Lady Antebellum to Open For Springsteen in London

Lady Antebellum will get a lesson from the Boss when they open for Bruce Springsteen as part of the 2012 Hard Rock Calling Festival in London, UK. The concert takes place at London’s Hyde Park on July 14.

“It’s Springsteen…there is no entertainer we look up to more than him,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley. “I’m going to be like a little kid at Christmas watching his show. It’s the biggest honor for us to be invited to play this festival…the entire lineup is awesome!”

The London date with Springsteen coincides with the European leg of Lady A’s Own The Night World Tour, which begins in July. Due to high demand, the July 13 concert in Glasgow has moved to a larger venue, and the trio has added an extra date at Dublin, Ireland.

Full dates here.

ASCAP Presents Christian Music Awards

(L-R): publisher Barry Coburn, ASCAP's Michael Martin, Christian Songwriter of the Year Ben Glover, Christian Songwriter/Artist of the Year Josh Wilson, and ASCAP VP/GM Nashville Marc Driskill

ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) saluted the songwriters and publishers of Christian music’s most performed songs at its 34th annual Christian Music Awards held last night (3/19) at Richland Country Club in Nashville.

The evening’s top honors went to:
ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year: Ben Glover
ASCAP Christian Songwriter/Artist of the Year: Josh Wilson (Sparrow Records)
ASCAP Christian Song of the Year: “Glorious Day,” written by Michael Bleecker; published by Word Music Publishing, performed by Casting Crowns
ASCAP Christian Publisher of the Year: EMI CMG Publishing

Twenty-four most performed song honors were handed out by ASCAP Nashville’s Michael Martin, LeAnn Phelan and Ryan Beuschel. Several award winners gave memorable performances, including Josh Wilson singing “Jesus Is Alive,” Dara Maclean offering “Home,” and Moriah Peters showcasing “Well Done.”

(L-R): Michael Martin, Barry Coburn, Michael W. Smith, Marc Driskill, Wayland Holyfield, and Greg Ham

ASCAP Vice President and General Manager, Nashville Marc Driskill presented Ben Glover with his second Songwriter of the Year award. Glover co-penned four of the Most Performed songs of the past year: “Stronger” and “Waiting For Tomorrow” (Mandisa), “Dear X” (Disciple), and “I Refuse” (Josh Wilson). Glover has had 11 No. 1 songs, with cuts by artists including Trace Adkins, Brandon Heath, Lee Brice, Steve Holy, Marc Broussard, and Gloriana. He currently has five singles on the Billboard chart.

ASCAP Song of the Year honors went to “Glorious Day.” Michael Bleecker at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas reinvented the 1910 hymn “One Day,” originally written by John Wilbur Chapman. The song is published by Word Music Publishing and the recording by Casting Crowns has been extremely successful on Christian radio.

Sparrow Records artist Josh Wilson was honored with the ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year award. His third studio album, See You, was met with critical praise and featured the hits “I Refuse,” “Fall Apart,” and “Jesus Is Alive,” all of which earned Most Performed honors. Wilson’s major label debut was released in 2008.

ASCAP Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI CMG Publishing for the ninth consecutive time and by coincidence, the company had nine of the Most Performed songs: “Dear X (You Don’t Own Me),” “I Lift My Hands,” “Jesus Is Alive,” “Stronger,” “The Way,” “I Refuse,” “Waiting For Tomorrow,” “Fall Apart,” and “The Redeemer.”

Songwriters and artists in attendance included Michael W. Smith (who offered the opening prayer), Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Jason Gray, Sanctus Real, Shawn McDonald, Chris August, April Geesbregh and Phillip LaRue.

(L-R): ASCAP's Marc Driskill, artist Dara Maclean, artist Mandisa and ASCAP's LeAnn Phelan

Toby Keith’s New Tour Hits the Road in Overdrive

Toby Keith will hit the road on June 14, when his Live In Overdrive Tour kicks off in Salt Lake City, UT. The 38-date tour, presented by Ford F-Series, will feature Brantley Gilbert as the opening act.

