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Cole Swindell, Mitchell Tenpenny celebrate Number One hits

Swindell’s eighth No. 1; Tenpenny’s first No. 1

Cole Swindell recently celebrated his eighth No.1 single as an artist. “Break Up In The End” was written by Chase McGill, Jessie Jo Dillon and Jon Nite, and produced by Michael Carter. The No. 1 party was hosted by ASCAP and BMI at The Topgolf in Nashville.

(L to R): Chase McGill, Jessie Jo Dillon, Cole Swindell, Jon Nite. Photo credit: Steve Lowry

Both McGill and Nite have had successful, award-winning careers as songwriters, but “Break Up In The End” was the first No. 1 for Dillon, who was presented with a Taylor guitar to mark the accomplishment. The presentation was made by BMI’s Leslie Roberts.

This No. 1 was an ‘outside song’

Swindell was commended for going with an ‘outside’ song; that is, a song that he did not write or co-write himself, although he is known as a successful songwriter. Named MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year in 2014, he has also received the CMA Triple Play Award for writing three No. 1 hits within a twelve-month period. But in the case of “Break Up In The End,” Swindell and his label chose to release a song that came from outside writers. (As it happens, Swindell has written previously with Jessie Jo Dillon, but did not know she was one of the writers of “Break Up” when he heard the demo.)

During the presentation, Warner Nashville’s John Esposito noted that Swindell is the only artist to have ever topped Country Aircheck’s chart with his first seven singles, prior to this his eighth No. 1. Esposito presented Swindell with an RIAA Gold plaque, adding that the Platinum plaque “is on the way.”

See Cole Swindell’s website here and his Facebook page

Tenpenny’s No. 1 is his debut single

On February 11, it was time for Mitchell Tenpenny to celebrate at a No. 1 party for “Drunk Me.” The song was written by Tenpenny with Jordan Schmidt and Justin Wilson. The party, co-hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC was held at the Tin Roof in Nashville.

“Drunk Me” is Tenpenny’s debut single from his debut album, “Telling All My Secrets,” released in February 2018. Tenpenny was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in music business. Continue reading “Cole Swindell, Mitchell Tenpenny celebrate Number One hits”

Dolly Parton, Jeannie C. Riley, Brenda Lee songs enter Grammy HoF

Among 25 new Hall of Fame inductees

The songs of three of country music’s best-known artists are among the twenty-five works to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year.

Dolly Parton‘s “Coat of Many Colors,” Brenda Lee‘s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” and Jeannie C. Riley‘s “Harper Valley P.T.A.” are among the 2019 class. Some of the other recordings to be inducted are: “I’m Walking” (Fats Domino), “Full Moon Fever” (Tom Petty), “Walk This Way” (Aerosmith), “Wild Thing” (The Troggs), “Move On Up” (Curtis Mayfield) and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (The Platters).

Dolly Parton

“Coat of Many Colors,” originally released in 1971, has been a fan favorite for decades. The song also inspired the TV movie, “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” that aired in December 2015.

Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee’s 1958 holiday song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” can be heard on radio and in shopping malls every Christmas. In December 2018, the song racked up more than 32 million on-demand streams.

Jeannie C. Riley

Jeannie C. Riley achieved a ‘first’ with her recording of “Harper Valley P.T.A.” The song made her the first female artist to reach No. 1 on both the country and all-genre pop charts with the same song.

1,088 recordings in Grammy Hall of Fame

The selections in the Class of 2019 include singles and albums that are at least 25 years old, and show “qualitative or historical significance.” A total of 1,088 recordings (including the new inductees) are now part of the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame is proud to be a pillar of musical excellence and diversity year after year, honoring some of the most iconic recordings of all time,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We are proud to acknowledge the ever-changing landscape and evolution of musical expression for which the Academy has become known. We’re honored to add these masterpieces to our growing catalog and are delighted to celebrate the impact they’ve had on our musical, social, and cultural history.”

See a full list of all 1,088 recordings here.

The sixty-first Grammy Awards show airs Friday February 10 on CBS at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT.

Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com

Music Licensing Collective (MLC) needs songwriters’ support

Songwriters, artists: sign petition to support MLC to collect streaming royalties. Take action now!

Nashville, TN (February 4, 2019) – The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the Songwriters of North America (SONA), National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), today unveiled broad endorsements for their industry-consensus Music Licensing Collective (MLC) submission to the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO).

The submission, which will be filed by March 21st, creates the collective required by the Music Modernization Act (MMA) to license and administer mechanical rights. Additionally, the groups announced the MLC Board and Committee appointments and launched a website for all of the songwriters and artists who support the MLC to sign an official petition: SupporttheMLC.com and a site for music publishers to add their endorsements: SongConnect.org.

