Thomas Rhett, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood and more bring their best
Rain didn’t stop the music
Jordan Davis entertains at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby
The Firestone Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater was packed with fans at a sold-out show headlined by Brett Young. Meanwhile, Chevy Riverfront Stage was filled with capacity crowds for three back-to-back performances. These included Jordan Davis,The Voice alumni Morgan Wallen and Hunter Hayes’ set.
Elvie Shane performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby
More Enthusiastic fans were cheering on Elvie Shane (BBR’s newest signee) and former American Idol alumni and country sweetheart Lauren Alaina. Fans were singing along to their favorite songs throughout the sets.
LOCASH also had the crowd singing along at the Radio Disney Country Stage and CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship recipient Travis Denning brought the energy to the Chevy Breakout Stage at Walk of Fame Park.
Sad but true: Music Row is disappearing, one historic building at a time.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has now designated Music Row as one of “America’s Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places for 2019.” Sign the petition here.
Those modest little houses along Sixteenth and Seventeenth Avenue are where so many of Country music’s best-known songs were written or recorded. Some of the buildings had signs outside, identifying the name of the music publishing company or the recording studio that was hidden inside. But many remained anonymous, their identity known only to the session musicians, sound engineers, songwriters and recording artists that could be seen entering or leaving at all hours of the day and night. Continue reading “Speak Up for Music Row”
Vince Gill, Brett Young, Garth, Chris Young and more in June column
The June edition of my column, “Inside Track on Music Row,” is now available! The column is published monthly at Nashville Music Guide’s website. You can find copies of the print edition of June’s NMG at many music venues throughout Nashville.
You can read a free PDF version of the entire print edition of the magazine here. NMG is full of music news, reviews and info. My column appears on pages 29 through 36.
Inside Track is the longest-running monthly country music column in America. The June column features dozens of news items about new releases, upcoming tours and more.
Among this month’s music news items…
New Vince Album set to drop in August
Brett Young launches Acoustic Sessions videos
John Paul White is The Hurting Kind
Zach Stone offers “Hands On” track
and much more in my seven page column of music news at Nashville Music Guide
New Vince Album set to drop in August
ALBUM NEWS: Vince Gill is set to release his new album, ‘Okie,’ on Aug. 23. The word ‘Okie’ was once a derogatory term to refer to inhabitants of Oklahoma who migrated to the west coast as a result of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Gill is an Oklahoma native and has proudly appropriated the term for the upcoming album that embraces his Oklahoma roots. Gill wrote or co-wrote all 12 tracks on the album. “I thought this was going to be a songwriter record, not a concept album,” Gill says. “It wound up being more information than I’d envisioned.” Continue reading “June ‘Inside Track’ ready to read”
When does John Rich find time to sleep? He is currently running numerous parallel ventures, any one of which would be a full-time career for most people.
A solo recording career, his association with Big Kenny as the hit-making duo Big and Rich, rolling out the Redneck Riviera brand (including his restaurant on Nashville’s Lower Broad), fundraising for the charity Folds of Honor, starting up the all-American-made Redneck Riviera Whiskey, and now a Special Reserve blend named for his dear old Granny… But wait, there’s more, as they say in the informercials. John also has the No. 1 song on the Country download charts with a quirky story behind it.
“A blank sheet of paper is the most boundless thing you can ever look at. The Declaration of Independence started out as a blank sheet of paper. The Bible started out as blank sheets of paper. Songs are blank sheets of paper before you turn them into something.” – John Rich
We sat down to catch up with John at his unique Nashville home, aptly named Mount Richmore, and we were joined by John’s 87-year-old grandmother who is affectionally known as Granny Rich.
Granny Rich inspires strong work ethic
John Rich and Granny Rich
Yes, the same Granny Rich who is the inspiration for Redneck Riviera Granny Rich Reserve, the new addition to John’s line of whiskey. John admitted that your grandmother wouldn’t be the first person you’d normally go to when you’re thinking about launching a new whiskey. But as he pointed out, Granny Rich isn’t your normal grandmother. Continue reading “John Rich says “Shut Up About Politics!””
It was party time for Chris Young and co-writers Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge on Monday, April 29, as they were feted at a Number One party for “Hangin’ On.” This was a party with a slight difference: it was a lunchtime event, instead of the usual afternoon or early evening get-togethers. The party was co-hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.
