Underwood To Executive Produce Fox Series 'Two Black Cadillacs'

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two black1Singer, songwriter, entertainer, actress, CMA awards show co-host, soon-to-be mother, and businesswoman Carrie Underwood is set to add the role of executive producer to her resume.
Underwood has teamed with Fox for Two Black Cadillacs, a six-hour limited event series based on Underwood’s song by the same title. Underwood will executive produce the project, which is now in development, with Jerry Bruckheimer, Ildy Modrovich, and Jonathan Littman, while KristieAnne Reed will co-executive produce.
The series, written by Modrovich, explores a murderous love triangle in the modern South.
Underwood, Modrovich and Bruckheimer TV are represented by CAA.
The hit single “Two Black Cadillacs” was written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear, and was featured on Underwood’s 2012 album Blown Away.

Opry To Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Country Cares For St. Jude Kids

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Brad Paisley. Photo: Chris Hollo

Brad Paisley. Photo: Chris Hollo


Charlie Daniels, Brad Paisley, Eric Paslay, and duo Maddie and Tae will help the Grand Ole Opry celebrate the 25th anniversary of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Paisley will close the show with a 30-minute set including music from his latest album, Moonshine In The Trunk. Maddie and Tae will be making their Opry debut that evening.
Photos and videos of special moments from 25 years of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids will be shared throughout the Opry performances. A St. Jude patient also will appear as a guest announcer during the show.
A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold beginning today (Sept. 4), will benefit the hospital. Tickets and packages are available at opry.com or by calling 1-800-SEE-OPRY.

Phil Vassar Joins PLA Media

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Phil Vassar

Phil Vassar


PLA Media has welcomed Phil Vassar to the company’s Nashville roster of PR clients. President/CEO of PLA Media, Pam Lewis, oversees a roster of clients including Ashton Shepherd, Bryan White, Lynn Anderson, Ray Price, Scarletta, The Johnny Cash Museum, among others.
Originally from Lynchburg, Va., Vassar made his debut on Arista Nashville in the late ’90s. As an artist he has hit the Top 5 of the charts seven times, including “In A Real Love” and “Just Another Day in Paradise.”
As a songwriter Vassar earned No. 1 credits for Alan Jackson (“Right on the Money”) and Jo Dee Messina (“I’m Alright” and “Bye Bye”). Other chart-topping singles include Tim McGraw (“For A Little While,” “My Next Thirty Years”), Collin Raye (“Little Red Rodeo”) and David Nail (“The Sound of a Million Dreams”).
In 2012, Vassar released a 10-track Christmas album, Noel, in addition to his partnership with the Tennessee Titans. For more information and for updated concert appearances, visit www.philvassar.com.

Artist Pics: FGL, Josh Thompson, Hunter Hayes, Native Run

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Florida Georgia Line surprise performance at Nashville's Exit/In

Florida Georgia Line surprise performance at Nashville’s Exit/In

This week, Florida Georgia Line surprised a small group of fans with a pop-up concert at Nashville’s Exit/In as part of CMT’s Instant Jam: Florida Georgia Line, premiering Saturday, Oct. 18.

FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley tweeted out an announcement to fans about their secret show earlier in the day, and by noon fans were lined up around the block from Exit/In to obtain their wristband. The packed show featured a set list of songs from their 2X Platinum debut Here’s To The Good Times, including “Stay,” “Get Your Shine On,” “Round Here,” “This Is How We Roll” and debut single “Cruise.” Florida Georgia Line is the second act to stage an Instant Jam for CMT. Kenny Chesney performed his Instant Jam on Aug. 29 at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Ga.

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Native Run opened for Hunter Hayes on Friday (Aug. 30) in Virginia Beach, Va.

