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.
Wolf Mahler Inks Publishing Deal With Sea Gayle Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Kim Wiggins (Sea Gayle), Chris DuBois (Sea Gayle), Sam Ribler (Sea Gayle), Brandon Gregg (Sea Gayle), Dennis Lord (The Law Office of Dennis Lord), JD Groover (Sea Gayle), Wolf Mahler, Allison Barrett (NSAI), Lisa Vo (NSAI), Amanda Flynn Phillips (NSAI), Jill Moody (NSAI), Maxwell Trotter (NSAI), Emily Mack (NSAI), Bart Herbison (NSAI)
Nashville native Wolf Mahler has signed a publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music. Mahler was discovered by Sea Gayle Music’s Sr. Creative Director/A&R JD Groover at a NSAI pitch to publisher event.
“I am truly excited to start this journey with Wolf. I knew it from the first song that this guy has something special to offer Music Row. His story and journey are incredible, and they match his ability, work ethic and talent,” says Groover.
While growing up in Nashville, Wolf’s parents—Michael and Angela Mahler of the group Wild Horses—had a record deal at Sony Music. Wolf was frequently spending time being homeschooled on a tour bus, and would watch his parents from the wings of Wildhorse Saloon. Eventually, the family moved to Texas, where Wolf spent his high school years honing his athletic ability in track & field. In high school, he won four Junior Olympic titles. He went on to receive an athletic scholarship at The University of Texas, winning five All-American titles and even qualifying for the Olympic Trials during his time at the school.
Leaving his athletic days behind, Wolf moved back to Nashville to pursue his ultimate passion of songwriting.
“I am very thankful to Sea Gayle for giving me the opportunity to write songs professionally. It’s an honor and a privilege being on the roster of a company with their history of success, and getting to learn from their writers and creative team,” says Wolf.
Trey Lewis To Share New Album ‘Troublemaker’ In March
/by Lorie HollabaughTrey Lewis is set to release his new album Troublemaker on March 1, marking his debut project with River House Artists.
On New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Lewis surprised fans by dropping “Pretty Hungover,” a song from the new record. Produced by Lewis and Jacob Rice, Troublemaker features 14 tracks. With a raw and honest delivery, the singer-songwriter paints a vivid picture of love, life and all the ups and downs that come with it.
“I’ve been a troublemaker my whole life. This is a batch of songs that speaks to me and I hope there is something for everyone to relate to here,” says Lewis. “We all start off in different places in life and struggle is real, but so is victory and love. I am grateful for our team and their efforts to make this the best album it can be.”
The surprise release of the song “Pretty Hungover” and its video follows the previous release of “Mine Never Could,” which was released in December. Lewis also recently scored his first major-label single as a songwriter with Cole Swindell’s “Three Feet Tall,” a song that tells the personal experience of how Lewis’ parents’ divorce affected him as a young boy.
He became a household name in 2020 with his viral hit, “Dicked Down in Dallas,” which hit No. 1 on iTunes and has garnered more than 360 million streams to date. The career-launching hit was followed by “Single Again,” which also reached the top of the iTunes chart.
Troublemaker Track Listing:
“Drunk In A Bar” (Justin Wilson, Matt Rogers, Chris DeStefano)
“Could’ve Been Me” (Dawson Edwards, Alex Maxwell, Joe Collins)
“Wishin’ I Was Fishin’” (Joybeth Taylor, Matt McKinney, Tate Howell, Jared Hampton)
“Up Yours” (Lee Thomas Miller, John Pierce, Ben Stennis)
“Girl Problem” (Seth Ennis, Joe Fox, Trea Landon)
“Outlaw Us” (David Lee Murphy, Rhett Akins, Michael Carter)
“Sounds Like Money To Me” (JT Harding, Brice Long, Matt McKinney)
“Pretty Hungover” (Tommy Karlas, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
“Always You” (Ben Hayslip, Matt McKinney, Jacob Rice)
“Troublemaker” (Trey Lewis, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
“What I’m Doin’” (Trey Lewis, Jake Rose, Stone Aielli)
“I’m A” (Craig Wiseman, Chris Stevens, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“Mine Never Could” (Matt Jenkins, Zachary Kale, Deric Ruttan)
“I Quit” (Trey Lewis, Matt McVaney, Jordan Walker)
Bonnaroo Releases 2024 Lineup
/by Madison HahnenThe annual music and arts festival Bonnaroo has revealed its 2024 lineup. The festival will take place June 13-16 this year in Manchester, Tennessee. With more than 10 stages, Bonnaroo attendees will experience a variety of music over the four days.
