Soundscan: Sugarland Gets Upswing

• Sugarland gets a sales boost
• Country absent from this week’s all-genre Top 25
• Country album sales down 12.5% YTD
• All-genre and country digital album sales up 13% YTD

Sugarland performs on "American Idol."


Sugarland’s performance of “Stuck Like Glue” on American Idol last week translated into a nice sales bump for the duo. Downloads of the track jumped 89% (16K) over last week, and album sales grew 24% (2000 units).
Meanwhile, UMG Nashville labelmate Josh Kelley is trying to gain traction with his country debut, which entered the chart this week with sales of 6000+ units. The lead single/title track “Georgia Clay” saw a 73% increase over last week, and has sold 9000+ downloads RTD.
The all-genre Top 200 saw a big 38.5% boost (1.741 million units) over last week, thanks to tons of new product. Unfortunately none of those releases were from the country camp, which isn’t represented anywhere in the chart’s Top 25. Jason Aldean, No. 1 on the Country Album Chart, comes in at No. 26 on the Top 200 with 19,000+ units this week.
On the Top 200, seven of the top 10 albums are debuts, including Chris Brown entering at No. 1 with 270,000 units, followed by Jennifer Hudson at No. 2 with 165,000.
All-genre album sales are down 5% compared to last year, while country album sales are in the hole 12.5%. Digital album sales—country and overall— are up about 13% YTD.

Songwriter Harley Allen Passes [Updated]

Harley Allen


Harley Allen Service Scheduled
 
Respected songwriter Harley Allen succumbed to cancer early this morning, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Known as a country traditionalist, Allen is credited with hits including Blake Shelton’s “The Baby,” Joe Nichols’ “I’ll Wait For You,” and Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life.” He was 55.
Allen, a songwriter at Harlan Howard Songs, has also had numerous cuts by Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, Garth Brooks, Josh Turner and more.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of bluegrass singer Red Allen, and followed in his father’s musical footsteps at an early age.
Allen’s work often came from a unique perspective, such as the compelling story song, “The Little Girl,” a No. 1 hit recorded by John Michael Montgomery, that Allen wrote alone in a matter of minutes.
Former publisher Jewel Coburn describes him as an “unbelievably prolific writer” with a heart as big as his song catalog. Jewel and Barry Coburn were early supporters of the burgeoning songwriter, first signing him to their Ten Ten Music more than 20 years ago.
They say he was a wonderful talent, whose music was always full of surprises. Aided by a sense of humor, his impact on the local music community was far reaching.
Allen had been battling lung cancer for a short time and was released from the hospital yesterday. He passed peacefully at home with his family by his side.
He is survived by wife Debbie Nims, son Aaron, and daughters Katie and Maggie.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 6 at 2 PM at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37211.

Harley Allen was among the songwriters who teamed up for a 2009 benefit concert to help a friend in the music industry in her own battle with cancer. Pictured at the Bluebird Cafe at a benefit for longtime Warner Music Group employee Gina Hilburn, from left: Patrick Davis, Hilburn, Allen, Lisa Carver and Marv Green.


 

Tommy Boyd, Greg, Neal, Harley, Ronnie, and Red

Better Angels Staff Updates

Better Angels Music Group President/CEO Rob Rappaport has added Chief Creative Officer to his roles, and will also become Creative Director of the Publishing Group. Previous Creative Director Todd Wilkes has exited the company but will continue to work with Better Angels as a consultant.
Better Angels Director of Artist Relations Gary Ray will assume the post of Vice President, Operations, where he will be responsible for the daily business of both the Music and Publishing Groups.
Additionally, Richard E. Gathright has joined Better Angels as Chairman of its Advisory Board of Directors. Gathright is a 40 year business veteran who currently holds the position of Chairman, CEO and President of SMF Energy. His career includes time with energy and logistics companies such as TransMontaigne Inc. and Aberdeen Petroleum PLC.
Better Angels is celebrating its third year of business on Music Row, and its roster includes David Adam Byrnes, Jason White, Russell Hitchcock, Josh Thompson, Ward Davis and more.

