Industry Ink: Jordan Davis, Hardy, Fall Copyright Symposium, More
Jordan Davis Celebrates Billionaire Streaming Status At Ascend Nashville Show
Jordan Davis and UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. Photo: Caleb Cockrell
Jordan Davis successfully launched his headlining “Damn Good Time Tour” over Labor Day weekend with a sold-out show at The Roxy in Atlanta (Aug. 31), then at Nashville’s riverfront venue Ascend Amphitheater (Sept. 1). At the Music City show, Davis was surprised by UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe with a commemorative plaque celebrating his more than 5 billion career streams since first breaking out onto the scene with his RIAA Gold-certified debut album Home State.
With the February 2023 launch of his Gold sophomore album Bluebird Days, Davis has now earned six No. 1s, including the 2x Platinum hit “Singles You Up,” Platinum hits “Take It From Me” and “Slow Dance in A Parking Lot,” as well as the multi-week No. 1s “Buy Dirt” (2x Platinum), “What My World Spins Around” (Gold) and “Next Thing You Know” (Platinum). He has also earned a Top 5 Platinum hit with “Almost Maybes” and will support Luke Combs’ 2024 stadium tour.
Hardy Receives Platinum Surprise With Lainey Wilson At Knoxville Show
Hardy and Lainey Wilson. Photo: Tanner Gallagher
Hardy launched his headline “The Mockingbird & The Crow Fall Tour” this past weekend across the south. With Lainey Wilson and Dylan Marlowe along for the ride, he greeted 11,325 fans over the tour’s first two nights.
His 21-song set was backed by upgraded visuals, pyrotechnics, and a three-piece band, delivering No. 1 hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites across the 90-minute headline sprint. Backstage at the Knoxville, Tennessee show on Aug. 31, Hardy and Wilson were surprised with a plaque celebrating their Platinum No. 1 “Wait In The Truck,” that earned the pair multiple ACM awards and a CMT Collaborative Video of the Year award this year.
Fall Copyright Symposium Set For Sept. 11 At Belmont
The Fall Copyright Symposium with Copyright Society of the South will be held at Belmont University on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Janet Ayers Academic Center Conference Room (Ayers C & D).
The three session event will feature Judge Steve Ruwe, one of the three current judges on the Copyright Royalty Board, as well as John Riley, Assistant Attorney General at the Copyright Office. Space is limited. To sign up to attend, RSVP here or email copyrightsocietyofthesouth@gmail.com.
Steven Champion Signs With Average Joes Entertainment
Steven Champion. Photo: Julian Mendoza
Steven Champion, formerly known as Tainted Lyric, has signed a deal with Average Joes Entertainment. In conjunction with the announcement of his signing, Champion has shared his debut single, “Tired Of Losing,” on all major digital platforms.
After 12 years of working as a nightshift boiler operator in the lumber industry, the Alabama native first gained traction on TikTok after the release of his single, “This Road I’m On,” which has earned over four million worldwide streams since its release in February of 2021. Champion has amassed a following of more than 750,000 across TikTok and Instagram.
“I’m very excited to join the Average Joes family,” shares Champion. “I can’t wait to get to work and some things I’ve been working on with my fans!”
Michael Johnathon Joins PLA Media Roster
Michael Johnathon of WoodSongs
Singer-songwriter, performer, screenwriter and broadcast personality Michael Johnathon has signed with PLA Media for representation.
PLA Media previously worked with Johnathon on a number of projects, including the launch of his radio show WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, which is aired on over 500 stations, public TV coast-to-coast, and more. PLA also supported him through the release of his 15th studio album Legacy, which includes the nine-minute title track about the history of songwriters.
“I am so happy to be rejoining forces with the PLA Media team. We have a wonderful synergy and I look forward to their support of my many initiatives including a new season of WoodSongs, WoodSongs Kids TV, the 8th annual gathering of SongFarmers, my 20th studio album and more,” says Johnathon.
