CMA Encourages Black-Tie For 50th Annual CMA Awards

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Photo courtesy Nashville Public Library, Special Collections, Nashville Banner Archives.

Photo courtesy Nashville Public Library, Special Collections, Nashville Banner Archives.

As country music eagerly anticipates the 50th Annual CMA Awards, the Country Music Association is encouraging all attendees to take a cue from nine-time CMA Awards winner Johnny Cash and honor the heritage and tradition of Country Music’s Biggest Night by dressing “to the nines.”

The industry will have the opportunity to show off their black-tie best on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Bridgestone Arena.

Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban will vie for this year’s Entertainer of the Year trophy. Eric Church, Maren Morris, and Stapleton top the list of final nominees with five nominations each. Dierks Bentley, Underwood, and Urban received four nominations and Tim McGraw received three nominations. Artists receiving two nominations include Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Bryan, Cam, Old Dominion and Thomas Rhett.

Click to see full list of CMA Awards nominations.

Charity Notes: Christmas 4 Kids, ‘An Evening With Black & Rich,’ Young Entertainment Professionals

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Christmas 4 Kids Sets Performer Lineup For 2016 Ryman Auditorium Concert

Charlie Daniels Christmas 4 kidsThe Christmas 4 Kids organization has announced the lineup for its 2016 Ryman Auditorium concert, set for Monday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. For the second year, Southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band will headline the show with country artists Ray Stevens, Aaron Tippin, Montgomery Gentry and Ty Bates also scheduled to perform. Singer/songwriter James Robert Webb will open the show.

“This year’s show at the Ryman is shaping up to be huge,” says Christmas 4 Kids President, Linda O’Connell. “Last year, we set a record for money raised for Christmas 4 Kids. With this great lineup, I think we can do it again!”

Doug Gray, lead singer of The Marshall Tucker Band adds, “We had so much fun at last year’s show at the Ryman. We’re grateful that Christmas 4 Kids asked us to come back for a second year. We love being able to help an amazing organization that does so much to bring a memorable Christmas to the children who need it most. See you in November, Nashville!”

“I’m so glad to be a part of this great show,” notes Stevens. “I’ll be debuting a brand new Christmas song at the show and I’m sure it’s one the kids will love.”

Tickets are $36.50 and $60 and are available for purchase now at Ryman.com. All proceeds generated from the concert go to the Christmas 4 Kids organization.

 

Clint Black, John Rich Team To Raise Funds To Aid Anti-Drug Charities

black-and-rich

Clint Black and John Rich will headline an exclusive music showcase on Oct. 25, beginning at 7 p.m., at Rich’s Mt. Richmore estate to raise funds for the Davidson County General Sessions Drug Court, Cherished H.E.A.R.T.S. and Grace Empowered. The three programs help citizens break free from drug addiction and recover from human trafficking and prostitution.

“I’m proud to see our city court system working so proactively to help folks get out of the terrible cycle of human trafficking and drug abuse,” said Rich. “It’s a very inspiring thing. This is a really important initiative in Nashville and I’m happy to be able to support it any way I can.”

“When I see so much hard work and generosity going into a cause such as this, I’m very happy to lend my support,” added Black.

Tickets for “An Evening with Black and Rich,” are $500 each and available for purchase at gsdrugcourtfoundation.org/blackandrich. Ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres, drinks and valet parking service. Capacity at Rich’s Hillsboro-West End area home is limited to 150 people.

 

Young Entertainment Professionals Aid Belmont University Student With GoFundMe Campaign

Miles Littlefield

Miles Littlefield

Nashville music business organization Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) has launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid Belmont University student Miles Littlefield.

According to the GoFundMe page, Miles’ car was, by no fault of his own, crushed by a crane driven by a thief. As a result, Littlefield has had to use his mountain bike for all of his transportation needs in Nashville. The campaign aims raise enough to purchase a car for Littlefield. The campaign has a $5,000 goal. To date, more than $3,200 has been raised toward the goal.

Weekly Chart Report (9/30/16)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

In Pictures: Dan + Shay, Chris Lane, Kellie Pickler, Kyle Jacobs

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Dan + Shay Deliver New Single On Jimmy Kimmel Live! Debut

Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Jimmy Kimmel, Shay Mooney

Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Jimmy Kimmel, Shay Mooney

Dan + Shay performed their new single “How Not To” on their Jimmy Kimmel Live! debut Wednesday (Sept. 28). The radio single is the second from the Warner Music Nashville duo’s sophomore album Obsessed.

 

Chris Lane Performs No. 1 Single On Seth Meyers

Big Loud Records artist Chris Lane made his national TV debut on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers Wednesday (Sept. 28). Lane peformed his first chart-topping hit “Fix.”

