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Home , At the Ryman, Big Green Tractor, Bob Babbitt, Bruce Bouton, Charlie Daniels, Chet Atkins

page 1 Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Bobby Karl Works The Room Chapter 323 There was joy in the Schermerhorn associated with inductee , Symphony Center Monday night (10/12). both in tandem with Paul Yandell and Performer after performer at the solo. third annual Musicians Hall of Fame Chet’s daughter, Merle Atkins ceremony conveyed just how much pure Russell accepted. “It’s a wonderful pleasure there is in making the music night,” she said. “It was all about music, you love. for Daddy. This is huge.” “I’ve been a very blessed person, described inductee working in the business I love,” said Foster as “a nonconformist” and “a producer inductee . visionary” for having signed and “When you do that, you’re produced such talents as Roy not working, you’re Orbison, and playing.” , all of “For all the loyal fans, whom appeared in a video thank you for keeping the tribute. Fred-produced spirit alive,” said inductee White got a after performing a standing ovation for a super blistering rock set with his funky workout on “Polk Salad group, featuring guest drummer Annie.” Chris Layton from Stevie Ray “This is a great honor Vaughn’s band Double Trouble. that goes in my memory book for Gary Puckett gleefully turned many visits in the future,” said Fred. the mic over to the audience for a Al Jardine of sing-along rendition of “Young Girl.” He enthusiastically sang “Help Me Rhonda” inducted percussion, keyboard and vibes before inducting Dick Dale, the King of “musician’s musician” Victor Feldman. the Surf . Dick got both a standing L.A. “Wrecking Crew” session great Don ovation and an encore for his sizzling Randi accepted on behalf of Feldman, instrumental prowess and infectious who died in 1987 at age 53. enthusiasm. The eternally young “This is the most wildest thing in the seemed to be in complete bliss as he world,” said Dick of his honor. He added, performed medleys of melodies “We must take our children, and we

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED news@.com page 2 Wednesday, October 14, 2009 must get them into music,” instead of gangs. “We have Dickie Betts inducted Charlie. “He’s always been to teach them how beautiful music is.” there when I need a friend,” said Dickie. Like the others, ’s Brothers bass man Bob Babbitt Charlie turned in a set that was loaded with hot licks. inducted the mysteriously absent Motown arranger Paul did the honors for Toto, which Riser. “We don’t know where he is,” admitted Hall of included ’s . Toto were ace L.A. Fame chief Joe Chambers before the show. “He said session pros before becoming a hit making rock he’d .” machine. The group’s is deceased, but his “I’m grateful for the shoulders I stood on and the children were in the house. hands that reached down to help me,” said Nashville’s Prior to the show, the honorees gathered upstairs in own Billy Cox, who rose to fame alongside his former the Center’s Mike Curb Room for a Medallion Ceremony. Army buddy . I didn’t know this, but Billy Each was presented with a red-ribboned medallion and a quit playing for a time, before hired black leather jacket with the Musicians Hall of Fame logo. him and took him back on the road in his band. The Hall is the creation of Joe Chambers and his wife Linda, who poured their own money and effort into it. “Congratulations to Joe and Linda for building their dream,” said Butch Spyridon of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s my favorite museum in town.” Chet Atkins, “always wanted to do something for the musicians in Nashville, and Joe Chambers has done it,” added Merle Russell. Guitarist Louie Shelton got a belated medallion at the ceremony, since he was absent when the Wrecking Crew was honored two years ago. “Don’t mess up my hair,” quipped Fred Foster as his medallion was slipped over his bald head. “If he’s good enough for Jimi Hendrix, he’s good enough for the Musicians Hall of Fame,” said Industry admirers, peers, and contemporary stars gathered to salute the 2009 class of virtuosos Joe of a clearly delighted Billy inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame on Monday, October 12 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Cox. Joe called Charlie Daniels, “a Center in Nashville. Pictured at the ceremony are (back row, l-r): Butch Spyridon, President and CEO, joy, a true talent and an Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau; Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI; Joe Chambers, Director, Musician’s Hall of Fame; Merle Atkins Russell, daughter of the late Chet inspiration.” Atkins; Toto’s , , , and David Hungate; and Clay Bradley, Guests snacked on fried Assistant Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI; (front row, l-r): Fred Foster, Dick Dale, green tomatoes, pesto toast Billy Cox, Charlie Daniels, and 2007 inductee Louie Shelton. points, beef Wellington, fried grits,

