Q&A: Trainer Erin Oprea Hosts ‘Brunch And Burn’ To Benefit CMA Foundation

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Pictured (L-R): Erin Oprea, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd. Photo: Zach Harrison

On Saturday (Nov. 10), Erin Oprea along with her country star clients, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, hosted the first CMA Brunch and Burn (sponsored by Avia and FIJI Water) held at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Nashville. Proceeds from the event benefit the CMA Foundation and their work to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in a quality music program. Attendees made “pretty muscles” in an hour-long workout session followed by a brunch buffet and meet and greet with Oprea.

Based in Nashville, Oprea is a former marine known for training clients including Morris, Lee Ann Womack, and Carrie Underwood. She is the author of the 4×4 Diet which discusses four healthy eating habits and four-minute tabata workouts to transform your body. MusicRow sat down with Oprea to discuss her history as a trainer, as well as training tips for those in the music business.

MusicRow: How did you get your title as “Trainer to the Stars”?

Oprea: My first client was Aubrie Sellers, then Lee Ann Womack and Frank Liddell. From there, it went to Carrie Underwood. My passion was not to train celebrities, it was to just teach fitness and have fun with it. I wanted to spread the word that fitness could be fun, and through that it spread into what it is. I didn’t go looking to be a celebrity trainer. I get labeled that, but I am just a trainer.

Besides one-on-one personal training and the 4 x 4 Diet book, do you have any other resources for those who want to train like your star clients?

I can train the whole world; I actually have clients in England. I do virtual training classes, one on Monday night at 6 p.m. CT and one at 8:30 a.m. CT on Saturday morning. It is a live interactive class; I only take 30 people at a time. Everybody sees me, and I have a huge screen where I can see everybody, so I watch their form. We do a 45-minute workout and a 15-minute Q&A, where we talk about health and fitness questions. You can’t out train a bad diet. If you eat bad, you can workout all day long, but you are not going to get the benefits that you are looking for.

When did you make the move to Nashville and what brought the move?

End of 2005. My ex-husband wanted to move here, and I got divorced right after that. Then, I was here for custody. So I was like, “Well, I am in Nashville now,” and I hated it. I grew up in San Diego and thought this was awful. But now, I would never move back. I love it here. It has evolved and grown on me. I have the best job here; this is the best city. It was meant to be, but I just didn’t know it at the time.

Photo: Hunter Berry

What is your favorite spot to workout outside of the gym?

The Capitol stairs is one of my favorites. I really find it in every corner of the city. I can workout everywhere. I usually don’t stay put, so I take the whole city and the whole world as my gym. Put me on the corner of Broadway; I will workout.

For those who work in the music industry and are constantly busy, do you have any advice for people who find it hard to get the time to workout?

Time is definitely the issue for most people. It is trying to find [time] in little pockets here and there. Fit in tabatas; do a four-minute workout. You can do those anywhere. Before breakfast if you can get up and go for a little walk, start your steps off. If you can make your goal to get 10,000 steps in a day, you will see such a change in your body just by moving. Our bodies are made to move. The more you move, the better you feel; the more you sit, the worse it gets. Start moving and start mixing in little tabatas throughout the day. It’s easy, it’s quick, it’s effective, and it will work. Fit them in when and where you can.

Do you have any on-the-road snacks or go-to meals?

I live out of my car for 15 hours a day. The only thing I have to eat is what is in my car. I always have my oatmeal, eggs and blueberries. That’s the highlight of my breakfast. I have already had one bowl [today] and this is my second; I always have that in my lunchbox. You can have hard boiled eggs and veggies and dip. I do a thinkThin bar, creamy peanut butter and chocolate. Is it the healthiest, no. Will it keep me from having a sweet tooth, yes. I break it up into a third and get a third each part of the day.

How did the partnership with Maren, Ryan and the CMA Foundation come about?

So my job is all in music and I love both [Maren and Ryan]. I was like, “Let’s do a workout,” and I contacted the CMA and said, “Let’s do something for the charity.”

