NBC Winter Olympics Partners With Danielle Bradbery

danielle bradbery

Danielle Bradbery


NBC has partnered with The Voice winner Danielle Bradbery in a promotional campaign for the network’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The campaign will air tonight, Dec. 16, at 9 p.m. ET The Voice, and feature Bradbery’s performance of “My Day,” alongside footage of Olympic athletes.
“We are delighted to partner with NBC Entertainment’s hit show ‘The Voice’ and last season’s winner, Danielle Bradbery,” said NBC Sports Group CMO John Miller. “The nature of Danielle’s song ‘My Day’ is uniquely suited to the ideals represented by the Olympics. We look forward to this unique collaboration being used often across the NBCU family of networks in the weeks leading up to the Games.”
Promotional spots of varying length will air across NBCUniversal programming in the weeks leading up to the games. “My Day” is featured on Bradbery’s self-titled debut album.
“When I first heard the song ‘My Day’ I knew I wanted to cut it immediately, because the day I won ‘The Voice’ was truly the most amazing day of my life. The song reminded me of all the excitement and honor I experienced on that magical evening,” said Bradbery. “I am honored to be able to share the song through this special campaign honoring our Olympic heroes, who I look forward to cheering on this winter on NBC.”
NBC will begin coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia on Friday, Feb. 6. For more information on the upcoming games, visit nbcolympics.com.

RFD-TV To Air 2-Hour Clay Walker Special

Clay Walker

Clay Walker

Clay Walker will be featured for a two-hour RFD-TV concert special, airing Sunday, Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. ET. The footage was shot during two sold-out performances at The Venetian in Las Vegas on Dec. 6-7.

The special features Walker’s No. 1 hits including “What’s It To You,” “This Woman and This Man,” “If I Could Make A Living,” and “Rumor Has It,” along with “Fall” and “She Won’t Be Lonely Long.” On behalf of Military Warriors Support Foundation, which Walker created with Lt. General (Ret.) Leroy Sisco, Walker also surprises US Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Todd Fahn, his fiancé and two year old son, with the keys to his mortgage free home in Henderson, Nev.
As a part of Rural Media Group, RFD-TV, is the first 24-hour television network providing multimedia content to the rural and western lifestyle.
While in Vegas, Walker also performed the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo on Dec. 6 and was in attendance at the American Country Awards on Dec. 10.
In addition to touring on behalf of his ninth studio album, She Won’t Be Lonely Long, Walker is out promoting his self-penned book, Jesus Was A Country Boy (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster). He will return as the host of Trophy Hunters TV on the Outdoor Channel for the 2014 season and will also featured in the 2014 family dramaAlone Yet Not Alone. For more information, visit claywalker.com.

Taylor Swift Donates $100,000 To Nashville Symphony

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift


Taylor Swift, who celebrates her 24th birthday today (Dec. 13), has made a $100,000 donation to the Nashville Symphony. The unexpected early Christmas gift surprised and delighted symphony representatives at a meeting facilitated by Dave Pomeroy, President of AFM Local 257, and attended by members of Swift’s organization.
“Taylor, who is a member of our local, is not only an amazing talent with fans all across the globe; she is also an incredibly generous artist who has never failed to demonstrate her devotion to not only her own band, but also to the greater Nashville community and our musicians. We applaud her fantastic contribution to Music City’s renowned orchestra. Thank you, Taylor, and ‘Happy Birthday’ too!” Pomeroy said.
The donation comes at the end of a difficult year for the NSO, which dealt with financial problems this past spring including a debt restructuring agreement, staff terminations, and a new musicians contract, which include a 15 percent pay cut.
“Now is the time for all the citizens of Nashville to step forward and support our world class orchestra in its time of need. Taylor Swift has set a great example and I hope that others will follow her lead and help ensure that the Nashville Symphony musicians’ salaries can be restored as soon as possible. This is an incredible start,” Pomeroy said.

