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DISClaimer: Music City’s Female Pop/Rock Queens Make Some Noise
Emily West
Nashville’s country gals are having a tough time, but their pop/rock sisters in Music City are doing just fine, thank you.
Even without the presences of Taylor Swift, Amy Grant, Hayley Williams (of Paramore), Erin McCarley, Ashley Cleveland, Bonnie Bramlett, Butterfly Boucher, Jessie Baylin, Kim Carnes, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Marshall Chapman, Bekka Bramlett, Sheryl Crow, Benita Hill, Janis Ian, Ruby Amanfu, Brooke Waggoner, Tracy Nelson, Kim Richey, Kesha or Meghan Trainor, Nashville women completely dominate this pop/rock edition of “DisClaimer.”
Two divas are at the forefront. Emily West and Kelly Clarkson share the Disc of the Day prize with entries that are showcases for their respective volcanic vocal talents.
The DisCovery Award goes to the punk-rocking Bully and its leader, Alicia Bognanno.
EMILY WEST/Bitter
Writers: Emily West/Julian Emery/Jodi Marr; Producer: Dustin Ransom; Publisher: none listed; Portrait (track)
-Former Capitol country starlet Emily West should have been the next Faith Hill. Instead, she rose to national TV fame as a reinvented, stunningly glamorous, pop singer on last season’s America’s Got Talent. Her new All For You CD features tunes she has torched on the show, including “Nights In White Satin,” “Chandelier” and “Sea of Love.” This standout original is torrid and passionate in all the right places, with an hooky chorus that gives her space to shout her fierce soprano power. Superbly done.
ANGEL SNOW/Secret
Writers: Angel Snow/Perrin Lamb; Producer: Sorted Noise; Publisher: EmmettTill, ASCAP; AS (track)
-A throbbing electronic backing frames her clear, soulful, resonant alto delivery. I love the way this is mixed with such perfect balance. Enthralling from start to finish. Snow could be Nashville’s next stealth pop weapon.
BEBE BUELL & THE NASHVILLE ACES/Secret Sister
Writers: Bebe Buell/Jon Tiven/Jimmy Walls; Producer: Jon Tiven; Publishers: Musesque/Unconrolled Composition, BMI; AmerEclectic
-Recent Nashville transplant Buell is famed in rock circles for her modeling career, relationships with superstars (Steven Tyler, Todd Rundgren, Mick Jagger, Elvis Costello, etc.), being the mom of Liv Tyler and penning the infectious 2001 memoir Rebel Heart. She has long been a music maker, as well. Her single pairs this snappy punk rocker with the autobiographical, alt-country ditty “Hello Music City.” Welcome home.
JOY WILLIAMS/Woman (Oh Mama)
Writers: Joy Williams/Matt Morris/Audra Mae; Producers: Matt Morris/Daniel James; Publishers: Here’s To Me/EMI Blackwood/Music of Big Deal/Mass Transit/BMG Rights/WB/AMAE, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
– Former CCM record maker and Civil Wars co-star Williams has a new solo CD called Venus. Its lead-off single is a tribal, earth-mother chant celebrating women as the cosmic center of everything. Rhythm crazed.
BUZZ CASON & STEELISM/Record Machine
Writers: Cason/Cason; Producer: Buzz Cason; Publisher: none listed; Plowboy (track)
-Back in 1955, Cason became the frontman of The Casuals, Nashville’s first rock ‘n’ roll band. Wonderfully and astoundingly, he is still at it. The title tune of his latest CD is a bluesy salute to his family’s record player. Amid dandy electric guitar work, he adds his own harmonica solo. There’s even the sound of a vinyl needle drop. A smile a minute.
Kelly Clarkson
KELLY CLARKSON/Invincable
Writers: Sia Furler/Jesse Shatkin/Stephen Mostyn/Warren Felder; Producer: Jesse Shatkin; Publishers: EMI/EMI April/Aidenjulius/Oxmod/Nana’s Hands/Sony-ATV/Crow’s Tree, ASCAP/BMI; RCA/19 (track)
-Clarkson’s new single from her Piece By Piece album is an echoey, thunderous, power ballad. She enacts a wronged woman who becomes a courageous warrior, and boy does she have the pipes for it. How refreshing to hear someone who can actually sing, in a pop sea full of autotuned, electronic drones. Sing on, sister.
