Little Big Town, backed by Charlie Worsham, performs at the 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: Nathan Zucker/CMA
The CMA Foundation held its seventh Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony earlier this week at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
The event honored 30 music teachers—10 teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across the state of Tennessee and 10 from across the U.S. Honorees were selected for their commitment to bringing a high-quality music program to their students and the impact they have had on their school community through music.
The War And Treaty performs at the 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: John Russell/CMA
The evening celebration included a red carpet, dinner with over 20 artists from the country community and performances throughout the night.
Lauren Daigle spoke about the impact she felt as a child growing up in a family of educators before performing her song “Valuable.” Little Big Town took the stage to perform “Rich Man” while Caitlyn Smith brought the house down with her song “Dreamin’s Free.” The War And Treaty closed the night with their song “Yesterday’s Burn.” Michael Trotter of The War And Treaty also gave a heartfelt speech honoring music teachers as “protectors” and emphasizing the many roles they play in a child’s life.
Madeline Edwards, Lindsay Ell, Filmore, Alex Hall and Frank Ray also took the stage to share how music education impacted their lives and how the CMA Foundation is supporting music and arts education in schools across the country. A student group from schools across Middle Tennessee who made up the CMA Foundation Youth Choir emerged behind the audience for a surprise performance and powerful rendition of “We Are Nashville.”
2023 Music Teachers of Excellence Award Recipients (in alphabetical order):
Alicia Engram – Eagle View Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Ann Marie Morris – Cole Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Ashley Harris – Spring Station Middle School, Williamson County Schools, Spring Hill, TN
Briana Vogt – Franklin High School, Williamson County Schools, Franklin, TN
Corey Graves – Tony A. Jackson Middle School, Forney Independent School District, Forney, TX
Crystal Briley – University Park Creative Arts School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District, Charlotte, NC
DaJuana “Dee” Hammonds – Hull-Jackson Montessori School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Danielle Leigh Taylor – Tusculum Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Elaina Gallas – Edmondson Elementary School, Williamson County School District, Brentwood, TN
Elizabeth Carter – Snowden School, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Memphis, TN
Eric Songer – Chaska Middle School West, Eastern Carver County School District, Chaska, MN
Ethan Chessin – Camas High School, Camas School District, Camas, WA
Frank Zimmerer – Antioch High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Garrett Doo – Smyrna High School, Rutherford County Schools, Smyrna, TN
Jacqueline Hanna – Glenview Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Jason Glashauser – South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton City School District, Clinton, TN
Kacee Sanders – DuPont Hadley Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Old Hickory, TN
Kate Affainie – Granbery Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Brentwood, TN
Kristina Waugh – Rossview High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Clarksville, TN
Mandy Funderburk – Meigs Academic Magnet School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Matthew Trevino – Roan Forest Elementary School, North East Independent School District, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Nita L. Smith – Isaiah T. Creswell Middle Magnet School of the Visual and Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Nora Hernández – Monroe Elementary Language Academy, Garden Grove Unified School District, Fountain Valley, CA
Patrick Bourn – Franklin Elementary School, Franklin Special School District, Franklin, TN
Rose Hellmers – Ravenwood High School, Williamson County Schools, Brentwood, TN
Ryan Mack – P.S. 10 Magnet School of Math, Science, and Design Technology, NYC DOE District 15, Brooklyn, NY
Shawna Longo – Durban Avenue Elementary School, Hopatcong Borough Schools, Hopatcong, NJ
Sherie Grossman – Mt. Juliet High School, Wilson County Schools, Mt. Juliet, TN
Stephanie San Roman – Oswego High School, Oswego Community Unit School District 308, Oswego, IL
Stephen Lawrence-Carroll – North Atlanta High School, Atlanta City School District, Atlanta, GA
Widely Admired Bass Player Dave Roe Passes
/by Robert K OermannDave Roe. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen, courtesy of Easy Eye Sound
Musician Dave Roe died last week at his home in Goodlettsville at age 71.
He is best known as the bass player for Johnny Cash in the iconic Tennessee Three during the 1990s. Roe also played on more than 500 albums as a studio professional.
