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Official: Nashville Mayor Megan Barry Resigns

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Nashville Mayor Megan Barry

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry announced her resignation during a press conference Tuesday morning (March 6). The resignation announcement follows her admission on Jan. 31 of a nearly two-year affair with her bodyguard Sgt. Rob Forrest, who announced his retirement that same day.

“Today is primarily about the smooth transition from my administration to that of David Briley,” Barry said in announcing her resignation on Tuesday. “I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and thank the thousands and thousands of people who reached out to me and encouraged me, comforted me, worried endlessly about me and supported me during these many difficult and trying months.

“I sincerely hope and believe that my own actions will not tarnish or otherwise distract from the work [her team does]. It has been the privilege of my entire professional life to have the blessing and opportunity to be your mayor. Thank you in advance for the support you will give Mayor David Briley in the weeks ahead. I love you Nashville.”

Earlier today, Barry pled guilty to theft of over $10,000 and will face three years probation. She will reimburse $11,000 to the city of Nashville. Forrest also pleaded guilty to theft of property over $10,000. He will serve three years supervised probation and will repay the city of Nashville $45,000.

Following Barry’s resignation, Vice Mayor David Briley becomes acting mayor. According to The Tennessean, Briley won’t be officially sworn in as mayor, but will earn the office’s $180,000 salary. Under the Metro Charter, the election to replace Barry will take place during the Aug. 2 general election. A run-off election between the first and second finishers will occur in September if no candidate garners at least 50 percent of the vote.

In 2015, Barry, a democrat, became Nashville’s first female mayor. As a councilwoman, Barry sponsored Metro’s first non-discrimination ordinance for city employees who are gay, lesbian or transgender. In 2015, Barry officiated the first same-sex marriage in Nashville’s history.

2017 also came with personal tragedy for Barry, whose only son Max died from an overdose in Colorado.

Barry moved to Nashville in the 1990s and attended graduate school at Vanderbilt University. She worked in corporate ethics before becoming mayor, previously working for health care company Premier.

Following the live announcement, Barry sent the following statement to supporters:

While my time as your mayor concludes today, my unwavering love and sincere affection for this wonderful city and its great people shall never come to an end.

No one is as excited about this city, and its bright and limitless future, than I am.

Nashville, with its boundless energy, its infectious optimism, its never- encountered-an-obstacle-it-couldn’t-overcome attitude, will, in the years ahead, continue its steady march toward the very top of the list of great American cities.

It’s a continued climb that I will watch, but I will watch as a private citizen, and I will be tremendously proud nonetheless.

While today is primarily about the smooth transition from my administration to that of Vice Mayor Briley, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and thank the thousands and thousands of people who have reached out to me, written me, encouraged me, comforted me, worried endlessly about me, and most importantly prayed for me during these many difficult and trying months.

In two and a half short years, we have made great strides and progress on affordable housing, transit, public education, youth opportunity, quality of life, and our economy.

None of this would have been possible without my incredible staff, our talented department heads, and all of the dedicated men and women of the Metropolitan Government who have worked hard to make the lives of Nashvillians a little better each day.

They got up yesterday, they got up today, and they will get up again tomorrow devoted to making sure our city sings.

And I sincerely hope and believe that my own actions will not tarnish or otherwise detract from all of their great work.

It has been the honor and it has been the privilege of my entire professional life to have had the blessing of this opportunity to be your mayor.

Thank you in advance for the support that I am sure you will give to Mayor Briley in the days and weeks ahead.

God bless this wonderful city.

I love you, Nashville.

 

 

Tower Records Founder Russ Solomon Dies

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Russ Solomon, who developed Tower Records into one of the world’s largest music and video retail chains, has died at age 92 at his home in Sacramento, California on Sunday, March 4.

Solomon, born in 1922, developed Tower records from a section in his father’s drug store in Sacramento, California in 1941, and by 1960 had opened the first Tower Records. He developed Tower Records to an international chain store that at its peak had nearly 200 stores in 21 states nationwide. According to CBS News, the company held up to 180,000 music titles in its largest stores.

In 1995, Tower Records became one of the first retailers to move online, offering RealAudio samples on Tower.com, as well as 99 cent digital downloads in Liquid Audio format. The company would go on to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time in 2006 as the music industry was affected by music piracy, and underwent the transition from physical product to downloads and later streaming.

