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page 1 Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Bobby Karl has made a career of covering

Music City parties, and he bows his spirit

before the greatness of ASCAP. Simply put,

no one throws a better bash.

There is more music, finer food, prettier

people and better companionship at this annual

soiree than you can find anywhere else. This

year’s gala, staged at the Ryman and the

BellSouth Tower across the street (10/19)

saluted Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley,

as well as Alan Jackson, EMI Publishing,

J.D. Souther and Gerry House & The

House Foundation. Take my word for it, this

was a world-class bash.

“I can’t think of a cooler place to honor

songwriters than on this very stage,” said

ASCAP’s Connie Bradley of the Ryman. “We’d

like to introduce you to a songwriter we think

has a real future in our business,” she added,

as the curtain parted to reveal co-host Paul

Williams. The organization’s president sang

a medley that included “Just an Old Fashioned

Love Song,” “I Won’t Last a Day Without You,”

“You and Me Against the World,” “Rainy Days

and Mondays,” “We’ve Only Just Begun” and

“The Rainbow Connection.”

“May your songs last forever, and may

you live long enough to hear your grandkids

Bobby Karl Works The ASCAP AwardsChapter 325

(L-R) back: Gary Overton, EMI Music Publishing; Alan Jackson; Jonathan Platt, EMI; Ashley Gorley; Tom Luteran, EMI; Dan McCarroll, EMI; Ben Vaughn, EMI; Glenn Middleworth, EMI; and Josh Van Valkenburg, EMI. Front: ASCAP's Paul WIlliams and Connie Bradley. Photo: Kay Williams

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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

fight over the money,” he quipped to the Ryman crowd.

An ASCAP tradition was maintained as the organization’s

five most-performed songs of the year were sung by their

writers throughout the ceremony. Clay Mills offered “Don’t

Think I Don’t Think About It.” Alan Jackson sang a swinging

version of “Good Time” that allowed plenty of showcase space

for his band members. With Wes Hightower backing him

on high harmony vocals, Tommy Karlas turned in a strong

version of “Roll With Me.” Ashley Gorley sat at the piano

and sang a moving “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Don Sampson

treated the capacity crowd to “Waitin’ on a Woman.”

Years ago, Alan asked ASCAP to create the Artist/Songwriter

of the Year category, so that he and other songwriting stars

wouldn’t overshadow fulltime Music Row tunesmiths. Jimmy

Webb announced that Alan had won it again on Monday night.

“After 20 years, I’m still winning this dang award,” quipped

Alan. “Maybe they ought to make a new category— Songwriter/

Artist Over 50!”

Born in Kentucky and educated at Belmont, Gorley was

given the Song and Songwriter of the Year honors by Trace

Adkins and Wayland Holyfield, respectively. “This is a little

crazy,” he said. “This is something that a guy like me never

even aimed for. I’m just thankful to everybody.” Darius Rucker,

Keith Urban, Trace Adkins and Brad Paisley have all sung his

tunes. “I’m just thankful we get to do this,” he added. “It’s a

really special business we’re in.”

The musical highlight of the eve was the ASCAP Golden

Note presentation to J.D. Souther. Love and Theft did a

flawless, stunning “You’re Only Lonely.” Lee Ann Womack

was sublime on “Faithless Love.” Rodney Crowell, Chris

Rodriguez and Sarah Buxton shined on “New Kid in Town.”

J.D.’s other evergreens include “Victim of Love,” “Heartache

Tonight,” “How Long,” “Don’t Cry Now,” “Prisoner in Disguise”

and the masterpiece “Heart of the Matter.” Presenter Jackson

Browne hailed him, saying, “J.D.’s songs have affected me,

consoled me and inspired me.”

“Wow—I am a lucky guy,” said Souther. After singing “The

Best of My Love,” he received a standing ovation.

Bonnie Raitt saluted him on video. At another point

during the show, there was a video tribute to its long-time

producer, Danny Petraitis, who died at age 51 on June 3.

