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Country Great Lynn Anderson Dies At 67

July 31, 2015/by Sherod Robertson

Lynn Anderson

Country singer Lynn Anderson passed away at age 67.

The multi-award-winning American country music singer is known for a string of hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s, most notably her country-pop hit “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden.” Anderson became one of the most successful country singers of the ’70s.

NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison shares, “Losing Lynn Anderson is a personal loss to the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI). Lynn was family. Her parents, Casey Anderson and the late Liz Anderson, were two of NSAI’s founding members. Her parents were given the Stephen Foster Award by NSAI in February this year, where Lynn performed. We will truly miss her.”

“I am a huge fan of Lynn’s. She was always so nice to me. She did so much for the females in country music. Always continuing to pave the road for those to follow. I loved her music and her love for horses. Rose Garden was a song I sang in high school in our Kiowa Cowboys High School band. She will be missed,” shared Reba McEntire.

Anderson was also named Top Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) twice, and Female Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association (CMA).

Ms. Anderson most recently released a gospel album Bridges on Center Sound Records. Liz Anderson’s song “My Guardian Angel,” published by her father Casey, is featured on the album.

One of the keys to Lynn’s success was that she always made her fans a priority. Since the inaugural year of Fan Fair (now CMA Music Festival) in 1972, Lynn has only missed one year due to illness as she greatly valued the direct connection to her devoted and loving fans at that event.

Her success in the equestrian community was equally as monumental as her music career winning 16 National Championships and four world championships across the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA).

For twenty years, she has worked with both the Roundup for Autism and the Cariety Foundation, an organization supporting families of cancer patients. Other notable contributions were made to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, The North American Riders for the Handicapped Association and military support organizations.

Lynn is survived by her father, C.S. “Casey” Anderson, partner, Mentor Williams; children, Lisa Sutton, Melissa Hempel, Gray Stream and four grandchildren.

Funeral services for Lynn Anderson were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wed., Aug. 5th at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park. Visitation was set for Tuesday, Aug. 4th from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Both were open to the public. Her family has asked that donations be directed to any of the following; Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue in Dickson, TN, Stray Hearts Animal Shelter in Taos, NM, The Careity Foundation in Fort Worth, TX, or Semper Fi Fund in Oceanside, CA

Lynn Anderson sings “(From Now On) All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers,” written by her mother, Liz Anderson, in honor of Liz & Casey Anderson being presented NSAI’s Stephen Foster Award:

Weekly Chart Report (7/31/15)

July 31, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Steel Guitar Pioneer Buddy Emmons Dies At 78

July 30, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Buddy Emmons.

Steel guitar pioneer Buddy Emmons died Wednesday, July 29 at the age of 78.

Emmons played with such musical legends as Ray Price, Ernest Tubb, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons, Ray Charles, Roger Miller, George Strait, Faron Young, Judy Collins, The Carpenters, The Everly Brothers, Nancy Sinatra and Emmylou Harris. His songwriting can be heard on Kacey Musgraves‘ latest album on the bonus track “Are You Sure.”

Born in Mishawaka, Ind., Buddie Gene Emmons (nicknamed The Big E) began playing a lap steel at the age of 11. He was professional by the age of 16. His move to Nashville in 1955 led to his joining Little Jimmy Dickens‘ band at the age of 18. He also lived in California.

He led a new style in playing, credited with the “split pedal” sound, which divided one of the instrument’s pedals in two and added strings for modified tuning.

He recorded a 1963 album with that trademark instrument titled, Steel Guitar Jazz in addition to releasing DVDs and seasonal albums. A tribute album was organized in 2013 by steel guitarist Steve Fishell featuring Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Dan Dugmore, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell.

Emmons has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion and events at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

He is preceded in death by his wife Peggy. Arrangements were not immediately available.

[Video] ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Reed Robertson Recalls First Performance at Ryman

July 30, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Reed Robertson

Although the Robertson name may be known best for A&E’s Duck Dynasty, Jase and Missy‘s son Reed Robertson is stepping forward with a music career of his own.

