Weekly Register: Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton Top Charts

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Pictured: Keith Urban with songwriter Steven Lee Olsen, mix engineer Chris Lord Alge, and producing partner Dann Huff. Photo: Keith Urban/Twitter, Jan. 13, 2017.

Keith Urban tops the country digital tracks chart this week, with “Blue Ain’t Your Color” selling 27K units (719K total to date). On Spotify, the track has notched 25 million streams. Urban also takes the No. 2 spot on the country albums chart this week, with Ripcord.

Elsewhere on the country tracks chart, Chris Stapleton‘s “Tennessee Whiskey” lands at No. 2, notching 26K this week, for 1.010 million sold to date. Sam Hunt‘s “Drinkin’ Too Much,” which the singer-songwriter premiered on New Year’s Eve, debuts in the No. 3 spot with 26K (and 2 million Spotify streams). Little Big Town‘s “Better Man” comes in at No. 4 with 25K, followed by Jon Pardi‘s “Dirt On My Boots” at No. 5 (19K). The top 5 sales tracks this week are all Universal Music Group Nashville artists.

Rascal Flatts‘ “Yours If You Want It” debuts at No. 8 this week with 12K and 1 million Spotify streams.

On the overall digital tracks chart, Ed Sheeran has the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, with two new songs. “Shape of You” is at No. 1 with 231K, while “Castle on the Hill” lands at No. 2, with 165K.

Overall, digital track sales have decreased 25.7 percent year to date, while country digital track sales have declined 24.5 percent.

Chris Stapleton

On the country albums chart, Urban and Stapleton switch spots, with Stapleton’s Traveller taking No. 1 this week, with 12K. That puts the project at 1.792 million in sales to date.

Urban’s Ripcord follows at No. 2 with 6.2K. Miranda Lambert‘s The Weight of These Wings is at No. 3 with 5.3K, followed by Kane Brown‘s self-titled project at No. 4 (3.8K). Jason Aldean‘s They Don’t Know rounds out the Top 5 with 3.6K.

On the overall album sales chart, The Weeknd lands at No. 1 with 63K (14K album only). The soundtrack for La La Land makes a splash on the chart following the Golden Globes ceremony on Jan. 8. The album is at No. 2 with 42K (30K album only).

Overall album sales have declined 19.8 percent YTD, while overall digital album sales have declined 21.9 percent. Country album sales have declined 5.6 percent YTD, while country digital album sales have declined 16.4 percent YTD.

Information courtesy of Nielsen Soundscan.

Thomas Rhett Extends Headlining Tour to Include Canada, Europe

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Thomas Rhett has already extended dates on his upcoming Home Team Tour before it even launches due to high ticket demand, adding 15 markets to the new headlining tour along with a first-time run through Canada and a European leg as well. The inaugural leg of the tour kicks off Feb. 23 in Saginaw, Michigan, and includes two dates at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in April. Select dates will become available as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket going on sale Jan. 27 at MegaTicket.com. Kelsea Ballerini, Ryan Hurd, and Russell Dickerson will join Rhett on the new tour.

“It’s unreal that we’re adding dates before we’ve even had a chance to get started,” said Thomas Rhett. “It’d be impossible to pick which part of the tour I’m most excited about, but I can’t wait to get back out there. We’re going to make sure every last person at the show has a good time.”

Additional 2017 HOME TEAM TOUR Cities:

London, UK
Birmingham, UK
Manchester, UK
Glasgow, UK
Belfast, UK
Abbotsford, BC
Dawson Creek, BC
Edmonton, AB
Lethbridge, AB
Regina, SK
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Evansville, IN
Louisville, KY
Alpharetta, GA
Washington, DC
Columbia, SC
Pensacola, FL
Biloxi, MS
Columbia, MO
Kansas City, MO
Springfield, MO
Bismarck, ND
St Paul, MN
Omaha, NE

LifeNotes: Studio Musician Hayward Bishop Jr. Dies

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Hayward Bishop Jr.

Studio musician Hayward Sherman Bishop Jr., age 71, of Old Hickory, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at the Veterans Hospital in Nashville following a year-long illness.

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he graduated Norview High School in 1964, served in the United States Air Force 1965-68, and married Donna Milloway in 1969 (divorced in 1979). After his honorable discharge in 1968, he began working at American Music Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.

After moving to Nashville in 1972, he spent the 1970’s and 1980’s building a studio recording resume as a drummer recording with artists including Perry Como, Carl Perkins, Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Julie Andrews, Slim Pickens, Jerry Reed, Wilson Pickett, Dianne Warwick, Chet Atkins, Bobby Blue Bland, Earl Scruggs Review, Ronnie Milsap, Charley Pride, and Bill Medley, with songwriting legends such as Mickey Newberry and Roger Miller, and with groups such as Alabama, The Grass Roots, Nashville Brass, The Box Tops, and members of The Kingston Trio.

