Pictured (L-R): Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott, Matt McGinn. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
In true Nashville fashion, the industry gathered earlier this week to celebrate Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott and Matt McGinn, the writers on Tim McGraw’s No. 1 hit “7500 OBO.” BMI hosted the writers, colleagues and supporters, welcoming them into their Music Row office on a sunny Tuesday afternoon (July 25).
This hit was released during the sizzling summer in 2021, and climbed to the top of the charts in July 2022. It marks the first No. 1 for both Spicer and Schott, and the sixth country No. 1 for McGinn. “7500 OBO” is McGraw’s 45th No. 1 country single, and was voted as one of NSAI’s “10 Songs I Wish I Had Written.” The single went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in May of 2022.
Josh Tomlinson, Director of Creative at BMI, opened the event with touching video from McGraw, who was unable to attend the celebration in person. He sent his congratulations to all of the writers and creative teams behind the project, and said he looked forward to working them on upcoming projects.
Tomlinson then continued with comments about BMI’s writer Schott, congratulating her on her first No. 1 and presenting her with a signature BMI Taylor guitar to commemorate the occasion.
Pictured (L-R): Evyn Mustoe Johnston (ASCAP), Gilles Godard (Anthem), Nathan Spicer, Courtney Crist (Anthem), Kevin Lane (Kobalt), Jennifer Schott, Noah Dewey (Anthem), Matt McGinn, Robin Palmer (SMACKSongs), Josh Tomlinson (BMI), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Ron Cox (Studio Bank). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
He remarked, “Jenn has maintained a reputation that precedes herself. That’s why she gets in the rooms that she gets in, that’s why her career has had such longevity and that’s why she’s got her first No. 1 today.”
Next, Evyn Mustoe Johnston, ASCAP’s Senior Director of Creative, spoke about Spicer. “This is Nathan’s first No. 1 song. Everyone in this room knows what a big deal that is, how hard that is to make happen and what a big feat it is. A huge congratulations [to Nathan].”
McGinn received high accolades from the team at SESAC. “Matt is a two-time SESAC Songwriter of the Year. We’ve also celebrated with him for Song of the Year,” said Shannan Hatch, SESAC’s SVP, Head of Nashville Creative. “[Today] is a year and one week after the song went No. 1, so what a great way to continue the celebration with you guys.”
Chief Creative Officer at SMACKSongs, Robin Palmer, shared kind words about the thought and intention that went into crafting “7500 OBO.”
“When Matt co-wrote this song, he was so excited. They had googled the ’06 F-150 [mentioned in the song] and figured out all the parts, details and accessories that went on an ’06 Ford F-150. I just thought, ‘Who else does that?’ It’s a great song,” Palmer shared.
Courtney Crist, Senior Creative Director at Anthem Entertainment, extended thanks to the McGraw’s management team at EM.Co., the promotion staff at Big Machine Records and the other publishing teams. Kevin Lane shared congratulations on behalf of Kobalt Publishing before Tomlinson took the stage to read a statement from Red Creative’s Jeremy Stover and Taylor Lamb.
“Congratulations to Jenn Schott and Nathan Spicer as well as Matt McGinn on this incredible achievement. It’s an honor to work with you all. Thank you for bringing this song into the world and for your creative passion for country music,” the statement read. “We’d like to thank a few people who played crucial roles in the success of this song. First and foremost, Tim McGraw, Missi and Byron Gallimore, Scott Borchetta and the rest of the McGraw and Big Machine teams for believing in the song and making it the hit it was always meant to be.”
Studio Bank’s Ron Cox gave heartfelt congratulations coupled with an announcement of a donation to Porter’s Call being made in the names of McGraw and songwriters.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott, Matt McGinn, MusicRow‘s Caela Griffin. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
McGinn led the trio of songwriters in their remarks, giving thanks and due credit, yet keeping his speech short.
“Thank y’all for being here,” he said. “I’d like to go down the line of everyone we’ve thanked—Tim, Big Machine, Missi, Byron, Kris Lamb for running it up, all the publishers, Robin, Kobalt, Anthem, Red, SESAC, BMI and ASCAP.”
