Darius Rucker To Host 2024 World Golf Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

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Darius Rucker. Photo: Jim Wright

Darius Rucker will host the 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by CME Group, at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina on June 10.

The ceremony will air live on Golf Channel, and kicks off the week of the 124th U.S. Open and the opening of the new World Golf Hall of Fame Museum at the United States Golf Association (USGA)’s Golf House Pinehurst.

“Golf is my biggest passion outside of music, so it’s an honor to be invited to be part of such a significant event for the sport,” says Rucker. “I love the course at Pinehurst and can’t wait to celebrate this year’s inductees.”

The 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will honor Padraig Harrington, Sandra Palmer along with the late Johnny Farrell, Beverly Hanson, Tom Weiskopf and the Founders of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). NBA star Stephen “Steph” Curry will receive the Charlie Sifford Award, presented by Southern Company, which honors recipients for their spirit in advancing diversity in golf.

“Given Darius Rucker’s longstanding involvement in golf he is a perfect host for this momentous occasion, which is marking the 50th anniversary of the World Golf Hall of Fame,” says Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Foundation.

Additionally, Rucker has raised more than $3.6 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through his annual “Darius & Friends” benefit concert and golf tournament. He has also advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & The Blowfish Foundation. Rucker will release his first book, Life’s Too Short: A Memoir by Darius Rucker, on May 28.

Troy Tomlinson Talks Advocacy & Relationships Ahead Of CMA Songwriter Advocate Award Honor [Interview]

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Troy Tomlinson. Photo: Kat Bradshaw

At the 14th annual CMA Triple Play Awards tonight (April 15), Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) Nashville Chairman & CEO Troy Tomlinson will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award. The honor will be presented in addition to the Triple Play Awards, which recognizes songwriters who have notched three No. 1 hits in a year. This year’s group includes Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Jelly Roll, Chase McGill, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt and Thomas Rhett.

Tomlinson will join only two others who have received the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award: Bob DiPiero in 2020 and Jody Williams in 2022. The award is meant to honor individuals who have dedicated their life to supporting and advancing the art of songwriting and careers of songwriters—those who have positively impacted and contributed to the growth of songwriting in country music and have had an unprecedented historical impact on the songwriting community.

“I was simultaneously honored and overwhelmed when I heard I was getting this award,” Tomlinson tells MusicRow. “I’ve been friends with and worked with Jody Williams throughout my entire career. Bob DiPiero was one of my songwriters at Sony. To follow behind those two guys in this honor is really special.”

In his 40 years on Music Row, Tomlinson has nurtured, protected and passionately promoted songwriters such as Kelsea Ballerini, Casey Beathard, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Dean Dillon, Tom Douglas, Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Hank Williams and many others. He was named to his position at UMPG 2019 after serving as President & CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville since 2002. Prior to that, Tomlinson was EVP of Acuff Rose Music Publishing from 1988 until 2002.

For Tomlinson, a true songwriter advocate is someone who wakes up and goes to sleep with songwriters on their mind. He points out that, for decades, songwriters have been at the tail end of the food chain as far as compensation, and that advocacy to him means challenging that as well as protecting the craft and profession of songwriting.

“First and foremost, a songwriter advocate is a person who has the songwriter’s interest top of mind every day in every situation,” he says. “That’s the micro part. In a macro sense, an advocate for songwriters is one who fights for them where they’re not being compensated fairly. For at least 50 years, we’ve said, ‘It all begins with a song.’ I say, it actually all begins with a songwriter. You have to believe that deep in your soul to actually act upon that in advocating for the writers.”

When assessing his journey and the reputation he has built in order to receive an award like this, Tomlinson observes that he puts a lot of effort into his relationships with songwriters—a tenant he learned from the late Music Row legend Donna Hilley.

“I had only been working for her for a few weeks when she came to my office, sat down and said, ‘Troy, you’re going to run this company one day.’ I thought she was just being nice,” he recalls. “She said, ‘There’s two things I want you to remember. One, you’re going to have to go to a lot of funerals. Two, you’re going to have to go to a lot of weddings. It’s imperative that you do so people know you care.”

