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Bobby Karl Works The Room: Jesse Frasure, Steve Cropper Honored At BMI Country Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Mike Steinberg, Jesse Frasure, Mike O’Neill and Jody Williams. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Music and emotions ran high at this year’s BMI Awards banquet on Music Row Tuesday night (Nov. 13).

Jesse Frasure was named the organization’s Country Songwriter of the Year, thanks to “No Such Thing As a Broken Heart,” “Marry Me,” “A Girl Like You,” “Unforgettable” and “Ring On Every Finger.”

“He has transformed the sound of modern country music,” stated BMI’s Jody Williams. “I am so proud of this guy.”

“This is a little bit surreal,” Jesse told the crowd. “I came from the Vanderbilt Breast Clinic today. My wife [Stevie] had a double mastectomy three weeks ago, and she’s here, looking stunning. And she’s cancer-free. She’s a bad-ass, and I wouldn’t be here without her.

“This is the most amazing community. There’s so many people who make this possible along the way. I love you guys.” He particularly cited BMI attendees Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett. Another star, Jay-Z, saluted him via video, because of the songwriter’s association with Rhythm House Music.

Pictured (L-R): BMI Vice President Creative Jody Williams, John Legend, Steve Cropper and BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

There was this one more Jesse Frasure shout out: “Steve Cropper, I’m honored to be in the same room with you.”

He was referring to this year’s BMI Icon honoree. Throughout the evening, Cropper was saluted with performances that recognized his contributions as a guitarist, songwriter and/or producer.

Mike Farris and Lucie Silvas turned in a barn-burning medley of “Soul Man”/”Hold On I’m Coming,” featuring Cropper’s iconic guitar riffs being played by Kenny Greenberg.

Recording artist Maggie Rose performs onstage at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Maggie Rose sang a sizzling “Midnight Hour.” Why can’t the industry find a place for this talented woman? Luke Combs was a bruising brawler on “Knock On Wood.” He’s never sounded better. John Legend’s smooth, sultry performance of “Dock of the Bay,” again with Greenberg on guitar, was the capper.

BMI’s Mike O’Neill said, “It is my absolute honor, my absolute privilege, to honor Steve Cropper. He’s deeply influenced songwriters and musicians.” Mike noted Steve’s membership in the Rock, Songwriters and Musician Halls of Fame, as well as his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. “The Smithsonian is displaying Steve Cropper’s guitars, because he shaped American music.”

Among those saluting Cropper via video were Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Dan Aykroyd, Paul Shaffer, Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives, Charlie Daniels, Ringo Starr and Garth Brooks.

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Keith Urban, UMPG’s Kent Earls, and BMI’s Mason Hunter onstage at the BMI Country Awards. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

The honoree’s commemorative Icon silver bucket was inscribed, “for your unique and indelible influence on a generation of music makers.”

“An Icon Award is a big deal,” said Cropper. “God bless you guys for coming, and thank you so much.

“The tears will not stop flowing. Goodnight, Otis, wherever you are.” “Dock of the Bay,” which Steve Cropper wrote with Otis Redding, has been performed more than 11 million times.

BMI’s Song of the Year award went to “In Case You Didn’t Know,” penned by Tyler Reeve and Trent Tomlinson, who accepted alongside collaborator and performer Brett Young.

Luke Combs performs onstage at the BMI Country Awards 2018 at BMI Nashville on November 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Brett was among a bevy of record makers who attended. Others included Maren Morris, LoCash, Mac McAnally, Dustin Lynch, John Oates, Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Charlie Worsham, Maddie & Tae, Chris Lane, Levi Hummon, T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Charles Kelley (Lady A), Chris Janson, RaeLynn, Bekka Bramlett, Chris Young, Luke Bryan, Abby Anderson, Michael Ray, Phillip Sweet (LBT), Granger Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Sisterhood, Cole Swindell, Lanco, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Scotty McCreery, Carly Pearce, Keith Urban, Deborah Allen, The Warren Brothers and Frankie Ballard.