“We’ve worked for decades for the benefits the MLC will bring songwriters/composers, including licensing their digital mechanical royalties at no cost since the streaming music companies have agreed to fund the collective.” – Steve Bogard, President, NSAI

Increased royalty payments from streaming services

Personal note: The Music Licensing Collective (MLC) needs your support to ensure its success on your behalf. It will create and maintain a thorough database of music composition copyrights (and the copyrights’ owners), collect mechanical royalties from digital music streaming services, and transmit those royalties to copyright holders based on the ownership claims set forth in the database.

Streaming services will pay mechanical royalties to the MLC based on the number of streams each song has racked up. This a major benefit for both artist and songwriters. The MLC will also set up a blanket mechanical license for streaming of music compositions, replacing the unwieldy Notice of Intention (NOI) that is currently filed when a streaming service cannot track down a copyright owner. This will result in significantly higher royalty payments for copyright holders in the MLC’s master database.*

All you have to do is join. And its free.

“The U.S. Copyright Office will choose who runs the MLC this Summer. The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Songwriters of North America (SONA) and the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) helped passed the MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT, working on the legislation for years. We are asking for your support for the MLC being created by us. We KNOW we can do the best job when it comes to licensing your songs and protecting your royalties because we’ve been doing it for decades.” – quote from the MLC website.

The Music Modernization Act (MMA) requires that the MLC is “endorsed by, and enjoys substantial support from, musical work copyright owners that together represent the greatest percentage of the licensor market.” Continue reading “Music Licensing Collective (MLC) needs songwriters’ support”

‘Inside Track’ Country news updates

Country news roundup for late January 2019

‘Inside Track on Music Row,’ my monthly music news column appears in Nashville Music Guide. The February edition will drop any day soon – a special edition for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2019. Here are some Country news items that just missed the NMG print deadline. Check back here later for an excerpt from the February column and a link to it at NMG.

Garth Brooks’ new album: a FUN project
Ray Stevens: 60 years in music
John Berry asks for prayers, God’s healing
Maxine Brown passes

Scroll down to read these news items

Garth Brooks’ new album: a FUN project

Garth Brooks revealed the title of his upcoming studio album is FUN. Garth divulged the information during “Inside Studio G,” a weekly Facebook Live series airing every Monday on Garth’s Facebook page at 7:00 PM EST. Garth fans have been given a teaser of what to expect from his anticipated studio album, with Garth releasing “All Day Long.” The much-awaited record is available to preorder now.

“The title of the album was sparked because making it has been such a fun process to go through,” explained Garth. “Being able to go in and out of the studio while being on the tour, working with the same guys, it’s been amazing. The album will be available this spring and I want the fans to just have fun with this, because that’s what this has been.” More at Garth’s website and Facebook page.

Ray Stevens: 60 years in music

Continue reading “‘Inside Track’ Country news updates”

Morgan Evans celebrates first No. 1 ‘Kiss Somebody’

Number One party toasts Evans, DeStefano, Osbourne

“Kiss Somebody” is the first No. 1 in the USA for Morgan Evans, both as a songwriter and as an artist.

(L to R): Josh Osbourne, Evans, Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano. Photo: Preshias Harris

Australian-born Morgan and his label Warner Brothers along with ASCAP, BMI and APRA AMCOS (Australia’s PRO) came together to celebrate for the three songwriters. Morgan, his producer Chris DeStefano (also a co-writer) and Josh Osbourne were at Sound Check January 17 to receive awards, kudos and plaques.

The single is off of his Top 10 US debut album, “Things That We Drink To.” Morgan’s artistic vision came full circle with his producer and hit songwriter Chris DeStefano. The eclectic country album arrived at #1 on the ARIA Top Country Albums Chart and scored a Top 5 debut on the all-genre ARIA Top Albums Chart in Australia. Evans’ current single “Day Drunk” has held the #1 spot on Australia’s Music Network Country Airplay Chart for 21 consecutive weeks. That track also topped the all-genre TMN Hot 100 Airplay chart for two weeks in Australia, almost unheard of for a Country act. The album has garnered critical acclaim and it looks like 2019 is not even going to slow down.

From 2007 talent show to 2018 No. 1

Morgan Evans. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Back Story: Morgan Evans moved to Nashville two years ago from his native Australia, where his career was already flourishing. He won a talent show in 2007 where the prize was a trip to Nashville to record a single. He is married to Black River’s Country star Kelsea Ballerini. He signed with Warner Bros in 2017 and released his U.S. debut “Kiss Somebody.”
Evans is supporting Old Dominion on the MAKE IT SWEET TOUR to kick off 2019, before joining the first leg of Dan + Shay THE TOUR beginning in February. At a NSAI fundraiser with Evans and his album’s co-writers and friends, they revealed that Evans and DeStefano had both co-written each of the album’s 11 songs (including the duet song with wife Kelsea)!

