Luke Bryan Celebrates Four Consecutive No. 1 Singles

Pictured (L-R): Jim Beavers, Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson, Luke Bryan, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Chris Stapleton

Pictured (L-R): Jim Beavers, Rodney Clawson, Dallas Davidson, Luke Bryan, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Chris Stapleton.


Music industry members gathered at a party hosted by BMI and ASCAP, held at downtown Nashville’s Bridge Building Thursday (June 5) to celebrate Luke Bryan, as well as songwriters, publishers, and label executives, in the success of four consecutive No. 1 singles from Bryan’s Crash My Party album.
“Crash My Party” (written by Rodney Clawson and Ashley Gorley), “That’s My Kinda Night” (written by Gorley, Dallas Davidson and Chris DeStefano), “Drink A Beer,” (written by Jim Beavers and Chris Stapleton), and “Play It Again” (written by Gorley and Davidson) have collectively sold over 9 million tracks, and combined have spent 25 weeks as the No. 1 most-downloaded song in country music.
UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan surprised Bryan and the rest of the industry throng by presenting Bryan with a plaque commemorating the double-platinum status of Crash My Party. The project was 2013’s No. 1 Country album sold, and the third most-purchased album in all genres–bested only by Justin Timberlake and Eminem.
Bryan’s manager Kerri Edwards also presented Bryan with a special momento, the sign from the now defunct club Skinner’s in the artist’s hometown of Leesburg, Ga., where he first began playing music. “Congratulations on four No. 1 songs. Everyone in this room made it happen, and I thank you for what you do,” Edwards said.
“It’s neat seeing this,” Bryan said. “There was an old man named Charlie Skinner who ran the club. You had Miller Light, Bud Light and Budweiser. That was the beer–you could have any beer you wanted as long as it was one of those three. It was this perfect little dive,” Bryan recalled.  “My dad and I would drive down there and guys would be playing Merle songs. I was doing Wednesday choir practice and on Friday nights I was sitting in Skinner’s with a bunch of drunks, playing ‘Old Habits.’ I might have to see how much Skinner’s—they closed it up—we might have to open back up and get some Miller Light, Bud Light and Budweiser.”
Never at a loss for entertaining stories, Dungan underscored Bryan’s success by recalling a personal memory. After Dungan and Bryan went on an early morning fishing trip, Dungan drove Bryan’s pickup truck back to a Brentwood, Tenn.-area church parking lot to pick up his own car. Approximately one week later, Dungan drove by the church again, and Bryan’s truck was still sitting in the same spot in the church parking lot. Dungan phoned Bryan to remind him of the truck. “You know you’ve arrived when you can misplace a vehicle and not miss it,” Dungan quipped.
Pictured (Back row L-R): BMI Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Clay Bradley, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Producer Jeff Stevens, Sea Gayle Creative Manager Jake Gear and Vice President of Creative Mike Owens, External Combustion Music President/Owner Chris Farren, Manager Kerri Edwards, ASCAP Senior Creative Director LeAnn Phelan, Sony ATV President/CEO Troy Tomlinson, Warner/Chappell Executive Vice President Ben Vaughn, CRB/CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne, Big Loud Shirt Industries Owner Craig Wiseman, Sea Gayle Vice President Creative Freeman Wizer.

Pictured (Back row L-R): BMI Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Clay Bradley, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Producer Jeff Stevens, Sea Gayle Creative Manager Jake Gear and Vice President of Creative Mike Owens, External Combustion Music President/Owner Chris Farren, Manager Kerri Edwards, ASCAP Senior Creative Director LeAnn Phelan, Sony ATV President/CEO Troy Tomlinson, Warner/Chappell Executive Vice President Ben Vaughn, CRB/CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne, Big Loud Shirt Industries Owner Craig Wiseman, Sea Gayle Vice President Creative Freeman Wizer.

