Pictured (L-R): Honorees, Tanya Tucker, Bob McDill and Patty Loveless attend the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
At this year’s Medallion Ceremony inducting its newest members, several existing Country Music Hall of Famers shared the spotlight.
Staged on Sunday evening (Oct. 22), at the Hall’s CMA Theater, the event saluted Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless and Bob McDill as the inductees. Among the highlights of the ceremony were the contributions of Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Charlie McCoy, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Dean Dillon and Brenda Lee, all of whom are previous inductees.
“We’re thrilled to be in the presence of country-music royalty,” said the Hall of Fame’s CEO Kyle Young. “This event is devoted to joy and celebration.”
Pictured (L-R): Don Schlitz, Honoree Bob McDill and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
First up was Texas native Bob McDill, who is already a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was honored for a stunning song catalog that includes “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “Amanda,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” “Come Early Morning,” “Why Don’t You Spend the Night,” “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On,” “Gone Country,” ‘Song of the South,” “(Turn Out the Lights and) Love Me Tonight,” “Say It Again,” “Catfish John,” “It Must Be Love,” “Big Wheels in the Moonlight,” “I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up),” “I’ll Do It All Over Again,” “I’ve Been Around Enough to Know,” “Nobody Likes Sad Songs,” “I’ve Been Loved By the Best,” “Rake and a Rambling Man,” “The Door Is Always Open,” “We Believe in Happy Endings,” “You Never Miss a Real Good Thing,” “She Never Knew Me,” “In a Different Light,” “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” “What She Is (Is a Woman in Love),” “Why Didn’t I Think of That” and “Red Necks White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.”
“They joked on Music Row that BMI stood for ‘Bob McDill Incorporated,’” commented Young. “For 30 years, no songwriter in Nashville was more meticulous about crafting country songs.” He related that the songwriter’s mentors and collaborators Allen Reynolds, Dickey Lee, Jack Clement and Bill Hall brought him to Music City in 1970. He also described McDill as “a songwriter’s songwriter” who maintained a nine-to-five office songwriting schedule until his retirement in 2000.
A video bio reminded everyone about the circumstances of McDill’s life. “He elevated the craft of country songwriting into an art and that is why we are inducting him into the Country Music Hall of Fame.”
Pictured: Jamey Johnson performs onstage at the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Texas honky-tonker Charley Crockett saluted McDill with a jaunty, drawling rendition of “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Dean Dillon offered his meditative version of “All the Good Ones Are Gone,” which he co-wrote with McDill. Jamey Johnson hushed the crowd with an eloquent performance of “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” which left many attendees misty-eyed and earned a standing ovation.
Kyle Young introduced the members of the superb Medallion All-Star Band — Biff Watson, Jeff White, Jen Gunderman, Deanie Richardson, Brent Mason, Jerry Pentecost, Carmella Ramsey, Richard Loy and Paul Franklin — and then brought on Don Schlitz to do McDill’s induction honors.
Schlitz saluted McDill with a cleverly written reflection on his fellow songwriter’s influence. “Thank you for the great example you’ve given me, and all of us,” Schlitz said.
McDill noted that he realized he was in an elite group of Hall of Fame members who are non-performing songwriters — Schlitz, Dillon, Harlan Howard, Bobby Braddock, Cindy Walker, Boudleaux & Felice Bryant, Fred Rose, Hank Cochran. “What a great honor this is,” he said. Schlitz put the medallion around his neck. Young unveiled McDill’s official Hall of Fame plaque.
Pictured (L-R): Honoree, Patty Loveless and Vince Gill onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
The video bio for Kentucky’s Patty Loveless noted that she first came to town to attend Fan Fair. She stood in line to get Vince Gill’s autograph, who was a new and fairly unknown artist at the time. “One day, we’re going to sing together,” she told the budding star.
As a teenager, Loveless returned to town with a tape of her original songs and was befriended by Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, The Wilburn Brothers and her distant cousin Loretta Lynn. But she married, moved away and sang in rock bands for a decade. When she tried Nashville again in 1985, Tony Brown signed her to MCA and co-produced her records alongside Emory Gordy Jr., whom she married in 1989. That led to 20 top 10 hits in 1988-97, five CMA Awards, two Grammys and Opry membership.
“Patty Loveless has the ability to harken back to tradition and to move that tradition forward,” said Young. “Her voice is transcendent. She wanted to sing like her heroes. Today, artists say they want to sing like Patty Loveless. And that is why today she is joining the Hall of Fame.”
Medallion band member Deanie Richardson played in Loveless’s band for years (as did Ramsey). She and her all-female bluegrass group Sister Sadie gave tight harmony vocals to “Sounds of Loneliness.” Rock star Bob Seger got a standing ovation for his hearty rendition of “She Drew a Broken Heart.”
Pictured: Bob Seger performs onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Vince Gill and Loveless have been singing on each others’ records for years. He’s on her “Timber I’m Falling in Love” and she’s on his “When I Call Your Name,” to mention just two examples. He offered a magnificent, swooningly beautiful rendition of her hit ballad “Lonely Too Long.”
“Blood harmony, that’s what we sound like together,” Gill said. “We have such a deep and respectful friendship. I think Patty probably represents the most authentic voice I’ve ever heard.” He put the medallion around his old friend’s neck and posed with her as her plaque was unveiled.