Proficient on electric bass as well as slap-back, rockabilly stand-up bass, Dave Roe backed a who’s-who of music. Among those he played bass for are Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, Loretta Lynn, CeeLo Green, Chrissie Hynde, Dwight Yoakam, Kris Kristofferson, Yola, Rodney Crowell, Carrie Underwood, Marcus King, Ray LaMontagne, Jim Ed Brown, Dan Auerbach, Taj Mahal, Eddy Arnold, Iris DeMent, Billy Burnette, Sturgill Simpson, Ian Hunter, Merle Haggard, Brian Setzer, Kurt Vile, Tony Joe White, Rosie Flores, Malcolm Holcombe, Brandy Clark, Joe Ely, Richard Lloyd, David Olney, Bruce Robison, Allison Moorer, Jack Clement, Don Schlitz, Duane Eddy, Kathy Mattea, Shawn Camp and Gretchen Peters.
Dave Roe Rorick, his full name, was born in Louisiana and raised in Hawaii. After playing in island rock and funk bands, the musician moved to Nashville in the early 1980s. Within a week of arriving, he went to work in Jerry Reed’s band. He also gigged with Chet Atkins, Mel Tillis, Charlie Louvin, Dottie West, Vince Gill and Vern Gosdin during his early years in Music City.
During the late 1980s, June Carter Cash’s daughter Rosey Carter Nix had a local Nashville nightclub band that included Dave Roe. This is how he came to the attention of Johnny Cash, who hired him in 1992.
Following the years touring with The Man in Black, Dave Roe remained close to the superstar. He also often performed in the superb Don Kelley Band on Lower Broadway. In addition, Roe has gigged at Dee’s Country Lounge, the 12th South Taproom and other local venues.
He participated in the albums produced by Rick Rubin that resumed and revived Cash’s legendary career and earned him a “victory lap” of honors in 1994-2010. Roe also performed in a band with Kenny Vaughan and Pete Abbott called The SloBeats. Guitarist Vaughan is famed as a member of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives band and Abbott is the drummer in the soul-rock group The Average White Band.
Roe’s last known performance was on the Grand Ole Opry backing Cash’s grandson Thomas Gabriel on Sept. 12. He was a member of The Tennessee Four with Gabriel, Kerry Marks and Paul Leim, and it was the band’s Opry debut.
John Carter Cash memorialized Dave Roe on Facebook. Other who have written fond memorials include Peters, Dave Pomeroy, Guthrie Trapp and Ira Dean.
“He was a real cat, a master musician,” said Trapp in Bass Player magazine. “He really knew how to subdivide that beat and make it a funky, groovy thing.”
It is reported that Dave Roe passed away as a result of a heart attack on Sept. 15. He is survived by his wife Leslie Barr and son Jerry Roe, who is an in-demand Nashville drummer. Funeral arrangements are unknown.
Zach Bryan Releases Five-Track ‘Boys Of Faith’ EP
/by Steven BoeroPhoto: Courtesy of Bryan Family Archives
Singer-songwriter Zach Bryan has released a new five-song EP titled Boys Of Faith via Warner Records, featuring collaborations with Noah Kahan and Bon Iver.
Boys Of Faith arrives only a matter of weeks after the Grammy-nominated artist’s critically acclaimed self-titled, self-written and produced album, which entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 1 ,and simultaneously topped Billboard’s Country, Rock & Alternative, Americana/Folk and Rock album charts. Additionally, the track “I Remember Everything” featuring Kacey Musgraves topped the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Hot Rock and Alternative Songs charts at once, making chart history by being the first song ever to do so.
Once again written and produced by Bryan, Boys Of Faith kicks off with “Nine Ball” followed by “Sarah’s Place” with Kahan.
Also included on the EP is the previously-unreleased “Deep Satin,” the only track co-produced along with Eddie Spear, with whom Bryan worked on American Heartbreak. The title track, a duet with Iver, is particularly notable due to the pair’s creative chemistry.
