CAA Signs Willie Jones

/by

Pictured (L-R): John Huie (CAA), Jonnie Forster (4 SOUND LA), Michael Bryan (CAA), Willie Jones, Madison Lee (CAA), Marc Dennis (CAA)

CAA has signed Willie Jones.

Jones recently signed to Black River Entertainment, with a full-length album slated to release in the fall.

Jones, who is managed by 4 SOUND LA’s Jonnie Forster, released his first single, “Runs In Our Blood,” last year. Jones has toured on the MAGcon Tour featuring artists including Cameron Dallas, Nash Grier, Shawn Mendes and more.

Jones is set to perform at Ole Red in Nashville today, Feb. 14.

Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Matt Jenkins, Cassadee Pope Bring ASCAP ‘I Create Music’ EXPO To Bluebird Cafe

/by

Pictured (L-R): Michael Martin, ASCAP VP of Membership; Erika Wollam Nichols, GM, The Bluebird Café; Mike Sistad, ASCAP Senior Creative Director; Ashley Gorley, Cassadee Pope, Jon Nite, Matt Jenkins; Holly Chester, ASCAP Membership Manager. Photo: Ed Rode.

ASCAP songwriters Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite, Matt Jenkins, and Cassadee Pope brought the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO In The Round event to the Bluebird Cafe last night (Feb. 13) to promote the PRO’s upcoming EXPO in Los Angeles this May.

The songwriters were happy to talk about their experiences with ASCAP and at the EXPO, and honored to play their hits at the intimate venue. ASCAP’s Mike Sistad was on hand to introduce the writers and give some information about the conference.

“Fourteen years ago we launched our first ASCAP ‘I Create Music’ EXPO in Los Angeles,” Sistad said. “We felt there was a need for a music conference dedicated to the art-craft and business of songwriting, and boy were we right. That first year we had Tom Petty as our keynote, and we were off and running.

“From the start we presented panel discussions on everything from music publishing, music marketing, music placements,” he continued. “Everything a songwriter would need to know to move his or her career forward. We also have song feedback panels and one on one sessions.”

Ashley Gorley. Photo: Ed Rode

Six-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year, Ashley Gorley, played some of his numerous hits, including Blake Shelton’s “I Lived It,” Thomas Rhett’s “Marry Me,” Jon Pardi’s “Dirt On My Boots” and Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

“ASCAP does lots of things,” Gorley said. “It’s tricky to explain what they do. They have EXPO, they have panels, they have writers’ nights, they listen to new writers’ songs. One of the things they do is figure out ways to pay us for songs that are on the radio, which is a great job. We love it. But there’s a lot that goes into that and they’re trying to fight battles for us and figure out how we can get what our songs are truly worth.

“I wrote this next song with a guy named Dallas Davidson,” he continued. “We sat down and said we want to write someone’s favorite song today. We want to pinpoint somebody finding their favorite song on the radio and that’s it.” He then started into Luke Bryan’s No. 1, “Play It Again.”

“I don’t know what to play after your super smashes,” Nite joked after Gorley played one of his 38 No. 1 hits.

“Well, you can play some of yours!” Gorley jested with a smile.

“What do I do? I’ll just play a medley of mine,” Jenkins teased Nite.

Nite, who will be a panelist at the EXPO this year, had just gotten back in town after attending the Grammys, where he had been nominated for Best Country Song. He played that Cole Swindell hit, “Break Up In The End,” as well as Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert’s “We Were Us,” Urban’s “Break On Me,” David Nail’s “Whatever She’s Got” and Lee Brice’s “Boy.”

“I’m excited to go out and talk to young songwriters,” Nite said. “I remember sitting in these seats right here and watching Jeffrey Steele just shred and sing higher than I could ever dream of singing; and Bob DiPiero and all these guys who were the class before us. Just trying to figure out how terrible my songs were in comparison to how good theirs were. They’d play songs like ‘What Hurts The Most’ and I’d go back home and be like ‘Woah, there’s another level you’ve got to get to, big man!'”

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Cassadee Pope, Matt Jenkins, Jon Nite. Photo: Ed Rode

Matt Jenkins played a sampling of his No. 1’s, like his clever Old Dominion hit “Song For Another Time,” Sam Hunt and Keith Urban’s “Cop Car,” Dustin Lynch’s “Where It’s At” and a pretty, mild version of Florida Georgia Line’s “Confession.” Jenkins also performed a song called “Fade Into You” that felt appropriate to play at the Bluebird because it had been featured on the TV show Nashville. Pope provided the female harmonies reminiscent from the duet on the show.

