Opry’s New App; Gibson App Awarded

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The Grand Ole Opry has launched a free mobile app for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android. The app’s release precedes the Opry’s 85th birthday celebration which will take place this weekend. Through the free app, fans can listen to 650 WSM radio, watch videos of Opry performances, purchase tickets to Opry shows, connect through Facebook and Twitter, read country music news and blogs, sign up for the Opry Update email newsletter and more.

The Opry’s Birthday Bash Weekend is set to include appearances by Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Roy Clark, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Wayne, and Crystal Gayle, among others, including renowned CBS broadcaster Charles Osgood. The celebration continues throughout October, with shows featuring appearances by Adkins, Charlie Daniels Band, George Jones, The Judds, Blake Shelton (Opry induction Oct. 23), and more. Visit opry.com.

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Gibson Guitar scored the award for “Best Branded Music App” at the first-ever Billboard Music App Awards.  Created in conjunction with Legacy Learning Systems, the Gibson Learn & Master Guitar app has quickly become a popular accessory for guitarists, approaching 2 million downloads since its release. Gibson Guitar and Legacy Learning Systems have also announced that the app will soon be available for Android and Intel app stores.

It is available as a free download for both the iPhone and iPod Touch and includes such features as a professional quality chromatic tuner, alternate tuning settings, a standard mode tuner, an accurate metronome with multiple time signatures, a chord library and access to free, full-length lessons from the award-winning Learn & Master course, including printable resources that accompany the lessons available through www.learnandmaster.com.

The inaugural Billboard Music App Awards were held on October 5th in San Francisco as part of Mobile Entertainment Live!: The Music App Summit.

CMT Announces Artists of the Year

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CMT has announced its first ever Artists of the Year, with a 90-minute special set to premiere December 3. The program will honor stars Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and the Zac Brown Band. Honorees were selected based on sales, radio airplay, concert grosses, and activity on CMT.com.

The special is scheduled to be taped in Nashville and will bring the Artists of the Year together with their peers and other entertainment celebrities for an evening of performances.

CMA Makes Record $2.9M Donation

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Nashville School of the Arts sophomore Duncan McPherson performs at the CMA’s donation announcement. Photo credit: John Russell/CMA

CMA has announced it will donate all net proceeds from the 2010 CMA Music Festival to support music education and flood relief in Metro Nashville, for a record sum of $2,924,936. The donation will be split between CMA’s “Keep The Music Playing” campaign and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. CMA Board member Kix Brooks made the announcement.

“When we started this program several years ago, the success of the Music Festival itself and the opportunity to have an ongoing contribution to aid in the music programs of our local schools, was just a dream – today we have a reality that’s has far exceeded our imaginations,” said Brooks. “It’s working and I can’t thank my fellow artists and all the other CMA volunteers enough. Considering the year our community has had, the faithful support from the fans of Country Music could not have come at better time. Big time thanks to everyone!”

“Every cent of the net proceeds from CMA Music Festival is going right back into this community to support causes important to everyone in the industry – music education and aiding recovery in the aftermath of the floods,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to make a donation of this size and we have confidence that the funds will be put to immediate and good use reaching the hands of the people who need it most.”

With the announcement, CMA has contributed $4,774,521 to support music education. This money has been used to build music labs and purchase nearly 4,000 instruments in Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education. The total also includes an annual endowment gift for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Words & Music program, which assists language arts and music teachers with classroom instruction in the basics of songwriting.

Ellen Lehman, President of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, received a check on behalf of her organization to benefit flood relief.

“Thanks to the kindness of the CMA’s fans, performers and the CMA itself, there is now additional money to help our neighbors rebuild their lives,” said Lehman. “Through grants to local nonprofits which are counseling, rebuilding homes, and feeding, this gift will assist The Community Foundation and our nonprofit partners as we work toward restoring every corner of our community until the task is completed. Our sincerest thanks to the CMA and its performers and fans.”

CMA is donating all net proceeds – a record $2,924,936 – from 2010 CMA Music Festival to support music education and aid flood relief in Metro Nashville. (L-R): CMA CEO, Steve Moore; CMA Board Member and singer/songwriter/radio personality, Kix Brooks; CMA Board Member and member of Little Big Town, Karen Fairchild; Executive Director of the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, Pam Garrett; Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Director, Kyle Young; Nashville Mayor Karl Dean; Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee President, Ellen Lehman; CMA Board Member and artist, Luke Bryan; and CMA Board President and Gaylord Entertainment Senior Vice President of Media and Entertainment, Steve Buchanan. Photo credit: John Russell/CMA.

