In Pictures: Brett Kissel, Dean Brody Top CCMA Awards

/by
Brett Kissel with Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Brett Kissel with Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Brett Kissel and Dean Brody were the big winners at the Canadian Country Music Awards, which were held Sept. 11 in London, Ontario.

Kissel took home the coveted Fans’ Choice Award presented by SiriusXM and Male Artist of the Year, marking his first time winning each of these awards.

Dean Brody. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photgraphy

Dean Brody. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Meanwhile, Brody was honored with CCMA Awards for Single of the Year and CMT Video of the Year presented by Coors Banquet, both for “Bring Down The House.”

Gord Bamford performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Gord Bamford performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Gord Bamford received Album of the Year presented by Jack Daniel’s for Tin Roof. It’s his third time receiving this accolade.

Jess Moskaluke performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Jess Moskaluke performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Saskatchewan’s Jess Moskaluke took home the CCMA Award for Female Artist of the Year for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, Group or Duo of the Year went to High Valley for a second year. The CCMA Award for Rising Star went to The Washboard Union.

High Valley performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

High Valley performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Among the performers during the event were Bamford, Brody, Chad Brownlee, Terri Clark, Cold Creek County, Tim Hicks with Colin James, High Valley, Kissel with Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke and Johnny Reid.

Kelsea Ballerini performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Kelsea Ballerini performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

The show’s international guests were also crowd favorites. Kelsea Ballerini performed “Peter Pan” and Sam Hunt sang “House Party”.

Sam Hunt performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

Sam Hunt performs. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography

The 2017 CCMA Awards Show will take place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Tickets will go on sale later this year.

CMT Artists Of The Year Honorees Revealed

/by

cmt-logo

CMT has named Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood as the artists to be celebrated at the 2016 CMT Artists of the Year special. The ceremony will premiere from Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Each artist will be honored with never-before-seen performances during the 90-minute special on CMT.  In addition, Kelsea Ballerini will accept the second annual Breakout Artist of the Year honor. Stapleton earned that honor in 2015. Additional awards, performers and special guests will be announced at a later date.

Kelsea Ballerini Makes History With ‘Peter Pan’

/by
Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Kristin Barlowe, courtesy of Black River Entertainment.

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Kristin Barlowe, courtesy of Black River Entertainment.

With her third No. 1 hit “Peter Pan,” Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in country music history, including female duos and groups, to reach the top of the chart with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album. The song has also reached its highest selling singles week at 26,652 units, nearing in on 500K total units sold, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

“Great artist, great song, great team! As the CEO of Black River Entertainment, it is my honor to take time and celebrate as each of our companies grow,” said Gordon Kerr. “I am so proud of Black River Publishing, Black River Studios, Black River Records and of course, our amazing writer and recording artist, Kelsea Ballerini who is a part of them all. From the very beginning, we have understood that this just doesn’t happen by ourselves. Thank you to all of our industry partners, early believers, and country radio, who have come along side us on this incredible journey. To Mike Wilson and our fantastic promotion staff, thank you for working so hard to make dreams come true!”

The celebration of these No. 1s come on the heels of her performance of “Peter Pan” on the Canadian Country Music Awards, Sunday (Sept. 11) and the festivities will continue today as the Black River Entertainment artist returns to Nashville to celebrate both her 23rd birthday and the record-breaking accomplishment.

“Kelsea is a very special songwriter and artist,” said Black River Records VP of Promotion Mike Wilson. “I am thrilled to lead this promotion team at Black River, and I’m so excited for Kelsea and our entire company. These are exciting times for us all!”

Nominated in two CMA Awards categories this year, she continues on the road as part of Rascal Flatts’ Rhythm & Roots Tour and is set to headline her own tour, aptly titled, The First Time Tour.

The First Time Tour Dates:
11/10 – Washington DC – 9:30 Club +
11/11 – Knoxville, TN – TN Theatre + (SOLD OUT)
11/12 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre +
11/17 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live ^
11/18 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino (On Sale 9/19)
11/19 – Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights ^ (SOLD OUT)
12/02 – New York City – Irving Plaza ~
12/03 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom ~
12/08 – Los Angeles, CA – Wiltern Theatre
12/09 – Las Vegas, NV – Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam
12/10 – Las Vegas, NV – Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam
12/13 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues * (moved from 10/22)
12/14 – Houston, TX – House of Blues * (moved from 10/21)

Special guests:
+ With Morgan Evans
^ With Levi Hummon
~ With Jacob Davis
* With Carly Pearce

‘The Trio: The Complete Collection’ Adds Outtakes, Unreleased Recordings To Iconic Collaboration

/by

the complete trio collection

Thirty years ago, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt made musical history with the release of the Grammy-winning Trio album, which included the hit “To Know Him Is To Love Him,” in addition to “Those Memories Of You,” “Wildflowers,” and the Grammy-winning “Telling Me Lies.” The success and reach of the album demanded follow-up, Trio II, released in 1999.

