Miller Wins Big at Americana Honors & Awards by Jon

Home , Blame It on Your Heart, Buddy Miller, Dallas Davidson, Jim Lauderdale, Julie Miller, Justin Townes Earle

page 1 Friday, September 18, 2009

Table of Contents 1 Miller Wins Big At Miller Wins Big at Americana Americana Honors & Awards by Jon Freeman 2 Copyright Holders Fighting Honors & Awards For Performance Fees The annual Americana Honors & Awards 3 AirPlay Direct Opens Nashville Office is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize 3 Conference Update: IEBA artists for their contribution to the roots- th And CRS based genre, and the 10 installment of the 4 Campbell Adds To Roster program last night (9/17) at the Ryman 4 Chevy To Honor Military delivered a spectacular night of music and Members At CMA Awards entertainment. 4 615 Produces New Music Buddy Miller was the night’s big winner. For Today Show In fact, the only thing standing between Miller 4 Kostas Is Makin’ Music and a clean sweep was an absent Gurf 4 Local Voice Coach Morlix winning Instrumentalist of the Year. Expands Business Internationally The veteran songwriter/producer/sideman 4 Allman Brothers Take UMG took home the awards for Album of the Year To Court (Written in Chalk), Song of the Year (“Chalk,” 5 DISClaimer: Not a Clunker featuring Patty Griffin), Duo/Group of the In Sight Year (with wife Julie), and Artist of the Year. (L-R): Buddy Miller & Justin Townes Earle. When not walking to the podium to accept Photo: Ray Kennedy/The Image Thief Music Row Communications, LLC awards, Miller also led the all-star house 1231 17th Ave. S. band featuring hot shot players like engaged during setup changes. Midway Nashville, TN 37212 615-321-3617 Spooner Oldham and Al Perkins. through the show he even donned a Pilgrim’s [email protected] Oldham opened the event with a hat and delivered a semi-impromptu song www.musicrow.com rendition of the Box Tops’ hit “Cry Like A called “Now That’s Americana” backed only Baby,” which he wrote with Dan Penn. by piano. While his attempt at a kickline Lifetime Achievement Award Performance with Buddy Miller wasn't quite Broadway- winners Asleep At The Wheel were up next ready, the effort was still appreciated. and then Rodney Crowell performed Dobro wizard Jerry Douglas delivered “Closer to Heaven” from his Sex & Gasoline a dazzling medley featuring elements of collection. “Tribute to Peador O’Donnell,” and the Allman Affable Jim Lauderdale returned to Brothers’ “Little Martha.” John Prine host the proceedings, and kept the crowd teamed with Nanci Griffith to salute

