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Last Call: Nominations for MusicRow’s 6th Annual Rising Women On The Row Due March 7

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Nominations for MusicRow‘s 6th annual Rising Women On The Row are due tomorrow (Tuesday, March 7).

CLICK FOR RISING WOMEN NOMINATION FORM AND TICKETS

Multiple nominations do not increase chances of being selected, but you may nominate as many women as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are also welcome. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted.

MusicRow is set to honor five deserving businesswomen who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders during its annual Rising Women On The Row breakfast. The sixth annual event will be held Tuesday, April 25 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Sponsorship tables and individual tickets are currently available, and regularly sell out.

CLICK FOR RISING WOMEN NOMINATION FORM AND TICKETS

Weekly Chart Report (3/3/17)

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

5 Reasons To See New Exhibit By Robert K. Oermann And Anna Jaap

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As the Nashville skyline continues to be peppered with cranes huddled over raised buildings, it’s a refreshing sign when someone sets out to educate and help preserve this city’s rich history.

Pictured (L-R): Robert K. Oermann, Anna Jaap.

The exhibit “Hiding in Plain Sight: Portraits of Nashville’s Elusive Past” is a unique collaboration between artist Anna Jaap and writer Robert K. Oermann. “Hiding in Plain Sight” combines Jaap’s art photos with Oermann’s vivid stories, highlighting some of Nashville’s hidden treasures, places that helped shape Nashville’s rise to prominence as Music City.

Not only does the exhibit showcase photos of places that have unique stories of Nashville’s history, it goes one step further and teaches us that some of these places of significance are right under our nose.

The exhibit will run on the second floor of the Main Nashville Public Library until June 18. The Main Library is located at 615 Church Street in Nashville.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Portraits of Nashville’s Elusive Past.

The gallery includes homes once occupied by Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and The Allman Brothers. It includes churches where gospel quartet singing was developed, where the Civil Rights movement was born and where Music City’s first superstars are memorialized. And it features businesses that manufactured Motown’s records, recorded Johnny Cash’s hits and first fried Lay’s Potato Chips.

Nashville’s oldest residence, its most spectacular cemetery, its first record store and its only automobile factory are among the subjects of “Hiding in Plain Sight.” The accompanying stories touch on figures as varied as Oprah Winfrey, James Brown, Adelicia Acklen, Elvis Presley, Minnesota Fats, Roy Acuff, Al Capone, Dolly Parton, Jesse James, Kris Kristofferson and Jimi Hendrix.

Nashville artist Anna Jaap’s work has been acclaimed for its compositional balance, color sensibility and affinity for nature. These also characterize her photography in “Hiding in Plain Sight.” Jaap’s works are collected internationally. Corporate clients have included Avon, Caesar’s Palace, NYU Langone Medical Center, Paramount Pictures, Primus, Ralph Lauren Home, Agricultural Bank of China, Vanderbilt Medical Center and Tiffany. She serves on the board of Watkins College of Art.

Anna Jaap with Nashville guitarist Billy Sanford.

Robert K. Oermann is known as “the dean of Nashville’s entertainment journalists.” He has authored eight books about the city’s music history, been published in more than 100 periodicals, has scripted more than 50 TV specials and has written 129 record-album liner-note essays. He is the vice president of the Recording Academy in Music City and serves on the board of the Nashville Public Library. “Hiding in Plain Sight” was inspired by his ongoing research of local history.

There are many reasons to visit the gallery and experience first-hand the thought-provoking items in this exhibit.

Here are five.

1. PATSY CLINE’S DREAM HOME
Located at 815 Nella Drive, this was often referred to by Patsy Cline as her dream home. Her coffin was brought here following her tragic demise in a 1963 plane crash.

 

2. DOLLY PARTON TRAILER PARK
Dolly lived here while working as a waitress in a nearby restaurant. The trailer park is located off Murfreesboro Pike.

 

3. HONKY TONK HOUSE
This house, located at the corner of Westwood & Natchez Trace, is where Hank Williams and Ray Price roomed together. Ray worried that Hank would pass out with a lit cigarette and set them on fire. Hank was hauled off from here to dry out at the Sanitarium in Neely’s Bend.

