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page 1 Wednesday, October 14, 2009Wednesday, October 14, 2009

There was joy in the Schermerhorn

Symphony Center Monday night (10/12).

Performer after performer at the

third annual Musicians Hall of Fame

ceremony conveyed just how much pure

pleasure there is in making the music

you love.

“I’ve been a very blessed person,

working in the business I love,” said

producer inductee Fred Foster.

“When you do that, you’re

not working, you’re

playing.”

“For all the loyal fans,

thank you for keeping the

spirit alive,” said inductee

Billy Cox after performing a

blistering rock set with his

group, featuring guest drummer

Chris Layton from Stevie Ray

Vaughn’s band Double Trouble.

Gary Puckett gleefully turned

the mic over to the audience for a

sing-along rendition of “Young Girl.” He

inducted percussion, keyboard and vibes

“musician’s musician” Victor Feldman.

L.A. “Wrecking Crew” session great Don

Randi accepted on behalf of Feldman,

who died in 1987 at age 53.

The eternally young Steve Wariner

seemed to be in complete bliss as he

performed medleys of melodies

associated with inductee Chet Atkins,

both in tandem with Paul Yandell and

solo.

Chet’s daughter, Merle Atkins

Russell accepted. “It’s a wonderful

night,” she said. “It was all about music,

for Daddy. This is huge.”

Harold Bradley described inductee

Foster as “a nonconformist” and “a

visionary” for having signed and

produced such talents as Roy

Orbison, Dolly Parton and

Kris Kristofferson, all of

whom appeared in a video

tribute. Fred-produced

Tony Joe White got a

standing ovation for a super

funky workout on “Polk Salad

Annie.”

“This is a great honor

that goes in my memory book for

many visits in the future,” said Fred.

Al Jardine of The Beach Boys

enthusiastically sang “Help Me Rhonda”

before inducting Dick Dale, the King of

the Surf Guitar. Dick got both a standing

ovation and an encore for his sizzling

instrumental prowess and infectious

enthusiasm.

“This is the most wildest thing in the

world,” said Dick of his honor. He added,

“We must take our children, and we

Bobby Karl Works The RoomChapter 323

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page 2 Wednesday, October 14, 2009

must get them into music,” instead of gangs. “We have

to teach them how beautiful music is.”

Motown’s Funk Brothers bass man Bob Babbitt

inducted the mysteriously absent Motown arranger Paul

Riser. “We don’t know where he is,” admitted Hall of

Fame chief Joe Chambers before the show. “He said

he’d be here.”

“I’m grateful for the shoulders I stood on and the

hands that reached down to help me,” said Nashville’s

own Billy Cox, who rose to fame alongside his former

Army buddy Jimi Hendrix. I didn’t know this, but Billy

quit playing for a time, before Charlie Daniels hired

him and took him back on the road in his band.

Dickie Betts inducted Charlie. “He’s always been

there when I need a friend,” said Dickie. Like the others,

Charlie turned in a set that was loaded with hot licks.

Rascal Flatts did the honors for Toto, which

included Nashville’s David Hungate. Toto were ace L.A.

session pros before becoming a hit making rock

machine. The group’s Jeff Porcaro is deceased, but his

children were in the house.

Prior to the show, the honorees gathered upstairs in

the Center’s Mike Curb Room for a Medallion Ceremony.

Each was presented with a red-ribboned medallion and a

black leather jacket with the Musicians Hall of Fame logo.

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

Joe of a clearly delighted Billy

Cox. Joe called Charlie Daniels, “a

joy, a true talent and an

inspiration.”

Guests snacked on fried

green tomatoes, pesto toast

points, beef Wellington, fried grits,

Industry admirers, peers, and contemporary stars gathered to salute the 2009 class of virtuosos

inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame on Monday, October 12 at the Schermerhorn Symphony

Center in Nashville. Pictured at the ceremony are (back row, l-r): Butch Spyridon, President and CEO,

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

Atkins; Toto’s Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, and David Hungate; and Clay Bradley,

Assistant Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI; (front row, l-r): Fred Foster, Dick Dale,

Billy Cox, Charlie Daniels, and 2007 inductee Louie Shelton.

