Category: Nashville Music

Super Saturday show at Station Inn

The great songwriter rounds just kept on comin’ at this year’s Tin Pan South! 

Case in point: this super show at Station Inn, Saturday, April 7, with Scott Reeves, Pete Sallis, Rory Bourke and Greg Friia.

[L to R]: Pete Sallis, Scott Reeves, Rory Bourke, James Hedden (Accompaniment) and host Greg Friia. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby
Scott Reeves is both an actor and a singer/songwriter. The former soap opera star (Noel Laughlin on ABC’s Nashville, Ryan McNeil on The Young and the Restless and Steven Webber on General Hospital) is also part of the duo Blue Country. Scott started it off with a song that he co-wrote, along with Pete Sallis and Riley Weston, called ‘I’ve The Scars To Prove It.’ It’s a very deep kind of song that hit home with me and 99.99 percent of the room.

He also played a brand-new song that he wrote with James LeBlanc and Mark Narmore. As Scott sang the song in a James LeBlanc-style, he was definitely getting in tune with his ‘Swampy Side.’ As the round made full circle, Scott sang a song he wrote with Toby Keith and Bobby Pinson, called ‘Made In America’ that was a number one for Toby in 2011. His final song was one he co-wrote with Riley Weston for his beautiful wife, ‘I’m Going to Love You Through This Life.’ A wonderful way to end his part.

Pete Sallis:  Pete kicked it off with a song he co-wrote with Aaron Scherz and Maddie & Tae, ‘Shut Up and Fish.’ It’s a song that critics praised for the role-reversal of typical gender characters in country music songs. At the next pass around, Pete sang a song about a stupid boy called ‘Colorblind’ that had us laughing. He said, “People are always asking where they can find the songs I write. This is my version of iTunes which I like to call iTrunk.”

He is one of those songwriters that can make you cry one minute and laugh the next. He had everybody in stitches for the song ‘Size Don’t Matter.’ He played ‘Shoes’ because the crowd keep heckling him to do it, as his final song. He said that Garth loved it – but didn’t cut it. Then everyone laughed, but it really was a true story.

NOTE: Pete has cuts that cover a wide range of genres from the pop of American Idol winner Phillip Phillips and Aussie singer Betty Who to the blues of 3x Grammy Winner Keb Mo, as well as Ronnie Dunn, Bucky Covington, and George Canyon.

Rory Bourke: This legendary (and iconic) songwriter started off with his song for Anne Murray, ‘Blessed are the Believers.’ Rory told the story about writing songs that became hits for Anne Murray:  “Our publisher Henry Hurt put us [Rory and Charlie Black] together. The song ‘Shadows in The Moonlight’ was the result of what Charlie brought to the table. Of course, it was a super hit for Anne Murray. Tanya Tucker had a top ten hit with a song my co-writer Mike Reid and I wrote, ‘It’s Only Over For You.’”

Next circle around, Rory played ‘You Look So Good In Love,’ a super hit for George Strait. He did the Charlie Rich mega hit song, that was number one on the charts in the US, UK and Canada, ‘The Most Beautiful Girl,’ that he co-wrote with Norris Wilson and Billy Sherrill. Rory did a medley of super hits, as the final Fireworks! Hits included ‘I Know a Heartache When I See One’ (a hit for Jennifer Warnes in 1979, it was also cut by Jo Dee Messina and appeared on her ‘I’m Alright’ album), ‘Little Red Rodeo’ (co-writers Charlie Black and Phil Vassar) and ‘Bye Bye’ (co-writer Phil Vassar) by Jo Dee Messina.

Greg Friia: I have known Greg for almost 20 years, so to see and HEAR his success is very heartwarming and makes me proud of my friend. He kicked off his part with a song he and co-writers Casey Beathard and Steve Padilla wrote called ‘Me Before You.’  On the next pass, he played the Bonnie Tyler cut, ‘You Try’ that he co-wrote with Anthony Little, Mary Danna and Andrew Lane.

Then he played ‘I Smell Smoke,’ a song he and Jimmy Nichols and Danielle Peck co-wrote and is coming out by Rachel Holder, a new artist on Curb Records. I can’t wait to hear Rachel sing this song with her power-house vocals. As a special treat, Greg brought up Chas Sandford who kicked it into gear with his massive hit ‘I Ain’t Missing You’ for John Waite.

Greg told the story of the next song: “It was cut by the Rascals, couldn’t come up with a title so they called it ‘Love Song.’” Greg finished with his final song that he wrote with Scott Reeves titled ‘Summer Time.’

I was just one big smile through the whole thing, especially with having met Rory in 1984.

The stage sponsor for this event was D’Addario, manufacturer of musical instrument strings and accessories.

Note: Due to an editing error, in an earlier version of this post, the show’s location was misidentified. The correct venue was Station Inn. Also Chas Sandford’s name was misspelled. Apologies for the errors.

‘Three Hippies and a Brother’ take the stage at Station Inn

Friday night at Tin Pan South with Anthony Smith, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin.