Keith is nominated for three 2012 ACM Awards, and is scheduled to perform for the telecast on April 1. The Minneapolis location of his I Love This Bar & Grill also earned an ACM nomination for Nightclub of the Year.

As reported earlier, Keith is making the rounds on TV with recent appearances on Ellen, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and an upcoming Chelsea Lately (March 27). Last week, Keith visited with Ryan Seacrest’s morning radio show to talk about “Red Solo Cup,” which was called “THE spring break song of the year.”

The night before the ACMs, Keith is nominated for Favorite Male Singer at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards.

Toby Keith’s Live in Overdrive Tour Dates (subject to changes and additions):
6/14 – Salt Lake City, UT
6/15 – Denver, CO
6/16 – Albuquerque, NM
6/22 – North Platte, NE
6/23 – Manhattan, KS
6/29 – Detroit, MI
6/30 – Indianapolis, IN

7/4 – White Sulphur Springs, WV
7/12 – Sarnia, ON (Canada)
7/13 – Cleveland, OH
7/14 – Washington, DC
7/15 – Raleigh, NC
7/21 – Monticello, IA
7/22 – Twin Lakes, WI
7/26 – Virginia Beach, VA
7/27 – Pittsburgh, PA
7/28 – Cincinnati, OH
7/29 – Darien Lakes, NY

8/2 – Sparta, WI
8/3 – Detroit Lakes, MN
8/4 – Camrose, AB (Canada)
8/8 – Lake Tahoe, NV
8/9 – San Diego, CA
8/10 – San Bernardino, CA
8/11 – Las Vegas, NV
8/12 – Mountain View, CA
8/17 – Holmdel, NJ
8/18 – Philadelphia, PA
8/19 – Saratoga Springs, NY
8/24 – Atlanta, GA
8/25 – Charlotte, NC

9/1 – St. Louis, MO
9/2 – Chicago, IL
9/7 – Dallas, TX
9/8 – Houston, TX
9/14 – Tampa, FL
9/15 – West Palm Beach, FL
9/21 – Hartford, CT
9/22 – Boston, MA

“Today Show” Goes Country All Week

(L-R): Today Show host Hoda Kotb, Bernadette Peters, Josh Turner. Photo courtesy: joshturner.com

It’s country week on the Today Show and a selection of Nashville’s stars are filling in for a vacationing Kathie Lee Gifford through Friday, March 23.

Yesterday (March 19), MCA Records’ Josh Turner co-hosted with Kotb, where he helped judge Today’s “Voice Contest: Kids Edition,” and helped Kotb interview actress Bernadette Peters. Turner’s current single “Time Is Love” is climbing the charts, and the video just premiered on GAC. His forthcoming album Punching Bag is due in stores this Summer.

Today (March 20), Curb Records’ Lee Brice joined host Hoda Kotb during the fourth hour of the program and serenaded her with his hits “Love Like Crazy” and “A Woman Like You.” The pair also played a True/False game about allergies, and interviewed Kirk Cameron. Brice’s sophomore album Hard 2 Love hits stores April 24.

Check out videos of Brice and Turner here.

Coming up next is Randy Travis, who will co-host on Wednesday, March 21. Warner Bros. John Rich will co-host and BNA Records’ Casey James will perform on Thursday, March 22. The week will close out with Kellie Pickler in the co-hosting chair Friday, March 23.

The fourth hour of the Today Show airs 10-11 am ET.

Casey James Releases Debut Album

Casey James is releasing his self-titled, 19 Recordings/BNA Records debut album today (3/20). “My heart gets fluttery thinking about it,” admits James. “All my life, I’ve wanted to get an album in stores. It will be a huge day.”

James, a former American Idol contestant, co-wrote 9 of the 11 songs on the album including the first single “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night.” He collaborated with some of the top writers in Nashville including Terry McBride, Chris Lindsey, Bob DiPiero, and Brett James. Of writing with those talents, he says, “I’ve learned a lot.  These guys are the titans of the writing world, and just the fact that they would agree to meet with me was amazing.”

