Country Music Archives - Page 8 of 15

117 Entertainment Group marks first anniversary

A Nashville success story

Congratulations to Zach Farnum, the founder and president of 117 Entertainment Group. Launched in May 2017, in only one year Zach has built the company into a multi-faceted entertainment firm specializing in publicity and marketing campaigns for musicians, brands and events.

I received the following photo and email from Zach and I thought you would like to read it too.

[L to R]: 117’s Max Dacosta and Heather Scarlett Trotter, Bobby Bare, Lee Roy Parnell, Cherish Lee, John Berry, Exile Band Official’s Marlon Hargis, Jeannie Seely, Tim Rushlow, Kendall Gary, Shane Owens Country, Exile’s Sonny Lemaire, 117’s Bev J Moser, Scott Brown of the Scooter Brown Band, Exile’s Steve Goetzman and J.P. Pennington. Kneeling front center: Zach Farnum. (Not featured but present: Jerry Lee Lewis III, Exile’s Les Taylor Music, Lewis Brice)

“A year ago yesterday I announced a new endeavor… all on my own with one client, Chuck Negron Formerly Of Three Dog Night. From there, thanks to many friends, one by one, 117 Entertainment Group picked up more and more amazing artists. Paige Hamilton, Karl Braun and Pepper Meiler were there from the beginning supporting me professionally — but we were blessed with Bev J Moser in late June which started a rapid up-hill climb.

“It’s been a rollercoaster with ups and downs but now we’ve got over 20 incredible acts on our roster, a management and a live division and two more great team members – Heather Scarlett Trotter and Max Dacosta. Seeing this seed grow has been the biggest joy of my life and I truly can’t believe this picture.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you — to all who believed in me from the beginning, to all who support us now and to all who came last night — especially our clients who gave their time for our celebration! My heart is full.” – Zach Farnum

Again, kudos to Zach and all at 117 Entertainment. More information at their website, here.

NSAI honors 75 songwriters

…for 23 Number One songs

The Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) held their Spring #1 Party on Monday April 23, 2018, recognizing 75 songwriters (23 songs) for their #1 achievements during the period of August 2017-December 2017.

At the brunch event, sponsored by SunTrust Bank and held at The Listening Room Cafe, the songwriters were presented plaques for topping the Billboard Country or Christian, Airplay, Digital, and Hot Charts and/or Mediabase Country Airplay Chart.

Back row (L-R): Earle Simmons (SunTrust), Dusty Miller (SunTrust), Ashleigh Overly (SunTrust), Jaron Boyer, Ray Fulcher, Adam Hambrick, Brock Berryhill, Tom Douglas, Steve Bogard (NSAI President), David Hodges, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller, Matt Dragstrem, Tim Timmons, AJ Pruis, Bart Millard
Front row (L-R): Lindsay Gum (NSAI Director of Events and Pro Membership), Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton, Jordan Schmidt, Tebey Ottoh, Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director), Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Ben Glover, Matt McGinn, Matthew West

These are the Number One songs and songwriters honored at the event:

“All The Pretty Girls” – Josh Osborne, Nicolle Galyon, Tommy Lee James (recorded by Kenny Chesney) Continue reading “NSAI honors 75 songwriters”

Nashville’s music people give back to community

Gifts and benefits help those in need

NATD donates washer & dryer to DuPont Tyler Middle School
Darius Rucker & Friends set for Ryman Auditorium, June 4
Bobby Marquez fires up St Jude Rock n’ Roll Marathon

‘cleaner clothes’ gift to help boost class attendance

(L to R): CISTN CEO Hank Clay, NATD’s Zach Farnum, Blake McDaniel of CAA, DuPont Tyler Principal Dr. Bianca Jefferson, CISTN’s Brittany Grega, NATD President Steve Tolman and NATD’s Randi Perkins.

The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) partnered with Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) to equip DuPont Tyler Middle School with the ability to provide clean clothes for its students by donating a new washer and dryer. Children in metro Nashville schools often miss school due to lack of clean clothes, therefore NATD hopes to help increase classroom attendance with this donation.

“Thanks to the generous donation of NATD, the students whom Communities In Schools of Tennessee serves at DuPont Tyler Middle Prep will be proud to have clean clothes every day,” said CISTN CEO Hank Clay. “We know that students are much more likely to miss school when they do not have enough clean clothes, and many families do not have the resources to own a washer and dryer.”