[L to R]: Anthony Smith, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby
​Anthony Smith. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby

Anthony Smith:A super songwriter and producer extraordinaire. He kicked off his segment with his chart topper hit for Lonestar, ‘What About Now.’ Anthony’s string of hits include ‘I Want My Life Back’ for Bucky Covington, ‘Watch This’ for Clay Walker and ‘It’s Too Late to Worry’ by Jo Dee Messina. Anthony ended with the super hit, ‘Tomorrow,’ that he co-wrote with Frank Myers and Chris Young. It appeared on Chris’s album  ‘Neon.’  The song sold 30,000 digital downloads in its first week of release!

​Clint Daniels. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby

Clint Daniels: Clint has been a mainstay in Music City since 1993, when he signed to Arista Records. He is an artist, songwriter and co-producer. As the night made its final round, Clint finished with his first No. 1 hit that he wrote with three other dudes (Donny Kees, Blake Mevis, Randy Boudreaux) over a bottle of Crown Royal. ‘Brokenheartsville’ was Joe Nichols first No. 1 single chart topper!

Note: Clint has penned Number One singles for Montgomery Gentry, as well as a Top 20 hit ,“God Must Be Busy,” for Brooks & Dunn and cuts by Easton Corbin, Jon Pardi and Josh Thompson.

Lance Miller. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby

Lance Miller:Lance began his segment with the song, ‘Drink To That All Night,’ Jerrod Niemann’s chart hit. Lance said, “On this next one, Eddie sang this song on Montgomery Gentry’s ‘Crazies Welcome’.” Wow what a hit! Lance did it justice as the co-writer, along with Jessi Alexander, Brett and Brad Warren. I’m going straight home and listen and buy the MG version.

Knowing Lance for all these years and seeing his success with ‘Real Men Love Jesus’ for Michael Ray and Lee Brice’s ‘Beautiful Every Time’ and Thomas Rhett’s ‘Beer With Jesus’ make me proud to call him a friend! I know HOW HARD he worked to achieve this success! It’s a 10 year town for sure.

​Jamie Paulin. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby

Jamie Paulin:When he made his way into the circle, Jamie sang his song ‘Backwoods’ that Justin Moore cut. He co-wrote it with Justin and Jeremy Stover. Jamie also sang the song that Tim McGraw cut: ‘How I’ll Always Be.’ Jamie co-wrote the song with Chris Janson and Jeremy Stover and it is one of my Favvvvorites!!! Jamie ended on ‘Her World or Mine’ that he co-wrote with Travis Denning and Brett Breavers. A very moving song about a painful split, but an incredible heartfelt song.

All in all, another memorable Tin Pan South night of great music and stories from four masters of the art of songwriting.

 

More songs and stories from Tin Pan South

Late show at SOUTH filled with hit songs

More great Tin Pan South music, this time at SOUTH on Nashville’s Demonbreun Street…

(L to R): Keith Burns, Josh Ronen, Joie Scott, Michael Peterson and Trey Bruce. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Keith Burns kicked it off and told a ‘road story’ about being on the road and meeting an old cowboy and that inspired him to write his song, ‘Cowboys Don’t Get Old.’ Then, in the next round, Keith brought up his BFF, the super talented Matt Kennon, who got up and sang ‘The Call’ which has over 12 million YouTube views.  Keith co-wrote one of my favorite Joe Diffie songs, ‘Whole Lotta Gone,’ co-written with Mark Oliverius.

Joie Scott started out with ‘His Name,’ a song that she and Josh Ronen wrote together. She said it had been inspired by her love for her grandfather and Josh’s memories of his own great-grandfather.  Most wonderful! Joie Scott is a #1 and Emmy-nominated songwriter and landed her first cut with the well-known cowboy trio, Riders In The Sky. As we circled around again, she did her super hit with Collin Raye’s ‘Not That Different’ that she co-wrote with Karen Taylor-Good.  As the round circled again, Joie sang ‘Shoes’ that Shania Twain recorded and was used on the soundtrack of ‘Desperate Housewives.’  As a special treat, Josh Ronen sang ‘I Don’t Want to Know,’ a song that he co-penned with Joie. Joie has had over 75 songs cut globally.

Michael Peterson played his song ‘When the Bartender Cries.’ The whole room just ‘whoo-hooed’it!! Still one of the most wonderfully-written songs!! Michael is an amazing SONGwriter and as we passed through again, he sang a song that he and Chris Wallin had written, ‘From The Grave To The Cradle.’  Of course, my favorite of his is ‘Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie,’ that is still one of the most clever songs ever written. Peterson co-wrote the title track to Travis Tritt’s album ‘No More Looking over My Shoulder’ with Craig Wiseman.