Photo Roundup Wednesday

The CMA Songwriters Series returned to New York City’s Joe’s Pub on March 24 for the seventh consecutive year. The popular series, featuring Nashville tunesmiths, continues to play to sell out crowds.

Pictured backstage prior to their performance (l-r): Chris Wallin, Deric Ruttan, Ashton Shepherd, and Bob DiPiero. Photo Credit: Kyle Quigley

••••

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently (3/26) honored David Briggs in its quarterly Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians series. Throughout the program, which included rare recordings and videos, Briggs discussed his experiences as a member of the original Muscle Shoals rhythm section, as a Nashville session player, and as a member of Elvis Presley’s band.

Pictured (l-r): Norbert Putnam, Reggie Young, Weldon Myrick, Jerry Kennedy, Chip Young, David Briggs, Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Wayne Moss and program host Bill Lloyd. Photo: Donn Jones

••••

SOLID did a panel for MTSU students recently (3/17), entitled “Finding Your First Job – Advice from people who were in your shoes not too long ago.”

Pictured (l-r): Stephanie Taylor, MTSU Teacher; Kate Dorr, Outback Concerts; Leona Edwards, BMI; Tony Grotticelli, TOGA Entertainment; Raeanna Mowl, HoriPro; and Brad Fields, Skaggs Family Records


 

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/30/11)

