ACM Announces New Board for 2013-2014 Term

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acmThe Academy of Country Music has announced its new Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 term. Six qualifying professional categories were elected by the membership this year, and director-at-large positions were also appointed by Chairman Ken Robold, President Darin Murphy, and VP Paul Barnabee. Directors are elected from each category based on its number of members, and each director serves staggered two-year terms, with half the board membership changing each year.
New Members to The Academy of Country Music’s Board of Directors 2013-2014:
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Michael Knox, Music Knox/peermusic Nashville
Betsy McHugh, Martingale Entertainment
Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management
Chris Parr, Spalding Entertainment
LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP
Dave Pomeroy,Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257
Sally Seitz, iTunes
Peter Strickland, Warner Music Nashville 
“I’m excited to see what these 10 terrific new members, with their original perspectives, will bring to the already energetic group of dedicated professionals on the Board,” said Robold.  “We’re blessed to have true commitment from so many hard working industry heavyweights to deliver the mission of the Academy, as we gear up for what will be key years in ACM history.”
The 2013-2014 ACM Board of Directors: 
OFFICERS
Chairman-Ken Robold, Southern Ground Artists
President- Darin Murphy, CAA
Vice President-Paul Barnabee, Sony Music Nashville
Treasurer-Duane Clark, FBMM
Parliamentarian-Paul Moore, WME
Secretary-Tiffany Moon, Academy of Country Music
AFFILIATED
Tony Brown, TBE
Buddy Cannon, Buddy Cannon Productions
Tim DuBois, Artist Management Partners
Michael Knox, Music Knox / peermusic Nashville
Neal Spielberg, Spielberg Entertainment
ARTIST/ENTERTAINER/MBI
Luke Bryan
Craig Morgan
Kimberly Perry, The Band Perry
Dave Pomeroy, Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257
CLUB/CASINO/VENUE OPERATOR
Roger Gearhart, Graham Brothers Entertainment
Jerry Hufford, Buck Owens’ Enterprises
COMPOSER
Don Schlitz
MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment/Red Light Management
Marion Kraft, Shopkeeper Management
Shawn McSpadden, Red Light Management
MEDIA/PR
Mary Hilliard Harrington, The GREENROOM
MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Frank Liddell, Carnival Music
LeAnn Phelan, ASCAP
ON-AIR PERSONALITY
Bob Kingsley, Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40
RADIO
Charlie Cook, West Virginia Radio Corporation
RECORD COMPANY
Tom Baldrica, Show Dog-Universal Music
Mike Dungan, Universal Music Group
Greg McCarn, Black River Entertainment
Peter Strickland, Warner Music Nashville
TALENT AGENT
Greg Oswald, WME
TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Brad Garrett, Police Productions
TV/MOTION PICTURE
Sherman Halsey, Halsey Productions
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Robert Allen, 13 Management
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Clay Bradley, BMI
Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Mike Culotta, Streamsound Records
Dallas Davidson, 2 Chord Georgia Music
Chris Farren, Combustion Music
Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry
Leslie Fram, CMT
Brandon Gill, Morris Artists Management
Gary Haber, Haber Corporation
Pat Higdon, Patrick Joseph Music
Gayle Holcomb, WME
T.K. Kimbrell, T.K.O. Artist Management
Mike Kraski, Tenacity Management Group
Jon Loba, BBR Music Group
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Doc McGhee, McGhee Entertainment
Betsy McHugh, Martingale Entertainment
Dan Mason, CBS Radio
Curt Motley, PARADIGM
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation
Chris Parr, Spalding Entertainment
Glenn Peoples, Billboard Magazine
Fran Romeo, Romeo Entertainment Group
Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town
Sally Seitz, iTunes
Butch Spyridon, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ken Tucker, Beats Music
Ben Vaughn, Warner/Chappell Nashville
Ed Warm, Joe’s Bar
PAST CHAIRS
Butch Waugh
Sarah Trahern, Great American Country
Bill Mayne, Country Radio Broadcasters
Rod Essig, CAA
John Grady, Crush Management
Mark Hartley, Fitzgerald Hartley Co.

