Weekly Chart Report (5/4/18)

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CMA Songwriters Series Visits Cincinnati

Rob Hatch, Sara Evans, Trent Harmon and Eric Paslay perform Wednesday, May 2 at CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank at Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall.
Photo: Phil Groshong/CMA

The Country Music Association’s critically acclaimed CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank visited Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall last night, Wednesday, May 2, featuring performances by Sara Evans, Trent Harmon, Rob Hatch and Eric Paslay.

While in Cincinnati, the CMA Foundation and U.S. Bank joined forces along with Evans, Harmon, Hatch and Paslay to visit Roselawn Condon Elementary School where students provided a music showcase for the four artists, performing traditional African folk songs “Tina Singu” and “O Mama Bakudala,” as well as Maren Morris’ “My Church,” P!nk’s “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken,” and Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing.”

After the performance, the CMA Foundation and U.S. Bank surprised the school’s music program with new instruments that will help provide more opportunities for students to participate in a music offering as part of their school curriculum. The school’s music teacher, Christina Tierney, is one of 34 Music Teachers of Excellence Award recipients for 2018, chosen by the CMA Foundation for being the best and brightest in her field. Tierney will join fellow winners from around the country next Tuesday, May 8, during an invite-only celebration at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.

Eric Paslay, Sara Evans, Trent Harmon and Rob Hatch perform Wednesday, May 2 at CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank at Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall. Photo: Phil Groshong /CMA

While in Cincinnati, Evans and ONEHOPE also donated proceeds totaling $10,800 to the CMA Foundation from the sale of her limited edition ONEHOPE Signature Series 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, released last year during CMA Fest.

“Through the power of music, we are able to come together and ensure all students have access to music education and music educators have the support they need to cultivate a thriving program in their community,” said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach.

“Mrs. Tierney and the students at Roselawn Condon Elementary School are the perfect example of why the CMA Foundation believes in rooting deep within a district to help bring the necessary resources, support and funding to create a program that will impact students for years to come.”

Kerns added, “Thanks to the gracious support of U.S. Bank and its Places to Play initiative, we were able to deliver new instruments, offering more students the opportunity to participate in music education.”

Pictured (L-R): Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach, Christina Tierney, Roselawn Condon Elementary School music teacher and Music Teachers of Excellence recipient, Harry Voll, Roselawn Condon Elementary School principal, Trent Harmon, Rob Hatch, Sara Evans, Eric Paslay, and Mike Prescott, U.S. Bank Market President, Cincinnati. Photo: Phil Groshong /CMA

Set List:
Eric Paslay – “Friday Night”
Sara Evans – “Marquee Sign”
Trent Harmon – “Her”
Rob Hatch – “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” (recorded by Rhett Akins and Justin Moore)
Eric Paslay – “She Don’t Love You”
Sara Evans – “Like The Way You Love Me”
Trent Harmon – “Feels Like Mine”
Rob Hatch – “Goodnight Kiss” (recorded by Randy Houser)
Eric Paslay – “Young Forever”
Student Performer Kaya – “I Love The Sound of Water”
Sara Evans – “Born To Fly”
Trent Harmon – “Make Her Laugh”
Rob Hatch – “Songs In The Kitchen” (recorded by Lee Brice)
Eric Paslay – “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (recorded by Eli Young Band and Will Hoge)
Sara Evans – “Letting You Go”
Trent Harmon – “There’s A Girl”
Rob Hatch – “The Last Cowboy” (recorded by Jamey Johnson)
Eric Paslay – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (recorded by Jake Owen)
Trent Harmon – “You Got ‘Em All”
Rob Hatch – “I Don’t Dance” (recorded by Lee Brice)

 

Industry Ink: 117 Entertainment, Beth Nielsen Chapman, ONErpm

117 Entertainment Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Pictured, Back row (L-R): 117’s Max DaCosta and Heather Trotter, Bobby Bare, Lee Roy Parnell, Cherish Lee, John Berry, Marlon Hargis, Jeannie Seely, Tim Rushlow, Kendall Gary, Shane Owens, Sonny Lemaire, 117 VP Publicity; Bev Moser, Scott Brown, Steve Goetzman, JP Pennington. Front: 117 CEO/President; Zach Farnum. Photo: Denise Mattox

117 Entertainment Group held a celebration party Wednesday, May 2 for their one-year anniversary at SOUTH in Nashville, featuring several of the company’s clients performing for a standing room only crowd of industry VIP’s and friends.

