Pictured (L-R): Paul Jenkins, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Kristian Bush and Ben Williams. Photo: Anna Warner
The SESAC rooftop was filled with festivity as members of the Music Row family united in orange attire on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 4) to celebrate Megan Moroney‘s first No. hit “Tennessee Orange.”
Everyone mingled around clementine-colored tabletops while enjoying food and refreshments as more and more people made their way outside, adding to the tingling zest in the air.
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch took the podium to welcome us and call up Moroney and co-writers Ben Williams, David Fanning and Paul Jenkins as well as producer Kristian Bush. Hatch started her remarks by telling the story of how she met Moroney through her manager, Juli Griffith, and followed by expressing her gratitude and love for the artist and her work ethic.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad then made his way to the front to recognize Williams, who was also celebrating his first chart-topper. He noted Williams’ bright orange tracksuit was fitting for the event, given that the songwriter’s priority growing up was track and field, which he competed in at Santa Clara University. Sistad shared that Williams started writing songs his freshman of college and transferred from Santa Clara to Belmont University to pursue music. He then gave a shoutout to Williams’ friends and family before officially congratulating the writer on the achievement and stating his belief that there will be more to come.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen was up next to talk about Fanning, Jenkins and Bush. Keen disclosed that this was Bush’s first time attending a No. 1 party, despite his huge success as part of Sugarland. She shared her love for “Tennessee Orange” before stating that the song marked Jenkins’ sixth No. 1.
Keen also shared that as she had been prepping for the current celebration, Fanning scored a second No. 1 with Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine.” She finished by praising the talent displayed by Moroney and all of the writers.
Hatch stepped back up to present Moroney with a special “Tennessee Orange” Gibson guitar, and introduce Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Lauren Thomas to speak.
Hodges started by expressing the Sony team’s pride in the song and thanked Griffith for believing in them. He recognized Thomas’ contribution to the hit before giving her the floor. Thomas then congratulated the creators and thanked all of the promotion team members involved, as well as Hodges, the rest of the Sony crew, Moroney’s team in New York, PunchBowl Entertainment and country radio.
Next on deck was Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston to share more about Jenkins and Moroney.
“Paul doesn’t worry about his next No. 1 or next cut. He cares about what’s really important in life. He cares about his friends, his family and eternity. He cares about the things that matter, and when he goes into the writers’ room, he brings that with him and pours it into his songs,” he told the SESAC rooftop.
Gaston moved on to talk about Moroney stating, “It’s so rare that someone comes along and finds a command of the English language and their own way to use it to tell their stories for their generation.” He added, “[Megan] is a cut above everybody else.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Paul Jenkins, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Kristian Bush, Ben Williams and MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson. Photo: Anna Warner
Reservoir Media’s John Ozier then took the mic to convey he and the company’s appreciation for Fanning and congratulate all of the tune’s contributors.
“[David] is the hardest worker I know. Not only does he write songs, he also produces them and manages some incredible acts,” Ozier said as he faced Fanning. “We’re so fortunate to have you at Reservoir. Congratulations!” While recognizing the other parties, he made note of Moroney’s performance of the smash single at this year’s NSAI Awards.
“When Megan got on stage and performed [‘Tennessee Orange’] at the Ryman, you could feel the place light up,” he said.
Next up was Major Bob’s Andy Friday, who gave the four honorees special Tennessee hats. He went on to thank everyone who helped bring the song to life and to the top of the charts before shifting his focus to Williams and giving his congratulations.
“If you took the No. 1 away and got rid of all the lights and photos, Ben is just an incredibly solid human being. Anybody that knows him or has had an interaction with him always says the same thing, ‘He’s the nicest guy, he always gets back to me, he always picks up the phone.’ That’s all true.”
Pinnacle Financial Partners’ David DeVaul then took the podium to honor and congratulate the industry members involved in the hit. He was followed by Bush, who moved the crowd with his incredible words as he congratulated and thanked everyone.
