Les Leverett. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The most important photographer in the history of country music has passed away.
Les Leverett died in Nashville on Friday (June 2) at age 96. He was the staff photographer at the Grand Ole Opry for 32 years, archiving country music’s “golden age” on film. He was the man behind iconic images of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Vince Gill and a myriad of their peers.
Roy Acuff and Les Leverett backstage in Acuff’s dressing room. Photo: Donnie Beauchamp, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
His work has earned him a Grammy Award, prestigious exhibitions and distinction as a major provider of photos for such documentaries as Ken Burns’ PBS opus Country Music. His images have appeared in American Heritage, Country Weekly and many other periodicals, not to mention in annual Opry souvenir books for decades.
Born in 1927, Leverett grew up in Alabama. He served aboard a troop ship during World War II. After the war, he went to photography school in San Antonio on the G.I. Bill. This is when he became infatuated with country music. His wife Dot Vandiver was a Nashville native, and the couple moved to her hometown in 1950.
He initially worked as an advertising and portrait photographer in Music City. Between 1960 and 1992, he was the official photographer for the National Life insurance company and its affiliates WSM Radio, WSMV-TV and the Opry. He also rescued and preserved the photographic record of WSM’s founding years, 1925-50, after he discovered the company was throwing those images away. In addition, Leverett did stars’ publicity portraits, created album covers and documented celebrities at home.
His album covers include the theatrical image of Porter Wagoner on the jacket of 1966’s Confessions of a Broken Man. It earned him a Grammy Award. His 1972 cover for Dolly Parton’s LP Bubbling Over won him Billboard magazine’s award as its Country Album Cover of the Year. Leverett’s vivid photographs appear on more than 200 albums.
Garth Brooks, Kitty Wells, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Ernest Tubb, Conway Twitty, Maybelle Carter, Emmylou Harris, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Waylon Jennings, k.d. lang, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Grandpa Jones, Minnie Pearl, Tex Ritter – it would be easier to name a country star he hasn’t photographed than those he has. Les Leverett was the official photographer for the TV series of both Johnny Cash and Marty Stuart.
A charming raconteur and lovably humble personality, Leverett was especially fond of bluegrass music. His archive includes many images of Flatt & Scruggs, The Whites, Jim & Jesse, Ralph Stanley and the like. In 2001, he was honored with a Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Les Leverett’s work is preserved in two books, Blue Moon of Kentucky (1996) and American Music Legends (2005). Daughter Libby Leverett-Crew published her memoir Saturday Nights with Daddy at the Opry in 2003, which also featured many of his images.
He was a writer of limericks and a talented artist who had a knack for drawing caricatures. He also had the lesser-known gifts of being able to write backwards and upside down. Les Leverett’s photo archive now resides at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
He is survived by his son, Gary Leverett, his daughter, Libby Leverett-Crew, son-in-law, Larry Crew, nine grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike South. Visitation will be on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Nashville Union Rescue Mission or a charity of your choice.
Porter Wagoner’s Confessions of a Broken Man. Photo: Les Leverett
Loretta Lynn. Photo: Les Leverett
Pictured (L-R): Minnie Pearl, Wilma Lee Cooper, Jan Howard, Skeeter Davis, June Carter and Kitty Wells. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Patsy Cline. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Grand Ole Opry cast in 1965. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Dolly Parton. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Jeannie Seely being photographed by Les Leverett. Photo: Dot Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Anne Wilson & Capitol Christian Music Group Partner With UMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Matthew West (Story House Collective), Cindy Mabe (Chair & CEO, UMG Nashville), Anne Wilson, Brad O’Donnell (Co-President, Capitol CMG) and Hudson Plachy (Co-President, Capitol CMG). Photo: Danielle Piazza
UMG Nashville and Capitol Christian Music Group have teamed up for the release of new music from award-winning artist Anne Wilson.
Wilson took the world by storm with her debut album My Jesus, which led her to tally more than 600 million global streams, win two Dove Awards and earn a Grammy nomination. With her new music, she plans to mix the heart of contemporary Christian with the sound of country music.