Pictured (L-R): Native Run’s Rachel Beauregard, Hunter Hayes, and Native Run’s Bryan Dawley

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Josh Thompson with contest winner Evan Masters

Josh Thompson with contest winner Evan Masters


This weekend, Evan Masters, a soldier in the Minnesota Army National Guard, had the opportunity to share the stage with his favorite country artist, Josh Thompson. Masters was the winner of a contest held in April in which fans submitted a 15-second clip performing a cover of one of Josh’s songs on Instagram in order to win a chance to perform a song with him live.
Thompson himself chose the winner, and Masters picked Thompson’s Friday night show at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in Denver to perform “You Ain’t Seen Country Yet” with him. Several of Masters’ hometown friends from Minnesota surprised him by flying to Denver to catch the performance, and spent time with Josh and his band on his bus following the show.  

CMA Foundation Supports NYC Music Education

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-r) Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Darius Rucker; Peter Pauliks, Education Through Music Director of Programs; Katherine Damkohler, Education Through Music Executive Director; Little Big Town. Photo: Kevin Yatarola / CMA

(L-R): Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Darius Rucker; Peter Pauliks, Education Through Music Dir. of Programs; Katherine Damkohler, Education Through Music Exec. Dir.; Little Big Town. Photo: Kevin Yatarola, CMA


The CMA Foundation donated $125,000 to benefit music education programs for New York City’s public school students through a partnership with Education Through Music (ETM), a non-profit provider of music education to NYC schools. The presentation of the grant was made yesterday (Sept. 3) during a press conference at the Best Buy Theater in New York to announce the final nominees for The 48th Annual CMA Awards.
To date, the CMA Foundation has awarded nearly $10 million to organizations that support music education across the United States. The funds are donated on behalf of the artists who support CMA Music Festival each June, meeting fans and performing for free.
Also while in New York City, CMA hosted a songwriting master class with music educators Tuesday morning at Joe’s Pub. More than 20 teachers participated in the class, featuring a Q&A session with CMA Board member and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Bob DiPiero as he discussed the impact music education had on his creative development.
Bob DiPiero speaks to Education Through Music's music educators during a songwriting master class hosted by CMA Tuesday morning at Joe's Pub in New York City.

Bob DiPiero speaks to Education Through Music’s music educators during a songwriting master class hosted by CMA Tuesday morning at Joe’s Pub in New York City.

Logan's Roadhouse to Serve Up Chesney's Blue Chair Bay Rum

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blue chair bay rum111Diners at Logan’s Roadhouse can soon enjoy the taste of Kenny Chesney‘s Blue Chair Bay Rum.
The restaurant chain has partnered for a limited time Everlasting Summer promotion which features two salmon entrees that include a glaze made with Blue Chair Bay White Rum. Guests can also include a specialty drink made with Blue Chair Bay Rum, such as a Blackberry Mojito.
“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to be the first national restaurant chain to feature Kenny’s Blue Chair Bay Rum,” said Bob Kim, Logan’s Roadhouse vice president of marketing. “Kenny and our team at Logan’s don’t want the summer to end, so we’re extending the season with signature entrees and refreshing drinks in a casual, authentic roadhouse atmosphere.”
“Blue Chair Bay Rum was created to share with good friends, family and great food,” said Chesney. “We’re excited to team up with Logan’s as a way to extend everyone’s summer throughout 2014. Just because Labor Day‘s happened, there’s no reason for the summer to end…”
The Everlasting Summer promotion will extend through mid-November.

MusicRow Award Winners Among CMA Nominees

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cole swindell11

Cole Swindell


Winners of the 2014 MusicRow awards racked up nominations for the upcoming 48th annual CMA Music Awards, continuing a long-standing correlation between both industry-voted honors.
Hit songwriter-turned-Slate Creek Records artist Brandy Clark, who was honored as MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2014, scored a nomination in the CMA New Artist of the Year category, alongside Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell. Clark is also nominated in the Song of the Year category, for “Follow Your Arrow,” co-written with Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally.
“I’ve watched the CMA awards every year for as long as I can remember,” said Clark. “To be a nominee in both Song and New Artist is truly a thrill and a dream come true.”
Nicolle Galyon and Cole Swindell who tied for MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, also earned CMA Music Awards nominations. Galyon is up for CMA Song of the Year for co-writing Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic,” with Lambert and Natalie Hemby. Swindell was nominated for CMA Best New Artist.
MusicRow‘s 2014 Producer of the Year Frank Liddell is nominated in the CMA Single of the Year category for producing “Automatic,” as well as the Album of the Year category, for producing Lambert’s RCA Records Nashville project Platinum, alongside Chuck Ainlay and Glenn Worf.
The MusicRow Awards, voted by subscribed industry members of the publication, are often a key predictor for select CMA Awards. Almost every year since 2006, MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist winners also received the CMA New Artist/Horizon Award later the same year, including Kacey Musgraves (2013), The Band Perry (2011), Zac Brown Band (2010), Lady Antebellum (2008), Taylor Swift (2007), and Carrie Underwood (2006).
See coverage of the 2014 MusicRow awards here.
26th annual MusicRow Awards

