Presentation of the 2009 International Country Music Ambassadors Awards, in Nashville, TN, USA.

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Jeff Walker: A Tireless Promoter Of International Country Music

Jeff Walker: 2009 International Country Music Ambassador. His story.

When Jeff Walker arrived to Nashville in 1974, Olivia Newton John won the Female Vocalist of the Year CMA Award with a lot of controversy; people like Charlie Rich, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap or Charley Pride topped the charts; Don Rich and Tex Ritter died, and Jennifer Nettles and John Rich were born. But the Jeff Walker´s story begins in Australia, where Walker graduated with a degree in Economics in the University of Sydney. After moving to Nashville to pursue a career in finance with Price Waterhouse, the lure of American country music proved too strong, and Walker took a position with Con Brio Records and Publishing.

Later on Walker was promoted to Vice President of Operations for Con Brio. During his tenure, the label saw considerable growth, charting over forty records in a remarkable three-year period.

The AristoMedia Group. A standard of excellence.

In 1980, Walker took his experience and a leap of faith and formed The AristoMedia Group. He integrated the word “aristocrat” into the company’s name to communicate his vision of a company that prided itself on upholding the highest standards of excellence.

The initial success of AristoMedia as an independent publicity firm prompted Walker to expand his business into video promotion in 1983. His foresight and willingness to embrace this new format was a key move in the development of both his company and the music video market in Nashville.
Through the company’s new video promotion branch, AristoMedia played an integral role in launching the careers of some of Nashville’s biggest names, including Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and Sugarland.

Gretchen Wilson

Walker made his next major expansion in 1991, founding Marco Promotions for radio promotion operations. Over the past seventeen years, Marco Promotions has played a significant role in garnering national and regional hit records for artists like Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Gretchen Wilson, The Dixie Chicks and Trisha Yearwood.

His company continued its growth in the ’90s, with Walker forming The Goodland Group in 1994 and Jeff Walker & Associates in 1995. The Goodland Group was set up to provide video duplication services, while Jeff Walker & Associates remains a special interest branch that offers international consulting, advertising opportunities and special event services.

As the industry evolved, so did The AristoMedia Group. Rapid technological advances and corporate consolidation only accelerated Walker’s growth. He realized there was a virtually untapped market for dance club promotion, so he created Marco Club Connection in 2004 to increase exposure for clients with dance-oriented material. The company had already seen previous success with their involvement in videos like “Achy Breaky Heart” and “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” so the transition was a logical move.

He followed with a New Media department the following year, calling it AristoWorks. The division serves as an important lynchpin to integrate the various departments of The AristoMedia Group. Both recent ventures continue to thrive in an otherwise unpredictable industry.

If it seems overly ambitious for one company to manage so many interests, one only has to look to Music Row magazine, which voted AristoMedia “Best Independent Publicity Company” for three consecutive years as proof that Jeff Walker has an uncanny knack for adapting to the latest trends. The newest frontier, he says, is developing overseas.

CMA Global Artist Party June 8th, 2009 - Nashville, TN at the Stage on Broadway

1. Mark Moffatt 2. Jeff Walker 3. Jace Everett 4. Ashley Cooper 5. Victoria Banks 6. Lucie Silvas 7. Kirsty Lee Akers 8. Peter McWhirter 9. Colm Kirwan 10. George Canyon 11. The McClymonts 12. Tammy Genovese (Executive Director CMA) 13. Chip Huffman (Nite Train Coaches)

An International Country Music visionary: The Global Events.

“Over the years, Nashville has largely ignored the country music being made in other countries,” he says. “They’ve been preoccupied with the artists here, which is understandable, but I think they’re starting to think more globally now in that respect.”

Walker certainly has his finger on the pulse of the international country market. He’s been responsible for hosting and conceptualizing the annual Global Events that take place the week of the CMA Music Festival for the past four years.

The Global Events are a series of showcases sponsored by AristoMedia and the CMA Music Festival that bring the best international talent together in Nashville for the premier country music festival in the U.S. For many of the artists, it’s the first time they’ve ever been to Music City. Walker cites this involvement in the global community as one of the things he’s most proud of in his nearly 30 years in the business.

“I think AristoMedia has provided a lot of opportunities for new artists over the years, and that certainly applies to global entertainers, as well,” Walker says. His company’s success with artists like Keith Urban and Shania Twain is affirmation of that statement.

Global Showcase June 9th, 2009 - Nashville, TN at the Second Fiddle

1. Chip Huffman (Nite Train Coaches) 2. Jeff Walker 3. David Bradley 4. Pierre Lorry 5. Brianie 6. Dianna Corcorcan 7. Codie Prevost 8. Robert Reynolds 9. Greg Hanna 10. Tore Andersen 11. Rolf Fritschi 12. Corey Colum 13. Mark Moffatt

A Country music believer and a doer

His efforts in the Country Music business go beyond the singular needs of his company, however. Walker’s contributions to the community in general have spanned several decades. He continues to serve on numerous boards, including those of the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters among others.

Jeff Walker, Adam Harvey (australian country music superstar), Tammy Genovese

His international involvement has led to voluntary board positions for the Canadian Country Music Association and the Contemporary Country Music Coalition in Australia. In addition, Walker has served as Executive Producer and Talent Coordinator for the CMA Music Festival’s Daytime Stages for the past five years.

Multi-tasking: his clue for success

The philosophy and diversity of The AristoMedia Group has led to an enviable position in Nashville, as Walker’s company remains one of the few independent “one-stop shops” in the business. Their success in publicity, marketing, video and radio promotion, consulting, event coordination, new media relations and dance club promotions has created a truly unique reputation in the music business.

This perpetual multi-tasking only means more opportunities for Walker’s company in the future. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” he says in his typical easygoing fashion. “As long as we remember that content is king and continue to provide professional niche market media services, the future looks bright.”

