Bentley Reveals New Video Clip on CBS Digital Outlets

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Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley


Dierks Bentley will premiere the video for his latest single, “I Hold On,” across CBS‘ radio station websites and all of its digital properties, including Radio.com, Metrolyrics.com, and ACMCountry.com.
Directed by Wes Edwards and shot on location in Nashville and Texas, the new video follows a young singer’s struggle as he tries to balance his climb in the business with maintaining his values. MusicRow described the song earlier this year as “a song that shakes you,” and that Bentley “delivers with conviction.”
“It was really important to me that this video capture the story of this song…my story,” explains Bentley about the clip. “But it also needed to take on the more universal themes that the choruses cover. The lyrics were written from such a real and emotional place, and I put a lot of pressure on making sure this video held up to what Brett James and I wrote that day.  I hope when people listen to it, they raise their beers up, but this time for the bigger idea of what we all stand for as country music fans…faith, love and freedom.”

Bentley will host his 8th annual “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and concert this Sunday (Nov. 3) in Nashville with guests Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Brett Eldredge, Easton Corbin and Chase Rice.

'Private Lives of Nashville Wives' To Air in February 2014

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private lives111

Pictured (L-R): Erika, Sarah, Ana, Cassie, Betty and Jenny


The TNT reality show Private Lives of Nashville Wives (originally titled Nashville Confidential) is set to premiere Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. According to a trailer for the show, Cassie Piersol-Chapman (wife of Christian singer-songwriter Gary Chapman), Erika Page White (wife of country singer Bryan White), Betty Malo (wife of Mavericks singer Raul Malo), Jenny Terrell (wife of JT Terrell, a top Nashville party and event producer) and Sarah Davidson (wife of songwriter Dallas Davidson) are among the cast members.
The show will be produced by Evolution Media.
“We and the folks at TNT have been thinking about Nashville for quite some time and have looked at it as the city really on the cutting edge of cool and hip and hot and still grounded in good old American values,” said Douglas Ross, founder of Evolution Media.
Watch the trailer below.

Barry Gibb Named Inaugural Fellow of MTSU’s Center for Popular Music

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Singer-songwriter-producer Barry Gibb, left, laughs at an audience member's comment Monday night at MTSU during his recognition as the inaugural fellow of The Center for Popular Music in the university's College of Mass Communication. Presenting Gibb with documentation of his honor inside Tucker Theatre are mass comm Dean Ken Paulson, center, and Dr. Dale Cockrell, director of the center. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Singer-songwriter-producer Barry Gibb, laughs at an audience member’s comment Monday night at MTSU during his recognition as the inaugural fellow of The Center for Popular Music in the university’s College of Mass Communication. Presenting Gibb with documentation of his honor inside Tucker Theatre are mass comm Dean Ken Paulson, and Dr. Dale Cockrell, director of the center. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)


Singer-songwriter Barry Gibb was honored Monday night (Oct. 28) as the inaugural fellow of The Center for Popular Music at MTSU’s College of Mass Communication. Gibb, a founding member of the pop-sensation Bee Gees, received the honor before speaking at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre for an event billed as his first lecture and performance combination.
The artist came to campus at the invitation of John Merchant, an assistant professor in MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry who toured with Gibb for years as part of his sound production team.
“Barry Gibb’s career has been characterized by its breadth, depth and consistently high quality, embracing shifts in popular music with intuitive ease — and emerging at the top of the charts in five different decades,” said Ken Paulson, dean of the college, who helped present the honor to Gibb.
The fellowship recognizes Gibb’s extraordinary accomplishments as a performer, songwriter and producer. He is cited in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s most successful songwriter after Paul McCartney.
Gibb and his brothers have been topping the charts since the 1960s, becoming the only group in pop history to write, produce and record six straight No. 1 hits. The Bee Gees had 16 Grammy nominations and nine Grammy wins. Gibb also has had No. 1 songs in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s 1990s and 2000s and is the only songwriter in history to write four successive U.S. No. 1 hits: The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” in 1978, replaced by youngest Gibb brother Andy’s single, “Love Is Thicker Than Water,” followed by the Bee Gees’ seven-week run for “Night Fever” and Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You.” The Bee Gees’ and Elliman’s singles all originated with one of the top-selling albums of all time, the film soundtrack from “Saturday Night Fever.”
Recording Industry Chair Beverly Keel said she was pleased that Gibb’s appearance at MTSU provided an opportunity for the center — and the entire university community — to connect with the legendary performer. “We take pride in providing top-notch opportunities for our students to learn from the best,” Keel said. “Professor Merchant’s ties to Mr. Gibb allowed the university to benefit from one of the greatest musical talents in popular music.”