“This was a song I wrote with Shane McAnally and Trevor Rosen that I really loved,” he said. “We write tons of songs, aiming for radio a lot of the time, but sometimes you write songs that you love hoping that they maybe could find a home. This had been around for a minute and the show Nashville was getting rolling and they found this song. I think they sang this at the Bluebird [on the show.] I never play this song out but it feels decently appropriate in the house.”

With the reverence of the Bluebird in mind, Pope played both songs she’d written and songs she wished she’d written, a couple of which show up on her recently released album, Stages.

“I love to write songs and it’s very therapeutic, but I also love to take advantage of living here and being exposed to these amazing, amazing songs,” she said before she went into her wistful “Take You Home” penned by Paul DiGiovanni, Ben Hayslip and Emily Weisband.

Pope also played “One More Red Light,” “Alien” and the tender “If My Heart Had A Heart”—written by CMT’s Next Women of Country tourmate Hannah Ellis with Josh Kerr and Matt McGinn—as well as her hit “Wasting All These Tears.”

The ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO will take place May 2-4. Tickets are available now. Purchasers can receive a discount with the code: BLUEBIRD.

Country Radio Seminar Attendees Get Early Look At Ken Burns’ ‘Country Music’ Doc

/by

Dayton Duncan discusses the upcoming ‘Country Music’ series on PBS

On Wednesday (Feb. 13), the first day of the 50th annual Country Radio Seminar, attendees got an early look at the upcoming Ken Burns PBS documentary Country Music.

The 16-hour, eight-part series includes discussions from more than 100 interviews, 3,500 photos and film snippets, and spotlights 570 of country music’s most important songs. The documentary traces country music’s early roots, including its many offshoots and influences, from bluegrass, early rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, and more.

Dayton Duncan, writer and co-producer of the documentary, introduced seven clips from various episodes of the film to CRS attendees.

In one clip, Willie Nelson recalled driving to Patsy Cline’s home in North Nashville with her husband Charlie Dick during the early morning hours, to play her a song he had just finished. The early wakeup call was worth it—Cline later recorded Nelson’s composition, which would become her signature song “Crazy.”

Kathy Mattea recalled her time as a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame (a position Trisha Yearwood also held as a newcomer to Nashville), and talked about the “only in country music” kind of event Fan Fair (now CMA Music Festival) was and is, as a unique way for fans to meet their favorite artists. She discussed some of the powerful fan interactions she has had at the event.

Another segment featured the career of Vince Gill, from his early work playing in groups alongside artists including Ricky Skaggs and the late Keith Whitley, to taking the lead role in Pure Prairie League and spending time as a session musician for other country artists, before ultimately breaking through with his own hits such as “When I Call Your Name.” The segment also focused on the writing of “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” a song Gill began following the passing of his former bandmate Whitley, and finished after the death of his own brother. The song would become a classic in the country music cannon. Gill recorded the song with Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs performing sublime harmonies. Gill and Loveless would be called upon to perform the song at George Jones’ memorial in 2013.

Heartbreaking footage from that memorial performance, held at the Grand Ole Opry, was shown, as Gill struggled through the song, ultimately stepping away from the mic, overcome by emotion, as Loveless’ powerful harmony held the lead. When the footage concluded, there was not a dry eye in the room at the Omni.

The series ends in the mid-‘90s, as Garth Brooks rises to an unprecedented level of stardom, and lifting country music with him. One clip recalled “That Summer” in 1996, when the music supernova Brooks drove up to Fan Fair in his truck, unannounced, and began signing autographs for fans. As word spread that he was at Fan Fair, the line for autographs grew…and grew…and grew. Brooks famously signed autographs for 23 hours straight, with no breaks.

Duncan noted that 18 of the people interviewed over the past few years for inclusion in the project have now passed. Late publicist and journalist Hazel Smith was featured in one of the clips shown during the CRS session, as was late guitarist Harold Bradley.

Other clips included artists such as Dolly Parton and Trisha Yearwood.

“We tell the story of what we consider a deeply American art form; what came to be known as country music, acknowledging its incredible diverse roots,” Duncan said, “and we follow that through the 20th century when it first began being recorded and, more importantly, when it first began to be broadcast on the brand new medium of radio.”

