Larry Collins
Rockabilly guitar slinger and hit country songwriter Larry Collins passed away last Friday (Jan. 5) at age 79.
Best known for co-writing such hits as “Delta Dawn” and “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” Collins was a mainstay of the California country scene for decades.
Born in Oklahoma, he moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was nine. Older sister Lorrie Collins (1942-2018) had won a talent contest in Tulsa, which led her to pursue a country career in L.A. She formed a duo with Larry as her lead guitarist and singing partner.
Larry Collins
When he was 10 and she was 12, The Collins Kids became regulars on the TV show Town Hall Party in 1954. When the rock & roll revolution hit two years later, the talented siblings became an enthusiastic rockabilly act. Larry Collins blossomed as a hotshot electric guitarist after he was tutored by the TV show’s Joe Maphis (1921-1986). The older star played a double-necked electric guitar and gave one to Larry, who played it for the rest of his life.
The Collins Kids featured Lorrie on lead vocals and sock rhythm guitar. Larry sang, played snappy rockabilly guitar licks and bounced around the stage energetically. They performed weekly on Town Hall Party. The show was hosted by Tex Ritter, who would introduce the exuberant, scene-stealing siblings as “something for the youngsters.” Because of the show, Larry Collins performed alongside such legends as Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Gene Vincent.
In 1956, The Collins Kids came to Nashville to perform on the first television broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry. They also guested on The Ozark Jubilee and on variety shows hosted by Steve Allen, Arthur Godfrey, Tony Bennett and Jack Carson. In addition, the duo appeared in the 1956 movie Music Around the World. In 1958, Larry recorded an instrumental EP with his mentor Maphis.
The Collins Kids’ hopped-up hillbilly style was showcased on a series of singles on Columbia Records in 1955-59. These are now considered classics of the rockabilly genre. “Beetle Bug Bop,” “Hoy Hoy,” “Rock and Roll Polka,” “Soda Poppin’ Around,” “Party,” “Hush Money,” “Mama Worries” and “Rockaway Rock” bristled with excitement.
Lorrie fell in love with teen heartthrob Ricky Nelson. Larry was enlisted by their parents to “chaperone” their dates. In 1959, she suddenly eloped with Johnny Cash manager Stu Carnall, and this brought an end to The Collins Kids.
Larry and Lorrie Collins
The siblings reunited for TV appearances in the 1960s, some Nevada casino shows in the 1970s and rockabilly revival festivals in the 1990s.
Meanwhile, Larry Collins pursued a solo career, evolved into a golf pro and became a successful country songwriter. He’d cowritten such 1950s Collins Kids tunes as “In My Teens,” “Hot Rod,” ”Whistle Bait,” ”Hop Skip and Jump” and his instrumentals “T-Bone” and “Hurricane.” But in the 1970s, he began writing much bigger hits for others.
In 1972, his co-written “Delta Dawn” launched the Hall of Fame career of Tanya Tucker. The following year, the song became a No. 1 pop hit for Helen Reddy. Tucker returned to the Larry Collins song catalog for her 1980 hit “Pecos Promenade.”
In 1981, David Frizzell and Shelly West hit No. 1 with his co-written “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” which was named the ACM Song of the Year. Later that year, Glen Campbell had a hit with “Any Which Way You Can,” which Collins co-wrote as the title tune of a Clint Eastwood movie. Larry Collins songs were also recorded by Mac Davis, Nancy Sinatra, Lou Rawls, Alex Harvey, Bette Midler and others.
He died at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Santa Clarita, California of natural causes. Daughter Larissa Collins announced the news of his passing. Larry Collins is also survived by two grandsons and by sister Nicki Collins. No funeral arrangements have been announced.
West Coast Country Great Larry Collins Dies
/by Robert K OermannLarry Collins
Rockabilly guitar slinger and hit country songwriter Larry Collins passed away last Friday (Jan. 5) at age 79.
