The Great Nashville Flood…of 1975

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Photographer Alan Mayor has been shooting photos for Nashville’s music community for decades and remembers well the flood that inundated the Opry House back in 1975. As with the 2010 flood, the show went on as planned, relocated to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Mayor offered the following shots and reminiscences.

“This current flood has me back in my files to the flood of 1975 that covered Opryland and caused the Opry to move to the Municipal auditorium,” Mayor says. “Here are a couple of shots from that close call. No one thought it would ever happen again.”

Opryland under water

Grand Ole Opry performance at Municipal Auditorium

WMBA Announces 2010 Award Recipients

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The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) recently celebrated their 2010 Annual Cocktail Reception and Awards Ceremony at Nashville’s Acorn Restaurant.

This years awards were presented to the following WMBA members:
Wonder Woman of the Year: Christy Walker-Watkins
Miss Congeniality: Mala Patterson
Passion Award: Josee Deschenes
PR Award: Gloria Green
Spirit Award: Camilla Kleindienst
Team Player Award: Stacey Flankey
Movin’ On Up Award: Dottie Rager
Extra Mile Award:  Sheri O’Neal

In addition, inducted into 2010 Alumni are: Liz Hartzog, Jolene Kay, Dottie Rager, Christina Reckard, Rachel Rodriguez, and Cate Roldan.

For more information visit www.wmbanashville.org

(L-R): Chairs: Stephanie Mundy Self and Kasey Cleckler; Treasurer, Holly Ashby, VP Penny Dionne; President Brandi Simms; Wonder Woman Award Recipient, Christy Walker-Watkins; Kama Upton; & Lindsay Puddy

Ohio Station Steps Up For Flood Victims

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Ashtabula, Ohio’s WYBL-FM, 98.3 The Bull is stepping up to help victims of Nashville’s devastating flood. After watching TV footage of the floods, station staffers decided to start the Need For Nashville Kids Toy Campaign. The station is working with area businesses to donate toys for children affected by the flood who have lost everything. They will then deliver the toys to Nashville-area charities so that “children can find a little bit of light in the darkness of despair.”

The Need For Nashville Kids Toy Campaign:

  • Will collect toys from now until May 23, 2010.
  • Will deliver the toys to Nashville from Ashtabula, Ohio (stopping along the way to pick up other available donations and locations)
  • Will deliver toys to Nashville and then get involved with HON.org to help restore Nashville.

If other station or artists would be interested in getting involved, 98.3 The Bull will promote it on the air and in any documents they release.

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Roger McCoy at (440) 993-2126 x 116 or at [email protected].

Channel 4 Air Flood Relief Telethon: Vince Gill and Friends

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WSMV-TV Channel 4 will broadcast Working 4 You: Flood Relief with Vince Gill & Friends on Thursday, May 6 in prime time from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee communities have been devastated by flood waters after the area received 15 inches of rain within a 48 hour time period. Thousands of Middle Tennesseans have been evacuated from their homes with many losing everything to the flood. Many of the victims do not have flood insurance and the demands on relief agencies are stretched to the limit.

“These are our friends and family; we always take care or our friends and family.” said Meredith Senior Vice President and WSMV-TV General Manager Elden Hale Jr. “It’s unfortunate that we’re called upon to do this again for our neighbors, but we are very proud to have the ability to reach out to so many people with Nashville’s flood relief telethon.”

All proceeds from Working 4 You; Flood Relief with Vince Gill & Friends will benefit The Salvation Army, The Red Cross, and The Second Harvest Food Bank.

For more information regarding this special prime time telethon please call WSMV-TV Programming Director Donna Sexton at 615-353-2214.

Newsweek Thrown Into Shopping Cart

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Newsweek has been put in play according to Chairman Donald E. Graham who said the venerable news entity “might be a better fit elsewhere.” Newsweek’s parent, The Washington Post Co. has retained Allen & Co. to explore the publication’s sale. Pricing and potential suitors are still to be determined. Business Week sold recently for under $5 million.

Anne McDaniel, Newsweek managing director and Sr. VP at the Washington Post told Ad Age, “As a public company, we must pay attention to the return to our shareholders. But there are two other extremely important criteria—one, a good home for Newsweek and Newsweek.com, and two, a good home for the employees for Newsweek.”

One issue that will weigh on the sale process is Newsweek’s obligation to its existing subscribers recently reported as an average of 1.9 million. If the publication were to be shut down and not sold, Washington Post might be liable to refund money to subscribers that have already paid. Moving that liability to another party may actually be a large part of what is expected in the sale process.

“That would be the main reason to put it up for sale rather than shutting it down,” said Reed Phillips managing partner at media investment bank DeSilva & Phillips. “The issue with shutting it down, for a company like Washington Post, would be that they have to refund money to subscribers who already paid. I think their primary objective is not to see any objectives from the sale but to off-lay the subscription liability to someone else.”

