Number One Archives - Nashville Music Line

Thomas Rhett and co-writers celebrate two No. 1s

“Sixteen,” “Look What God Gave Her” feted

By Preshias Harris

It was party time for Thomas Rhett (TR) and his co-writers on October 9 as they celebrated his twelfth and thirteenth No. 1 hits, “Sixteen” and “Look What Gave Her.” “Look” was written by Thomas Rhett along with his father Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, Jacob Kasher and Ammar Malik. Thomas co-produced the song with Dann Huff and Julian Bunetta, so it really was a group effort. It is the first single from Rhett’s fourth studio album, Center Point Road. “Sixteen” was penned by Thomas Rhett, Joe London and Sean Douglas.

(L to R) Rhett Akins, John Ryan, Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, Joe London and Julian Bunetta. Photo Credit: Preshias Harris

And how many No. 1 songs have been written by a father and son?! In a way, it was destined to be. Growing up as the son of a successful singer-songwriter, he was immersed in the world of music as the son of Rhett Akins. The family moved from Valdosta, Georgia to Nashville when Thomas was still an infant and he grew up knowing his dad’s friends such as Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn. He did give a shout out to Tracy Lawrence, one of his favorites growing up country.

“Look What God Gave Her” was certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units in combined sales and streams. It followed his previous single and No. 1 hit, “Sixteen,” a cut on his previous album Life Changes that gave Thomas a total of five Number Ones on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Linking L.A. with Nashville

I said to Rhett Akins, “I watched you start in Country and I’m watching you, Thomas, create your mark in Country music history.” Turning to Thomas, I asked him to tell me about working with his co-writers and how he chose the songs to get to Center Point Road. Looking at Thomas sitting with his co-writers, I commented that they all looked like family. I asked him and his co-writers what it was like, creating these songs together. Continue reading “Thomas Rhett and co-writers celebrate two No. 1s”

Eric Church, co-writers hailed for two No. 1 hits

“Some Of It,” “Round Here Buzz” topped radio airplay charts

By Preshias Harris

Eric Church likes to be original and his latest Number One party was definitely original. Instead of being held at a bar or the office of a Performing Rights Organization, it took place in an airplane hangar and was hosted by BMI. The location was inspired by the airplane theme of Church’s Desperate Man album cover. The party celebrated two songs recorded by Church, both of which topped the Billboard Country Airplay charts.

Number One parties honor the writers of a song, and Church was a co-writer on both songs being recognized at the event.

“Some Of It” was written by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Bobby Pinson and Clint Daniels. “Round Here Buzz” was penned by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Luke Dick.

“All songs come from God and we’re just down here trying to catch them” – Bobby Pinson

(L to R) Jeff Hyde, Bobby Pinson, Eric Church, Clint Daniels, Luke Dick. Photo Catrina Engelby

Artists share video tributes

Continue reading “Eric Church, co-writers hailed for two No. 1 hits”

“Eyes On You” puts Chase Rice in party mood

Fortieth No. 1 for co-writer Ashley Gorley

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 is a date that Chase Rice will remember for a long time. It was the date of his first Number One party. Chase celebrated the success of “Eyes On You” with co-writers Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStafano at The Tin Roof in Nashville.

Left to right: Ashley Gorley, Chase Rice and Chris DeStefano talk with the media at the Tun Roof. Photo: Preshias Harris

Chase, Ashley and Chris met with members of the music media before the awards presentation and recalled the day that they wrote “Eyes On You.”

“That day was pretty pivotal because it was not good in my career the day we wrote that,” admitted Chase. “I was on my way out of Sony. I think I had, like, a week left in my contract. It was a scary time for me, even though, looking back, I probably wasn’t acknowledging that as much, but it was a tough time. Like, ‘if we don’t get something going big right now, this could go south real quick.’”

Signed a bottle of Jack Daniel’s

Continue reading ““Eyes On You” puts Chase Rice in party mood”

Chris Young “Hangin’ On” for eleventh No. 1

Celebrates with co-writers at Number One party

It was party time for Chris Young and co-writers Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge on Monday, April 29, as they were feted at a Number One party for “Hangin’ On.” This was a party with a slight difference: it was a lunchtime event, instead of the usual afternoon or early evening get-togethers. The party was co-hosted by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.

(Left to right) Front row: Liz Rose (Liz Rose Music), Corey Crowder, Chris Young and Josh Hoge. Back Row: Michael Martin (Vice President ASCAP Nashville), Beth Brinker (Associate Creative Director ASCAP), Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music) and Mike Sistad (Senior Creative Director ASCAP). Photo credit: Preshias Harris.

