CMHOF To Offer Free Admission For Veterans & Their Families On Veterans Day

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is honoring active-duty and retired armed services members with free museum admission on Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

As an additional thanks to the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present, the museum will also extend free admission for up to three immediate family members. Timed admission tickets can be reserved by calling 615-416-2001, or obtained at the museum’s box office on Nov. 11. Valid military ID is required to claim tickets. Due to limited capacity, advanced reservations are highly recommended. Active duty and retired armed services members will also receive a 10 percent discount at the Museum Store and the Hatch Show Print retail store on Nov. 11. Tours of Hatch Show Print and Historic RCA Studio B are offered for a fee, based on availability.

Visitors to the museum’s website can also listen to a selection of songs written by veterans through the museum’s partnership with CreatiVets. As a result of the collaboration — which began in 2018 — more than 115 veterans have partnered with songwriters to craft songs through the museum’s Words & Music program.

Special programming throughout the day will include:

    • Thank a Soldier: Veterans Day Postcard – To share appreciation for our military members and their families, create postcards for active-duty troops. Through A Million Thanks, a nonprofit organization that provides support to military members, cards will be mailed to those serving overseas. All ages. (Taylor Swift Education Center; 11a.m.-1 p.m.)
    • Songwriter Round with CreatiVets – In partnership with CreatiVets, a nonprofit empowering wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music, the museum provides songwriting support that fosters self-expression and allows vets to transform their stories of trauma and struggle into songs to inspire and motivate continued healing. In this songwriter round, songwriters will perform songs written by CreatiVets participants and share the stories behind them. (Ford Theater; 12-12:45 p.m.)
    • Family Program: Musical Instrument Petting Zoo – Attendees can bow a fiddle, pluck a banjo and strum a ukulele at the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, which offers budding musicians a chance to try instruments. The program will begin with a demonstration of the instruments by a professional musician, then instructors will offer guidance as participants try their hand at all the instruments. All ages. (Taylor Swift Education Center; 2-3 p.m.)
    • Songwriter Round with Operation Song – Operation Song pairs songwriters with veterans, active-duty military members and their families to help them share their experiences through song. In this special songwriter round, professional writers will perform songs written with Operation Song participants and share the stories behind them. (Ford Theater; 2:30-3:15 p.m.)

‘Peter Cottontail’ Singer, Merv Shiner, Dies At Age 102

Merv Shiner

Country singer Merv Shiner, who originated the children’s Easter favorite “Here Comes Peter Cottontail,” died last week in Florida at age 102.

His memorial service will take place Saturday (Nov. 4) in Tampa.

Shiner was a cast member of the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. He also appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and starred on several early country television shows. He recorded for Decca, RCA and MGM, among other labels. Between 1949 and 1969, he placed four singles on the country popularity charts.

Mervin J. Shiner was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1921 and made his professional singing debut on local radio stations. His mother, Jennie Newton Shiner (1887-1953), was an accomplished singer, and she urged him to pursue a show-business career. She also performed with him. Billed as “Mervin Shiner and His Mother,” the duo began broadcasting in Pennsylvania in 1936.

He worked in a Los Angeles defense plant during World War II, then reunited with his mother and landed a spot on Dave Miller’s country TV show in Newark, New Jersey in 1948. He also guested on several early country television programs in New York City. These appearances brought him to the attention of future Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Vaughn Horton (1911-1988), who arranged a recording contract with Decca Records.

Shiner debuted on the country charts in 1949 with “Why Don’t You Haul Off and Love Me,” which became a top 10 hit. The song was also successful for Bob Atcher and for Wayne Raney, who co-wrote it.

Later in 1949, Decca producer Paul Cohen brought Shiner a new song and asked him to learn it. Shiner was reluctant, since he considered himself to be a country singer, not a kiddie music maker. But Cohen was certain that “Peter Cottontail” was a hit.

Shiner’s version of the song debuted on the country hit parade in early 1950 and eventually sold a million. “Peter Cottontail” was also popularized by Gene Autry, Jimmy Wakely, Johnnie Lee Wills, Fran Allison, Rosemary Clooney, Roy Rogers, Hank Snow, Frank Luther and Guy Lombardo. As a result of the hit, Shiner was invited to appear on the Opry, where he was introduced by Hank Williams. By 1953, he was a regular on the World’s Original Jamboree in West Virginia.

