Pictured (L-R, back row): Marcie Allen Van Mol and Valerie Summers; (L-R, front row): Becky Shanks, Jackie Patillo, Denise Stiff and Janice Jackson. Not Pictured: Renee Bell. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Seven more deserving music industry veterans were inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame on Tuesday night (Aug. 29) at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium.
SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years the individual has worked within the entertainment industry and level of community involvement. All inductees have made a significant impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.
The event that honors seven “Women Behind The Music” marked its 20th anniversary on Tuesday. Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee and Grand Ole Opry Star Jeannie Seely hosted the sold-out in-person event.
This year’s honorees included Marcie Allen Van Mol, Renee Bell, Janice Jackson, Jackie Patillo, Becky Shanks, Denise Stiff and Valerie Summers.
After SOURCE’s Hall of Fame Awards Chair, Erica Rosa, welcomed everyone to dine, SOURCE President Mallory Mason-Pascal got the awards ceremony started. The inductees were honored by their friends, family and peers, as Lee and Seely told the crowd of their extensive accomplishments. Then, a video from a special client or colleague would play to further highlight the honoree’s impact.
As usual, Lee and Seely were a hoot, constantly poking fun at each other and others in the audience. Lee has been hosting the SOURCE Awards since her best friend Kay Smith established it in 2003. Seely joined her not too long after.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Denise Stiff, Marcie Allen Van Mol, Jackie Patillo and Valerie Summers; (L-R, front row): Becky Shanks, Grand Ole Opry Star/Co-Host Jeannie Seely, Country Music Hall of Fame Member/Co-Host Brenda Lee and Janice Jackson. Not Pictured: Renee Bell. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
“A lot of women have done a lot of work. That’s why we’re here,” Lee shared. Seely concurred, saying, “I love honoring the women who do the real work behind the scenes.”
Van Mol was the first inductee to be honored. Her career has included time at Cellar Door Concerts, William Morris Endeavor (WME), MAD Booking & Events, Creative Artist Agency (CAA), NYU and her own, MAC Presents. The executive recently opened up the new music venue and event space in Hillsboro Village, AB.
Van Mol was honored with some words of praise from the President of Virgin Music, Jacqueline Saturn, via a video.
When Van Mol got up to speak, she encouraged those in the room to empower others. She spoke about those who mentored her, including her aunt, former music industry executive Bebe Evans.
“If there’s one thing I could say to all of you here, it’s about giving women an opportunity and giving them a shot,” Van Mol said. “I challenge every woman in here to use your voice, use your platform and give every opportunity that you can to the next generation of female leaders because we need them.”
Next to be honored was Bell, who was unfortunately ill and not able to attend in person.
Bell impacted the Nashville music industry during her time at MCA and RCA/Sony, working in A&R with some of the brightest stars in country music. One of those stars, Kenny Chesney, sent Bell well wishes from somewhere picturesque.
BMI’s Leslie Roberts accepted the honor of behalf of Bell, reading some notes she had prepared for the occasion.
“Thank you to all of the women who paved the way for me,” Bell wrote. “To name a few: Connie Bradley, Donna Hilley, Celia Froehlig, Mary Martin, Martha Sharp and Margie Hunt. Thank you SOURCE for this amazing honor.”
Jackson was honored next. Her tenure on Music Row includes stints at ASCAP, Capitol/EMI/Liberty Records, Blendingwell/Sister John Music, Maypop Music Group, Almo/Irving Music, Joe Scaife Productions & Publishing, Copyright Society of the South, Writer’s Den Music Group, MCS Music America, Inc., Peermusic and Travellers Hollow Music.
British singer-songwriter Mark Knopfler paid his respects to Jackson via video, telling fun stories about his time with her in Nashville.
Jackson used her time at the podium to talk about some of the songwriters and executives she was grateful to have worked with.
“I wouldn’t be here without the help and encouragement of so many,” she said. “To my fellow SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees, both past and present, allow me to borrow a phrase from Rodney Crowell: ‘Kudos to you for a job well done.'”
The Gospel Music Association’s Patillo was the next to be honored. Before becoming head of the GMA, her career stops included Star Song Communications, Integrity Gospel/Integrity Media, Verity Records and Sony Music Entertainment.
Gospel great CeCe Winans congratulated Patillo via video for the honor. When Patillo spoke, she talked about her journey’s mountains and valleys.
“I pray all of our stories here tonight will encourage others and continue to shine a light on the important work that women are doing in our industry. God bless you all and to God be the glory,” she said.