Bobby Karl Works Opening Day at CMA Music Fest

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 458

Ashton Shepherd. Photo: Moments by Moser

Ashton Shepherd during an autograph signing at Fan Fair X. Photo: Moments by Moser


What’s a little water?
Mighty overnight thunderstorms, morning showers and threatening rain all afternoon couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the tens of thousands of folks on the streets of Nashville on Thursday (June 5). These CMA Music Festival fans are hardy souls who definitely don’t melt in the moisture.
I expected the Fan Fair X area in the Music City Center to be more crowded than usual because it is indoors. But it was easy to navigate and was populated, as usual, by the older fest attendees, the handicapped and the children.
LeAnn Rimes cut the ribbon to open Fan Fair X on Thursday morning, then sang tunes during an interview session. By midday, celeb autographers in the hall included Jana Kramer, The Doobie Brothers, Lizzie Sider, Doug Stone, Sage Keffer, Wade Hayes, Justin Moore, Mitch Goudy, Rodney Atkins, Tyler Farr, Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves, Cassadee Pope, Dan + Shay, The Whites, Lucas Hoge, Ty Herndon and Mark Wills.
The Bounce House Castle and Bounce House Slide inflatables were both getting a workout from a steady stream of kiddies. Young-adult Fan Fair attendees were bouncing in a different way on a mechanical bull.
At the Mountain Dew booth, merry fans were having souvenir photos made of themselves in full camouflage hunting regalia. The JoAnn Art & Craft Store booth hosted ladies making jewelry from the free supplies displayed. Many attendees lined up for the cornhole toss and the other “lawn” games.
You can tour Barbara Mandrell’s Tour Bus and/or the Kix Brooks Tour Bus. Brantley Gilbert’s booth features the 1936 “Bonnie & Clyde” Ford that’s in his video for “Bottoms Up.”
There are Taylor Swift costumes on display in her booth. She is overseas right now. Reba McEntire’s Dillard’s clothing line was again for sale. In fact, it seemed to me that there was more clothing and jewelry for sale in the mall district than ever. There is no music for sale at Fan Fair X.
Fan Fair X

Fan Fair X. Photo: CMA


Serenading the exhibit hall was T. Graham Brown, belting out “I Tell It Like It Used To Be” on the Durango Stage. At the AT&T U-Verse Showcase Stage were Ruth Collins, then Levi Hummon. Handsome young Levi brought on papa Marcus Hummon to sing with him on Marcus’s classic “Bless the Broken Road.” Over at the CMA Close-Up stage were Billy Ray Cyrus and the cast of his new movie Like a Country Song.
The CMA Celebrity Silent Auction was occurring simultaneously. It offered Kix’s wine, original song lyrics, VIP show passes and autographed guitars, shirts and other items for bids. Here’s something new: Cupcake Wines has a booth and is selling samples. Now we’re talking. Jack Daniels is available as well.
You might need a drink to get over the parking charge. The venal fiends who run the garage at the Music City Center charged $20 last year, payable only in cash. This year, they figured out that they can charge even more — $25 — by allowing you pay by credit card.
Across the street at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the gift shops were doing a brisk business. Angelic Rose Lee Maphis, 91, was greeting the tourists as they entered the museum’s lobby. None of them realized that they were saying hello to a lady who was a great country performer of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s in the “Mr. & Mrs. Country Music” dynamic duo of Joe & Rose Lee Maphis (1953’s “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke and Loud, Loud Music,” 1962’s “Whiskey Is the Devil in Liquid Form” etc.).
Larry Fitzgerald and Terry Elam were among the arrivals. They were en route to Vince Gill’s fan-club event at the Hall of Fame. Nearby in The Listening Room on 2nd Avenue South, Joe Nichols was drawing his fan-club party to a close. The Band Perry staged theirs in the Music City Center.
Outdoors in Walk of Fame Park, Rachelle Lynae was rocking the Samsung Galaxy Stage, followed by Zane Williams pumping out a splendidly harmonic country-rock set. Further on, Jacob Powell was shouting on the Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage in Fan Alley.
Alabama. Photo: Moments By Moser