In addition to writing most of the album, James co-produced the album with Lindsey and played guitar on all the tracks.

James will spend the week crisscrossing the country with performances that include visits to The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Wednesday, March 21 and the fourth hour of the Today Show on Thursday, March 22.

Casey James track listing:
1. The Good Life (Casey James/Scooter Carusoe)
2. Crying On A Suitcase (Lee Thomas Miller/Tom Shapiro/Neil Thrasher)
3. Let’s Don’t Call It A Night (Casey James/Brice Long/Terry McBride)
4. Drive (Casey James/Brad Warren/Brett Warren)
5. Love The Way You Miss Me (Casey James/Brice Long/Terry McBride)
6. Undone (Casey James/Scooter Carusoe)
7. So Sweet (Casey James/Dallas Davidson/Patrick Davis)
8. She’s Money (Casey James/Jaren Johnston)
9. Tough Love (Casey James/Brett James/David Lee Murphy)
10. Workin’ On It (Bob DiPiero/Brandon Kinney/Daniel Tashian)
11. Miss Your Fire (Casey James/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo)

MusicRowPics: Artist Visit with Dustin Lynch

Broken Bow’s Dustin Lynch spent part of his afternoon with MusicRow yesterday (3/19). The young artist is anticipating the Summer 2012 release of his debut album, and shared a few songs from the project with the MusicRow staff. Songs included the recently written “Last Lap” to his quickly rising debut single “Cowboys and Angels.”

Growing up in Tullahoma, TN, Lynch shared that he always wanted to be like Garth Brooks and eventually talked his parents into letting him drive to Nashville to perform at the Bluebird Cafe. “I got some claps,” Lynch said. “So I wanted to go back and do it again.” After deciding to attend Lipscomb College, Lynch continued to perform at the Bluebird, and his performances there eventually led to his relationship and signing with Broken Bow.

Next up, Lynch will experience his first ACM Awards in Las Vegas on April 1. His video for “Cowboys and Angels” is also expected to be released early April.


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Anne Weaver-Price Joins Toolpusher Records

Ann Weaver-Price

Toolpusher Records has announced the addition of Anne Weaver-Price to the label as Director of National Promotion. Weaver-Price will handle in-house national radio promotion duties for the independent label and its flagship artist, Jason Sturgeon.

She brings two decades of experience including time with RCA Nashville and Arista Nashville before becoming Vice President of Promotion for Mercury/Nashville in 1993. Over the past decade Weaver-Price has also handled promotion efforts for Quarterback Records, Montage Music Group, and Robbins Nashville, as well as independent promotion for artists like David Ball, Kenny Rogers, Zona Jones and Trace Adkins.

“As an artist you hope for the best representation at radio that you can possibly have and as the CEO of the company, you want the best people on your team that can do the job,” said Sturgeon. “Anne is an industry veteran who has worked with some of the biggest names in country music and she has contributed to the success of many careers. I’m very honored and proud to have her as part of the Toolpusher records team.”

The Toolpusher team includes Dennis Kurtz (Label Manager), Brian Cecil (Marketing/Digital Media Director) and Vanessa Davis (Publicist). The label is currently launching Sturgeon’s new single, “Time Bomb,” which has been adopted as the theme song for the 2012 Monster Truck Nationals Knock-out Tour.

Weaver-Price can be reached at kweenanne@aol.com or at (214) 907-4922.

Josh Turner To Headline Free Opry Mills Concert

Josh Turner will headline the grand re-opening of Opry Mills on Sat., May 5. The event titled Southern Nights will begin at 6 p.m. with Turner scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m. The free outdoor concert will culminate with a fireworks display.

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. The organization’s most needed items are peanut butter, canned chicken/tuna, canned soups and stews, cereal, pasta and canned fruit and vegetables.

Opry Mills officially re-opens to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thurs., March 29.

