Bobby Karl Works the ASCAP Awards Chapter 325
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page 1 Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Bobby Karl Works The ASCAP Awards Chapter 325 Bobby Karl has made a career of covering “I can’t think of a cooler place to honor Music City parties, and he bows his spirit songwriters than on this very stage,” said before the greatness of ASCAP. Simply put, ASCAP’s Connie Bradley of the Ryman. “We’d no one throws a better bash. like to introduce you to a songwriter we think There is more music, finer food, prettier has a real future in our business,” she added, people and better companionship at this annual as the curtain parted to reveal co-host Paul soiree than you can find anywhere else. This Williams. The organization’s president sang year’s gala, staged at the Ryman and the a medley that included “Just an Old Fashioned BellSouth Tower across the street (10/19) Love Song,” “I Won’t Last a Day Without You,” saluted Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley, “You and Me Against the World,” “Rainy Days as well as Alan Jackson, EMI Publishing, and Mondays,” “We’ve Only Just Begun” and J.D. Souther and Gerry House & The “The Rainbow Connection.” House Foundation. Take my word for it, this “May your songs last forever, and may was a world-class bash. you live long enough to hear your grandkids (L-R) back: Gary Overton, EMI Music Publishing; Alan Jackson; Jonathan Platt, EMI; Ashley Gorley; Tom Luteran, EMI; Dan McCarroll, EMI; Ben Vaughn, EMI; Glenn Middleworth, EMI; and Josh Van Valkenburg, EMI.Front: ASCAP's Paul WIlliams and Connie Bradley. Photo:Kay Williams ©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 2 Wednesday, October 21, 2009 fight over the money,” he quipped to the Ryman crowd. An ASCAP tradition was maintained as the organization’s five most-performed songs of the year were sung by their writers throughout the ceremony. Clay Mills offered “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” Alan Jackson sang a swinging version of “Good Time” that allowed plenty of showcase space for his band members. With Wes Hightower backing him on high harmony vocals, Tommy Karlas turned in a strong version of “Roll With Me.” Ashley Gorley sat at the piano and sang a moving “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Don Sampson treated the capacity crowd to “Waitin’ on a Woman.” Years ago, Alan asked ASCAP to create the Artist/Songwriter of the Year category, so that he and other songwriting stars wouldn’t overshadow fulltime Music Row tunesmiths. Jimmy Webb announced that Alan had won it again on Monday night. “After 20 years, I’m still winning this dang award,” quipped Alan. “Maybe they ought to make a new category— Songwriter/ Artist Over 50!” Born in Kentucky and educated at Belmont, Gorley was given the Song and Songwriter of the Year honors by Trace Adkins and Wayland Holyfield, respectively. “This is a little crazy,” he said. “This is something that a guy like me never even aimed for. I’m just thankful to everybody.” Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins and Brad Paisley have all sung his tunes. “I’m just thankful we get to do this,” he added. “It’s a really special business we’re in.” The musical highlight of the eve was the ASCAP Golden Note presentation to J.D. Souther. Love and Theft did a flawless, stunning “You’re Only Lonely.” Lee Ann Womack was sublime on “Faithless Love.” Rodney Crowell, Chris Rodriguez and Sarah Buxton shined on “New Kid in Town.” J.D.’s other evergreens include “Victim of Love,” “Heartache Tonight,” “How Long,” “Don’t Cry Now,” “Prisoner in Disguise” and the masterpiece “Heart of the Matter.” Presenter Jackson Browne hailed him, saying, “J.D.’s songs have affected me, consoled me and inspired me.” Paul Williams immediately began exchanging quips. “He’s the “Wow—I am a lucky guy,” said Souther. After singing “The last one to know it’s raining,” said Gerry. “And the first one to Best of My Love,” he received a standing ovation. drown,” responded Paul. “Wouldn’t it be great to wake up and Bonnie Raitt saluted him on video. At another point have your feet right there?” said Gerry. “Except when they’re during the show, there was a video tribute to its long-time in your mouth,” fired back Paul. “I’m done,” the radio host producer, Danny Petraitis, who died at age 51 on June 3. surrendered, before adding, “It’s an honor to play your songs.” The ASCAP Partners in Music Award was presented by Presenter Martina illustrated the gala’s predominant Martina McBride. Honoree Gerry House and the diminutive fashion trend. To paraphrase a folk song, “Black was the color ©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 3 Wednesday, October 21, 2009 of my true love’s clothes.” She wore spiked-heeled high black boots over black fishnet stockings with a black mini-dress with sparkly shoulders. Connie set the trend in a floor-length sequined black gown. Carolyn Corlew’s one-shoulder gown was also black, accented by a