Artist Pics: Easton Corbin, Carrie Underwood, Old Dominion, Reba

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Easton Corbin Performs For NFL’s Monday Night Football

Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin performed the National Anthem for the NFL’s Monday Night Football game in Indianapolis (Colts vs. New York Jets).

Photo: Indianapolis Colts

Easton Corbin. Photo: Indianapolis Colts

MusiCares House Concert With Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood performed an intimate event hosted by the Arndts to benefit MusiCares in Nashville on Sept. 26.

Pictured (L-R): Johnathon Arndt; Pete Fisher, Vice President/General Manger Grand Ole Opry and MusiCares® Board member; seven-time GRAMMY® winner Carrie Underwood; Debbie Carroll, Senior Executive Director MusiCares; Newman Arndt. Photo: Rick Diamond/The Recording Academy

Pictured (L-R): Johnathon Arndt; Pete Fisher, Vice President/General Manger Grand Ole Opry and MusiCares® Board member; seven-time GRAMMY® winner Carrie Underwood; Debbie Carroll, Senior Executive Director MusiCares; Newman Arndt. Photo: Rick Diamond/The Recording Academy

Digital Pre-orders For Old Dominion’s Debut Album

Starting this Friday, Oct. 2, fans can pre-order the much anticipated and high-energy debut album, Meat and Candy, from the RCA Nashville group Old Dominion. With their digital pre-order, fans will receive four instant song downloads including the hit, and now RIAA Gold-certified track, “Break Up With Him.”

“This year continues to be one for the ages for us,” says Matthew Ramsey. “Months ago we were in our van, pounding the pavement to build our fan base. Now we have a GOLD RECORD! Our fans and friends at country radio are amazing and we look forward to singing this song with them for a long time!”

Pictured (L-R) Back Row: Paul Barnabee (SVP, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville), Josh Easler, Randy Goodman (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Whit Sellers, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Caryl Healey (VP, Sales, Sony Music Nashville), Keith Gale (SVP/National Promotion, RCA), Steve Hodges (EVP, Promotions & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville), Ken Robold (EVP & COO, Sony Music Nashville) Front Row: Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi

Pictured (L-R) Back Row: Paul Barnabee (SVP, Marketing, Sony Music Nashville), Josh Easler, Randy Goodman (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Whit Sellers, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Caryl Healey (VP, Sales, Sony Music Nashville), Keith Gale (SVP/National Promotion, RCA), Steve Hodges (EVP, Promotions & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville), Ken Robold (EVP & COO, Sony Music Nashville)
Front Row: Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi. Photo: Alan Poizner

Reba Guest Hosts The Talk

Reba joined The Talk hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood yesterday afternoon (Sept. 28) to guest co-host, filling in for Sharon Osbourne. The ladies discussed current news and pop culture topics before chatting with actor Chris O’Donnell about the new season of NCIS: Los Angeles, earning his Hollywood Walk of Fame star as well as family traditions around Halloween and Oktoberfest next month. Watch the full episode here.

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Industry Ink: CMA, Workshop Management, Capitol Christian Distribution

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Cingle Records’ Rainey Qualley Visits CMA

Cingle Records’ artist Rainey Qualley visited the CMA and performed a four-song set for the staff recently. The new artist was excited to place her name plate on the commemorative plaque where the CMA displays artists who have given Special Performances and brought the gift of song to the CMA.

PHOTO COURTESY - Christian Bottorff / CMA Creative Services (L - R- Brenden Oliver (CMA Membership & Balloting), Rainey Qualley and Carrie Tekautz (CMA Membership & Balloting)

Pictured (L-R): Brenden Oliver (CMA Membership & Balloting), Rainey Qualley and
Carrie Tekautz (CMA Membership & Balloting)

 

Workshop Management Opens in Nashville

unnamedJosh Terry has launched Workshop Management, a full-service artist management company based on Nashville’s Music Row.

Terry’s management roster includes Mat Kearney (Republic Records), Mayday Parade (Fearless Records), Marie Miller (Curb Records), Emily Hearn and producer Chad Copelin.

