Pictured: Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile and Natalie Hemby of the Highwomen with Brittney Spencer perform onstage for “CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn” at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT
Industry folk, friends, fans, and family of Loretta Lynn gathered at the Grand Ole Opry house Sunday night (Oct. 30) for a star-studded celebration of life for the country legend.
Lynn, who passed away on Oct. 4 at her home in Hurricane Mills, was celebrated for her life and legacy with twelve musical performances and many special messages. The event was dubbed “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn,” and aired live on CMT and was simulcast on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse: Willie Nelson’s Classic Country (Channel 59).
Presley Tanita Tucker, Tanya Tucker and Layla Tucker perform. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT
The evening was hosted by NBC’s Today Show co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager and included tribute performances from Alan Jackson, Brandi Carlile, Darius Rucker, George Strait, The Highwomen with Brittany Spencer, Jack White, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Emmy Russell and Lukas Nelson, Tanya Tucker, and Wynonna with Gaither Vocal Band and Larry Strickland.
Other stars who appeared—both in person and virtually—to share heartfelt messages included Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Hoda Kotb, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Sissy Spacek, Taylor Swift, and more.
Documentary-style videos of Lynn’s story played in between performances, showcasing the Country Music Hall of Famer’s humble beginnings and subsequent rise to stardom. Many videos and special messages highlighted Lynn’s down-home hospitality, her humor and her open-arms to young women coming up in the music industry.
A small exhibit of some of Lynn’s iconic wardrobe pieces was situated just outside the hall. Fans waiting in line to get in created an altar of flowers at the Opry House entrance.
Wynonna, the Gaither Vocal Band and Larry Strickland opened the show with a hair-raising performance of the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” earning the night’s first standing ovation.
Jack White performs. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT
Later, Alan Jackson got permission from the Lynn family to sing a song he wrote for his mother when she passed away called “Where Her Heart Has Always Been.” The country legend said the tender song felt appropriate for the occasion, as Lynn had always reminded him of his mother.
Keith Urban did a heart-warming rendition of “You’re Looking At Country,” George Strait honored Lynn with her “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind),” Darius Rucker took on “Fist City,” and Margo Price performed “The Pill.” Tanya Tucker did a great job with “Blue Kentucky Girl” and Little Big Town sounded beautiful on “Let Her Fly.”
One of the night’s many highlights came when Jack White made a surprise appearance to sing “Van Lear Rose,” the title track of his and Lynn’s Grammy-winning album. Just before he performed, guests were treated to a video of a rarely seen performance from Third Man Records Vault Package #24 featuring White and Lynn performing “Whispering Sea,” a favorite of White’s and one of the first songs Lynn ever wrote.
Another standout moment came when Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell joined forces with Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, to perform the first song Lynn and Nelson ever recorded together, “Lay Me Down.” The two proteges sounded beautiful together on the reverent tune.
Brandi Carlile did an excellent rendition of one of Lynn’s closest friends, Patsy Cline‘s “She’s Got You.” She later joined The Highwomen’s Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby and Brittney Spencer to close the show with “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Pictured (L-R): Executive Producers Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media), Leslie Fram (CMT) attend “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn.” Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT
At the end of the program, Lynn’s daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and granddaughter Tayla Lynn took the stage and recalled their pride in all that Lynn accomplished and how loved she was by the world.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions. Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) are Executive Producers.
Two additional commercial-free encore airings of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” will play on CMT on Wednesday, Nov 2 at 7 p.m. CST and Sunday, Nov 6 at 10 a.m. CST.
Spirit Music Nashville Signs Grammy Winner Joy Williams
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, front row): Spirit Music Nashville’s Michelle Davey, Derek Wells, Joy Williams, Spirit Music Nashville’s Hannah Hall and Frank Rogers. (L-R, back row): Spirit Music Nashville’s Brian Bradford and Red Light Managements Clay Hunt. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Nashville.
Spirit Music Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Joy Williams to a worldwide co-publishing deal.
Williams’ songwriting credits include The Civil Wars‘ albums Live at Eddie’s Attic; Poison & Wine; Barton Hollow, which won a Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2011; and The Civil Wars. Her other Grammy-winning works consist of “Barton Hollow” (Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2011), “Safe & Sound” with Taylor Swift (Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2012) and “From This Valley” (Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2013). She also penned “Stand By You,” which was recorded by Rachel Platten and peaked at No. 37 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard‘s Adult Top 40.
