Eric Church, Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon. Photo: Alan Poizner for Nashville CVC
Chapter 669
We have been adding pavements to downtown’s Walk of Fame for 17 years, and a milestone was reached on Thursday afternoon (May 4).
Under balmy, sunny, springtime skies, the 25th induction ceremony honored Eric Church, Joe & Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon, which brings the Music City Walk of Fame to its 100th star. The pavement stars are at Walk of Fame park, between the Hilton Hotel and the Country Music Hall of Fame on Demonbreun.
Eric Church. Photo: Alan Poizner for Nashville CVC
“Music City is not a slogan — it’s a title that has been earned over hundreds of years of singers, songwriters, producers, musicians, publishers and music executives….the creative people who have made a lasting mark,” observed event host Bill Cody. The Walk of Fame was established to honor these people, regardless of music genre.
Inductee Joe Chambers was mentored by the legendary Billy Sherrill at CBS. His songs were recorded by Conway Twitty, George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Diffie, B.J. Thomas and more. He founded Chambers Guitars with locations in Nashville, Franklin, Smyrna, Murfreesboro and Bowling Green. He and his wife Linda Chambers established the Musicians Hall of Fame, which also houses the Grammy Museum gallery and the SOURCE Hall of Fame honorees.
Joe passed away last fall, but Linda was on hand to accept their joint Walk of Fame induction. Garth Brooks did the honors.
“This whole street is paved with stars honoring people who came with a dream,” Garth said. “Someone’s gonna salute the players on those [hit] records. As an artist, I can’t imagine having a career without them. These are the true heroes of music, and it was Joe and Linda Chambers who decided to honor them.”
“Garth, you and Joe shared the same love and appreciation for musicians,” Linda responded. “We are blessed and honored to be able to call you ‘friend.’” She shared, “Joe’s biggest joy in life was to give credit, to lift up someone else.” Joe & Linda Chambers as a couple are Walk of Fame star #98.
Star #99 was installed for Eric Church. “He has made an indelible impact on Music City,” observed Cody. He cited the facts that Church was the inaugural artist at Ascend Amphitheater, set an attendance record at Nissan Stadium and was the first to financially support the restoration of the historic Club Baron on Jefferson Street. Next year, Eric will open Chief’s, a six-story entertainment venue on Lower Broadway.
Garth Brooks, Butch Spyridon. Photo: Alan Poizner for Nashville CVC
Inducting Church was ESPN broadcaster Marty Smith. “Nashville, Tennessee is a magical place,” Marty said. “It’s built on a song….Songwriters save lives — their work is a sanctuary, and my sanctuary was Church.” When Marty’s father died, he was emotionally crippled, and Eric’s songs gave him something to cling to.
“I came to town in a 1987 two-tone Chevy Blazer in 2000,” Eric recalled. “I knew no one. I had a guitar and big, big dreams. I thought I had big dreams, and this is beyond what I ever dreamed….The ‘honor’ is that [Nashville] is Home. I am very grateful.”
The 100th Walk of Fame star was given to Butch Spyridon, who founded the attraction. Butch retires from his 32-year gig as head of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau next month. During his tenure, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, the Music City Center with its Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the July 4th and New Year’s Eve celebrations, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and the spectacularly successful 2019 NFL Draft event all came into being. Under his leadership, Nashville became a global tourism destination, which generates $8.8 billion in visitor spending annually.
“When you’re wandering around down here thinking, ‘Who thinks of this stuff?’ — think of Butch Spyridon,” said Garth.
“This is not my star, it’s the city’s star,” responded Butch, referring to the community that he promoted to being, “one of the hottest destinations in the world.” He recalled the Walk of Fame inductions of Little Richard, Dolly Parton and Kings of Leon as favorite memories. He also insisted that the Fisk Jubilee Singers become the first star installed. He added, “It has been a marvelous journey. I am beyond humbled….Fans, thank you for loving Nashville.”
There were fans a-plenty, gathered to take snaps and gaze at Eric, Garth, Steve Wariner, Jay McDowell, Terry Bulger, NMAAM’s Henry Hicks, Ken Levitan, Kevin Lavender, John Peets, Kay Smith, Jackie Marushka and WKRN News 2’s Stephanie Langston. Guitarist extraordinaire David Anderson provided the event’s lovely soundtrack.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Church, Chambers, Spyridon Bring Walk Of Fame Tally To 100
/by Bobby KarlEric Church, Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon. Photo: Alan Poizner for Nashville CVC
Chapter 669
We have been adding pavements to downtown’s Walk of Fame for 17 years, and a milestone was reached on Thursday afternoon (May 4).