Boys Of Faith EP Track Listing:
1. “Nine Ball”
2. “Sarah’s Place (feat. Noah Kahan)”
3. “Boys Of Faith (feat. Bon Iver)”
4. “Deep Satin”
5. “Pain, Sweet, Pain”
Dustin Lynch To Kick Off His ‘Killed The Cowboy Tour’ In April
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin Lynch. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Dustin Lynch will launch his new “Killed The Cowboy Tour” in April, featuring special guest Skeez.
The tour kicks off April 2 with a Nashville show at the Ryman Auditorium before visiting Charlotte, Minneapolis, Boston, Indianapolis and more across the 18-date run. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 29 on the heels of the release of Lynch’s sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy (Broken Bow Records), at DustinLynchMusic.com. Beginning today (Sept. 22), Stay Country Club members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets.
“I’m at a spot in life where I’m super focused on celebrating and living in the moment. The crew and I did a lot of that on the ‘Party Mode Tour’ and really found ourselves out there. The fans were coming out bigger, badder, and louder than ever,” shares Lynch. “I’m excited for them to dive into this album, find themselves in it, and then bring that energy with their friends to the ‘Killed The Cowboy Tour’ next spring.”
Two songs from the 12-track collection are available now, the brooding “Killed The Cowboy” and nostalgic dirt road rocker “Chevrolet,” featuring his BBR Music Group label-mate Jelly Roll.
Bill Anderson Named First Recipient Of Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Lorie HollabaughBill Anderson
Bill Anderson will receive yet another accolade in his storied career next year when he is honored with the 2024 Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame.
The Country Music Hall of Fame member, Songwriters Hall of Fame member and award-winning entertainment titan was initially inducted by the organization in 1994, and will be the first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient honored at the event on April 25, 2024. Anderson was born in Columbia, South Carolina and lived there for the first eight years of his life until moving to Georgia.
“My Carolina roots run deep. The first country music I ever heard was broadcast over radio station WIS in Columbia, and the first time I ever saw a country band perform in person was in their studios,” recalls Anderson. “My first musical heroes were local entertainers named Byron Parker and Snuffy Jenkins. I am truly humbled to be the first artist to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame, and I thank the Board of Directors for their unanimous vote. This is a tremendous honor. I hope to be there to accept it in person.”
The Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award carries the name of the founder of the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame, and was created to recognize a previously-inducted artist who has achieved significant national success in the field of music and/or entertainment, and through their creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance shines a positive light on the state of South Carolina.
“The South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame voted unanimously to award Bill Anderson as the first artist recipient of the Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award. We are thrilled to celebrate this award with Bill because of his lifetime contribution to the millions of country music fans around the world. He truly exemplifies the intent of this award through his work in country music as a singer, songwriter, television host and author. He is an extraordinary man with exceptional talent and has made a tremendous impact on South Carolina as well as so many people around the world,” says Roy Costner, Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame.
Morgan Wallen Takes ‘Everything I Love’ To Top Of MusicRow Chart
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen performs at at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Photo: Matthew Paskert
Morgan Wallen jumps from No. 4 to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Everything I Love.”
Wallen co-wrote the tune with Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith and Ryan Vojtesak, and it interpolates the Allman Brothers Band‘s “Midnight Rider,” written by Gregg Allman and Robert Kim Payne. “Everything I Love” appears on Wallen’s record breaking third studio album One Thing At A Time.
“Everything I Love” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 11 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Megan Moroney Drops Deluxe Edition Of Debut Album ‘Lucky’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: David McClister
Megan Moroney has released a new deluxe edition of her debut album, Lucky.
Lucky (Deluxe Edition) includes three just-released songs from the Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville artist, with guest appearances by Kameron Marlowe and Mackenzie Carpenter. A vinyl edition of Lucky will also be released on Nov. 3.
Originally released in May, Lucky features Moroney’s Platinum single “Tennessee Orange,” the No. 1 smash that recently was recently nominated for CMA Song of The Year. On the album’s deluxe edition, the Georgia native serves up more of the storytelling and timeless sound that made Lucky so popular. On “Fix You Too,” she and Marlowe share the painful dilemma of choosing yourself over the pull of a potentially disastrous relationship. Another heavy-hearted ballad, “Reasons to Stay,” explores the torment of being unable to tear yourself away from a love gone wrong, and on “Nothin’ Crazy,” Carpenter offers up an uptempo, comical track about a girl who’s all too eager about her new man.