“I’m trying to hold it together,” said Loveless. “The one person I truly wish could be here tonight is my brother Roger. He passed away in June of last year, but this was always a dream of his… It’s amazing to me that I have been honored to live this life that I have lived. Forgive me: I’m a little bit taken aback by this. I can get so emotional. Thank you so much.”
The video bio for Tanya Tucker included rare footage of her as a child performer, described her hard-scrabble background and emphasized the unstoppable dedication of her father, Beau Tucker, into making her a star. Young noted that Tucker is just behind Dolly, Reba, Loretta and Tammy as the woman with the most top 10 hits in country-music history. She has 40 of them, plus a 1991 CMA Female Vocalist trophy and two Grammys.
Pictured (L-R): Connie Smith, honoree, Tanya Tucker and Brenda Lee onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
“She sang with authenticity and grit,” Young said. “Nobody sounded like Tanya Tucker then and nobody has yet. She’s a survivor: She’s Tucker tough.”
Wynonna honored Tucker with a bluesy treatment of “Delta Dawn.” Accompanying her on eloquent harmonica was Charlie McCoy, her fellow Hall of Famer. Jessi Colter and Margo Price romped through “It’s a Little Too Late.” Colter beckoned for Tucker to join them on stage, and she did, to the crowd’s delight. Brandi Carlile and Colter’s son Shooter Jennings produced Tucker’s Grammy-winning 2019 comeback album. Carlile lauded the legend by saying, “You have carved out an ass-kicking path for all women in music, including me.” Then she sang Tucker’s favorite “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” a title that is on her parents’ tombstone. Another standing ovation ensued.
Connie Smith and Brenda Lee inducted Tucker. Smith recalled the times “The Texas Tornado” rode her horse down Lower Broadway and onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. ‘“She’s so real,” said Smith. “She is one of us, and I’m so proud that she is.” Lee brought down the house with her riotously funny speech. On a more serious note, she told the crowd that Tucker is “one of the most giving, loving, kind hearted people I know. If she is your friend, she is your friend.” Smith put on Tucker’s medallion, and Young unveiled the plaque while all three women held their medallions and beamed.
Pictured: Wynonna Judd performs onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
“It’s so surreal,” Tucker said. “It’s really overwhelming to me…. Thank you for not giving up on me… I look back on those 52 years [since “Delta Dawn” made her a star], and it’s hard to make sense of it all. She thanked her late parents and brother, as well as her older sister LaCosta, and introduced the crowd to her children Presley, Beau Grayson and Layla. She added, “I think of my fans, who have always, always stood by my side.”
Addressing the crowd, she concluded by saying, “I’ll live out my days trying to thank you.” Whistles and screams accompanied her standing ovation.
The evening began with the sound of one of the discs in the Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Archive of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. It was the 1978 George Jones classic “Bartender’s Blues.” After opening greetings from Kyle Young, the institution’s board chair Mary Ann McCready introduced the members of the ceremonial Circle Guard, Steve Turner, David Conrad, Bill Denny, Ken Levitan, Mike Milom, Ken Roberts, Seab Tuck and Jerry Williams. Loud cheers and a standing ovation greeted the procession of Hall of Fame members Gill, Judd, Smith, Lee, McCoy, Schlitz, Dillon, Kris Kristofferson, Ray Stevens, William Lee Golden, Emmylou Harris, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Fortune, Randy Travis, Kix Brooks, Joe Galante, Ricky Skaggs and more.
CMA chief Sarah Trahern offered welcoming remarks. Her organization conducts the Hall of Fame balloting and underwrites the Medallion Ceremony. Kyle Young noted the passing of three Hall of Famers during the past year — Jerry Bradley, Jeff Cook and Jerry Lee Lewis — and asked for a moment of silence to honor them.
As is the tradition, the ceremony ended with the entire assembly singing The Carter Family’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” This year’s sing-along was particularly memorable since the powerful voice of Wynonna Judd led the way. Following the induction celebration, attendees gathered for a cocktail supper where McDill, Loveless and Tucker mixed and mingled, as did the evening’s performers.
Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless & Bob McDill Enter Hall Of Fame
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): Honorees, Tanya Tucker, Bob McDill and Patty Loveless attend the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
At this year’s Medallion Ceremony inducting its newest members, several existing Country Music Hall of Famers shared the spotlight.
Staged on Sunday evening (Oct. 22), at the Hall’s CMA Theater, the event saluted Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless and Bob McDill as the inductees. Among the highlights of the ceremony were the contributions of Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Charlie McCoy, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Dean Dillon and Brenda Lee, all of whom are previous inductees.
“We’re thrilled to be in the presence of country-music royalty,” said the Hall of Fame’s CEO Kyle Young. “This event is devoted to joy and celebration.”
Pictured (L-R): Don Schlitz, Honoree Bob McDill and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
First up was Texas native Bob McDill, who is already a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was honored for a stunning song catalog that includes “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “Amanda,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” “Come Early Morning,” “Why Don’t You Spend the Night,” “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On,” “Gone Country,” ‘Song of the South,” “(Turn Out the Lights and) Love Me Tonight,” “Say It Again,” “Catfish John,” “It Must Be Love,” “Big Wheels in the Moonlight,” “I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up),” “I’ll Do It All Over Again,” “I’ve Been Around Enough to Know,” “Nobody Likes Sad Songs,” “I’ve Been Loved By the Best,” “Rake and a Rambling Man,” “The Door Is Always Open,” “We Believe in Happy Endings,” “You Never Miss a Real Good Thing,” “She Never Knew Me,” “In a Different Light,” “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” “What She Is (Is a Woman in Love),” “Why Didn’t I Think of That” and “Red Necks White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.”