The ASCAP Partners in Music Award was presented by

Martina McBride. Honoree Gerry House and the diminutive

Paul Williams immediately began exchanging quips. “He’s the

last one to know it’s raining,” said Gerry. “And the first one to

drown,” responded Paul. “Wouldn’t it be great to wake up and

have your feet right there?” said Gerry. “Except when they’re

in your mouth,” fired back Paul. “I’m done,” the radio host

surrendered, before adding, “It’s an honor to play your songs.”

Presenter Martina illustrated the gala’s predominant

fashion trend. To paraphrase a folk song, “Black was the color

page 2 Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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

of my true love’s clothes.” She wore spiked-heeled high black boots

over black fishnet stockings with a black mini-dress with sparkly

shoulders. Connie set the trend in a floor-length sequined black gown.

Carolyn Corlew’s one-shoulder gown was also black, accented

by a beaded, floral-motif choker. Diane Pearson’s sequined halter

dress was also black. Barbara Orbison chose a gold-embroidered

black evening coat. Carla Wallace was in a pin-striped black velvet

pants suit. Lynn Anderson’s outfit sported black lace. Hillary

Lindsey was in a short, black, strapless satin sheath. Connie

Harrington wore an elegantly simple black sleeveless gown and

an upswept hairdo. Judy Harris had on a black velvet jacket with

a dramatic, wide white collar. Karen Tollier? Black. Alicia Warwick?

Black. Susan Nadler? Black.

“It’s just easier,” explained Tracy Gershon, who was also clad

in ebony. Bucking the trend was Jo Walker Meador in a silver evening

jacket. Deanna Bryant wore a black leather jacket over a lime

green sheath. Lee Ann Womack had on a slate-gray belted dress.

And the real standouts were Anna Wilson in a rusched metallic,

strapless, floor-length gown, plus Kellie Pickler clad in a wow-

inspiring, figure-hugging strapless number of dark burgundy.

Among the men, black-on-black was all the rage. Sporting black

shirts with black jackets and/or trousers were Chuck Wicks, Dierks

Bentley, Trace Adkins and Marc Beeson. Ben Vaughn accented

his black-on-black look with a sliver of a steel-blue cravat. John Rich

and John Anderson both sported black cowboy hats. Even Rory

Lee Feek’s customary overalls were black, albeit over a teal-green

shirt. David Lee Murphy wore a velvet jacket, an open shirt and a

cream-colored cowboy hat. Kenny Chesney wore a snug blue shirt

over grey formal slacks. Alan Jackson had on an elegant, black

western shirt with gold and red appliqués over distressed jeans, plus

his usual white cowboy hat and boots.

Keith Anderson wore a brown leather jacket, and Chris

Stapleton’s black cowboy coat sported white piping. Jason Michael

Carroll seems to have cut his hair and wore a tails-out dark blue

shirt under his black jacket. Don Sampson had on a tan, suede

jacket and matching boots. Gary Allan’s sleek sharkskin suit was

over a light blue shirt. Barry Coburn wore a vintage-looking white

jacket with Greek-themed trim.

Stand-out songwriters in the crowd included Mac McAnally,

Shane McAnally, Monty Powell, Monty Holmes, Steve Robson,

Steven Dale Jones, Dan Tyler, Danny Orton, Mentor Williams,

Pat Alger, Gary Burr, Buzz Cason, Bob Regan, Mark D. Sanders,

Luke Laird, Kelly Lovelace, Chris DuBois, Neil Thrasher, Fred

Songwriter Bernie Nelson has signed a publishing agreement with Songstarters Inc. (L-R) back: Songstarters Inc.'s Kathy Walker, SESAC's Tim Fink and Shannan Tipton-Neese, Songstarters Inc.'s Leslie Femino. Front: Nelson and Songstarters Inc.'s Jim Femino. Photo: Peyton Hoge

CMA CEO Tammy Genovese and the CMA Board presented the crystal gavel to outgoing CMA Board Chairman Randy Goodman (R) and the crystal globe to incoming CMA Board Chairman Steve Moore (L) in appreciation of their contributions. The presentation took place during the October election of new CMA Board members in Nashville.

page 3 Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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

Knobloch, Don Schlitz, Rivers Rutherford, Jon Randall

& Jessi Alexander, Sarah Darling, Keith Stegall, Jason

Matthews and Michael Dulaney.

After the awards ceremony, we walked the red carpet to

the BellSouth Tower across the street from the Ryman. On the

back patio, a Belmont jazz ensemble played. On the 27th floor

awaited spectacular, glamorous views of the city. Tables

upstairs and down held delicious tortellini, marinated

mushrooms, roast beef, jumbo shrimp, mini crab cakes,

chicken rice pilaf, ham strips, giant olives, garlic flat bread,

fruit and cheese cubes and roasted squash, onions, peppers

and asparagus, not to mention strawberry parfait, mini

brownies and pumpkin & vanilla

brulee shooters.

Power couples on hand

included Steve & Ree Guyer

Buchanan, Kitty Moon & Pat

Emery, David & Karen Conrad,

Roger & Erika Wollam Nichols,

Ron & Regina Stuve and Karl

Dean & Anne Davis. Also working

the room? Well, Ed Benson, Ed

Morris, Butch Waugh, Butch

Baker, Chris Oglesby, Evelyn

Shriver, Ron Cox, Bobby Rymer,

Joe Galante, Andre Lebel,

Glenn Middleworth, Drew

Alexander, Mike Hollandsworth,

Celia Froelig, Troy Tomlinson,

Hank Adam Locklin, Gary

Overton, Wes Bulla, Nancy

Shapiro, Eileen Littlefield,

Mary Ann McCready, Woody

Bomar, Alan Kates, Mark Ford,

Christie King, Paul Worley,

Tammy Genovese and Doug

Casmus.

Anderson Launches Label, Debuts Ashlyne Huff Ashlyne Huff, daughter of star

producer Dann Huff, is working on

her debut pop/rock album as the first

artist signed to Anderson Company/

Anderson Merchandiser’s new label,

Liquid Digital Media. The lead single,

“Heart of Gold,” is at radio now and

the album is set for a spring 2010

release. Huff co-wrote every song on the project.

BMI hosted their Next Big Nashville showcase at Mercy Lounge on October 10, with a lineup that included Southern rockers Ponderosa, Mike’s Pawn Shop, current Ten Out of Tenn journeyman Kyle Andrews, The Protomen, and popsters Heypenny. (L-R): BMI’s Beth Mason, CAA’s Matthew Morgan, Ponderosa’s Chris Sampson, Colton Ent.’s Doug Colton, Ponderosa’s Darren Dodd and J.T. Hall, CAA’s Tim Beeding, Ponderosa’s John Dance and Kalen Nash, and J. Romo Music Mgmt.’s Jeremiah Romo.

page 4 Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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page 5 Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Belmont graduate recently completed

her first U.S. tour, opening for artists including

Katharine McPhee and Bomshel.

InSite Into The Concert Biz The touring business is the focus of a new

installment of the online educational series CMA

Industry InSite. "Getting the Show on the Road"

features WME Agent Rob Beckham, Kix Brooks,

Buddy Lee Attractions CEO/Pres. Tony Conway,

and CAA Agent John Huie. The ten-minute

episode discusses the roles of talent agents,

promoters and tour managers. New installments

of the series are released on the third Monday

of the month, and CMA members are able to

submit questions to the panel beforehand. All

episodes are available to CMA members at

www.My.CMAworld.com.

Grant Hosts Benefits The Amy Grant & Friends Yard Sale is set

for Saturday (10/24) at University Park at

Lipscomb University. It runs 7 AM to 2 PM and

will benefit the programs of Nashville’s public

housing complexes. To donate items to be sold,

drop them off Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Last

year’s first-ever event raised $25,000 and at the end of the

day everything that was left was sold for a dollar each.

