Morgan Wallen Adds Republic To His Team

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

Big Loud Records artist Morgan Wallen has scored a huge streaming hit with his latest, “7 Summers.” Now, Republic Records is partnering with Big Loud to work Wallen’s music, and will start with a radio campaign for “7 Summers.” The news was first reported by Hits Daily Double and confirmed by MusicRow Magazine.

“7 Summers,” which Wallen wrote alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, debuted at the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, becoming only the fifth track to do so since the chart began in 1958, and the first to debut at the top of the chart since 2017. Prior to its official release, Wallen released a snippet of the song on TikTok and it went viral. “7 Summers” set the new Apple Music first day record for a country song with the most streams ever (4.6 million), debuting at No. 3 on the Global Top 100 chart and topping the Country Songs chart in the United States and Canada. At Spotify, the song reached the biggest all-time first day record for a country song from a solo artist, reaching No. 3 on the U.S. all-genre Top 200 chart.

Wallen’s debut album If I Know Me has been certified Gold by the RIAA and he’s earned a string of Platinum and multi-Platinum singles to date, including “The Way I Talk,” “Up Down,” “Whiskey Glasses,” and “Chasin’ You,” among others.

Ernest Keith Smith Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Big Loud writer Ernest Keith Smith moves up six spots to No. 7 on MusicRow‘s Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credit on Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country,” Chris Lane’s “Big, Big Plans,” and Morgan Wallen’s “This Bar” and “More Than My Hometown.”

Kane Brown follows Smith at No. 8, with his own “Worship You” and “Cool Again,” as well as Lindsay Ell’s “wAnt me back” and Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country.”

At No. 1 again this week is Josh Thompson, while HARDY maintains the No. 2 position on the MusicRow Chart.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Weekly Register: Tim McGraw’s ‘Here On Earth’ Debuts At No. 1

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Here On Earth, the latest album from Tim McGraw, debuts at No. 1 this week on the Top Country Albums chart, according to Nielsen, with 24K in total consumption. The project marks McGraw’s first since returning to Big Machine.

Morgan Wallen‘s If I Know Me falls one spot to No. 2 on the country albums tally, with 22K in total consumption this week. Luke Combs takes the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, with What You See Is What You Get selling 21K in total consumption, followed by This One’s For You with 19K. Kane Brown‘s recent EP, Mixtape Vol. 1 is at No. 5 this week, with 16K.

Wallen holds fast to the pinnacle of the Country On-Demand Audio Streaming chart again this week with his smash hit “7 Summers,” which earned 11 million streams in its second week out (33 million streams to date).

Gabby Barrett‘s “I Hope” remains at No. 2 with 8.6 million streams, followed by Maddie & Tae‘s “Die From A Broken Heart” with 7.1 million streams. Wallen appears again on the final two of the Top 5 this week, with his own “Chasin’ You” at No. 4 with 6.6 million streams. Diplo & Julia Michaels (ft. Wallen)’s “Heartless” is at No. 5 with 6.4 million streams.

Chris Young To Headline Boys And Girls Clubs Great Futures Gala

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Chris Young. Photo: Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee

Chris Young will headline a virtual benefit for Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, the Great Futures Gala, on Friday, Oct. 2. The concert will feature music from Young, appearances from several surprise celebrity guests, and messages from the youth and families that rely on Boys & Girls Clubs for access to virtual schoolwork, healthy snacks and meals, and social/emotional guidance as they navigate recent events.

This year’s Gala, presented by Nissan, will stream from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. CT on Oct. 2. Past celebrity guests at previous (in-person) Great Futures Galas have included Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Shaquille O’Neal and Martin Short. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the more than 4,700 Club members who count on their Clubs for tutoring, healthy food and life mentorship. Full details of the event can be found at bgcmt.org/gala2020.

“Our young people truly need us now more than ever,” said Jennifer Wheeler Buhrman, Chief Development Officer at BGCMT. “The global pandemic has hit our families the hardest, whether it is a family without reliable internet at home that cannot access virtual schooling, or an essential worker that has to decide between leaving her child at home alone or bringing home a paycheck. Our Clubs and new E-Learning Centers are a lifeline for children and teens to stay on track to graduate while we navigate this new normal.”