Lane’s second single, “For Her,” off his debut album, Girl Problems, offers a real-life proposal music video which has since garnered over 124,000 views in nearly two weeks.

 

Kellie Pickler And Kyle Jacobs Honored By Department Of Defense

Pictured (L-R): Robert O. Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense; Kellie Pickler; Kyle Jacobs; Vice Admiral Frank. F. Pandolfe; Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mr. Michael Rhodes; Director of Administration, Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer. Photo: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tim D. Godbee

Pictured (L-R): Robert O. Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense; Kellie Pickler; Kyle Jacobs; Vice Admiral Frank. F. Pandolfe, Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mr. Michael Rhodes, Director of Administration, Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer. Photo: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tim D. Godbee

The Department of Defense honored Kellie Pickler and her songwriter husband Kyle Jacobs with its Spirit of Hope Award on Wednesday (Sept. 28).

The award is presented annually to distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service reflects that of Mr. Bob Hope. Recipients have selflessly contributed an extraordinary amount of time, talent or resources to significantly enhance the quality of life of service members and their families serving around the world.

The star of CMT’s docu-comedy television series I Love Kellie Pickler is known for avid support of servicemen and women with USO tours. Notable honors have included the first-ever Operation Troop Aid Chris Kyle Patriot Award, given from the parents of the slain Navy SEAL during the 2015 CMA Music Festival, and in 2013 she received the Heart For The Warrior Award from the USO of North Carolina during the Salute to Freedom Gala.

Top IBMA Awards Go To The Earls Of Leicester, Flatt Lonesome

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The Earls of Leicester. Photo: Dave Brainard

The Earls of Leicester. Photo: Dave Brainard

Bluegrass artists The Earls of Leicester, Flatt Lonesome and Becky Buller were among the top IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Awards winners in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday night (Sept. 29).

The Earls of Leicester, an all-star bluegrass band that solely performs from the catalog of Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, claimed Entertainer of the Year. Individual members took home solo categories for Dobro Player of the Year (Jerry Douglas), Bass Player of the Year (Barry Bales) and Banjo Player of the Year (Charlie Cushman).

Flatt Lonesome — a band that includes siblings Kelsi, Charli and Buddy Robertson — walked away with awards for Album, Song and Vocal Group of the Year. Becky Buller was awarded the Female Vocalist and Fiddle Player of the Year.

Flatt Lonesome. Photo: Dave Brainard

Flatt Lonesome. Photo: Dave Brainard

The event was hosted by Sierra Hull and Dan Tyminski. During the ceremony, Hull won her first Mandolin Player of the Year award. Bryan Sutton claimed Guitar Player of the Year.

Meanwhile, Danny Paisley won Male Vocalist of the Year, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen earned Instrumental Group of the Year, and Mountain Faith received Emerging Artist of the Year.

The show’s Bluegrass on Screen theme offered performances like “Man of Constant Sorrow” by Soggy Bottom Boys (O Brother, Where Art Thou), “Rainbow Connection” by the Lonely Heartstring Band (The Muppets) and the inclusion of archival clips from classics like The Beverly Hillbillies, Bonnie and Clyde, and Deliverance.

“What a wonderful night for bluegrass music’s award-winning performers,” said IBMA Executive Director Paul Schiminger. “To celebrate music from young rising stars like Flatt Lonesome alongside iconic songs from movie and television classics is a reflection of the depth and timeless appeal of the genre. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.”

Winners of the 27th Annual IBMA Awards are:

Entertainer of the Year: The Earls of Leicester
Female Vocalist of the Year: Becky Buller
Male Vocalist of the Year: Danny Paisley
Vocal Group of the Year: Flatt Lonesome
Instrumental Group of the Year: Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
Song of the Year: “You’re the One,” Flatt Lonesome
Album of the Year: Runaway Train, Flatt Lonesome
Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: All Dressed Up, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers
Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year: “Fireball,” Special Consensus featuring Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley and Alison Brown
Emerging Artist of the Year: Mountain Faith
Recorded Event of the Year: “Longneck Blues,” Junior Sisk and Ronnie Bowman
Banjo Player of the Year: Charlie Cushman
Bass Player of the Year: Barry Bales
Dobro Player of the Year: Jerry Douglas
Fiddle Player of the Year: Becky Buller
Guitar Player of the Year: Bryan Sutton
Mandolin Player of the Year: Sierra Hull
Inductees into the Bluegrass HOF: Clarence White; the Rounder Founders: Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy and Bill Nowlin
Distinguished Achievement Award: Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Boston Bluegrass Union, SiriusXM Radio’s Bluegrass Junction, Bill Emerson, Jim Rooney (handed out Thursday afternoon)

The Valory Music Co. Announces New Promo Staffers

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valory-music-co

The Valory Music Co. has appointed Northeast and Southeast Directors of Promotion and Marketing, effective Monday (Oct. 3).

