Americana Summer Celebration Adds Songwriter Session

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Americana Summer Celebration Adds Songwriter Session
The Americana Summer Celebration at Blackberry Farm will include a special songwriter session with artists and friends Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal and Jim Lauderdale on Sat., July 21. The afternoon event will offer a glimpse into the songwriting craft before the artists take the stage that night for an evening performance that will also include hitmaker John Oates.

The intimate weekend at the luxury property in the Smoky Mountains will kick off on Fri., July 20 with a performance by Cash and noted guitarist and producer Leventhal. Held annually at Blackberry Farms in Walland, TN, the fundraising event benefits the not-for-profit Americana Music Association. For reservations, please contact Blackberry Farm at 1-800-557 8864 or email [email protected].

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Johnny Cash Music Festival Returns
Rosanne Cash is also confirmed for the Johnny Cash Music Festival at Arkansas State University. She will join Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley and The Civil Wars for the Oct. 5 concert at ASU’s Convocation Center in Jonesboro, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Like last year’s inaugural sold out event, proceeds will fund the restoration of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess, Arkansas as well as support a scholarship established in his name. Details at www.johnnycashmusicfest.com.

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Don Williams Touring Behind New Album
Don Williams’ new Sugar Hill Records album And So It Goes is his highest charting country album in 27 years, bowing recently at No. 20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album is also in the Top 5 Most Added at Americana Radio.

It was produced by longtime collaborator Garth Fundis and features guest vocal performances by Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and Chris Stapleton among others. Williams is touring in support of the project with fair, festival and theater dates crossing the country through September, including a two-night stand at Pigeon Forge, TN’s Country Tonite Theatre Sept. 21-22.

Click here to listen to the Williams/Krauss duet.

 

From the Road (7/09/12)

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Pretty Good at Sayin’ “Cheese”
Mercury Nashville’s Billy Currington took a break from working on his upcoming album for an “Up Close and Personal” session with KKBQ at the Four Seasons in Houston.

(L-R): KKBQ APD/MD Christi Brooks, Billy Currington, Mercury Nashville’s Jill Brunett, KKBQ PD/OM Johnny Chiang

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Farr Away in Star Country
Columbia Nashville new artist Tyler Farr recently stopped by Roanoke’s WSLC (Star Country) during his promotional radio tour.

(L-R): WSLC PD Brett Sharp, Farr, WSLC Promo Director Rachel Rodes, Columbia Nashville’s David Friedman

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Like Johnny and June… and Also Buck
Sidewalk Records’ Heidi Newfield is currently visiting radio to promote her new single “Why’d You Have to Be So Good.” Recently she visited with KUZZ/Bakersfield.

(L-R): KUZZ PD Tom Jordan, Newfield, KUZZ Promo. Dir. Jerry Hufford

RFD-TV Celebrates Larry’s Country Diner; Debuts Joey+Rory Show

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The Joey+Rory Show Debuts
Husband and Wife duo, Joey+Rory, will showcase their down-home lifestyle and creativity with The Joey+Rory Show, which debuts on RFD-TV tonight (7/6).

Filmed at their farm and around Pottsville, TN, the first 13 episodes of The Joey+Rory Show will mix live performances of songs from their forthcoming third album, His and Hers, due out July 31, recipes from their  family-owned café, Marcy Jo’s, and artists who inspire them.

“We don’t have a TV in our home, partly because it’s hard to find good family programs to watch any more,” said Rory. “So rather than just complain about it, we’re trying to create some good programming that everyone can enjoy.”

The Joey+Rory Show airs Fridays at 8:00 pm CT on RFD-TV. Watch a preview below:

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Larry’s Country Diner Celebrates 100
One of RFD-TV network’s top-rated weekly shows, Larry’s Country Diner, celebrated its 100th episode yesterday (7/5).

Larry’s Country Diner integrates entertainment, interviews and music in a weekly format, taped live in a country diner setting. The show features regular characters including creator Larry Black, Keith Bilbrey, Sheriff Jimmy Capps, waitress Renae and avid church lady Nadine, along with special guest appearances by country music artists of yesterday and today.

This June, guests include James Gregory, Georgette Jones, The Whites, and Teea Goans.

“It’s the kind of television you just don’t see too much anymore and both the artists and fans love it,” said Larry Black. “We even tell our artists that once the tape starts rolling, it does not stop.  If you get yourself in trouble, get yourself out ‘cause we’re not stoppin’.”

To get a seat at a live taping, please call 615-673-2846. For more information, please visit: www.larryscountrydiner.com.

