ABC To Air Nashville Special With Robin Roberts

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, ABC will air an hour-long special, In The Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville. The special will give viewers an exclusive all-access pass into the homes and private lives of some of country music’s biggest stars.

Robin Roberts will go behind-the-scenes and on tour with Keith UrbanKenny Chesney and Faith Hill. During his interview, Urban speaks candidly about his struggle for sobriety, being married to Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman and the joyful experience of being a new father. For the first time, Chesney invites cameras into his new home in Nashville where he opens up about love, life and battling misconceptions. “I learned a long time ago, several years ago, to quit reading what anybody writes,” he tells Roberts, “I learned not to think about what other people think, I’m just trying, I’m just doing the best I can do to be myself.” Meanwhile, Roberts joins Hill in the studio at a pivotal moment in her career, as she finishes her first new album of original songs in six years.

Roberts will then take the cameras to the classroom with American Idol winner Scotty McCreery, as she learns how he balances his new career while simultaneously finishing his senior year of high school. She’ll also spend a day with Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina, who talks about what it was like to put out a debut album while she was still learning how to drive.

Additionally, Roberts will join Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, as they go back to Indiana for the first time to visit the site of the deadly stage collapse that occurred at the state fair earlier this year. It will be the first time the country duo has spoken about the tragedy in a televised interview, during which, Nettles shares with Roberts what it was like to live through that moment and how she is forever changed.

In The Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, airs on Tuesday, Nov. 8, (10:00 – 11:00 pm ET) on ABC, the night before the network’s live broadcast of the CMA Awards.

Aldean Teams With AMC For Free Concert

Jason Aldean definitely has a busy week ahead of him. In addition to performing on the CMA Awards Nov. 9, where he’s nominated for Entertainer of the Year, he is also partnering with AMC to celebrate the network’s new Western series Hell On Wheels with a free concert Tues., Nov. 8.

The intimate, acoustic concert takes place at Riverfront Station, starting at 12:30 pm. A special “Hell on Wheels” train will bring Aldean and 120 contest winners to the location, and country music newcomer Margaret Durante will open the show. Aldean is scheduled to take the stage at 1:30 pm. The following day, the contest winners will attend the 45th Annual CMA Awards.

Hell On Wheels tells the story of a Confederate soldier (played by Anson Mount) who sets out to exact revenge on Union soldiers who murdered his wife. The journey takes him west to a lawless town called “Hell on Wheels” that lies along the Union Pacific line of the Transcontinental Railroad. Also starring in the series are Common, Dominique McElligott and Colm Meaney. The series premieres on AMC Sunday, Nov. 6 at 9 pm CT.

Live Nation Financials Show Signs of Stability

Concert promotion giant Live Nation released its financial results yesterday (Nov. 3) for the end of Q3, and the figures suggest some stabilization of the concert industry after a period of loss and cancellations.

“I am delighted that we continue to deliver improved financial results and are well on track to drive strong growth in profitability for the year,” said Michael Rapino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation Entertainment. “Across our portfolio this year, we have delivered growth while also improving operating margins. This is reflected in the healthy gains in free cash flow from our operations while investing in new products including festivals, re-platforming of Ticketmaster, social media and mobile apps.”

Though the statements show a small (2.5%) decline in revenue to $1.79 billion over Q3 2010, net income was up slightly to $51.7 million for the same period. Estimated total attendance of 15.6 million appeared down somewhat for Q3, though the full nine month (through Sept. 30) total of 35.6 million more closely equals last year’s figures. Operating income was up 3.6% to $111.8 million.

“We believe the stabilization of consumer demand for live events will continue into 2012 and, looking ahead, we are increasingly optimistic about our opportunities,” Rapino continued. “Given the continued fan demand for concerts and a growing supply of artists hitting the road, we are optimistic about the future growth of the global concert industry. Based on this, we believe we are well positioned to generate improved returns from our business and deliver shareholder value.”

CMA Awards Street Closures Start Tomorrow

The 45th Annual CMA Awards are happening in downtown Nashville next Wed., Nov. 9, which means street closures and traffic adjustments are imminent. Beginning tomorrow (Nov. 5), here are the streets affected by CMA production set-up.

Saturday, Nov. 5 (starting at 9 am CT)
—Demonbreun St. will be closed between 4th Ave. S. and 5th Ave. S.