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED news@musicrow.com

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, Randy Goodrum, Duane Eddy,

April Barrows, Jimmy Carter, 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, Bruce Bouton, Don

Cusic and Patricia Presley.

Cindy Sinclair produced. Rick Hutchinson

directed. Craig Havighurst scripted. Shane Keister

was the musical director of an awesome house band.

Jeff Nunnally stage managed.

Meanwhile, attendees of the downtown IEBA

convention were treated to sets by Boyz II Men, Uncle

Kracker, TobyMac, Emily West, Whitney Duncan,

The Lost Trailers, Miranda Lambert, Clay Walker,

Lee Ann Womack, The Randy Rogers Band, Mark

Wills, Jamie O’Neal, Jeff Bates, Rhett Akins and a

show-stealing Zac Brown Band all day and all night on

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 at the

Ryman. His buddy Brenda Lee presented it to him. In

addition to Chubby, guests enjoyed performances from

Jamey Johnson, Jessie James, Lorrie Morgan,

Randy Houser, Jud Laipply and Chris Young. 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 anniversary

celebration concert for Rounder Records (10/12). Booked

to perform were host Minnie Driver, Mary Chapin

Carpenter, Irma Thomas, Henry Butler, Bela Fleck,

Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas and Alison Krauss &

Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas.

All I have to say is, it was a good night to be a

stagehand in Music City.

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter Phillip

White its roster. White is known for compositions like “I’m a Survivor,”

the theme song of sitcom Reba, and Rascal Flatts' “I’m Movin’ On.”

Pictured (L-R) Seated: White; Back: UMPG Nashville Pres. Pat Higdon,

UMPG Nashville’s Creative Manager Freeman Wizer, UMPG Nashville’s

Senior Vice President Kent Earls, Attorney Chip Petree.

NSAI president and hit songwriter Steve Bogard recently visited HFA,

speaking with staff about his career and performing “Easy as You Go,”

which is on the current George Strait album Twang. Pictured (L-R): HFA

President/CEO Gary Churgin, HFA Sr. VP of HR and Admin. Michele

Olton, Bogard

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED news@musicrow.com

page 4 Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Urban Recruits Country’s Finest For Hall Fundraiserby Sarah Skates Even the ushers were dancing in the aisle last night

(10/13) as Keith Urban blazed through “Sweet Thing,”

“Better Life,” and a slew of other hits during his We’re All

For The Hall concert at the Sommet Center. He

spearheaded the benefit for the Country Music Hall of

Fame and Museum and recruited the stellar talent of

Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Dierks

Bentley, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little

Big Town to join him. That line-up combined with

tickets priced around $25 assured a sold-out event.

Urban opened with his own set, including a pensive

take on Dolly Parton’s “Coat Of Many Colors” which he

said was an example of the kind of music that drew him

to the United States from his homeland Down Under. The

importance of preserving this kind of musical heritage

was reiterated throughout the night.

Urban’s first guest was Paisley for their hit “Start A

Band” and by the end of the song the guitar heros were

midway up opposite sides of the arena, jamming amidst

a thrilled crowd.

An unduly long intermission followed Urban’s set

before a video featuring Gill, Dwight Yoakam, actor

James Deaton, Emmylou Harris and Kara DioGuardi

opened the second act.

While most of the male performers showed up in

standard pearl-button garb, Gill branched out, showing

his hometown spirit in a Predators jersey. The longtime

Hall of Fame advocate started the All For The Hall

fundraising initiative a few years ago, suggesting that all

artists donate just one night’s proceeds to the

cause.

Urban’s Capitol Nashville labelmates Little Big Town

were in fine voice. From looks to talent, they have the

potential to be one of the format’s biggest bands.

Gill and Urban remained onstage as band members

for the night, playing alongside A-list musicians including

keyboardist John Hobbs, steel guitarist Paul Franklin

and bassist Michael Rhodes. “It’s nice to see Keith

Urban and Vince Gill came around and joined our band,”

joked Lady Antebellum‘s Charles Kelley. Singer Hillary

Scott 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, Dierks Bentley 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,

www.VCASTLive.com and

www.countrymusichalloffame.com.

Urban performs with Little Big Town at last night's We're All For the

Hall Benefit. (Photo: Larry Busacca - Getty Images)

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED news@musicrow.com

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-

hosted syndicated show After MidNite with Blair Garner,

and also worked for WKDF.

