BMG To Acquire Sanctuary Records

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bmgBMG continues to beef up its recorded music division. The music rights management company has signed an agreement to acquire Sanctuary Records from Universal Music.
The Sanctuary catalog includes over 170,000 recordings from legendary artists such as Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Iron Maiden, The Kinks, Toots and the Maytals, select Bob Marley recordings, Donovan, Grandmaster Flash and The Sugarhill Gang. According to the New York Times, the purchase is estimated at $60 million.
This is the latest acquisition resulting from Universal’s purchase of EMI’s recorded music division. European regulators required UMG sell off some of EMI’s assets in order to gain approval for the transaction.
BMG also agreed to buy Universal’s Mute Records catalog, featuring Depeche Mode, Erasure, Moby and Nick Cave.
Earlier this month, Warner Music Group Corp. entered an agreement to acquire the Parlophone Label Group from Universal for around $765 million. Parlophone’s artist roster and catalog includes Coldplay, Daft Punk, Danger Mouse, David Guetta, Deep Purple, Duran Duran, Iron Maiden, Jethro Tull, Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, Pink Floyd, Radiohead and Tina Turner.
Still on the auction block are EMI’s share of the “Now That’s What I Call Music!” compilation series and Universal’s Co-Op Music label.

Magic Mustang Music Signs Jason Delkou

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Pictured (L-R): BBR Music Group President/Owner Benny Brown, Magic Mustang Music Sr. Creative Director Juli Newton-Griffith, Jason Delkou. Photo: Magic Mustang Music


Magic Mustang Music has signed Australian songwriter Jason Delkou to the publishing company’s roster. Delkou has landed cuts for Dierks Bentley, Joe Nichols, Eric Paslay and Jennette McCurdy.
“I am very excited about the addition of Jason Delkou to Magic Mustang Music,” said Juli Newton-Griffith, Sr. Creative Director of Magic Mustang Music. “He is an extremely talented writer, and I think we got him at just the right time.”
“I’m honored to be a part of such a great team at Magic Mustang and BBR Music Group,” said Delkou. “I couldn’t have landed in a better place!”

Part of the BBR Music Group, Magic Mustang Music also represents songwriters Jason Aldean, Thompson Square, Steve Bogard, Sherrie Austin, Lindsay Ell, David Fanning, Rob Hatch, Kristy Lee Cook, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards, Rich Redmond, Erik Habig and Westin Davis. The company is administered by Big Loud Bucks. For more information visit www.magicmustang.com

Free Admission & Events at Country Music Hall of Fame

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CMHOF logo1The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to partner with Ford Motor Company Fund for the sixth consecutive year to offer free museum admission on Saturday (Feb. 23). Highlights include performances by Josh Turner at 12:30 p.m. and Lauren Alaina at 3:30 p.m.
The museum will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as a courtesy to the Middle Tennessee community and for out-of-town visitors.
In addition to touring the exhibit galleries, visitors will be able to attend a variety of event programs including a fiddle and banjo demonstration with Matt Combs and Dave Talbot at 10:30 a.m.; a Songwriter Session featuring Chris Janson and Phil O’Donnell at 11:30 a.m.; a Hatch Show Print demonstration from noon to 4:00 p.m.; the museum’s quarterly Poets and Prophets program, featuring Red Simpson, at 1:30 p.m.; and a Musical Petting Zoo, which allows children a hands-on experience with a variety of musical instruments, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Crump Terrace (weather permitting).
“Ford Motor Company and the Nashville Area Ford Dealers are looking forward once again to offering this exciting opportunity to enjoy the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s educational experiences,” said Jim Graham, manager for Ford Fund. “This is our sixth consecutive year providing this experience, and the initiative is part of a longstanding commitment to preserving and enhancing Middle Tennessee’s important contribution to American history.”
Ford Community Day visitors who show their Ford car-key in the Museum Store or Two Twenty-Two Grill will receive a 10 percent discount on merchandise; visitors who wish to purchase a museum membership on this day will receive a 30 percent discount.
Please visit the museum’s website for complete event details.

Artist Updates (2-18-13)

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MerleFest LogoMerleFest, slated for April 25-28, has announced several additional performers for the festival’s lineup: American Legacies–The Del McCoury Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Gov’t Mule and Warren Haynes, Leon Russell, John Cowan, Steep Canyon Rangers, Della Mae and Delta Rae.
The four-day festival will take place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. Tickets for MerleFest 2013 can be purchased at www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. An early bird ticket discount is available through March 10, 2013.