“I got my publishing deal and had my first hit,” said Trey Bruce, referring to his deal with MCA Music Publishing and ‘Things Are Tough All Over’ for Shelby Lynne. He then began his segment with his mega Randy Travis hit song ‘Look Heart No Hands,’ one of the songs that streamed his career into over drive in the 1990s. Travis also recorded two more songs written by Bruce: 1994’s ‘Whisper My Name’ and 1998’s ‘Spirit of a Boy, Wisdom of a Man.’  NOTE: He also has had cuts by Doug Stone, Lee Roy Parnell, Diamond Rio, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Mindy McCready, Trisha Yearwood, and SHeDAISY. Trey has also co-produced albums for Trace Adkins, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Chris LeDoux. Bruce also produced three of Adkins’s albums: 1999’s ‘More,’ 2001’s ‘Chrome’ and 2003’s ‘Comin’ On Strong.’

A great round of songs and stories from Keith, Joie, Michael and Trey.

Tin Pan South rocked The Hard Rock Café

More songs, stories and surprises

It was a real pleasure to see these  great songwriters on the stage together: Aaron Barker, Billy Dean, Eddie Raven, Frank Myers and Jimmy Nichols. They shared many memories behind the hit songs they have written.

Left to right: Billy Dean, Eddie raven, Jimmy Nichols, Frank Myers, and Aaron Barker. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Aaron Barker:  I was fortunate enough, when I moved to town, to get an internship at this new label called BNA Records. Aaron was an artist just signed to the label. I feel like I sorta grew up with him, as I continued to follow his career. I remember his mega hits for George Strait like ‘Baby Blue,’ ‘Easy Come Easy Go.’  I loved it when he performed ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne’ and ‘Love Without Ending Amen.’ NOTE:Barker also writes and performs commercials for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Aaron was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the fall of 2016.

Billy Dean:  Every time he sings, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. Especially when he sings his song ‘Somewhere in My Broken Heart.’ Billy co-wrote the song with Richard Leigh. It had been previously recorded by Randy Travis on his 1989 album ‘No Holdin’ Back.’  Billy has recorded a total of eight studio albums (of which the first three – ‘Young Man,’ ‘Billy Dean’ and ‘Fire in the Dark’ – have been certified gold by the RIAA) and a greatest hits package which is also certified gold. His studio albums have accounted for more than 20 hit singles on the Billboard country charts, including 11 Top Ten hits. As a special treat he brought up ‘America’s Got Talent’ season eight contestant, Chloe Channell.

Eddy Raven:  The Louisiana born Cajun-country star Eddy Raven brings the heat and six number ones  to the stage. He has charted more than thirty-five singles in his career, including the Number One hits ‘I Got Mexico,’ ‘Shine, Shine, Shine,’ ‘I’m Gonna Get You,’ ‘Joe Knows How to Live,’ ‘In a Letter to You’ and ‘Bayou Boys,’with seventeen consecutive Top Tens between 1984 and 1990. His songs have been cut by Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Roy Orbison, George Jones, Toby Keith, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Carl Smith, Heather Myles, Brenda Lee, Don Gibson, Faron Young, Jack Greene, Gene Watson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lorrie Morgan, Roy Acuff, Jerry Reed, Oak Ridge Boys, Connie Smith and Charlie Louvin. He ended with the super song for the super group Oak Ridge Boys, super hit ‘Thank God For Kids’ that was a solo write for Eddy.

Frank Myers just kept playing hit after hit after hit. One of my favorites was the number one record for Lonestar, ‘I’m Already There,’ co-written with Richie McDonald and Gary Baker. Frank said, “I never thought I could top Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle’s mega hit duet ‘You and I’ but I did!” Frank also said, “This next song I pitched a hundred times. Finally, [songplugger] Matt Lindsay took it.  All-4-One recorded it and it stayed eleven weeks at number one on Billboard’s Top 100 charts and four weeks at number one on the country charts.”  It was also a number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for John Michael Montgomery who actually cut it first. The song? The ginormous hit, ‘I Swear.’

Jimmy Nichols was the surprise guest. He is one of the busiest and most respected keyboardists in town, and has appeared on albums with Buckcherry, Scotty McCreery, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Drake White, Reba, Faith Hill, Lonestar, Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tim McGraw and this is just starting the list!

One of the exciting things about attending any show at Tin Pan South: you never know who might show up as a surprise guest!

Music Row One Sheet, April 2018

Nashville Music News Roundup

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

  • How artists and songwriters can stay safe on social media
  • Bellamy Brothers still touring! Exclusive interview
  • Copyright Royalty Board OK’s big raise for songwriters
  • ACM Lifting Lives: stars turn out in Vegas
  • The Outlaws, Blackhawk benefit MusiCares, cancer research

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Social media safety vital for singers, songwriters

Staying safe on social media is important for everyone, but it can be vital for young singers, musicians and songwriters who are posting photos and information about themselves as a way to build a following and boost their careers. However, your posts at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can also attract stalkers, cyber-scammers and identity thieves.