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 Atlanta 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

cottage next month. "Suite Blair" will offer made-to-

order breakfast and more.

• 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 Tennessee. 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 Asleep at the Wheel, Willie

Nelson, 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.

Belmont Plans Law School Belmont University will open a College of Law in the

fall of 2011. As Belmont’s seventh college and fourth

doctoral program, the American Bar Association

approved institute will enroll approximately 350 students

at full capacity. It will be the first new law school in

Middle Tennessee in nearly 100 years... Also at Belmont,

BMI recently presented Million-Air Awards to hit-maker Jim Collins. The

certificates recognize a total of more than 10 million performances,

generated by Collins-penned smashes including Kenny Chesney’s “The

Good Stuff” and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” Trace Adkins’ “Then

They Do,” George Strait’s “It Just Comes Natural,” and Chad Brock’s

“Yes!”. Pictured (L-R) Front: BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Collins, BMI’s Beth

Mason. Back: BMI’s Bradley Collins, Perry Howard, Clay Bradley and

Jody Williams. (Photo: Drew Maynard)

The First Annual Pensacola Beach Songwriter's Festival was held on Oct.

2-4. Co-Founders Reneda Cross, Jim Pasquale and Lisa Carver took a

moment to pose for a picture. Pictured L-R: Reneda Cross, Jim

Pasquale, Lisa Carver and ASCAP's John Briggs.

Luke Bryan’s video for “Do I” has been voted into the GAC Top 20

Countdown's top spot for the 7th consecutive week. The video was shot

in downtown Nashville by Shaun Silva. Bryan met up with GAC’s Top 20

Countdown and host Nan Kelly recently at the start of his 9-city tour

in Statesboro, Georgia.

©2009, MusicRow Communications, LLC—ALL RIGHTS RESERVED news@musicrow.com

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

student acts who competed for the slots will perform and

be judged by Grammy Award-winning rock/blues artist

Jonny Lang, alongside industry professionals Joey

Ritchie, Brandon Fraley and Free Smith. The concert

is planned and produced in entirety by students.

TJ Martell Salutes John Esposito The TJ Martell Foundation will honor new Warner

Bros. Nashville Pres./CEO John Esposito with its Spirit

of Excellence Award on Oct. 28 at a ceremony in New

York City. Willie Nelson is set to perform and the late

Michael Jackson—Martell’s largest ever single donor—

will receive the organization’s first Legend Award.

Stagecoach Coming In April Country music festival Stagecoach will return to rock

the Indio, Calif. desert this spring. With more than

100,000 music fans in attendance last year, Stagecoach

is set for Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2010,

with headliners Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Brooks &

Dunn and Sugarland. Also confirmed are Billy

Currington, Gary Allan, Phil Vassar, Merle Haggard,

The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamey Johnson, and many

more. Stagecoach is produced by Goldenvoice, The

Messina Group and Moore Entertainment Group.

Ryman Opens Johnny & June Exhibit A new exhibit Johnny & June at the Ryman

chronicles the country music icons’ history with the

famous auditorium and each other. As Grand Ole Opry

members, Johnny Cash and June Carter met

backstage at the Ryman in 1956 and were married

twelve years later.

On display until the end of 2010, the exhibit is

comprised of artifacts on loan from John Carter Cash,

Marty Stuart and the Country Music Hall of Fame and

Museum archives. Included is a Fender acoustic guitar

engraved "Johnny Cash," June’s autoharp and dresses,

Cash’s signature black clothing, handwritten lyrics, and

the gold record for Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.

Country Music Artifact Auction On Dec. 3, Christie's auction house will host “The

Country Music Sale.” There will be a significant number

of artifacts from the estate of Hank Thompson,

including unique Nudie suits, instruments, photos and

other memorabilia. Notable highlights include a Bill

Monroe mandolin face plate, instruments and clothing

from June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash, and Roy

Rogers and Dale Evans.

Country music icon Emmylou Harris accepted an honorary doctorate from Boston's Berklee College of Music at the 9th Annual Hardly Strictly

Bluegrass Festival, in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Longtime Harris friend Linda Ronstadt and bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs 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)