Performing were Bobby Bare, John Berry, Lewis Brice, Scott Brown, Exile, Kendall Gary, Cherish Lee, Shane Owens,  Lee Roy Parnell and Tim Rushlow.

 

Beth Nielsen Chapman Raises Funds To Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Pictured (L-R): St. Jude supporter Jim Stenson; Mycle Wastman, NBC’s The Voice; Beth Nielsen Chapman; songwriter Gordon Kennedy; songwriter Dan Navarro.
Photo: Jim Stenson

Beth Nielsen Chapman marked the release of her new album, Hearts of Glass, by co-hosting the StJude Songwriters Session in Seattle on Saturday, April 28. The event raised $225,397 for StJude Children’s Research Hospital.

A member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame known for songs like “This Kiss” and “Sand and Water,” Chapman was joined by songwriters Gordon Kennedy (“Change the World”), Dan Navarro (“We Belong”) and Mycle Wastman (NBC’s The Voice), with a special performance by StJude patient Addie Page Pratt.

 

Grae Area Records Teams With ONErpm

Pictured (L-R): Jarrod Cooper, VP, Strategy and Business Development/ONErpm; Harper Grae; Margaret Jacobi, Director, Artist & Creative Marketing/ ONErpm and Jennifer Bohler, Grae’s manager/Alliance Management.

Indie artist Harper Grae and her label Grae Area Records have partnered with ONErpm for exclusive global distribution of her upcoming music. The first single is scheduled for release in May.

 

YEP Panel Discusses Mental Health Issues In The Entertainment Community

Pictured (L-R): Rachel Knight, YEP Director of Community Engagement; Kelly Clague, SVP of Em.Co; Al Andrews, Founder of Porter’s Call; Cris Lacy, SVP, A&R Warner Music Group; Debbie Carroll, S. Executive Dir. of MusiCares; Brett Warren of the Warren Brothers and songwriter at Big Loud; Amelia Varni, YEP Executive Director; Caroline Melby, YEP Director of Education

Music industry organization, Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) hosted their “Life of an Entertainer: Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll….and Mental Health” event at the CMA Event Space on Tuesday, May 1. The panel opened dialogue about struggles both entertainers and creative industry professionals face with mental health and ways they can practice self-awareness on the topic.

The following industry names shared their personal experiences with mental health and how they’ve helped their peers overcome similar challenges: Al Andrews (Founder of Porter’s Call), Debbie Carroll (S. Executive Dir. of MusiCares), Kelly Clague (SVP Em.Co), Cris Lacy (SVP, A&R Warner Music Group), and Brett Warren of the Warren Brothers (Songwriter, Big Loud).

YEP’s Director of Community Engagement, Rachel Knight led the conversation in an effort to shed light on the changes Porter’s Call and MusiCares are creating in the lives of songwriters, artists and music business professionals.

“It’s okay to not be okay. But what are we going to do about it? Panels like this are big part of that conversation. Taking these conversations to where you work, to your mentors, to your interns is a game changer in of itself,” Knight says. Al Andrews and Debbie Carroll expanded on the safe space and resources they provide for those seeking to cope with addiction, mental health and everything in between.

In addition, Brett Warren of the Warren Brothers and songwriter at Big Loud, opened up about his battle with addiction and how Porter’s Call brought him to a stable place with his family and music career. “When you get honest with your mental health, and you surround yourself with people like this, it makes the road fun. It’s all part of the journey,” he said. Each panelist offered their thoughts on why talking about mental health instills a tighter community between the artist and his/her support team.

