Willie Nelson & Sheryl Crow
Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow are among the 2023 inductees who will join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. They will be minted at the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Nelson and Crow are joined by Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners in the Performer Category. DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will received the Musical Influence Award, and Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award. Don Cornelius will take home the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The inductees were announced via Apple Music 1 livestream during a one-hour special with hosts Ebro Darden, Rebecca Judd, Matt Wilkinson, Brooke Reese and Kelleigh Bannen, with special guests Crow and Taupin.
“This year’s incredible group of inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” says John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”
To be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artists are required to have released their first record 25 years prior to induction. Four of seven inductees in the performer category were on the ballot for the first time, including Nelson, Crow, Elliott and Michael.
With over 60 years in the music business, Nelson—songwriter, performer, anti-establishment outlaw, political activist and philanthropist—is an American institution. Nelson may call country music his home, but he has always pushed stylistic boundaries—mixing in rock & roll, jazz, pop and blues.
Nelson’s first success came writing hits for country’s biggest stars, including Patsy Cline (“Crazy”) and Ray Price (“Night Life”) and songs that have become standards (“Funny How Time Slips Away”). In 1962, Nelson released the first of a staggering 73 solo studio albums. But he chafed at working within Nashville’s confines, and in 1972 he returned home to Texas to make music on his own terms. Connecting with Austin’s counterculture, Nelson recorded for Atlantic, combining country with rock and blues. Songs like the autobiographical “Me and Paul” (1971) groove and swing with blues licks, while pedal steel and piano soar in the foreground. Nelson and co-conspirators Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser ushered in the outlaw country movement, with their Wanted! The Outlaws becoming the first country album to go Platinum.
By 1975, Nelson was a superstar. His concept album Red Headed Stranger (1975) delivered his first No. 1 hit, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” In true outlaw fashion, Nelson released a gospel album, Troublemaker (1976), and an album of pop standards (produced by Booker T), Stardust (1978); both went to No. 1. While continuing to create a songwriter’s dream catalog, Nelson also formed supergroup the Highwaymen with Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Crow, Ray Charles, Julio Iglesias, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Wynton Marsalis and Snoop Dogg.
Nelson’s work has influenced generations of musicians, from Neil Young to John Mellencamp to Kacey Musgraves, and his personal actions have supported the welfare of millions of Americans. In 1985, Nelson cofounded Farm Aid to assist family farmers. He is Co-Chair of NORML, which supports marijuana legalization, and advocates for numerous causes including animal welfare and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Crow’s voice is forever woven into the tapestry of American music. Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues and the work of countless singer-songwriters.
Crow got her big break singing backup for Michael Jackson’s “Bad World Tour” in 1987. From there, she became a session musician, providing backing vocals for Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, and Don Henley—while simultaneously writing songs for Celine Dion, Tina Turner and Wynonna Judd. Signed to A&M as a solo artist, Crow released her 1993 debut album Tuesday Night Music Club—a revered classic that resulted in three of her nine Grammys, including Best Female Rock Vocal and Record of the Year for “All I Wanna Do.” Crow produced and played several of the instruments on her 1996 self-titled sophomore album, which was another commercial hit and won two additional Grammys. Her success continued into the 2000s with Platinum albums C’mon, C’mon (2002) and Wildflower (2005) and Gold-certified Detours (2008).
Throughout her career, Crow has collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock and country music—Keith Richards, Prince, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to name a few—drawing a who’s-who of artists to work on her self-identified final album, 2019’s Threads. The supergroup-level collaborations Crow created between veteran and younger artists culminate in an album that encapsulates her spiritual, political and musical worldviews. Threads includes the socially conscious “Story of Everything” featuring Chuck D, Andra Day and Gary Clark, Jr. as well as the rootsy “Prove You Wrong” with Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris, and Eric Clapton, Sting and Brandi Carlile covering George Harrison’s devotional “Beware of Darkness.”
The vast catalog of this soulful rock superstar earns Crow the title given to her by country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton: “One of the best that we’ve ever had… and may ever have.”
CMA’s Sarah Trahern Honored By JDRF
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern and Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Peyton Hoge/JDRF
Chief Executive Officer of the Country Music Association, Sarah Trahern, was honored this weekend by JDRF, the leading global organization harnessing the power of research, advocacy and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes. Trahern was honored by country superstar Trisha Yearwood, who presented her with the honor at the organization’s annual Promise Gala.
Trahern is a longtime supporter of JDRF, as she herself was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in June of 2019, just days before hosting the annual CMA Fest. During Saturday night’s gala, Trahern spoke about the strength of the type 1 community and celebrated technological innovation related to the disease.