Under balmy, sunny, springtime skies, the 25th induction ceremony honored Eric Church, Joe & Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon, which brings the Music City Walk of Fame to its 100th star. The pavement stars are at Walk of Fame park, between the Hilton Hotel and the Country Music Hall of Fame on Demonbreun.
Eric Church. Photo: Alan Poizner for Nashville CVC
“Music City is not a slogan — it’s a title that has been earned over hundreds of years of singers, songwriters, producers, musicians, publishers and music executives….the creative people who have made a lasting mark,” observed event host Bill Cody. The Walk of Fame was established to honor these people, regardless of music genre.
Inductee Joe Chambers was mentored by the legendary Billy Sherrill at CBS. His songs were recorded by Conway Twitty, George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Diffie, B.J. Thomas and more. He founded Chambers Guitars with locations in Nashville, Franklin, Smyrna, Murfreesboro and Bowling Green. He and his wife Linda Chambers established the Musicians Hall of Fame, which also houses the Grammy Museum gallery and the SOURCE Hall of Fame honorees.
Joe passed away last fall, but Linda was on hand to accept their joint Walk of Fame induction. Garth Brooks did the honors.
“This whole street is paved with stars honoring people who came with a dream,” Garth said. “Someone’s gonna salute the players on those [hit] records. As an artist, I can’t imagine having a career without them. These are the true heroes of music, and it was Joe and Linda Chambers who decided to honor them.”
“Garth, you and Joe shared the same love and appreciation for musicians,” Linda responded. “We are blessed and honored to be able to call you ‘friend.’” She shared, “Joe’s biggest joy in life was to give credit, to lift up someone else.” Joe & Linda Chambers as a couple are Walk of Fame star #98.
Star #99 was installed for Eric Church. “He has made an indelible impact on Music City,” observed Cody. He cited the facts that Church was the inaugural artist at Ascend Amphitheater, set an attendance record at Nissan Stadium and was the first to financially support the restoration of the historic Club Baron on Jefferson Street. Next year, Eric will open Chief’s, a six-story entertainment venue on Lower Broadway.
Garth Brooks, Butch Spyridon. Photo: Alan Poizner for Nashville CVC
Inducting Church was ESPN broadcaster Marty Smith. “Nashville, Tennessee is a magical place,” Marty said. “It’s built on a song….Songwriters save lives — their work is a sanctuary, and my sanctuary was Church.” When Marty’s father died, he was emotionally crippled, and Eric’s songs gave him something to cling to.
“I came to town in a 1987 two-tone Chevy Blazer in 2000,” Eric recalled. “I knew no one. I had a guitar and big, big dreams. I thought I had big dreams, and this is beyond what I ever dreamed….The ‘honor’ is that [Nashville] is Home. I am very grateful.”
The 100th Walk of Fame star was given to Butch Spyridon, who founded the attraction. Butch retires from his 32-year gig as head of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau next month. During his tenure, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium, the Music City Center with its Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the July 4th and New Year’s Eve celebrations, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and the spectacularly successful 2019 NFL Draft event all came into being. Under his leadership, Nashville became a global tourism destination, which generates $8.8 billion in visitor spending annually.
“When you’re wandering around down here thinking, ‘Who thinks of this stuff?’ — think of Butch Spyridon,” said Garth.
“This is not my star, it’s the city’s star,” responded Butch, referring to the community that he promoted to being, “one of the hottest destinations in the world.” He recalled the Walk of Fame inductions of Little Richard, Dolly Parton and Kings of Leon as favorite memories. He also insisted that the Fisk Jubilee Singers become the first star installed. He added, “It has been a marvelous journey. I am beyond humbled….Fans, thank you for loving Nashville.”
There were fans a-plenty, gathered to take snaps and gaze at Eric, Garth, Steve Wariner, Jay McDowell, Terry Bulger, NMAAM’s Henry Hicks, Ken Levitan, Kevin Lavender, John Peets, Kay Smith, Jackie Marushka and WKRN News 2’s Stephanie Langston. Guitarist extraordinaire David Anderson provided the event’s lovely soundtrack.
Karley Scott Collins Shares New EP ‘Hands On The Wheel’
/by Lorie HollabaughKarley Scott Collins has released her Sony Music Nashville debut EP, Hands on the Wheel.
