Category: Music Industry News

Still the King: Elvis at his best

‘Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special: 50th  Anniversary Edition.’

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic events in the history of rock and pop music. The television event originally titled simply ‘Elvis’ soon became known as the ’68 Comeback Special.’  To mark the anniversary, Legacy Recordings/Sony Music has released ‘Elvis: ’68 Comeback Special: 50th Anniversary Edition.’

A personal note: Those who know me know that I am and always have been a huge fan of Elvis. I’ve been told that my office ‘looks like Graceland has been moved to Nashville’! So this new box set is really good news for me and all of his fans.

This 50th Anniversary Edition is much more than simply a re-release of the original taped TV show. It’s a 7-disc box set that includes the NBC-TV show, ‘Elvis,’ along with enough extra goodies to keep any Presley fan enthralled for days. A total of seven discs includes 2 newly mastered Blu-ray discs with all-known recordings and rehearsals from the RCA vaults and NBC’s videotapes, plus never-before released interviews and out-takes.

Elvis hints at frustration with his movies

It seems hard to believe now, but by early 1968, Elvis was depressed about the way his career seemed have plateaued. Critics and fans felt the same way.  Since January 1967, only two of his eight single releases had charted and didn’t even crack Billboard’s top twenty. He was churning out movie after movie with ever-weaker storylines and largely forgettable soundtracks. (The soundtrack album linked to the 1968 movie Speedway stalled at number 82 on Billboard’s album charts.) Continue reading “Still the King: Elvis at his best”

Darius Rucker celebrates Number One ‘For the First Time’

Co-writers join Rucker at Number One party

Darius Rucker, Derek George and Scooter Carusoe were honoured at a Number One party, hosted by ASCAP and First Tennessee Bank held at ASCAP’s Nashville office. ‘For the First Time,’ Rucker’s ninth Number One, produced by Ross Cooperman, is the second single from the album, ‘When Was the Last Time’ (Capitol Nashville).

‘For The First Time’ is the third Number One for Derek George as a writer. For Scooter Carusoe, the song is his fifth as a songwriter and his fifteenth as a publisher.

Before the award ceremony, Darius, Derek and Scooter sat down to take questions from music industry journalists.

L to R: Derek George, Darius Rucker, Scooter Carusoe. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Darius recalled the writing session during which ‘For The First Time’ was written. “For me, we started out with just that first line, I mean, I didn’t even need to hear the chorus. I’m like, that’s cool,” he said.  “It was one of those songs; I was just writing about me again, once we started writing. It’s a song that, at this point in my career, it was a really cool song to write.  To have so much fun as I’ve had, thinking about all the things I said I was going to do when I was a kid, if I would ever make it, and now, everything in that song came from my bucket list.”

‘That never, ever get’s old’

Asked what it felt like when he heard that the song had reached Number One, Darius said with a chuckle that he found out when he was on the road. “I want to say something that Charles Kelly said to me that will always stand the test of time. He said, ‘that never gets old.’ And I was like, yeah, that never, ever gets old. It’s always awesome.” Continue reading “Darius Rucker celebrates Number One ‘For the First Time’”

President signs Music Modernization Act

Songwriters ‘breathe sigh of relief’

“The Music Modernization Act (MMA) is now law!  We have worked on elements of this legislation for 15 years. With the passage of this law, every professional songwriter in America, including myself, who has suffered devastating economic losses in the era of digital music delivery, can now breathe a sigh of relief and be optimistic about the future of our profession. Along with the songs that bear my name, this is my proudest career accomplishment.” – Steve Bogard, writer of 10 #1 songs and President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)

“Now the job of utilizing the tools found in the Music Modernization Act begins,” said NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison.  “NSAI and other songwriter organizations will immediately select songwriter board and committee members for the new Music Licensing Collective (MLC) that commences operation on January 1, 2021.  We have two years to build the first-ever songwriter, music publisher run mechanical licensing collective.  This will be the first collection agency that pays songwriters 100 cents from every royalty dollar since the digital streaming companies will pay operational costs of the MLC.”