LEIGH NASH/Spider and the Moth
Writers: Leigh Nash/Jesse Hall; Producer: Brendan Benson; Publishers: BMG Silver/Woman Hollering/Jesse Hall, SESAC/BMI; Thirty Tigers/One
-The former Sixpence None the Richer pop princess (”Kiss Me,” “There She Goes”) still has her charming, pixie-like soprano. But her forthcoming CD, The State I’m In (due Sept. 18), replaces some of her pop sheen with country-influenced tracks. The set kicks off with this piano-backed waltz. Her little vocal breaks are delightful. Recommended.
SHEILA LAWRENCE/Little Bit of Lovin’
Writers: Sheila Lawrence; Producer: Greg Foresman & Sheila Lawrence; Publisher: She Songs, SESAC; Fallen Tree (track)
-Lawrence tours as a backup singer with Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Brenda Lee. Here at home, we know her as part of the nuclear stage attraction Kentucky Thunder, alongside Vicki Carrico, Etta Britt and Jonell Mosser, all of whom join her for two performances on her solo CD, Down 1297. But this blue-eyed soul inferno goes it alone on this ferociously rocking album opener. Get up and dance.
Alicia Bognanno of Bully
BULLY/Trying
Writers: Alicia Bognanno; Producer: Alicia Bognanno; Publisher: Alicia Bognanno, BMI; Columbia/Star
-The Nashville four-piece Bully is nominally a band, but Alicia Bognanno is its singer, songwriter and producer. Her quasi-strangled pleas are shouted over a thrashing, punk track that is just pop enough to make her/them mainstream. This is one of two videos from the debut CD, Feels Like, the other being “Brainfreeze.” Young, scrappy and energetic.
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Melting Place
Writers: Jeff The Brotherhood; Producers: Joe Chiccarelli & Jeff the Brotherhood; Publishers: Automatic Bzooty/Otissery/WB, ASCAP; Infinity Cat (track)
-Brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall are back with a new album titled Wasted on the Dream. Its debut single begins as a deliberately stomping audio elephant, then morphs into a nervous, buzzing, electric-guitar mosquito. Nouveau psychedelic rock.
Industry Executive Jeff Walker Passes
Jeff Walker
Jeff Walker, CEO/President of The AristoMedia Group/Marco Music Group, has passed away. He died suddenly Monday night, Aug. 24, 2015. He was 65.
Walker was a talented entrepreneur who was at the forefront of advancements in marketing within the country music industry. During 35 years of leading his own company, he made significant contributions to the growth and development of Music Row.
An Australia native, Walker is the son of Bill Walker, a noted musical director and arranger who worked on the Johnny Cash Show, and with countless country stars from the 1960s through 1980s.
Jeff Walker graduated from Australia’s Sydney University, where he earned a degree in Economics with a major in Accounting & Law. He moved to Nashville in 1974 and took a job working for Price Waterhouse accounting firm and then later transitioned to Con Brio Records.
In April 1980 he formed the marketing and promotions firm Aristo Music Associates, Inc. Over the next three-and-a-half decades the business grew to encompass divisions offering publicity, web development, radio promotion, video promotion, and label/distribution services.
Walker served on the Country Radio Broadcasters Board for 35 consecutive years and was currently the Treasurer of the organization. He was also a longtime member of the Country Music Association Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, he was an advocate of expanding country music’s international reach. His work was celebrated with honors including the CMA President’s Award, CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award, CMAA (Australia) Lifetime Achievement Award, BCMA (UK) International Services Award, CCMA (Canada) Leonard T. Rambeau International Support Award, Operation Troop Aid Certification of Appointment and others.
Rick Kelly, VP Radio Marketing for Marco Music Group, says, “Jeff was well known and beloved in the Nashville music industry for his humor, his boundless energy, and his tireless devotion to expanding the reach of country music.”
“Jeff Walker was one of my very best friends for over 30 years,” says MusicRow magazine founder David M. Ross. “We had a special bond which I will always treasure. He loved to make jokes and flash a warm smile, but he was also so serious in how he loved and supported his family, friends, the Music Row industry and country’s international community. He’s left us way too soon, way too soon.”