Yearwood Cancels SeaWorld Concert

tyearwood-annTrisha Yearwood has cancelled her upcoming performance at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., due to the controversy surrounding the documentary Blackfish. More than 5,600 fans signed a petition on change.org asking Yearwood to cancel her appearance.
Yearwood’s fan Stephanie Wireman launched the petition, saying, “I love Trisha Yearwood even more knowing that she listens to fans and will not perform at SeaWorld, a place that is now synonymous with cruelty to orcas. Thanks to the thousands of people who signed my petition on Change.org.
The singer’s rep commented on the cancellation, saying, “In light of recent concerns, Trisha has decided to remove the Feb. 22 date from her upcoming tour plans.”
Willie Nelson has also cancelled his show at SeaWorld. Animal rights groups have organized campaigns on Change.org to ask that Justin Moore, Scotty McCreery, Martina McBride and other artists cancel their scheduled performances as well.
 
 
 
 

Cates Signs with Disney Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Ken Bunt, President, DMG; Jess Cates, Songwriter; Mio Vukovic, SVP of A&R/Head of Creative, DMG; Emanuel “Eman” Kiriakou).

Pictured (L-R): Ken Bunt, President, DMG; Jess Cates, Songwriter; Mio Vukovic, SVP of A&R/Head of Creative, DMG; Emanuel “Eman” Kiriakou).


Jess Cates, a songwriter responsible for scores of contemporary hits, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Disney Music Publishing. Cates has worked with artists including Backstreet Boys, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Jonas Brothers and others. THe deal with DMP is in association with Emanuel “Eman” Kiriakou, which whom Cates has collaborated often.
Cates, a Nashville native, launched his career in the ’90s, writing songs for Rebecca St. James and Avalon. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he formed a long professional relationship with American Idol finalists and writing songs for Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Scotty McCreery (“Better Than That”) as well as runners-up David Archuletta (“Crush”), Clay Aiken, Elliot Yamin, Kimberley Locke and Bo Bice. Cates also wrote Martina McBride’s Grammy-nominated songs “I Just Call You Mine.”
Said Cates of his new association with DMG, “It’s been an honor to work with Eman over the years and now with Ken Bunt, Mio Vukovic, Barbara Vander Linde, Patrick Clifford and everyone at Disney, it really feels like a dream team for me. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

'MusicRow' No. 1 Song

Cassadee-PopeCassadee Pope’s Republic Nashville single, “Wasting All These Tears,” takes the cake this week at the top of our MusicRow Chart. The No. 1 title is Pope’s first release–and No. 1–since her victory on NBC’s The Voice. 
Written by Rollie Gaalswyk and Caitlyn Smith, “Wasting All These Tears” preceded Pope’s full-length studio album Frame By Frame, and was among records achieving the RIAA’s recently announced gold status this week.
Pope, who will perform as a “new face” at this year’s CRS, received a boost from CMT, which not only debuted its first docu-series but also included her as part of the network’s Next Women of Country movement to showcase a new generation of female artists.
As for videos, the Brian Lazzaro-directed piece can be seen below. Congrats BMLG, and welcome back from the beach!

Industry Ink (12/13/13)

Carrie Underwood as Maria in The Sound of Music Live!

Carrie Underwood as Maria in The Sound of Music Live!


NBC has announced an encore airing of The Sound of Music Live!, starring Carrie Underwood, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8p.m. ET. Based on the original musical, the Dec. 5 live event delivered a primetime win for NBC, and brought in more than 18.5 million total viewers for the live broadcast. Including both the live and three-day time-shifted viewings, the production has attracted a total of 21.3 million views.
Also starring TV and theater star Stephen Moyer and Tony Award winners Audra McDonald, Christian Borle and Laura Benanti, The Sound of Music Live! will be released on DVD on Dec. 17.