Note: the text of this post is taken from a media release issued on October 11, 2018, by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.  For more information, visit the NSAI website.

Higher streaming royalties

Higher streaming royalties resulting from the marketplace rate standards included in the Music Modernization Act will come over time when the next Copyright Royalty Board proceeding occurs in four years or when ASCAP or BMI have rate court proceedings under the terms of the MMA.  Agreements reached with streaming companies or court proceedings could result in higher streaming rates.

“It is not too bold to say this is the most important songwriter legislation ever adopted by Congress.  When we negotiate our digital rates or go to trial-type proceedings, we expect rates that are much fairer based on what the market should pay,” Bogard added.

44% mechanical license royalty increase

Songwriters WILL see an immediate 44% mechanical royalty increase beginning in January 2019 from the previous Copyright Royalty Board trial where NSAI and the National Music Publishers Assn. represented American songwriters and won the largest mechanical royalty increase in history.  The increase will phase in over a five-year period.

Steve Bogard (President, NSAI), Darius Rucker, Bart Herbison (Executive Director, NSAI), Congressman Doug Collins (GA), Lee Thomas Miller (Former President, NSAI) at the Nashville Songwriter Awards

THE MMA in a nutshell:

  • Changes the standard by which songwriter streaming rates are established replacing an outdated 1909 law that governs songwriter mechanical or sales royalties, changes consent decree regulations from 1941 that govern songwriter performance royalties.
  • Requires the random selection of judges when performing rights societies ASCAP or BMI go to a rate court proceeding.  Presently those judges are appointed for life.
  • Creates a new Music Licensing Collective governed by songwriters and music publishers to oversee and administer digital mechanical licensing and payments, resolve disputes and administer unclaimed royalties.
  • Eliminates the disastrous Notice of Intent (NOI) program administered by the U.S. Copyright Office that shifted the digital mechanical licensing burden back to songwriters.
  • Guarantees streaming royalty payments to artists whose recordings were done before 1972 who now are not required to be paid due to a loophole in the Copyright Act.
  • Stipulates direct streaming royalty payments to record producers and engineers.

More information about NSAI here.

Loretta Lynn, Skynyrd, more on Inside Track

October’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ sneak peek

  • ‘Wonderful Women Who Write’ at The Bluebird
  • Martina McBride’s new Christmas album
  • Loretta Lynn: CMT’s ‘Artist of a Lifetime’
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd bid farewell
  • and much more

Catch up on more than thirty music news items in the October 2018 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row. The entire column (and a whole lot more) is now posted here at Nashville Music Guide, complete with photos, videos and graphics. Thank you NMG editor Amanda Andrews! You always make the column look SO good.

The column is the longest-running Country music column in America.  Scroll down for a sneak peek at just a few of the items in the October column.

Bluebird to host ‘Women Who Write’

Carlene Carter

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Carlene Carter will host an October residency at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe. Aptly titled ‘Wonderful World of Women Who Write,’ the series will feature some of her favorite female songwriters and collaborators. Lilly Hiatt and Elizabeth Cook will be featured at the October 2 show. Lauren Morrow and Pam Tillis are scheduled for October 16, and Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg will join Carter on October 30. All shows are 9 p.m. Central. Reservations will be available on a pre-paid basis for $25.00 one week ahead of each show date at The Bluebird Cafe website.   bluebirdcafe.com.

It’s Christmas in October for Martina McBride

Martina McBride did not let the Nashville summer heat ruin her Christmas spirit, and begins her gift giving with the release of ‘It’s The Holiday Season.’  The 9-song holiday set will be released on October 19, the first with her new record label partner, BMG.  McBride also continues her ‘The Joy of Christmas Tour’ tradition, this time bringing to life the harmonic, orchestral sounds on the album by using local symphonies on each stop.    For this album, McBride collaborated with the late Patrick ‘Pat’ Williams to arrange a set of classic Christmas songs with accompaniment from more than 40 world-class musicians at the famed Capitol Studio in Los Angeles and Blackbird Studio in Nashville. Details here.

