Liz Thiels. Photo: Donn Jones for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Liz Thiels, one of the founders of Nashville music publicity, died yesterday (March 19) at age 78.
Thiels ended her distinguished career with a vice presidency at the Country Music Hall of Fame. She joined the museum in 2002 as Vice President for Public Relations, and retired as a key member of its executive team in 2015.
During her tenure, she helped raise the institution’s profile and deepen the public’s understanding of its educational mission. She also served as a guiding vision for dozens of key museum events, including its annual Medallion Ceremony, which formally inducts new members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Louisiana native rose to prominence in Music City as a co-founder of the historic Exit/In nightclub in 1971. This legendary nightspot hosted a who’s-who of national recording artists — Jimmy Buffett, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Martin, George Jones, Etta James, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, R.E.M., The B-52s, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Bily Crystal, John Hiatt, Buddy Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. The club was featured in the 1975 Robert Altman film Nashville.
Beginning in 1974, she was a key member of the Sound Seventy management and concert-promotion team. The company staged the massively successful, annual, all-star Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam shows in Nashville.
In 1979, Liz Thiels launched Network Ink. This was the first publicity company in Nashville to focus solely on music. Clients included Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna, Kathy Mattea, Reba McEntire, Steve Wariner, Dolly Parton, Lyle Lovett, Brooks & Dunn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Clint Black, Nanci Griffith, WSM radio, Universal Music Group, Clay Walker and Guy Clark, among many others. During this time, she also served as a council member of the W.O. Smith Community Music School.
Thiels was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1944. She attended the University of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, majoring in advertising design.
She began her career as a newspaper reporter in Louisiana. Thiels went to Washington, D.C. as the press secretary for U.S. Congressman Speedy O. Long. After moving to Nashville in the late 1960s, she worked at Holder, Kennedy Public Relations.
Following her Exit/In and Sound Seventy stints, she helmed Network Ink for more than 20 years. Her P.R. firm trained a generation of Nashville music publicists, including Lance Cowan, Kim Fowler, Mike Hyland, Dixie Owen, Jennifer Bohler, Ellen Pryor and Kevin Lane. Liz Thiels became sole owner of Network Ink in 1985.
One of her clients there was the Country Music Hall of Fame. She was instrumental in the capital campaign that raised $18 million to build its new downtown home. She also oversaw the publicity surrounding its move from Music Row.
The Hall of Fame hired her as a full-time executive in December 2001. She closed Network Ink and assumed her new duties in January 2002.
“Liz Thiels elevated and enhanced the profile of country music in countless ways,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “She was the consummate music business publicist — heading her own firm…and also expertly guiding public relations for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, first as a PR consultant and then as a staff member, for a total of more than three decades.
“A vital figure in the museum’s successful move in 2001 to downtown Nashville, she was instrumental in strategizing for our growth and crucial in positioning the museum as both a key fixture in Nashville’s music community and an institution of national stature. I can’t imagine where the museum would be without her many years of wise counsel.”
In November 2008, Thiels was recognized at the museum’s annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum, which honors music industry leaders who represent the legacy of music business manager Louise Scruggs.
In honor of her love of gardening, the museum now includes a fresh herb garden onsite, the Liz Thiels Hillbilly Garden, which provides ingredients for the museum’s restaurant.
Her death came following a long illness. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Human Artistry Campaign Formed To Encourage AI Principles
/by Lorie HollabaughWith more than 40 members including major unions, trade associations, and policy experts representing individual creators and rightsholders from across the entire tapestry of creative endeavor, the Human Artistry Campaign is positioned to be a leading voice in the rapidly unfolding debate over the costs and benefits of different forms of AI.
“Incredible music originates from individuals,” says NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “As we face growing AI capabilities, we as an industry are united around the fact that human artistry must be protected by strong copyright law and policy and that AI tools are developed in ways that do not undermine the value of songwriters’ work.”
The group outlined principles that can be found here advocating AI best practices, emphasizing respect for artists, their work, and their personas; transparency; and adherence to existing law including copyright and intellectual property. The campaign urges supporters to sign a petition to advance these fundamental principles.