Artist Updates (9-24-13)

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Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks


• Garth Brooks will return to Las Vegas for eight shows in October and November. The shows are slated for Oct. 18 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.), Oct. 19 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.), Nov. 8 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.), Nov. 9 (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.). Tickets are on sale at wynnlasvegas.com.
Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler


• Kellie Picker was hospitalized and forced to delay a concert on Saturday (Sept. 21), after a suspected bout with food poisoning. Pickler received an IV at the show and went on to perform a 90-minute set.  “Many thanks to everyone who came to my show tonight,” Pickler tweeted. “Again, I’m so sorry I had to delay my show…thank you for your grace & understanding.”
Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton


• Calling all beards! Chris Stapleton is calling on his fans to submit photos of their facial hair via social media for the chance to win a place on his guest list at one of his shows, beginning with Joe’s Bar in Chicago on Sept. 27. The ongoing campaign, “Get Cleared With Your Beard,” launched today and encourages fans to get creative with their submissions.
“It’s funny, I get a lot of questions right off the bat from fans about my beard, which always makes for a great conversation starter…we just get straight down to the personal stuff,” laughed Stapleton. “I decided to have some fun with it and celebrate the beard…women too! If your husband or boyfriend or brother, or even your grandma has a beard and you are proud of it, then send in your photos!”
Fans can submit photos of their beard with the hashtag #GetClearedWithYourBeard to Stapleton’s Facebook,  Twitter or Instagram.
Pictured (L-R): Roger Murrah, Al Jarreau. Photo by Mark Ciampa.

Pictured (L-R): Roger Murrah, Al Jarreau. Photo by Mark Ciampa.


• Songwriters Hall of Fame songwriter, Roger Murrah, welcomed jazz great, Al Jarreau, back to Nashville Sunday (Sept. 22). The two friends enjoyed some laughs following Jarreau’s sold out performance with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Murrah and Keith Stegall wrote one of Jarreau’s most successful songs of his career, “We’re In This Love Together.” Murrah will soon be in the studio recording his own ‘songwriter album’ planned for release in the Spring of 2014.
•  Sibling trio Taylor Made recently performed in support of the Wounded Warrior Walkers, who are making the cross-country trek to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Together with station WTNJ, the band supplied live music at a show in West Virginia during a meet-and-greet with the Wounded Warrior Walkers.

Country trio Taylor Made perform for the Wounded Warrior Walkers in West Virginia.

Country trio Taylor Made perform for the Wounded Warrior Walkers in West Virginia.

War Memorial Auditorium Gets Sound Upgrade For 88th Birthday

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Pictured above, Mumford & Sons perform to a packed house at WMA.

Pictured above, Mumford & Sons perform to a packed house at WMA.


Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium, which celebrates its 88th birthday this month, has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art sound system by Brantley. The new upgrades were designed to accentuate the venue’s natural acoustics and provide an optimum listening experience for concert-goers.
“War Memorial Auditorium was built at a time when there were not a lot of amplification devices available, so the walls and hard surfaces were designed acoustically and architecturally to carry the sound naturally,” said Brent Hyams, chief operating officer for War Memorial Auditorium. “With the new technology, we can augment the natural acoustics, amplify the sound and make sure that every corner of the room–from the balcony to the floor seats–provides an incredible concert experience.”
The venue’s sound system upgrade includes permanent rigging points to fly the sound system, a line array speaker system that provides directional sound, stage drapery to eliminate sound reflection, and absorption panels all around the venue and on the ceiling. Additional upgrades will roll out over the next few months.
The War Memorial Auditorium was originally built to honor the 3400 Tennesseans who died in World War I and has been the performance home for the Nashville Symphony and the Grand Ole Opry. Performers like Ray Charles, KISS, David Bowie, and the Eagles have all crossed its stage at one point or another over the past eight decades, and Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers recently filmed the video for their new song, “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” at the concert hall. It was host to the Music City Eats Festival’s Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Petty Fest tribute concert last weekend, and the upcoming feature film The Identical, which stars Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta, also shot scenes at the legendary venue.
War Memorial Auditorium was given the Gold Medal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architecture.

War Memorial Auditorium was given the Gold Medal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Institute of Architecture.


Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium has rocked audiences for years, bringing performances by legendary music artists from Ray Charles, Roy Acuff and Elvis Costello to Hollywood starlets and presidential candidates Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy, who gave speeches on the courtyard steps.

Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium has rocked audiences for years, bringing performances by music artists from Ray Charles, Roy Acuff and Elvis Costello to Hollywood starlets and presidential candidates Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy, who gave speeches on the courtyard steps.

Kacey Musgraves Added To Katy Perry Charity Concert

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Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

Katy Perry will perform a concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday, Oct. 23 benefiting the Young Survival Coalition. Perry’s We Can Survive concert will feature several guest artists, including Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding, Tegan & Sara and Country music’s Kacey Musgraves.

“These are all very powerful women that I really respect and look up to,” said Perry in an interview with Carson Daly on 97.1 AMP, “and I wanted them to come together to promote this supportive message and have a  fantastic night full of great music. There’s so many great acts in this lineup. And I get to play a lot of songs off the record that will have come out the night before.”
The Young Survival Coalition is a global organization dedicated to helping young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tickets for Perry’s We Can Survive concert go on sale Friday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster. Pre-sale for Citi Thank You card-members begins on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. PT.