 

4. THE QUONSET HUT
Music Row’s first music business and first recording studio is still there on Music Square East, hidden behind the facades of the old Sony building. It has been restored by music mogul Mike Curb and retains its priceless collection of vintage microphones. Marty Robbins, Brenda Lee, Bob Dylan, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Tanya Tucker, Flatt & Scruggs, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, George Jones, Elvis Costello and The Byrds made music history here. Kris Kristofferson was once its janitor.

 

5. THE WALL OF FAME
The Acklen Post Office, located at Acklen Avenue in Hillsboro Village, is the closest post office to Music Row. During the 1980s, the postal workers started asking for autographed photos and framed them for display. The headshot of MusicRow‘s own distinguished Robert K. Oermann is among others hanging on that wall.

DISClaimer: Brett Eldredge, Maren Morris Offer Vocal Power, Rhythmic Tracks

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It’s a day for second-generation music makers.

The sons of David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers, the cousins born to Don & Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers and Roger Miller’s gifted namesake are all here with new sounds. All of them are heartily recommended. And one of them, Wilson Fairchild (the Reid kids), takes home our DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day gets a male-female split today. Running in a dead heat are Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris, both of whom have absolutely essential additions for your playlists.

STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Winnebago
Writers: none listed; Producer: Matt McClure; Publisher: none listed; Rebel Engine
– She has some cash saved up and some groovy wheels. So why not hop on in and just go someplace on the open road? A rollicking, sunny come-on that’s hard to resist.

MAREN MORRIS/I Could Use A Love Song
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Producer: busbee & Maren Morris; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
– Enchanting. Deliciously melodic and wonderfully thumpy as it yearns for romance. Also, she’s singing her heart out here.

LUCAS HOGE/Dirty South
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Rebel Engine
– I thought bro country was over.

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DEAN MILLER/’Til You Stop Getting Up
Writers: Dean Miller/Sean Patrick McGraw; Producers: Dean Miller/Brian Eckert; Publishers: none listed; Off The Verge
– He’s broken hearted, sitting next to an ex-boxer at the bar. The prize fighter’s advice is, “You ain’t a loser until you stop getting up.” Written and sung like a champ. By the way, former Golden Gloves pugilist Kris Kristofferson co-stars in the video.

MACY MARTIN/Broke Down
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed; GTR
– The relationship is busted like a vehicle that’s never gonna run again. The track is a sprightly country rocker, and her vocal has a nice bluesy, throaty quality.

WILSON FAIRCHILD/How Are Things In Clay Kentucky
Writers: H. Reid/D. Reid; Producers: Gordon Kennedy/Blair Masters; Publishers: none listed; WF (track)
– Wilson Fairchild are Langdon and Wil Reid, the sons of Don and Harold Reid, respectively. As the core of The Statler Brothers, the fathers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The sons’ new CD, Songs Our Dads Wrote, is a reminder that the elder Reids are also masterful tunesmiths. It is, refreshingly, not a collection of remakes of Statler hits, but a series of lesser-known former album cuts that shine just as brightly as the better known Reid songs. The boys sing ‘em like pros, and have also included their own tribute tune “The Statler Brothers Song,” which name-checks many of the cherished Statler oldies.

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JESSE & NOAH/This Town Was Built On Heartbreak Songs
Writers: Jesse David Bellamy/Noah Frank Bellamy; Producers: Jesse & Noah Bellamy; Publishers: Skunk Ape, ASCAP; J&N (track)
– I have liked this duo a great deal in the past. Its new CD is titled Southern Usonia. The collection leads off with this marvelously melodic, atmospheric, soaring anthem. If the boys don’t have a hit with it, somebody else sure should. Looking for a cornerstone composition for your new album? Here it is.

RICK MONROE/This Side Of You
Writers: Jason Duke / Rick Monroe / Ryan Griffin; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: Dan Hodges Music(ASCAP)/Jindo Dog Music (ASCAP); MRG  (ERG)
– Stately and potent. I have liked just about everything this guy has sung in the past. This ballad shows another side of his voice, and it’s just as chesty and solid as ever.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Somethin’ I’m Good At
Writers: Tom Douglas/Brett Eldredge; Producers: Ross Copperman/Brett Eldredge; Publishers: ©2017 Sony/ATV Countryside / Paris Not France Music (BMI) / Sony/ATV Tree Publishing / Tomdouglasmusic; Atlantic (download)
– A boatload of fun, fun, fun. He can’t cook toast, change a flat or dance. But he can make her smile with love. And with this delightful, rhythm-happy track, he can make her tap her toes, too. A blast.

