Black Diamond Row Music Publishing Inks Deal With Dean Dillon

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Photo ID (L to R): Sheryl Steinmeyer, Dean’s manager; Angela Gutierrez, Founder of Black Diamond Row; Dean Dillon; Adolfo Gutierrez, Managing Director

Songwriter Dean Dillon has signed an exclusive publishing deal for his future works with Black Diamond Row Music Publishing.

Between 1979 and 1981, Dillon released 12 singles for RCA Records, with three of his songs reaching the Top 30 on the country charts, including his rendition of “Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her,” which later became a No. 1 hit for George Strait. Between 1979 and 1983, as an artist Dillon charted eight times and broke the Top 30 with “I’m Into The Bottle (To Get You out of My Mind).”

Dillon has since become one of music’s most iconic songwriters. He has written more than 76 songs recorded by George Strait, including 19 radio singles and 11 No. 1 hits. Those hits include “The Chair,” “If I Know Me,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Oceanfront Property,” “Unwound,” “She Let Herself Go,” and “Marina Del Ray,” among many others.

He also co-wrote “Tennessee Whiskey,” which was first recorded by David Allan Coe and later became a hit for George Jones in 1983 and in recent years became a 6x Platinum, signature recording for Chris Stapleton. He also penned several hits for artists including the late Keith Whitley (“Homecoming ’63” and “Miami, My Amy”), Kenny Chesney (“A Lot of Things Different” and “A Chance”), Pam Tillis (“Spilled Perfume” and “All The Good Ones Are Gone”), Toby Keith (“A Little Too Late,” and “Get My Drink On”) and the late Vern Gosdin (“Is It Raining At Your House” and “Set ‘Em Up, Joe”), among others.

Dillon was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002 and earned the BMI Icon Award in 2013. He also earned three CMA Triple Play Awards (in 1995, 1996 and 1998).
“Dean Dillon is one of the most respected songwriters in the Nashville community,” says Angela Gutierrez, Founder of Black Diamond Row. “He has had a very successful career and will be valuable to the continued growth of BDR and all our songwriters.”

Nashville-based music publishing company Black Diamond Row launched in 2015; the roster also includes Kevin Brandt and Jordan Rainer.

Cumulus Media Names Paul Williams As Director, Programming For Westwood One Nashville

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Paul Williams

Cumulus Media has appointed Paul Williams to Director of Programming for Westwood One Nashville. Williams is based in Nashville, and reports to Brian Philips, EVP, Content & Audience, Cumulus Media.

In this role, Williams oversees the marketing, content, and operations for Westwood One’s award-winning, nationally syndicated country programming, including: The Ty Bentli Show, The Blair Garner Show, Nights With Elaina, American Country Countdown, Country Countdown USA, Country Gold, and With Elaina.

Williams was most recently Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development for Reviver Entertainment Group in Nashville. He had previously served as an executive at RCA Label Group Nashville and as Operations & Marketing Director for the nationally syndicated Kidd Kraddick Show. Prior to that, he programmed KPLX-FM in Dallas, TX, and spent six years as a liaison to national radio at Universal Studios Orlando radio broadcast center.

“As the largest audio network in the country, Westwood One is committed to bringing high-quality content to our quarter of a billion listeners,” said Suzanne Grimes, EVP Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One. “Paul has the perfect suite of capabilities to build on that promise and take our programming to the next level.”

“Paul brings energy, pure radio instincts, great relationships, music taste, and a wealth of big brand-building experience in entertainment,” said Philips. “We’ve set him up to rally the team and build business for Westwood One Nashville.”

“I can’t wait to step into this role and lead the dedicated, talented people of Westwood One Nashville,” said Williams. “I’m eager to contribute to the innovative future of our Nashville-based brands, content, and marketing.”

Shawn Parr Returns With New Nationally Syndicated Weekday Show

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Shawn Parr is returning to radio on a new nationally syndicated weekday show, Shawn Parr’s Across the Country, on June 1 in markets across the U.S.

The four-hour localized country program from Key Networks features Parr’s trademark warmth, wit and love for country music, and is available for stations Monday-Friday via FTP delivery. The show is customized to air anywhere in a station’s lineup between 6am-midnight, mornings, middays, afternoons or nights.

Parr is one of country radio’s most familiar voices with nearly 30 years in country radio, including 10 years as a nationally syndicated on-air host. Based in the Music City, Parr is widely known for his work as the voice of The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Golden Globes, American Music Awards, and many other national TV specials.

“Key Networks is excited to bring Shawn Parr back to country radio. His track record, enthusiasm, relationships and humanity make us proud to be working together,” said Jim Higgins, President & COO, Key Networks.

“My entire career has always been about the country listeners and they will lead the way with this show as well! Teaming up with Key Networks is like a dream come true,” said Parr. “Together we have worked so hard to get this show on the air and trust me when I say I am fired up and can’t wait for you to feel the energy Across The Country!”

