Music News 11/11/2010
BMI Icon Billy Sherrill and Song and Songwriter of the Year winner Taylor Swift
Bobby Karl Works the BMI Country Awards
Chapter 354
Photos by Rick Diamond and Andrew H. Walker
The 58th annual BMI Country Awards – the first of all the country accolades – mixed young with old like never before.
Taylor Swift, 20, became the youngest person ever to be named the organization’s Songwriter of the Year. Nineteen tunesmiths won their first BMI Awards, including Justin Moore, Eddie Montgomery, Bubba Strait and Jon Mabe.
On the other hand, Sony/ATV won its ninth consecutive and 33rd overall Publisher of the Year honor. And the crowd was full of classic Music Row personalities such as Norro Wilson, Fred Foster, Jerry Crutchfield, Jerry Chesnut, Jerry & Connie Bradley, David Briggs, David Malloy, Dickie Lee, Bucky Wilkin, Larry Henley, Jo Walker-Meador, Jim Foglesong, Tom Collins, Even Stevens, Kenny & Corky O’Dell, Bob Beckham and Layng Martine.
As always, the manically schmoozy cocktail hour set the tone for the evening. Big Al Anderson came bearing news that he’s doing a record with Shawn Camp and Pat McLaughlin next month. I complimented Thom Schuyler on his excellent radio voice as the host of the new Bluebird Café radio series on WPLN. Ashton Shepherd said her sophomore CD is ready to go. Both of Paul Overstreet’s sons are now in the biz. At last year’s banquet, we celebrated Nash Overstreet’s pop band Hot Chelle Ray getting signed to Arista (the record is out now, and it’s a dandy). This year, we’re toasting Chord Overstreet as a new cast member on the TV and music phenom Glee.
As we entered, the Steel Magnolia kids were posing for snapshots with the fans gathered on the other side of the street from the red carpet. So cute. The star-gazing was abundant. Jack Ingram, Kix Brooks, Jamey Johnson, Jeff Hanna, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Dailey & Vincent, Joey + Rory, Clay Walker, Randy Houser, Billy Burnette, American Idol alumnus Casey James, Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet, Eric Church, Rodney Atkins, Rhett Akins, Easton Corbin, Jason Aldean, Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, Joe Don Rooney & Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, The Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Ira Dean and Craig Morgan were all in the house.
Most were dressed to kill. Chris Young was in a gray tailored suit and a black cowboy hat. Suzi Ragsdale wore a black sequined top over pegged black slacks. Butch Baker was garbed in his grandfather’s gold brocade, big-band jacket/uniform. Jake Owen was in a sleek, fitted, sharkskin suit. Tanya Tucker sported silver sequins. Carrie Underwood had upswept hair and a formal, retro black mini dress. Josh Turner chose a trim gray suit. Martina McBride was a vision in a backless, gray, floor-length gown covered in pale blue sequins. Taylor Swift wore a shiny, black shift. Faith Hill was breathtaking in a Grecian-inspired, draped halter dress in tones of beige and taupe.
We entered the banquet room to the lively strains of The Belleville Outfit. Love them. Tables were covered in crimson tablecloths and centered with candelabras dripping with crystals set in piles of red-hots candies. Masses of red, tropical anthurium flowers surrounded mirrored posts with more crystals hanging above. The schmoozing continued during the brie, apple and spinach salad. The main course was surf and turf with asparagus, green beans, tomato and butter-infused mashed potatoes.
“What a lovely night for a party,” proclaimed Del Bryant in greeting the crowd. He introduced special guests Sandra Lee from the show Semi Homemade on TV’s Food Network and Chad Kroeger from the band Nickelback. Here are two people I bet you didn’t know were BMI country songwriters – Titans quarterback Kerry Collins and CBS TV newsman Bob Schieffer. Both were also recognized. Del’s introduction of Frances Preston drew the evening’s first standing ovation.
