Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood Sign CLASSICS Act Petition

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A coalition of 213 musical artists, supported by eight leading music organizations, called upon the U.S. Congress to pass the CLASSICS Act, bipartisan legislation pending in both the House and Senate. A two-page advertisement, featuring artists and signees Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Kris Kristofferson, k.d. lang,  as well as the John R Cash Trust and Hank Williams Sr., will appear in Wednesday’s (Feb. 14) issue of Politico.

The eight organizations supporting the act include The Recording Academy, A2IM, The American Federation of Musicians, RIAA, SAG-AFTRA, Content Creators Coalition, Music First, and SoundExchange.

In the advertisement, the artists state:

“Digital radio makes billions of dollars a year from airplay of music made before Feb. 15, 1972. Yet, because of an ambiguity in state and federal copyright laws, artists and copyright owners who created that music receive nothing for the use of their work. The CLASSICS Act (H.R. 3301 / S. 2393) would correct this inequity and finally ensure that musicians and vocalists who made those timeless songs finally get their due. We urge Congress to pass the CLASSICS Act and other pro-artist reforms quickly.”

The CLASSICS Act is one component of a package of music licensing reforms supported by the organizations that includes additional critical reforms such as the Music Modernization Act (H.R. 4706 / S. 2334), the AMP Act (H.R. 881) and the establishment of market-based rate standards. In the coming weeks, music community leaders anticipate the House Judiciary Committee will commence formal consideration of the music licensing reform legislation with the goal of consolidating the key reforms into a single bill.

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Weekly Register: Justin Timberlake Tops Albums Chart, Montgomery Gentry Makes Top 5 Country Debut

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Following his half-time show performance at this year’s Super Bowl, Nashville resident Justin Timberlake topped the Nielsen Soundscan Top 200 rankings this week with his new album Man of The Woods. The album moved 293K, with 242K being traditional album sales.

On the country albums chart, Montgomery Gentry has this week’s top debut, with Here’s To You at No. 3, with 14K. The album marks the first release following the death of Montgomery Gentry member Troy Gentry last year.

The only other Top 10 country debut this week was Now 65, which landed at No. 10 with 25K.

Chris Stapleton has three projects in the Top 5 on the country albums rankings again this week, with From A Room Vol. 2 leading this week’s country albums rankings with 17K. Stapleton’s Traveller is at No. 2 with 15K, and From A Room Vol. 1 sits at No. 5 with 14K.

Kane Brown‘s self-titled album is at No. 4 this week, with 14K.

On the Top 5 country digital song downloads chart, Florida Georgia Line‘s collaboration with Bebe Rexha is again at No. 1 this week, with 34K. Jason Aldean‘s new track “You Make It Easy” is at No. 2 with 26K, followed by Thomas Rhett‘s “Marry Me” at No. 3 with 17K. Stapleton’s “Broken Halos” is at No. 4 with 15K, with Brown’s “Heaven” rounding out the Top 5 with 14K.

Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.

Bakersfield Music Hall Of Fame Announces Final Six Inductees

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Tommy Collins, Larry Daniels, Luther Davis, Cousin Herb Henson, Ken Nelson, and Jean Shepard have been added to the 17 members of the inaugural class of the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame for 2017-2018. The final six entertainment personalities selected represent a broad and diverse range of the music that has been exported to the world from Kern County and the surrounding area and will be enshrined on March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Hall. 

The names of the Inaugural Inductees will be placed in the Galaxy of Stars, and will have a full-length, artist-rendered sketch created in their honor. The March 1 ceremony will feature appearances from members of the inductees’ families, as well as musical performances. For ticket information visit BakersfieldMusicHallOfFame.com. 

 

Rolling Stones Exhibit Makes Final Stop At Nashville’s Musicians Hall Of Fame And Museum

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Rolling Stones fans will get a chance to check out over 500 rare items belonging to or connected with the iconic band at the Rolling Stones Exhibit when it comes to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville beginning March 29. The exhibit of memorabilia features 50 years of Stones fashion, 190 original artworks, vintage instruments, interactive sound mixing desks and recording equipment, a screening cinema with exclusive content, and a 3D concert experience. 