CMT honors Loretta Lynn

Continue reading “Loretta Lynn, Skynyrd, more on Inside Track”

SOURCE Awards honor women in music

Six of Nashville’s ‘Leading Ladies’

It was a busy week in Music City. Just one day before the CMA celebrated its 60th anniversary, Nashville’s music and entertainment communities were celebrating the careers of six Hall of Fame inductees at the 2018 SOURCE Awards. SOURCE Nashville is the longest-running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville. The celebration was held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Historic Municipal Auditorium, August 25, 2018, and was sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms.

The 2018 SOURCE Hall Of Fame inductees are:

(Left to Right) Front row: Tammy Genovese, Jo Ann Berry, Holly Gleason. Back Row: Barbara Baker, Cathy Gurley, Anita Hogin, Ronna Rubin. Photo Credit: Bev Moser
  • Barbara Baker, Blue Crest Music Publishing, Tree Publishing, Ray Baker Productions, Frank Mull Promotions, Baray Music.
  • JoAnn Berry, KHOO Radio, Jim Halsey Co., Dick Blake Int., World Class Talent, CBN.
  • Tammy Genovese, Country Music Association, The Country Network, Music City Sports and Entertainment Group, Crossroads Arena.
  • Holly Gleason, Miami Herald, Rolling Stone, L.A. Times, HITS, Sony Nashville, Joe’s Garage, Midwest Midnight Music, Kenny Chesney.
  • Cathy Gurley, WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Country Music Association, Capitol Nashville, Gurley and Co., You Have The Power.
  • Anita Hogin, Shelby Singleton Inc., Jack Clement, Inc., Picalic Group of Companies, International Artist Management, H Three Events.
  • Ronna Rubin, Warner Bros. Records, Rubin Media.

SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement.

About SOURCE Nashville

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking, and community service initiatives.

SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting an exclusive community of accomplished women professionals who work in all facets of Nashville’s entertainment industry. For more information, please go to the organization’s website.

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

 

CMA celebrates 60th anniversary in Nashville

20 special performances honor six decades

Time flies when you’re having fun.  Sixty years?  Really?  It was party time in Nashville Wednesday as the Country Music Association (CMA) celebrated its 60th anniversary at an invitation-only music industry party at the Wildhorse Saloon.

I came to Nashville in 1990 and quickly realized that the CMA was country music’s biggest supporter, promoter and resource. The CMA started out with just 160 members and has grown to more than 7,400 (including, proudly, yours truly.)

To mark the occasion the United States Senate, House of Representatives, and the City of Nashville, officially proclaimed September 25, 2018 Country Music Association Day.

Country artists and Joe Denim and the All-Star Band join CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and CMA Senior Director of Awards and Industry Relations Brandi Simms to toast CMA’s 60th Anniversary. Photo credit: Tammie Arroyo / Shutterstock

It was a gala evening, celebrating the CMA’s growth and success as well as the artists that have been part of that success.  Everybody was there. Michael Ray, Craig Wayne Boyd, Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely, the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Lee Brice, Julie Roberts and the list goes on. More than 20 acts performed 60 years of country hits, backed by my friend Joe Denim and his All-Star Band.

From Jeannie Seely to Lee Brice

After welcoming remarks from CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Jeannie Seely kicked off the evening with a stunning performance of “Who Needs You.”  Michael Ray and Craig Wayne Boyd performed back-to-back Merle Haggard classics, with Ray singing “Okie from Muskogee” and Boyd singing “The Fighting Side of Me.”

Halfway to Hazard performed a tribute to Troy Gentry. Photo credit: Jamie Schramm / CMA

My favorite performance of the event was Halfway to Hazard performing Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town” in a wonderful heartfelt tribute to their own Kentucky boy, Troy Gentry.

Backstage, Lee Greenwood and Larry, Steve & Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, sang an impromptu version of Greenwood’s hit “God Bless The U.S.A.,” which the Gatlin Brothers provided background vocals for on the original 1984 recording.