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Sarah Darling

Sarah Darling


Sarah Darling will make her second appearance on ABC’s  The Bachelor on Tuesday (Feb. 19) as part of The Bachelor: Sean Tells All Special. The episode begins at 8 p.m. CT.
The one-hour special will feature The Bachelor star Sean Lowe sitting down with host Chris Harrison to talk about his journey on the reality show and will feature never-before-seen footage including Darling’s concert in Whitefish, Mont., where she performed for Lowe and his date Lindsay Yenter.

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Darius Rucker and Randy Houser recently appeared on NBC Nightly News as part of its “Making A Difference” segment, plus a “Web Extra” on the Nightly News tab of NBCNews.com featuring an extended interview with Rucker. The segment featured both artists performing as part of Musicians On Call for patients at Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University. For more information on Musicians On Call, visit musiciansoncall.org.
darius rucker musicians on call

Country Singer Mindy McCready Dead At 37

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mindymcreadyCountry singer Mindy McCready has died at the age of 37.
Reports indicate she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to a statement from the Cleburne County Sheriff’s office in Arkansas, deputies were dispatched to a report of gunshots fired Sunday afternoon (2/17) and found McCready’s body on the front porch. An autopsy is pending.
The sheriff’s office posted this report: At 3:31 PM, Sunday, February 17th Deputies from the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of gun shots fired in the area of 1132 Fox Chase Drive in Heber Springs. Officers arrived on the scene at 3:58 PM and discovered the body of 37 year old Melinda Gayle McCready on the front porch of the residence at 1132 Fox Chase. Ms. McCready was pronounced dead at the scene from what appears to be a single self-inflicted gunshot wound. At this time family members have been notified of the incident. Ms. Mcready will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy and the matter will be fully investigated.

David Wilson with McCready

David Wilson with McCready


David Wilson (34), partner to Mindy McCready and father-figure to her two boys, 6-year-old Zander and 10-month-old Zayne, passed away last month (Jan. 13). Wilson was from Heber Springs, Ark. and also died of an apparent suicide; however, his death continues to be under investigation.
McCready was best known for her 1996 hit, “Guys Do It All the Time,” from her double platinum album, Ten Thousand Angels.
Arrangements are being planned by McCready’s family, and Nashville friends are organizing a memorial in Music City. Details to follow.
 
Mindy McReady 6-12-96 Fanfair #2

Mindy McCready performs at Fan Fair 1996. Photo: Alan Mayor

Country Artists See Post-Grammys Sales Boost

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GrammysWinning a Grammy® Award is not only considered an awards pinnacle for many artists, but after this year’s Grammy® Awards on Feb. 10, it is clear that the Grammy’s effect on album and single sales continues to hold strong.
According to Nielsen Soundscan, several country artists saw sales boosts after winning, being nominated or performing on the show.
Taylor Swift, who opened the show by performing her single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” saw sales for the track go up 10 percent, while sales of her latest album Red climbed 20 percent over the previous week
Carrie Underwood‘s song “Blown Away,” which she performed on the show, saw a 57 percent increase in downloads over the previous week, while the second song in her medley, “Two Black Cadillacs,” experienced an 8 percent jump.
Triple Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes was nominated for Best New Artist, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Album. He saw sales on his debut album soar 46 percent over the prior week.
Kelly Clarkson, who currently has the song “Don’t Rush” (featuring Vince Gill) on the country charts, won for Best Pop Vocal Album for her album Stronger. The album’s sales increased 51 percent over the prior week.
 