“They joked on Music Row that BMI stood for ‘Bob McDill Incorporated,’” commented Young. “For 30 years, no songwriter in Nashville was more meticulous about crafting country songs.” He related that the songwriter’s mentors and collaborators Allen Reynolds, Dickey Lee, Jack Clement and Bill Hall brought him to Music City in 1970. He also described McDill as “a songwriter’s songwriter” who maintained a nine-to-five office songwriting schedule until his retirement in 2000.
A video bio reminded everyone about the circumstances of McDill’s life. “He elevated the craft of country songwriting into an art and that is why we are inducting him into the Country Music Hall of Fame.”
Pictured: Jamey Johnson performs onstage at the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Texas honky-tonker Charley Crockett saluted McDill with a jaunty, drawling rendition of “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Dean Dillon offered his meditative version of “All the Good Ones Are Gone,” which he co-wrote with McDill. Jamey Johnson hushed the crowd with an eloquent performance of “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” which left many attendees misty-eyed and earned a standing ovation.
Kyle Young introduced the members of the superb Medallion All-Star Band — Biff Watson, Jeff White, Jen Gunderman, Deanie Richardson, Brent Mason, Jerry Pentecost, Carmella Ramsey, Richard Loy and Paul Franklin — and then brought on Don Schlitz to do McDill’s induction honors.
Schlitz saluted McDill with a cleverly written reflection on his fellow songwriter’s influence. “Thank you for the great example you’ve given me, and all of us,” Schlitz said.
McDill noted that he realized he was in an elite group of Hall of Fame members who are non-performing songwriters — Schlitz, Dillon, Harlan Howard, Bobby Braddock, Cindy Walker, Boudleaux & Felice Bryant, Fred Rose, Hank Cochran. “What a great honor this is,” he said. Schlitz put the medallion around his neck. Young unveiled McDill’s official Hall of Fame plaque.
Pictured (L-R): Honoree, Patty Loveless and Vince Gill onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
The video bio for Kentucky’s Patty Loveless noted that she first came to town to attend Fan Fair. She stood in line to get Vince Gill’s autograph, who was a new and fairly unknown artist at the time. “One day, we’re going to sing together,” she told the budding star.
As a teenager, Loveless returned to town with a tape of her original songs and was befriended by Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, The Wilburn Brothers and her distant cousin Loretta Lynn. But she married, moved away and sang in rock bands for a decade. When she tried Nashville again in 1985, Tony Brown signed her to MCA and co-produced her records alongside Emory Gordy Jr., whom she married in 1989. That led to 20 top 10 hits in 1988-97, five CMA Awards, two Grammys and Opry membership.
“Patty Loveless has the ability to harken back to tradition and to move that tradition forward,” said Young. “Her voice is transcendent. She wanted to sing like her heroes. Today, artists say they want to sing like Patty Loveless. And that is why today she is joining the Hall of Fame.”
Medallion band member Deanie Richardson played in Loveless’s band for years (as did Ramsey). She and her all-female bluegrass group Sister Sadie gave tight harmony vocals to “Sounds of Loneliness.” Rock star Bob Seger got a standing ovation for his hearty rendition of “She Drew a Broken Heart.”
Pictured: Bob Seger performs onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
Vince Gill and Loveless have been singing on each others’ records for years. He’s on her “Timber I’m Falling in Love” and she’s on his “When I Call Your Name,” to mention just two examples. He offered a magnificent, swooningly beautiful rendition of her hit ballad “Lonely Too Long.”
“Blood harmony, that’s what we sound like together,” Gill said. “We have such a deep and respectful friendship. I think Patty probably represents the most authentic voice I’ve ever heard.” He put the medallion around his old friend’s neck and posed with her as her plaque was unveiled.
“I’m trying to hold it together,” said Loveless. “The one person I truly wish could be here tonight is my brother Roger. He passed away in June of last year, but this was always a dream of his… It’s amazing to me that I have been honored to live this life that I have lived. Forgive me: I’m a little bit taken aback by this. I can get so emotional. Thank you so much.”
The video bio for Tanya Tucker included rare footage of her as a child performer, described her hard-scrabble background and emphasized the unstoppable dedication of her father, Beau Tucker, into making her a star. Young noted that Tucker is just behind Dolly, Reba, Loretta and Tammy as the woman with the most top 10 hits in country-music history. She has 40 of them, plus a 1991 CMA Female Vocalist trophy and two Grammys.
Pictured (L-R): Connie Smith, honoree, Tanya Tucker and Brenda Lee onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images
“She sang with authenticity and grit,” Young said. “Nobody sounded like Tanya Tucker then and nobody has yet. She’s a survivor: She’s Tucker tough.”