Solomon’s story was documented in 2015 with All Things Must Pass, a look at the Tower Records story. Solomon has been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Music Business Association (Music Biz) president James Donio said of Solomon’s passing, “Music Biz is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of a true music industry legend and icon, Russ Solomon. As the founder and CEO of Tower Records, Russ was one of the primary architects of NARM in its formative years. His and Tower’s presence and influence loomed large in our Association for many decades. You always felt the love when Tower was in the room. He served on our Board of Directors and held the office of Chairman from 1987-88. During his tenure, he presented his Chairman’s Award to Barbra Streisand, which he remembered as a highlight of his career. He himself was honored with our Presidential Award for Sustained Executive Achievement in 1999. I fondly recall walking with him through the ‘Gallery of Memories’ we created for our 50th Anniversary Convention in 2008 as he provided a running commentary of each and every photo and piece of memorabilia we displayed. Russ returned to our annual conference for the first time in many years as we honored his dear friend John Esposito of Warner Music Nashville with that same Award in 2016. Coincidentally, he sat with Mary Wilson of The Supremes at our Industry Jam that same year, and I recall this surreal moment looking out into the audience and seeing them chatting and laughing together. I am so lucky to have known and worked with Russ during my nearly 30 years here at the Association. Russ was quite outspoken and having a conversation with him about the music business was always a priceless education. He never ceased to amaze me with his unique wit and wisdom. I had actually just spoken with Russ a few days ago about a special tribute we’re planning for him at our 60th Anniversary Conference in May, and he planned to be there. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Russ’ beloved Patti, his family, friends, colleagues, and all of the music fans around the world who have a special memory of what Tower Records meant to them.”

Weekly Chart Report 3/2/18

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BREAKING: ACM Awards Announce Nominations

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Reba McEntire will return as the host for the 53rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, marking her fifteenth time as ACM Awards host. The 16-time ACM award winner announced the top nominees in several categories on CBS This Morning.

The 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards will take place April 15 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Chris Stapleton leads with eight nominations in five categories, including his first nod for Entertainer of the Year. Stapleton is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, and twice, as both artist and producer, in both the Album of the Year and Single Record of the Year categories; he received the Album of the Year nod for From a Room: Volume 1, and the Single Record of the Year nod for “Broken Halos.” He is also nominated twice, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of The Year category for “Whiskey and You.”

Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Thomas Rhett earned six nominations, including his second in the Male Vocalist of the Year category. Rhett is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, for both Album of The Year for Life Changes and Vocal Event of the Year for “Craving You” (featuring Maren Morris). Lastly, he is nominated for his first Music Video of the Year award for “Marry Me,” along with director TK McKamy and producer Dan Atchison.

Keith Urban earned five nominations including his eighth nod for Entertainer of the Year and eleventh nod for Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban is also nominated for Song of the Year for “Female,” and twice, as both artist and producer in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “The Fighter” (featuring Carrie Underwood). Urban won Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2000, and Top Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005. A win in the Entertainer of the Year category would also make him the eighth ever ACM Triple Crown winner.

Songwriter Shane McAnally received five nominations. He is nominated as Songwriter of the Year, and twice as songwriter in the Song of the Year category for Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” and Keith Urban’s “Female.” McAnally is also nominated in the Album of the Year category for Old Dominion’s album Happy Endings, and in the Single Record of the Year category as a producer in Midland’s single “Drinkin’ Problems.”

Reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Miranda Lambert received four nominations, including her twelfth nod for Female Vocalist of the Year. If she wins, it will be her ninth consecutive win in this category. She is the current record holder for most consecutive wins in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. Miranda is currently tied for the winningest artist in ACM history with 29 awards along with Brooks & Dunn. This year she is also nominated twice, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of The Year category for “Tin Man,” and for Video of the Year for “We Should Be Friends.”

Reigning New Female Vocalist of the Year Maren Morris received four nominations, including her second nod in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. Morris is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “Dear Hate” (featuring Vince Gill). She is nominated again in the category with Thomas Rhett for “Craving You.”

Sam Hunt received three nominations for his hit “Body Like A Back Road.” One nod in the Single Record of The Year category, and two, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of the Year category.

