Florida Georgia Line Announces 'Anything Goes Tour'

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FGL_AG_STANDARD_COVER (1) copyReigning CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Florida Georgia Line made a surprise appearance on NBC’s Today this morning Wednesday, Oct. 8, to announce their 2015 Anything Goes Tour. They joined Al Roker for the weather forecast and announced their headlining dates.
The duo will hit arenas in the United States and Canada including a stop at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 25, 2015.
The first leg of the tour kicks off Jan. 15, 2015 in Toledo, OH and will cover 24-plus cities. The tour will also feature openers Thomas Rhett and Frankie Ballard.
“Anything Goes is a mindset for us, setting the tone for everything we do, and we believe in making memories at all cost. We can’t wait to bring the party to our fans at our live shows,” shares FGL’s Brian Kelley.
FGL’s Tyler Hubbard adds, “being out on the road with Jake Owen, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, we’ve learned from the best. We took note of the things we loved and then put the FGL stamp all over. Our fans are the best and we can’t wait to show them what we have in store!”

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Pictured (L-R) FGL’s Tyler Hubbard, NBC’s Al Roker, FGL’s Brian Kelley


Fans can purchase a VIP package which includes a premium ticket, exclusive access to a pre-show acoustic performance, limited edition autographed merchandise and more. For more information, visit FloridaGeorgiaLine.com
Anything Goes Tour*
1/15 Toledo, OH
1/16 Dayton, OH
1/17 Charlottesville, VA
1/22 Biloxi, MS
1/23 Lafayette, LA
1/24 Little Rock, AR
2/12 Sioux City, IA
2/13 Lincoln, NE
2/14 Moline, IL
2/18 Manchester, NH
2/19 Ottawa, ON
2/20 Kingston, ON
2/21 Uncasville, CT
2/25 New York, NY
3/21 Orange Beach, AL
4/30 Columbia, SC
5/1 Charleston, WV
5/2 Hershey, PA
5/3 Wilkes-Barre, PA
5/7 Providence, RI
5/8 Atlantic City, NJ
*Initial announced dates 

Broken Bow's Jackie Lee Makes Opry Debut

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Jackie Lee on The Grand Ole Opry


Broken Bow Records’ Jackie Lee made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, Sept. 30. He brought the crowd to a standing ovation, which is a rare occurrence for someone playing that stage for the first time.
“That moment was so much greater than myself,” explains Jackie. “I was humbled to stand in the same circle as the legends that put the love of country music in my soul.”
Lee performed three songs including his debut single, “She Does,” the ballad “First Girl” and the crowd-pleasing “Driveway.”
Also on the bill that night were Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Brett Eldredge, Easton Corbin, Marty Stuart and Rascal Flatts.
Lee’s entire family was in attendance for the special occasion, and his dad, Jack Midkiff, was able to share the experience alongside him playing keys on the performance.
The Broken Bow recording artist also celebrated his 23rd birthday that week on Thursday, Oct. 2. He is currently on the road visiting radio and was recently named a Billboard “Tomorrow’s Hits” artist.
For more information on Jackie Lee, visit www.JackieLee.com
 

Dove Awards Showcase Diverse Styles, United Message

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Co-hosts Bart Millard and Lecrae


Hillsong emerged as the big winner during the 45th annual Dove Awards, held Tuesday (Oct. 7) at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.
Hillsong, the musical arm of Sydney, Australia-based Hillsong Church, earned five honors, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, for “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).” Hillsong Church also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for its work in ministry for the past 20 years. Hillsong team member Jonathon Douglass accepted the honors on behalf of the organization. Hillsong’s musical branch incorporates several groups, including Hillsong United and Hillsong Young and Free. “We believe the local church will be the salvation of generations. People’s lives are meeting Jesus and as long as that keeps happening we will keep doing this in Jesus’ name,” said Douglass.
The evening featured performances from soulful singer Erica Campbell (featuring Lecrae), girl pop group 1 Girl Nation, worship leader Kari Jobe, rapper Andy Mineo, gospel performer Hezekiah Walker and more. Newcomer duo Love and The Outcome displayed their multiple talents during “He Is With Us,” featuring Chris Rademaker on guitar and harmonies, while Jodi King simultaneously handled lead vocals, keyboard and drum duties.
Jonathon Douglass from Hillsong.