Don Gosselin

Don Gosselin

Don Gosselin will lead the Northeast and Brooke Nixon will oversee the Southeast. The Big Machine Label Group imprint has also added Lauren Perry as Promotion Coordinator.

In August, Ashley Sidoti was named National Director of Radio Promotion for The Valory Music Co. The imprint’s roster includes Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, Tara Thompson and The Church Sisters.

Brooke Nixon

Brooke Nixon

“All of us at The Valory Music Co. are excited to have Don, Brooke and Lauren join us,” said Valory’s SVP Promotion George Briner. “With Don’s recent promotion experience working with radio in the Northeast, he has already created solid relationships. Brooke has this passion for music that is infectious and is just one of the many great talents she brings to the label that will make her a great promotion person. Being able to hire both Brooke and Lauren from within the BMLG just makes this hiring that much more special.”

Lauren Perry

Lauren Perry

“I am honored to join The Valory Music Co. team and can’t wait to get rolling,” said Gosselin, who joins The Valory Music Co. from iHeartMedia. “The artists at The Valory Music Co. are all such great friends and have always delivered great music to country radio!”

Nixon added, “I am extremely excited to join the The Valory Music Co.,” said Nixon. “Words cannot express how grateful I am for my time at Dot Records and everything it taught me. The support I have received from both the Dot and the Valory teams has been very much appreciated. I am ready to rock the Southeast with Valory!”

Pearl Records Adds Three Regional Promo Directors

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Pearl Records has hired Nathan Cruise, Hilary Hoover and Glenn Noblit as Directors, Regional [...]

Pictured (L-R): Nathan Cruise, Hilary Hoover, Glenn Noblit

Pearl Records Inc. has hired Nathan Cruise, Hilary Hoover and Glenn Noblit as Directors, Regional Promotion. They will be working with newly-appointed General Manager Lesly Simon and Mandy McCormack.

Additionally, McCormack’s role at the label is expanding to Senior Vice President of Radio Promotion, Marketing and Artist Strategy. The label is owned by Garth Brooks.

“Mandy and I are thrilled to add Hilary, Nathan and Glenn to the Pearl Records Inc. family,” said Simon. “They bring a wealth of experience, a great passion for the music and incredible respect from the radio community to this team.”

Cruise, most recently with In2une Records, has spent the last 20 years in country promotion including stops at Arista, Curb Records, Show Dog and Warner Bros.

“I’m excited to be a part of this team and this chapter in Garth’s career,” said Cruise. “Thank you to Mandy and Lesly for bringing me on board.”

Hoover started her career at All Access Music Group, but spent the last four years in promotion at Broken Bow Records Music Group including time at both RED BOW Records and Stoney Creek Records.

“I’m so grateful to Mandy McCormack and Lesly Simon for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the extraordinary legacy of Garth Brooks,” said Hoover. “I’m eager to get started on this journey with the incredible team at Pearl Records!”

Noblit has worked in various capacities from publicity to radio promotion for over 18 years with artists including Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, Big & Rich, Ryan Adams, Carl Perkins, Faith Hill, Aaron Lewis, Montgomery Gentry and others while working for Warner Brothers, Lost Highway, AristoMedia, Webster & Assoc., and most recently with Reviver Records with hit duo LOCASH, The Josh Abbott Band & newcomer Michael Tyler.

“To say I’m excited to work for and with Garth Brooks and this exceptional Pearl team is a giant understatement,” added Noblit. “This is an absolute dream come true. I have been beyond blessed to have worked with and made friendships with some of the best people and artists in this awesome business. I’m so ready for this new dance to get started.”

The new team members can be reached at the following email addresses:
nathancruise@pearlrecordsinc.com
hilaryhoover@pearlrecordsinc.com
glennnoblit@pearlrecordsinc.com (effective Monday, Oct. 3)

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Accepts Plaque At WMN Patio Party

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Pictured (L-R): Jimmie Fadden, Steve Schweidel, Justin Luffman, Jeff Hanna, John Esposito, John McEuen, Bob Carpenter

Pictured (L-R): Jimmie Fadden, Steve Schweidel, Justin Luffman of Warner Music Nashvillle, Jeff Hanna, John Esposito of Warner Music Nashville, John McEuen, Bob Carpenter

Warner Music Nashville surprised the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with a plaque prior to their rooftop performance at the label’s Pickin’ on the Patio series on Wednesday night (Sept. 28).

The certification marked the platinum certification of the 1986 album Twenty Years of Dirt, the platinum certification of the 1987 single “Fishin’ in the Dark,” and the gold certification of the 1989 album, More Great Dirt. Although the band has recorded for numerous record labels, they charted 14 Top 10 hits for Warner Bros. in the 1980s.