The AristoMedia Group encompasses a broad range of services dedicated to offering the entertainment industry innovative integrated marketing strategies. AristoMedia’s distinct advantage is housing entertainment PR, new media, video marketing, record promotion and club promotion under one roof. The AristoMedia Group epitomizes synergy. Together, the divisions combine talents to maximize client exposure through print, radio, television, online and video outlets.

Interview. Jeff Walker talks about his life, his work, and his dreams.

ICMDAY: What kind of country music did you listen to when you grew up in Australia? 

Jeff Walker: “In Australia, music formats aren’t segregated the way they are in America, so I was exposed to Country music and artists like Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall, Glen Campbell through their crossover records that were very successful in Australia.  So that would have been my first introduction to Country music in Australia.”

ICMDAY: Tell us your first experiences in Nashville.

Jeff Walker: “I took a job working for a record label, which gave me a great overview of what the music business was, and I found an area during that time that I particularly liked, which was public relations, because it was getting artists out in front of the industry.”

ICMDAY: But you had your personal envision, a new idea that has been successful through these years… Tell us about the umbrella company concept.

Jeff Walker: “The umbrella company was a way to provide services for different people within the industry.  That way you could get a select group of clients in different divisions, and not have to rely on getting too many clients in any one division.  The idea is to provide specialty services for a smaller roster of clients, and that idea has worked very well for us.”

ICMDAY: In 1980 you made your dream come true and formed the AristoMedia Group. What difficulties did you have to face?

Jeff Walker: “Just the difficulties of starting a new business - building relationships.  I had already formed some through my years running the record label, but mostly I just faced the challenges of building credibility and working with new artists.  But after you’ve proven yourself over a period of time, it got easier.” 

ICMDAY: Through the years your envision proved to be a big success and you has developed your group into publicity, marketing, video and radio promotion, consulting, event coordination, new media relations and dance club promotions… what´s next?

Jeff Walker: “I think there’s a lot of new opportunities arising out of new media.  I don’t want to show my hand with what specifically is next, but I think there are a lot of new opportunities with the way the industry is marketing their artists.”

ICMDAY: During these years you have helped some really big stars to be on the top of country music: Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain… what is it more difficult in PR: to keep  on a big star at the top or to launch a new good promise?

Jeff Walker: (Pause) “That’s a difficult question to answer, because there are different degrees of difficulty, but I think in terms of a challenge, it’s very exciting to take a new artist, like we did with Keith Urban, and bring them up to where they are recognized on a national level.  I enjoyed that, and I’ve enjoyed putting together marketing plans or video campaigns like we did with Shania Twain before she was a star, or sitting in a meeting with a big group of executives, figuring out how my company could be part of the team for the O Brother, Where Art Thou? project.  If it’s going to be easy, I don’t think you’ll enjoy it as much as something where there’s a challenge and where you can roll up your sleeves.  Then you can relate to the fact that you’re directly responsible for the some of the results.  That’s when it’s very satisfying.”

Jeff Walker, Jim Cressman (CSA Agency), Tammy Genovese (Executive Director CMA), Louis O’Reilly (President, 306 Records), Nick Meinema (The Agency Group)

ICMDAY: You had another envision: we have to think more globally in country music. You even said “Over the years, Nashville has largely ignored the country music being made in other countries.”  The Global Events by AristoMedia and CMA want to meet this lack and to show its richness to the American audiences. How have these shows been received by the American public and the industry?

Jeff Walker: “I think the fact that we’ve had standing-room only at these shows the last several years is indicative of how popular they’ve become and the demand that there is for this kind of music.  I think it will only continue to grow, with the ability of the Internet and tools like iTunes to expose people to music on a world-wide basis.” 

ICMDAY: Are we going to see these shows out of USA anyday?

Jeff Walker: “I would love to see these shows expand.  It’s obviously enticing to a promoter, and I think the way to approach that is for a national sponsor to step in and say that they’re interested in developing that idea.”

ICMDAY: Some years ago Garth Brooks -the last big international country music star- retired, satellite media like CMT Europe and Brazil closed, and the foreign country music artists were ignored… What have the consequences been of these events in USA and overseas?

Jeff Walker: “I think overseas it has slowed down the development of Country music.  I think maybe there is a sense that some of these things were trying to happen before their time, but it makes sense for the record labels to have overseas bases and overseas initiatives so they can sell their product.  While record companies in the past have been very departmentalized by territories, now it’s changing because of the digital world, and I see that being a good thing.”

ICMDAY: What would be the steps to consolidate the remaining markets and to create new country markets like China, for instance?

Jeff Walker: “I think there is a thirst for good quality music anywhere.  Music is the universal language, and Country music with its lyrics and melodies certainly is that way.  I think it’s just going to take new marketing initiatives, and people are starting to realize that there is a demand for it in some of these foreign markets.  It hasn’t happened as quickly as I would like, perhaps, but it is starting to happen.” 

 Ed Benson, Jeff Walker, Mark Moffatt, Hank Adam Locklin

ICMDAY: Though some new country acts do well in Europe like Sugarland it seems that many fans still prefer traditional country performers, in South America many artists sing in Spanish or Portuguese, in Australia they´ve got the bush style… Is it important to respect the special characteristics of each market or everything can be changed in order to create a global country music market?

Jeff Walker: “A popular radio programmer once told me, ‘Think globally, act locally,’ and I think it’s important to respect local traditions and sort of marry them to other things that are already working. I think that there are elements of music in every country that can work in other areas around the world.  I don’t think you need to go over there and change what they’re doing, and vice versa.  It’s sort of a metamorphosis and a blending process, and that’s what we need to be looking for.”