Shanks was the next to be inducted. She made her mark while working at United Artists Agency/CBS Songs, Maypop Music and Peermusic. Alabama‘s Teddy Gentry congratulated her via video.
When she spoke, Shanks highlighted moments in her career that put stars in her eyes, of which there were many.
“I made the decision in 2014 to retire and spend more time with family and friends–and a little more beach time. I still had stars in my eyes from all of those wonderful memories and a star for each writer that I had hopefully helped along the way,” Shanks said. “Tonight I am receiving a very special star and gratefully thank SOURCE for this honor. All those stars will forever brightly shine.”
The next to be honored was Stiff, who impacted the industry while working at GreilWorks,Teena Shirts, BareWorks, Summer Lights, Keith Case and Associates, Scared Stiff Music and Sheehan’s Pub Co., Bob Titley Management and DS Management. Longtime client and friend Alison Krauss, alongside Robert Plant, congratulated her in a funny, musical video.
True to her heart as an artist manager, Stiff used a lot of her time at the podium to speak about the talent she had gotten to work with as a manager and as an Executive Music Producer on O Brother, Where Art Thou?
“I am so grateful for it all. I’m grateful for all of the incredibly artists I was privileged to work with and for all of the people who helped me along the way.”
Summers was the final honoree to be inducted. Her career has included time at William Morris Agency, Inc./WME, Destination Music/Gary Musick Production and Arrington Vineyards.
Summers was honored with a video message from Kirk Franklin. When she spoke, she recognized the friends and colleagues who had lifted her up along the way.
Summers recognized her friend Chevy Nash for helping her to see her potential. “She was the first person to encourage me to have a career,” Summers said. “She encouraged me to not be a stupid blonde from Oklahoma and learn about business, how to be better at what I do and how to embrace music.”
Megan Youngblood Joins MCA Nashville As West Coast Promotion Director
/by Lorie HollabaughMegan Youngblood. Photo: Matt Marcheski
Megan Youngblood has been hired as Director of Promotion, West Coast for MCA Nashville.
Youngblood brings over two decades of radio experience to the role including, most recently, six years as the West Coast regional rep for Capitol Records Nashville.
“Megan is a high caliber radio and records pro that exudes passion for our artists and their music,” says MCA Nashville VP of Promotion David Friedman. “She is the perfect fit for our team and I’m very excited to have her join MCA.”
MCA Nashville’s current roster includes Kassi Ashton, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Catie Offerman, George Strait and Josh Turner.
Bryan Martin Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughBryan Martin during his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Julian Mendoza
Louisiana native Bryan Martin fulfilled a lifelong dream when he made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday (Aug. 29).
He performed his unrelenting anthem “Goin For Broke” as well as his single “We Ride,” for the Opry crowd, earning a standing ovation from the audience. With his family, friends and label team by his side, Martin checked off a significant moment from his bucket list on the unforgettable night.
“Man.. I thought I could only dream about stepping in that circle,” shares Martin. “I’m just so thankful for everybody that came out to support me and I couldn’t be more honored to step in the same circle as everybody who came before me.”
After 15 years in the oil industry, Martin continues to make significant strides in his career since moving to Nashville. His rock-tinged single “We Ride” has garnered more than 82 million worldwide streams and is moving up the Billboard chart. With upcoming music set for release later this year, Martin is currently on the road on his “Goin For Broke Tour,” with stops in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Las Vegas and more.
SOURCE Hall Of Fame Inducts Seven ‘Women Behind The Music’ At 20th Anniversary Event
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Marcie Allen Van Mol and Valerie Summers; (L-R, front row): Becky Shanks, Jackie Patillo, Denise Stiff and Janice Jackson. Not Pictured: Renee Bell. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Seven more deserving music industry veterans were inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame on Tuesday night (Aug. 29) at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium.
SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years the individual has worked within the entertainment industry and level of community involvement. All inductees have made a significant impact on the Nashville entertainment industry.
The event that honors seven “Women Behind The Music” marked its 20th anniversary on Tuesday. Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee and Grand Ole Opry Star Jeannie Seely hosted the sold-out in-person event.
This year’s honorees included Marcie Allen Van Mol, Renee Bell, Janice Jackson, Jackie Patillo, Becky Shanks, Denise Stiff and Valerie Summers.
After SOURCE’s Hall of Fame Awards Chair, Erica Rosa, welcomed everyone to dine, SOURCE President Mallory Mason-Pascal got the awards ceremony started. The inductees were honored by their friends, family and peers, as Lee and Seely told the crowd of their extensive accomplishments. Then, a video from a special client or colleague would play to further highlight the honoree’s impact.
