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CMA celebrates 60th anniversary in Nashville

20 special performances honor six decades

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

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

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

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

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

From Jeannie Seely to Lee Brice

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

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

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

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

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

CMA: the first music genre trade group

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

The full setlist:

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

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

“No idea how songwriting works”

“I used to think I knew what I was doing 40 years ago, but now I have no idea how songwriting works.” – John Prine

So, take heart, aspiring songwriters! John Prine – one of America’s most respected singer/songwriters has confessed his lack of understanding. Now you have permission to ‘fess up. You can honestly (sort of) say that you know as much about songwriting as John Prine does.

That quote was taken from an interview in the May 2018 edition of American Songwriter. And so was this one:

“I was waiting and waiting until the song knocked on my door, but I had to put some sort of effort into it, finally. You’ve got to get in there at some point and pull the tooth out.” – John Prine

Songwriting, like any other endeavor, takes a combination of dedication, focus and perseverance. Sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike you isn’t going to cut it.

Keep your hook book handy

Sure, sometimes an idea does suddenly pop up, seemingly from out of nowhere. That’s why you have a hook book, to keep all the words and phrases that come to you when you least expect them. Maybe it’s something you saw on the TV news or a snatch of overheard conversation at Starbucks.

But it’s in the writers’ room when you and your co-writers take those vague ideas, words and phrases and work at turning them into songs. It’s one percent inspiration and ninety-one percent perspiration. Get in there and pull the tooth out.

As for the amazing Mr. Prine, earlier this year he released his first album of new songs in thirteen years. Titled ‘Tree of Forgiveness,’ it was produced by Dave Cobb and released on Prine’s own label, Oh Boy Records.

Read more about John Prine, his music and his upcoming tour dates (most of which sell out fast) at his website.

Hope Nation Radio helps Childhood Cancer families

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

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

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

Hope Nation benefit shows

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

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

24-hour music and inspiration

Continue reading “Hope Nation Radio helps Childhood Cancer families “

Inside Track on Music Row September 2018

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

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

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

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

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

Album News

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

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

Americana Music News

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

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

Artist News

Continue reading “Inside Track on Music Row September 2018”

Music Row One Sheet October 1, 2018

Nashville Music News Roundup

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

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

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Music Modernization Act inches closer

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

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

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

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

Irish artist Mags launches ‘Strong Enough’ radio tour

Mags McCarthy

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

Luke Combs, co-writers, celebrate No. 1

‘One Number Away’ goes Platinum

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

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

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

First No. 1 for Robert Williford

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

Jordan Davis, co-writers, talk about their No. 1 hit

‘Singles You Up’ goes Platinum; tops 200 million streams

Jordan Davis and his co-writers got together with music industry colleagues and friends to celebrate a Number One. But it was a unique celebration in more ways than one. ‘Singles You Up’ topped Billboard’s Country Airplay charts in April, triggering the Number One party. The bash, co-hosted by ASCAP and SESAC, was held Monday, July 30, at Nashville’s Fat Bottom Brewery.

[L to R]: Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Additionally, Davis was presented with a plaque marking RIAA’s certification of the song’s Platinum status. During the ceremony, it was also noted that ‘Singles You Up’ has already chalked up more than 200 million streams. Adding a cherry to that sundae, Country Aircheck stated that ‘Singles You Up’ was the ‘most played’ track on country radio for the first half of 2018.

Remarkably, this was his first single release, making all the song’s achievements even more unique.

Davis was joined by his co-writers, Justin Ebach and Steven Dale Jones, during a press session prior to the presentation. I asked all three of them if they had left the writers’ room knowing they had a hit with ‘Singles You Up.’ And could they have imagined scoring 200 million streams?

‘You know you’ve got something’

“When I had my first hit, they didn’t have streams,” said Steven. “I remember loving it [‘Singles You Up’]. I remember getting the demo and playing it for my wife, and that’s usually the key. I play her five songs a year and I write a hundred and fifty. So that’s when you know you’ve got something.”

Justin had a similar story. “I think I was telling my wife last week,” he said. “I wrote ‘Sleep Without You’ for Brett Young which was a big hit and, once again, a first single on a new artist. And I literally told her last week – I was playing a [writers’] round – and I was like, ‘Singles You Up’ is bigger than ‘Sleep Without You.’ I mean both are great, I’m grateful for both of them. But this song has just taken on a crazy life. The speed of it and just how much people are holding on to it… So, no, I don’t think I imagined this! [laughs] You asked if it had happened before and I’m like, kinda, but not like this.”