Schott wrote a tender list of thanks, ranging from her current team to her past publishers over her career. She shared, “I want to thank my co-writers, Matt and Nathan. You know I love y’all so much. It was so fun to write this with you guys and share this journey. Cheers to you both. Let’s do it again.”
Schott added, “I also want to thank my former publishers. This is my sixth publishing deal—I’ve been here a long time. Had it not been for those publishers, I wouldn’t be in this deal now.”
In closing her remarks, Schott shared a sweet story of her early days in the industry. ” I have a little picture in my bag that I brought today It’s of me attending my very first No. 1 party in this room. It would have been the end of 1998 or the beginning of 1999. I was working for a publisher in town who had a song by the Dixie Chicks that went No. 1. I was dressed as a chicken.
“I was just starting to write songs. I don’t think I had dreamed of having a No. 1 yet. I was dreaming of having a publishing deal and about maybe getting song recorded one day. Had I told young me, “It’s going to take you a long time,” I think I still would’ve done it because this is the journey. This is the path I was supposed to be on,” she shared.
Spicer said a round of thanks before telling the crowd about the demo for the celebrated track. “A lot of people have supported me on my journey and I want to say thank you. The success of a No. 1 buys us time to express what we want to musically and creatively. That’s a huge gift.
“The craziest part about this song is that when I went to make the demo to send to Matt and Jenn, I looked up the tempo of ‘Where The Green Grass Grows.’ It was so close to ours and it was in the exact same key. I took that fiddle loop at the beginning that’s soloed perfectly and I threw it in the entire demo,” Spicer shared. “For Tim to hear something like that in it and cut it is huge. So thank you, it means the world.”
Gerry House To Be Inducted Into National Radio Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughGerry House
Former WSIX/Nashville morning host Gerry House will be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame’s class of 2023.
He is the only country representative in this year’s class, which will also include WMGK-FM/Philadelphia’s John DeBella, SiriusXM’s Pat St. John, The Bob Rivers Show’s Bob Rivers, KMET-FM/KROQ-FM/KHJ-AM’s Shadoe Stevens, NPR’s Nina Totenberg, Radio Ink‘s Deborah Parenti and radio executive Charles Warfield.
House is a CMA and ACM award-winning radio personality, and was first heard on WSIX-AM in the ’70s. He was the voice of The BIG 98’s Gerry House and the House Foundation from 1983-2010, winning countless National Personality of the Year Honors. He is also an author and songwriter, having penned songs for George Strait, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Pam Tillis and more. House was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2009 and the NAB Radio Hall of Fame in 2011.
House becomes the eighth country format inductee, following Lon Helton (2022), Bobby Bones (2017), Bob Kingsley (2016), Blair Garner (2013), Ralph Emery (2010), Gene Autry (2003) and the Grand Ole Opry (1992).
The National Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be honored at the 2023 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Nov. 2 at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel.
The Chicks Announce New Dates For Postponed Shows
/by Liza AndersonThe Chicks. Photo: Robin Harper
The Chicks have announced new dates for their Greensboro, Knoxville and Nashville shows, which were postponed due to illness, on their social platforms.
“We are so sorry for the inconvenience, but our priority is to put on a show you all deserve,” the group stated.
All original tickets will be accepted at the rescheduled shows.
George Strait Makes The Most Of A Rainy Night In Nashville
/by LB CantrellGeorge Strait performs at Nissan Stadium. Photo: Dillon Sherlock/Tennessee Titans
Saturday night (July 29) in Nashville was a wash out, but before the torrential downpour began, fans came out in droves to Nissan Stadium to see the king of country music, George Strait.
The Country Music Hall of Famer played two nights in Music City, performing for just over two hours on Friday night (July 28) after sets from Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town.
The Grammy, ACM, CMA, AMA and Emmy Award-winning Little Big Town were enthusiastic when kicking off Saturday night’s show. The foursome traveled through a selection of hits from their two decades as a band, thrilling fans with stompers like “Boondocks,” “Little White Church,” “Pontoon” and “Day Drinking.”