ICMDAY: In the 80´s the video revolutionized country music. It proved to be an opportunity for your company but still today many people see internet as a threat, how can PR use the web 2.0., the social networks, the blogs, YouTube, etc., to make people being part of a global country music community?

Jeff Walker: “That’s a hard question to give a defined answer to, because there’s so much potential with the Internet.  I’ve never seen it as a threat; I see it as an opportunity, a strengthening tool to grow Country music.  You can use so many tools to get your message out there worldwide, so I really have nothing but positive thoughts for the Internet as a marketing tool.”

ICMDAY: Many people around the world still see Country music as an exclusive American music. What has to change in people´s minds to make them see this is an international music like jazz, blues or rock?

Jeff Walker: “I think that they need to recognize the variety that it offers.  I see today’s country music very much like the Pop music of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.  If people continue to discover new music through the Jack-FM format or Internet radio sites like Pandora, they are going to recognize the universal appeal of Country music, and it’s going to change the way people listen to music. Country music will certainly benefit from that growth.”

ICMDAY: If we start to think more globally in country music, what would our future be?

Jeff Walker: “An increased market share.  Here in the U.S., we are restricted to a 10 or 11 percent market share. If you increase your opportunities and demand, then you have to make up for it with supply. It’s that simple.  It’s just economics.”

Interview by Andoni Urkiaga

ICMDAY Coordinator

“If there is a stronger supporter of Country Music internationally than Jeff Walker, I haven’t met him.   During my years with CMA, I watched Jeff emerge as Country’s most passionate and persistent global advocate.    His love and devotion to Country’s cause around the world has been without financial reward to Jeff.  In fact, most of his efforts have been at his own expense.  Everyone who works with Country Music internationally has certainly benefited from Jeff’s unwavering belief in its universal appeal.  I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this award than my friend Jeff Walker.” - Ed Benson (former Executive Director/President of the CMA)

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Gail Davies: A Rare Jewel That Continues To Shine.

Gail Davies: 2009 International Country Music Ambassador. Her story.

Gail Davies (born Patricia Gail Dickerson on June 5, 1948) is an original, trendsetting and talented singer-songwriter who has shown the way to many female artists who started producing and handling their own career. She has also been a successful songwriter (“Grandma’s Song,” “Someone is Looking for Someone Like You”) and her songs have been covered by artists such as  Jann Browne,  The Whites, Susan McCann, George Hamilton IV, Nana Mouskori and  many others.

Born in Broken Bow, in Oklahoma, she moved to Seattle with her brother and her mother after her parents split up. With her brother Ron she formed a folk-rock duo, recording for A&M. Her brother –whose song “It Ain’t Easy” had been recorded by David Bowie and Three Dog Night- inspired her to become a songwriter and she moved to Nashville to write songs.

One of  her first compositions, “Bucket to the South,” was a hit for singer Ava Barber and was eventually recorded by Lynn Anderson and Mitzi Gaynor. Davies signed with the Lifesong label  in 1978 and started logging country hits with “No Love Have I” and “Poison Love”. Her own “Someone is Looking for Someone Like You” became a hit and was recorded in seven languages, meaning a contract with Warner Brothers Records and scoring such hits as “Blue Heartache,” “I’ll Be There,” “It’s a Lovely, Lovely World” and  “Grandma’s Song.” “Round the Clock Loving”, written by K.T. Oslin, was included in her third album, 1982’s “Giving Herself Away” and was a huge success while Davies gave birth to Christopher Scruggs, son of Gary Scruggs and grandson of the legendary banjo master Earl Scruggs.

More albums and hits followed, plus the forming of her own country-rock band, Wild Choir. Apart from producing her own music, she produced the tribute album “Caught in the Webb,” honouring the late Webb Pierce, with an impressive list of special guests such as Emmylou Harris, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Dwight Yoakam, BR5-49, Crystal Gayle, Guy Clark, Alison Moorer, Dale Watson, Del McCoury and many, many others who immediately answered Davies’s call for the tribute.

She has given the world “international” a true meaning, since she has toured extensively outside the U.S. and she has recently given an exclusive interview to the Country Music Association of Uruguay (A.M.C.U.). Therefore, the International Country Music Day Organisation is proud to choose Gail Davies as 2009’s International Country Music Ambassador.

An Interview with Gail Davies: a female icon of the country sound.

AMCU - You were the first woman to produce her own recordings. Do you think record labels knew how to deal with this?

Gail Davies - I was very fortunate in that Andrew Wickham (head of Warner Brothers country division in 1979) believed in my ability. He went on a limb to support me in producing my first album. I had trained in L.A. under the tutelage of an engineer/producer by the name of Henry Lewy. Henry worked on all of the early Joni Mitchell records, as well as other legendary artists.

AMCU - Your choice of songwriters has always been very interesting, ranging from classic country tunesmiths like Harlan Howard or Boudeleaux Bryant to Rodney Crowell or Ray Charles. What do you look for in a song?

Gail Davies - A song has to speak to me. That’s the only way that I can sing the lyrics. It doesn’t have to be a deep message, just honest and believable. “You’re A Hard Dog To Keep Under The Porch” (written by Harlan Howard and Suzanna Clark) is a great example. It is light-hearted, yet interesting in content.

AMCU - Many of the composers whose songs you have covered, like Delbert McClinton or Mark Knopfler, many years later found a place in Country Music. Do you feel yourself like a visionary in this area?

Gail Davies - I first heard Delbert McClinton in 1974, in Austin, Texas. I loved his first album and played it until I wore out the grooves. I knew he was destined to do great things. Mark Knopfler was already famous when I recorded his song. I’ve always been a fan.

AMCU - But you are also a very gifted songwriter. What do you prefer, covering somebody else’s  song, adapting it to your style, or writing what you feel you need to sing?