Mayor Karl Dean said, “Jeff Walker played an important role in spreading country music overseas and bringing country music talent from other countries to perform in Nashville. His zeal for growing country music’s appeal around the globe made him an integral part of our Sister Cities program. In particular, Jeff helped develop our partnership with Tamworth, the Country Music Capital of Australia, and nurture our relationship with Edmonton, which also has strong music ties to Nashville. I know our friends from Edmonton were looking forward to seeing Jeff this weekend during their visit and his absence will be deeply felt. With Anne, I extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Walker is survived by father Bill and stepmother Jeanine, wife Terri, daughter Christy Walker Watkins and her husband Matt Watkins, son Jon Walker and his wife Tessa, and granddaughters Lucy and Elle.
The visitation and funeral took place Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, at First Baptist Church Nashville (108 7th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203).
Jeff Walker and family on May 30, 2015, celebrating the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum program Nashville Cats: A Salute to Bill Walker. (L-R): back row: Jeff Walker, Terri Walker, Christy Walker Watkins, Matt Watkins, Tessa Walker, Jon Walker. Seated: Jeanine Walker and Bill Walker.
Jeff Walker (L) was presented with the 2015 President’s Award by CRS Board President Charlie Morgan (R) during the Country Radio Hall of Fame awards, held at the Omni Hotel in Nashville on June 24, 2015. Photo: Kristen England
Weekly Register: Luke Bryan Stays On Top
Luke Bryan hangs on to the top country spot in the second week of release of Kill The Lights. The album had sales of 83K, and total activity of 99K this week. Release to date, it has sold 404K units.
Following at No. 2 is Elvis Presley with 27K. The King had the top debut with Elvis Forever, a collection from the United States Postal Service via RCA/Legacy.
Pat Green’s latest, Home, debuted at No. 5 country with 8.9K.
On the tracks chart, the top debut goes to The Band Perry and their decidedly pop-sounding new single “Live Forever,” which comes in at No. 14 country, selling 19K.
Top 5 Country Albums this week (albums only)
Luke Bryan 83K
Elvis Presley 27K
Sam Hunt 14K
Zac Brown Band 10K
Pat Green 8.9K
Top 5 Country Tracks this week
Sam Hunt “House Party” 45K
Luke Bryan “Kick The Dust Up” 39K
Chris Janson “Buy Me A Boat” 35K
Thomas Rhett “Crash And Burn” 34K
Cam “Burning House” 34K
YTD Albums
Overall -3.5%
Overall Digital +.5%
Country -3.1%
Country Digital +4.9%
YTD Tracks
Overall -9.9%
Country -15.6%
DISCLAIMER: Big Stars and Fresh Newcomers Abound
Little Big Town
Big stars and talented newcomers mix well in today’s DisClaimer.
In the latter category are such fresh finds as Josh Fuller, Justin Pecina and proven hit writer Joe Doyle. It might seem a little odd, but I’m giving the DisCovery Award to a white-bearded, 60-year-old music vet named Frank Martin Gilligan. His debut solo CD is captivating.
It will come as no surprise to many of you that the Disc of the Day honor is going to Little Big Town. Again. The title tune of the group’s current CD is as masterful as the rest of it. Ain’t it great when fantastic music is so commercially successful, too?
JUSTIN PECINA/Cooler Radio
Writer: Justin Pecina; Producer: Greg White; Publisher: none listed; JP
-It’s very, very country, has a dandy beat, sports a catchy tune and certainly has a subject that hasn’t been written about before. But is a cooler with a built-in radio really worth a song?
JEWEL & DOLLY PARTON/My Father’s Daughter
Writers: Jewel Murray/Lisa Carver; Producer: Jewel; Publishers: none listed; Sugar Hill (track)
-Jewel’s Picking Up the Pieces CD doesn’t come out until next month, but you can find this teaser tune on her Facebook page now. It’s a folk-flavored story song sung with heart-tugging sincerity by both of these lovely sopranos. Highly recommended listening.