He signed with RCA Victor Records. The label issued “Mr. Sandman,” “You’re Free to Go” and several other singles, but none charted.

In 1954, he appeared on Pee Wee King’s television show in Cleveland, Ohio. Shiner was also a guest on Jubilee U.S.A., the landmark network country TV show from Springfield, Missouri hosted by Red Foley.

In 1965, Merv Shiner was featured in the movie Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar alongside Merle Kilgore, Dottie West, Jimmy Dickens, Minnie Pearl, Lefty Frizzell, Kitty Wells, Faron Young, Webb Pierce, Connie Smith and a bevy of other country headliners. Shiner reemerged on the country charts as an MGM artist in the late 1960s. Both “Big Brother” (1967) and “Too Hard to Say I’m Sorry” (1969) were co-written and produced by Jack Clement.

Shiner ran his own song firm in Music City, Ly-Rann Publishing. He co-wrote Jan Howard’s 1969 hit “We Had All the Good Things Going” and his songs were also recorded by Billie Jo Spears, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride and others.

In 1970-71, Merv Shiner was the A&R director at the Nashville office of Certron Records. The label released his version of the Crosby, Stills & Nash pop hit “Teach Your Children,” as well as his albums Life Is Lovin’ What You’re Made For (1970) and Greatest Christmas Kiddie Hits (1970). Certron also marketed the music of Johnny Paycheck, Elton Britt, Bobby Helms and Pozo Seco (featuring future solo star Don Williams).

Shiner recorded for a number of independent labels in the 1970s and 1980s. He retired in 2004. In later years, he sang with his wife Marilyn and played the Martin Guitar he’d had since 1937. In 2021, the Nashville local of the Musicians Union recognized him with a proclamation on his 100th birthday. He was the local’s oldest member, according to Local 257 president Dave Pomeroy.

Mervin Shiner died on Oct. 23. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, by son Michael and by three granddaughters.

Saturday’s memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at the First Reformed Church of Tampa (8283 W. Hillsborough Ave.). Burial will be in the family plot in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Brian Kelley, Jason Aldean & Friends Open Papa Surf Burger Bar In Florida

Papa Surf Burger Bar Partners Jason Aldean, Brittany Aldean, Brittney Kelley, Brian Kelley, Tom Glavine And Chris Glavine. Photo: Justin Mrusek

Brian and Brittney Kelley, Jason and Brittany Aldean and baseball Hall Of Famer Tom Glavine and his wife Chris have partnered to open a new restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, the Papa Surf Burger Bar.

The group hosted a private celebration on Sunday (Oct. 29) for the grand opening of the restaurant, which marks the second business owned by the Kelleys in the area, who also opened the brick-and-mortar location for their Tribe Kelley line, Tribe Kelley Surf Post, in 2018.

Welcoming family and close friends to an intimate menu sampling of made-to-order burgers like “The Beach Cowboy” and “Burnin’ It Down,” the 50 guests raised a toast with a signature house drink called “Papa’s Punch” and champagne. In addition, Brian treated the crowd to a full band show live from the Cortney Bishop-designed restaurant, performing songs including his new single “See You Next Summer” and “Dirt Cheap,” plus previewing some unreleased tracks from his upcoming debut album with Big Machine Records. Jason also joined Kelley for his hit “Burnin’ It Down,” which Brian co-wrote.

“My wife Brittney and I are just so fired up that the Papa Surf Burger Bar is officially open,” shares Brian. “There will be so many special moments and memories made there. The vibe is real, the energy is great, and the burgers are next level. We’re so thankful to our partners for dreaming this all up together, and our team for working so hard to bring our vision to life.”

Papa Surf Burger Bar is now open to the public.

FBMM Names Erica Rosa & Jen Conger As Owners

Jen Conger & Erica Rosa

FBMM has named Jen Conger and Erica Rosa as owners of the entertainment business management firm.

“Jen and Erica have been key members of FBMM’s leadership for years, and each of the other owners and I are proud to have them step into this circle,” says Duane Clark, Co-Owner, President and Chairman of FBMM. “Erica and Jen have carved their own unique paths at FBMM and have earned the trust and respect of our clients and our employees.”