JDRF Tennessee hosted three simultaneous Promise Gala events in Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis on Saturday night, raising more than $2.5 million to improve lives and find cures for type 1 diabetes.
Graham Barham Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music
/by Liza AndersonGraham Barham
Rising singer-songwriter Graham Barham has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.
The Lousiana native developed his talent for singing, songwriting and playing guitar at the age of 10. Now based in Nashville, Barham draws musical inspiration from his upbringing on his family’s farm.
He garnered a strong social media following with his viral hit “Preachers Need People,” which led to his first distribution deal with Virgin.
Barham’s most recent release, “Beer By My Bed,” shows how he’s grown as an artist thus far. Expressed through his twangy vocals and heartfelt writing, his songs are about the man he is trying to become.
This reflection comes from a very personal space for Barham, as he moved to Nashville at the age of 18 to pursue music and began writing for other artists. His signature balance of honesty and humor defines his lyrical prowess. Mostly produced by songwriter and producer Will Bundy, Barham’s debut project delivers a bittersweet and relatable perspective of a young southern guy just finding his way.
Blackbird Studio Launches Streaming Platform, Inside Blackbird
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Billy Corgan and John McBride. Photo: Matt Bender
Blackbird has launched a new streaming subscription service, Inside Blackbird, featuring a curated selection of exclusive interviews and educational content from the best producers, musicians and engineers in the world.
John and Martina McBride. Photo: Becky Fluke
The new network will take viewers deep inside the process of recording, producing, creating and songwriting as well as live sound and production. Designed with everyone in mind from complete beginners to control room gurus, the service features educational videos and interviews with artists including Billy Corgan, Garth Brooks, Yelawolf, Aly + AJ, Young The Giant, Vince Gill and more, speaking in depth about how they made it and lessons they learned along the way.
The lessons being offered on Inside Blackbird cover a variety of topics across audio engineering, music production, recording, songwriting, mastering and live audio, each taught by a seasoned professional renowned in their field providing unique insights and real-world experience. Among the more than 200+ hours of content offered on Inside Blackbird are “Comping A Vocal” with Grammy-winning producer Nathan Chapman, “EQing the PA” with Paul McCartney’s Front of House Engineer, “Acoustic Guitar 101” with Grammy-winner Bryan Sutton, “Building a Song From Start To Finish” with session player Tom Bukovac, and “The Art of Bringing Up an Idea in a Session” with producer Dann Huff.
“Anyone with an interest or curiosity about music will benefit from Inside Blackbird,” says Blackbird Studio founder John McBride. “Learn more about instruments, gear, plugins, the recording process and live touring from the best in the business. Find out how artists start their careers and what it takes to succeed. If we don’t have the answer, we know someone who does, and that is who you will find at Inside Blackbird.”
The platform will be available to users beginning on May 3 at insideblackbird.com for $15.99 per month and $9.99 per month for students, with further discounts available with an annual subscription. New videos will be added to the platform every week.
Inside Blackbird is also partnering with Save the Music, one of the nation’s largest nonprofits for music education, by donating a portion of each subscription to the organization. Save the Music helps students, schools and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music by advocating for music education, donating instruments and providing support services for teachers.
Blackbird is helmed by John McBride and wife, country star Martina McBride. John opened Blackbird Studio in 2002, and the facility quickly became a favorite of artists, musicians, producers and engineers worldwide including Kings of Leon, Queen, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Garth Brooks, Buddy Guy, Yelawolf, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban and many more. In 2013, the McBrides opened The Blackbird Academy, dedicated to advancing the quality of recording education through a hands-on, professional training curriculum. Many Blackbird Academy students have gone on to have successful careers in the recording industry and include Grammy winners.
Marti Dodson Signs With Kobalt Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, Stephanie Cox, Marti Dodson and Kobalt’s Morgan Brasfield
Singer-songwriter Marti Dodson has signed with Kobalt Music.
A native of Franklin Furnace, Ohio, Dodson founded pop/rock band Saving Jane as a student at Ohio State University. The group went on to become one of the highest charting independent acts of the 2000’s with Dodson penning two Gold Singles for the group.
She also wrote the theme song and debut single for the winners of the German television show Popstars, and achieved two more Gold records in the following years. Dodson scored CCM hits with Blessid Union of Souls and Brandy Allison as well as Bluegrass hits with Dale Ann Bradley and Kristy Cox. Julie Roberts also cut her song “Girl Next Door.”
