Michael Rhodes. Photo: Bob Seamans
Renowned musician Michael Rhodes passed away at his home in Nashville on March 4. He was 69.
Best known for his mastery of the bass, Rhodes played on iconic recordings and toured with some of rock, blues, jazz and progressive country music’s biggest names. He was inducted into the Musician’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
Born in Monroe, Louisiana on Sept. 16, 1953, Rhodes taught himself to play guitar at age 11. Drawn to the funky rhythms of the bayou state, bass eventually became his instrument of choice.
He moved to Austin, Texas during the rise of the outlaw country movement in the early ’70s. He later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he found work with Charlie Rich’s son Allan. Rhodes soon moved to Nashville and joined a local rock band, the Nerve. He also quickly became a part of the house demo band at Tree Music Publishing, where Bobby Braddock, Harlan Howard and Curly Putnam wrote songs.
Rhodes soon became a first-call musician for the recordings of stars across a myriad of genres. His bass playing can be heard on Shawn Colvin’s Grammy-winning “Sunny Came Home,” Lee Ann Womack’s titanic “I Hope You Dance,” Ashley Cleveland You Are There, Joe Bonamassa’s Live at the Greek and Larry Carlton Take Your Pick.
He recorded frequently with Willie Nelson, Etta James, Mark Knopfler, Alan Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Brian Wilson, Joss Stone, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, J.J. Cale, Wynonna Judd, Merle Haggard, Randall Bramlett, Amy Grant, Hank Williams, Jr, The Highwaymen, John Oates, George Strait and Kenny Chesney, as well as on projects for Bob Seger, Dave Stewart, Keith Whitley, Joan Baez, Lionel Richie, Burt Bacharach, Aaron Neville, Johnny Cash, Lonny Mack, India.Arie, Buddy Guy, Grace Potter, Billy Joe Shaver, Ruthie Collins, Michael McDonald, Dan Penn, Jennifer Holiday, John Fogerty, Elton John and Joan Osborne.
Rhodes played on both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood’s versions of Dianne Warren’s “How Will I Live,” which competed against each other in 1997 on the charts and at the Grammy Awards.
He was also an in-demand touring musician. He played with Vince Gill on the tour of his Grammy-nominated album These Days. He was part of Steve Winwood’s acclaimed live band, as well as a frequent member of Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell’s road bands during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Rhodes continued to play and perform up until his passing. He was scheduled to play his regular gig with Pat McLaughlin’s band days before his death.
Michael Rhodes is survived by his wife of more three decades, Lindsay Fairbanks Rhodes; a son Jason Rhodes and daughter Melody Wind Rhodes; Lindsay’s sons Van and Weston Hayes; and grandchildren Cayman Rhodes, Cora Rhodes, Wylder Rhodes, Kingsley Rhodes, Jenna Nicole Hillman and Ryley Bruce Hillman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Music Health Alliance in Rhodes’ name. The family also encourages friends of Rhodes to really listen to a piece of music that matters to you, sharing that Rhodes listened to John Coltrane before he passed.
Memorial arrangements are pending.
CRS Announces Lineup For ‘Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat’
/by LB CantrellThe lineup for the “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” showcase at CRS 2023 has been announced. Chris Young will headline the evening with support from Avery Anna, Dalton Dover, Megan Moroney and Dylan Schneider.
Named after Amazon Music’s flagship country playlist Country Heat, the bill reflects the playlist’s mix of chart-topping hits and breaking singles from both established acts and up-and-coming artists.
“We’re thrilled to bring Country Heat back to CRS this year,” shares Amazon Music’s Head of Country Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer. “We’ve curated a lineup leading with superstar, Chris Young, and featuring four stars on the rise who were also selected as 2023 Breakthrough Artists to Watch by our programming team, and we can’t wait for attendees to watch.”
The event will take place on Monday, March 13, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Broadway Performance Hall at the Omni Nashville Hotel and will close out the first day of CRS 2023.
Pip Wynans Joins Crowd Surf As Digital Marketing Manager
/by Lorie HollabaughPip Wynans has joined Crowd Surf as Digital Marketing Manager.
The Nashville-based Wynans received a Masters in Music Business at Berklee College of Music in July 2021 and worked as an Outreach Coordinator at Songfluencer before joining Crowd Surf.