MIKE RYAN/Girls I Date
Writers: Ryan/Anderson/DuBois; Producers: Brent Anderson/Ben Phillips; Publishers: none listed; Rock & Soul (track)
-Last week’s DisCovery Award winner is already back with a new single. His drawling, everyday-guy delivery is backed by a chugging beat, some rocking guitar work and a bouncing banjo. A winner.
LITTLE BIG TOWN/Pain Killer
Writers: Karen Fairchild/Jimi Westbrook/Blair Daly/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Little Big Town/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin’ Grids/HillarodyRathbone/BMG Rights, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
-Reggae country with irresistible rhythm and their usual flawless vocal harmonies. Crazy-good hooks that deserve massive airplay.
JOSH FULLER/On The Radio
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jason Rooks; Publishers: none listed; IndieExtreme
-Breakfast got ruined. The truck has a flat. Rush hour was awful. Work is a drag. But they’re playing his favorite song, so he’s tossing his troubles aside. Very groovy.
BRAD PAISLEY/Country Nation
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/Making the Turn/Do Write, ASCAP; Arista (track)
-This is a shout-out to working-class America that comes armed with pride and goodwill, not to mention the names of your sports-team favorites. A celebration for all of us.
Frank Martin Gilligan
FRANK MARTIN GILLIGAN/Silver Dollar
Writers: Frank Martin Gilligan; Producer: Joe Gavito; Publishers: none listed; FMG (track)
– An 1890 coin tells of the people and places it has seen during its journeys. Terrific songwriting, delivered with a hearty, folksy voice that glows with warmth. This one’s a charmer. Gilligan was formerly in the 1980s country band Mason Dixon. His solo comeback has earned him a Best Newcomer accolade at the Kerrville Folk Festival. I can certainly hear why.
CHRIS STAPLETON/Might As Well Get Stoned
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Jimmy Stewart; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Publisher: none listed; Mercury (track)
-Stapleton showcased this on Late Night with Seth Meyers this week on NBC. It is on his widely and deservedly acclaimed album Traveller. His fierce, impassioned delivery of this blues growler will raise the hair on the back of your head. If you don’t already own this collection, drop what you are doing and go buy a copy NOW.
JOE DOYLE/Tackle Box
Writers: J. Doyle/L. Bryan; Producer: Joe Doyle/Lisa Bradley; Publishers: Joe Doyle Songs, BMI; Poplar Creek
-Doyle is the songwriter behind Alabama’s “In Pictures” and Rhett Akins’ “She Said Yes,” among many other cuts. His new Songs For Sammie CD collects compositions recorded by such stars as Jason Aldean and Tim McGraw. This one was on Luke Bryan’s debut album. The songwriter’s version is in a tender tenor voice backed by twinkling mandolin and guitar notes. This brings out every nuance of its nostalgic lines. I love songwriter albums.
DALLAS SMITH/Kids With Cars
Writers: Jesse Frasure/Brad Tursi/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Rio Bravo/Telemitry/Songs of Big Deal/BMG Rights/Universal/Lake Allegan, BMI/ASCAP; Blaster
-The track rocks loudly but cleanly. The performance has a hip-hop vibe. The party-hearty chorus is relentless. It’s sure not your daddy’s country music, but will doubtless play well with today’s audience.
Exclusive Interview: John Hamlin Launches Production, Management Venture
John Hamlin
After eight years of providing country music fans with engaging live music shows such as the genre-bending “CMT Crossroads” and the fan favorite summertime award show “CMT Music Awards” while working as CMT’s Sr. VP of Music Events and Talent, John Hamlin is set to expand his portfolio of quality music programming through the launch of his content production and artist management company, Switched On Entertainment.
Switched On Entertainment has inked a multi-year production deal with CMT. Under the new arrangement, Hamlin will executive produce live events for CMT including “CMT Crossroads,” “CMT Artists of the Year,” and “CMT Music Awards.” “I’ll be the show runner and executive producer of the shows in a very similar capacity, trying to continue to make these shows with a very distinct CMT personality point of view,” Hamlin says. “The arrangement gives me a chance to focus 100 percent on the creative production of these live shows for CMT. It’s also very gracious of CMT, because it allows me to have my own company where I’m not exclusive in terms of events outside of the country music space.”
Hamlin will continue to be based in Nashville, and will retain an office space at CMT.
