No. 1 Celebration: Kip Moore’s “Hey Pretty Girl”

Photo (L-R): Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Brett James, Mike Dungan. Photo: Rick Diamond

A line in Kip Moore‘s previous chart-topping hit “Beer Money” has proved prophetic: this newcomer certainly has his foot on the gas and his career is taking off at rocket speeds. He celebrated his third consecutive chart-topping single, “Hey Pretty Girl,” yesterday (Aug. 22) at the Flying Saucer in Nashville, Tenn., along side co-writer Dan Couch. “Hey Pretty Girl” follows Moore’s previous chart-topping songs “Beer Money” and “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” Moore’s debut single which he also co-wrote with Couch.

Among those who gathered to congratulate Moore on the feat were BMG Chrysalis’ Kos Weaver, Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery and UMG’s Mike Dungan. Avenue Bank’s Cooper Samuels announced that Avenue Bank would make a contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association on behalf of the songwriters.

Many in the throng of supporters, including UMG’s Dungan (pictured above), donned Moore’s signature red hat for the party. In addition to commemorative plaques, trophies and Dungan’s well-known accolade affectionately known as the “Impaler Award” that were given to the songwriters and publishers, Moore also received three Oakley black and gold Offshoot sunglasses.

Pictured (L-R): Corn Man Music’s Brett James, co-writer Dan Couch, Corn Man Music’s Nate Lowery, Kip, MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, BMI’s Perry Howard, BMG Chrysalis’ Kos Weaver and Capitol Records’ Mike Dungan. Photographer: Rick Diamond

Moore was the first songwriter signed to Cornman Music, the publishing company founded and owned by singer-songwriter Brett James (“The Man I Want To Be,” “Get Off On the Pain,” “Blessed”). During the celebration, James recalled how early on, before Moore released a single, the singer-songwriter held a solid confidence in his musicianship and star potential. “Four years ago,” said James, “Kip and I were in my office. I had a ’64 Hummingbird [Gibson guitar]. Kip said, ‘If I get three No. 1 songs in a row, you have to give me that guitar.'” Given the steep odds of any new artist amassing three consecutive No. 1 songs, James agreed. During the celebration, James held up his end of the bargain, gifting Moore the prized instrument before the industry crowd.

“Brett James is the ultimate believer,” said Moore. “He thought I was a rock star from day one and would not waver. That’s what it’s about, having faith and not wavering from it. It doesn’t matter how much talent you have, you can’t do it alone…I realize how many hands it takes, from my truck driver to me and the band, engineers, merchandise people.”