Radio Reacts to the Cmas Remembering Doug Baker
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November 7, 2016, Issue 523 Radio Reacts To The CMAs Music stars, Hollywood celebs, Olympic champions, sports personalities and fans by the millions helped country music celebrate 50 years Wednesday (11/2) with an awards show show unlike anything else seen on television. On the whole and despite a ratings handicap at the hands of a Chicago Cubs World Series win, the 50th CMA Awards has been hailed by many as its best ever. Country Aircheck spoke to Country radio about the show’s historic nature and most-talked-about moments. iHeartMedia/Nashville’s Gator Harrison: Historic night and I’m not talking about the Cubs win. We were all scream-singing the CMA opening when Randy Travis capped it off with “amen.” I loved not only reliving the country we grew up on, but Basically Everyone: Celebrating CMAs-eve at Broken Bow exposing it to an entirely new generation. Music Group’s pre-awards bash (11/1) are (l-r) Jason Aldean, On behalf of my mom, a disappointing Sharon Stone, iHeartCountry’s Rod Phillips, Dustin Lynch, moment was the show running late and not BBRMG’s Jon Loba and KNIX/Phoenix’s Anthony Allen. finding the time to properly honor Country radio winners. We got cut and momma didn’t see her Gator baby on TV! But I get it. I would much rather Harrison Remembering Doug Baker have seen more country music than my mug. Radio and label vet Doug Baker passed last week (CAT Everyone has an opinion but I absolutely love Beyoncé. She 11/2) after battling ALS. The family has some financial needs may be one of the most talented people on the planet. But I’ll say and friends are encouraged to donate here. Below are a few this and shut up: Country is dad-gum cool enough on our own. remembrances from those who knew and worked with him: We don’t need help. Warner Music Nashville’s Scott Hendricks: “Doug was the Steel City/Kansas City VP/Programming and KBEQ epitome of positive energy and passion. I never saw him in a bad PD Mike Kennedy: There is zero reason Dolly Parton should mood, though I have seen him frustrated by not getting an add have had to rush! I get TV time restraints so don’t preach that to because he was so passionate about the artists he worked with. If me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, so you needed to de-stress, Doug’s how can you not allow for a run-over? office was the place to go. With The worst thing about the Dixie Chicks his beloved Packer pictures on the performance was the hatred spewing wall, he could always make me before, during and after. It’s a celebration smile. I wish he were here to take of country music of the last 50 years and him to the Titans v. Packers game people think the Chicks don’t belong? this Sunday. He will be missed.” You’re wrong. I don’t care about Beyoncé, The Farm’s Krista Marie: but the performance was strong. Mike Kennedy “Doug took care of us. Always. (continued on page 8) He was so fun-loving and Ellie and Doug ©2016 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] November 7, 2016 Page 3 caring. I am grateful for all of the crazy, wonderful times we spent Gerry House: “I love Doug Baker. When he was the [WSIX/ together on the road visiting radio station after radio station. Doug Nashville] PD and I was a morning guy I would often hear people Baker, we pray you are at peace now and that you know how fondly say, ‘It’s all Doug’s fault.’ I never had a day I didn’t love much you are loved, how much of an impact that you had on my working with Doug. Once he decided I should do the show the life and the lives of so many others.” day after the ACM Awards in Los Angeles. He was the boss. It was The Farm’s Nick Hoffman: “[He] had an uncanny way also his idea to have a glass of wine the night before we were of teaching young artists the ropes without making it feel like to get up and do the remote show. He was the boss. I’d never you were being taught. He was all at once patient, supportive, actually had wine, beer, tequila, schnapps, vodka and moonshine passionate, respectful, professional, fun-loving and most of all he before that night. As we prepared to go to sleep at 3:30am, was a gentleman. I’m a better musician and person because of his Doug suddenly remembered it was almost 6am in Nashville. We impact and I’ll be grateful to him forever.” went to a studio and I proceeded to go on the air. Everything was CRB’s Bill Mayne: “Doug was on the board for a number of exceedingly funny to us. Not so much to the folks back in the years and hearing his name brings to mind that infectious smile. Nashville studio. Oddly, the clients all loved it. I did several live He was always one of the most positive people in trying to find spots for about 10 minutes per client. Why are those radio years solutions for problems rather than create them.” so special to me? ‘It’s all Doug’s fault.’” New Revolution’s Rob Dalton: “I’m not sure what’s harder, the passing of a close friend of more than 20 years or watching CMA Awards Quotebook him suffer through this horrible disease. I’m so sad at his Seen and heard onstage and backstage Wednesday (11/2): passing; I have countless memories that cover the gamut. He • “I personally drank way too much because I didn’t think was a passionate professional, a caring friend and a loving [we’d win]. I’m almost convinced it’s an elaborate hoax.” – husband. One of his greatest priorities was to take care of his Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne backstage. wife Tami. Please, if you can spare a few bucks, donate here: • “Your music and your songs took a kid from East Tennessee gofundme.com/dougbaker. Doug, I pray and believe you are now and showed him it was possible.” –Pinnacle honoree Kenny at peace. You are loved and you are missed.” Chesney to assembled heritage artists. Virtually There: CMA Broadcast Award honorees onstage at the 50th Annual CMA Awards. ©2016 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] November 7, 2016 Page 5 • “I can be a little bit embarrassing as a mom sometimes, but MY TUNES: MUSIC THAT SHAPED MY LIFE I think they’re proud of that song.” –Song of the Year writer Lori McKenna backstage. Big Loud's Morgan Wallen discusses his • “I just hung out with Jay Z for 10 minutes. That was the most influential music: weirdest thing ever, but awesome.” –Thomas 1. Eric Church: He performed at a concert Rhett backstage. in my hometown and it was the coolest • “See why I lost this concert I've ever been to. gig?” –former host Vince 2. Tim McGraw: His songs have always Gill after flubbing a been so real. It doesn't even seem like he's category read. Morgan trying – he's just talking to you. • “The tide is turning Wallen 3. The Eagles: I grew up on their music. here in Nashville My dad and I used to listen to a lot of classic rock. If the musically. Seeing people Eagles were coming out today, they would be [considered] like Brothers Osborne win, country music. that’s huge. And not just because they’re friends 4. Chris Cornell: He's my favorite singer. His voice is so of mine, but because they freaking good. He could sing the phone book and make it are that good and they sound good. I love how gritty and rough he sings. Audioslave deserve it.” –New Artist Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis and Brad Paisley is one of my favorite bands, and he was their lead singer. Maren Morris backstage. 5. Drake: I love his perspective and views on relationships. • “For me to be He brings out a different side of things you normally wouldn't receiving the Willie Nelson think of. I love his lyrics. award, this is an absolute high.” –Dolly Parton. UPDATE • I was backstage, sitting there with Olivia Newton-John. It • Highly regarded music you've actually never heard: I have never listened to Selena Gomez. was all I could do not to go into [sings] ‘Summer lovin...’ It was • "Important" music you just don't get: I know Michael more than I could handle. And I had a great conversation with Vince Gill about cheeseburgers. This is surreal shit for me.” –Eric Jackson was one of the biggest artists of all time, but he is not Church backstage. my favorite. • “These are the best people in the world. All the fans and all • An album you listened to incessantly: Eric Church's the people who make [country music], too. Wonderful people.” – Sinners Like Me. That's probably the best record I've ever Chris Stapleton accepting Male. listened to. • “We are so damn lucky to part of this thing called country • Obscure or non-country song everyone should music!” Entertainer of the Year Garth Brooks. listen to right now: "Graveyard Whistling" by Nothing But • “Amen.” –Randy Travis.