On Friday, Sept. 9, Rhino Records released The Complete Trio Collection, a three-disc set that includes remastered versions of the 1987 and 1999 albums, with a third disc that boasts a 20-cut collection of outtakes and unreleased tracks from the original sessions.

“It’s nice to have it all together,” said Parton. “I just think we all take such pride in this. I know that for me, this will always stand as one of the greatest musical things that I’ve done in my entire life. I’ve never been prouder of anything else. I love these girls like sisters, but what we did as ‘The Trio’ will stand up long after we’re all gone.”

Disc one is a remastered version of the original Trio album. Released in the spring of 1987, the set went on to sell over four million copies. Produced by the George Massenburg, Ronstadt says the trio selected the perfect producer for the project.

“He was just great at listening and at carrying out a whim,” said Ronstadt. “The music ideas would come from us, and he would keep us from getting into a muddle and going off in twenty-nine different directions. He has the best way of recording acoustic instruments—where they still sounded natural, but they sounded at their best. He was really an invaluable partner, in that he really didn’t interfere with us. He let things develop, and just kept things organized.”

Harris also recalls hearing the music collectively. “When I heard it, I remembered we did that, but I had forgotten how great it was. It was like a Christmas present that you forgot to open, and you finally get to discover.”

Artist Updates: Bonnie Bishop, NAWAS, LeAnn Rimes, Dolly Parton, Ty Herndon

/by

Nashville BMI Artists Shine at Loufest

BMI’s Nina Carter, guitarist Ford Thurston, BMI singer-songwriter Bonnie Bishop, Tunespeak’s Tom Pernikoff and BMI’s David Classaan hang out back stage at the BMI/Tunespeak stage at Loufest. (Photo: Jason Gonulsen.)

BMI’s Nina Carter, guitarist Ford Thurston, BMI singer-songwriter Bonnie Bishop, Tunespeak’s Tom Pernikoff and BMI’s David Claassen hang out back stage at the BMI/Tunespeak stage at Loufest. Photo: Jason Gonulsen.

BMI/Tunespeak’s Stage at Loufest this past weekend (Sept. 10-11) in St. Louis, Missouri featured soulful Texas country rocker Bonnie Bishop and R&B group NAWAS among other talents.

NAWAS. Photo: Jason Gonulsen.

NAWAS. Photo: Jason Gonulsen.

 

LeAnn Rimes Launches Christmas Tour, Preps UK Project

LeAnn Rimes. Photo: SaraHertel

LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Sara Hertel

LeAnn Rimes‘ annual holiday tour, called Today is Christmas Tour 2016, is set to span 12 dates through December. Fan club presale and VIP Packages will be available on Sept. 13 with public on-sale Sept. 16. The outing shares a name with Rimes’ 2015 holiday album, Today is Christmas, which will be re-released at Target retailers for 2016. The project had been the No. 1 new Christmas music seller at the box chain.

Concurrently, Rimes is preparing an album in the UK, available for preorder ahead of its Oct. 28 release with lead single, “The Story.” Last week, the star shared a new track with fans, co-written by Lori McKenna and Barry Dean titled, “How To Kiss A Boy.”

Today is Christmas Tour 2016 Dates:
Dec 1. 2016 — Norfolk, Neb.; Divots
Dec 2. 2016 — Waukegan, Ill.; Genessee Theatre
Dec 3. 2016 — Granite Falls, Minn.; Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort
Dec 6. 2016 — Merrillville, Ind.; Star Plaza Theatre
Dec 8. 2016 — Deadwood, S.D.; Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Ctr
Dec 9. 2016 — Mitchell, S.D.; Corn Palace
Dec 10. 2016 — Ralston, Neb.; Ralston Arena Presents
Dec 14. 2016 — Albuquerque, N.M.; Isleta Resort & Casino
Dec 16. 2016 — Kamas, Utah; Dejoria Center
Dec 17-18, 2016 — Las Vegas; Orleans Casino Theater
Dec 30. 2016 — Beaver Creek, Colo.; Vilar Performing Arts Center

 

Dolly Parton Celebrates First Chart-Topping Solo Album In Quarter-Century

Pictured (L-R): Shane Carter, President, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Inc.; Dolly Parton; Danny Nozell, President/CEO, CTK Management; Simon Rayner, Director, Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Inc.; Kirt Webster, President, Webster Public Relations

Pictured (L-R): Shane Carter, President, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Inc.; Dolly Parton; Danny Nozell, President/CEO, CTK Management; Simon Rayner, Director, Marketing, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Inc.; Kirt Webster, President, Webster Public Relations

Dolly Parton recently celebrated her August 19th full-length project, Pure and Simple, has become her seventh album to top the charts—and first since Eagle When She Flies (1991).

