Industry Ink: BBR Music Group, G&N Entertainment, Columbia Nashville’s Meris Welcomes Son

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BBR Music Group Promotes Caitlyn Gordon

Caitlyn Gordon

Caitlyn Gordon

BBR Music Group has promoted Caitlyn Gordon to Southeast Director of Regional Promotion for Red Bow Records. Gordon has served as Promotion Coordinator for RED BOW RECORDS since April 2013, and will report directly to Shelley Hargis (National Director of Promotion) and Renee Leymon (VP of Promotion for Red Bow).

“I am beyond excited for this opportunity! I moved to Nashville in hopes of becoming a regional rep. My time as a coordinator with RED BOW made me want it even more, and I can’t wait to get out there. Being able to do it with our RED BOW artists and staff is icing on the cake. From Benny Brown on down, this is home to me,” said Gordon.

“Caitlyn surely has worked hard for this chance…reminds me of myself back in the day! I know I can speak for the entire team…we are excited to see her grow in the company and to have her in the trenches with us,” said Leymon.

Gordon’s new position is effective immediately. She can be reached at (319) 750-3296 or at caitlyn@redbowrecords.com.

 

G&N Entertainment Signs On To Manage Sammy Sadler

sammy sadler1

Sammy Sadler

G&N Entertainment has signed on to exclusively manage the career of artist Sammy Sadler. G&N will provide career and brand management, including giving direction and oversight in support of the re-launch of Sadler’s career and his upcoming Takin’ The Country Back Tour in 2015.

Sadler is also set to release a biography, titled Murder on Music Row, along with two new albums. Two decades ago, Sadler had just turned 21 and was climbing the charts when the now infamous “Murder on Music Row” took place. The March 1989 incident involved the shootings of then Cashbox Magazine chart editor Kevin Hughes and Sadler. The incident left Hughes dead and Sadler injured.

On Sept. 25, 2003, jurors convicted Richard D’Antonio of the murder of Hughes and of assault with intent to commit second-degree murder for the attack on Sadler.

 

Columbia Nashville’s Meris Welcomes Son

Sloan Meris

Sloan Meris

Columbia Nashville Manager of Regional Promotion Brooke Meris and husband Lyndon welcomed son Sloan on Dec. 19. The newborn weighed 10 lbs, 14 oz.

Congratulations can be sent to brooke.meris@sonymusic.com.

Date Set For George Jones Museum Opening in Nashville

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George Jones

George Jones

The opening date has been set for the forthcoming George Jones Museum, to be located at 128 2nd Ave. N. in downtown Nashville.

Jones’ wife Nancy announced today (Jan. 12) that opening weekend will take place April 24, coinciding with the second anniversary of the country legend’s death. Jones died on April 26, 2013.

The museum will give visitors an intimate look at Jones’ life and career, complete with gold and platinum music plaques, career memorabilia, a theater which will show videos of historic Jones performances, a restaurant, an event space, a gift shop, and a 75-foot rooftop bar overlooking the Cumberland River.

Exhibits will show his development from his childhood, to singing as a teenager on the streets of Galveston. There will also be documentation of his time spent serving his country in the United States Marines, as well as his time behind the microphone as a radio announcer for KTXJ in Jasper, Texas, prior to his legendary career in country music.

To further commemorate the museum’s launch, opening weekend will highlight the new White Lightning Moonshine, a partnership with Silver Trail Distillery, a brand that pays homage to the J.P. Richardson-penned song of the same title (Jones’ first Billboard chart-topper from 1959).

George Jones museum rendering

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george jones theater11

george jones gift shop1

Songwriter Lineup Revealed for ‘Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley’ at CRS

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CRS-2015-LogoFor the fourth consecutive year, “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley” will return to Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 26 with an all-star lineup of hit songwriters.

Bob DiPiero, Michael Carter, Rhett Akins, JT Harding, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Chris DeStefano, Jimmy Robbins, Liz Rose, Caitlyn Smith, Nicolle Galyon, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey are set to perform at the event, which is co-sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 and SunTrust Bank, with additional support from ASCAP Nashville, who will provide attendees with a complimentary first drink of the evening. Bob Kingsley will host the evening which has become a new CRS tradition featuring many of Country Music’s Top Songwriters.