Best known for co-writing such hits as “Delta Dawn” and “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” Collins was a mainstay of the California country scene for decades.
Born in Oklahoma, he moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was nine. Older sister Lorrie Collins (1942-2018) had won a talent contest in Tulsa, which led her to pursue a country career in L.A. She formed a duo with Larry as her lead guitarist and singing partner.
Larry Collins
When he was 10 and she was 12, The Collins Kids became regulars on the TV show Town Hall Party in 1954. When the rock & roll revolution hit two years later, the talented siblings became an enthusiastic rockabilly act. Larry Collins blossomed as a hotshot electric guitarist after he was tutored by the TV show’s Joe Maphis (1921-1986). The older star played a double-necked electric guitar and gave one to Larry, who played it for the rest of his life.
The Collins Kids featured Lorrie on lead vocals and sock rhythm guitar. Larry sang, played snappy rockabilly guitar licks and bounced around the stage energetically. They performed weekly on Town Hall Party. The show was hosted by Tex Ritter, who would introduce the exuberant, scene-stealing siblings as “something for the youngsters.” Because of the show, Larry Collins performed alongside such legends as Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Gene Vincent.
In 1956, The Collins Kids came to Nashville to perform on the first television broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry. They also guested on The Ozark Jubilee and on variety shows hosted by Steve Allen, Arthur Godfrey, Tony Bennett and Jack Carson. In addition, the duo appeared in the 1956 movie Music Around the World. In 1958, Larry recorded an instrumental EP with his mentor Maphis.
The Collins Kids’ hopped-up hillbilly style was showcased on a series of singles on Columbia Records in 1955-59. These are now considered classics of the rockabilly genre. “Beetle Bug Bop,” “Hoy Hoy,” “Rock and Roll Polka,” “Soda Poppin’ Around,” “Party,” “Hush Money,” “Mama Worries” and “Rockaway Rock” bristled with excitement.
Lorrie fell in love with teen heartthrob Ricky Nelson. Larry was enlisted by their parents to “chaperone” their dates. In 1959, she suddenly eloped with Johnny Cash manager Stu Carnall, and this brought an end to The Collins Kids.
Larry and Lorrie Collins
The siblings reunited for TV appearances in the 1960s, some Nevada casino shows in the 1970s and rockabilly revival festivals in the 1990s.
Meanwhile, Larry Collins pursued a solo career, evolved into a golf pro and became a successful country songwriter. He’d cowritten such 1950s Collins Kids tunes as “In My Teens,” “Hot Rod,” ”Whistle Bait,” ”Hop Skip and Jump” and his instrumentals “T-Bone” and “Hurricane.” But in the 1970s, he began writing much bigger hits for others.
In 1972, his co-written “Delta Dawn” launched the Hall of Fame career of Tanya Tucker. The following year, the song became a No. 1 pop hit for Helen Reddy. Tucker returned to the Larry Collins song catalog for her 1980 hit “Pecos Promenade.”
In 1981, David Frizzell and Shelly West hit No. 1 with his co-written “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” which was named the ACM Song of the Year. Later that year, Glen Campbell had a hit with “Any Which Way You Can,” which Collins co-wrote as the title tune of a Clint Eastwood movie. Larry Collins songs were also recorded by Mac Davis, Nancy Sinatra, Lou Rawls, Alex Harvey, Bette Midler and others.
He died at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Santa Clarita, California of natural causes. Daughter Larissa Collins announced the news of his passing. Larry Collins is also survived by two grandsons and by sister Nicki Collins. No funeral arrangements have been announced.
Submissions Now Open For The 59th Annual ACM Awards
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music (ACM) has opened submissions for the 59th ACM Awards, which will be accepted until Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. CT.
The eligibility period the 59th ACM Awards’ submissions is Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2023.