“This is the first of many times we’re going to stand here,” Bush declared before recognizing Moroney, Griffith and the writers. “Thank you for trusting me. Thanks to the rest of you for writing the songs with her.” He then turned to the mass in front of him and concluded with, “This is an impossible job. Don’t let her fall.”
Jenkins kicked off the songwriter speeches. “It’s pretty simple. I want to thank God for taking me, and also Megan for taking care of me, my co-writers Ben and David—who are some of my best friends. It’s a privilege to do this.”
Fanning followed, telling the story of how he got involved in the song, thanking Griffith and Tina Crawford as well as others who helped him get to where he is today. He continued by praising Moroney’s skills saying, “To me, it’s not just about the song, it’s about the artist and how they deliver it. The way [Megan] marketed and presented this song to the world is something that is special and really really hard to do, and most artists cannot do it, [but] you slay it.”
Williams was next to express his thanks, and detailed his and Moroney’s friendship while also recognizing the other individuals who have always supported him. “As most of you know, I was Megan’s first co-write in Nashville. It was just the coolest ever to be a year into my first publishing deal, and in a room writing with an artist. I thought ‘Oh my Gosh, this is going to happen.’ I got to be that person that shaped the songs that you hear now [from Megan], and it’s [been] so surreal. I feel like I won the songwriter lottery as well as the friend lottery.”
Then, the CMA New Artist of the Year nominee finally took the mic to share how “Tennessee Orange”—which is also nominated for CMA Song of the Year—has changed her career and life while giving thanks to her team and collaborators.
“It’s insane getting to sing this song every night,” Moroney shared. “And I don’t even have to introduce the song anymore, everyone just freaks out. My fans are also the best. It’s just been a crazy year. My life now from a year ago is completely different and I’m very grateful. It’s just very surreal to be here.”
Adam Doleac To Hit The Road On ‘Wrong Side Of A Sunrise Tour’
/by Daniel CarterAdam Doleac will head out on the road for his headlining “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise 2024 Tour.”
Doleac will kick off the run in Nashville on Feb. 21, and hit additional cities such as Boston, Atlanta, Charlottesville and more. He will be joined by openers Graham Barham, Greylan James and Troy Cartwright on select dates.
Members of Doleac’s fan club had exclusive first access to tickets earlier today. General tickets will be available on Friday, Oct. 13 beginning at 10 a.m. local time.
The “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise 2024 Tour” marks Doleac’s second headlining tour since the release of his debut album and sold-out, “Barstool Whiskey Wonderland Tour.”
“Wrapping the ‘Barstool Whiskey Wonderland Tour’ earlier this year was a surreal and special moment as it marked the release of my debut album and first headlining tour. Now, looking ahead to this next tour, I can’t wait to get back out on the road again and share some special moments and the new music I’ve been working on,” Doleac shares. “I’m beyond excited to share these memories with y’all next year.”
The tour announcement follows several successful singles for Doleac, such as “Don’t Make Me Get Over You,” “Biggest Fan” and “Wrong Side of a Sunrise.”
Doleac is currently joining Carly Pearce on her “Country Music Made Me Do It” nationwide tour for select dates. Earlier this fall, he joined Old Dominion for a string of shows on their “No Bad Vibes Tour.”
Industry Ink: Tim Montana, BMI, ‘Dogtober’ Writers’ Round, Tribute Quartet
/by Lorie HollabaughTim Montana Wraps Inaugural ‘American Thread’ Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Pardue, Tim Montana and Scott Graves. Photo: Patrick Adas
Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group artist Tim Montana held his sold-out inaugural “American Thread” benefit concert on Oct. 2 at Nashville’s City Winery. The special concert event and the following day’s clays shoot raised over $334,000 for people in uniform, benefiting Special Ops Xcursions, a nonprofit that supports U.S. special operations forces and their families.