(Left to right) Front row: Liz Rose (Liz Rose Music), Corey Crowder, Chris Young and Josh Hoge. Back Row: Michael Martin (Vice President ASCAP Nashville), Beth Brinker (Associate Creative Director ASCAP), Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music) and Mike Sistad (Senior Creative Director ASCAP). Photo credit: Preshias Harris.
In answer to a question at the press briefing before the party, Young spoke about the unusual timing of the party. “It’s the only time when all of us can get together,” he said. “It’s not like it’s not a huge, huge deal and people don’t dream of getting up one day and writing a song that goes to number one. That’s why these [No. 1 parties] are so important, no matter what form they take. It’s something so special for all that stuff to come together at once and you’d have a number one. I had a [number] 37, a 52 and a 37 at the start of my career, so a number one feels really, really good and we should celebrate it.”
“Hangin’ On” is Young’s eleventh No. 1 as an artist and his ninth as a songwriter.
“The first place I wrote a song”
(L to R) Corey Crowder, Chris Young, Josh Hoge at the press briefing. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
The celebration took place at BMI’s Nashville office, and Young noted that it seemed to be the perfect location as it marks a special place on his career trajectory. “This building we’re in right now [BMI Nashville]; this was the first place I wrote a song,” he revealed. He went on to explain how that first writing session came about. Continue reading “Chris Young “Hangin’ On” for eleventh No. 1”
Sammy Sadler was an emerging artist in the late 1980s on the brink of a successful career with a record deal at Evergreen Records. He was full of optimism and high hopes when he and his friend Kevin Hughes were walking along Music Row in Nashville on March 9, 1989.
Hughes was a chart researcher at Cash Box magazine. While still a student at Belmont University, he had worked as an unpaid intern before being put on the magazine’s payroll by Richard “Tony” D’Antonio, Cash Box’s director of Nashville operations.
Hughes had become suspicious that money was changing hands in order to push certain records up the charts. He had voiced his concerns to friends and family and was considering leaving Music City and returning home to Illinois.
Marty Brown is truly an irrepressible and unique personality in the world of Country music as anyone who has seen him play live can tell you. The Maceo, Kentucky, native came to Nashville and recorded several albums in the 1990s that garnered a lot of critical acclaim.
He then took a break from recording but was co-writing songs for other artists including Brooks and Dunn, Trace Adkins and Tracy Byrd.
America’s Got Talent brought him new fans
Marty Brown. Photo credit: America’s Got Talent
Marty found an entire new audience with his appearance on the eighth season of America’s Got Talent. The YouTube clip of his audition generated more than 11 million views. He reached the semi-finals, endearing himself to viewers and listeners with his voice and his lovable character.
Scotty McCreery turned his own love story into a No. 1 hit. “This Is It” became Scotty’s second No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay charts, following 2017’s smash hit, “Five More Minutes.”
(L to R) Aaron Eshuis, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers. Photo: Ed Rode
He celebrated the success of “This Is It” at a Number One party on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, with co-writers Aaron Eshuis and Frank Rogers. The song was produced by Eshuis, Rogers and Derek Wells. The party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, was held at ASCAP’s Nashville offices.
“If you’d told me a couple of years ago that I’d be here, I’d have told you you’re crazy,” said Scotty as he began his remarks at the party. “It’s been an incredible ride.”
A very personal song
Scotty and Gabi’s engagement day selfie
“This Is It” has become a very personal song for Scotty. He and long-time girlfriend, Gabi Dugal, had known each other since kindergarten and dated for about six years before Scotty proposed while on a hike to a romantic spot near Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.
“I wrote it a couple of days before our engagement,” Scotty revealed during the No. 1 party. He played the song to Gabi just an hour after he proposed. He sang the song to her at their wedding and says that he sees Gabi in his mind when her performs it on the road every night. “It’s easy to write love songs about you, baby,” Scotty said to Gabi during the presentation ceremony. “I appreciate you saying yes and marrying me, otherwise this song probably wouldn’t have made it to radio!” He added, “’This is NOT It’ is not a good title!”
Scotty thanked co-writers Eshuis and Rogers for being by his side. “Frank, you’ve been a mentor to me for years now. I feel you really ‘get’ me and what I want to say, and you help me say it. I appreciate you, brother.” Continue reading “Scotty McCreery’s romance inspired “This Is It””
The March edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, is now ready to read at Nashville Music Guide. Inside Track is the longest-running monthly Country music column in America. This month’s column includes dozens of news items about upcoming tours, new releases and music industry news.