The launch was announced at SXSW in Austin last week at an event featuring voice actor and songwriter Dan Navarro, singer-songwriter Jessy Wilson and UT Austin professor and immersive technology expert Erin Reilly. It was moderated by Rob Levine, Billboard’s Deputy Editorial Director.
“There is so much potential with AI. But it also presents risks to our creative community. It’s crucial that we get this right early on so we don’t risk losing the artistic magic that only humans can create,” says Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.
“Human artistry is irreplicable. Recent developments in AI are remarkable, but we have seen the costs before of rushing heedlessly forward without real thought or respect for law and rights. Our principles are designed to chart a healthy path for AI innovation that enhances and rewards human artistry, creativity, and performance,” shares RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier.
Veteran Nashville Publicist Liz Thiels Passes
/by Robert K OermannLiz Thiels. Photo: Donn Jones for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Liz Thiels, one of the founders of Nashville music publicity, died yesterday (March 19) at age 78.
Thiels ended her distinguished career with a vice presidency at the Country Music Hall of Fame. She joined the museum in 2002 as Vice President for Public Relations, and retired as a key member of its executive team in 2015.
During her tenure, she helped raise the institution’s profile and deepen the public’s understanding of its educational mission. She also served as a guiding vision for dozens of key museum events, including its annual Medallion Ceremony, which formally inducts new members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Louisiana native rose to prominence in Music City as a co-founder of the historic Exit/In nightclub in 1971. This legendary nightspot hosted a who’s-who of national recording artists — Jimmy Buffett, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Martin, George Jones, Etta James, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, R.E.M., The B-52s, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Bily Crystal, John Hiatt, Buddy Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. The club was featured in the 1975 Robert Altman film Nashville.
Beginning in 1974, she was a key member of the Sound Seventy management and concert-promotion team. The company staged the massively successful, annual, all-star Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam shows in Nashville.
In 1979, Liz Thiels launched Network Ink. This was the first publicity company in Nashville to focus solely on music. Clients included Ricky Skaggs, Wynonna, Kathy Mattea, Reba McEntire, Steve Wariner, Dolly Parton, Lyle Lovett, Brooks & Dunn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Clint Black, Nanci Griffith, WSM radio, Universal Music Group, Clay Walker and Guy Clark, among many others. During this time, she also served as a council member of the W.O. Smith Community Music School.
Thiels was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1944. She attended the University of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, majoring in advertising design.
She began her career as a newspaper reporter in Louisiana. Thiels went to Washington, D.C. as the press secretary for U.S. Congressman Speedy O. Long. After moving to Nashville in the late 1960s, she worked at Holder, Kennedy Public Relations.
Following her Exit/In and Sound Seventy stints, she helmed Network Ink for more than 20 years. Her P.R. firm trained a generation of Nashville music publicists, including Lance Cowan, Kim Fowler, Mike Hyland, Dixie Owen, Jennifer Bohler, Ellen Pryor and Kevin Lane. Liz Thiels became sole owner of Network Ink in 1985.
One of her clients there was the Country Music Hall of Fame. She was instrumental in the capital campaign that raised $18 million to build its new downtown home. She also oversaw the publicity surrounding its move from Music Row.
The Hall of Fame hired her as a full-time executive in December 2001. She closed Network Ink and assumed her new duties in January 2002.
“Liz Thiels elevated and enhanced the profile of country music in countless ways,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “She was the consummate music business publicist — heading her own firm…and also expertly guiding public relations for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, first as a PR consultant and then as a staff member, for a total of more than three decades.
“A vital figure in the museum’s successful move in 2001 to downtown Nashville, she was instrumental in strategizing for our growth and crucial in positioning the museum as both a key fixture in Nashville’s music community and an institution of national stature. I can’t imagine where the museum would be without her many years of wise counsel.”
In November 2008, Thiels was recognized at the museum’s annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum, which honors music industry leaders who represent the legacy of music business manager Louise Scruggs.
In honor of her love of gardening, the museum now includes a fresh herb garden onsite, the Liz Thiels Hillbilly Garden, which provides ingredients for the museum’s restaurant.