Special surprise guest performers included Colbie Caillat, Collective Soul, Darryl Worley, Elvie Shane, Michael Ray and Tyler Farr. The event also featured guest speaker Sgt. Omar “Crispy” Avila, a war hero and U.S. Army veteran. Action sports legend Travis Pastrana and his sidekick, Street Bike Tommy, were also in attendance. After this week’s events – four years since the clays shoot’s inception – Montana has officially raised over 1.1 million dollars for Special Ops Xcursions.
Brother Thunder, Tanner Usrey, More Take BMI’s Austin City Limits Stage
Brother Thunder performs on the BMI Stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI returned to the 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival last weekend (Oct. 6-8) for its 20th anniversary as the BMI Stage featured performances by emerging talent across all genres. Acts showcased over the weekend included Delacey, Brother Thunder, Bass Drum Of Death, Patrick Martin, Serayah, Husbands, Shaed, Major., Grace Sorensen, Sunrose and Tanner Usrey. BMI has curated a musically diverse lineup at ACL Fest for the past two decades.
‘Dogtober’ Writers’ Round Deemed A Howling Success
Pictured (L-R): Danielle Breezy, Tina Parol, Jillian Cardarelli, Levi Hummon, Jonathan Sherwood and Joe Breezy. Photo: Dusty Barker
Singer-songwriters Jillian Cardarelli, Levi Hummon, Tina Parol and Jonathan Sherwood came together recently for a special “Dogtober” Writers’ Round at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville to benefit the Pedigree Foundation.
The event, hosted by media personalities Joe Breezy (Mix 92.9 / Local on 2) and Danielle Breezy (WKRN Chief Meteorologist), was part of the year-long celebration of the Pedigree Foundation’s 15th birthday. Nearly 3.1 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. Pedigree Foundation’s goal is to support shelter and rescue organizations across the nation that are focused primarily on supporting fostering, behavior and transport programs as well as disaster relief, while ultimately helping dogs in need find a loving home.
Tribute Quartet Extends Deal With Daywind Records
Pictured (L-R): Ian Owens, Josh Singletary, Gary Casto, Gus Gaches, Dusty Wells, Ed Leonard and Rick Shelton
Tribute Quartet re-signed with Daywind Records at the recent National Quartet Convention, extending their long-term relationship.
The group’s members Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches and Ian Owens were on hand with Daywind representatives to celebrate with a plaque recognizing their eight No. 1’s with Daywind Records.
“It is truly an honor for Tribute Quartet to continue our relationship with Daywind Records! Being a part of this great team allows us to share our music with the world. We look forward to many more years with our family at Daywind Records,” states Casto.
John Prine’s Prized Wurlitzer Jukebox Donated To CMHOF
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Prine’s 1942 Wurlizer Jukebox. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The family of John Prine has donated his 1942 Wurlitzer jukebox to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s collection.
Now on display in the museum’s galleries, the beautifully ornate jukebox was a gift to Prine from friend and fellow singer-songwriter Steve Goodman, who wanted to thank him for co-writing Goodman’s first country hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name” since Prine refused to take credit or accept any royalties for the song. Purchased by Goodman with part of his royalties from the hit, Prine made the Wurlitzer his own, filling it with classic and obscure country, pop and R&B singles, even several Christmas carols.
During a special conversation and performance in the museum’s Ford Theater, Prine family members Fiona Whelan Prine and Jody Whelan discussed his longtime support of the museum and shared the story of the jukebox. The program, which was presented in conjunction with “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Life & Songs of John Prine,” explored Prine’s musical beginnings in Chicago, from performing at open mics to his breakout success with his 1971 debut album.
Hosted by Museum Writer-Editor RJ Smith, the program featured commentary and performances by Greg Cahill, banjo player and founding member of Chicago-based bluegrass band Special Consensus; Mark Guarino, journalist and author of Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival; and singer-songwriter Bonnie Koloc, an influential member of the 1970s Chicago folk community. The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.