Collins co-produced the title track on the project and hand painted the cover art for the album, which is filled with authentic storytelling, soulful grit and themes that explore coping with the chaos of romance in your twenties. She co-wrote all five songs alongside co-writers including Natalie Hemby, Summer Overstreet, Brock Berryhill and more.
Each song on the new collection touches on a different shade and emotion during the journey from love to heartbreak. The title track explores the feeling of trying to drive away your emotions and outrun a breaking heart. “Brain On Love” highlights infatuation and the early stages of a relationship. “Favorite Perfume” emotes the feeling of someone’s memory lingering long after they’re gone, and how hard it can be to stop loving someone. “Loose Thread” depicts the heart-racing adrenaline and pain of seeing an old flame in person for the first time after the relationship ends, and “Heavenly” takes listeners through the euphoric feeling of being secure and truly happy.
“These songs are pieces of my heart that I’m putting back together in a collection of songs, and I hope that everyone who listens can find a piece of their heart in it too,” shares Collins. “Love, heartbreak and everything in between is such a rollercoaster, it feels like sometimes all you can do is keep your hands on the wheel.”
Hands on the Wheel Track Listing:
“Hands on the Wheel” / Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman, Natalie Hemby
“Brain on Love” / Karley Scott Collins, Summer Overstreet, Cameron Bartolini, Liam Kevany
“Favorite Perfume” / Karley Scott Collins, Brock Berryhill, Brett James
“Loose Thread” / Karley Scott Collins, Brock Berryhill, Luke Laird
“Heavenly” / Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman
Chris Janson Explores His ‘Outlaw Side’ On Latest Project
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Harpeth 60/BMLG Records
Chris Janson has revealed the title and cover of his BMLG debut album, The Outlaw Side of Me. The lead single from the new record, “All I Need Is You,” is climbing the charts now.
Produced by Janson and Grammy-winning producer Julian Raymond, The Outlaw Side of Me is a full-spectrum look at Janson’s many sides, from the outlaw, to the rowdy rocker, the romantic and the full-throttle performer. Writers contributing to the project include Chris DeStefano, Brad Clawson, Brad and Brett Warren, Tom Douglas, David Lee Murphy and more.
“From the minute I started this album ’til the minute we finished, I enjoyed every second,” Janson explains. “This record encompasses all sides of me: the lover, the party guy, the conservationist, the family man… I love these songs, and I had such a good time making the music. The Outlaw Side of Me is my favorite album to date.”
Ahead of the album’s June 16 release, Janson has dropped a new focus track: “21 Forever,” featuring musical titans Dolly Parton and Slash. Other guests on The Outlaw Side of Me include Brantley Gilbert and Darius Rucker.
“I’m so thrilled to announce that two global icons have joined me for my absolute biggest collaboration to date,” Janson says about “21 Forever”. “Dolly and Slash– it doesn’t get any bigger than that! I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for these two. I hope you all enjoy ‘21 Forever.'”
Janson also recently earned four Platinum certifications for his singles “Buy Me A Boat” (four-time Platinum), “Good Vibes,” “Drunk Girl” and “Fix A Drink.”
The Outlaw Side of Me Track Listing:
1. “Rowdy Gentle Man” | Chris Janson, Tommy Cecil
2. “Honkytonk Minute” | Chris Janson, Matt Rogers, Ben Stennis
3. “Outlaw Side of Me” | Chris Janson, Chris DeStefano, Lee Miller
4. “All I Need Is You” | Chris Janson, Brad Clawson, Ashley Gorley, Mitch Oglesby
5. “Hank The Hell Out of The Honkytonk” (featuring Brantley Gilbert) | Chris Janson, Brinley Addington, Tommy Cecil, Mitch Oglesby
6. “Dirt In My Life” | Chris Janson, Tommy Cecil, Dallas Davidson
7. “Tap That” | Chris Janson, Preston Brust, Brandon Kinney, Chris Lucas
8. “Good Folks Goin’ To Work” | Chris Janson, Tommy Cecil, Tom Douglas
9. “GOAT” | Chris Janson, Tommy Cecil
10. “Get It Right” | Chris Janson, Brandon Kinney, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
11. “Every Day of the Week” (featuring Darius Rucker) | Chris Janson, Bob DiPiero, David Lee Murphy
12. “21 Forever” (featuring Dolly Parton and Slash) | Chris Janson, Tommy Cecil, Tom Douglas
13. “Days in the Field” | Chris Janson
14. “21 Forever” (Original Version featuring Slash) | Chris Janson, Tommy Cecil, Tom Douglas
Jimmy Wheeler To Open Tennessee Entertainment Commission’s New Music Office
/by Lorie HollabaughJimmy Wheeler
Long-time music executive Jimmy Wheeler has been hired by the Tennessee Entertainment Commission as Director of Business Development for the state of Tennessee’s new Music Office.
