T.J. Martell Foundation 2014 Honors Gala; Mike Dungan, Dale Morris Among Honorees

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The T. J. Martell Foundation has announced the honorees for the sixth annual Nashville Honors Gala. The event will be held at the Omni Hotel on March 10, 2014 with a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30pm followed by dinner and awards at 7:00pm. Included among the honorees are music industry leaders Mike Dungan,  Chairman/CEO, Universal Music Group Nashville, and Dale Morris, President, Dale Morris & Associates.
Individuals being honored at the 2014 gala:
Mike Dungan–Frances Preston Lifetime Music Industry Achievement award
Dale Morris–Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement award
Mark Bloom–Spirit of Nashville award
Dr. Scott Hiebert–Medical Research Advancement award
Beth Dortch Franklin–Lifetime Humanitarian Award.
The Honors Gala brings together leaders from the business, medical, sports, and entertainment communities to raise funds and awareness for cancer research at top US hospitals, including the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Co-chairs for the gala include Danielle Bouharoun, Wells Fargo Private Bank; Ree Buchanan, Wrensong Publishing; and Mark Wright, Show Dog-Universal Music. Table sponsorships are $11,500, and individual tickets are $1,000. Visit honorsgala.org to purchase tickets or contact Tinti Moffat at (615) 256-2002 or [email protected].

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Lewis To Launch 'The Road Tour' in December

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Aaron Lewis

Aaron Lewis


Aaron Lewis, whose latest album The Road has sold over 150,000 copies, will launch the first leg of his The Road Tour today (Dec. 11) at the Vinyl at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas. The tour will run through April 2014. 2013 marked Lewis’ debut on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as a headlining Jägermeister Country Tour.
“I have not had this much fun in a long time,” says Lewis. “I have met a ton of good folks, performed on the Grand Ole Opry, and then was asked back. Amazing! Been writing while out on the road and getting ready for 2014. Had a good time performing for the fans. What else can I say but, WHAT A YEAR!!”
Upcoming ‘The Road’ Tour Dates:
Dec 11-14, 2013 – Las Vegas, NV – Vinyl at the Hard Rock
Jan 18, 2014 – Quapaw, OK – Downstream Casino
Jan 22, 2014 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Jan 23, 2014 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
Jan 24, 2014 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
Jan 25, 2014 – Ft Wayne, IN – Rusty Spur
Jan 30, 2014 – Lafayette, LA – The District
Jan 31, 2014 – Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Casino
Feb 01, 2014 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s
Feb 06, 2014 – Detroit, MI – Motor City Casino
Feb 07-08, 2014 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Casino
Feb 15, 2014 – Atlantic City, NJ – Golden Nugget Casino
Feb 19, 2014 – Kansas City, MO – Harrah’s Casino
Feb 20, 2014 – Council Bluffs, IA – Horseshoe Casino
Feb 21, 2014 – Hankinson, ND – Dakota Magic Casino
Feb 22, 2014 – Hammond, IN – Horseshoe Casino
Mar 21, 2014 – Knoxville, TN – Cotton Eyed Joe’s
Mar 22, 2014 – Wilmington, NC – Ziggy’s
Mar 28, 2014 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Mar 29, 2014 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Apr 09, 2014 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live
Apr 10, 2014 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Apr 11, 2014 – Lynchburg, VA – Phase 2
Apr 12, 2014 – Chester, WV – Mountaineer Casino
Apr 17, 2014 – Huntsville, AL – Sammy T’s Music Hall
Apr 18, 2014 – Louisville, KY – The Mercury Ballroom
Apr 19, 2014 – Battlecreek, MI – Firekeepers Casino
Apr 25, 2014 – Dothan, AL – Toadlick Festival
Apr 26, 2014 – Montpelier, LA – Bear Creek Saloon

Artist Updates (12/11/13)

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Garth

Garth Brooks


After Garth Brooks made the announcement of his upcoming world tour on Good Morning America on Monday (Dec. 9), the singer-songwriter has revealed that the tour will span three years. He appeared on CBS’ The Talk to discuss the tour, parenting and the influence of KISS’ stage show. “The whole goal in life is to make whatever you’ve done before look small,” Brooks says. “So, the 2014 world tour will be the first of probably a three-year world tour. I’m excited. I’m very excited.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM6eqKJa1r0

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RandyTravis_Bayou_0768_300pxRandy Travis will star in a Lifetime holiday movie, Christmas On The Bayou, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. ET on the network channel. Travis portrays store owner Mr. Greenhall in the film, which also features Ed Asner, Tyler Hilton, Hilarie Burton, and Markie Post.