Workshop Management is located at 800 18th Avenue South, Suite C, Nashville, TN 37203. Terry can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 615-864-8043.

Big Idea Entertainment, Capitol Christian Distribution Ink Long-Term Agreement

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Big Idea Entertainment and Capitol Christian Distribution have announced a new long-term agreement. Included in the agreement is the physical retail distribution rights for video products in the United States and Canadian Christian retail markets, as well as exclusive worldwide rights, including digital distribution for all recorded music products.

Capitol Christian Distribution will begin shipping orders and processing returns on Oct. 1, 2015.

A total of 17 catalog DVD titles will remain with Word Distribution, including ten of Big Idea’s original VeggieTales episodes, six compilations and the Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything – A VeggieTales Movie. Word will continue to process orders and returns for these titles.

[Updated]: Cumulus Names Mary G. Berner As CEO; McVay Takes Over For John Dickey

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[Updated]: EVP of Content & Programming John Dickey has exited Cumulus. Mike McVay is taking over all responsibilities from Dickey, under the title VP of Programming, according to Radio Ink.

[Original post, Sept. 29, 2015 at 3:39 p.m.]:

Mary G. Berner has been named Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media Inc., effective Oct. 13, 2015. She will succeed Lew Dickey, the company’s founder and CEO who has decided to serve as Vice Chairman and will continue as a director of the company.

Berner was most recently President and CEO of the Association of Magazine Media (MPA). She served as CEO of Readers Digest Association from 2007-2011, and before that was CEO of Fairchild Publications. During her career, she has led brands including Glamour, TV Guide, W, Women’s Wear Daily, Allrecipes.com, and Every Day with Rachel Ray.

Jeffrey Marcus, Chairman of the Board of Cumulus Media, Inc. and a Partner at Crestview Partners, said, “We are delighted that Mary has agreed to serve as our new CEO. Mary is a proven executive, with over 30 years of experience in media driving results in multi-platform advertising and content driven businesses. Not only has she successfully built and transformed some of the best-known consumer and b2b media brands and companies in the world, she has demonstrated an ability to turn around a company’s performance and build value for shareholders.

“Under Lew Dickey’s leadership, the Cumulus team has built a formidable national and local footprint, becoming the second largest operator of radio stations in the country, with more than 460 stations across 90 markets, approximately 8,500 broadcast radio affiliates and numerous digital channels serving over 225 million listeners nationwide. However, maximizing the value of these assets requires making them work together effectively and efficiently. At a time when the media landscape continues to undergo seismic transformation, Cumulus needs a broad based media operator who can leverage its outstanding resources – from its core strength in radio to its growing presence in digital, experiential and other emerging platforms – and capitalize on the industry’s strong fundamentals. The board has had the benefit of seeing Mary in action and is fully confident that she is the right leader for Cumulus,” Marcus added.

Berner stated, “I am honored to have been asked to lead Cumulus Media and am eager to work with the board and the company’s talented teams to implement Lew’s vision of building the next generation multi-platform media company. As the director who led the Operations Review Task Force established by the board, I have insight into the issues that Cumulus faces, but I also know the operational leverage that can be generated by first focusing on execution. Radio is a powerful and unique medium – the number one mass reach medium in the U.S. – and Cumulus possesses all of the elements to be one of the industry’s winners. I look forward to bringing a renewed focus on operating excellence at all levels and in all functions to help Cumulus realize its potential and generate improved financial performance and increased value for shareholders.”

George Strait Adds Two Las Vegas Concerts

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George Strait has added two more Las Vegas concerts to his calendar. He will perform at the new Las Vegas Arena on Dec. 2 and 3, 2016.

During a press conference last week, Strait announced four Las Vegas concerts in 2016 – scheduled for April 22, April 23, Sept. 9, and Sept. 10. Tickets to all six shows go on sale Friday, Oct. 2. Kacey Musgraves will open for Strait on all dates.