In regards to those who support the business of artists, Cris Lacy spoke about the importance of self-care. “It’s a whole lot of questions and engagement and very little probably for yourself. You have to value yourself enough to say I’m taking 20 minutes and I’m gonna meditate. It really does make a difference,” she said.

Al Andrews closed the event with his principals to live by, “The Way Of An Artist,” a guideline to practicing graciousness in work and personal life. The audience was encouraged approach life with more ease and understanding of the battles those around them are facing.

Chris Stapleton, Josh Turner Dominate April RIAA Certifications

April was a Platinum month for country artists, with seven artists receiving Platinum single certifications for 12 different songs from the RIAA. Both Chris Stapleton and Josh Turner achieved both Platinum and Multiplatinum status on singles, with Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” reaching quadruple Platinum status and Turner’s “Your Man” reaching double Platinum. Chris Young‘s “I’m Comin’ Over” also reached double Platinum.

Stapleton also received Platinum singles for “Parachute,” “Fire Away,” “Broken Halos,” and “Nobody To Blame,” while Turner’s “Long Black Train,” “Time Is Love,” and “Hometown Girl,” all achieved Platinum sales status as well. Other artists receiving Platinum single certifications were Kane Brown (“Heaven”), Luke Combs (“When It Rains It Pours”), Thomas Rhett (“Unforgettable”), and Walker Hayes (“You Broke Up With Me”).

Country received plenty of Gold as well this Spring, with six artists receiving Gold singles including Stapleton for “Whiskey And You,” and “Broken Halos.” Turner’s “Firecracker,” Chris Lane‘s “Take Back Home Girl,” Kacey Musgraves‘ “Blowin’ Smoke,” Morgan Wallen‘s “Up Down,” and RaeLynn‘s “Love Triangle” all also achieved Gold single status in April.

Stapleton’s From A Room: Volume 2 reached Gold album status in April, and his From A Room: Volume 1 was certified Platinum, along with Musgraves’ Same Trailer Different Park, and Brown’s self-titled debut.

Music City Food + Wine Preps Lineup, Giveaway Prior To On-Sale

Kings of Leon

Today, May 3, the Music City Food + Wine Festival has launched its win-before-you-buy Hot Shot Giveaway promotion until tickets become available (May 10, 10 a.m. CT).

Held September 14-16, the sixth annual festival is set to again include Kings of Leon anchoring their dine-around Harvest Night at the Walk of Fame Park with a house band. While the full Saturday evening lineup for special musical guests is forthcoming, festivalgoers are now encouraged to prepare costumes for the 70s & 80s, Studio 54-inspired dance party.

DJ Mel is set to host a dance party the Friday prior at Bicentennial Capitol State Mall Park, where a more regional selection of food, including wine & spirits tastings will be offered, and continue again during Saturday daytime.

Wrapping the festival again will be the Gospel Brunch on Sunday, at the Walk of Fame Park. Gospel Brunch performers will be announced on Thursday, May 10.

Ticket prices remain at $525 for All-In or $165 per local festival activity; and $275 for the evening tastings and Studio 54-inspired concert. Individually, Gospel Brunch is $85.

The Hot Shot Giveaway will offer a pair of free All-In Tickets, an exclusive Thursday night dinner at Josephine, roundtrip flights and hotel.

Dan Anderson Joins BIG Label Records

Dan Anderson

Veteran sales and marketing executive Dan Anderson has joined BIG Label Records. Anderson, most recently VP of Sales at Black River Entertainment, moves to BIG Label Records in a similar role effective immediately.

Prior to Black River, as an artist manager, Anderson worked at Morress Nanas Entertainment and Red Light Management and was Director of Artist Development and Marketing at Sony Music/BNA Records.

“I’ve known Dan since the late 1990s both professionally and personally. He’s hard working and innovative with a keen eye towards the future and firm knowledge of the past and present. He’s creative and disciplined and he’ll fit right in with what we’re doing with Aaron Watson and the new acts that we’ll be adding to the label,” says BIG Label Records head Tony Morreale.

“Tony and I go back 20 plus years,” adds Anderson. “I have admired him throughout his career as he has always looked at things from a different angle. I look forward to working him and the rest of the team as we continue to build Aaron Watson’s career as well as prospective artists we work with in the future.”