Jonathon Douglass from Hillsong


Rapper Lecrae, who recently scored a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 with his album Anomaly, and MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard proved fitting hosts for the evening of diverse musical styles. The pair turned their musical differences into a comedic moment when Millard tried his hand at rapping, with the aid of a “hypeman,” and Lecrae sang backed by guitars.
“Where are the turntables at?” asked Lecrae.
“Oh we actually play our music,” replied Millard, to the roaring laughter of the crowd.
“I’ll remember that next time I’m on Fallon,” retorted Lecrae, referencing his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Later in the evening, after a country/folk-inspired performance, MercyMe was surprised onstage with the news that their signature song, 2001’s “I Can Only Imagine,” has become the first gospel song to earn 2 million digital downloads.
After bringing the crowd to its feet with a rendition of her hit single “Overcomer,” Mandisa took home her first Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. “I am thankful for this. I think back to [finishing in ninth place on] American Idol eight years ago. I was convinced that I was being kicked to the curb. I didn’t know what to do, but I’m a living witness, if you seek first the kingdom of God.”
Dove Award favorite Natalie Grant showcased her formidable, soulful vocal on an a cappella snippet of “I Need Thee Every Hour,” followed by her recent single “Hurricane.”
Producer Brown Bannister’s daughter and rising artist Ellie Holcomb earned New Artist of the Year. She offered an emotional acceptance speech, quoting Hosea 6:3, and thanking fans who helped her launch her album As Sure As The Sun via Kickstarter this year.
Talented entertainers and musicians For King & Country’s performance closed out the show with a mix of drums, high-energy music and confetti, capping an evening that celebrated uplifting music made of varying styles, but a united message.
The 45th annual Dove Awards will be broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on Sunday, Oct. 12.
The Dove Awards recently secured a long-term partnership with Lipscomb University in Nashville, which includes housing the Gospel Music Association’s offices on campus. The Dove Awards for 2015 will be held at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena on Oct. 13, while the 2016 Dove Awards will be held at Allen Arena on Oct. 11.
45th Annual Dove Awards Winners
Song of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Hillsong UNITED, (writers) Matt  Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm (publisher) Hillsong Music  Publishing/EMICMGPublishing.com
Songwriter of the Year—Chris Tomlin
Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong  Music/Sparrow Records, (producer) Michael Guy Chislett
Artist of the Year—Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Music
New Artist of the Year—Ellie Holcomb
Producer of the Year—Ed Cash
Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year—“100,” KB (ft. Andy Mineo), (writers) Kevin Burgess, Andy Mineo, Lasanna “ACE” Harris, Joseph Prielozny
Rock Song of the Year—”Not Gonna Die,” Skillet, (writers) John  Cooper, Korey Cooper
Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year—“Love Alone Is Worth The Fight,” Switchfoot, (writers) Jon Foreman, Tim  Foreman
Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong UNITED, (writers) Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm
Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year—“Every Praise,” Hezekiah Walker, (writer) David Bratton, Hezekiah Walker
Worship Song of the Year—“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong UNITED, (writers) Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Salomon Ligthelm (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing/EMICMGPublishing.com
Rock Album of the Year—Rise, Skillet, (producer) Howard Benson
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year—Overcomer, Mandisa, (producers) David Garcia, Christopher Stevens, Chuck Butler, Ronald Rawls
Praise and Worship Album of the Year—Majestic, Kari Jobe, (producer) Jeremy Edwardson
Inspirational Film of the Year—God’s Not Dead, (director) Harold Cronk, (producer) Pure Flix Entertainment
Official images provided by Rick Diamond and Terry Wyatt of Getty Images for the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

The Swon Brothers Presented With 'MusicRow' Challenge Coin

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MusicRow recently honored The Swon Brothers for their chart-topping single, “Later On,” which hit the No. 1 spot on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart on Aug. 21, 2014. The duo was presented with a MusicRow Challenge Coin to mark the occasion.
Writers on the song include Ryan Hurd, Joey Hyde, and Justin Wilson. Publishers include Universal Music Corporation, Lake Allegan Pub Club, Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, and Magic Mustang Music Inc.
Audiences first became aware of Zach and Colton Swon after they finished third in NBC’s The Voice’s third season. “It’s been such a wild ride since The Voice,” said Colton. “To now have our first number one song, that is definitely something special we will cherish.”
The Swon Brothers are nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards, and the band’s Arista Nashville self-titled debut album will be released Oct. 14.

Zach and Colton Swon receive “MusicRow” No. 1 Challenge Coins to commemorate the chart-topping success of “Later On.”


The Swon Brothers, their Arista Nashville team members and manager Greg Hill, join “MusicRow” to celebrate.

George Strait Chronicled in 100-Page Bookazine

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George-Strait-Bookazine-The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and CBS Watch! magazine have partnered to present the first-ever 100-page “bookazine,” commemorating George Strait.

The official collector’s edition, George Strait, celebrates the reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year with an intimate look at Strait’s life, including exclusive photos from his Texas ranch, behind the scenes moments, and a special introduction from Clint Black.

“This is an exclusive tribute to a Country music legend,” said Jeremy Murphy, Watch! magazine Vice President. “We are very pleased to have partnered with the Academy of Country Music in celebrating George Strait’s life and career, and the impact he has had on an enduring medium.”

In anticipation of the ACM Awards golden anniversary telecast on April 19, the George Strait publication also includes behind-the-scenes moments of past ACM Awards and a “sneak peek” at what music fans can expect when the ACM Awards take over Dallas, TX at 8:00 P.M. live ET/delayed PT on CBS.

The publication is available now at newsstands across the U.S. and Canada and Amazon.