Delivered by DHL, the band’s first-ever major exhibition will have a limited exclusive U.S. Southeast engagement at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and will be the final stop in its U.S. tour and its first and only stop in the Southeast. The Music City engagement follows The Rolling Stones Exhibit’s global premiere in London, its star-studded U.S. premiere in NYC, and limited engagement stops in Chicago and Las Vegas.

“The Rolling Stones Exhibit is a once-in-a-lifetime, immersive experience that tells the story of the most influential rock band in the world,” said Joe Chambers, Founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. “We’re all in for a rare treat. Hosting The Rolling Stones Exhibit here at the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum and pairing it with our museum that celebrates the achievements of all musicians around the globe establishes a can’t miss destination worth traveling from anywhere for music fans.”

The exhibit is the largest touring experience of its kind ever to be staged, and the first time in history the band has personally unlocked their vast private archive exploring the very beginning of their history to the Stones’ superstardom of today. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow at stonesexhibitionism.com/.

iHeartCountry Festival 2018 To Feature Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Dustin Lynch

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A superstar lineup of artists will perform at the upcoming 2018 iHeartCountry Festival by AT&T May 5th, including Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Cole Swindell, Maren Morris, Sugarland, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, Dan + Shay, Jon Pardi, and Brett Young. Hosted by Bobby Bones for the fifth straight year, country’s biggest stars will perform at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.

“What makes this festival special is that it is the one night the A-list of country music comes together to perform live, collaborate with friends and spend time together as a family,” said John Sykes, President of  Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia. “Everyone stays to support each other until the last band has walked off stage.”

Tickets will be available to eligible AT&T customers through an exclusive AT&T THANKS Priority Pre-sale beginning Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. CT through March 1 via the AT&T Thanks app. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 2 at 12 p.m. CT at TexasBoxOffice.com. iHeartMedia’s country stations will broadcast the event live in their local markets and at iHeartRadio.com. Streaming details will be announced soon.

iHeartCountry has more than 150 country stations across the U.S. reaching more than 110 million country listeners per month, making it the largest country broadcast radio group in America.

Last Call: Nominations for MusicRow’s 7th Annual Rising Women On The Row Due Feb. 16

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Nominations for MusicRow‘s 7th annual Rising Women On The Row are due Friday, Feb. 16.

CLICK FOR RISING WOMEN NOMINATION FORM AND TICKETS

Multiple nominations do not increase chances of being selected, but you may nominate as many women as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are also welcome. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted.

MusicRow is set to honor deserving businesswomen who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders during its annual Rising Women On The Row breakfast. The seventh annual event will be held Tuesday, March 27 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Supporting sponsorship tables and individual tickets are currently available, and regularly sell out.

Newcomer Jordan Davis Visits CMA

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Pictured (L-R): Angela Strader (Awards & Industry Relations Assistant, CMA), MCA Nashville’s Jordan Davis, Brandi Simms (Sr. Director of Awards & Industry Relations, CMA), Brenden Oliver (Manager of Awards & Industry Relations, CMA). Photo: Hunter Berry

MCA Nashville’s promising new artist Jordan Davis stopped by the CMA last Friday (Feb. 9) to play an acoustic set and mingle with staffers. Davis’ debut single “Singles You Up” is currently Top 15 on the country airplay charts and his debut album Home State is set to be released March 23.

He just embarked on his first headlining White Wine and Whiskey tour with special guest Jillian Jacqueline.

Stars React To Daryle Singletary’s Passing

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Daryle Singletary

Country singer Daryle Singletary died unexpectedly on Monday morning (Feb. 12) at his Nashville home, at age 46. After news of Singletary’s death spread, artists began sharing thoughts and condolences.