Country Music will premiere on PBS on Sept. 15.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: 17th Annual MusicRow Meet & Greet And CountryBreakout Awards

/by

Pictured (L-R): Alex Kobrick, MusicRow Chart Director; Kelsea Ballerini; Sherod Robertson, MusicRow Publisher/Owner. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Chapter 612

Most of the winners at this year’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards were repeat honorees, but the party celebrating them was fresher and fizzier than ever. This year’s event was sponsored by The Vaden Group/Elliott Davis.

Jason Aldean won his second consecutive Male Vocalist prize. Winner Kelsea Ballerini previously earned the Female Vocalist MusicRow honor in 2018 and 2016. Florida Georgia Line won the Duo/Group prize for the fifth year in a row. Shane McAnally won his second award in the Songwriter category. Most impressive of all was Capitol Nashville Records. It was named Label of the Year for the 15th time, and 14 of those wins have been consecutive.

“This is amazing,” said Kelsea. “This means you supported a mid-tempo love song (“Legends”) and a ballad (“I Hate Love Songs”). And now you’re playing a song about fighting for my self worth (“Miss Me More”). It’s really empowering….It means the world.”

Host Sherod Robertson responded by saying, “We’ve been fans from Day One, and we’ll always be fans of Kelsea Ballerini.”

Brent Jones accepted on behalf of Capitol. “Thank you, MusicRow!,” he exclaimed. “It’s been awesome every year. I’ve been here for all of the wins. So I’m really f****g old!”

MusicRow publisher Robertson began the event by greeting a capacity crowd at The Listening Room on Wednesday (Feb. 13) by saying, “Welcome to MusicRow’s 17th annual Country Radio ‘Meet & Greet’ and Country Breakout Awards. We’re here to celebrate radio airplay.

“Thanks to The Vaden Group/Elliott Davis, our presenting sponsors. Mike Vaden and I go way back. If you see him or Heather Campbell or Jennifer Love, be sure and give them a big MusicRow ‘Thanks.’”

Guests were given guitar-shaped mouse pads bearing the Vaden logo, as well as the magazine’s glossy, radio-convention print edition.

Pictured: Sea Gayle’s CJ Solar performs at the 17th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

The entertainment began with a spirited set by CJ Solar. This Sea Gayle Records artist applied the verve and youthful elan of his voice to the rumbling, throbbing “American Girls,” then let fly with the wailing, plaintive “Airplane.”

“It’s great to see so many familiar faces out there, and thank-you for playing those first two tunes,” he told the assembled radio programmers. “It’s also great to write songs for others.”

That was his intro to a punchy treatment of “Up Down,” which featured Solar’s fleet-fingered, “Freebird” guitar ride. His song was a big 2018 hit for Morgan Wallen with Florida Georgia Line.

“I’d like to kick off our awards,” said MusicRow chart director Alex Kobrick. “It’s a full house, and we love it.” She surprised Solar by presenting him with MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year Award.

“Wasn’t expecting that,” stammered Solar. “I’m not good at speeches. I just want to thank Sea Gayle, Craig Campbell, Dreamcatcher Management and all the promotion guys. I don’t know how I won this, but thank you so much.”

Alex continued her presentations by announcing Derek Beck of KRGI (Grand Island, Nebraska) as this year’s MusicRow Reporter of the Year. “Beck exemplifies the spirit of our chart,” she said.

“Thank you so much, MusicRow,” said Beck. “You artists are amazing. It’s great to make a difference, especially for the independent artists.”

Smack Songs exec Robert Carlton accepted McAnally’s songwriting award from Alex. Mcanally is in L.A. working on a new NBC songwriting-competition TV show, Songland.

Broken Bow Records execs Lee Adams and Shelley Hargis accepted Aldean’s award from Robertson. “We’d like to thank you for delivering ‘A Girl Like You’ [to No. 1] on the same day as his baby girl,” said Adams. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for him and his career.” She and Hargis introduced the crowd to Matt Holmberg, who is their new secondary radio promo man.

Big Machine exec Matthew Hargis accepted on behalf of FGL. The duo was en route to New York to appear on Jimmy Fallon tonight (Feb. 14) to launch its fourth album. Titled Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, it drops on Friday, Feb. 15.