Earning their first BMI awards were Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Mike Henderson (The Kingsnakes, The Bluebloods), Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes, Devin Dawson and Cameron Duddy (Midland). In fact, among the credits of the 50 hits honored were 25 first-time songwriter winners.

Others first-timers included Ben Stennis, Keesy Timmer, Brandon Lancaster, Trent Harmon, Kyle Fishman, Joshua Miller, Taylor Phillips and Thomas Marc Archer. On the other side of the spectrum were Rhett Akins, winning his 34th BMI Award, and Rodney Clawson, winning his 32nd BMI Award.

Recording artists Karen Fairchild and Maren Morris attend the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

The BMI parking garage was transformed into a wonderland, thanks to glittering, multi-tiered chandeliers and multi-hued indirect lighting. Tall, hydrangea-encrusted arches framed the entryways. Tables were set with elegant, black satin tablecloths. Massed lilies and roses were in huge centerpieces surrounded by glowing tea lights.

It felt like sitting in a meat locker, however. I wore a turtleneck and a scarf with my tux. I felt sorry for the young women garbed in skin-baring evening gowns. Ed Morris warmed his hands over the table’s tiny tea-light flames.

As usual, attendees worked the room like madcaps. BMI always has a huge schmooze factor, to the extent that the hosts have to continually ask the crowd to tone it down so that we could hear what was transpiring on stage.

Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, and Jess Carson at the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Biz mavens there included Ron Stuve, Blake Chancey, Randy Goodman, Shane Tarleton, Paul Worley, Leslie Fram, Liz Rose, David & Karen Conrad, Randy Talmadge & Trav Livingston, Scott & Sandi Spika Borchetta, David & Susana Ross, Mike Vaden, Storme Warren, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Tony Brown, Allen Brown, Wes Vause, Kelly Sutton, Jessie Schmidt, Mark Wright and Whitney Daane.

Not the least of these was Ben Vaughn, who led his Warner-Tamerlane staff to the stage to collect BMI’s 2018 Country Publisher of the Year Award. The company was behind 20 of the 50 hits honored. The same pubbery won at ASCAP the night before, so here’s a toast to twin victories.

We dined on beef medallions with gravy, asparagus, braised carrots and absolutely delicious scalloped potatoes. Desserts were served in the BMI lobby after the ceremony.

Pictured (L-R): Rodney Clawson, Thomas Rhett and Rhett Akins attend the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Enjoying the repast were Dennis Quaid, Chris Wallace, Rita Wilson, Scott Hamilton, Rory Bourke, Layng Martine, Jeffrey Steele, Even Stevens and Jerry Crutchfield. Mike O’Neill made a point to single out former Icon awardees Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Mac Davis and Bob DiPiero. He also offered a shout-out to Lee Thomas Miller, who campaigned for the Music Modernization Act. So did Bart Herbison and David Israelite, who drew standing ovations.

“The way Nashville embraces music and the way all of you support one another is truly unique,” said O’Neill. “Country music is special.”

BMI distributes $1.1 billion annually in royalties, more than any other PRO in the world. The BMI country honors were launched in 1953 as Nashville’s first music awards.

Pictured: Luke Bryan and Cole Swindell attend the 66th Annual BMI Country Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Lauren Alaina attends the BMI Country Awards 2018 at BMI Nashville on November 13, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Pictured (L-R): BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill, recording artist Chris Young and BMI Vice President, Creative, Jody Williams attend the BMI Country Awards 2018. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for BMI

Kenny Chesney, David Lee Murphy, Thomas Rhett Earn Early CMA Award Wins

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Two CMA Awards category wins were announced Wednesday morning (Nov. 14). Kenny Chesney and David Lee Murphy earned Musical Event of the Year for “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” The song marked Murphy’s first No. 1 single since 1995’s “Dust On The Bottle.”

