‘CMT Giants’ Special Honoring Kenny Rogers To Benefit MusiCares

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Kenny Rogers. Photo: Piper Ferguson

CMT is holding “CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” an uplifting celebration to honor the life and music of the late Kenny Rogers. The special will premiere Wednesday, April 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT.

The tribute will feature special virtual performances and interviews from Rogers’ friends including Dolly Parton, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill and more, all filmed directly from their homes and blended alongside rare archival photos, interviews and performances, with clips and commentary from Rogers himself.

“Kenny Rogers transcended genres and generations with his musical versatility, legendary collaborations and timeless appeal, and we’re honored to pay tribute to his legacy,” shared Margaret Comeaux, Executive Producer and Vice President of Production, Music & Events, CMT. “Particularly in these turbulent times, we’ll stop and take a moment to allow the memory of our dear friend Kenny to bring us together and inspire us to lend support to those in the music community who are most in need.”

Throughout the special, fans will have the opportunity to honor Rogers’ life and donate directly to MusiCares® COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was established to provide critical funds to the thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have the greatest need due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Half of all funds raised will go directly to the Nashville country community.

“The resilience and strength of the country music community is heartwarming,” said Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health and Human Services MusiCares. “Our deepest gratitude to the Rogers Family and CMT for designating MusiCares as the beneficiary of this broadcast. Their support will help the thousands of music professionals in need of assistance with rent, utilities, food and other basic necessities. I’m proud to call Nashville home and I’m so fortunate to be a member of this community.”

Viewers can visit musicares.org/kennyrogers and text KENNYCARES to 41444 during the broadcast to contribute, and members of the music industry needing assistance can visit musicares.org.
Rogers has a celebrated history with CMT and was honored in 2015 as “Artist of a Lifetime” during the CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. In 2005, he collaborated with close friend Lionel Richie for an episode of CMT Crossroads and also appeared alongside Dolly Parton at CMT 100 Greatest Duets to sing “Islands in the Stream,” which earned the No. 1 spot on CMT’s prestigious list.

“CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” will encore on both MTV Live at 8 p.m. ET on April 10 and again on CMT at 12 p.m. ET on April 11.

Lady Antebellum Reschedules Ocean 2020 Tour Dates

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Lady Antebellum is postponing the May and June concerts of their Ocean 2020 Tour. The tour is now set to begin July 2 at Toyota Amphitheatre in Sacramento, California. Jake Owen and Maddie & Tae will continue to open the newly-rescheduled shows.

Tickets previously purchased will be honored for the rescheduled dates listed below.

OCEAN 2020 TOUR DATES:
7/02/20 – Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre *
7/03/20 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre *
7/05/20 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre *
7/07/20 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre *
7/09/20 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
7/10/20 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha
7/11/20 – Prior Lake, MN – Lake Front Music Festival
7/16/20 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
7/17/20 – Pittsburgh, PA – S&T Bank Music Park
7/18/20 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
7/23/20 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
7/24/20 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
7/25/20 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
7/26/20 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre *
7/31/20 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheater
8/01/20 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/02/20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
8/06/20 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
8/07/20 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/08/20 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/15/20 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/16/20 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/17/20 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *
8/21/20 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
8/22/20 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/27/20 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
8/28/20 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
8/29/20 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
9/03/20 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center **
9/04/20 – Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
9/05/20 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
9/06/20 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
9/10/20 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Bowling Arena
9/11/20 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
9/12/20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
9/18/20 – Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion **
9/19/20 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center **
9/20/20 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion **
9/26/20 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center *
9/27/20 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre *
10/01/20 – Phoenix, AZ – AK Chin Pavilion *
10/02/20 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater *
*Rescheduled Date
**Lineup May Vary

Spotify And Warner Music Group Renew Global Licensing Agreement

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Spotify and Warner Music Group have renewed a global licensing agreement that covers both current markets and additional markets where Spotify services are offered.

While financial terms of the agreement were not made public, Warner Music Group and Spotify did release a joint statement:

“Warner Music Group and Spotify are pleased to announce a renewed global licensing partnership. This expanded deal covers countries where Spotify is available today, as well as additional markets. The two companies look forward to collaborating on impactful global initiatives for Warner artists and songwriters, and working together to grow the music industry over the long term.”

Today’s announcement will result in many songs now being available for the first time to Spotify users in countries such as India.

Key West Songwriters Festival Postponed

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The 25th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, originally slated for May 6-10, has been postponed until further notice.

“After 24 years you’d think you’ve seen it all, but that’s not always the case,” says Charlie Bauer, Key West Songwriters Festival founder. “We are focused on playing our part in getting through these difficult times and when the time comes that we can safely hold the event, we look forward to the 25th installment of the Key West Songwriters Festival. Bringing the music, fans, industry and business back to Key West will be a major factor in the road to recovery. Our festival has not only become a benchmark for songwriters but also an important part of the local economy.”

The cancellations also include the Luke Combs concert originally scheduled for May 8 at Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater.

Festival Director Kyle Carter says, “We will get new dates for the Festival announced soon but unfortunately, we have to cancel the Luke Combs concert altogether. Attendees can get a full refund or have the option to donate a portion of their ticket to the Festival. Like everyone else, we’re concerned with being a part of the solution to recovery. We are also committed to the survival of our small business and to the people that make it happen. For 24 years our team has produced mostly free, community-focused events and we intend to keep that going. Our employees, strategic partners and volunteers who work all year round deserve it and we aim to preserve it.”

The Key West Songwriters Festival was launched in 1997; since then, BMI and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association have brought Nashville’s top songwriters and artists to Key West for days of music and camaraderie. Notable Key West Songwriter Festival alumni include Kacey Musgraves, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Combs, Maren Morris and Cole Swindell.