The office is opening as part of a new initiative to grow investment and job creation in the music sector. This will be a statewide effort focused on economic development, workforce/education, community resources and legislative initiatives that benefit the music industry directly.
Wheeler, a former Sony Music executive, will work closely with the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Governor’s Office and the Department of Tourist Development to bolster the business of music throughout communities in Tennessee.
“We want music businesses and creators to think of Tennessee first when deciding on where they want to work,” says Wheeler. “We have the resources and infrastructure throughout the state that make us an attractive landing spot.”
Reach Wheeler at jimmy.wheeler@tn.gov.
Colby Acuff Inks With Sony Music Nashville, Debut Album Due In June
/by Lorie HollabaughColby Acuff and team. Photo: Helena Akhtar
Colby Acuff has signed with Sony Music Nashville. Acuff will release his debut album Western White Pines June 9, and a first glimpse of the album, “Playing God Again,” is out now.
Colby Acuff. Photo: Matthew Berinato
A fourth generation Idaho native with a rugged spirit, Acuff’s untamed pure brand of country stands apart in today’s format. From two-stepping honky tonk anthems with a frontier philosopher’s eye, to campfire confessions filled with road-weary wisdom, every track on Acuff’s first three independently released albums was written entirely solo. Working with producer/engineer Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Brandi Carlile, Cody Jinks) Western White Pines features another batch of gritty, solo-written songs, plus some first ever co-writes.
“When I started playing music, I never thought that I’d get a record deal. I’ve always had the mentality that we’d have to go out and do it all on our own. What I realize now is that there are some amazing people in the business who truly understand me,” says Acuff. “Western White Pines is a project full of some of my favorite songs. The record is unique in all aspects of the word. You will never hear the same song twice, but you will know that it’s a Colby Acuff record.”
Acuff has earned nearly 60 million on-demand streams on his three independent albums. He has toured with Lainey Wilson, 49 Winchester, Flatland Calvary and more, and is appearing on select Whiskey Jam Tailgate shows ahead of Luke Combs’ summer stadium dates.
He is represented by Make Wake Artists and WME.
Morgan Wallen Nabs Another MusicRow No. 1 With ‘One Thing At A Time’
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Morgan Wallen is at the pinnacle of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart once again, marking his 11th No. 1 as an artist with “One Thing At A Time.”
Wallen co-wrote the song, which serves as the title track of his most recent album, with Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith and Ryan Vojtesak. The album has already yielded two other No. 1 hits, “You Proof” and “Thought You Should Know,” while “One Thing At A Time” and “Last Night” remain climbing the country radio charts.
Wallen is currently out on the road on his “One Night At A Time World Tour,” playing West Palm Beach, Florida (May 5) and Tampa, Florida (May 6) this weekend.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Miranda Lambert’s ‘Y’all Eat Yet?’ Is A ‘New York Times’ Best Seller
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert‘s new cookbook, Y’all Eat Yet? Welcome to the Pretty B*tchin’ Kitchen, has landed on the New York Times Best Seller list.
The memoir/lifestyle book chock full of family tales and recipes reached No. 3 on the paper’s eclectic How To, Advice & Miscellaneous Books list, marking the latest achievement Lambert can add to her ever-growing list. Written with veteran music critic Holly Gleason, Y’All Eat Yet? celebrates multi-generational female friendship and the way those relationships empower people, especially women, to savor the good times, survive the struggle and laugh when the going gets tough.
Tracing her journey from childhood to superstardom, Lambert marks the moments with tried-and-true recipes that include Whiskey Cupcakes, French Toast Casserole, Heidi’s Spiced Hot Crackers, Bev’s Chicken Salad, Nonny’s Banana Pudding and “the one thing that’ll get the ring,” The Loaf.
“OMG y’all! I just got a call from my publishers that Y’All Eat Yet? Welcome to the Pretty B*tchin’ Kitchen is No. 3 on the New York Times Best Selling list,” Lambert shared. “I can’t actually believe that. I’m so grateful and just—I can’t believe it. It’s for my Nonny in Heaven. She’s partying tonight; I know it. And I’m just beside myself that people would want to hear our stories and join our sisterhood. This is crazy. So, thanks to everybody who bought it and who is reading it. I love y’all—welcome to the tribe!”
