Entries by Sarah Skates

Jack Ingram, Troy Olsen Offer Web Series

Big Machine’s Jack Ingram is bringing back his “Acoustic Motel” concept by releasing weekly videos, and EMI Nashville newcomer Troy Olsen has his own webisode series “Livin’ The Dream with Troy Olsen” on GACTV.com. On his videos, Ingram is offering acoustic versions of his biggest hits, and surprising covers, such as Paramore’s “The Only Exception.” […]

New Songwriter Show With Jewel, Kara DioGuardi

Jewel and Kara DioGuardi are the first celebrities on board for a new songwriter competition series on Bravo. Jewel will host and occasionally join DioGuardi as part of the judging panel. Going Platinum is expected to premiere in 2011. Judging will be based more on the contestants’ songwriting ability than their singing and performance prowess. […]

BMG US Taps Richard Blackstone

Music rights company BMG has hired Richard Blackstone to be the Chief Creative Officer of BMG US. He is the former Chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell Music and, more recently, has been working with the Zac Brown Band. Blackstone, who will be based in BMG’s US headquarters in New York City, also has strong ties […]

ASCAP Christian Music Award Winners

ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) saluted the songwriters and publishers of Christian music’s most performed songs at its 32nd annual Christian Music Awards last night (10/25) at Richland Country Club in Nashville. The evening’s top honors were awarded to the following: ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year: Ben Glover ASCAP Christian […]

Urban Launches iTunes Countdown, Sets Salvation Army Halftime Show

Beginning today (10/26) Keith Urban is revealing a new track every Tuesday exclusively at iTunes from his new album, Get Closer, set for release on November 16. The album’s first single “Put You In A Song,” and “Long Hot Summer,” are available now and two more tracks will be released before the album comes out: […]

CMA Awards Presenters; History Book

“Country Music’s Biggest Night(tm)” continues to get bigger as The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, and NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon are announced as the first group of presenters for “The 44th Annual CMA Awards.” Hosted by Brad Paisley and […]

Country Hall Salutes Bonnie Garner

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will present an interview honoring visionary music executive Bonnie Garner, as part of the Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum series. The forum is set for Tuesday, November 16, at 6 p.m. in the Ford Theater. It is free and open to the public. The interview with Garner, whose […]

Gospel Music Hall of Fame Names New Class

The GMA Foundation (GMAF) announced today that it will induct Johnny Cash, DeGarmo & Key, Golden Gate Quartet, and Bill “Hoss” Allen into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on January 24, 2011. “The impact this group of individuals has made on gospel music is immeasurable. It’s an honor to recognize these inductees for […]

Media Surge For Swift’s “Speak Now”

It’s release day for Taylor Swift’s highly-anticipated, Speak Now, and while she makes the media rounds, reviewers have been weighing in. The critical response has been positive, and it is expected that first-week sales will fall somewhere between the 700,000 and one-million mark. At almost 21, Swift’s all grown up, but hasn’t tried to prove […]

Marvell Re-ups With Bug; Songwriters In Chicago; BMI Buzz

Hit songwriter Kendall Marvel renewed his publishing deal with Bug Music recently. He is the writer behind hits including “Right Where I Need to Be” (Gary Allan), “Tougher Than Nails” (Joe Diffie), and “Yee Haw,” “Startin With Me,” and “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” (Jake Owen). His songs have been recorded by Trace Adkins, […]