Additionally, a special concert, “The Prine Family Presents: You Got Gold — Celebrating the Songs of John Prine,” was held in the museum’s CMA Theater this weekend. A portion of the proceeds from the show supported the nonprofit museum’s Words & Music program and honored the memory of Peter Cooper, who served as Senior Director, producer and writer for the museum.
Prine was named the museum’s artist-in-residence in 2020. He accepted the appointment, but died before he could participate in the residency.
Sheryl Crow To Celebrate 30th Anniversary Of Major-Label Debut Album With Vinyl Release
/by Daniel CarterTo celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sheryl Crow‘s seven-times Platinum-selling album, Tuesday Night Music Club, A&M/UMe will release the mastered version on vinyl in two different appearances.
The 1993 album will be pressed in a 140-gram black version, as well as a special edition 140-gram sea blue vinyl featuring white marbling for the first time since the album’s release. The project will also include newly mastered vinyl tracks by Bernie Grundman, complimenting Mills Logan‘s Dolby Atmos mix that was released earlier this year.
Tuesday Night Music Club served as Crow’s major label debut album. The project brought in three Grammy Awards upon its release, with Crow being honored with Best New Artist, Record of the Year (“All I Wanna Do”) and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (“All I Wanna Do”). With production credits to Bill Bottrell, the album brought Crow into music stardom where she was praised for her songwriting and vocal ability. Tuesday Night Music Club peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and reached top 10 placements in multiple international categories.
The two 30th-anniversary vinyl LPs will be available Friday, Dec. 1, almost a month after Crow’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club – 30th Anniversary Edition Track List:
Side 1
Run, Baby, Run
Leaving Las Vegas
Strong Enough
Can’t Cry Anymore
Solidify
The Na-Na Song
Side 2
No One Said It Would Be Easy
What I Can Do For You
All I Wanna Do
We Do What We Can
I Shall Believe
Weekly Register: Taylor Swift Returns To The Top Five On Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonTaylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) has returned to the top five on the country albums chart this week, landing at No. 5 with 30K in total consumption (8.6K album only/28 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time takes the No. 1 slot again with 75K (2.2K album only/92 million song streams, and Zach Bryan‘s self-titled album stays at No. 2 with 59K (858 album only/74 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rises to No. 3 with 38K (442 album only/49 million song streams), while Bryan’s American Heartbreak moves to No. 4 with 31K (1.5K album only/38 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at the top with 21 million new streams, adding to 156 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” bides at No. 2 with 16 million streams, adding to 952 million ATD, and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” shifts up to No. 3 with 13 million new streams, adding to 998 million ATD. Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover claims No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 446 million ATD, and Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” secures No. 5 with 9.8 million new streams, adding to 402 million ATD.
Zach Bryan Adds 19 New Dates To 2024 Tour
/by Daniel CarterZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik
Chart-topping songwriter Zach Bryan added 19 dates to his sold-out “The Quittin Time Tour 24” and new special guests. Bryan will play in stadiums and coveted venues in cities such as Nashville, New York, New Orleans and more.
Notably, Bryan will play Nashville’s Nissan Stadium as well as two dates in Belmont Park, New York at the recently-built UBS Arena. Three nights were also added at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena followed by multiple stadium shows nationwide.
The special guests joining Bryan for these dates include Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Turnpike Troubadours, Mt. Joy, The War And Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, The Middle East, Matt Maeson and Levi Turner.
Presale tickets for the added dates will be available on Wednesday, Oct. 18, and general ticket purchases can be made on Friday, Oct. 20.
These new dates for “The Quittin Time Tour 24” are added after Bryan’s release of his chart-topping EP Boys Of Faith and his 2023 self-titled album that has received high praise and recognition across the music industry.
Most recently, Bryan made history with his song featuring Kacey Musgraves titled “I Remember Everything.” The song was the first to ever top the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts all at the same time.
