Pete Fisher. Photo: Courtesy of Schmidt Relations
Over the course of his 35-year career in the entertainment industry, Pete Fisher has held multiple positions and developed strong relationships in various facets, leading him to his current roles as Entertainment Industry Consultant at full-service financial and lifestyle management firm Valiant Wealth, and President of Fisher Entertainment Consulting (FEC).
Fisher started in the music business as an intern at the Warner Chappell/Warner Reprise publishing joint-venture WarnerSongs, Inc. during his senior year at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He was later hired on as Director of Creative Services of the joint-venture. His responsibilities included negotiating songwriter agreements, copyright administration, and song-plugging, as well as artist and songwriter development. As a publisher based at a record label, he also gained experience in A&R coordination.
He then moved over to artist management, partnering with Creative Trust to form Fisher Raines Entertainment. Fisher managed artists Carolyn Arends, Marcus Hummon, and Paul Brandt before joining the Grand Ole Opry as its General Manager in 1999.
During his nearly 18 years at the Grand Ole Opry, Fisher oversaw oversaw all of the iconic venue’s activities, including the inductions of Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and more. He also helped to produce the Opry’s television and radio specials.
In January of 2017, Fisher left the Opry and moved to California to serve as CEO of the Academy of Country Music. He led strategic planning for ACM and oversaw projects across all departments. He also organized events including the 52nd-54th Annual ACM Awards, and produced the televised ceremonies.
After exiting his post at ACM in May of 2019, it was important to Fisher that he evaluate his passions before entering the next phase of his career.
“I’m a person who believes passion is what fuels us in our work. Being well-aligned with what your passionate about has a lot to do with success. The most successful times in my career [took place] when I was having the most fun,” he shares.
Helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential and purpose in life is the first passion Fisher is pumping into this new chapter, something he has been able to do through his work with Valiant Wealth.
He moved back to Nashville in late 2019 and joined the Valiant team as their Entertainment Industry Consultant in 2020. He has since used the relationships he’s developed throughout his career to connect the music and television industries with Valiant’s variety of services such as investment planning; asset management; tax, legal and personal accounting integration; estate planning; private asset ventures; philanthropy and charitable giving; risk management; and customized concierge services.
“It’s been super rewarding to introduce folks both inside and outside of the entertainment industry to Valiant and the work that they do,” Fisher states.
He has played a crucial part in identifying private equity opportunities, a unique service Valiant provides. These opportunities help to solve problems within fields such as entertainment and apparel. It was Fisher who notably connected production campus Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, Tennessee with the Valiant private equity team, which resulted in the acquisition and renovation of the 38-acre, 330,000 sq. ft. facility, helping to reduce the shortage of suitable spaces for rehearsal and production. Worldwide Stages has now hosted many of the biggest names in music and television. In addition to uniting the facility with Valiant, Fisher currently sits on Worldwide Stages’ Board of Directors.
He’s also connected Valiant with Bespoke Manufacturing Company in Phoenix, Arizona, which makes on-demand apparel manufacturing sustainable, scalable, and profitable, assisting the apparel industry in shifting to a more environment-friendly model.
His passion for helping others achieve their goals also radiates through his work within his own firm, Fisher Entertainment Consulting, through which he personally manages his daughter-in-law, author and artist Jessica Willis Fisher, who recently released her memoir Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice.
His work with Jessica also flows into the next passion fueling Fisher, which is telling meaningful stories through music, television, and film. He began storytelling through song in the early stages of his career, and is now dabbling in storytelling through cinema.
“I love how stories can be told through different [forms of] media,” he says.
Currently, Fisher is working on a feature film about the “rowdy and romantic” life and love story of Little Jimmy and Mona Dickens alongside his production partner Ken Carpenter. He got to know Little Jimmy, who passed away in 2015, during his time with the Opry. Fisher and his wife, Hope, have maintained a close relationship with Mona over the years. He hopes to go into full film production in 2023.
The third passion charging the industry veteran’s current career stage is using his experiences and relationships to help philanthropic organizations. Fisher has served as a leader and member of multiple boards. He served as Chairman of MTSU’s Board of Trust from 2015 to 2018. He was founding board member of Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley‘s organization The Store, which operates year-round as a grocery store that allows people to shop for basic needs free-of-charge. He has also served on boards for the Recording Academy, ACM Lifting Lives, Leadership Music, Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, and MusiCares.
Presently, Fisher serves as Chairman and President of the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, which seeks to be a liaison between researchers and organizations to increase the advancement of clean treatments for isolated cancers. He is also a Music Heals International board member.