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TWOSHINE COUNTY/Track 9
Writers: none listed; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: none listed; Pitbull (ERG)
– I chose this one because I was intrigued by both the title and the band name. It’s a cool, swirly outing about dizzy love that comes rushing back to him every time he hears “track 9” on their favorite album. Tenor vocals with stacked harmonies, burbling rhythms and ringing guitars are the hallmarks here. Very listenable.

Cole Swindell’s “Middle Of A Memory” Celebrated In Nashville

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Pictured: (L-R): back row: Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren. Front row: Producer Michael Carter, ASCAP songwriter Ashley Gorley, BMI songwriter/artist Cole Swindell, ASCAP songwriter Zach Crowell, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen.

Warner Music Nashville hosted a celebration at their office for Cole Swindell’s “Middle Of Memory” on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen welcomed the crowd on behalf of their partner,Pinnacle Bank, while ASCAP’s Beth Brinker recognized First Tennessee Bank.

Keen boasted about Swindell achieving his sixth consecutive No. 1 song as an artist for the Gold-certified, “Middle Of A Memory.”

As she welcomed Swindell (BMI) and writers Zach Crowell (ASCAP), Ashley Gorley (ASCAP), along with producer Michael Carter to the stage, Keen mentioned that Swindell is also a NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year and received a Triple Play award as a songwriter in 2016.

Brinker took to the stage to congratulate Crowell on his sixth No. 1 song and Gorley on his 30th.

Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson also spoke about Swindell and his accomplishments and added that Cole “doesn’t talk about what he’s going to do, he just gets it done.”

Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito reminded everyone that Swindell’s first single “Chillin’ It” went to No. 1 almost three years ago to the day.

Gorley mentioned that, even though he has been to a lot of these parties, it never gets old. “It always pushes us, as writers, to raise the bar.”

Swindell concluded the party by thanking his team and saying he “moved to town to write songs that make people feel the way I felt when I first started loving country music.”

Also taking the stage during the party were the CMA’s Brandi Simms, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, and Warner/Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel.

Guests mingled before the party and took photos in front of a Cole Swindell-inspired backdrop that included memory photos of him on the road.

The Stars Align For T.J. Martell 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala

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Front row (L-R): Co-chair Ali Harnell; honorees Rod Essig, Janet Miller, Dr. Joseph Smith, Scott Hamilton and Louis Messina; Co-chair Danielle Bouharoun and Kimberly Williams Paisley; Back row (L-R): Shawn Parr, Clare Bowen, Frankie Ballard, Charles Esten, Tommy Shaw, John Huie, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels, George Strait, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Will Evankovich, Joel Katz, Storme Warren, Tracie Hamilton, Brad Paisley and the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Laura Heatherly attend the 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala at Omni Hotel on February 27, 2017 (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation) [Click photo to enlarge]

By: Sarah Skates

Four decades ago, music executive Tony Martell set out on a mission to raise a million dollars for cancer research. His teenage son, T.J., had made the request before dying from leukemia. Tony had no fundraising experience, but he rallied friends including Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, and hosted an event that raised $50,000.

Tony Martell died in November 2016, but last night (Feb. 27) his mission continued with the 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO John Esposito led a tribute to Martell, recounting their friendship and the organization’s beginning. “The torch has been passed to us,” he said, challenging the crowd assembled at the Omni Hotel to make 2017 the “Year of Tony” with record-setting fundraising. While a slideshow of Martell played, Frankie Ballard performed “Helluva Life.”

Last night’s event added $535,000 to the fund for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research, totaling over $3 million raised by the dinner since 2009. The evening was co-chaired by Ali Harnell and Danielle Bouharoun. Boosting the total was a live auction hosted by Storme Warren and Shawn Parr, with top items including a trip to Las Vegas to see concerts by George Strait, and Reba with Brooks & Dunn, which brought in $20,000.