Reigning Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town, earned their twelfth nomination in the category. This would be their fourth consecutive win and fifth overall. They are also nominated for Album of the Year for Breaker, and Single Record of the Year for “Better Man.”

First-time Academy of Country Music Award nominee, Midland, received three nominations for Vocal Group of the Year, New Vocal Duo/Group of the Year, and Single Record of the Year for “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Eighteen-time ACM Award winner Tim McGraw and sixteen-time ACM Award winner Faith Hill received their first-ever nomination as a duo in the Vocal Duo of the Year category.

McEntire received her sixteenth nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year. This would be her eighth win in the category.

The following is the full list of final nominees. The Academy of Country Music’s professional membership selects the nominees and winners of the Academy of Country Music Awards.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Garth Brooks
• Luke Bryan
• Chris Stapleton
• Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Reba McEntire
• Maren Morris
• Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton
• Keith Urban
• Chris Young

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• LOCASH
• Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Lady Antebellum
• LANCO
• Little Big Town
• Midland
• Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Lauren Alaina
• Danielle Bradbery
• Carly Pearce
• Raelynn

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kane Brown
• Luke Combs
• Devin Dawson
• Russell Dickerson
• Brett Young

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
• High Valley
• LANCO
• LOCASH
• Midland
• Runaway June

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Breaker – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• California Sunrise – Jon Pardi
Producers: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• From A Room Vol. 1 – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records

• Happy Endings – Old Dominion
Producer: Shane McAnally
Record Label: RCA

• Life Changes – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Better Man – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• Body Like A Back Road – Sam Hunt
Producer: Zach Crowell
Record Label: MCA Nashville

• Broken Halos – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records

• Drinkin’ Problem – Midland
Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Record Label: Big Machine Records

• I’ll Name The Dogs – Blake Shelton
Producer: Scott Hendricks
Record Label: Warner Bros.

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
• Body Like a Back Road – Sam Hunt
Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Universal Music Corp./Sam Hunt Publishing, Highly Combustible Music/I Love Pizza Music,/Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing/Who Wants to Buy My Publishing/Atlas Music Publishing, Anderson Fork In The Road Music/Smackville Music/Smack Songs LLC, Smack Hits

• Female – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon and Shane McAnally
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc./Rezonant Music/Plain Jane Songs, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./A Girl Named Charlie (BMI), Smack Hits/Smack Songs LLC (GMR)

• Tin Man – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Beat Up Ford Publishing (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI)/SWMBMGBMI/Lonesome Vinyl Music

• Whiskey And You – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Lee Thomas Miller, Chris Stapleton
Publishers: WB Music Corp./New Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./New Sea Gayle Music (BMI)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
• Black – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Max A. Butler

• It Ain’t My Fault – Brothers Osborne
Director: Wes Edwards, Ryan Silver
Producer: Tiffany Davies

• Legends – Kelsea Ballerini
Director: Jeff Venable
Producer: Ben Skipworth

• Marry Me – Thomas Rhett
Director: TK McKamy
Producer: Dan Atchison

• We Should Be Friends – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: April Dace

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR*(Off Camera Award)
• Rhett Akins
• Ashley Gorley
• Hillary Lindsey
• Shane McAnally
• Josh Osborne

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Craving You – Thomas Rhett Featuring Maren Morris
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

• Dear Hate – Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill
Producers: Brad Hill, Maren Morris
Record Label: Columbia Nashville

• Funny (How Time Slips Away) – Glen Campbell And Willie Nelson
Producer: Carl Jackson
Record Label: Universal Music Enterprises

• The Fighter – Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood
Producers: Busbee, Keith Urban
Record Label: Capitol Nashville

• What Ifs – Kane Brown Featuring Lauren Alaina
Producer: Dann Huff
Record Label: RCA Nashville

Breaking: ‘MusicRow’ Announces 2018 Rising Women On The Row Honorees

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MusicRow is proud to reveal the honorees ahead of its seventh annual Rising Women on the Row celebration.

The premier breakfast event, saluting women in the Nashville music industry, will be held Tuesday, March 27, at 8:30 a.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

The event will feature a four-speaker panel, including Tracy Gershon (Co-founder of Change The Conversation, Manager, Consultant), Mary Hilliard Harrington (Manager, Red Light Management), Rose Palermo (Attorney), and Ann Powers (NPR Music Critic and Correspondent). Special performer Abby Anderson will deliver a two-song performance.