In answer to a question at the press briefing before the party, Young spoke about the unusual timing of the party. “It’s the only time when all of us can get together,” he said. “It’s not like it’s not a huge, huge deal and people don’t dream of getting up one day and writing a song that goes to number one. That’s why these [No. 1 parties] are so important, no matter what form they take. It’s something so special for all that stuff to come together at once and you’d have a number one. I had a [number] 37, a 52 and a 37 at the start of my career, so a number one feels really, really good and we should celebrate it.”

“Hangin’ On” is Young’s eleventh No. 1 as an artist and his ninth as a songwriter.

“The first place I wrote a song”

(L to R) Corey Crowder, Chris Young, Josh Hoge at the press briefing. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

The celebration took place at BMI’s Nashville office, and Young noted that it seemed to be the perfect location as it marks a special place on his career trajectory. “This building we’re in right now [BMI Nashville]; this was the first place I wrote a song,” he revealed. He went on to explain how that first writing session came about. Continue reading “Chris Young “Hangin’ On” for eleventh No. 1”

Scotty McCreery’s romance inspired “This Is It”

Number One party celebrates with co-writers

Scotty McCreery turned his own love story into a No. 1 hit. “This Is It” became Scotty’s second No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay charts, following 2017’s smash hit, “Five More Minutes.”

(L to R) Aaron Eshuis, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers. Photo: Ed Rode

He celebrated the success of “This Is It” at a Number One party on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, with co-writers Aaron Eshuis and Frank Rogers. The song was produced by Eshuis, Rogers and Derek Wells. The party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, was held at ASCAP’s Nashville offices.

“If you’d told me a couple of years ago that I’d be here, I’d have told you you’re crazy,” said Scotty as he began his remarks at the party. “It’s been an incredible ride.”

A very personal song

“This Is It” has become a very personal song for Scotty. He and long-time girlfriend, Gabi Dugal, had known each other since kindergarten and dated for about six years before Scotty proposed while on a hike to a romantic spot near Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.

“I wrote it a couple of days before our engagement,” Scotty revealed during the No. 1 party. He played the song to Gabi just an hour after he proposed. He sang the song to her at their wedding and says that he sees Gabi in his mind when her performs it on the road every night. “It’s easy to write love songs about you, baby,” Scotty said to Gabi during the presentation ceremony. “I appreciate you saying yes and marrying me, otherwise this song probably wouldn’t have made it to radio!” He added, “’This is NOT It’ is not a good title!”

Scotty thanked co-writers Eshuis and Rogers for being by his side. “Frank, you’ve been a mentor to me for years now. I feel you really ‘get’ me and what I want to say, and you help me say it. I appreciate you, brother.” Continue reading “Scotty McCreery’s romance inspired “This Is It””

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”

Songwriters honored for Jimmie Allen, Morgan Evans hits

Two ‘Number One’ parties in Nashville

Jimmie Allen (Stoney Creek) celebrated his debut No. 1 single “Best Shot” at The Local in Nashville, Tuesday January 21. Pictured (back, L-R) are Major Bob’s Tina Crawford, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Wide Open Music’s Ash Bowers, Major Bob’s Chandler Thurston, BMI’s David Preston, the label’s Jon Loba and producer Eric Torres; (front, L-R) songwriter Josh London, Allen and songwriter J.P. Williams.

Morgan Evans (Warner Bros./WEA), celebrated his first chart topper, “Kiss Somebody,” at No. 1 party held at Soundcheck in Nashville. Pictured (front, L-R) are songwriter/producer Chris DeStefano, Evans and songwriter Josh Osborne; (back, L-R) the label’s Adrian Michaels, Matt Signore, John Esposito, Scott Hendricks, Tom Martens and Justin Luffman.

Jake Owen, songwriters celebrate No. 1

“I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” Jake’s 7th No.1

Pictured, Top Row (L-R): Round Hill’s Mark Brown, Big Loud’s Seth England, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Sony ATV’s Tom Luteran, BMI’s David Preston, Big Loud Records’ Clay Hunnicutt and Joey Moi. Bottom Row (L-R): ASCAP songwriters David Ray and Craig Wiseman, BMI songwriters Jake Owen, Tommy Cecil and Jody Stevens, and Missi Gallimore. Photo: Ed Rode

Jake Owen’s Number One Party for “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” had the CMA Special events room packed with music industry execs, songwriters, publishers, agents, radio promotion people, managers, special guests, family and friends. They were all celebrating Jake’s 7th number one song and his first single released on Big Loud Records. The songwriters being honored were David Ray, Tommy Cecil, Jody Stevens, Craig Wiseman, and John Mellencamp, along with producer Joey Moi. The party was co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI.

Kicking off the kudos was David Preston from Artist/Writer Relations at BMI. David is always very praising of BMI’s songwriters and their co-writers. This party was no exception.