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 3 Wednesday, October 14, 2009 and a variety of desserts and pastries. BMI sponsored the gig, so Jody Williams welcomed one and all. Caryn Wariner, Karen Byrd, Kay Clary, Kay Smith, Clay Bradley, , , April Barrows, , Deborah Evans Price, David Corlew, Rick Sanjek, Brad Schmitt, Margie Hunt, Shari Lacy, Paula Szeigis, Jan Ray Suk, Vernell Hackett, Alan Mayor and Bebe Evans worked the room. Joining us in the audience were Kenny & Corky O’Dell, Woody Bomar, , Don Cusic and Patricia Presley. Cindy Sinclair produced. Rick Hutchinson directed. Craig Havighurst scripted. Shane Keister was the musical director of an awesome . Jeff Nunnally stage managed. Meanwhile, attendees of the downtown IEBA convention were treated to sets by Boyz II Men, Uncle Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed Phillip Kracker, TobyMac, , Whitney Duncan, White its roster. White is known for compositions like “I’m a Survivor,” The Lost Trailers, , , the theme song of sitcom Reba, and Rascal Flatts' “I’m Movin’ On.” , The Randy Rogers Band, Mark Pictured (L-R) Seated: White; Back: UMPG Nashville Pres. Pat Higdon, Wills, Jamie O’Neal, , Rhett Akins and a UMPG Nashville’s Creative Manager Freeman Wizer, UMPG Nashville’s show-stealing all day and all night on Senior Vice President Kent Earls, Attorney Chip Petree. Monday (10/12). Venues ranged from The Stage to the Hilton. The IEBA awards show, which saluted Chubby Checker with a Career Achievement honor, was . His buddy presented it to him. In addition to Chubby, guests enjoyed performances from , Jessie James, , , Jud Laipply and . The show was hosted by Luke Perry. Lorrie presented Joan Saltel with the Lifetime Achievement Award. CAA's John Huie presented Barbara Hubbard with the Harry A. Peebles Award. Out at the Opry House, it was the 40th concert for Rounder Records (10/12). Booked to perform were host Minnie Driver, , Irma Thomas, Henry Butler, Bela Fleck, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas and & NSAI president and hit songwriter Steve Bogard recently visited HFA, Union Station featuring . speaking with staff about his career and performing “Easy as You Go,” All I have to say is, it was a good night to be a which is on the current Twang. Pictured (L-R): HFA stagehand in Music City. President/CEO Gary Churgin, HFA Sr. VP of HR and Admin. Michele Olton, Bogard

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 4 Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Urban’s first guest was Paisley for their hit “Start A Urban Recruits Country’s Band” and by the end of the song the guitar heros were midway up opposite sides of the arena, jamming amidst Finest For Hall Fundraiser a thrilled crowd. by Sarah Skates An unduly long intermission followed Urban’s set Even the ushers were dancing in the aisle last night before a video featuring Gill, , actor (10/13) as blazed through “Sweet Thing,” James Deaton, and Kara DioGuardi “,” and a slew of other hits during his We’re All opened the second act. For The Hall concert at the Sommet Center. He While most of the male performers showed up in spearheaded the benefit for the Hall of standard pearl-button garb, Gill branched out, showing Fame and Museum and recruited the stellar talent of his hometown spirit in a Predators jersey. The longtime , , , Dierks Hall of Fame advocate started the All For The Hall Bentley, , Lady Antebellum and Little fundraising initiative a few years ago, suggesting that all Big Town to join him. That line-up combined with artists donate just one night’s proceeds to the tickets priced around $25 assured a sold-out event. cause. Urban opened with his own set, including a pensive Urban’s Capitol Nashville labelmates take on Dolly Parton’s “” which he were in fine voice. From looks to talent, they have the said was an example of the kind of music that drew him potential to be one of the format’s biggest bands. to the from his homeland Down Under. The Gill and Urban remained onstage as band members importance of preserving this kind of musical heritage for the night, playing alongside A-list musicians including was reiterated throughout the night. keyboardist John Hobbs, steel guitarist and Michael Rhodes. “It’s nice to see Keith Urban and came around and joined our band,” joked Lady Antebellum‘s . Singer was sporting darker than usual tresses and seemed plagued by sound problems. The group was great nonetheless on “Need You Now,” and “Run To You.” Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, and Jason Aldean wowed the crowd with two songs apiece. Hill’s voice was spot-on for her early-career milestones “Piece of My Heart” and “Let Me Let Go.” Aldean’s huge recent hits “Big Green Tractor” and “She’s Country” show some serious career momentum. Urban told audience members that a remarkable number of artists requested to participate in the event and to mark their calendars for Oct. 5, 2010 for the second annual concert. Sponsors including Verizon and Ford pitched in for the event. Verizon also scrolled photos and text messages from audience members on in-house screens. The show was set to stream live on www.keithurban.net, Urban performs with Little Big Town at last night's We're All For the www.VCASTLive.com and Hall Benefit. (Photo: Larry Busacca - Getty Images) www.countrymusichalloffame.com.