Chesney is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year.

Meanwhile, Thomas Rhett earned Music Video of the Year for his clip “Marry Me,” which was directed by TK McKamy (the award goes to both artist and director). Thomas Rhett is nominated for two additional honors tonight including Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Life Changes).

The 52nd Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Ashley Gorley, Warner/Chappell Reign Again At ASCAP Country Awards

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Ashley Gorley accepts the Songwriter of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 609

Winning never gets old.

That’s the way both Ashley Gorley and Warner/Chappell Music feel—both won their sixth top ASCAP honors this year. At ceremonies held at the Renaissance Hotel Monday night (Nov. 12), Warner/Chappell’s 19 honored copyrights led to its being named Country Publisher of the Year for the sixth consecutive time. Gorley earned his sixth Country Songwriter of the Year prize.

Warner/Chappell is presented with the Publisher of the Year award. Photo: Ed Rode

“People ask me if this ever gets old – absolutely NOT,” said the songwriter. “Writing songs, doing what we do, never gets old. I’m still dying for more songs that people love. It doesn’t go away.

“This continues to be more than I deserve…..I’ve still got a lot to learn. That’s the thing about the creative process….I’m so thankful to God that He crafted us to be creators.”

Jesse Frasure presented Gorley’s honor, citing the tunesmith’s 38 No. 1 singles, 300 cuts, 1999 Belmont degree and his status as, “our biggest hit maker of the last decade. Ashley, you have truly changed the face of country music.”

Brett Young with his Songwriter-Artist of the Year award pictured at Red Rocks.

The Songwriter-Artist of the Year award went to Brett Young. He’s on his honeymoon, but sent in a thank-you video.

The most memorable moments of the two-hour gala were its music performances. The Cadillac Three launched the ceremony with its rocking “Hard Out Here for a Country Boy.” As is ASCAP’s custom, the three top country songs were sung during the evening.

Charismatic Trace Adkins performed “What If’s.” Dustin Lynch did his hit “Small Town Boy,” alongside songwriters Ben Hayslip, Kyle Fishman and Rhett Akins.

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Josh Osborne, songwriter-artist Sam Hunt, and songwriter Zach Crowell perform Song of the Year, “Body Like a Back Road.” Photo: Ed Rode

The ASCAP Country Song of the Year was “Body Like a Back Road.” Handsome Sam Hunt sang it with his co-writers, Josh Osborne and Zach Crowell.

Even better were the musical tributes sung to this year’s Golden Note winner, Lee Ann Womack. Buddy Miller kicked it off with a searing, solidly country rendition of “Don’t Tell Me,” one of six of his songs that Womack has recorded.

“There’s not a more honest or soulful singer out there,” said Miller of the honoree.

Alison Krauss and songwriter Tony Lane traded lines on his “A Little Past Little Rock,” with Viktor Krauss on stand-up bass support. They were rewarded with a standing ovation, as was Chris Stapleton’s dynamic rendition of “Either Way.”

“Not a lot of people know this, but Lee Ann was the first person who ever brought me out on stage as a professional,” Stapleton recalled.

“I’m thrilled to be here to honor one of my true heroes,” said Carly Pearce, who presented Womack’s accolade.

“I love the songwriters of this town,” said the award winner. “Everywhere I go, I tell people we have the greatest songwriting community. Thank you to all the songwriters, song pluggers and song publishers in the room. Thank you.” She suggested that anyone who’s written a “lonely” country song should drop a copy off for her at hubby Frank Liddell’s office.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta, Golden Note winner Lee Ann Womack, ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews, President & Chairman Paul Williams, VP of Nashville Membership Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode

The Golden Note is presented to artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous winners have included Don Williams, Lindsey Buckingham, Alan Jackson, Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire and J.D. Souther, among others.