I live for listening sessions like this one.
The best part of this job is the thrill of discovery. There is simply nothing like hearing a great new artist for the first time. Or watching young ones develop.
I have raved about Brennen Leigh before in this column. This Austin singer-songwriter continues to enthrall me. The Box is her newest CD. But buy anything with her name on it, and prepare to be completely smitten.
This is also a repeat appearance by David Bradley in “DisClaimer.” I am much more impressed by him this time around, because “Hard Time Movin’ On” is a shining gem.
Of our first timers, don’t miss guitar picking Mississippian Ben Hall. He’s barely out of his teens, but he plays like a sage wizard.
For songwriting excellence, I bow my head to Corey Smith. This guy has reportedly been making music on his own label for years. It’s high time the wider world became aware of a talent so big. Give the man a DisCovery Award.
All of this is not to suggest that our established talents have grown soft. Au contraire. Richie McDonald and Jason Michael Carroll are still in fine form. Even more impressive is titan Tom Jones. He may be singing in a lower register, but at age 70 he can still grip your heart and command you to listen.
Our Disc of the Day prize goes to Jake Owen. Successful songwriting, they say, is finding a new way to say the same old thing. “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” is the beer-girls-cars-summer-party theme yet again. But his record makes it all sound fresh.
MARGARET DURANTE/Maybe Tonight
Writer: Margaret Durante/Blair Daly/Rachel Proctor; Producer: James Stroud & Stephony Smith; Publisher: Emrose/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin Grids/Adah’s Girl/EMI Blackwood, BMI; Stroudavarious/Emrose (www.margaretdurante.com)
—Sprightly and tuneful, with romping rhythm and a catchy, sunny chorus.
JASON MICHAEL CARROLL/Numbers
Writer: Patrick Davis/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Patrick Davis, Mark Dearnley & Jason Michael Carroll; Publisher: none listed; Quarterback (www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com)
—Very cutely written, using numbers both as meaningless integers and as meaningful signposts of life. Well worth your spins.
BRENNEN LEIGH/The Box
Writer: Brennan Leigh; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Brennan Leigh; Publisher: Footprints in the Snow, BMI; BL (track)
—The title tune to this Texas songbird’s mostly self-composed CD is like a splash of fresh spring water on your face. The simplicity of the production, the sweetness of the melody, her straightforward country delivery and the true-blue harmony vocal by Jim Lauderdale all add up to one dandy little track. If you like your country served straight-up, check out Ms. Brennen Leigh.
JAKE OWEN/Barefoot Blue Jean Night
Writer: Dylan Altman/Eric Paslay/Terry Sawchuk; Producer: Joey Moi & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: Hope-N-Cal/Cal IV/Papertown, BMI/ASCAP/SOCAN; RCA
—I have always liked this guy. This time out, he deploys a male cheering section, finger snaps, crashing percussion, rippling banjo and a restlessly jangling guitar to shout out a summer party anthem. Irresistible.
VICTORIA BANKS/Never Be the Same
Writer: Banks/Englund; Producer: Victoria Banks; Publisher: none listed; EMI/Onramp (track) (www.victoriabanks.net)
—The reigning Canadian Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year will stage her assault on the U.S. charts with a CD next month. Its title tune soars with chiming guitars and inspires with a lyric of growth and self-discovery. She wrote or co-wrote every song on the collection, and they are all pretty impressive little numbers.
COREY SMITH/Twenty One
Writer: Corey Smith; Producer: Rick Beato & Corey Smith; Publisher: Shooting Moon Music; Average Joes (www.coreysmith.com)
—I am told that this newcomer already has an impressive fan following. Based on this mini-masterpiece of a song, I can hear why. The lilting melody is wrapped around a lyric that is one slice of life after another. His voice aches in all the right places. This is country music doing what it does best, telling the Truth.
RICHIE McDONALD/Footprints on the Moon
Writer: Richie McDonald/Tommy Lee James; Producer: Richie McDonald & Tommy Lee James; Publisher: Loremoma/Still Working for the Man, BMI; Loremoma (CDX) (615-275-7003)
—The message is “dare to dream big,” “there’s nothing you can’t do” and “take a leap of faith.” The hook is, “Don’t believe the sky’s the limit/There are footprints on the moon.” As usual, his plaintive tenor is pitched way up high on a keyboards-guitar-piano-strings ballad. On the fade, you hear a 1969 audio clip of those immortal words, “That’s one small step for man…”
TOM JONES/Burning Hell
Writer: John Lee Hooker/Richard Besman; Producer: Ethan Johns; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Universal, no performance rights listed; Lost Highway (track)
—The fact that this living legend has a current CD on Nashville’s Lost Highway imprint has received surprisingly little attention. It is titled Praise & Blame and consists of this soul man’s interpretations of American gospel. He’s darkly bluesy and supremely compelling on this blistering, hypnotizing track. Elsewhere, Tom takes on tunes from Pop Staples, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Billy Joe Shaver (the sublimely countrified “If I Give My Soul”), Jesse May Hemphill and Bob Dylan. The man can still turn up the heat.
BEN HALL/Cannonball Rag
Writer: Travis; Producer: Eric Ambel; Publisher: none listed; Tompkins Square/Fontana (track) (www.tompkinssquare.com)
—Somewhere, the late guitar greats Merle Travis and Chet Atkins are smiling. This youngster picks echoey electric guitar with the deft touch of the masters. Backed simply by bass and drums, his self-titled CD is a thing of charm. He sings some, but his fingers are the star here.
DAVID BRADLEY/Hard Time Movin’ On
Writer: Rivers Rutherford/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Brady Seals; Publisher: Universal/Songs of Combustion, BMI/ASCAP; Gecko Music Productions (track) (www.davidbradleymusic.com)
—In a word, “Wow.” He sings like a hillbilly angel. The production throbs with tension and drama. The heartache in the song burns and hurts. Rodney Crowell provides tenor harmony. What more could you possibly want?