Do you foresee this event continuing in the future?

I would love to do it. Every year, I want to grow. We started doing a small one this year. I would love to do it next year and hopefully Maren and Ryan will want to continue to do it. This is what I love doing. I love getting on stage and seeing people smile while working out. It can be fun; let’s make it fun.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Alex Kobrick, Erin Oprea, MusicRow’s Haley Crow

Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, Jake Owen Tapped As Country Thunder Wisconsin Headliners

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Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, and Jake Owen are set to headline the 2019 Country Thunder Festival in Wisconsin in Twin Lakes July 18-21, 2019.

“Country Thunder Wisconsin has established itself as a must-see event every summer in beautiful Twin Lakes,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO, Troy Vollhoffer.“The fans in this part of the world make the Country Thunder experience special, and we are truly excited to announce these headliners for them. Ticket sales have been brisk since we announced Chris Stapleton at last year’s event. By adding Tim McGraw, Jake Owen and one more very special headline guest, who will be unveiled in January, we feel like 2019 is going to be a blockbuster year.”

Other artists set to take the stage in Wisconsin include Michael Ray, Ashley McBryde, High Valley, Lindsay Ell, LOCASH, Trace Adkins, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Lonestar, the James Barker Band, Hunter Brothers, Jimmie Allen, Jameson Rodgers and more to come.

Four-day passes are available for three payments of $53, with reserved seating, camping, glamping and all the extras available, and can be purchased at countrythunder.com, or by phone at 1-866-388-0007.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Matt McGinn, Kane Brown’s “Heaven” Top SESAC Country Awards

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Matt McGinn wins songwriter of the year onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC.

BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM

Chapter 608

Songwriter Matt McGinn and his co-written Kane Brown hit “Heaven” were the big winners at this year’s SESAC Country Awards.

“I love songs,” McGinn told the event’s attendees. “It’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had in my life—it’s the ONLY relationship I’ve ever had in my life. Thank you to my co-writers—we can’t do this without each other….Thank you, SESAC, for all that you do.”

Ryan Hurd presented the Songwriter of the Year award to him.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, chairman and CEO of SESAC John Josephson, Matt McGinn and SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner attend the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

“Heaven” was named Song of the Year. McGinn’s co-writer Lindsay Rimes performed it with Aaron Eshuis and Joey Hyde at the event. The honors were staged Sunday evening (Nov. 11) at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The momentum of “Heaven” carried over to the publisher prize. Thus, the first-time winner of SESAC’s Country Publisher of the Year was Smackworks Music. Shane McAnally and Michael McAnally Baum led their team in accepting.

“I’m expecting many more awards from you guys,” commented SESAC host Shannan Hatch.

Pictured (L-R): Hannah Mulholland, Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne of the band Runaway June perform onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

She and SESAC’s genial ET Brown began the evening by presenting the organization’s Americana honors. It is the only performing-arts group that recognizes this genre.

The Americana winners were Margo Price & Jeremy Ivey, plus Jaren Boyer, Brice Long and an absent Kevin Welch (for their contributions to Chris Stapleton’s CD) and Jamey Johnson, John Carter Cash and an absent Rosanne Cash (for the Johnny Cash homage Forever Words). Jamey and John Carter performed the ethereal “Spirit Rider” from the collection.

“We want to dedicate that to Randy Scruggs,” said Johnson, “because that’s the last time many of us got to work with him in the studio.”

Pictured: Margo Price (L) and Jeremy Ivey attend the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Non-attending Americana winners included Jim Lauderdale, Andrew Combs, Rachael Price, Michael Olson and Anthony Snape.

Lydia Schultz assisted Hatch in presenting the country awards. In addition to McGinn, the winners were Casey Brown for “Yours,” Justin Ebach for “Singles You Up,” Josh Hoge for “Losing Sleep,” Seth Mosley for “She’s With Me,” Sammy Mitchell for “One Number Away” and Hillary Scott for “Heart Beat.”

