Apple Music Retains 60 Percent of Trial Users

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apple-music

Apple has retained 60 percent of trial users for its Apple Music streaming service, according to the tech giant’s leader Tim Cook, who spoke at the tech conference WSJDLive in California this Tuesday (October 20).

The streaming music service, which was introduced at the end of June, now has 15 million users with 6.5 million paying subscribers ($10 a month for individuals or $15 a month for families). Free trial periods began to expire at the end of September.

Spotify, a direct competitor to Apple Music, has 20 million subscribers included in its 75 million actively using the service.

AppleElectricCarAlso at the Wall Street Journal conference, Cook addressed rumors about Apple forging ahead to develop its own car. Currently, CarPlay integrates iOS music and Siri into certain car manufacturers but Cook expressed more interest in software than hardware. “We’ll see what [Apple does] in the future…When I look at the automobile, what I see is that software becomes an increasingly important part of the car of the future. You see that autonomous driving becomes much more important.”

Dixie Hall To Be Honored During CMHoF Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum

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Dixie Hall

Dixie Hall

Dixie Hall will be honored during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s ninth annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum, slated for Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m.

The event will take place in the CMHoF’s Ford Theater.

Hall, who died on Jan. 16, 2015, was a songwriter, record label owner, publisher, and music journalist. An IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award honoree, Hall is the most-recorded female songwriter in bluegrass history. Additionally, she was creative partner to her husband of 46 years, Country Music Hall of Fame member Tom T. Hall. Dixie also spearheaded the “Daughters of Bluegrass” projects, which highlighted the contributions of female performers and songwriters to the bluegrass genre.

The Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum will include interviews with colleagues, and live performances of songs penned by Hall. Those in attendance will include Sierra Hull, Rita Forrester (granddaughter of A.P. and Sara Carter), Carl Jackson, Chris Jones, Heather Berry-Mabe, and more.

Previous honorees are Denise Stiff, Liz Thiels, Mary Martin, Bonnie Garner, Sarah Trahern, Nancy Shapiro, Kay Clary, and Jo Walker-Meador.

The program is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected] or by calling 615-416-2040. For more information about the event, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

Chairman/CEO of UMG International Max Hole Steps Down

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Max Hole. Photo: UMG

Max Hole. Photo: UMG

Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced Max Hole will be stepping down from his role as Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Music Group International (UMGI), effective immediately. Following the departure, the company’s regional heads (for those regions outside the U.S.) will report directly to UMG Chairman and CEO, Lucian Grainge.

The resignation is a result of contracting encephalitis in January. He has suffered some memory loss and while he is making progress towards a recovery, a full resumption of his responsibilities is not possible at this time. Continuing involvement is being discussed at this time.

In making the announcement, Hole said, “I have loved working at Universal, the best record company in the world. Lucian is an extraordinary person, both an exceptional creative and business executive for whom I have great affection. We have known each other for a very, very long time and I’m so glad we remain friends. I love so many of my colleagues around the world that there are too many to name, but I’d like to mention my close friends Boyd Muir, Richard Constant, David Joseph, Frank Briegmann, Pascal Nègre, George Ash, Jesus Lopez and Andrew Kronfeld. Finally, there are our incredible artists, some I have been close to and some I have watched and loved from a distance. I wish our artists and Universal a hugely successful future.”

Grainge said, “Max Hole is one of the most talented and accomplished executives to have ever worked in the music business, with an undying passion for music. He has been one of our industry’s most effective champions, opening new markets and creating opportunities for artists and fans everywhere. Max’s contributions to Universal will be forever a part of the fabric of this company and our industry, and he leaves with our deepest gratitude and respect.”

Hole joined UMGI in 1998 as Senior Vice President, Marketing and A&R. In 2004, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and subsequently added responsibility for Digital, Strategic Marketing and Commercial Affairs, as well as Asia Pacific and Nordic/Central/Eastern Europe. He was appointed COO of UMGI in 2010 and in 2013 was appointed Chairman and CEO of UMGI.

Artist Updates: Craig Morgan, Reba, Restless Heart, Charlie Daniels, Gatlin Brothers

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Pictured (L-R) Aly Beaird (Director of Creative Services, Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation), Kris Blount (Child Advocacy Center), Craig Morgan

Pictured (L-R) Aly Beaird (Director of Creative Services, Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation), Kris Blount (Child Advocacy Center), Craig Morgan

Craig Morgan Supports His Hometown

Craig Morgan hosted his ninth annual charity event over the weekend, with proceeds benefiting the Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation. The festivities kicked off Saturday (Oct. 17) with a golf tournament at Greystone Golf Course, with Halfway to Hazard’s David Tolliver and former Buffalo Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay hitting the green with Morgan.