Working with Valiant and forming FEC has allowed Fisher to combine these three passions while expanding his knowledge on the wealth management part of entertainment.
“As you get older, you rely more on doing things that you love to do—really love to do— with people you love. I’m fortunate to find myself still making a living doing the things I love to do.”
Jelly Roll Celebrates Sold Out Bridgestone Arena Show
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll. Photo: John Shearer
Jelly Roll sold out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday night (Dec. 9), playing to an eager hometown crowd of more than 15,000 fans.
Sam Hunt and Jelly Roll. Photo: John Shearer
The Antioch, Tennessee native performed his new single, “Need A Favor,” live with the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers for the very first time during the show after releasing it the morning of his homecoming concert.
He also brought out several special guests during the evening, including Ernest, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Shinedown, Struggle Jennings, Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Chris Young, and sports announcer Michael Buffer. His 14-year-old daughter, Bailee Ann, also took the stage to perform a song she wrote with her father’s encouragement about the pain of watching her mother’s addiction battle.
Jelly Roll and Ernest. Photo: John Shearer
Proceeds from the Bridgestone headline date are earmarked to build a recording studio and provide music programs at the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center where Jelly himself served as a teen. Proceeds will also be put towards other programs benefiting at-risk youth in partnership with Impact Youth Outreach, including Hometown Heroes Scholarships for Metro Nashville Public School seniors.
“Need A Favor” is the latest release of new music from Jelly Roll’s forthcoming album and the second single released since Jelly’s current single, “Son of A Sinner.”
Jelly Roll. Photo: John Shearer
Catching Up With Industry Veteran Pete Fisher [Interview]
/by Liza AndersonPete Fisher. Photo: Courtesy of Schmidt Relations
Over the course of his 35-year career in the entertainment industry, Pete Fisher has held multiple positions and developed strong relationships in various facets, leading him to his current roles as Entertainment Industry Consultant at full-service financial and lifestyle management firm Valiant Wealth, and President of Fisher Entertainment Consulting (FEC).
Fisher started in the music business as an intern at the Warner Chappell/Warner Reprise publishing joint-venture WarnerSongs, Inc. during his senior year at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He was later hired on as Director of Creative Services of the joint-venture. His responsibilities included negotiating songwriter agreements, copyright administration, and song-plugging, as well as artist and songwriter development. As a publisher based at a record label, he also gained experience in A&R coordination.
He then moved over to artist management, partnering with Creative Trust to form Fisher Raines Entertainment. Fisher managed artists Carolyn Arends, Marcus Hummon, and Paul Brandt before joining the Grand Ole Opry as its General Manager in 1999.
During his nearly 18 years at the Grand Ole Opry, Fisher oversaw oversaw all of the iconic venue’s activities, including the inductions of Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and more. He also helped to produce the Opry’s television and radio specials.
In January of 2017, Fisher left the Opry and moved to California to serve as CEO of the Academy of Country Music. He led strategic planning for ACM and oversaw projects across all departments. He also organized events including the 52nd-54th Annual ACM Awards, and produced the televised ceremonies.
After exiting his post at ACM in May of 2019, it was important to Fisher that he evaluate his passions before entering the next phase of his career.
“I’m a person who believes passion is what fuels us in our work. Being well-aligned with what your passionate about has a lot to do with success. The most successful times in my career [took place] when I was having the most fun,” he shares.
Helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential and purpose in life is the first passion Fisher is pumping into this new chapter, something he has been able to do through his work with Valiant Wealth.
He moved back to Nashville in late 2019 and joined the Valiant team as their Entertainment Industry Consultant in 2020. He has since used the relationships he’s developed throughout his career to connect the music and television industries with Valiant’s variety of services such as investment planning; asset management; tax, legal and personal accounting integration; estate planning; private asset ventures; philanthropy and charitable giving; risk management; and customized concierge services.
“It’s been super rewarding to introduce folks both inside and outside of the entertainment industry to Valiant and the work that they do,” Fisher states.
He has played a crucial part in identifying private equity opportunities, a unique service Valiant provides. These opportunities help to solve problems within fields such as entertainment and apparel. It was Fisher who notably connected production campus Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, Tennessee with the Valiant private equity team, which resulted in the acquisition and renovation of the 38-acre, 330,000 sq. ft. facility, helping to reduce the shortage of suitable spaces for rehearsal and production. Worldwide Stages has now hosted many of the biggest names in music and television. In addition to uniting the facility with Valiant, Fisher currently sits on Worldwide Stages’ Board of Directors.
