Jeannie Seely’s ‘Pennsyltucky’ Home Becomes Creative Songwriting Hub
Jeannie Seely’s “Pennsyltucky” Home. Photo: The Jeannie Seely Estate
One year after Jeannie Seely‘s passing, her “Pennsyltucky” Cumberland River cottage home will continue her legacy by welcoming songwriters, musicians and storytellers.
Named by Seely after her 1973 song “Farm in Pennsyltucky,” a nod to her Pennsylvania roots and adopted Southern home, the property is now being preserved as a living tribute to Seely and her love of music, friendship and songwriting.
Owned and maintained by The Jeannie Seely Trust, which Seely established as part of her estate planning, the home will host private songwriting sessions, small gatherings and intimate events. Artists will have the opportunity to create inside the cottage and on the screened porch overlooking the Cumberland River, one of Seely’s favorite places to write and spend time with friends.
One of the first songwriters to return to the cottage after Seely’s death was Erin Enderlin, who previously wrote there with Seely and Bobby Tomberlin. Their song, “Like I Could,” was later recorded by Rhonda Vincent and reached No. 1 on the Bluegrass chart.
“I absolutely loved writing with Jeannie,” says Enderlin. “She was so creative, and fast. She was usually talking about three or four song ideas while I was trying to write just one. The pure joy that just poured from her when she was creating was so inspiring.”
Around the cottage, visitors will be able to see Seely’s piano, awards, photographs, vinyl records, eight-tracks, cassettes, CDs, a handwritten recipe from her grandmother, personal mementos from decades of friendships and more.
The screened porch overlooks the Cumberland River, where Seely recorded her weekly Sundays with Seely program for SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse. Outside, a red barn modeled after the Grand Ole Opry backdrop sits beside the cottage, while oversized “OPRY” letters honor the institution.
Seely performed at the Grand Ole Opry 5,397 times, more than any other artist in the show’s 100-year history. She purchased the riverfront cottage in part because of its proximity to the Opry.
Inquires for writing sessions at “Pennsyltucky” can be made by emailing Seely’s website at JSeelyWebsite@comcast.net.
Tape Room Music Elevates Caroline Hodson
Caroline Hodson. Photo: Paul Wesolowski
Tape Room Music has elevated Caroline Hodson to Vice President, A&R.
“Caroline is one of the best young executives in our business,” shares Tape Room Music COO and President, Business Affairs Blain Rhodes. “She is a fierce champion of songwriters and the ultimate teammate. She has been vital in the success of our writers and entirely deserving of this promotion.
“Tape Room is home to me. I’ve grown up with this team and our writers since they took a chance on me on day one,” adds Hodson. “I’m so proud that we’ve maintained a culture of consistent success paired with consistent personal support; our roster is truly like a family. Grateful to keep the train going and see where the tracks take us next.”
A Belmont University graduate, Hodson joined Tape Room Music as an intern in 2020 and has since worked her way up through the company’s A&R department, focusing on songwriter development.
During her time at Tape Room, Hodson has worked closely with the company’s songwriters to create and develop creative opportunities, contributing to the company’s success, including 60 No. 1 songs. She has also supported founder Ashley Gorley in his songwriting and creative work. In addition, Hodson oversees creative and marketing for Tape Room Records, helping support its artists and release strategies.
Echo House Collective Launches, Taps Emma Kiefer As Senior Director Of A&R [Exclusive]
Emma Kiefer
Echo House Collective has launched, adding Emma Kiefer as Senior Director of A&R.
Co-founders, Jet Harvey and Krysten Harvey will invest in Kiefer to lead development of A&R, publishing, signing, roster management and more.
Kiefer moved to Nashville in 2020 and has previously held positions with Dave Cobb, Twelve6, Boom Music Group, and Group Projects Publishing, landing cuts for her writers with artists such as Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman, Megan Moroney, Tucker Wetmore, Carrie Underwood, Ben Fuller, Ernest, Luke Bryan, Corey Kent, Josh Ross, Tyler Braden, Chase Matthew and more. She can be reached here.
“What an honor it is to be entrusted with the launch of Echo House Collective and to help bring the vision in which Jet, Krysten, and I strongly align with to life,” says Kiefer.