“Songwriters, this is your night; this is your community; this is your home,” Del concluded. Jody Williams and Clay Bradley ably co-hosted the actual awards presentations, assisted by Beth Laird. Yes, she and winning tunesmith Luke Laird have tied the knot. “Welcome to the greatest cocktail party in country music,” quipped Clay.
Folks like Troy Tomlinson, B.J. Hill, Angelo, Wynn Varble and Lee Thomas Miller took to the centrally situated stage one by one. Around the middle of the evening, Del reappeared to laud Billy Sherrill as this year’s BMI Icon. “Billy Sherrill changed the face of country music,” stated Del. The legendary producer has more BMI country awards than any other songwriter. Following a video tribute, Ronnie Dunn sang “The Most Beautiful Girl,” Martina McBride sang “Til I Can Make it on My Own,” George Strait sang “My Elusive Dreams,” and Faith Hill sang “Stand By Your Man.” Billy, himself, led the well-deserved standing ovations for each.
“Thank you very much,” said Billy. “I’m not a big talker. This is overwhelming to me.” “We couldn’t create an award big enough to show how we feel about you,” said Del. “Most of all, we want to thank you for what you’ve done for this community.” Then Del mistakenly dismissed the audience, apparently thinking the night was over, but quickly recovered asking everyone to turn around and stay.
So after Clay and Jody gave out the other half of the awards, the Song of the Year was proclaimed to be “You Belong with Me,” penned by Taylor Swift and Liz Rose. This was Taylor’s third consecutive year to win this honor. Also: She got a custom Martin D-42 guitar for being named Songwriter of the Year.
“It’s been a really emotional week for me,” said Taylor, who’s new Speak Now CD instantly sold a million. “Yesterday, I sang at the funeral of one of my best friends. He was 21. I always sang my songs first for him. So I dedicate this to Jeff Lang. I want to thank everyone in this room who inspires me every day.”
Songwriting and publishing royalty peppered the banquet. Jim Beavers, Brett Beavers, Bob DiPiero, Bobby Pinson, Bobby Braddock, Bobby Rhymer, Bob Doyle, Bobby Tomberlin, George Teren, George Ducas, Tim Mensy, Tim James, Tom Shapiro, Tom Douglas, Tom Botkin, Dean Dillon, Dallas Davidson, Dennis Morgan, Kent Blazy and Cory Batten were sharing the fellowship. So were Pam Rose, Frank Myers, Randy Scruggs, Kye Fleming, Celia Froelig, Tracy Gershon, John Scott Sherrill, Jeffrey Steele and Stephanie Bentley.
Pat Finch was totally elegant in a white, double-lapel dinner jacket with a pale blue dress shirt. Natalie Hemby turned heads in a red cocktail dress. Scott Siman was in a sporty chapeau and tails-out embroidered shirt. Fletcher Foster was in black velvet. Melissa Peirce rocked a strapless white mini dress. Shawn Camp wore a cream-colored fedora. Casey Beathard was in a black western shirt with white embroidery.
During the lengthy ceremony, Jody paused to praise retiring WSIX radio legend Gerry House and The Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher for his the-show-must-go-on response to May’s flood. He also pointed out the music community’s outpouring of support with many flood-relief club shows and concerts.
At 11:00 p.m., we headed back to the BMI lobby to enjoy desserts and the super sound of the Harold Bradley Band. Power couples working the room at various points during the evening included Lari White & Chuck Cannon, Sherrie Austin & Will Rambeaux, David & Carolyn Corlew, Marcus Hummon & Bekka Stevens, Mayor Karl Dean & Anne Davis, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Beverly Keel & Ronnie Steine and Jon Randall & Jessi Alexander.