Swift Wins Trademark Case

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The Tennessean and Nashville Post are reporting that Taylor Swift has won a court case filed against 16 individuals accused of violating Swift’s trademark by selling counterfeit merchandise. A federal judge in Nashville has granted a default judgment barring those individuals from making or selling Taylor Swift merchandise.

The civil lawsuit claimed that Swift’s merchandise enforcement team found numerous individuals selling fake goods during her 2009 Fearless Tour, including shirts bearing her likeness.

The judge has reportedly ordered confiscated items to be destroyed.

McGraw No. 1 Hits Package Coming In Nov.

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Album artwork from The Boot. Click for more.

Curb is planning the Nov. 30 release of a Tim McGraw hits package, boasting all the singer’s No. 1’s, starting with his first trip to the top of the charts with the tear-jerker “Don’t Take The Girl.”

Number One Hits will be a double-disc package covering his double-decade long career, reports The Boot. Among the 24 tracks are “Live Like You Were Dying,” “It’s Your Love” (with Faith Hill), “Just to See You Smile,” “Something Like That,” “My Next Thirty Years,” “I Like It, I Love It,” “Real Good Man,” “Where the Green Grass Grows,” and “Southern Voice.”

The Boot reports that the compilation will include two bonus tracks: a dance mix of “Indian Outlaw,” and McGraw’s latest single, “Felt Good on My Lips.”

The superstar’s sales tally has pushed past the 41 million album mark.

Chesney Debuts Tenth Album At No. 1

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Sales stats for Kenny Chesney’s latest album show the superstar continuing his hot streak. Hemingway’s Whiskey moved 183,000 units its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. This is more than double the debut week sales of his last project, Greatest Hits II, and also outpaces the first week sales of his 2008 Lucky Old Sun album.

Driven by his No. 1 single, “The Boys of Fall,” Hemingway’s Whiskey is Chesney’s sixth album to debut at the top of the all-genre Billboard 200. It’s his tenth consecutive project to enter at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album Chart.

“My sixth number one album feels like my first one,” said an excited Chesney. “I love great songs and I love my fan base that has helped build all this… I’m proud of the songwriters, proud of [my producer] Buddy Cannon, proud of Renee Bell [EVP A&R Sony Music Nashville], proud of the musicians, and everyone involved in this historic ride we have all been on!!!”

His historic ride includes total album sales of more than 30 million, 20 No. 1 singles and Pollstar Magazine recently cited Chesney as the second best ticket seller of the decade, behind only Dave Matthews.

While Chesney did not tour in 2010, he spent the year working on his Summer in 3D movie which was released in April, and the Boys of Fall football documentary, which will be available at Wal-Mart on November 9.

Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton commented, “We’re so proud of Kenny and this is the result of all of the pieces coming together and everyone working as a team. This is a terrific number, and when you factor in a really tough marketplace to that, it’s even more impressive.”

This morning’s @MusicRow contained a detailed look at this week’s SoundScan report, including Chesney’s debut and more. @MR is available only to paid subscribers.

IEBA Wraps 40th Annual Conference

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L-R: Dolly Parton and Jim Morey. Photo: Kevin Kennedy

The International Entertainment Buyers Association concluded its annual conference with loads of showcases and star power. Dolly Parton presented her former manager and IEBA keynote speaker Jim Morey with the Industry Achievement Award to kick off Monday’s (10/4) activities, following a stand up performance by Gloria Gaynor.

Kevin Costner and Modern West put on a great show prior to an informative and introspective Q&A session with Costner and GAC’s Suzanne Alexander. “I was always afraid to follow my first love, which is music,” said Costner. “My wife was listening to some of my music and really pushed me to reengage in my music and it was a great thing she has done for me,” he continued.

Kevin Costner. Photo: Kevin Kennedy

At the evening showcases, CAA hosted Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Tonic and Danny Gokey. BLA (Buddy Lee Attractions) offered Bush Hog, award-winning Australian sister trio The McClymonts, Colt Ford and the crowd stopping Here Come The Mummies.

WME had a crowd lined up down Broadway to get in for Steel Magnolia, Lee Brice, Clay Walker, Chris Young, Jerrod Niemann, James Otto and Randy Houser.

CEG (Conway Entertainment Group) had a late late night slot with Diana DiGarmo, The Cleverlys, and pop rocker Brennin. Other performances included David Bradley, BLA’s Matt Stillwell and Paradise Artist’s Ashley Matte.

Charlie Daniels delivered the conference’s closing keynote address.