“Echo House was born from the belief that every songwriter deserves a champion,” shares Jet and Krysten Harvey. “Building a songwriting career comes with both incredible opportunities and unseen challenges. This raises the question: Who wakes up every day thinking about what’s best for the writer? We don’t believe the industry needs another publishing company. However, we believe it needs a new kind of partner. Our vision is to work with the entire creative community to strengthen the songwriter’s journey.”
“At its core, Echo House speaks to the foundational belief that songwriters deserve a better model: one that protects the ownership of their work through integrity-driven practices,” Kiefer continues. “Jet and Krysten embody this mission statement, drawing from experience as successful entrepreneurs and Jet’s successful songwriting career (“Rock And A Hard Place,” by Bailey Zimmerman: 6 Week No. 1 Country Airplay, Diamond Record, No. 10 Billboard Hot 100 Single). We believe the best partnerships are built on mutual commitment: Echo House will invest deeply in its writers with time, relationships, experience, and unwavering belief in their potential. In return, we want our writers to bet on, and believe in themselves and their craft just as deeply… ‘We bet on you, as long as you bet on you, too.’ To us, that’s what a true partnership looks like. A belief that extraordinary careers are created together. Building that kind of writer-first culture isn’t just the vision for Echo House— it is exactly what this industry is all about… and what it needs.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to pour back into the songwriting community,” adds Jet Harvey. “Krysten and I have experienced firsthand how a great song can change lives. We’ve also seen how a great champion can change a career. We are proud to invest in Emma Kiefer because she embodies everything Echo House stands for. Her heart for songwriters, her experience, and her belief in championing writers make her the perfect person to bring our vision to life.”
Mitchell Douglas & Hagan Edge Sign With Universal Music Publishing Nashville
Troy Tomlinson, Evan Miller, Hagan Edge, Mitchell Douglas, Matt Musacchio and Sam Nasr. Photo: UMPG Nashville
Mitchell Douglas and Hagan Edge of Sons of Habit have signed with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
Originally from Owensboro, Kentucky, Sons of Habit, comprised of Douglas, Edge, Dalton Daniels, Jeffrey Parish and Noah Patrick, has amassed millions of streams and toured alongside Dylan Gossett, 49 Winchester, Ole 60 and Shane Smith & The Saints.
“I’m so excited to be working with Mitchell and Hagan,” shares Sam Nasr, Manager, A&R UMPG Nashville. “They are both incredibly talented songwriters and exceptional musicians who bring a distinct perspective to everything they create. Their music has the ability to resonate with audiences around the world, and I can’t wait for more people to hear what they’re creating.”
“When I first walked into the UMPG office two years ago, I immediately felt a sense of family and a longstanding tradition of songwriting that I’ve never forgotten,” says Douglas. “I could have never imagined that two years later, I’d be blessed to be joining the most welcoming and passionate team.
“I’m very excited to be joining the UMPG team,” adds Edge. “From the day we met Sam and the team, I knew they believed in the music as much as we do. We’ve landed in a place that will truly support us on this journey, and the sky’s the limit.”
Hampton Hall Inks With Creative Nation
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Luke Laird, Cole Brown, Brandon Gill, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin. (Front Row, L-R): Abby Holcomb, Beth Laird, Hampton Hall, Alex Albanese Graham, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Hampton Hall has inked with Creative Nation.
Influenced by the sounds of Keith Urban, Eric Church and John Mayer, Hall began playing gigs in and around his hometown in North Alabama at nine years old. He will release his debut single on CN Records, “Run From It,” on Aug. 21.
“It’s such a blessing to have Creative Nation in my corner. It’s everything I was looking for in a team and I cannot wait to see what we will be able to accomplish together,” Hall says.
“The most exciting songs often come from artists who have something to prove and Hampton is ready to do just that. His drive, work ethic, and passion for songwriting is admirable. We’re so excited to have him at Creative Nation,” says Creative Manager, Alex Albanese Graham.
“We’re all so excited to have Hampton on the team. He brings a unique way of storytelling to his music and his drive as both a songwriter and an artist would make anyone excited to work with him,” adds Publishing, Management & Records A&R, Cole Brown.