“This is like Old Home Week,” said Diane Richey of the event. “It feels like one big family, and that means the world. Maybe we don’t say it enough, but, ‘Thank you.’” She heads the most awarded radio-promotion company in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Alex Kobrick, MusicRow Chart Director; Jordan Davis; Sherod Robertson, MusicRow Publisher/Owner. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Because of “Singles You Up” and “Take It From Me,” handsome, full-bearded Jordan Davis was announced as this year’s Breakthrough Artist award winner.

“This is crazy,” said Jordan. “I woke up this morning thinking about how I moved here in 2012. Music Row wrapped their arms around me in just five years. From the bottom of my heart – to be accepting an award like this – thank y’all very, very much.”

Chance McKinney added to the event’s entertainment value with a catchy set. “Tomorrow morning you’re going to be singing this song,” he promised when introducing the jaunty, sing-along “We Good.” His toe-tapping tune from last summer, “Take It Back” was next, followed by the breezy “Backyard.” His promotion staff handed out Miller Lite longnecks to the whole crowd.

Pictured: Chance McKinney performs at the 17th Annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

A bevy of indie artists worked the room and sampled the breakfast buffet. Not the least of these was TV superstar John Schneider. I congratulated him on his ambitious, simultaneous, four-CD release, Beginnings, Vagabond, Crossroads and Wanderlust, collectively billed as The Odyssey. They contain 41 songs, but John said that’s only the beginning. He’s actually recorded 72 new sides.

Marty Brown told of writing the smash “I’m From the Country” for Tracy Byrd and of how singing Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love” for America’s Got Talent led to his new Plowboy Records contract. Wife Shellie Brown is now his manager. BMI will host his new CD party on May 16.

Katlyn Lowe, Young Fables, Ricky Cook (who wrote a song based on a phrase in his last “DisClaimer” review), J.D. Shelburne, Jesse LaBelle, Shane Owens (last year’s Indie Breakthrough winner), Cherie Brennan, Southern Halo and Christian Davis were among the other artists schmoozing.

Fabulons sharing their space included Mark Logsdon, Susan Niles, Terri Brown, Woody Bomar, Dennis Banka, Traci Peel, Jim Della Croce and Martha Moore. Not to mention the mono-named Toad, of Stoney’s Rockin’ Country in Vegas, which is an exalted, ACM-nominated country nightspot.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, John Schneider, and Robert Oermann. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Shellie Brown, Marty Brown, and Robert Oermann. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): J.D. Shelburne, Katlyn Lowe, and Jim Della Croce. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Southern Halo’s Hannah, Christina and Natalia Morris. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

ACM Announces 7th Annual Party For A Cause Events

/by

The Academy of Country Music has announced the marquee events slated for the upcoming 7th Annual ACM Party for a Cause, which will take place at select venues across the Las Vegas Strip on April 5-7. Back by popular demand, ACM Stories, Songs & Stars, ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off and the ACM Awards Official After Party will return, and new to the lineup on Saturday night is ACM Decades.

Artists set to participate in the 7th Annual ACM Party for a Cause include Lauren Alaina, Rhett Akins, Rodney Atkins, Ross Copperman, Easton Corbin, Morgan Evans, Walker Hayes, Chris Lane, Maddie & Tae, Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Lori McKenna, Michael Ray, Runaway June, Darius Rucker, Dylan Scott, Mitchell Tenpenny and Brett Young.

Tickets for “The Week Vegas Goes Country” will be available for pre-sale starting today (Feb. 14) and on sale tomorrow (Feb. 15) and portions of all event proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, which works to lift lives through the power of music.

This year’s ACM Party for a Cause will consist of fan events and private parties leading up to and immediately following the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year, which will be hosted by Reba McEntire and broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: CRS 2019 Launches With Blake Shelton’s Artist Humanitarian Award Win

/by

https://musicrow.com/author/bobby-karl/

Chapter 613

This might be the 50th Country Radio Seminar, but it featured the very first convention luncheon staged by Warner Bros. Records.

The wait was worth it.

Held at the Omni Hotel on Wednesday (Feb. 13), the event’s main attraction was mega-star Blake Shelton. But the rest of the label’s showcasing roster more than stepped up to the plate.

Shelton proved (again) that he is one of the greatest country singers of our time. This vocal master of the genre was spellbinding. He casually picked up a guitar and asked the audience for requests. The first was for 2001’s career-launching “Austin.”