Gail Davies - I like to write my own material, especially at this point in my life when I am not trying to please the record labels by coming up with songs they can get played on the radio.

AMCU - With trends going back and forth in Country Music, from pop-country to neotraditionalists and lots of other labels, you have tried to surf the waves of traditional-sounding country. Do you think you should have adapted more to the different fads in music in order to gain more commercial attention?

Gail Davies - I believe having 18 songs in the Billboard Top 20 with 6 in the Top Ten would qualify as commercial success. According to historians, I was one of the first neotradionalists. When I came to Nashville in 1976, pop/country was the rage and Barbara Mandrell ruled the airwaves. I wanted to bring attention to some of the forgotten legends of country music, which is why I recorded songs by Webb Pierce, Carl Smith, Ray Price and Johnny & Jack.

AMCU - “Caught in the Webb” has been considered one of the best tribute albums ever and the list of artists included is impressive. Are you satisfied with the result?

Gail Davies - Yes, I most definitely am. Webb Pierce was one of my favorite artists when I was growing up. He was not in the Country Music Hall of Fame as of 2000. I woke up one morning and told my husband, “Webb Pierce has been ignored by the music industry long enough. I’m going to change that.” I had a ball arranging and producing this tribute album. I am very proud of it.

AMCU - Who else would you like to pay tribute to?

Gail Davies - I started another tribute back in 2003, shortly after my brother, Ron Davies, passed away. Ron was best known for having written “It Ain’t Easy” for Three Dog Night. This song also appeared on David Bowie’s album “Ziggy Stardust.” A host of great artists have already recorded songs for this tribute: John Prine, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Bonnie Bramlet, Alison Krauss, Delbert McClinton and others. Sadly, this tribute has been placed on hold due to complications with my brother’s widow. Long story…

AMCU - What artists do you like listening to?

Gail Davies - One of my favorite artists is my 26 year old son, Chris Scruggs. He is unique, not only because he is a great songwriter and multi-talented instrumentalist, but also because he is intent on keeping authentic country music alive. He is one of the few young people (Chris is 26 years old) playing steel guitar without pedals in the style of Jerry Byrd and Kayton Roberts. Chris is reviving a lost art form - a piece of American music history.  Eddie Stubbs, announcer for WSM radio and The Grand Ole Opry, was recently quoted as saying, “You want to know who is going to fill their shoes - Chris Scruggs.” Chris has also turned me on to some wonderful people like Neko Case, The New Pornographers, Matt Ward, Calexico and a band from England called Gomez. I can’t think of any country artists that I listen to, other than the lovely and talented Miss Alison Krauss.

AMCU - You even met Neko Case…

Gail Davies - I first met Neko Case in the recording studio, when the two of us were performing on the Johnny Paycheck tribute, “Touch My Heart.” I was impressed with her singing and later, when I got to know her better, by her songwriting and production abilities. Having produced my own albums through the years, I feel a strong kinship with Neko Case as a woman who is in control of her own career. Her voice encompasses everything I love about good music. It is soulful and honest - a beautiful mix of Janis Joplin and Loretta Lynn.

AMCU - If you had the chance to produce the “comeback album” of an older artist, whose album would you like to produce and why?

Gail Davies - Carl Smith beyond a doubt, although I know he would never do it. My son and I were visiting him at his house a few weeks ago. His wife, the legendary singer, Goldie Hill, was one of my best friends. She passed away two years ago. Carl has no interest in recording any more, but then you and I are just talking hypothetically, right?

AMCU - Would you like to produce any of the newer artists? Why? Why not?

Gail Davies - I am not interested in producing any more. To be quite honest, I haven’t heard anything on the radio of late that has moved me. It all sounds the same - songs without melodies and lyrics that can be summed up on a cheesey bumpersticker.

AMCU - Who was Grandma Whitten? Did she get to listen to her own recording on “Grandma’s Song”?

Gail Davies - Her full name was Frances Marion Whitten. She was my grandmother and lived in Broken Bow, Oklahoma - where I was born. It is her voice that you hear in the beginning of “Grandma’s Song” singing an old Irish folk tune.

AMCU - Did you know that the International Country Music Day -September 17th, Hank Williams? birthday- was origined in Spain? Are you aware of the popularity of Country Music outside the U.S. ?

Gail Davies - Yes, I have been touring around the world for years and know how much people love country music. I played a show in Madrid a few years ago and received a beautiful plaque from the Spanish CMA. I also perform in Barcelona at a club managed by two of my dearest friends, Hanny and Andreu Nello. My son, Chris, and I just finished doing a 41 day tour of Europe, so I guess I am not as retired as I would like to think.

AMCU - What are your plans for the future?

Gail Davies - I have been writing a book about my life and the music business. It is still in the process of being edited. I hope to have it out by the end of this summer.

AMCU - Is there anything else you like to add?

Gail Davies - Yes, please say hello to my fans in Uruguay and tell them they can reach me through my fanclub at www.GailDavies.com. I could tell by your questions that you were well informed about the history of country music. I appreciate that and being included in your interviews. Thanks.

Interview by Raul Tejeiro
President,
Asociacion de Musica Country de Uruguay and
ICMDay member.

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Gail Davies and Jeff Walker honored as the 2009 International Country Music Ambassadors.

The International Country Music Day Organization has named this year´s International Country Music Ambassadors. The honor was bestowed on Gail Davies, singer, songwriter, producer and female pioneer with a long and remarkable international career,  and Jeff Walker, CMA Board Member, President of the PR and multimedia company Aristomedia, a well known promoter of international country music.

In the words of Andoni Urkiaga, Coordinator of ICMDAY from Madrid, Spain: “These awards honor not only a model career in international country music but also a visionary way of promoting country music, opening new markets, setting new paths and predicting future tendencies for the rest of the market and the industry with their music, their behaviours or their ideas. I think everyone would have to stop and listen to what these people have to say about international country music”.