Read more here….

[AdAge story]

[Newsweek story]

Black River Signs Osborne, Sebastian Consults For ole

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Black River Music Group Publishing has signed Kentucky native Josh Osborne to a publishing agreement.

“I’m very happy to be working with Josh and I believe he will prove to be an important writer and a name we will all recognize inthe not to distant future,” says Celia Froehlig, Black River Music Group’s Vice President, Publishing.

Osborne has had songs featured in shows on the Fox network and his song “Stay Away” was featured in the Hallmark movie, Every Second Counts. He’s also had songs that charted on the Texas and Americana charts.

(l-r seated): Celia Froehlig, Josh Osborne; (Standing l-r): Jimmy Nichols, President BRMG, Tonya Ginnetti, Vice President, Director of Artist Relations

In other publishing news, Mike Sebastian, formerly VP/GM for Blacktop Music Group, has been hired on as a consultant at ole, the publishing company that recently acquired Blacktop. Sebastian will continue to pitch the Blacktop catalog as well as work with ole/Blacktop writers Marty Dodson, Jimmy Yeary and Matt Nolen while also helping ole assimilate the Blacktop company into their system.

Sebastian can be reached at 615-327-2605 or at  [email protected]

DISClaimer Reviews (5/5/09)

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The stars are twinkling brightly this week.

Such A-listers as Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban all have sparkling new singles. The first two are boasting new sonic splendor, courtesy of Michael Knox, who produced both. David Lee Murphy’s work with Kevin Fowler also deserves a shout-out.

Our Disc of the Day is unquestionably Keith Urban’s “I’m In.” The DisCovery Award goes to Kelly Kenning, who is a Texan and sounds it.

KELLY KENNING/Broken Bones
Writer: Tony Ramey/Si Hill/Joanna Smith; Producer: Kelly Kenning & David Chamberlain; Publisher: O Tex/Square One, BMI; Airastar/Davis (www.kellykenning.com)
—The rodeo cowboy gets his heart busted in this dandy story song that name-checks one western town after another. Well written.

KEITH URBAN/I’m In
Writer: Radney Foster/Georgia Middleman; Producer: Dann Huff & Keith Urban; Publisher: Universal-PolyGram/St, Julien/On My Mind, ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (track)
—The fifth single from Defying Gravity is an insanely catchy romp. More hooks than a tuna boat. If the song seems familiar, it’s because you remember it from Radney Foster’s 1998 CD See What You Want to See or his 2001 collection Are You Ready for the Big Show. The former also contained Radney’s version of “Raining on Sunday” which Mr. Urban has also memorably covered.

TENA RAE HELM/Nobody’s Watching
Writer: tena Rae Helm/Bobby Terry; Producer: Bobby Terry; Publisher: FireRae, BMI; Fire Rae (www.tenarae.com)
—Relentlessly perky. Unbearably bouncy. Painfully sweet.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Undo It
Writer: Carrie Unerwood/Kara DioGuardi/Marti Frederiksen/Luke Laird; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Carrie-Okie/Sunshine Terrace/Bug/Half of My Publishing/Art in the Fodder/Arthouse/Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine, BMI; Arista
—You’d think that with four writers, one of them would have come up with a melody. Carrie sells this one with sheer attitude.

BILL RICE/Rockstar
Writer: none listed; Producer: Bill Rice & Roger Blevins Jr.; Publisher: none listed; Aaron Ave
—His voice is too lightweight for the material. The production overwhelms him.

TRACE ADKINS/This Ain’t No Love Song
Writer: Tony Lane/Marcel/David Lee; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Sony-ATV Harmony/Universal/Chaggy Buss/Universal-Careers, ASCAP/BMI; Show Dog Universal
—Contrary to the title, it IS a love song. And Trace sings it splendidly. The production work on this slab of audio dynamite is mighty potent. I remain a fan.

CERRITO & LANE BRODY/South Of The Border
Writer: none listed; Producer: Eddie Bayers Jr., Felipe de la Rosa & Cerrito; Publisher: none listed; Checo
—Yes, it’s the 1939 Gene Autry standard. This arrangement dresses the tune up with Mexicali trumpets and castanets, plus a verse in Spanish.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/While You’re Still Young
Writer: Jim Collins/Tony Martin/Wendell Mobley; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
—Their voices have never sounded stronger. And this is the best written, best sounding  single they’ve put out in ages. A refreshing and welcome change of pace.

KEVIN FOWLER/Pound Sign
Writer: David Lee Murphy/Jim Collins/Tony Martin; Producer: David Lee Murphy; Publisher: Old Desperados/N2D/Carol Vincent/Songs of Elevation/Big Green Tractor/Sony-ATV, ASCAP/BMI; Lyric  Street
—“Today I feel like pound sign (#), question mark (?), star (*), exclamation point (!),” goes the chorus. It seems he partied too hard last night and now he has a mean hangover. Bopping and cute.