Brandy Clark accepts her honor as MusicRow’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2014, with Sarah Skates (L) and Sherod Robertson (R).


Nicolle Galyon performs her MusicRow CountryBreakout chart-topping hit "Automatic." Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

Nicolle Galyon performs her MusicRow CountryBreakout chart-topping hit “Automatic” at the 26th annual MusicRow awards. Photo: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

Industry Ink: ole, Big Machine Label Group, TFEMC

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ole logo111Rights management company ole and Invictus Entertainment Group/Big Star Recordings, a top promoter, management and agency in Canada, have partnered for the new venture Bankable Star Music Publishing.
Erin Aldridge has been named the Vice President of Bankable Star Music Publishing.
“With our growing presence in the TV and film world along with our stable of world class music talent, it just makes sense to us to be in the elite content business. ole …is on a commendable growth trajectory. They have values that align well with our culture at Invictus Entertainment Group,” says Invictus Entertainment Group/Big Star Recordings president Jim Cressman. “Bankable Star Music Publishing will be where elite content and commerce converge and we could not be more proud of this new venture.”
Says Robert Ott, ole Chairman & CEO, “We look forward to a successful venture with the Invictus team who have shown themselves to be an exciting, entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. The scope of activities Invictus is active in is a natural fit for ole’s range of services and we look forward to supporting and adding to their success.”

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BMLG1Publicist Nikki Burns will be exiting her role as Manager of Publicity for Big Machine Label Group this week. She has been with the label group her entire career, since starting as an intern six years ago. She is moving to be closer to family.

The label group will fill her position this fall, and will begin accepting applications next week.

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tnThe Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission (TFEMC) has launched a new website, TNentertainment.com. The site offers information regarding Tennessee’s entertainment industry, as well as free resources for those interested in learning more about Tennessee.

“Tennessee has a storied history and a depth and breadth of overall entertainment resources that no other state can match,” Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “If there is an industry that speaks to the very heart and soul of Tennessee’s culture, it is our entertainment industry. The new TNentertainment.com showcases our talent-driven workforce, creative culture, inspiring locations, business-friendly climate and outstanding quality of life while providing a rich insight into the past, present and future of Tennessee’s entertainment sector.”

Church Plots "The Outsiders World Tour"