DISClaimer: Country Music's Sonic Diversity

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carrie underwood something in the waterOne of the coolest things about this week’s collection of country music is its sonic diversity.
We have dusty, Texas-influenced troubadours like Mark Jones and Radney Foster. We have ultra-produced pop-country sounds from Carrie Underwood and Victoria Banks. There’s the throwback, 1950s country style of Doug Seegers as well as the contemporary song craftsmanship of Eric Paslay. The shiny newness of Jon Pardi sits alongside the nostalgia of “Gentle on My Mind” by The Band Perry.
And you know what? It’s all good.
So much so, that both of our awards this week are ties. Although totally different, Radney Foster and Carrie Underwood are both Discs of the Day.
Likewise, our two distinctive DisCovery Award stylists, Doug Seegers and Mark Jones & Twenty Paces.
KENNY CHESNEY/Til It’s Gone
Writer: Rodney Clawson/David Lee Murphy/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia/Blue Chair (track)
—The track sounds curiously compressed and mushy, with a constant guitar drone that doesn’t let up and nearly buries the vocal. The song about living in the moment while love is fresh is solid as a rock.
MARK JONES & TWENTY PACES/Breaking Even
Writer: Mark Jones; Producer: Jeffery Armstreet; Publisher: none listed; MJ  (www.markjonesxxpaces.com)
—It’s over. Looking back, he realizes they never had a chance. Jones sings with marvelous warmth, giving the ballad its intense, country-boy heartache. The band and production are both stellar, as well. Lend this your ears.
radney foster 2014THE BAND PERRY/Gentle on My Mind
Writer: John Hartford; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Republic Nashville 
—The band was on Glen Campbell’s farewell tour and appears in the acclaimed documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me. This salute to the afflicted superstar retains the classic song’s breezy tempo as well as its wistful, rambling-boy tone. Effortlessly entertaining.
VICTORIA BANKS/Ruined
Writer: Victoria Banks/Phil Barton/Preston Brust/Lindsay Rimes; Producer: Victoria Banks & Park Chisolm; Publisher: Spark Ark Songs/Petrelli Tunes/Better Boat Music/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Sony-ATV Tree Publishing/EMI Music Publishing Australia, ASCAP/BMI/APRA; Fontana North (track) (www.victoriabanks.net)
—Banks is a Nashville singer-songwriter who was named Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the 2010 Canadian Country Music Awards. Her new Indigo CD has a refreshing, experimental pop-country sound typified by this crunchy, wooshy, upbeat single. The song craftsmanship is topnotch throughout the collection. This is an artist you absolutely need to pay attention to. Recommended without reservation.
JON PARDI/When I’ve Been Drinkin’
Writer: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Jeremy Spillman; Producer: Bart Butler & Jon Pardi; Publisher: The Song Factory/Golden Vault/Bill Butler/HoriPro/Brave Bandito, BMI; Capitol (track)
—He phoned her and babbled lovey-dovey stuff, but it was only because he was loaded. At least that’s the way he remembers it in this wryly drawling ditty. The goofy banjo notes are the perfect audio touch.
ERIC PASLAY/She Don’t Love You
Writer: Eric Paslay/Jennifer Wayne; Producer: Marshall Altman; Publisher: Cal IV/Five Stone/Songwriters of Platinum Pen, ASCAP/BMI; EMI (track)
—Sadly wistful, this ballad paints a portrait of a lost lamb who finds solace wherever she can. Supportive strings sigh along.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Something in the Water
Writer: Carrie Underwood/Chris DeStefano/Brett James; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Carrie-Okie/EMI April/Sugar Glider/Sony-ATV/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Arista
—Underwood tears into this gospel rocker with gusto. Bright’s production froths around her, alternately pounding and dropping into near silence. All in all, a brilliant sonic creation.
DOUG SEEGERS/Going Down to the River
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track) 
—Early this year, Swedish country star Jill Johnson came to Nashville to make a music documentary. She and her crew found Seegers singing on the streets downtown. Captivated by his soulful, retro style, she spearheaded the creation of an album. Listeners in her homeland turned this evocation of the great Hank Williams into a Swedish smash, and soon his reputation spread elsewhere in Europe. Rounder perked up its ears, signed the homeless man to a U.S. deal, and released the record on Tuesday. It is one terrific listening experience, featuring 10 Seegers originals plus one cover each of Hank and Gram Parsons songs. Buddy Miller and Emmylou Harris are among the stellar guests in the cast.
RADNEY FOSTER/California
Writer: Radney Foster; Producer: Justin Tocket & Radney Foster; Publisher: Alamo Lounge/Kobalt, ASCAP; Devil’s River (track)
—If I were king, this man would be a superstar. As it is, he remains an A+ country vocalist and a song craftsman without peer. This heartbroken meditation burns and yearns as its narrator travels the road to the Golden State. Aspiring tunesmiths could use this as a tutorial, because every line of this ballad is a jewel. Kacey Musgraves provides the wafting vocal harmony.
CASEY BERRY/Won’t Let You Make a Fool of Me
Writer: Jim Reilley; Producer: Roger Hodges; Publisher: Mike Curb/Keantunes, BMI; 80615 (track) (www.caseyberry.com)
—Solidly country. He’s not the world’s strongest singer, but the well-written, conversational lyric and steel-soaked production support him admirably.
 

Concert for Cumberland Heights Features Josh Turner With Striking Matches

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MCA Nashville and multi-platinum Country music artist Josh Turner will headline this year’s annual Concert for Cumberland Heights with special guest Striking Matches on October 15 at The Ryman.
Since its inception, the Concert for Cumberland Heights has raised $2.5 million dollars for the John Hiatt Fund, which supports adolescents and young adults ages 14 to 25 and their families through the recovery process. 
Information and tickets ($29.50, $39.50, $49.50) are available here.