The move to BIG Label Records reunites Anderson and Morreale who worked together for nearly eight years at BNA in artist development and promotion respectively.

Morreale remarks, “We had some great times as part of the team that broke Chesney and Lonestar. There was a lot optimism in the business then and Dan brings that fire to an already dynamic and energetic group at BIG Label Record. We’re glad to have him!”

“In Watson’s organization, we always work off the premise that great people are the foundation for building great businesses,” adds CDA Entertainment’s Gino Genaro, Watson’s longtime manager. “There is no doubt that Dan is a multi-talented star, bringing a multitude of skills to the table. As we continue to build to a full service label, we are thrilled at the opportunity to have him join the team.”

Anderson can be reached at dan@biglabel.net.

Brothers Osborne, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bobby Bare Join Grand Ole Opry’s Bonnaroo Lineup

Brothers Osborne. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry will stage its first-ever show from the famed Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, on Sunday, June 10 featuring Opry members Bobby Bare, Del McCoury Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Riders In The Sky as well as Brothers Osborne, LANCO, Nikki Lane, Lucie Silvas, and more. The Nashville-based Opry has rarely in its 92-year history taken its iconic show outside Music City, on those occasions visiting prestigious venues such as New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center.

“We’re really excited about this incredible opportunity to take the Grand Ole Opry to Bonnaroo,” said Sally Williams, Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment Group. “In Nashville we host up to six Opry performances a week. Each one showcases eight to twelve artists ranging from straight ahead country to bluegrass to Americana. I think the diverse, multi-generational shows that we create on a regular basis will really resonate with the Bonnaroo music aficionados.”

“Celebrating the rich cultural legacy of Tennessee and the region has been an important part of the Bonnaroo experience from the beginning,” said Ashley Capps, President, AC Entertainment. “It’s hard to imagine anything more iconic and exciting in that regard than the Grand Ole Opry…it’s like the ultimate…a profoundly historic moment for all of us at Bonnaroo and something we’ll be talking about – and building upon – for years to come.”

Grand Ole Opry at Bonnaroo will be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, and the shows’s flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. Station personality Bill Cody will serve as show announcer.

‘Restoration’ Gets The DISClaimer Treatment

And now for something completely different.

Restoration is billed as Nashville’s re-imagining of the stellar song catalog of living legend Elton John. In most publications it is being reviewed alongside Revamp, which is the pop/rock community’s similar effort. And in every case, the Nashville record comes out on top.

Credit the great Frank Liddell, who executive produced with Paul Kremen and lyricist Bernie Taupin. Also credit a stunning lineup of artists. From Rosanne Cash & Emmylou Harris’ thumping kiss-off “This Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore” to Miley Cyrus’ stormy rocker “The Bitch Is Back” to Kacey Musgraves’ twinkling waltz “Roy Rogers,” the set is loaded with jewels.

Since radio airplay is doubtful, this is going to be a press-driven project. Here are 10 reasons why you need to own it.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Rocket Man
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producers: Frank Liddell/Mike McCarthy; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
-As good as their performance of this was on the ACMs, it pales next to the recorded version. Jimi’s lead vocal gleams. The harmonies here are double and triple tracked to make the foursome sound like a massive heavenly choir. The outer-space production touches are sublime. Essential.

 

MAREN MORRIS/Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producer: busbee; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
-This longtime fan favorite from 1972’s Honky Chateau LP gets a yearning, stately reading here. I like the way she alternates whispery passages with soaring blasts. The spare, r&b flavored track leaves her plenty of room to emote.

 
DON HENLEY & VINCE GILL/Sacrifice
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producers: Henley/Gill; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– Pretty, but kinda disappointing. Elton’s gorgeous 1990 original had a certain soulful, behind-the-beat tenseness. That’s gone, and the song is transmogrified into a wistful Eagles ballad.