Since the ceremony took place on Veteran’s Day, a number of service men and women were in the audience. SESAC’s John Josephson recognized them from the stage and introduced a video about the Folds of Honor Foundation. It assists the families of disabled or deceased vets.

Pictured: Sara Reeveley (L) and Lee Brice take photos during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Lee Brice performed an intense rendition of “I Drive Your Truck.” He helped to establish the Folds of Honor’s Nashville chapter. SESAC’s Kelli Turner recognized both him and the foundation.

The performers during the post-awards gala included Michael Tyler, Seaforth, Runaway June and Tyler Rich.

SESAC decided to think outside the box for its ceremonies this year. Instead of an awards banquet, the organization staged a deluxe cocktail party in The Country Music Hall of Fame’s event space.

Pictured: SESAC President and COO Kelli Turner speaks onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

“We’ve redesigned our awards as well as our awards show,” said Hatch. “We decided to have a party to kick off this week.”

The event space was lit with retro lighting. Vintage-reproduction bulbs glowed from strands while faux klieg fixtures decorated the stage. Its backdrop was a pitch-black drape embellished by starry mini lights. Glittering black tablecloths were centered with red tea roses in clear globes. Guests sat on lucite chairs or black leather couches.

The buffet dinner featured stations serving Asian fare, beef brisket, customized mac & cheese, veggies and salads. DJ KD spun sounds. More than 500 guests attended the festivities.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, Seth Mosley, Cade Segura of CentricSongs and SESAC’s Lydia Schultz onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Ron Stuve, Ron Cox, Ron Samuels, Phyllis Williams, Phyllis Stark, Dave Brainard, Dave Pacula, David & Carolyn Corlew, Patrick Clifford, Pat Collins, Pat Higdon, John Beiter, John Ozier, John Allen, Jon Stone, Ed Morris, Jason Morris & Jewel Coburn, Jesse Lee, Jesse Willoughby, Becky Harris, Judy Harris, Jenny Tolman, Jennifer Fieidler, Shawna Thompson, Keifer Thompson, Kerry O’Neil, Keith Burns, Kos Weaver and Kristy Osmunson mingled merrily.

Also working the room were such fabulettes as Olivia Lane, Jamie Floyd, Victoria Shaw, Amy Smartt, Tinti Moffat, Ana Cristina Cash, Christy Walker Watkins, Beth Nielsen Chapman (who is performing at a You Have the Power benefit at Cabana on Thursday), Lisa Harless, Robin Palmer, Diane Pearson, Ree Guyer, Tracy Gershon, Susan Stewart and Lori Badgett.

Pictured: Jamey Johnson performs onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Schmoozing mightily were Fletcher Foster, Craig Campbell, Troy Tomlinson, Ryan Kinder, Trey Smith, Cary Barlowe, Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman, Michael Knox, Russell Dickerson, Lance Miller, Jimmy Carter, Mark Ford, Bob Doyle, Gilles Godard, Earle Simmons, Charley Stefl, Tim Wipperman, Tom Roland, Clay Myers, Steve Bogard, Andrew Kintz, Garry Velletri, Sherod Robertson, Bart Herbison, Jedd Hughes, Larry McCormick and Fats Kaplan.

SESAC bills itself as “the most progressive PRO.” It pays monthly radio royalties and was the first PRO to pay royalties for live performances in venues of any size. SESAC Holdings Inc. also encompasses the Harry Fox Agency and its Rumblefish administrative division.

Pictured (L-R): Jesse Willoughby of Kobalt Group Publishing, SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, SMACKWORKS MUSIC’s Shane McAnally Baum, Matt McGinn, SMACKWORKS MUSIC’s Robin Palmer and SESAC’s Lydia Schultz. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Shane McAnally (L) and Warner/Chappell’s Ben Vaughn during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SESAC

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Matt McGinn’s family, Matt McGinn, SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch, and Ryan Hurd onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz, Ryan Beuschel of W.B.M. Music Corp, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and SESAC VP of Creative Services Shannan Hatch onstage during the 2018 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SESAC

Trisha Yearwood To Release New Collection Of Frank Sinatra Favorites

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As a Valentine to her fans, Trisha Yearwood will release her first full-length studio album in over 10 years with Let’s Be Frank, a collection of the singer’s favorite tunes by Frank Sinatra. The album will be available exclusively Dec. 20 at Williams-Sonoma and everywhere on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2019.

