Nielsen To Cut 3,500 Jobs Globally

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Ratings company Nielsen reported yesterday (July 7) it will exit several markets and businesses, and will eliminate 3,500 jobs globally.

As part of the plan, the company will exit several smaller, under-performing markets and non-core businesses in the second half of 2020. Nielsen expects the plan to be substantially completed by the end of the year and for restructuring actions and other permanent cost-saving initiatives to drive approximately $250 million in pre-tax annual run-rate savings. 

“These restructuring actions will further expedite our transformation to a more efficient, agile, and scalable organization and are designed to drive sustained margin expansion and increased cash generation. As part of the optimization plan, we have made the difficult decision to exit selected businesses and markets and permanently reduce our workforce,” said CEO David Kenny in a company statement.

The New York City-based marketing, research and ratings corporation currently employs about 46,000 people and operates in 100 countries.

Funeral Services Set For Charlie Daniels

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Charlie Daniels. Photo: Erick Anderson

Funeral services have been set for the late country music legend and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels, who died Monday (July 6) at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee from a hemorrhagic stroke. He was 83.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2020 at World Outreach Church (1921 State Hwy 99, Murfreesboro, TN 37128). Pallbearers will include Jimmy Burton, Roger Campbell, JB Copeland, Jackie McClure, Thurman Mullins, Chris Potts, Jimmy Potts, and Dean Tubb. Honorary Pallbearers will include The 5th Special Forces Group from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.

Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Gretchen Wilson and Trace Adkins will perform to honor the life of Daniels. The service will be led by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and pastor Allen Jackson.
The family would like to dedicate a special thank you to the men and women of the United States Military, law enforcement, and first responders, as well as the loyal and dedicated Charlie Daniels Band fans around the world.

An open visitation for the community will be held from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet (2229 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be addressed to The Journey Home Project. Donations can be made online (thejourneyhomeproject.org) or by mail (17060 Central Pike, Lebanon, TN 37090). Floral arrangements may be sent to Sellars Funeral Home. Due to COVID-19, attendees are encouraged to wear masks at the visitation and funeral service.

Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood Postpone Livestreams Due To Possible COVID-19 Exposure

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Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks. Photo: Facebook/Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have postponed their Facebook concert set for today (July 7), as well as Brooks’ weekly web show Inside Studio G, because of possible exposure to COVID-19 to them and their camp.

According to a Facebook post from Brooks, they and their team are “all quarantining for 2 weeks and thank everyone for their concern.”

Brooks recently brought a drive-in livestream concert to over 350,000 fans on June 27 at drive-in theaters around the country.

The concert was created exclusively for the event, which adhered to guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as all state and local health mandates, and was recorded in Nashville with Garth’s band.

Out of an abundance of caution, Garth Brooks is moving his and Trisha Yearwood’s July 7th Facebook concert to a later…
Posted by Garth Brooks on Monday, July 6, 2020

Charlie Worsham’s Air Castle Community Hour On WSM Radio Launches Tonight

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Singer-songwriter Charlie Worsham‘s new monthly radio show on WSM, Air Castle Community Hour, which takes its name from the antenna that broadcasts WSM 650 AM, begins tonight (July 7) at 6 p.m. CT. The show will broadcast the first Tuesday of each month.

“For 94 years, WSM has been the literal hub of the country music airwaves, and throughout my 14 years in Nashville, I’ve been fortunate to come to know so many of the creative spirits that make the music that makes us proud,” he said. “It’s a thrill and an honor to host a monthly show on WSM that highlights the diversity and charm of Music City’s music makers. I want this radio hour to feel like a community happy hour, one complete with laughter and smiles as well as poignant reflection, and of course, great stories and songs.”

The first episode will showcase Worsham discussing stories from country music’s history, while including songs from Hailey Whitters to The Staple Singers.

“It’s always been important to me that the Grand Ole Opry strives to showcase the past, present, and future of country music,” said Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry Dan Rogers. “I firmly believe that Charlie Worsham does the same thing. I know many of us in the Opry family look forward to tuning in and hearing from some of the artists we love as well as to having Charlie introduce us to voices that may be new to us.”

The Recording Academy, Color Of Change Join Forces To Influence Change Within Music Industry

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The Recording Academy and the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, Color of Change, have partnered to promote positive social change within the music industry. In addition to the partnership, the Recording Academy has also donated $1 million dollars to the Color of Change organization.

The two organizations will work together to identify key opportunities to drive and influence change in the music industry, and will work to build power for Black music creators and professionals. This effort will span several strategies, including the creation of a Black music advisory group, a membership campaign focusing on the Black music community to drive new voting members to the Academy, an industry-wide diversity and inclusion summit, and partnership in advocacy and legislative efforts.