 

BROTHERS OSBORNE/Take Me To The Pilot
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– When this tune appeared on the flip side of 1970’s hit single “Your Song,” Elton served notice that he was a rocker as well as a troubadour balladeer typical of that era. The Osbornes’ version turns up the song’s temperature by spitting out the lyric and adding blazing guitar solos and a sizzling rhythm track.

 

MIRANDA LAMBERT/My Father’s Gun
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producers: Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf & Eric Masse; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– Miranda mourns masterfully with revenge on her mind in this eulogy to a fallen Confederate soldier. Dripping with Southern nostalgia, it also has the “edge” of grinding guitar work in mid song. The chestnut is from 1970’s Tumbleweed Connection.

 

CHRIS STAPLETON/I Want Love
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producers: Dave Cobb/Stapleton; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– Stapleton is characteristically searing and soulful on this blue-eyed soul ballad. As such, he is arguably the collection’s closest vocal approximation of Elton John. Dating from 2001, the song is the most recent of Restoration’s revivals.

 

LEE ANN WOMACK/Honky Cat
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producers: Frank Liddell/Mike McCarthy; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– We all thought this 1972 hit was a country song in the first place, right? Now it is.

 

RHONDA VINCENT & DOLLY PARTON/Please
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producers: Frank Liddell/Mike McCarthy; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– Sublimely pleasurable listening. Even on a collection as loaded with spectacular performances as Restoration is, this track stands out. The lilting bluegrass instrumentation is awesome, and these two singers simply take your breath away. This 1995 Elton outing has one Taupin’s most straightforward lyrics, requesting a love that lasts into old age.

 

DIERKS BENTLEY/Sad Songs (Say So Much)
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– Of all the revivals here, this one perhaps sticks closest to the arrangement of the original 1984 hit. Enjoyable, if a little pedestrian.

 

WILLIE NELSON/Border Song
Writers: Elton John/Bernie Taupin; Producers: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Publishers: Universal Songs of PolyGram/HST/WAB/Dick James/Rouge Booze/Cow Dog, BMI/PRS/ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– It is nearly forgotten today that this 1970 gem was Elton’s first American charting single. Willie is here to remind us of what a cool, gospel-y song it is.

Collin Raye Celebrates Career Silver Anniversary With New Retrospective

Collin Raye is set to release a career retrospective covering his 25 years as a recording artist, Collin Raye — 25 Years, 25 Hits, on Tuesday, May 15. Raye recut 25 of his hits, including all 16 No. 1s, along with three bonus tracks, to celebrate his silver anniversary — 25 hits for 25 years.

“After working on this album for well over a year, our release date is finally drawing close,” says Raye. “I’m so proud of this record. For years, people have asked me, ‘Why don’t you have a collection of all of your hits on one record, instead of several greatest hits albums each with different songs?’ Well, now I do — all 25 hits on one album. It was a challenge to reproduce and beat what we did years ago, but I’m confident we have. This is the definitive CR collection, and basically, the story of my career in making music.”

The 10-time Male Vocalist of the Year nominee (5 CMA and 5 ACM) recorded the album in Nashville with producer Kelly Schoenfeld. He’ll celebrate the collection’s release at the Grand Ole Opry on May 15, where he’ll perform in the historic circle and sign albums in-store for fans following the show.

Collin Raye — 25 Years, 25 Hits Track Listing:
1. I Can Still Feel You
2. On The Verge
3. Little Rock
4. My Kinda Girl
5. In This Life
6. All I Can Be (Is A Sweet Memory)
7. Every Second
8. Little Red Rodeo
9. Not That Different
10. I Think About You
11. If I Were You
12. That’s My Story
13. I Want You Bad (And That Ain’t Good)
14. Somebody Else’s Moon
15. That Was A River
16. What The Heart Wants
17. One Boy, One Girl
18. Someone You Used To Know
19. Couldn’t Last A Moment
20. A Man Of My Word
21. Anyone Else
22. The Gift
23. What If Jesus Comes Back Like That
24. Love Remains
25. Love, Me
26. Undefeated (Bonus track)
27. She’s With Me (Bonus track)
28. Shall We Gather At The River (Bonus track)