Boot Founder Gets CMA Media Award

(L-R) CMA Director of Media Relations Scott Stem, Beville Darden and CMA VP of Corporate Communications Wendy Pearl


The CMA has announced that its 2010 Media Achievement Award will go to Beville Darden, co-founder and editor of the Country Music news Website, TheBoot.com, which is distributed via AOL Music. Darden has also served as a music writer/reporter for both AOL.com and Spinner.com. After graduating from Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham, Ala., she attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Later she was a television news writer before a stint as an on-air personality at WSM Radio.
The CMA Media Achievement Award was established to recognize outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music. Print and Internet journalists, columnists, authors, editors, syndicated radio reporters, television writers, producers and bookers are eligible to win this award.
“I am beyond humbled,” said Darden. “A CMA Award? I can’t carry a tune in a bucket! But it is my honor every single day to write about those who can. The Country Music industry has been so welcoming to The Boot, and we owe our success to all of the wonderful publicists, labels, and artists who work so closely with us to bring unique content to Country Music fans. Thank you to the voters and to my wonderful friends at CMA!”
TheBoot was founded in 2004 and receives more than 64,000 site visits per day according to StatBrain.com. CMA’s recent consumer research study reveals that 14 percent of Online CountryPhiles and 10 percent of Online MusicPhiles visit AOL Music (TheBoot) for Country Music content once a week or more. Content is posted daily and archived with 2,800 features currently stored in the Country news category.
Past winners of the CMA Media Achievement Award include:
1982 Jack Hurst
1983 Neil Hickey
1984 Dolly Carlisle
1985 Red O’Donnell
1986 No Award
1987 David Zimmerman
1988 Robert K. Oermann
1989 Bob Claypool
1990 Dick Heard
1991 No Award
1992 Mark McEwen
1993 Lynn Lester
1994 Judy Massa
1995 Clay Smith
1996 Tisi Aylward
1997 Jay Orr
1998 Chet Flippo
1999 Hazel Smith
2000 Neil Pond
2001 Harry Chapman
2002 Jim Patterson
2003 Denise Quan
2004 Alanna Nash
2005 Mark Bracco
2006 Donna Hughes
2007 Storme Warren
2008 Monica Escobedo
2009 Cynthia Sanz

[updated 1/11] Lifenotes: Juri Bunetta

MusicRow extends sincere condolences to Al Bunetta and his family on the passing of his son, Juri Bunetta, yesterday (1/9).
The 19-year-old died from injuries sustained during a single-car accident on Interstate 65 on Saturday night.
He was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he later died.
Al Bunetta has managed and overseen the careers of John Prine and the late Steve Goodman for over 30 years. He is a Grammy winning producer, music publisher, and co-founder of award-winning Oh Boy Records.
The Bunetta family thanks friends and loved ones for their thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time.
A service will be held on Friday January 14th, 2011 at 3 PM at
Rehoboth United Methodist Church
2601 Cage’s Bend Rd.
Gallatin, TN 37066
Flowers are welcome and appreciated at the church. The family asks that any donations be made in Juri Bunetta’s name to Small World Adoption Programs, PO Box 1109, Mt Juliet, TN 37121 or online at www.swa.net.
If you have any questions, please call 615.742.1250 x2 or email info@ohboy.com.

Dates Set For Tin Pan South, Key West Songwriters Festival


Tin Pan South • Key West Songwriters Festival • Nashville SongWriters Festival • Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
The 19th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival will be held Tuesday, March 29 – Saturday, April 2 in Nashville. Presented by Regions Bank and produced by NSAI, the world’s largest all-songwriter festival offers more than 75 shows at venues throughout the city. Tin Pan South Fast Access Passes allow club hopping with preferred admission and go on sale Wednesday, March 9. Proceeds from the festival support the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Details and passes at tinpansouth.com.
•••••
The Better Angels Music Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, is set for Wednesday, April 27 – Sunday, May 1, 2011. The 16th annual event will host more than 100 songwriters performing in venues throughout the island.
Full band concerts will bookend the 2011 festival. Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band will kick things off, and Robert Earl Keen with special guest Jerrod Niemann and the Hung Jury will close the festival.
Among those scheduled to perform are Rhett Akins, Lee Brice, Chuck Cannon, Dallas Davidson, Sarah Davidson, Bob DiPiero, Andrew Duhon, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, The Harters, The World Famous Headliners (Al Anderson, Shawn Camp, and Pat McLaughlin), Randy Houser, Courtney Jaye, Jamey Johnson, Robert Earl Keen, Luke Laird, James Slater, Toby Lightman, Patrice Pike, Ed Roland of Collective Soul, John Michael Rushell, and even Even Stevens.
Proceeds benefit the Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation. www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com
•••••
The 9th Annual Nashville SongWriters Festival on Music Row is on track for June 3-5, 2011. It’s part live original music performances, part teaching conference, part networking opportunity and part gathering of friends. Details at songwritersfestival.com.
•••••
MerleFest 2011, presented by Lowe’s, is once again hosting the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Now in its 19th year, the contest is an  opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals, under the direction of this year’s volunteer contest chairperson, Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. MerleFest 2011 takes place from April 28 – May 1, 2011.
Contest details at Sonicbids and American Songspace. The deadline for submissions is February 18, 2011.