New Additions to “The Quittin Time Tour 24”:
March 30 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena *^
March 31 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena *^
May 31 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Alameda County Coliseum ~^
June 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena &^
June 3 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena &^
June 4 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena #^
June 14 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High #^
June 20 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field +^
June 29 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium %^
July 17 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium &^
July 21 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center &^
July 22 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena &^
July 25 – New Orleans, LA – Caesars Superdome +^
July 27 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium +^
Aug. 11 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium !^
Aug. 26 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center @^
Dec. 12 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center @^
Dec. 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center @^
Dec. 19 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center @^
* The Middle East
~ Mt. Joy
& The War And Treaty
# Sierra Ferrell
+ Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
% Turnpike Troubadours
! Sheryl Crow
@ Matt Maeson
^ Levi Turner
Scotty McCreery To Launch ‘Cab In A Solo Tour’ In January
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery will kick off 2024 with his headlining “Cab In A Solo Tour” beginning Jan. 26.
Named after his latest single, McCreery will be joined by Anne Wilson, Greylan James and Noah Hicks on select dates of the trek, which will visit Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Boston and more through March 16.
“I’m on the road year-round, but I always love putting together specific tours and I think next year’s ‘Cab In A Solo Tour’ is gonna be one of my favorites,” says McCreery. “Happy to have Anne Wilson join us on the road – she’s a great singer. Depending on the city, either Greylan James or Noah Hicks will be opening up the show and they’re both fantastic performers. And who knows, maybe I’ll share a few songs from my upcoming new album! I’m looking forward to it!”
Tickets go on sale this Friday (Oct. 13) with pre-sales including the Citi pre-sale, which begins today and runs until Thursday (Oct. 12) at 10 p.m. local time. The Scotty McCreery Fan Club pre-sale also begins today at 12 p.m. local time through Thursday. For more information, click here.
McCreery is currently out on the road for his headlining tour with over 25 dates through the fall. He’s among the six 2023 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductees who will be inducted on Oct. 19 at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Jordan Davis Extends ‘Damn Good Time Tour’ Into 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Davis is extending his “Damn Good Time Tour” into 2024, adding additional dates across the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Europe. Ashley Cooke and Mitchell Tenpenny will serve as support.
Davis will kick off the tour Feb. 2 in Copenhagen, Denmark and visit Amsterdam, London, Belfast and more before returning to the U.S. and Canada in April. Tickets will be available through his fan club, The Parish, tomorrow (Oct. 11) before general sales this Friday (Oct. 13). For more information, click here.
Bringing the “Damn Good Time Tour” to Europe as a headliner for the first time, Davis recently celebrated the third consecutive No. 1, “Next Thing You Know,” off his Gold-certified album, Bluebird Days. He is currently nominated for three CMA Awards, including a back-to-back nomination for Song the Year.
Banjo Master Buck Trent Passes
/by Robert K OermannBuck Trent. Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media
One of the greatest banjo stylists in country-music history died yesterday (Oct. 9) at age 85.
Buck Trent is familiar to millions thanks to his regular appearances on such national TV programs as The Porter Wagoner Show, Hee Haw and The Marty Stuart Show. The master showman was revered by generations of country instrumentalists and was the inventor of the electric banjo. He was also noted as a humorist, songwriter and singer.
Trent died in Branson, Missouri on Monday morning. His ebullient personality and infectious on-stage energy were matched by unparalleled musicianship. The latter was displayed on dozens of records. He made 15 solo albums and was also heard on albums by Wagoner, Nancy Sinatra, Mac Wiseman, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Norma Jean, Johnnie & Jack, Roy Clark and many others.
Those are his distinctively rhythmic acoustic-guitar licks opening Dolly Parton’s iconic “Jolene.” He also played on the singer’s original version of “I Will Always Love You” and on Parton’s albums Coat of Many Colors (1973), My Tennessee Mountain Home (1973) and Rainbow (1987), among others.
Born Charles Wilburn Trent in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he began playing Hawaiian guitar when he was seven years old. He also played Dobro, mandolin, electric bass, guitar and most notably, five-string banjo. He started performing on radio at age 10. When he was 17, he was featured on the TV show of Cousin Wilbur (Westbrooks) in Asheville, North Carolina.