Thursday’s opening night features headliner Pretty Lights, and will also see performances by Bigxthaplug, Michigander, Ocie Elliott and more. Post Malone will headline Friday night, which also includes Maggie Rogers, Gary Clark Jr., Faye Webster, 49 Winchester, Bonny Light Horseman and more. Saturday will include Jon Batiste, Brittany Howard, The Teskey Brothers, Whyte Fang, Tanner Ursey and more before headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers ends the night. On Sunday, Fred Again will close out the four days after performances by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Goth Babe, Charles Wesley Godwin, Jake Wesley Rogers, Armand Hammer and more. Pretty Lights will also be performing a special sunrise set during the weekend.
This year is slated to have some special highlights for the festival. Bonnaroo has shared that Fred Again’s Sunday headline set will be the band’s only U.S. festival set in 2024. Attendees will also see a special edition of the famous SuperJam, featuring announced and unannounced special guests to create “Once More With Feeling(s) – The Dashboard Confessional Emo SuperJam.” Additional lineup announcements are forthcoming, including for the Where In the Woods stage and Late Night showcase.
A percentage of festival proceeds will go to the Bonnaroo Works Fund, a nonprofit organization that has contributed to more than 100 local, regional and national nonprofit partners benefiting the arts, education, environmental sustainability and social impact, with a direct focus on local reinvestment and asset building.
Pre-sale tickets will be available starting Jan. 11, with general admission following if tickets remain. Tickets include access to over 150 performances, access to the entire campground, access to over 150 food vendors, access official band and festival merchandise and more throughout the campground.
Dan + Shay Celebrate 10th No. 1 Single ‘Save Me The Trouble’
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, top row): Michael Chase, Connor Brock, Kristen Williams, Tom Martens and Lisa Ray; (L-R, middle row): Kayla Burnett, Sam Nepsa and James Marsh; (L-R, bottom row): Dan + Shay
Dan + Shay recently celebrated their 10th No. 1 single “Save Me The Trouble,” which is featured on their fifth studio album Bigger Houses, with the Warner Music Nashville radio team.
Co-written by Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney alongside Ashley Gorley, Jordan Minton and Jordan Reynolds, the track entered country radio as the highest Country Aircheck debut since June 2022 and marked multi-Platinum pair’s largest career add day ever. “Save Me The Trouble” also topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in October.
Additionally, the superstar duo recently joined the Spotify Billionaires Club with “10,000 Hours,” the smash single they recorded with Justin Beiber. They will hit the road on “The Heartbreak On The Map Tour” next month and will become the first-ever coaching duo on NBC’s The Voice this spring.
Shane Stevens Inks With Spirit Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Leisl Eschbach, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; AJ Burton, Fluid Music Revolution; David Crow, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Matthew Beckett, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; Brian Bradford, Spirit Music Nashville; Andy Hodges, Spirit Music Nashville; (L-R, front row): Derek Wells, Spirit Music Nashville; Kara Jackson, Spirit Music Nashville; Shane Stevens; Frank Rogers, Spirit Music Group/Spirit Music Nashville; Kennedy Murphy, Spirit Music Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group
Shane Stevens has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.
Stevens has co-written No. 1s including Lady A‘s “American Honey” and the massive 2021 smash “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track is certified six-time Platinum and was nominated in 2021 for a Best Country Song Grammy Award. The Myrtle Beach native is also a co-writer on the reimagined holiday version of the song, “Fancy Like Christmas,” which was released in November. Its accompanying music video hit No. 1 Top Country Music Video on iTunes.
“American Honey” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and won NSAI’s award for “Songs I Wish I’d Written.” The song also garnered Millionaire and Most-Performed Country Songs of the Year awards from BMI. Stevens has also had cuts with Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Carrie Underwood, Jesse McCartney, Sara Evans, Jordin Sparks, Meghan Trainor and more.
“Shane is a force of nature! He is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, TV personality, stylist, antique furniture restorer and hundreds of other things that I continue to learn about daily,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “We are thrilled to welcome Shane to the Spirit family and are excited about the music he is making and is going to make! This is going to be a fun ride!”
“I couldn’t feel more honored or more blessed to be a part of this team at Spirit,” says Stevens. “I can feel it in my bones that we have just entered into what will be an abundant partnership for years to come. I’ve found my people.”
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.