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 5 Wednesday, October 14, 2009 New Country Music TV Show New television show The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca will debut on Nashville’s Channel 5-Plus Oct. 17 at 11 p.m. The 30-minute weekly show led by longtime television personality Chuck Long and well- known radio host Becca Walls will welcome Steve Wariner as that night’s guest. The Country Vibe with Chuck and Becca began airing on other national networks in October, including AMG-TV and Blue Highways-TV. Long’s background includes time running his own shows, being a correspondent for Crook & Chase, a stint at the Shop at Home Network, and hosting entertainment segments on Channel 5+. Walls is a Nashville radio personality who has produced and co- ’s video for “Do I” has been voted into the GAC Top 20 hosted syndicated show After MidNite with Blair Garner, th Countdown's top spot for the 7 consecutive week. The video was shot and also worked for WKDF. in downtown Nashville by . Bryan met up with GAC’s and host Nan Kelly recently at the start of his 9-city tour in Statesboro, . Musical Chairs And New Endeavors • Borman Entertainment is relocating as of Oct. 19. The management company for Faith Hill, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum will be moving to 4322 Harding Pike, #429 Nashville, Tn 37205. • Cumulus Sr. VP Mark Sullivan has taken over as GM for Cumulus Nashville’s five-station cluster, including WSM-FM (The Wolf). He moved here from the company’s headquarters in to replace the exiting Mike Kanak who went to CBS Radio in Tampa. Sullivan has been with Cumulus for 11 years. • Music business couple Trisha Walker-Cunningham and Rusty Cunningham are opening a bed and breakfast out of their historic 1918 Hillsboro Village The First Annual Pensacola Beach Songwriter's Festival was held on Oct. cottage next month. "Suite Blair" will offer made-to- 2-4. Co-Founders Reneda Cross, Jim Pasquale and Lisa Carver took a order breakfast and more. moment to pose for a picture. Pictured L-R: Reneda Cross, Jim Pasquale, Lisa Carver and ASCAP's John . • Sonata Stanton-Rayburn, formerly a music business staffer at Progessive Global Agency, is opening a personal shopping and courier service called The Heels On Wheels. She most recently worked in economic development for the state of . Heels On Wheels will host a free and open launch party at Cabana on Wed., Oct. 21 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. • Former Compadre Records owner Brad Turcotte and his wife, Susan Turcotte, have started the Turcotte Multimedia Group, LLC. It is the parent company of their artist/label marketing consulting firm Amigo Music Group whose clients include , , and Show Dog Nashville. Also under the Turcotte Multimedia Group umbrella is Interactive Legal Tools CD/CD-ROM, and LawSchoolDownloads.com. Turcotte sold Compadre to Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment in 2007.

BMI recently presented Million-Air Awards to hit-maker Jim Collins. The Belmont Plans Law School certificates recognize a total of more than 10 million performances, will open a College of Law in the generated by Collins-penned smashes including ’s “The fall of 2011. As Belmont’s seventh college and fourth Good Stuff” and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” ’ “Then doctoral program, the American Bar Association They Do,” George Strait’s “,” and Chad Brock’s approved institute will enroll approximately 350 students “Yes!”. Pictured (L-R) Front: BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Collins, BMI’s Beth at full capacity. It will be the first new law school in Mason. Back: BMI’s Bradley Collins, Perry Howard, Clay Bradley and Jody Williams. (Photo: Drew Maynard) in nearly 100 years... Also at Belmont,

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 6 Wednesday, October 14, 2009 on Nov. 7, the school hosts its 2009 Urban Pop Showcase at 7 p.m. in the Curb Event Center. Four Ryman Opens Johnny & student acts who competed for the slots will perform and be judged by Grammy Award-winning rock/ artist June Exhibit Jonny Lang, alongside industry professionals Joey A new exhibit Johnny & June at the Ryman Ritchie, Brandon Fraley and Free Smith. The concert chronicles the country music icons’ history with the is planned and produced in entirety by students. famous auditorium and each other. As members, and June Carter met backstage at the Ryman in 1956 and were married TJ Martell Salutes John twelve years later. On display until the end of 2010, the exhibit is Esposito comprised of artifacts on loan from , The TJ Martell Foundation will honor new Warner and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Bros. Nashville Pres./CEO John Esposito with its Spirit Museum archives. Included is a Fender of Excellence Award on Oct. 28 at a ceremony in New engraved "Johnny Cash," June’s autoharp and dresses, York City. Willie Nelson is set to perform and the late Cash’s signature black clothing, handwritten lyrics, and —Martell’s largest ever single donor— the gold record for Johnny Cash . will receive the organization’s first Legend Award. Country Music Artifact Stagecoach Coming In April Auction Country music festival Stagecoach will return to rock the Indio, Calif. desert this spring. With more than On Dec. 3, Christie's auction house will host “The 100,000 music fans in attendance last year, Stagecoach Country Music Sale.” There will be a significant number is set for Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2010, of artifacts from the estate of Hank Thompson, with headliners Keith Urban, , Brooks & including unique Nudie suits, instruments, photos and Dunn and . Also confirmed are Billy other memorabilia. Notable highlights include a Bill Currington, Gary Allan, Phil Vassar, , Monroe face plate, instruments and clothing , Jamey Johnson, and many from and Johnny Cash, and Roy more. Stagecoach is produced by Goldenvoice, The Rogers and Dale Evans. Messina Group and Moore Entertainment Group.

Country music icon Emmylou Harris accepted an honorary doctorate from 's at the 9th AnnualHardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, in 's Golden Gate Park. Longtime Harris friend and bluegrass pioneer were on hand for the presentation, made just before Harris's set. Ronstadt and Scruggs are past Berklee honorary doctorate recipients. Pictured (L-R):Hardly Strictly founder Warren Hellman; Ronstadt, Berklee H'09; Harris; Scruggs, Berklee H'05. (Photo: Jay Blakesberg)

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