When asked what advice he would give to other publishers, he reiterates Hilley’s lesson and adds, “Don’t just call your songwriters from 9 to 5. Surprise them in the evening or early in the morning. Show them that they are on your mind.

“That is a sacrifice for other portions of your life. My boss, Jody Gerson, calls it ‘Lifestyle A&R.’ Practice that.”

As far as the legacy he hopes to leave on Music Row, Tomlinson says it’s about the songs and the songwriters he’s gotten to work with.

“I hope to be thought of as a true song guy, because that’s at the base of everything that I’ve done. It’s what continues to drive me today,” he says. “To know that the men and women who wrote those songs know my heart for them… That’s the legacy that I want to leave.”

Tonight, when he is presented with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, Tomlinson hopes that the songwriters and industry members he has worked with share in the honor.

“Any accomplishment I’ve had or honor that I’ve been given is a direct result of the songwriters and A&R people who worked with me to support those songwriters,” he says. “The honors I’ve been blessed with all go back to the songwriters and the A&R people in our town.

“To quote Tom Douglas, ‘There are only two types of people that need to be in the music business—dreamers and believers.’ I have never been a dreamer, but I’m damn well sure a believer in songwriters.”

JUST IN: Monument Records Promotes Casey Thomas To VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships

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Casey Thomas & Ansley Neeley. Photos: Robert Chavers

Monument Records has promoted Casey Thomas to VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships. The label has also elevated Ansley Neeley to Manager, Marketing & Creative.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Thomas earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College and master’s degree from Boston College. She came to Monument from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and started as Manager of PR in 2018. Thomas was later elevated to Publicist and later, Director of Marketing, Publicity & Creative. In her new role, she will continue to oversee marketing, publicity, creative, digital and streaming.

“Casey has worked tirelessly in support of Monument and our artist roster over the years she has been with us. Her leadership and relationship skills along with her one of a kind marketing mind are beyond impressive and she will excel in this role,” says Katie McCartney, Monument Records GM.

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Neeley moved to Nashville in 2019 after graduating from The University of Alabama with a degree in public relations. She started her career as a Junior Publicist at The GreenRoom PR, and joined Monument Records in 2021 as the label’s Promotion Coordinator, later taking on Marketing Coordinator responsibilities ranging from facilitating the delivery and strategic setup of all the label’s releases, to planning various artist events and executing traditional and digital marketing campaigns. Most recently, Neeley has been involved in the process of overseeing and developing the roster’s creative elements. In her new position, she will step into project management and continue her work in supporting creative and publicity efforts.

“Ansley has leaned in and worked so hard to grow and learn all aspects of marketing and promotion. This is a natural progression for her and this elevation is well-deserved,” notes McCartney.

Thomas can reached at casey.thomas@sonymusic.com, and Neeley can be reached at ansley.neeley@sonymusic.com.

CMA Hosts MemberSIPS Event On Streaming Fraud

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Andrew Batey, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Beatdapp, leads a discussion during a MemberSIPS event focused on streaming fraud at CMA HQ. Photo: Becca Risley/CMA

The Country Music Association (CMA) hosted an informative MemberSIPS event focused on streaming fraud and the impact it has throughout the music industry on Thursday, April 11 at its Nashville headquarters.

Andrew Batey, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Beatdapp, a leading authority in fraud detection, led an interactive presentation and Q&A session at the event. Batey dove into the world of music streaming fraud with real case studies, data and examples of insights into this pervasive issue. Members learned how fraudulent activities impact labels, managers, distributors and artists, and discovered actionable strategies to safeguard themselves and the talents they represent.

CMA created MemberSIPS to cater to its members’ professional development needs, offering presentations, discussions and gatherings, and providing members a networking opportunity with like-minded professionals while enjoying a beverage with one another.

Russell Dickerson To Head Overseas For ‘Good Day To Have A Great Tour’

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Russell Dickerson is heading overseas on his new “Good Day To Have A Great Tour” in August.

Dickerson 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

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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.

Morgan Wade Slates New Album ‘Obsessed’ For Summer

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Photo: 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

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CAA 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

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Dillon 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

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Singer-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”