He’s also connected Valiant with Bespoke Manufacturing Company in Phoenix, Arizona, which makes on-demand apparel manufacturing sustainable, scalable, and profitable, assisting the apparel industry in shifting to a more environment-friendly model.
His passion for helping others achieve their goals also radiates through his work within his own firm, Fisher Entertainment Consulting, through which he personally manages his daughter-in-law, author and artist Jessica Willis Fisher, who recently released her memoir Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice.
His work with Jessica also flows into the next passion fueling Fisher, which is telling meaningful stories through music, television, and film. He began storytelling through song in the early stages of his career, and is now dabbling in storytelling through cinema.
“I love how stories can be told through different [forms of] media,” he says.
Currently, Fisher is working on a feature film about the “rowdy and romantic” life and love story of Little Jimmy and Mona Dickens alongside his production partner Ken Carpenter. He got to know Little Jimmy, who passed away in 2015, during his time with the Opry. Fisher and his wife, Hope, have maintained a close relationship with Mona over the years. He hopes to go into full film production in 2023.
The third passion charging the industry veteran’s current career stage is using his experiences and relationships to help philanthropic organizations. Fisher has served as a leader and member of multiple boards. He served as Chairman of MTSU’s Board of Trust from 2015 to 2018. He was founding board member of Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley‘s organization The Store, which operates year-round as a grocery store that allows people to shop for basic needs free-of-charge. He has also served on boards for the Recording Academy, ACM Lifting Lives, Leadership Music, Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, and MusiCares.
Presently, Fisher serves as Chairman and President of the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, which seeks to be a liaison between researchers and organizations to increase the advancement of clean treatments for isolated cancers. He is also a Music Heals International board member.
Working with Valiant and forming FEC has allowed Fisher to combine these three passions while expanding his knowledge on the wealth management part of entertainment.
“As you get older, you rely more on doing things that you love to do—really love to do— with people you love. I’m fortunate to find myself still making a living doing the things I love to do.”
Bailey Zimmerman Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lydia FarthingBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Chris Ashlee
Bailey Zimmerman jumps into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. Rising from No. 13 to No. 10, the young entertainer has three of his own songs currently on the charts, including “Never Leave,” “Where It Ends” and his debut, No. 1 single “Fall In Love.”
Higher up on the Top Songwriter Chart, Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for his twelfth week in a row. He has six of his own songs currently on the chart, including “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “Fifth Of May,” “The Good I’ll Do” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.” Because he is the sole writer on each of the tracks, he receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Filling out the remainder of the top 5 are Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Luke Combs (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.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Nearly Sweeps The Top Five Country Streaming Songs
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen nearly sweeps the top five country streaming songs this week with the release of his three-song pack, One Thing At A Time – Sampler. He also nabbed the top two country song debuts.
The Big Loud entertainer claims the No. 2 spot with “One Thing At A Time” notching 12 million first-week streams, the No. 3 spot with “Tennessee Fan” garnering 11 million first-week streams, the No. 4 spot as “You Proof” adds 9.7 million streams, and No. 5 with “Days That End In Why” racking up 9.1 million first-week streams.
However, Zach Bryan maintains the top spot for a twelfth consecutive week as “Something In The Orange” adds 13 million streams, contributing to 369 million cumulative streams RTD.
Wallen also continues to dominate the top country album chart with Dangerous: The Double Album adding 47K in total consumption (2.8K album only/55 million song streams), according to Luminate data. Bryan’s American Heartbreak keeps the second spot with 29K in total consumption.
The sounds of the season also continue to work its way up the top country albums chart, as Burl Ives‘ Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer moves into the third spot with 26K, Brenda Lee‘s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree rises to No. 4 with 24K, and Gene Autrey‘s Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer enters the top five with 23K in total consumption.
Luke Bryan Earns 30th Career No. 1 With ‘Country On’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellLuke Bryan. Photo: Robby Klein
Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has scored his 30th No. 1 hit at country radio with “Country On” hitting the top of the Mediabase charts. The tune was written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury; produced by Jeff Stevens; co-produced by Jody Stevens; and features Sarah Buxton on background vocals.
Luke Bryan celebrates his 30th No. 1 with his band and road crew ahead of final 2022 engagement at the Resorts World Theatre on Dec. 10. Photo: Eder Acevedo
Since scoring his first chart-topper with 2009’s “Do I,” Bryan has been at the chart pinnacle for a total of 56 weeks in his career. He’s had hits in three different decades, covering everything from from party anthems such as “That’s My Kind of Night” and “One Margarita,” to romantic tunes like “I Don’t Want This Night To End” and “Strip It Down,” to deeper life songs such as “Drink A Beer” and “Most People Are Good.”