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6ef9e3097a5151f5d0515549_280x240Randy Houser, Thompson Square, Craig Morgan, Thomas Rhett, Tyler Farr, Charlie Worsham, Chase Rice, Blackjack Billy and Gwen Sebastian have been added to the list of performers for the 2nd Annual Taste of Country Music Festival June 13-15, 2014 at Hunter Mountain Resort in the Great Northern Catskills.
They join previously announced performers Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Brantley Gilbert.

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Fontanel Co Owners & Brenda Lee

Fontanel owners with Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee‘s stage clothes and other memorabilia are on exhibit at Fontanel mansion through the end of December. Fans can enjoy the mansion’s holiday decorations while learning about the career of the country legend.

Nashville School Receives Grammy Foundation Grant

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grammyEast Nashville Magnet High School is one of 16 schools that have been chosen to receive a $2000 cash grant from the Grammy Foundation‘s Signature Schools Community Award program. The initiative is part of the Grammy In the Schools offerings and is supported in part by Converse, Journeys, and the Ford Motor Company Fund.
“Our Signature Schools Community Award program evolved out of our established Grammy Signature Schools program,” said Kristen Madsen, Sr. VP of the Grammy Foundation. “The generosity of Converse and Journeys has allowed this initiative – and the music programs of the schools it benefits – to flourish. Since the program’s inception, approximately $700,000 in grants has been distributed to close to 350 schools, and the impact we have seen has been profound and lasting.”
Additional schools Receiving Grammy Foundation Grants include:
Baltimore City College High School, Baltimore
Boston Arts Academy, Boston
Chaparral High School, Las Vegas
Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland
Furr High School, Houston
Jones High School, Orlando, Fla.
Thurgood Marshall High School, San Francisco

Industry Ink (12/11/13)

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Sara Cates

Sarah Cates


Sarah Cates, Belmont University’s Senior Director of Curb College Initiatives, was presented with the 2013 Gabhart Award for Staff Excellence and Service. The Gabhart Award for Staff Excellence and Service is the highest honor Belmont University presents to a staff member. It recognizes exemplary commitment and service to the University as well as honors staff members who have demonstrated achievements and contributions of a significant nature.
Cates is a former Bruin student-athlete and a Belmont alumna. She is known for fostering community and collaboration among faculty and staff. In her role, she develops external programs and industry relationships for Belmont students. She also counsels and supports recording artists and their families through Porter’s Call and serves on the NashvilleNext Arts and Culture team, using her topical expertise to develop the city’s 25-year plan.

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The lights of downtown Nashville are getting brighter. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge revealed a neon sign at the historic purple landmark today (Dec. 11). Steve Smith, proprietor of the Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, along with Terri Clark, The Roys, T.G. Sheppard, Jett Williams, Kelly Lang and David Ball unveiled the newly redesigned neon alley sign behind the long-standing honky tonk.
“We are officially taking back the alley and renaming it Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge alley,” said Smith. “The neon sign we have unveiled today is the original sign that hung for nearly 60 years, reminding the Opry stars where to come for a good time after their Opry performance. And those stars and more are still coming!”

Pictured (from L-R): Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, David Ball, Jett Williams, Elaine Roy, Lee Roy (of The Roys), Steve Smith (owner), Terri Clark. Photo by: Rick Diamond / Getty Images

Pictured (from L-R): Kelly Lang, T.G. Sheppard, David Ball, Jett Williams, Elaine Roy, Lee Roy (of The Roys), Steve Smith (owner), Terri Clark. Photo by: Rick Diamond / Getty Images

Country Artists Mine Plenty of RIAA Metal

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RIAANashville racked up some more precious metal over the past few months as Jake Owen’s Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Lady Antebellum‘s Golden and Tim McGraw‘s Two Lanes of Freedom all received gold album certifications. Newcomer Cassadee Pope also landed a gold certification for her debut single “Wasting All These Tears,” and Thomas Rhett and Tyler Farr both received platinum nods for their singles “It Goes Like This,” and “Redneck Crazy,” respectively.
Florida Georgia Line‘s “Cruise” continues its run, passing the six million mark in digital sales, while Hunter Hayes‘ “Wanted,” reached four million. Zac Brown Band‘s “Knee Deep” and “Colder Weather” also both received multi-platinum certifications, and Chris Young‘s “Aw Naw” reached six million in digital sales. Zac Brown Band’s Uncaged album also reached the three million sales mark.