NATD was founded in 1958 and professionally represents, directs, and promotes the entertainment industry through its members. Today those members generate over $300 million dollars annually for Nashville-based artists. To find out more about Communities In Schools of Tennessee visit their website here, and read about NATD at www.n-a-t-d.com

‘Darius & Friends’ set for June 4

For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.

The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4 returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com. “When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”

Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets are also available through the Ryman box office and DariusRucker.com.

And speaking of St. Jude…

Bobby Marquez sets pace for runners

Bobby Marquez is an award-winning singer/songwriter known for moving boots across a dance floor, but on April 28, his upbeat honky tonk tunes set the pace for thousands of sneakers hitting the pavement for the annual St. Jude Rock N Roll Marathon. Marquez and legendary fiddle player, Ernie Reed of Mel Tillis’s Statesiders fame, motivated runners in the final stretch at mile 19 in East Nashville.

The Marathon is one of three annual events Marquez participates in to raise funds for a charity very close to his heart, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bobby Marquez and Workout Anytime 24/7 present their annual Country With Heart Benefit on June 9th this year at The Nashville Nightlife Theatre with an all-star lineup. And Marquez will entertain alongside Mark Chesnutt in September at the annual Buck Creek Trailride benefiting St. Jude. Tour info, music and more at bobbymarquez.com.

Music Row One Sheet Mid April 2018

Nashville Music News Roundup

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Bill Anderson’s new song is a ‘message of hope’
Eric Church releases ‘covers’ LP for Record Store Day
‘Darius & Friends,’ June 4, to benefit St Jude
‘Amos’ inspired by Michael Ray’s grandfather
Thomas Rhett: ‘My 3-minute autobiography’

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson has released a sentimental new single, “Until The Light Comes On Again,” with all proceeds being donated to Sarah Cannon Fund at the Community Foundation. The video for the single exclusively premiered on Parade.com. Click HERE to purchase “Until The Light Comes On Again.”

Anderson was inspired to pen the single after watching his longtime girlfriend, Vickie, bravely face a cancer diagnosis. The poignant, beautiful tune brings a message of hope and is a testament to anyone who’s facing a challenge in their life. Anderson and Vickie are featured in the video which comes fresh off the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame announcing Anderson’s induction this June. More details at billanderson.com.

Eric Church is releasing a limited edition LP, 61 DAYS IN CHURCH, to mark Record Store day, Saturday, April 21, 2018.

The vinyl album, with only 2,500 copies pressed, is available only at participating record stores and includes Church’s covers of eight songs by Soundgarden, Billy Joel, Little Feat, Bob Seger and more.

All the songs were recorded at live events during Church’s 61-date ‘Holdin’ My Own’ tour. The tour was presented in two sets with an intermission. It reached nearly a million fans culminating with two sold-out shows at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with Church performing nearly 40 songs a night. More info at ericchurch.com.

For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.

The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4, returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com. “When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”

Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets are also available through the Ryman box office and DariusRucker.com.

Michael Ray is set for a June 1 release of his true introductory album, AMOS (Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville), and digital pre-orders are available here from today, April 20.

Promising his most personal to date, the album is named after Ray’s grandfather, Amos, who was a huge influence on him, fueling his love for country music. In fact, Ray first began singing and performing in his grandfather’s band when he was only nine years old. To this day he still plays Amos’ hand-me-down guitar, a 1978 Les Paul, as a reminder of the time they spent together sharing stories, learning songs and making memories.

AMOS features 11 tracks including Ray’s current top 20 and climbing single, “Get To You.” More at MichaelRayMusic.com.

Thomas Rhett’s autobiographical anthem “Life Changes,” the title-track from his Billboard 200 chart-topping album (The Valory Music Co.), is his new single. The song co-written by Rhett is now at Country radio. It follows all three of LIFE CHANGES’ singles – PLATINUM-certified “Craving You” and “Marry Me” as well as GOLD-certified “Unforgettable” – that earned chart-topping success.