Adding a cool touch of retro vibe to the project, Yearwood recorded the timeless tracks live with a 55-piece orchestra at the iconic Capitol Records building in Hollywood using Sinatra’s microphone and sitting on the same stool where he sat while recording the originals.

Yearwood recently dished more details on her weekly Facebook Live show “T’s Coffee Talk,” about the new album, as well as additional new music in 2019, and the season 13 premiere of Trisha’s Southern Kitchen on The Food Network. As part of her line with Williams Sonoma, she just launched her new “Autumn in a Cup” drink for the Fall, as well as her first-ever perishable Thanksgiving line, “The Complete Trisha Yearwood Thanksgiving Dinner,” which includes a roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry orange relish, cornbread dressing and lemon pecan pie.

 

Brothers Osborne Extend Tour, Welcome The Wild Feathers, Ruston Kelly, Devon Gilfillian

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Brothers Osborne will extend their headlining world tour into 2019. The duo will launch the next leg of the tour on Jan. 10 in Chicago, and will welcome The Wild Feathers, Ruston Kelly and Devon Gilfillian for select dates.

The tour will visit more than 40 additional markets including New York, Los Angeles and Nashville. Fans can purchase tickets beginning this Friday, Nov. 16 at brothersosborne.com.

Joining John and TJ Osborne for select dates is country rock band The Wild Feathers, comprised of vocalist Taylor Burns, singer-guitarist Ricky Young, singer-bassist Joel King and drummer Ben Dumas. Singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly will also hit the road with Brothers Osborne for several dates. Ruston released his full-length debut album, Dying Star, earlier this fall. In addition, Philadelphia-born Gilfillian will join Brothers Osborne for the remaining tour dates. Gilfillian released his self-titled EP in May 2016.

Brothers Osborne – World Tour Dates:
Nov. 25: Glasgow, Scotland O2 Academy Glasgow**
Nov. 27: Newcastle, England O2 Academy Newcastle**
Nov. 28: Manchester, England Academy Manchester**
Nov. 30: Nottingham, England Rock City**
Dec. 1: Porthcawl, Wales Planet Rock Festival
Dec. 2: London, England O2 Kentish Town Forum**
Jan. 10: Chicago, IL Riviera Theater*
Jan. 11: Detroit, MI The Fillmore Detroit*
Jan. 12: Cleveland, OH Agora Theatre*
Jan. 23: New York, NY Terminal 5*
Jan. 24: Boston, MA House of Blues*
Jan. 25: Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore*
Jan. 26: Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE – Indoor*
Jan. 30: Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre*
Jan. 31: Chattanooga, TN Tivoli Theatre*
Feb. 1: Mobile, AL Saenger Theater*
Feb. 6: Birmingham, AL Alabama Theatre*
Feb. 7: Shreveport, LA Municipal Auditorium*
Feb. 8: Fort Worth, TX Billy Bob’s Texas*
Feb. 14: Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room at Old National Centre*
Feb. 15: Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium*
Feb. 16: Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium*
Feb. 20: Columbus, OH Express Live! Indoor Pavilion +
Feb. 21: Ashland, KY Paramount Arts Center +
Feb. 22: Richmond, VA The National+
Feb. 23: Washington, DC The Anthem+
Mar. 2: Saint Augustine, FL The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre+
Mar. 6: Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater+
Mar. 7: Sioux City, IA Orpheum Theatre+
Mar. 8: Saint Louis, MO The Pageant+
Mar. 9: Dubuque, IA Five Flags Center+
Mar. 13: Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Auditorium+
Mar. 14: Atlanta, GA Tabernacle+
Mar. 15: Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theater+
Mar. 21: New Orleans, LA The Fillmore New Orleans – Music Hall^
Mar. 22: Little Rock, AR Robinson Hall Little Rock^
Mar. 26: Salt Lake City, UT Union Event Center^
Mar. 27: Boise, ID Knitting Factory Concert House^
Mar. 28: Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo^
Mar. 30: Oakland, CA Fox Theater^
Mar. 31: Stockton, CA Bob Hope Theatre^
Apr. 2: Bakersfield, CA Fox Theater^
Apr. 3: Los Angeles, CA The Novo^
Apr. 4: San Diego, CA House of Blues^
Apr. 9: Oklahoma City, OK The Jones Assembly^
Apr. 10: Austin, TX Stubbs Waller Creek^
Apr. 12: Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas^
Apr. 25: Wichita, KS The Cotillion Ballroom^
Apr. 26: Lincoln, NE Lincoln In The Streets^
Apr. 27: Columbia, MO The Blue Note – Outdoors^
*Featuring The Wild Feathers
+Featuring Ruston Kelly
^Featuring Devon Gilfillian
**Featuring Lucie Silvas

NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart Inks Pub Deal With Creative Nation, PULSE Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Bursky (Foundations Music), Bear Rinehart, Jeff Skaggs (Creative Nation), Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Luke Laird (Creative Nation)

Creative Nation, in partnership with Los-Angeles based music company, PULSE Music Group, have signed Bear Rinehart to their rosters. Rinehart is frontman for South Carolina rock band NEEDTOBREATHE.

As a founding member of the Atlantic Records act, Rinehart has been a part of multiple chart topping releases including H A R D L O V E which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Albums, Top Current Albums, Top Rock Albums, and Top Alternative Albums charts, and No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Rinehart also has performing and writing credits on the RIAA-Certified Gold single, “Brother (feat. Gavin DeGraw).”

“I’ve always wanted to work with someone that has an animal name. This felt like the perfect opportunity. All jokes aside, I was initially impressed with Bear’s powerful and emotional voice and when I really dove into his songs, I discovered his lyrics and melodies were just as compelling. His work ethic and songwriting style are a great complement to the Creative Nation team and we are excited to work alongside him,” Creative Nation’s co-founder and CEO, Beth Laird, says.

“I am looking forward to working alongside the insanely talented group of writers, musicians, and artists at Creative Nation and PULSE Music Group. The reach and impact of this team’s work extends far beyond Nashville, and it’s an honor to join their ranks,” Rinehart says.

“Bear is impressive not only as an artist but also as a songwriter and artist collaborator. We believe he has a strong future ahead. His classic sensibilities paired with his natural depth and soul make this an incredibly exciting partnership for us,” PULSE Music Group’s President of Creative Maria Egan says.

BBR Music Group/BMG Announces ‘Homegrown Kids Country, Vol 1.’

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Conceived and crafted by award-winning songwriter and producer Ross Copperman, BBR Music Group/BMG will release Homegrown Kids Country, Vol 1., on Dec. 7. The compilation album will feature professionally recorded versions of hand-selected youth singers performing 10 modern country hits, produced by Dana Anderson and David Wise, with executive producer Copperman.

“I’ve worked on so many records but I really wanted to make one that we can listen to while we drive around in the car and other parents can enjoy too,” said Copperman, executive producer of Homegrown Kids. “When kids hear other children singing, their eyes kind of light up and I just thought this would be a great way to get kids and their families involved in country music.”

Homegrown Kids Country, Vol. 1 is available for pre-order here.

Homegrown Kids Country, Vol. 1 Track Listing:
-Jon Pardi, “Dirt on My Boots”
-Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line, “Meant to Be”
-Lauren Alaina, “Road Less Traveled”
-Kenny Chesney, “Get Along”
-Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
-Keith Urban ft. Julia Michaels, “Coming Home”
-Luke Bryan, “Most People are Good”
-Kenny Chesney ft. David Lee Murphy, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
-Old Dominion, “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”
-Little Big Town, “Boondocks”

Steven Lee Olsen Releases Debut Album ‘Timing Is Everything’

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Award-winning hit songwriter Steven Lee Olsen is stepping into the spotlight with the release of his debut album Timing Is Everything, out today (Nov. 9). The independently-released collection proves that Olsen is not only capable of taking country music by storm as a songwriter, but also as an artist.