Lifetime Achievement Producer/Engineer winner Jim Rooney fired back, “Now, Jim, this isn’t the Ameri-Kanye Awards,” on his “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness.” drawing laughs and applause. The music always leaves lasting memories at the The Americana Music Association’s President’s Award Americana Honors, and the night of outstanding performances was given to the late Lowell George, who led the band included Band of Heathens, Sarah Borges & the Broken Little Feat and whose career also included work with Frank Singles, The Belleville Outfit, Reckless Kelly, The Sinatra, The Standells, and Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Flatlanders, Raul Malo, The Gourds, Buddy Miller with Invention. The last performance of the evening was a fitting Patty Griffin, Lauderdale, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, salute, a romp through Little Feat’s “Dixie Chicken” with and Sam Bush. help from Lauderdale, Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell, The night’s boldest sartorial choice came courtesy of Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and Sam Bush. Justin Townes Earle, who would go on to be named the Later in the evening New & Emerging nominee Sarah New & Emerging Artist of the Year. The wiry son of Steve Borges & The Broken Singles performed at the Mercy Lounge, Earle was dressed in a red velvet three piece suit, thick delivering a ferocious set that mixed country melody with plastic eyewear, and a bowtie. And he also gave one of the punk energy. She was followed up by Texan Charlie Robison, night’s best performances, a breathtaking version of supporting his Beautiful Day collection. Cross Canadian “Mama’s Eyes.” Ragweed was playing simultaneously at the Cannery Jerry Douglas presented the Lifetime Achievement Ballroom downstairs. Across town, Raul Malo was playing Award for Songwriting to John Fogerty, who was given a at 3rd & Lindsley. standing ovation. Fogerty called Douglas his “favorite There are still two more days of amazing musical musician in the whole world” and then explained how he showcases left, so get out there and find your new favorite always saw his musical development and love of disparate artist. styles very strange. “I thought I was the weirdest person in the history of the world, until I came here today.” Americana Award Winners Fogerty treated those in the know to a set at the Mercy Album Of The Year: "Written In Chalk," Buddy & Julie Lounge on Wednesday night (9/16), and he performed two Miller songs for Awards attendees: “Garden Party” from his Blue Artist Of The Year: Buddy Miller Ridge Ranger Rides Again collection, and a hair-raising Duo/Group Of The Year: Buddy & Julie Miller version of the classic “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” New & Emerging Artist Of The Year: Justin Townes Earle Emmylou Harris paused to pay tribute to recently Instrumentalist Of The Year: Gurf Morlix departed Mary Travers before honoring manager/ Song Of The Year: "Chalk" Written By Julie Miller, businessman extraordinaire Ken Levitan with the Lifetime Performed By Buddy Miller And Patty Griffin Achievement Award for Executive. Another Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Lifetime Achievement Awards Sam Bush for his instrumental contributions. Presenter Performance: Asleep At The Wheel John Cowan noted of Bush’s percussive playing style, “If Executive: Ken Levitan there’s a drummer’s hall of fame, I hope Sam goes in it as Songwriter: John Fogerty the first mandolin player.” Bush accepted his award Producer/Engineer: Jim Rooney graciously, only to be jokingly interrupted by Lauderdale Instrumentalist: Sam Bush saying that another mandolin player should have won. Bush President's Award: Lowell George Copyright Holders Fighting For Performance Fees Music stakeholders—with performing rights organizations in the lead—want iTunes and other digital download stores to start paying performance fees. Cnet.com tackled the issue recently, explaining that while digital music downloads are subject to mechanical fees, there is no performance fee for the 30-second song clips available on iTunes. Copyright holders are also seeking performance fees from film and TV downloads. This content contains music but there is not usually a mechanical or performance payment for the download. "If you watch a TV show on broadcast, cable or satellite TV there is a performance fee collected," David Israelite, president and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association told Cnet. "But if that same TV L-R): Emmylou Harris, Justin Townes Earle, Jim Lauderdale, John Fogerty and Buddy Miller. show is downloaded over iTunes, there's Photo: Erika Goldring not. We're arguing that the law needs to be

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [email protected] page 3 Friday, September 18, 2009 clarified that regardless of the method by which a consumer being a primary contributor to the Chicken Soup For The watches the show there is a performance right." Soul series. Other special guests at IEBA include Phil Vassar, This is a major point of contention—whether playback of Michelle Branch, Joey & Rory, Chubby Checker, Boyz a download is a public or private performance. II Men, Don Felder, The Wailers, Jamey Johnson, Cnet says the music industry is lobbying Congress to Randy Houser, Chris Young, Jessie James and blogger pass legislation that would require anyone who sells a Bob Lefsetz. download to pay a performance fee, but little progress has CRS: Best-selling business author and award-winning been made. journalist Bob Rosner will host the “Workplace 911” panel The Digital Media Association (DiMA), a trade group that at Country Radio Seminar 41, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, represents online music/media companies such as iTunes, is at the Nashville Convention Center. Rosner is the author of fighting the initiative. Among its arguments is that rights The Boss's Survival Guide, as well as a regular contributor holders are typically paid a synchronization fee on the front on the Today show and CNBC. end for the use of their music in film and TV. AirPlay Direct Opens Nashville Office AirPlay Direct has established a Nashville office and appointed longtime songwriter/plugger Raleigh Squires as Operations Manager. AirPlay Direct, headed by CEO Robert Weingartz, is a digital file transfer system that was developed to streamline radio/artist promotion activities. Squires’ 30 year career includes time as a staff songwriter and songplugger for the Mel Tillis music publishing companies before establishing his own independent songplugging company, www.HitMenSongPluggers.com. His outfit was one of the first to pitch songs via the Internet. George Strait, Vern Gosdin, Don Williams, and The Oak Ridge Boys have recorded his songs. Squires can be reached at [email protected]. ASCAP recently hosted a release party for Radney Foster's new album Revival. The album features tracks with collaborations from longtime Conference Update: IEBA And CRS co-writers Darrell Brown, Jay Clementi and friends Dierks Bentley and IEBA: Leadership/management expert Dan Clark will Darius Rucker. In conjunction with the release of Revival, Foster also be the opening keynote speaker at the 2009 IEBA Conference, released a feature length DVD documentary that explored the making running Oct. 11-13 at the Nashville Downtown Hilton. He is of the album titled Behind The Confessions. The 90-minute film was CEO of Clark Success Systems, a multi-million dollar speaking, directed by Sundance award-winning filmmaker Jeff Horny and was co- publishing, sports performance and business-consulting firm, produced by Foster, his wife Cyndi, and Horny. (L-R): ASCAP's Mike and has authored twenty books on leadership including Sistad, Brown, Foster, Clementi, Sea Gayle Music's Chris DuBois, and Fitgerald Hartley's Bill Simmons. Photo: Kay Williams Common Ground and Forgotten Fundamentals, as well as