 

The Marty Stuart Show Welcomes Merle Haggard

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Pictured (L-R): Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart


Merle Haggard paid a visit to RFD-TV Studios in Nashville recently to help Marty Stuart wrap Season 5 of his series The Marty Stuart Show. The half-hour musical variety program, hosted and produced by Stuart, is broadcast on Rural Media Group’s Network, RFD-TV (Dish Network), as part of his Saturday Night Music Row block of music. The season finale, which features Haggard, is slated to air June 29.
Stuart has plenty of additional high-profile guest stars lined up for this season of the show, which began airing Jan. 12. Guests for the season include Sheryl Crow, Jim Lauderdale, Iris Dement, Del McCoury Band, Old Crow Medicine Show and others.
The Marty Stuart Show Season 5 schedule:

Feb. 16:  Special guests Del McCoury Band, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
Feb. 23:  Special guest Charley Pride, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 2:  Special guest Brandy Clark, and featuring Marty Stuart,Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 9:  Special guests Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 16:  Featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 23:  Special guests Riders in the Sky with Johnny Western, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
March 30:  Featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 6:  Special guests Old Crow Medicine Show, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 13:  Special guest Jim Lauderdale, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 20:  Special guest Gene Watson, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
April 27:  Special guest Stonewall Jackson, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 4:  Special guest Iris Dement, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 11:  Special guest Tommy Emmanuel, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 18:  Special guest Johnny Rivers, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
May 25:  Special guest Sheryl Crow, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 1:  Special guest The Chuck Wagon Gang, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 8:  Featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 15:  Special guest Corb Lund, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 22 :  Special guest John Conlee, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives
June 29:  Special guest Merle Haggard, and featuring Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Leroy Troy, and The Fabulous Superlatives

 

MusicRow No. 1 Song

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CUWith the right promotion team, it can be assumed that any song written by Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey or Carrie Underwood will make it to the No. 1 position of our MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
So it doesn’t hurt that the three songwriters teamed for “Two Black Cadillacs,” a title released by 19/Arista Nashville and carried to the top of our chart this week by Underwood’s powerhouse vocals.
With the song, Underwood unashamedly stretches her boundaries with this attitude-heavy, murder ballad. Given that country music fans have generally taken a liking to murder tunes from a female perspective (think Miranda Lambert‘s “Gunpowder and Lead” and Reba‘s “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia”), “Two Black Cadillacs” has proven a smart, head-turning step towards maintaining her palatable image among radio fans for the intense subject.

Music videos, equally liable as the song they represent, develop images of legendary entertainers. Director Paul Brown’s video interpretation of “Two Black Cadillacs” gives a chic, dignified and powerful display. The video becomes a no-holds-barred chronicle of the lyrics, until it takes a surprisingly haunting turn at the clip’s end.
This release should not only pay short-term dividends on the charts, but if played correctly, will prove a sound investment for elevating Underwood’s career to further heights.
Watch the video below:

Industry Ink (2/15/13)

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bigyellowdog1Big Yellow Dog celebrates a special Grammy milestone this week with songwriter Josh Kear. Co-Owner Carla Wallace reports, “We were able to confirm through a review of Grammy award history that Josh Kear is now the only writer to be awarded three Grammy® Awards for Best Country Song. ‘Blown Away,’ written with Chris Tompkins, won the award this week and is now added to the list of other Josh winners including ‘Need You Now,’ written with Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott and ‘Before He Cheats,’ written with Chris Tompkins.”

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Nashville’s Parallel Music Publishing has added country duo Kingston to their publishing roster. Kingston (previously known as The Carter Twins) has shared the stage with Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean and Phil Vassar.
“Kingston has a long and successful career ahead of them,” said Tim Hunze, managing partner with Parallel Music Publishing. “Everyone at Parallel is excited to help propel them to the next level.”

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Front Row (L-R): Zach Carter, Josh Carter
Back Row (L-R): Tim Hunze, Parallel Music Publishing / Denise Stevens, Loeb & Loeb / C.T. Wyatt, Parallel Entertainment


 

Sarah Buxton Signs with Big Loud Shirt, Big Loud Bucks

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Singer-songwriter Sarah Buxton has signed with Craig Wiseman‘s Big Loud Shirt and Big Loud Bucks. Buxton is a writer on Gary Allan‘s current single “Pieces” and will have a song on The Band Perry‘s upcoming album, Pioneer.
Buxton has also penned the hit “Stupid Boy” for Keith Urban and is nominated for an ACM for Vocal Event of the Year for David Nail‘s “Let It Rain.”

sarah buxton

Front Row (L-R): Sarah Buxton & Marshall Bukovac. Back Row (L-R): Big Loud Shirt’s Amy Allmand, Seth England, Craig Wiseman, Big Loud Buck’s Heather Buresh and Steven McMillian. Photo: Jake Owen