Lucky (Deluxe Edition) arrives as Moroney gears up to appear at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles as part of its Spotlight series. Set for Oct. 10, the sold-out event will take place at the museum’s Clive Davis Theater and include an intimate conversation, moderated by Kristian Bush, about her music, creative process and more with a performance to follow.
On Wednesday (Sept. 20), she kicked off her “The Lucky Tour,” making her New York City debut at The Bowery Ballroom. The tour will stop at cities coast-to-coast, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New Braunfels and more.
Lucky (Deluxe Edition) Track Listing:
1. “I’m Not Pretty”
2. “Lucky”
3. “Tennessee Orange”
4. “Kansas Anymore”
5. “Girl in the Mirror”
6. “Another on the Way”
7. “Traitor Joe”
8. “Why Johnny”
9. “God Plays A Gibson”
10. “Georgia Girl”
11. “Sleep on My Side”
12. “Mustang or Me”
13. “Sad Songs For Sad People”
14. “Fix You Too feat. Kameron Marlowe”
15. “Nothin’ Crazy feat. Mackenzie Carpenter”
16. “Reasons to Stay”
Oliver Anthony Signs With UTA
/by Liza AndersonOliver Anthony
Breakout artist Oliver Anthony has signed with UTA for exclusive worldwide representation in all areas.
One of music’s most explosive stories this year, Anthony’s record-setting run began in August with the online release of his chart-climbing tune, “Rich Men North Of Richmond,” which made him the first artist in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts without having made a previous chart appearance.
“We’re honored to represent such an authentic artist, and excited to put together a global strategy to bring Oliver Anthony and his music to the people,” shares Jeffrey Hasson, UTA Co-Head of Nashville, and Curt Motley, Music Agent.
Earlier this week, Anthony sold out his Sept. 28 show at the 9,500-seat Smokies Stadium in Kodak, Tennessee, in just minutes.
“We appreciate the demands of the fans we have here,” Anthony shared of the sell-out. “It is important that we accommodate them in a spring show. We want everyone to get a chance to hear us play. We are honored that we have such a great fan base in East Tennessee, and we feel very driven to have everyone get a chance to come hear us that wants to.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘A Lot To Fall In Love With’ This Americana Week
/by Robert K OermannTyler Childers, Allison Russell (Photo: Dana Trippe) and The Shindellas (Photo: Ezelle Franklin)
It’s Americana Week here in Music City, so let’s dive right in.
There’s a lot to fall in love with in this stack of sounds. So much so that we have three Disc of the Day winners. The male winner is the exploding Tyler Childers. Allison Russell takes home the female award. The Group du jour is The Shindellas.
Our DISCovery Award goes to Carter Faith. Looking forward to more from her.
ALLISON RUSSELL / “The Returner”
Writers: Allison Russell/Drew Lindsay/JT Nero; Producers: Allison Russell/Dim Star; Label: Fantasy
– The title tune of this gifted artist’s latest collection is a slow groove that’s equal parts gospel, folk and soul. The lyric of surrender and inspiration glows with mysticism and is drenched in sisterly harmony vocals. This album is essential. Russell’s social activism was saluted with the Seigenthaler Free Speech Award at the Americana Awards on Wednesday eve.
BUDDY & JULIE MILLER / “I’ll Never Live It Down”
Writer: Julie Miller; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: New West Records
– In The Throes drops tomorrow (Sept. 22) as the latest album from these enduring Americana icons. It features celeb guests such as Emmylou Harris, Regina McCrary, Larry Campbell and Gurf Morlix. On this focus track, Buddy goes solo with spare guitar-percussion backing. The drawling ballad is steeped in sadness and the heartbreak of a broken relationship. He will perform tomorrow at Musicians Corner in Centennial Park on a stellar bill that also includes Rodney Crowell, The Secret Sisters, The Wild Feathers and the North Mississippi Allstars. The sounds commence at 3 p.m.