For a helpful guide to staying safe online, read this article by Jim Akin posted on Experian’s website.  Among Jim’s recommendations: adjust your Facebook privacy settings and uncheck the ‘Discoverability’ boxes in Twitter’s safety and security controls. He also suggests being discreet about your whereabouts on social media.  He explains how to disable location tagging on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  Read the full article for many more helpful online safety tips.

Bellamy Brothers still circling the globe

David (left) and Howard Bellamy. Photo: Preshias Harris

The Bellamy Brothers remain hugely popular both in the USA and overseas.  They have been touring almost nonstop for more than 40 years. They have written a new autobiography titled ‘Let Your Love Flow: Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers’ that will be available this month. Additionally, ‘Honky Tonk Ranch,’ a TV show about their hectic lives, is set to air in the USA on the Cowboy Channel.

I caught up with Howard and David Bellamy while they were on a brief break between international tour dates, and we sat down in Nashville to talk about their new projects. My exclusive interview with the Bellamys has now been posted at Country Music News International, a blog based in Germany.  You can find the full interview here.

Songwriter royalties: ‘significant increase’

The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) has released its ruling on mechanical rates for songwriters for 2018 – 2022. This decision is the result of a trial that took place between March and June of 2017 with NMPA and the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI), representing the interests of music publishers and songwriters against Google, Amazon, Apple, Spotify and Pandora.

The court’s decision includes a significant increase in the overall percentage of revenue paid to songwriters from 10.5% to 15.1% over the next five years – the largest rate increase in CRB history. Additionally, the CRB removed the Total Content Cost (TCC) cap, giving publishers the benefit of a true percentage of what labels are able to negotiate in the free market resulting in significantly higher royalties for songwriters.

The CRB also increased the TCC rate resulting in the most balance between record label and publishing rates in the history of mechanical licensing. In addition, the CRB granted a late fee which will dramatically alter the licensing practices of digital music companies. Read the full press release from NSAI here.

ACM is ‘Lifting Lives’ in Vegas

With the ACM Awards just around the corner, it seems like half of Nashville is heading to Las Vegas.  The stars and their crews will be getting there early for ACM’s ‘Party For A Cause.’ On Friday, April 13, The Joint at the Vegas Hard Rock is the venue for ‘ACM Stories, Songs & Stars,’ a songwriters’ event benefitting ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Among those scheduled to appear: Lee Brice, Midland, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally and more, The event will be hosted by Storme Warren.

The next morning, Saturday, April 14, Darius Rucker and Charles Kelley host ACM Lifting Lives Top Golf Tee-Off at the MGM Grand’s Top Golf. Among the celebs who have signed up: Chris Lane, Levi Hummon, Raelynn, Eric Pasley and more.

It’s back to the The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sunday night for the Official After Party with performances by Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice, Luke Combs, Cassadee Pope, Jerrod Niemann, Tracy Lawrence and more.

Anything else? Oh yes! Almost forgot. The ACM Awards will be broadcast live from Las Vegas, Sunday, April 15, 8:00pm / 7:00 Central on CBS, hosted by Reba McEntire. The show will pay tribute to the victims of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival.

Since 2008 ACM Lifting Lives has given more than 8 million dollars to more than 150 worthy causes and supports many projects throughout the year to create awareness and help those in need.

Blackhawk and The Outlaws make $$ donations to MusiCares and cancer research

Last week in Nashville, Henry Paul and Dave Robbins, members of country group BlackHawk, as well as southern rock band The Outlaws, paid visits to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and MusiCares to deliver donations raised for each organization.

L to R: Debbie Carroll (MusiCares Sr. Executive Director), Henry Paul (BlackHawk / The Outlaws)

Paul and Robbins presented a $40,000 check to Vanderbilt (on behalf of BlackHawk’s “Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund”) and a $20,000 check to MusiCares (on behalf of The Outlaws’ “Fallen Outlaw Fund”).

“The ‘Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund’ and ‘The Fallen Outlaws Fund’ were both formed to help give back to two very worthwhile causes in the name of BlackHawk and Outlaw fans, respectively,” says Paul. “Raising money for cancer research at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center and also for MusiCares, an organization that helps fund healthcare costs for uninsured musicians, is the cause. Honoring former founding BlackHawk member Van Stephenson and former founding Outlaws members Hughie Thomasson, Billy Jones and Frank O’Keefe, by perpetuating their memory in the name of these two charities, is our goal.”

Visit Blackhawk’s and The Outlaws websites. To find out more about the MusiCares program click here.

Music Row One Sheet copyright (c) 2018 Preshias Harris and Nashville Music Line LLC

Tin Pan South plays to sell-out crowds again

Hit songwriters share their stories

The only problem with Tin Pan South: having to decide WHERE you are going to go! There are 100 venues, all with a full schedule of amazing songwriters, performing their songs to packed audiences of appreciative listeners.

Here’s a taste. Tuesday evening, April 3 at 3rd and Lindsley…

 Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano

Super songwriter extraordinaire Ashley Gorley kicked it off with his first Number One for Jon Pardi, ‘Dirt On My Boots.’ As of this week, Ashley  (ASCAP’s Songwriter of The Year, for five consecutive years) has the current number one record on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for Thomas Rhett with ‘Marry Me.’ This makes Ashley’s 37th or 38th Number one record. I have lost count! This Kentucky boy sure makes us proud J.