“I said all along I wasn’t going to tour anymore, but I also said that I wasn’t retiring by any means and I still wanted to do some dates,” Strait said. “I’m very excited to be coming back out and playing for the fans out there. I’m looking forward to it so much, singing those songs that I love so much and haven’t done in a while. I’m really, really looking forward to being able to play in the new Las Vegas Arena. I hear it’s just unbelievable. I can’t wait.”

Rick Arpin, senior vice president of entertainment and development for MGM Resorts International, said, “We always knew George was the King of Country, but the unprecedented fan reaction following last week’s announcement has been incredible. It is exciting to be able to offer fans worldwide two additional opportunities to see this exclusive engagement during the National Finals Rodeo. These performances will add to the star power of the Las Vegas Arena’s opening season.”

Strait released a new album, Cold Beer Conversation, on Sept. 25.

‘Nashville’ Cast, Execs Celebrate Fourth Season Premiere

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Pictured (L-R): Frankie Pine, Callie Khouri, Buddy Miller, Taylor Hamra and Charles Esten. Photos: Belmont University.

Pictured (L-R): Frankie Pine, Callie Khouri, and Buddy Miller. Photos: Belmont University.

Nashville celebrated Nashville last week at Belmont University, when the television series’ creator Callie Khouri, cast members, and students packed the university’s Johnson Center to watch the premiere of Nashville‘s fourth season.

Those in attendance included Buddy Miller, music supervisor Frankie Pine, writer Taylor Hamra, and actors Charles Esten, Aubrey Peeples, Chris Carmack, Sam Palladio, Chaley Rose, Jonathan Jackson and Will Chase.

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Pictured (L-R): Taylor Hamra and Charles Esten. Photo: Belmont University

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Belmont students attend a showing of the Nashville Season Four premiere.

 

Pandora To Host Free Women In Country Show in NYC

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Martina McBride will be joined by Cassadee Pope and RaeLynn for a free Pandora Presents recording for listeners in New York City on Oct. 14.

The intimate evening of Big Machine Label Group artists will celebrate females in country music and will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation and breast cancer research. The Altman Building concert will be open to Pandora listeners (21+) who RSVP in advance.

“The scale of Pandora is the perfect way to amplify the power of women in country music in a year where some have questioned it,” says Pandora’s Lars Murray. “Listeners and fans have spoken; these women have over 370 million spins on Pandora.”

Pandora has the unique ability to determine which artists will resonate best with local listeners by analyzing musical preferences, stations created, and thumbed-up songs. Invitations to events are then extended to Pandora listeners who have demonstrated an affinity for the identified artists.

Past Pandora-curated events include Jack White, Fall out Boy, Imagine Dragons, Miguel, Wyclef Jean, Earlsweatshirt, Steve Aoki, Jason Derulo, Chromeo, Celine Dion, Trey Songz, Diplo, Charli XCX, Neko Case, Bleachers, Tegan & Sara, Aloe Blacc, Cold War Kids, Estelle, J Balvin, The Hold Stead, Iggy Azalea and more.

Lionel Richie Signs to Kobalt Music Publishing

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Lionel Richie_Photo by Alan Silfen

Lionel Richie. Photo: Alan Silfen

Lionel Richie has signed a global publishing agreement with Kobalt Music Publishing, Inc. The pop star found Platinum success in country music with Tuskegee, a 2012 duets album with artists like Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker and Shania Twain.

Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt, said, “I couldn’t be more excited about welcoming Lionel Richie into the Kobalt family. A true global superstar, his music has touched billions of people and influenced artists around the world.”

Sue Drew, GM of Creative and Acquisitions at Kobalt, said, “It is an honor to be representing Lionel Richie, one of our American treasures. His body of work is a testament to his talent and success and we are proud to be working with him.”

Richie will begin a Las Vegas residency on April 27, 2016, inside The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. He has also been named the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year.

Music City Roots To Live Stream IBMA Awards

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IBMA-AwardsThursday evening’s (Oct. 1) 26th Annual International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards will be streamed live by Music City Roots at musiccityroots.com.