“From the moment we first met Anne, it was clear she had a special talent and an incredible story and message,” shares Capitol CMG’s Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. “It’s been so rewarding to be a part of the success she’s had with her debut project and we are thrilled to have UMG Nashville and Cindy Mabe as partners for this next chapter. We believe there’s no ceiling for what Anne can achieve.”
Pictured (L-R): Maggie Laws (Story House Collective), Matthew West (Story House Collective), Anne Wilson, Kolby Vetter (The Neal Agency) and Austin Neal (The Neal Agency). Photo: Danielle Piazza
“Anne Wilson is a boundary-pushing artist who belongs in both Christian and country music formats and cultures,” adds Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO. “She’s here to take her story and the power of her music to new audiences, while continuing to be an ambassador of faith in youth culture and beyond within the Christian music audience. She’s unique and dynamic in sound, purpose and spirit and getting to partner with her, her team at Story House Collective, and Hudson Plachy and Brad O’Donnell and their team at Capitol Christian Music Group is a great privilege.”
Additionally, Wilson has signed on with boutique talent agency The Neal Agency.
“I am so excited to partner with UMG Nashville, and with The Neal Agency,” says Wilson. “Over the last two years, I have watched God open doors for my music that I could never open for myself. I see these new partnerships as another open door to share the message of hope, faith and the love of my Jesus to an even broader audience. I can’t wait to see what happens next!”
Wilson will take the stage at RiseFest in Iowa on June 9, CMA Fest in Nashville June 10-11 and will perform at the Grand Ole Opry on June 16. She is set to release her personal track “Seventh Of June” on June 7.
Tracy Chapman Moves Into Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellTracy Chapman & Luke Combs
Tracy Chapman moves into the No. 2 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. As the sole writer of “Fast Car,” which is flying up the charts as a Luke Combs cover, Chapman receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Combs finds himself at No. 12 this week, with songwriter credit on his own “5 Leaf Clover,” “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” and “Love You Anyway.”
Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Zach Bryan (No. 2), Ryan Vojtesak (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Kameron Marlowe, Chayce Beckham, More Join Luke Bryan’s ‘Farm Tour’ Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan has announced the guest lineup for this year’s “Farm Tour,” set for Sept. 14-23. Kameron Marlowe, Chayce Beckham, The Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip) and DJ Rock will all join Bryan for the annual tour.
Since it began in 2009, Bryan’s “Farm Tour” has granted 78 college scholarships to students from farming families to their local college or university near the tour stops. Tickets for the dates are on sale now at LukeBryan.com.
Over the years, event sponsors have donated money, food and resources to the local communities and also nationally. Last year alone, Bayer provided one million meals to Feeding America, Farmland® donated a truckload of protein to local food banks in each of the states that hosted the tour and donated $9,000 to each state’s FFA Association, and Fendt donated $25,000 to the national FFA organization.
Bryan wrapped his celebrity judging duties alongside Lionel Richie and Katy Perry on American Idol last month, performing his brand new single “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” on the show.
Brandon Lake Leads With Three Trophies At 10th Annual K-Love Fan Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughBrandon Lake with his 3 K-Love Fan Awards trophies. Photo: Kayla Schoen
Brandon Lake was the big winner at the 10th Annual K-Love Fan Awards, taped live at Nashville’s Opry House on May 28.
Lake led the trophy tally with triple wins for Male Artist, Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year wins during the TBN broadcast of the fan-fueled awards, which aired on June 2. Hosted by Cain, for King & Country was once again named Artist of the Year at the awards ceremony, while Lauren Daigle received the Female Artist of the Year Award.
MercyMe took home their first K-Love Fan Award for Group of the Year, and the award for Breakout Single of the Year went to Rachael Lampa for “Perfectly Loved” featuring TobyMac. Other winners included The Chosen‘s Season Three Finale for Film & Television Impact, Phil and Jase Robertson‘s Unashamed taking the Podcast of the Year Award, Phil Wickham‘s On Our Knees for Book Impact and Charlotte Smith for the Sports Impact Award.
The ceremony was preceded by the biggest weekend in Christian music, including annual events like the Friday night kick-off concert, Emerging Artist Showcase, Songwriter’s Showcase and Sunday morning worship service. A brand new event this year was added with Saturday morning’s Worship In The Round.
