Weekly Radio Report (10/11/19)
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Thomas Rhett Celebrates Two Chart-Toppers: “Look What God Gave Her” And “Sixteen”
Pictured (L-R, back row): The Valory Music Co.’s Athena Puharic, Adams Burnes and Brooke Nixon, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Christy DiNapoli and Chris Palmer; (L-R, front row): co-writers Sean Douglas, Joe London, John Ryan, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI
Just days ahead of his sold-out Bridgestone Arena stop on his Very Hot Summer Tour, Thomas Rhett made time to celebrate two No. 1 songs with his co-writers on Wednesday (Oct. 9) on the BMI rooftop. Rhett and his co-writers Sean Douglas and Joe London celebrated “Sixteen” from Rhett’s 2017 album Life Changes, and his co-writers Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, Jacob Kasher and Ammar Malik toasted “Look What God Gave Her” from Rhett’s 2019 project Center Point Road.
Malik and Kasher were not able to make the party, but co-producers Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure were both on hand to celebrate.
The party was led by BMI’s Spencer Nohe.
Nohe let the audience know that “Look What God Gave Her” is Rhett’s thirteenth No. 1 hit, and that Center Point Road is the only country album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 in 2019. He then quickly invited BMI’s Leslie Roberts to speak.
“I first met Thomas Rhett almost ten years ago today, when his dad brought him in to get him signed up to BMI. I don’t think at that time we had any idea how his career was going to unfold. Over the past decade I have loved to be able to see him hit so many life-changing milestones,” Roberts said.
Roberts let the audience know that “Sixteen” writers Rhett, Douglas and London also co-wrote Rhett’s huge hit, and BMI 2016 Song of the Year, “Die A Happy Man.”
She also announced that “Look What God Gave Her” is Ryan’s first country No. 1, and Bunetta’s second.
“Nobody tells a story like Rhett,” Roberts said of Akins. “That’s why he’s received seven CMA Triple Play awards, he’s been BMI’s Songwriter of the Year not once, but twice, he’s had a country song on the chart [every day] for eight years, he was just awarded the ACM Songwriter of the Decade, and today we are celebrating 30th No. 1 single.”
Nohe announced that Pinnacle Bank had made a donation to Love One International in honor of the No. 1 songs.
Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson stepped up to talk about Bunetta, Ryan and London on behalf of Big Deal and Big Family.
“We love these guys and we’re so proud to be a good stewart to their music and their songs. They’re an amazing bunch of cats, and when they come to town, they’re really engaged in the town. They hang with us and they just love it here, and we love having them. They’re always pushing the envelop. We’re proud to represent you and have you here,” Robinson said.
Robinson also made sure to thank Big Machine, Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, as well as Virginia Davis and Harry Lyons at G Major. He made sure to recognize George Briner and the Valory Music Co. radio promotion staff.
“I’ve been watching this Ken Burns documentary,” Robinson said in closing. “The more things change, the more they stay the same. All these men and women were making this great music and pushing the envelope years ago, and everyone thought they were nuts. It took every bit of courage to make this stuff happen and make something different, and they’re all in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and that’s where you’re headed,” he said to Thomas Rhett.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson, BMI’s Spencer Nohe; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, BMI songwriters Sean Douglas and Joe London, co-producer Jesse Frasure. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI)
Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg echoed Robinson’s praise for the label, management and radio promotion staff.
Van Valkenburg was there to represent Douglas and Thomas Rhett. “We’re lucky to be able to work with the type of writers where it doesn’t matter if you’re L.A. or New York, you’re just great songwriters,” he said.
Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan was on hand on behalf of the absent Kasher and Malik. “We don’t do these things in L.A.,” she said. “I think that these are so important to recognize the creatives and the songwriters behind these songs.”
Jessi Vaughn from Warner Chappell echoed the praises for everyone involved, and was present to represent Akins.
BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and George Briner stepped up to the mic next to talk about Thomas Rhett. “If there was one word to describe Thomas Rhett, that would be collaboration,” Borchetta said. “It runs throughout his whole life. He includes everybody, he makes everybody part of the show, he makes everybody part of the team.”
Briner brought his Valory Music Co. radio promotion team on stage to make sure they were recognized.
Pictured (L-R, top row): The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner and Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson; (L-R, middle row): Warner/Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn, Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Spencer Nohe, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg; (L-R, bottom row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, BMI songwriters John Ryan and Rhett Akins, BMI songwriter and co-producer Julian Bunetta. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI
When it came time to hear from the collaborators, Ryan kicked it off. “It was a pleasure and privilege writing this tune and working on it with people I love. To have it be with TR, one of my favorite artists on the planet—and most eclectic. And finally to work with Rhett!”