Wynonna honored Tucker with a bluesy treatment of “Delta Dawn.” Accompanying her on eloquent harmonica was Charlie McCoy, her fellow Hall of Famer. Jessi Colter and Margo Price romped through “It’s a Little Too Late.” Colter beckoned for Tucker to join them on stage, and she did, to the crowd’s delight. Brandi Carlile and Colter’s son Shooter Jennings produced Tucker’s Grammy-winning 2019 comeback album. Carlile lauded the legend by saying, “You have carved out an ass-kicking path for all women in music, including me.” Then she sang Tucker’s favorite “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” a title that is on her parents’ tombstone. Another standing ovation ensued.
Connie Smith and Brenda Lee inducted Tucker. Smith recalled the times “The Texas Tornado” rode her horse down Lower Broadway and onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. ‘“She’s so real,” said Smith. “She is one of us, and I’m so proud that she is.” Lee brought down the house with her riotously funny speech. On a more serious note, she told the crowd that Tucker is “one of the most giving, loving, kind hearted people I know. If she is your friend, she is your friend.” Smith put on Tucker’s medallion, and Young unveiled the plaque while all three women held their medallions and beamed.
Pictured: Wynonna Judd performs onstage during the Class of 2023 Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
“It’s so surreal,” Tucker said. “It’s really overwhelming to me…. Thank you for not giving up on me… I look back on those 52 years [since “Delta Dawn” made her a star], and it’s hard to make sense of it all. She thanked her late parents and brother, as well as her older sister LaCosta, and introduced the crowd to her children Presley, Beau Grayson and Layla. She added, “I think of my fans, who have always, always stood by my side.”
Addressing the crowd, she concluded by saying, “I’ll live out my days trying to thank you.” Whistles and screams accompanied her standing ovation.
The evening began with the sound of one of the discs in the Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Archive of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. It was the 1978 George Jones classic “Bartender’s Blues.” After opening greetings from Kyle Young, the institution’s board chair Mary Ann McCready introduced the members of the ceremonial Circle Guard, Steve Turner, David Conrad, Bill Denny, Ken Levitan, Mike Milom, Ken Roberts, Seab Tuck and Jerry Williams. Loud cheers and a standing ovation greeted the procession of Hall of Fame members Gill, Judd, Smith, Lee, McCoy, Schlitz, Dillon, Kris Kristofferson, Ray Stevens, William Lee Golden, Emmylou Harris, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Fortune, Randy Travis, Kix Brooks, Joe Galante, Ricky Skaggs and more.
CMA chief Sarah Trahern offered welcoming remarks. Her organization conducts the Hall of Fame balloting and underwrites the Medallion Ceremony. Kyle Young noted the passing of three Hall of Famers during the past year — Jerry Bradley, Jeff Cook and Jerry Lee Lewis — and asked for a moment of silence to honor them.
As is the tradition, the ceremony ended with the entire assembly singing The Carter Family’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” This year’s sing-along was particularly memorable since the powerful voice of Wynonna Judd led the way. Following the induction celebration, attendees gathered for a cocktail supper where McDill, Loveless and Tucker mixed and mingled, as did the evening’s performers.
Big Loud Records Signs Multi-Genre Artist Maggie Rose
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Big Loud Records’ Jeff Tanner, Stacy Blythe, Candice Watkins, Maggie Rose, Starstruck Entertainment’s Austin Marshall, Narvel Blackstock, Big Loud’s Joey Moi and Big Loud Records’ Brianne Deslippe; (L-R, front row): Big Loud’s Seth England, Big Loud Records’ Nate Yetton, Patch Culbertson, Big Loud’s Austen Adams and Big Loud Records’ Paul Logan. Photo: Brayln Kelly
Big Loud Records has signed singer-songwriter Maggie Rose.
The signing comes as the multi-genre artist preps to release new music that aligns with the label’s mission to expand their roster with talent in alternative genres such as Americana, indie, folk, alt-country and more. Big Loud Record’s VP of A&R Nate Yetton is leading the mission with support from the label team. Rose marks his first signing to the exciting new group of creators.
It was Rose’s soon-to-be-announced work that caught Yetton and Big Loud Records’ attention. Refusing to be defined by any one genre, she comfortably straddles different musical spaces and Big Loud has embraced the unique path Rose has paved for herself.
“Maggie is a world-class vocalist, performer, and songwriter,” says Yetton. “Earlier this year I was privileged enough to hear her new, unreleased album, and after one listen through, I knew that we had to find a way to partner with her and release this body of work via Big Loud Records. I truly believe it is her best, most undeniably authentic, compelling and complete work to date. This is the kind of art that transcends genre and will be playing at dinner parties and on stages across the globe for decades to come.”
“When I heard some of Maggie’s upcoming new music, I just loved the sound of it. The songs are something entirely their own; her voice speaks for itself. Happy that Big Loud is putting this music out and helping Maggie tell her story,” adds Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner/Producer/President of A&R.
Rose is already well-respected within Music City, as she was recently elected Governor of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter and has played the Grand Ole Opry almost 100 times. She has shared stages with Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Heart, Joan Jett, Gov’t Mule, The Mavericks, Fitz And The Tantrums, The Revivalists and more at various shows. She felt the time was right to join forces with the Big Loud Records team for this next chapter.
“Big Loud dove in headfirst and defied my preconceived notions of what I’d come to expect from a big label,” she explains. “They didn’t want me to change the music I was working on or ‘chase’ the trends. They understood the vision and believed in me from the outset.”