Industry Ink: Lucky Bird Media, Manuel, Maddie & Tae

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Donica Elliott Flies To Lucky Bird Media

Donica Elliott has joined the newest member of the growing team at Lucky Bird Media. Elliott comes to Lucky Bird from All Eyes Media where she served as Senior Director for the past six years working with artists including Sarah Jarosz, John Moreland, Old Crow Medicine Show, Parker Millsap, and Amanda Shires. Prior to her time at All Eyes, Elliott worked as Director of Artist & Media Relations for roots label Sugar Hill Records. In addition, Elliott joins Red Light Management handling day-to-day management for Old Crow Medicine Show.
 

Couture Safety During COVID-19

Manuel.


Western couture designer Manuel has joined the fight against the spread of COVID-19 by creating face masks with his own designs to donate to hospitals, first responders and delivery drivers. He’s accepting donations to be able to purchase more fabric to make more masks, and they can be sent to: Manuel American Designs, 2804 Columbine Place, Nashville, TN 37204.
 

Maddie & Tae To Appear On ‘Say Yes To The Dress’

Maddie & Tae. Photo: Carlos Ruiz


Following the release of their sophomore album The Way It Feels last week via Mercury Nashville, Maddie & Tae will appear on TLC’s series Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta on Saturday, April 17.
Filmed last year ahead of Maddie Marlow’s November nuptials, tune-in as Marlow searches for the perfect bridesmaid dresses alongside her family and closest friends including bandmate Taylor Dye. Watch a preview of the new episode below on TLC’s Twitter page.

Teddy Robb Releases Debut EP

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Teddy Robb has released his debut self-titled EP via Monument Records. The five-track project includes the songs “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You” (which has been streamed more than 50 million times), and his latest, “Good Love & Good Whiskey,” which was written by Jesse Frasure, Bart Butler, Chase McGill and Cary Barlowe.

Robb collaborated with producers Shane McAnally, Ben Fowler, and Matt McGinn on the new project.

Fred Foster founded Monument Records in 1958. Among the artists signed to the label were Roy Orbison (who recorded his iconic hit “Oh Pretty Woman” for the label), Jeannie Seely, Cindy Walker, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton (who released her first two singles, “Dumb Blonde” and “Something Fishy” for the label in 1967), Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Connie Smith and Willie Nelson, among others. Monument was later sold, but Sony briefly revived the label in the mid-’90s, and released projects from Dixie Chicks and Little Big Town, before McAnally teamed with Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen to revive the label again in 2017. Foster died in 2019.

“Teddy Robb” EP Track Listing:
Me On You
Good Love & Good Whiskey
Lead Me On
Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You
Tell Me How

Brett Eldredge Returns With Vulnerability And Richness, Sets New Album For July 10 [Interview]

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Brett Eldredge. Photo: Greg Noire

After spending some time off the grid, reflecting and creating, Brett Eldredge is ready to release a new collection of music for the first time in almost three years.

The time spent alone drew out some of the most vulnerable music Eldredge has released, starting with a song about reflecting on a lost love, called “Gabrielle.” The single is the first taste of his album Sunday Drive, due out July 10 via Warner Music Nashville. The Paris, Illinois native recorded the project with Grammy-winning duo Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk at Shirk Studios in Chicago. Tashian and Fitchuk also co-wrote “Gabrielle” alongside Eldredge, which is the first song he recorded for the new project.


“They’re incredible people and incredible creators, so it’s a really special song to be the first single,” Eldredge tells MusicRow. “It’s a very good indicator of what the album holds and the depths of the record, and the distinct sound of the record. From the intro of the piano and everything, it’s pretty powerful.

“[‘Gabrielle’] is very personal, it’s very honest,” Eldredge says. “I got the feeling of like, ‘Wow, I feel like I’ve known this song for a long time.’ This whole album has that sentiment, and that sense of warmth.”

Chicago’s influence comes through on the music that Eldredge has released thus far from Sunday Drive. The piano-driven “Gabrielle” has a jazz flavor that works really well with Eldredge’s rich vocal tone. Further, a tune he wrote with Ross Copperman, “Crowd My Mind,” really stands up as another piano-led ballad, with an intimate blues vibe.

His “Where The Heart Is,” written with Jessie Jo Dillon and Tyler Johnson, encourages a message of human connection. The tune, occasionally backed by beautiful string sections, feels particularly timely given the chaotic times we are faced with.

“What in the world are we all doing here,” Eldredge sings. “What do we see, what do we see, when we look in the mirror? ‘Cause I’m just lookin’, lookin’ for somethin’ true. And I believe that I might find it, maybe I’ll find it in you. Just show me where the heart is.”

As far as releasing new music in the wake of the social distancing era brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eldredge is optimistic that the music will connect, despite the limited promotion opportunities for in-person meetings, and a radio tour.

“I know one thing for certain is in tough times we always have music and I’ve got some really special music to get out there and I think it’ll help us,” Eldredge says. “Any way that we can all connect more with ourselves and with each other in these tough times, and if music can help with that a lot, I’d love to play a little part in that. That’s what I go to in these times, I go listen to music.

“I’m going to push forward and get this music out there and I’m excited to hopefully be an escape for some people in tough times, and also be encouraging and some optimism. We’re all going to push on through and come out the other side together. It’s going to be all right.”

Sunday Drive is available for pre-order here, while “Crowd My Mind,” “Where the Heart Is” and “Gabrielle” are available for download and streaming now.