More than 40 songs were honored at the ceremony. Songwriters collecting accolades included Chris DuBois, Chris Destefano, Steven Dale Jones, David Garcia, Dave Barnes, Jonathan Singleton, Jon Nite, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Adam Hambrick, Derek George, Scooter Carusoe, Frank Rogers and Matt Dregstrem.

Sprinkled amid the crowd of 1,000 were such bright lights as Brothers Osborne, Midland, David Lee Murphy, Dierks Bentley, Dan Smyers (of Dan + Shay), LoCash, Clare Dunn, C.J. Solar, The Sisterhood, Darius Rucker, Lee Brice, Dave Haywood (of Lady A), Drake White, Michael Ray, Morgan Wallen, Scotty McCreery, Granger Smith, Jillian Jacqueline and Jordan Davis, plus Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen and Matthew Ramsey (of Old Dominion).

We dined on beef medallions, shrimp, mashed potatoes and tragically undercooked root vegetables. Salads with mixed greens, apple slices, candied walnuts and blue-cheese crumbles were the first course. Rich chocolate tortes topped with strawberries were the dessert finale.

A Who’s-Who of the Nashville music biz attended. Mark Ford, Mark Bright, Mark D. Sanders, Marc Beeson, John Marks, John Huie, John Esposito, Craig Wiseman, Craig Campbell, Doug Johnson, Doug Casmus, Doug Howard & Linda Edell Howard, Chris Farren, Chris Oglesby, Daniel Miller, Daniel Hill, B.J. Hill, Tim DuBois, Tim Wipperman, Tim Nichols, Dale Bobo, Dale Dodson, Scott Borchetta, Scott Hendricks, Brett James, Jimmy Robbins and Robert Ellis Orrall mixed and mingled.

The throng of schmoozing fabulons also included Randy Goodman, Ben Vaughn, Kent Earls, Allison Jones, Alicia Warwick, Woody Bomar, Mike Hollandsworth, Jeff Silbar, C.J. Harding, Erika Wollam Nichols, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Cyndi Forman, Rusty Gaston, Barry Coburn, Liz Hengber, Julie Boos, Leslie DiPiero, Carla Wallace and Herkie Williams.

Michael Martin, John Titta, Paul Williams and big applause getter Mike Sistad were among the ASCAP folks presiding. This was the 56th annual ASCAP country awards presentation.

The PRO’s CEO Elizabeth Matthews termed the recently passed Music Modernization Act, “a true testament to music’s power, not only to bring people together, but to bring politics together.” She also addressed the Borderline country nightclub mass shooting in California, saying, “Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of that tragedy.”

 

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Matt McGinn, Kane Brown’s “Heaven” Top SESAC Country Awards

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Matt McGinn wins songwriter of the year onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC.

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 608

Songwriter Matt McGinn and his co-written Kane Brown hit “Heaven” were the big winners at this year’s SESAC Country Awards.

“I love songs,” McGinn told the event’s attendees. “It’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had in my life—it’s the ONLY relationship I’ve ever had in my life. Thank you to my co-writers—we can’t do this without each other….Thank you, SESAC, for all that you do.”

Ryan Hurd presented the Songwriter of the Year award to him.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, chairman and CEO of SESAC John Josephson, Matt McGinn and SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner attend the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

“Heaven” was named Song of the Year. McGinn’s co-writer Lindsay Rimes performed it with Aaron Eshuis and Joey Hyde at the event. The honors were staged Sunday evening (Nov. 11) at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The momentum of “Heaven” carried over to the publisher prize. Thus, the first-time winner of SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year was Smackworks Music. Shane McAnally and Michael McAnally Baum led their team in accepting.

“I’m expecting many more awards from you guys,” commented SESAC host Shannan Hatch.

Pictured (L-R): Hannah Mulholland, Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne of the band Runaway June perform onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

She and SESAC’s genial ET Brown began the evening by presenting the organization’s Americana honors. It is the only performing-arts group that recognizes this genre.