Last year, the four-time Grammy winner entered into a multi-faceted agreement with Spirit that included the acquisition of compositions from her various song catalogs, including her award-winning work as part of the duo The Civil Wars, as well as several masters that she controls. Additionally, Spirit announced it would administer Williams’ most recent solo album, Front Porch, as well as her compositions going forward. Through this new deal, Spirit Music Nashville will also publish her works on a go-forward basis.
“Joy Williams is a gift to music. She is an incredibly talented singer and songwriter,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “We are thrilled to have her as a part of the Spirit Music family and look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership.”
“I’m thrilled to continue to partner with the talented team at Spirit for all my writing adventures,” says Williams. “Whether it’s writing with other artists, writing music for TV/film, or for my new project, their support is a major asset in helping me level up along my creative path.”
Music Health Alliance Offers Free Health Insurance Assistance During Open Enrollment Period
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic Health Alliance (MHA) is offering free appointments for individuals, groups and seniors in the music community to ensure they get the healthcare coverage they need during the upcoming open enrollment window.
During the open enrollment dates, MHA advocates will meet by phone or online with clients to advise and enroll members of the music industry and their families in the best plans to meet their medical needs and budget.
Open Enrollment for 2023 is available until Jan. 15, 2023. For a Jan. 1 effective date, the enrollment deadline is Dec. 15, 2022.
Open Enrollment Dates for 2023:
Medicare: October 15 – December 7, 2022
Insurance Enrollment: November 1 – December 15, 2022
To book an open enrollment appointment, contact:
Individual/Family Health Insurance:
Erin: 615-200-6861 / erin@musichealthalliance.com
Group Health Insurance:
Bonita: 615-200-6897 / bonita@musichealthalliance.com
Medicare Annual Enrollment (65 or over):
Suzanne: (615) 200-6807 / suzanne@musichealthalliance.
Since 2013, Music Health Alliance has provided free healthcare advocacy and resources to more than 18,000 members of the nationwide music community. The work of MHA’s 14 in-house advocates have saved more than $85,000,000 in healthcare costs and provided lifesaving access to medical procedures, mental health resources, diagnostic tests, prescriptions and more.
Gavin Lucas Shoots Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lydia FarthingWhile everything near the peak of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart remains nearly the same, Gavin Lucas shoots up seven spaces into the No. 10 position. Lucas is credited on three of Bailey Zimmerman’s five currently charting songs, including “Never Leave,” “Waiting” and his breakout hit “Fall In Love.”
Up towards the top, Zach Bryan adds another week in the first position, tallying six consecutive weeks. Bryan has four songs on the chart, including “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Burn, Burn, Burn” and “Starved,” all of which he is the sole writer. Because he is the only writer on the tracks, all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales, and streams go entirely to Bryan on the Songwriter Chart.
Filling out the remainder of the top five are Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Bailey Zimmerman (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.
Loretta Lynn Honored With A Star-Studded Night At The Opry
/by LB CantrellPictured: Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile and Natalie Hemby of the Highwomen with Brittney Spencer perform onstage for “CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn” at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT
Industry folk, friends, fans, and family of Loretta Lynn gathered at the Grand Ole Opry house Sunday night (Oct. 30) for a star-studded celebration of life for the country legend.
Lynn, who passed away on Oct. 4 at her home in Hurricane Mills, was celebrated for her life and legacy with twelve musical performances and many special messages. The event was dubbed “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn,” and aired live on CMT and was simulcast on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse: Willie Nelson’s Classic Country (Channel 59).
Presley Tanita Tucker, Tanya Tucker and Layla Tucker perform. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT
The evening was hosted by NBC’s Today Show co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager and included tribute performances from Alan Jackson, Brandi Carlile, Darius Rucker, George Strait, The Highwomen with Brittany Spencer, Jack White, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Emmy Russell and Lukas Nelson, Tanya Tucker, and Wynonna with Gaither Vocal Band and Larry Strickland.
Other stars who appeared—both in person and virtually—to share heartfelt messages included Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Hoda Kotb, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Sissy Spacek, Taylor Swift, and more.
Documentary-style videos of Lynn’s story played in between performances, showcasing the Country Music Hall of Famer’s humble beginnings and subsequent rise to stardom. Many videos and special messages highlighted Lynn’s down-home hospitality, her humor and her open-arms to young women coming up in the music industry.
A small exhibit of some of Lynn’s iconic wardrobe pieces was situated just outside the hall. Fans waiting in line to get in created an altar of flowers at the Opry House entrance.