Additionally, Rose is set to embark on a nationwide theatre tour with St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
Jordan Davis Extends Publishing Deal With Anthem Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Davis. Photo: Harper Smith
Jordan Davis has extended his exclusive publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment.
The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter originally signed with Anthem in 2015 and has since gone on to earn six No. 1 singles, six billion-and-counting career streams, numerous industry nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA and Billboard, and an NSAI and CMA Song of the Year win for his multi-week, multi-Platinum No. 1 hit, “Buy Dirt.”
The Louisiana native’s hits include “Next Thing You Know” (CMA Song of the Year-nominated, Platinum-selling, multi-week No. 1), “Buy Dirt” (NSAI and CMA Song of the Year winner, 3x Platinum-selling, multi-week No. 1), “What My World Spins Around,” (2x Platinum, multi-week No. 1), “Take It From Me” ( 2x Platinum No. 1), “Singles You Up” (3x Platinum No. 1), “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot ( 2x Platinum No. 1) and “Almost Maybes” (Platinum-selling top 5). In addition to his own catalog, he has penned songs for other artists including Jake Owen and Old Dominion. His current single, “Tucson Too Late,” from his latest album Bluebird Days album, is currently at country radio.
Bluebird Days was just certified Gold, along with his debut album, Home State, and he is currently nominated for three CMA Awards, including Song of the Year for a second consecutive year.
“We are incredibly proud that Jordan Davis has chosen to continue his long-standing publishing relationship with Anthem,” says Jason Klein, CEO of Anthem Entertainment. “We are excited to continue our investment in Jordan’s exceptional career and feel honored to work with him and his team as he continues to scale new heights as an artist and songwriter.”
“The team at Anthem has evolved into a great creative platform for me,” says Davis. “Their belief in me as an artist and a songwriter—it’s made such a difference along the way—from when I first moved to Nashville as a songwriter to now.”
Nashville attorneys Derek Crownover, John Rolfe and Colleen Kelley of Loeb and Loeb, LLP represented Davis in the transaction.
Davis is currently headlining arenas on the “Damn Good Time Tour” and recently extended his headlining run into 2024 with additional dates across the U.S., Canada, the UK and Europe.
Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar Opens On Lower Broadway In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughHank Williams Jr. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
The Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar has opened in Nashville’s historic Lower Broadway district (419 Broadway), between AJ’s Good Time Bar and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.
Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar
Named after his hit song, “Born to Boogie,” the bar aims to capture the energetic essence of Williams Jr.’s music, while honoring Nashville’s heritage and spirit of hospitality, and providing memorable moments for locals and tourists alike.
The first in a series of destinations to be launched by BPH Hospitality, led by Co-Owner and President Sean Marshall, the Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar is a joint project with the legendary musician. The restaurant and bar includes four-levels with a rooftop deck offering live music, full food and drink menus, and panoramic views of the Nashville skyline in the heart of Music City.
“The restaurants of Lower Broadway in Nashville are central to Tennessee’s $36 billion+ tourism industry and key to incentivizing continued investment and opportunity for businesses and the entrepreneurial sect alike,” says Eric Russell, Co-Owner of BPH Hospitality. “We are pleased to celebrate this milestone in our investment portfolio and contributing role in showcasing Lower Broadway’s continued receptiveness for new and exciting venues in such a historic part of the city and State”.
Tara Joseph, Co-Founder and CFO of Big Plan Holdings, adds, “The Honky Tonk district is inherent to Nashville’s culture, its nightlife, and has been integral to our city’s ascendance to become one of the foremost travel, hospitality, and tourism hubs in the United States. We are delighted to expand our footprint here in Nashville and ask, following today’s exciting launch, that patrons stay tuned for more groundbreaking announcements from the Team at Big Plan Holdings and BPH Hospitality!”
Why&How Promotes Three On Executive Team
/by LB CantrellChris Koegen, Halie Hampton Mosley, Eddie Kloesel
Why&How, the artist management company founded by CEO Bruce Kalmick in 2020, has elevated three of its key executives. Halie Hampton Mosley has risen to Chief Operating Officer, Eddie Kloesel to Executive Vice President and Chris Koegen to General Manager and Head of Global Strategy.
Hampton Mosley and Koegen are both based in the company’s Nashville office, while Kloesel is based in Why&How’s Austin office.
As Executive Vice President, Kloesel’s purview will be Why&How’s broader strategic goals, building on his ability to identify and maximize opportunities that contribute to the company’s performance and profitability goals. He will continue to focus on long-term strategy and identifying new brand partnership and revenue opportunities, while also expanding the company’s growing roster.
As COO, Hampton Mosley will continue to oversee all aspects of Why&How’s day-to-day operational functions, including strategic and organizational leadership, focusing on ongoing internal and client facing management. She will expand the company’s key industry relationships while also streamlining the company’s internal policies, ensuring alignment on the heels of Why&How’s recent partnership with Red Light Management.
As General Manager and Head of Global Strategy, Koegen will continue to oversee global marketing, finances and staffing while also leading Why&How’s expansion across the US and internationally, with a focus on client acquisition, artist development and growth.
“Halie, Eddie and Chris have been instrumental in the rapid growth of Why&How,” shares Kalmick. “Not only have they helped shape our overall corporate strategy and ensured our artists’ success, but each of them are dedicated to fostering the professional development of our internal team to allow for continued success across all facets of our business. I’m thrilled to have them step into these roles as we look towards the next phase of our company.”