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eric church sliderEric Church will launch The Outsiders World Tour Sept. 11 in Bossier City, LA. The first leg has more than 30 dates running September through December in the U.S. and Canada.
Music legend Dwight Yoakam will join Church as special guest for the entire outing. Rising country music duo Brothers Osborne, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Brandy Clark, and hard rocking band Halestorm will open on various dates.
The initial leg includes an Oct. 17 stop at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Church will also perform on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Oct. 15.
Fans at the upcoming tour can expect a high tech design and 360° view of the entertainer and his band.
Earlier today, Church received four CMA Award nominations: Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for The Outsiders (produced by Jay Joyce), and both Single and Song of the Year for “Give Me Back My Hometown” (written by Church and Luke Laird and produced by Joyce).
Details on VIP tickets, pre-sale and more at ericchurch.com.
First leg of The Outsiders World Tour
Sept. 11 | Bossier City, LA | CenturyLink Center*
Sept. 12 | Little Rock, AR | Verizon Arena*
Sept. 13 | St. Louis, MO | Scottrade Center*
Sept. 16 | Minneapolis, MN | Target Center*
Sept. 17 | Des Moines, IA | Wells Fargo Arena*
Sept. 18 | Omaha, NE | CenturyLink Center*
Sept. 25 | Louisville, KY | KFC Yum! Center*
Sept. 26 | Charleston, WV | Charleston Civic Center*
Sept. 27 | Greensboro, NC | Greensboro Coliseum*
Oct. 9 | Grand Rapids, MI | Van Andel Arena*
Oct. 10 | Cleveland, OH | Quicken Loans Arena*
Oct. 11 | Pittsburgh, PA | Consol Energy Center*
Oct. 16 | Charlottesville, VA | John Paul Jones Arena**
Oct. 17 | New York, NY | Madison Square Garden**
Oct. 18 | Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center**
Oct. 23 | Manchester, NH | Verizon Wireless Arena**
Oct. 24 | Uncasville, CT | Mohegan Sun**
Oct. 25 | Uncasville, CT | Mohegan Sun**
Oct. 30 | Knoxville, TN |Thompson-Boling Arena**
Oct. 31 | Memphis, TN | FedExForum**
Nov. 1 | Tulsa, OK | BOK Center**
Nov. 13 | London, ON | Budweiser Gardens**
Nov. 14 | Hamilton, ON | FirstOntario Centre**
Nov. 15 | Ottawa, ON | Canadian Tire Centre**
Nov. 20 | Green Bay, WI | Resch Center
Nov. 21 | Peoria, IL | Peoria Civic Center***
Nov. 22 | Evansville, IN | The Ford Center***
Dec. 4 | Wichita, KS | INTRUST Bank Arena***
Dec. 5 | Kansas City, MO | Sprint Center
Dec. 6 | Sioux Falls, SD | Denny Sanford Premier Center***
Dec. 11 | Atlanta, GA | The Arena at Gwinnett Center***
Dec. 12 | Greenville, SC | Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Dec. 13 | Birmingham, AL | BJCC Arena***
All dates with special guest Dwight Yoakam
*denotes Brothers Osborne
**denotes Brandy Clark
***denotes Halestorm

Industry Signings: Webster PR, Word Music Publishing, Music Mill

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webster pr logo1Public relations company Webster & Associates has signed TG Sheppard, Jim Ed Brown, and LoCash Cowboys to the firm’s roster. Brown is best known for the songs “Pop A Top” and “Southern Coming.” He is currently touring, and serves as host of syndicated program Country Music Greats Radio Show. Sheppard has garnered several chart-toppers during his career, including “Last Cheaters Waltz” and “Party Time.” LoCash Cowboys released the singles “Here Comes Summer,” You Got Me” and “Keep In Mind.” They have co-written songs for Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Colt Ford, and others.

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stephen cristian

Stephen Cristian with his team and family.


Anberlin frontman Stephen Cristian has inked a long-term publishing deal with Word Music Publishing. As part of Anberlin, he has sold more than 1 million records; their single “Feel Good Drag” was certified gold by the RIAA. Cristian will continue his work on side project Anchor & Braille and will continue writing after Anberlin wraps their farewell world tour in November.

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Pictured (Standing L-R): Ray Horton, Head of Publishing, A&R; Jack Key, Chief Executive Officer; Jeff Brothers, Creative Director, Head of Operations. (Seated), Larry Fleet

Pictured (standing L-R): Ray Horton, Head of Publishing, A&R; Jack Key, Chief
Executive Officer; Jeff Brothers, Creative Director, Head of Operations. (Seated) Larry Fleet


Nashville’s Music Mill, established in 1999 by Harold Shedd, Jack Key and Jeff Brothers, has signed Larry Fleet. The firm will handle all aspects of his release, including production, distribution, sales, booking, marketing and management. “Larry came to us a songwriter,” says Key. “We were blown away by the depth and integrity of his songs. There was just this sense of believability in his voice. We knew right away that he had something special.” Fleet’s debut single, “Damn This Storm,” from his five-song EP, has been released to radio.