Michael Sarver – Miss You Something Crazy

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Sarver-02 (1)Michael Sarver’s incredible voice has impressed audiences around the world since he landed among the Top 10 finalists on American Idol’s Season 8. Since then, he has gone on to make his own mark in the world of country music. With devoted fans, a live show that is packed full of energy, and a work ethic that was instilled in him during his time as an oil rigger in his native Texas, Sarver is one tough act to beat! His newest single is “Miss You Something Crazy” and the video for the song is already catching the attention of country music fans all over!

Weekly Register: Garth Brooks, Jake Owen

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GarthJakeOverall album sales are down 17 percent from last week, while Country album sales are down 11 percent from last week. Garth Brooks’ Blame It All On My Roots (Pearl Records Inc.) takes the No. 1 spot this week, both in Country and all genres, selling another 146k units (309k RTD). Brooks recently announced plans to embark on a world tour in 2014.
Jake Owen’s Days of Gold (RCA Nashville) is the top Country debut this week, coming in at No. 4 (No. 15 overall), with 39k units sold. Owen currently graces the cover of MusicRow‘s latest issue. The Sound of Music – Music From the NBC Television Event (Sony Masterworks) debuts at No. 17 overall, selling 38k units. The live telecast, starring Carrie Underwood, drew in nearly twenty million viewers.
Another noteworthy debut is Britney Spears’ Britney Jean, which debuts at No. 4 overall. The pop star’s latest album sold 108k units, a considerable drop from 2011’s Femme Fatale, which sold 276k units in its debut week.
albums (1)tracksYTD, overall sales are down 8.1 percent, while Country sales are down 10 percent. Don’t call us Scrooge, but with three weeks left in the sales year, we don’t think that Country sales will break even with last year. Although 2013 had produced several acclaimed debuts, we haven’t enjoyed the powerhouse sales offered by some of 2012’s debuts, like like Taylor Swift’s RED and Florida Georgia Line’s debut album.
Luke Bryan’s “Drink A Beer” is the top Country track (No. 20 overall), selling 44k units (219k RTD). The Cadillac Three and Florida Georgia Line’s “The South” is the top Country debut, coming in at No. 33 with 9k units sold.
Once again, the top overall track is Pitbull and Ke$ha’s “Timber,” selling 193k units (1.1 million RTD). YTD, overall track sales are down 4.6 percent, while Country tracks are up .3 percent.
Next week’s numbers will include Krystal Keith’s Whiskey & Lace, Parmalee’s Feels Like Carolina and Zac Brown Band’s The Grohl Sessions Vol. 1.