Since moving to Nashville in 2013, Dodson has had cuts with Luke Bryan, Gabby Barrett, The Shires, Thompson Square, Terri Clark and more. Her songs have also been featured in shows and commercials and served as theme music for television personality Rachael Ray, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, Olympic Gold Medalist Nastia Liukin and tattoo artist Kat Von D.
“Marti is the perfect fit in any room,” says Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox. “Her musical talent is so diverse, and she might be the funniest person I’ve ever met! I’m really excited about working with her.”
“I’m so excited to join the roster at Kobalt! I wanted to land somewhere that feels like home with room to grow, and I’ve found that here with some of the brightest and most forward thinkers in the music business,” says Dodson. “I’m thankful to be working with such a talented group of people!”
Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow Among Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2023 Inductees
/by LB CantrellWillie Nelson & Sheryl Crow
Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow are among the 2023 inductees who will join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. They will be minted at the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Nelson and Crow are joined by Kate Bush, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners in the Performer Category. DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray will received the Musical Influence Award, and Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award. Don Cornelius will take home the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The inductees were announced via Apple Music 1 livestream during a one-hour special with hosts Ebro Darden, Rebecca Judd, Matt Wilkinson, Brooke Reese and Kelleigh Bannen, with special guests Crow and Taupin.
“This year’s incredible group of inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” says John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th Anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”
To be considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, artists are required to have released their first record 25 years prior to induction. Four of seven inductees in the performer category were on the ballot for the first time, including Nelson, Crow, Elliott and Michael.
With over 60 years in the music business, Nelson—songwriter, performer, anti-establishment outlaw, political activist and philanthropist—is an American institution. Nelson may call country music his home, but he has always pushed stylistic boundaries—mixing in rock & roll, jazz, pop and blues.
Nelson’s first success came writing hits for country’s biggest stars, including Patsy Cline (“Crazy”) and Ray Price (“Night Life”) and songs that have become standards (“Funny How Time Slips Away”). In 1962, Nelson released the first of a staggering 73 solo studio albums. But he chafed at working within Nashville’s confines, and in 1972 he returned home to Texas to make music on his own terms. Connecting with Austin’s counterculture, Nelson recorded for Atlantic, combining country with rock and blues. Songs like the autobiographical “Me and Paul” (1971) groove and swing with blues licks, while pedal steel and piano soar in the foreground. Nelson and co-conspirators Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser ushered in the outlaw country movement, with their Wanted! The Outlaws becoming the first country album to go Platinum.
By 1975, Nelson was a superstar. His concept album Red Headed Stranger (1975) delivered his first No. 1 hit, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” In true outlaw fashion, Nelson released a gospel album, Troublemaker (1976), and an album of pop standards (produced by Booker T), Stardust (1978); both went to No. 1. While continuing to create a songwriter’s dream catalog, Nelson also formed supergroup the Highwaymen with Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Crow, Ray Charles, Julio Iglesias, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Wynton Marsalis and Snoop Dogg.
Nelson’s work has influenced generations of musicians, from Neil Young to John Mellencamp to Kacey Musgraves, and his personal actions have supported the welfare of millions of Americans. In 1985, Nelson cofounded Farm Aid to assist family farmers. He is Co-Chair of NORML, which supports marijuana legalization, and advocates for numerous causes including animal welfare and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Crow’s voice is forever woven into the tapestry of American music. Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues and the work of countless singer-songwriters.
Crow got her big break singing backup for Michael Jackson’s “Bad World Tour” in 1987. From there, she became a session musician, providing backing vocals for Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, and Don Henley—while simultaneously writing songs for Celine Dion, Tina Turner and Wynonna Judd. Signed to A&M as a solo artist, Crow released her 1993 debut album Tuesday Night Music Club—a revered classic that resulted in three of her nine Grammys, including Best Female Rock Vocal and Record of the Year for “All I Wanna Do.” Crow produced and played several of the instruments on her 1996 self-titled sophomore album, which was another commercial hit and won two additional Grammys. Her success continued into the 2000s with Platinum albums C’mon, C’mon (2002) and Wildflower (2005) and Gold-certified Detours (2008).
Throughout her career, Crow has collaborated with some of the biggest names in rock and country music—Keith Richards, Prince, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn to name a few—drawing a who’s-who of artists to work on her self-identified final album, 2019’s Threads. The supergroup-level collaborations Crow created between veteran and younger artists culminate in an album that encapsulates her spiritual, political and musical worldviews. Threads includes the socially conscious “Story of Everything” featuring Chuck D, Andra Day and Gary Clark, Jr. as well as the rootsy “Prove You Wrong” with Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris, and Eric Clapton, Sting and Brandi Carlile covering George Harrison’s devotional “Beware of Darkness.”