Alabama backstage at LP Field. Photo: Moments By Moser


There is no shortage of libations on the streets of downtown. Kenny Chesney’s Blue Chair Bay Rum, Tito’s Vodka, Bud Light and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey are just a few of the booth stops you can make as you wander. Music pours from every open door of every honky-tonk on Lower Broad.
An Eats & Beats district on 5th Avenue South features a lineup of assorted food trucks serving up scrumptious delights. In one tent on Lower Broad, A&E is promoting its TV series starring Big Smo by offering free, cold “Smo-Cones.” Other free eats scattered around include iced coffee, pizza, Cracker Jacks, chocolate-chip cookies and flavored iced teas.
A would-be Carrie was carrie-oking to the track of “Before He Cheats” on the karaoke stage. Both guys and gals were trying their strength doing chin-ups at the Marines booth. Guitarists take turns strumming in the Martin Guitar tent. I spotted burly Metro cops posing for snapshots with giggling female fans. Street musician “Mandolin Mike” was playing for tips. A small crowd clustered at the door of the Johnny Cash Museum. Cuties wearing short-shorts and sparkly, silver-tinsel wigs pass out cards advertising Miranda Lambert’s new Platinum CD and her Pink Pistol shop on 3rd Avenue North.
Rio Romance was singing at The Hard Rock. ASCAP spitfire Hannah Dasher was wailing a humorous, feminist “I Ain’t No Waffle House” to the crowd’s delight beneath the tent at the Buckle Stage.
Meanwhile, Blackhawk was harmonizing gloriously on “That’s Just About Right” at the Bud Light Stage on the Bridgestone plaza. At a venue that also scheduled such excellent talents as Emerson Drive, Trick Pony, Chris Stapleton and Drake White, this was one of the strongest sets of the day.
Brantley Gilbert backstage at LP Field. Photo: Moments by Moser

Brantley Gilbert backstage at LP Field. Photo: Moments by Moser


After making their grand entrance down Broadway on the vintage Budweiser beer wagon pulled by eight massive Clydesdales, Big & Rich opened the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage on Thursday morning. “It’s CMA Fest 2014, y’all,” hollered Big Kenny through a bullhorn, adding, “This is gonna be the biggest time you’re ever had in your entire lives!” He and partner John Rich then unlocked the venue’s gate.
By mid-afternoon, a solid lineup of Charlie Worsham, Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch had this venue rocking. The rousing Wynonna & The Big Noise was the climax of the Riverfront stage later that afternoon. By then, the threatening skies were so dark that some streetlights were turning on. It started to shower again around 5 p.m., leading Wy fans to re-deploy their morning ponchos and umbrellas.
Working the festival campus at various times and in various places were Dale Bobo, Doak Turner, John Huie, Mike Dungan, Steve West, Lindsay Ell, Chris Cannon, Patrick McMurtry, Jimmy Carter, Gerry House, Bill Cody, Scotty McCreery, Storme Warren and Colette Huff-Koch.
That evening, the faithful fans trudged across the river to LP Field. The skies cleared around 8 p.m., and the night became balmy. Indeed, you could not have asked for more ideal conditions to enjoy the reunited Alabama’s return to the fest after a 20-year absence. Not to mention the hit-after-hit delivery of romping Luke Bryan, who worked the 60,000-strong crowd into a lather of excitement.
“We just got out there and had fun,” said Bryan backstage, “and I think the fans enjoyed it.” They sure did.

Brantley Gilbert, Dierks Bentley and Rascal Flatts were booked as the build-up to the night-closing show by superstar Tim McGraw. Gov. Bill Haslam was on hand to welcome the throng.

“It’s like playing a show at home,” commented Gilbert backstage. “It’s a blessin’ to be here.” Added Bentley, “It’s a different type of show, but it’s one of the best ones, for sure.”