Click Here For More Details About Rising Women On The Row 2018

City National Bank, Tri-Star and Loeb & Loeb are the Presenting Sponsors for the 2018 Rising Women on the Row.

Faithe Dillman (Founder/CEO, Marbaloo):

Faithe Dillman

Dillman founded Nashville-based marketing & PR agency Marbaloo Marketing in 2010. Eight years later, the Marbaloo marketing umbrella encompasses four companies, including celebrity-focused digital agency Marbaloo;creative & design agency Remedy Creative; live event PR & marketing company Bandwidth, and Los Angeles based PR agency The Avenue West, which Dillman acquired in 2016. Dillman started in the music industry at 19 years old, quickly earning positions at Interscope Records and Universal Music Group, working with artists including Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem and more, before launching Marbaloo Marketing. Her current clients include Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Toby Keith, Cole Swindell, Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce and Creative Nation.

Leslie DiPiero (General Manager, Tree Vibez Music):

Leslie DiPiero

In her role as General Manager at Tree Vibez Music, DiPiero oversees all day-to-day operations, as well as big picture planning for the company, including signing and developing talent and strategizing opportunities for the company. Within months of joining Tree Vibez, DiPiero negotiated three major signings, including RaeLynn, Corey Crowder and Daniel Ross. DiPiero’s career began at Buddy Killen Music and Beckett Music Group. She became a partner at Tom-Leis Music at age 30. She would go on to develop songwriters Sarah Buxton and Brandon Kinney, and secure record deals for both writers. In 2013, DiPiero opened Nashville’s Advanced Alternative Media Inc. management division, before joining Tree Vibez Music in June 2017.

Becky Gardenhire (Partner, WME):

Becky Gardenhire

Gardenhire is responsible for guiding the daily touring, film, literary and sponsorship opportunities for several well-known artists including Adam Craig, Charlie Worsham, Chase Bryant, Courtney Cole, Ingrid Andress, Jake Owen, Jordan Davis, Justin Adams, LANCO, RaeLynn, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Sara Evans and many others. She leads a team of agents that work across WME’s entire country roster booking concerts in arenas, amphitheaters, theaters, PACS and casinos in the South and is an integral part of WME’s New Artist Development Program. Gardenhire sits on the Board of Directors for the T.J. Martell Foundation and the W.O. Smith School of Music, and is a member of ACM, CMA, NARAS, IEBA and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Lynn Oliver-Cline (President/Founder, River House Artists):

Lynn Oliver-Cline

In 2016, Oliver-Cline launched River House Artists, a creative firm that includes label, publishing and management, with flagship artist Luke Combs. Combs has since celebrated a Gold-certified album and two Platinum, No. 1 singles. River House Artists manages Faren Rachels, Drew Parker, and in publishing represents Ray Fulcher (who earned his first No. 1 single with Combs’ “When It Rains It Pours”), Driver Williams, Rob Williford and Parker. Early in her career, Oliver-Cline joined Virgin Records as Director, A&R, before teaming with BMI in writer/publisher relations. In 2007, she became day-to-day manager for Zac Brown Band at ROAR. In 2010, she launched the band’s Southern Ground Artists as General Manager, overseeing all label, publishing and management operations. In 2014, she joined Thirty Tigers as VP, Marketing, spearheading album launches for Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, and more.

Annie Ortmeier (VP, Marketing-Digital Accounts, Universal Music Group Nashville):

Annie Ortmeier

Since joining UMG Nashville in 2013 as Director of Digital Marketing, Ortmeier has risen to the role of VP, Marketing-Digital Accounts, where she oversees streaming marketing strategy and analysis for all UMG Nashville artists, across all streaming accounts globally. Those artists include Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Sam Hunt, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Gary Allan, Vince Gill, Kip Moore, George Strait, Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, Eric Paslay, Lauren Alaina, Billy Currington, Shania Twain and many more. Ortmeier’s career in digital marketing and commerce also includes time at Big Machine Label Group (Director of Interactive), Live Nation Entertainment (Merchandising Manager) and CMT.