The vast catalog of this soulful rock superstar earns Crow the title given to her by country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton: “One of the best that we’ve ever had… and may ever have.”
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Carries On Chart-Topping Streak
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen persists atop the country charts this week as “Last Night” stays at No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart with 27 million new streams, adding to 359 million RTD. His One Thing At A Time album maintains its No. 1 position on the country albums chart with 149K in total consumption (5.3K album only/180 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover claims No. 2 once again on the country streaming songs chart with 15 million streams, adding to 60 million RTD. Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” rises to No. 3 with 12.7 million streams adding to 117 million RTD. “You Proof” follows close behind at No. 4, adding 12.7 million streams to its 557 million RTD. Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” rests at No. 5 with 11 million streams adding to 619 million RTD.
The top five country albums stay the same again this week.
Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album continues at No. 2 with 48K (1.7K album only/59 million song streams), followed by Combs’ Gettin’ Old at No. 3 with 39K (3.6K album only/44 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak remains at No. 4 with 27K (1.8K album only/32 million song streams) and Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) holds No. 5 with 22K (4.8K album only/23 million song streams).
Gibson Brands Appoints Cesar Gueikian As President & Interim CEO
/by Steven BoeroCesar Gueikian. Photo: Courtesy of Gibson Brands
Gibson Brands’ Board of Directors has appointed Cesar Gueikian as President and Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Gueikian succeeds James “JC” Curleigh, who has held the role since November 2018. Curleigh will exit the company and step down as a director.
Gueikian joined Gibson as Chief Merchant Officer in 2018 and was appointed as Brand President in 2021. In those roles, Gueikian has spearheaded pioneering solutions for brand momentum, product innovation, media evolution and artist relations. He has been instrumental in the resurgence of Gibson, setting a new strategy centered around instruments, sound and an expansion into media. He brings 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, investor and financier, and a lifelong passion for music and guitars.
“We are transitioning to new leadership at a time of strength to ensure the company continues its momentum and is well-positioned to execute on its next phase of growth,” says Nat Zilkha, Chairman of Gibson’s Board of Directors. “Cesar has played a huge role in the company’s recent success, including securing critical artist partnerships and overseeing the evolution of many of our most iconic product lines, and the Board has full confidence in his leadership.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank JC for helping to return Gibson to its status as an iconic brand over the last five years. We are grateful for his leadership and contributions to our partners, customers, and the music industry, and we wish him the best in his next chapter,” sums Zilkha.
“I am honored to take on this important role with a company that means so much to me,” says Gueikian. “Gibson has shaped sound for the last 130 years, and we now have the opportunity to drive the future of music and touch people’s lives for the next 130 years. We have an obligation to continue innovating across instruments, sound, and media and to continue inspiring fans and artists of all levels to create music. I look forward to working closely with our experienced senior leadership and team of incredible craftspeople to ensure the long-term success of the business.”
“It has been a privilege to lead Gibson, and I’m tremendously proud of what we accomplished as a team,” says Curleigh. “I am ready for my next challenge and want to thank the Board and the Gibson team for the opportunity to guide this company. I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the future.”
Cam Montgomery Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Relative Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (SMP Nashville, CEO), Caroline Bouldin (RMG, Creative Director); (L-R, front row): Dennis Matkosky (RMG, Partner), Hardy (RMG, Partner), Cameron Montgomery, Jesse Matkosky (RMG, Partner). Photo: Lily Nelson
Cam Montgomery has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Relative Music Group.
Montgomery has made a name for himself as an in-demand hitmaker across a wide range of genres, penning songs for artists including Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, 24kGoldn, Hardy, Winona Oak, Nelly, Walker Hayes, Kira Kosarin, Justin Moore and others.
Some of his recent cuts include Morgan Wallen’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “I Wrote The Book,” as well as Hardy’s “.30-06” featured on his album The Mockingbird & The Crow, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.
“We are already rocking with Cam and can’t wait to hear the next song,” says Founder, Relative Music Group Dennis Matkosky. “His integrity and skill set enables him to cross genres with a consistent emotional thread and he’s a great human!”