Conger is a powerhouse business manager known for her expertise in overall royalty analysis, domestic and international touring, sponsorship and endorsement deal negotiations, commercial insurance, and estate planning. She oversees more than $90 million in revenue each year on behalf of her clients, who have collectively received more than 60 Grammy nominations and 19 Grammy Award wins and represent all genres of music.

Making history at FBMM, Conger became the first female associate business manager in the firm’s history and did so at a record pace. Five years later, she earned yet another highly coveted promotion—this time advancing to the position of business manager.

“As someone who did not initially set out to work in the music industry, I am incredibly thankful to FBMM and the owners who saw something in me,” shares Conger. “That opportunity allowed me to develop my skill set, work hard and get where I am today. I am also honored to be on this new journey alongside Erica, who has blazed her own trail at FBMM and in the industry.”

Rosa joined FBMM as the firm’s first full-time royalty employee and was named Vice President of Royalties & Contract Compliance in 2021. She is directly responsible for growing the department into the highly respected one that it is today. Her division handles strategic contract negotiation and compliance, royalty audits, catalog sales, and record label administration.

From 2020 to 2023, Rosa relocated to Los Angeles to help the firm establish its L.A. office. During her tenure at FBMM, she has played pivotal roles in multiple eight- and nine-figure catalog sales and has overseen unpaid royalty recoveries and prevention of loss revenue in excess of $200 million.

“I am grateful to the owners for giving me the entrepreneurial freedom and trust to dream big on what the Royalties and Contract Compliance division at FBMM could and should be,” says Rosa. “I’m proud of how the division has grown and the way my team truly works in lockstep with each artist’s team. Now, as an owner, I am enthusiastic to continue the forward-facing relationships we’ve built in a role that is typically very behind-the-scenes.”

Reservoir Inks New Deal With Multi-Platinum Writer-Producer Brent Maher [Exclusive]

Brent Maher. Photo: Rod McGaha

Reservoir has signed a new publishing deal for the future works of seven-time Grammy Award-winning and multi-Platinum writer-producer Brent Maher. This deal builds on the company’s 2018 acquisition of rights to Maher’s full catalog.

Maher is best known for his work with The Judds, whom he discovered in 1983 and would go on to produce all 10 of their albums. He co-wrote and produced the duo’s “Why Not Me,” which topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and earned the ACM’s Song of the Year award. Maher has also worked on many of The Judds’ other hits such as “Girls Night Out,” “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain,” “I Know Where I’m Going,” “Let Me Tell You About Love” and “Born To Be Blue,” among others.

Maher was recently a part of The Judds’ 40th anniversary tribute album, collaborating on all tracks but one for the project. The album features stars from country music and beyond, including Wynonna Judd, Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Reba McEntire and more.

Beyond his work with The Judds, Maher has also co-written several hits by Johnny Reid, including the CCMA Single of the Year “A Woman Like You” and Juno-nominated Single of the Year “Let’s Go Higher.” He is also an award-winning engineer, with notable credits including Ike & Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and The 5th Dimension’s “Age of Aquarius,” plus titles by Willie Nelson, Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry, Sammy Davis Jr. Gladys Knight, Sly and the Family Stone and more.

“Brent has worked on so many iconic country records and continues to produce, write, and engineer some of the genre’s best music. His work on A Tribute To The Judds and the star-studded features on the album showcase just how meaningful his influence is to artists in country music and beyond,” shares John Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “We are honored to be working with him and look forward to supporting the legacy of his music, old and new.”

Maher adds, “I’m very happy to be in business with John and the entire staff at Reservoir on my new endeavors and back catalog.”

Chris Stapleton Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

Chris Stapleton joins the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, jumping from No. 13 to No. 9.

Stapleton is a co-writer on both of his currently charting tunes, “White Horse” and “It Takes A Woman.” Both appear on Stapleton’s upcoming new album Higher, due out Nov. 10.