“Nobody really cared how we sounded during Duck the Halls,” recalled Missy of the family’s 2013 UMG Nashville Christmas project during a recent visit to MusicRow. “We kept saying, ‘We really do have some talent in our family.’ We want the talent to be forefront instead of just Duck Dynasty [brand] to sell some records.”

Twenty-year-old Reed brought his guitar for a two-song performance of original material for MusicRow.

He penned “Catching Light” and “I’ll Be The One” around a year ago during a month-long stay in Nashville. Recorded with Buddy Cannon—who also produced Duck the Halls, which featured Reed on “Camouflage and Christmas Lights”—Reed released an EP of his own on iTunes in early June.

“My mom was a huge influence,” said Reed. “I grew up singing, and started playing the guitar because my dad pushed me to and to write songs. I can play piano, guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin now. I fell in love with trying to figure out [how to play] and put songs together—I think it’s the most beautiful thing ever.”

Pictured (L-R): Kelsey Grady, Troy Stephenson, Reed Robertson, Sherod Robertson, Sarah Skates, Eric Parker

His first public performance was on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium of all places. The young hopeful recalled how his parents hosting the K-LOVE Awards accelerated his learning of just three chords for the performance. But his guitar neck snapped during an accident right before showtime.

“We were on the bus and the guitar fell over somehow,” he said. “I thought, ‘This is terrible, I’m going to do horrible.’ And Rhett Walker offered his guitar but said it was tuned a half-step down. I didn’t know what that meant but he and I ended up becoming really good friends.

“I didn’t realize the significance of the stage until later on. One of my buddies said, ‘You know how long the list is of people that have played their first show at the Ryman? Probably one.’ It’s really humbling.”

Reed expects to be back in Nashville soon, writing and recording with Cannon.

DisClaimer: Americana Take Us In Many Directions This Week

July 30, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Our Americana friends take us in many directions this week.

Enduringly great Robert Earl Keen is on a bluegrass trip. Songwriters Richard Fagan and Jack Tempchin are on the comeback trail. Up-and-comers Della Mae and Statesboro Revue continue their marches to roots-music stardom. And we’ll follow the always dependable Darrell Scott and Kasey Chambers wherever they lead.

The sales success of Jason Isbell is making headlines. But it’s his music that earns him the Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Amy Helm. She has a stellar pedigree and the talent to fulfill it.

JACK TEMPCHIN/Room to Run
Writer: Jack Tempchin/Carey Ott; Producer: Joel Piper; Publisher: Night River/Long Story Short, ASCAP; Blue Elan (track) (www.jacktempchin.com)
—Tempchin initially made his mark by penning “Already Gone” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” for The Eagles. He also struck paydirt with Johnny Rivers’ hit version of “Swayin’ to the Music (Slow Dancin’)” in 1977. But he has sporadically made solo albums, too, including a fondly remembered 1978 effort for Arista. This is the title tune of an EP that’s a foretaste of his full-length CD comeback next month. His honest, open, earnest tenor voice breathes life into this nostalgic ode to his father’s guidance. Gentle, echoey instrumental support adds extra heart and warmth.

AMY HELM/Rescue Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; eOne (track) (www.amyhelm.com)
—She is the daughter of the late Levon Helm, a prominent participant in his Midnight Rambles and a member of the roots band Ollabelle. Now Amy Helm steps out with her first solo CD, Didn’t It Rain. This groovy, rhythm-happy, blue-eyed soul track has become an NPR favorite. Rolling, rollicking piano by Little Feat’s Bill Payne sure doesn’t hurt it. Also check out her version of Sam Cooke’s “Good News.” This gal has what it takes.

JASON ISBELL/Something More Than Free
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Songs of Emchant, BMI; Southeastern/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.jasonisbell.com)
—His brilliant last album, Southeastern, triumphed at the Americana Music Awards. Isbell returns this year with an equally arresting song cycle. Its title tune is the world-weary lament of a persevering working man. His plaintive, near-rasp delivery demands that you hang on every line of this and every other song he sings. The man is a Nashville treasure.