Her death came following a long illness. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge Grand Opening In Nashville Set For April 14
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Frank Sinatra Enterprises
The Sinatra Bar & Lounge in Nashville will celebrate its grand opening on April 14.
Opening in partnership with Frank Sinatra Enterprises and Icon Entertainment Group, the new venue brings a Manhattan-meets-Palm Springs ambiance to downtown Nashville’s historic Printers Alley.
Located in the Southern Turf building, Sinatra Bar & Lounge celebrates Frank Sinatra’s enduring cultural legacy. The establishment offers a dining menu featuring many of the “Chairman of the Board’s” favorites including traditional Italian dishes and steaks.
On the occasion of Sinatra’s 100th birthday, Jack Daniel’s produced a limited 100-proof 100 barrels of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Century. A highly sought-after collector’s choice, Icon searched the country for a supply and Sinatra Bar & Lounge will serve Sinatra Century by the drink (while it lasts) – along with Sinatra Select and an array of classic cocktails.
As part of the private, invite-only grand opening, SiriusXM’s Siriusly Sinatra channel will present a live special featuring Trisha Yearwood. “Let’s Be Frank with Trisha Yearwood Live from Sinatra Bar & Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee” will air from 6-8 p.m. CT, and will include interviews and performances, along with several selections from Yearwood’s 2019 tribute album Let’s Be Frank and other Sinatra tracks.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming opening of Sinatra Bar & Lounge,” says Icon Entertainment Group CEO Bill Miller. “In my 10 years of living in Nashville, this is undoubtedly the most anticipated opening of any venue I’ve seen here, and it speaks to Frank Sinatra’s ongoing appeal to multiple generations. We look forward to providing our guests with a dining and entertainment experience second to none.”
“We are thrilled that our Dad, who loved good songs, good food and good spirits, will now be part of Music City’s creative and vibrant landscape,” says Nancy and Tina Sinatra. Tina adds, “the stately Southern Turf landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and once housed a speakeasy and saloon; how cool is that?”
For more information, click here.
Megan Moroney To Launch ‘The Lucky Tour’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughMegan Moroney. Photo: David McClister
Megan Moroney will head out on “The Lucky Tour” this fall.
Launching with her New York City debut at The Bowery Ballroom on Sept. 20, the tour will feature coast-to-coast dates including first-time stops as a headliner in Chicago, Los Angeles, New Braunfels and more, before topping it off in Atlanta at Buckhead Theatre on Nov. 10.
Tickets and VIP packages will go on sale this Friday, March 24 at meganmoroney.com. In select cities, Moroney’s fan club has access to an exclusive presale on Wednesday, March 22 at 10 a.m. local time with code “Jackpot.”
Prior to “The Lucky Tour,” Moroney will launch her first headline run with the sold out “Pistol Made Of Roses Tour” next month. She catapulted onto the country scene with “Tennessee Orange,” and the viral breakout hit is verging on top 15 at country radio, and has earned CMT Music Award nominations for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year for her CMT Viral To Verified performance.
Brad Paisley Inducted Into Houston Livestock Show’s Star Trail Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley’s Star Trail of Fame Plaque. Photo: Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Brad Paisley was inducted into the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s prestigious Star Trail of Fame on Saturday, March 18. Following his induction ceremony, Paisley performed to a sold-out audience of 74,577 people inside NRG Stadium.
The Star Trail of Fame pays tribute to the stars that have made an impact on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Paisley is the 10th star honored with a gold plaque to commemorate his years of outstanding entertainment on the RodeoHouston stage. He has performed at the event every year since 2014, and his 2023 performance marked his 15th time overall. With the honor, Paisley joins an elite group of Star Trail of Fame inductees including Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Selena and more.
“We are so grateful for Brad’s continuous support of the show and his overall impact on our community,” said Chris Boleman, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President & CEO. “We are thrilled that Brad Paisley will now be a permanent part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with a place on the Star Trail of Fame.”