“We are delighted to welcome Pip to our Nashville team! She brings her expertise on social trends, culture and diversity to the table as well as an excitement for marketing on a global scale which will further broaden our clients’ reach and ultimately fanbases,” shares Crowd Surf founders Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver.
Crowd Surf’s Nashville roster of clients includes Anne Wilson, Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, Eli Young Band, Scotty McCreery, Universal Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, Capitol Christian Music Group, Jimmie Allen, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, and more.
Kelsea Ballerini Makes Big Leap On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellKelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini jumps onto the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart at No. 12 this week with the impact of her new EP, Rolling Up The Welcome Mat.
In addition to “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” from her 2022 Subject To Change album, Ballerini co-wrote “Blindsided” and “Penthouse” from Rolling Up The Welcome Mat and wrote “Mountain With A View” alone.
Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 position this week with eight currently charting songs. The top five also includes Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Zach Bryan (No. 3), Luke Combs (No. 4) and Michael Hardy (No. 5).
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.
Kelsea Ballerini Makes ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini on Saturday Night Live. Photo: Will Heath
Kelsea Ballerini capped off the release of her deeply personal Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP with two performances on Saturday Night Live over the weekend.
Ballerini performed the questioning “Blindsided” at Rockefeller Center’s Studio 8H in front of a backdrop that had a shadow figure meeting her querying self.
“It was such a big moment,” Ballerini explains. “We wanted to add an element that made the song and the performance more. When we talked about what the song was about, all the pieces of doubt and realizing what was going on, the shadow seemed to be the right thing.”
She returned later in the show for the vulnerable “Penthouse” wearing a silky white Valentino gown and standing alone in the curve of a white grand piano.
Rolling Up the Welcome Mat has already racked up over 40 million streams, and Ballerini is set to kick off the second leg of her “Heartfirst Tour” tomorrow in Toronto. She’ll visit cities throughout the Midwest and East Coast, closing out on March 18 in Pittsburgh, before kicking off the third leg of the journey in June.
Zandi Holup Signs With Arthouse Entertainment, Turntable Music & UMPG
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R): Jim Zumwalt, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Ben Johnson (Turntable Music), Zandi Holup, Kara DioGuardi (Arthouse Entertainment), Missy Roberts (UMPG), Gabrielle Kelly (Arthouse Entertainment), Christian Barker.
Zandi Holup signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Arthouse Entertainment and Turntable Music in partnership with Universal Music Publishing.
Holup is a Pennsylvania transplant who began writing songs at 12 years old before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2018, where she co-wrote Kylie Morgan’s “If He Wanted To He Would.” Ben Johnson, Founder of Turntable Music, introduced Holup to Kara DioGuardi, Co-CEO and Founder of Arthouse Entertainment.
“Zandi has the rare gift of telling her story in such a moving way that you instantly feel like her truth relates to you, even if you haven’t lived it exactly as she has,” says DioGuardi. “We are so excited to be a part of her launch.”
Johnson says, “Zandi is an incredible talent and person. We are so excited to be partnering with such a special team to work with such a special artist.”
UMPG Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Missy Roberts comments “Zandi’s honest and authentic songwriting coupled with her standout vocal made an immediate impact on me. Getting to be part of her journey alongside Arthouse and Turntable Music is an absolute dream.”
Harper Grace Signs With Curb, Jonas Group, WME
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R, back row): Founders Legal Entertainment Group’s Aaron Rice, Curb Records’ Ciara Shortridge and WME’s Abby Wells Baas. (L-R, front row) Jonas Group’s Phil Guerini and Harper Grace.
Curb Records has announced the addition of singer-songwriter Harper Grace to their roster. Grace also celebrates signing with Jonas Group Entertainment and WME. Her first original song “Sparkle” is set for release on March 17.
“We are thrilled to welcome Harper Grace to our wonderful roster of artists,” shares Mike Curb, Curb Records Chairman. “Curb has seen great things from her as a songwriter and we are excited to be part of her future as an artist.”
“Can’t put into words how surreal this opportunity is,” Grace adds. “I’m in complete awe that something I’ve dreamt about as a little girl is coming to pass in this moment. I’m forever grateful to be a part of the Curb family, joined by the amazing teams at Jonas Group Entertainment and WME. I thank God for continuing to open doors and opportunities, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share my story and my music.”
