, it will focus on organizational excellence, state-of-the-art dealmaking, training & development and sustained innovation.
Members include Katie Anderson, Emma Banks, Lorrie Bartlett, Matt Blake, Alan Braun, Austin Brown, William Brown, Libby Bush, Ben Dey, Jaime Feld, John Garvey, Liz Gray, Sloan Harris, Jeff Krones, Franklin Latt, Brandon Lawrence, Michelle Kydd Lee, Joe Machota, Lisa Joseph Metelus, Matthew O’Donohoe, Praveen Pandian, Dan Rabinow, Rachel Rusch, Roeg Sutherland, Nick Thimm, Natalie Tran and Ida Ziniti.
“Today’s announcement highlights not only the strength, momentum, breadth and depth of today’s CAA, but the incredibly exciting promise of our future, with two new teams of exceptionally talented, proven leaders, committed to serving our clients and colleagues,” says Lourd. “We have always been clear in our mission–to deliver world-class personal service to world-class clients. With our expanded corporate leadership structure and an entire company of the world’s best dealmakers, creative thinkers and career representatives, CAA has never been better positioned to help clients capture the best opportunities and navigate the challenges of today’s media and sports industries.”
Industry Ink: Dillon Carmichael, TapeSlate Productions, IBMA
/by John Nix ArledgeDillon Carmichael Honored With FFA Blue Jacket
The National FFA Organization recognized country music artist Dillion Carmichael for his contributions to the agricultural community.
In a recent mini-documentary, The Blue Jacket, Carmichael received an FFA Blue Jacket as an honor, following the loss of his family’s home. As the official dress of the FFA, the corduroy jacket symbolizes faith, honor and pride for those serving their communities. A second jacket is rarely given out, yet after leveraging his musical career to advocate for local farmers, the FFA made an exception for Carmichael at last year’s National FFA Convention.
TapeSlate Launches Production & Photo Studio In Franklin
Full-service production collective TapeSlate Productions have unveiled their full-production and photo studio located at 1106 Harpeth Industrial Ct. in Franklin, Tennessee. Led by partners Bryson Sams, Porter Edwards and Dean Sams, TapeSlate’s services include creative, production and post production.
“We have specifically specialized in creating content for musicians, who are inherently creatives just like us, but express their art through a different medium,” explains Bryson. “I think these collaborations are imperative, and we work closely with our clients to help express their music through the visual medium.”
Recently TapeSlate partnered with the acclaimed chart-topping country band Lonestar for the music video for their latest single, “You Make Loving Fun.”
Elizabeth Dewey Joins IBMA As Administrative Manager
Elizabeth Dewey
Elizabeth Dewey has joined The International Bluegrass Music Association as Administrative Manager.
The Belmont University graduate began working with IBMA as an intern in 2021 and has continued to support IBMA staff, including onsite assistance at both the World of Bluegrass in 2023 as well as the IBMA Holiday Benefit Concert.
“I am thrilled to be joining the IBMA staff as Administrative Manager. My prior involvement with the organization has been fulfilling and meaningful, and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue working with such a wonderful team,” says Dewey. “I look forward to serving the bluegrass community through this important work.”
Tim Montana To Get ‘Savage’ With Debut Rock Album
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter Tim Montana will release his debut rock album, Savage, on July 12.
He shared the title track from the upcoming Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville project with fans this week. The album features ’90s-influenced riffs and a spirit that Montana deems freer than his previous releases.
“‘Savage’ is a window into my world and what I was inspired by over the course of writing and recording this album,” Montana shares regarding the title track. “If there is a keystone or a decoder ring to the themes of these songs, ‘Savage’ is it. It’s best enjoyed extremely loud.”
Montana has been endorsed by Dave Grohl and ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons, and had his anthems used by the MLB and NHL. In 2023, his song “Devil You Know” surged onto Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay and Rock & Alternative Airplay charts. In its wake, iHeartRadio touted him as an “On The Verge Artist,” and he soon found himself booked for tours with Staind, Seether, Saint Asonia, Bush and Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains.
Savage Track Listing:
“Devil You Know”
“Savage”
“Ashes”
“Die Today” “Shut Me Out”
“Right Again”
“Get You Some”
“Lovely”
“Day By Day”
Spotify Debuts ‘Written By Ingrid Andress’ Playlist
/by Madison HahnenSpotify has launched the latest of their “Written By” playlists with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress.