According to Bryan, the secret to his longevity is both being able to write songs and find outside songs. 12 of his 30 No. 1 hits were co-written by Bryan.
“I looked at all my heroes—guys like George Strait and Brooks & Dunn—all of my heroes wrote songs and they found songs, too,” Bryan tells MusicRow.
Luke Bryan. Photo: Ethan Helms
He also points out that it’s been crucial for him to pay attention to the next generation of hit-makers.
“Somewhere in Nashville, there’s young songwriters writing right now with a fresh approach and a new way to say stuff. For me, it’s always fun to really open up to the whole town to try to find new songs,” he says.
As a songwriter, Bryan has had a hand in writing enduring hits such as “What Makes You Country,” “I See You,” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” “Do I,” and “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.”
“When I write with younger people and step outside of my comfort zone, there’s always something cool that comes up,” Bryan shares. “The main thing is staying who you are, but also trying to grow as a writer, as a singer, and as a musician.”
When it comes to finding great outside songs, Bryan is surrounded by a team of experts. He looks to his team to help him pick the next singles, but he also makes sure he pays attention to how new tunes are reacting live, as well as some his key A&R people: his kids.
“My children are at the top of the list,” Bryan says with a laugh when asked about his single-picking strategy. “They’re not jaded. They’re just listening. I play demos whenever we get in my pickup truck, and whatever demos the boys keep wanting to hear, there’s something special about those.”
It’s fitting that Bryan’s 30th No. 1 hit, “Country On,” evokes the spirit of his lasting career. He sings, “Hey Nashville, keep bending them strings. Diggin’ for gold, chasin’ them dreams. Keep on with your songs ’til the whole worlds singin’ along.”
“What I love about that song is it’s got a lot of the same feelings of an Alabama song, like ‘Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)’ or ‘Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler).’ That song just speaks to the hardworking Americans out there. In my opinion, a lot of the people that I reference in that song make the world go around.
“I’ve never really done a song that had patriotic aspects to it,” he shares. “When we say, ‘Hey, hey, USA. We ain’t seen our better days,’ that’s a come-together moment. I couldn’t have hand-picked a better 30th.”
Ultimately, Bryan feels grateful to be able to do what he loves most at a high level. “I just wanted to have fun doing what I love,” he says. “That’s what I’ve done and I couldn’t be happier about that.”
Zac Brown Band To Launch ‘From The Fire Tour’ In June
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band. Photo: Danny Clinch
Zac Brown Band has announced their upcoming 2023 “From the Fire Tour,” marking their 10th North American tour. The band will be joined by a variety of opening acts on select dates throughout the trek, including Marcus King, Tenille Townes, and King Calaway.
The 30-plus date tour kicks off in Columbus, Ohio on June 30, and will continue through November. Shows include a return to Fenway Park, as well as performances at Jones Beach Theater, Hersheypark Stadium, Budweiser Stage, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
“This past year was monumental, and we’re thrilled to bring all that momentum with us into 2023 and onto the ‘From the Fire Tour,’” Brown shares. “We are all like family in this band and having the opportunity to bring our music from city to city is something we never take for granted. We can’t wait to be back out on the road with our fans.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Dec. 16 at ZacBrownBand.com. Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Dec. 14, and the Zamily Fan Club pre-sale will also begin on Dec. 14.
Just ahead of the “From the Fire Tour,” the band will make their anticipated return to the international stage with headlining performances at both C2C Festival in the United Kingdom and CMC Rocks in Australia in March.
CRS Unveils Its New Faces Of 2023 Lineup
/by Lydia FarthingCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled the artists to be featured at the CRS 2023 New Faces of Country Music Show. The sold out show, taking place March 15 at Omni Nashville Hotel, will include performances by Priscilla Block, Jackson Dean, Frank Ray, Jelly Roll and Nate Smith.
“The radio and streaming partner constituencies of CRS have spoken and, word is, the future of country music is bright,” says CRB New Faces Committee Chairman Chuck Aly. “This year’s New Faces class comprises artists with admirable creative depth and burgeoning commercial impact. Translation: Don’t miss it!”
Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show showcases five emerging artists who have achieved significant success at country radio during the qualification period. A complete list of past New Faces performers can be found here.