“Friends are continuing on with Tony’s life’s work,” said Master of Ceremonies actor Charles Esten, who credits organizations like Martell for his daughter surviving leukemia at age 2. Today she is in high school. Noting that his character on Nashville has had a rough week with the onscreen passing of “Rayna,” Esten brought out fellow Nashville star Clare Bowen. She performed “Love Steps In” and talked about how she and her brother are cancer survivors. “We were both given two weeks to live—me when I was four and he when he was 25,” she said.

Brad Paisley presents Scott Hamilton with the Lifetime Humanitarian Award at the T.J. Martell Foundation 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Charlie Daniels presented the Medical Research Advancement Award to his urologist, Dr. Joseph Smith. Daniels discussed the doctor’s important work in third-world countries, adding, “What Dr. Smith does is truly an art.”

Brad Paisley honored longtime friend and figure skater Scott Hamilton with the Lifetime Humanitarian Award. “This is a man who spends every waking minute thinking about making the world a better place,” said the singer, who performed “Today” in tribute.

Esten said, “Imagine having an Olympic gold medal be the prelude to your life’s work.”

Since his first diagnosis in the 1980s, Hamilton has been a major advocate in the fight against cancer. He currently has his third brain tumor, and maintains an inspiring, positive outlook. “Every great thing that exists in my life is because I had cancer,” he told the audience.

Eric Church, Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award recipient Louis Messina, and Katherine Church attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Mayor Megan Barry honored good friend Janet Miller with the Spirit of Nashville Award, noting that she is a key figure in the city’s economic development, transportation and civic initiatives. In her honor, Kelsea Ballerini performed “Peter Pan.”

John Huie, President of the Southern Region T.J. Martell board, saluted his CAA co-head Rod Essig with the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award. Tommy Shaw of Styx played “Blue Collar Man” in tribute. Huie spoke about Essig’s passion and dedication to his career, and his keen communication skills. “He’s probably going to pass away with a phone stuck to his head,” joked Huie.

Essig recalled that the late Frances Preston once told him, “To lead is to serve,” and discussed his rewarding involvement with the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital board. “When I look at this award, I see nothing but ‘team,’” he summed.

Eric Church, George Strait, and Kenny Chesney attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Louis Messina, recipient of the Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award, wanted to be in the music business since seeing an Elvis concert at age 7. Messina attributed his career success to “six-degrees of George Strait.” Through his work with Strait, and subsequent tours, he met then-rising stars Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

Strait saluted Messina with his song “Troubadour” and talked about their huge concerts together. Glancing at the crowd, Strait joked, “In fact, I thought there’d be more people here.” Strait and presenter Chesney spoke about Messina’s hard work, dedication to artists, encouragement, big ideas and friendship.

Messina reminded the audience about how it all started, with Tony Martell. “His dreams changed people’s lives and his spirit will always be with us,” he said.

Scott Hamilton and George Strait attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Kenny Chesney, Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award recipient Louis Messina, and George Strait during the T.J. Martell Foundation 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Award recipients Louis Messina, Rod Essig, Janet Miller, Joseph Smith, M.D., and Scott Hamilton attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Young attend the T.J. Martell Foundation 9th Annual Nashville Honors Gala. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Mattingly Form Management Co-Venture

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Photo by: Daniel White

Steven Curtis Chapman and artist manager Mark Mattingly have launched a new management company together, The Stable Collective. The company will focus on growing Chapman’s music through brand development and touring as well as creating strategic partnerships outside the music realm. Future goals for the company, where Chapman will oversee artistic direction and songwriting and Mattingly will head business development, will include working with other emerging and developed artists. No other artists have been announced as part of the venture at this time.

Creative Trust, Inc. handled Chapman’s management for nearly 30 years, and Chapman will still work with Creative Trust for business management duties.

“After 30 years in this space, it’s an exciting thing to be able to bring my years of experience and passion for being a part of creating redemptive and impactful art and join forces with Mark and his expertise in the formation of The Stable Collective,” Steven Curtis Chapman said. “Mark has been a significant part of helping guide my career over the last few years. He’s a very talented, super hard working guy and I’m honored to be partnering with him. We’re excited to explore the new frontiers of music and find fresh ways and means to communicate ageless truth…celebrating and building on the great things that have been accomplished with a firm belief that even greater things are yet to come.”