Sunday, Nov. 6 (starting at 8 am CT)
—the closure of Demonbreun will expand to 6th Ave. S., as will the eastbound lane of Demonbreun from 6th to 7th Ave. S.
—5th Ave. S. will be closed from Franklin St. to Broadway. Westbound lanes of Franklin will be closed between 4th Ave. S. and 5th Ave. S.

Monday, Nov. 7 (starting at 8 am CT)
—7th Ave. S. will close from Demonbreun to McGavock St.
—the eastbound lane of Demonbreun will be closed from 6th Ave. S. to 8th Ave. S.

Wednesday, Nov. 9 (starting at 3 pm CT)
—the Demonbreun St. closure will expand from 4th Ave. S. to 8th Ave. S.
—6th Ave. S. will close in the block between Demonbreun and Broadway
—the westbound lane of Franklin St.. will close between 4th Ave. S. and 5th Ave. S.

All roads will be re-opened no later than 2 am CT on Thursday, Nov. 10 except Demonbreun St. between 4th Ave. S. and 5th Ave. S, which will re-open by 5 pm CT Friday, Nov. 11.

Toby Keith Finds Success In “Red Solo Cup”

Toby Keith’s new album Clancy’s Tavern recently debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The album’s first-week success had been primarily fueled by the No. 1 hit “Made In America” and Keith’s viral music video “Red Solo Cup.”

Though still not officially a single, “Red Solo Cup” has registered more than two million YouTube views. The song and video have both topped the iTunes country sales list, while country radio stations nationwide have made the album track one of the most-added songs, breaking into the Top 40 without a concerted label promotion effort. Additionally, CMT.com has “Red Solo Cup” as its No. 1 video, joined by “Made In America” at No. 5.

While the buzz builds stateside, Keith is in the midst of the European leg of his Locked & Loaded Tour. Clancy’s Tavern is currently No. 1 on the UK’s country iTunes chart, with prior albums American Ride and Bullets In The Gun both entering the top 20 this week.

Hill To Release Single, Peform At CMAs

Wednesday, Nov. 9 will be a big day for five-time Grammy Award winner Faith Hill. To start the day off, her new single “Come Home” will be released to radio. Later that evening, she’ll perform her first televised performance of the song at the 45th Annual Country Music Awards, a show Hill hasn’t appeared on in five years.

“Come Home” was co-produced by longtime collaborator Byron Gallimore and written by Ryan Tedder. The song will be exclusively available on iTunes, following it’s premiere on country radio.

“It’s such a great song,” says Hill.  “So well written—a beautiful lyric and sentiment—combined with a driving musical undertone and instrumentation. I’m really excited for fans of country radio to hear the song.”

Hill’s seventh studio effort is slated for release in early 2012.

IBMA Executive Director Hays Resigns

International Bluegass Music Association (IBMA) Executive Director Dan Hays has announced his resignation from the organization after 21 years of service, effective February 29, 2012.

“Bluegrass has achieved amazing and very different kinds of success over each of the last seven decades,” commented Hays. “Today, bluegrass is poised to reach new heights, and IBMA has embarked on the challenge of reinventing itself in an age of major change in the entertainment world. I’m fully in support of IBMA addressing the challenges of this era and have given my best to help set the stage for another positive evolution.”

“Approaching 2012, IBMA is poised to open doors to a new generation of opportunities – in creativity, in how we do business, and in how we connect with fans,” he continued. “The role of the Executive Director will be critical, not only in helping us to walk through those doors, but in solidifying and strengthening the emerging roles for the organization in coming years. It’s exciting to be where we are and, in my judgment, this is an opportune time for a leadership transition.”

During Hays’ tenure with IBMA, he helped the organization establish its annual Awards, the World of Bluegrass business conference, Bluegrass Fan Fest, the creation of Leadership Bluegrass, and launched “Bluegrass in the Schools” programs for young people. Additionally, Hays has also been responsible for raising several million dollars for the Foundation for Bluegrass Music and the Bluegrass Trust Fund.

“To be entrusted with the responsibilities of this position and welcomed into the family of our music has been a genuine blessing throughout the years,” added Hays. “I will be leaving with more appreciation than can be expressed for current and former board leaders, volunteers, members, staff and other supporters.”