The icon has partnered with Cracker Barrel for a deluxe Pure and Simple album, in addition to a contest that will give fans a chance to win two VIP concert tickets for her Pure & Simple Tour, which recently announced a Canadan leg.

 

Ty Herndon Signs With BFD, Announces Nov.  11 Album

Pictured (L-R) Front: Ty Herndon, Amy Aylward (Buddy Lee Attractions); Back: Erik Halbig (producer), Chuck Rhodes (BFD/Nashville), Dewayne Brown (Sony/RED Distribution)

Pictured (L-R) Front: Ty Herndon, Amy Aylward (Buddy Lee Attractions); Back: Erik Halbig (producer), Chuck Rhodes (BFD/Nashville), Dewayne Brown (Sony/RED Distribution)

Ty Herndon has signed with BFD to release his anticipated full-length album, House On Fire, on Nov. 11.

Co-produced with Erik Halbig and Drew Davis (on six tracks), Herndon’s 12-track collection features contemporary songs and is available for pre-order starting Oct. 12. BFD is distributed through Sony/RED Distribution. Herndon’s four No. 1s and numerous top 10 hits in the ’90s came when he was signed with Sony.

Dewayne Brown of Sony/RED Nashville states, “We are very excited to be working with Ty again. As soon as I heard this amazing project I couldn’t wait to share it with the world.”

“This album is 18-months in the making,” says Herndon. “The writing was intense at times, but we had a lot of fun throughout the process! This album is Ty Herndon to the very core of my heart and it is without a doubt the most honest and vulnerable album I’ve ever done. It is an album about heart and soul, with songs that everyone can relate to. My hope is that anyone who hears these songs will catch a small piece of his or her life through the music and my story.”

Bob Frank of BFD commented, “House on Fire is one of the best albums I’ve heard in the last 10 years. Ty has demonstrated once again that he is one of the best male vocalists in the format.”

Chuck Rhodes of BFD/Nashville added, “I have been a Ty Herndon fan since ‘What Mattered Most.’ When I first heard this new project, I was reminded that he is still making great music. The hardest decision we would have in this process is trying to figure out what song to lead with!”

Herndon recently debuted songs from the album to enthusiastic fans in London as a headliner act for the Nashville Meets London festival, an appearance that led to international radio airplay and expansive media coverage.
ty_houseonfire_coverart

SunTrust Names Ashleigh Overly As Sports and Entertainment Managing Director

/by
Ashleigh Overly

Ashleigh Overly

 

SunTrust Bank has named Ashleigh Overly Managing Director of the Sports and Entertainment Group at SunTrust Bank, the position vacated by Andrew Kintz earlier this year.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a wonderful team of advisors and associates who have deep roots in Nashville and across the music business,” says Overly. “Our team’s knowledge and the depth of service we provide our clients and business partners is unparalleled, allowing us to build upon SunTrust’s legacy on Music Row and in the entertainment business. I look forward to forming my own deep relationships while partnering with the team to continue providing the best-in-class experience our clients have come to expect from SunTrust.”

Overly has more than a decade of investment banking experience with the majority of her career spent focusing on the sports and entertainment industry. She knows firsthand the importance of establishing relationships with members of the Nashville music industry saying, “Whether you need a wire or need to solve a major problem, clients can always call me. That type of conversation doesn’t happen with a stranger.”

Prior to joining the SunTrust offices on Music Row, she worked alongside a team that focused on providing a full suite of investment banking services to music publishers, record labels, talent agencies, and live entertainment companies. And earlier in her career, she gained experience with the bank’s equity capital markets team focused on raising equity capital in the form of initial public offerings and secondary offerings for companies across the consumer industry.

A graduate from Washington & Lee University in 2006, she has spent her time understanding the needs of all the stakeholders in the industry, from the creative writing, recording and producing to the publishing and distribution companies to the end users of music consumption.

Interesting Fact: Overly was a four year varsity letter recipient in volleyball and an all-conference scholar athlete at Washington & Lee.

In Pictures: George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean

/by

George Strait at First of Two September Strait to Vegas Shows

George Strait. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The King of Country Music took fans on a journey with hit after hit in a two-plus hour set on Saturday night (Sept. 10) at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena as part of his Strait To Vegas concert series.

During the show, George Strait invited the man with whom he shares 55 songs with, Dean Dillon, up to the stage for a rare performance collaboration and kicked off the night with “Here For A Good Time.” The pair swapped memories – and praise for each other – while the crowd relished in their exchange.

 

Kenny Chesney Kicks Off Battle at Bristol with Surprise Appearance by Peyton Manning

Kenny Chesney and Peyton Manning presenting signed guitar to young fan. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Kenny Chesney returned home to rock Bristol Motor Speedway Friday night (Sept. 9) with one goal in mind: “to celebrate music and to celebrate football.”

