Music News (10/02/24)

Tony Joe White Joins Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Class Of 2024

Tony Joe White

The late Tony Joe White has been named the sixth member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

White spent his career writing and playing with his “whomper stomper” guitar and swampy baritone voice. Discovered by Nashville’s Bob Beckham, the Louisiana native started gaining popularity in France before his 1969 hit “Polk Salad Annie” made him an American star. Throughout the early ’70s, White honed his craft with songs such as “Roosevelt And Ira Lee,” “Willie And Laura Mae Jones,” “Take Time To Love,” “Rainy Night In Georgia” and more.

White’s cuts include a wide array of artists including Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, Brook Benton, Hank Williams Jr., Ray Charles and John Anderson, among others. White was the focus of two 1998 documentary films in Europe, and his 2004 comeback CD was nominated for an Americana Music Association award. He was also featured in the HBO Series Sonic Highways and appeared on the David Letterman Show with Foo Fighters.

“We’re so proud to see Tony Joe White memorialized in this year’s class,” says Rich Hallworth, Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Board Of Directors. “As demonstrated by classics such as ‘Polk Salad Annie’ and ‘Rainy Night In Georgia,’ Tony Joe’s enduring work as a songwriter/artist is outstanding, unforgettable and incredibly deserving of our ultimate recognition.”

White was elected in NaSHOF’s Legacy category designed to honor hall of fame-worthy candidates who are deceased. He will be inducted posthumously with the previously announced members of the Class of 2024, David Bellamy (The Bellamy Brothers), Al Anderson, Liz Rose, Dan Penn and Victoria Shaw during the 54th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Nov. 6 at Music City Center in Nashville.

Porchlight Music Signs Joe Whelan

Pictured (L–R): Porchlight Music’s Tim Medlin, Dale Dodson, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Porchlight Music’s Jonathan Stickler, Joe Whelan and Porchlight Music’s Jenny Hall. Photo: Austyn Jablonski

Porchlight Music has signed singer-songwriter Joe Whelan to a publishing agreement.

The Nashville native attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to pursue a degree in construction, but soon developed a passion for songwriting and began teaching himself to play guitar and putting pen to paper. Whelan moved back home to hone his craft and connect with fellow songwriters. He started making a name for himself, and ultimately writing tunes that landed him his first publishing deal. Whelan has since collaborated with established creators Casey Beathard, Tony Lane, Chris DuBois and Luke Dick, among others. His credits include Tucker Beathard’s “Can’t Stay Here,” “Too Drunk” and “How Gone Will I Go” as well as Vincent Mason’s “Livin’ Proof” and Grant Gilbert’s “Drunk Since Dallas.”

Additionally, Whelan teamed up with Andrew Stone to form Whelan Stone. The duo has been sharing the stage with artists like Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi and Nate Smith while releasing new music.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Joe join the Porchlight team, and to be a part of the next step of his musical career,” says Jenny Hall, Senior Creative Director, Porchlight Music. “When we first heard some music, it immediately caught our attention. We were not only drawn in by his musical abilities, but his winning attitude and impressive work ethic. Joe is a go-getter, and we’re excited for what’s in store.”

“I’m so excited to be signing with a company where everyone seems hungry to make it happen,” shares Whelan. “They have a true passion for the music and the songwriters that are behind it all! I’m looking forward to a bright future with Porchlight!”

Big Yellow Dog Music Promotes One & Adds Two To Team

Pictured (L–R): Morgan Brady, Brannen Carter and Alana Morgan

Big Yellow Dog Music has promoted Morgan Brady to Senior Publishing & Label Analyst/Senior Coordinator for Label Services. Additionally, the company has added Brannen Carter and Alana Morgan to its team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brannen and Alana to the Big Yellow Dog Music family and to promote Morgan into a role that acknowledges her exceptional work,” shares Big Yellow Dog Co-Owner and CEO Carla Wallace. “Their diverse skills and shared passion for music will undoubtedly enhance our ability to support our artists and partners as we continue to grow and innovate in this ever-evolving industry.”

Brady joined Big Yellow Dog Music full-time in May of 2023. In her new role, she will be responsible for the analysis of all royalty information across the label and publishing divisions, while also overseeing label operations.

Carter, a Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) alumna, has joined the company as Assistant Catalog Administrator/Assistant Coordinator for Label Services. In this position, she will assist in managing and organizing the company’s extensive catalog of music, while also collaborating with artists and industry partners to support supporting the day-to-day operations of the label.

As Assistant Coordinator for A&R, Belmont University graduate Morgan will contribute to the discovery and development of new talent for the company.

BMI & SCL Host Nashville Music Creators Conference

Pictured (L-R): Carlos Rafael Rivera, SCL’s Ashley Irwin, BMI’s VP Film, TV & Visual Media Tracy McKnight, Rob Simonsen and Ryan Lott of Son Lux. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI.

Last Friday (Sept. 27), BMI hosted the Society of Composers and Lyricists’ second annual Nashville Music Creators Conference, dedicated to spotlighting music for visual media while teaching aspiring composers and songwriters. The “Composer Conversations” at the conference featured discussions with three renowned composers sharing insight into their craft, careers and the inspiration behind their most recent scores.

Held at the BMI office on Music Row, BMI’s VP of Creative, Film, TV & Visual Media Tracy McKnight hosted a discussion with Ryan Lott of Son Lux. They dove into the creative process of Lott’s work on acclaimed projects such as Everything Everywhere All At Once and his latest film score in The Greatest Hits.

McKnight also moderated a conversation with composer Rob Simonsen, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine and It Ends With Us, both premiering earlier this year. The audience heard about Simonsen’s contributions to film music and his work on Postcard from Earth, which was the first film to debut in the Las Vegas Sphere.

SCL’s President Ashley Irwin held a discussion with Carlos Rafael Rivera, a three-time Emmy Award-winning composer behind Lessons in Chemistry and Netflix’s Griselda. The conversation discussed Rivera’s career and music, featuring video clips and sound bites from his various projects to show his creative process.