Twitter Does Mock NYSE Run In Advance Of IPO

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twitterTwitter did a mock run of its upcoming IPO on the New York Stock Exchange last Saturday, in part to hopefully avoid any glitches similar to those Facebook encountered upon making its debut on the Nasdaq, according to the Associated Press. The weekend test run, (the first-ever for the NYSE,) was reportedly successful, with traders from member firms running simulated buy and sell orders, testing the system’s flow to assure smooth sailing.
The company is expected to go public in the next few weeks trading under the ticker TWTR, and plans to offer up 70 million shares in the range of $17-20 apiece, which will possibly yield the company $1.6 billion.
“This morning’s systems test was successful, and we’re grateful to all the firms that chose to participate,” NYSE spokeswoman Marissa Arnold said via a statement. “We are being very methodical in our planning for Twitter’s IPO, and are working together with the industry to ensure a world class experience for Twitter, retail investors and all market participants.”
The company is the biggest tech offering since Facebook. Gains in the stock market have increased the demand for IPOs, as over 150 companies have gone public this year, up more than 50 percent from 2012, according to tracking firm Renaissance Capital.

Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert To Perform At Gregg Allman Tribute

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logo_4Eric Church, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Brantley Gilbert, the Allman Brothers Band, and a host of other artists will pay homage to Gregg Allman Jan. 10 at the all-star tribute to the singer, “All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman” at Atlanta’s Fox Theater.
The show will feature special collaborations as friends and admirers gather to pay tribute to the career of the Southern rock legend. Don Was will serve as musical director for the all-star band on the special, which will be recorded and filmed for distribution through traditional and online channels. Other artists appearing on the special include Jackson Browne, Natalie Cole, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Jaimoe, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Pat Monahan, Sam Moore, Robert Randolph, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Widespread Panic, with other special surprise guests and additional performers to be added soon.
Tickets for the show will go on sale to the general public Nov. 1 at 10 a.m.  More information on the special tribute can be found at celebrategreggallman.com.

Charity News: Colt Ford, Bobby Bones, Jake Owen

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Colt Ford gathered several of his famous pals to help raise $20,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the “Colt Ford & Friends 2nd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic.” The event was held at the luxurious Château Élan Winery & Resort just outside of Atlanta on Sept. 23, 2013.
Among those taking part in the golf classic and in the evening all-star jam were Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Campbell, Ira Dean & Keith Burns, Tyler Farr, Jamey Johnson, Charles Kelley, Josh Kelley,The LACS, Larry the Cable Guy, Locash Cowboys, John Michael Montgomery and Sister Hazel.
“Thanks to all of our sponsors and friends who helped make this a great event for St. Jude,” said Colt Ford. “My heart goes out to all the kids at St. Jude, and I’m so humbled that we were able to help the cause.”

Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, V.P. Promotion/Marketing, Average Joes Ent., Teri Watson, Sr. Director, Entertainment Marketing, ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Colt Ford, Jamie Reeder, Average Joes Management & Tournament Coordinator, Rusty Harmon, Average Joes Management & Tournament Director

Pictured (L-R): Tony Morreale, V.P. Promotion/Marketing, Average Joes Ent., Teri Watson, Sr. Director, Entertainment Marketing, ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Colt Ford, Jamie Reeder, Average Joes Management & Tournament Coordinator, Rusty Harmon, Average Joes Management & Tournament Director

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The Grand Ole Opry and the Bobby Bones Show teamed up for an album showcase for show listeners featuring The Raging Idiots (Bobby Bones and Producer Eddie Garcia) performing tunes from their album Charity Hilarity in historic Studio A of the Opry House Friday, Oct. 25. The showcase was followed by an Opry performance that featured appearances by Lady Antebellum, Love and Theft, Brandy Clark, and more.
Opry VP and General Manager Pete Fisher presented a platinum certification award “in anticipation of 1,000,000 copies downloaded” during the event. The light-hearted performance and presentation ended with another presentation from Fisher, a $1,000 check for a donation to Numana, the charity for which the Charity Hilarity album is raising funds. Listen to the album and make a donation at bobbybones.com, keyword: Raging Idiots.

Pictured (L-R): Bobby Bones, Pete Fisher, and Eddie Garcia. Photo: Chris Hollo.

Pictured (L-R): Bobby Bones, Grand Ole Opry VP and General Manager Pete Fisher, and Eddie Garcia. Photo: Chris Hollo.

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Jake Owen

Jake Owen


Jake Owen will perform at Nashville’s Loveless Cafe tonight (Tuesday, Oct. 29) as he teams with Saint Thomas Health for the annual Rock The Cradle charity event, presented by the Academy of Country Music. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. this evening for cocktails and dinner, followed by the concert at 8 p.m.
The event benefits newborns in need at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. In the past three years, ROCK THE CRADLE has raised more than $500,000 to support obstetrics care and the Beaman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. For more information, visit rockthecradlenashville.com.

American Country Awards Nominees Announced

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acaNominations have been announced for the fourth annual American Country Awards (ACA Awards), hosted by Trace Adkins and NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick. The special will air live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Taylor Swift leads the American Country Awards nominees with eight nominations; Florida Georgia Line and Blake Shelton each earned seven nominations.
Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite American Country Awards nominees at theacas.com. Voting is open until Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11:59 PM PT for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11:59 PM PT. The nominees for each award category have been determined by five media measurement companies: BigChampagne (record sales and media consumption); Great American Country (video airplay); Mediabase (radio airplay); Pollstar…The Concert Hotwire (touring data); and Nashville Songwriters Association International (song).
The American Country Awards will feature performances and appearances by the year’s chart-topping country artists. Performers and presenters will be announced soon.
Following is the list of categories and nominees for the American Country Awards:
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Artist of the Year: Female
Kelly Clarkson
Sheryl Crow
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Lee Brice
Hunter Hayes
Randy Houser
Scotty McCreery
Justin Moore
Artist of the Year: New Artist
Florida Georgia Line
Kip Moore
Kacey Musgraves
Cassadee Pope
Thomas Rhett
Album of the Year
Night Train, Jason Aldean
Here’s To The Good Times, Florida Georgia Line
Two Lanes of Freedom, Tim McGraw
Based On A True Story…, Blake Shelton
Pioneer, The Band Perry
Single of the Year
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
Single of the Year: Male
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allan
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“The One That Got Away,” Jake Owen
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Single of the Year: Female
“Easy,” Sheryl Crow
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Two Black Cadillacs,” Carrie Underwood
Single of the Year: Duo/Group
“Downtown,” Lady Antebellum
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
“Goodbye in Her Eyes,” Zac Brown Band
Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
“I Drive Your Truck,” Lee Brice
“All Over The Road,” Easton Corbin
“Somebody’s Heartbreak,” Hunter Hayes
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Til My Last Day,” Justin Moore
Single of the Year: New Artist
“Did It for the Girl,” Greg Bates
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
“Redneck Crazy,” Tyler Farr
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
“The Only Way I Know,” Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church
“Don’t Rush,” Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill
“Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Boys ‘Round Here,” Blake Shelton with Pistol Annies
Touring Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Zac Brown Band
GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY – Music Video of the Year
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
Music Video of the Year: Male
“Take A Little Ride,” Jason Aldean
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allan
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
“Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Music Video of the Year: Female
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Someone Somewhere Tonight,” Kellie Pickler
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood
Music Video of the Year: New Artist
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Crying On A Suitcase,” Casey James
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Merry Go ‘Round,” Kacey Musgraves
Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Come Wake Me Up,” Rascal Flatts
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
Song of the Year (award goes to the songwriter(s)):
“Better Dig Two,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen, Recorded by The Band Perry
“Cruise,” Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Joey Moi, Chase Rice and Jesse Rice, Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Hard To Love,” Ben Glover, Billy Montana and John Ozier, Recorded by Lee Brice
“Highway Don’t Care,” Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren, Recorded by Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary, Recorded by Lee Brice
“Like Jesus Does,” Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell, Recorded by Eric Church
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves, Recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Merry Go’ Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne, Recorded by Kacey Musgraves
“Pontoon,” Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird, Recorded by Little Big Town
“Wagon Wheel,” Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor, Recorded by Darius Rucker
American Country Awards is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2013, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers. Greg Sills is supervising producer.