Longtime friend and former University of Tennessee star quarterback Peyton Manning came out to surprise the crowd during concert, where the football legend and the country star signed an acoustic guitar for one young fan, giving him a night to remember.

 

Jason Aldean Rocks Boston’s Fenway Park

Jason Aldean. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean. Photo: Chris and Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean performed back-to-back shows at Boston’s Fenway Park for his Six String Circus Tour (Sept. 9-10), where more than 60,000 fans filled the historic venue. The ultimate double header featured multi-platinum award winner Kid Rock and tourmates Thomas Rhett, A Thousand Horses and Dee Jay Silver.

Craig Morgan Announces ‘American Stories’ Concert Experience

/by
Craig Morgan Photo Credit: Joseph Llanes

Craig Morgan Photo Credit: Joseph Llanes

Black River Entertainment’s Craig Morgan is launching the “American Stories” concert experience with limited engagement shows starting next month. The concerts will feature Morgan performing acoustic sets along with Third Day frontman Mac Powell. The shows feature the singers taking the stage together along with our nation’s military heroes, veterans, and other special guests to celebrate American values through music and storytelling.

“Country music is all about storytelling and that’s the idea behind these shows,” Morgan said. “Me and Mac and some of our friends will share the songs and stories that move us and inspire us as Americans all while we celebrate the values of this great nation we call home.”

Morgan’s ninth studio album, A Whole Lot More To Me, released June 3. Morgan co-wrote nearly half of the album’s songs alongside writers including Josh Osborne, Jim McBride, Kevin Denney, and Phil O’Donnell. Morgan co-produced the album with Byron Gallimore.

For tickets, visit craigmorgan.com.

Craig Morgan’s “American Stories” concert experience:

Oct. 29: Peoria, Ill.; Limelight
Nov. 10: Washington, D.C.; Warner Theatre
Nov. 11: Roanoke, Va.; Berglund Center
Nov. 17: Manitowoc, Wis.; Capitol Civic Center
Nov. 18: Milwaukee, Wis.; Northern Lights Theatre
Nov. 19: Warsaw, Ind.; Wagon Wheel Theatre

Deep South Entertainment Opens Nashville Office

/by
Dave Rose

Dave Rose

Raleigh, North Carolina-based company, Deep South Entertainment, has opened a new office in Nashville, located at 1604 17th Ave. S. Led by President and founder Dave Rose, the artist management and business management firm offers services including tour budgets/accounting, royalty accounting, tax compliance, and more.

Deep South Entertainment’s client roster includes Parmalee, LANco, Stryper, Meghan Linsey, Kasey Tyndall, Jason Michael Carroll, Hank Murphy, and Katie Garfield.

“The growth of our clients like Parmalee, LANco, Stryper, and Kasey Tyndall has allowed us to finally open an office on music row,” Rose said. “Since I started the company in 1995 it has been a dream of mine to have an office here. I love this city and look forward to becoming a part of the community.”

For more, visit deepsouthentertainment.com or call 615-840-4333.

Weekly Register: Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney Continue Country Lead

/by
Florida Georgia Line. Photo: James Wright

Florida Georgia Line. Photo: James Wright

Florida Georgia Line retains the lead at the top of the country albums chart this week, with Dig Your Roots moving 31K (157K RTD). Blake Shelton‘s If I’m Honest moves 14K (449K RTD), landing at No. 2 this week.

Chris Stapleton‘s 2015 effort, Traveller, is at No. 3 with 11K sold (1.5M RTD), while Dolly Parton‘s 2016 project, Pure & Simple, is at No. 4 with 7.7K  (40K RTD). Cole Swindell‘s 2016 album, You Should Be Here, rounds out the Top 5, with 7K (190K RTD).

Overall album sales have declined 14.7 percent year to date, while overall digital album sales have diminished 19.3 percent. Country album sales are down 8.7 percent year to date, while country digital album sales have declined 14.1 percent.

Kenny Chesney

On the country track sales rankings, Kenny Chesney‘s collaboration with Pink leads with 31K moved this week (253K RTD), enough to land at No. 17 on the overall track sales rankings. Miranda Lambert‘s “Vice” is at No. 2 this week with 29K. Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Peter Pan” lands at No. 3 this week, with 27K.

Florida Georgia Line holds the fourth and fifth spots in the Top 5 this week, with “H.O.L.Y.” selling 25K to land at No. 4, and the duo’s latest single, “May We All” featuring Tim McGraw, moves 21K to claim the No. 5 spot.

Jason Aldean‘s “This Plane Don’t Go There,” from his new album They Don’t Know, debuts at No. 12 on the country tracks rankings and at No. 51 overall, selling 12K.

Overall digital track sales are down 24.9 percent year to date, while country digital track sales have declined 23.2 percent YTD.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.