As usual, Lee and Seely were a hoot, constantly poking fun at each other and others in the audience. Lee has been hosting the SOURCE Awards since her best friend Kay Smith established it in 2003. Seely joined her not too long after.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Denise Stiff, Marcie Allen Van Mol, Jackie Patillo and Valerie Summers; (L-R, front row): Becky Shanks, Grand Ole Opry Star/Co-Host Jeannie Seely, Country Music Hall of Fame Member/Co-Host Brenda Lee and Janice Jackson. Not Pictured: Renee Bell. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
“A lot of women have done a lot of work. That’s why we’re here,” Lee shared. Seely concurred, saying, “I love honoring the women who do the real work behind the scenes.”
Van Mol was the first inductee to be honored. Her career has included time at Cellar Door Concerts, William Morris Endeavor (WME), MAD Booking & Events, Creative Artist Agency (CAA), NYU and her own, MAC Presents. The executive recently opened up the new music venue and event space in Hillsboro Village, AB.
Van Mol was honored with some words of praise from the President of Virgin Music, Jacqueline Saturn, via a video.
When Van Mol got up to speak, she encouraged those in the room to empower others. She spoke about those who mentored her, including her aunt, former music industry executive Bebe Evans.
“If there’s one thing I could say to all of you here, it’s about giving women an opportunity and giving them a shot,” Van Mol said. “I challenge every woman in here to use your voice, use your platform and give every opportunity that you can to the next generation of female leaders because we need them.”
Next to be honored was Bell, who was unfortunately ill and not able to attend in person.
Bell impacted the Nashville music industry during her time at MCA and RCA/Sony, working in A&R with some of the brightest stars in country music. One of those stars, Kenny Chesney, sent Bell well wishes from somewhere picturesque.
BMI’s Leslie Roberts accepted the honor of behalf of Bell, reading some notes she had prepared for the occasion.
“Thank you to all of the women who paved the way for me,” Bell wrote. “To name a few: Connie Bradley, Donna Hilley, Celia Froehlig, Mary Martin, Martha Sharp and Margie Hunt. Thank you SOURCE for this amazing honor.”
Jackson was honored next. Her tenure on Music Row includes stints at ASCAP, Capitol/EMI/Liberty Records, Blendingwell/Sister John Music, Maypop Music Group, Almo/Irving Music, Joe Scaife Productions & Publishing, Copyright Society of the South, Writer’s Den Music Group, MCS Music America, Inc., Peermusic and Travellers Hollow Music.
British singer-songwriter Mark Knopfler paid his respects to Jackson via video, telling fun stories about his time with her in Nashville.
Jackson used her time at the podium to talk about some of the songwriters and executives she was grateful to have worked with.
“I wouldn’t be here without the help and encouragement of so many,” she said. “To my fellow SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees, both past and present, allow me to borrow a phrase from Rodney Crowell: ‘Kudos to you for a job well done.'”
The Gospel Music Association’s Patillo was the next to be honored. Before becoming head of the GMA, her career stops included Star Song Communications, Integrity Gospel/Integrity Media, Verity Records and Sony Music Entertainment.
Gospel great CeCe Winans congratulated Patillo via video for the honor. When Patillo spoke, she talked about her journey’s mountains and valleys.
“I pray all of our stories here tonight will encourage others and continue to shine a light on the important work that women are doing in our industry. God bless you all and to God be the glory,” she said.
Shanks was the next to be inducted. She made her mark while working at United Artists Agency/CBS Songs, Maypop Music and Peermusic. Alabama‘s Teddy Gentry congratulated her via video.
When she spoke, Shanks highlighted moments in her career that put stars in her eyes, of which there were many.
“I made the decision in 2014 to retire and spend more time with family and friends–and a little more beach time. I still had stars in my eyes from all of those wonderful memories and a star for each writer that I had hopefully helped along the way,” Shanks said. “Tonight I am receiving a very special star and gratefully thank SOURCE for this honor. All those stars will forever brightly shine.”
The next to be honored was Stiff, who impacted the industry while working at GreilWorks,Teena Shirts, BareWorks, Summer Lights, Keith Case and Associates, Scared Stiff Music and Sheehan’s Pub Co., Bob Titley Management and DS Management. Longtime client and friend Alison Krauss, alongside Robert Plant, congratulated her in a funny, musical video.