Both, Gail Davies and Jeff Walker were extremely humble when they learnt about the Award. Gail Davies, that was touring in Sweden by that time, said: “What a nice surprise!. I am very honored that you have chosen me as the 2009 International Country Music Ambassador”. Jeff Walker, from his Aristomedia office in Nashville, said: “I am thrilled to receive this award. It is very satisfying to me that the Country music genre is steadily growing globally.” .

Over the past few days, ICMDAY.org has received several notes from artists and industry personalities congratulating this year’s International Country Music Ambassadors on their awards.

Gail Davies: A rare jewel that continues to shine.

Top country artists like Dolly Parton, George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Brenda Lee and Suzy Bogguss, most of them long-term Gail Davies friends and collaborators, have spoken extensively about the honor that she has received and her valuable contribution spreading country music internationally:

“Gail Davies.  Who better to be an International Country Music Ambassador? Everybody in the world loves her, especially in my world. She is one of the most talented and wonderful people I know. I will always love her”. - Dolly Parton

“I love to see Gail Davies as International Country Music Ambassador. She is one of the most talented people I know”. - George Jones

“I have been a fan of Gail Davies for over 30 years. There is no denying the talent of that woman on every level, writing, singing and producing.” - Emmylou Harris

“Gail Davies is a rare jewel that continues to shine. She has woven into the tapestry of our musical world some of the best singing and songwriting I have ever heard. I am proud to be her contemporary, but even more proud to be her friend.” - Brenda Lee

“I was moved by Gail Davies the first time my ears were vibrated by her voice! I remember it was before I moved to Nashville. I was living in a small town in Illinois and a few of us would get together on Wednesday nights to hear what new music our buddy, Randy would buy in Chicago. We’d listen and get all heavy about the stuff, often dissecting an artist and the production. When we heard her debut  album, “impeccable” was all we could say. The songs, her honest performance, that amazing, energetic and raw voice. I always used to cry when I would hear someone that I aspired to be like. Gail received buckets of tears and I believe she was the inspiration for me to move to Nashville. As I got more into her music, it was clear that see that she and a few brave pioneers had conquered the “Don’t you worry your pretty little head” syndrome and I wanted to be there, too!” - Suzy Bogguss

Jeff Walker: A tireless promoter of international Country Music

Some of the most popular personalities in the Country Music Industry emphasize unanimously the professional values and the contributions of Jeff Walker to International Country Music:

“If there is a stronger supporter of Country Music internationally than Jeff Walker, I haven’t met him.   During my years with CMA, I watched Jeff emerge as Country’s most passionate and persistent global advocate.    His love and devotion to Country’s cause around the world has been without financial reward to Jeff.  In fact, most of his efforts have been at his own expense.  Everyone who works with Country Music internationally has certainly benefited from Jeff’s unwavering belief in its universal appeal.  I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this award than my friend Jeff Walker.” - Ed Benson (former Executive Director/President of the CMA)

“Jeff Walker has been a tireless promoter of country music everywhere, but especially beyond the shores of the US.  To many, country music is measured internationally in terms of units or tickets.  To Jeff, it’s always been about connecting fans with the music, and he’s given immeasurable amounts of his time and personal resources to expose country music to the world.  To him, it’s about the music and the people who make it.  Jeff’s has probably maxxed out twenty passports, and country music is much better off because of it.”- Paul Allen (former Executive Director of the Country Radio Broadcasters, CRB)

“Jeff Walker is a believer and a doer! He epitomizes dedication to connecting and sharing Country Musics Talented people with each other and the world! Congratulations to you my loyal friend, you are truly deserving of this prestigious International Country Music Ambassador Award.” - Lane Brody (recording artist)

“I have had the pleasure of working with Jeff Walker in the international marketplace for more than a decade.   Jeff’s entertainment conglomerate “Aristo Media” has been instrumental in providing services throughout the world in the areas of video distribution, public relations, marketing and promotion, internet services and consulting.  Jeff has been the driving force behind the Country Music Association’s support of country music in the global marketplace.  He is extremely deserving of the ICMDAY International Award.” - Judy Seale (President of JSI, Inc and 2008 International Country Music Ambassador)

“All of us at The Consortium were thrilled to learn that Jeff’s being honored. I’ve had the distinct pleasure to have known, and worked with, Jeff the past twenty years. Not only does Jeff continue to work circles around the best of his peers…he does so with his incomparable, infectious positive attitude. Jeff is country music’s international ambassador extraordinaire. So many artists, worldwide, have benefitted from his tireless endeavors and belief that the country music genre is viable wherever music lovers reside. We’re all proud to call Jeff Walker our true friend.”
Mike Martinovich (The Consortium)

Two extensive interviews with this year’s International Country Music Ambassadors will be published on the website of the International Country Music Day Organization.

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International Poll to Choose the Best Garth Brooks #1 Song

The International Country Music Day Organization, among the activities for its new campaign  this year, One Day, One World, One Country, launches an international poll to choose the best number one song by Garth Brooks, celebrating  the 20th anniversary of Garth Brooks´ self-titled debut album in 1989.

Garth Brooks was the most influential artist in the 90s -bringing massive audiences to our genre-, as well as one of the best and most  impressive country music artists in the  history of this musical style. His mixture of contemporary country, honky tonk, rock and his great sensitivity as a composer,  reached fans all over the world.