“When I was signed to Giant Records in 1998, it was three or four years before they put out any record I made,” he told the audience of radio tastemakers. “I said I would record ‘Austin.’ The only problem was that Clay Walker had the song on hold. So I dedicate this to Clay Walker, for not recording it.”

Blake Shelton earns the CRB Humanitarian Award

He was not only a superb country singer on the number, but also an able guitarist. Shelton followed that triumph with another early song requested. That was 2002’s vivid prison-story opus “Ol’ Red.” He drew a standing ovation when he finished it.

WB chief John Esposito began the luncheon by greeting the assembled multitude. “I sure appreciate this crowd,” he said. “This is our first Warner lunch, and based on this, there will be many more to come.” He asked for a round of applause for outgoing CRB exec Bill Mayne, “who brought this thing back to life.”

VP Kristen Williams handled the subsequent hosting duties. “This is a spectacular crowd,” she agreed. “This is something we’ve asked the CRB to do for many, many years. What an awesome way to kick off the 50th anniversary of CRS.”

Charming Morgan Evans led off the performances with his romantic, sweet “Day Drunk.” It has been No. 1 in his native Australia for 25 weeks.

“Last year was my first CRS,” he said. “My life is remarkably better since CRS last year, and that’s because of you guys.” His performance concluded with a dazzling, layered, looped vocal collage.

Cole Swindell has had eight straight No. 1 hits. Accompanied by two acoustic guitars, he sang his current success, the catchy and tuneful “Love You Too Late.”

“It’s an honor to be here today,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Devin Dawson premiered his dramatic ballad for outsiders everywhere, “Dark Horse.” It is the title tune of his CD.

“The song is my story,” he explained. “It’s the story of so many people all over America and all over the world. And I’m proud of that.”

Chris Janson

The ever-ebullient Chris Janson was next. He introduced “Good Vibes,” the lead single from his forthcoming album. It was a performance blazing with personality and energy, highlighted by his ability to blow harmonica, play guitar and keep kick-drum rhythm simultaneously.

“Mark my words, Entertainer of the Year one day soon,” commented Kristen.

Texas cowboy Cody Johnson has built his career from the ground up, amassing a huge fan base and becoming a sold-out concert attraction without benefit of radio airplay. He made the most of his moment at the event.

“As an independent artist for 10 years, I had to face the fact that radio was not going to play my music,” he related. “Now, I get it to more people than ever, thanks to Warner Bros.”

He offered his current single, “On My Way to You.” It was an eloquent, heartfelt and completely moving performance. Cody left it all on that stage, earning the day’s first standing ovation. I believe I’d just heard a future No. 1 record.

Ashley McBryde.

Kristen pointed out that Ashley McBryde’s debut effort for the label was nominated for a Grammy Award this year. “She’s a whiskey drinkin’ bad-ass with the voice of an angel,” added the exec.

Ashley told the story behind the title tune of her album, then stunned the crowd with the awesome truth and poetry of “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” The audience members applauded in mid song, then rewarded her with a loud, cheering standing ovation when she finished.

I challenge each and every one of those people who stood to PLAY this woman’s music and give her the stardom she deserves.

Fresh from their Grammy win, Dan + Shay were another show highlight. They introduced their new single, the lightly rhythmic “All to Myself.” Shay Mooney scat sang in his sky-high tenor and urged the crowd to sing along.

“Thank you for changing our lives,” said his partner Dan Smyers. “A lot of things have happened for Dan + Shay, and it all starts with you.”

Morgan Evans.

Current CRB board president Kurt Johnson commented, “Isn’t this a great way to kick off CRS?” He introduced Dierks Bentley, last year’s winner of the Artist Humanitarian Award. Following a video montage of good deeds — notably benefit work on behalf of Oklahoma tornado victims — Dierks handed this year’s trophy to Blake Shelton. Blake smooched him on the cheek.

“This is a way bigger deal than I thought it was gonna be,” said Blake. “The cool thing about country artists is that I feel that we ALL step up when we get the chance. I couldn’t be more honored. I love you guys so much: I’m standing up here in front of y’all with 18 years worth of songs you guys have played.”

Leading the cheering were Charlie Cook, Greg Hunter, Bob Paxman, Jeff Horn, Don Cusic, Bob Kelley, Donna Caldwell, Nick Martin, Preshus Harris, Elizabeth Motley and Wes Vause. Philadelphia’s Rob Keegan was attending his first Country Radio Seminar. You’ll be happy to know that he was enthralled.

Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group’s Jimmie Allen performs the national anthem during the CRS 2019 opening ceremonies.

We lunched on baked lemon chicken, vegetable rattatoulle, abundant tossed salad, rolls, roast beef, fingerling potatoes and delish desserts.

Paulina Jayne performed in the vestibule prior to the luncheon. Flinging her bodacious, blonde, lion’s-mane hair during her vivacious, rocking set, she was backed by a terrifically tight, smokin,’ bi-racial band.

Other happenings during CRS’ 2019 launch day include Zac Brown Band leading Amazon’s “Country Heat” night, and Garth Brooks putting on an intimate acoustic show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for approximately 1,000 radio station executives and media.

Garth Brooks at CRS

WTHO’s Steve Ferguson Receives Randy Jones Award

/by

Steve Ferguson, Program Director of WTHO in Thomson, Georgia, was presented with the Randy Jones Humanitarian Award on Feb. 13, for his dedication to his community. Ferguson served on the MusicRow reporting panel for 12 years and was MusicRow’s Reporter of the Year in 2010. Ferguson was recently diagnosed with terminal bile duct cancer.

The Randy Jones Award is presented each year at CRS to a station for their countless hours of charitable work, selfless dedication to their community and listeners, and the tireless promotion and preservation of country music. The award’s namesake Randy Jones served the MusicRow panel at WDHR before his sudden passing in 2010. Previous winners of this award include Russ Oker Ed Carter, Win Patton, Ted Cramer, Bill Booth, Melissa Frost, Mike Thomas.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with Ferguson’s medical bills. Those wishing to donate can click here.

Country Radio Hall Of Fame Class Of 2019 Revealed

/by

Pictured (Clockwise, L-R): Charlie Monk, Mac Daniels, Bobby Denton, Kyle Cantrell, Gregg Dahl, Jeff Garrison

Six celebrated broadcasters will join the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2019, as Grammy-winning duo Dan+Shay revealed this year’s inductees during today’s (Feb. 13) opening ceremonies for Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

Two on-air personalities and four off-air broadcasters will be honored. The 2019 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class includes Radio category honorees include Mac Daniels (KPLX and KSCS/Dallas) formerly KALM, KBOX/Dallas, KPLX, WMXQ/Washington, KASE & KVET/Austin, WYCD/Detroit, iHeartMedia, KSKS/Fresno, and NASH-FM/San Francisco, Bobby Denton (WIVK/Knoxville), Jeff Garrison (KCYY/Cox Media), formerly KKBQ, WESC, WFNQ/Greenville, KMLE/Phoenix, KILT, and Gregg Lindahl (Cox Media) formerly KOMA/Oklahoma City, WSM-AM/FM, WKY, WSOC-A/F/Charlotte, KUPL/Portland, and WKXK/Chicago.

The Air Personality category includes Charlie Monk (SiriusXM’s “Willie’s Roadhouse”) formerly of WGEA/Geneva, AL, WMTS; and Kyle Cantrell (SiriusXM) formerly WMTS/Murfreesboro, WSM-AM/Nashville, and WKDF/Nashville.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the country format. The Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner will be held in Nashville on Wednesday, June 19, at a location to be announced soon.

About the 2019 Inductees:

Air Personality Category:

Charlie Monk is the longtime host on SiriusXM’s “Prime Country” format, a role that barely scratches the surface of his contribution to the country radio/music industry. His broadcast career was launched in 1956, sweeping floors at WGEA/Geneva, AL. He quickly segued to an on-air position, and then worked in several Alabama markets, including Troy, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa. He moved to Nashville in 1968 to program WMTS and then branched into publishing, where he wrote songs recorded by Eddy Arnold, Jerry Reed, Charley Pride, Jimmy Dean, and others. Wearing his publisher hat, Monk fostered the careers of Randy Travis and Kenny Chesney. In 1969, Monk teamed with industry friends to found Country Radio Seminar (CRS). He’s served on the CRS Board from the beginning and currently is a Director Emeritus. With CRS celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, Monk is the only person who can boast of attending every single one.