Singers Casi Joy, Janelle Arthur, Adam Sanders and Halfway to Hazard played the family-friendly festival before Morgan played a 70-minute full-band set for the crowd at Dickson’s War Memorial Lawn. During his set, Craig recognized the Child Advocacy Center’s Kris Blount with a $5,000 donation to support their work, serving at risk, abused and neglected children and their families.

 

Reba Delivers on NBC’s Best Night Ever…

Reba on Best Night Ever With Neil Patrick Harris

Reba on Best Night Ever With Neil Patrick Harris

Reba appeared as the guest announcer on Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris last night (Oct. 20) on NBC.

She provided commentary through the show and introduced segments featuring actors Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Jane Krakowksi.

She also sang a few lines of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” in a choreographed saloon brawl. 

 

 

Restless Heart Enters Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

Restless Heart's Greg Jennings speaks on behalf of the band as Paul Gregg, Larry Stewart and Dave Innis look on

Restless Heart’s Greg Jennings speaks on behalf of the band as Paul Gregg, Larry Stewart and Dave Innis look on

Restless Heart was formally inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee on Oct. 16.  They personally accepted the honor and performed at the event. This year’s inductees also included Tim DuBois, who wrote hits like “The Bluest Eyes in Texas” and helped put the band together, and Scott Hendricks, who produced the band’s music in the 1980s. Restless Heart’s Paul Gregg, Dave Innis and Greg Jennings are all Oklahoma natives.

“One of the coolest things that has ever happened to the band… especially for Greg, Dave and I,” says Paul Gregg.  “Very happy, very proud and very humble all around.”

 

Charlie Daniels Turns Birthday Bash Into Military Benefit

Charlie Daniels

Charlie Daniels is selling tickets to his 79th birthday bash, with proceeds benefiting The Journey Home Project.

Daniels co-founded the non-profit organization to assist veterans and their families in meeting their financial, educational and healthcare needs as they make their integration back into civilian life.

Chris Young and newcomer Ryan Weaver are scheduled to perform at the event.

To purchase tickets, contact Paige Dixon at (615) 742-3193 or [email protected]

 

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Prepare Gospel Album

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers will celebrate their 60 years of singing together with a new album, The Gospel According to Gatlin.

Scheduled for a Nov. 6 release on Curb Records, it’s the trio’s first new album in seven years. The 11-song set, which was produced by the Gatlins, includes new gospel songs written or co-written by Larry Gatlin. Guests include Charlie Daniels and Gaither Vocal Band.

In addition, Larry Gatlin and Billy Dean co-wrote the album’s closing track, “An American With a Remington.”

Artist Pics: Luke Bryan, Chris Janson, Cam, The Black Lillies, SoundHarvest

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Farm Tour Party

Chris Janson and Dallas Davidson joined Luke Bryan during his Farm Tour stop in Knoxville, Tenn. Janson brought along his son, Jesse.

Pictured (L-R): Chris' son, Jesse, Chris Janson, Luke Bryan, and Dallas Davidson.

Pictured (L-R): Jesse Janson, Chris Janson, Luke Bryan, and Dallas Davidson.

 

Cam Plays a “House” Party in the  Backyard

Arista Nashville’s Cam brought her “Burning House” and other songs to a lucky winner’s backyard recently for WMIL / FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s YourFest Promotion.

Pictured (L-R): Arista Nashville’s Andy Elliott, Macey Wolfe (daughter of Kerry), Cam, and WMIL PD Kerry Wolfe.

Pictured (L-R): Arista Nashville’s Andy Elliott, Macey Wolfe (daughter of Kerry), Cam, and WMIL PD Kerry Wolfe.

 

The Black Lillies Celebrate Nashville Show

The Black Lillies performed at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday, Oct. 18. Among those attending were Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly, Lightning 100’s Ana Lee, and Attack Monkey Productions’ Chyna R. Brackeen.

Pictured (L-R): Jed Hilly, Exec. Dir. of Americana Music Association; Bowman Townsend and Trisha Gene Brady, The Black Lillies; Ana Lee, Lightning 100; Cruz Contreras, Jonathan Keeney, Mike Seal and Sam Quinn, The Black Lillies; Chyna R. Brackeen, President of Attack Monkey Productions. Photo: Shore Fire Media 

Pictured (L-R): Jed Hilly, Exec. Dir. of Americana Music Association; Bowman Townsend and Trisha Gene Brady, The Black Lillies; Ana Lee, Lightning 100; Cruz Contreras, Jonathan Keeney, Mike Seal and Sam Quinn, The Black Lillies; Chyna R. Brackeen, President of Attack Monkey Productions. Photo: Shore Fire Media

 

SoundHarvest Comes To Nashville

SoundHarvest Music Festival brought several artists to Music City’s Centennial Park on Sat., Oct. 17. The Flaming Lips closed out the 12-hour festival with streamers, balloons and more during their show.