Hamlin says he is already in negotiations to work on an upcoming non-country music event show. “I can do a select few [non-country] productions for other networks, but CMT has the ‘first look’ on country music programming from me. If I have a great country idea, I run it by [CMT President] Brian [Philips] and Jayson [Dinsmore] to see if they want it at CMT. If they choose to pass on it, I can take it elsewhere. I do not have an exclusive on anything non-country.”
Jayson Dinsmore
As a result of Hamlin’s changing role at the network, Dinsmore and fellow senior CMT executive Leslie Fram will take on new responsibilities. As CMT’s Executive VP of Development, Dinsmore will oversee production on all music series and events. Meanwhile, Sr. VP of Music Strategy Fram will oversee CMT’s music talent department.
“My working relationship with Leslie and Jayson is terrific,” Hamlin comments. “They are both really good at giving me the tools I need to be successful. They are both great collaborators and great problem solvers, and I’m really lucky to have them as co-conspirators on the ‘CMT Music Awards,’ ‘CMT Artists of the Year,’ and everything else in between. Brian Philips has the uncanny ability to get the best out of his executives. Now that I am no longer an in-house staffer for CMT, I am an executive and show runner who Brian, Jayson and Leslie are relying upon to continue to grow the personality and brand of CMT’s live music shows.”
Hamlin’s career encompasses a range of media experience to draw from, including touring stints with Tina Turner and Journey. He spent 20 years as a producer for CBS News’ award-winning show, “60 Minutes,” producing segments on The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and others. He still occasionally contributes to the program.
Leslie Fram
Simultaneously, Hamlin will continue management duties for Nashville pop band Hot Chelle Rae and IRS Nashville/Capitol Records artist Marc Scibilia, bringing them under Switched On Entertainment’s management division.
“All of the people I admire in Nashville who are very successful—Scott Borchetta, Ken Levitan, Clarence Spalding, and Coran Capshaw among them—all of those people have a multitude of businesses under the banner of their core companies,” Hamlin reasons. “Vector represents chefs and restaurants now, and rock artists. In 2015, if you are an entrepreneur in the entertainment space, having a diverse company is just smart business.”
Fortunately, artist management and live music programming production require many of the same skills. “They have in common managing expectations, as well as managing the needs, desires and business goals of music artists. Both of those career paths rely on a similar set of people skills, corralling people together to do what is in the best interests of everybody. Management is not easy, and if I didn’t enjoy managing the artists I manage, I wouldn’t do it. Managing people you like makes a hard job a lot easier.
“This is the best possible scenario for CMT and for me,” Hamlin sums. “We are doing this as partners, collaborators and supporters of one another’s business goals. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. They are helping me to build my own business, and we continue to build and expand upon the important core brand of CMT, which is live music.”
‘MusicRow’ Preps Annual ‘Publisher Issue’
Production of MusicRow’s 2015 Publisher Issue is underway. In addition to a directory of Nashville music publishing companies, the magazine will offer exclusive editorial content including an expanded edition of the Writers Notes series highlighting songwriters, and other articles about the current state of music publishing and songwriting.
“We value the impressive craftsmanship and talent of our Nashville tunesmiths, and the publishers who help share their songs with the world,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “This issue is about them.”
To be included in the Publisher Directory: All publishing company directory listings are free. Companies who were included in last year’s issue should have received an email with instructions to update their information. New applicants can submit the form for inclusion before Friday, Aug. 28, 2015.
Book ad space now by contacting Sherod Robertson at 615-499-5418 or sales@musicrow.com.
The issue will be released in mid-October.
Bobby Karl Celebrates 500th Party Column
Today MusicRow celebrates a milestone, with the publication of the 500th Bobby Karl Works The Room column. To mark the occasion, MusicRow checked in with its famed party-man about the column’s early days. He recalls:
The first BKWTR column occurred on April 8, 1993. In those days, the column ran monthly, so this one covered events saluting John Schneider, the late Chris LeDoux, and Diamond Rio. Still surviving fabulons Mike Dungan, Fletcher Foster, Jeff Walker and Judy Harris appeared, and Matraca Berg flashed her engagement ring from Jeff Hanna.