Additionally, Color of Change will provide advisory support on the development and implementation of the Academy’s previously announced industry Inclusion Rider and Toolkit, which will be introduced later in 2020.

“Music plays a profound role in shaping our culture, and Black music has been the cornerstone in the development of the world’s dynamic soundscape,” said Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the Recording Academy. “The Recording Academy has entered a new chapter of transformative change, and we are honored to partner with Color of Change as we work together to set new standards to elevate Black music creators and build a more diverse and equitable industry.”

“Music has the power to reach new people and fuel social progress,” said Rashad Robinson, President of Color Of Change. “We look forward to building a long-term partnership with the Recording Academy and hope the work between our two membership-based non-profits will advance quickly accelerating changes in the industry.”

Industry Pics: for King & Country, Craig Morgan, Grand Ole Opry

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for King & Country Host Two Drive-In Theater Shows

Photos provided by Content Creator of for KING & COUNTRY, Mitchell Schleper.

for King & Country recently made their Wabash, Indiana debut at the 13-24 Drive-In Movie Theater with two consecutive live concerts on July 4. The two performances marked the “Together” hitmaking duo’s first shows in the United States in 2020, since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Craig Morgan Performs For Military Spouses On July 4


Country singer and Army veteran Craig Morgan joined the USO’s “Coffee Connection Live,” a virtual gathering of military spouses, to connect and listen to a featured guest share their story.

The event included a Q&A session with military spouses from around the world, as well as a special performance from Morgan of songs including his multi-week No. 1 “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” and “Redneck Yacht Club.” The program aired on military.com.

 

Sara Evans, Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills Play Grand Ole Opry

Oak Ridge Boys by Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry presented by Humana®, celebrated Independence Day as Sara Evans and Opry members the Oak Ridge Boys and Mark Wills stepped into the circle for the 4,931st consecutive Saturday night broadcast on July 4.

This Saturday, July 11, Opry members The Gatlin Brothers will welcome award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Margo Price and Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group’s Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Jimmie Allen to the circle for the 4,932nd consecutive Saturday night broadcast at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. The show will be broadcast live on Circle, and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube channels.

Zac Brown Band’s ‘4th With The Family’ Livestream Concert Raises $1.4 Million

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Zac Brown Band‘s livestream performance in partnership with LiveXLive on July 3, dubbed “4th With The Family,” raised over $1.4 million for Brown’s nonprofit passion project Camp Southern Ground and its veteran support programs.

Streamed from Camp Southern Ground,  the event generated nearly 600,000 live stream views, and featured special acoustic performances of Zac Brown Band favorites like “Chicken Fried,” “Free,” and “Homegrown” as well as their latest single, “The Man Who Loves You The Most.” NBC News co-anchor and broadcast journalist Hoda Kotb, Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta, and former Seahawks player and Green Beret Nate Boyer also made special guest appearances during the live stream.

The completely free event raised awareness and funds for Camp Southern Ground’s two veteran programs, Warrior Week and Warrior PATHH. Provided at no cost to veterans, the programs promote and care for their health and well being while providing the crucial support in their transition to life after service. Warrior sessions resume in August and run through May.

“I’m always in awe of the sacrifices and selflessness of our military, it’s really the special kind of people who choose to serve our country,” said Brown, Camp Southern Ground founder. “The live stream was an amazing celebration for all the people who have fought, died and lived their life so that we can be safe. We are honored to do our part to support them in any way we can.”

This event was presented in partnership with LiveXLive which powered wide distribution across its own site, apps and social channels as well as Zac Brown Band’s YouTube and Facebook, generating the nearly 600,000 live stream views.

NMPA Promotes Four

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The National Music Publishers’ Association has promoted four key staff members: Amelia Binder, Kartraice Hooper, Stephanie Li,  and Briana Berkley.

Amelia Binder has been promoted from Vice President, Government Affairs and Industry Relations to Senior Vice President, Government Affairs. Mrs. Binder’s lobbying efforts were key to the passage of the Music Modernization Act and she recently worked to ensure songwriters were included in the CARES Act Coronavirus aid packages.

Kartraice Hooper has been promoted from Director, External Affairs to Vice President, External Affairs & Events. Hooper will continue to execute and expand all of NMPA’s exclusive events including the NMPA Annual Meeting in New York, Grammy Week showcase, S.O.N.G.S. Foundation events as well as the Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. In her new role she will also manage the NMPA Gold & Platinum certification program.

Stephanie Li has been promoted from Director of Membership and Paralegal to Vice President, Membership & Partnerships. Ms. Li serves as the primary liaison with NMPA’s membership and helps administer NMPA’s many settlements, judgment distributions and model licenses.