“This song is basically my autobiography in three minutes,” Thomas Rhett said. “It covers my college years, marrying Lauren, becoming a dad and the evolution of my music career. It’s definitely the most personal song I’ve ever written, but we all go through a lot in life whatever the story is, so I think the sentiment is something a lot of people can relate to.”

Rhett has also released LEAVE RIGHT NOW: THE REMIXES, delivering fresh takes on the EDM-flavored track from his LIFE CHANGES album. The collection features a reimagined version of the song from PLATINUM-selling DJ Martin Jensen, who brings a new dimension to “Leave Right Now” by combining Thomas Rhett’s soulful vocals with his own trademark sound. Find tour dates at ThomasRhett.com.

Songwriters pour it on at Whiskey Rhythm Saloon

Saturday late show wraps a great week at Tin Pan South 2018

Dillon Dixon, Doug Johnson and Danny Wells were joined by The Darlins and Nick Sturms on the final day of this year’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival.

L to R: Dillon Dixon, Danny Wells, Jude Toy (The Darlins) Nick Sturms, Erinn Bates (The Darlins) and Doug Johnson. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Dillon Dixon – Dillon began his part of the writers’ round with a song he had with his band, High South, called ‘Bootwork.’ He followed that with his Josh Gracin radio hit ‘Invisible.’ Next up: ‘Follow the Smoke,’ a co-write with German songwriter Phil Sunday and U.S. writer Brandon Chase. Dillon has lived in Europe for the past few years to keep his music as his main income. He secured a publishing deal in Austria and has been touring all over Europe in various bands.

Dillon’s final song is one of my all-time favorite songs of his writing career. Dillon told the story of his friend Jimbeau Hinson coming in and helping him through an emotional “pre write” that had nothing to do with the session. After a Dillon got his composure, they finished the song ‘Wishing Others Well.’

Doug Johnson – Doug Johnson kicked off his first song with a tune that he and hit writer Pat Bunch (She is 79 years old) wrote. Doug says, “We wrote a honky tonk song,” and, sure enough, that’s the title: ‘Hony Tonk Song!’ Love the song that he co-wrote with Dave Gibson and Nick Sturms called ‘World Gone Mad.’ The next song, ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ is one that Doug wrote to his beautiful wife Lisa. It was amazing. I wish I could have sung this song to my honey! Doug played the song he co-wrote with Nick Sturms for Nick’s 10-day-old son, Rollin Sterling Sturms. Ready or not, ’Here You Come’ is an amazing song for a first-time dad ormom, even though it was sung through the father’s point of view of his first born.

For Doug’s final round, he dedicated his songs to his co-writer, the award winning songwriter Kim Williams. Doug added, “Who is with angels.” Then he started the mega hit for Randy Travis, ‘Three Wooden Crosses.’ Rumor has it that Chesney passed on this song. Goes to show, a GREAT song will find a GREAT home, and a GREAT artist!

Danny Wells – Danny started out with a song he co-wrote with Jeffrey Steele, ‘I Found You.’ LOVE IT !!!!!! Next pass, he sang the Rascal Flatts song he co-wrote with Gene Nelson, ‘This Everyday Love,’ a top ten hit for the group. “On this next song,” said Danny, “Tony Mullins and I wrote this song on actual paper! It made its way to Craig Morgan. It’s called ‘Little Bit of Life.’”

Danny wrapped his segment with his super mega smash for George Strait, ’Check Yes Or No,’ written with co-writer Dana Hunt Black. He told the story: “The [demo] cassette actually got stuck in the wrong box in the mail room. It was meant for another artist in that building. It ended up in George’s hands. Strait played it for his son, Bubba. Bubba said, ‘Dad, I didn’t want to like but I do!’” That’s the rest of story!

Nick Sturms – Also on stage was Nick Sturms, a talented songwriter and musician, who provided wonderful accompaniments.

The Darlins were up next. They jumped right in with ‘Pistol,’ a single from their ‘Crush’ album. Just wonderful harmonies that seem like they are coming down from heaven. The Darlins are a female duo composed of Erinn Bates from Nashville, (lead vocals/mandolin) and Jude Toy from Portland, Oregon (guitar/vocals). The Darlins’ won Duo of the Year at the 2017 Josie Music Awards.