“It’s such an honor to partner with someone who’s not only as accomplished as Steven is, but who’s also one of the most well respected people in our industry,” said Mattingly. “My years of working with Steven have allowed me to see firsthand that everything he does he does with excellence – from perfecting the craft of songwriting, to his ministry and the way he selflessly and tirelessly cares for people, to the wisdom and passion he’s pouring into this new endeavor we’re launching. We could not be more excited to find and create new, innovative ways to continue bringing great art to the world.”

The Stable Collective is located in Franklin, Tennessee. Mattingly can be reached at 615.236.9373 or at mark@thestablecollective.com.

 

In Pictures: Sony Music Nashville, Warner Music Nashville, Little Big Town, Black River Entertainment

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Sony Hosts CRS Open House

Pictured (L-R): Cliff Blake, Bo Martinovich, Lyndsay Church, Kenny Chesney, Lauren Thomas. Back row (L-R): Sam Borenstein, Tyler Farr, Mark Janese, Shane Allen, Christy Garbinski

Sony Nashville held an open house during CRS week for radio attendees with roster artists Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Tyler Farr and more on hand to welcome guests.

 

Warner Says Hats On To William Michael Morgan

Pictured (L-R): Mike Taliaferro (Management), Lisa Ray (VP, Brand Management), Scott Hendricks (EVP, A&R), William Michael Morgan, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN), Kristen Williams (SVP, Radio & Streaming), Matt Signore (COO, WMN), Joe Carter (Management)

Warner Music Nashville’s William Michael Morgan posed for a photo with the Warner team shortly before his 2017 CRS New Faces performance.

 

Little Big Town Kick Off Ryman Residency In A Big Way

Pictured (L-R): Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Andra Day, Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet. Photo: Becky Fluke

Little Big Town launched their year-long artist residency, “Little Big Town at the Mother Church,” from the Ryman Auditorium last weekend with back-to-back, sold-out shows on Friday (Feb. 24) and Saturday (Feb. 25). Sam Hunt and Chris Stapleton joined the group for the Friday show while Andra Day joined Little Big Town on stage for Saturday night’s performance.

At the close of each show, the band earned complete reverence in the form of uninterrupted silence as they launched into an acoustic encore without mics aimed at paying homage to early Ryman Auditorium performances.

 

Black River Showcases Abby Anderson, Jacob Davis at CRS Event

Black River Entertainment Staff and Artists Jacob Davis and Abby Anderson
Photo: Moments By Moser

Black River Entertainment hosted a showcase for CRS attendees last Thursday night (Feb. 23) at downtown Nashville’s The Bell Tower. Kelsea Ballerini shared new music via video while new artists Abby Anderson and Jacob Davis performed for the crowd.

Weekly Chart Report (2/24/17)

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

Bobby Karl Works The 2017 ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Awards

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Pictured (L-R): MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson; Ross Copperman; Tim Wipperman at the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 553

The 15th annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards event spread the love around as artists affiliated with the Columbia, EMI, Republic, Thirty Tigers and Arista imprints were honored.

The big winner, again, was Capitol Records Nashville. This imprint was named Label of the Year for the 13th time, and 12 of those wins have been consecutive.

“Thanks to everyone at MusicRow,” said label VP Bobby Young. “I appreciate all y’all. Thanks for all the great airplay.” He introduced his fellow promoters Ashley Laws and MaryBeth Watson on stage. “The best part of my job is working with talent,” Bobby added. And what talent: The Capitol roster includes Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Jon Pardi, Mickey Guyton and Dierks Bentley. They accounted for nine No.1 records on the MusicRow chart during the past year.

“Thank you for all your amazing, amazing support for three years running,” said BMLG Records VP Matthew Hargis accepting the Group/Duo award for the third consecutive year for Florida Georgia Line. “We appreciate you so much.” FGL has three CMA Duo honors, has one of country’s top-10 grossing tours and is an ACM Entertainer nominee.