In addition to the executive promotions, Why&How also elevated Evan Kaufmann to Senior Vice President of Creative. Kaufman will continue to lead creative strategy across the roster, and expand his role to include content ideation, creation and delivery. He will also manage Why&How’s external creative partners.
Why&How’s client roster features a slate of high-profile acts including Breland, Chase Rice, Danielle Bradbery, Drake White, Kaleo, Kelleigh Bannen, Saint Motel, Whiskey Myers, William Clark Green, ZZ Ward and more.
Luke Grimes On His New Musical Chapter: ‘I’m First & Foremost A Huge Fan’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellLuke Grimes. Photo: @WyomingOutLoud (Jake Hoffman)
Late last year, popular actor Luke Grimes signed a record deal with UMG Nashville and Range Music, and announced he would soon release country music.
Grimes was no stranger to the country community. Widely known for his role as Kayce Dutton on hit show Yellowstone, he had become associated with the TV show known for breaking new country and Americana artists and songs.
Pictured (L-R): UMGN EVP & COO Mike Harris, UMGN President Cindy Mabe, Luke Grimes, UMGN EVP A&R Brian Wright, UMGN SVP Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia. Photo: Chris Hollo
While he had mentioned his love of music in interviews over the years, country music fans and executives wondered what to make of the 39-year-old singing actor. Grimes was all too aware of that stereotype, and it became something he had to overcome in his own mind.
Raised in Ohio, Grimes grew up the son of a Pentecostal pastor. He played music in church, learning drums at church camp then next picking up guitar and piano. When he moved to Los Angeles, he even became a drummer and songwriter for a country band, but acting soon found its way to the forefront of his career.
At some point, Grimes reconnected with music while at home in Montana. Inspired by artists such as Colter Wall, Ruston Kelly, Paul Cauthen and the late Townes Van Zandt, he began exploring the musical offerings he could bring. Eventually, through some friends in Nashville, Grimes connected with Range Music’s Matt Graham about his music.
With encouragement from Graham, Grimes started pursuing a country music career. After taking his first label meeting with UMG, he signed with the company.
“They have a lot of people that I look up to and love. Chris Stapleton and George Strait are the GOATs,” Grimes tells MusicRow of his deal. “I was coming in pretty green about anyone in the business. I didn’t know anyone there. All I knew was the music that they’ve put out.”
Admittedly, an artist with Grimes’ profile could take their music wherever they wanted. As evident with artists such as Zach Bryan and others, country music stardom doesn’t always have to come out of Nashville. But for Grimes, it was important that he join the Music City community.
“Honestly, I probably didn’t have to come here, but I think the quality of the product would’ve suffered,” he says. “I don’t have any ego about how much of something I do on my own—clearly the other thing that I do is very much a team sport. [But with my music] I had an opportunity to work with some of the best writers in the world here. Why wouldn’t I do that?”
His first few releases included “No Horse To Ride” and “Hold On,” which Grimes says received mixed reactions from country music fans.
“There are people that are being very open-minded to it,” he says. “They’re allowing their minds to be open to the music. And then there’s definitely people who are on the other side of the fence, saying, ‘Why is this guy doing this? He already has a job. There’s enough people making really good music.’
“I understand that. At the end of the day, all I can do is approach it with as much love and honesty as possible and hope that people can relate to it,” Grimes says. “I got the opportunity and I knew that if I didn’t try, I would really regret it one day. Music—especially country, folk and Americana music—has been so important to me. If I hadn’t done it because I was afraid of the judgment, the workload or the stage fright… one day I would have regretted it.”
Once Grimes’ path was set, he soon found himself in writing rooms with some of the best of Music Row, such as Jonathan Singleton, Tony Lane, Hillary Lindsey, Randy Montana, Brent Cobb, Jamey Johnson, Lori McKenna, Josh Osborne, Liz Rose, Jon Randall and Jessi Alexander. Though he had written songs alone and co-written a bit in his band, Grimes was nervous to write with country music hitmakers.
“I was very intimidated. [I learned] pretty quickly that I shouldn’t be, because they’re the coolest, nicest people around.
“I’ve only been doing this for the past year, but it seems like the good souls here tend to do really well. They’re those team players. They know how to make a room feel really comfortable to be creative,” Grimes says. “I’m blown away by the community on Music Row.”
After dropping a few singles, Grimes started recording his eight-song EP Pain Pills Or Pews, which is out today (Oct. 20).
To help him craft his own, unique sound, Grimes worked with Grammy-winning producer/songwriter Dave Cobb. Working through his intimidation of recording with the studio giant, Grimes found Cobb’s diversion to non-organic sounds the perfect push for his artistry.
“He’s in his own orbit. He doesn’t like computers. He doesn’t like tuning. He doesn’t like any of that stuff,” Grimes says. “[Had I worked with another producer], I would’ve wanted the help. I would have been like, ‘Give me all the tuning and computers,’ because I would’ve been afraid and wanted to cover up. I was in good hands with Dave.”
Grimes’ Pain Pills Or Pews EP features tracks that are highly personal to him, including the fan favorite “No Horse to Ride,” the recently released “Burn” and one of his personal favorites, “Ain’t Dead Yet,” amongst others. He says the latter and “Playing On The Tracks” were the most fun to write.