Campbell Adds To Roster military spirit are being accepted at www.youreverydayhero.com. The winning serviceman or woman and family will attend Craig Campbell’s Campbell the awards and get to meet Dale Earnhardt Jr. Entertainment Group has signed Eric Lee Beddingfield as a management client. The Georgia native has a strong following 615 Produces New Music For on the college circuit and has charted his Today Show last three singles in the Top 40 of Nashville’s 615 Music, headed by President Randy MusicRow’s CountryBreakout™ Chart. He Wachtler, has made a new theme song for longtime client is working on his sophomore album with Eric Lee Beddingfield the Today show. “Your Day is Today,” part of the NBC show’s producer Kent Wells. new promotional campaign, is performed by Paisley Van Patten. Chevy To Honor Military Members At CMA Awards Kostas Is Makin’ Music Chevy, the official ride of country music, will salute a Grammy award winning songwriter Kostas has signed special service member at the CMA Awards on Nov. 11. with Makin’ Music for independent songplugging. His No. 1 Nominations for someone who has demonstrated exceptional hits include BMI Song of the Year “Blame It On Your Heart,” and “Timber I’m Falling In Love” (Patty Loveless), “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” (Dwight Yoakam), and “I Can Love You Better” (Dixie Chicks). Makin’ Music provides independent songplugging and creative services for songwriters including Mac McAnally, Rafe Van Hoy, and Karen Staley. Local Voice Coach Expands Business Internationally Celebrity voice coach Renee Grant- Williams has trained and certified her first Canadian affiliate Dawn King. With over twenty years’ experience in the field, King’s studio is located in Vernon, B.C., midway between Vancouver and Calgary. King joins the ranks of those few vocal coaches who have been specially Renee Grant- Williams On September 9, Cumberland Heights dedicated its new Levitan-Hiatt trained by Grant-Williams to teach her Music Room. The new facility adds another dimension of treatment unique techniques. Nashville associates available at Cumberland Heights and honors music management veteran include Christy Sutherland and Misty Rae; Zelda Ken Levitan and legendary singer-songwriter John Hiatt, two men responsible for establishing The John Hiatt Concert Series for Cumberland Sheldon will be joining the team as a certified affiliate in Heights, one of the longest-running and most successful annual events Australia later this year. raising money to help fight addiction and treat adolescents. (L-R): Hiatt, Levitan and Cumberland Heights CEO Jim Moore. Allman Brothers Take UMG To Court A judge for the Southern District of New York has ruled that the Allman Brothers Band’s action against Universal Music Group will proceed. UMG had filed a motion to dismiss the case which seeks millions for underpayment of digital download royalties and refusal to re-negotiate terms in good faith. The case is now proceeding through discovery and is scheduled to go to trial in early 2010. Learning Opportunities • The Arts And Business Council of Greater Nashville/Volunteer Lawyers For the Arts is offering some upcoming seminars that might be helpful for artists. “Building a Business Plan for Artists” will be Wed., Sept. 23, 5:30-7:00 PM at Cummins Station. Cost is $10 members, $15 non-members. “Starting a Nonprofit Arts Organization: Incorporation and the Application for Tax-Exempt Status” will be Tues., Sept. 22, 5:30-7:00 PM at The Arts Company. Call (615) Warner Bros. artist Jason Reeves, cowriter with Colbie Caillet of 743-3055 or email [email protected] for reservations. "Bubbly," has moved to Nashville. ASCAP's Connie Bradley and Dan • The Music City Piano Workshop and Concert will be Fri., Keen welcomed Reeves and his manager, Ken Krongard. (L-R): Keen, Sept. 25 at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin. Made possible Reeves, Bradley and Krongard. Photo: Anna Maki

