AT&T To Bring GigaPower To Nashville

/by

at&t uverse1AT&T U-Verse with GigaPower, AT&T’s answer to Google Fiber, will soon come to Nashville.
Less than four months after Google announced that Nashville was one of the top candidate cities to receive Google Fiber, AT&T has announced that GigaPower will soon be offered in Nashville. GigaPower will offer download broadband speeds up to one gigabit per second, which is approximately 100 times faster than average American internet speeds. Additionally, customers on the AT&T GigaPower network can enjoy television services, including the ability to watch and record five simultaneous HD streams, as well as a capacity DVR at one terabyte of storage.
Specific locations and pricing for the Nashville area will announced at a later date.
“We are very pleased that AT&T has selected Nashville for its ultra-high speed fiber network,” Mayor Karl Dean said. “This kind of technology is important to keep our city vibrant and attractive, and it is further proof of how Nashville is positioned as a city of the future. We look forward to working with AT&T as they bring this exciting new service to our residents.”
Though the coming GigaPower will only apply to Nashville, AT&T is considering five surrounding areas as candidates for service, including Clarksville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Spring Hill.
GigaPower is already available in Austin, Texas; AT&T also plans to introduce the service in Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding cities, as well as in Raleigh-Durham and in Winston-Salem.

Alan Jackson Exhibit To Be Featured At Country Music Hall Of Fame

/by
aj

Alan Jackson. Photo: Kristy Belcher


Alan Jackson’s 25-year career will be on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame in an exhibit titled Alan Jackson: 25 Years of Keepin’ It Real.  It will open up on Aug. 29, 2014 and run through March of 2015. Jackson will also be the first person to simultaneously be the subject of a museum exhibit and the Artist-in-Residence. He will be at the Hall of Fame later this year with several unique and intimate performances.
“This exhibit will be a rare treat for museum visitors,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “Fans will recognize artifacts from milestone moments in Alan’s career, as well as items from his life away from the stage that are as personal as many of the songs he has penned over the years. This exhibit and his Artist-in-Residence shows this fall are not to be missed.”
Some of the features and items on display will be:
  • The guitar he played on the CMA Awards when he debuted “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” just two months after the September 11 terrorist attacks and the nation’s response that inspired the song.
  • The front of an old, red Ford pickup truck that served as Jackson’s first Fan Fair booth, before his sister and brother-in-law had it made into a desk.
  • Items from Jackson’s collection of “Mayberry” memorabilia—a jacket, jersey and autographed picture from Don Knotts—from one of his favorite television shows, The Andy Griffith Show.
  • Jackson’s first tricycle, childhood bike and scooter, evidence that his love of vehicles started early.
  • Harley-Davidson motorcycle from the cover of the seminal album A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love).
  • The water ski Jackson rode, while wearing his trademark white cowboy hat, in the “Chattahoochee” music video.
  • A collection of belt buckles from the Houston Rodeo—which Jackson has played more than 20 times.
  • Handwritten manuscripts of classics like “Drive,” “First Love” (about his ’55 T-bird), “Livin’ on Love” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
  • Numerous music awards, a sailfish caught by Jackson and much more.

For more information on the Country Music Hall of Fame, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