Cast of Larry’s Country Diner celebrates 100 episodes. Pictured (L-R): Larry Black, Keith Bilbrey, Jimmy Capps, Church Lady-Nadine, Renae the Waitress. Photo: Phil Johnson

Rhonda Vincent Plans Gospel Album

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Rhonda Vincent is releasing her first ever all-gospel CD, Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ Live!, next Tuesday, July 10 at all retailers.

The collection was recorded live at Vincent’s childhood home church, Greentop United Methodist Church in Greentop, MO, with her award-winning band The Rage supporting her. AOL Music is currently previewing the entire album online here through July 15. Full track list is below.

“This is the music I grew up on – the music that shaped who I am today,” says Vincent. “My family sang this music all our lives and I’ve always included Gospel music in every performance. Going back to my childhood church to record this very special project made this moment in time unforgettable and I/m so excited to share this with all my friends.”

Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ Live! Track Listing:
1. I Feel Closer To Heaven Everyday
2. Blue Sky Cathedral
3. His Promised land
4. Where We’ll Never Say Farewell
5. Silent Partner
6. Just As I Am
7. God Put A Rainbow In The Clouds
8. Prettiest Flower There
9. The Last Best Place
10. Walking My Lord Up Calvary’s Hill
11. Fishers Of Men
12. Homecoming
13. Where No Cabins Fall
14. Help Me To Be More Like Him
15. Joshua
16. Old Rugged Cross

Artist Updates (7/6/12)

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Thompson Square journeyed to Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends earlier today (7/6), where they played the show’s “All American Summer Concert Series.” Check out the duo singing current single “Glass” here.

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Carrie Underwood has wrapped up a successful string of shows in the United Kingdom and Australia, including a sold-out concert at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall. Underwood’s latest album Blown Away debuted at No. 1 in both countries.

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Lady Antebellum recently finished the North American leg of its headlining Own The Night World Tour, sponsored by GAC. The 85 city run reached a major milestone for the trio, as it brought out over one million fans to venues. Lady A will continue through Europe and Australia this summer.

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Trace Adkins has released his latest single “Them Lips (On Mine),” which is currently climbing the CountryBreakout Chart at No. 38. The song appears on Adkins’ forthcoming Show Dog-Universal album, due for a fall release. Adkins’ team has put together an online campaign allowing fans to give a “virtual kiss” to the singer. Check it out here.

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Clint Black and History Detectives' Elyse Luray (R) uncover the secrets of Black's antique book. Photo: Jon-Paul Photography

Clint Black recently appeared on an episode of Lifetime’s Coming Home, where he helped two children write a song about their Army captain father who returned from Afghanistan. Black is also featured in an upcoming episode of the PBS series History Detectives, which will air Tuesday, July 24 at 8 pm CT. The episode will center on the history of an artifact Black was given by his wife. Clint Black and History Detectives’ Elyse Luray uncover the secrets of Black’s antique book. Airing July 24, 2012 on PBS. Photo: Jon-Paul Photography

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Teen Hoot is presenting HootFest, a concert outlet for teenage performers and musicians, at Rocketown in Nashville today (7/6) and tomorrow (7/7). Twenty-two artists from five countries are performing, including Dylan Holland, Peyton Sanders, AJ Silva, Tyler Matl, and more. Music starts at 6 pm and tickets are $35 here.

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(L-R): Sarah Darling; Madison Cain; Jonathan Cain

Black River Entertainment’s Sarah Darling had a surprise guest performer during her set at Wednesday’s “Music City July 4th” celebration when Journey’s Jonathan Cain joined her to perform “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

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Jo Dee Messina has joined the Babble Voices Team on babble.com as a blog contributor, and is the first musician to write for the website. Messina debuted her “Backstage With Fumbling Mom” blog on the site July 1. See it here.

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HLN Morning Express host Robin Meade (L) with Angie Johnson.

The Voice contestant Angie Johnson recently performed her self-penned song “Outlaw Spirit” on HLN’s Morning Express with Robin Meade. The two also chatted about Johnson’s career in the military and performing at Warner-Robbins AFB “Independence Day Concert” with Josh Turner. Johnson also has a Kickstarter.com campaign for her upcoming album here.

Signings: Tora Fisher, Josh Kerr

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L–R: Chris Keaton (Chris Keaton Presents), Tora Fisher, and Lee Lessack (President, LML Music)

New York City singer/songwriter Tora Fisher, who recently signed with manager Chris Keaton, is anticipating the release of her debut album Spilling Over next Tuesday (7/10). The album was produced by Tora and Michael Mugrage, who also co-wrote several tracks on the CD. It will be released via LML Music/Allegro.

“This entire album is about men,” says Tora. “I guess I find that somewhat ironic because I’m such a strong independent woman who can provide for herself and in the process act like a father figure to many of my friends and family. But that’s probably why it dominates my art. In life I am all of the things a strong woman should be. In music, I’m just a fragile girl who’s had her heart broken by the men I’ve lost both in life and in love.”

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L-R: Black River's Celia Froehlig, Josh Kerr and Black River's Robert Carlton

Black River Publishing has added to its songwriter roster with the signing of Josh Kerr. “I believe Josh Kerr has a very bright future ahead and I am happy to have him on our Black River Publishing roster,” said Black River’s VP Publishing, Celia Froehlig.

Photo Friday (7/6/12)

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The Academy of Country Music recently welcomed Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville recording artist Jerrod Niemann to its offices while he was in Los Angeles. He is gearing up for the October 2 release of his sophomore album, Free The Music. While at the Academy he performed his current single “Shinin’ On Me,” and previewed songs from Free The Music for the staff.

(L-R): Paul Barnabee, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville; Jerrod Niemann; Tiffany Moon, ACM Executive Vice President/Managing Director; Steve Emley, Fitzgerald Hartley Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

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Grammy award-winning guitarist Earl Klugh performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum on Saturday (6/30). Klugh performed and shared memories of his friend and mentor, Chet Atkins. The exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, will close on July 15.

(L-R): Curatorial Director Mick Buck, Steve Wariner, c.g.p., Earl Klugh, John Knowles, c.g.p., and Mark Pritcher, president of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society. Photo: Donn Jones

• • • •
Steel Magnolia recently played to a near capacity crowd at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheater near Atlanta. Despite the high temperatures, former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes and his daughter stayed for their entire 90-minute set. The duo also performed “God Bless America ” during the 7th Inning Stretch at Turner Field for the Atlanta Braves/Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game.

Steel Magnolia's Joshua Scott Jones, Governor Roy Barnes and Steel Magnolia's Meghan Linsey Photo: Dan Harr/MusicNewsNashville.com

 

 

Creative Nation and Preston Taylor Ministries Partner For Benefit

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Recently announced publishing entity of Luke and Beth Laird, Creative Nation, will join forces with Preston Taylor Ministries on Tues., July 10 at 3rd and Lindsley to benefit Nashville inner-city ministry youth programs.

The evening will begin at 6 pm with performances by songwriters Luke Laird, Rhett Akins, Dave Berg, Ashley Gorley, Ann Marie, Danny Myrick and a special performance from The Little Preston Taylor Ministries Rockers.

Tickets are $5 and support Preston Taylor Ministries mission to provide hope for children and families living in environments of drug use, gang involvement, teenage pregnancy, illiteracy, poor school performance and crime through mentoring programs, after school activities and Bible studies.

For additional information on Preston Taylor Ministries, visit www.ptmweb.ik.org

CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

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According to the California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5150 allows a qualified officer to involuntarily confine a person who is deemed to be a danger to himself or others. Which means Dierks Bentley could be wading through some serious Fatal Attraction territory over some girl in his latest single “5-1-5-0.”

And yet, the song (written by Bentley with Brett and Jim Beavers) sounds like concentrated summertime, riding a twangy, uptempo groove that screams “Party!” Which is one good reason it’s the CountryBreakout Chart No. 1 song for the third consecutive week. Extending this theme, the Wes Edwards-directed video clip features copious amounts of ATVs, jacked up trucks, mud, scantily clad women, dust clouds and a high speed police chase. So this particular state of mental distress actually seems like a pretty happenin’ way to be, all things considered.

“I have never had so much fun…or gotten so dirty…at a video shoot,” said Bentley. “It’s hard to call it ‘work’ when you get to drive trucks and four wheelers through the mud all day. The fans who came out to this shoot were ready to get 5-1-5-0, so we basically just pulled up a bunch of trucks, threw some gear in the back, turned up the speakers and then let them do their thing. It was pretty wild!”

Bentley also recently played CMT’s Unplugged series, where he unveiled his new signature HD Dierks Bentley Martin guitar, which will be available in stores fall. For tour dates, check www.dierks.com.

Weekly Chart Report (7/5/2012)

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Joanna Smith visited with WDKN recently to promote her new single, “We Can’t Be Friends.” The song lands at No. 26 on this week’s CountryBreakout Chart. Pictured (L-R): Dale Turner (WDKN), Smith, RG Jones (Sony Music Nashville)

SPIN ZONE
This summer’s heat wave continues its grip on us just as Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0″ continues holding CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week. The Band Perry’s “Postcard From Paris” maintains the No. 2 spot while Keith Urban’s “For You” jumps another step to No. 3. In its 8th week on the chart, Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” skips up one to No. 4 followed by Gloriana‘s “Kissed You” at No. 5.