Key dates for Academy professional members for the 2023 ACM Awards cycle are as follows:
Submissions Period: Jan. 8, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2024
First Round Voting Main Awards: Feb. 26, 2024 – March 4, 2024
First Round Voting Radio Awards: Feb. 26, 2024 – March 11, 2024
Second Round Voting Main Awards: March 18, 2024 – March 25, 2024
Final Round Voting Radio Awards: March 18, 2024 – April 1, 2024
Final Round Voting Main Awards: April 15, 2024 – April 22, 2024
Multiple award categories were modified in 2023 following the 58th ACM Awards. Those modifications will be reflected in this year’s submissions and voting for this year’s awards. The ACM Board of Directors approved changes to New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Year and New Group or Duo of the Year, extending charting for those categories to open eligibility to more artists. The ACM Board of Directors also adopted criteria to require a minimum of three eligible submissions to award a category.
To be eligible for New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Year or New Group or Duo of the Year, the artist(s) must have released a single that reached the top 50 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or the Mediabase Country charts. Any albums self-released through an independent label the artist(s) owns and operates may not be counted as a debut or sophomore album, unless it produces a top 50 single reported by Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or Mediabase Country charts. The nominees shall be determined by a nomination ballot(s) and are subject to the approval of the Board. The winners shall be determined by a vote of the ACM professional membership.
An artist may be a nominee two times in a three-year period. Once an artist wins or releases the lead single from a third studio album, they will no longer qualify for these categories. Any artist who served or is currently serving as a lead member of a duo or group is not eligible for individual category recognition. Additionally, any artist who has gained initial fame as a solo artist or as part of a duo or group in another genre is not eligible in these categories.
The 59th ACM Awards will stream live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas exclusively on Prime Video for a global audience for the third straight year in May as part of the ACM Awards’ renewed partnership with Amazon.
Maddie & Tae Slate ‘Here’s To Friends Tour’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughMaddie & Tae will hit the road again this spring on the “Here’s To Friends Tour,” kicking off on March 16 in New Port Richey, Florida.
The tour will visit Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Texas and more through Aug. 4. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 12, and fan club members can purchase tickets Jan. 9.
“This year’s ‘Here’s To Friends Tour’ is really special because it marks 14 years of friendship and 10 years of touring the world together,” share Maddie & Tae. “We started touring when we were just babies and now we’ve got little babies of our own! We are so ready to celebrate 10 years of touring with our fans who have grown up with us and continue to join us on this wild ride!”
Maddie & Tae’s current single, “Heart They Didn’t Break,” which tells the story of true friendship in times of heartbreak, is available on all platforms now. Together as longtime friends and music collaborators, the duo’s Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr co-wrote each track on their latest one-two punch project Through The Madness Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
Chris Tomlin Announces ‘Holy Forever World Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein
Chris Tomlin will embark on his new “Holy Forever World Tour” this spring. Cain will open the U.S. dates of the new trek.
The Grammy-winner’s first overseas headlining tour in more than a decade will include shows across the U.S. and around the globe in Boston, Tulsa, St. Louis and Kansas City as well as England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and Hungary, among others. Tickets will be available for presale beginning Jan. 19, with general sales starting on Jan. 22. For more information, click here.
Tomlin closed out 2023 with a benchmark as his seven-week No. 1 single “Holy Forever” marked a historic achievement by holding the top position on a radio chart for over three years, totaling a career 158+ weeks. The song was also nominated for a Grammy and a Billboard Music Award. He also sold out every show on his fall tour.
Bob Reeves Launches New Artist Management & Promotion Firm, Excelsior Music
/by Lorie HollabaughBob Reeves. Photo: Amy Allmand
Music industry executive Bob Reeves has opened a new firm, Excelsior Music. The solely-owned private venture will focus on management and artist development, as well as radio and tour marketing and promotion.