Dierks Bentley backstage at LP Field. Photo: Moments by Moser

Dierks Bentley backstage at LP Field. Photo: Moments by Moser


Schmoozing and basking in the glow of another successful festival launch in the CMA Hospitality Suite were Earle Simmons, Kitty Moon Emery, Lisa Harless, Bill Denny, Dennis Banka, Charles Dorris, Melissa Maynard, Craig Bann, Aaron Hartley and Brett Wolcott.
AristoMedia’s Jeff Walker reported that this year’s International Showcase, staged on Monday (June 2), drew 2,000 fans, a new high water mark for this 10-year-old CMA Fest event. That “CMA World GlobaLive” gig featured 12 artists hailing from New Zealand, Sweden, Great Britain, Australia and Canada.
The perfect country music evening was capped by a fireworks display at 12:15 a.m. Onward into the weekend we go.

Weekly Chart Report (6/6/14)

chart report 1

Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report

VeronicaBallestrini-Programmer Playlist.jpg
KaylaAdams-PP.jpg
Ariana-Programmer-Playlist.jpg

[Updated]: 2014 CMT Awards Scores Big Ratings

cmt music awards 2014``

The 2014 CMT Awards experienced a +10 percent from last year with 3.0 million total viewers., becoming the second most-watched telecast in franchise history.  Last night’s CMT Music Awards scored a 1.39 among P18-49 L+SD, up +7 percent from last year, and ranked as the No. 1 original cable telecast for the day. Across Prime, CMT was the #1 cable network among P18-49, F18-49 and Total Viewer L+SD impressions.
The telecast also performed well among younger viewers and women, delivering an all-time high for W18-34 with an impressive 1.77 rating (up +19% over last year), while P18-34 earned a 1.39 rating (+14% over last year).
 

• • •

The CMT Music Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight (Wed., June 4).

Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan picked up two trophies each at the fan-voted show.

Miranda Lambert was the leading artist going into the evening with a total of six nominations.

FGL and Bryan had five nominations each.

Winners in bold.

Video of the Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies and Friends – “Boys ‘Round Here”
Carrie Underwood – “See You Again”
Eric Church – “Give Me Back My Hometown”
Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan – “This Is How We Roll”
Hunter Hayes – “I Want Crazy”
Kacey Musgraves – “Follow Your Arrow”
Keith Urban with Miranda Lambert – “We Were Us”
Luke Bryan – “That’s My Kind of Night”
Miranda Lambert – “Automatic”
Taylor Swift – “Red”
Thomas Rhett – “It Goes Like This”
Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban – “Highway Don’t Care”
Male Video of the Year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
Blake Shelton – “Doin’ What She Likes”
Eric Church – “Give Me Back My Hometown”
Hunter Hayes – “I Want Crazy”
Jason Aldean – “Night Train”
Luke Bryan – “Crash My Party”
Randy Houser – “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight”
Female Video of the Year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
Carrie Underwood – “See You Again”
Cassadee Pope – “Wasting All These Tears”
Kacey Musgraves – “Follow Your Arrow”
Miranda Lambert – “Automatic”
Sheryl Crow – “Easy”
Taylor Swift – “Red”
Group Video of the Year
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
Eli Young Band – “Drunk Last Night”
Lady Antebellum – “Compass”
Little Big Town – “Your Side Of The Bed”
Rascal Flatts – “Rewind”
The Band Perry – “Done”
Zac Brown Band – “Sweet Annie”
Duo Video of the Year
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
Dan + Shay – “19 You + Me”
Florida Georgia Line – “Round Here”
Florida Georgia Line – “Stay”
Thompson Square – “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About”
Breakthrough Video of the Year
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
Brett Eldredge – “Beat Of The Music”
Cassadee Pope – “Wasting All These Tears”
Cole Swindell – “Chillin’ It”
David Nail – “Whatever She’s Got”
Thomas Rhett – “It Goes Like This”
Tyler Farr – “Redneck Crazy”
Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies and Friends – “Boys ‘Round Here”
Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan – “This Is How We Roll”
Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly – “Cruise (Remix)”
Hunter Hayes featuring Jason Mraz – “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me”
Keith Urban with Miranda Lambert – “We Were Us”
Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban – “Highway Don’t Care”
CMT Performance of the Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
Dierks Bentley and OneRepublic – “Counting Stars” from CMT Crossroads: OneRepublic and Dierks Bentley
Jake Owen – “Days Of Gold” from CMT Hot 20 Countdown
Lady Antebellum and Stevie Nicks – “Rhiannon” from CMT Crossroads: Stevie Nicks and Lady Antebellum
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie – “Oh No/All Night Long” from 2013 CMT Artists of the Year
The Band Perry and Fall Out Boy – “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark” from CMT Crossroads: Fall Out Boy and The Band Perry
Willie Nelson and Neil Young – “Long May You Run” from CMT Crossroads: Willie Nelson & Friends from Third Man Records Three major labels are purchasing small stakes in Shazam as it prepares for an IPO,