• • •

Alan L. Mayor

Alan L. Mayor

Alan L. Mayor, well-known Nashvillian and esteemed photographer in the Country music industry is experiencing some health issues, and is currently recovering in a physical rehab facility outside of Nashville. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

                                               • • •

Pictured (L-R): SiriusXM's John Marks, "Nashville" music producer Buddy Miller, actress Chaley Rose, actor Charles Esten, Executive Producers Callie Khouri and Steve Buchanan, actress Hayden Panettiere, actor Will Chase, actor Jonathan Jackson, actor Sam Palladio, Music Supervisor Frankie Pine, Big Machine's John Zarling, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and SiriusXM's Buzz Brainard. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Pictured (L-R): SiriusXM’s John Marks, “Nashville” music producer Buddy Miller, actress Chaley Rose, actor Charles Esten, Executive Producers Callie Khouri and Steve Buchanan, actress Hayden Panettiere, actor Will Chase, actor Jonathan Jackson, actor Sam Palladio, Music Supervisor Frankie Pine, Big Machine’s John Zarling, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and SiriusXM’s Buzz Brainard. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for SiriusXM)


Cast members of ABC’s Nashville joined Big Machine Records for the taping of “SiriusXM The Highway presents: The Music of ‘Nashville’ Season 2, Vol. 1” at the SiriusXM Music City Theatre In Nashville, Tenn. at Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 11, 2013.

• • •

Pictured (L-R): Herbert Graham (Graham Artist Management), Fred Stallcup, Brian Jones (WME), Danny Rivera, Thomas Hewlett, Craig Morris (Graham Artist Management).

Pictured (L-R): Herbert Graham (Graham Artist Management), Fred Stallcup, Brian Jones (WME), Danny Rivera, Thomas Hewlett, Craig Morris (Graham Artist Management).

Curb’s Sweetwater Rain has signed for exclusive booking representation with William Morris Endeavor in Nashville. Comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Danny Rivera, lead guitarist/vocalist Fred Stallcup, and bassist/vocalist Thomas Hewlett, the band recently wrapped their opening slot on the Rascal Flatts Live & Loud Tour and are currently traveling the country  promoting their sophomore single “Pray For Me.”

They  recently played at Clear Channel WDRM’s Listeners Lounge in Huntsville, Ala. along with a sold out show for CBS Radio’s WQYK, opening for Charlie Daniels at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Fla.

'Crazy Hearts Nashville' Set To Air Jan. 15

Crazy-HeartsAnother look at Nashville’s thriving music scene is on the horizon with A&E‘s new reality show, Crazy Hearts: Nashville. The original series follows some of up-and-coming country musicians as they balance life, love and their pursuit of stardom, one gig at a time and highlights the struggle, the romance and the music that fuels the city. The show will premiere Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 11 p.m. ET/PT and run again Thursday, Jan. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT and runs every Thursday.
Fiery relationships and stiff competition cause rivalries both on and off stage as these regulars of the social scene intertwine their personal and professional lives, and end up in a few love triangles during their attempts to reach the top. The show features Lee HolyfieldAnthony BillupsLeroy PowellHannah Fairlight, April Nemeth, Amy WilcoxJimmy Stanley, and Heather Byrd.
Crazy Hearts: Nashville is produced by Executive producers Toby Barraud, Stefan Springman and Mala Chapple.

Weekly Chart Report (12/13/13)

Becca Walls (R) visited with Jon Pardi (L) at Nashville’s LP Field when he stopped by to donate toys for Toy Field. Pardi’s Capitol Nashville debut album, 'Write You A Song,' is planned for release January 14.

Becca Walls (R) visited with Jon Pardi (L) at Nashville’s LP Field when he stopped by to donate toys for Toy Field. Pardi’s Capitol Nashville debut album, ‘Write You A Song,’ is planned for release January 14.