“Daryle was one of the best country singers in Nashville. I was saddened when I heard the news. Just saw him at Mel Tillis’ memorial service. I hugged him and told him that I loved him. What a shock! It made me realize that life is a gift, and none of us are promised tomorrow. I’ll miss him.”
–Ricky Skaggs

“Daryle was a fine singer who always knew exactly what to do with a song. His vocals conveyed authentic emotion right on par with the greats. It was my pleasure to share the stage and the studio a few times with him over the years. His greatest accomplishment and treasure was his family. He loved to talk about his four children, and my thoughts and prayers are with Holly and the kids.”
–John Anderson

“So fortunate we got to hear Daryle Singletary one more time at dad’s memorial, and I’m so sad we lost another classic country singer and a good man. My heart is hurting for the family. He was one of my favorite singers and everyone that knew him said he was a great man. I wish I could have known him better. He was admired by all of us for representing traditional country music.”
–Pam Tillis

“I am simply silenced by the news of Daryle’s passing. He was my friend and brother in Christ. I loved him for exactly who he was. He was undoubtedly the best friend a real country song could ever have, and honestly, I don’t know if our industry can stand to lose him at this time. He was the ‘Keeper’ of the lost tradition, and we all loved him for it.”
–Darryl Worley

“Well, like a lot of you, I awoke to the heartbreaking news of the passing of my fellow Georgian, Daryle Singletary. I am truly shocked by the news. I didn’t know Daryle as a personal friend but I sure knew that voice. Man, could he sing a country song… as a matter of fact, any song Daryle sang became a country song.”
–John Berry

“Prayers for Daryle Singletary’s family. We’ve lost a talented and great man.”
–Aaron Tippin

“Daryle was a very nice man and a GREAT country singer. My condolences to his family.”
–Larry Gatlin

“I’m saddened to hear of Daryle’s passing. What a great guy and a fine country singer!”
–Rudy Gatlin

“Daryle has definitely left his mark on country music, not only with his great songs and classic baritone voice, but his legacy will live on in the voices of the new generation of entertainers he has inspired.”
–Craig Wayne Boyd

“So very sad to hear about the passing of Daryle Singletary. Country music has lost another great voice, but his music will live forever in the hearts and minds of anyone who ever heard him sing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
–T.G. Sheppard

“Our hearts are so broken over the loss of Daryle. His voice was so pure and authentically country. Our prayers will be with his wife and children at this terrible time. Life is so uncertain. What a sad reminder for us to tell those we love how much they mean to us, while we still can.”
–Kelly Lang

“Daryle Singletary- one of the single greatest singers who ever sang a song. I loved singing with him. We shared a kindred spirit on and off the stage. I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace, my friend.”
–Rhonda Vincent

“Daryle was one of the nicest people in the music business and what a great voice.”
–Larry Stewart, Restless Heart

“The country music community suffered a terrible loss this morning. Daryle Singletary, one of the finest and purest country voices of all time, passed away at much too young an age. We were fortunate to be on several shows through the years with Daryle. I used to see him at The Station Inn when he would sit in with a band called 45 RPM. Please join us in offering prayers for his wife and family.”
–Greg Jennings, Restless Heart

“So few voices heard these days evoke the real heart and soul of country music. We lost one of those rare voices this morning. May God bring peace and comfort to Daryle Singletary’s family and all those who loved him.”
–Dave Innis, Restless Heart

“Truly saddened today for Holly and their four beautiful children, along with his mom and dad. Daryle Singletary, was a man’s man. He was in all respects, one of the greats. A country music singer’s singer. We will miss our friend and hold close his loving family in prayer. Until we meet on the shores of the everlasting Rest In Peace.”
–Marty Raybon, Shenandoah

“Sorry to hear that a great country voice has passed away. God bless you, Daryle Singletary.”
–Sammy Kershaw

“We have lost one of our great singers. Great guy. We are praying for his family.”
–Moe Bandy

“I’m shocked and very saddened by the passing of my friend Daryle Singletary. We have known each other for close to 25 years. He is definitely one of the very best voices I ever had the opportunity to share a stage with, and his love of COUNTRY music will be greatly missed!”
–Mark Wills

Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent Set For Ryman Auditorium’s Bluegrass Nights Summer Series

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Bluegrass Nights. Photo: Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium’s annual Bluegrass Nights summer series will welcome stars including Dailey & Vincent, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, The Del McCoury Band, and more.