Bunetta echoed Ryan’s thank you. “To get to learn from everybody here is great, this has to be the best looking No. 1 party in the world. Has there ever been a more handsome No. 1 party than this?” he joked.
London made sure to thank Rhett’s team, and his crew on the road. “Thank you to Dann and Jesse,” he added. “Every time I send a demo to these guys, I know I’m going to get it back and just be blown away.”
Douglas said, “Thanks to the town for being so welcoming and cool to some of these L.A. guys.”
Akins echoed everyone’s thanks. “God bless country music and just music in general,” he said. “We would not know any of these people or be friends with these people if it weren’t for music and the love of music.
“What a week,” Akins said. “I get to celebrate a No. 1 with my son, I get to play at Bridgestone Arena this weekend with my son, at midnight at Bridgestone Arena I will turn 50 years old, and we’re going to Shoney’s!” he joked.
When it came time for Rhett to speak, he made sure to thank everyone involved, including his muse and wife.
“I’m really glad to call you friends and co-writers, everybody on this stage,” Thomas Rhett said. “It’s really amazing to write songs with your dad. The fact that we get to tour together, we played Madison Square Garden together last week. That just doesn’t happen.
“I think there’s a couple of our friends from country radio here today, thank you for playing our songs,” he said. “I’ve got three weddings to pay for and three colleges to pay for, so I appreciate it,” Rhett joked.
Dennis J. Johnson, Beloved Spouse Of Artist Manager Fletcher Foster, Passes
Dennis J Johnson
Dennis J. Johnson, beloved spouse of artist manager Fletcher Foster, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2019 after complications from a brave four-year battle with multiple myeloma. Through it all, he never lost his kind spirit, sweet smile and attention to detail. He was 62.
Dennis was born on November 24, 1956, to Garnes and Phyllis Johnson from Arcadia, California. He attended Arcadia High School, where he played the clarinet as a member of the Arcadia Apache Marching Band. This is where his love for marching band competitions began and as a teenager he marched in the Pasadena Rose Parade.
Dennis attended Pasadena City College, receiving an Associates of Arts degree in Design. He also attended Cal Poly in Pomona, California receiving a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with an emphasis in Advertising.
Dennis began his career in brand design only to move on to his dream job with the Walt Disney Company, working at Disneyland with many Fortune 500 companies. During that time, he met his life partner and future husband Fletcher Foster. He later worked at Miss Universe Pageant and in 1995 he moved to Nashville. His love of theme parks led him to work at Universal Studios Entertainment complex in Orlando, Florida as Vice President of Brand Development.
Dennis left the entertainment world to pursue his own home décor, design, manufacturing and distribution company. He created products found at Target, Belk, Coldwater Creek and boutique shops.
He also paralleled his love of homes by pursuing a career in residential real estate. Dennis was the recipient of the Silver Award of Excellence from the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors honoring significant achievement in real estate sales and salesmanship.
Dennis enjoyed music, art, film, skiing, tennis and football. His love of travel took him throughout the world to places such as Jerusalem, Palestine, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, Europe and Africa.
Being influenced by his travel with Fletcher, it inspired his creativity for home design—building two homes with Fletcher. He wanted their home to be as comfortable for guests as it was for them. He would focus on every detail. Entertaining and sharing their home with others for charitable events was also important. He loved to give back and share with others.
On August 1st, 2019 Dennis fulfilled his dream of marrying his best friend and love of thirty years, Fletcher.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Garnes and Phyllis Johnson. He is survived by his husband Fletcher, his siblings Jerry Johnson (Linda) and Judy Hopkins (Dale), nieces Deanna, Kimi, Britney, Ashley, and Nicole…and his two furry companions Mason and Zach.
A celebration of his life is being planned in Nashville and California for friends and family.
Curb/Word Entertainment Promotes Colt Murski To Publishing VP Role
Colt Murski
Curb | Word Entertainment has promoted Colt Murski to VP, Country Publishing & Creative. Murski is a Texas native, a graduate of Belmont University and has been with the company since 2005, most recently serving as Senior Creative Director.
His responsibilities include overseeing the creative operations of the country roster that includes American Young, Rodney Atkins, Ruthie Collins, Tim Dugger, Jackson Michelson, Mo Pitney, Dylan Scott, Matt Alderman, Jason Blaine, Brian Bunn, Jennifer Denmark, Hannah Ellis, Curt Gibbs, Tiffany Goss, Phillip Lammonds, Don May, Billy Montana, Wil Nance, Molly Reed, Liz Sharpe, Bobby Tomberlin and Adam Wood.