Other performers included The Weeks, Goodbye June, Benjamin Booker, and more.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips. Photo: Getty Images.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips. Photo: Getty Images.

 

BMI’s Maui Songwriters Festival Mixes Song and Sand

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Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 5.15.00 PMSome of Nashville’s ace songwriters will head to a warmer climate this December for the first-ever BMI Maui Songwriters Festival, set for Dec. 8-13.

The BMI Maui Songwriters Festival’s premium-grade lineup includes Grammy-winning star Kacey Musgraves and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Bob DiPiero (Reba McEntire’s “Little Rock,” George Strait’s “Blue Clear Sky”) and Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most,” Tim McGraw’s “The Cowboy in Me”).

Other confirmed performers include BMI Country Songwriters of the Year Rhett Akins (Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee,” Jason Aldean’s “When She Says Baby”) and Rodney Clawson (Kenny Chesney’s “American Kids,” George Strait’s “I Saw God Today”); chart-topping writers Nicolle Galyon (Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic,” Keith Urban’s “We Were Us”) and Brandon Kinney (Randy Houser’s “Boots On,” Lonestar’s “You’re Like Coming Home”); revered ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro; Emmy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Maggie Rose; songwriting supergroup Loving Mary; acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Mark Johnstone; newcomers Kimberly June and Greylan James; and Maui-based favorite Lily Meola.

Storme Warren will host the festival.

The festival will fuel several causes, including Dorvin and Betty Leis Charities, Inc., which supports local Maui difference-makers including the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, University of Hawaii Maui College, Hospice Maui, Maui Family YMCA, Women Helping Women, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and the Salvation Army; and the BMI Foundation, dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions.

LifeNotes: North Carolina Broadcaster Doug Mayes Passes

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mayesportrait2Country Radio Hall of Fame member Doug Mayes passed away on Sunday, Oct. 18, at his home in North Carolina at age 93.

The longtime broadcaster was the host of “Carolina Country Style” on WBT in Charlotte during the 1950s and 1960s. He emceed country concerts at the Charlotte Coliseum for decades.

Mayes started his career as a fiddler and guitarist. He backed Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith for about a year and once performed on the Grand Ole Opry. He began his broadcasting career in Kingsport, Tenn., and became a radio newsman. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He joined the staff of WSIX in Nashville in 1947. In 1949, he began his long career at WBT. In addition to being a radio reporter and country-show host, he was the first TV news anchor in Charlotte, working at WBTV beginning in 1952.

After that, he was at WSOC-TV between 1982 and 1988. He was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2002. He is also in the North Carolina Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

He is survived by son Joe Mayes, granddaughter Heather Leslie Rahn and great-grandson Theo.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Denver United Methodist Church in Denver, N.C. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery, Charlotte. Condolences to the family may be made at www.cavin-cook.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children (604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262) or to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (P.O. Box 56669, Charlotte, NC 28299).

Artist Updates: Martina McBride, Battle For the Bones, Merle Haggard, Rainey Qualley, Pentatonix

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Martina McBride Surprises Guests on Ellen

Martina McBride and internet star McKenna.

Martina McBride and internet star McKenna.

Martina McBride joined a young girl named McKenna to sing “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” on Ellen today (Oct. 20). Last week, a touching video of McKenna singing the song to her mother, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was posted to Ellen’s website. Host Ellen DeGeneres brought McKenna’s mother and grandmother to be interviewed on today’s episode and surprised them with an appearance from McBride, who had a Top 10 hit with the song in 2011.

Artists Line Up For Battle For the Bones

Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones

The third annual Battle for the Bones concert will be held Oct. 30 at Nashville’s Cannery Row. This Halloween concert is hosted by Bobby Bones with performances by Charles Kelley, David Nail, Jerrod Niemann, Maddie & Tae, Chris Janson, Old Dominion, Mickey Guyton, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan+Shay, and more.

A portion of proceeds from this concert benefit the FTL Sarcoma Fund in memory of Warner Music’s Lindsay Walleman. General admission tickets are $50 and VIP options are available as well. Tickets can be purchased at www.wsix.com.


Merle Haggard Drops By The Opry

Photo: Chris Hollo

Photo: Chris Hollo

Merle Haggard made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday (Oct. 17) while passing through town in between gigs. Because he had the night off, he decided to make an appearance to honor the Opry’s 90th anniversary. The Country Music Hall of Fame member performed “Big City,” “Silver Wings,” “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink,” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me.”

 

Rainey Qualley Visits ACM

Rainey Qualley

Rainey Qualley

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Cingle Records recording artist Rainey Qualley to the office while she was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, she performed her current single, “Me and Johnny Cash,” and signed up for professional ACM membership, as part of the Academy’s complimentary one-year membership offered to support emerging artists.

