Industry Ink: Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Alabama, PLA

Tim McGraw Notches Another Career No. 1 With ‘7500 OBO’

Before country mainstay Tim McGraw took the stage on Saturday night (Aug. 6) during the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, he took time to celebrate his latest No. 1 country radio hit “7500 OBO.”

McGraw was joined by two of the song’s co-writers, Matt McGinn and Jennifer Schott, and executives from his Big Machine Records team, including Kris Lamb, Clay Hunnicutt, and Big Machine Records President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta.

The single went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in May of 2022.

 

Chris Young Earns Platinum Certifications For ‘Famous Friends,’ ‘Drowning’

Multi-Platinum entertainer Chris Young recently scored a double-Platinum certification for his “Famous Friends” collaboration with Kane Brown.

Young’s co-writers, Corey Crowder and Cary Barlowe, joined for the celebration where Young was also surprised with a Platinum plaque for his song “Drowning,” which was co-written by Crowder and Josh Hoge.

“Any day I get to celebrate big milestones with my co-writers and friends is a good day,” says Young. “I’m really proud of how hard everyone has worked on this entire project and excited about playing all of the new music live and the rest of 2022.”

With more than 5 billion streams across his catalog, which includes twelve No. 1 singles, the RCA Records Nashville artist has earned 24 multi-Platinum, Platinum, or Gold certifications from the RIAA. His newest single, “At The End Of A Bar” with Mitchell Tenpenny, is currently approaching top 5 on the country radio charts.

 

Alabama Donates $25K To Kentucky Flood Aid

During a concert held this past Saturday (Aug. 6) in Sharpsburg, Kentucky, Country Music Hall of Fame group Alabama donated $25,000 to aid those affected by the recent flooding in the Bluegrass State.

Before a packed crowd at the Barnyard Venue, the group’s founding members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry presented a check to The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, a non-profit organization providing financial help to eastern Kentucky families, farms and businesses that are suffering as result of the catastrophic weather event.

“With all the devastation caused by the floods in eastern Kentucky, this is a very emotional time,” says Owen. “Alabama wanted to offer help in a small way.”

“We hurt for the loss of life and destruction caused by the floods in Kentucky,” adds Gentry. “Hopefully these funds can help the families, farmers and businesses that were affected. They are in our prayers.”

The donation was made through the June Jam Foundation, Alabama’s non-profit that distributes money to other non-profit organizations and service groups.

 

PLA Media Adds Two To Artist Roster

PLA Media has added Oklahoma-based country artist Cam Allen and Kentucky-based country singer-songwriter Branden Martin to its roster.

Allen first burst onto the country music scene through a viral Twitter video of him performing. Shortly after, he earned a spot on season 19 of American Idol. Allen and his band have shared the stage alongside top country artists, including Dustin Lynch, Randy Rogers, Chris Cagle, Corey Kent and Mike Ryan. He recently released his summer smash “Lake Days” on GOAT Music Group.

“I’ve had a great track record working with Oklahoma crooners. Cam’s edgy vocals and Marc Cohn/Chris Stapleton vibe fits perfectly on the current music scene and summertime playlists,” says Pam Lewis, FRSA, Founder and President at PLA Media.

Martin was featured on NBC’s The Voice Season 12 after performing in local bars and music venues, opening for artists such as Jason Michael Carroll, RaeLynn, Mark Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad, David Allan Coe and The Steel Woods. His EP, Live at Southern Ground, won the 2021 Appalachian Arts & Entertainment Award for EP of the Year. Martin is set to release his debut album 001 on Aug. 12.

“Our team is excited to work with Branden who has an obvious natural talent for songwriting and performing raw, authentic country tunes. His dynamic stage presence is inspiring,” Lewis adds.