Wynonna, the Gaither Vocal Band and Larry Strickland opened the show with a hair-raising performance of the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” earning the night’s first standing ovation.
Jack White performs. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT
Later, Alan Jackson got permission from the Lynn family to sing a song he wrote for his mother when she passed away called “Where Her Heart Has Always Been.” The country legend said the tender song felt appropriate for the occasion, as Lynn had always reminded him of his mother.
Keith Urban did a heart-warming rendition of “You’re Looking At Country,” George Strait honored Lynn with her “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind),” Darius Rucker took on “Fist City,” and Margo Price performed “The Pill.” Tanya Tucker did a great job with “Blue Kentucky Girl” and Little Big Town sounded beautiful on “Let Her Fly.”
One of the night’s many highlights came when Jack White made a surprise appearance to sing “Van Lear Rose,” the title track of his and Lynn’s Grammy-winning album. Just before he performed, guests were treated to a video of a rarely seen performance from Third Man Records Vault Package #24 featuring White and Lynn performing “Whispering Sea,” a favorite of White’s and one of the first songs Lynn ever wrote.
Another standout moment came when Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell joined forces with Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, to perform the first song Lynn and Nelson ever recorded together, “Lay Me Down.” The two proteges sounded beautiful together on the reverent tune.
Brandi Carlile did an excellent rendition of one of Lynn’s closest friends, Patsy Cline‘s “She’s Got You.” She later joined The Highwomen’s Amanda Shires, Natalie Hemby and Brittney Spencer to close the show with “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Pictured (L-R): Executive Producers Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media), Leslie Fram (CMT) attend “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn.” Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT
At the end of the program, Lynn’s daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and granddaughter Tayla Lynn took the stage and recalled their pride in all that Lynn accomplished and how loved she was by the world.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions. Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) are Executive Producers.
Two additional commercial-free encore airings of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” will play on CMT on Wednesday, Nov 2 at 7 p.m. CST and Sunday, Nov 6 at 10 a.m. CST.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Notches Sixth Week Atop Country Streaming Songs Chart
/by Lydia FarthingZach Bryan
At the top of this week’s country charts are the familiar cast of characters, with Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” leading the pack on the top country streaming songs chart for a sixth consecutive week. Notching a stellar 14.5 million streams, the Warner Music artist’s breakout hit now boasts 286 million cumulative streams.
Bryan’s American Heartbreak also rises one spot to No. 2 on the top country albums chart. The project racks up 27K in total consumption this week, according to Luminate data.
Elsewhere on the top country albums chart, you can find Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album at No. 1 with 43K (1.2K album only/53 million song streams). Newcomer Bailey Zimmerman‘s debut project, Leave The Light On, drops one spot to No. 3, adding 23K in total consumption, while Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) keeps its spot at No. 4 with 17K. Luke Combs‘ This One’s For You rounds out the top five, gaining 15K in total consumption.
On the songs side, Wallen holds the No. 2 position with “You Proof,” as well as the No. 4 spot with “Wasted On You.” The tracks earned 9.7 million and 7.5 million streams, respectively. Zimmerman’s “Rock And A Hard Place” falls one to No. 3 with 9.2 million streams, and Combs’ “The Kind Of Love We Make” takes fifth at 7.5 million streams.
Concord Unveils New Logo, Expands Global Headquarters In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughConcord has unveiled its new branding in tandem with the opening of its innovative global headquarters in Nashville. The new identity includes a bold new logo, as well as a refreshed color palette and overall design look, which will be applied to all company brands and businesses that use the Concord name.
Photo: Courtesy of Concord
Concord’s new Nashville headquarters was constructed in 2020-2021 and officially opened at the beginning of 2022. The company’s rapidly growing team prompted an 8,300 sq. ft. expansion of its 2nd floor offices in Peabody Plaza. The 50,000 square ft. space in the Rolling Mill Hill neighborhood is almost triple the size of Concord’s former offices at 1201 Demonbreun St.
The announcement of Concord’s new branding follows several major announcements, including the acquisition of the Genesis publishing and recording catalogs, its major expansion into the Australasia region and many notable artist signings and projects.
