Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Steven Dale Jones, songwriter-artist Jordan Davis and songwriter Justin Ebach. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Music Row members gathered in Nashville yesterday (July 30) to celebrate MCA Nashville artist Jordan Davis‘ first No. 1 song, his debut “Singles You Up,” penned by Davis alongside Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach.
Songwriter Paul DiGiovanni also celebrated his first No. 1 as a producer with the track.
“Thanks Jordan for being so talented and easy to work with, and also to Steven and Justin for writing such a great song,” DiGiovanni said. “Zach Sutton, thank you so much for everything you did. I’m happy to be here.”
The party, hosted by ASCAP and held at Nashville hot spot Fat Bottom Brewery, held a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd who cheered Davis as Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan announced the track was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA. To celebrate, Davis has released a special acoustic version of “Singles You Up.”
Presentations and speeches celebrating the songwriters were made by publishers Curb/Word’s Janine Appleton Ebach and ole’s Ben Strain, and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, and Country Radio Broadcasters’ Brooke Sanders were also on hand to celebrate the group.
Davis released his debut album, Home State, in March. Davis co-wrote all 12 tracks on the album, including his current Top 40 single, “Take It From Me.”
“First off, I want to thank my family,” said Davis, who thanked every major person that has been a part of his career thus far. He also noted his uncle Stan, who has been writing songs for years. “I remember the first demo I ever heard—I didn’t know what it was at the time—but it was Uncle Stan’s songs,” Davis continued. “He was the first Davis that made the trek to Nashville and I don’t know if we would be here doing that—me and my brother as well—if you hadn’t have done that a long time ago. Dad, thank you for playing John Prine and Kris Kristofferson records. Thank you to Steven Dale and Justin for getting in the room and writing with a new artist. My goal on that day was to get in and prove to Steven Dale Jones that I can write a song. We’ve all heard the songs this guy has written. Thank you for taking a chance and writing with me.
Mr. DiGiovanni can say this is easy all he wants but I’ve realized I’m not an easy guy to make an album with. I make a lot of tweaks, re-sing a lot of stuff, I’ll be honest, I could still go in right now and redo some vocals on some of those songs, but the cool thing about Paul is he always made time for it. Thank you for doing an incredible job.”
Davis also gave thanks to Robert Filhart for his early belief in Davis’ ability. “The initial move to Nashville was very very tough, and if it hadn’t been for Robert Filhart and a place to live rent-free until I could get on my feet…there’s not a lot of people who do stuff like that. I’m very grateful to Robert for not only giving me a place to live but introducing me to people like Michael and Mike Sistad and everybody as ASCAP. And Ben Strain at ole took a chance on me which led me to a lot of other great people. I can always call you guys and the support you show me has been pretty unreal. Thank you for letting me be part of the ole family.”
He also had words of thanks for UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, as well as VP, A&R Stephanie Wright. “Stephanie has been with me from day one and has been one of my biggest champions in town. Thank you for making Home State what it is.”
Pictured (L-R): (back) Curb/Word’s Janine Appleton Ebach, Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, producer Paul DiGiovanni, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, Ole’s Ben Strain, Universal Music Group’s Mike Dungan, (front) Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis and Justin Ebach. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): UMG’s Chris Schuler, UMG’s Royce Risser, SVP Promotion, Jordan Davis, UMG’s Donna Hughes, MCA Nashville’s Briana Galluccio, UMG’s Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO. (Front Row): MCA Nashville’s Louie Newman, MCA Nashville’s Anna Johnson, MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, MCA Nashville’s Donna Jo Passuntino, MCA Nashville’s Katie Dean, MCA Nashville’s Michelle Tyrrell, UMG’s David Friedman. Photo: Peyton Hoge
Pictured (L-R): UMG’s Royce Risser, SVP Promotion, UMG’s Brian Wright, EVP A&R, Zach Sutton, Jordan Davis, UMG’s Mike Dungan, Chairman & CEO, UMG’s Mike Harris, COO. Photo: Peyton Hoge
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