by a public-service grant from MTSU, students, DISClaimer teachers and aspiring by Robert K. Oermann professionals can learn No cash this week, because about music production, there’s not a clunker in sight. music business, Everybody is playing at the performance and more top of their game, especially the during the three ridiculously talented Steve Wariner, workshops. Details at Gene Watson and Darius Rucker. www.solopiano.com and Programmers are going to hate www.musiccitypiano.com. this next sentence. All 10 of these platters deserve airplay. Tidbits Polish off a DisCovery Award for Chris Heers. He is a EMI Christian Music Group • native and resident of Las Vegas Publishing, one of the who plays clubs there. But he largest publishers of wisely came to Music City to Christian music in the record his Western Stars CD and world, has affiliated with its “Dirt Rich” single. music rights licensing Billy Currington’s “People MusicRow's Michelle Ross married organization The Harry Are Crazy” is deservedly a Timothy Stephens during a sunset Fox Agency (HFA), to ceremony held August 29th at her nominee as CMA Single, Song and make its catalog of over parents' home. The bride, a native of Video of the Year. Especially Song. So I was leery about a 35,000 songs available Nashville, is the daughter of Susana follow-up with a junky title like “That’s How Country Boys for licensing for limited and David Ross. The groom, a Roll.” But, surprise, it is groove soaked and highly listenable. digital downloads and pharmacist for Walgreen's, is a native It is also the Disc of the Day. of Suwanee, Ga. and a graduate of interactive streams. the University of Georgia. The bride Jim O’Baid of OB-1 • TELLURIDE/Stay is a graduate of University School of Entertainment is looking Writer: Adam Seaunier/Keesy Timmer/Ryan Jones; Nashville and CSU Sacramento and for independent artists Producer: Rex Paul Schnelle; Publisher: none listed, BMI; works as RowFax Manager for MusicRow. who want radio airplay American Roots (track) (www.tellurideband.com) After honeymooning in Bora Bora and on his show, airing Moorea, the couple resides in the —Delightfully propulsive, undeniably sunny and brightly Saturday mornings from Oak Hill area of Nashville. romantic. Lead singer Adam Craig brings plenty of power to 6-9 at 88.5 FM dial and the table. streaming at WVCP.NET. CDs can be sent to Uncle Pepe, PO Box 22552, Nashville, KACEY JONES/I Can Always Get Skinny But You’ll TN 37202. Questions to [email protected]. Never Be Tall The Thompson Entertainment Group and Mark Hybner • Writer: Kacey Jones/Jesse Goldberg/Bill Flowerree; Management have re-located their offices within the Faron Producer: Kacey Jones; Publisher: Mamalama/Lindcrest/ Young Executive Building near Music Row. The new mailing Flying Buddha, ASCAP/BMI; IGO (track) address for both companies is 1300 Division Street, Suite (www.kaceyjones.com) 207, Nashville, TN 37203. All other contact information —Kacey’s CD is titled Donald Trump’s Hair. It is full of will remain the same. The companies co-manage Ricochet, comedy songs, which we can always use more of. “How dare Eric Durrance, and others and also handle marketing you call me pudgy, you stubby little runt?” goes one line in and publicity for Ricochet and others. this rib tickler. Another? “There is no Viagra for the inches Television production company CJM Productions/Program • you lack.” The goofy-guy backup vocals are a nice touch, Factory, LLC has increased the viewership of two of its too, particularly when chanting “Ding Dong, Ding Dong.” most popular programs, Inside Music Row and On Solid Rock, thanks to new agreements. Nashville based GENE WATSON & RHONDA VINCENT/Staying Together Country music news show Inside Music Row already goes Writer: Jerry Salley Jr./Monty Holmes; Producer: Dirk to 24 million households in approximately 100 markets, Johnson; Publisher: EMI/Country Gentleman, ASCAP/ and will reach an additional 2.3 million Australian SESAC; Shanachie (track) (www.genewatsonmusic.com) households via CMC Australia. Christian music show On —It’s a weeper about a couple who stay together although Solid Rock can now be seen in 175 countries as a result the spark is long gone. Gene and Rhonda harmonize of a recent agreement with the American Forces Network. sublimely. The mournful, moaning steel and honky-tonk The paperback version of True Adventures With The King • piano underline every heartache. The track is drawn from A of Bluegrass: Jimmy Martin will be released this month Taste of the Truth, which stars one of our greatest country by Vanderbilt University Press and the Country Music vocalists alongside stellar guests such as Alison Krauss, Foundation Press. Tom Piazza authored the biography. Trace Adkins, Aubrey Haynie, Sonny Garrish and John Wesley Composer/producer Steve W. Mauldin recently earned a • Ryles, as well as Rhonda. The set’s superb songs come from Master of Music Composition degree from Belmont the likes of Hank Cochran, Shawn Camp, Jim Rushing, University. He entered the program at age 51, making Rebecca Lynn Howard, Tim Mensey, Keith Stegall, Harley him the oldest member of his class and eventually the Allen and Curly Putman. If you love real country music, buy oldest student to be awarded such a degree from this record. Belmont.