L to R: Ashley Gorley, Brett Young and Chris DeStefano. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Then next up was Grammy Award-winning American singer and songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist and dad, Chris DeStefano.  Chris started out with his celebrated number one as a co-writer with Dan + Shay’s ‘From The Ground Up.’ Chris also co-wrote the Carrie Underwood, 7-week, #1 song ‘Something in the Water,’ the third-longest running female #1 Hot Country song in chart history.

Brett Young surprise guest

The show’s surprise artist was BMLG’s ‘Golden Boy’ Brett Young. Every single Brett has released (all three) have gone to number one status. He told the story of his first number party experience. It was about award-winning songwriter Jon Nite’s second number one party. He talked about how Jon told about his journey and Jon and his wife’s move here for him to be a songwriter when they were both just 18 years old and had a 18 month old child. They had all they owned in a Uhaul trailer. So Brett dedicated his next single song to Jon Nite, ‘Beautiful Believer.’

As another artist surprise, Chris brought up newcomer Warner Brothers/Nashville artist Morgan Evans. Morgan is from Australia and is Kelsea Ballerini’s better half. He surprised the crowd with a “Story Behind the Song and the Song” for his recent chart-climbing single ‘Kiss Somebody’ that he co-wrote with Chris and Josh Osborne.

As things ended, the best quote of truth, that made me smile was Brett’s. “God‘s plan was a little different from mine, but he got me up here.”  —  Brett Young talking about his journey as songwriter that turned into an artist.

… and then on to the next venue!

For more about Tin Pan South, click here. And for info about Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) click here.

Persistence pays off for Carly Pearce

Invested years building toward success

“I wouldn’t change anything about my personal journey in the industry. I had to figure out who I was as an artist. I’m glad this didn’t happen when I was twenty-one. I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much as I do now.” – Carly Pearce

It’s a long way from Taylor Mill, KY to Nashville, TN, but perseverance paid off for the 28-year-old singer-songwriter who never gave up on her dream.

[L to R] busbee, Carly Pearce and Emily Shackelton celebrate. together. Photo credit: Ed Rode
Nashville’s music community came out to celebrate the success of Carly Pearce’s ‘Every Little Thing’ (Big Machine Records) on Monday, March 19.  The Number One party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI was held at the CMA’s headquarters on Music Row, to honor Carly and her co-writers, Emily Shackelton and busbee.

The party celebrated ‘Every Little Thing’ topping Mediabase and Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.  Not only was it Carly’s first No. 1 single, it was also the first No. 1 for one of her co-writers, Emily Shackelton. busbee, who also produced the song, is a music industry veteran with a string of hits both as a songwriter and producer.

Carly’s whole life, she told us, has focused on music. She was speaking at a media session before the awards presentation. “I dreamed about being on stage since I was nine years old,” she said.

Carly Pearce in front of the ‘Country Forever’ wall at the CMA Offices on Music Row. Photo Credit: Preshias Harris

“I’m an only child, and my parents have always supported my dreams,” Carly said. When she was sixteen, her family relocated from Taylor Mill in Kenton County, KY, to East Tennessee so she could follow her dream by finding work at Dollywood, the entertainment complex and theme park owned by Dolly Parton. When that dream took her from Pigeon Forge to Nashville, she had to find ways to support herself, often with menial jobs such as cleaning Air B&Bs. She said that her parents’ support and encouragement kept her going, even when she became disheartened and didn’t feel she could go on.

Long way from Dollywood to Number One

It’s been a long journey from those days in her mid-teens at Dollywood to standing on a stage, holding an award for a Number One hit song. There have been ups and downs in her career, but “I wouldn’t change anything about my personal journey in the industry,” she said. “I had to figure out who I was as an artist. I’m glad this didn’t happen when I was twenty-one. I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much as I do now.”

Speaking about this special occasion, Carly revealed, “I’ve dreamt of what it would be like to have a No. 1 song since I moved to Nashville.” She continued, “If I am living proof of anything, it’s that one song can change everything. I have experienced that with my peers over the years and have listened to the stories behind the songs that changed other people’s lives.” She added that, at the time she recorded ‘Every Little Thing’ she had no idea that was going to be the song that changed her life.

Carly was scheduled to appear at The Grand Ole Opry the next evening. I asked her if it will be different this time, with a GOLD-certified single to her credit.

“I’m nearing my 50th Opry performance,” she said. “The Opry has always showed me support, even when I didn’t have a record deal or a publishing deal [and] I had nothing going on. It’s a special time every time I step on the Opry stage.”

Carly added, “I dream of being an Opry member one day.”