After getting his radio start at WMTS/Murfreesboro, TN in 1980, Kyle Cantrell quickly rose to host mornings there, before joining the staff of WSM-AM/Nashville, handling a variety of air shifts. In 1983, Cantrell expanded his duties, adding music oversight of WSM’s network operation, Music City Radio Network (MCRN). He also hosted a nationally syndicated weekend oldies show, airing across 85 stations. In 1985, Cantrell began serving as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry, a role that he continues to this day. He was named WSM AM Program Director in 1993, moving the station’s music focus to Classic Country – the nation’s first such country outlet. In 2002, Cantrell began working for Sirius Satellite radio on its Classic Country channel. He continued with local radio joining WKDF/Nashville, where he remained until taking a fulltime position at SiriusXM and has since handled programming chores for Bluegrass Junction and Roadhouse channels. Cantrell added T2K programming duties in 2013, as well as Enlighten, SiriusXM’s Gospel brand.

Radio Category:

Mac Daniels has been working in radio for more than 40 years, beginning his career while still in high school, at Country/Gospel KALM/Thayer, MO, where he doubled as a salesperson. Drawn more to programming, Daniels was named for overnights at KBOX/Dallas while still in his teens. In 1980, Daniels segued to newly launched country outlet KPLX/Dallas and stayed for the next 14 years initially handling part-time air shifts, while helping establish the station’s research department. Daniels took on overnights, then evenings, soon adding Music Director responsibilities. During his time at KPLX, Daniels was honored with the Billboard Major Market Music Director of the Year six times and won the CMA MD of the Year trophy twice (1989, 1990). Major market programming opportunities followed, as Daniels eventually programmed nationally respected brands such as WMZQ/Washington, KASE & KVET/Austin, and WYCD/Detroit. In 2004, he was given Regional Programming responsibilities, based in Austin again, where he doubled as OM for the six-station Austin Cluster for iHeartMedia. Programming stints included KSKS/Fresno and NASH-FM/San Francisco, upon its 2013 launch. Daniels’ career came full circle in 2016 when he was named PD for Cumulus-owned country combo KPLX and KSCS/Dallas, where he remains. KPLX is the highest Cumulus country station in America and has been honored with an NAB Marconi Award.

Bobby Denton spent his entire 49-year career at WIVK/Knoxville, helping build the station into the iconic radio brand it is today. Denton started on the air and rose to a leadership position at WIVK and, its parent company, Dick Broadcasting where he was elevated to VP in 1981. In that role, Denton was responsible for the company’s radio stations in Knoxville, Nashville, Greensboro, NC, Colorado Springs, CO, and Birmingham, AL. Denton helped WIVK in garnering numerous industry awards, including eight CMA Station of the Year honors; five ACM Station of the Year trophies, and four Marconi Awards. In addition to this year’s inclusion in the Country Radio Hall of Fame, Denton is also a member of the Opryland Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. Denton enters the Country Radio Hall of Fame posthumously, after passing away following a short bout with cancer in 2014.

Jeff Garrison’s journey to the Country Radio Hall of Fame started in Nacogdoches, TX in 1983, working every possible air shift for country and Top 40 formats. He quickly gravitated to programming in 1985, and then moved to Houston in 1993, signing on KKBQ. Garrison moved to WESC and WFNQ/Greenville, SC in 1994, then KMLE/Phoenix in 1996, before returning to Houston, and the programming helm at KILT. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Garrison took on VP/Country Programming for KILT parent company CBS Radio, with oversight of 23 country outlets nationwide. Since 2013, Garrison has called San Antonio home, programming KCYY, and serving as format leader for Cox Media’s six country stations. Garrison has also given back to the country industry, serving on the ACM and CMA board of directors.

Gregg Lindahl has handled responsibilities at every level in radio, starting as an on-air personality before rising to MD, PD, and GM during 20 years at 10 country stations in seven markets. His career included 15 years at the corporate level, leading a market research company while pioneering digital initiatives. Like many radio professionals of his generation, Lindahl started while attending high school in Ortonville, MN. In 1980, he moved to KOMA/Oklahoma City, launching it as a country station. A move to legendary country brands WSM-AM/FM followed and included WSM-FM’s move to country. Lindahl returned to Oklahoma to program WKY and soon became the station GM. His managerial career continued at WSOC-A/F/Charlotte, KUPL/Portland, and WKXK/Chicago – which he flipped to country in 1995. In 1995, Lindahl joined Cox Media, serving as President for Eagle Research, and later VP/Interactive and New Technologies, and SVP/Digital Strategy. Lindahl has served on the CMA Board of Directors, the CRS agenda committee, and has been called upon for core moderator duties at recent CRS events.