As previously announced, the awards show will also be broadcast live on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction.

The 26th Annual IBMA Awards will be hosted by The Gibson Brothers, beginning at 7:30 p.m. EDT at Raleigh, N.C.’s Memorial Auditorium in the Duke Energy Center. The awards are voted on by the professional membership of the IBMA, which has its headquarters in Nashville.

Performers include the Earls of Leicester, Del McCoury Band, Hot Rize, The Gibson Brothers, Larry Sparks, Steep Canyon Rangers with Edie Brickell, Flatt Lonesome, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Balsam Range, and an all-star closing jam.

“We’ll be airing highlights from the show in this fall’s APT series, but there’s something magical about the live experience,” said Music City Roots Executive Producer John Walker. “Some moments only happen once in a lifetime, like the Tony Rice speech in 2013. We’re so thankful to the folks at Acceptance Insurance for stepping up and making this possible.”

IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger added, “We are excited to once again partner with Music City Roots to offer live online streaming of the IBMA Awards Show. While there is nothing like being there in person, it is great to have online viewing available for those fans who can’t be Raleigh for this spectacular evening of musical celebration.”

The awards show is part of IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event, which is presented by Chiesi USA and runs Sept. 29-Oct. 3. The event includes the IBMA Business Conference (Sept. 29-Oct. 1), Wide Open Bluegrass (Oct. 2-3), and the Bluegrass Ramble (Sept. 29-Oct. 1).

MusicRowLife: The Browns’ Bonnie Brown Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

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Pictured (L-R): Bonnie, Jim Ed Brown, and Maxine. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images.

Pictured (L-R): Bonnie, Jim Ed Brown, and Maxine. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images.

Bonnie Brown of soon-to-be Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Jim Ed Brown & The Browns has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma Right lung cancer. The entertainer made the announcement yesterday (Monday, Sept. 28) during a Medallion media luncheon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.

“I have recently undergone tests to determine the best type of treatment for this horrible disease. This news came as a shock to our family as we are still mourning the loss of my big brother, Jim Ed, who passed away from the same cancer in June. As Jim Ed said at the announcement of our induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this year, ‘Cancer is no fun,’ and I agree. I have full faith in my oncologist and the many specialists at CARTI in Little Rock, and I trust in them to determine the best path to my full recovery. I am surrounded by the love and support of my family and I am determined to live many more years.”

She also expressed determination to attend the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, slated for Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Get well cards can be sent to: PO Box 233, Dardanelle, AR, 72834-0233.

The family trio was known for a string of hits in the 1959 Grammy-nominated hit “The Three Bells,” as well as “I Take A Chance” (1956) and “I Heard The Bluebirds Sing” (1957).

Round Hill Music Adds Marcus Kiser To Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Alderman, Rough Hollow Entertainment, Mark Brown VP/GM Round Hill, Marcus Kiser, Josh Saxe, Creative Director Round Hill, Neil Gillis, President Round Hill, Braeden Roundtree WME

Pictured (L-R): Chris Alderman, Rough Hollow Entertainment, Mark Brown VP/GM Round Hill, Marcus Kiser, Josh Saxe, Creative Director Round Hill, Neil Gillis, President Round Hill, Braeden Roundtree WME

Round Hill Music has signed a publishing deal with Marcus Kiser.

“We are delighted to be embarking on a musical journey with Marcus Kiser,” said Mark Brown, VP/GM, Round Hill Music. “Marcus is a great performer and an equally skillful songwriter. He is a unique talent with a great work ethic that we think will yield exceptional results.”

Kiser is the frontman of Old Southern Moonshine Revival who has spent the last 10 years in Nashville. Booked by WME and signed to Rough Hollow Entertainment management, the band’s current single, “Waste Another Beer,” is currently in the Top 20 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Countdown. Their latest EP, Can You Feel It Now, was produced by Danny Myrick (“Truck Yeah,” “International Harvester,” “She’s Country”).