Grant and Take 6 will perform a free Christmas concert

Oct. 26 at the Grand Ole Opry House. “Holiday Notes From

Home,” hosted by Charlie Chase and Lorianne Crook, will

be taped live and will air multiple times on the Armed Forces

Radio and Television Network during the Christmas holidays.

Tickets are available at the door beginning at 4 PM on the

day-of. Show starts at 7 PM.

Odie Blackmon Offers Hitmaking Tips Odie Blackmon, the songwriter with cuts by George

Strait, Lee Ann Womack and Gary Allan, has authored a

new book/DVD set called The Craft of Writing Hit Songs. It

breaks down the creative process surrounding songwriting

into a step-by-step method. In conjunction, he will head out

on a promotional tour giving workshops to aspiring

songwriters across the country. Available in Nashville at

Gruhn’s Guitar. www.thecraftofwritinghitsongs.com.

Jimmy Wayne and Sarah Buxton recently performed as part of a listener appreciation show for KKGO/Los Angeles. (L-R) back: KKGO’s Paul Freeman, Buxton, KKGO’s Shawn Parr, KKGO’s Ashley Paige and Wayne. Front: KKGO’s Tonya Campos and Ginny Harman.

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

Arista Nashville artist Jason Michael Carroll performed recently for more than 8000 fans at Florida’s Jacksonville Landing as part of the Gator Concert Series. Carroll is currently climbing the charts with his single “Hurry Home,” from his Growing Up Is Getting Old album. (L-R): Julie Spurgeon; Arista Nashville promo regional Tyler Waugh; Carroll; and WGNE MD Michele Chase, PD Chuck Beck and GM Gary Spurgeon.

Musical Chairs• On Friday (10/23) Jerry Duncan Promotions

will move its shop to 1017 17th Ave. South,

Ste. 2, Nashville, TN 37212. Jerry, Lisa, Jen,

and Lynda will have a new phone number

615-329-1032, but e-mail addresses remain

the same. lisa@duncanpromo.com,

jen@duncanpromo.com,

jduncanprolynda@aol.com,

jerry@duncanpromo.com.

• Becky Withers has joined Golden Music

Nashville as Promotion Coordinator. The

Belmont music business graduate most

recently worked for the Darryl Worley

Foundation and Mission Management. She

can be reached at becky@goldenmusic.biz or

615-891-4283.

TJ Martell Challenge The T.J. Martell

Foundation is

challenging music

businesses to see

which company can

recruit the biggest

team for the Dunkin'

Donuts Family Fun

Run & Walk-A-Thon

5K, taking place Nov. 7 at Centennial Park.

The winning team gets a Dunkin' Donuts

breakfast bash and a trophy. CAA, UMGN,

Wortman Works, CMT, BMI, Buddy Lee

Attractions, This Music and Crownover Tisinger

are already on board. To register your team,

log on to www.funrunandwalk.com. The early

bird rate of $25 ends Nov. 5.

Lifenotes Condolences to Artist and Repertroie’s

Tom Long on the passing of his father, Rev.

Horace Long, yesterday, Oct. 20, in Georgia.

Visitation will be at Collins Funeral Home in

Acworth, GA today, followed by the funeral

tomorrow at 2 PM at Shady Grove Baptist

Church. Online condolences may be made to

www.collinsfuneralhome.org.

Lyric Street recording group Rascal Flatts brought their Unstoppable tour to Fresno last weekend. (L-R): Gary LeVox, KJUG/Visalia PD Dave Daniels, KUZZ/Bakersfield PD Evan Bridwell, Joe Don Rooney, KUZZ/Bakersfield MD Toni Marie, Jay DeMarcus, and KSKS/Fresno PD Tom Jordan.

page 6 Wednesday, October 21, 2009