The song’s co-writer and producer, busbee, has written or produced songs for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Tony Braxton, Adam Lambert, Lady Antebellum and Gwen Stefani. I asked Carly what it was like working with busbee. Carly said that, when she first met him, she thought, “he’s more pop and I’m country. I’m not sure he’s going to ‘get’ me.”  However, she soon realized that it was a great working relationship. “It was amazing,” she said. “Like it was meant to be.”

ACM nomination: “I just screamed!”

Carly Pearce fields media questions before the Number One party. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Carly was asked how she found out she had been nominated for an ACM award in the ‘New Female Vocalist of the Year’ category. She said she was in-flight on a plane when she received the news. “It’s hard to explain my feelings,” she said. “I just screamed!” She said that she used to sit on her couch, watching the show and dream of being nominated one day.  Even if she does not win, “Being recognized in an honor on its own,” she emphasized.

Carly also talked about her experiences as part of Blake Shelton’s ‘Country Music Freaks Tour’ with Trace Adkins and Brett Eldridge. She said that Blake and Gwen Stefani were so kind to her. “Gwen is the most ‘down to earth’ person I’ve ever met, even though she’s a megastar,” Carly recalled. However, she admitted she was ‘too scared’ to ask Stefani for any fashion tips!

Learning how to ‘work’ an audience

Asked what she learned from the tour, Carly said, “I’m stronger than I think I am. I can go with less hours sleep than I thought I could!”  She added that she learned a lot just from watching Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins.  “They know how to ‘work’ an audience,” she said.

“If I am living proof of anything, it’s that one song can change everything.” – Carly Pearce

Carly is a true ‘country’ girl, born and raised in the small town of Taylor Mill in northeastern Kentucky, and is ‘pure country’ to her soul. Her next single, ‘Hide the Wine,’ is already climbing Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.  More at https://www.carlypearce.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

  • Emily Shackelton

    Co-writer Emily Shackelton, a native of Biwabik, Minnesota, is signed to Liz Rose Music/Warner-Chappell publishing in Nashville. In addition to ‘Every Little Thing,’ her first No. 1, her songs have been recorded by Wynona Judd, Sara Evans, Cassadee Pope and X-Factor winner Tate Stevens, among others.

Music Row One Sheet, March 2018

Nashville Music News Roundup

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Hope Nation Radio brings joy to children fighting cancer. Celebrates 500th show 4:00 pm CT, March 17

Jason Aldean announces tour schedule. Hootie & Blowfish to join Aldean in Atlanta

Larry’s Country Diner set to tour live venues. TV show to book 20 – 25 ‘live’ stage shows per year

Shenandoah album release party March 20. Tickets on sale now for Nashville Winery show

Songwriters, artists celebrate chart-topping singles. March a big month for Number One parties

Volunteer Jam XX brings the stars to Bridgestone Arena. 4+ hour show to air on AXS TV

2018 ACM Award nominations announced. Chris Stapleton leads with eight nominations

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Hope Nation Radio sets 500th show, March 17

Hope Nation Radio, the online radio station devoted to bringing joy and hope through music to the lives of children fighting cancer, will present their 500th show on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 4:00 pm CT. They will celebrate this milestone achievement LIVE on their show ‘Big Daddy LIVE (From the Man Cave)’ on St. Patrick’s Day. Nile Peaytt, better known as “Big Daddy,” created this station with the goal of bringing hope into the lives of children (or as he calls them, “kiddos!”) fighting cancer.

‘Big Daddy’ Nile Peaytt [right] on air with Jeff Bates
In celebration of this 500th episode, Peaytt said, “What started as such a small mission has now grown into such a beautiful community of listeners. Keeping hope alive in trying times is so important.”  Hope Nation Radio was formed in 2013 by Peaytt and Thomas Hammonds and plays a variety of country music, pop, rock, contemporary, Christian and gospel from signed and independent artists. Big Daddy intermixes hopeful music with his own hilarious and energetic interjections and stories of hope he shares. Watch an explanatory video and learn more about this great organization at hopeiseverything.org

Aldean’s High Noon Neon tour starts May 10

Jason Aldean has revealed the one-night-only lineup from SunTrust Park for his HIGH NOON NEON TOUR stop at the new Atlanta Braves stadium, on July 21. Tickets will be available beginning 10:00 am ET, Friday March 23 at JasonAldean.com and LiveNation.com. Aldean will be joined on the tour by Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina.  For the July 21 Atlanta date only, Aldean will also be joined by Darius Rucker reuniting with former bandmates as Hootie & the Blowfish. The High Noon Neon Tour will launch on May 10 in Kansas City, MO, following the April 13 release of his latest album REARVIEW TOWN. The new music follows Aldean’s last three albums that each bowed at No. One on the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart.

‘Larry’s Country Diner” goes from TV to stage

The cast of Larry’s Country Diner

“Larry’s Country Diner,” the down-home TV variety show that serves millions of fans with an appetite for wholesome, family-friendly programming and a palette for traditional country music, is packing its kitchen and will soon be coming to a city near you.  The cast of five, including host Larry Black, Renae The Waitress, church lady Nadine, announcer Keith Bilbrey, Sheriff Jimmy Capps and a special guest music performer, will be bringing their humor and good times to live audiences at venues across the United States and Canada on its first-ever tour.