Davis Music Group Partners With Nine North

Jacob Lyda


Davis Music Group has announced a partnership with Larry Pareigis and his Nine North team for national radio promotion efforts of DMG artist Jacob Lyda.
“Larry Pareigis has established a stellar promotion staff at Nine North and the Davis Music Group family is excited to add their help in our radio efforts for Jacob Lyda,” says DMG GM Gator Michaels.
“We are thrilled and look forward to working with Gator Michaels, Glenn Noblit and the entire DMG family to break this remarkable, deserving artist at country radio,” adds Pareigis.
Lyda’s debut single “I’m Doing Alright” has shipped to radio and goes for adds January 31.

Greg Hill Joins McGhee Entertainment

L to R: Scott McGhee, Greg Hill, and Doc McGhee. Photo: Jon-Paul Photography


Manager Greg Hill has joined McGhee Entertainment, bringing with him current clients Rodney Atkins, Adam Brand and Heidi Newfield.
Chairman of McGhee Entertainment, Doc McGhee, and President Scott McGhee announced today (1/10) that Hill will enter as President of McGhee’s Nashville office. He will report directly to the McGhees, whose current roster already includes Nashville singers Chris Cagle, Darius Rucker, Drew Davis, Jeremy Lister, Jypsi, and Cheyenne Kimball. This story was first tipped in MusicRow’s Crystal Ball on Friday (1/7).
Hill founded Greg Hill Management, Inc. in 2001, and most recently served as General Manager/Partner of Greg Hill Management/Red Light Management.
Doc McGhee had this to share, “We opened the Nashville branch of McGhee in order to expand our presence within the Nashville music community, and in just under five years since our establishment in Music City, we have watched the fabric of our industry change to encompass much more under the management umbrella. With that shift, we are excited to expand and bring in someone with Greg’s vast experience to oversee operations within our newly structured Entertainment Co.”
Scott McGhee adds, “With ever-changing responsibilities of a management company, Greg is a great fit with McGhee Entertainment due to his forward-thinking and practical approach to artist management.”
“McGhee entertainment has been the consistent leader in management longer than anyone else.  The quality of the people, the history, and the focus on being the best made me want to join this team above all others,” says Hill. “I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter of my career with this team of hard-working, creative individuals.”
McGhee Entertainment was formed in 1983 in New York City. In addition to the aforementioned artists, the current roster includes KISS, Guns N’ Roses, Ted Nugent, Night Ranger, Jack Blades, Hootie & The Blowfish, Sacha Edwards, Down, Paul Stanley, and The Willis Clan.
Hill may be reached at McGhee’s Nashville offices at 21 Music Sq. W., (615) 327-3255 or greg@mcgheela.com.

DiPiero and Kinney Team Up

Brandon Kinney recently inked a new publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Love Monkey Music, while he also re-signed with Tom-Leis Music. The 2010 BMI Award-winning songwriter co-wrote Randy Houser’s smash “Boots On.” (L-R) back: Love Monkey Music’s Penny Everhard, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Terry Wakefield, and BMI’s Jody Williams. Front: Love Monkey Music owner Bob DiPiero, Kinney, and Tom-Leis Music’s Leslie T. DiPiero.

Steel Magnolia Added To New Faces Show


Big Machine recording act Steel Magnolia has been added to the CRS 2011 New Faces of Country Music Show, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® announced today (1/7). They join previously announced performers The Band Perry (Republic Nashville), Lee Brice (Curb Records), Jerrod Niemann (Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville) and Josh Thompson (Columbia Nashville).
The addition was made to accommodate Easton Corbin’s move to a performance slot at Country Radio Seminar’s UMG luncheon, to be held Wednesday, March 2. Additional UMG luncheon performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
The New Faces of Country Music Show takes place Friday, March 4, at 6 p.m. CST. CRS 2011 is held March 2-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center. For more information, visit www.CRB.org.