Key West Songwriters Fest Draws Top Nashville Talent

The Better Angels Music Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, has grown exponentially since debuting 16 years ago. This year’s event, running April 27 through May 1 will offer performances from more than 100 top-tier songwriters.
Recently added to the lineup are genre-hopping singer/songwriters Raul Malo, Marshall Chapman, and Robert Earl Keen; serial country chart-toppers Lori McKenna, Bobby Pinson, Liz Rose, Hugh Prestwood, Bob DiPiero, The World Famous Headliners (Al Anderson, Shawn Camp, and Pat McLaughlin), Keith Stegall, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann, and Dallas Davidson; and rock-pedigreed singer/songwriters Better Than Ezras Kevin Griffin, Bo Bice, Collective Souls Ed Roland, and Patrice Pike.
Among the numerous previously announced performers are Steve Bogard, Chuck Cannon, Lee Brice, Luke Laird, David LeeRhett Akins, Joey + Rory, Sarah BuxtonJames Slater, Arlis AlbrittonBarry Dean, Tony Lane, Dillon Dixon, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Love and Theft, Eric PaslayTony StampleyTrent Summar, Bridgette Tatum, Jason White, and tons more.
The festival will benefit the Wounded Warrior project, an organization that provides aid for injured service members. Anchor sponsor BMI will continue its widespread support of the fest, leading Key West’s annual transformation into a music mecca.
Among the event’s highlights will be a full band show by Robert Earl Keen with special opening guest Jerrod Niemann and the Hung Jury on Saturday, April 30.

Industry Ink Tuesday

Michael Steinberg


BMI has promoted Michael Steinberg to Senior Vice President, Licensing. He is based in the New York office and served as Vice President, Business Affairs since November 2002. Steinberg will now be responsible for all domestic licensing revenues and operations. He joined BMI in 1996 as Assistant Vice President, Business Affairs, Licensing.
•••••
Veteran agent Ray Shelide has joined APA, Inc. Nashville. He will be responsible for the mid-west and upper mid-west territories. He can be reached at rshelide@apanashville.com and 615-297-0100.
•••••
The Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter is hosting Grammy Awards 101 on Mon., April 18, 3-5PM at the Hutton Hotel. The session led by Bill Freimuth, VP Awards, will cover eligibility, deadlines, the submission process and more. NARAS members and non-members welcome. RSVP_Nashville@grammy.com.
•••••
Universal Republic Records and Twenty First Artists, both divisions of Universal Music Group, today launched Twenty First Republic, a new management division that caters to music producers and engineers. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Twenty First Republic will be overseen by Sandy Roberton, CEO of Worlds End Management, and Tom Mackay, who will also continue in his duties as Executive Vice President of A&R for Universal Republic.

Rising Artists Stealing Angels, Thompson Square, Margaret Durante

Thompson Square


Stoney Creek Records is celebrating the first No. 1 from Thompson Square. “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” spent three weeks at No. 1 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout chart. The single has sold over 750k digital downloads, holding the top position for two weeks on the DigitalSoundscan chart. The song was penned by David Lee Murphy and Jim Collins. Next up husband-and-wife duo Shawna and Keifer Thompson are teaming with CMT for the “Thompson Square Crash My Wedding Dream Honeymoon” contest.

•••••

Stealing Angels debuted its new single “Paper Heart” this week. The trio made up of Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne, and Tayla Lynn is signed to Skyville Records, and is being produced by Skyville co-owner Paul Worley. “Paper Heart,” written by Gordie Sampson, Hillary Lindsey, and Steve McEwan, officially goes for adds on April 18.

•••••

Stroudavarious Records imprint Emrose Records is gearing up for the release of Margaret Durante’s new single, “Maybe Tonight” on April 18. The song is also the title track of her four-song digital EP which will be available for download the following day, Tuesday, April 19, through online music retailers.
“Maybe Tonight” is the second single from the Maryland native’s forthcoming full-length album, due out later this year. Durante co-wrote the tune along with Nashville tunesmiths Blair Daly and Rachel Proctor.

ACM Reveals Off-Camera Award Winners

Reba will receive the ACM's Career Achievement Award this fall.


Today’s just-announced off-camera awards will be presented at the ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Industry Awards
Casino of The Year – Mohegan Sun Casino – Uncasville, CT
Don Romeo Talent Buyer of The Year – Steve “Bogie” Bogdanovich – Romeo Entertainment Group
Nightclub of The Year – Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL
Promoter of The Year – Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium
Venue of The Year – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
Musicians, Band, Instrumental Awards
Producer of The Year – Paul Worley
Audio Engineer of The Year  – Chuck Ainlay
Bass Player of The Year  – Glenn Worf
Percussionist/Drummer of The Year – Eddie Bayers
Guitarist of The Year – Tom Bukovac
Fiddle Player of The Year – Aubrey Haynie
Piano/Keyboard Player of The Year – Gordon Mote
Specialty Instrument(s) Player of The Year  – Bryan Sutton
Steel Guitar Player of The Year – Dan Dugmore
Special Awards


Garth Brooks will be honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award.