Full List Of 2023 K-Love Fan Awards Winners:
Artist Of The Year
For King & Country
Male Artist
Brandon Lake
Female Artist
Lauren Daigle
Group Of The Year
MercyMe
Worship Song Of The Year
Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude”
Song Of The Year
Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude”
Breakout Single
“Perfectly Loved” by Rachael Lampa Ft. TobyMac
Film & Television Impact
The Chosen Season Three Finale
Book Impact
On Our Knees by Phil Wickham
Podcast Impact
Unashamed by Phil & Jase Robertson
Opry Photographer Les Leverett Dies At Age 96
/by Robert K OermannLes Leverett. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The most important photographer in the history of country music has passed away.
Les Leverett died in Nashville on Friday (June 2) at age 96. He was the staff photographer at the Grand Ole Opry for 32 years, archiving country music’s “golden age” on film. He was the man behind iconic images of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Vince Gill and a myriad of their peers.
Roy Acuff and Les Leverett backstage in Acuff’s dressing room. Photo: Donnie Beauchamp, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
His work has earned him a Grammy Award, prestigious exhibitions and distinction as a major provider of photos for such documentaries as Ken Burns’ PBS opus Country Music. His images have appeared in American Heritage, Country Weekly and many other periodicals, not to mention in annual Opry souvenir books for decades.
Born in 1927, Leverett grew up in Alabama. He served aboard a troop ship during World War II. After the war, he went to photography school in San Antonio on the G.I. Bill. This is when he became infatuated with country music. His wife Dot Vandiver was a Nashville native, and the couple moved to her hometown in 1950.
He initially worked as an advertising and portrait photographer in Music City. Between 1960 and 1992, he was the official photographer for the National Life insurance company and its affiliates WSM Radio, WSMV-TV and the Opry. He also rescued and preserved the photographic record of WSM’s founding years, 1925-50, after he discovered the company was throwing those images away. In addition, Leverett did stars’ publicity portraits, created album covers and documented celebrities at home.
His album covers include the theatrical image of Porter Wagoner on the jacket of 1966’s Confessions of a Broken Man. It earned him a Grammy Award. His 1972 cover for Dolly Parton’s LP Bubbling Over won him Billboard magazine’s award as its Country Album Cover of the Year. Leverett’s vivid photographs appear on more than 200 albums.
Garth Brooks, Kitty Wells, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Ernest Tubb, Conway Twitty, Maybelle Carter, Emmylou Harris, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Waylon Jennings, k.d. lang, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Grandpa Jones, Minnie Pearl, Tex Ritter – it would be easier to name a country star he hasn’t photographed than those he has. Les Leverett was the official photographer for the TV series of both Johnny Cash and Marty Stuart.
A charming raconteur and lovably humble personality, Leverett was especially fond of bluegrass music. His archive includes many images of Flatt & Scruggs, The Whites, Jim & Jesse, Ralph Stanley and the like. In 2001, he was honored with a Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Les Leverett’s work is preserved in two books, Blue Moon of Kentucky (1996) and American Music Legends (2005). Daughter Libby Leverett-Crew published her memoir Saturday Nights with Daddy at the Opry in 2003, which also featured many of his images.
He was a writer of limericks and a talented artist who had a knack for drawing caricatures. He also had the lesser-known gifts of being able to write backwards and upside down. Les Leverett’s photo archive now resides at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
He is survived by his son, Gary Leverett, his daughter, Libby Leverett-Crew, son-in-law, Larry Crew, nine grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike South. Visitation will be on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Nashville Union Rescue Mission or a charity of your choice.
Porter Wagoner’s Confessions of a Broken Man. Photo: Les Leverett
Loretta Lynn. Photo: Les Leverett
Pictured (L-R): Minnie Pearl, Wilma Lee Cooper, Jan Howard, Skeeter Davis, June Carter and Kitty Wells. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Patsy Cline. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Grand Ole Opry cast in 1965. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Dolly Parton. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
Jeannie Seely being photographed by Les Leverett. Photo: Dot Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry
The Neal Agency Signs Aidan Canfield
/by LB CantrellAidan Canfield. Photo: Macy Ray
The Neal Agency has signed Aidan Canfield, a country singer-songwriter hailing from Pleasantville, New York.