“I personally felt the title was a no brainer,” said the former Sony Nashville recording artist. “There have been a lot of setbacks for me these past couple of years and my patience was wearing thin. I was anxious to put out music. Then all the pieces started falling together and here we are releasing this album. It took some time, but being on the other side of it now, it’s easy to see that timing really is everything.”

The Toronto-native has spent a decade plus in Nashville strengthening his skills as a songwriter, penning songs like Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and Kip Moore’s “More Girls Like You,” among many others.

Timing Is Everything Track Listing:
1. Timing Is Everything (Steven Lee Olsen, Ben West, Troy Verges)
2. There I Said It (Olsen, David Hodges, Verges)
3. Future Me (Olsen, Brett James)
4. Eastwood (Olsen, Josh Miller, David Garcia)
5. Just Married (Olsen, Miller, Verges)
6. Undefeated (Olsen, Verges, Garcia, Miller)
7. Fools Fall In Love (Olsen, Miller, Garcia)

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, SiriusXM, Tony Brown

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Pictured (L-R): RCA Nashville SVP Promotion Dennis Reece, Sony Music Nashville’s SVP Legal & Business Affairs Angie Magill, Sony Music Nashville’s Director Marketing Jen Way, VP Digital Strategy Ed Rivadavia, Kane Brown, Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman, EVP Marketing & New Business John Zarling, VP Sales & Streaming Caryl Atwood, EFG Management’s Martha Earls, SMN COO/EVP Ken Robold

Kane Brown Surprised With RIAA Certification News On Eve of His New Album Experiment’s Release

On the eve of the release of his new album, Experiment, Kane Brown was surprised with the RIAA certifications of “What If’s” now 4-x Platinum,“Heaven” now 3-x Platinum and “Lose It” now Gold.  Brown’s career streams surpass 2 billion, with “What Ifs” at over 500 million and “Heaven” at more than 440 million.

CMA Awards Take Over SiriusXM’s The Highway

SiriusXM will launch “CMA Awards Radio” on SiriusXM’s The Highway channel beginning Monday Nov. 12 through Nov. 14. The limited-run channel takeover will feature a live simulcast of  “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” on November 14 from 8:00 pm -11:00 pm ET, which broadcasts live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on ABC. SiriusXM’s “CMA Awards Radio” will highlight music from 2018 CMA Awards nominees like Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and many more. It will also present original radio specials and interviews with nominees and performers from the CMA Awards rehearsals and on the red carpet. The channel takeover will air via satellite on channel 56, and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com.

Tony Brown’s Elvis, Strait To Jesus Named New York City Big Book Awards Winner

Elvis, Strait, to Jesus by Tony Brown has received recognition from the New York City Big Book Awards as a winner in the category of Arts & Entertainment. Elvis, Strait, to Jesus was also recognized as a distinguished favorite in the category of Coffee Table Books. The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence. The book compiles the iconic 40-year career of award-winning producer Brown.

Drew Green Signs Publishing Deal With Warner/Chappell Nashville And Cornman Music

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(L-R:) Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Nate Lowery (Cornman Music), Drew Green, Brett James (Cornman Music), Jessi Vaughn (Warner/Chappell)

Songwriter Drew Green has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Nashville and Cornman Music. Green’s song “Colorado” was recently released by Florida Georgia Line.

“We’re very excited and honored to announce the signing of Drew Green to Cornman Music and Warner/Chappell,” said Cornman General Manager and VP, Nate Lowery. “Drew is an exceptional writer and artist, and one of the hardest working people I’ve been able to spend time with. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Brett and I are honored to have him join the Cornman family.”