“Concord has grown significantly in the last seven years, necessitating new offices in LA, NYC, Berlin and Nashville. Marrying not only copyrights, plays, musicals, recordings and other narrative content, but more importantly merging the cultures of the many companies is what makes us the Concord of today,” explains Concord President Bob Valentine. “It is time for us to recognize that we now have an integrated, singular and unique culture that requires a fresh visual representation, giving our teams around the world a renewed sense of purpose. We are still the Concord that does what it says, seeks out exciting challenges and that exists to elevate every creative voice that it can, we just have a new and wonderfully bold face.”
Photo: Courtesy of Concord
“This is about more than just a new logo,” adds Scott Pascucci, Concord CEO. “After years of growth and acquisitions and internal refining, Concord is making a renewed commitment to its recently established mission statement: Champion Artists; Elevate Voices; Impact Culture. This is at the core of who we are and what we do every day.”
Through its family of companies and brands, Concord represents compositions, recordings, estates and theatrical collections spanning more than 200 years of entertainment history.
Nashville Industry Remembers The Legendary Jerry Lee Lewis
/by Lydia FarthingJerry Lee Lewis at the 2022 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee announcement press conference on May 17, 2022. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Legendary entertainer Jerry Lee Lewis passed away on Friday (Oct. 28) at the age of 87 at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Also known as “The Killer,” Lewis earned 28 top 10 Billboard Country singles across four decades, including hits “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On,” both of which have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was also the first person inducted into the first class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. The Recording Academy honored Lewis with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and earlier this month, he was formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Lewis is survived by his wife Judith and four surviving children, plus extended family. Services will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Lewis’ honor to the Arthritis Foundation or MusiCares.
Over the past few days since the news broke, the Nashville music industry and beyond has shared their thoughts and condolences for the beloved vocalist and pianist.
“One of my most vivid memories of Jerry Lee was in 1997, when he was a guest on ‘Monday Night Concerts’ at the Ryman. Ricky Skaggs and Brian Setzer joined Jerry Lee for a set that started with the classic ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ended with a stirring rendition of ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’ A true force of nature, it was amazing to be able to witness Jerry perform in person that night. As one of the most talented musicians and entertainers of our time, it warms my heart to know that he got the chance to accept his rightful place in the hallowed hall as a member of the newest class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees just a few weeks ago. My deepest condolences go out to Jerry Lee’s family and friends during this time.” – Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO
“Jerry Lee’s indelible mark as a rock & roller in no way obscures his impact as one of the greatest country singers of all time. He was the ultimate stylist, taking songs to places they could never have gone without his unique voice and soul. Known as ‘The Killer,’ in reality he was a reviver, resurrecting music and emotions. The country records he made with producer Jerry Kennedy will never be replicated or surpassed, and we were honored to recently welcome him into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Among the greatest of artists, he was, as his friend Kris Kristofferson put it, ‘a table-thumpin’ smash.’” – Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“Jerry Lee was a Christian, an American icon and the greatest piano player in the world. People will be listening to ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ‘Whole Lot of Shakin” 500 years from now. I will miss him. God bless you Jerry Lee.” – Dennis Quaid
“It’s so sad to hear that Jerry Lee Lewis has passed. I’ve loved him since I first met and worked with him in the early 1970s. He was definitely one of a kind as an artist and person.” – Crystal Gayle
“Jerry Lee at the beginning of a session put his gun on the piano. Silence. They do the session… The next day the musicians come to the session and all bring their guns. That was Jerry Lee.” – Don McLean
“The image and influence of Jerry Lee Lewis is an iconic memory we will always have. As a musician/singer I loved his energy and style. He was the greatest!” – Janie Fricke
“The first time I saw Jerry Lee Lewis play and literally light his piano on fire I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do!’ He proved that not all piano players are balladeers and that’s what I love and will always remember about him. He was a huge inspiration to me and so many musicians across genres. May he rest in peace.” – Phil Vassar
Naomi Cooke Johnson Joins Fusion Music Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughNaomi Cooke Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Hot Schatz PR
Naomi Cooke Johnson has signed with Fusion Music for management.
Prior to pursuing her solo career, Johnson spent seven years with her former band, Runaway June where she co-wrote the band’s Gold-certified top 10 hit, “Buy My Own Drinks,” and received nominations from ACM and CMT.
“We have been fans of Naomi throughout her career and are excited to work with her as she steps forward into her new musical journey,” says Daniel Miller, Managing Partner, Fusion Music.
Johnson is also represented by Joey Lee and Adi Sharma at WME, Jess Rosen at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Mike Vaden at Vaden Group.