Lambert heads to the Pink Pistol in her hometown of Lindale, Texas for her final book signing on May 9. While home, she’ll also appear on Good Morning America alongside the woman behind the famous Loaf—her mom, Bev—as part of their Mother’s Day walk up coverage on May 11 ahead of the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Live Nation Concert Week To Feature Shania Twain, Darius Rucker, More
/by Liza AndersonLive Nation has announced the return of Concert Week, the week-long special that gives fans access to $25 all-in tickets to over 3,800 shows across North America. Taking place May 10-16, Concert Week will include tours starring Shania Twain, Darius Rucker, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Jelly Roll, among others.
The limited-time offer features more than 300 acts across various genres, including hip-hop, country, Latin, R&B, pop, rock and more, at venues of all sizes.
Music lovers can filter their search on Live Nation’s website by participating events, venues or artists. While on the website, they can set the location to the closest city and the site will refresh to only include participating shows nearby. Once they’ve selected a show, they should look for the ticket type labeled “Concert Week Promotion.”
General ticket sales will start May 10 at 10 a.m. ET and close on May 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale in the U.S. through Verizon Up for select shows beginning May 9 at 10 a.m. ET through 11:59 p.m. ET. Customers can access the presale by linking their Ticketmaster and Verizon accounts. Rakuten members will also be able purchase presale tickets during that same time frame through an access code available within the “My Account” page.
Additionally, Hilton Honors members can connect their Hilton Honors and Ticketmaster accounts and use their points to pay for all or part of their ticket purchases for select Concert Week shows.
For more information, click here.
Bobby Bones To Take Fans Backstage During 58th ACM Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughA four-time ACM National On-Air Personality of the Year winner, Bones will exclusively take fans backstage during the awards show. His “Backstage with Bobby Bones” segments will showcase intimate behind-the-scenes interviews with artists after big moments throughout the evening.
“The ACM Awards are always such a great night in country music,” shares Bones. “I’m excited to sit down with some of the best artists in the genre and give everyone at home an inside look at the stories behind some of their favorite music from this year. To be a part of such a special event is really an honor and I can’t wait to see everyone out there!”
Bones also recently shared an exclusive first look at this year’s ACM Awards nominees on The Bobby Bones Show.
The 58th ACM Awards, hosted by country icons Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, will be free to stream live for a global audience across over 240 countries and territories only on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch May 11 at 6 p.m. CT from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The full two-hour show rebroadcast will stream the next day for free on Amazon Freevee.
Q Prime Joins Forces With Aaron Frank To Form New Division, Q Prime AF
/by LB CantrellAaron Frank. Photo: Paige Sara
Q Prime’s Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch have joined forces with manager Aaron Frank to create Q Prime AF. The new division will be under the umbrella of Q Prime, which also house Q Prime UK and Q Prime South.
Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch. Photo: John Shearer
Frank brings along his Nashville-based team, as well as his artists including Greta Van Fleet, Marcus King, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Houndmouth and All Them Witches. The deal will allow Frank and his team to tap into the resources of Q Prime, including touring, digital, radio, sync licensing, marketing and press and in house label services and global services through Q Prime UK.
Of the new partnership, Aaron shares, “Cliff and Peter are the reason I became a manager. They have always been the gold standard of managers in my eyes, and their independent spirit and savviness is unmatched. I’m so excited to join their amazing team to elevate our work, and excited for what we can build together at Q Prime AF.”
Mensch adds, “Eight months or so ago, over lunch, Cliff and I decided that we needed to move Q Prime past the normal standard of management company rating: Gold, Platinum standard just wasn’t enough. We wanted to establish a new standard. Tantalum, a rare earth precious metal found in 8 countries and an absolute necessity in the digital world, totally fit the bill. Luckily for us, Aaron, with his group of amazing artists, had a similar vision and, under the theory that the modern age needed a new standard of excellence, agreed to create the Tantalum standard of management companies. Therefore, we give you a true partnership: Q Prime + Q Prime AF”
Frank’s management career began in 2009 when he started working for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s management company, Night Castle Management in New York City. He moved to Nashville in 2014 and co-founded ABI Management, before breaking off on his own in 2017 to form AMFM with Greta Van Fleet as his first client.
Frank has grown AMFM into a team of departments in digital, marketing, creative, social media, and touring, as well as day to day managers. He has since signed Marcus King, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Houndmouth and All Them Witches to the company.