This newly-signed recording artist first entered the spotlight at age 11 with her national anthem performance that garnered widespread criticism. Seven years later, the Texas native redeemed herself by returning to the same stadium and delivering a stellar performance of the song. Now residing in Nashville, her forthcoming track “Oh Say Can You See” is an autobiographical dedication to her 11-year-old self.
Grace will also perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a variety of sporting events and conferences across the country, with an upcoming performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena ahead of SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 9.
19th Annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids & A Win For The Charley Foundation
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Rex Linn, Reba McEntire, Maverick Management’s Marne McLyman and Terri Clark at the 19th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids at The Factory’s Liberty Hall. Photo: Abigail Volkmann
Friday night’s sold-out 19th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee was a knockout success for The Charley Foundation and the children’s charities it supports.
The premier charity boxing gala event featured four Rumble on the Row bouts with Nashville music industry and business professionals squaring off in the ring. The crowd was treated to the National Anthem performed by Warner Music Nashville/Buena Vista Records duo Temecula Road, a silent auction and gourmet dining before the evening’s main attraction.
Notable guests for the annual event included Reba McEntire, actor Rex Linn, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Terri Clark and Chris Young, who turned out to support the boxers and the Charley Foundation, which provides assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.
Rumble on the Row bout decisions were as follows:
“I couldn’t be prouder of the boxers for their time and commitment,” said The Charley Foundation Founder and Ringside Producer Carolyn Miller. “They all worked so hard to prepare for their bouts and their selfless efforts will directly impact the lives of area children in need.”
In Pictures: Inaugural Rock The Ryman Concert
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R): Phillip Sweet and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town; President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Greg Harris; Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
The first-ever “Rock The Ryman” concert took place on March 1 at the historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate the intersection of rock & roll and country. This event was sponsored by PNC Bank and Gibson Gives.
The evening featured performances by Little Big Town, The War and Treaty, Charlie Worsham, Gavin DeGraw, Maddie & Tae, Caitlyn Smith and The Cadillac Three.
This one-night concert experience honored Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have performed at the Ryman. Maddie & Tae performed “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, Gavin DeGraw sang “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney, Caitlyn Smith did “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, Little Big Town performed “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, and The War and Treaty played “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett.
Proceeds from the event help preserve and celebrate the history of the genre and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Ryman.
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform onstage for Rock The Ryman Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
Pictured (L-R): Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town perform onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
Pictured (L-R): Tae Kerr and Maddie Font of Maddie & Tae perform onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
Caitlyn Smith performs onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
Morgan Wallen Celebrates New Album By Breaking Multiple Records
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ryan Smith
Country superstar Morgan Wallen released his third studio album, One Thing At A Time, on Friday (March 3).
To celebrate, he invited 19,292 fans to a free show at Bridgestone Arena, setting an all-time attendance for the arena according to EVP of Entertainment & Venues David Kells. In addition to the near 20,000 fans who filled the stadium on Friday, over a million tuned in on Wallen’s livestream of the event.
In addition to breaking the Bridgestone Arena attendance record, Wallen also smashed a few Spotify records, with One Thing At A Time becoming the platform’s most-streamed country album in a single day by a male artist and the largest streaming debut of any genre in 2023.
Morgan Wallen performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ryan Smith
The energy in Bridgestone Arena was electric with anticipation until Wallen made his way to to a small, circular stage in the middle of the venue. The crowd went berserk when the 29-year-old appeared on screen, as he was backstage preparing to start the show. When he emerged and made his way to the stage, the volume of the crowd was deafening.
Of the new, 36-song album, Wallen played 15 selections, making sure to perform examples of the album’s themes of heartache, redemption, romance and hell-raising. The crowd already knew many of the lyrics to the hours-old songs.
He kicked things off with the album-opener, “Born With A Beer In My Hand” and followed it with the title track. Fans really seemed to enjoy “Keith Whitley,” a song about the singer’s impact on his own life and career.
He shared, “Keith Whitley is one of my favorite artists of all time. I always felt he died too young and had a whole lot more magic left in him…this is one of my favorite songs on this record.”