Overton Named Honorary Professor By MTSU

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Gary Overton, who holds the plaque commemorating his designation as Honorary Professor, is surrounded by MTSU students after his talk on campus.

Gary Overton, who holds the plaque commemorating his designation as Honorary Professor, is surrounded by MTSU students after his talk on campus.


Sony Music Nashville‘s Gary Overton has been dubbed an Honorary Professor by Middle Tennessee State University‘s Department of Recording Industry. He was surprised with the presentation Sept. 17, after his talk with 250 MTSU students as the debut speaker in the department’s new Chair’s Speakers Series. Overton graduated from the college in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recording Industry Management, and was recently inducted into the school’s Mass Communication Wall of Fame.
“Gary Overton is one of the most successful graduates in the 40-year history of the Department of Recording Industry,” said Beverly Keel, the department’s chair. “He has been so generous with his time, guidance and advice that we were eager to bestow this rare honor on Gary. The students are still buzzing with excitement about his talk here and were inspired by his words of wisdom and encouragement. He is a wonderful ambassador for MTSU and country music.”
Currently the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Nashville, Overton previously spent 15 years as Executive VP & General Manager of EMI Music Publishing’s Nashville division, where he was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations. During his tenure there, the company earned Publisher of the Year honors from ASCAP, BMI, and/or SESAC 12 times. Prior to that, Overton managed Alan Jackson and also served as head of A&R for BNA Entertainment and VP of Warner/Chappell Music.

Nissan To Become iTunes Radio Exclusive Automotive Launch Partner

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iTunesRadioNissan has announced its first-year commitment for iTunes Radio, becoming an exclusive automotive partner, according to a statement on the official website. This will allow the automaker to take advantage of creative formats, including audio/video across Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC. Among the first Nissan vehicles included in the iTunes Radio partnership are the 2014 Nissan Rogue compact SUV, the 2014 Nissan Versa Note and the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.
“We see iTunes Radio as an integral part of our new vehicle launches and ‘big moments,’ riding the wave of interest and usage of this exciting new service to maximize exposure of Nissan’s new models,” said Jon Brancheau, VP, Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “We’re also adding iAd on iTunes Radio as a critical platform in support of ongoing campaigns, such as our college football and Heisman Trophy Tour initiatives. It’s a great way for Nissan to reach the right audiences in the right markets.”
The 2014 Nissan Rogue will go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in November, and the vehicle’s presence on iTunes Radio is a significant part of the marketing campaign for the product.
“Nissan, as a brand also known for innovation, is proud to support iTunes Radio from the very beginning, with content relevant to consumers’ interests,” added Brancheau. “We see iTunes Radio being a huge success and we look forward to delivering amazing brand experiences to this exciting new audience.”
Nissan is the only automotive partner with iTunes Radio; additional exclusive partners include McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble and Pepsi.

BMI 2013 Fiscal Report

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bmi-logo1111featuredBroadcast Music Inc. (BMI) has reported record-setting revenues exceeding $944 million and royalty distributions of $814 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.
Revenues increased by $45 million, a 5 percent gain over the prior fiscal year. Royalty distributions increased by $64 million or 9 percent compared to the previous year. This represents the largest fiscal year revenue posted and royalties distributed in the company’s 74 years of operation.
New media and digital revenue continued its year-over-year growth, reaching new record revenues exceeding $57 million, an increase of 65 percent over the previous fiscal year. This achievement was driven in large part by agreements with Netflix, Hulu and other digital entertainment outlets.
Licensing revenues from bars, restaurants and other commercial establishments saw a 7 percent increase over the prior year to a new benchmark high of $116 million.
International revenues contributed $297 million, more than 30 percent of BMI’s total for the year.
Commenting on the year, BMI President Del Bryant, said: “The success we are reporting today has been achieved in a very transitional period for BMI and the music and entertainment business. We are alert to the challenges that the restructuring of the industry presents, but we also see unprecedented opportunity. BMI’s dynamic and constantly evolving repertoire is able to reach the public across a myriad of platforms in which music is the core offering, or an essential part of the creative product. As this year’s results demonstrate, we have continued to capture the value that music contributes, and deliver it to our writers, composers and publishers.”
Michael O’Neill, BMI’s recently elected Chief Executive Officer, added: “What is most impressive about this year’s significant success is not only the diversity and growth in our revenues, but also our ability to increase royalties by an even larger margin. This is the result of a true team effort. I would like to congratulate everyone at BMI for their dedication to service, their diligent attention to the details of our business, and for these great results! Our songwriters, composers and publishers deserve this kind of performance, and we have delivered. To everyone at BMI, job well done!”
O’Neill, who most recently was BMI’s Senior Vice President, Repertoire and Licensing will assume his role as President upon Bryant’s June 2014 retirement.
BMI represents the public performance rights in more than 7.5 million musical works created and owned by more than 600,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. This year, more than 45,000 new writers joined BMI via its online portal – the company’s virtual open door.