Marty Stuart Brings Eclectic Lineup To Late Night Fan Jam

Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt

Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt


Marty Stuart welcomed a well-caffeinated crowd of fans for his 13th annual Late Night Fan Jam, which stretched into the wee hours of the morning. In the midst of the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Festival, the Late Night Fan Jam offered a musical oasis for fans who prefer their music pure and unprocessed.
The evening, which served as fundraiser for MusiCares, was held Wednesday, June 4 at the Ryman Auditorium, and featured an eclectic lineup including Travis Tritt, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Connie Smith, LeAnn Rimes and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore (of duo Sam & Dave).
Emi Sunshine

Emi Sunshine


Stuart held court throughout the evening, revving up the crowd with his own ‘90s favorites including “Hillbilly Rock.” “Country music sounds better here than anywhere in the world,” said Stuart before performing the traditional folk song “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” (also known as “In The Pines”).
The evening further proved that age does nothing to diminish talent. The evening featured artists from age 9 to 76, all immensely talented. Nine-year-old Emi Sunshine, was previously featured on The Today Show. During her Ryman performance, she offered a cover of “Blue Yodel Number 6” and the original tune “Johnny, June and Jesus.” The talented tyke’s strong voice and effervescent stage presence should continue garnering her fans for years to come.
Jim Glaser

Jim Glaser


At 76, Jim Glaser still possesses a voice as smooth and supple as tenors half his age. He performed several gems, including “Lights of Albuquerque.”
Rimes offered a medley of “I Need You,” and a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Backed by guitarists and Stuart on mandolin, Rimes’ voice is as soulful as ever.
Granting the wish of a fan in the front row, Stuart performed with wife Connie Smith as she launched into “Cry, Cry, Cry” and her 1967 song “Cincinnati, Ohio.”
Pictured (L-R): Sam Moore and Marty Stuart

Pictured (L-R): Sam Moore and Marty Stuart


Once Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Moore took to the stage, the evening quickly became the “Sam Jam,” as the audience rose to its feet to sing along with his renditions of “Soul Man,” “Rainy Night in Georgia,” and “Let The Good Times Roll.”
The evening ended with a performance from Tritt, who welcomed his daughter Tyler Reese Tritt for a duet of “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” Tritt then offered his favored ‘90s hits including “Great Day To Be Alive” and “Somebody,” before Stuart joined him onstage for their signature duet, “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin.’”
“He sent the idea of a duet to Hank Williams, Jr., first and he didn’t record it,” Tritt revealed. “Then they sent it to me. I said yes, but I wasn’t in Nashville when [Marty recorded] his part. Marty and I first met at the video shoot for the song. We came together and between takes we would sit on his bus and talk about our history and backgrounds. We’ve referred to ourselves as brothers from different mothers. We made a pact that no matter what happens through the years, we will always be brothers because we are joined in music and honor of each other.”
The evening’s musical lovefest surely proved a highlight of attendees’ 2014 CMA Music Fest.