Artists joined Trahern and CMA staff on stage for a birthday toast and sing-a-long rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Lee Brice closed the evening with a stellar performance of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition.” (See below for the full setlist.)

CMA: the first music genre trade group

Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. The organization, which started with 160 members, has grown to more than 7,400 industry professionals around the world representing every aspect of the business. The organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advance the growth of Country Music around the world. Find more about the CMA at their website.

The full setlist:

  • Jeannie Seely – “Who Needs You” (1960)
  • Larry, Steve & Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers – “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You)” (1983) & “All The Gold In California” (1979)
  • Michael Ray – “Okie From Muskogee” (1968)
  • Craig Wayne Boyd – “The Fighting Side of Me” (1970)
  • Joe Denim & Danielle Peck – “You’re the Reason Our Kids are Ugly” (1978)
  • Mark Wills – “The Gambler” (1979)
  • Hilary Williams – “Old Habits” (1980)
  • TG Sheppard & Kelly Lang – “Islands in the Stream” (1983)
  • Lee Greenwood – “God Bless The U.S.A.” (1984)
  • Ty Herndon – “Living In A Moment” (1996)
  • Mark Collie – “Even The Man In The Moon Is Crying” (1997)
  • Jamie O’Neal – “There Is No Arizona” (2001)
  • Halfway to Hazard – “My Town” (2002)
  • Mark Wills – “19 Somethin’” (2002)
  • Darryl Worley – “Have You Forgotten?” (2003)
  • Julie Roberts – “Break Down Here” (2004)
  • Chuck Wicks – “Stealing Cinderella” (2008)
  • Michael Ray – “One That Got Away” (2018)
  • RaeLynn – “Tailgate” (2018)
  • Lee Brice – “Songs In The Kitchen” (2017), “I Drive Your Truck” (2013), and “Family Tradition” (1979)

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

 

Hope Nation Radio helps Childhood Cancer families   

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood cancer is a heartbreaking event faced by families every day across America. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Hope Nation Radio is already well into their ’30 Days of Hope Campaign.’

The campaign started September 01 when Bridgestone Arena, Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, and the 31-story, 490-foot-tall Fifth Third Center skyscraper were lighted up gold on in honor of those survivors, fighters and angels of childhood cancer.

Hope Nation benefit shows

Hope Nation Radio is a charitable internet radio station that goes above and beyond to care for those in need and bring awareness to childhood cancer. Its reach continues to grow and strengthen year by year. They host multiple benefit shows in Nashville, host gatherings with cancer patients and their families, as well as HNR House Parties which provides kids fighting cancer the opportunity to enjoy a concert right in their living room.

“Each day, 42 families in the US receive this devastating news about their child or teen. Nothing is more rewarding than to know that we are making a real difference and giving these children a fighting chance.” – Nile Peaytt, founder and host of Hope Nation Radio.

24-hour music and inspiration

Continue reading “Hope Nation Radio helps Childhood Cancer families   “

Inside Track on Music Row September 2018

Tour updates, album releases, awards, music industry news and more

Scroll down for news on Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Scotty McCreery, Dan+Shay, Bill Anderson, Kenny Chesney, Charlie Daniels, LANCO, plus plenty more.

This is the September 2018 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, the longest-running country music column in the USA. It is published in Nashville Music Guide and on websites around the world. Check out previous columns at Nashville Music Guide’s website   and at my ‘I Know Country’ website.

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com 

VERSE OF THE MONTH: ‘Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. –  Colossians (3:16)

Album News

Thomas Rhett’s latest album LIFE CHANGES has earned RIAA Platinum Certification, hitting the noteworthy sales mark less than a year from its release. An instant hit out of the gate, LIFE CHANGES debuted at No. One on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, marking the first Country release to take the top spot in 2017, also drawing a 2018 Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.

