Industry Ink: Mark Wills, The American Country Network, King Calaway

Mark Wills celebrated his 50th birthday surrounded by friends, family and fellow artists at an event hosted at Studio A at the Grand Ole Opry. The party, sponsored by Universal Music Group (UMG) and Carl Black GMC Kennesaw, was a night of music, laughter and heartfelt memories, and brought together music industry executives, artists and  friends who all partook in the celebration. Among those celebrating with Wills were Vince Gill, Amy Grant, The Isaacs, Craig Morgan, Lee Greenwood and Eddie Bayers, among others.

 

Noah Gordon, Tommy Snyder Launch American Country Network

Former CEO of The Country Network Tommy Snyder and Noah Gordon, President of 8 Track Entertainment, have partnered to launch the American Country Network, a new national country music television network based in Nashville. In addition to over-the-air broadcast, the new network will launch a streaming platform in Q1 of 2024 to include ROKU, Sling TV, LG TV, STIRR, Freebie TV, Amazon TV, Apple TV, IOS and Android. ACN will launch with the Chad Brock Show on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. CT and a hosted ACN Video Countdown show in the first quarter of 2024.

Keith Chester joins the network as Chief Information Officer with over 25 years in the entertainment industry, managing and producing artists, actors and TV personalities. Jeff Goodwin, a marketing industry executive with 40 years experience in corporate partnerships and marketing, will be ACN’s Chief Marketing Director.

 

King Calaway Celebrates New Album Launch With Opry Appearance

King Calaway celebrated the launch of their new album Tennessee’s Waiting on Friday night (Aug. 4) with a three-song set at The Grand Ole Opry. Before their performance, the band spent time backstage with Grand Ole Opry member Connie Smith.