“Both of those writes were really memorable days. Both of those days I met really good new friends. Brent Cobb and Aaron Raitiere [who co-wrote ‘Ain’t Dead Yet’] have become really good friends of mine,” Grimes says.
“[For Playing On The Tracks,] about an hour and a half in, Brent and I start talking about how we both loved Nirvana unplugged growing up—and how that almost sounded country compared to the rest of Nirvana’s stuff. We were like, ‘What if instead of being from the Pacific Northwest, Kurt Cobain was from Kentucky.'”
On another song, “Oh Ohio,” Grimes, Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall tackled his upbringing.
“Everyone’s got a song about their hometown. Usually, they’re positive,” he says. “I’m a little older and I have been away from home for over 20 years. A lot has changed. I’ve been around the world and I’ve probably grown past where I come from more than I wanted to—because I kind of had to. That song was hard to write because it wasn’t always pretty, even though there’s love there.”
Something that Grimes has gleaned throughout the last year is the strength of the country music community.
“In this industry, it feels like if you win and I win, then everybody wins,” he says. “It’s about the town and the genre. The music is the star. It feels more like a family.”
Ultimately, Grimes is honored to be given the chance to make country music.
“I’m just so thrilled and happy to be here. I am real appreciative that I get this opportunity. I’m first and foremost a huge fan.”
Kix Brooks To Receive Nashville Symphony’s 2023 Harmony Award
/by Lorie HollabaughKix Brooks
Kix Brooks will be honored with the 2023 Nashville Symphony Harmony Award during the 39th annual Symphony Ball on Dec. 9 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Presented annually by the Nashville Symphony and selected by a dedicated committee, the Harmony Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s musical community.
“Kix Brooks has had a remarkable career as one of the most successful country artists in history,” says Nashville Symphony CEO and President Alan D. Valentine. “Beyond his fame and musical success, he possesses a generous and philanthropic spirit and has made a significant impact in the Nashville community, particularly with regard to music education in Nashville—a cause near and dear to the Nashville Symphony. He is a passionate advocate for many wonderful causes and truly embodies the heart and soul of Nashville’s unique musical community. We are honored to recognize him for his musical accomplishments, as well as his community impact.”
“Being honored with this award truly means the world to me,” says Brooks. “I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world, but Nashville, Music City, is home. So, to be recognized by this community always means a little extra. I want to give a special ‘thank you’ to all the people and organizations like the Nashville Symphony that I’ve crossed paths with over the years who have helped make Nashville a one-of-a-kind place to live.”
Brooks’ musical career spans five decades, as a songwriter, a solo artist and as half of Brooks & Dunn, the highest-selling duo in country music history. Over 20 years, Brooks & Dunn sold more than 30 million records, won more than 75 major music awards, including Grammys and CMAs, and scored 20 No. 1s. The duo was also inducted in 2019 into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Brooks was recently recognized for his songwriting achievements as an inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2023 class.
In addition to his career as an artist, Brooks has hosted the syndicated radio program American Country Countdown for over 15 years. He was honored as CMA Broadcast Person of the Year three times and earned an ACM Radio Award for National Personality. Brooks is also a founding partner of Arrington Vineyards, a winery and events venue in Arrington, Tennessee. Through Brooks’ involvement with organizations such as the Country Music Association, Operation Finally Home, Veterans Matter, Tennessee Tourism Board and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, he has become an advocate for many causes. In December of 2014, Brooks was the first recipient of the CMA’s Humanitarian Award, celebrating his unwavering dedication to the community.
The Symphony Ball is one of the Nashville Symphony’s annual signature fundraisers. Since its inception in 1985, the Ball has raised more than $12 million for the Symphony, sustaining the organization’s mission of inspiring and engaging a diverse and growing community with extraordinary live orchestral music experiences.
Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Lady A, Maren Morris, Keb’ Mo’, Kelsea Ballerini, Toby Keith, Steven Tyler, Béla Fleck, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Mike and Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Marty Stuart.
Cher’s New ‘Christmas’ Album Includes Tune By Nashville Songwriter
/by Sherod RobertsonCher’s first new studio album in five years, Christmas, is available now on Warner Records. The project includes 13 songs, several holiday classics and four originals. It also features a star-studded list of her musical besties including Darlene Love, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, Cyndi Lauper and Tyga.
The album includes a song written by Nashville music industry executive, Bryan Frasher, his wife Traci Frasher and son Maxwell Frasher.
Frasher shares, “One morning at Christmas time a few years ago, when Max was a little boy, we were hanging in the kitchen and goofing around as Traci made breakfast. I was playing my guitar and said, ‘Hey, just for fun, let’s write a family Christmas song.’ Max and Traci jumped in and about 30 minutes later we had a little song called ‘I Like Christmas.'”
The song highlights all of the wonderful nostalgic things everyone loves about Christmas, from “loud tacky lights” to “singing at the top of our lungs.” At the end of the song’s recording, Cher offers her signature laugh saying, “I love this! Come on!”
Recorded primarily in L.A. and London, Christmas was produced by longtime collaborator Mark Taylor (“Believe”). Songs include beloved superstar duet classics “What Christmas Means To Me” with Wonder and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” with Love. Love first recorded the song in 1963 with Phil Spector while a 17-year-old Cher sang background vocals.
