CMT To Honor Year's Top Artists Tonight

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Screen Shot 2013-12-03 at 11.23.39 AMCMT‘s Artists of the Year gala celebration of the careers of the hottest acts in Country for 2013 happens tonight (Dec. 3) live on CMT at 8 p.m. ET. Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Hunter Hayes, and Tim McGraw are the artists who will be tributed by Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Peter Frampton and Hayden Panettiere, Lady A, Train’s Pat Monahan, Cassadee Pope, Lionel Richie, Travis Tritt, and Dwight Yoakam on the 90-minute special.
Ron White will host the fourth annual celebration, which includes performances, collaborations, and speeches saluting the careers of the five honorees.

Mitchell Tenpenny – Black Crow

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MitchellTenpenny_BlackCrow (2)Mitchell Tenpenny is a rare combination. Not only is he a lifelong Nashville native, he is also one of Nashville’s top emerging songwriters known for his extensive musical talent. He has played the guitar since the age of 13, and his talent and dedication to his craft has expanded his repertoire to include many other stringed instruments, the organ, and the drums. He also sings both lead and back-up vocals, and his unique voice lends credence and believability to a diverse array of genres ranging from rock to country and blues to pop.
As a twenty-five year old musician and graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Mitchell has grown up in and around the music business. His grandmother was the late Donna Hilley, who for years ran Sony/Tree Music Publishing and exposed him to singers like Brooks & Dunn and Blake Shelton as well as some of the best artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers in the business. The advice gleaned from these industry experts as well as his own broad musical interests have laid the groundwork he needed to develop the distinct style for which he is known today.
A few of the artists who can claim the greatest influence on his career are Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson. A life spent learning from the best country music has to offer combined with his own R&B and pop interests has produced the artist that Mitchell Tenpenny is today. His songs are eclectic, powerful, and memorable, and both on the stage and in the recording studio, he always gives the audience more and more of himself through his music.
www.mitchell10penny.com

Garth Brooks To Play Full Band Shows In Vegas

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garth-wynnGarth Brooks will play four full band shows at Wynn Las Vegas’ Encore Theater on Jan. 3 and 4, 2014. The shows, titled Garth Brooks: The Man, His Band and His Music, will feature the singer’s hit songs, according to PR Newswire. Each day will feature two shows, starting at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
“I’ve been itching for the chance to bring my band to Vegas to play this room,” said Brooks. “I can’t wait. Steve Wynn told me I could use the theater anytime. I asked him when I could start and his response was, ‘How about New Year’s Eve?'”
Tickets for the singer’s shows will go on sale Friday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.
Brooks’ CBS television special, Garth Brooks Live From Las Vegas, pulled in 8.75 million viewers among adults 18-49. The special aired Friday, Nov. 29.

Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett Celebrate At Double No. 1 Party

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Pictured (Back row, L-R): Big Red Toe Music’s Craig Wiseman, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, Big Red Mountain's Seth England, producer Joey Moi, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, and BMI’s Jody Williams; (Middle row, L-R): co-writers Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, and co-writer Thomas Rhett; (Front row, L-R): CMA’s Brandi Simms, Republic Nashville’s Matthew Hargis, EMI Blackwood Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, and Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo credit: Rick Diamond

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Big Red Toe Music’s Craig Wiseman, ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, Big Red Mountain’s Seth England, producer Joey Moi, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, and BMI’s Jody Williams; (Middle row, L-R): co-writers Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, and co-writer Thomas Rhett; (Front row, L-R): CMA’s Brandi Simms, Republic Nashville’s Matthew Hargis, EMI Blackwood Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, and Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo credit: Rick Diamond