He also played drums for TV and movie soundtracks, and commercials. He earned a Grammy in 1983 for the best instrumentation on a record for Alabama’s The Closer You Get album. In the years following, he continued his passion for music by digitally restoring and remastering sound recordings in his studio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hayward Sherman Bishop Sr. and Evelyn Watson Bishop of Norfolk, Virginia. Hayward leaves his daughter, Amy Bishop Kyker; two grandchildren, Julia Kyker and Lauren Kyker; and sister, Arden Gentle.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 at Tulip Grove Baptist Church, located at 563 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, Tennessee, with Pastor Gerald Bontrager officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church.

MV2 Signs With Wendy Pearl Public Relations

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Pictured (L-R): Nora Collins, David Fanning, Terry McBride

Wendy Pearl Public Relations has signed MV2 Entertainment as a client and will represent its roster of songwriter/artists including Nora Collins, David Fanning, and Terry McBride.

“MV2 is a great fit for my new company,” said Pearl. “The caliber of talent and music is undeniable, but I was equally attracted to the vision for the company, which is advancing music through inspiration, integrity, and values. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that? I consider myself very fortunate to be working with general manager Tony Harrell and his entire team.”

Pearl recently launched her independent public relations firm after 17 years as VP, Corporate Communications for the Country Music Association.

NPT Shines Spotlight on Songwriters with New Show

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Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Steve Cropper (l) with “The Songwriters” host Ken Paulson. Photo: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame/MTSU

A new weekly TV show spotlighting Music City writers, The Songwriters, will premiere Jan. 28 on Nashville Public Television on WNPT2. The show will feature conversations with Hall Of Fame writers about the stories behind their biggest songs and their creative processes, and will reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes and showcase rare performances of some of the most-revered songs in the history of the Nashville music scene. Among those appearing in the inaugural season’s first 18 episodes are Bill Anderson, Steve Cropper, Gary Burr, Sonny Curtis, Tom Douglas, and many more.

The new program is being produced by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in conjunction with Middle Tennessee State University. MTSU professor Robert Gordon, Jr. will direct the episodes, which will be filmed by students from the school’s College of Media and Entertainment. Ken Paulson, Dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment, will host the new show.

“Just as these conversations have inspired professional songwriters like me, they will have a tremendous impact on anyone interested in how great songs were written and the people who wrote them,” said Pat Alger, Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “The show is as entertaining as it is informative – the intimate performances and the witty dialogue will stick with you for a long time.”

Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton Stepping Down

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Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton is set to step down from his role overseeing the film, television and music company, and will focus on his role as Chairman of the Board at social media company Snapchat, according to Billboard.biz. The move is set to happen in six months, and is part of an ongoing shift at Sony.

As part of his letter to Sony colleagues, Lynton said:

As some of you are already aware, I have been involved with Snapchat since its early days. Given Snapchat’s growth – and my growing role and responsibilities in it – I recently determined that the time was right to make a change.

As you are all aware, the landscape of our business continues to shift as never before, and the innovation and commitment shown by all of you at Sony Corp, Pictures and Music to adapt and change with it has been inspiring. I am confident that the broad changes we have made and the terrific new management team we assembled over the last few years will strengthen the company overall, and position it for greater growth in the future.

It has been an extraordinary 13 years and an honor to work at Sony with some of the most talented and creative people in the entertainment space. I want to thank Sony Corp – Kaz and Howard Stringer in particular – for their leadership and support over the years, and our excellent teams at Pictures and Music for their unwavering dedication to producing and distributing outstanding entertainment.

In October, it was announced that Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris will transition to the role of Chairman in April 2017, and will be succeeded by Columbia Records’ Rob Stringer.

 

 

 

Jeannie Seely Celebrates Release of ‘Written In Song’

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Jeannie Seely has released her 16th studio album, Written In Song, a project filled with Seely’s own renditions of her compositions that other artists have recorded through the years, including Merle Haggard (“Life of a Rodeo Cowboy”), Dottie West (“He’s All I Need”), and Willie Nelson (“Senses”), among others.

Jeannie Seely

“Written In Song is such an exciting project for me for many reasons,” states Seely. “It consists of 14 songs that I have written over the years, most of them recorded by my peers and my heroes. It’s also very rewarding to know that these songs have stood the test of time and are just as viable today. I am extremely grateful to the musicians and singers who made them sound brand new.”

WRITTEN IN SONG Track Listing
1. Sometimes I Do
2. He’s All I Need
3. I’m Never Gonna See You
4. Senses
5. Anyone Who Knows What Love Is
6. You Don’t Need Me
7. My Love For You
8. Leavin’ And Sayin’ Goodbye
9. The Pain Once You’re Gone
10. He Always Got What He Wanted
11. Life Of A Rodeo Cowboy
12. Enough To Lie
13. Who Needs You
14. We’re Still Hangin’ In There Ain’t We Jessi

MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson visits with Opry star Jeannie Seely after her CD release party on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 at 3rd and Lindsley. The Opry legend performed songs from her new album, Written In Song, and shared both humorous and heartfelt stories from her compelling career that spans over five decades.

Pandora To Reduce U.S. Workforce

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Pandora announced Thursday (Jan. 12) plans to reduce its U.S. employee base (excluding Ticketfly) by approximately 7 percent by the end of Q1 2017, despite predicting it will exceed revenue projections for Q4 of 2016.