BOMSHEL/Just Fine
Writer: Kelley Shepard/Kristy Osmunson/Lee Brice; Producer: Chuck Howard; Publisher: Getting Grown/KupKake/Osmunson/Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria, BMI; Curb
—The rhythm track is nervous sounding. They sing it with feisty energy, but is the so-so song worth the effort?

Montgomery Gentry Build a Playground

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Lexington, Kentucky is getting a new playground. 2010 ACM/Home Depot Humanitarian Award winners Montgomery Gentry, recently asked country music fans and consumers to help select the city where a new KaBOOM! playground will be built in their honor by The Home Depot. From April 12–30, 2010, fans voted for one of six pre-selected cities (Atlanta, Denver, Lexington, Ky., Los Angeles, Orlando, Fla., and Toledo, Ohio) to determine the playground location. An organization in Lexington will receive a new, custom-designed KaBOOM! playground built by The Home Depot associates.

More than 54,000 votes were cast with Lexington receiving nearly 65 percent of the votes. Montgomery Gentry will attend and participate in the playground build in the fall of 2010.

The ACM/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award recognizes country music artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need. Montgomery Gentry received the Award on April 18, 2010 during the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Gretchen Wilson Joins Dollar General in Literacy Fight

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Dollar General Corporation is partnering with British home and health care products company Reckitt Benckiser and country music star Gretchen Wilson to launch Literacy Rocks. The sweepstakes, which launched May 3 in Dollar General stores, offers customers the opportunity to win an exclusive concert experience with Gretchen Wilson or autographed CDs.

To kick-off Literacy Rocks, Reckitt Benckiser donated $250,000 to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support literacy initiatives. In addition, for every Lysol®, Air Wick® or Finish® product purchased at Dollar General, Reckitt Benckiser will donate 5 cents to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, up to $75,000.

“We are pleased to offer our customers the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Gretchen Wilson, as well as help the Dollar General Literacy Foundation,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “The funds raised through this promotion will support literacy programs in the communities we serve.”

Literacy and education are two initiatives close to Wilson’s heart. Until recently, she was one of the million Americans who hadn’t finished high school. In 2008, at the age of 34, she earned her GED. As a dedicated mother, it was important for her to earn the diploma not only for herself, but to show her daughter the importance of education. Through her participation in the Literacy Rocks sweepstakes, Wilson is helping others reach their own education dreams.

The sweepstakes begins May 3 and ends June 14. Click here for more information.

CMA Offers Chance To Win CMA Fest Lifetime Tickets

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In celebration of CMA Music Festival’s 39-year legacy, fans will be given the chance to be a part of all the great moments yet to come with the first-ever CMA Music Festival Lifetime Ticket Giveaway sweepstakes. The promotion will yield one lucky winner two seats per year to future CMA Music Festival events for as long as that winner wishes to redeem the prize. The premium-located seats in LP Field’s lower level retail for $200 each, bringing the prize value to a minimum of $400 per year.

“It’s the mother of all prizes,” says Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “In 2011, this legendary event will celebrate its 40th year of bringing artists and fans together. In celebrating the rich history of Fan Fair and CMA Music Festival, we also look ahead to the event’s next chapter, and we’re thrilled our Lifetime Ticket winner will be there for all of the exciting things to come.”

Starting this week, fans can enter the CMA Music Festival Lifetime Ticket Giveaway sweepstakes online at CMAfest.com. Helping to spread the word and drive entries at CMAfest.com will be promotional partners including Country Weekly, DigitalRodeo.com, GAC: Great American Country, Grand Ole Opry, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, MySpace Karaoke, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, NowPlayingNashville.com, Roughstock, The Country Network,103 WKDF, WKRN-TV Nashville, 95.5 The Wolf, 98 WSIX, 650 AM WSM,  and niche partner Web sites including CountryHound.com, CountryMusicIsLove.com, and CountryMusicTattleTale.com. Additionally, artists performing at 2010 CMA Music Festival will also be spreading the word to their fans through their respective digital platforms, including official websites, social media and e-mail and mobile database outreach.

“We’re reaching out to partner with our friends in the music industry,” says Ben Bennett, CMA Manager of Online Promotions and Mobile Marketing. “We invite all our partners to help get the word out about this incredible prize – everybody from the amazing artists who have helped make the CMA Music Festival what it is today to our partners at radio and our professional colleagues as well. It’s our goal to let every Country fan out there know about this prize and give each one a chance to win big!”

To enter the sweepstakes through CMA’s digital channels, fans can visit www.CMAfest.com. The contest runs now through Sunday, June 13, when one winner will be chosen from all eligible entries received online, through text message and other entry points.