MusicRow Pics: MusicRow’s 17th Annual CountryBreakout Awards

/by

https://musicrow.com/author/sherod_robertson/

MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, is proud to reveal the winners for its 17th Annual Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards.

The private event, held Wednesday morning (Feb. 13) at The Listening Room Cafe, presented the winners to a packed house, including country radio broadcasters and industry affiliates ahead of the 2019 Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

Sponsored by business management firm Vaden Group/Elliott Davis, the event was hosted by MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick.

This year’s award winners were determined by airplay accumulations on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart in 2018. In addition to celebrating this year’s honorees, guests were entertained with performances from Sea Gayle Records’ CJ Solar and independent artist Chance McKinney.

2019 MusicRow CountryBreakout Award Winners:
Independent Artist of the Year – CJ Solar
Reporter of the Year – Derek Beck
Songwriter of Year–Shane McAnally
Label of the Year – Capitol Records Nashville
Male Artist of Year – Jason Aldean
Female Artist of the Year – Kelsea Ballerini
Group/Duo of the Year – Florida Georgia Line
Breakout Artist of the Year – Jordan Davis

Attendees also received the newly-revealed MusicRow Magazine Country Radio print issue featuring Curb Records’ Dylan Scott on the cover.

Click here for more in-depth coverage from the legendary ‘Bobby Karl’ working the room at this annual event, which celebrates radio success on the MusicRow country radio chart.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick, KRGI/Grand Island, NE’s Derek Beck, and MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): The Vaden Group’s Heather Campbell with Sea Gayle Records’ CJ Solar. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Chance McKinney performs at MusicRow‘s 17th Annual CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): John Schneider and Robert Oermann. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured: The Band Steele with MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick (center). Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Shane Owens and Rich Eckhardt. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser Photography

Pictured (L-R): Manager Shellie Brown, Plowboy Records artist Marty Brown, and Plowboy Records President Shannon Pollard. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Kevin Ray Lawson, MusicRow Independent Artist of the Year winner CJ Solar, and Chance McKinney. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Jessie Runion, MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick, and Shane Runion. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Toad, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country; Katlyn Lowe; Jim Della Croce, Pathfinder Management. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Pictured (L-R): Renegade Radio Nashville’s Kaptain Jack and MusicRow Chart Director Alex Kobrick. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Country radio broadcasters, artists and industry affiliates enjoy the 17th Annual CountryBreakout Awards. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

On The Cover: 2019 ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Awards Issue

/by

Dylan Scott is featured as the cover artist for MusicRow Magazine’s 2019 CountryBreakout Awards Issue, which is available now.

A Louisiana native with a lifelong passion for country music, Scott is the total package—a powerful singer with a deep, resonating drawl; an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit; a heartthrob with an easy smile; and a dreamer who followed his father’s footsteps to Nashville. Prior to landing his record deal, he learned the basics of singing and playing guitar from his dad—a former guitar player for country legends Freddy Fender and Freddie Hart.

Scott launched onto the country music scene with “Making This Boy Go Crazy,” the debut single from his self-titled EP. His follow-up, the infectious “Crazy Over Me,” debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart and hit the Top 40 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. Scott’s debut album for Curb Records, DYLAN SCOTT, landed in the Top 5 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart, and its romantic standout RIAA Platinum-certified single, “My Girl,” became his first career No. 1 at country radio.

Continuing the momentum, his latest single, “Hooked,” has been streamed nearly 100 million times and is certified Gold. Fans have streamed Scott’s songs an impressive 545 million times and counting, and sales have topped 4 million song equivalent sales—figures that continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Scott’s headlining Nothing To Do Town Tour kicked off in January in New York City.

MusicRow’s 2019 CountryBreakout Awards Issue honors the artists, label imprint, and songwriter who have garnered the most spins on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart over the past year, as well as Reporter of the Year which was selected by MusicRow from its weekly reporting panel of over 80 country stations in the secondary radio market. In addition to winner-profiles, the issue includes interviews with incoming CRS leader RJ Curtis and outgoing leader Bill Mayne. Also profiled are BBR’s Granger Smith and Jon Loba, Nash Nights Live‘s Elaina Smith, Big Machine Radio’s Becca Walls, and MusicRow chart reporter Arnie Andrews (WCOW-COW97, Sparta, Wisconsin).

Copies of the 2019 MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards Issue print magazine can be purchased here, or received with the purchase of a yearly MusicRow Magazine subscription.