Reeves has previously held Vice President and National Director posts with Warner Music Nashville, Sony, Monument, Epic Records, Reviver Records, Blaster Records, CORE Records and, most recently, Riser House Entertainment. He spent time as a programmer and on-air talent at Lightning 100 & Thunder 94 in Nashville as well as WFLY-FM and WPTR-AM in Albany, New York. Shortly after arriving in Nashville from upstate New York, Reeves became the Operations Manager and Talent Buyer for the nightclub and music venue, The Ace of Clubs.
Reeves’ first management client is country singer-songwriter Orlando Mendez. Based in Nashville, Mendez is a second-generation Cuban-American from south Florida who had his first national exposure on NBC’s The Voice. He is currently working on his debut project with producer Nick Worley.
“I guess I join the likes of Col. Harlan Sanders, of KFC fame, since I am starting my first business in earnest, late in my career,” says Reeves. “With that, I recognize that the life I’ve lived along with its successes, and especially its failures, have given me the experience and fortitude to finally launch Excelsior Music. Orlando is the perfect artist to start with from the exact opposite perspective. He is a young, hungry, multi-talented singer-songwriter who will, without a doubt, have a long and fruitful career!”
Reach Reeves at bob@excelsior-music.com.
Boots In The Park Festival To Expand To New Mexico In May
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett, Chris Young, Chris Janson and more are set to perform at the Boots In The Park festival, which has expanded to Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico and will take place on Saturday, May 18.
Boots In The Park, which initially kicked off in California in 2017, has since expanded its footprint to various venues throughout California and Arizona, with additional states to be announced soon. The addition of Balloon Fiesta Park adds a new dimension to the festival, offering attendees in the Albuquerque area a day filled with music and entertainment.
“The Boots In The Park family is thrilled to extend our roots to New Mexico” says Steve Thacher, Boots In The Park Founder. “As we continue to grow, this new market allows us to explore fresh horizons and build a unique relationship with the community of Albuquerque, adding a touch of New Mexico charm to our festival experience.”
Other performers on tap for the festival include Kameron Marlowe, Dylan Schneider, Leaving Austin and resident DJ Luwiss Lux. The new venue will also provide a diverse range of activities for festival-goers, from line dancing to interactive art installations, along with craft food from local vendors, stocked bars and more. Tickets go on sale Jan. 19. For more information, click here.
Nominations Open: MusicRow’s 11th Annual Rising Women On The Row
/by LB CantrellMusicRow will honor six deserving businesswomen during its 11th annual Rising Women on the Row ceremony on March 19, 2024 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The breakfast event will recognize the selected Nashville music industry professionals who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders.
Nominations for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2024 are now closed.
Submissions will be considered only through the official nomination process, which closes Wednesday, Jan. 17. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted. Multiple nominations do not increase likelihood of being selected, but you may nominate as many individuals as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are welcome.
The 2024 Class of Rising Women on the Row will be announced in the coming weeks, along with event details. Tickets will open in the coming weeks as well.
Past honorees include—2023: Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Jackie Jones, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband; 2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.
Chase McDaniel Inks Publishing Deal With Hang Your Hat Music & Concord Music Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPictured: (L-R, back row): Emily Baldridge (HYH), Melissa Spillman (CMP), Matt Turner (CMP), Courtney Allen (CMP); (L-R, front row): Jake Gear (HYH), Chase McDaniel, Brad Kennard (CMP). Photo: Sam Shelton
Virginia native Chase McDaniel has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing. The deal includes the writer’s full catalog, which includes cuts with Logan Crosby, Reid Haughton, Emily Ann Roberts, Clayton Mullen and more, as well as all future work.
Hang Your Hat Music was founded by two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year Hillary Lindsey, and is in a joint venture with Concord Music Publishing.
“Hang Your Hat is so thrilled to welcome Chase to the roster,” says Jake Gear, Executive Vice President of Hang Your Hat Music. “He’s established a network of close writer/artist collaborators based on his songcraft as a topliner. He’s a well of ideas with incredible work ethic and ability to craft a memorable melody and lyric that’s feels fresh—all which makes him a valuable addition to any room. We’re excited to get to work!”