In association with Red Light Management, Fusion Music also represents Martina McBride, Riley Green and Lily Rose.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Ushers In Six New Members At 52nd Anniversary Gala
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Sarah Cates, Board Chair of NaSHOF; inductees David Malloy, Gary Nicholson, Hillary Lindsey and Steve Wariner; Mark Ford, Executive Director of NaSHOF
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) welcomed six new members into its ranks on Sunday night (Oct. 30) at the organization’s 52nd Anniversary Gala. The musical contributions of the Class of 2022 were celebrated through star-studded performances at Nashville’s Music City Center.
The Class of 2022 includes Hillary Lindsey and Gary Nicholson in the songwriter category; David Malloy in the veteran songwriter category; Shania Twain in the songwriter/artist category and Steve Wariner in the veteran songwriter/artist category. Additionally, the late Chips Moman was inducted into the Hall’s new Legacy category, designed specifically to honor NaSHOF-worthy candidates who are deceased.
The Isaacs with Sharon Vaughn
“Tonight we are celebrating the legacies of six extraordinary songwriters and bestowing upon them one of the nation’s highest songwriting honors—induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” Sarah Cates, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation noted. “I always look forward to this evening when the industry can gather to share in this moment with our inductees, their families and friends. And I’m not alone in anticipating this event. This year, we have one of our largest audiences ever, all here to applaud these exemplary songwriters.”
Award-winning artists The Isaacs kicked off the evening by honoring Twain with a medley of her song-of-the-year hits “Forever And For Always” and “You’re Still The One.” Though Twain was unable to attend, she sent a video thanking NaSHOF for the honor, noting that songwriting had gotten her through many hard times. NaSHOF 2019 inductee Sharon Vaughn presented Twain and also spoke on her behalf.
NaSHOF 2021 inductee Rhett Akins took the stage to honor Malloy, reprising his own 1998 recording of “Drivin’ My Life Away,” originally popularized by Eddie Rabbitt. NaSHOF 2015 inductee and longtime co-writer Even Stevens presented him.
NaSHOF 2005 inductee Vince Gill was joined on stage by Delbert McClinton, Shawn Camp and Michael Rhodes to perform “One More Last Chance” in honor of Nicholson. NaSHOF 2003 inductee Rodney Crowell presented him.
Garth Brooks. Photo: Moser Photography
The late Chips Moman was presented by NaSHOF Board member, industry journalist and longtime MusicRow contributor Robert K. Oermann. The legendary Clint Black performed Moman’s standard, “Luckenbach, Texas.”
Superstars Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban joined forces to perform a medley of Lindsey’s song of the year hits “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” NaSHOF 2008 inductee Matraca Berg presented her.
Closing the night’s festivities, NaSHOF 2011 inductee Garth Brooks offered his rendition of “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven” to honor Wariner. NaSHOF 1975 inductee Bill Anderson presented him.
The evening also featured a medley of “Coal Miner’s Daughter and “If My Heart Had Windows” performed by award-winning songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall in a special memorial tribute to NaSHOF inductees Loretta Lynn and Dallas Frazier.
Gary Nicholson. Photo: Moser Photography
Jaron Boyer Signs With Wide Open Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughJaron Boyer and Victoria Goodvin (Wide Open Publishing)
Jaron Boyer has signed a publishing deal with Wide Open Music.
Boyer has written songs for artists including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt, Clay Walker and Rascal Flatts. He has penned four No. 1s, including “Hell Of A Night” (Dustin Lynch), “Somewhere On A Beach” (Dierks Bentley), “Flatliner” (Cole Swindell feat. Dierks Bentley) and “Girl Like You” (Jason Aldean).
The 2016 SESAC Country Song of the Year award-winner’s latest cut, “Mind On You” (George Birge), was most-added at country radio upon its release earlier this month.
“I could not think of a better addition to our already talented roster than Jaron Boyer. He’s an incredible songwriter and human and we’re grateful to team up with him on the next chapter of his career,” shares VP/GM of Wide Open Music, Victoria Goodvin.
“I wanted to sign Jaron the moment I met him,” adds Steve Williams, President of Wide Open Publishing. “He was extremely humble, he was very professional and he had a huge desire to be even more successful. What more could anyone ask for? We are so blessed to have him become part of our family.”
“I’m so excited to be signing with Wide Open. Blessed to have the opportunity to work with Ash Bowers and Wide Open VP/General Manager Victoria Goodvin on a daily basis. God is good,” says Boyer.