BMG Signs Australian Duo The Wolfe Brothers To Global Label Deal

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The Wolfe Brothers

BMG has signed Australian duo The Wolfe Brothers to a global recording deal. In the United States, they join the BBR Music Group family via BMG, joining the Nashville label’s roster that includes Jason Aldean, Chase Rice, Granger Smith, Jimmie Allen, Runaway June and Blanco Brown.

Brothers Nick and Tom Wolfe have released the new single “No Brakes,” which follows the duo’s 12 consecutive No. 1 radio singles in Australia as well as their four Australian Country Music Album Chart toppers. The Wolfe Brothers won Group of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards of Australia in 2015, 2016, and 2019.

“This represents the last few years of our journey,” Tom Wolfe says of the new single.

“It’s been quite a long time since there’s been an Australian country act who’s been a huge, huge crossover,” adds Nick.

Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group said, “We are thrilled to welcome one of Australia’s truly great artists to the BBR Music Group family; The Wolfe Brothers. Nick and Tom write world-class songs and are incredible live performers. The minute our staff heard their first track ‘No Brakes’ they were in and wanted to be involved. We look forward to partnering with our amazing BMG Australia team to bring their music to the US!”

The Wolfe Brothers said of the signing, “We are absolutely thrilled to be joining the BBR Music Group/BMG family for the next phase of our career. To be joining a roster that includes Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch and Lindsay Ell is truly a dream come true for us and with the help of the dynamic and creative teams in the BMG offices around the world we are looking forward to taking our music and our live show internationally. We feel we are creating the best work of our career at present and look forward to the road ahead. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”

Taylor Swift Cancels 2020 Shows

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Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has canceled her concerts for 2020, including her LoverFest East and West shows that had been slated for Inglewood, California on July 25-26 and Foxborough, Massachusetts on July 31-Aug. 1, as well as two July 18-19 shows in Brazil.

According to a statement she posted to social media on April 17, tickets for her United States and Brazil shows will be honored for new shows dates which will take place some time next year. Refunds will also be available beginning May 1, according to Ticketmaster standards.

Swift’s statement says: “Fighting COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge for our global community and the safety and wellbeing of fans should always be the top priority. Health organizations and governments around the world have strongly discouraged large public gatherings for an undetermined period of time. With many events throughout the world already cancelled, and upon direction from health officials in an effort to keep fans safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, sadly the decision has been made to cancel all Taylor Swift live appearances and performances this year. The U.S. and Brazil shows will be rescheduled to take place in 2021, with dates to be announced later this year.”

Though there will be no live events or festival shows for Swift in the near future, she has signed on to take part in the upcoming One World: Together At Home livestream event set to air on JOOX Music on April 19. Led by Lady Gaga, the concert will also include performances from Keith Urban, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, Maren Morris and more.

Premier Global Production Keeps Trucks On The Road Delivering Essential Supplies

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Nashville-based Premier Global Production, which supplies staging and lighting equipment for clients including Metallica, Chris Stapleton, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Austin City Limits and several country music festivals, is keeping its trucking fleet on the road, even as the live event industry has come to a standstill.

Instead of hauling staging and lighting equipment, the company’s 18-wheelers and drivers are working for common haul companies to move supplies to critically-impacted areas of the United States.
“We are putting our resources to work for America to help our country get through this pandemic,” says Premier Global Production’s President and CEO Troy Vollhoffer. “We are doing our part to keep the U.S. population fed while we all wait out this unprecedented health crisis.”

“We have put part of our fleet to work with Koch Logistics delivering groceries from distribution centers to Walmarts and other grocery stores in Alabama and Michigan,” says PGP Operations Manager Patrick Gail. “We have put the remaining trucks to work moving goods designated as emergency loads for vendors such as Target and Amazon. Those trucks have been moving goods to distribution centers in the Midwest and Northeast.”

“This great country will get back on its feet again,” Vollhoffer says, “sooner rather than later.”

Willie Nelson To Host ‘Luck Presents: Come And Toke It’ Livestream Variety Show

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Danny Clinch

Luck Productions is presenting “Come And Toke It,” a new variety show hosted by the unofficial patron saint of weed himself, Willie Nelson, who will be joined by artists, chefs, comedians, and cannabis experts during the four hour-plus live-streamed show on April 20 at 4:20 CT.

The fourth installment of Luck’s ongoing live programming, the variety show will include performances by various musical guests, cooking and cocktail demos, and weed-centric moments, and will benefit Willie’s Last Prisoner Project.

Luck and Willie’s Reserve are also joining forces to launch the #comeandtokeit #passleft challenge, which is perhaps the world’s only chance to knock smoking with Willie Nelson off their bucket list. Luck will be asking fans to post a video of themselves passing whatever toking material of their choice to the left with the hashtags #ComeandTokeIt #PassLeft, and one lucky participant will be randomly selected to talk to Willie himself, live on air, to pass left and wish him an early birthday “in person” during the broadcast.

“Come and toke it with me on 4/20 at 4:20,” said Nelson. “There will be music and good times. And, it’s for a good cause.”