He moved to California, where he performed on Town Hall Party, Hometown Jamboree and other west coast country shows. He then fronted his own bands in San Angelo, Texas and Atlanta (on WJFB-TV).
Trent moved to Nashville and joined the road show of Opry star Bill Carlisle in 1959. After serving a brief stint with Bill Monroe, he joined Porter Wagoner’s troupe in 1962. This is where he developed his electric-banjo innovation alongside steel-guitar maestro Shot Jackson.
The Porter Wagoner Show was the top nationally syndicated country music show of the 1960s. Wagoner’s state-of-he-art troupe also included comic Speck Rhodes, dancing fiddler Mack Magaha and spectacular “girl singer” Parton. Trent played on all of the hit duets recorded by Wagoner and Parton, as well as on her solo LPs. He urged her to record “Mule Skinner Blues,” which became her first top 10 hit (1970).
Trent remained with the Wagoner troupe through 1973. He spent the next seven years with Roy Clark. They were part of the first country music road show to tour the Soviet Union (1976). He and fellow instrumental great Clark created several dazzling duet performances. They were named the CMA’s Instrumental Group of the Year in 1975 and 1976.
When Clark joined the Hee Haw cast, so did Trent. He remained with the show for 19 years. This higher profile led to a number of solo albums showcasing his instrumental gifts. Trent recorded for the Smash, RCA, Boone, Dot and ABC labels, as well as for his own imprint. Among his best-known collections were Bionic Banjo (1976), Oh Yeah! (1977) and Buck Trent (1986).
In the 1990s, Buck Trent became a headliner in Branson, Missouri. Between 2008 and 2015, he was featured on Stuart’s show. He recorded with the future Country Music Hall of Famer on the 2012 CD Tear the Woodpile Down.
Buck Trent embarked on the 2018 “Kornfield Friends” Hee Haw reunion tour alongside former show regulars Lulu Roman, Misty Rowe and Jana Jae. Trent’s final album, Spartanburg Blues, was released in 2018.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Music Row Wears ‘Tennessee Orange’ For Megan Moroney’s First No. 1
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Paul Jenkins, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Kristian Bush and Ben Williams. Photo: Anna Warner
The SESAC rooftop was filled with festivity as members of the Music Row family united in orange attire on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 4) to celebrate Megan Moroney‘s first No. hit “Tennessee Orange.”
Everyone mingled around clementine-colored tabletops while enjoying food and refreshments as more and more people made their way outside, adding to the tingling zest in the air.
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch took the podium to welcome us and call up Moroney and co-writers Ben Williams, David Fanning and Paul Jenkins as well as producer Kristian Bush. Hatch started her remarks by telling the story of how she met Moroney through her manager, Juli Griffith, and followed by expressing her gratitude and love for the artist and her work ethic.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad then made his way to the front to recognize Williams, who was also celebrating his first chart-topper. He noted Williams’ bright orange tracksuit was fitting for the event, given that the songwriter’s priority growing up was track and field, which he competed in at Santa Clara University. Sistad shared that Williams started writing songs his freshman of college and transferred from Santa Clara to Belmont University to pursue music. He then gave a shoutout to Williams’ friends and family before officially congratulating the writer on the achievement and stating his belief that there will be more to come.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen was up next to talk about Fanning, Jenkins and Bush. Keen disclosed that this was Bush’s first time attending a No. 1 party, despite his huge success as part of Sugarland. She shared her love for “Tennessee Orange” before stating that the song marked Jenkins’ sixth No. 1.
Keen also shared that as she had been prepping for the current celebration, Fanning scored a second No. 1 with Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine.” She finished by praising the talent displayed by Moroney and all of the writers.
Hatch stepped back up to present Moroney with a special “Tennessee Orange” Gibson guitar, and introduce Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Lauren Thomas to speak.