For more than two decades, the Ryman Auditorium has highlighted its distinction as the birthplace of bluegrass music with the summer series. In 1945, Grand Ole Opry star Bill Monroe, along with musical cohorts Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise and Howard Watts, stepped onto the Ryman Auditorium stage and their performance birthed the genre of music today known as bluegrass.

The 2018 Bluegrass Nights lineup includes:
June 21 – Dailey & Vincent
June 28 – Hot Rize
July 5 – Artist TBA
July 12 – The Del McCoury Band
July 19 – Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
July 26 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Each show will begin at 7:30 p.m., and will be preceded by the free WSM showcase Pickin’ On The Plaza from 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m., which features regional bluegrass bands.

In Pictures: Jake Owen, Kelsea Ballerini, Change The Conversation, ASCAP Bluebird Showcase, Smithfield

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Jake Owen And Jordan Spieth Team For Fourth Year At AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Pictured (L-R): Wayne Gretzky, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Jake Owen  Photo: Marc Howard for Monterey Peninsula

Big Loud recording artist Jake Owen recently partnered for a fourth year in a row with PGA champion Jordan Spieth at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

“Playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is always one of my favorite weeks of the year,” said Owen. “I was truly honored to be partnered for a fourth time with my buddy Jordan Spieth, and to have Dustin Johnson and Wayne Gretzky in our foursome was so awesome. To be able to walk alongside those guys this week was amazing, but the most incredible part for me was having my dad as my caddie. He taught me and my twin brother how to play golf when we were little kids, so walking with him on the greens at Monterey Peninsula is something that is hard to describe and I’ll never forget.”

Kelsea Ballerini Kicks Off Unapologetically Tour In Birmingham

Pictured (L-R): Iconic’s Fletcher Foster, Black River’s Dave Dame, Brian Rhodes and Mike Wilson. Dollar Bill/WDXB, CAA’s John Huie, Kelsea Ballerini, Tim Hanrahan/WDXB, Black River’s Theresa Ford, Ray Quinn/WDXB, and Black River’s Bill Macky

Kelsea Ballerini’s Unapologetically Tour kicked off last weekend in a big way in Birmingham’s Alabama Theatre with a sold-out crowd and surrounded by her supportive team.

 

Change The Conversation Holds Town Hall Meeting On Sexual Harassment

Pictured (L-R): Beverly Keel, Anne Martin, Tracy Gershon

Change the Conversation recently held the second part of its Town Hall meeting on Sexual Harassment, featuring a conversation with attorney Anne Martin, at Warner Music Nashville.

“It was a powerful night,” says Change the Conversation co-founder Beverly Keel, who led Martin in a 2-hour conversation with about 60 men and women. “Our members shared their personal experiences, offered tips to others about how to handle uncomfortable situations and offered ways to help victims of harassment. It’s important that our members know they aren’t alone in facing these issues, so they shouldn’t feel alone in finding solutions.”

 

Joe Clemmons, Josh Grider, Cody Belew Hunter Phelps Play ASCAP Bluebird Showcase

Pictured (L-R): A​SCAP’s Robert Filhart, Hunter Phelps, Joe Clemmons, Josh Grider, Cody Belew and ASCAP’s Holly Chester

ASCAP hosted its long-running monthly showcase series at The Bluebird Cafe Feb. 7. ASCAP songwriter-artist Hunter Phelps hosted the round that featured songwriter Joe Clemmons, songwriter-artist Josh Grider, and one of the newest members of the ASCAP family, songwriter-artist Cody Belew.  Clemmons, Belew and Grider all made their Bluebird Cafe debut at the showcase, curated by ASCAP’s Robert Filhart.

 

Smithfield And Deluge Records At CRS

Pictured (L-R): Mark Friedman (VP Deluge Records) Jennifer Fielder & Trey Smith (Smithfield) and David Robkin (President Deluge Records)

Smithfield took a break from their debut radio tour and the Granger Smith tour to participate in their first CRS. Their breakout ballad “Hey Whiskey” will hit country radio on March 26.