Bentley Debuts At No. 1

Dierks Bentley’s Home debuted at the pinnacle of the Soundscan Country chart today, moving 55k units, with digital downloads accounting for 35 percent of album sales. It is the Capitol Nashville star’s sixth studio album, and his fourth time to open in the top spot.

Elsewhere, many acts were basking in the post-Grammy/Valentines sales glow. Awards queen Adele saw a 95 percent bump, moving 237k units of her smash 21, for a RTD total of 6.62 million.

Artists scoring week-to-week upswings in album sales totaling 20k or more include Jason Aldean (60%, 25k sold this week), Lady A (46%, 25k), Luke Bryan (20%, 23k), and The Band Perry (60%, 20k).

Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” kept partying in the top Country tracks spot, funneling down another 60k paid downloads.

This week, total Country album sales got an 18 percent bump, selling 836k units. Current Country was up 32 percent, moving 407k.

Digital Country tracks rose 9 percent, selling 3.158 downloads.

Valory Goes Maverick With New Signing

Photo: Ivan Clow

The Valory Music Co. has announced the signing of country vocal group The Mavericks to its artist roster. The group is currently working on an album that will be released later in 2012, marking the 20th anniversary of their self-titled 1991 debut.

To celebrate the occasion, Valory has also announced that the Mavericks will perform a private, invitation-only show in Nashville during CRS on Feb. 21.

The Mavericks have also been gearing up for the touring circuit in 2012. They recently signed with Creative Artists Agency for booking representation, and they’ll make their first public performance since 2003 at Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA in late April.

The Mavericks won multiple Vocal Group awards from both the ACM and CMA during the ‘90s, as well as a Grammy in 1995. Their body of work contains the chart-topping hits “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” What A Crying Shame,” “O What A Thrill,” “Here Comes The Rain,” and “There Goes My Heart.” The group consists of Raul Malo (lead vocals, guitars), Robert Reynolds (bass, vocals), Paul Deakin (drums, vocals), and Eddie Perez (lead guitar, vocals).

Kix Brooks To Release New Single

After spending 20 years as half of the superstar duo Brooks & Dunn, Kix Brooks is introducing his first solo music. He will release his Arista Nashville single, “New To This Town,” featuring guitar great Joe Walsh, on Mar. 19. The song was co-written by Mary Green and Terry McBride.

“It paints the powerful emotion we’ve all known, of lost love and the uncomfortable situation of running in to that person again,” says Brooks.

Fans can keep up with Brooks online anytime at www.kixbrooks.com.

Trace Adkins Named Spokesperson For Travel Center Brand

(L-R): Ken Parent (of Pilot Flying J); Jimmy Haslam (CEO of Pilot Flying J); Adkins; Mark Hazelwood and Mitch Steenrod (Pilot Flying J)

Trace Adkins was announced today (Feb. 17) as a spokesperson for Pilot Flying J’s Spring loyalty program launch. The ‘Driver-driven’ company is the largest operator of travel centers and plazas in North America.

“Trace relates to the hardworking, American professional driver,” said Jimmy Haslam, Pilot Flying J CEO. “He’s been called the hardest working man in country music, and that aligns well with our work ethic at Pilot Flying J. We’re very proud to have Trace on board to represent Pilot Flying J.”

“As much as I travel, my band, crew and I certainly rely on Pilot Flying J travel centers as we tour the country,” Adkins said. “I’m proud to partner with this company as they serve the men and women who are responsible for transporting the products and services of America!”

Trace has also been affiliated with such organizations as the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Project and has earned a Merit Award for his USO tours through the Middle East. Adkins additionally received the 2010 Artist Humanitarian Award from CRB, and was honored in October 2011 with the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

CO5 Adds New Regional

CO5 Nashville VP Promotion David Newmark has announced the hire of Weslea Neas to the position of Director of Promotion, SW/MW region.

“I met Weslea when she was in radio and was instantly aware of her love for music and the Country format,” says Newmark. “Weslea built her reputation quickly as one of radio’s best and brightest. She was a great communicator at radio and continued to do so when she made the switch to promotion. We are excited about the opportunity to have her on our team.”