Sturgill Simpson, Robert Ellis and More Added to Americanafest Lineup

/by

sturgill simpson11Americana Music Association’s 15th annual Americanafest has added more than 70 artists to its already robust list of performers. Sturgill Simpson, Jim Lauderdale, The Haden Triplets, Banditos, The Black Lillies, Carolina Story, Truth & Salvage Co., and The Bros. Landreth are a few of the latest artists slated to perform during the music festival, awards show, and conference.
They will join previously announced performers including Lee Ann Womack, Angaleena Presley, Marty Stuart, The Avett Brothers, and more. Eleven music haunts across Nashville, including Jack White‘s Third Man Records, The Listening Room Cafe, Station Inn, and Cannery Ballroom, will host 160 official music showcases during the festival.
Americanafest takes place Sept. 17-21, 2014. A limited number of festival wristbands will become available in August.
On Sept. 17, many of the best in Americana will be celebrated during the Honors & Awards show, which will be held at the Ryman Auditorium. Last year, Dwight Yoakam was honored as Artist of the Year, while Shovels & Rope took home Emerging Artist of the Year, as well as Song of the Year for “Birmingham.” Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris were named Duo/Group of the Year, while their project Old Yellow Moon earned Album of the Year. This year, Rosanne Cash, Robert Ellis and Jason Isbell are among the top nominees.
For more information, visit americanamusic.org.
Artists added to Americanafest 2014:
Andrew Combs
Anthony D’Amato
The Audreys
Banditos
Baskery
The Black Lillies
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
Bobby Bare Jr.
Bradford Lee Folk
Brooke Russell & the Mean Reds
The Bros. Landreth
The Brothers Comatose
Cale Tyson
Caleb Klauder Country Band
Carolina Story
Cory Branan
Cory Chisel’s “Soul Obscura”
The Danberrys
David Ramirez
The Devil Makes Three
Elizabeth Cook
Ernie Hendrickson
Falls
Feufollet
Frank Fairfield
Grace and Tony
Griffin House
The Haden Triplets
Harlan Pepper
The Hot Nut Riveters
Howard Fishman
Humming House
Humming People
Ian McLagan
James Maddock
Jim Lauderdale
Jim Oblon
Laura Cantrell
Lauren Shera
Leftover Salmon feat. Bill Payne of Little Feat
Liz Longley
Los Colognes
The Mae Trio
The Mastersons
Matt Anderson
Matt the Electrician
Matthew Perryman Jones
Matthew Mayfield
Matthew Ryan
Mike Farris
Mipso
Moot Davis
NQ Arbuckle
Over the Rhine
Peter Bradley Adams
Phil Madeira
Police Dog Hogan
Parsonsfield (formerly Poor Old Shine)
Promised Land Sound
Robby Hecht
Robert Ellis
Ryan Tanner
Shinyribs
The Silks
Sleepy Man Banjo Boys
Sons of Bill
Steelism
Steep Canyon Rangers
The Stray Birds
Sturgill Simpson
Tim Carroll
Truth & Salvage Co.
Webb Wilder
Willie Sugarcapps
Zachary Lucky
Zoe Muth

LifeNotes: Top Song Scout Don Lanier Passes

/by

Don Lanier

Don Lanier


During his 1980s tenure as Director of A&R for MCA Records in Nashville, Don Lanier found the songs that helped turn George Strait and Reba McEntire into country superstars. He was also a hit songwriter, himself. Lanier died on Wednesday, July 23, at age 78.
Raised in West Texas, he became friends with future producer/executive Jimmy Bowen when both were in junior high school. Lanier was nicknamed “Dirt” at this time, and the moniker remained with him.
With Lanier on lead guitar and Bowen on bass, they became key members of the band The Rhythm Orchids. In 1957, they backed Bowen and bandleader Buddy Knox on their co-written hits “I’m Stickin’ With You” and the Knox No. 1 smash “Party Doll.” Other Lanier/Bowen/Knox songs included “Hula Love” and “Rock Your Little Baby to Sleep.”
Both Bowen and Knox recorded for Roulette Records. So did Lanier, who created teen singles for that company, as well as for Dot, Gee and Apt in 1957-62.
Bowen subsequently moved to Los Angeles and became a record producer. In 1964, he brought Lanier to L.A. to become a contractor for his recording sessions. After arranging musicians for Bowen’s sessions as Dean Martin’s producer, Lanier became in-demand as a musician contractor throughout the West Coast recording scene.
Lanier also continued to write songs. His “Here We Go Again” became a hit for Ray Charles in 1967 and for Nancy Sinatra in 1969. His songs have also been recorded by Hank Snow, Glen Campbell, Bobby Vee and Norah Jones, among others.
Among Lanier’s songwriting collaborators were Tommy Overstreet, Tom Thacker, Joe Bob Barnhill and Red Steagall. He also continued to play lead guitar, contributing to records by Lee Hazelwood, Phil Everly, Bill Haley, Dean Martin and more.
Bowen brought Lanier to Nashville when he took over MCA Records in 1984. Lanier became renowned and respected in Music City for his “ears,” that is, his ability to hear future hit songs. In addition to Strait and McEntire, he found tunes for Patty Loveless, Loretta Lynn and many of the other MCA artists of the 1980s.
Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A memorial celebration was held there on Sunday, July 27 at 1 p.m., with the funeral service at 2 p.m. The funeral home is located at 660 Thompson Lane.