“RodeoHouston has invested in this show, in a way that I’ve never seen,” said Paisley. “I can’t even tell you what it means. The names up [in the Star Trail of Fame] are absolutely staggering. And that’s what’s crazy, you see Selena, Elvis, Roy Rogers …and then some guy that nobody knows.”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $575 million to the youth of Texas and education.
Jon Pardi Announces ‘2023 Mr. Saturday Night World Tour’
/by Liza AndersonCountry star Jon Pardi has announced his first official global headlining journey, the “2023 Mr. Saturday Night Tour.” Jackson Dean, Midland, Randall King, DJ Highmax and Ella Langley will serve as support on select dates.
Produced by Live Nation and named after Pardi’s most recent album, the tour will kick off in Belfast on Aug. 25, making stops across the United Kingdom, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Oslo and Stockholm before the North American leg, which will roll through Knoxville, Savannah, St. Louis, Fort Worth, Las Vegas and more, including dates in Ontario and B.C.
Citi is the official card of the “2023 Mr. Saturday Night World Tour” and Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets starting tomorrow, March 21 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, March 23 at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program.
General ticket sales begin Friday, March 24 at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages for the tour, which may include premium tickets, a backstage tour, a group photo backstage, an invitation to the Pardi Time! VIP Lounge, a limited edition gift item and more.
For more information, click here.
CMA Launches New Membership Tiers
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has announced the launch of a new membership structure that features four tiers of membership—Student, Industry, Professional and Lifetime. With the restructure, CMA aims to offer both prospective and current music industry personnel access to professional development, educational programming, mental health resources, opportunities for intentional connection and so much more.
The Student tier is completely free and offered to high school or college students aged 16 or older (or high school/college-aged individuals) who are interested in working within the music industry, whether that is the Country Music industry or beyond. Student members will receive access to internships and apprenticeships, tailored and intentional programming (including access to CMA’s collegiate professional development program, CMA EDU), as well as opportunity for community building.
The Industry tier is offered to both current and prospective music industry professionals who don’t work the majority of time in country music. Industry members see value in being connected to CMA and have access to a portion of membership benefits. The Industry tier costs $25 annually.
The Professional tier is offered to industry professionals who primarily work within country music. Professional members receive access to research and insights, professional development opportunities, thoughtful community connection, healthcare guidance, customer/client cultivation, mentoring, CMA’s member directory, opportunities to purchase event tickets and more. Professional members are invited to vote for the CMA Awards and other industry honors if they meet additional criteria. Financial assistance is available to assist with annual dues ($100) through scholarships and individual sponsorships.
The Lifetime tier is offered to various individuals who have achieved prominent industry accolades. Lifetime members receive all benefits provided to Professional members, in addition to specialized communication and a premier level of community connection.
“As part of our strategic planning, every few years, we take a deeper look at CMA’s operations to ensure that we are set up for success,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “In looking specifically at CMA Membership, we saw the need to not only create growth opportunities with our industry’s future in mind, but to also ensure our organization and what we offer our industry remains relevant. It’s important that our business recognize why CMA exists and how we can be instrumental not only in the genre’s success, but the success of each and every individual who has an investment or interest in country music. We are excited to continue to support our current members, and we look forward to welcoming new members into CMA.”
“Throughout the past several years, including the work we did to support our industry through the pandemic, we truly understand the value of listening,” adds Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “We cannot assume we know what our members want. What excites me most is seeing how feedback from those within country music and even music industry professionals working in other genres has directly influenced what CMA Membership has become. We recognize the importance of wrapping our arms around individuals even before they step foot into our industry, and we intend to support them throughout their careers.”
Current CMA members can access a brand-new member website by logging into CMAmember.com. Additional content and information will continue to be featured for members to frequently engage with. Prospective members are also encouraged to visit the new website to learn more about what CMA membership can offer and to find out which tier is best suited for their own professional journey.
Louis York To Release New Sophomore LP, ‘Songs With Friends,’ Featuring Guest Collabs
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville-based artists/producers Louis York will release their sophomore album Songs with Friends later this year. “Heaven Bound,” the album’s first single featuring vocals from pop songstress Jessie J, is out now.