This year’s Acoustic Alley will be held on Feb. 26 from 7 p.m. until midnight at the Renaissance Hotel’s Belmont Room. Food and beverages will be available. A CRS badge will be required for admittance.

CRS 2015 $499 regular registration rate expires today, Jan. 12. On-site registration increases to $599 and is effective Jan. 13.

ZBB’s Southern Ground Artists Teams with BMLG, Republic Records and John Varvatos Records

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ZBB John VarvatosJohn Varvatos Records, Big Machine Label Group, and Republic Records proudly announce a new strategic partnership with Zac Brown Band and Brown’s own Southern Ground Artists. This historic announcement marks the first joint venture between the collection of companies and the debut artist and release for John Varvatos Records in their recently launched partnership with Republic Records.

John Varvatos Records founder and president John Varvatos and Big Machine Label Group founder and president Scott Borchetta made the announcement today along with Southern Ground Artists founder Zac Brown and Republic Records founder and CEO Monte Lipman

“Southern Ground Artists together with John Varvatos Records, Big Machine Label Group, and Republic Records is the dream team for Zac Brown Band’s evolution,” said Zac Brown. “We’re excited to reach new music fans worldwide.”

Varvatos comments, “I’ve been a huge fan of Zac’s for many years and have followed his much-deserved ascension to a stadium artist. We came together through a vision of collaboration and a love of music. I’m excited to break the rules and barriers alongside him.”

Borchetta, President & CEO/Big Machine Label Group added, “There are those moments when our best artists hit a global stride and a deeper sense of engagement that speaks a clearer musical language. With the combination of all these forces coming together now as the Zac Brown Band moves into the next phase of their career with incredible ambition, there literally is no ceiling as to what can be accomplished.”

Republic Records co-founder and C.E.O. Lipman added, “When Charlie Walk first introduced the idea of creating a venture with John Varvatos and Republic Records, I never imagined our first initiative would create a super alliance with future hall of famers Zac Brown Band and Nashville’s hottest executive Scott Borchetta. The entrepreneurial spirit of each camp including Zac’s own Southern Ground Artists, has created a pool of resources that can only be described as extraordinary. In a quest to make history together, it’s an honor and privilege to work with the Zac Brown Band and ROAR in this unique arrangement.”

Zac Brown Band and Southern Ground Artists will now work directly with Big Machine Label Group for distribution and marketing while Southern Ground Artists in-house promotion team, lead by Chuck Swaney and Mara Sidweber, will continue to service radio. Zac Brown Band continues to be represented by ROAR, CAA, Shore Fire Media and Girlilla Marketing.

Zac Brown Band are currently in the studio working on what will be their fourth full-length studio album. The record will hit shelves in 2015 and mark the first release ever on the Big Machine Label Group moniker.

Erin Enderlin, Alex Kline Launch Cotton Gin Productions

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Pictured (L-R): Erin Enderlin, Scott Stevens, Alex Kline

Pictured (L-R): Erin Enderlin, Scott Stevens, Alex Kline

Singers, songwriters and entrepreneurs Erin Enderlin and Alex Kline have formed Cotton Gin Productions, a full-service music production company based in Nashville. The company’s first signing is artist and songwriter Scott Stevens from Knoxville, Tenn.

“Music has always been my passion,” said Enderlin. “Cotton Gin Productions is an avenue for me to support and develop artists that inspire me. I’m so proud to be working with a killer talent like Alex. Her creativity and work ethic consistently up the bar for me, and I can’t wait for us to introduce Scott Stevens to the world!”

Stevens first picked up a guitar at age 16. Two years later, he had a songwriting competition win and numerous local shows under his belt. Stevens began performing shows around the country, and his high-energy stage concerts caught the attention of Enderlin and Kline.