The next one noted celebrations for Andy Childs, Tim Ryan and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Working the room were the enduring Mark Wright, Nancy Shapiro, Larry Fitzgerald, Gary Nicholson, Steve Buchanan, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Jeannie Seely and Mike Kraski.
By August of that inaugural year, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and John Anderson were celebrating No. 1 hits, and Bob DiPiero, Bobby Roberts, Gary Overton and Shawn Williams were noted working the rooms.
I can’t prove this, but in the years since then, I believe that I hold the record for eating more rubber-chicken banquet meals than anybody in Nashville history. Somewhere, there is at least an hour’s worth of TV-news B-roll of me in the free-cocktail-shrimp line.
Do I remember the worst meal ever? Of course I do. It was at the then-new Schermerhorn Symphony Center when Leadership Music presented its 2006 Dale Franklin Award to Emmylou Harris. The pork chops were like shoe leather, so impervious to cutting that one hapless diner’s flew off the table to the floor when he attempted to vanquish it. The show, featuring Elvis Costello, Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings, Allison Moorer, Sam Bush, Buddy Miller, Dave Matthews and more, was fabulous. The food, not so much.
The best party? I like to think that it is still to come.
• • • • •
For more on Bobby Karl, read MusicRow Publisher Sherod Robertson’s 2012 interview with the man behind the MusicRow myth.
Click to read this exclusive interview from the August 2012 print edition of MusicRow.
Industry Celebrates Carrie Underwood’s Latest No. 1 Hit
(L-R) (back row): BMG’s Kos Weaver, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Arista’s Lesly Tyson, BMI’s Jody Williams, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. (Front row): ASCAP songwriter Hillary Lindsey, BMI singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood and ASCAP songwriter Chris DeStefano.
Industry members gathered at BMI’s Nashville office on Friday (Aug. 14) in celebration of Carrie Underwood’s latest No. 1 hit, “Little Toy Guns.”
Written by Underwood (BMI), Hillary Lindsey (ASCAP) and Chris DeStefano (ASCAP), the song about domestic violence from the perspective of a child was the second single from Underwood’s album, Greatest Hits: Decade #1. The song has been certified gold by the RIAA and won a Teen Choice Award last night (Aug. 16) for Choice Country Song.
Hosted by ASCAP and BMI, the celebration began with a viewing of the chart-topping song’s video followed by a greeting from BMI VP Writer-Publisher Relations Jody Williams. He recapped Underwood’s career path reminding guests of her robust arrival on the country music scene after winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. “She became a prominent member of the music industry,” proclaimed Williams calling her voice “always compelling.” Produced by Mark Bright, the song is Underwood ‘s 21st No. 1 hit.
ASCAP’s Senior Creative Director Mike Sistad joined the stage, honoring DeStefano who was celebrating his 11th No. 1 hit and Lindsey who was celebrating her 13th No. 1 song. Fittingly for the celebration, DeStafano’s first No. 1 song was Underwood’s “Good Girl.” Lindsey has also reached the top of the chart with several Underwood cuts, including “Jesus, Take The Wheel.”
BMG Chrysalis Nashville’s EVP Kos Weaver took the mic offering accolades to Lindsey before Sony/ATV’s Senior VP/Nashville A&R Josh Van Valkenburg took his turn highlighting DeStefano’s accomplishments. Rounding out the industry presentations were Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox, CMA’s Brandi Simms and CRB’s Holly Lane.
Lindsey, who is expecting a baby, was quick to thank her family who had traveled from Alabama and Georgia for the celebration. “Thanks for helping me chase my dreams,” Lindsey said before glancing at the other songwriters saying, “I could never ask for a better co-write.” DeStefano added, “The Nashville community–I can’t talk about it enough. It changed my life completely,” before sharing his thanks to all the team behind the song’s success.
Underwood confessed, “I must be the luckiest girl in the world!” Thanking her manager, Ann Edelblute, she also gave gratitude to the songwriters, BMI, Arista Records’ promotion team, producer Mark Bright, and her husband Mike Fisher, who was not in attendance.
There were plenty of thanks to go around. Underwood even took the opportunity to thank the newest addition to her family, baby son Isaiah, saying, “He had nothing to do with this, but I’m going to thank him anyway.”