Resonating with fans, each of the album’s three singles have soared to the top of the charts, bringing Thomas Rhett’s No. One tally to 10. His latest Gold-certified hit ‘Life Changes’ is Top-5-and-climbing at radio, becoming his 12th song to earn an RIAA sales certification.  “I found out LIFE CHANGES went PLATINUM and the single was GOLD the same day I got to play Nissan Stadium at home in Nashville, so that was a really special moment for me,” Rhett said. More info at ThomasRhett.com.

Americana Music News

The AMA’s 18th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will take place September 11-16, 2018 gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. It is a must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana’s influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music. Each year, AMERICANAFEST℠ brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for six days of music and education.

AMA receives enormous support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC among others. AMERICANAFEST℠ will feature 500+ live performances at almost 60 of Nashville’s most prominent venues and much, much, more. The Americana Honors & Awards Show will take place September 12th at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. For more info on the Americana Music Association℠ and to become a member, visit the official website  Facebook  Twitter and Instagram.

Artist News

Continue reading “Inside Track on Music Row September 2018”

Music Row One Sheet October 1, 2018

Nashville Music News Roundup

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

  • Music Modernization Act inches closer
  • Irish artist Mags launches ‘Strong Enough’ radio tour
  • Garth goes ‘Triple Live’ with free album downloads
  • Randy Houser launches ‘Magnolia’ tour, new album
  • Kenny Chesney surprises one millionth fan
  • Listen to Preshias on Y’All Radio

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Music Modernization Act inches closer

Some encouraging news for songwriters and publishers emerged a few days ago. The Music Modernization Act (MMA)  had passed the House unopposed but appeared to hit a potential roadblock as it moved toward a Senate vote.

In May, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced an alternative bill that conflicted with key parts of the MMA bill. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with the backing of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has been negotiating with Sen. Wyden to reach a compromise. The RIAA stated that they have reached a ‘handshake’ deal with Sen. Wyden, according to an article in Billboard magazine posted August 28.

However, SiriusXM is still lobbying against the bill that would not require terrestrial radio stations to pay royalties on pre-1972 recordings. Earlier, proponents of the MMA – a bill that is seen as beneficial to songwriters and music publishers – overcame objections to the bill lodged by Blackstone, owners of SESAC and the Harry Fox Agency.

See the full report on Billboard’s website, here.

Irish artist Mags launches ‘Strong Enough’ radio tour

Mags McCarthy

Irish-born, singer-songwriter and international recording artist, Mags recently celebrated her debut at country radio here in the USA with the original tune ‘Strong Enough.’ Last week, Mags kicked off the first leg of her radio promotion tour making her way through the Midwest visiting radio stations in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Continue reading “Music Row One Sheet October 1, 2018”

Luke Combs, co-writers, celebrate No. 1

‘One Number Away’ goes Platinum

Tuesday was a celebration of music milestones for Luke Brian and co-writers Sammy Mitchell, Steven Battey and Robert Williford.  ‘One Number Away’ was the reason for the celebrations, and for the standing-room-only crowd at the Number One party at the Sutler Basement in Nashville. ‘One Number Away’ is Luke’s third Number One and the third cut from his debut full-length album, ‘This One’s For You.’ The party was hosted jointly by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville’s Shane Allen, MakeWake’s Zebb Luster, Big Machine’s Mike Molinar, River House’s Lynn Oliver-Cline, BMI songwriter Robert Williford, 50 Egg’s Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, ASCAP songwriter/producer Steven Battey, SESAC songwriter Sammy Mitchell, SESAC’s ET Brown, Concord Music Publishing’s Brad Kennard, and BMI’s Leslie Roberts. Photo: Peyton Hoge

In a previous interview Luke said, “We aren’t supposed to be here yet.” Hmmmm… let’s check out the stats. In the last 30 days: Recognized the success of Luke’s three number one singles. Debut single ‘Hurricane’ has been certified 3x Platinum while the next follow-up, ‘When It Rains It Pours’ was certified 2x Platinum. Meanwhile, ‘One Number Away’ was certified Platinum and album track ‘Beautiful Crazy’ was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

First No. 1 for Robert Williford

Continue reading “Luke Combs, co-writers, celebrate No. 1”