Aldean's Tour Bus Involved In Fatal Crash

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jason aldean111A tour bus carrying Country singer Jason Aldean was involved in a fatal accident overnight in Knox County, Ind. The accident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Monday (Oct. 28) on Old U.S. 41. According to deputies, Albert Kennedy, of Vincennes, Ind., walked in front of Aldean’s bus, and was fatally struck. Neither Aldean nor the bus driver were injured, and the accident remains under investigation.
Aldean released a statement regarding the accident. The statement reads:
“With a heavy heart, I’m sad to say that a man passed away last night after stepping out in front of my bus in Indiana. In all the years I’ve been touring and all the miles we’ve driven, nothing prepares you for something like this to happen. I’m praying for Albert Kennedy’s family and friends today and ask that you do the same.”

NATD Gala Honorees Revealed

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NATD_Honors_logo_smOn Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) will hold its annual Gala at the Hermitage Hotel. This year, the Gala will honor ROAR Co-Founder Bernie Cahill, Co-Head of CAA’s football division Tom Condon, MWS Group Partner Chaz Corzine, country music icon Martina McBride, President of Buddy Lee Attractions Kevin Neal, and Academy of Country Music Chairman Bob Romeo. Stephanie Langston of Nashville’s WKRN will return to her duties as a co-host for the evening.
Last year, honorees included the late George Jones, WBA’s Robert S. Williams, CAA’s John Huie, Nashville Predator Mike Fisher, Morris Artist Management’s Clint Higham, and Nashville Symphony President/CEO Alan Valentine.
A limited number of tickets can be purchased online via n-a-t-d.com.

Rice Teams For Radio Promotion, Distribution

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chase rice

Chase Rice


Chase Rice has hired RPM to handle radio promotion for his new EP Ready Set Roll, in addition to employing Sony Music Entertainment’s RED and Thirty Tigers to handle distribution. The digital version of Ready Set Roll was released Oct. 15 on Rice’s own Dack Janiels label in partnership with newly formed T8 Records, a label launched by Triple 8 Management and headed by Bruce Kalmick and George Couri. T8 will handle all label activities in conjunction with RED and Thirty Tigers.
“Chase is at the forefront of a new movement in country music, and Triple 8 will continue to provide a welcoming atmosphere for evolution and improvement for our clients,” says Kalmick. “RPM has a tremendous team from top to bottom, given their many years of experience and commitment to servicing our country radio partners. They are some of the best promotion professionals on Music Row. It was a no-brainer to add them to the Chase Rice team.”
RPM VP of Artist Development April Rider adds, “Chase and Triple 8 have already laid a great foundation for Chase’s career to explode. RPM is very excited to partner with their team to take Chase’s music to the next level with our friends at country radio. They are going to love him!”