Trick Pony appears in...
Heidi Newfield

Heidi Newfield may have recently launched a solo career after a decade fronting the trio Trick Pony, but that doesn’t mean she’s lost her taste for songwriting collaborations. “I love co-writing,” she declares. “I love the idea of sitting in a room and brainstorming, throwing ideas out: ‘Okay, I’ve got this and this and this, and what are you in the mood for today?…
Trick Pony Shows Off New Line-Up
Trick Pony swung by BMI's Music Row offices recently to introduce their new lead vocalist Aubrey Collins to the staff. Longtime BMI affiliates Ira Dean and Keith Burns performed a selection of their freshly minted tunes alongside Collins, who looked and sounded right at home. Trick Pony showcased three new tunes. Pictured are (l to r): Trick Pony's Keith Burns,…
‘These Days,’ It’s Good To Be Jeffrey Steele
2006 just keeps getting better for Jeffrey Steele-and the bar for "better" doesn't get much higher than his. Named Music Row's 2006 Songwriter of the Year and author of the magazine's Song of the Year, "What Hurts the Most," Steele's status as the genre's go-to guy for chart-toppers has long since been cemented.
For Kanye West, Music is Medicine

Declaring on national television that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” might be a career-killer for most artists — but most artists aren’t Kanye West. The 28-year-old hip-hop superstar’s ubiquitous single “Gold Digger” (featuring some Ray Charles-ish backing vocals from friend Jamie Foxx) has effortlessly topped pop, r&b, digital and ringtone charts, while sales of its accompanying album, Late Registration (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam), exceeded…
For Kanye West, Music Is Medicine

Declaring on national television that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” might be a career-killer for most artists — but most artists aren’t Kanye West. The 28-year-old hip-hop superstar’s ubiquitous single “Gold Digger” (featuring some Ray Charles-ish backing vocals from friend Jamie Foxx) has effortlessly topped pop, r&b, digital and ringtone charts, while sales of its accompanying album, Late Registration…
Toby Keith Reclaims Lead in CMA Nods
Recognized in six categories, Toby Keith led the list of BMI-affiliated nominees for the 38th Annual Country Music Association Awards (announced August 30). Nominated for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Shock'N Y'all, Keith also picked up Single and Music Video mentions for "I Love This Bar." He is also eligible for trophies as co-producer…
Jim Collins
Texan Jim Collins came to Nashville in 1995, like so many others, looking for a record deal. He and his wife had made an agreement, though: He’d give it one year. He jokes that his wife is still mad, since it took him a year and two days to land a deal with Arista. Tellingly, though, it took him a mere three…
Merle Haggard Holds Court at BMI Nashville
Merle Haggard was the man of the hour during a BMI-hosted reception on April 19 celebrating the release of 40 #1 Hits on Capitol Nashville. Haggard received a Special Citation of Appreciation from BMI in recognition of his 42-year affiliation with the performing rights organization. Among his BMI songwriting honors are two-time Country Songwriter of the Year and more than 50 BMI Pop and Country Awards.…
Brooks & Dunn and Toby Keith Are Five-Times Lucky with ACM Nods
BMI superstars Brooks & Dunn and Toby Keith received five nominations each when the nominees for the 39th annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced in Los Angeles on March 10. Brooks & Dunn …
Country in the Rockies X: The Ultimate Backstage Pass
Country In the Rockies X lived up to its billing as "The Ultimate Backstage Pass," bringing legendary artists like Mel Tillis, Charlie Daniels and Kenny Loggins together with a new generation of singers and songwriters to make music and make money for cancer research. The event, chaired by BMI's Tom Annastas and Paul Corbin, is held at Club Med in Crested Butte, Colorado. …