Artist Updates: Miranda Lambert, Native Run

/by
miranda-lambertfeatured

Miranda Lambert


Miranda Lambert and The Band Perry are set to join Jennifer Lopez, Duran Duran, Kiss, Usher, Pita Ora, Afrojack and more as part of the Fashion Rocks TV special. The show will be aired for the first time from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sept. 9, beginning at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

Ryan Seacrest will host the show, and additional performers and presenters will be announced soon.

 • • •

Show Dog-Universal artist Native Run recently made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, performing two songs from their debut album, including the single “Good On You.”

Pictured (L-R): Steve Buchanan, Rachel Beauregard, Bryan Dawley

Pictured (L-R): Steve Buchanan, Rachel Beauregard, Bryan Dawley.

 • • •

Holly Williams

Holly Williams


Holly Williams will perform during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s summer fundraiser series, Hot Nights at the Hall, Presented by Xfinity. The performance is free to members, and staged in the museum’s 6th floor event hall. Hosted by WSIX FM’s Amy Paige, the event will feature an acoustic set by Williams, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
Individual tickets are available for $20 per show; individual museum memberships begin at $45. Show tickets can be purchased by calling 615-291-8419, or online at countrymusichalloffame.org/hotnights.

 

Stellar Gospel Music Awards Leaving Nashville

/by

Screen shot 2014-07-25 at 3.40.03 PM1The 2015 Stellar Gospel Music Awards will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a new taping date and a new location. The telecast will be taped before a live audience at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The taping will be moved from January to its new date of March 28, 2015.
“I am excited about moving The Stellar Awards to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas to celebrate our 30th Anniversary in a bigger, more elegant venue,” said Don Jackson, founder & executive producer of The Stellar Awards. “The 30th Anniversary of The Stellar Awards will mark the longest running black awards show in television and we wanted to commemorate this historic occasion in a first class venue that we know our Gospel music stars and guests will enjoy.”
The show will air in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets during the Easter holiday season from April 5 – May 3, 2015.
Artist submissions for Stellar Awards consideration will be accepted from Sept. 1 – Sept. 30, 2014. Per changes to last year’s eligibility criteria, projects qualified for consideration this year must have a release date between Oct. 1, 2013 and Sept. 30, 2014. Additional rules, regulations and the online submission form will be posted at www.thestellarawards.com.
The show is open to the public, with hotel and ticket packages on sale beginning Aug. 4, 2014. To reserve a Stellar awards package, call 1-800-675-3267 between the hours of 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. (PST) and mention The Stellar Awards to receive this special pricing. Individual show tickets for SAGMA members will go on sale Aug. 15, 2014 and general public show tickets will go on sale Aug. 29, 2014. Show ticket prices range from $50-$200.

Nashville's July 4 Celebration Earns Millions In Visitor Spending

/by

Billy-Currington

Billy Currington


Nashville’s July 4th Let Freedom Sing! celebration brought in $7.63 million in direct visitor spending, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC). An estimated 284,000 people attended the free event, which included a headlining concert from Billy Currington, and a fireworks show choreographed to live music from the Nashville Symphony.

“Based on our research, we believe this is the largest one-day event held in Tennessee’s history,” said Ken Levitan, chairman of the NCVC board of directors and president of Vector Management. “July 4th has grown tremendously over the years and is now recognized as one of the top-rated celebrations in the country. The quality of the event combined with the carefully planned collaboration among the NCVC, the city and Metro departments resulted in a successful event, record room night sales and record attendance.”

Industry Ink (7/25/14)

/by

Randi Lesnick

Randi Lesnick


Nashville-based Randi Events, led by founding CEO Randi Lesnick, has been named on of the 40 “Best High-end Luxury Event Planners” in the world by The International Man, an online portal that offers rankings and editorial on luxury goods and services. Randi Events is included on the list, along with David Tutera and Wolfgang Puck.
Randi Events’ exclusive client list has included Big Machine Records, Warner Bros. Records, General Mills, CAA, Beats, Samsung, AIG, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
“This honor means so much to me and my incredible staff, who work day and night to deliver the best service to our clients. ‘No’ is not an option for us at Randi Events. We strive to make the impossible…possible! And we appreciate International Man for recognizing that,” said Lesnick.