Thomas Rhett celebrated his first No. 1 song as a songwriter (as one of the writers behind Florida Georgia Line‘s “‘Round Here”) and his first No. 1 single as an artist (“It Goes Like This”) during an event Monday afternoon (Dec. 2) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. BMI’s Jody Williams and ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel were on hand to honor the songwriters behind the two chart-topping songs.
It was quite the accomplishment for Big Machine Label Group, which is the recording home to both Florida Georgia Line (Republic Nashville) and Rhett (The Valory Music Co). “The first cut is the deepest, and this is a deep cut,” Big Machine Label Group president and CEO Scott Borchetta told songwriter-singer Thomas Rhett.
It was a special moment for Thomas Rhett’s father, Rhett Akins, who co-wrote “It Goes Like This.” Akins recalled the day he and Thomas Rhett were preparing to meet with a Nashville record label president to discuss signing Thomas Rhett, when he got an enthusiastic call from Big Machine’s Borchetta. “He said, ‘I need to talk to you really badly–in a good way,'” recalled Akins. “We knew we had something.”
According to Borchetta, it was a signing that wasn’t supposed to happen. Two years ago, Borchetta had decided to take a short break from signing artists, and told Allison Jones, VP of A&R. Jones insisted on taking one more meeting, with Thomas Rhett. Borchetta agreed, having known Thomas Rhett’s father for years. Borchetta knew they had made the right decision when he heard Thomas Rhett perform. “This must be what it was like to sign Roger Miller,” Borchetta recalled. He immediately decided to recant on his decision not to sign any new artists at that time. “I said, ‘When you make the rules, you can break the rules. Let’s sign this guy,'” Borchetta told the crowd.
Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Robbins were honored for penning “It Goes Like This” for Thomas Rhett. Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Thomas Rhett were feted for crafting “‘Round Here,” the third chart-topper for FGL.”It’s a big music swirl,” said Craig Wiseman, of Big Red Toe Music. “You got to buy a lot of beers and have a lot of parties, but that’s a good problem to have. I’ve been out there on the road and you can’t even hear the PA when [Florida Georgia Line performs] this song live.”
“I’ve been to a few of these No. 1 parties,” said Thomas Rhett. “I wondered what it would be like to be the person talking. I remember being in Kansas when I got a call from Seth [England] that Brian [Kelley] and Tyler [Hubbard] were cutting this. They are such great guys. We’re all just changing lanes and it all comes together.”
Pictured (Back row, L-R): The Valory Music Company's George Briner, BMI’s Jody Williams, G Major Management's Virginia Davis, producer Michael Knox, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and Sandi Spika Borchetta, and ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel; (Middle row, L-R): co-writer Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, and co-writers Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Robbins; (Front row, L-R): Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, EMI Blackwood Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, and Warner-Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn. Photo credit: Rick Diamond

Pictured (Back row, L-R): The Valory Music Company’s George Briner, BMI’s Jody Williams, G Major Management’s Virginia Davis, producer Michael Knox, This Music’s Rusty Gaston, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and Sandi Spika Borchetta, and ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel; (Middle row, L-R): co-writer Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, and co-writers Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Robbins; (Front row, L-R): Universal Music Publishing’s Kent Earls, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, EMI Blackwood Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, and Warner-Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn. Photo credit: Rick Diamond.


 

Major Bob Music Announces Additions, Promotions

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Jesse Frasure

Jesse Frasure


Major Bob Music has announced a series of additions and promotions.
Jesse Frasure has been named VP of Major Bob Music, Inc. The 10-year Major Bob veteran helped build the roster and accelerate the careers of songwriters including Neil Thrasher, Cary Barlowe, The Band Perry, Shane Stevens, John & Jacob and others. He will continue work for Major Bob Productions and help lead the publishing company. Frasure has produced or co-written for Hot Chelle Rae, Rascal Flatts, Leah Turner, TobyMac and others.
Mike Doyle

Mike Doyle


Mike Doyle, after serving for several years as Director of Major Bob Music, will move into management with Bob Doyle and Associates. He will be responsible for the careers of singer-songwriter duo John & Jacob. John & Jacob recently signed with CAA and celebrated their first No. 1 as songwriters with The Band Perry‘s “DONE.”
Tina Crawford

Tina Crawford


Tina Crawford will join the Major Bob Music family as Director of A&R. Crawford’s industry career began in Country radio in Michigan. She was then hired at Broken Bow Records in Nashville, where she worked in all areas of promotion, A&R/Artist Development, as well as song plugging at Magic Mustang Music, and most recently as Director of Creative Services for the label’s three imprints: BBR, Stoney Creek and Red Bow Records.
Andy Friday

Andy Friday


Andy Friday has been promoted to Sr. Director of New Media/Associate Manager. Friday is a graduate of King College, and also studied music and creative arts in Sydney, Australia while attending Hillsong International Leadership College.
 

Vish – I Was Born To Love You

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Vish (1)“Doctor by day Artist by Night”
I am the lab coat crusader saving lives with a stethoscope in one hand and a guitar in the other. Music is a great healer and common denominator for what I do musically and as a physician.
I originally grew up in the suburbs of the Chicago and about 10 years ago after finishing residency, I moved south-eastern Missouri were I start my career as a physician and be close to Nashville TN to kick start my music career.
Singing and my interest in playing various instruments started at the age of 7. I recall stealing my brothers guitar in the middle of the night while he was sleeping. I wasn’t very successful in being discrete as my brother woke up minutes later after hearing the loud strumming and eventual yanked the guitar right out of my hands. From that moment on I was destined to show him that I could play. He later became very instrumental in encouraging me to learn the guitar and take some singing lessons.
I always wanted to be a professional singer and artist from my teenage years. But my methodical and wise parents wanted me to first become a physician like my oldest brother and then pursue anything else I wanted. They encouraged me to first to first build a strong foundation in something stable as a physician and chase my music career later in life. The “later” is has finally arrived.
I have a very diverse interest in various musical styles and genres. My greatest country music influences to date have been George Strait, Kenny Rodgers, Garth Brooks, Waylon Jennings, Blake Shelton, Tim Mcgraw, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean just to mention a few. In addition to country music, I also enjoy listening to some current pop and rock music. The genre of my music would fit in current mainstream country music.
My debut album “Your Prescription” was “officially” released on itunes, cdbaby, and other online distribution sites June 27th 2014. The name “Your Prescription” describes my interests as a physician in prescribing my music to heal others. The goal of the album was to incorporate fresh, new country and pop sounds that parallel what is happening now in “Country Music”.
Gaining the support from Major A list Artists and popularity from others would serve to validate what I’m doing musically. That would be my ultimate goal.
www.VishMusic.com