“Larry’s Country Diner” Road Show plans to book around 20-25 shows per year. The “Larry’s Country Diner” Road Show recently concluded two six-night runs at the Starlite Theater in Branson, Missouri, and a Caribbean cruise, all of which sold out.  Currently, the show has also started taping its upcoming season at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom in Nashville. Details at larryscountrydiner.com.

Shenandoah album release party, March 20

Shenandoah celebrates their first country album in 20 years with a party at City Winery Tuesday, March 20 that will include performances from several surprise guests.  Click HERE to purchase tickets. RELOADED includes ‘live’ versions of many of their smash hits, recorded at venues during their 2017 tour. The album also includes three new songs.

Charlie Daniels hosts Volunteer Jam XX

Charlie Daniels and friends at Volunteer Jam XX. Photo credit: Rick Diamond

The stars came out (and played) for Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam XX.  With a killer ensemble and set list of over 30 songs – from Jamey Johnson’s take on Daniels’ “Long Haired Country Boy” to Skynryd’s performance of “Sweet Home Alabama” to Devon Allman, Duane Betts and Chuck Leavell’s once-in-a-lifetime collaboration on “Midnight Rider” to, of course, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” a packed Bridgestone Arena witnessed over four hours of incredible music continuing the Jam’s legacy.  AXS TV filmed the concert event for a primetime broadcast special this summer; information on air date and time to be announced at a later date. Charlie has parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children and others in need. More at charliedaniels.com

No. 1 parties for  Janson, Young, Lynch

Chris Janson

‘Fix A Drink’ fixed Chris Janson another Number One and he celebrated with co-writers Chris DuBois and Ashley Gorley at a Number One party on the afternoon of March 6th. The party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, was held at BMI’s Nashville location. More at chrisjanson.com …

Chris Young

Later that day, it was time for Chris Young to celebrate the success of ‘Losing Sleep.’ That Number One party took place at Nashville’s Tin Roof – renamed TEN Roof for the evening in honor of Young’s tenth Number One hit. Young was joined by co-writers Chris DeStefano and Josh Hoge, co-hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. See chrisyoungcountry.com …

Dustin Lynch

Dustin Lynch took time out of his busy schedule for a Number One party, marking his four-week No. 1 single, ‘Small Town Boy.’ The song, written by Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip and Kyle Fishman, was also hailed as the ‘largest audience song of the year’ during the party.  Tour and ‘meet & greet’ updates at dustinlynchmusic.com…

Next week, it will be Carly Pearce‘s turn to celebrate her No. 1, ‘Every Little Thing,’ with co-writers Emily Shackelton and busbee (who also produced the song).

2018 ACM Award nominees announced

Reba McEntire, host of 2018 ACM Awards

The Academy of Country Music Awards will include performances by Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, GFL, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and more. Chris Stapleton is up for eight awards, Thomas Rhett has six nominations, including Male Vocalist of the Year. Reba McEntire hosts the show, airing live from the MGM Garden Arena, Sunday April 15, 8:00 pm ET/PT on CBS.

See the full list of nomineess at Billboard’s website here.

Music Row One Sheet copyright (c) 2018 Preshias Harris and Nashville Music Line LLC

Billy Burnette is ‘Crazy Like Me.’ It’s in his DNA

New book and album filled with rock n’ roll memories

Billy Burnette looks over some of the musical memorabilia in his home studio. Photo: Preshias Harris

Billy Burnette was literally born into the world of rock n’ roll and has lived in and around it ever since.  Now he has written a book filled with his personal memories of those times, and has released a full-length CD to complement the book.

Titled ‘Crazy Like Me: From Memphis and the Rock n’ Roll Trio to Fleetwood Mac,’ the story begins with Billy growing up in a house filled with music. Billy’s father and uncle, Dorsey and Johnny Burnette, comprised two-thirds of the Rock n’ Roll Trio and are widely recognized as being among the very first rockabilly acts, starting out in the early fifties.

I asked Billy about growing up in a family that was part of the entertainment industry.  When did it strike him that this wasn’t the way every kid grows up?

“You know,” said Billy, “I thought – because I got into it so young – like I performed with the Rock n’ Roll trio at three and a half and did my first major record deal in 1960 when I was seven for Dot Records, so I thought everybody did this. I thought it was just a normal thing.”

By the time Billy was twelve, he was touring the Far East, opening for Brenda Lee and entertaining U.S. troops posted overseas.

The Rock n’ Roll Trio started out in Memphis, where a scrawny kid named Elvis Presley would hang out to watch them play at the Lauderdale Courts

Recognition for the Rock n’ Roll Trio

The Rock n’ Roll trio. Photo: Billy Burnette collection

I wondered if one of Billy’s motivations to write the book was to set the record straight so that the Rock n’ Roll Trio got the recognition they deserved.