Andress’ playlist includes songs she has penned and released herself, including hits “More Hearts Than Mine,” “Lady Like,” “Wishful Drinking” (feat. Sam Hunt), “Feel Like This” and “The Stranger,” as well as cuts she’s garnered by others such as “Boys” (Charli XCX), “Girl in the Mirror” (Bebe Rexha), “In Too Deep” (Why Don’t We), “Conflicted” (Halestorm), “No Saint” (Lauren Jenkins) and more.
The playlist totals 59 songs, crossing country, pop and rock genres. Andress’ playlist joins the ranks of other “Written By” lists for Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Murda Beats, Meghan Trainor, Sia and more. Spotify curates “Written By” lists to helps songwriters reach to new audiences, strengthen relationships with current fans and maximize discoverability on the platform by allowing listeners to hear career-spanning works.
“Written By Ingrid Andress” is available here.
Grand Ole Opry Partners With Sky Arts In The U.K.
/by Madison HahnenThe Grand Ole Opry has partnered with Sky Arts in the U.K. to continue their global audience reach. Sky Arts will air 16 episodes of Opry content through June 14.
Sky Arts began airing Opry Live shows last fall, while Opry member Luke Combs was touring the U.K. This spring’s shows will feature material with June Carter Cash, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers, Lauren Alaina, Dustin Lynch, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, CeCe Winans and more.
Fans everywhere can also tune in to Opry Live every Saturday night on Opry’s Facebook and YouTube channels, or via the Circle Now app. United States fans can tune in through Circle Country.
Upcoming Opry performers include Clint Black, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, T Graham Brown, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Craig Morgan, Chase Rice, Nate Smith, Underwood and more.
iHeartCountry Festival’s 2024 Daytime Village Lineup Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughiHeartMedia has announced the Daytime Village lineup for the 2024 iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, on May 4 in Austin, Texas.
The free event will feature performances by Riley Green, Chris Lane, Walker Hayes, Ashley Cooke, Chase Matthew and Kelsey Hart as well as interactive experiences by iHeartRadio’s brand partners from 12:30-4:30 p.m. CT at the Dell Technologies Plaza of Moody Center.
Now in its eleventh year, the 2024 lineup for the iHeartCountry Festival includes Green, Hayes, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lady A, Ashley McBryde and Brothers Osborne. The festival will once again be hosted by iHeartMedia’s nationally syndicated top on-air country personality Bobby Bones.
iHeartMedia’s country music radio stations will broadcast the event live in their local markets and on iHeartRadio.com on May 4 at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for the main stage are on sale now. For more information, click here.
Amazon Music Invites Fans To Pull Up To ‘Bonfire,’ A New Flagship Playlist
/by Lorie HollabaughAmazon Music has launched a new playlist, “Bonfire,” a mood-based, genre-blending list that gathers timeless music that’s lyric-driven, emotive, elemental and outdoorsy.
“Bonfire” isn’t tied to a specific genre, and aims to be a first-of-its-kind home for fans of the latest generation of storytellers, including Boygenius, Zach Bryan, Hozier, Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson, artists who serve as the playlist’s inspiration.
“We created ‘Bonfire’ because Amazon Music customers have consistently sought out this music. This playlist will feature emotive, songwriting-forward tracks that fit a vibe that’s sentimental, woody, and crackling with fire,” says Emily Cohen, the Country Programming Lead for Amazon Music. “We know our customers love this music, and with ‘Bonfire’ we’re making it easier for fans to find and for artists to nurture the artist community that’s pioneering this sound.”
To launch “Bonfire,” Amazon Music has recruited songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin to record an Amazon Music Original cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s classic, “Sundown,” available only on Amazon Music.
“I believe Gordon to have been one of the greatest songwriters of our time and felt this opportunity with Amazon Music was perfect to shine a light on one of his most popular songs a little over 50 years after its original release date,” says Godwin. “It’s such an honor to be included in a playlist like this with so many amazing artists. Keeping company like this is all I ever could have wished for when I set out on this path of music. ‘Bonfire’ is so fitting for those special moments in life when we’re enjoying the company of our friends and family.”
Godwin will debut “Sundown” live at Stagecoach Festival on April 28, and fans around the world can watch the performance on the festival’s livestream on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and Prime Video.