{L to R): Beth Brinker (ASCAP) jody Stephens, Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, Jake Owen and David Lee. Photo: Preshias Harris

After giving his accolades for the BMI writers, David introduced his “co-host” Beth Brinker from ASCAP’s Artist/Writer’s relations. She is just a bubbly ray of sunshine beaming from the stage. She also had kind words for all the writers and bragged on David Lee as it was hit first cut and his first number one, since making Nashville his home in 2013.

Amazing 350 cuts for Craig Wiseman

Then it was Craig Wiseman’s turn. I thought to myself, I knew he was an AMAZING WRITER and in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame (2015), but I didn’t realize he had 350 cuts, 125 singles and 27 Number one singles!! Oh, I almost forgot… In 2009, he was named NSAI’s Songwriter of the Decade, then in 2014, he won the Heritage Award from ASCAP as the most performed country songwriter of the century. ASCAP named him Songwriter of the Year 2003, 2005 & 2007.

With all the songwriters on stage, (except John Mellencamp) it was ALL smiles across the stage with Jody Stevens, Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, Jake Owen and David Ray and producer Joey Moi. The song echoes the feelings of John Mellencamp’s 1982 hit, “Jack and Diane.” Prior to release, Jake secured Mellencamp’s agreement to incorporate elements of the original song and Mellencamp receives a writer’s credit.

The best part was seeing everyone sincerely excited for Jake. He really is a super nice guy.

Jake has also been added to the lineup for Luke Bryan‘s “CRASH MY PLAYA – 5TH YEAR FIESTA,” that is set for Wednesday January 23rd through Saturday, January 26th, 2019 in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

FYI: Jake his girlfriend Erica Hartlein prepares to welcome another daughter in late spring/early summer 2019. More info on Jake Owen, including tour info, at his website and Facebook.

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

Darius Rucker celebrates Number One ‘For the First Time’

Co-writers join Rucker at Number One party

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

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

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

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

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

‘That never, ever get’s old’

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

Brett Young, Sean McConnell honored for ‘Mercy’

Brett Young’s 4th Number One

It was party time at Nashville Underground Wednesday afternoon. A mix of friends, family and Nashville music biz execs were on hand to mark Brett Young’s Number One hit, ‘Mercy.’ The song, co-written by Young and Sean McConnell, was the fourth consecutive Number One from Young’s debut self-titled album.

Chalking up four Number Ones is an achievement for any artist. When those four are also consecutive chart-toppers AND all from an artist’s debut studio album, that achievement puts Young up there where the air is rare. Additionally, all four have been certified Platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

It says so on the shirt!

(L-R): BMLG Records’ Madeline Farr, Michelle Kammerer, Jimmy Harnen, Andrew Thoen, Brett Young, Matthew Hargis, Cherylynne Nader, Producer Dann Huff

To mark that remarkable feat, Brett Young’s label team at BMLG (Big Machine Label Group) and producer Dann Huff surprised Young with a special ‘uniform.’ They came onstage wearing tee-shirts with the number ‘4’ across the front. Young put on his own ‘4’ shirt and posed for photos as he was presented with a unique ‘4 #1s’ plaque.

Those ‘uniforms’ might have reminded Young of what could have been a different career path. A stand-out high school pitcher, he was scouted by both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Minnesota Twins. But following an elbow injury, he focused on a career in music. Baseball’s loss is country music’s gain.

Sean McConnell (left) and Brett Young field media questions. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Before the presentation of the awards, Young and co-writer McConnell took questions from music industry media. Young was asked if having a Platinum-certified album and four Platinum singles added to the pressure or took the pressure off. Young said, “It makes me feel responsible now to achieve growth.”

Success with ‘relatable’ songs

Responding to a question about ‘In Case You Didn’t Know,’ Young said that the song wasn’t meant to be about any specific relationship. Rather, he saw it as reflecting the way that everybody feels when they are in a relationship, and so they can relate to the song. Similarly, he said that ‘Mercy’ was a song he knew he could sing with feeling. “It’s so relatable,” he added.

Sean McConnell has numerous cuts including songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Meat Loaf, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Brothers Osborne, Brad Paisley and more. His songs have also been heard on the TV show Nashville.

New album due December 7

(L-R): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, BMLG’s Laurel Kittleson, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Producer Dann Huff, Sean McConnell, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill, Brett Young, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Young’s four consecutive Number Ones are: ‘Sleep Without You,’ ‘In Case You Didn’t Know,’ ‘Like I loved You’ and ‘Mercy.’ His next album, ‘Ticket to L.A.,’ is scheduled for release by BMLG on December 7, 2018. Young has said that the album’s title was inspired by his frequent trips back to his home in California before he moved to Nashville four years ago.

Once again, Dann Huff was tapped to produce. The first single from the album, ‘Here Tonight,’ dropped September 14.