George Strait performs at Nissan Stadium. Photo: Dillon Sherlock/Tennessee Titans
The band brought fans in close for their Grammy-winning “Girl Crush,” and they swayed along to the Taylor Swift-written “Better Man.” Little Big Town closed their set with the rousing “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” warming the Nissan Stadium crowd up for the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year to take the stage.
When Stapleton appeared onstage, he did it without bells and whistles. The talented singer kicked things off with “Nobody to Blame” and “Parachute” before letting the crowd know that he wasn’t going to spend much time talking in order to get as much music in as he could during his 90-minute set.
Fans raised their hands and danced along to “Starting Over,” “Millionaire” and “You Should Probably Leave” before Stapleton gave them a taste of his new music, playing a thrilling sample of his upcoming album with his new single “White Horse.”
After rocking out on “Cold” and taking us back to his 2015 breakthrough with “Traveller,” Stapleton created a special moment in Nissan Stadium with “Fire Away.” After he and his band got through the song, he enlisted the crowd to sing the chorus one more time with their cell phone lighters in the air.
Stapleton closed his set with “Broken Halos,” which earned one of the biggest reactions of the night, and his record-breaking cover of “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Next up, it was time for the man of the hour. When Strait took the stage in a long-sleeved, button-down, he didn’t appear as hot as the rest of us. He was grinning ear-to-ear, ready to play the beloved country music he’s made for over four decades.
Strait started his set with “Stars on the Water” and “I Got a Car.”
The first sprinkling of rain started during the third song of his set, 1984’s “The Fireman.” Just as he sang the words “I can cool ’em down when they’re smolderin’ hot,” he did exactly that.
The rain came in increments for the next 11 songs. After getting the gals on their feet for “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” he lured them in with the entrancing “Run,” which made for one of the night’s highlights.
George Strait and Chris Stapleton perform at Nissan Stadium. Photo: Andy Barron
Fans stayed engaged while Strait transitioned from hit to hit, thrilling fans with “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” “Check Yes or No,” “Ocean Front Property” and “She’ll Leave You With a Smile.”
During “The Weight of the Badge,” photos of service men and women flashed on the screens. When a photo of two of Nashville’s hometown heroes—Officers Rex Englebert and Michael Collazo who led the charge on stopping the shooter at The Covenant School in March—appeared on the screen, the Music City crowd roared, marking another touching moment of the evening.
Strait invited Stapleton back out on stage for a fun cover of the Townes Van Zandt-written “Pancho and Lefty,” that Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard made famous. Then Strait introduced a tune that Stapleton wrote for the country icon’s 2013 album Love Is Everything, “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing.”
“Back in the day, I recorded a few of [Chris’] tunes. You may not have heard this one, it was never a single,” Strait said, to which Stapleton replied, “It still can be!”
As Strait and Stapleton sang the tune, the rain really picked up. By the end, Strait had a disappointed look on his face. With genuine sadness in his voice, he told the crowd that he had five minutes before we had to seek shelter.
As attendees turned to evacuate while the rain started pouring, Strait’s enduring country voice rang out, “Amarillo by mornin’, up from San Antone. Everything that I got is just what I’ve got on.” Fans turned and smiled at the consummate entertainer as he tried to make the most of the minute we had left in a chill-bump inducing moment.
When he was finished, the storm was raging and most concert goers were in the breezeways of Nissan Stadium. Strait’s voice could be heard for several minutes following, saying, “Be safe everyone.”
Although the night ended prematurely, Strait gave it his all for an hour of hits, new memories and country music history.
Aidan Canfield Inks With Universal Music Publishing Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughAidan Canfield and Zach Lund (UMPG Nashville)
Singer-songwriter Aidan Canfield has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
A native of Westchester County, New York, Canfield grew up on influences from both rock and country including Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney and Zach Bryan. He released his debut album, We’re Young, Alright, earlier this year, penning all the songs on the project solo. He has opened for Riley Green and others on the road.
“Aidan has artistic instinct, writing chops and a cool demeanor well beyond his years,” says Zach Lund, Director A&R UMPG Nashville. “The songs he wrote before ever stepping foot in Nashville, and the sound he’s already set in motion are great testaments to his abilities. The UMPG Nashville team is completely aligned with Aidan’s vision and eager to help facilitate his music in every way we can.”