“We certainly don’t take it for granted how supportive you are,” said Arista VP Josh Easler in accepting Carrie Underwood’s Female Artist MusicRow award. She is the CMA’s four-time Female honoree and is the only woman nominated for the ACM’s Entertainer of the Year in 2017, thanks to her “Storyteller Tour” playing to more than a million fans.

EMI VP Jimmy Rector accepted the Male award for Eric Church. This is his second MusicRow win. He won Album of the Year at the CMA’s. “Thank you to everyone in this room,” said Jimmy. “Eric is all about the fans, as you all know. And he knows that the best way to reach them is through you guys.”

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson; WGGC’s Greg Almond, MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson. MusicRow Awards 2.22.17 © Moments By Moser Photography

Columbia’s Maren Morris won the Breakthrough artist award, thanks to earning a Grammy, winning the New Artist CMA award and getting six ACM nominations.
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson presided. “We absolutely love hosting this event every year,” he said. “I want you to know how grateful we are for these relationships.”

The periodical’s Troy Stephenson presented the Independent Artist of the Year award to Aaron Watson. As usual, the tireless road warrior was off doing a show.

“I think we all know Aaron’s independent spirit,” said Anthony “Gino” Genero of Thirty Tigers. “We thank each and every one of you for your spins. ““Independent music!” crowed Nancy Tunick. “MusicRow’s reporters have the independent spirit. We applaud you. We feel like it is a privilege to bring music to you.”

Troy also presented the MusicRow Reporter of the Year honor. It went to Greg Almond of WGGC in Bowling Green, KY. “Greg is a big supporter of new and independent artists,” said Troy.

“Thank you; this is pretty cool,” said Greg. “My motto is, ‘Work hard; be nice to people; and eventually you’ll be recognized for what you do.’”

Rachael Turner performs during the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

The Songwriter of the Year award went to Ross Copperman. “We all love songwriters,” said Sherod. “Ross has had six No. 1 songs on the MusicRow chart, all in one year.” They were “Setting the World on Fire” (Kenny Chesney), “Noise” (Kenny Chesney), “American Country Love Song” (Jake Owen), “Break on Me” (Keith Urban), “Confession” (Florida Georgia Line) and “I Know Somebody” (LoCash).

“I love you guys so much,” said Ross. “I love the [MusicRow Challenge] coins. You always make such a big deal out of No. 1 songs.” Added publisher Tim Wipperman, “If it weren’t for songwriters, the rest of us would just be digging ditches.”

In between the presentations, the publication presented two showcases. Alex Smith launches his first tour this year with his new Nashville band. He comes from two generations of working musicians and has already opened for Brett Eldredge and Uncle Kracker. Alex started with the rocking, upbeat “Fear of Missing Out,” introduced his newly-written, jaunty love song “Saving Grace” and wowed the crowd with his driving, insistent, high-energy debut single “Load It Up.”

Rachael Turner took the stage to introduce her torrid, smoldering new single “Hurts Don’t It.” She got excellent response from her sultry ballad “I Don’t Love You” and closed with a fiery, power-packed performance of “Aftershock.” Rachael has been singing professionally since girlhood and holds two degrees in music from Belmont University. She records for Rust Records, one of Music City’s most durable independent labels.

The crowd included a number of other artists. We spotted SaraBeth, Sarah Dunn, Courtney Dickinson, towering hunk Travis Rice, Robby Johnson, Ali Morgan, Melissa Mickelson and African-American country newcomer Tony Jackson, who has already had 10 million video views for his revival of the George Jones classic “The Grand Tour.”

Industry fabulons attending included Tim McFadden, Aaron Crisler, Ron Huntsman, Martha Moore, Susan Collier, Sherrill Blackmon, Scott Thomas of Silverado Records, Terri Brown, Chris Diestler, Preshus Tomes, Chuck Thompson, Kristi Manna, Steve O’Brien, Lisa Smoot and Eric Chesser.

The Wednesday afternoon event was staged for the first time at The Listening Room downtown. The club laid out complimentary nachos, loaded with the works – cheese, refried beans, ground round, guacamole, sour cream, hot green peppers, salsa and the like.

Alex Smith performs during the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography

MusicRow Awards 2.22.17 © Moments By Moser Photography

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