Julia Burton recently performed during an "Eat Luke Bryan (R) stopped by CMT Radio Live on Chris Hanners’ current radio tour included a 'n Greet" at WDSY in Pittsburgh. She sang songs September 15 to chat with host Cody Alan stop at WTHO in Thomson, Georgia. Hanners’ from her upcoming debut album Woman From (L) about his latest single, "Do I" and upcoming debut single, “It’s My Lie (Let Me Live It),” is The Country and supplied sandwiches and a jar album, Doin' My Thing. Photo: Brian Bayley climbing the MusicRow chart. (L-R): Hanners of her family's famous bread and butter pickles. and WTHO MD Steve Ferguson. (L-R): WDSY's Stoney Richards and Burton.

STEVE WARINER/Chet’s Guitar rump-shaking groove. And Billy’s vocal rides atop the low Writer: Steve Wariner/Rick Carnes; Producer: Steve thumping percussion with considerable finesse. Both Wariner; Publisher: Steve Wariner/Songs of Peer, BMI/ performers are following up major hits (”Boots On” and ASCAP; Selectone (track) (www.stevewariner.com) “People Are Crazy,” respectively). Billy wins this round. —My Tribute to Chet Atkins is Steve’s album of mostly instrumentals written in imitation of and as a salute to Mr. THE PARKS/The Party’s Right Here Guitar. This bopper has plenty of Chet-style picking, but it Writer: Johnny Park/David Lee; Producer: Johnny Park & also has a charming lyric about, “the touch and the tone and Clint Park; Publisher: Halftime/Universal-Careers, ASCAP/ the twang of Chet’s guitar.” There’s also a line about “every BMI; Carolwood (CDX) lick that I stole from Chet,” which Steve swears is the truth. —This rocks furiously. Lyrics are spit out in double time and the sidemen, especially the lead guitarist, kick up plenty of CHRIS HEERS/Dirt Rich dust. In short, it lives up to its title. Writer: Chris Heers; Producer: Steve Tveit, Pat McGrath & Chris Heers; Publisher: SaddleFarm, ASCAP; SaddleFarm BILLY JOE ROYAL/Hard Rock To Roll (www.chrisheers.com) Writer: Charlie Craig/Moe Lytle; Producer: Nelson Larkin & —He’s a farmer who is thankful for what little he has. “Dirt Charlie Craig; Publisher: Power Play, BMI; Gusto (CDX) Rich” is such a clever concept it’s amazing that nobody has (615-889-8000) written this before. —A homeless man, a war-widowed mom and the crucified Jesus all have “a hard rock to roll.” Billy Joe’s emotional DARIUS RUCKER/History In The Making reading of the well-written song and the crisp, gently lulling Writer: Darius Rucker/Frank Rogers/Clay Mills; Producer: production earn bonus points. Frank Rogers; Publisher: Cadaja/New Sea Gayle/EMI April/ MXC/Still Working for the Man/ICG, ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (CDX) —His prettiest melody yet, and perhaps his most romantic lyric. As usual, Frank’s production touches and mix choices are perfect—I love the way the acoustic guitars and steel slide in and out.

RANDY HOUSER/My Kind Of Country Writer: Randy Houser/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Mark Wright/ Cliff Audretch III; Publisher: Songs of Windswept Pacific/Big Borassa/Words & Music, BMI; Universal South (CDX) —It’s redneck wailer with a stomping beat and low, growled verses that lead to shrieked-up-high choruses. There’s no question about this guy’s vocal talent, but this is extremely in-your-face.

BILLY CURRINGTON/That’s How Country Boys Roll Writer: Billy Currington/Brad Jones/Dallas Davidson; PCL Music artist Clay Underwood visited MusicRow's office Wednesday Producer: Carson Chamberlain & Billy Currington; Publisher: (9/16) and played a selection of songs including "Behind These Walls" Universal/Off My Rocker/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher/ and current single "New Beginnings and Old Honky Tonks." (L-R): MR Brad Jones/Words & Music, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury (CDX) Publisher/Editor David Ross, Rowfax Mgr. Michelle Stephens, Underwood, —It has a similar theme to the Randy Houser single (Dallas Robert K. Oermann, MR Chart Dir. Jon Freeman, MR News Editor Davidson is a writer on both). But this has a much slinkier, Sarah Skates.