The Career Achievement Award will go to longtime ACM Awards show host and member of the new class of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Reba. Now in the third decade of her career, she actively pursues opportunities on Broadway, television, film and fashion, and remains one of the best-selling country artists in history, with record sales approaching 57 million.
The Jim Reeves International Award will be presented to Taylor Swift for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.
The Tex Ritter Award will go to the movie Country Strong.
The Mae Boren Axton Award will go to John Dorris. He launched Hallmark Direction Company in 1983 with Don Williams as his first client. Since then, Dorris has worked with numerous country artists, including ACM winners Montgomery Gentry and Blake Shelton. His career includes successful tenures at Monument Records and Combine Music Publishing, aiding the careers of artists like Roy Orbison, Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Billy Joe Shaver, Billy Swan and others. A champion of songwriters as well as an expert in tax accounting, he currently serves on the ACM Board of Directors as Treasurer.
The Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre, will salute Garth Brooks and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers.
The Poet’s Award will be given to acclaimed songwriters Tom T. Hall the late Hank Cochran for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.
The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years where the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy. The MBI ballot is voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category).

ASCAP Christian Awards Honor MercyMe, Dan Muckala

Pictured (l-r): Songwriter of the Year Dan Muckala, ASCAP’s Tim DuBois, EMI CMG Publishing’s Eddie DeGarmo, Third Day’s Mark Lee, Tai Anderson and Mac Powell, ASCAP’s Marc Driskill. Photo: Kay Williams

Songwriter Dan Muckala, and band MercyMe were among the top honorees at last night’s (3/28) ASCAP Christian Music Awards, presented at Nashville’s Richland Country Club.

ASCAP VP and Managing Executive, Nashville Tim DuBois, presented Muckala with his first Songwriter of the Year award. Muckala penned three of ASCAP’s most performed Christian songs of the past year, including Song of the Year “All of Creation,” recorded by MercyMe. The song spent an extraordinary 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Christian radio charts.

Accepting for ASCAP's 2011 Christian Song of the Year, “All of Creation.” Pictured (l-r): Simpleville Music's Kirk Dahlgren, Christopher Steadman and Mark Nicholas, Songwriter of the Year Dan Muckala, ASCAP's Tim DuBois, Kobalt Music's Jeff Skaggs. Photo: Kay Williams


MercyMe was honored with its first-ever ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year award. In addition to taking home Song of the Year last night, the band has collectively received 52 ASCAP Most Performed Song awards throughout its career.
ASCAP Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI CMG Publishing for the eighth consecutive time. The company had six award-winning songs: “Before the Morning,” “I Will Follow,” “Jesus Saves,” “Lead Me,” “My Help Comes From the Lord” and “Our God.”
In a special presentation, Third Day became the first Christian artist to receive the Vanguard Award for extraordinary impact. Kerrie Roberts and newcomer Trevor Morgan saluted the band with a musical tribute of some of its biggest hits.
Among the other award winners who performed for the industry crowd were Brandon Heath, Matthew West, Chris August and Sanctus Real.

Third Day was honored with ASCAP's Vanguard Award for its extraordinary contributions to Christian music. Pictured (l-r): ASCAP's Tim DuBois, Third Day's Mark Lee, Tai Anderson and Mac Powell, Provident Music's Terry Hemmings. Photo: Kay Williams


 

Accepting for ASCAP's 2011 Christian Publisher of the Year, EMI CMG Publishing. Pictured (l-r): EMI CMG Publishing's Matt Ewald, Jimi Williams and Casey McGinty, ASCAP's Tim DuBois, EMI CMG's Eddie DeGarmo, Jeremy Ash, John Thompson and Kent Draughon. Photo: Kay Williams