The Americana winners were Margo Price & Jeremy Ivey, plus Jaren Boyer, Brice Long and an absent Kevin Welch (for their contributions to Chris Stapleton’s CD) and Jamey Johnson, John Carter Cash and an absent Rosanne Cash (for the Johnny Cash homage Forever Words). Jamey and John Carter performed the ethereal “Spirit Rider” from the collection.

“We want to dedicate that to Randy Scruggs,” said Johnson, “because that’s the last time many of us got to work with him in the studio.”

Pictured: Margo Price (L) and Jeremy Ivey attend the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Non-attending Americana winners included Jim Lauderdale, Andrew Combs, Rachael Price, Michael Olson and Anthony Snape.

Lydia Schultz assisted Hatch in presenting the country awards. In addition to McGinn, the winners were Casey Brown for “Yours,” Justin Ebach for “Singles You Up,” Josh Hoge for “Losing Sleep,” Seth Mosley for “She’s With Me,” Sammy Mitchell for “One Number Away” and Hillary Scott for “Heart Beat.”

Since the ceremony took place on Veteran’s Day, a number of service men and women were in the audience. SESAC’s John Josephson recognized them from the stage and introduced a video about the Folds of Honor Foundation. It assists the families of disabled or deceased vets.

Pictured: Sara Reeveley (L) and Lee Brice take photos during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Lee Brice performed an intense rendition of “I Drive Your Truck.” He helped to establish the Folds of Honor’s Nashville chapter. SESAC’s Kelli Turner recognized both him and the foundation.

The performers during the post-awards gala included Michael Tyler, Seaforth, Runaway June and Tyler Rich.

SESAC decided to think outside the box for its ceremonies this year. Instead of an awards banquet, the organization staged a deluxe cocktail party in The Country Music Hall of Fame’s event space.

Pictured: SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner speaks onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

“We’ve redesigned our awards as well as our awards show,” said Hatch. “We decided to have a party to kick off this week.”

The event space was lit with retro lighting. Vintage-reproduction bulbs glowed from strands while faux klieg fixtures decorated the stage. Its backdrop was a pitch-black drape embellished by starry mini lights. Glittering black tablecloths were centered with red tea roses in clear globes. Guests sat on lucite chairs or black leather couches.

The buffet dinner featured stations serving Asian fare, beef brisket, customized mac & cheese, veggies and salads. DJ KD spun sounds. More than 500 guests attended the festivities.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, Seth Mosley, Cade Segura of CentricSongs and SESAC’s Lydia Schultz onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Ron Stuve, Ron Cox, Ron Samuels, Phyllis Williams, Phyllis Stark, Dave Brainard, Dave Pacula, David & Carolyn Corlew, Patrick Clifford, Pat Collins, Pat Higdon, John Beiter, John Ozier, John Allen, Jon Stone, Ed Morris, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, Jesse Lee, Jesse Willoughby, Becky Harris, Judy Harris, Jenny Tolman, Jennifer Fieidler, Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson, Kerry O’Neil, Keith Burns, Kos Weaver and Kristy Osmunson mingled merrily.

Also working the room were such fabulettes as Olivia Lane, Jamie Floyd, Victoria Shaw, Amy Smartt, Tinti Moffat, Ana Cristina Cash, Christy Walker Watkins, Beth Nielsen Chapman (who is performing at a You Have the Power benefit at Cabana on Thursday), Lisa Harless, Robin Palmer, Diane Pearson, Ree Guyer, Tracy Gershon, Susan Stewart and Lori Badgett.

Pictured: Jamey Johnson performs onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Schmoozing mightily were Fletcher Foster, Craig Campbell, Troy Tomlinson, Ryan Kinder, Trey Smith, Cary Barlowe, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Michael Knox, Russell Dickerson, Lance Miller, Jimmy Carter, Mark Ford, Bob Doyle, Gilles Godard, Earle Simmons, Charley Stefl, Tim Wipperman, Tom Roland, Clay Myers, Steve Bogard, Andrew Kintz, Garry Velletri, Sherod Robertson, Bart Herbison, Jedd Hughes, Larry McCormick and Fats Kaplan.