“Whenever I see the city skyline, I remember the first time I came to Nashville and I looked at that skyline and I imagined being a part of that community. And every time I have that thought, I get that rush of memories, especially on a day like today when we get to stop and look back and celebrate things. These guys have sat up here a lot of times, but for me, it’s the first I’ve experienced this. And I guess, more than anything, it means that I get to keep doing this for a long time.” – Morgan Evans

Continue reading “Morgan Evans celebrates first No. 1 ‘Kiss Somebody’”

CMA names recipients of Triple Play Awards

Tickets on sale now for Feb 19 show

The Country Music Association has revealed the recipients of the 10th annual CMA Triple Play Awards, an honor presented to songwriters who pen three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

In total, 10 songwriters will receive trophies this year: Luke Combs, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, Tyler Hubbard, Josh Kear, Shane McAnally, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne and Thomas Rhett.

Galyon will host a very special CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank performance, taking place Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville at 7:00 PM (doors 6:00 PM) and also featuring Combs, Gorley, Kear, McGill and Osborne.

(L to R) Nicolle Galyon, Luke Combs, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kier, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne set to appear at CMA Songwriters Series, Feb 19. Photo: CMA

Continue reading “CMA names recipients of Triple Play Awards”

‘New Faces of Country Music’ set for CRS

Stars on the rise at Country Radio show

Jimmie Allen, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, LANCO, Dylan Scott will strut their stuff for radio honchos

The 2019 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is just around the corner, set for Feb. 13-15, 2019 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville. CRS is an annual convention that brings together thousands of Country radio air personalities, program directors and consultants. They are joined by record label executives, A&R staff and artist management teams, eager to expose their acts to radio’s decision makers.

A highlight at every CRS is the New Faces of Country Music® show. The ‘Class of 2019’ will consist of: Jimmie Allen (Stoney Creek), Russell Dickerson (Triple Tigers), Lindsay Ell (Stoney Creek), LANCO (Arista), and Dylan Scott (Curb). The annual new artist showcase event officially closes out the seminar and remains one of the most anticipated events each year at CRS.

I have attended CRS for many years and always look forward with excitement to the New Faces show. Here is an overview of the artists that will be part of the ‘Class of 2019.’

Jimmie Allen

With such an amazingly successful 2018 in his rearview mirror, we have to keep reminding ourselves that Jimmie Allen is still technically a newcomer. But he’s definitely not new to Nashville. Reinforcing the maxim that ‘Nashville is a ten-year town,’ Jimmie arrived in Music City in 2007 at the age of 22 with a bank balance of $21.00. Virtually broke, Jimmie was reduced to sleeping in his car at first, so he could send money from paychecks back to his mom in Delaware.

Working a variety of jobs over the years, he was determined to follow his dream in music. Developing his skill as a songwriter, he signed a publishing deal with Wide Open Music in 2016. Then, in 2017, he was signed to Stoney Creek Records by Jon Loba, Executive VP of BBR Music Group. Jimmie’s debut album, ‘Mercury Lane,’ was named after the street he grew up on in Delaware. The album’s lead-off single, “Best Shot,” topped Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. With that song, Jimmie made history as the first black artist to launch their career with a No. 1 at Country radio.

In an interview with The Tennessean in December, Jimmie said he always carries $2.00 in his pocket every day with the promise that he must have given it away before bedtime. The reason: back when he first came to Nashville, someone gave him a dollar. He bought a chicken sandwich at McDonalds that he tore in half to make it last for two days.

“It made every sacrifice worth it. I got to look my son in the eyes and tell him, ‘If you work hard and are good to people, eventually you’ll get an opportunity to make your dreams happen.” – Jimmie Allen, speaking of his success in an interview with the Tennessean, December 28, 2018

Music and tour dates at Jimmie Allen’s website and on Facebook.

Russell Dickerson

It’s also been a good year (or two) for Russell Dickerson. A fan favorite, he currently has over 200 million streams on Spotify and approximately 30 million YouTube views. He graduated from Belmont University with a degree in music and signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 2010, releasing an EP, “Die to Live Again,” the following year. Continue reading “‘New Faces of Country Music’ set for CRS”

Mark Wills to join Opry

Surprised on stage by Vince Gill

Plus… scroll down for a sneak peek at items from the January edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row.