“DJ Play A Christmas Song,” the first single, was written by Sarah Hudson (Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, Troye Sivan) and her team who contributed four new songs for the album. The project also includes a haunting version of “Home” written and sung with Bublé.
One of the many highlights for Cher is a duet by her and Wonder of his “What Christmas Means to Me.” Cher says, “Every time I hear that harmonica, I’m a teenager again. It’s a personal dream come true for me to record this song with Stevie.”
Two other standouts include an unexpected pairing with Tyga on another Hudson song called “Drop Top Sleigh Ride,” produced by Alexander Edwards, Mike Crook and Ryan OG, and the magnificent “Angels in the Snow” plus “Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart” with Lauper.
“I never say this about my own records but I’m really proud of this one. It is one of the most amazing highlights of my career,” says Cher.
Cher is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of her multi-Platinum, Grammy-winning Believe with the release of Believe 25th Anniversary (Deluxe Edition) on Warner Records.
You can listen to Cher’s Christmas album here.
Cher’s Christmas Track List:
1. DJ Play A Christmas Song
2. What Christmas Means To Me (with Stevie Wonder)
3. Run Run Rudolph
4. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) [with Darlene Love]
5. Angels In The Snow
6. Home (with Michael Bublé)
7. Drop Top Sleigh Ride (with Tyga)
8. Please Come Home For Christmas
9. I Like Christmas
10. Christmas Ain’t Christmas Without You
11. Santa Baby
12. Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart (with Cyndi Lauper)
13. This Will Be Our Year
Black River Records Signs Scotty Hasting
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Black River’s Tanya Schrage; Black River’s Rick Froio; Black River Publishing’s Rebekah Gordon; Black River’s Doug Johnson; Scotty Hasting; Black River’s Karen Kane; Attorney Lauren Kilgore; Black River’s Gordon Kerr; Black River’s Dawn Delvo
Black River Records has signed songwriter, artist and army veteran Scotty Hasting to its artist roster. His label debut “How Do You Choose” is slated for release on Nov. 3.
Hasting first picked up the guitar in 2020, teaching himself to play via YouTube. Despite 10 nearly fatal gunshot wounds from his time spent serving in Afghanistan, which left no feeling in his right hand, Hasting’s passion for music and desire to help others with mental health struggles spurred him onward.
In a chance encounter, Hasting met Black River’s CEO and President Gordon Kerr‘s son, who brought the Cincinnati/northern Kentucky native into the sights of the independent label. Hasting immediately caught the attention of renowned hit songwriter, producer and Black River’s Vice President of A&R Doug Johnson, who took the promising country artist under his wing.
“I don’t think that thank you is enough. I’ve been through a lot. Black River has welcomed me and become family,” says Hasting. “Thank you to Black River for giving me a new purpose, for giving people like me — veterans, people with disabilities, people who are at the end of their line — an opportunity and a reason to wake up tomorrow. Thank you for giving me a voice and letting other veterans hear a story like this that can change their whole lives.”
Hasting’s first release, “How Do You Choose,” was co-written with Jesse Wayne Taylor in association with CreatiVets — a nonprofit that the budding singer is heavily involved with. The song was inspired by a conversation with the mother of his late best friend Adam Hamilton.
“How Do You Choose” details his first visit to Adam’s tombstone, whose death followed about one month after an ambush that left Hasting fighting for his life flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot in April of 2011.
“I know you’ll change somebody’s world,” says Johnson of Hasting’s signing. “I’m a big fan, and your friendship means the world to me. Everybody here believes in you, your music, your heart, and your spirit. We are honored. Thank you for trusting us.”
Kerr shares, “It is with great pleasure that we come together and join Scotty’s team. We are so excited for the opportunities that await for the world to hear Scotty’s heart. Nothing takes place by coincidence — that’s what today represents.”
Lainey Wilson To Kick Off ‘Country’s Cool Again Tour’ In May With Nashville Show
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson. Photo: Cece Dawson
Lainey Wilson will launch her North American “Country’s Cool Again Tour” on May 31 with a show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater. Jackson Dean, Ian Munsick and Zach Top will join as support on the 35+ date tour.
“Nothing gets me buzzin’ like putting on a show and singing along with the crowd,” says Wilson. “I want to give a big thank you to all of the fans who have continuously showed up and showed out this year. We can’t wait to see you nationwide on the ‘Country’s Cool Again Tour!'”
Among the cities Wilson will visit on the new trek are Saratoga Springs, Boise, Lubbock, Raleigh, Little Rock, Oklahoma City and more through Nov. 15.
Tickets will be available starting with the Wild Horses pre-sale beginning Oct. 23, and additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Oct. 27 at LaineyWilson.com. Citi is the official card of the “Country’s Cool Again Tour” and Citi card members will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesdays through Thursdays through the Citi Entertainment program.
The “Country’s Cool Again Tour” is sponsored by T-Mobile and Wrangler and T-Mobile is giving customers exclusive access to preferred tickets—even at sold-out shows. Customers can snag their Reserved Tickets starting 30 days prior to tour stops at first-day prices.
Along with her many accolades, Wilson was recently honored at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards with the Rulebreaker Award, was named “Tractor Supply Brand Ambassador,” and most recently joined forces with Wrangler as the face of their 2023 fall/winter women’s collection.