“Scott’s the whole package,” said Kline. “He’s a killer writer, guitar player and singer with that ‘it’ charisma really pulls you in instantly. He’s got the swagger of a modern day Conway Twitty, the energy of Bruce Springsteen and songs that are made to be cranked through car speakers with the windows down.”

Four of his songs have been used on the ABC TV show General Hospital, and some of his instrumental compositions can be heard on HGTV. SESAC writer Stevens has been in the studio with Enderlin and Kline writing and working on his upcoming project.

Enderlin’s songs have been recorded by Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, and others. Enderlin penned Jackson’s 2004 single, “Monday Morning Church,” as well as Womack’s “Last Call.”

As part of the Lunabelles, Kline released the single “A Place To Shine,” and her song “Hit ‘N Run” was released in Canada by Jess Moskaluke.

Eric Church Brings Country Rock Glory To Bridgestone Arena

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ericchurch1Eric Church told me to put a drink in my hand, so I did—along with the rest of the record-breaking crowd at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Saturday night (Jan. 10).

18,411 fans joined him for the more than two hour rampage through his catalog, making The Outsiders World Tour the venue’s highest attended event ever. Church—an advocate for getting fans in the door through fair ticketing practices—has a 360-degree stage configuration, so he can sell seats all the way around the arena.

But Church did more than lead a drinking party—he gave fans a killer show that kept them on their feet all night. They knew every album cut—old or new—and the way they recited “Pledge Allegiance To The Hag” it could’ve been the real Pledge of Allegiance. Their connection with Chief was tangible, even saluting him by taking off their boots and waving them in the air during “These Boots.”

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In sight and sound, it was like a careening rock show that veered down a country road. In rock fashion, lighting effects and metal contraptions were the centerpiece of the fluid set which moved throughout the concert, with parts climbing from the floor or suspended from above. The stage was shaped like a fork lift, with Church and company often venturing into the crowd on the platforms. The metal-inspired musicians were accented by Joanna Cotten’s soaring backing vocals.

Lighting rigs moved up and down from the ceiling, the glowing tentacles hanging like swampy weeds. Lasers sliced the sky in a display of power rock glory. Red lighting set the mood for the scorching “That’s Damn Rock and Roll,” performed with opening act Lzzy Hale.

unnamedMonitors suspended above the stage showed a video feed of Church with an authentic-feeling black and white display. There was also an eerie pre-recorded video of Church’s spoken word recitation of “Dark Side,” showing the singer with soulless eyes. He led fans further into the night with the song “Devil Devil,” during which a giant devil wearing a belt buckle inscribed “Nashville,” inflated at the back of the arena. Whether the inflatable was cool or crazy, it definitely made an impression.

Next Church sought redemption by singing “Country Music Jesus.” Throughout the night he kept the show exciting, and plenty country, with a set list that included “Guys Like Me,” “Talladega,” “Cold One,” “Homeboy” and “Give Me Back My Hometown.” He covered parts of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” and later, The Boss’ “Thunder Road” before segueing into “Springsteen.”

Today Church announced that The Outsiders World Tour will continue into the spring, with guests including Brothers Osborne, Drive-By-Truckers, JD McPherson, The Cadillac Three and The Lone Bellow.ericchurch2

‘MusicRow’ Announces 2015 Country Radio Meet & Greet and Airplay Awards

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CRS2015_post2MusicRow Magazine will hold its 13th Annual Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards at Nashville’s Margaritaville on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, beginning at 1 p.m.

The invitation-only event will welcome MusicRow subscribed members and radio executives for the unofficial kick-off to Country Radio Seminar, which attracts radio broadcasters from across the country for events Feb. 25-27.

MusicRow‘s afternoon will feature performances from yet-to-be-announced rising country stars in addition to revealing the CountryBreakout Award winners. Given annually, these honors recognize artists who earned the most airplay on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart during the preceding year. For 13 years, the CountryBreakout Chart has led the market for Country radio’s secondary stations.

