Month: January 2017

Artist in Retrospect: Bobbie Gentry

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I have always enjoyed learning more about the musical artists I like, even those that have fallen out of the public eye. This past summer, I stumbled across an article published by the Washington Post about the popular 1960’s country artist named Bobbie Gentry, and how she hasn’t been seen or heard from since the late 80’s. I was immediately interested in finding out all I could about this mysterious artist.

Bobbie Gentry, born Roberta Lee Streeter on July 27, 1944, was most known for her song, Ode To Billie Joe. Like most fans, this was the only song I knew by her, and, to be honest, I knew it best from hearing other artists cover it live, like Jeannie Seely at the Grand Ole Opry. Most of Gentry’s songs were based on her hometown in Mississippi. Continue reading →

Lee Brice Performs New Song at City Winery

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Last summer, The CMBeat published an article about country singer, Lee Brice spilling a few beans on Periscope, saying that he was preparing to go on a writer’s retreat to create some new material for a future album. The Grammy® nominated singer/songwriter also leaked the titles of two songs he’s been working on, titled, You Can’t Help Who You Love, and Rumor.

Well, for fans who have been chomping at the bit to hear these new Lee Brice tunes, the wait is finally over. We found live video footage of Brice singing the song, Rumor at a songwriters round at City Winery in Nashville… and boy were we impressed! Continue reading →

Exclusive Interview: Mo Pitney

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Mo Pitney released his debut album, Behind This Guitar, this past October and has been enjoying critical acclaim for the project as well as a surge in the number of his fans. Last month, on December 4th, Pitney joined his friend and frequent writing partner, Bobby Tomberlin, for a performance at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway in Downtown Nashville for the release of Tomberlin’s new album, Out of Road.

While attending the release party, I got to chat with Pitney about his inaugural CD. “Well, it’s been amazing to finally get it out,” Pitney explains, “we had been working on it for about three years.” The 23 year old singer/songwriter admitted that he felt the music was getting old since the project was taking so long. However, the immediate success of the album proved that it was well worth the time and effort. Continue reading →

New Label Launches Its Signature Songwriter Series with Country Newcomer Zack Dyer

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Nashville’s reputation as “Music CIty” was built on the backs of its songwriters. To quote the motto of the popular songwriter’s association based in Nashville, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), “It All Begins With A Song“. And fortunately, many of Music City’s “Movers and Shakers” haven’t forgotten the importance of its songwriter community. One such company is a brand new, independent label in town called Silverado Records, which just launched the first volume of its Silverado Signature Songwriter Series yesterday, January 6, 2017.

Silverado Records created the series to showcase the great songwriting talent of the artists on their roster. Starting with the release of this first volume, the record label plans on releasing more volumes in the future, featuring a different artist on each edition. Each volume will be released as an EP, and will contain several songs written by the featured artist. Volume 1 showcases a talented singer/songwriter by the name of Zack Dyer. Continue reading →