“I was nervous. I was up early. I was trying to come up with something to bring to the room and show that I’m not just in there for him to write me a song.” – Jordan Davis

‘I didn’t want to screw it up’

[L to R]: Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach. Photo credit: Peyton Hoge

Jordan had vivid memories of the writing session. “That day, that write was, A., getting to see Justin again, because we’ve written before. And B., trying not to have [Steven] not write with me again. I didn’t want to screw it up,” he recalled.

“I knew the name Steven Dale jones and I was nervous. I was up early. I was trying to come up with something to bring to the room and show that I’m not just in there for him to write me a song. I’ve never told him this, but that was the goal of that write. And what came out of it was ten times more than me just walking in and being, like, ‘all right dude, show Steven Dale Jones that you can write a song. Please, just do that.’ So definitely, it exceeded my expectations.”

Justin noted that he writes with a lot of artists but it’s great to work with artists who know their phrasing, they know their lyrics they want to say. “Not every artist can do that, and that’s just a testament to him,” said Justin. “As much as ‘Singles You Up’ was a collective and a group thing and may not be totally always the lyric he would say, it’s definitely come out that, looking across the album, his phrasing is in there. His melodies are in there, his lyric is in there. That doesn’t happen for a lot of artists.”

‘Take It From Me’ climbing charts

The follow-up single, ‘Take It From Me,’ is already charting. (#38 for the week of August 4, Billboard Country Airplay chart.) Jordan recalled that there was a lot of discussion about which song would be his first single: ‘Singles You Up’ or ‘Take It From Me.’

“I’ve said this from day one, I fought pretty hard for ‘Take It From Me,’” said Jordan. “That’s why we have people that we trust in our corner. I’ve got people that I trust like crazy and they were a hundred percent right. I think ‘Take It From Me’ is a little bit more ‘me’ lyrically, and I think you can see a few more of my influences on some of those lyrics.”

“The artist thing was something that came along, I think, after struggling to get a publishing deal.” – Jordan Davis

Songwriter first, then artist

This may be Jordan’s first Number One, but it is no overnight success. He came to Nashville to be a songwriter and spent several years co-writing and honing his craft. “The artist thing was something that came along, I think, after struggling to get a publishing deal to be honest with you,” he admitted. “I felt that I had a specific way that I wrote songs and a unique way that I delivered them. It just so happens that I found some people that wanted to take a chance on me and make a record.”

Both ‘Singles You Up’ and ‘Take It From Me’ are taken from Jordan Davis’ debut album, ‘Home State (MCA Nashville). The album, produced by Paul DiGiovanni, was released in March 2018. Jordan co-wrote all twelve tracks. Music and more at Jordan’s website. See the official ‘Singles You Up’ video at YouTube here.

Scotty McCreery, Cledus T Judd

Sneak peek at August’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’

Zach Stone to host ‘Country Fix’
Cledus T. Judd is back with new song parody
Scotty McCreery shares wedding video with fans
Michael Ray’s shoes helping animals in need

You’ll read more than forty music news items in the August 2018 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, when it is posted at Nashville Music Guide. The column is the longest-running Country music column in America. Scroll down for a sneak peek at just a few of the items in the August column.

Meanwhile here is a link to my July 2018 ‘Inside track’ column posted at Nashville Music Guide, complete with photos and graphics. Thank you NMG editor Amanda Andrews! You always make the column look SO good.

Zach Stone to host ‘Country Fix’

Jetpack Artist Ventures’ flagship recording artist, Zach Stone, will host ‘Country Fix‘ on Heartland-TV in late July and again in early August. Stone makes a guest appearance in Episode 208 and Episode 209 slated to air the weeks of July 30, 2018 and August 6, 2018. Stone makes a guest appearance in Episode 209 slated to air the week of August 6, 2018. (Check listings for air dates/times here.)

The ‘Country Fix’ audience, country music fans and the media have applauded Stone’s work time and time again. His ‘Four Letter Word’ music video aired as a ‘Country Fix’ exclusive premiere earlier this year. Hosted by up-and-coming and established country music artists, ‘Country Fix’ is a half-hour program that airs on Heartland-TV. The segments feature new music video releases, interviews, news segments and in-depth coverage of happenings in the country music scene. In addition to Heartland-TV, “Country Fix” airs internationally on Keep It Country (UK), Country TV (NZ) and Cayman 27 (Cayman Islands). More about Zach at his website at Facebook and Instagram.