CRS 2023 will feature educational panels, virtual networking, and workshops designed to provide instant, actionable takeaways. Country Radio Seminar will take place Monday, March 13 – Wednesday, March 15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for CRS 2023 is open now.
Ashley McBryde Officially Becomes A Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley McBryde & Terri Clark. Photo: Chris Hollo
Ashley McBryde was officially inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry family on Saturday night (Dec. 10) by fellow member Terri Clark.
Ashley McBryde. Photo: Chris Hollo
The induction moment came after Clark and McBryde collaborated on the tune “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” which earned McBryde a standing ovation on the night of her Opry debut on June 16, 2017. Clark recalled that McBryde knelt to kiss the Opry circle on that debut evening.
“Right then we all knew you belonged here,” Clark noted. “The Opry is a family and my sister, you have earned your spot at the table.”
“This moment is the biggest of my life,” McBryde shared. “And if it’s your first time to be at the Opry, this is what it feels like every time you are here. It looks like it’s made of brick and mortar, but it is pure, pure love. That is what you are experiencing. Thank you. I know what this means. I know what my responsibilities are, and I take this very seriously. And God Bless country music.”
McBryde’s induction was followed by a collaboration with another surprise guest, Eric Church. The pair sang fan-favorite, “Bible and a .44,” and Church concluded the evening’s first show with a solo acoustic set.
“What a great night for country music and what a great addition to the Opry,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “Watching Ashley on stage tonight, I think almost everyone in the room as well as those tuned in could feel a collective approving nod from those who have come before as well as the sense that the future is wide open for this new member and for this show edging closer to its landmark 100th year.”
Ashley McBryde hanging her Opry member plaque. Photo: Chris Hollo
Walker Hayes Plots ‘Duck Buck Tour’ For 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughWalker Hayes. Photo: Robert Chavers
Walker Hayes will kick off spring of 2023 with his headlining “Duck Buck Tour.” Ingrid Andress, Breland, and Ray Fulcher will join him on select dates.
The 23-date tour will kick off on April 13 in Rosemont, Illinois, and will visit Oklahoma City, Wichita, Boston, Jacksonville and Charlotte, with a Music City stop on June 23 at Ascend Amphitheater. Additionally, Chris Lane and Nicolle Galyon will make a special appearance with Hayes during his performance at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 5. Tickets for the dates go on sale Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. CT.
“I can’t wait to get back out on tour,” says Hayes. “Headlining an arena tour for the first time this past year was a dream come true. The whole family was able to come out and the road has become our new home away from home. All the fans that have come out or will come out are making this dream a reality. I owe it all to them, and this next tour will be the biggest and best. I don’t take for granted that they spent their hard-earned money on my shows, and I plan to make it well worth it!”
Hayes’ single, “Y’all Life,” is currently sitting in the top 30 on the Mediabase chart. His most recent release, “Face In The Crowd,” is an ode to his biggest fan, his wife Laney. The song is especially meaningful to Hayes after his breakthrough year, which saw him earn a Grammy nomination, six Billboard Music Awards nods, five ACM nominations, a nod at both the CMT Awards and CMA Awards, and his first No. 1 at country radio.
Scotty McCreery Revs Up For His ‘2023 Damn Strait Tour’
/by Lydia FarthingFollowing a successful 2022, Scotty McCreery will embark on his “2023 Damn Strait Tour,” boasting over 20 dates and running through the end of April.
The trek will see the American Idol alum visit cities all across the country, including stops in San Antonio, Knoxville, Milwaukee, Tulsa, Scottsdale, and more. McCreery’s fan club pre-sale will begin Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. local time, followed by the general on sale on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. local time.
“Looking forward to hitting the road in 2023 with the ‘Damn Strait Tour,’” McCreery notes. “I’ve enjoyed my time at home learning to be a dad to Avery, but I’ve missed being onstage with the band and performing for the fans. Can’t wait to see everyone in the new year!”
The namesake of the tour and McCreery’s fifth consecutive chart-topper, the RIAA Gold-certified “Damn Strait,” also landed at No. 4 on the Billboard Year End Country Airplay chart along with being named among Billboard’s 10 Best Country Songs of 2022. McCreery’s current single, “It Matters To Her,” currently sits at No. 32 on the Mediabase chart.
Ranking No. 13 on the Top 50 list of 2022 Country Airplay Artists by Billboard, McCreery was a co-writer on all but four of the 18 tracks on the recently released Same Truck: The Deluxe Album. Produced by Frank Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis, the project features six new songs, including “On It,” co-written with Jessi Alexander, Jonathan Singleton, and Rogers.