Other fabulons vogue-ing about included Luke Lewis, Joe Galante, Gary Overton, Bart Herbison, Kay Williams, Larry Fitzgerald, Ron Stuve, Kyle Lehning, Jewel Coburn, Bill Ivey, Jim Free, Chris Horsnell, Mark Wright, Joe Chambers, Michael Knox, Tony Brown, Frank Liddell, Scott Hendricks, Garth Fundis, Ken Robold, John Dorris, Erv Woolsey, Mike Milom, Paul Worley and Whitney Daane.
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Bobby Karl Works the SESAC Awards
Chapter 353
SESAC executives and top winners (L-R): SESAC’s John Mullins and Shannan Hatch, EMI Foray Music’s Ben Vaughn, SESAC’s Pat Collins, Hillary Scott, and SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Ed Rode
Graciousness, warmth, elegance and relaxed conviviality—these are the things we associate with SESAC’s annual awards banquet.
This year, the smallest of the performing rights organizations has shown more muscle than ever, with pieces of hits by such top stars as Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, George Strait and Keith Urban. But its banquet (11/8) retains its “family” feeling.
The cocktail tent was a sea of friendly chatter. Gary Burr greeted Ray Wylie Hubbard, saying, “The last time we saw each other, we were on stage at Radio City singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Ringo Starr.” And how many of us can say the same? Scott Robinson is all aglow about an upcoming Matraca Berg CD that Dualtone is releasing, which is “twelve years in the making,” he sez. Anna Wilson is pumped about her Countrypolitan Duets album. It has its introduction at the Ryman on Tuesday’s Grand Ole Opry show (11/16).
Mingling and munching on the mini ham & biscuits, turkey panini and yummy veggie roll-ups were Dan Hays, Don Henry, Pete Fisher, Peter Cronin, Peter Cooper, Tim McFadden, Tim Wipperman, David Macias, David Ross, Buddy Cannon, Buddy Miller, Steve Moore, Steve Bogard, Dale Bobo, Bill Mayne, Beth Orton and Blake Chancey.
Looks we liked? Katie Armiger took first place in a stunning, off-the-shoulder, ruffled ebony cocktail dress. Shannan Hatch was a cutie in a sleeveless silver mini dress. Susana Ross chose a cream-colored sheath. Nancy Shapiro was in sequins. Buddy Miller was resplendent in a multi-hued, patterned jacket. Anna Wilson, as always, was an eye-full in a figure-hugging, wine-colored gown with a colorful shoulder wrap.
“What am I, chopped liver?” complained Monty Powell when I complimented Anna. He was a looker, too, wearing a black velvet jacket over a black western shirt with white piping. He was also a trend setter. Clay Myers? Black velvet jacket. Beth Nielsen Chapman? Black velvet jacket. Jim Lauderdale? Embroidered black velvet jacket. Ken Johnson? Navy velvet jacket.
Hillary Scott and Tim Fink
We entered a serene dinner tent erected on SESAC’s front parking lot. The dinner tables were draped with gold cloths. Calla lily and orchid centerpieces glowed with votive candles.
The salad was a mélange of clementines, manchengo, fennel, raspberries and arugula with drizzled vinaigrette. The main course was pistachio encrusted mahi-mahi, filet mignon, risotto, potato puree and honey-thyme infused carrots. Yum. Chocolate and vanilla mousses with whipped cream topped the banana Anglaise dessert spiked by chocolate biscotti as the irresistible finale.
“This year is SESAC’s 80th anniversary,” announced Pat Collins to the applauding crowd. “Eight decades of providing service and dedication. Have a wonderful and entertaining evening: It’s going to be a blast,” he promised.
He was right. Lady Antebellum kicked things off with a thrilling performance of “Need You Now.” “Wow!” said Trevor Gale. “That’s all I can say.” He pointed out that SESAC has had an unprecedented year with successes in urban, Latin and bluegrass musics, not to mention Mumford & Sons. If you have not heard that record yet, go out and get it right now.
Tim Fink praised attendees Mayor Karl Dean and the Opry’s Pete Fisher for their response roles during May’s flooding. Ray Wylie Hubbard took the stage to do the delightful “Drunken Poet’s Dream.” Ray was one of the Americana music winners, as were Lauderdale, Chapman and Jerry Salley.
The Inspiration Award was given to Jim Lauderdale. Buddy Miller saluted him with a performance of “King of Broken Hearts,” then descended from the stage to embrace Jim. “I’m not really sure what this award is for, but, hey, I’m gonna take it,” said Jim. “This room is filled with people who are keeping music alive.”
Country award winners in attendance included Victoria Shaw, Kim Tribble, Brice Long, Blaine Larsen, Cary Barlowe, three-time honoree Monty Powell and Gary Burr. Ben Vaughn, Tom Luteran and other staffers accepted Publisher of the Year honors for EMI Foray.
Lady A’s Hillary Scott was named Songwriter of the Year, thanks to her co-writing “I Run to You,” “Our Kind of Love” and the Song of the Year “Need You Now.” I have a feeling that this is a portent of more statuary to come this week.
Hillary said that affiliating with SESAC, “was the first thing I ever signed that made me feel like a professional. I’m so proud and happy to be part of this incredible organization. I look around this room and see so many writers I want to write with. I’m very, very humbled, and thank you.” She also praised her fellow Lady A members Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, saying, “You inspire me on a daily basis.”
Parents Lang Scott & Linda Davis clapped and beamed. So did Bob Doyle, Robert Ott, Roger Murrah, Rick Carnes, Ree Guyer Buchanan, Ralph Shultz, Drew Alexander, Dwight Wiles & Diana Johnson, Tinti Moffatt, Terry Wakefield, Tammy Genovese, Tamara Saviano, Al Moss, Alan Kates, Carla Wallace, Hank Adam Locklin, Woody Bomar, John Styll, Dana Strong, Elliot Mazor, Scott Siman, Erika Wollam Nichols and Giles Goddard.
Click For List of SESAC Award Winners
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Hit songwriter and producer Jeff Stevens has signed with Chrysalis Music Nashville.
Stevens has had hits recorded by George Strait (“Carried Away,” “Carrying Your Love With Me,” “True”); Tim McGraw (“Back When”); Luke Bryan (“All My Friends Say,” “Someone Else Calling You Baby”); Alabama (“Reckless”) and many others.
As Luke Bryan’s producer, Stevens recently celebrated the Gold certification for Bryan’s Doin’ My Thing.
Seated: Jeff Stevens; Standing L-R: Chrysalis Music staffers Jersey Ross, Dale Bobo, Abbe Nameche, and Patricia Wittmer.
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Award-winning songwriter Liz Rose has launched her own publishing company, Liz Rose Music, Inc. (BMI). Scott Ponce will serve as General Manager/Creative Director, and Kobalt Music will provide administrative services for the boutique publishing house, which will focus on signing uniquely talented and driven writers.
“I am finally doing this,” says Rose about the opening of her own publishing company. “I am excited to be able to have this opportunity and help to nurture a family of amazing writers.”
Rose is renowned for her work with superstar Taylor Swift, notably, “Tim McGraw,” “Teardrops On My Guitar,” “Picture To Burn,” “Fearless,” “You Belong With Me” and many more titles with Swift. Other hits include “Songs About Rain,” by Gary Allan, “Walk Away,” by Martina McBride, and cuts by such superstars as Bonnie Raitt, Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, Jewel, Trisha Yearwood and many more.
“We are launching with one of the industry’s most seasoned of songwriters in Liz,” says General Manager/Creative Director Scott Ponce. “Our goal is to manage our assets to their fullest potential and continue to develop the talent we are signing.”
Grammy winner Rose has been designated as Songwriter of the Year by SESAC (2007) and was honored with BMI’s 2008 Song of the Year for “Teardrops On My Guitar” with Taylor Swift.
Liz Rose Music, Inc. is located at 1301 16th Ave south suite 204 Nashville, TN 37212.
Category: Music News