 • • •

Paul Jankowski

Paul Jankowski


Nashville-based Access Brand Strategies has re-branded as New Heartland Group. For more than 12 years, the agency has helped leading brands connect with U.S. customers who live in the New Heartland, an area composed of the Southwest, Midwest and parts of the Southeast. The area claims 13 of the top 20. U.S. cities, ranked by population.
Clients including Pepsi, Pizza Hut, Lipton and Mountain Dew have worked with New Heartland Group, which was founded by Paul Jankowski. Jankowski is the author of the upcoming book Speak American Too: Your Guide to Building Powerful Brands in the New Heartland. The agency recently partnered with Prince Market Research to conduct the first-ever consumer study regarding New Heartland vs. Non-New Heartland consumers. The research will be released in full on Sept. 16.

• • •

Kelly Symone

Kelly Symone

Kelly Symone has been hired as the new Director of Promotion & Marketing, West Coast at Nine North/Turnpike Music. Symone will begin in her new role on Friday, Aug. 1.

“I’m thrilled that a person of Kelly’s intelligence, background and skills is joining this team,” Nine North/Turnpike Music/Edgehill Nashville president Larry Pareigis said. “She will continue our seven-year tradition of being Nashville’s go-to virtual label for promotion, social media strategy & associated services to maximize exposure at Reporting and Indicator/Activator Country radio.”

Symone has previously worked as a radio personality at KBGY, KHYL, and KNTY. She has also worked with Quarterback, Blaster and HitShop Records as West Coat regional Director. Symone, who will continue to be based in Sacramento, can be reached at [email protected].

• • •

warner chappell logo1Warner/Chappell will take over Nashville’s Whiskey Jam in Loser’s parking lot on July 28. Hosted by Josh Hoge and Ward Guenther, the free, 21+ show will feature Native Run, Lauren Alaina, Michael Ray, William Michael Morgan, Brandon Lay, Sean McConnell, Drew Baldridge, and Runaway Saints.

Doors open at 5 p.m.

RPM Entertainment Eliminates Promotion Staff

/by

rpmRPM Entertainment has eliminated its RPME radio promotion staff, effective immediately. The company will focus efforts on its management and publishing divisions.
“It was a tough decision to make based on the progress we made as a label over the last few years,” said RPM President Scott Siman. “But the bottom line is the playing field was not conducive to us breaking through as an independent label at mainstream country radio.”
Executive VP April Rider will manage Maggie Rose and Chasin’ Crazy. Jack Christopher will continue as VP, Radio Relations for RPM managed clients. VP, Marketing James Stewart will continue in the same capacity on behalf of managed clients. Meanwhile, Jon Conlon, Will Robinson and Chris DeCarlo have exited.
“I can’t say enough about the staff we assembled,” said Siman. “They did a fantastic job under incredibly difficult odds. Jon Conlon, Will Robinson and Chris DeCarlo brought their A-game everyday. Other labels would be smart to grab them up. And even though we eliminated the national director position a few months back, I would be remiss not to thank my long time associate Rocco Cosco for all he did for the acts.”

'Billboard' Names Lionel Richie 2014 'Legend of Live'

/by

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie


Lionel Richie has been announced as the 2014 Legend of Live recipient for Billboard’s 11th Annual Touring Conference & Awards, to be Nov. 20 at The Edison Ballroom in New York City. The honor recognizes individuals or bands who have made lasting contributions to live music and the touring business.
Culminating the two-day (Nov. 19-20) Roosevelt Hotel conference of keynotes, interviews, sessions parties and showcases, the Annual Billboard Touring Awards will feature Richie as the latest in a line of previously honored legends, which have included Sir Elton John, Journey, promoter Michael Cohl, promoter Jack Boyle, agent Frank Barsalona, the Allman Brothers Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Rush, Neil Diamond, and 2013 recipient and first Country artist to receive the trophy, George Strait.
Raised in Tuskegee, Ala., Richie’s exposure to Country among other genres influenced his first band, the Commodores, and his songwriting. Conway Twitty recorded “Three Times a Lady,” Alabama recorded “Deep River Woman,” and Kenny Rogers released “Lady” in 1980 before Richie produced Rogers’ full-length Share Your Love album the subsequent year. In 2012, Mercury Nashville released Richie’s Country collaborative album, Tuskegee, a collection of 13 hits from album sales in excess of 100 million. Additionally, the Academy of Country Music featured an all-star Country concert special for the star, which aired on the CBS Television Network.
The Touring Awards will additionally honor box office achievements from the industry’s top artists, professionals, venues of the year, a humanitarian recognition and a concert marketing and promotion award.