Zach Bryan maintains his position at the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the eighth consecutive week this week, while Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Tracy Chapman (No. 3), Jelly Roll (No. 4) and Chase McGill (No. 5) complete the top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

CMA Presents Jeannie Seely With 2023 Joe Talbot Award

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rogers (Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Old Opry), Seely and Kella Farris (Partner, Farris, Self & Moore, LLC and CMA Board President). Photo: Chris Hollo Photography/Grand Ole Opry

During a Grand Ole Opry performance this weekend, country legend Jeannie Seely was surprised with the Country Music Association’s Joe Talbot Award. CMA Board President Kella Farris made the special presentation, which elicited a standing ovation from the Opry house crowd.

The CMA Joe Talbot Award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and tradition. Since its creation in 2001, the award has been presented to 12 individuals, including Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, Janette Carter, Kitty Moon Emery, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Charlie Monk, Louise Scruggs, Marty Stuart and Talbot himself.

“How wonderful to be honored for doing what you love to do and love to share with others! My surprise was obvious since I am rarely at a loss for words, but this caught me totally speechless!,” said Seely. “While country music will always, and must always evolve, we must always remember the Grand Ole Opry is the cornerstone our industry was built on with music that represented the people. My sincere appreciation to CMA and the folks who recognized how much I care, and I’m proud to be in such great company! Thank you!”

As a long-time mentor for many female artists in the genre, Seely’s influence on the format has been undeniable. She took to the stage during the inaugural Fan Fair in 1972 and has remained a devoted supporter and advocate for country music. Seely was recognized last year for having the most performances in the Grand Ole Opry’s 98-year history with over 5,000 shows. Since 2018, she has hosted her own weekly program, Sunday with Seely, on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse channel. Seely continuously strives to positively represent country music and promote its traditions to generations of fans.

Industry Ink: SMACK, Big Loud Rock, Luma Business Services, Lucas Hoge

Jaice Cousins Named Digital Coordinator At SMACK

Jaice Cousins

Jaice Cousins has joined SMACK as Digital Coordinator. Cousins is an Ohio native and Belmont graduate with a degree in music business. She previously worked as a Product Data Management Coordinator at Warner Music Group, and in her new role, will oversee the company’s social media management across all digital platforms and contribute to marketing campaigns and strategy for SMACK clients, as well as assist on other projects such as Orange Country Podcast and SMACK Records initiatives.

“We are thrilled to be having Jaice join our growing team,” says Molly Bouchon. “Her passion for the music industry, combined with her creative vision, make her an awesome addition to the SMACK family.”

“I am so excited and honored to be joining the team at SMACK. This team has been so welcoming and I am grateful for the opportunity to be working alongside so many talented individuals and creatives. I can’t thank them enough for letting me be a part of this company’s story,” says Cousins.

 

Mercury Inks With Big Loud Rock

Mercury. Photo: Luke Rogers

Indie-rock band Mercury has signed with Big Loud Records’ alternative/rock imprint Big Loud Rock. Driven by frontwoman Maddie Kerr, the band released its label debut on Friday (Oct. 27) with the new single “Trying.”

“I am so honored to be a part of the Big Loud Rock family,” shares Kerr. “They have shown an incredible amount of support and passion toward not only my own project, but music in general. They have an incredibly genuine appreciation for music, and their drive to elevate artistic vision is unlike anything I’ve seen. They have been amazing and shown so much love and excitement toward me and my art – they put pure and powerful intentions behind everything they do, and I just couldn’t be more excited to work with them!”

“Mercury represents everything that Big Loud Rock stands for – unique, artistic expression with a one-of-a-kind sound,” shares Big Loud Rock President Greg Thompson.

 

Mallori Kirchenschlager Joins Luma Business Services As Business Manager

Pictured (L-R): Luma Business Service’s Lindsay Bost, Adrien Good, Landon Cobbs, Mallori Kirchenschlager. Photo: Kathy Thomas

Mallori Kirchenschlager has joined Nashville-based business management and bookkeeping firm, Luma Business Services, as business manager.

Kirchenschlager holds a Bachelor’s of Administration degree in Music Business and Accounting from Belmont and has held a variety of positions throughout her 15-year career including Senior Account Manager at FBMM Entertainment Business Management, Director of Strategic Alliances and Events at International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) and Music Agent Assistant at Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

“I am thrilled to have Mallori join the incredible team we have built,” shares Luma’s Founder and President Adrien Good. “Her talents and diverse experience across the industry are a huge asset to our clients and I am excited to work alongside her everyday.”