Turner’s new single “Time is Love” from his upcoming album, Punching Bag, was recently released to radio and is one of his fastest rising singles to date.

Industry Updates (3/20/12)

Spin Doctors Promotions has formed Spin Doctors Music Group, now offering booking, artist management, label services, social media, marketing and more in addition to continuing its focus on secondary radio promotion. The company has also added staff members Brian Hanshaw, who will specialize in new business development, booking, and artist development; and Heather Leto, who will handle marketing and publicity. Reach Hanshaw here and Leto here. Nashville-based Spin Doctors Music Group is owned and operated by veteran programmer Al Brock.

• • •

Restless Heart has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Nashville-based Brand N Music, joining a roster that includes Andy Griggs, Buddy Jewell, Billy Dean, Jamie O’Neal, Ty Herndon, and more. “Part of the Brand N Music growth strategy for 2012 is to bolster our national roster with award-winning, successful national acts,” says Brand N Music President Greg Burns. “Having the opportunity to work with Restless Heart helps us accomplish that goal. I’ve always been a big fan of Restless Heart and we are looking forward to bringing their fantastic live show to venues throughout the U.S. and beyond!”

• • •

Judy Seale, President of Judy Seale International and Stars For Stripes, was honored with the Tennessee Marine 2012 Leadership Award at the Operation Yellow Ribbon event at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on March 6, 2012. The annual event honoring the US military and their families was hosted by Charlie Daniels and featured guests Darryl Worley and Gary Sinise.

“Rarely am I speechless, but receiving this honor was a very emotional moment in my life,” said Seale. “This is equivalent to a Grammy or an Oscar for me in my career. To be presented this award by my heroes–the U.S. Marines–and experience the moment with Charlie Daniels, Gary Sinise and Darryl Worley was overwhelming. There are so many others who share my passion and support of the military who should be receiving this recognition as well.”

(L-R): Darryl Worley; Charlie Daniels; Judy Seale; Major Harry Thompson, US Marine Corps – Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Nashville; and Gary Sinise.

O’Neil Hagaman Names Three Principals

(L-R): Ellen Porter, Craig Owens, and Lillian Williams

Respected business management firm O’Neil Hagaman today announced the promotion of three senior professionals to Principal. Receiving new titles are Craig Owens, previously Consulting Manager; Ellen Porter, previously Business Manager; and Lillian Williams, previously Business Manager.

“Craig, Ellen and Lillian are dedicated, veteran employees of O’Neil Hagaman who have helped build our reputation for exceptional, comprehensive service to the entertainment industry over the years,” said co-founder Kerry P. O’Neil. “We are pleased to elevate them to the well-deserved designation of Principal and know they will provide our clients with unparalleled service in this capacity.”

“Craig has run our Special Projects department for over five years and proved his leadership in keeping our firm at the cutting edge of technology and intellectual property issues,” added O’Neil. Owens has been with O’Neil Hagaman for more than 15 years and is a CPA and has been published in MusicRow magazine. As Principal, he will handle royalty tracking, compliance examinations, intellectual property valuations and investment analysis.

“Ellen is an invaluable talent that understands the essence of our clients, their families, and the complexity of building successful careers,” said co-founder Al Hagaman. “She has worked tirelessly to help our clients meet and exceed their goals.” Porter has been with O’Neil Hagaman for 28 years. As a Principal she will focus on financial management through financial accounting, contractual evaluation, negotiation and monitoring, and risk management. She is an alumna of Leadership Music, a member of the CMA and ACM, and has been published in MusicRow.

“Lillian has developed into a very tenacious and thoughtful business manager who represents her clients and our firm with integrity and it is an honor to be able to recognize her for her exceptional work with our clients,” said co-founder Cheryl Harris. Williams has been with O’Neil Hagaman for more than 20 years and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Specifically, she will focus on financial accounting, contractual evaluation, negotiation and monitoring and risk management. She is an alumna of Leadership Music, a member of CMA and GMA, and has been published in MusicRow.