BRANDY CLARK / “Come Back to Me”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– The track ripples and rolls with folkie verve. Clark, as always, sings like a beacon of truth. The message is a lovely, releasing farewell with a promise that the one leaving can always return home. This goddess of song showcases at City Winery today (Sept. 21) at the Northern Lights Music show presented by Brandi Carlile & Tracy Gershon.
DALE WATSON / “That’s Where The Money Goes”
Writer: Dale Watson; Producer: none listed; Label: Cleopatra Records
– Of course he should have been a country superstar years ago, but let’s not go into that again. As it is, he’s an Americana founding father. Watson’s new Starvation Box collection features this working-class lament that’s a deep-South blues tune with a Johnny Cash attitude. I remain a devoted fan.
JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things For Granted”
Writer: Olubukola Oladokun; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Amigo/Verve Forecast/Republic Records
– This Nashvillian’s latest, Proof of Life, confirms her as one of our great communicators of hope and insight. This upbeat track explores a child’s loss of innocence and the persistence of the spirit. Oladokun sings with a mixture of resignation, indignation and intellect. A classic, true troubadour.
CHARLEY CROCKETT / “The Man from Waco”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Bruce Robison/Kullen Fuchs/Taylor Grace; Producer: Bruce Robison; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– This Texas treasure is a prolific record maker and a force of nature as a performer. This is the title tune of his current album, a cowboy saga of murder and its haunting aftermath. Also, check out his music video for the moody “I’m Just a Clown.”
THE GOODWIN BROTHERS / “Everyday Thing”
Writers: Dwight Liles/Tom Paden; Producer: Jonathan Goodwin; Label: Pinecastle Records
– This Lexington, Kentucky band is billed as “bluegrass/Americana,” which is suitable, since the Americana genre has always embraced all kinds of acoustic sounds. The group’s Have You Noticed album is being promoted via a charming video of this lilting ode to simple living and country pleasures. Sweetly inviting.
CARTER FAITH / “Cowboy Forever”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: CF
– She sings in a deceptively delicate soprano. As the heartache song progresses, a tense power emerges, and she breaks into falsetto and back with ease. The minor-key track echoes with a neo-western vibe, and the whole thing is a highly involving audio ride. Faith showcases tonight at 8 p.m. at The Basement East in Nashville.
ALISON BROWN & STEVE MARTIN / “Foggy Morning Breaking”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West; Compass Records
– I can’t remember the last time I heard a country instrumental this enchanting. Brown is a three-finger banjo wonder, capable of dazzling runs and groovy time signatures. Martin keeps pace in clawhammer banjo style while Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Sierra Hull (mandolin), Chris Eldridge (guitar) and Todd Phillips (bass) get their licks in. If you need a feel-good, pick-me-up, look no further.
TYLER CHILDERS / “In Your Love”
Writers: Tyler Childers/Geno Seale; Producers: Tyler Childers/The Food Stamps; Label: Hickman Holler/RCA Records
– This guy’s new Rustin’ In The Rain album is an all-genre sales sensation and his new arena tour has sold out everywhere, including two nights at Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks and Rupp Arena as well as two nights next April at Bridgestone. The penetrating country singer-songwriter is becoming a total rock star without any radio support. Americana Highways calls him, “one of the most talented and important musical forces in American music.” Amen to that. The brilliantly acted video for this love song has stirred some controversy since it depicts two male coal miners who fall in love until one is felled by black lung. If you are not on this man’s express train to stardom, get on board now.
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Tight Rope”
Writer: Leon Russell; Producer: none listed; Label: Stax
– These soulful Americana faves take Leon Russell’s 1972 pop hit out for a welcome revival spin. Goody goody.
THE SHINDELLAS / “Ooh La La”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Producers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Label: Weirdo Workshop/Thirty Tigers
– The “girl group” sound of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s is not dead. It lives on in the delicious sound of this Nashville trio. They swing lightly to the groove-soaked beats of this sunny love ditty, alternating solo vocal step-outs with creamy harmonies. As fizzy and sweet as a soda-fountain concoction. There’s a video out now, and you’ll find it on the group’s new album, Shindo, which drops Oct. 20. Can’t wait that long? The Shindellas’ Americana showcase is Saturday (Sept. 23) at 7 p.m. at The Basement East.