“When I first met with Zach at UMPG, our ideas for developing my sound aligned perfectly,” says Canfield. “I know I’ll be surrounded by some of the best people there and could not be more excited about working together!”
Creative Nation Extends Deal With Travis Wood
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Kelsey Granda, Abby Holcomb, Luke Laird and Alex Tamashunas; (L-R, front row): Emily Furman, Travis Wood and Beth Laird
Creative Nation has extended its deal with songwriter/producer Travis Wood.
Wood started his career as a songwriter in Canada, where he has notched nine No. 1 hits and over a dozen top 10 Canadian singles. He made the move to Nashville in 2019 and after signing his publishing deal, secured cuts with Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Jordan Davis, Corey Kent, Matt Stell, Scotty McCreery and more.
Wood currently has two singles climbing the Billboard Country Airplay chart with Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine” and Kassi Ashton’s “Drive You Out Of My Mind.”
“Since the first time we heard Travis’s music, Luke and I loved his unique style of songwriting and knew he would fit right in at Creative Nation. It’s so exciting to see our community recognize his talent and his hard work is paying off. We are excited to continue working together and building on these past four years,” shares Creative Nation Founder & CEO, Beth Laird.
“Beth and Luke, along with everyone at Creative Nation, have been such champions of me and my songs. I’m grateful to continue our work together and excited to share more success with this team moving forward,” says Wood.
Reyna Roberts Shares Taste Of Her Debut Album
/by Lorie HollabaughReyna Roberts has released her new single, “One Way Street,” from her upcoming debut album Bad Girl Bible: Vol. 1, via EMPIRE Nashville. She partnered with The General through its new The General Sound Studio program.
The General is collaborating with Epic Records to provide national exposure to give up-and-coming artists their big break, and Roberts decided “One Way Street,” a haunting ballad written by Roberts, Natalie Stovall and Aaron Wagner, was perfect for her venture with the company.
“Recording ‘One Way Street’ in The General Sound Studio was such an incredible experience because it’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” says Roberts. “The recording process was one of a kind! The single is about unrequited love, being in a one-sided relationship, getting mixed signals, and not knowing which direction to go in.”
“One Way Street” follows “Country Club,” the first single from Roberts’ upcoming debut album, Bad Girl Bible: Vol. 1, set to release on Sept. 8.
“Vol. 1 of Bad Girl Bible is my Old Testament. I’ve been preparing for this my whole life, and I am grateful to finally share the stories that have impacted me along this journey,” says Roberts. “My mission is to change the world one song at a time, and to inspire others the way my favorite artists have inspired me.”
The fiery singer-songwriter also recently partnered with Amazon Prime, the Grammy Museum, Amazon Music, Bud Light, the Tennessee Titans, Stella Rosa and NASCAR, and has created songs for ESPN, Apple TV +, NFL and Hallmark Channel.
CAA Signs Jordana Bryant [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Jonas Group Entertainment’s Phil Guerini, Riser House’s Alex Goodman, Jordana Bryant, CAA’s Sabrina Butera, Rod Essig and Riser House’s Jennifer Johnson.
Country singer-songwriter Jordana Bryant has signed with CAA for booking representation.
The Riser House artist is set to release her new single “Best Friend” on Friday, Aug. 11. Written by Bryant alongside her longtime collaborators Zach Kale and Seth Mosley, the song has already amassed 6.6 million views online from only previews. Social media has proven to be a massive driving force in her career, as the 18-year-old has racked up multiple viral moments and 88 million combined streams and views to date.
She made her radio debut on SiriusXM’s The Highway with single “Can I Get It Back” and the release of her self-titled debut EP, which reached No. 10 on the iTunes Country Album charts. The EP features fan-favorite track “Penniless and Broke,” which was added to Spotify’s New Boots playlist. Bryant’s ability to tap into emotions and situations that resonate with people across all walks of life demonstrates her songwriting skills.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible opportunity to work with CAA. It’s a dream come true to have such a dedicated team supporting my journey, and I’m so looking forward to getting to play my music live,” she says. “‘Best Friend’ is a song that holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with fans who have been asking for it and patiently waiting for a while now. I’m truly so excited for what lies ahead in this next chapter.”