Canfield’s artistry combines rock and country influences from the sounds that he grew up on. He is inspired by rock greats Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen as well as country stars Kenny Chesney and Zach Bryan. Canfield released his debut album, We’re Young, Alright, earlier this year and has supported artists such as Riley Green and Cameron Sacky Band on the road.
“It’s extremely rare to find an artist like Aidan,” says Austin Neal, who initially introduced Canfield’s music to his team at The Neal Agency in an A&R meeting four months ago. “He has a distinctive sound, an entire album of one-way writes, and an honesty and dedication that comes across when you hear him. Our team immediately and unanimously agreed we had to pursue signing him. We’re honored to add him to our roster for representation at TNA.”
“The second I stepped into The Neal office, it felt like a family,” shares Canfield. “Everybody there sees it as more than a job and they are all truly passionate about each artist. I couldn’t be more excited to build my career with such great people around me at The Neal Agency!”
Canfield’s additional representation includes Justine Avila with The Moonshot Group for management, James Dail at Wiatr & Associates for business management and Elliot Groffman at Carroll, Guido, Groffman, Cohen, Bar & Karalian, LLP for legal.
He will play his first CMA Fest this week, performing on the Hard Rock Stage on Sunday, June 11.
Rachel Whitney Prepares For Spotify House At CMA Fest [Interview]
/by LB CantrellRachel Whitney, Head of Editorial, Nashville at Spotify
Spotify has revealed more details ahead of its highly anticipated Spotify House takeover at Blake Shelton and Opry Entertainment Group’s Ole Red for CMA Fest. The festivities will take place June 8-11.
“We are thrilled to be returning to CMA Fest for a fourth year with our marquee four-day country music showcase, Spotify House! We are once again taking over Ole Red in downtown Nashville,” Head of Editorial, Nashville at Spotify, Rachel Whitney, shares with MusicRow. “This year’s lineup is a stellar mix of emerging artists, country stars and surprise special performances throughout the weekend. We are so grateful to the incredible artists who grace our stages and for the enthusiasm of the country fans who make Spotify House one of the top destinations at CMA Fest each year. ”
Previously announced performers for Spotify House include Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Hailey Whitters, Ingrid Andress, Jordan Davis, Luke Grimes, Mickey Guyton, Old Dominion, Lady A, Ruston Kelly, Alana Springsteen, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Brett Young, Brian Kelley, Chase Rice, Chayce Beckham, Chris Young, Colbie Caillat, Conner Smith, Dalton Dover, Danielle Bradbery, Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Schneider, Ella Langley, Ian Munsick, Jon Pardi, Josh Ross, Kameron Marlowe, Kylie Morgan, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Tanner Adell, Tenille Arts, Warren Zeiders and 49 Winchester.
Spotify House will also treat fans who want to show off their latest country dance moves to several exclusive late night DJ sets including Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley and Cheat Codes + Friends.
Additionally, Spotify is bringing back the Fresh Finds Stage to the rooftop of Ole Red, presenting a nightly lineup of new and emerging country music artists that fans can also find on the Fresh Finds Country playlist.
Whitney shares, “We are bringing back the Fresh Finds Country Stage for a second year at Spotify House rooftop. We are dedicated to supporting emerging independent artists year-round and this lineup will give fans the opportunity to discover some of the incredible young talent we have our eye on. Spotify House will also treat fans to exclusive late night DJ sets, inspired by our Country Club playlist, including Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley and Cheat Codes + Friends, so there is sure to be something for every type of country music fan.”
Thursday’s Fresh Finds Stage will include sets from Mae Estes, Logan Crosby, Lauren Watkins, Sam Barber, Nolan Taylor and Wyatt Flores. Friday night will feature music from Graham Barham, Abbey Cone, Grant Gilbert, Halle Kearns, Harper Grace and Payton Smith. Saturday night will include Haley Mae Campbell, David Unlayao, Rodell Duff, Meg McRee, Griffen Palmer and Dipper. Sunday night’s lineup includes Matt Schuster, Shelby Darrall, Wyatt McCubbin, Angel White, Kasey Tyndall and Shaylen.