True to her heart as an artist manager, Stiff used a lot of her time at the podium to speak about the talent she had gotten to work with as a manager and as an Executive Music Producer on O Brother, Where Art Thou?
“I am so grateful for it all. I’m grateful for all of the incredibly artists I was privileged to work with and for all of the people who helped me along the way.”
Summers was the final honoree to be inducted. Her career has included time at William Morris Agency, Inc./WME, Destination Music/Gary Musick Production and Arrington Vineyards.
Summers was honored with a video message from Kirk Franklin. When she spoke, she recognized the friends and colleagues who had lifted her up along the way.
Summers recognized her friend Chevy Nash for helping her to see her potential. “She was the first person to encourage me to have a career,” Summers said. “She encouraged me to not be a stupid blonde from Oklahoma and learn about business, how to be better at what I do and how to embrace music.”
Connor McCutcheon Signs With Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, front row): Spirit Music Nashville’s Andy Hodges, Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution’s AJ Burton, Connor McCutcheon, Spirit Music Group’s Frank Rogers and Spirit Music Nashville’s Kara Jackson; (L-R, back row): Spirit Music Nashville’s Kennedy Murphy, Brian Bradford, Cole Perry, Lewis Brisbois’ Austin Wells and McKenzie Boyd
Connor McCutcheon has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution.
The Nashville singer-songwriter has opened for artists Gary LeVox, Trey Lewis and Mitch Rossell, and headlined his own shows, bringing a contagious energy to all. He has performed at the Music City Grand Prix Riverfront and iHeart Radio Stages, Whiskey Jam and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
“We are very excited to welcome Connor McCutcheon to Spirit/Fluid,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group & Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Connor has the ability to write songs that draw you in lyrically and then deliver those songs with an honest, unique voice. We feel the sky is the limit for Connor both as a songwriter and an artist.”
“It’s not every day a talent like Connor enters your radar,” states AJ Burton, Vice President, Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution. “Kid is a born entertainer, has an impeccable drive to succeed and is a great storyteller. This is gonna be a fun ride!”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution team! From the first time I met Frank, AJ and the rest of the team, I knew they were building something special,” shares McCutcheon. “I feel so blessed to have a team that believes in me just as much as I believe in them. Can’t wait to get to work!”
Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate The Music & Influence Of Johnny Cash
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is honoring the life and legacy of Johnny Cash on the 20th anniversary of his passing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
A country legend, Cash was a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (1977), the Country Music Hall of Fame (1980), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1992), the Gospel Music Association’s Gospel Music Hall of Fame (2010) and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame (2013). He was also a 1996 Kennedy Center Honoree.
The “Opry Honors Johnny Cash” event will feature performances by some of the artists who have been influenced by “The Man In Black,” including Rodney Crowell, The Gatlin Brothers, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, The War And Treaty and William Beckman as well as The Tennessee Four, who will make their Opry debut. The Tennessee Four is comprised of Cash’s oldest grandson, Thomas Gabriel, and three musicians who played with Cash: Paul Leim (drums), Kerry Marx (guitar) and Dave Roe (bass).
Tickets are on sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and on opry.com. The show can be heard on SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse as well as the show’s flagship radio home, WSM Radio and its website.
Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker & The Cadillac Three Become Voices For ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’
/by Steven BoeroPictured (clockwise): Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker, The Cadillac Three
College football is back and country stars Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker and The Cadillac Three will be the new voices behind ESPN’s College GameDay theme song “Comin’ To Your City.”
Big & Rich have been the voices of theme song of the beloved weekly sports program for nearly 16 years.
ESPN officially announced the new “College GameDay” this via social media on Monday (Aug. 28).
Rucker is no stranger to ESPN’s College GameDay, as he’s been a guest picker on the program before and is an unapologetic super fan of his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks.
The fresh interpretation of Big & Rich’s “Comin’ To Your City” is scheduled to debut on Saturday, Sept. 2, as part of College GameDay as the college football season officially kicks off.
Final Nominees For CMA Awards To Be Announced Sept. 7
/by Lorie HollabaughFinal nominees for The 57th Annual CMA Awards will be revealed on Sept. 7 at 7 a.m. CT. The complete list will also be posted on the CMA Awards website.
Winners of The 57th Annual CMA Awards will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible CMA Professional voting members. The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members on Monday, Oct. 2. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Friday Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. CT.
Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning return to host this year’s CMA Awards, airing live Nov. 8 on ABC. Performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
Finalists for the 2023 CMA Broadcast Awards will also be revealed Sept. 7, with winners announced in October.