Mark Wills ‘reduced to tears’ by Vince Gill
Bryan Wayne’s very special album
Tour news from Jimmie Allen, LANCO, Kip Moore

Mark Wills to be inducted into Opry

Congrats to my friend Mark Wills who will be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill surprised Mark with the invitation on stage at the Opry on December 21. Mark was speechless with emotion, falling to his knees and covering his face with his hands. “I always liked him,” said Vince. “Now I like him even more. He’s a crybaby like me!”

I am so happy for Mark. We have known each other since the 1990s and he has always been a big supporter of the Opry (as Vince mentioned during his invitation). Mark released his first single – “Jacob’s Ladder” – way back in 1996, and chalked up two No. 1 hits, “19 Something” and “She’s in Love.” Other chart hits include “I Do (Cherish You),” “Back at One,” “She’s In Love” and “Places I’ve Never Been.” The formal induction ceremony is set for January 11, 2019, at the Grand Ole Opry. Find tour info and more here.

Bryan Wayne, fighting ALS, releases special album

The release of Bryan Wayne’s ‘While You Wait’ album was celebrated at SESAC’s Nashville office recently. Diagnosed with terminal ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) last year, Bryan recorded the album for his wife, two boys and an industry that continues to support his dreams. The 14-song collection is available here.

“I made this record, because I knew I’d lose my voice and I wanted my boys, friends and family to hear me singing my songs forever no matter what,” said Bryan. “So many friends and family over the years had asked me when was I ever going to make a record of my own too, so here it is!” At the celebration, Wayne was joined by friends that included Ashley Gorley (who performed the title cut), Neil Thrasher, Bonnie Baker, Jason Blaine, Joanna Janet and Big & Rich. Donations may be made to Bryan Wayne Galentine and Family by sending a check (made payable to Bryan Wayne Galentine) to: Bryan Wayne Galentine c/o Chris Burch, 1012 16th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. A Gofundme account has also been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/thebwaynetrain

Tour news: Jimmie Allen, LANCO, Kip Moore

Continue reading “Mark Wills to join Opry”

CRS ‘New Faces’ 2019 revealed

Jimmie Allen, LANCO, Lindsay Eli and more slated

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2019 is only weeks away, and now we know which artists will be featured in the New Faces show. CRS, billed as ‘the Only Country Industry Convention,’ is organized annually by Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB).

The acts scheduled for New Faces of Country Music® Class of 2019 are: Jimmie Allen (Stoney Creek), Russell Dickerson (Triple Tigers), Lindsay Ell (Stoney Creek), LANCO (Arista), and Dylan Scott (Curb). The acts were chosen from a slate of 13 nominees by radio station employees. The New Faces show, staged for music industry decision makers, has proved to be a major career boost for featured artists in previous years. The audience consists of radio programmers, air personalities, station executives, music media and label bigwigs. The February 15 show is an ‘industry only’ event, not open to the public.

The other nominees were: Jordan Davis, Morgan Evans, Riley Green, Walker Hayes, Chris Lane, Mitchell Tenpenny, Morgan Wallen and Aaron Watson. Lindsay Eli was the only female act on the slate of nominees.

CRB is a non-profit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, created to promote the growth of country radio and the country music industry through educational programs. The New Faces of Country Music® Dinner and Show is co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Performances powered by Live Nation. More about CRS here. https://www.countryradioseminar.com

Jimmy Charles finds ‘Hard Way To Go’

Overcoming setbacks inspires listeners

Album review by Preshias Harris

This is an album that has a message that is very close to my heart and my own approach to coping with major issues such as cancer.

Jimmy Charles first came to national attention when American Idol sent him to Hollywood. Now comes a seven-song collection titled HARD WAY TO GO. Produced by Paul David (CeCe Winans, Andre Crouch, Jonny Lang), the EP is a showcase for Charles’ musical range from soulful ballads to guitar-shredding rockers.

Charles spirit on this album demonstrates that he is more than just a strong and confident vocalist. The EP kicks off in high gear with the guitar-driven “Blue Spaces,” made for happy-go-lucky beach listening. Charles sings: Hey shotgun pilot / the coast is clear / let’s sail out of dodge / like two beach ballin’ buccaneers. It’s a fun ear-worm that gets the listener in the mood for next summer’s sand-between-the-toes seashore fun.

Anthem of hope and strength

“I Am Not Alone” (also his current single) tells the story of dealing with cancer from the perspective of a teenager, a married man, a young mother and a senior citizen. The song becomes an anthem of hope and strength as each person in turn finds the determination to carry on. (On that subject, please read my personal note, at the foot of this review.) Continue reading “Jimmy Charles finds ‘Hard Way To Go’”