It's 5:05PM in Nashville (CST) and I'm just now sending this newsletter out. That tells you what sort of day it's been. Yet, my attitude is good. I'm looking forward to a new creation Andi is cooking up and an evening with the my Golden State Warriors. But first, the news!
Literally, the Music & Meaning podcast today is the news—that is, select music news from the month of February. I called the show, Four On The Floor—me hosting, with three amazing music industry guests: Tracy Gershon, Rissi Palmer, and Swagg R'Celious (bios below). The CT Media crew, especially Matt Stevens delivered with a very informative, punchy, and fun-loving show. We take on the Grammys, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, T. Swift, Beyonce's new single and so much more. Dig it.
SPOTIFY PODCASTS APPLE PODCASTS CT MEDIA PODCASTS
Favor: If you listen today or in coming days? Please do the starring/liking and leaving glowing comments thing. You know what it's like in this world today. Ugh, this stuff matters to the platform owners, and so, matters to me/we because we want them to prioritize what we’re doing. Understandable. Thank you.
Next, my friend and CT Media colleague, Mike Cosper dropped a new book today, Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found. I've read it and give it 5 Stars! It is, as Mike says, "Part memoir, part meditation on the lives of Peter and Elijah, it's describes how the death of our dreams is both a normal part of the Christian life and a surprising means of God’s grace. It’s my attempt to make sense of my own experience with what the kids these days are calling “deconstruction,” but what folks like Walter Brueggemann called “disorientation” and our Catholic brothers and sisters call “the dark night.” It’s ultimately about how God, in his kindness, kept me near to him and near to his church."
Anyone relate to this at all? Please avail yourself of this kindness through Mike's excellent new book.
Speaking of books . . . I just talked to Parnassus in Green Hills yesterday, and apparently they still have some seats for our book launch! JR there, told me, "keep telling people." I thought they could hold 100—apparently it's 130. Good news! See you there!
Love you all and appreciate you!
Peace,
CP
Bios of Podcast Guests for Music & Meaning Episode 7, Four On The Floor
RISSI PALMER is a much-admired singer-songwriter who debuted on the Country music charts with “Country Girl” and “Hold On To Me” in 2007. She has performed at The White House, New York's prestigious Lincoln Center and famed Apollo Theater, and has made multiple appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. She's been featured in notable media outlets including Associated Press, Ebony, Essence, New York Times, Newsweek, NPR's "All Things Considered," PEOPLE, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Rolling Stone Magazine, where she was included in their 2021 list of Future 25. She has also appeared on ABC News Live, Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, PBS Newshour, America's News Nation, and many others. 2024 marks Rissi's fourth season of Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer (Apple Music). This milestone is not only a testament to the show's success but also a celebration of diversity and inclusion within the country music genre. Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer airs every other Saturday on Apple Music Country at 12 Noon, EST. Rissi is also a Special Correspondent for CMT's Hot 20 Countdown.
SWAGG R'CELIOUS holds a Bachelor of Music degree from LaGrange College and is active as an adjunct professor, producer, vocalist, and songwriter who's making an innovative mark on the music industry. The Sony/ATV-signed producer/writer has had career-defining opportunities to work with artists, writers and producers such as: H.E.R., Kehlani Baby Face, American Authors, Wale, Alicia Keys, Neyo, Brandy, Zhavia Ward, Cash Cash, K. Michelle, Elle Varner, Tiara Thomas, Livre, Kery James, Busta Rhymes, Coko of SWV, B.O.B, Dawn Richard, and many more. Respected beyond the genres of hip-hop and R&B music, his beginnings were rooted in the church and have evolved across cultural lines and academic lines. Swagg is an ever-evolving producer who enjoys speaking about his experiences and passion for music in workshops settings at the Berklee School of Music, Seoul Music Institute’s Summer Music Program, LaGrange College, and at NYU's The Steinhardt School, where Swagg serves on the prestigious Songwriting faculty.
TRACY GERSHON is an iconic entertainment industry and business leader with over 20 years of experience developing and executing visionary music and entertainment strategies. Tracy is an expert in the nurturing and development of influential talent as an A&R and music publishing executive, and excels as an artist manager. Her achievements include the signing of award-winning artists, such as Miranda Lambert, and Kacey Musgraves, while providing guidance and coaching to support the careers of many other artists, including Brandi Carlile, Blake Shelton, Randy Travis, Gretchen Wilson, The Wreckers, Faith Hill , Big & Rich, Lori McKenna, and many more. As a passionate community activist, one of Tracy's proudest accomplishments is the co-founding of "Change The Conversation," a coalition addressing gender bias within the music industry. The group fosters a community of female executives and artists, showcases rising female talent, and has hosted special events with groundbreaking singers Wanda Jackson and Reba McEntire. Tracy is also a founding board member of Nashville Music Equality whose mission is to create an anti-racist environment in the Nashville music industry. She has also served her community as an active and dedicated NARAS (Grammy) board member for over 20 years, serving four terms on the Board of Governors and currently serves as a National Trustee.