Additionally, Bryant will serve as support for Girl Named Tom on tour from September to October.
Craig Morgan Enlists In Army Reserve On Stage During Opry Appearance
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Colonel Jordan (Ft. Campbell Garrison Commander), General Poppas (Commander, US Army Forces Command), Staff Sgt. Craig Morgan, Command Sergeant Major Stackpole (Ft Campbell Garrison Command), John Clement (Deputy State Director/Military Advisor, US Senator Marsha Blackburn), U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Craig Morgan surprised the Grand Ole Opry audience during Saturday night’s show (July 29), returning to his military roots and enlisting.
While on stage, Morgan was sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve by General Andrew Poppas, Commander, US Army Forces Command, as a Staff Sgt. and Warrant Officer candidate before returning to the stage to close out the show in official uniform to perform his powerful hit “Soldier.”
“I’m excited to once again serve my country and be all I can be in hopes of encouraging others to be a part of something greater than ourselves,” Morgan shared. “I love being an artist but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest of Americans, my fellow soldiers. God Bless America. Go Army.”
Morgan previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist. He includes Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master among his certifications. Morgan is now returning to serve his country in a new way as a soldier in the Army Reserve. As an artist he’ll continue touring and releasing new music in his civilian career, while simultaneously serving our country in the Army Reserve.
Big Loud Promotes & Expands Executive Team
/by Liza AndersonBig Loud has elevated and expanded its executive team.
VP of Business Affairs Jeff Tanner, VP of Sync & Brand Partnerships Paul Logan and VP of International Brianne Deslippe all add to their titles, with Tanner and Logan rising to SVP of Business Affairs and Sync & Brand Partnerships, and Deslippe rising to SVP, Global Marketing & Strategy.
Simultaneously, innovative digital expert H. Read Davis rises to VP of Digital and creative architect Tori Johnson rises to VP of Creative.
Additionally, Serena Lloyd, Stefanie Carter and Lucy Bartozzi have now started new roles with the label. Lloyd joins as VP of Human Resources following previous HR roles at Weber Shandwick, Concord, Ketchum and more. Carter becomes VP of Finance after time with the Nashville Predators, Live Nation, Nissan and Mars Petcare. Bartozzi adds to the marketing department as VP, Marketing, bringing experience from previous stops at Round Hill Records, Mtheory and Red Bull Records.
Industry Gathers To Celebrate ‘7500 OBO’ Songwriters
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R): Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott, Matt McGinn. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
In true Nashville fashion, the industry gathered earlier this week to celebrate Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott and Matt McGinn, the writers on Tim McGraw’s No. 1 hit “7500 OBO.” BMI hosted the writers, colleagues and supporters, welcoming them into their Music Row office on a sunny Tuesday afternoon (July 25).
This hit was released during the sizzling summer in 2021, and climbed to the top of the charts in July 2022. It marks the first No. 1 for both Spicer and Schott, and the sixth country No. 1 for McGinn. “7500 OBO” is McGraw’s 45th No. 1 country single, and was voted as one of NSAI’s “10 Songs I Wish I Had Written.” The single went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in May of 2022.
Josh Tomlinson, Director of Creative at BMI, opened the event with touching video from McGraw, who was unable to attend the celebration in person. He sent his congratulations to all of the writers and creative teams behind the project, and said he looked forward to working them on upcoming projects.
Tomlinson then continued with comments about BMI’s writer Schott, congratulating her on her first No. 1 and presenting her with a signature BMI Taylor guitar to commemorate the occasion.
Pictured (L-R): Evyn Mustoe Johnston (ASCAP), Gilles Godard (Anthem), Nathan Spicer, Courtney Crist (Anthem), Kevin Lane (Kobalt), Jennifer Schott, Noah Dewey (Anthem), Matt McGinn, Robin Palmer (SMACKSongs), Josh Tomlinson (BMI), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Ron Cox (Studio Bank). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
He remarked, “Jenn has maintained a reputation that precedes herself. That’s why she gets in the rooms that she gets in, that’s why her career has had such longevity and that’s why she’s got her first No. 1 today.”