SESAC bills itself as “the most progressive PRO.” It pays monthly radio royalties and was the first PRO to pay royalties for live performances in venues of any size. SESAC Holdings Inc. also encompasses the Harry Fox Agency and its Rumblefish administrative division.

Pictured (L-R): Jesse Willoughby of Kobalt Group Publishing, SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, SMACKWORKS MUSIC’s Shane McAnally Baum, Matt McGinn, SMACKWORKS MUSIC’s Robin Palmer and SESAC’s Lydia Schultz. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Shane McAnally (L) and Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Matt McGinn’s family, Matt McGinn, SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, and Ryan Hurd onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Ryan Beuschel of W.B.M. Music Corp, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Weekly Chart Report (11/9/18)

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

Big Machine Music Teams With Brandy Clark In Co-Pub, JV Deals

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Pictured (L-R) Back Row: BMM’s Lizzy Gallatin, BMM’s Michelle Attardi, BMLG’s Allison Jones, BMM’s Alex Heddle. Front Row – BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Brandy Clark, BMM’s Mike Molinar

Big Machine Music has signed Warner Bros. Records singer/songwriter Brandy Clark to an exclusive co-publishing agreement. BMM has also formed a music publishing joint venture with Clark’s All BC Music. This partnership will allow for them to discover, sign and develop songwriters.

Clark, a six-time Grammy nominee, joins Big Machine Music’s publishing roster, which includes Brett Young, Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Laura Veltz, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon, and more.

“Brandy is a cultural jewel and songwriting icon,” said BMM’s General Manager Mike Molinar. “We are honored and humbled she has chosen Big Machine Music as her new home.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join Big Machine Music,” shared Clark. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to great songs and songwriters is the perfect formula for this joint venture and I look forward to working together to cultivate new talent.”

Clark is known for penning hits including “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert), 2014 CMA Song of the Year “Follow Your Arrow” (Kacey Musgraves) and more. In 2013, Clark released the critically lauded album 12 Stories, which earned Clark Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Country Album. 2016 brought the release of her sophomore album, Big Day In A Small Town, which garnered two more Grammy nominations – Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance (“Love Can Go To Hell”). This past year Clark has been honing her craft on the road playing with Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Dwight Yoakam and Sugarland.

Kenny Chesney Varies Venues On 2019 Songs For The Saints Tour

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Kenny Chesney decided for some dates on his upcoming Songs for the Saints tour, he’d bring the music to the fans for a change, rather than making them travel to the giant stadiums for his massive concert experience. On this new tour, he’s performing in several cities without stadiums, offering up more of a stripped-down, intimate feel this time around.

Initial dates include shows include Champaign, Illinois; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, among others, and will focus on the heartland, mid-Atlantic and South over the course of three months.

“I wanted to change it up,” Chesney says. “Last year was so intense, and amazing. No Shoes Nation took it to a whole other level, and they blew all of us away. It was the kind of energy you don’t take for granted. So when we started thinking about next year, they made me wanna come to them. Rather than the massive two-day set-up, make everyone come to a stadium away from their homes, I wanted to go to where the fans live… strip things back a bit, and make it a little more intimate. This is the kind of thing you do for passion. To rein things in a bit, change up the way we present the music, I know these songs will show us things they don’t when we’re in those massive stadiums. I never worry about the energy or the passion, but I think the songs are different depending on where you play them. So I’m fired up for 2019.”

Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour Initial Cities:
Champaign, IL                   State Farm Center
Grand Rapids, MI                  Van Andel Arena
Greensboro, NC                     Greensboro Coliseum
Washington, DC                    The Anthem
Tallahassee, FL                      Donald L Tucker Civic Center
Orange Beach, AL                 The Wharf
Columbia, MO                       Mizzou Arena
Wichita, KS                           INTRUST Bank Arena
Wilkes-Barre, PA                   Mohegan Sun Arena
Atlantic City, NJ                   Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Tuscaloosa, AL                     Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

Nomination Period Now Open For Songwriter-Member Seats Of Music Licensing Collective Board/Committees

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Nominations are now open for songwriter members of the Board of Directors, Unclaimed Funds Committee and Dispute Resolution Committee of the Music Licensing Collective (MLC) to be submitted to the US Copyright Office for approval as established by the recently passed Music Modernization Act.

Prospective nominees can be submitted at mlcsongwriters.com through 11:59 p.m. CST, Dec. 5, 2018.

Per the statutory requirements of the Music Modernization Act, a new digital music mechanical licensing entity is being formed called the Music Licensing Collective (MLC). By statute, there will be songwriter representatives on the Board of Directors of the Music Licensing Collective (MLC) as well as the Unclaimed Funds Committee and Dispute Resolution Committee.

Four (4) self-published songwriters will be selected for the Board of Directors; these positions require that an individual be a professional songwriter who currently controls his/her own publishing. Additionally, five (5) professional songwriters will be selected for the Unclaimed Funds Committee and three (3) professional songwriters will be selected for the Dispute Resolution Committee. The only requirement for these positions is that a songwriter be eligible to collect royalties in the US.

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Songwriter’s Guild of America (SGA) and Songwriters of North America (SONA) have each named two songwriters to a 10-person selection committee to review nominations, evaluate candidates through a multi-step process and ultimately select songwriters for service to the original Board and Committees of the Music Licensing Collective (MLC) that will then be submitted to the US Copyright Office.

The selection committee members are Steve Bogard (NSAI), Rick Carnes (SGA), Lynn Gillespie Chater (SGA), Dallas Davidson (BMI), Chris DeStefano (NSAI), Bob DiPiero (BMI), Dan Foliart (ASCAP), Adam Gorgoni (SONA), Michelle Lewis (SONA) and Paul Williams (ASCAP).

peermusic Nashville Signs Rock Group The Weeks

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The Weeks

Rock group The Weeks have signed an exclusive publishing and administration agreement with peermusic Nashville, as announced today by Kathy Spanberger, President/Chief Operating Office – Peermusic Anglo American Region and Craig Currier, Vice President, Director of Advertising Markets, peermusic.

The group, who was previously signed by Kings of Leon to their label Serpents and Snakes, are currently working on new material and plan to release a new album in 2019. The company’s creative team is working closely with The Weeks and have made the album one of their major priorities.

“We’re thrilled to have The Weeks join the peermusic family. They are probably one of the hardest working bands I’ve seen and their energy and passion both in their live shows and their records is simply contagious. They’re a band that knows how to rock and have fun doing it and it shows in the passionate fan base they have developed both in the US and across Europe. We’re excited to be able to be part of this next chapter in their already stellar career,” said Currier.

“We’re excited to announce our new partnership with peermusic. We have gotten to know the Nashville team over the past six months and this feels like a great next step for the band. peermusic has a strong global presence and reputation, and we’re excited to be part of the family,” said The Weeks.

The Weeks was formed in Jackson, Mississippi by twin brothers Cyle and Cain Barnes, Samuel Williams, and Damien Bone. Soon after they began playing together they signed to Esperanza Plantation and released their debut Cadillac Comeback in 2008 followed by the EP Rumspringa a year later. After self-released a second album, The Weeks relocated to Nashville and signed a deal with Serpents and Snakes label, where they released the albums Gutter Gaunt Gangster and Dear Bo Jackson. After leaving Serpents and Snakes the band released the Buttons EP, the album Easy, and this year’s live album Inside the Pines.

Weekly Chart Report (11/2/18)

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