Janet Weir (President/42 Entertainment; Manager, Red Light Management):

Janet Weir

Janet began her career more than 20 years ago with Terry McBride and Nettwerk Management in Vancouver, Canada during the launch of Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair concert tour and travelling music festival. She was involved with the early development of talent such as Coldplay, Dido, Avril Lavigne, Barenaked Ladies, as well as managing Nashville based Sixpence None The Richer and signing Old Crow Medicine Show to Nettwerk Records. Joining Red Light Management, she moved with her family from Los Angeles to Nashville to sign and develop Texas singer-songwriter Maren Morris. She would eventually help Maren independently release the single “My Church” and EP before securing a record deal with Sony/Columbia Records. Janet continues to manage the GRAMMY, ACM and CMA-winning singer/songwriter today, in addition to Ryan Hurd.

Curb/Word Entertainment Names John Clore As VP, Marketing

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John Clore

Curb | Word Entertainment has appointed John Clore to the position of Vice President of Marketing, where he will oversee the execution of marketing strategies for the full roster of artists across all genres including country, pop, rock, hip-hop and Christian.

Clore joins the newly-formed Curb|Word Entertainment following a previous six-year stint at the company’s Word Records imprint as Sr. Director.

States Jeff Tuerff, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Creative, “We’re thrilled to bring John back to the company in an expanded role where his reputation, expertise and leadership skills are a perfect fit to help guide the marketing initiatives across the breadth of artists we are so honored to work with at Curb | Word Entertainment.”

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work alongside Jeff Tuerff and Jim Ed Norman and the entire team at Curb|Word,” shares Clore. “Being able to market artists in multiple genres – including country, where my career started – is something I’m very excited about.”

Clore can be reached at jclore@curb.com or at 615-635-0853.

Weekly Chart Report 2/23/18

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BMLG Records Adds Riley Green To Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Back Row – BMLG Records SVP Promotion Matthew Hargis, BMLG Records National Director of Promotion Michelle Kammerer, BMLG CMO Mike Rittberg, Rogue Management’s Joe Lee, Greenberg Traurig attorney Jess Rosen, BMLG EVP of Legal Affairs Malcolm Mimms; Front Row – BMLG Records President/BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen, Riley Green, and BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta

Riley Green is having a good week. He has just been announced as the newest artist on the BMLG roster, following the announcement of his signing to music publisher Warner/Chappell Nashville earlier this week.

The Alabama native joins an imprint which includes Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young, Drake White, Danielle Bradbery and Ryan Follese. Led by President Jimmy Harnen, BMLG Records recently celebrated its 25th No. 1 radio hit.

“As the industry shifts and musical tastes change, we will continue to stay on the cutting edge of how artists connect and break through,” says BMLG’s Scott Borchetta. “Understanding all media and opening new doors is essential. Riley has great natural instincts on how to connect in our multimedia world and is perfectly suited to take full advantage of BMLG’s entire platform.”

“Last November I first heard Riley’s music and instantly became a HUGE fan!” exclaimed Harnen. “Shortly after that I experienced two sold-out shows with screaming fans each night singing along to every word. Riley is one of the most charismatic, yet down to earth people I’ve ever met so we are WAY in!”

“I signed with BMLG Records because they truly love my music,” added Green. “They are very passionate about what they do and understand what I’m trying to do. I felt like I was a part of their team as soon as I met Jimmy Harnen. His love for music and the artist is obvious. I’m confident they will be able to get my message out to country music fans everywhere.”

Green’s original music has already tallied millions of streams while his latest music video for “Bury Me In Dixie” has been viewed over a million times since last fall. An avid outdoorsman, Green is also known for starring in his own hunting show on DirtRoadTV.

Ashley Gorley Makes CMA Triple Play Awards History, 14 Other Writers Honored

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Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV Music Publishing President and CEO and CMA Board member Troy Tomlinson, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Brad Warren, Josh Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Brett Warren, Trevor Rosen, Ben Hayslip, Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Ross Copperman, and CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. Photos by Donn Jones Photography [Click photo to enlarge]

Ashley Gorley made history Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 20) during the CMA’s ninth annual Triple Play Awards, when he received three trophies for his whopping nine No. 1 songs, which brings his all-time total to 11 Triple Play Awards. The honors make Gorley the most-awarded Triple Play recipient of all time.