Cledus T. Judd is back with new song parody

Six years after hanging up his overalls, Cledus T. Judd is “strate outta retarment” and funnier than ever with ‘My Weight’s Goin’ Up Down.’ It’s a parody of Morgan Wallen’s #1 Country single ‘Up Down’ featuring Florida Georgia Line. In the music video, Cledus scarfs down fried chicken, hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, sweet tea and more, while the kids are forced to eat mystery health food. He saved on casting enlisting the same kids – including his daughter – to star in several scenes.

The song is currently available at iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and all download and streaming services. Cledus walked away from writing, touring and releasing music in 2012. The life of stardom had a downside for him, as constant partying led to drug addiction. He credits the birth of his daughter, now 14, for leading him to a clean life and a dedication to spending more time with his family. More at Facebook.

Scotty McCreery shares wedding video with fans

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Our Summer NAMM top picks

Four great music finds you should check out

Oz Guitar Works Tau-6 headless guitar
ZT ‘Lunchbox’ Amplifiers
OZZtosh gleaming aluminum guitars
WalkaBout drums: replace your cajon?

A musician at a NAMM show is like a kid turned loose for a day in a candy store. Wherever you look, there’s something that makes your mouth water. That’s true if you are a seasoned visitor or a first-time newbie.

Now the dust has settled on Summer NAMM 2018, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants, we can look back at some of the ideas and products that really stood out. NAMM’s ‘Make Music Experience’ sets aside a day each year for ‘prosumers’ to get an all-day, all access pass at a very affordable price. (See previous posts here at NashvilleMusicLine.com.)

Through the eyes and ears of a newbie

I returned this year (my 28th NAMM) for the full three-day show. But on the final day, the ‘Make Music Experience’ day, I brought along Storm, a NAMM newbie, to experience the vibe through her eyes and ears. Storm is an up-and-coming alternative songwriter, artist and musician. Here are some of the outstanding products we were able to try out.

Let’s start with Storm’s report, in her own words, about two items that caught her attention…

“I can hardly believe when I got the opportunity to attend Summer NAMM, I was so excited,” said Storm. “As an artist walking down the rows of guitars and other gear, I felt like a kid in a candy store. NAMM did not disappoint. There were so many amazing booths, but in particular a couple of products stood out to me.”

Oz Guitar Works Tau-6 headless guitar

Storm tries out the Oz Tau-6 headless guitar

The first was Oz Guitar Works Tau-6 headless guitar. The Tau-6 is a compact, yet sturdy, headless guitar that is, as a NAMM goer said, “effortless” to play. It features a wood neck and aluminum body, modular removeable pick-ups, steel nuts, dual stereo jack outputs, and a clean sheet design. William ‘Oz’ Anderson was a very chill dude and took the time to answer questions and show his guitars.

When I asked Oz about his inspiration for the Tau-6 he replied, “I wanted to make a guitar that sounded and played better but took a minimalistic view. Keep the essential, chop the rest.” Making this guitar did not come without it’s challenges. Oz states that some of his biggest challenges were making the aluminum body affordable and making the petite body attractive. Continue reading “Our Summer NAMM top picks”

Y’all Show: daily podcast for the South

‘Preshias Country’ featured every Wednesday

Hey, Y’all! Here’s a podcast you should check out. Titled the Y’all Show, it is a syndicated radio show covering the people and culture of the 16 Southern states. Hosted by Yall.com publisher Jon Rawl, the show covers news, sports, opinion, food, business, music, movies, storytelling, and more, Monday through Friday.

Every Wednesday, around 9:30 a.m., Jon calls me and we chat on-air about all things Nashville. I bring him up to date on what’s happening in music here, and we talk about the singers and songwriters – ‘the girls and boys who make the noise on Sixteenth Avenue.’

We also ask listeners a country music question of the day, taken from my book, ‘I Know Country.’ You can check out an archive of recent shows, including the Wednesday editions with my weekly music feature, here.

Jon Rawl is a long-time friend of mine from way back. A busy guy, in addition to his daily radio show/podcast, he’s also the publisher of Y’all magazine and president of CRM Sports.

Tell us what you think of Y’All Radio

I hope you – er, I mean y’all – will check out the podcasts, and maybe contact me or Jon to let us know what you think of the show. I know Jon would be interested to hear any suggestions you might have for future topics about ‘everything Southern.’

And of course, you might want to download your own e-book copy of ‘I Know Country.’ This is a direct link to the book’s Amazon page.