“Concord couldn’t be prouder to partner yet again with Hang Your Hat and to work with Chase,” adds Brad Kennard, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “He’s a focused and determined craftsman, who represents the best of Nashville’s next generation of hit-makers.”
After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in finance, McDaniel moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting. He has quickly cemented himself as a rising talent, bringing fresh ideas and strong toplining to every writing session.
“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to work with such great creative teams,” says McDaniel. “I’m super grateful to Hillary, Jake and Emily [Baldridge] for taking a chance on me. Looking forward to the next chapter!”
Josh Abbott Band Starts New Chapter With Upcoming LP
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh Abbott Band. Photo: Eric Morales
The Josh Abbott Band is releasing their seventh studio album, Somewhere Down The Road, on Jan. 26 via their Pretty Damn Tough label. The group has shared a new single from the project, “She’ll Always Be,” a sweet, poetic nod to Josh Abbott’s eternally free-spirited six-year-old daughter.
Produced by Dwight A. Baker, Somewhere Down The Road is the Josh Abbott Band’s first full-length LP since 2020’s The Highway Kind. It also marks the first effort from the band’s newly reconfigured lineup, including longtime members Eddie Villanueva (drums), Austin Davis (banjo), David Fralin (keys) and Jimmy Hartman (bass) as well as recent additions Adam Hill (fiddle) and guitarists Cale Richardson and Kris Farrow. The album represents the very beginning of a new chapter for the Lone Star band.
“For a long period of time I wanted to write hooky three-minute songs that would sound good on the radio, but now I’m writing from the heart more than I ever have,” shares Abbott. “This record came from getting back to who I really am as a songwriter, and there was a lot of exorcizing some of the demons from my past.”
Over the weekend, the band played a pair of shows at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. They’ll head out on the road for their “Somewhere Down The Road Tour” next month.
The Familie To Establish Nashville HQ, Led By Royce Risser
/by LB CantrellRoyce Risser
The Familie, a sports and music agency, has arrived in Nashville with the addition of two new hires.
Royce Risser, previously EVP of Promotion at Universal Music Group, has been hired as The Familie’s Head of Nashville and EVP of Country Music. He will be leading the company’s expansion into Music City. Additionally, The Familie has added artist manager Chase Berlin to the team.
As The Familie prepares to make Nashville its national headquarters, Risser will be overseeing and executing Nashville office operations. He will also be leading the development of The Familie’s new country division. The Familie’s roster currently includes artists such as Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jaden Hossler, Games We Play and sombr.
Steve Astephen, Co-founder and CEO at The Familie, says, “We’ve been eyeing Nashville as the home for our new HQ since 2019, and Risser was the missing link we’d been waiting for. He’s a veteran on Music Row, has worked with most of the top names in country and is the perfect person to not just open a Familie office in Nashville, but to truly make us a Nashville firm. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Risser’s over three decades of experience includes a significant stint leading all promotion efforts at UMG Nashville. Risser played an integral role in the release of over 200 No.1 singles for artists such as George Strait, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Sugarland, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, the Mavericks, David Lee Murphy, Trisha Yearwood, Marty Stuart, Wynonna Judd, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd and many more.
“It’s been immediately clear to me that The Familie does things differently,” he shares. “I appreciate the team’s non-transactional approach to management, thoughtfully building artist brands and legacies through collaboration and a vast network of cross-industry alliances. Steve Astephen could easily be the smartest, most connected person I’ve ever met and can’t wait to work alongside him in this role. I know this team will be a refreshing addition to the Nashville scene while also integrating with and honoring the history and pedigree of Music Row. I’m absolutely fired up and honored to be at the helm of The Familie’s arrival in Nashville.”
Berlin, The Familie’s first artist manager in Nashville, will work under Risser to sign and develop promising country artists and build out the genre’s division for the company. He began his music industry career at WME before joining The AMG as an artist manager, working with artists like Kat & Alex and Jordan James.