“The value of the MusicRow Chart has never been greater,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “Secondary radio is often the first place where new music is discovered and we are proud to pay homage to this important segment of our radio industry. Not only does the CountryBreakout Chart give insight to radio’s future trends, but it provides a fluid platform for established artists to expand success and allows new artists to begin their careers and create initial momentum.”

In-depth profiles of the award winners will be included in the February/March 2015 edition of MusicRow Magazine, set to debut at the ceremony. Copies of the print issue will continue to be available for CRS attendees throughout the Nashville Convention Center while MusicRow paid subscribers receive their copies by mail. Magazines are also available for purchase anytime at musicrow.com or the magazine’s 17th Avenue headquarters in Nashville.

LifeNotes: Nashville Nightclub Owner Rick Martin Passes

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Rick Martin.

Rick Martin

Rick Martin, one of the great personalities of the Nashville nightclub scene, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Martin, who was 65, died at home. He was the co-owner of Douglas Corner Café, a longtime showcase venue for the singers, songwriters and instrumentalists of Music City. In addition to establishing the nightclub, Martin was notable as the road manager for acclaimed singer-songwriter David Olney for many years.

Known for his wit and sense of humor, Rick Martin was also a fixture of the Waverly-Belmont neighborhood. He renovated a historic home there and could be found many mornings holding forth at the area’s Bongo Java coffee house. The colorful, charming entrepreneur was a native Nashvillian who was born into the large Martin family of Hillsboro Village. Several of his siblings also became known to Nashville’s music community of the 1970s and 1980s.

Douglas Corner Café was notable as a place where Rick Martin displayed his generosity and loyalty toward creative musicians who sometimes worked outside the commercial mainstream. This is why the club became a locus for what later became known as the Americana music genre. In short, Martin was a champion of Americana long before it had a name.

He is survived by his sisters Julie and Terry Martin. Donations to Alive Hospice in his memory are welcome.

A celebration of Rick Martin’s life will be held at Douglas Corner Café on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.

Striking Matches Preview Debut Album at Nashville’s House of Blues Studio

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Pictured (L-R) at House of Blues Studio A: Tom Moran (VP of Promotion, I.R.S. Nashville), John Grady (President, I.R.S. Nashville), STRIKING MATCHES (Justin Davis & Sarah Zimmerman), T Bone Burnett (Award-winning Producer) Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Pictured (L-R) at House of Blues Studio A: Tom Moran (VP of Promotion, I.R.S. Nashville), John Grady (President, I.R.S. Nashville), Striking Matches (Justin Davis & Sarah Zimmerman), T Bone Burnett (Award-winning Producer). Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

President of I.R.S. Nashville, John Grady, hosted an album listening event Friday (Jan. 9) at House of Blues Studio Studio A, featuring the guitar slinging duo Striking Matches (Justin Davis & Sarah Zimmerman). Award-winning producer T Bone Burnett played the 11 tracks on Striking Matches’ debut album, which was recorded in the very room where guests enjoyed a lunch of southern soul food. The duo co-wrote every song on the record, as well as played on the recording sessions.

Ronnie Dunn Officially Signs with NASH Icon Records

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Ronnie Dunn. Photo: Russ Harrington

Ronnie Dunn. Photo: Russ Harrington

NASH Icon Records has confirmed that Ronnie Dunn has been added to its stable of artists. The singer-songwriter recently teased the announcement via his social media outlets. Dunn joins a roster that includes Martina McBride and Reba McEntire.

Dunn and former Brooks & Dunn partner Kix Brooks will join Reba for the Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together In Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, opening June 2015.

“This is the best possible scenario that I can imagine. The Big Machine and Cumulus combination is a force, and I am proud to be included in this innovative venture,” shared Dunn.

“Ronnie Dunn has one of the smoothest, most-recognized and most-popular voices of the last twenty five years in Country music. I’m truly honored to have him join us and take his rightful place as an Icon. Great music is on the way!” said BMLG President & CEO Scott Borchetta.

“Having Ronnie Dunn as part of Nash Icon Records just a few months after our launch is an honor. We appreciate his trust and vote of confidence in the Nash Icon brand,” continued John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus.