Big & Rich Return With ‘Hillbilly Jedi’

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Big & Rich released its first studio album in four years today (9/18), titled Hillbilly Jedi.

The Warner Bros. release includes two songs co-written with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, and the duo’s latest top 15 single, “That’s Why I Pray.”

Big & Rich will be on FOX & Friends tonight, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wednesday (9/19) and CMT Insider this weekend.

Hillbilly Jedi track listing: 
1. Born Again
2. Cowboyz
3. That’s Why I Pray
4. Lay It All On Me
5. Last Words
6. Rock The Boat
7. Can’t Be Satisfied
8. Get Your Game On
9. Cuz I Play Guitar
10. Cheat On You
11. Never Far Away
12. Hillbilly Jedi Medley

Big & Rich recently visited WSOC Radio. Pictured (L-R): DJ Stout PD WSOC, Big Kenny, Rick McCracken MD WSOC, John Rich

Paisley to Debut New Single Late Thursday

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Brad Paisley will release the first single from his upcoming album on Thursday (9/20) at 11 pm/CT. No title has been provided for the single or album, which will be the followup to his 2011’s This Is Country Music.

Paisley is slated to play the iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 22 so it is possible fans attending (or streaming the event online) will get to hear a live debut of the new song. Other performers at the multi-genre festival include Green Day, Jason Aldean, Rihanna, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, No Doubt, Bon Jovi and more. The shows begin Friday (9/21) at 7 pm/PT. More info here.

Following the iHeartRadio festival, Paisley will return to the road with his Virtual Reality Tour 2012, with stops scheduled in Jacksonville (9/27), Tampa (9/28), and West Palm Beach (9/29). The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery will play the main stage, and the Virtual Opry stage will feature Love and Theft, Kristen Kelly, and Jana Kramer.

Arista Hires National Promotion Coordinator

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Jenny Shearin has been named National Promotion Coordinator, Arista Nashville. Lesly Tyson, VP National Promotion, made the announcement and Shearin will begin her new Nashville-based role in the next few weeks.

“Jenny has been an outstanding part of the Sony Nashville team for two-and-a-half years,” shares Tyson. “I am thrilled to bring her on board with Arista Nashville promotion and know she will be an outstanding addition to our crew.”

A Northern Virginia native, Shearin most recently was Tickets & Itineraries Coordinator for Sony Music Nashville. Shearin is a graduate of The University of North Carolina Wilmington and holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from Belmont University. She first joined Sony Music Nashville as an intern in the Sales department in May 2010.

Performers Set For LM Dale Franklin Awards

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Rodney Crowell and Little Big Town

Rodney Crowell and Little Big Town will perform at the Wed., Oct. 17 Dale Franklin Awards ceremony, where they will offer musical tributes to the evening’s honorees Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Randy Owen. The event at the War Memorial Auditorium will be hosted by popular nationally syndicated radio host Blair Garner. Additionally, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will receive the Brian Williams Ambassador Award.

Crowell, who is experiencing success with current album Kin, is a longtime friend of Gill. They met in the late ’70s when Crowell was in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band and heard a 19-year-old Gill singing a song Crowell wrote onstage at L.A.’s Troubadour. Not long after, Crowell invited Gill to join his backing band, the Cherry Bombs. They continue to play together in the Notorious Cherry Bombs.

Little Big Town released its fifth studio album, Tornado, earlier this month to praise from critics and fans alike. The album’s first single “Pontoon” has sold over a million downloads.

The Dale Franklin Awards cocktail supper and silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Legislative Plaza. The show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets for balcony seating and the cocktail supper are $175, or $50 for the show only. Tables on the main floor are sold out. To purchase tickets, click here. Use promo code SHOWONLY (case sensitive).

BMI Names VP of Communications and Marketing

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Silvia Davi

BMI has appointed Silvia Davi as Vice President and Head of Strategic Communications and Marketing. Based at BMI’s headquarters in New York, she will oversee the Corporate Communications and Marketing Department, including global public relations, branding, social media, internal communications, corporate marketing and online communications. Davi reports to Richard Conlon, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Communications and New Media.

“I am thrilled to welcome Silvia Davi to our organization and to tap into her expertise in the areas of thought leadership, public relations and brand management at this exciting and evolutionary time in BMI’s corporate history,” commented Conlon. “Silvia is a highly strategic, creative, and well-rounded communications talent and I am pleased to have her join our senior management team.”

Davi joins BMI after serving as Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications and Brand at professional services firm Marsh & McLennan Companies. She previously spent eight years at NASDAQ OMX as Vice President, Corporate Communications and Head of Global Broadcast Media Strategy where she spearheaded the corporate communications and broadcast studio of the NASDAQ MarketSite, the exchange’s flagship and broadcast facility in Times Square.

Davi’s experience also includes time at Instinet Group, and Edelman and Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University, and is a frequent guest broadcast contributor on news outlets.

Tune In: ‘Country’s Night to Rock’ Airs Tonight

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Kimberly Perry and Luke Bryan host "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock."

Don’t forget to tune in tonight (9/17) for ABC’s broadcast of CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, hosted by Luke Bryan and The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry.

The three-hour special highlights performances from this summer’s June 7-10 CMA Music Festival in Nashville. Select artists to appear include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Hank Williams Jr. and Zac Brown Band.

Bryan received nominations for Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year for this year’s 46th Annual Awards, which airs on ABC in November 1. Vocal Group of the Year nominee, The Band Perry will send its frontwoman, Kimberly Perry, to join Bryan.

This is the eighth time ABC will broadcast this special. In 2011, the program drew an average audience of 7 million viewers, finishing as the most-watched program in its three-hour time period. The special ranked No. 1 in its time slot with Women 18-34.

Hendricks Celebrates The Big 5-0

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(L-R): Blake Shelton; Scott Hendricks, Sr. VP of A&R Warner Music Nashville; John Esposito, Pres./CEO Warner Music Nashville

Scott Hendricks, renowned Nashville producer and hit-maker, celebrated his 50th No. 1 with Blake Shelton’s most recent hit single, “Over.” Friends, family, artists and industry members gathered Thurs. (9/13) at a surprise party to honor the industry veteran at Warner Music Nashville’s offices on Music Row.

Blake is one of many artists Hendricks has worked with over his prestigious career. Since taking the helm of Warner Music Nashville’s A&R office, he has produced Shelton’s last three studio records, which includes the Grammy-nominated album, Red River Blue, and seven consecutive No.1s.

The celebration marked a significant milestone reminding us of the magnitude of Hendricks’ contributions to country music. Among guests in attendance to congratulate Hendricks were Ronnie Dunn, Naomi Judd and Blake Shelton. Nashville’s Mayor, Karl Dean presented Hendricks with a Certificate of Recognition Award honoring his many years of service to Nashville. Several friends and colleagues also took the stage to honor Hendricks including Butch Waugh on behalf of ACM, CMA’s Steve Moore, CRB’s Bill Mayne and Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton.

The Recording Academy’s Susan Stewart, BMI’s Jody Williams, EMI Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran and This Music’s Rusty Gaston all spoke on behalf of Hendricks’ kind and supportive nature, sense of humor and humble gratitude for those he’s worked with over the years. A very moved Hendricks also received special video messages from Multi-Platinum country recording artist Deana Carter and executive Tim Dubois.

“It was an overwhelming and humbling night to say the least. This was not possible without a lot of help from so many people starting with my family, the songwriters, publishers, musicians, engineers and the efforts of the labels to promote it. I have truly been blessed far more than what I deserve,” said Hendricks.

(L-R): Scott Hendricks, Naomi Judd

(L-R): Ronnie Dunn, Scott Hendricks

Scott Hendricks’ 50 No. 1 Songs

1. “I’ll Still Be Loving You”/Restless Heart
2. “That Rock Won’t Roll”/Restless Heart
3. “Why Does It Have To Be”/Restless Heart
4. “Wheels”/Restless Heart
5. “A Tender Lie”/Restless Heart
6. “Bluest Eyes In Texas”/Restless Heart
7. “Fast Movin’ Train”/Restless Heart
8. “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow”/Alan Jackson
9. “Here In The Real World”/Alan Jackson
10. “Wanted”/Alan Jackson
11. “Don’t Rock The Jukebox”/Alan Jackson
12. “Brand New Man”/Brooks & Dunn
13. “My Next Broken Heart”/Brooks & Dunn
14. “Someday”/Alan Jackson
15. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”/Brooks & Dunn
16. “Love’s Got A Hold On You”/Alan Jackson
17. “Neon Moon”/Brooks & Dunn
18. “Dallas”/Alan Jackson
19. “The Tips Of My Fingers”/Steve Wariner
20. “I Swear”/John Michael Montgomery
21. “She Used To Be Mine”/Brooks & Dunn
22. “We’ll Burn That Bridge”/Brooks & Dunn
23. “Tender Moment”/Lee Roy Parnell
24. “Tonight I Climbed The Wall”/Alan Jackson
25. “Wild One”/Faith Hill
26. “She’s Not The Cheatin’ Kind”/Brooks & Dunn
27. “Be My Baby Tonight”/John Michael Montgomery
28. “That Ain’t No Way To Go”/Brooks & Dunn
29. “Piece Of My Heart”/Faith Hill
30. “If You’ve Got Love”/John Michael Montgomery
31. “I’m Holding My Own”/Lee Roy Parnell
32. “It Matters To Me”/Faith Hill
33. “Sold”/John Michael Montgomery
34. “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”/Brooks & Dunn
35. “Little Miss Honky Tonk”/Brooks & Dunn
36. “A Little Bit Of You”/Lee Roy Parnell
37. “I Can Love You Like That”/John Michael Montgomery
38. “Home”/Alan Jackson
39. “Heart’s Desire”/Lee Roy Parnell
40. “Long As I Live”/John Michael Montgomery
41. “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing”/Trace Adkins
42. “I Left Something Turned On At Home”/Trace Adkins
43. “She Wouldn’t Be Gone”/Blake Shelton
44. “Hillbilly Bone”/Blake Shelton
45. “All About Tonight”/Blake Shelton
46. “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”/Blake Shelton
47. “Honey Bee”/Blake Shelton
48. “God Gave Me You”/Blake Shelton
49. “Drink On It”/Blake Shelton
50. “Over”/Blake Shelton

(L-R): John Esposito, Pres./CEO Warner Music Nashville; Scott Hendricks, Sr. VP of A&R Warner Music Nashville; Peter Strickland, Sr. VP Brand Management & Sales, Warner Music Nashville

Music City Walk of Fame to Induct Kings of Leon

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Nashville’s own homegrown rockstars the Kings of Leon will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame, presented by Gibson guitar, on Friday, September 21 at 1 pm in Walk of Fame Park. The induction ceremony, sponsored by GAC, is free and open to the public.

“The Music City Walk of Fame was created to recognize artists who have made contributions to all music genres and who have a strong connection to Nashville,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Kings of Leon was created and discovered in Nashville, and the band still proudly calls the city home. They are a perfect example of what this project is all about — local musicians who transcend genre to produce great music loved by all.”

The Southern rock outfit, comprised of Followill brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared, as well as first cousin Matthew Followill, formed in 2000 and released its debut album Youth and Young Manhood in 2003. The group’s fourth album Only By The Night, released in 2008, catapulted the band into stardom with hits such as “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” The Kings’ latest album Come Around Sundown was released in 2010.

The Music City Walk of Fame was started in the fall of 2006 to honor those from all genres who have made significant contributions to the musical history of Nashville. KOL’s star is the 61st to be added.

Show Dog-Universal Signs Josh Thompson

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Pictured Front Row: SDUs Tom Baldrica, Rick Hughes, Cliff Audretch, Wright, Thompson, CreekHouse Entertainment's Julianne Drenon, SDUs Bill Kennedy and Rick Moxley. Back Row: William Morris' Lane Wilson, SDUs George Nunes, Laurie Gore, Cat Covell, Macy Morgenthaler, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Jordon Hall, Nathan Cruise and Natalie Moore

Show Dog-Universal Music President, Mark Wright, announced today (9/17) that Josh Thompson has signed an exclusive recording contract with the label.

Thompson was previously signed to Columbia records where he released his debut album, Way Out Here, in 2009. The record produced three singles, “Beer on the Table,” “Way Out Here,” “Won’t Be Lonely Long.” Thompson, along with label mate Miranda Lambert transitioned to RCA records when the Columbia imprint restructured in 2011. He most recently released a single to radio titled, “Comin’ Around.”

Thompson joins existing Show Dog-Universal roster including Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, JT Hodges, Jessie James, and Rose Falcon.

 

Artist Updates (9/17/12)

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L–R: Desmond Howard, Chesney, Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstriet

On Saturday (9/15), Kenny Chesney attended the annual SEC rivalry football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators. Earlier that day, Chesney joined the ESPN College Gameday Crew to discuss the upcoming gridiron action of the day.

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L–R: abe Witcher, Chris Eldridge, Leslie Fram (SVP of Music Strategy, CMT), Chris Thile, Martin Clayton (VP of CMT.com), Paul Kowart and Noam Pikelny

Punch Brothers stopped by CMT’s studios in Nashville last week (9/14) to celebrate the launch of the network’s new music discovery website, CMTedge.com. The band performed before an invitation-only crowd, and their performance was taped to air later this fall exclusively on CMT Edge.

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L–R: ASCAP's Alison Toczylowski, Tim Easton, Matt Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Clay Cook and ASCAP's Mike Sistad

ASCAP’s September showcase at the Bluebird featured Old Dominion bandmates and co-writers Matt Ramsey and Trevor Rosen, Zac Brown Band member and celebrated Nashville songwriter Clay Cook, and Americana troubadour Tim Easton. This month’s edition of ASCAP’s long-running showcase series helped kick off Americana Music Festival week and continued the year-long celebration of The Bluebird Cafe’s 30th birthday. For more information, please visit www.bluebirdcafe.com.