“It’s inconceivable that we would be where we are today without the vision and dedication that Dan Hays has brought to the job of Executive Director,” said Board of Directors Chair Stan Zdonik. “Thanks to his work, we’re confident that our music—and our organization—are in a strong position to find creative ways of meeting the need to move into the future while retaining our essential connection to the music’s roots.”

The Board’s Executive Committee of Zdonik, Vice-Chair Jon Weisberger, and members Craig Havighurst, Carl Jackson and Dwight Worden, has been tasked with conducting a search for Hays’ successor. Potential candidates will be able to pick up application materials between Nov. 18 and Dec. 15 at the IBMA office or its website.

Nail Gives Exclusive Album Sneak Peek

Wednesday night (11/2), David Nail invited industry insiders out for a sneak peek of his upcoming album, The Sound of a Million Dreams. The special event took place at the Peter Nappi Studio, a leather crafting workshop and office located in Nashville’s Germantown.

It was standing room only when Universal Chairman and CEO, Luke Lewis, introduced the Grammy-nominated artist. Lewis gave Nail an “all-in-good-fun” introduction, calling the singer out on his rocky start in the industry nearly ten years ago. “He was just this cocky kid when I met him,” Lewis said, explaining that after signing Nail to the label, he later dropped the singer only to resign him again five years later. “We dropped him because he was an asshole,” Lewis went on jokingly, “And he still is one, but just not as much.”

“Wow,” Nail laughed along with the audience, “I’ve had some introductions before, but never quite like that.” On a more serious note, Nail took a minute to express gratitude for his success, saying at thirty-one years old, he never expected to have one, let alone two, albums.

Nail opened his 30-minute acoustic set with the title track off his album, “The Sound of a Million Dreams,” knocking it out of the park. Nail’s performance also included his current radio single “Let It Rain,” and “Red Light,” the hit off his previous album I’m About To Come Alive. He went on to perform an impromptu rendition of “Catherine,” a song off his upcoming album dedicated to his wife. “I’m sorry, I don’t normally play this acoustic,” Nail told the audience, “but I just found out twenty minutes ago that my wife would be here, and I promised to play this song whenever she was in the room.” The set list change was a treat and everyone swooned along.

As the set drew to an end, Nail invited everyone to “eat, drink and hang around – just put it on Universal’s tab!”

Produced by Chuck Ainlay and Frank Liddell, The Sound of a Million Dreams is slated for release Tuesday, Nov. 15 on MCA Nashville.

In addition to his new album, Nail is finishing up a touring stint with Taylor Swift. He is scheduled to open for her Speak Now Tour this Saturday, Nov. 5. He also recently performed “God Bless America” last week during the seventh inning stretch at the World Series.

CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

Funny how little things from youth get etched into your memory: fleeting encounters take on unparalleled significance, and seizing the moment is your only option. You eventually grow up and move on, but little reminders will always transport you back to something that seemed perfect.

That’s the feeling captured in Lady Antebellum’s “We Owned The Night,” which is now the CountryBreakout Chart’s new No. 1 song. Written by group members Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley with songwriting all-star Dallas Davidson, the tune recalls a short fling from the past and the lasting impression it created. “We Owned The Night” is the second single (and sort of title track) from the trio’s third album Own The Night (Capitol Records), produced by Paul Worley. It’s still a young single at 12 weeks old, but it’s clearly a potent one.

Lady Antebellum has of course “owned” just about everything else in the past couple years, from winning numerous CMA and ACM honors to practically sweeping the 2010 Grammy Awards. Their second album Need You Now has sold over five million copies worldwide, and they will be honored as one of CMT’s five Artists of the Year in December. Their Own The Night arena tour of North America has been extended through Summer 2012, with Darius Rucker and Thompson Square supporting.

Kids, get your cell phones and/or lighters ready.

Weekly Chart Report (10/04/11)

Mark Wayne Glasmire recently visited with WATZ/Alpena, MI and performed his new single “Going Home”. After hearing about the Michigan Legend of The Michigan Dogman (seriously, Google it), Mark announced he was ready to go home. (L-R) WATZ MD Susie Martin, Mark Wayne Glasmire

RADIO NEWS
El Dorado Broadcasters KTTI/Yuma, AZ morning co-host Misty Smith has taken over PD duties following the departure of Jay Walker, who left the station to pursue a career in the restaurant industry. Smith has been with the station five years, and will segue to the midday airshift. Reach out to her here.