Parton and Kristofferson Titles Going Into Grammy Hall Of Fame

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grammy logo featured111The Recording Academy has added 27 new titles to its legendary Grammy Hall Of Fame, including Dolly Parton‘s “Jolene” and Kris Kristofferson‘s self-titled debut CD. The Rolling Stone‘s “Honky Tonk Women” and U2‘s The Joshua Tree are also among the new tracks and albums landing Hall of Fame status.
The list currently includes 960 recordings and is on display at L.A.’s Grammy Museum. Singles and albums chosen must be at least 25 years old and exhibit qualitative or historical significance. Recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee comprised of knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees.
To commemorate the Grammy Hall’s 40th Anniversary, The Recording Academy has partnered with FX Marketing Group to publish a 150-plus-page collector’s edition book. GRAMMY Hall Of Fame 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition features in-depth insight into many of the recordings and artists represented in the Hall, including firsthand accounts of the making of Hall Of Fame-inducted recordings by artists like Herbie Hancock, Loretta Lynn, the Mamas And The Papas’ Michelle Phillips, Carlos Santana, James Taylor, the Who’s Pete Townshend, and Bill Withers, among others. The book is available in Walmarts, Targets, and bookstores nationwide as well as at the official online Grammy store.

Bay Named New Rdio CEO

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Anthony Bay

Anthony Bay


Rdio has named Anthony Bay CEO of the company, effective immediately. Bay was formerly a digital media executive at Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple, and succeeds Drew Larner in the position. Larner will become Vice Chairman and Strategic Advisor to the Board of Directors of the music streaming company.
“Anthony’s track record building successful digital media businesses over the last two decades has been vast and deep,” said Larner. “His experience will be incredibly valuable to Rdio as we focus on building a global, scalable business model positioned for long-term leadership and growth. We’re thrilled he’s joining Rdio.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Rdio,” said Bay. “Subscription music offers an exciting and compelling customer experience and value proposition, and we are still in the very early days of this opportunity.  There are well over one billion smartphone users with millions more joining every day, and our vision is for Rdio to become one of the ‘must have’ applications for any listener around the world. Customers love Rdio. Building upon Janus’ vision and commitment, the team that Drew has built, and the passion of our customers, we will make that a reality.”
Rdio launched in 2010 and is currently available in 31 countries.

[Updated]: Country Singer Wayne Mills Dies After Nashville Shooting

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wayne mills

Wayne Mills


[Update]: The memorial service for singer-songwriter Wayne Mills will take place at Arab High School auditorium in Mills’ hometown of Arab, Ala., on Sunday, Dec. 8. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the auditorium of Arab High School (511 Arabian Dr., Arab, Ala., 35016). The memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m., followed by a private burial. Photography and video cameras will not be allowed, and cell phones must be turned off and kept out of view.
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A Nashville Country singer is dead after an apparent altercation outside a Nashville bar. Chris Ferrell, owner of Pit and Barrel bar, told police that he fatally shot Country singer Wayne Mills, 44, in self defense, after the two engaged in an argument as Mills attempted to smoke in a non-smoking area.
Ferrell shot Mills at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday morning (Nov. 23). Mills later died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
No arrests have been made, and Ferrell possessed a valid gun permit.
Mills, a native of Arab, Ala., performed with the Wayne Mills Band for 15 years. Country entertainers Jamey Johnson and Blake Shelton opened for the band early in their careers, according to the group’s website.
Mills graduated with an education degree from the University of Alabama, where he also played football during his college years.

CRS Announces 'New Faces' Performers

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CRS2014-LogoCountry Radio Seminar has announced the 2014 New Faces of Country Music Show performers will include Brett Eldredge (Atlantic/WMN), Tyler Farr (Columbia),Cassadee Pope (Republic Nashville), Thomas Rhett (Valory) and Charlie Worsham (Warner Bros./WAR).
New Faces will take place on Feb. 21, 2014 at Nashville’s Convention Center, rounding out CRS 2014. Although dinner tickets for the New Faces show have sold out, seating-only admission is still available on a first-serve basis. Interested parties can register for $499 at CountryRadioSeminar.com, prior to the pending on-site registration rate.