One of my favorite songs they sang was ‘Knock and The Door Will Be Opened.’ The final song for the Darlins was their single, ‘Blackberry Whiskey,’ that they co-wrote with super instrumentalist Robin Ruddy and released it in 2017. Robin joined them on stage as the surprise guest! Muisic critic and author Robert K. Oermann has said of The Darlins: “This female duo has a sensuous sound on this slow burning track. A resonator guitar weaves through the arrangement as they languidly drawl their desire in harmony. Feverish.” He nailed it !!!

CORRECTION: In a previous post about a Tin Pan South show featuring Anthony Smith, Clint Daniels, Lance Miller and Jamie Paulin, due to an editing error, the final paragraph incorrectly read: ‘All in all, another memorable Tin Pan South night of great music and stories from three masters of the art of songwriting.’ Of course, it should read: ‘All in all, another memorable Tin Pan South night of great music and stories from four masters of the art of songwriting.’ Apologies to all four great writers!

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is produced by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). The Festival’s Presenting Partner is Regions Bank.

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.

Eric Paslay headlines Tin Pan South show

‘ASCAP Presents’ the Early Show at Station Inn

On Wednesday, April 4, ASCAP presented its annual songwriter round at The Station Inn. Featured performers included EMI recording artist Eric Paslay, hit songwriters Clint Lagerberg and Gordie Sampson, and emerging songwriter-artist Caylee Hammack.

{L to R]: Eric Paslay, Caylee Hammack, Clint Lagerberg, Gordie Sampson. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Eric Paslay began the round and as it came around second time Eric sang MY FAVORITE song ‘She Don’t Love You.’ “I have had a record deal ever since I had a publishing deal and every hit song is a million miracles,” said Paslay, then he kicked into his new song ‘Young Forever’ that he co-wrote with Morgan Evans.

His first hit as a songwriter was ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night’ recorded by Jake Owen. He told the story of how his publisher (who is now his wife, Natalie) carried the song up and down Music Row for over a year, “…until someone forgot to say no,” said Eric. NOTE: In 2013, Paslay appeared on Amy Grant’s album ‘How Mercy Looks From Here,’ sharing lead vocals with Grant and Sheryl Crow on a song he wrote called ‘Deep As It Is Wide.’ In publicity for the album, Grant stated that she was most excited about Paslay as an up-and-coming artist.

[Note: In an earlier version of this post, the name of Eric Paslay’s wife Natalie was misidentified. Apologies for the error!]

Clint Lagerberg kicked off with ‘Sombrero’ that he co-wrote with Chris DuBois. Clint explained, “It was cut by an artist but didn’t make the record. We know that sometimes happens.” Still a cool song if I ever heard one. Then he sang his super hit for Rascal Flatts, ‘Here Comes Goodbye’ co-written with Chris Sligh. Next pass was ‘Small Town Big Time’ by Blake Shelton. As he ended with his mega hit for Keith Urban that he co-wrote with Hillary Lindsey and Steven Lee Olsen ‘Blue Ain’t Your Color.’ everybody was whoooing it!!

Next up was award-winning songwriter Gordie Sampson, who has penned over 1,000 songs and counting. He started his round with his FGL hit ‘God Your Momma and Me.’ As he made the round again He told the story behind Faith Hill’s cut ‘Paris.’ The song was featured on her ‘Fireflies’ album and was co-written with Troy Verges and Blair Daly. He played his super hit for Carrie Underwood, ‘Jesus Take The Wheel,’ and you could have heard a pin drop. This song still stops me in my tracks. Gordie’s songs have been cut by Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson and others.

Since the age of 13, Caylee Hammack has been playing in smoky bars, opry houses, and music festivals around the southeast. On her first run through, Caylee warned us that it was about her life in 3 and 1/2 minutes of ”AMAZING!!!!” SHE KICKED us in our heart. It moved me so much that I didn’t even notice a title! That was mainly because it took us to a place that songwriters love to take us.

As they made it through the next circle, the audience became aware that this lady is incredibly talented. She ended up her part with a true life experience and a very emotional song called ‘Forged By The Fire’ and the story will bring you to your knees. She is now focused is on writing songs for Nashville’s A-list artists while also working on her own artist career.

[L to R]: Eric Paslay, Clint Lagerberg, Gordie Sampson, Caylee Hammack. Photo credit: Ed Rode

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!

Tag: Country Music