beaded, floral-motif choker. Diane Pearson’s sequined halter dress was also black. Barbara Orbison chose a gold-embroidered black evening coat. Carla Wallace was in a pin-striped black velvet pants suit. Lynn Anderson’s outfit sported black lace. Hillary Lindsey was in a short, black, strapless satin sheath. Connie Harrington wore an elegantly simple black sleeveless gown and an upswept hairdo. Judy Harris had on a black velvet jacket with a dramatic, wide white collar. Karen Tollier? Black. Alicia Warwick? Black. Susan Nadler? Black. “It’s just easier,” explained Tracy Gershon, who was also clad in ebony. Bucking the trend was Jo Walker Meador in a silver evening jacket. Deanna Bryant wore a black leather jacket over a lime green sheath. Lee Ann Womack had on a slate-gray belted dress. CMA CEO Tammy Genovese and the CMA Board presented And the real standouts were Anna Wilson in a rusched metallic, the crystal gavel to outgoing CMA Board Chairman Randy strapless, floor-length gown, plus Kellie Pickler clad in a wow- Goodman (R) and the crystal globe to incoming CMA Board inspiring, figure-hugging strapless number of dark burgundy. Chairman Steve Moore (L) in appreciation of their contributions. Among the men, black-on-black was all the rage. Sporting black The presentation took place during the October election of new CMA Board members in Nashville. shirts with black jackets and/or trousers were Chuck Wicks, Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins and Marc Beeson. Ben Vaughn accented his black-on-black look with a sliver of a steel-blue cravat. John Rich and John Anderson both sported black cowboy hats. Even Rory Lee Feek’s customary overalls were black, albeit over a teal-green shirt. David Lee Murphy wore a velvet jacket, an open shirt and a cream-colored cowboy hat. Kenny Chesney wore a snug blue shirt over grey formal slacks. Alan Jackson had on an elegant, black western shirt with gold and red appliqués over distressed jeans, plus his usual white cowboy hat and boots. Keith Anderson wore a brown leather jacket, and Chris Stapleton’s black cowboy coat sported white piping. Jason Michael Carroll seems to have cut his hair and wore a tails-out dark blue shirt under his black jacket. Don Sampson had on a tan, suede jacket and matching boots. Gary Allan’s sleek sharkskin suit was over a light blue shirt. Barry Coburn wore a vintage-looking white jacket with Greek-themed trim. Stand-out songwriters in the crowd included Mac McAnally, Songwriter Bernie Nelson has signed a publishing agreement Shane McAnally, Monty Powell, Monty Holmes, Steve Robson, with SongstartersInc. (L-R) back: Songstarters Inc.'s Kathy Steven Dale Jones, Dan Tyler, Danny Orton, Mentor Williams, Walker, SESAC's Tim Fink and Shannan Tipton-Neese, Pat Alger, Gary Burr, Buzz Cason, Bob Regan, Mark D. Sanders, Songstarters Inc.'s Leslie Femino. Front: Nelson and Luke Laird, Kelly Lovelace, Chris DuBois, Neil Thrasher, Fred Songstarters Inc.'s Jim Femino. Photo: Peyton Hoge ©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 4 Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Knobloch, Don Schlitz, Rivers Rutherford, Jon Randall Anderson Launches Label, Debuts & Jessi Alexander, Sarah Darling, Keith Stegall, Jason Matthews and Michael Dulaney. Ashlyne Huff After the awards ceremony, we walked the red carpet to Ashlyne Huff, daughter of star the BellSouth Tower across the street from the Ryman. On the producer Dann Huff, is working on back patio, a Belmont jazz ensemble played. On the 27th floor her debut pop/rock album as the first awaited spectacular, glamorous views of the city. Tables artist signed to Anderson Company/ upstairs and down held delicious tortellini, marinated Anderson Merchandiser’s new label, mushrooms, roast beef, jumbo shrimp, mini crab cakes, Liquid Digital Media. The lead single, chicken rice pilaf, ham strips, giant olives, garlic flat bread, “Heart of Gold,” is at radio now and fruit and cheese cubes and roasted squash, onions, peppers the album is set for a spring 2010 and asparagus, not to mention strawberry parfait, mini release. Huff co-wrote every song on the project. brownies and pumpkin & vanilla brulee shooters. Power couples on hand included Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Kitty Moon & Pat Emery, David & Karen Conrad, Roger & Erika Wollam Nichols, Ron & Regina Stuve and Karl Dean & Anne Davis. Also working the room? Well, Ed Benson, Ed Morris, Butch Waugh, Butch Baker, Chris Oglesby, Evelyn Shriver, Ron Cox, Bobby Rymer, Joe Galante, Andre Lebel, Glenn Middleworth, Drew Alexander, Mike Hollandsworth, Celia Froelig, Troy Tomlinson, Hank Adam Locklin, Gary Overton, Wes Bulla, Nancy Shapiro, Eileen Littlefield, Mary Ann McCready, Woody BMI hosted their Next Big Nashville showcase at Mercy Lounge on October 10, with a lineup that Bomar, Alan Kates, Mark Ford, included Southern rockers Ponderosa, Mike’s Pawn Shop, current Ten Out of Tenn journeyman Christie King, Paul Worley, Kyle Andrews, The Protomen, and popsters Heypenny.