Among this month’s 30+ music news items…
Johnny Lee’s tell-all autobiography
Marty Brown’s new single from upcoming album
LA trio Honey County is ‘High On The Radio’
Brooks & Dunn share more details on Reboot album
Music Biz 2019 convention set for May 5–8
Tin Pan South hits Nashville March 26-30
Johnny Lee
BOOK NEWS: Johnny Lee racked up 17 Top 40 country hits in the early and mid 90s. His 1980 single “Lookin’ For Love” became a crossover hit, making it to the Top 5 of Billboard’s pop charts and No. 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Now, Lee has written “STILL Lookin’ For Love: Johnny Lee: An Autobiography” with Scot England. In it, he tells of the highs and lows of his life as a country artist… continue reading here.
Marty Brown
CD NEWS: Marty Brown returns to Country radio via Play MPE with “Umbrella Lovers,” a hypnotic new single from his upcoming CD, AMERICAN HIGHWAY (Plowboy Records). The track combines a laid-back, big-city vibe with Brown’s distinctive vocal. Jangling guitars, a slight “island vibe” and easy vamps keep the track moving along with a “live” room sound. Fans can hear “Umbrella Lovers” on SoundCloud now… continue reading here.
Honey County
CD RELEASES: LA-based trio Honey County’s new EP, ‘High on the Radio,’ is loaded with six tracks of California cool and southern spice. The EP showcases the girls’ stacked harmonies and layered musical styling. The girls of Honey County, Dani Rose, Devon Jane and Katie Stump, have released a plethora of videos throughout the past two years leading up to this release… continue reading here.
Reboot
DUO NEWS: The best-selling duo of all time Brooks & Dunn have revealed more details regarding their upcoming album REBOOT. The duo shared with fans their collaborator for each timeless track, with each artist contributing their own unique spin. Available on April 5, the 12-track release will see the duo team up with… continue reading here.
INDUSTRY NEWS: Entertainment Industry’s Convention– Music Biz 2019 is set for May 5 – 8 in Nashville. Every year, these efforts to support the business culminate at the Music Biz conference, four days of insightful presentations and powerful discussions on the most pressing topics affecting our industry… continue reading here.
TIN PAN SOUTH NEWS: The 27th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival just bumped the scheduled show count up to triple digits. Fans will have the opportunity to choose between over 300 songwriters performing at over a 100 shows at ten of Nashville-area music venues featuring hit-makers from all genres of music. The popular week-long Fast Access passes are now on sale… continue reading here.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
The songs of three of country music’s best-known artists are among the twenty-five works to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year.
Dolly Parton‘s “Coat of Many Colors,”Brenda Lee‘s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” and Jeannie C. Riley‘s “Harper Valley P.T.A.” are among the 2019 class. Some of the other recordings to be inducted are: “I’m Walking” (Fats Domino), “Full Moon Fever” (Tom Petty), “Walk This Way” (Aerosmith), “Wild Thing” (The Troggs), “Move On Up” (Curtis Mayfield) and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (The Platters).
Dolly Parton
“Coat of Many Colors,” originally released in 1971, has been a fan favorite for decades. The song also inspired the TV movie, “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” that aired in December 2015.
Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee’s 1958 holiday song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” can be heard on radio and in shopping malls every Christmas. In December 2018, the song racked up more than 32 million on-demand streams.
Jeannie C. Riley
Jeannie C. Riley achieved a ‘first’ with her recording of “Harper Valley P.T.A.” The song made her the first female artist to reach No. 1 on both the country and all-genre pop charts with the same song.
1,088 recordings in Grammy Hall of Fame
The selections in the Class of 2019 include singles and albums that are at least 25 years old, and show “qualitative or historical significance.” A total of 1,088 recordings (including the new inductees) are now part of the Grammy Hall of Fame.
“The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame is proud to be a pillar of musical excellence and diversity year after year, honoring some of the most iconic recordings of all time,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We are proud to acknowledge the ever-changing landscape and evolution of musical expression for which the Academy has become known. We’re honored to add these masterpieces to our growing catalog and are delighted to celebrate the impact they’ve had on our musical, social, and cultural history.”
The sixty-first Grammy Awards show airs Friday February 10 on CBS at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