Carrie Underwood Wraps Guns N’ Roses Stadium Dates With Nashville Show
/by Liza AndersonCarrie Underwood during the “Guns N’ Roses World Tour 2023” show at Nashville’s GEODIS Park. Photo: Jeff Johnson
Carrie Underwood wrapped the last of her three stadium dates as a special guest on the “Guns N’ Roses World Tour 2023″ at Nashville’s GEODIS Park on Saturday night (Aug. 26). The country superstar also joined the legendary rock group earlier this summer at Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium in Moncton, New Brunswick and at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Carrie Underwood with Guns N’ Roses during the “Guns N’ Roses World Tour 2023” show at Nashville’s GEODIS Park. Photo: Jeff Johnson
The park was packed with anticipation for Underwood’s Music City performance, which included a variety of hits spanning her over 15-year career, songs from her current Denim & Rhinestones album, as well as rock classics such as Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll,” Heart’s “Alone” and Motörhead‘s “Ace Of Spades” and more. She once again performed alongside rock legends Guns N’ Roses during their rain-filled set, joining them for their smash hits “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City.”
Next month, Underwood will continue her ongoing “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” at Resorts World Las Vegas in addition to starring in her 11th consecutive show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football. She is also set to release her Denim & Rhinestones (Deluxe Edition) on Sept. 22.
Phyllis Stark To Join ‘Country Aircheck’
/by LB CantrellPhyllis Stark
Veteran journalist Phyllis Stark will join Country Aircheck in a newly created role of Executive Radio Editor on Sept. 5. Stark is the former Nashville Bureau Chief for All Access, which closed its doors on Aug. 15.
Stark has been covering the radio and country music industries for more than three decades. In addition to her time at All Access, Stark served as the Nashville Bureau Chief and Sr. Radio Editor at Billboard; Managing Editor of Billboard’s radio publication, Airplay Monitor; Sr. Content Editor at Cox Media Group’s Rare Country; Executive Producer/National Content for the E.W. Scripps Company/Journal Broadcast Group; and Contributing Editor for the CMA’s Close Up magazine.
She has also worked as Executive Editor/Country Music at Radio-Info.com; VP/A&R for independent record label Robbins Nashville; and Nashville Music Correspondent and feature writer for Microsoft’s MSN.com.
“Having competed with Phyllis in various iterations over the years, I know exactly how formidable she is as a writer and thinker in the radio and music business trade coverage space,” says Country Aircheck Publisher/CEO Lon Helton. “Adding her to our already stellar team will immeasurably strengthen Country Aircheck’s ability to tell the stories of this business and its people.”
Stark can be reached at phyllis@countryaircheck.com.
Drake White Hosts Inaugural ‘Benefit For The Brain’ Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughDrake White performs during his “Benefit for the Brain” concert. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Drake White hosted his first-ever, sold-out charity “Benefit for the Brain” concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Monday night (Aug. 28), just four years after recovering from a stroke he suffered on stage.
Colbie Caillat performs with Drake White during his “Benefit for the Brain” concert. Photo: Zack Knudsen
White and friends including Riley Green, Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson performed during the special evening, along with Colbie Caillat, who made a surprise appearance. The benefit was emceed by Miles Adcox, Founder of Onsite, a wellness organization focused on life-changing therapeutic framework.
White kicked off the night with a medley of tunes including “The Coast Is Clear,” the song he was unable to finish performing four years ago on stage in Virginia due to his stroke. He told his inspiring account of the story to the crowd before singing and finished by stating he would make it through the song tonight.
Other highlights of the evening included Jamey Johnson inviting Riley Green on stage to sing Johnson’s 2008 award-winning hit, “In Color.” White’s good friend Caillat surprised the audience for a special duet of White’s compelling “Power of a Woman,” and White delivered a stripped down, acoustic version of “The Optimystic” to a captivated audience, resulting in a standing ovation.
Jamey Johnson performing with Riley Green at Drake White’s “Benefit for the Brain” concert. Photo: Zack Knudsen
“After my stroke all I wanted to do was get back to the stage,” said White to the crowd. “This is what I was born to do, and this is what God put me on earth to do. To stand on this Ryman stage and host this charity concert.”
“Benefit for the Brain” raised over $253,000 during the night, with proceeds benefitting organizations CreatiVets, Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee and the Miracle Hope Foundation. These organizations were hand-picked to reflect the three specific pillars White was focused on benefiting: military personnel and their families with a focus on PTSD and other related issues; child and adolescent brain health; and progressive research into alternative brain and stroke treatments.