Liv Charette Signs With The AMG

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Pictured (L-R): (second row) The AMG’s Brooke Mansfield, Eva Gilleland, Rob Beckham, Leigh Ann Pique, Sheila Gerardy, (first row) Becky Harris of Huskins-Harris, Liv Charette, The AMG’s Adria DeLaune. Photo: David Colón

Liv Charette has signed with The Artist Management Group for exclusive management representation. The Canadian-born singer/songwriter is represented by Adria DeLaune, a manager at The AMG.

“The AMG is happy to announce that we have added Liv to our top-notch talent roster,” AMG co-founder Rob Beckham said. “With her enormous vocal range, she will no doubt have a long and successful music career.”

“When I heard Liv sing for the first time, I knew instantly that she was an artist I wanted to work with because of both her powerhouse vocals and her incredible ability to tell a story through her songs,” DeLaune said. “I am so proud of the success of her debut single, and I can’t wait to see what is to come for her.”

Charette just achieved the 100,000 stream mark with her debut single “That Kind of Song,” which was penned by Andrew Dorff and Barry Dean. The tune was produced by Steve Dorff, father to the late Andrew Dorff.

Operation Song Announces New Board Members

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Pictured: Storme Warren, Cindy Morgan, Heather McBee

Operation Song, the Nashville-based non-profit dedicated to empowering military veterans through songwriting, has appointed broadcaster Storme Warren, singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan, and executive Heather McBee to its board of directors.

“Operation Song is fortunate to be endowed with an abundance of dedicated, generous and talented board members,” said Kyle Frederick, Executive Director of Operation Song. “It’s an honor to welcome and recognize Cindy, Heather and Storme as part of our leadership team.”

“As a lifelong supporter of our military and a 37-year veteran of the music business, I am honored to join the board of Operation Song,” said Warren, host of “The Storme Warren Show” on SiriusXM’s The Highway Channel. “To be able to combine these passions in an effort to help our veterans, and those currently serving, as they find their voices and healing through songwriting is equally humbling and inspiring.”

“Participating in Operation Song’s programs these past five years has given me a deep appreciation for the tremendous sacrifice the men and women of our military have made in their lives for the freedom of our nation,” said Morgan, a multiple Dove Award-winning artist. “I have seen firsthand the healing that occurs when they are given the chance to tell their story through a song. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the bravest among us.”

“’It all starts with a song’ has never been so true than when it comes to the healing power of music,” said McBee, VP, Operations of Nashville Entrepreneur Center. ”I’m extremely honored to join the Board of Operation Song, an organization dedicated to using that healing power to support veterans and active military.”

Founded in 2012 by hit songwriter Bob Regan, Operation Song has served veterans and active duty servicemen and women of all ages, ethnicities, and demographics helping them tell their stories through songwriting. It also serves their families through its Spouses and Caregivers retreats.

Universal Music Group Sets Record With Nine Of Top 10 Albums On ‘Billboard’ 200

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Universal Music Group established a new record this week, with nine of the Top 10 albums in the Billboard 200, only the fourth time that’s occurred in the chart’s 64-year history. UMG is responsible for all four of those instances.

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said via a statement, “UMG’s unprecedented track record on the album chart is a direct result of our long-term commitment to our artists—providing them with the best resources and expertise the industry has to offer. Behind each of these incredible albums are teams of dedicated employees, partners and entrepreneurs who are guided by a shared passion for helping artists achieve their full creative and commercial potential—and I salute all of them.”

The Billboard 200 for the week of Aug. 21-Aug. 27 features UMG-released albums at the top three positions, as well as numbers five through 10 – with folklore by Taylor Swift (Republic Records) at No. 1; Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon by Pop Smoke (Victor Victor Worldwide/Republic) at No. 2; Legends Never Die by Juice WRLD (Grade A/Interscope) at No. 3; King’s Disease by Nas (Mass Appeal/Caroline) at No. 5; My Turn by Lil Baby (Quality Control Music/Wolfpack Global/Motown) at No. 6; Pray 4 Love by Rod Wave (Alamo/Geffen) at No. 7; Blame it on Baby by DaBaby (SCMG/Interscope) at No. 8; Imploding the Mirage by The Killers (Island) at No. 9; and Hollywood’s Bleeding by Post Malone (Republic) at No. 10.

Republic Records represents three albums, including No. 1 and No. 2; Interscope Geffen A&M charted three albums, including No. 3; Capitol Music Group accounts for two albums and Island Records accounted for one.

This is the first time in 2020 when a single company is responsible for nine of the Top 10. UMG first achieved this feat during the chart week ended Nov. 30, 2013. The second time occurred in the chart week ended Sept. 29, 2018, and the third time was on the chart week ended Nov. 17, 2018.