SPIN ZONE
Cassadee Pope can dry her eyes now that “Wasting All These Tears” has hit No. 1 on MusicRow’s chart, with 3,138 spins this week. The Voice winner’s single recently earned an RIAA gold certification. Meanwhile, Zac Brown Band’s “Sweet Annie” jumps to No. 2, while David Nail’s “Whatever She’s Got” leaps to No. 3. Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” prepares to leave the chart, moving to No. 4. For the third consecutive week, Cole Swindell’s “Chillin’ It” remains at No. 5. Rounding out the Top 10 this week is Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On” at No. 6, Lady Antebellum’s “Compass” at No. 7, Scotty McCreery’s “See You Tonight” at No. 8, Luke Bryan’s “Drink A Beer” at No. 9 and Craig Morgan’s “Wake Up Lovin’ You” at No. 10.
Brad Paisley’s “The Mona Lisa” is the week’s greatest gainer, rising to No. 45 with another 391 spins. Earlier this week, the singer accepted the Video Visionary Award at the American Country Awards. Jason Aldean’s “When She Says Baby” moves to No. 17 with an added 213 spins, while Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some Of That” ascends to No. 49 with an extra 213 spins. Listeners are thirsty for Bryan’s “Drink A Beer,” which holds steady at No. 9 with 211 additional spins. Finally, Sara Evans’ “Slow Me Down” quickens its climb up the chart, reaching No. 15 with 193 more spins. Evans’ seventh studio album will be released in March of 2014.
MusicRow welcomes debuts from three Country artists this week, with Maggie Sajak’s “Wild Boy” debuting at No. 78, Jared Blake’s “Countryfied” at No. 79 and Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves’ “Folsom Prison Blues” at No. 80.
Sheila Kirsch. Photo: Radio of Las Cruces

Sheila Kirsch. Photo: Radio of Las Cruces


News: MusicRow reporting station KGRT-FM Las Cruces, NM has promoted Sheila Kirsch to Program Director. In addition to her new duties, Kirsch will continue to act as Music Director and on-air midday personality. Kirsch has spent 15 years at KGRT, handling the station’s music duties since 2003.
KGRT’s Market Manager Veronica Test commented on Sheila’s promotion, saying “Sheila is a great asset to our team, and we look forward to continued growth on our country station as we move forward at Adams Radio Group.”
Frozen Playlists: KFTX, KYEZ, KYYK, WBKR, WMEV, WKKX
Kelly Clarkson visited with Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood prior to filming her NBC Christmas special: Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale. Pictured (L-R): Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire. Photo: Justin Lubin/NBC

Kelly Clarkson visited with Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood prior to filming her NBC Christmas special: Kelly Clarkson’s Cautionary Christmas Music Tale. Pictured (L-R): Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Justin Lubin/NBC


Upcoming Singles
December 16
Lindsay Ell/Trippin’ On Us/Stoney Creek
January 6
Bernie Nelson/Scarecrow/If I Know Blue Records
January 13
Brantley Gilbert/Bottoms Up/Valory
February 3
Blair Mathews/It’s About Us/Stoneyhill Records
February 10
Adrianna Freeman/No More/AFM Entertainment
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Maggie Sajak/Wild Boy/Back East Records-GMV Nashville – 78
Jared Blake/Countryfied/Skiddco Records – 79
Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves/Folsom Prison Blues/Verado – 80
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Brad Paisley/The Mona Lisa/Arista Nashville – 27
Thomas Rhett Get Me Some Of That Valory Music – 16
Tyler Farr/Whiskey In My Water /Columbia Nashville – 12
Garth Brooks feat. Trisha Yearwood/The Call/Pearl Records – 11
Charlie Worsham/Want Me To/Warner Bros. – 10
Leah Turner/Take The Keys/Columbia Nashville – 10
Sean Patrick McGraw/I’m That Guy/Little Engine Records – 8
Kip Moore/Young Love/MCA Nashville – 7
Dan+Shay/19 You+Me/Warner Bros. – 7
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Brad Paisley/The Mona Lisa/Arista Nashville – 391
Jason Aldean/When She Says Baby/Broken Bow – 213
Thomas Rhett/Get Me Some Of That/Valory Music – 213
Luke Bryan/Drink A Beer/Capitol Nashville – 211
Sara Evans/Slow Me Down/RCA – 193
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Ry Bradley/New Kind Of Lonely/Crimson Q Records – 212
Sheryl Crow/Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely/Warner Bros. – 203
Charlie Worsham/Want Me To/Warner Bros. – 197
Sean Patrick McGraw/I’m That Guy/Little Engine Records – 185
Robby Armstrong/Birthday Happy/Strong Arm Records – 184
RCA Nashville’s Sara Evans (L) stopped by the ACA red carpet this week promoting her No. 15 single this week “Slow Me Down.” Also on the carpet this week was Warner Nashville’s Sheryl Crow, whose “Callin' Me When I'm Lonely” lands on-deck this week at No. 82. Photos: Isaac Brekken.