Sheryl Crow Enlists Friends For Nashville-Area Academy Benefit

sheryl crow 2013 featured photoSheryl Crow has enlisted Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Charlie Worsham, Amy Grant and Eric Paslay to aid in a series of concerts at the Franklin Theatre to benefit New Hope Academy. Rucker will join Crow on June 9, followed by Paisley and Worsham on June 10, and Paslay and Grant on June 11.
“It’s amazing to live in a community with so many creative people that support one another. We’re blessed to have an institution like New Hope Academy dedicated to providing extraordinary educational opportunities while including a diverse student base, including the underprivileged,” says Crow. “These shows are one way I contribute personally and also invite my fans to help foster their success.”
New Hope is a non-profit school in Franklin promising an excellent, classical education with a special mission for the underprivileged. This is Crow’s third series of benefit concerts to help raise resources and awareness for the school.

Industry Ink (6/5/14)

Pictured (L-R): ACM's Jenny Driessen, PR News' Steve Goldstein, and ACM's Jenelle Scott.

Pictured (L-R): ACM’s Jenny Driessen, PR News’ Steve Goldstein, and ACM’s Jenelle Scott.


The Academy of Country Music won top honors at the Social Media Icon Awards presented by PR News at a luncheon recently in New York, winning the “GOOGLE+ Circle Growth” category in recognition of the Academy’s 2013 marketing campaign. The ACM won top honors at last year’s awards for its Twitter campaign.
The Social Media Icon Awards honor the most outstanding social media campaigns in the communications and public relations arena. The Academy ranked 316 out of 24,829,631 of all Google+ pages for businesses, according to circlecount.com. Fans/Users who added the Academy’s Google+ page to their circles increased by 89,950 percent from Jan. 1 through Dec. 6, 2013.
“Our dedicated social media team virtually never rests, and I think our devotion to music fans is something they recognize,” said Brooke Primero, SVP, Publicity & Marketing for the Academy of Country Music. “Fans know we’re there for them as much on a Sunday morning as we are on a Tuesday afternoon, and they respond to that consistency with a loyalty we’re proud of. Country music is nothing without the fans.”
The Academy faced off with other finalists including Guthy-Renker and Voto Latino.

• • •

Singer-songwriter Lacy Green has entered into an exclusive songwriter agreement with Dan Hodges Music, LLC.

Pictured (L-R): Susan Hodges, Michael Johnson of Loeb & Loeb, Lacy Green, Dan Hodges. Photo: Robbie Quinn

Pictured (L-R): Susan Hodges, Loeb & Loeb’s Michael Johnson, Lacy Green, Dan Hodges. Photo: Robbie Quinn

 • • •

PRpicSMALL111

Pictured (L-R): The KP Agency’s Mandy KenKnight, Trinity Productions’ Brad Hall, The KP Agency’s Lisa Corbitt Powers


Nashville-based entertainment companies The KP Agency and Trinity Productions have joined to bring various aspects of event management under one roof. The KP Agency partners Mandy KenKnight and Lisa Corbitt Powers specialize in corporate meetings, trade shows, commercials, music videos, models, talent and events. Meanwhile, Brad Hall of Trinity Productions will offer audio-visual services including sound, lighting effects, and more.
The KP Agency and Trinity Productions share more than 50 years combined experience, with a client list that has included Budweiser, Toby Keith, New Balance, Gaylord Opryland, BMI and the ACM.

MusicRowPics: The Band Perry Receives Challenge Coins for 'Chainsaw'

TBPgroup

Pictured (L-R): Neil Perry, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson, Kimberly Perry, MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson, and Reid Perry.