 

Lucas Hoge’s Hoge Wild Comes To Heartland Network

The first two seasons of Lucas Hoge’s TV series Hoge Wild is coming to the Heartland Network on Nov. 5. Hoge Wild follows the country singer and outdoorsman as he travels around the globe on outdoor adventures including hunting expeditions, fishing trips and more.

The series has brought Hoge around the world including travels to Puerto Vallarta, the Cayman Islands, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada and more as well as stops across the United States. Each episode will air on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. Eastern/Pacific (streaming at 8:30 p.m. ET) with an encore presentation the following Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern/Pacific (streaming at 2 p.m. ET).

The MLC Notches $1.5 Billion In Total Royalties Distributed To Members

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) held its third annual Membership Meeting last week.

Of the key metrics highlighted during the meeting, the organization shared that, in the last two and half years since inception, The MLC has distributed over $1.5 billion in royalties. As intended by Congress in the Music Modernization Act, The MLC has effectively illuminated the “black box” for digital audio mechanicals by giving members the ability to search all the unmatched data and propose matches for their works using The MLC’s Matching Tool. To date, The MLC has received and approved more than one million proposed matches submitted by members through the Matching Tool.

The organization also highlighted that The MLC now has more than 32,000 members, having added more than 9,000 to date in 2023. It has over 33 million works in its public database, with data for more than three million new works added in 2023 alone.

“We are proud of these accomplishments, particularly in reaching the milestone of distributing over $1.5 billion in royalties,” says The MLC’s CEO, Kris Ahrend. “We have effectively illuminated the black box by empowering our members with several tools that enable them to take actions intended to eliminate the black box. We look forward to continuing our work to fulfill our mission of ensuring songwriters, composers, lyricists and music publishers receive their mechanical royalties from streaming & download services in the United States accurately and on time.”

During the meeting, the result of The MLC’s recent Class B Board Seat election was also announced. Alisa Coleman was re-elected by The MLC’s Class B Members to serve on The MLC’s Board of Directors for a second three-year term. The MLC’s Class A Members selected Troy Verges to fill the open seat as a Songwriter Director of the Board, which was previously held by Craig Wiseman, whose initial term expired this year. Additionally, the Class A Members selected Kevin Kadish to serve a second three-year term as a Songwriter Director of the Board.

Finally, The MLC announced that the make-up of the Class C Members will not change in 2024. More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and Advisory Committees can be found here.

Cody Jinks Introduces New Management & Late August Records Leadership

Cody Jinks. Photo: Tyler Stubblefield

As he prepares to release his highly anticipated new album next year, multi-Platinum artist Cody Jinks will move forward self-managed with a completely independent team. The team includes Malia Barrett (President, Late August Records), Amber Dee (Director of Tour Marketing), Joe Greenwald (VP of Radio and Streaming, Late August Records), Logan Hacker (Day-to-Day Manager), Keith Kilgore (Tour Manager) and Liz Slyman (Director of Marketing).

“As my team and I traverse the next part of this journey, it’s hard not to think that now I am truly more independent than ever. That is exciting,” Jinks shares.

Based in Texas, Jinks has made an indelible mark on country music as an independent musician. Throughout his career, he has sold over two million tickets, released 10 studio albums, sold more than two million equivalent units and garnered more than 3.5 billion streams across platforms with over a billion streams on Spotify and 1.7 billion streams on Pandora, earning him a Pandora Radio Billions Award.

Jinks was named MusicRow’s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year for the second time at the start of 2023, and earned new RIAA certifications for his songs “Loud and Heavy” (double Platinum), “Hippies & Cowboys” (Platinum), “Must Be The Whiskey” (Platinum), “Mamma Song” (Gold), “I’m Not The Devil” (Gold) and “Cast No Stones” (Gold) as well as for his acclaimed album Adobe Sessions (Gold).

Ahead of his new album, Jinks and his team gathered last week at Nashville’s Star Rover Sound for an exclusive preview event. In addition to hearing the record, which includes the newly released first single “Outlaws & Mustangs,” guests were also treated to an intimate acoustic performance as well as a conversation between Jinks and Clint Black.