Charlie Daniels Jr. Continues Father’s Legacy With Launch Of Charlie Daniels Brand, Inc.

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Charlie Daniels Jr., son of the late Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels, has announced a new direction for his father’s legacy. On Sept. 1, the late superstar’s longtime company, CDB, Inc., will transition to Charlie Daniels Brand, Inc., with Daniels Jr. stepping into the role of company president. He will also retain his duties as president of CDB Music, LLC.

Charlie Daniels Brand, Inc., will focus on product branding and licensing, various Charlie Daniels legacy projects, as well as official CDB merchandise.
“My mom and I were devastated over the passing of my father,” Daniels Jr. says. “As the dust settles, we want to keep his legacy alive and extend it for future generations. So, we have established a new company to do just that. We’re excited for what the future holds.”

“I was blessed to have been a small part of an incredible journey that lasted almost 50 years,” notes Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. “I’m glad to see that Hazel and Charlie Jr. are committed to extending the legacy of my friend, patriot and gifted artist, Charlie Daniels.”

“We are keeping some of the original management staff in place and will continue to search for opportunities to operate together again as a full team,” Daniels Jr. adds. “We will always be a family. Dad left a beautiful flame behind him, and to honor his legacy, we want it to shine brightly for many years to come.”

Carrie Underwood Unveils Track List, Guests For Christmas Album ‘My Gift’

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(Photo by Joseph Llanes)

Carrie Underwood welcomed some special guests on her upcoming new Christmas album, My Gift, collaborating with John Legend on the original song “Hallelujah,” and inviting 5-year-old son Isaiah to appear on the holiday classic that inspired the album title, “Little Drummer Boy.” Underwood has revealed the track list for the new project, due out digitally and on CD on Sept. 25 and on special red vinyl edition on Oct. 30.

In anticipation of the Fall album, Underwood has also released the new original song, “Let There Be Peace,” which is available now and as an instant grat track when the album is pre-ordered. Acclaimed gospel quartet The McCrary Sisters, who have performed backing vocals on previous Underwood songs including “Choctaw County Affair” and “The Champion,” can also be heard on the album.

My Gift features a combination of traditional holiday favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Away In A Manger,” as well as several originals. Two of the new songs are written by Underwood, frequent collaborator Brett James (“Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Something In The Water”), and her Cry Pretty co-producer, David Garcia.

My Gift can be pre-ordered in various formats now, and an exclusive version of the My Gift CD and special white vinyl with a bonus Christmas card from Underwood will be available only at Target. New merchandise bundles are also available.

My Gift Track List:

  1. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Traditional)
  2. O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
  3. Let There Be Peace (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, David Garcia)
  4. Little Drummer Boy (featuring Isaiah Fisher) (Harry Simeone, Henry Onorati, Katherine Davis)
  5. Sweet Baby Jesus (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, David Garcia)
  6. Hallelujah (with John Legend) (John Stephens, Toby Gad)
  7. O Holy Night (Traditional)
  8. Mary, Did You Know? (Buddy Greene, Mark Lowry)
  9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin)
  10. Away In A Manger (Traditional)
  11. Silent Night (Traditional)

Reba McEntire, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert To Take Part In Country Music Hall Of Fame Fundraiser Concert

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has teamed with numerous artists in the country music community, as well as YouTube, to stage the most ambitious fundraiser in the museum’s history.

The virtual fundraiser BIG NIGHT (At The Museum) will premiere on Oct. 28, 2020 at 8 p.m. CT on the Country Music Hall of Fame’s YouTube channel. The pandemic has created a set of circumstances that has allowed staff to safely remove historic instruments from their exhibit cases and be played. For this event, artists will be paired with historic instruments for a unique evening of music and history.

Artists taking part include Emmylou Harris, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Keb’ Mo’, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, The War and Treaty, Alison Brown, Kane Brown, Rodney Crowell, Carlene Carter and more. Marty Stuart will host the event, with audio supervision by Dave Cobb.

The evening will generate support for the museum and its ongoing exhibitions and educational programs. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum closed in mid-March due to COVID-19 restrictions. By June, the organization had laid off 73 employees and furloughed 101 staffers, representing nearly half of the approximately 400 employees working for the Hall of Fame and its associated services.

During the program, viewers will be encouraged to donate to the museum through YouTube Giving.

The Country Music Hall of Fame is set to re-open to the public on Sept. 10.