Since the release of  “If Tomorrow Never Comes”,   his first Number 1 hit in 1989, this native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, broke almost every single record in the industry, being the first country music artist to go multi-Platinum and, later on being awarded a Diamond Record for sales of over  10 million records sold of the same album.  Giving massive concerts like never before, and selling more than 123 million records in the USA alone, he  became the best-selling  recording artist in the  history of recorded entertainment.
But Garth Brooks was also very successful in Europe: in the UK, Ireland, Spain and in every place where he played abroad, he contributed to spread the flame of country music and his  deep mark can still be felt in every single country fan all over the world..

Today the International Country Music Day Organisation (icmday.org), invites you to choose your favourite Garth Brooks Number 1 hit from his list of 19 songs which reached that coveted position.

1989 - If Tomorrow Never Comes
1990 - The Dance
1990 - Friends In Low Places
1991 - Unanswered Prayers
1991 - Two Of A Kind, Workin On A Full House
1991 - The Thunder Rolls
1991 - Shameless
1992 - What She´s Doing Now
1992 - The River
1993 - That Summer
1993 - Somewhere Other Than The Night
1993 - American Honky-Tonk Bar Association
1993 – Ain´t Going Down (Til The Sun Comes Up)
1995 - She’s Every Woman
1996 - The Beaches Of Cheyenne
1997 - Longneck Bottle
1998 - Two Pina Coladas
1998 - To Make You Feel My Love
2007 - More Than A Memory

The winning song of this international country music poll will be named 2009 International Country Music Day Song of the Year.  Previous winners include “Crazy” by Willie Nelson and  “I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash.

The International Country Music Day is celebrated every year on September 17,  honouring the birth of the late great Hank Williams, one of country music’s greatest legends.

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What´s The Best Garth Brooks´ #1 Song?

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Nashville goes international

CMA Global Artist Party

Sixteen prominent international Country artists will convene in Music City to participate in a series of global Country Music events, beginning June 8 in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

The event, hosted by Country artist Jace Everett, will feature a total of eight artists from Australia, Ireland, U.K., Canada and New Zealand, including Australia’s “Telstra Road to Tamworth” winner, Peter McWhirter.

CMA Global Artist Party Performers: Kirsty Lee Akers (Australia), Colm Kirwan (Ireland), Lucie Silvas (U.K.), Alex J. Robinson (Canada), Peter McWhirter (Australia), Ashley Cooper (New Zealand), The McClymonts (Australia) and George Canyon (Canada).

AristoMedia Global Showcase

The annual AristoMedia Global Showcase will be held Tuesday, June 9 at 3 p.m. at The Second Fiddle.  Former Mavericks bassist and Digital Rodeo Director of Industry Relations Robert Reynolds will host the event.

“The chance for these artists to travel and perform here is not only an exciting opportunity for the artists, but for the city of Nashville and the entire international Country Music movement as well,” says AristoMedia President Jeff Walker.

International artists: Pierre Lorry (France), Brianie (U.K.), Tore Andersen (Norway), Rolf Fritschi (Switzerland), Dianna Corcoran (Australia), Codie Prevost (Canada), the “Telstra Road to Tamworth” Songwriter’s Award winner Corey Colum (Australia) and David Bradley (U.K.).

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CMA-Greece presents its 2009 events

COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF GREECE PRESENTS

“ GARTH BROOKS: Country Music’s “outburst”!

Saturday, March 14, 2009, 20:30
Theater “Louiza”, Nea Elvetia, Vyronas

The show is dedicated to the outstanding performer Garth Brooks who succeeded to move New Country Music at the top.
His concerts have been always overbooked . The sales of his albums have reached the peak, this way
surpassing legendary, on international grounds, artists.
During this show we will follow Garth’s eminent course right from the beginning until today. This will be an audiovisual journey into the world of an artist who is still writing a history in music.

Special Guest: Nikos Georgas

NIKOS GARAVELAS PRESENTS CYPRUS

“ ELVIS PRESLEY !
THE VOICE OF 20th CENTURY”

APRIL 11 at the Amphitheater of St. Raphael in Limassol, Nikos Garavelas organizes a special presentation, a tribute to the “King” of Rock’n Roll, Elvis.

Nikos will show us, via a documentary video, the life, the brilliant presence, the seismic music course , the dramatic moments, the absolute loneliness of success and the end of Elvis Presley.

1ST COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 17th, at the Garden Theater of the Municipality of Limassol and with the collaboration of the Municipality, Nikos organizes the 1st Country Music Festival in Limassol.
Performers: George Gakis & The Troublemakers
Andreas Gomozias & The Country Gentlemen

It was about time that an event like that would be presented to Cyprus. The audience will experience the unique feeling of the Country Music Festivals , a cultural event that for 7 consecutive years is acknowledged by the audience throughout Greece and Europe and which consist a “must” for the Greek cultural events.

GREECE
7th COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
THE GRASCALS

In September 12th , fans of the institution of Country Music Festivals,
From all over Greece and Europe, set a date in Athens, Greece.
Nikos Garavelas presents , a country - bluegrass band THE GRASCALS!

The GRASCALS is one of the most famous bands of Country and Bluegrass Music. You will attend their show at the Theater of Vrahon Melina Merkouri during the 7th Country Music Festival organized by Nikos Garavelas.

Terry Eldredge-guitar, Jamie Johnson-guitar, Terry Smith-bass, Danny Roberts-mandolin, Kristin Scott Benson-banjo, Jeremy Abshire-fiddle. These are the GRASCALS.

The group recorded their first album in 2004. Their long collaboration with the “diva” of Country Music, Dolly Parton, gave their listeners the opportunity to acknowledge them. Then they collaborated with Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Patty Loveless, Mac Wiseman, J.D. Crowe, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Steve Wariner, Vince Gill, The Jordanaires and many others. They became well-known from the very beginning. In 2005 they were nominated from the International Bluegrass Music Association as Emerging Artist of the Year while all the following years they have won the most significant title for an artist “Entertainer of the Year”.