RICHARD FAGAN/Redemption
Writer: R. Fagan; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RF (track)
—Best known as the writer of the John Michael Montgomery’s “Be My Baby Tonight,” “Sold” and “I Miss You a Little,” Fagan has a new collection of 11 originals. The title tune is a gospel-flavored shout that references his hair-raising, hard-living past, including killing his best friend. Elsewhere on the set, his gifts for innovative production touches, startling lyrics and instantly catchy melodies shine brightly.

KASEY CHAMBERS & BERNARD FANNING/Bittersweet
Writer: Kasey Chambers/Bernard Fanning; Producer: Nick DiDia; Publisher: Essence/Mushroom, no performance rights listed; Sugar Hill (track) (www.kaseychambers.com)
—The title tune of this Aussie singer-songwriter’s new CD is a wistful duet ballad that burns with romantic regret. She can still break your heart with every vocal note.

ROBERT EARL KEEN/1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Writer: Richard Thompson; Producer: Lloyd Maines; Publisher: Beeswing, no performance rights listed; Dualtone (track) (www.robertearlkeen.com)
—The widely beloved troubadour has built a career on his gripping songwriting. Keen has long been a bluegrass fan, and he sets aside his own catalog on his Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions CD to sing the songs of Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, A.P. Carter, Jimmie Rodgers and more. His take on this Richard Thompson tune has a dark urgency. As always, his voice is packed with personality. Only this time, it is backed by hot pickers, including Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek on fiddle. Vocal guests include Lyle Lovett, Natalie Maines and Peter Rowan. I remain an enormous fan.

DELLA MAE/Boston Town
Writer: Celia Woodsmith; Producer: Jacquire King; Publisher: Squawkbox, ASCAP; Rounder (track) (www.dellamae.com)
—This all-female Nashville ensemble scored a Grammy nomination with its prior Rounder CD. The follow-up is less bluegrassy, leaning toward an earthier, thumpy folkie vibe. It leads off with this rolling, earnest, ramblin’-gal ode. Other highlights include a cover of the Stones’ “No Expectations.” Della Mae’s accomplished picking and singing grab your ears throughout. If you aren’t already, get hip to this band.

LOWELL LEVINGER/Get Together
Writer: Dino Valenti; Producer: Ethan Turner & Lowell Levinger; Publisher: none listed; Grandpa Raccoon (track) (www.lowelllevinger.com)
—Levinger is better known as “Banana,” one of the original members of The Youngbloods. His solo CD revives that band’s favorites—”Sugar Babe,” “Darkness Darkness,” “Grizzly Bear” and the like. The title tune is The Youngbloods’ all-time hippie love-one-another classic, slowed to a shambling, affectionate shuffle. His bandmate Jesse Colin Young joins him on vocal harmony. Off in the audio distance are Maria Muldaur, David Grisman, Peter Rowan and other “Grand Chorus” friends. Smile on your brother, indeed.

STATESBORO REVUE/Undone
Writer: S. Mann/G. Quist; Producer: Scott Davis, Gordy Qust & The Statesboro Revue; Publisher: Hot Foot/Victrolacaster, ASCAP/SESAC; Vision/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.statesbororevue.com)
—This Texas ensemble took the roots-music world by storm with its debut collection two years ago. The follow-up is the appropriately titled Jukebox Revival. This lead single is a funky, rocking, soulful, swampy ode to working-class America. The album drops on Aug. 7. Get on board now.

DARRELL SCOTT/Lone Pine
Writer: Ben Bullington; Producer: Darrell Scott; Publisher: Wind Whipped, ASCAP; Full Light (track) (www.darrellscott.com)
—A formidable songwriter himself, Scott devotes his new CD to the works of the late tunesmith Bud Bullington. It is a spare recording, just an extraordinary singer accompanying himself with nimble fingers on guitar, piano, banjo, steel or bass, depending on the song. Here, he moans the bluesy, haunting lyric while his banjo notes drop around him. There is no one in this city I’d rather have sitting next to me with an instrument, singing lyrics this marvelous in my ear. A stunning recording.