Curb | Word has had success in 2019 with chart-topping hits that include Lee Brice’s “Rumor,” Brett Young’s “Here Tonight,” Dustin Lynch’s “Good Girl” and a Top 5 hit with Jon Pardi’s “Night Shift.”
The promotion follows the resignation of former Curb/Word Entertainment VP, Publishing Janine Appleton Ebach in September.
UMPG Signs Brad Tursi
Pictured (L-R): UMPG’s Ron Stuve, Troy Tomlinson, Cyndi Forman, Brad Tursi, Travis Gordon, Missy Roberts, Terry Wakefield
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed songwriter/artist Brad Tursi to a global co-publishing deal for his future works. In addition, UMPG has acquired Tursi’s catalog of hit songs.
Tursi is a member of Old Dominion, and has written nine Country Airplay No. 1 songs, including six of Old Dominion’s seven chart-topping hits such as “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” “Written in the Sand,” “Make It Sweet,” and more. Tursi has also co-written multiple chart-toppers for other artists, including Luke Bryan’s “Light It Up” and Kenny Chesney’s “Save It for a Rainy Day.”
Troy Tomlinson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG Nashville, said, “Signing Brad provides that unique opportunity to work with a hit songwriter who not only writes hits for Old Dominion but also for other superstar artists. That, coupled with securing the rights to his entire back catalog, means lots of opportunities for us. We are grateful for his trust in our team.”
Said Tursi, “I’m so excited to work with a bunch of great folks that I’ve considered family for years. I am humbled and grateful to be part of the team.”
Travis Gordon, Senior A&R Director, UMPG Nashville said, “All the greats have a signature. Some have an unending well of deep lyric sensibility, some were given the gift of melody, while others have a unique sonic identity. With Brad, you get all of the above. He’s a songwriter’s songwriter and we’re so proud to officially welcome him home as part of the Universal family.”
Old Dominion’s songs have earned more than one billion streams. The band is currently headlining arenas and amphitheaters across the globe on their “Make It Sweet” tour. Their forthcoming, self-titled studio album is set for release on Oct. 25, 2019.
Weekly Radio Report (10/4/19)
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On The Cover: ‘MusicRow’ Features Carrie Underwood on October/November Issue
MusicRow has released its 2019 Publisher Issue, with Carrie Underwood gracing the cover.
Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film. A seven-time Grammy Award winner, she has sold 64 million records worldwide and recorded 26 No. 1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote. Underwood is currently nominated for three CMA Awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year honor, as well as Album of the Year (Cry Pretty) and Female Vocalist of the Year. Underwood will host the upcoming CMA Awards on Nov. 13 in Nashville, along with guest hosts Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton.
Last fall, she released the Gold-certified studio album Cry Pretty, her first on Capitol Records Nashville, marking the first time she has co-produced her own album. The title track and lead single, co-produced and co-written by Underwood, topped the iTunes Top Songs charts in 12 countries. The second leg of her Cry Pretty Tour 360 launched in San Diego, California in September, and has included stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and Los Angeles’ Staples Center. The tour will wrap Oct. 31 in Detroit, Michigan.
In 2018, she released the hit event anthem she co-wrote, “The Champion” featuring Ludacris, which opened NBC’s Super Bowl LII. The song was also incorporated into the network’s coverage of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. Also in 2018, Underwood celebrated her 10th anniversary as a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry. This year, Underwood returns for her seventh season as the voice of primetime television’s No. 1 program, NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
The 2019 Publisher print issue includes the 2019 Publisher Directory and features interviews with new UMPG Nashville President/CEO Troy Tomlinson, Spirit Music Nashville CEO Frank Rogers, and SESAC Holding’s President and Chief Operating Officer Kelli Turner.
John Ozier discusses his new role and vision as head of Reservoir Media Management’s Nashville office, while Warner Chappell Music Nashville President/CEO Ben Vaughn, Specialist insurer Beazley’s Focus Group Leader Angela Weaver, and Anderson Benson Partner Brent Daughrity discuss protection against copyright infringement. This issue also details the challenges and opportunities song pluggers face, as told by Janine Appleton-Ebach, Creative Nation’s Shaina Botwin, Sea Gayle’s Kim Wiggins, and Downtown Music Nashville’s Natalie Osborne. Concord Music executive and Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) Board member Evelyn Paglinawan offers an update on the MLC’s work to ensure songwriters are compensated fairly for their creative works.
This issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most impactful tunesmiths, including Relative Music Group’s HARDY, StudioBeast/BMG’s Claude Kelly, BMG’s Hillary Lindsey, Sony/ATV’s Lindsay Rimes, and Big Machine Music’s Laura Veltz.
Single copies of MusicRow’s Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly memberships.