Their music style is unique and their presence on stage is excellent., thus justifying the bestowal of all the awards which they have gained till now, while they are considered as one of the most promising new groups. Their recent album “Keep on Walking” is no 1 in the charts of this month National Bluegrass Survey Top 15 Bluegrass Album Chart. At the same time the single “Sad Wind Sigh” is in #3 and “Choices” in #17 at the Top 30 Bluegrass Songs Chart.

This is the group, the unique Bluegrass artists, that Nikos Garavelas has chosen to present to the public in September the 12th . An outstanding musical event dedicated to the fans of Country Music Festivals!

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ICMDAY Presents Judy Seale and Rodrigo Haddad with their Awards

Back in September 2008, the International Country Music Organization announced their first International Country Music Ambassadors, Judy Seale and Rodrigo Haddad. This announcement met with a warm welcome in the industry, the media, the fans, and numerous country music associations worldwide.

ICMDAY has the reputation of being a transnational organization, and therefore, the awards were presented in two different countries, Argentina and the United States. In late September, Brazilian singer Rodrigo Haddad was very surprised when he received his award on stage at the San Pedro Country Music Festival organized by one of our founding members, Gustavo Laurino, of Country2.com.  Haddad was delighted and proud to receive an award that recognizes his important efforts in spreading country music internationally with a smile, a great deal of talent, and a gentlemanly cowboy attitude.

A complete clip of Haddad’s show at the San Pedro Country Music Festival, Argentina, organized by Gustavo Laurino (Country2.com)

Julio Cavallaro (Vice-president of AMCU, Country Music Association of Uruguay) congratulates Rodrigo Haddad on his ICMDAY award.

Cowboy Anton, one of the finest and youngest classic country music experts in Nashville, and his fiancée and radio co-host, Cowgirl Erin, interviewed Judy Seale at the end of October on their radio show Music City USA on station WRVU Nashville. Seale has been an acclaimed international manager for many years and is well acquainted with the European and Asian country music markets. Seale was very surprised to receive an award that rewards the tenacity and the vision of a very special businesswoman who has devoted her life to bringing country music to fans and military troops overseas.

Judy Seale with her award and flanked by Cowboy Anton and Cowgirl Erin after the interview on WRVU Nashville’s “Music City USA.”

Judy proudly shows her International Country Music Ambassador award.

A few weeks later, Rodrigo Haddad was also interviewed on Music City USA, during his yearly visit to Nashville to attend the CMA Awards.

 Rodrigo Haddad, talks about his award during an interview on the show “Inside Music Row,”

This year we will name our new International Country Music Ambassadors, but we will keep the names of Seale and Haddad in our hearts, as they become a part of our International Country Music Ambassadors Hall of Fame. Many thanks for promoting country music and making so many people happy with your excellent work!

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Raúl Tejeiro: AMCU is trying to help Country Music find its way back!

Raúl Tejeiro is one of the most eminent journalists in the world of American Music in South America, an activity which he combines with his job as a language teacher and as an actor. Tejeiro is also a movie buff, a jazz expert, keen on film soundtracks, blues, rockabilly. Without any doubt, a complete and singular character indeed, whose biggest passion is, however, Country Music, being his record collection the most comprehensive one in Uruguay.

As one of the pioneers introducing this musical genre in South America, he is director and host of Top Country Hits, a radio show which is on the air on many radio stations in Uruguay and also in Mexico and which can be downloaded from http://www.topcountryhits.net/

In February 2005, Tejeiro cofounded the Country Music Association of Uruguay (Asociación de Musica Country de Uruguay . AMCU) and has been its president since then.

1st International Country Music Festival of Uruguay. On the stage: Honky Tonk Blues (a Honky Tonk & Rockabilly band)

Since AMCU is about to hold Uruguay’s second annual Country Music festival in December, ICMDAY interviewed Raúl Tejeiro recently.

ICMDAY: How did you first become interested in country music?

Raúl Tejeiro: It all started way back in the late 70s when I was a teenager and while all my friends were into disco music, I would listen to jazz and blues. I did like the Bee Gees and ABBA, but what I really loved was Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzerald. Until one day I heard on the radio some songs that changed my life. I thought they were “cowboy songs”, or at least, the kind of music that you could hear in films like “Smokey & the Bandit”. Songs like “Coward of the County,” “Eastbound & Down” or “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”. They were so full of energy! I didn’t know what Country Music was, so I started reading, buying Lps, collecting newspaper clippings with all the info I could get.

ICMDAY: So this started a long time ago, but why didyou switch one day from being a fan to having your own Country Music radio show, Top Country Hits?

Raúl Tejeiro: The next goal I set myself was going to the USA, more specifically to Nashville, so I applied for a scholarship and there I went. I lived in the USA in 1991 and 1992 –perhaps some of the best years for Country Music- and I travelled around the US, visiting very rich cities, musically speaking, such as Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Chicago, New York and many others, getting more and more material and getting in contact with local artists. Eventually, when I came back to Uruguay, I went on teaching English –which is what I do for a living- and I also continued acting in theatre. When you are an actor, you work with your voice, your diction, your feelings. Some friends suggested that I should have a show on the radio because I knew a lot about the music and I had the material and the voice. I knocked on some doors and eventually, Top Country Hits saw the light of day.

Raúl Tejeiro

ICMDAY: What kind of music do you play on your show?

Raúl Tejeiro: Basically, music I like. I don’t play songs based on sales or rankings. I play everything from pure, raw, honky tonk music to country pop material. There are some artists that no matter how famous they are in the US, I don’t play their songs much, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, being two examples. They’re not exactly my cup of tea, too pop to my taste, but I have played their music anyway because I found something I liked. My heart belongs to good old honky tonk music and rockabilly.