Hodges started by expressing the Sony team’s pride in the song and thanked Griffith for believing in them. He recognized Thomas’ contribution to the hit before giving her the floor. Thomas then congratulated the creators and thanked all of the promotion team members involved, as well as Hodges, the rest of the Sony crew, Moroney’s team in New York, PunchBowl Entertainment and country radio.
Next on deck was Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston to share more about Jenkins and Moroney.
“Paul doesn’t worry about his next No. 1 or next cut. He cares about what’s really important in life. He cares about his friends, his family and eternity. He cares about the things that matter, and when he goes into the writers’ room, he brings that with him and pours it into his songs,” he told the SESAC rooftop.
Gaston moved on to talk about Moroney stating, “It’s so rare that someone comes along and finds a command of the English language and their own way to use it to tell their stories for their generation.” He added, “[Megan] is a cut above everybody else.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Paul Jenkins, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Kristian Bush, Ben Williams and MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson. Photo: Anna Warner
Reservoir Media’s John Ozier then took the mic to convey he and the company’s appreciation for Fanning and congratulate all of the tune’s contributors.
“[David] is the hardest worker I know. Not only does he write songs, he also produces them and manages some incredible acts,” Ozier said as he faced Fanning. “We’re so fortunate to have you at Reservoir. Congratulations!” While recognizing the other parties, he made note of Moroney’s performance of the smash single at this year’s NSAI Awards.
“When Megan got on stage and performed [‘Tennessee Orange’] at the Ryman, you could feel the place light up,” he said.
Next up was Major Bob’s Andy Friday, who gave the four honorees special Tennessee hats. He went on to thank everyone who helped bring the song to life and to the top of the charts before shifting his focus to Williams and giving his congratulations.
“If you took the No. 1 away and got rid of all the lights and photos, Ben is just an incredibly solid human being. Anybody that knows him or has had an interaction with him always says the same thing, ‘He’s the nicest guy, he always gets back to me, he always picks up the phone.’ That’s all true.”
Pinnacle Financial Partners’ David DeVaul then took the podium to honor and congratulate the industry members involved in the hit. He was followed by Bush, who moved the crowd with his incredible words as he congratulated and thanked everyone.
“This is the first of many times we’re going to stand here,” Bush declared before recognizing Moroney, Griffith and the writers. “Thank you for trusting me. Thanks to the rest of you for writing the songs with her.” He then turned to the mass in front of him and concluded with, “This is an impossible job. Don’t let her fall.”
Jenkins kicked off the songwriter speeches. “It’s pretty simple. I want to thank God for taking me, and also Megan for taking care of me, my co-writers Ben and David—who are some of my best friends. It’s a privilege to do this.”
Fanning followed, telling the story of how he got involved in the song, thanking Griffith and Tina Crawford as well as others who helped him get to where he is today. He continued by praising Moroney’s skills saying, “To me, it’s not just about the song, it’s about the artist and how they deliver it. The way [Megan] marketed and presented this song to the world is something that is special and really really hard to do, and most artists cannot do it, [but] you slay it.”
Williams was next to express his thanks, and detailed his and Moroney’s friendship while also recognizing the other individuals who have always supported him. “As most of you know, I was Megan’s first co-write in Nashville. It was just the coolest ever to be a year into my first publishing deal, and in a room writing with an artist. I thought ‘Oh my Gosh, this is going to happen.’ I got to be that person that shaped the songs that you hear now [from Megan], and it’s [been] so surreal. I feel like I won the songwriter lottery as well as the friend lottery.”
Then, the CMA New Artist of the Year nominee finally took the mic to share how “Tennessee Orange”—which is also nominated for CMA Song of the Year—has changed her career and life while giving thanks to her team and collaborators.
“It’s insane getting to sing this song every night,” Moroney shared. “And I don’t even have to introduce the song anymore, everyone just freaks out. My fans are also the best. It’s just been a crazy year. My life now from a year ago is completely different and I’m very grateful. It’s just very surreal to be here.”