The powerful duo and creation of songwriting and production team Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, Louis York has worked with a bevy of high profile artists. Their new album is stacked with collaborations, including tracks with Lalah Hathaway, PJ Morton, Chris Daughtry, and Breland, among others.
“We have a big history of hit-making with Jessie J,” explained the duo. “We have topped the charts, broken records and made the world dance several times over. Louis York pairing with one of the best singers on the planet is a force of nature. ‘Heaven Bound’ shows the best of all three of us. This duet is from the heart. It’s soulful, anthemic and undeniable. A perfect introduction to Songs with Friends.”
Songs with Friends follows the group’s 2019 debut album American Griots – The Album, which featured a collection of stand-out tracks, all written and produced by Harmony and Kelly. From singles “How Will I Feel,” which showcased the duo’s songwriting craft, to the country-inspired “Teach Me a Song,” which featured Jimmie Allen, the album was praised by The Today Show, PBS Newshour, The Tennessean, Billboard, NPR, Grammy.com and Paste magazine.
Most recently, Louis York executive produced the Tennessee State University marching band’s debut album The Urban Hymnal, which took home the Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. In addition to being featured artists on the album track “Blessings On Blessings,” the duo were also co-writers and co-producers on the album.
Kassi Ashton Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Grand Ole Opry, photo by Chris Hollo
MCA Nashville artist Kassi Ashton made her Grand Ole Opry debut on March 15, paying homage to those who have stood in the historic circle before her with a special opening song.
The Missouri native started her Opry set with a rendition of the Sammi Smith classic, “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” explaining to the audience the promise she made to herself when she was young that when she got the chance to stand in that spot, she would sing one of the tunes from her Queens of Country songbook. Ashton also performed her brand new single “Drive You Out of My Mind,” which is at radio now.
“I tried to soak up as much of the history, talent and magic of the circle my boots could hold,” says Ashton. “It went straight to my heart. My roots are still singing with joy.”
The soulful singer is currently on the road with Old Dominion for the band’s “No Bad Vibes Tour” and will also play the 50th Annual CMA Fest in Nashville in June.
Industry Ink: Zac Brown Band, Brantley Gilbert, Tenille Townes
/by Liza AndersonZac Brown Band Celebrates Sold-Out Show At RodeoHouston
Zac Brown Band performing for a sold-out crowd during RodeoHouston. Photo: Tyler Lord
Zac Brown Band brought a sold-out crowd of over 72,000 people to NRG Stadium on Sunday, March 5 during RodeoHouston.
The Grammy-winning group performed classics such as “Home Grown,” “Keep Me In Mind” and “Toes,” and also surprised fans with a rendition of The Allman Brothers‘ “Whipping Post” fueled by soothing guitar and drum solos. Their country ballad, “Colder Weather,” prompted attendees to put their phones up and illuminate the arena. They then concluded with a cover of “America, The Beautiful” and their smash hit “Chicken Fried.”
Brantley Gilbert Earns Multi-Platinum RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg and Scott Borchetta, Brantley Gilbert, The Valory Music Co.’s Ashley Sidoti, Chris Palmer and George Briner. Photo: Nick Rau
Brantley Gilbert recently celebrated multiple Platinum RIAA certifications for his six-time Platinum “Bottoms Up,” double Platinum “One Hell Of An Amen” and double Platinum “The Weekend.”
Gilbert is set to release an extended version of his album So Help Me God next month, and will hit the road with Nickelback on the “2023 Get Rollin’ Tour” this summer.
Tenille Townes Takes Home Country Album Of The Year At The 2023 JUNO Awards
Tenille Townes at the 2023 JUNO Awards. Photo: CARAS/iPhoto
Tenille Townes claimed her second Country Album of the Year win with her project Masquerades at the 2023 JUNO Awards on Monday, March 13. She previously won Country Album of the Year in 2021 for her debut album The Lemonade Stand.
During the ceremony, Townes performed an acoustic rendition of “Where You Are” as well as “The Sound of Being Alone” from her latest award-winning collection. She will continue her “Side A + B Tour,” an expansion of her successful Canadian run earlier this year, starting next month in Newport, Kentucky.