Whitney says that other surprise performances are bound to happen.
“We always like to treat fans to surprise performances during CMA Fest weekend and are delighted to be partnering with CMA this year to present four special surprise sets throughout the weekend at Ole Red to mark the 50th anniversary. It’s still a secret who the artists are but fans will not be disappointed and should stay tuned for our announcements later this week!”
Luke Combs Extends ‘World Tour’ With Four New Stadium Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs has added second nights to his upcoming “World Tour” stadium shows in Tampa, Charlotte, Foxborough and Philadelphia due to overwhelming demand.
Tickets for the new dates at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium (July 7), Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium (July 14), Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium (July 21) and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field (July 28) will be available for pre-sale starting June 8 at 12 p.m. local time through Ticketmaster Verified Fan. General sales will follow June 9, and Combs’ official fan club, The Bootleggers, will have early access to tickets through Ticketmaster Verified Fan pre-sale starting June 8.
“After we got to play two shows in Nashville, I decided I wanted to play more shows for the fans, so I got with my team and the stadiums and luckily all of the July dates lined up for us, so we decide to just do it,” says Combs. “I’m really excited to be able to bring more music to more fans.”
The newly confirmed dates add to the huge success of Combs’ “World Tour,” which has sold over 570,500 tickets across just 11 stadium shows so far, with the majority of the tour still to come. With 44 shows across three continents and 16 countries, the tour is the largest ever for a country artist, earning Combs the No. 1 spot on Pollstar’s Live75 chart, where he has more than doubled all other charting artists.
‘CMA Fest’ Primetime Special Slated To Air July 19
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Elle King. Photo: Robby Klein for CMA/ABC
CMA Fest, the three-hour primetime concert special set to be filmed during CMA Fest’s milestone 50th anniversary in Nashville later this week, will air on July 19 on ABC.
Hosted by Dierks Bentley, Elle King and Lainey Wilson and airing at 7 p.m. CT, the special will feature never-before-seen performances and surprise collaborations from some of country’s hottest acts.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Dierks, Elle and Lainey as our CMA Fest hosts this year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As fans experienced last year, the energy Dierks and Elle bring to the stage is palpable and will only be amplified with the addition of Lainey this year. Each of these artists have a deep passion for CMA Fest and the country music fans from around the globe who travel to Nashville for the event. We are thrilled to have all three of them together to help us celebrate 50 years!”
Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer and Writer for CMA Fest, and Alan Carter is the Director. 2023 marks the 20th consecutive year CMA has produced a summer concert TV special.
UMG Nashville Taps Ami Brown As VP Of International Marketing
/by LB CantrellAmi Brown. Photo: Chris Hollo
Universal Music Group Nashville has hired Ami Brown as its Vice President of International Marketing.
Brown joins UMG Nashville following several years as Senior Director of Partner & Label Relations with UMG’s Global Marketing team. In her new role, Brown will spearhead international strategy, creative connection and outreach for all artists on the label group consisting of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville.
“Ami has been an integral part of our International team for several years and we are thrilled to now have her expertise across our entire roster,” says UMGN EVP of Marketing, Lori Christian. “Never before have we had more artists impacting and touring internationally. With Ami’s leadership and her passion for the music and the storytelling, there are no boundaries for our artists.”
Brown began her UMG career as a college rep and has held several positions over the past 15+ years with the company including Admin., Artist Development (Interscope Geffen A&M DreamWorks), Account Management (Apple and Starbucks), and International Label Relations for Disney Music Group and Roc Nation, among others. Brown also held positions at PlayStation in Brand Partnerships and Strategic Alliances. The Minneapolis native has degrees from Dean College and Ithaca College.
“Country music has been a foundational part of my lifelong love of music,” shares Brown. “I am very grateful to Cindy [Mabe] and Lori for giving me the opportunity to further connect our incredible artists and foster our initiatives to fans around the world. I’m excited to be a part of the future of UMGN and have always believed that great music knows no borders. I look forward to collaborating with our artists, the UMGN team and our wonderful international partners to expand our reach, forge new paths and amplify our culture globally.”