Weekly Register: Blake Shelton, Lady A Debut On Top

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Bringing-Back-The-SunshineIt’s debut week for Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum, who zoomed into the No. 1 and 2 slots on the overall albums chart, respectively.
Shelton sold 101K, fueled in part by hit lead single “Neon Light,” and the season premiere of The Voice. He chose the title Bringing Back the Sunshine because he says, “Country is sunshine to me…I’m bringing back some country music.” Among the album’s guests are Ashley Monroe (“Lonely Tonight”) and Rae Lynn (“Buzzin'”), a former The Voice contestant.
Lady A’s 747 landed with sales of 74K. The hit “Bartender” was a strong sales lead-in, and the group’s promotional rounds included performances on TODAY and Jimmy Fallon, a Yahoo! live stream, and the 7FOR7 project where they gave seven surprises to seven fans in seven days. New single “Freestyle” is out now.
LadyA_747_PhotoOnly_HIres_WEB1Rounding out the top 5 Country albums are current releases by Kenny Chesney (39K), George Strait (14K) and Tim McGraw (13K).
This week’s other Country debuts include Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Alabama & Friends at The Ryman, Lady Antebellum (4-CD Wal-Mart pre pack), Moonshine Bandits, Ricky Skaggs, Chase Bryant (EP), and Jeff Bridges. These all sold 2K or less.
Jason Aldean’s new album was released yesterday, so we will have those sales numbers next week.
Tracking Tracks
Carrie Underwood’s new single “Something in the Water” sold 125K, swimming in at No. 1 Country. Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line share the rest of the Top carrie underwood something in the water5. Aldean’s “Just Gettin’ Started” debuted at No. 2 with 86K, and “Burnin’ It Down” sold 71K, topping the 1 million mark. The latest from FGL, “Bumpin’ The Night,” sold 71K, and “Dirt” rounded out the Top 5 with 49K and nearing 1 million.
Meanwhile, Megan Trainor is still bumpin’ on the overall tracks chart, selling 202K downloads this week of “All About That Bass,” for a RTD total of 2.7 million.
WeeklyReg100814

Karpowicz Elected Chairman Of BMI Board Of Directors

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Paul Karpowicz


Paul Karpowicz, President of the Meredith Local Media Group, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) at a Board meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 7 in Nashville.
Karpowicz is responsible for the direction of Meredith’s 12 television stations and has nearly 30 years experience in the industry. His career includes more than 20 years at LIN, where he presided over the growth of its station group and includes a previous role as VP and General Manager for WISH-TV. He has served as Chairman of the CBS Affiliates Board, the NAB Television Board and the Television Bureau of Advertising Board. He is a graduate of Notre Dame University.
Karpowicz was most recently Vice Chair of the BMI Board of Directors and succeeds Susan Davenport Austin, Vice Chairman of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation and Senior Managing Director of Brock Capital Group, who was elected Presiding Director at the meeting. Karpowicz joined the BMI Board in 2007.
The Company also held its Annual Shareholder Meeting that same day. Newly elected to the Board were Caroline Beasley, Executive VP, CFO, Treasurer and Secretary of the Naples, Florida-based Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.; and William S. Hoffman, President of Cox Media Group.
Re-elected as members of the Board were Michael Fiorile, President and CEO of The Dispatch Printing Company, and Vice Chairman and CEO of Dispatch Broadcast Group, Columbus, OH; Catherine L. Hughes, the Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc., Silver Spring, MD; and Jerome L. Kersting, Cincinnati, Ohio. All will serve terms that will expire in 2018.
 

Fiddle Virtuoso Stuart Duncan Named Next Nashville Cat

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Stuart Duncan


The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s quarterly program series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians returns Saturday, Nov. 1, with fiddle virtuoso Stuart Duncan.  The 1:30 p.m. interview, held in the museum’s Ford Theater, is included with museum admission and free to museum members.
The program will include an in-depth, one-on-one interview illustrated with vintage recordings, photos and film clips from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.
A multi-instrumentalist best known for his fiddling, Duncan has performed live and played on sessions for the likes of Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, John Prine, Robert Plant, George Strait, Barbra Streisand and many, many others. He is also a longtime member of the Nashville Bluegrass Band.
Duncan has won many awards for his musicianship, including multiple International Bluegrass Music Association awards and multiple Academy of Country Music instrumental awards. He lives in Nashville and continues to record.