Briana Berkley has added Director of Operations to her title of Executive Assistant to CEO David Israelite and EVP Danielle Aguirre. Ms. Berkley will serve as lead liaison with NMPA’s outside CFO and Human Resources consultants.

“These key staff promotions acknowledge the important work our team is doing and reward them for going above and beyond,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “Amelia has proven essential after years of dedicated advocacy on behalf of our music publisher members and their songwriters. Kartraice has greatly enhanced NMPA’s reach and profile through phenomenal events celebrating songwriters and publishers across the country as well as her work to enhance our Gold & Platinum Program.

Stephanie has streamlined our membership process and will expand our reach through key partnerships. Bri has become an absolutely critical component of our operations and this change reflects how much she has taken on. These moves are a testament to all that NMPA accomplishes and I am excited to see each person’s progress in their new role.”

Margo Price Celebrates New Album With Music-And-Meal Delivery Promotion

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Margo Price. Bobbi Rich

Margo Price is celebrating the release of her new album, That’s How Rumors Get Started, this Friday (July 10) with an initiative to support some of Nashville’s most beloved small restaurants who are struggling due to the pandemic.

With an effort she’s calling “Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!” (also a lyric from the album track “Twinkle Twinkle”) Price has partnered with Grimey’s record store and restaurants Mas Tacos Por Favor, Babo Korean Bar, and Cafe Roze, to spend the day delivering meals and music all across the city. With each order of breakfast, lunch or dinner from Margo’s menu, fans will receive a copy of her new record on vinyl delivered directly to their doorstep, contact-free. Orders are now open, while supplies last at:
found.ee/MP_WinnerWinner .

Following dinner, Spotify’s newest country music playlist, Indigo, will present Margo Price: Live from Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, a full-band, audience-free performance that streams live at 7 p.m. CT on stage at Margo’s favorite local dive bar. An after party will happen on the latest episode of her internet radio show, Runaway Horses.

For fans outside of Nashville unable to receive Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner packages, Price has partnered with Sourced Craft Cocktails – a delivery service providing livable wages to out of work bartenders – to offer a signature drink perfect for summer: “The Devil’s Backbone.” Named after one of Margo’s favorite bars outside Wimberley, TX, the spicy drink combines Milagro Tequila, fresh-squeezed lime and watermelon juice, homemade simple syrup, Hellfire Bitters and Topo Chico, and orders ship by the dozen through July 30th.

Breakfast
Mas Tacos Por Favor
“Twinkle Twinkle Tacos”
(scrambled eggs, fresh avocado, pico de gallo, crema y cilantro)

Lunch
Babo Korean Bar
“Hey Babe Bento Box”
(korean fried chicken tenders, fried rice, kimchi accompaniments)

Dinner
Cafe Roze
“Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner”
(chili honey BBQ chicken, molasses heirloom baked beans, tangy collard greens)

Soundstripe Names Jay Harren As VP of Music

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Jay Harren

Production music company Soundstripe has hired Jay Harren as VP of Music. Harren will be based in Soundstripe’s Nashville office and will direct the daily operations of Soundstripe’s Music Division, including developing and implementing strategy, managing label operations, and maximizing revenue from the company’s growing and diverse catalog via streaming, publishing, and sync opportunities.

Harren’s career began in 2000 at Atlanta’s alternative radio station 99X/WNNX, where he was Music Director as well as founder and host of the acclaimed new-music discovery program “Sunday School.” In May of 2006, he left to become A&R Manager at Columbia Records in New York, where he signed the critically and commercially successful band Manchester Orchestra as well as current country star Cassadee Pope, who performed with the band Hey Monday at the time.

In June 2012, Harren became Vice President of A&R and Artist Development at Descendant Records, a boutique-style label Sony Music Entertainment tasked him to launch and run. The label, which was home to The Lone Bellow and Colony House among others, took a forward-thinking approach by integrating Sony’s independent distribution and label-services arm, RED Music (now The Orchard), exclusively for all its artists. This allowed for a tailor-made approach to marketing and promotion for each individual project.

In 2018, Harren left the recorded music side of the industry to become Head of Music Partnerships at ticketing giant StubHub, where he led a team focused on music partners in North America. Now, in addition to his role at Soundstripe, Harren is an adjunct professor at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Music Business, teaching the class Entertainment in New York.

“Jay has an amazing track record in the music industry and a reputation for innovation,” said Micah Sannan, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Soundstripe. “His incredible taste in music, eye for lucrative partnerships, and experience managing vast music industry teams make him the perfect choice to take our Music Division to the next level.”

“I’m so excited to be a part of a forward-thinking music company that truly embraces artist-friendly values and smart business practices,” said Harren. “When I became aware of Soundstripe and their vision for the future of the music business as well as their core values, I instantly knew that I wanted to be a part of the team there, and I’m so grateful that it’s actually happening!”