The Band Perry‘s Neil, Reid and Kimberly Perry were honored with MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins during their CMA Fest press conference this morning (June 5).
kimberlyneilperry

Neil Perry and Kimberly Perry


“Chainsaw,” the fourth single from the trio’s sophomore album Pioneer, was released March 3, 2014 and climbed to No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart on May 22, 2014.
Writers Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Matt Ramsey were also recently feted for the chart-topping hit, when they received their own MusicRow Challenge Coins.
“Chainsaw,” produced by Dann Huff, was published by Universal Music Corporation, Smack Ink, Smack Songs, LLC, Want a Fresh One Music, Black River Entertainment LLC, Music of RPM, and Sonic Geo Music.
shane mcanally

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow chart director Troy Stephenson, Matt Ramsey, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally and MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson.

Top 10 Highlights From the CMT Music Awards

492632997JN00003_2014_CMT_M

Florida Georgia Line opened the show with Luke Bryan, Jason Derulo and members of ZZ Top.

Photos: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images/CMT.com

Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan won two belt buckles each at last night’s (June 4) fan-voted CMT Music Awards, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The entertaining show was packed with performances, thrilling fans on stages inside the arena and outside on Broadway. Carrie Underwood received the top prize, Video of the Year.

cmt_music_awards_carrie miranda

Nothin’ bad from these two.


Kristen Bell was an engaging host, pulling off stunts including dressing up like Alan Jackson, and starring in funny pre-taped videos. (Forget Tinder, in one video she used the fictitious app Hollr to search for a co-host.) Having Bell return as host is a big win for CMT; she is one of the hottest entertainers right now, thanks to her work on blockbuster Frozen.
Lee Ann Womack and Kacey Musgraves honored Jackson for his 25 years of making music videos with a performance of his classic “Livin’ on Love.” Underwood presented the icon with the first-ever CMT Impact Award.
John Legend and Jason Derulo glided in from the pop/R&B world and fit in nicely. Legend performed “All of Me” with Jennifer Nettles and Hunter Hayes.
Inside, the Nationwide stage gave up-and-comers a chance to play a verse/chorus, with highlights including Dan + Shay and Brett Eldredge. (Some of the rising males seem to be mimicking Luke Bryan’s dance moves.) See a complete winners list.
Top 10 highlights:
10. Dierks Bentley appeared in character on the red carpet, showing up as Riser Air’s Captain Johnson. Later onstage, he brought out dancing stewardesses to help with “Drunk On A Plane,” but a more elaborate set would have pushed the performance to the next level.
9. Brantley Gilbert’s too-cool swagger during “Bottom’s Up” made his backflip off the riser even more unexpected.
8. Outside the arena, Jake Owen sent warm, happy vibes to the crowd with his sunset performance of “Beachin.’”
7. Eric Church and Lzzy Hale scorched the stage with a guitar-heavy take on “That’s Damn Rock and Roll.”
6. Keith Urban played inside the “Bluebird Cafe.” Accompanied only by his electric guitar, Urban was on a set made to look like Nashville’s famed venue, but was actually inside the arena.
brantley cmt_music_awards_ml_495675141-x600

Brantley Gilbert’s other skill: acrobatics.


5. The Real Big Pepsi Block Party shut down Broadway, where Blake Shelton thrilled a mass of fans with “Boys ‘Round Here.”
4. Lady Antebellum’s “Bartender” offered a fresh groovy sound from one of Country’s favorite bands. The female-driven song is a perfect showcase for Hillary Scott, who looked gorgeous during the outdoor set.
3. The show opened with a rowdy rendition of “This Is How We Roll/Talk Dirty” with the quadruple star power of Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Jason Derulo and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill. FGL, Bryan and Derulo blasted up on to the stage seemingly out of nowhere and the bros even had a (loosely coordinated) dance routine. It was the energetic start the show needed to capture fans’ attention from the get-go.
2. Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert gave a damn good take on “Somethin’ Bad.” The Platinum-haired divas brought loads of personality and avoided the performance pitfall of trying to out-do one another. Adding to the effect was Lambert’s new look, Underwood’s big hair and powerful wind machines. (Wonder what happened after they got to New Orleans?)
1. Little Big Town played new single “Day Drinking,” starting off with an all-white set and wardrobe and ending in a splatter paint bonanza of color.
lbt cmt awards

Little Big Town’s paint party.