“The first time I wrote with Cam and he sent me the track I thought to myself, ‘Damn, this kid is good.’ A couple of years later he moved to L.A. and I was worried I wouldn’t get to work with him much anymore,” says Hardy. “But by the grace of god, he’s back working in Nashville and I am so honored to be able to sign a producer/writer as talented as Cam. He’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet and he’s willing to work hard. We’re excited to watch him grow and can’t wait to hear what he turns in. Welcome back to town Cam.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Relative Music and SMP family, and for the opportunity to work alongside Dennis, Jesse [Matkosky] and Hardy,” says Montgomery. “I’m very lucky to be a part of a team that wants to help foster my growth as a writer/producer in both Los Angeles and Nashville. Hardy and I have also been longtime friends and collaborators so this feels like a very full circle moment. Can’t wait for what’s ahead with this team.”
Breland Slates International Headlining Tour For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughBreland
Breland will embark on a headlining tour of the United Kingdom and Europe this fall, with support from Avery Anna.
The journey will launch in Europe in early September, visiting Stockholm, Copenhagen, Glasgow and more before heading into the U.K. for five dates, including London’s Electric Ballroom on Sept. 9. Tickets for all dates are available for presale this Thursday, May 4, with general sale beginning this Friday, May 5. For more information, click here.
Ahead of the tour, Breland will be performing on the main stage at The Long Road Festival on Aug. 27, and as part of the Heart To Heart songwriter series for three dates in Germany.
“The U.K. has been so important for me as a performer,” he shares. “After my first trip out there last year, I knew I had found an audience that could grow with me over time. I’d love to be one of the primary ambassadors for country music overseas, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running on this debut headline tour.”
The rising young artist is currently touring arenas across North America with Walker Hayes on his “Duck Buck Tour,” and will join Shania Twain on her “Queen of Me Tour” in June. Breland and Twain have also collaborated on a release of a new version of “Inhale/Exhale Air” from her new album Queen Of Me.
James T. Slater Taps Into Key West Vibes For New Album [Interview]
/by LB CantrellJames T. Slater
James T. Slater, the songwriter behind such hits as the Grammy-nominated Jamey Johnson’s “The High Cost of Living” and Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” is releasing a collection of his own, Famous In Key West (Shrimp Boat Studio Sessions).
Slater is a BMG songwriter of Bolivian American descent. He’s had songs cut by artists such as Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Chris Young and many more. Some of his recent successes include Keith Urban‘s No. 1 hit “God Whispered Your Name” and Luke Combs‘ rising “Joe.”
For his new collection, Slater reached back into his early influences to make music like that he grew up on: piano tunes.
“I started the piano when I was nine. My heroes have always been piano players: Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Elton John and Billy Joel. I can play all that stuff—I love classical pianists and boogie-woogie pianists,” Slater tells MusicRow. “I’ve lived in Nashville for 20 years now. When I came to town, I always thought I wanted to be the Randy Newman of Nashville.”
Slater’s new album gets its name from his experience over the years at the BMI Key West Songwriter Festival, which kicks off its 27th year tomorrow (May 3). Slater has found the annual gathering to be a great source of inspiration.
“I got invited to the Key West Songwriters Festival when I first moved here and I’ve been going for 20 years. I just love Key West. I love that Hemingway lived there as well as Jimmy Buffett, Jerry Jeff Walker and Tennessee Williams.”
Slater was able to record the album at Buffett’s private studio, Shrimp Boat Sounds, which finds him in good company of artists that have been allowed to record there, including George Strait, who has recorded several albums there.
“I always went by and wondered what it would be like to record in there,” he says. “All of a sudden, I start writing songs for artists like Kenny Chesney and Old Dominion, and getting my own following in Key West, and I ended up meeting some people that run the place and they [invited me] to cut a piano record there.”
So, with an invitation to record at Buffett’s Key West oasis, Slater went in over Christmas to record his 12-track project.
As for the tunes on the album, Slater has recorded some unheard originals as well as his own versions of “God Moves The Pen,” which McGraw cut on his 2020 Here on Earth album, and “Guys Named Captain,” which Chesney included on his 2020 Here and Now album. The latter song means a lot to him, as it was inspired by his father.
“My dad passed away six years ago now. That’s who I wrote ‘Guys Named Captain’ for,” Slater says. “It was basically a postcard to my dad, who was a ocean-loving, boat-loving, Key West-loving, mandolin-playing psychiatrist.”
Slater will play some songs from his new album in Key West this week, as well as his beloved hits. Click here to see the full schedule for the Key West Songwriter Festival.
Famous In Key West (Shrimp Boat Studio Sessions) Track List:
1. Famous In Key West
2. Petronia Blues
3. Guayabera
4. Mermaids Are Real
5. Guys Named Captain
6. God Moves The Pen
7. That’s Why God Made Mexico
8. When You Are Young
9. Smugglers Town
10. Heartbreak Superstar
11. My Life In Black And White
12. Rainy Day In Key West