Little Big Town Cancels Additional ‘Pain Killer Tour’ Dates

July 29, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Little Big Town backstage at LP Field following their performance at CMA Music Festival last weekend. Photo: Bev Moser

Little Big Town has canceled an additional three weeks of shows in August. Doctors orders require more time for member Jimi Westbrook to recuperate from his June vocal cord surgery, which forced the abrupt cancellation of the Pain Killer Tour dates through July.

“We want to come back on the road to you guys at 110 percent and this additional time will make sure that happens!” the band said in a statement on social media. “Thanks again for all of your support during this time, and for your love, patience, and excitement for us to come back! We can’t wait to see all of you.

The foursome is on the books to resume the tour in Canada, Aug. 22.

Watch a video of the band offering regrets for the additional cancellations below.

[Please Watch] #PainKillerTourStay tuned for more info…

Posted by Little Big Town on Sunday, July 26, 2015

[Updated] Weekly Register: Alan Jackson, Jason Isbell Vie For Top Spot

July 27, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Country stalwart Alan Jackson and indie darling Jason Isbell released albums this week and both staked claim as the week’s best-selling country project. How is that possible?

After Nielsen Soundscan discovered an error in independent record store sales reporting yesterday (July 27), it re-ran the chart numbers. This resulted in Isbell debuting with 46K on the country albums chart (which measures sales only), slightly ahead of Jackson with 45K. Meanwhile, on the Top 200, which measures total activity (sales, streaming, etc.) Jackson had 48K, nudging out Isbell’s 47K.

Jackson’s Angels and Alcohol is his first studio album of all new music in three years. The project was produced by his longtime collaborator and friend Keith Stegall. It is the singer’s fourteenth album to debut at No. 1.

Thirty Tigers helmed the release of Isbell’s Something More Than Free, his fifth album. The project was recorded at the Sound Emporium in Nashville and produced by Dave Cobb. Isbell will vie for Artist of the Year at the 2015 Americana Music Awards. Tickets for his four-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Oct. 23-26 sold out in 72 hours.

Average Joes act Moonshine Bandits debuted with 4K, landing at No. 13 country. The duo comprised of Tex and Bird collaborated with Nashville songwriters on the new album including Ira Dean (formerly of Trick Pony). Released on BackRoad Records, the project was produced by Durwood Black and Ty Weathers.

Top 5 Country Albums This Week
Jason Isbell 46K
Alan Jackson 45K
Sam Hunt 13K
Zac Brown Band 9.5K
Eric Church 8K

Luke Bryan owns the No. 1 spot on the country tracks chart (No. 15 overall) with “Kick The Dust Up” selling 56K. Meanwhile, his song “Strip It Down” debuts at No. 5 country (No. 25 overall) selling 44K. His next album will be released Aug. 7.

Top 5 Country Tracks This Week
Luke Bryan “Kick The Dust Up” 57K
Little Big Town “Girl Crush” 51K
Sam Hunt “House Party” 45K
Sam Hunt “Take Your Time” 45K
Luke Bryan “Strip It Down” 44K

Some Women, Some Wine: A Damn Good Cause

July 27, 2015/by Sherod Robertson

(L-R): Emilie Glover (Red Light Management), Deborah Ferris (Regional Director, Music & Memory), Amelia Varni (UMPG Nashville), Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), Matraca Berg, Tammy Helm (UMPG Nashville), Suzy Bogguss, Gretchen Peters, Christina Wiltshire (Patrick Joseph Music), Lori McKenna

Wine, Women & Song performed a benefit for the charity Music & Memory featuring rare Nashville performances by Gretchen Peters, Suzy Bogguss and Matraca Berg on Thurs., July 23. Music & Memory’s efforts enhance the often-overlooked quality of life for elders through music, primarily in nursing homes, hospices and home care programs.