Neas’ career began in radio with WBEE/Rochester, NY, where she took on Music Director responsibilities and filling a midday air shift, before being promoted to Assistant Program Director. In 2009, she joined Republic Nashville and was part of the team that helped break The Band Perry and their No. 1 “If I Die Young.”

HSN Concert Series to Debut with Lionel Richie

Multi-channel retailer HSN announced yesterday (2/16) that Lionel Richie will be the first artist to participate in the HSN LIVE concert series, which launches Friday, Mar. 16 at 8 p.m. (EST) on HSN, HSN.com and via HSN Mobile. During the special multi-platform event sponsored by Cricket, Richie will perform tracks from his upcoming Mercury Nashville release Tuskegee. Since Richie’s new album is a collaboration with country artists, Kenny Rogers will join him on stage to sing “Lady.”

Prior to the HSN LIVE concert, a special pre-show will stream live on HSN’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. (EST), offering fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access as Richie prepares to take the stage. Facebook viewers will be able to watch exclusive content at www.hsn.com/LionelLive to learn more about the inspiration behind Tuskegee, as well as a live interview with Rogers just before the show. Following his HSN premiere, Richie will perform a special encore and further interact with HSN’s Facebook fans during a live post-concert chat.

HSN customers also currently have the opportunity to pre-order an exclusive 2-disc bundle ($14.95) on HSN.com. The package includes Richie’s Tuskegee album and a special 5 track bonus CD with a previously unreleased version of “You Are” recorded live at Wembley Arena.

“HSN has become a launching pad for new releases from today’s biggest artists,” said Andy Sheldon, EVP of Television and Executive Creative Director for HSN. “Through special events like the HSN LIVE concert series, we offer our customers insider access to some of the world’s greatest music legends and we are excited to have Lionel share his inspiration for Tuskegee and his iconic sound.”

Tuskegee represents an new chapter in Richie’s career with a lineup of country icons including: Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Little Big Town, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett.

Tuskegee Tracklist:
1. “You Are” with Blake Shelton
2. “Say You, Say Me” with Jason Aldean
3. “Stuck On You” with Darius Rucker
4. “Deep River Woman” with Little Big Town
5. “My Love” with Kenny Chesney
6. “Dancing On The Ceiling” with Rascal Flatts
7. “Hello” with Jennifer Nettles
8. “Sail On” with Tim McGraw
9. “Endless Love” with Shania Twain
10. “Just For You” with Billy Currington
11. “Lady” with Kenny Rogers
12. “Easy” with Willie Nelson
13. “All Night Long” with Jimmy Buffett

Bonus CD Tracklist:
1. “You Are” – previously unreleased live version recorded at Wembley Arena
2. “Say You, Say Me” – original recording
3. “My Love” – original recording
4. “Dancing On The Ceiling” – original recording
5. “Stuck On You” – original recording

Wells Fargo’s Private Banking Office In New Location

Wells Fargo's Danielle Lares-Bouharoun and Bradley Gallimore

Wells Fargo’s Private Banking/Entertainment Industry Division in Nashville has officially moved to its new location as of Feb. 16. The office has added new mortgage, investment, insurance and financial planning team members, and aims to serve all client needs from one location.

The new office is located at 3100 West End Ave., One American Center, Ste. 550. Email addresses remain the same, but representative’s phone numbers have changed. Please make note of the following new numbers:

Danielle Lares-Bouharoun  – 279-3542
Bradley Gallimore – 279-3541
Donna Whidby – 279-3560

Additionally, Wells Fargo has announced the hiring of Jason Thomas to the Private Bank team as a Wealth Advisor. Thomas was previous a practicing attorney with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and brings 12 years experience in tax planning, structuring and holistic planning. He graduated in Accounting and Finance, and attended the University of Alabama School of Law.

Industry Ink (2/17/12)

DigSin, music executive Jay Frank’s new singles-only record label, will celebrate its official launch next Thursday, Feb. 23. All four of DigSin’s current artists (Bronze Radio Return, Connie Lim, Jenn Bostic, and NNXT) will showcase for free at the Rutledge. Doors will open at 6 pm, and those interested in attending can RSVP here.