DISClaimer: Christmas Offerings

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brandon heath111This is the season that validates what Christian music stars espouse all year long. Fittingly, our CCM performers take the spotlight in this Christmas column. Our Disc of the Day goes to Brandon Heath. The DisCovery Award belongs to Andrew Greer.
BRANDON HEATH/Just A Girl
Writers: Brandon Heath/Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Ben Shive; Publishers: Haidaway/Writers of Sea Gayle/Itchy Baby; BMI; Provident (track)
-This CCM star’s holiday CD is titled Christmas Is Here. It mixes half traditional songs with half originals. Of the latter, this gentle, folk-pop jewel shimmers with sincerity. Underscored by piano, acoustic guitar and strings, he sings the saga of Mary seeking shelter to give birth from the point of view of the innkeeper.
JULIE INGRAM/Joy To The World
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; LongShot (track)
-Some songs lend themselves to country rearrangements. And some don’t.
JOHNNY MATHIS, VINCE GILL AND AMY GRANT/I’ll Be Home For Christmas/White Christmas
Writers: Irving Berlin; Producer: Fred Mollin; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (track)
-This legendary crooner recorded his last pop CD in Nashville, and he returned to Music City to craft Sending You a Little Christmas. It’s loaded with collaborations with the likes of Susan Boyle, Billy Joel, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan and Jim Brickman. On these two Irving Berlin classics, his lustrous vocal partners are Vince and Amy. Johnny’s iconic tenor leads the way on the first title while Amy sings lead weaving “White Christmas” into the lovely arrangement. Kristin Wilkinson’s string section is fabulous.
THE HAGEES/God With Us
Writers: James Philip Bryson/Nathan F. Cochran/Barry E. Graul/Bart Marshall Millard/Michael J. Scheuchzere/Robin Troy Shaffer; Producer: Michael Sykes; Publishers: Simpleville/Wet as a Fish, ASCAP; Difference/Capitol
-This family quartet has a gloriously melodic collection titled, simply, Christmas. They sing their faces off on this throbbing, inspiring, opening number. The pleasures continue as they trade lead vocals and harmony parts throughout the rest of the album. Eight of the 13 selections are familiar chestnuts.
THE ROBERTSON FAMILY/Duck The Halls
Writers: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publishers: BMG Gold/Run Slow/Sony-ATV Tree/Team Jase/Korie R/Missyrob, BMI; EMI (track)
-Yes, the Duck Dynasty cast has a Christmas album. And, yes, it is titled Duck the Halls. And the title tune does, indeed, feature duck calls. Fortunately, it is brief. Celebrity guests elsewhere on the collection include Josh Turner, Alison Krauss, Luke Bryan and George Strait. But the real surprise is that some of the Robertsons sing quite well, themselves.
LEGACY CHRISTMAS/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Writer: traditional; Producer: Melissa DuPuy; Publisher: public domain; Living Waters For
-Treasured Carols of the Kirk is a mostly instrumental collection featuring Deanie Richardson (fiddle, mandolin), Sam Levine (flute, whistle), Russell Davis (keyboards) and producer DuPuy (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, bodhran) with three vocals by Alyth McCormack. As the title implies, the repertoire is drawn from some of our oldest Christmas songs. The lovely arrangements generally have an Irish lilt, and the listening is easy. Proceeds benefit Living Waters for the World.
andrew greer11ANDREW GREER/Do You Hear What I Hear
Writers: Noel Regney/Gloria Shayne Baker; Producer: Chris Kimmerer; Publishers: Regent/Jewel, ASCAP; M’AM (track)
-Middle Tennesssean Greer sings in a simple folkie tenor with a slight vibrato and is surrounded by sympathetic acoustic instrumentation. He doesn’t overwhelm you, but gradually wins you over on The Christmas Sessions. Guests include Sandy Patti, The McCrary Sisters, Phil Medeira and Cindy Morgan.
SAWYER BROWN/Just One Night
Writer: Mac McAnally; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Beginner, ASCAP; Curb (CDX)
-This pretty ballad is one of the best of the new Christmas songs I’ve heard this year.
TEEA GOANS/Christmas Time Is Here
Writers: Vince Guaraldi/Lee Mendelson; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Lee Mendelson Film Productions, BMI; Crosswind (CDX)
-This lady continues to impress. Previously noted for true-blue country stylings, she proves she can easily handle jazz chord changes on this sterling outing. Lend her your ears. Highly recommended.
PAUL LOVELACE/Christmas Every Day With You
Writers: Doug Wayne/Kyle Wyley; Producer: Doug Wayne: Publishers: Handover Fist/Kylo/Side Car, BMI; Star Base (CDX)
-Mr. CDX, himself, offers a lilting ditty for the holiday season. Sweetly romantic.

Little Big Town To Present Panel at CRS 2014

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Little Big Town


2013 CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town will present a panel about perseverance in the Country music industry at CRS 2014. Bob Kingsley will interview the band throughout the session, which will take place Feb.19 in the Nashville Convention Center.
Throughout their career, Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet have persevered through several challenging label changes. They received their first record deal with Mercury Nashville Records before moving to Sony’s Monument Records, where they released their debut album. From there, the band went from the small independent label, Equity Music Group, to their current label, Capitol Records, which was later taken over by major label, Universal Music Group.
“It’s an honor to be asked to be a part of CRS this year, and especially the chance to share some of our story as a band through the last 14 years,” said Little Big Town. “It’s definitely been about perseverance for us.”
“Throughout every challenge the band has had, they’ve continued to establish and develop so many relationships and give back in so many ways,” said Kingsley. “Their ability to adapt to situations and stay ahead is a hard feat, and one that we can all learn from.”
CRS 2014 will include more than 20 educational panels and speakers, including “Cracking the Code: Using Data to Discover the Hits,” “Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, Beats: It’s Their Country, Too,” “Marketing On A Shoestring Budget,” “Would You Like Sales Prospects to Call You?” and more.
CRS 2014 will be held Feb. 19-21, 2014 at the Nashville Convention Center. The $499 regular registration rate can be purchased at countryradioseminar.com.