RCA Nashville’s Sara Evans (L) stopped by the ACA red carpet this week promoting her No. 15 single this week “Slow Me Down.” Also on the carpet this week was Warner Nashville’s Sheryl Crow (R), whose “Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely” lands on-deck this week at No. 82. Photos: Isaac Brekken.

Charlie Cook On Air: Country Earns Grammy Love

charlie cook new image111

Charlie Cook


In the past, NARAS has not always represented the Country genre either on the show or in nominations and winners but as the format has become increasingly popular and acts like Taylor Swift have so successfully crossed over, the nominations closely resemble what we see from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music award shows.
This year the NARAS Country album nominations are very mainstream. In fact, three of the five NARAS nominations were CMA nominations last month. There is no arguing with the two exceptions. Jason Aldean’s Night Train is an incredible album as is Two Lanes of Freedom from Tim McGraw.
The politics of the CMA and NARAS are different enough to explain the trade outs. The Best Country Solo Performances also could have come right from the ACM or CMA shows.
The nomination specials that happen each December have also elevated the profile of the Nashville branch. Taylor has kept her connection to Nashville and Country music so she has been a great ambassador for the format. I also think people on the ground in Nashville have made a big difference. I am a big fan of Nancy Shapiro. We are only acquaintances but I have seen her as an advocate for the format right there in Nashville. She became involved with the Nashville chapter in the mid 80s.
In those days the Grammys went to big hits like The Judds’ “Grandpa” (1987 winner for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal) and Randy Travis’ “Always and Forever” (the 1988 Best Male Country Vocal Performance), but we also hit a stretch (2001) when the Best Male Performance was “O Death” by Ralph Stanley and the Best Country Song was “The Lucky One.” I like Alison Krauss but I just don’t remember that selection getting much exposure outside the nomination room at NARAS.
In 2003, the Best Country Male Vocal went to Johnny Cash and “Give My Love to Rose.” I will give you that 2003 was not a banner year for country music but the most recognizable name was often the one chosen by the NARAS voters.
Now names like Jason Aldean and Kacey Musgraves are recognized by more and more music fans and viola, more mainstream nominations. This is good for the format as these stars are getting the additional TV exposure helps spread the format even more.
To be fair this probably also affects some of the other “less than mainstream” formats. Like Rap. The really, really disrespectful Magna Carta led the way for Jay-Z to get nine nominations. The worst part of writing this note was I made myself listen to Magna Carta. Needless to add, I am not the album’s target but the fact that there is a target for the profane lyrics is scary enough. Jay-Z is the name everyone knows, so he must be the best.
Speaking of mainstream, the nominees for Song of the Year could not be more so. The five nominated songs were all huge radio hits. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis had an incredible year on the radio but “Same Love” was not their biggest song of 2013 but this is the one title that is going to get the most attention from the voters in LA and NY. These songs were so big nothing from the Country format was able to break into the category.
Still Kacey Musgraves is nominated as Best New Artist. Nothing I can dispute here as Kacey won the CMA award in the same category last month. I think Florida-Georgia Line had a pretty good year. I apologize if I missed a nomination, if they received one.
I know you might be saying it is good if NARAS steps out and exposes more music to the public. Not just the same old stuff. Well, frequency is really important when trying to brand Country as appealing to the fan base with the best music, not the most adventuresome.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)