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Warner/Chappell has announced two key appointments its A&R and Synchronization teams. In the Los Angeles office, Charlie Amter has been named Manager, Dance/International Pop A&R, and in the New York office Frank DiMinno has been named Director, Strategic Marketing, Synchronization.

In his new role, Amter will develop new and established talent across the electronic and international pop genres, reporting to SVP, Head of A&R Greg Sowders. DiMinno will be driving special initiatives to deliver new uses for Warner/Chappell writers’ music, and will report to SVP, Head of Synchronization, Ron Broitman.

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Grammy-award winning country group The Mavericks have signed with Creative Artists Agency for booking representation. The band comprised of Raul Malo, Robert Reynolds, and Paul Deakin have reunited after an eight-year hiatus and are currently working on a reunion album. They will be performing together for the first time since 2003 at the Stagecoach Festival (Indio, CA) April 27-29, followed by a tour of North America and Europe this summer.

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Makin’ Music has entered into a long-term, worldwide administration deal with publishing company Hori-Pro. Makin’s catalog contains works such as the Ronnie Milsap hit “There’s No Getting Over Me,” Barbara Mandrell’s No. 1s “The Angel In Your Arms This Morning” and “Til You’re Gone,” and many more.

Photos: Artists and Good Deeds

Dierks Bentley teamed up with The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Feb. 15 to surprise a military family with $50,000 to help with their financial struggles. Sgt. Chad Sparks was actively serving when he lost a finger on duty and was forced to return home to care for his injury. He and his wife have been trying to make ends meet by selling their furniture, appliances and other personal items on Craigslist to help support their one-year-old daughter as Sgt. Sparks faces redeployment to Afghanistan. To watch Bentley surprise the the Sparks Family, click here.

Dierks Bentley presents a check to the Sparks Family.

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Darius Photo: Travis Dew

Darius Rucker recently performed a benefit concert for the Medical University of South Carolina’s Children’s Hospital. The “Darius Rucker Big Band Show,” held Feb. 13 to a sold-out North Charleston Performing Arts Center, featured Rucker singing 90 minutes of classic Frank Sinatra tunes with an orchestra led by Peter Graves. In total, the event raised $260,000 for MUSC Children’s Hospital. Rucker is currently writing material for his third country album slated for release later this year. In the meantime, fans can see him on Lady Antebellum’s Own The Night Tour.

 

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Former American Idol finalist Bucky Covington has joined forces with charitable organization Help The Good Guys, which works to raise awareness and funds for the more than 130,000 fire fighters and law enforcement officers who experience a financial crisis from work-related injuries each year. In addition to raising awareness, Bucky recently donated his talents to fundraising events in Birmingham, AL and Detroit, MI to support injured heroes in their local community. On April 21, Bucky will host a motorcycle ride and concert in Chattanooga, TN to benefit the city’s injured fire fighters and police officers.

Bucky Covington presenting a check to fire fighters.

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Craig Campbell (L) and friend in Bobber tank.

Bigger Picture artist Craig Campbell teamed with Shirts For a Cure by using his merchandise sales to support and raise awareness for breast cancer research. Campbell donated thousands of dollars to Shirts For a Cure raised by selling the “Bobber Tanks” on tour last summer to go along with his second single “Fish.” With the pink bobbers’ choice placement along the chest, and the tag-line “Save the Bobbers,” the shirts were quite a hit.

 

 

CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

His previous years have been pretty amazing, to be sure, but Dierks Bentley looks primed for an outstanding 2012. It’s only mid-February now. His critically-acclaimed sixth album Home dropped Feb. 7 and subsequently hit No. 1 in Country sales for the week. He also showed up as a presenter on the Grammys and then performed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show just a few days ago.

The title track from Home is at least part of the puzzle, its message of reconciliation and hope reverberating with country audiences and beyond. Probably not a huge surprise, but it’s now the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 song for a second straight week. As a testament to its reach, early in the song’s life Bentley got the chance to perform it at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama during a PBS special.

Bentley is currently off exploring the cold North of Canada on his “Country & Cold Cans” tour, and he’s scheduled to head the land down under in March for a series of dates. “Country & Cold Cans” returns for a string of U.S. dates in April. Info here.