Industry Ink: Brenda Lee, Nate Smith, Christmas At Belmont, More

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Spotify & RIAA Celebrate Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’

Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Tatiana Angulo, Vipin Reddy and Derek Anderson; (L-R, front row): Spotify’s Gemma McInturff; UMGN’s Cindy Mabe; Brenda Lee; Spotify’s Tim Foisset and Rachel Whitney. Photo: Chris Hollo

Brenda Lee was recently recognized with plaques for notable milestones for her holiday hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Spotify and the RIAA. Spotify celebrated Lee for hitting one billion streams with the song, which is the only holiday single by a female country artist to enter Spotify’s Billions Club.

The hit, which broke multiple records last year’s holiday season, currently sits at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 50 U.S. chart. Lee was also honored for reaching the seven-times Platinum mark by the RIAA for “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” This gives Lee the second-highest Christmas title certified in 2024 to date, and the second-highest certified Christmas title (song or album) in RIAA history.

 

Nate Smith Receives Platinum Nods At Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

Nate Smith celebrates with team Members from Sony Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham

Nate Smith celebrated additional new RIAA certifications at his sold-out Brooklyn Bowl show in Nashville on Thursday (Dec. 5). Smith was presented with plaques commemorating his multi-week No.1 Single, “Whiskey On You” hitting triple-Platinum status, his multi-week No. 1 hit “Bulletproof” achieving Platinum, as well as fan favorite “Wreckage” reaching Platinum as well.

 

Christmas At Belmont To Air On Prime Video, Twitch

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Greg Jones, President, Belmont University; guest performers and Belmont alums Cody Fry, Ashley Cooke and Dwan Hill; and Tom Forrest, Executive Producer, Taillight TV. Photo: Sam Simpkins

Over 600 student musicians and vocalists from Belmont University’s College of Music & Performing Arts recently performed in “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville,” showcasing traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites. The 90-minute special will begin streaming live for the first time on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music on Twitch beginning Dec. 11, remaining available via streaming throughout the holiday season.

 

Origins Impact Awards Hosts Inaugural Event In Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Origins Social Media Influencer Fredy P; Origins Founder Stephen Miller and Origins CEO Corey J. Jones

The Origins Impact Awards celebrated the contributions of Black and Brown artists in country music on Nov. 21 at the National Museum of African American Music. The event included appearances and performances from O.N.E The Duo, Chapel Hart, Leah Galván Turner and Alejandro Medina III, Michael Salgado, Mike Parker, Louie TheSinger, Shy Carter and more.

Following numerous presentations, the event culminated in a special recognition of Alice Randall—Music City author, educator, speaker and the first Black woman to write a No. 1 country song, presented by Corey Jones. Randall’s multifaceted and unprecedented career and vision underscores the importance of storytelling and cultural representation in music.

 

Soundscape App U.S. Subscriptions To Benefit Musicians On Call

Soundscape, the personalized audio experience platform, has announced it will donate a portion of every U.S.-based subscription directly to Musicians On Call to support MOC’s programs that deliver live music to patients, families and caregivers in healthcare settings.

“At Soundscape, we share Musicians On Call’s deep belief in the healing power of music. Music has the ability to bring comfort, hope, and strength in ways few other things can. We are honored to partner with an organization that uses this power to make a real difference in people’s lives,” says Samuel Cyprian, CEO and Co-founder of Soundscape.

“Every day through our bedside and virtual programs we see how profoundly music can impact someone in a stressful environment like a hospital. With just one song, Musicians On Call volunteers bring a sense of relief that has proven physical, mental and emotional benefits for patients, their loved ones and hardworking caregivers,” says MOC President & CEO Pete Griffin. “We are grateful to Soundscape for using their subscriptions to help support our programs.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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