Later in the set, Wallen dedicated new song “Dying Man” to his two-year-old son. “In ‘Dying Man,’ I’m singing to a woman. In real life, this song is dedicated to my son. He has changed everything for me and has been a real blessing. He’s here tonight, so I’m sending this song out to him.”
Morgan Wallen performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ryan Smith
To reflect Wallen’s hip-hop influences, he played the album’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Sunrise” and “180 Lifestyle.” The crowd really went crazy for the new one, “Last Night,” which has been circulating on TikTok for the last few weeks.
One of the most well-received tunes was “Tennessee Fan.” Volunteer fans in the audience, who guessed Wallen would play it, flashed their UT gear as the camera panned around the stage.
Wallen was also able to perform his latest No. 1 song “Thought You Should Know” as well as other past hits “Sand In My Boots,” “Chasin’ You,” “More Than My Hometown,” “Whiskey Glasses” and “Wasted On You.” He closed out the evening with “You Proof,” which thrilled the packed crowd.
Wallen will launch his “One Night At A Time World Tour” overseas on March 15. For dates for the 63-show tour, click here.
Musicians Hall Of Fame Member Michael Rhodes Passes
/by LB CantrellMichael Rhodes. Photo: Bob Seamans
Renowned musician Michael Rhodes passed away at his home in Nashville on March 4. He was 69.
Best known for his mastery of the bass, Rhodes played on iconic recordings and toured with some of rock, blues, jazz and progressive country music’s biggest names. He was inducted into the Musician’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
Born in Monroe, Louisiana on Sept. 16, 1953, Rhodes taught himself to play guitar at age 11. Drawn to the funky rhythms of the bayou state, bass eventually became his instrument of choice.
He moved to Austin, Texas during the rise of the outlaw country movement in the early ’70s. He later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he found work with Charlie Rich’s son Allan. Rhodes soon moved to Nashville and joined a local rock band, the Nerve. He also quickly became a part of the house demo band at Tree Music Publishing, where Bobby Braddock, Harlan Howard and Curly Putnam wrote songs.
Rhodes soon became a first-call musician for the recordings of stars across a myriad of genres. His bass playing can be heard on Shawn Colvin’s Grammy-winning “Sunny Came Home,” Lee Ann Womack’s titanic “I Hope You Dance,” Ashley Cleveland You Are There, Joe Bonamassa’s Live at the Greek and Larry Carlton Take Your Pick.
He recorded frequently with Willie Nelson, Etta James, Mark Knopfler, Alan Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Brian Wilson, Joss Stone, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, J.J. Cale, Wynonna Judd, Merle Haggard, Randall Bramlett, Amy Grant, Hank Williams, Jr, The Highwaymen, John Oates, George Strait and Kenny Chesney, as well as on projects for Bob Seger, Dave Stewart, Keith Whitley, Joan Baez, Lionel Richie, Burt Bacharach, Aaron Neville, Johnny Cash, Lonny Mack, India.Arie, Buddy Guy, Grace Potter, Billy Joe Shaver, Ruthie Collins, Michael McDonald, Dan Penn, Jennifer Holiday, John Fogerty, Elton John and Joan Osborne.
Rhodes played on both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood’s versions of Dianne Warren’s “How Will I Live,” which competed against each other in 1997 on the charts and at the Grammy Awards.
He was also an in-demand touring musician. He played with Vince Gill on the tour of his Grammy-nominated album These Days. He was part of Steve Winwood’s acclaimed live band, as well as a frequent member of Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell’s road bands during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Rhodes continued to play and perform up until his passing. He was scheduled to play his regular gig with Pat McLaughlin’s band days before his death.
Michael Rhodes is survived by his wife of more three decades, Lindsay Fairbanks Rhodes; a son Jason Rhodes and daughter Melody Wind Rhodes; Lindsay’s sons Van and Weston Hayes; and grandchildren Cayman Rhodes, Cora Rhodes, Wylder Rhodes, Kingsley Rhodes, Jenna Nicole Hillman and Ryley Bruce Hillman.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Music Health Alliance in Rhodes’ name. The family also encourages friends of Rhodes to really listen to a piece of music that matters to you, sharing that Rhodes listened to John Coltrane before he passed.
Memorial arrangements are pending.