ICMDAY: Do you think the music produced in Nashville at the moment is being accepted overseas?

Raúl Tejeiro: It all depends on how the music is marketed and labeled. In the 70s, artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were huge in places like Japan but they were marketed as “pop” or “easy listening” artists, not “country”. Country is the genre that most people associate the US with, and since that country is not very much liked around the world, this music also suffers this prejudice.
Also, Country Music has changed a lot: artists like Rascal Flatts or Urban wouldn’t have been considered country 30 years ago and now they top the charts. Creedence and the Eagles were not considered country in the past, and they are more country-sounding that many of today’s top artists.

ICMDAY: With the advent of new technology, Top Country Hits, made in Uruguay, can be listened to all over the world, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, on your website…

RAÚL TEJEIRO: Yes, that’s right and it’s amazing. That’s the good side of globalization. I receive requests from listeners from many countries and many artists who send me their music, then find it curious, different and even funny to hear information about them in Spanish. They don’t understand a word, only their names!

Hickory Wind. Bluegrass on the 1st International Country Music Festival of Uruguay, 2007

ICMDAY: You also write articles, many of which have very original titles (“Book me, Sargeant” or “Cowboy Freud?”). What do you want to convey in your articles?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: I want people to learn about Country Music, but I also want them to enjoy what they read. I could write very dense, detailed articles that only some scholars might enjoy, but the regular reader may find boring. I need to write articles which are interesting, informative and fun. I want people to say “hey! I’d like to listen to some of those artists!” after they have finished reading one of my articles.

ICMDAY: Would you like to write a book on Country Music? Have you got any plans?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: It has crossed my mind once or twice. I think Spanish speakers who like Country Music but don’t have a good command of English, still deserve a good book on Country Music, written in their mother tongue. There are some, but you may believe it not, they have included a lot of wrong information and mistakes. I can’t believe why anyone would go through the trouble of writing a book without taking the necessary time to check all the information included.

Raúl Tejeiro hosting Top Country Hits

ICMDAY: Is it difficult to have a Country Music Association miles away from the US? Why did you decide to do so?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: Quoting Charlie Daniels: “Nashville is Country and we’re Country. But we’re a whole lot more than Nashville”. The US is the home of Country Music, but this music now belongs to the rest of the world. There are artists who don’t speak English but sing in English anyway, and there are those who sing Country Music in their own language, from Spanish to Japanese. There are Country Music artists and fans all over the world. Check out the web and you’ll find lots of Country Music associations all over the world, but you won’t find many jazz, reggae or blues associations. There’s something about people who like Country Music which is kind of gregarious! We founded our association because we felt it would help the genre grow and become more popular. That’s our goal.

ICMDAY: And from creating an association you are now organising a festival, among other activities. Tell us more about that.

RAÚL TEJEIRO: Once I was in a park and there was a Celtic Music festival…and they only had three bands!! So I said “hey, we have more than three Country Music bands! We could also have our festival!” And that’s how the ball started rolling. We also sponsor other activies such as concerts, meetings, etc.and we have our website with information in Spanish.

Madera (Alt Country Group), playing at the International Country Music Festival of Uruguay, 2007. 

ICMDAY: What are you planning for this year?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: We are having our 2nd International Country Music Festival in Uruguay in December in one our city’s most beautiful areas. We’re going to have Uruguayan bands playing everything from Western Swing to Honky Tonk, from Bluegrass to Rockabilly. And we also have some special guests from Argentina.
And then we’re going to kick off 2009 with a tribute concert remembering Elvis Presley. Top Country Hits is going to celebrate its 100th show on the web and our website is going to get better and better. We’re planning to visit schools to give talks –in Spanish and in English- on the History of Country Music and the Birth of Rock’n’Roll. And of course, we’re also going to have a special celebration on the International Country Music Day, with a tribute to the legendary Hank Williams.

ICMDAY: Tell us about the Country Music scene in Uruguay, please.

RAÚL TEJEIRO: Country Music used to be very popular in the 70s, thanks to country pop artists such as Kenny Rogers, John Denver, Anne Murray, Eddie Rabbitt, Juice Newton and many others. Their songs were constantly played on the radio. But then, when our country regained democracy after a long dictatorship. there was the need to be more patriotic, therefore there was an explosion of Uruguayan music in Spanish, which buried all the music in English played on the radio.
Now, our association is trying to help Country Music find its way back!

ICMDAY: And Latin or Hispanic Country Music in general?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: There are very good artists who play their own music, many of them in their own language and they also write their own songs. But there’s a large number of artists who only cover hit songs made famous in the US by US artists.

One of the AMCU events in Montevideo, Uruguay

ICMDAY: What are your future plans as an association?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: We want more Country Music on radio stations, more CM concerts. And we have started making contacts in order to have some kind of Latin Country Music Association which may include all the associations that already exist plus those about to be born.

ICMDAY: Which are your all-time favourite artists?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: The list could last many pages, but Kenny Rogers is the reason why I really started listening to Country Music. Songs like “Lucille”, “The Gambler” or “Coward of the County” are real classics in Uruguay and all over the world. As a singer, nobody can top George Jones: he can put more feeling in one single line than many artists in their entire discography. Kris Kristofferson and Tom T. Hall are amazing songwriters. And then Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris…I will never get tired of listening to their songs. Never.

ICMDAY: The Internacional Country Music Day has been spreading the message all over the world in recent years. Which challenges are still around the corner?

RAÚL TEJEIRO: We need to show the US that the rest of the world –that’s us!- is a market that they have vaguely explored. Paraphrasing “Star Trek,” they need to boldly go where no Country Music artist has gone before!.” They need to invest money on promotion, marketing and all that jazz. If Kenny Rogers came to Uruguay, he would go back home with truckloads of money. Well, he actually doesn’t need it!

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