Blackwater Records Launches with Brad Long

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(L-R): Blackwater Records' Nicole Jordan, Hayden Herr, Artist Brad Long, Blackwater Records' Jennie Roquemore and CEO Jeff Chandler

(L-R): Blackwater Records’ Nicole Jordan, Hayden Herr, Artist Brad Long, Blackwater Records’ Jennie Roquemore and CEO Jeff Chandler


Blackwater Records launches with Brad Long as its flagship artist. Brad is presently a featured vocalist and emcee at The Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has opened shows for Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Justin Moore and Keith Urban. His debut single, “Every Heart Has a Different Road”, is written by Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs and Kylie Sackley. Long’s upcoming album, slated for a November release, is produced by Teddy Gentry (Alabama), New Voice Entertainment (Thompson Square, Parmalee) and Brad Long and features songs penned by Nashville’s top songwriters including Neil Thrasher, Ashley Gorley, Wendell Mobley and others.
Blackwater Records’ in house promotion team is led by VP of Promotions Rick Roberts; Nicole Jordan (Northeast Regional); Hayden Herr (West Coast Regional); Chase Burnett (Mid West Regional) and Jennie Roquemore (Southeast Regional). Secondary radio promotion is spearheaded by Nancy Tunick and Grassroots Promotion. Blackwater Records is based in Myrtle Beach and formed by CEO, Jeff Chandler.

Tyler Farr Launches “Redneck Ranch” Web Series

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tyler farr11
In promotion of his debut album Redneck Crazy, Tyler Farr has launched a limited web series called Redneck Ranch. The series debuts today, September 23, and will include four episodes, chronicling Farr and his team. Future episodes will air on 9/25, 9/27 and 9/30. Beginning today, fans can check out an exclusive behind the scenes look at Farr’s newest endeavor on NRACountry.com.
Fans can visit Country Outfitter to hear an exclusive full album stream of Tyler Farr’s new album, a full week before it is available everywhere on 9/30, as well as an exclusive interview with the artist.
In addition to receiving 5 million views on VEVO, Farr’s hit single “Redneck Crazy” continues to climb the charts and receive praise from numerous media outlets, including The New York Times. Last week, Farr threw a packed album release party in Nashville, showcasing his talent as an artist and a performer.
Farr is currently performing on select tour dates with Lee Brice and will open for Florida Georgia Line’s headlining tour, beginning in October. His debut album is currently available for preorder.
Click here to check out the first episode of Farr’s Redneck Ranch.

Lifenotes: Country Songwriter Buck Moore Dies

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buckmooreSinger-songwriter Buck Moore died in a tree-cutting accident in Idaho earlier this month (Sept. 10) at the age of 79. Moore is perhaps best known for Tracy Lawrence‘s 2005 hit “Paint Me A Birmingham.” He also penned songs for Randy Travis (“The Box,” co-written with Travis), Mo Bandy and Jo Stampley (“Holding The Bag”) Tammy Wynette (“The Note”) and others.
Born on January 3, 1934 to George Moore and Margaret (Warren) Moore in Arnold, Nebraska, he moved with his family to Emmett, Idaho at the young age of 6 months. In 1936 the family moved to Coeur d’Alene, ID, where he attended the Rimrock country school and later graduated from Rathdrum High School in 1952. He married Darlene Hogue with whom he had three sons, Rodney, Jeff, and Marty who all preceded him in death. He later married Virginia Harms and they had one son, Todd.
He loved to race snowmobiles and claimed the title as North American Champion three different years. He also raced motorcycles and loved anything that went fast. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, making yearly trips to Alaska to fish for salmon.
Buck loved music from a very young age, played the guitar and could sing and yodel. In the ’70s he moved to Nashville and began his career as a songwriter.
Buck leaves behind one son, Todd Moore, his loving companion and best friend, Michelle Bryner, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brother William (Bill) Moore and sister, Arlene (Moore) Galovic. Another sister, Mary (Moore) Dalby, preceded him in death as well as his parents, George and Margaret Moore.
The family invites his friends and loved ones to join in remembering Buck on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at Sun Aire Estates from 1:00-4:00 pm.