JESSI COLTER / “Standing on the Edge of Forever”
Writer: Jessi Colter; Producer: Margo Price; Label: Appalachia Record Co.
– Legendary Colter teams up with Americana darling Margo Price on her new album, dropping Oct. 27. Its title track is out now, and it’s an echoey rocker with beats to spare. Three of its other tunes will be vocal collabs with Price, and that’s something to look forward to, since she is a fine harmony vocalist.
CMA Foundation Honors Music Teachers Of Excellence
/by LB CantrellLittle Big Town, backed by Charlie Worsham, performs at the 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: Nathan Zucker/CMA
The CMA Foundation held its seventh Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony earlier this week at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
The event honored 30 music teachers—10 teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools, 10 from districts across the state of Tennessee and 10 from across the U.S. Honorees were selected for their commitment to bringing a high-quality music program to their students and the impact they have had on their school community through music.
The War And Treaty performs at the 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Photo: John Russell/CMA
The evening celebration included a red carpet, dinner with over 20 artists from the country community and performances throughout the night.
Lauren Daigle spoke about the impact she felt as a child growing up in a family of educators before performing her song “Valuable.” Little Big Town took the stage to perform “Rich Man” while Caitlyn Smith brought the house down with her song “Dreamin’s Free.” The War And Treaty closed the night with their song “Yesterday’s Burn.” Michael Trotter of The War And Treaty also gave a heartfelt speech honoring music teachers as “protectors” and emphasizing the many roles they play in a child’s life.
Madeline Edwards, Lindsay Ell, Filmore, Alex Hall and Frank Ray also took the stage to share how music education impacted their lives and how the CMA Foundation is supporting music and arts education in schools across the country. A student group from schools across Middle Tennessee who made up the CMA Foundation Youth Choir emerged behind the audience for a surprise performance and powerful rendition of “We Are Nashville.”
2023 Music Teachers of Excellence Award Recipients (in alphabetical order):
Alicia Engram – Eagle View Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Ann Marie Morris – Cole Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Ashley Harris – Spring Station Middle School, Williamson County Schools, Spring Hill, TN
Briana Vogt – Franklin High School, Williamson County Schools, Franklin, TN
Corey Graves – Tony A. Jackson Middle School, Forney Independent School District, Forney, TX
Crystal Briley – University Park Creative Arts School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District, Charlotte, NC
DaJuana “Dee” Hammonds – Hull-Jackson Montessori School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Danielle Leigh Taylor – Tusculum Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Elaina Gallas – Edmondson Elementary School, Williamson County School District, Brentwood, TN
Elizabeth Carter – Snowden School, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Memphis, TN
Eric Songer – Chaska Middle School West, Eastern Carver County School District, Chaska, MN
Ethan Chessin – Camas High School, Camas School District, Camas, WA
Frank Zimmerer – Antioch High School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Antioch, TN
Garrett Doo – Smyrna High School, Rutherford County Schools, Smyrna, TN
Jacqueline Hanna – Glenview Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Jason Glashauser – South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton City School District, Clinton, TN
Kacee Sanders – DuPont Hadley Middle School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Old Hickory, TN
Kate Affainie – Granbery Elementary School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Brentwood, TN
Kristina Waugh – Rossview High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Clarksville, TN
Mandy Funderburk – Meigs Academic Magnet School, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Matthew Trevino – Roan Forest Elementary School, North East Independent School District, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Nita L. Smith – Isaiah T. Creswell Middle Magnet School of the Visual and Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, TN
Nora Hernández – Monroe Elementary Language Academy, Garden Grove Unified School District, Fountain Valley, CA
Patrick Bourn – Franklin Elementary School, Franklin Special School District, Franklin, TN
Rose Hellmers – Ravenwood High School, Williamson County Schools, Brentwood, TN
Ryan Mack – P.S. 10 Magnet School of Math, Science, and Design Technology, NYC DOE District 15, Brooklyn, NY
Shawna Longo – Durban Avenue Elementary School, Hopatcong Borough Schools, Hopatcong, NJ
Sherie Grossman – Mt. Juliet High School, Wilson County Schools, Mt. Juliet, TN
Stephanie San Roman – Oswego High School, Oswego Community Unit School District 308, Oswego, IL
Stephen Lawrence-Carroll – North Atlanta High School, Atlanta City School District, Atlanta, GA
Industry Ink: Stephen Wilson Jr., Anne Wilson, BMI, ACM
/by Lorie HollabaughStephen Wilson Jr. Celebrates Debut Double Album At Blue Room
Pictured (L-R): Shawn McSpadden (Range Media Partners), Seth England (Big Loud Records), Craig Wiseman (Big Loud Records), Stephen Wilson Jr., Alicia Jones (ALJ Management), Brett Saliba (UTA), Jordy Dettmer (Range Media Partners)
Stephen Wilson Jr. celebrated his sold-out album release show at The Blue Room at Third Man Records in Nashville on Monday night (Sept. 18). The performance included an appearance from Hailey Whitters, who joined Wilson Jr. for a rendition of their duet “American Gothic.”