The concert album Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends – Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years will be released by Warner Music Nashville on Friday (Sept. 30). The set is available as a CD or as a CD/DVD combo.

Jason Lehning Signs Publishing Deal With Spirit/Fluid Music Revolution

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Frank Rogers, Fluid Music Revolution; Jason Lehning, Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville. (L-R, back row): AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution; Billy Lynn, VP Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; Eric Hurt, Sr. Director Creative, Spirit Music Nashville.

Pictured (L-R, front row): Frank Rogers, Fluid Music Revolution; Jason Lehning; Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville. (L-R, back row): AJ Burton, Vice President, Fluid Music Revolution; Billy Lynn, VP Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; Eric Hurt, Sr. Director Creative, Spirit Music Nashville.

Spirit/Fluid, the Nashville-based joint venture between Spirit Music Group and Frank Rogers’ Fluid Music Revolution has signed Jason Lehning to an exclusive publishing deal.

“Fluid Music Revolution and Spirit Music Nashville are thrilled to welcome Jason Lehning to the family. It is always special to be able to work with someone who you not only respect as a talent, but also as a person. We could not be more excited about the next phase of Jason’s career and cannot wait for the world to hear the new music that he is creating,” said Rogers.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Frank as an engineer for many years, so when we started talking about working together as writer and publisher, it all just fell into place naturally. I’m really excited to begin this next chapter with Fluid/Spirit and the incredible creative staff there – and I’m looking forward to what kind of trouble we can all stir up in the coming months!” said Lehning.

The son of Randy Travis’ producer Kyle Lehning, Jason spent his childhood around the entertainment industry. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Lehning returned to Nashville to work as an engineer. Lehning has since been active as a producer, musician, composer, mixer and engineer, contributing to over 350 albums by artists including George Jones, Erasure, Mat Kearney, Guster, Bill Frisell, and Alison Krauss. Lehning won two Grammy awards as an engineer and was nominated for the Best Engineer Grammy in 2008. Lehning also tours regularly in the UK with his band The Bees with singer-songwriter Daniel Tashian and drummer David Gehrke.

Frank Rogers was named MusicRow‘s Producer of the Year in 2005, as well as 2008-2009. He’s also co-written a slew of country hits, including “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” by Brad Paisley, “Alright” and “This” by Darius Rucker and “Backroad Song” by Granger Smith.

Financial Guidance Group Opens Tennessee Office In Franklin

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Pictured (L-R): Christoph von dem Bussche, Carl F. von dem Bussche, Sr. Carl F. von dem Bussche, Jr. Photo credit: Seth Farmer

Pictured (L-R): Christoph von dem Bussche, Carl F. von dem Bussche, Sr. Carl F. von dem Bussche, Jr. Photo credit: Seth Farmer

Tampa-based Financial Guidance Group, Inc. has opened a Tennessee branch, located at 710 Evans St. in Franklin. The company’s Nashville branch emphasizes service for musicians, producers and others in the entertainment industry.

Led by Carl F. von dem Bussche, Sr., the family-owned-and-operated company provides fiduciary fee-only financial planning. Carl F. von dem Bussche, Sr., has 39 years of experience in planning and investment management, and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). His sons Christoph and Carl F., Jr. are also involved in operations.

Carl F. von dem Bussche, Jr.’s career includes time as a recording artist in a band (Arc the Sun) and working in major label A&R at EMI CMG, as well as a creative arts/music director for Relevant Church.

“Ever since I moved to Nashville as a recording artist and songwriter in 2003, I’ve had a passion to help those who work in the entertainment industry,” shares von dem Bussche, Jr. “Back then, I did some business management for friends on the side when I wasn’t on the road. I just saw such a need for financial guidance in this community where you can have the sudden windfall of a hit song, inconsistent income, or other challenges associated with being in the music biz. Since I grew up with my dad as a financial planner, I obtained a business degree and worked for FGG before I made the move to Nashville. I felt like this was something I was uniquely qualified to do. After touring with a band for years, working at a label, and then acting as the creative arts and finance director for a church, I’ve come back around to really feeling like I could be doing more to serve the entertainment community. After numerous meetings with my dad and brother, we decided to expand our business to Nashville and focus on helping this unique demographic with financial planning and investing on a personal level.

“We’ve developed strategic alliances with several business managers and management companies in assisting their clients on the planning and investing side,” von dem Bussche, Jr. continues. “The way that FGG does business as fee-only advisors really resonates with this community because we don’t sell financial products or take commissions. There’s a lot of distrust of financial advisors within the music industry, but we feel that by being transparent and open about how we do business, it is a refreshing change to those we’ve been able to connect with so far. We’re excited to get FGG Nashville off the ground and make a difference in this community to help them realize their financial goals and dreams.”