One Million Carrie Underwood Fans Can't Be Wrong

Carrie Underwood’s popular headlining Play On Tour recently wrapped in Connecticut after playing 108 shows in the US and Canada with one million fans total in attendance. The tour was presented by AEG Live, with sponsorship by Olay and hydration by vitamin water. Underwood finished 2010 as the top-ranked female touring country artist. Special guests throughout the tour included Craig Morgan, Billy Currington, and Sons of Sylvia.
The Play On Tour was directed by Raj Kapoor, with sets designed by Michael Cotten (Michael Jackson’s This Is It), and costuming by Soyon An. The massive tour and production is currently nominated for a Pollstar Concert Industry Award for “Most Creative Stage Production.”
In other Underwood news, the singer is nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Original Song–Motion Picture category for “There’s A Place For Us” from Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Underwood co-wrote the song with frequent collaborators Hillary Lindsey and David Hodges. The 68th Annual Golden Globes air January 16 at 7 pm CT on NBC.

Big Country Records Arriving Soon

Big Country Records will launch  Jan. 19 and officially announce its first artist signing, female singer/songwriter, Morgan Tobias and introduce itself to Nashville.
Big Country label executives include Tammy Hyler, VP/co-founder of Big Country Records and Big Country Entertainment and Glen Blaschke. Hyler has penned several No. 1 songs and will use her writing and production talents for the new label. Co-founder Blaschke is from Houston, Texas. His business background includes Healthcare, Innovation and Development of Hospitals.
Big Country Records cites its goals to “focus on a more streamlined, no nonsense approach to get extraordinary new artists and their music to the public… and one that also puts more creative control back in to the artists hands.”

FCC Chairman Keynotes At CES



FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski



Julius Genachowski, FCC Chairman will deliver the keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show, (1/7/11) starting at 1:30 PT. in Las Vegas. The Chairman has been a proponent of net neutrality and actively working toward a more efficient use of radio wave spectrum. His remarks were released in advance. TV and terrestrial radio, which currently hold large chunks of wireless spectrum are carefully watching to see if/how the FCC’s vision may effect their industries going forward.
“The consumer electronic industry is going wireless, and the future success of this wide-ranging industry and others depends on whether our government acts quickly to unleash more spectrum—the oxygen that sustains our mobile devices,” Genachowski says.
“To seize the opportunities of our mobile future, we need to tackle the challenges of our invisible infrastructure. We need to free up more spectrum. If we do, we can drive billions of dollars in new private investment, fueling world-leading innovations, creating millions of new jobs, and enabling endless new products and services that can help improve the lives of all Americans. If we don’t tackle the spectrum challenge, network congestion will grow, and consumer frustration will grow with it. We’ll put our country’s economic competitiveness at risk, and squander the opportunity to lead the world in mobile. That’s why unleashing spectrum to support mobile innovation is at the top of the FCC’s 2011 agenda.”
The Chairman cited advances in the past year in the market for tablets, eBooks and the “app economy” as proof of how swiftly these markets can evolve.
“Thanks to Skype, Facebook, Twitter and many others, mobile has become an incredible platform for connecting friends and families, kids on one end of the country to grandparents on the other,” Genachowski’s remarks continue. “Mobile broadband can empower people not only in 21st century economies, but can promote 21st century democracy. We’ve seen this around the world. Here’s the issue: All of these wireless innovations require an invisible infrastructure that is up to the task. They require something we can’t see—spectrum, the airwaves—the signals that beam from towers and quietly carry digital information—data, voice, video—until they light up those devices we increasingly rely on.
“This invisible infrastructure is the backbone of a growing percentage of our economy and our lives. And whether or not most Americans know the physics of spectrum, they know what it feels like to have a slow connection or a call dropped. This coming spectrum crunch is not just a real issue for the future of gadgets, it’s a vital strategic issue for the future of our economy and job creation, our global competitiveness, and our quality of life. Failure to tackle the spectrum challenge could have disastrous consequences.”
Calling the current U.S. spectrum policies “outdated,” the FCC Chairman outlined some of the general changes he’d like to see take place including incentive auctions to redirect spectrum use more efficiently.
“We need to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband,” stated Genachowski. “So we are eliminating unnecessary restrictions on use of spectrum—all toward our goal for freeing up 500 megahertz of spectrum for mobile broadband, almost double what is currently available.
Since the Digital TV transition, some broadcasters are making effective use of the capabilities of their spectrum, but some are not. For those who are not, their spectrum could be put to higher use for other purposes. What we need is a mechanism to enable market forces to unleash the value of that spectrum for broadband use, and we believe that incentive auctions are that mechanism. It’s time to take the necessary steps to ensure that spectrum will be the great enabler of mobile innovation in the 21st century, not a chokepoint. I believe incentive auctions are a test of whether the U.S. can make the right strategic choices in a complex and fast-moving digital economy.”
The Chairman also noted that, “…just this week, the Consumer Electronics Association, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Semiconductor Industry Association and the Telecommunication Industry Association wrote a joint-letter to Congressional leaders calling on Congress to ‘swiftly pass legislation allowing the FCC to conduct voluntary incentive auctions.'”