He released his debut double album søn of dad via Big Loud Records last week.
Anne Wilson Surprised With Platinum Plaque For “My Jesus”
Pictured (L-R): CCMG’s Josh Bailey, David Gutekunst, Brad O’Donnell, Anne Wilson, Hudson Plachy, Karrie Dawley, Kenny Rodgers. Photo: Anna Moos
Anne Wilson was surprised by her Capitol Christian Music Group team celebrating her debut single “My Jesus” being certified Platinum by the RIAA. The breakout ballad has continued to fuel Wilson’s career as it notched over one million units sold and counting, with numerous awards and accolades as well.
Wilson’s momentous week continued with her debut performance during the ACM Honors show, where she graced the Ryman stage alongside Jordan Davis to perform the double-Platinum, ACM Award-nominated No. 1 song, “Buy Dirt.”
BMI Wraps Rooftop On The Row Series With Old Crow Medicine Show, JD Clayton
BMI team with Old Crow Medicine Show and JD Clayton. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI hosted the final installment of its signature Rooftop On The Row series Tuesday night (Sept. 19), with Old Crow Medicine Show and JD Clayton playing for a capacity crowd on top of BMI’s Nashville location. Serving as the official kickoff to AmericanaFest, attendees enjoyed more than three hours of free entertainment, music and drinks during the entertainment packed evening.
“Our Rooftop On The Row series is one of BMI’s most highly anticipated events and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to conclude this year than with Old Crow Medicine Show and JD Clayton,” says BMI’s Nashville AVP Creative, Mason Hunter. “Since its launch in 2016, this series has been a staple moment in the early stages of many affiliates’ careers including Dylan Marlowe, Morgan Wallen and The War And Treaty. BMI looks forward to carrying on with this tradition by continuing to offer a unique Music City experience for our talent.”
ACM Opens Recruitment for Spring 2024 Internship Program
The Academy of Country Music is recruiting for its Spring 2024 internship program. Selected candidates will work in an area ranging from marketing, graphic design, and event planning to finance, publicity & PR, strategic partnerships, and more, as well as assist in the planning and execution of the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards in spring 2024.
Internships start in January and run through the end of May. All roles will be based in Nashville, and will be primarily in person, working out of the Academy’s Music City headquarters. Positions will require a minimum of one week of travel surrounding the 59th ACM Awards, with the potential for additional travel as needed for individual roles. Candidates may receive credit for their participation and will be paid for the internship. Positions are available in the following areas of focus:
ACM Lifting Lives
Artist & Industry Relations
Creative & Content
Events
Finance & Operations
Graphic Design
Marketing
Media Archives
Programming & Community Engagement
Publicity & PR
Strategic Partnerships
All students are encouraged to apply by sending a resume and cover letter as an attachment to internships@acmcountry.com by Friday, October 20, 2023. Applicants should be sure to indicate their preferred area(s) of focus in their cover letter.