“They actually influenced so many people,” said Billy, “beginning with Elvis Presley who used to hang out at their rehearsals at the Lauderdale Courts.  In fact, while I was doing the book, I found a picture of Elvis and my dad at a Boys’ Club in 1954 so he was hanging around them.  They started their band about the time I was born in 1953 and wrote the song ‘Rockabilly Boogie’ which is about my cousin Rocky and myself.

“But they were, I think, the first rock n’ roll band out of Memphis. They influenced Elvis because he was always hanging around.  My mom knew him well and grew up with him. [Lauderdale Courts] was a project for the poor after the War, so that’s where everybody lived and my mom said it was a fun place because they had basketball courts there and it was nice, actually.  When I went back to interview my mom – because someone was going to do a documentary on them [the Rock n’ Roll Trio] and I interviewed her myself for it and to get some information for my book and I didn’t realize how nice it actually was, still to this day.”

Billy’s musical journey reads like a history of rock n’ roll, told from a very personal point of view.  Unlike many books about music, Billy was actually there, and the book is filled with his accounts of meeting, working with – and quite often ‘partying’ with – a who’s who of popular music. Glen Campbell, George Harrison, Delaney and Bonnie, Roger Miller, John Fogerty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Paul McCartney… even Charlie Manson and many more.  Billy’s memories of these and other iconic characters have never been told before.  All are told from the point of view of someone who was a participant in the story.

Invited to join Fleetwood Mac

Billy Burnette (far right) with Fleetwood Mac

Billy joined Fleetwood Mac after Lindsey Buckingham quit the band at short notice. I asked Billy to think back to the day he got the call to join the band.

“I was in the studio with Roy Orbison, and I realized Mick [Fleetwood] was looking for me,” he recalled.  “I had known him for five or six years. This was 1987. I called home and I was told, ‘Mick’s looking everywhere for you,’ so I called Mick. He said, ‘I need you to join the band.’ I said, ‘When?’ and he said, ‘Tomorrow morning.’ I was with MCA Curb, so I had to call Mike Curb to get out of my deal there, and he let me out. The first half hour was him trying to talk me into staying, because I’d just been nominated for the ACM’s Best New Male Vocalist, and things were going good for me but not as good as going on a major Fleetwood Mac tour.  That was like the circus taking off that day. There were I don’t know how many trucks and trailers, We had our own private 727.” Continue reading “Billy Burnette is ‘Crazy Like Me.’ It’s in his DNA”

Stars join John Berry for ‘Songs and Stories’

Season 2 hits TV in April

‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ Season 2 will soon be coming to U.S. television, as a new series of tapings wrapped up a few days ago.

The tapings took place over four nights in the Natchez Hills Winery at The Fontanel, on Whites Creek Pike in Nashville. The intimate venue, seating no more than a hundred guests, was an ideal setting for the laid-back show.

In each show, Berry talks with his featured guest who shares personal stories about the music that has changed their lives and inspired them to become the artists they are today. Each artist also joins Berry and the band to perform some of those songs.

Berry feels that ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ is a title that sums up the essence of the show. “For me and so many others, songs help us express what we feel inside and stories are the inspiration for the song that lies within,” he says.

New shows start airing in April

The season kicks off in April with the following shows scheduled:

Episode 1, Week of April 02: Mac Macanally;

Episode 2, Week of April 09: Rhonda Vincent;

Episode 3, Week of April 16: Steve Dorff;

Episode 4, Week of April 23: Ryan White;

Episode 5, Week of April 30: John Schneider.

(Left to Right): Blane Howard, John Berry, Sean Thomas Berry, Preston James at ‘New Artists Show’ episode of ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Episodes airing in May and June will feature Radney Foster, Terri Clark, Tracy Lawrence, Daryle Worley, Pam Tillis, Exile, and will wrap up with a ‘New Artists’ Show’ with Sean Thomas Berry, Preston James and Blane Howard. A ‘Best Of’ compilation show will air highlights of Season 2 during the week of June 25.

At one of the tapings, Tracy Lawrence recalls a decision that changed his life. He had two years of college under his belt in Louisiana and was earning money in tips while playing in bars in the evening. “I decided, if I don’t go to Nashville now, I’ll never go,” he says.

John Berry performs with guest Tracy Lawrence (Right) during a show taping. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

He took the $700.00 that he’d made in tips over the past few weeks, packed his guitar in his car and headed to Nashville. Speaking about the music he is making now, he says, “I’m not chasing hits anymore. I’m going back to what I was passionate about.”

Each of the artists shares similar stories about their lives and their music, often revealing personal experiences that are connected to their songs.

TV show channel listings

The second season of ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ will be shown on numerous outlets, including The Family Channel, Heartland TV, The Country Network, ROKU and more. For show time listings in your area, click the ‘Where To Watch’ tab at www.songsandstories.com

A 3-disc DVD set of the first season of ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ is available for $30.00 at http://johnberrystore.bigcartel.com

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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