SPIN ZONE
Nashville’s hottest new country stars populate the top of this week’s CountryBreakout Chart, with Lady Antebellum’s “We Owned The Night” taking over the No. 1 spot. Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim” moves up to No. 2 ahead of Brantley Gilbert’s recent No. 1 “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos On This Town” is in the hunt at No. 4 and being chased by Eric Church’s “Drink In My Hand” at No. 5.

Always reliable George Strait leaps onto the chart with his new single “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright,” debuting at No. 57. Also making their first chart appearances are David Bradley’s “If You Can’t Make Money” at No. 71, Mark Wayne Glasmire’s “Going Home” at No. 75, Erica Nicole’s “Shave” at No. 76, Burns & Poe’s “I Need A Job” at No. 77, Bill Gentry’s “This Letter” at No. 79, and Joanna Mosca’s “Where Does Good Love Go” featuring Richie McDonald at No. 80.

Frozen Playlists: KITX, KYKX, KYYK, KZTL, WAKG, WTCR, WYBL

Upcoming Singles
November 7
Rodney Atkins/He’s Mine/Curb
George Strait/Love’s Gonna Make It Alright/MCA

November 14
Wade Bowen/Saturday Night/Sea Gayle/BNA
Love and Theft/Angel Eyes/RCA
Mark Cooke/Any Way The wind Blows/CVR/Quarterback

• • • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
George Strait/Love’s Gonna Make It Alright/MCA — 57
David Bradley/If You Can’t Make Money/Gecko Music Productions — 71
Mark Wayne Glasmire/Going Home/Traceway — 75
Erica Nicole/Shave/Heaven Records — 77
Burns & Poe/I Need a Job/Blue Steel — 78
Bill Gentry/This Letter/Tenacity Records — 79
Joanna Mosca w/ Richie McDonald/Where Does Good Love Go?/Dolce Diva Music — 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Toby Keith/Red Solo Cup/Show Dog-Univeral — 409
Keith Urban/You Gonna Fly/Capitol — 408
George Strait/Love’s Gonna Make It Alright/MCA — 355
Trace Adkins/Million Dollar View/Show Dog-Universal — 288
Brad Paisley/Camouflage/Arista — 265

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
George Strait/Love’s Gonna Make It Alright/MCA — 31
Trace Adkins/Million Dollar View/Show Dog-Universal — 17
Keith Urban/You Gonna Fly/Capitol — 16
Scotty McCreery/The Trouble With Girls/19 Ent./Mercury — 10
Toby Keith/Red Solo Cup/Show Dog-Univeral — 10
Lee Brice/A Woman Like You/Curb — 10
Rodney Atkins/He’s Mine/Curb — 9

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
McGuffey Lane/Bartender/Lick — 120
Shane Yellowbird/Bare Feet On The Blacktop/On Ramp — 118
Mockingbird Sun/Lucky Guy/Toomey Starks — 114
Bryan Cole/Pride & Passion — 109
Gloriana/(Kissed You) Good Night/Emblem/WMN — 104

CMT Radio Live With Cody Alan landed in Dallas for the second stop on the show’s tour, and visited with local CMT Radio affiliate, KPLX-FM 99.5 The Wolf. They broadcasted live and hosted a free concert featuring Rodney Atkins, JT Hodges and Ashley Gearing at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth (L-R): Cody Alan, JT Hodges, Stephen Linn, Ashley Gearing, Mark Phillips, Rodney Atkins

Buddy Jewell has been out visiting country radio in support of his new single “Jesus, Elvis, and Me,” which is now at No. 44 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. (L-R): Jewell, Al Brock (Spin Doctors Promotions), Jason Aldridge (WYVY/Union City TN)

Cold River Records artist Katie Armiger performed at WGH/Norfolk-Virginia Beach’s “Up Close & Personal” concert series yesterday at the station’s own venue, the Eagles’ Nest Rockin’ Country Bar. (L-R): Mark McKay (WGH APD/MD/afternoon), Katie Armiger, and John Shomby (WGH PD), Mary Lynne O’Neal (Cold River)