Universal Music Publishing Group VP Cyndi Forman, who was instrumental in organizing the event, greeted the packed house at The Listening Room by boldly admitting “it pissed me off” when she realized there was not a single nursing home in Music City that qualified for the much needed efforts of Music & Memory. Her efforts, along with others, are changing that. The night raised $5,500 for the cause and The Blakeford at Green Hills is now the first certified non-profit nursing home in Nashville.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKenna, the night’s featured performer, took the stage first, entertaining the crowd during dinner with a string of songs including “Humble And Kind” and “Buy This Town,” as well as her chart-topper recorded by Little Big Town and MusicRow‘s 2015 Song of the Year, “Girl Crush.” The enthusiastic crowd quickly developed a girl crush of their own on the songwriter.

Peters, Bogguss and Berg took the stage following a brief video called Henry’s Story, which beautifully demonstrated the power of music and how it can move someone from an almost unresponsive state to one full of life and song.

The show started strong out of the gate with Berg’s rendition of her Kenny Chesney hit, “You And Tequila,” followed by Peters honoring Throwback Thursday with “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am,” recorded by Patty Loveless. With Berg on harmonica and Peters on mandolin, Bogguss took her turn with “Hammer And Nail.”

The performances took an emotional turn as Berg shared she had lost her grandmother a week before at age 100. Berg then performed “Back When We Were Beautiful,” a song she wrote about her grandmother. Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell recorded the song on their 2013 album, Old Yellow Moon.

The tunesmiths continued taking turns. Peters’ demonstrated her flawless vocals on “Pretty Things” from her new album Blackbirds. Berg gave a captivating performance of 1997 CMA Song of the Year “Strawberry Wine.” And the forever-young Bogguss (who at 58 looks more like 38), shined on performances of “Letting Go,” “Aces,” and “Outbound Plane.”

The women ended with Tom Waits’ “Hold On,” a perfect way to close the night for this worthwhile cause.

Suzy Bogguss

Gretchen Peters

Matraca Berg

(L-R): Amelia Varni (UMPG Nashville), Melissa Laster (Belcourt Terrace), Tasha Cartwright (Belcourt Terrace), Christina Wiltshire (Patrick Joseph Music), Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), Emilie Glover (Red Light Management), Tammy Helm (UMPG Nashville)

Weekly Chart Report (7/24/15)

July 24, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Music Leaders Among NCVC Board Members

July 23, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Ken Levitan continues as chairman of the NCVC board.

The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp (NCVC) has announced three new additions to its board of directors: Jana Davis, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs of HCA, Stuart McWhorter, president and CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and Dan Piotrowski, general manager of Omni Nashville Hotel.

Ken Levitan, president of Vector Management, will continue to serve as chairman of the NCVC board of directors for the 2015-16 fiscal year. Beth Seigenthaler Courtney, chairman and CEO of Seigenthaler Public Relations, will serve as chair-elect.

“With 54 months of record growth, Nashville’s hospitality industry is performing better than it ever has. Our board’s focus is on sustaining the success long-term,” said Levitan. “I look forward to working with existing and new board members during this historic time for the industry.”

These new volunteers join the following existing NCVC board members for fiscal year 2015-16:

Ken Levitan, Vector Management
Beth Seigenthaler Courtney, Seigenthaler Public Relations
Ed Hardy, Great American Country (GAC)
Ronnie Smith, Regions Bank
John Fleming, Renaissance Nashville Hotel
Pete Weien, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
John Esposito, Warner Music Group
Beth Fortune, Vanderbilt University
Mignon Francois, Cupcake Collection
Max Goldberg, Strategic Hospitality
Kevin Lavender, Fifth Third Bank
Deb McDermott, Young Broadcasting LLC
Bob Patterson, Bradley, Arant, Boult Cummings
Tony Phillips, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Ex-officio:
Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Waverly Crenshaw, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis—Legal Counsel
Howard Kittell, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Home of the People’s President—Chair of Tourism and Convention Commission
Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association

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