This seven percent figure will likely affect 100-150 staff, while the company incurs between $5-7 million in severance benefit costs.

Pandora’s fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results will be shared via a conference call on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m (ET) at investor.pandora.com as well as live domestic dial‐in at 877-355-0067 using passcode 51921242.

“2016 was a year of significant investment for Pandora. In 2017, we will manage the business toward full year adjusted EBITDA profitability,” said Tim Westergren, CEO of Pandora. “While making workforce reductions is always a difficult decision, the commitment to cost discipline will allow us to invest more heavily in product development and monetization and build on the foundations of our strategic investments.”

The expected boost in year-end 2016 revenue is noted from strong advertising performance and paid subscriptions surpassing 4.3 million while its new Pandora Plus service is said to have attracted 375,000 new subscribers by the end of 2016. Its previously stated goal for the ad-free service is 11 million paid subscribers by 2020. The $4.99 Pandora Plus was introduced in September as an improved and rebranded version of Pandora One, which debuted about eight years ago, allowing users to replay music, skip as many songs as they’d like and stream even when they’re offline.

In addition to launching its on-demand Pandora Premium later this quarter, the company also expects to leverage its analytics platform and ad insertion logic to drive additional revenue and realize leverage in content costs.

“During the fourth quarter, we accelerated our core advertising business, increased advertising RPM and saw strong improvements in adjusted EBITDA,” continued Westergren. “Now, with all of the elements of our strategy in place, we are in the best position possible to expand our listener base, drive engagement and deliver significant value to all of our stakeholders.”

Pandora share price closed at 12.00 before the announcement yesterday and opened today at 13.04.

Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood, 3 Doors Down Set For Trump Inauguration Performances

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Toby Keith. Photo: Richard McLaren

Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down and Lee Greenwood are set to headline a concert for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, according to his inaugural committee.

The concert, titled The Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration, will take place Jan. 19 at the Lincoln Memorial. Additional musicians performing include Jennifer Holliday, The Frontmen of Country, and The Piano Guys. Actor Jon Voight will also appear.

“President-elect Trump has made it clear that this inaugural is of, by, and for the American people. The 58th Inaugural will celebrate American history and heritage, while setting the course to a brighter and bolder future for all Americans,” Tom Barrack, the chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said in a press release. “Above all, it will serve as tribute to one of our greatest attributes, the peaceful transition of partisan power.”

Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, along with songwriters Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher, will pay tribute to 42 Medal of Honor recipients as well as to newly-sworn in President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, during the American Legion and the Veterans Inaugural Committee-hosted Veterans Inaugural Ball. The event will be held at the Renaissance Washington D.C. downtown Hotel.

According to Rolling Stone, country duo Big & Rich and rapper Cowboy Troy have been announced as part of the Great America Alliance Inaugural Gala, set for Jan. 19 in Washington, D.C.

Other artists confirmed to perform at activities surrounding the inauguration include Darryl Worley at the Great American Inaugural Ball, to be held Jan. 20 at MGM National Harbor Hotel in Washington D.C., beginning at 9 p.m.

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Tim Rushlow, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald, Bonnie Bishop and Kevin Fowler will perform at the Black Tie & Boots 2017 Inaugural Ball, to be held Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington D.C. The event is expected to draw more than 15,000 guests.

Aaron & Amanda Crabb and comedian Chonda Pierce will head to Washington, D.C., to perform at Family Research Council’s Faith Freedom & Future Inaugural Ball, a black-tie gala set for Jan. 20.

Dierks Bentley, Brett Young, Keith Urban Prep New Videos

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Dierks Bentley’s “Black” Takes Him To Iceland

Dierks Bentley traveled to the land where the Game Of Thrones kings duel in his video for his new single “Black,” and he took wife Cassidy along for the glacial experience of a lifetime as well. Bentley filmed with Cassidy in remote areas of Iceland in the new clip, which features breathtaking landscapes and supernatural effects and was shot during a once-a-year storm according to Time.com.

“We’ve been talking about Iceland as a location since before I even released the album last year, but I never thought we’d actually go. The next thing I know, there’s a shoot booked and we are standing on the side of a glacier half-dressed,” laughed Bentley. “We were on a lot of the same locations that ‘Game Of Thrones’ and the Star Wars films have shot, and it’s just crazy what those people go through every day. I had the idea of putting my wife in the video, which is totally taking her out of her comfort zone, but I just couldn’t imagine doing a video for this song without her in it and she reluctantly agreed…but then totally NAILED it. I think the end result is something really special, and it was a trip of a lifetime for everyone involved.”

 

Brett Young Releases New Clip

Brett Young has released a new video for “In Case You Didn’t Know” today on Vevo. The Jennifer Rothlein-directed video was filmed in Chattanooga and follows Brett as he makes his way to the stage for an intimate performance of the song. Fans can check out behind the scenes footage of the clip here.

 

Keith Urban’s Behind The Scenes Reveal On Ripcord

Keith Urban has shared a never-before-seen, behind the scenes look into the making of the album Ripcord. The Facebook video can be seen below:

https://www.facebook.com/keithurban/videos/10154587766616077/