Judging by the high number of frozen reports below, many radio people are vacationing or just enjoying some Independence Day time off. Nevertheless, Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” paddles up another 3 spots entering the Top 10 at No. 9 with a 245 spin gain this week. Zac Brown Band‘s “The Wind” blows by another 3 spots to No. 20 while Carrie Underwood‘s “Blown Away” leaps from No. 73 to No. 44 in its 2nd week on the chart with 362 additional spins.

Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” at No. 60 is both the highest chart debut and the largest increase in spins this week. Other debuts include Andy Gibson‘s “Summer Back” at No. 63, Candy Coburn‘s “That Thing You Do” at No. 77, Eric Church‘s “Creepin'” at No. 78, Glen Templeton‘s “That’s My Job” at No. 79, and Randy Travis‘ “More Life” at No. 80.

Frozen Reports: KCJC, KFTX, KGMN, KICR, KMKS, KTTI, KVOM, KVVP, KXBZ, KYEZ, KYYK, KYTN, KZTL, WDHR, WEIO, WKDZ, WLJE, WOWF, WQNZ, WRHT, WTCM, WTHO

RADIO NEWS
KBXB/Sikeston, MO PD C.J. Cruze has announced he is exiting his position with the station, effective July 13. Taking up his duties will be Brian Taylor, who will take music calls Tuesdays 11 am – 12 pm. Reach him at [email protected].


Upcoming Singles
July 9
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville
The Lost Trailers/American Beauty/Stokes-HRT-New Revolution
Lisa Torres/Car That Runs/Render Records
Miss Willie Brown/You’re All That Matters To Me/A&M Octone-Rodeowave
Parmalee/Musta Had A Good Time/Stoney Creek
Kip Moore/Beer Money/MCA
Steve Richard/Toothbrush/Force MP-GrassRoots
Marty Stuart with Buck Trent/Tear The Woodpile Down/Sugar Hill
Joanna Mosca/Dream On Savannah/Dolce Diva

July 16
Lauren Alaina/Eighteen Inches/Mercury Nashville-19 Recordings-Interscope
Kelleigh Bannen/Sorry on the Rocks/EMI Nashville
Levi Riggs/There’s Still A Place For That/Flying Island
Lonestar/The Countdown/4 Star Records
Shooter Jennings/The Real Me/eOne
Levi Riggs/There’s Still A Place For That/Windridge
John Karl/Redneck Rich (Hillbilly Happy)/Pour Boy
Don Williams feat. Alison Krauss/I Just Come Here For The Music/Sugar Hill

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New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Tim McGraw/Truck Yeah/Big Machine – 60
Andy Gibson/Summer Back/Curb – 63
Candy Coburn/That Thing You Do/LomaJean – 77
Eric Church/Creepin’/EMI Nashville – 78
Glen Templeton/That’s My Job/Black River Entertainment – 79
Randy Travis/More Life/Warner Bros. – 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Tim McGraw/Truck Yeah/Big Machine – 364
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville – 362
Little Big Town/Pontoon/Capitol – 245
Zac Brown Band/The Wind/Southern Ground-Atlantic – 207
Lady Antebellum/Wanted You More/Capitol – 198

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Carrie Underwood/Blown Away/19-Arista Nashville – 16
Miranda Lambert/Fastest Girl In Town/RCA Nashville – 16
Tim McGraw/Right Back Atcha Babe/Curb – 12
Aaron Lewis/Endless Summer/Blaster Records – 12
Trace Adkins/Them Lips (On Mine)/Show Dog-Universal – 10
Casey James/Crying On A Suitcase/19-Columbia Nashville – 9
Heidi Newfield/Why’d You Have To Be So Good/Sidewalk Records – 8

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Bill Gentry/That Kind of Life/Tenacity Records – 184
Brandon Holland/Man In The Moon – 167
Britt & Blaire/Young Summer/Mt. Juliet Records – 165
Bobby Dean/Me and George Strait/Lamon – 165
Sawyer Brown/Ain’t Goin’ Out That Way/Beach Street Records – 161

Trace Adkins made a stop in Bakersfield as part of his "Songs and Stories Tour" Pictured (L-R): KUZZ/Bakersfield PD Tom Jordan, Jordan's wife Lori Giamanco, Adkins and Show Dog-Universal’s Lisa Owen

Scotty McCreery and Jana Kramer played WKLB/Boston’s Rockin’ Country Music Series on Monday night (7/2). Pictured (L-R) W.A.R. MW/NE regionals Lindsay Walleman, WKLB’s Dawn Santolucito, Kramer, McCreery, WKLB’s Ginny Rogers, and Mercury’s Sally Green