Church brought a Halestorm.

Eric Church brought a Halestorm.

Artist Photos (6/5/14)

Craig Morgan was presented with a plaque by F3 Entertainment recently, commemorating his milestone reach of 1 million Facebook likes. More than 700,000 fans were added in less than a year, with the success of his latest hit “Wake Up Loving You” contributing to the recent growth. Morgan was honored as he hosted his annual Fan Club Party from Music City Indoor Karting & Entertainment.

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Sarah Johnson FBMM, Mollie Cochrane F3 Entertainment, Craig Morgan, Gordon Kerr Black River Entertainment, Dawn Delvo Black River Entertainment, Doug Johnson Black River Entertainment. (Back row): Jake Kennedy CAA, Jeff Hill CAA, Ken Madson F3 Entertainment, Chris Hughes F3 Entertainment, Jordan Sloat Black River Entertainment. Photo courtesy F3 Entertainment

Pictured (Front row, L-R): Sarah Johnson, FBMM; Mollie Cochrane, F3 Entertainment; Craig Morgan; Gordon Kerr, Black River Entertainment; Dawn Delvo, Black River Entertainment; Doug Johnson, Black River Entertainment. (Back row): Jake Kennedy, CAA; Jeff Hill, CAA; Ken Madson, F3 Entertainment; Chris Hughes, F3 Entertainment; Jordan Sloat, Black River Entertainment. Photo: F3 Entertainment

 • • •

Rodney Atkins, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Tyler Farr close out the fourth annual “Music City Gives Back” concert in downtown Nashville. The shindig benefits Nashville’s W.O. Smith Music School.

Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Rodney Atkins close out the fourth annual "Music City Gives Back" concert in downtown Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Rodney Atkins

 • • •

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum launched 2014’s Hot Nights at the Hall with performances from Striking Matches, Michael Ray and Cam. The series, free to museum members, will continue on July 10 with Josh Thompson and on Aug. 1 with Holly Thompson.

Pictured (L-R): Michael Ray, Cam, CAA’s Rod Essig, Striking Matches’ Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmerman, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Jenny Alexander.Photo by Randi Radcliff

Pictured (L-R): Michael Ray, Cam, CAA’s Rod Essig, Striking Matches’ Justin Davis and Sarah Zimmermann, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Jenny Alexander. Photo: Randi Radcliff.

 • • •

Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr kicked off his CMA Music Festival week on Tuesday morning with Cumulus’ America’s Morning Show.

Pictured (L-R): Chuck Wicks, Terri Clark, Farr and Blair Garner.

Pictured (L-R): Chuck Wicks, Terri Clark, Farr and Blair Garner.

 • • •

Average Joes and Marco Club Connection celebrated CMA Music Fest with the Mud Digger 5 release party at Second Fiddle on Lower Broadway on June 3.

Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, VP/Marketing & Promotions, Average Joes Entertainment; Shannon Houchins, CEO/President, Average Joes Entertainment; AJE Artists Twang and Round, Sarah Ross, Lenny Cooper; Marco Club Connection's Brooke Swenson, Jeff Walker, President/AristoMedia Group President; Matt Watkins, AristoMedia’s Vice President of Marketing and Company Operations

Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, VP/Marketing & Promotions, Average Joes Entertainment; Shannon Houchins, CEO/President, Average Joes Entertainment; AJE Artists Twang and Round, Sarah Ross, Lenny Cooper; Marco Club Connection’s Brooke Swenson, Jeff Walker, President, AristoMedia Group; Matt Watkins, VP of Marketing and Operations, AristoMedia Group