Here Come The Mummies, The McClymonts and Kevin Neal. Photo: Kevin Kennedy

Dierks Bentley on CMT, Frankie Ballard in California

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Evan Farmer, Host CMT Top 20 Countdown; Dierks Bentley. Photo: Amber McSwain

Dierks Bentley stopped by the CMT studios recently to catch up with Top 20 Countdown host, Evan Farmer. The two chatted about the success of Bentley’s bluegrass album, Up on the Ridge, as well as his involvement with the “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride, which he will host in Nashville October 17. This marks the fifth year Bentley has hosted the event that benefits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital and CMT One Country partner.

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L-R: R.A. Clark, Executive Producer, ACM Awards; Frankie Ballard; Bob Romeo, CEO, Academy of Country Music. Photo: Michel Bourquard

Frankie Ballard with Melissa Etheridge

Reprise Recording artist Frankie Ballard was in Los Angeles, CA last week for a number of events. He appeared at the Hard Rock Café’s Pinktober party to fight breast cancer at the restaurant chain’s new Hollywood location. The event featured a performance by rocker and breast cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge. In addition, Ballard attended the exclusive launch party for Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock which included a rare performance by Soundgarden, visited the Academy of Country Music and caught Jamey Johnson’s concert at the House of Blues.

Ballard’s debut single “Tell Me You Get Lonely” is already Top 40 on the country singles chart and climbing. He will join Atlantic Records artist Uncle Kracker on his club tour this fall.

Black River Names Gordon Kerr COO

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Black River Entertainment has added Gordon S. Kerr as Chief Operating Officer. The New York state native will oversee all leadership functions and business affairs of Black River Entertainment and its subsidiaries which include Black River Music Group, Black River Publishing, Black River On-Line, Ronnie’s Place Studio and the newly acquired Sound Stage Studios. His background is in corporate and educational administration.

“I am humbled to be a part of such an outstanding organization,” says Kerr. “It is the desire of Black River Entertainment to demonstrate a healthy respect for the past, to recognize and understand the present and then through incredible teamwork and some unbelievable creativity, demonstrate a collective vision for our future!”

Kerr will report directly to Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of Black River’s parent company East Resources, Inc. He plans to divide his time between Nashville and Orchard Park, NY.

Concert Photos: Urban And All-Star Friends Honor Their Roots

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Vince Gill onstage at We're All For The Hall. Photo: Isabel Ross www.izzynashville.com

Keith Urban. Photo: Donn Jones

Keith Urban led a stellar We’re All For The Hall benefit last night (10/5) in Nashville. Joined for most of the show by Vince Gill in his signature Predators jersey, the pair and their A-list band backed a slew of performers ranging from Alison Krauss to John Mayer. The concert was Urban’s second annual fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and in accordance with the Hall’s devotion to the heritage of country music, each artist offered one of their own songs as well as a song that inspired them.

Dolly Parton. Photo: Donn Jones

The enthusiastic crowd at the Bridgestone Arena gave multiple standing ovations. Hall of Fame inductees on the bill included Gill, Charley Pride, and Dolly Parton, who was aglow in a sparkly white number while singing “Jolene,” and George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Rocker Mayer was a highlight of the evening. Swapping licks with guitar heroes Urban and Gill, he gave a bluesy performance of “I’m Gonna Find Another You” and Dwight Yoakam’s “Ain’t That Lonely Yet.” Mayer, straight off a plane from Milan, said, “I want to thank Mr. Keith Urban for introducing me to the real Nashville. I’ll be anywhere you want me to be.”

John Mayer. Photo: Isabel Ross

The audience seemed to love the tribute performances of classics that aren’t often on today’s radio station playlists. Billy Currington’s vocals were spot-on for “Must Be Doin’ Something Right,” and Kenny Rogers’ “Sweet Music Man.” Miranda Lambert shined on “The House That Built Me” and Merle Haggard’s “The Bottle Let Me Down.” Martina McBride showed off her rafter shaking pipes on “A Broken Wing” and Reba’s “Is There Life Out There.” The arena went nuts for timeless Alan Jackson, and was awed by Alison Krauss’ lilting soprano which filled the room.

Urban opened the show with his own hits, including “Stupid Boy,” and “Somebody Like You.” He chose to play Don Williams’ “I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me,” and brought producer/musician Garth Fundis onstage because he helmed Williams’ original sessions. Among the others in the band were John Hobbs and Paul Franklin.

Alison Krauss and Vince Gill. Photo: Isabel Ross

Check back for more coverage of We’re All For The Hall, as well as Lady Antebellum’s No. 1 party and other events from MusicRow’s own Bobby Karl.