Next, Evyn Mustoe Johnston, ASCAP’s Senior Director of Creative, spoke about Spicer. “This is Nathan’s first No. 1 song. Everyone in this room knows what a big deal that is, how hard that is to make happen and what a big feat it is. A huge congratulations [to Nathan].”
McGinn received high accolades from the team at SESAC. “Matt is a two-time SESAC Songwriter of the Year. We’ve also celebrated with him for Song of the Year,” said Shannan Hatch, SESAC’s SVP, Head of Nashville Creative. “[Today] is a year and one week after the song went No. 1, so what a great way to continue the celebration with you guys.”
Chief Creative Officer at SMACKSongs, Robin Palmer, shared kind words about the thought and intention that went into crafting “7500 OBO.”
“When Matt co-wrote this song, he was so excited. They had googled the ’06 F-150 [mentioned in the song] and figured out all the parts, details and accessories that went on an ’06 Ford F-150. I just thought, ‘Who else does that?’ It’s a great song,” Palmer shared.
Courtney Crist, Senior Creative Director at Anthem Entertainment, extended thanks to the McGraw’s management team at EM.Co., the promotion staff at Big Machine Records and the other publishing teams. Kevin Lane shared congratulations on behalf of Kobalt Publishing before Tomlinson took the stage to read a statement from Red Creative’s Jeremy Stover and Taylor Lamb.
“Congratulations to Jenn Schott and Nathan Spicer as well as Matt McGinn on this incredible achievement. It’s an honor to work with you all. Thank you for bringing this song into the world and for your creative passion for country music,” the statement read. “We’d like to thank a few people who played crucial roles in the success of this song. First and foremost, Tim McGraw, Missi and Byron Gallimore, Scott Borchetta and the rest of the McGraw and Big Machine teams for believing in the song and making it the hit it was always meant to be.”
Studio Bank’s Ron Cox gave heartfelt congratulations coupled with an announcement of a donation to Porter’s Call being made in the names of McGraw and songwriters.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Nathan Spicer, Jennifer Schott, Matt McGinn, MusicRow‘s Caela Griffin. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
McGinn led the trio of songwriters in their remarks, giving thanks and due credit, yet keeping his speech short.
“Thank y’all for being here,” he said. “I’d like to go down the line of everyone we’ve thanked—Tim, Big Machine, Missi, Byron, Kris Lamb for running it up, all the publishers, Robin, Kobalt, Anthem, Red, SESAC, BMI and ASCAP.”
Schott wrote a tender list of thanks, ranging from her current team to her past publishers over her career. She shared, “I want to thank my co-writers, Matt and Nathan. You know I love y’all so much. It was so fun to write this with you guys and share this journey. Cheers to you both. Let’s do it again.”
Schott added, “I also want to thank my former publishers. This is my sixth publishing deal—I’ve been here a long time. Had it not been for those publishers, I wouldn’t be in this deal now.”
In closing her remarks, Schott shared a sweet story of her early days in the industry. ” I have a little picture in my bag that I brought today It’s of me attending my very first No. 1 party in this room. It would have been the end of 1998 or the beginning of 1999. I was working for a publisher in town who had a song by the Dixie Chicks that went No. 1. I was dressed as a chicken.
“I was just starting to write songs. I don’t think I had dreamed of having a No. 1 yet. I was dreaming of having a publishing deal and about maybe getting song recorded one day. Had I told young me, “It’s going to take you a long time,” I think I still would’ve done it because this is the journey. This is the path I was supposed to be on,” she shared.
Spicer said a round of thanks before telling the crowd about the demo for the celebrated track. “A lot of people have supported me on my journey and I want to say thank you. The success of a No. 1 buys us time to express what we want to musically and creatively. That’s a huge gift.
“The craziest part about this song is that when I went to make the demo to send to Matt and Jenn, I looked up the tempo of ‘Where The Green Grass Grows.’ It was so close to ours and it was in the exact same key. I took that fiddle loop at the beginning that’s soloed perfectly and I threw it in the entire demo,” Spicer shared. “For Tim to hear something like that in it and cut it is huge. So thank you, it means the world.”