Breaking: Loeb & Loeb Adds Derek Crownover And Team To Nashville Office
Derek Crownover has joined Loeb & Loeb’s Nashville office as partner, joining the firm from Dickinson Wright, where he was chair of the Entertainment Law Practice Group. Also joining Loeb & Loeb are five members of Crownover’s team, including senior counsels Cam Caldwell, Robert Kouchoukos and Noah McPike, as well as associates Nate Drake and Colleen Kelley.
“Derek is a pillar of the Nashville music community and his presence is felt nationally throughout the music industry,” said John Frankenheimer, partner and chair of Loeb & Loeb’s Music Industry Practice. “I’ve known Derek for many years, and he and his team are very well known and respected by everyone in our group. Derek’s business philosophy, industry-standing and collaborative approach mirrors ours. The team’s arrival is a great way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Nashville office.”
With this move, Loeb & Loeb adds to its roster Craig Wiseman and his Big Loud entities, as well as Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson and the estate of Otis Redding, Jr. This adds to Loeb & Loeb’s existing Nashville roster which includes Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Midland, the Academy of Country Music and the estate of Johnny Cash.
The team has served as “out-sourced yet in-house” counsel for publishing companies, producers, independent record labels, media and entertainment entrepreneurs and executives and singers and songwriters. They handle deal negotiations, strategic investments/business strategy, copyright matters, licensing, recording agreements, catalogue sales and asset purchase agreements, as well as estate planning and family office matters.
“With the team joining, we have solidified our reputation as the best place for Nashville’s music and entertainment talent and businesses,” said Tiffany Dunn, Loeb & Loeb’s co-office administrative partner.
“Loeb & Loeb is one of the premier firms in the music, entertainment and sports sectors, and its broad, international reach, substantial New York and Los Angeles presence, and strong local brand provides the perfect platform for my practice and for my clients,” said Crownover. “I’m thrilled to join this dynamic team.”
In addition to his music practice, Crownover also advises several sports-related businesses and athletes, which is an important industry vertical and area of growth for Loeb & Loeb.
“Nashville is a dynamic, growing city that is attracting a wide range of new businesses and industries,” said Kenneth R. Florin, chairman of Loeb & Loeb. “Loeb has a long history of growth and diversification that has mirrored Nashville’s trajectory. I am proud of what we have built in Nashville over the last 25 years and know that this prominent team of lawyers will help us continue this growth.”
“We are so pleased to welcome Derek and his team, and look forward to continuing to invest in this vibrant city,” said Debbie White, vice chair of the Music Industry Practice.
Visionary Songwriter And Producer busbee Dies At 43
busbee
Visionary songwriter busbee has passed away according to news shared by country artist Maren Morris via Twitter.
The writer and producer known for his genre-bending talents has collaborated with a broad range of artists, including Morris, Shakira, Usher, Lady Antebellum, Jon Bellion, Blake Shelton, Timbaland, 5 Seconds of Summer, Keith Urban, and Jason Aldean, among others. He was previously signed to BMG.
This just doesn’t seem fair. I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Rest well, my sweet friend. ? pic.twitter.com/9DKsU5G77a
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) September 30, 2019
Earlier this year, busbee, whose given name is Michael James Ryan, celebrated the launch of his new company, Altadena, which is a growing force in the launching and development of careers of artists, producers, and songwriters in a variety of genres, with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville.
In 2018, busbee signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music.
A year earlier, busbee received a BMI Song of the Year award for co-writing Florida Georgia Line’s No. 1 hit, “H.O.L.Y.” He also co-produced Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris’ breakthrough album, Hero, and co-wrote her first two hit singles, “My Church” and “80s Mercedes.” busbee also co-wrote Keith Urban’s “The Fighter” ft. Carrie Underwood which won an ACM Award for Vocal Event of the Year, and produced Lady Antebellum’s 2017 Grammy-nominated album, Heart Break, co-writing six songs, including the hit single, “You Look Good.”
Additionally, busbee produced and contributed to songs on the breakout albums from emerging country stars Lauren Alaina (Road Less Traveled) and Carly Pearce (Every Little Thing), having written Pearce’s breakout single of the same name, which made her the only female to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2017.
He co-wrote and co-produced Rachel Platten’s “Collide”; co-wrote and produced P!nk’s “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” and co-produced Gwen Stefani’s holiday album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, co-writing all six of the original songs.
Other notable busbee hits include “Try” by P!nk, “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson, and numerous other top ten singles. His recent collaborations include Jon Bellion, Justin Tranter, James Arthur, Lady Antebellum, Missio, and Maren Morris’ current album, Girl, released in January of this year.
Weekly Radio Report (9/27/19)
Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.