Matt Willis Inks Joint Pub Deal With Altadena, Warner Chappell

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Pictured (back row, L-R): Matt Cottingham (Ritholz Levy Fields LLP), Noreen Prunier (Altadena), Matt Willis, Lydia Schultz (SESAC), BJ Hill (Warner Chappell); (front row, L-R): Ben Vaughn (Warner Chappell), Julia Keefe (Altadena), Daniel Lee (Altadena)

Nashville-based songwriter Matt Willis has inked a joint publishing deal with Altadena and Warner Chappell Music. Willis, an Ohio native, moved to Nashville 10 years ago.

Among his cuts is “Backseat Driver,” co-written and recorded by Sony Music Nashville’s Robert Counts.

“Matt represents the best qualities that are so often associated with Nashville songwriters: genuine musicality; smart, poignant lyricism; a deep respect for the craft; and a work ethic that rivals the best in the business. We are thrilled to partner with Warner Chappell in working with Matt and are excited to bring his songs to the masses,” says Altadena’s Daniel Lee.

Altadena was founded by the late songwriter and producer busbee in 2018. The company offers publishing, label and artist development services in partnership with Warner Chappell, Warner Records and Red Light Management.

Kameron Marlowe Signs With The AMG

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Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Kameron Marlowe has signed with The AMG for exclusive management representation.

Marlowe has garnered more than 15 million streams on his debut song, the autobiographical heartbreak anthem “Giving You Up,” which he wrote and released independently.

“Since the beginning, one of our main goals has been to find and develop the best new talent in country music, and Kameron is the epitome of that goal,” said Rob Beckham, President and CEO of The AMG. “It’s hard to even put into words how thrilled we are to represent Kameron. He’s an exceptional singer, songwriter and performer. The sky is the limit for him.”

“I am so excited to have a team where everyone feels like family,” said Marlowe. “They understand my vision, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”

In addition to Marlowe, The AMG welcomes managers Joe Lee and Kaitlin Madewell. Lee joins from Rogue Management, and Madewell joins from REVYNL, where she focused on festival marketing and artist management. They will jointly handle the day-to-day business for the country singer.

“We are so lucky to have Joe and Kaitlin on board,” said The AMG general manager Kristy Reeves. “With their collective experience in multiple facets of the industry, they are great, well-rounded additions to our team.”

Pictured: Madewell, Lee

Artist Rights Organizations Offer New COVID-19 Resource Website

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Artist rights organizations including the Artist Rights Alliance, American Association of Independent Music, the Music Artists Coalition, National Music Publishers’ Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America, the Songwriters of North America, and more have joined forces to develop a website, MusicCovidRelief.com, with guidance and resource materials for those in need in the arts/entertainment community.

With the historic passage of the CARES Act stimulus bill last Friday, the music advocacy organizations recognized the need for the creation of a central resource to help the music community understand and quickly access this critical aid. MusicCovidRelief.com will help people make sense of the bill and showcase solutions and opportunities for those in need, along with downloadable forms and other resources.

In a joint statement, the organizations said: “The music community is extremely grateful for the benefits available to them through the CARES Act. The aid will be most valuable if people can access it in time to meet their needs. This coalition pooled its resources to compile information to assist members of our community, understand who is eligible, and how they access relief. We will continue to update the site as more information becomes available.”

Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million To Vanderbilt To Aid Coronavirus Research

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

You can add country legend Dolly Parton to the list of celebrity personalities pledging to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parton announced she is donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help fund research to help eradicate the virus. According to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, there have been more than 887,000 confirmed cases around the world.

“My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure,” Parton said via Twitter. “I am making a donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations.”

Parton, who launched the Imagination Library in 1995 to help encourage a love of reading in children, recently revealed she will be reading bedtime stories through an online series, starting April 2 at 7 p.m. ET. To date, the initiative has mailed more than 133 million books to children.

Live Nation Establishes Crew Nation Fund To Support Live Music Crews

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Live Nation, the world’s largest concert promoter, announced yesterday (3/31) that it has established a new charitable fund to help support concert crews around the world. The Crew Nation fund will provide monetary support for concert crew members impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, which has canceled concerts, festivals and other live events since it began spreading across the world earlier this year.

Live Nation has committed $10 million to Crew Nation, split between a five million dollar donation directly to the fund and another five million to match contributions by artists, fans and employees dollar-for-dollar. Crew Nation is powered by Music Forward Foundation, a charitable nonprofit organization, that will be administering the fund.

“Concerts wouldn’t be possible without the crew working behind the scenes to bring them to life. To help out live music crews while concerts are on pause, LiveNation has committed $10 million to the #CrewNation,” Live Nation president and CEO Michael Rapino said in an Instagram post Tuesday. In Rapino’s post he reveals his family will personally donate $250,000 to the cause.

Over the next week, Live Nation will be reaching out to crew members from tours across the globe whose income has already been affected due to the cancellation or rescheduling of a Live Nation event. Music Forward Foundation will be selecting recipients based on a determination of need, and the company will be releasing an application for crews across the industry in the coming weeks.

Live Nation has also launched an exclusive Crew Nation merchandise line that includes shirts and sweaters with all the proceeds going straight to the Crew Nation fund. Those products are available for a limited time and can be found here.

Jordan Rager Signs With APM Management

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Pictured (L-R): Andrew Perlowich, Jordan Rager

Riser House artist Jordan Rager has inked a deal with Andrew Perlowich of APM Management for exclusive management representation. Rager is set to release a new single (the title has yet to be announced) on May 22.

“We’re excited to have Jordan on our roster,” said Perlowich. “His work ethic and talent is something that any management team would be lucky to represent. We are very eager to get to work on his project.”

Rager signed a label deal with Riser House in 2018, and has earned more than 52 million streams to date.