 

Pentatonix Announces Partnership With Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

unnamed-2Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Grammy Award-winning vocal group Pentatonix today announced a partnership that brings the band’s debut self-titled studio album to all Cracker Barrel locations and online at crackerbarrel.com.

To celebrate the album’s release, the band will host a live Facebook chat on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. EST (subject to change) presented by Cracker Barrel to talk with fans and answer questions about the new project. To participate in the live chat, visit Pentatonix’s Facebook page at that time and ask a question on the group’s wall.
 

CMA Makes $3 Million Gift To Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

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With patients of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum announces a $ 3 million gift from the Country Music Association that will help add four new floors to the hospital.

With patients of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum announces a $ 3 million gift from the Country Music Association that will help add four new floors to the hospital.

The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is set to receive significant philanthropic support via a $3 million gift from the Country Music Association (CMA).

Vanderbilt University Medical Center leaders and event hosts Kix Brooks and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott made the announcement today.

The CMA’s gift will be used to support costs for the Children’s Hospital’s four-floor, 160,000-square-foot expansion. The gift will contribute to four new inpatient floors, adding 40,000 square feet per floor, and an estimated 70 to 80 new beds will be added when the two initial floors are opened. The new floors will care for critically ill or injured children, including needs for premature infants, neurosurgery and organ transplants.

Meanwhile, VUMC’s participation in and support of CMA’s Instrumental Healthcare program allows CMA members and their families access to affordable health care through the Medical Center’s diverse adult and pediatric specialty and subspecialty programs. VUMC has also supported musicians through such highly-specialized health care programs as the Vanderbilt Voice Center and the Musicians Hearing Center. Through its LifeFlight Event Medicine program, VUMC also provides emergency medical services to support the CMA Music Festival each year.

Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chair of the CMA Board of Directors; Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum; Kathryn Carell Brown, Chair of the Children’s Hospital “Growing to New Heights” campaign; Kix Brooks, Board Member for both the CMA and Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Jeff Balser, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Pictured (L-R): Frank Bumstead, Chair of the CMA Board of Directors; Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum; Kathryn Carell Brown, Chair of the Children’s Hospital “Growing to New Heights” campaign; Kix Brooks, Board Member for both the CMA and Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Jeff Balser, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

“Country Music is a format known for telling stories. Now the country music community will be known for building them,” said Brooks, who serves on boards for both CMA and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. “Building floors means helping more children and families – locally, regionally and around the world – and I can’t imagine anyone with a heart not embracing what is going on at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. When you see the courage of a child, or the face of a parent, you know how important it is for our industry to support the ongoing growth of Children’s Hospital and why it is life changing.”

“It fills me with joy to get to be a small part of sharing the heart of the country music community today with the CMA and Kix at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt,” said Scott. “I know I can speak for all the other artists when I say that we have an immense appreciation for everything the hospital is doing in our very own backyard for some of the bravest and strongest kids out there. The smiles I saw on their faces today, despite what they’re facing, is exactly why we’re dedicated to being sure as many children and families get the best care possible.”

“CMA and our members have benefited a great deal from our longstanding relationship with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Our partnership is the definition of reciprocal care: Vanderbilt has provided affordable health care options to our members and staff through CMA’s health insurance programs; they are in our ‘backyard’ attending to the immediate needs of the industry; and they are widely supported by our artist community including Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley and Rascal Flatts. Supporting their ongoing growth is mutually beneficial.”

More than 200 artists have brought the healing power of music to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt over the past three years.

Sarah Trahern, Steve Lassiter Among Honorees for NATD November Gala

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NATDOn Monday, Nov. 9, the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) will hold its annual Gala at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel.

This year, the Gala will honor Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern, Artist Manager at Red Light Management Charlie Brusco, APA Senior VP and Partner Steve Lassiter, Voice of the Nashville Predators Pete Weber, and American Pickers creator and host Mike Wolfe. The Tennessean’s Brad Schmitt and Stephanie Langston of Nashville’s WKRN will serve as co-hosts for the evening.

NATD President Steve Tolman remarks, “The NATD Honors Gala has become a memorable evening for all over the last few years. The fact that we can honor such talented industry professionals all the while giving back to the community and those in need make it very special.”

Festivities begin at with a reception at 5:45 p.m., followed by dinner and the Awards Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. A limited number of tickets are on sale now at n-a-t-d.com.

Past honorees include:
2014 – Bill Haslam, Rob Beckham, Tim Corbin, Demetria Kalodimos, Michael W. Smith, and Charlie Daniels
2013 – Bernie Cahill, Tom Condon, Chaz Corzine, Martina McBride, Kevin Neal, and Bob Romeo
2012 – Mike Fisher, Clint Higham, John Huie, George Jones, and Alan Valentine
2011 – Alabama, Tony Conway, Mayor Karl Dean, James H. Gosnell Jr., and Barry Trotz