Shane McAnally was also recognized during the luncheon for his six chart-toppers, while Thomas Rhett and his father Rhett Akins both received honors as well, marking the first time a father and son received Triple Play Awards in a single year.

The private industry luncheon held at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works recognizes writers who have penned three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. This year honored Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Brad Warren, and Brett Warren.

Throughout the ceremony, videos recorded by each songwriter played before each award was presented, ranging from heartfelt congratulations to hilarious skits.

YouTube video

A special CMA Songwriters Series show featuring Copperman, McAnally and The Warren Brother took place Tuesday evening following the Triple Play Awards luncheon. McAnally hosted the event, and the four songwriters performed several of their hits for the crowd.

Rhett Akins
“Star Of The Show,” recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Small Town Boy,” recorded Dustin Lynch

Ross Copperman
“Wanna Be That Song,” recorded by Brett Eldredge
“Black,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“If I Told You,” recorded by Darius Rucker

Zach Crowell
“Dirty Laundry,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Do I Make You Wanna,” recorded by Billy Currington

Jesse Frasure
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Road Less Traveled,” recorded by Lauren Alaina
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Ashley Gorley
“American Country Love Song,” recorded by Jake Owen
“Middle of a Memory,” recorded by Cole Swindell
“Dirty Laundry,” recorded by Carrie Underwood
“A Guy With a Girl,” recorded by Blake Shelton
“Today,” recorded by Brad Paisley
“Dirt On My Boots,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Black,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Do I Make You Wanna,” recorded by Billy Currington
“Unforgettable,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Ben Hayslip
“Mind Reader,” recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day,” recorded by Luke Bryan
“Star Of The Show,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Sam Hunt
“Make You Miss Me”
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Body Like A Back Road”

Shane McAnally
“Different For Girls,” recorded by Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“If I Told You,” recorded by Darius Rucker
“Drinkin’ Problem,” recorded by Midland
“Unforgettable,” recorded by Thomas Rhett

Josh Osborne
“Make You Miss Me,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Setting the World On Fire,” recorded by Kenny Chesney featuring P!nk
“Body Like A Back Road,” recorded by Sam Hunt

Matthew Ramsey
“Make You Miss Me,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Thomas Rhett
“Die A Happy Man”
“Star Of The Show”
“Think A Little Less,” recorded by Michael Ray

Trevor Rosen
“I Met a Girl,” recorded by William Michael Morgan
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion

Brad Tursi
“Song for Another Time,” recorded by Old Dominion
“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” recorded by Old Dominion
“Light It Up,” recorded by Luke Bryan

Brad Warren & Brett Warren
“Lights Come On,” recorded by Jason Aldean
“Sober Saturday Night,” recorded by Chris Young featuring Vince Gill
“Every Time I Hear That Song,” recorded by Blake Shelton

YouTube video

 

YouTube video

Juli Newton Griffith Named President Of Play It Again Music Publishing

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Juli Newton Griffith has been named President of Play It Again (PIA) Publishing. In her new role, Griffith will oversee all Play It Again Publishing operations as well as strategically pitch and lead the catalog management of PIA songwriters Kyle Fishman, Houston Phillips, Trea Landon and Taylor Acorn. Additionally, Griffith will oversee Dallas Davidson’s copyrights and co-writes.

Griffith most recently served as VP of Magic Mustang Music, joining the company at its inception in 2003. Under Griffith’s direction, Magic Mustang Music was named SESAC’s Publisher of the Year for three consecutive years (2013-2015).

“I spent 24 years in this business working for independent songwriters and entrepreneurs like Stewart Harris, David Corlew and Benny Brown. I’ve always been running a little on the outlaw spirit so the transition into Dallas Davidson’s company makes perfect sense for me. He is a master songwriter, an amazing businessman and has built a company where songwriters come first. We are going to be making some big waves and I am honored to be a part of it!” says Griffith.

“Juli Newton Griffith is a massive addition to Play It Again. She brings an insight into this business that cannot be taught. Juli knows how to lead, inspire and develop writers while helping them reach their maximum potential. I’ve known her passion for music for many years and she is a true songwriters’ champion. The future is bright at Play It Again and I’m extremely excited for our writers,” says Davidson.

Griffith’s position is effective immediately. She can be reached at juli@piasongs.com.