Luke Bryan's 'Crash My Party' Sales Soar

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luke bryan crash my party album cover1111Luke Bryan could have the third-largest sales week of the year next week following the release of his fourth studio album, Crash My Party, on Tuesday (Aug. 13), according to Billboard.com. Sources predict the star’s latest album could sell at least 450,000 copies by Aug. 18. If he reaches that number, it would be Bryan’s biggest sales week ever, and the biggest for any male in country since 2005 when Kenny Chesney sold 469,000 with his The Road and the Radio CD.
If the CD reaches the 450,000 mark, it would put Bryan behind only Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience with 968,000 and Jay Z’s Magna Carta…Holy Grail with 528,000 in first-week sales for 2013. It also puts him in pretty rare company in the country world as well. Since 2008, only four country albums have sold more than 450,000 in a single week — three by Taylor Swift (her last three studio releases,) and the fourth by Lady Antebellum, Need You Now, which bowed with 481,000 in 2010.
Album sales will likely be propelled by Bryan’s three-week No. 1 title track, “Crash My Party,” which recently set a Billboard record as the largest one-week audience since 2005 with 45.5 million listeners and has already sold a million copies. Bryan’s latest single from the new project, “That’s My Kinda Night,” is on par for similar success apparently, as the highest-debuting single of his career.
Bryan is heavily promoting the CD all this week, with appearances on E!‘s Chelsea Lately and ABC‘s Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this week. He’s scheduled to appear on NBC‘s Today twice this week, today and tomorrow (Aug. 15-16).
The new Soundscan sales figures will be revealed on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

John Esposito Joins FLO As Senior Advisor

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John Esposito

John Esposito


President and CEO of Warner Music Nashville, John Esposito, has just joined FLO as a senior advisor. FLO (findyourflo.com) is a group headquartered in Nashville that partners with artists and entertainers with large audiences to help them build new business ventures.
The company was founded in 2011 by five core partners, business veterans Joe Galante, John Grady, Randy Wachtler, Ed Hardy, and Mark Montgomery, and its most recent project is the development and national rollout of Kenny Chesney‘s Blue Chair Bay Rum,  a product presently enjoying one of the best first-year performances of a new spirits business in the history of that industry.
Said Esposito, “I’m intrigued with the FLO model of taking artists beyond simple sponsorship and endorsement deals and helping them build their own companies, and in taking an active role in helping make Nashville the epicenter of the new music business. I am honored to be added to the list of phenomenal business men and women associated with FLO and look forward to what lies ahead.”
In addition to his current role at Warner Music Nashville, Mr. Esposito has served as President and CEO of WEA, Warner Music Group’s U.S sales and retail marketing arm, and as GM and Executive VP at Island/Def Jam Music Group. Esposito’s previous work includes PolyGram, The Wiz retail chain, and Mitsubishi Electronics America.

Industry Ink (8-15-13)

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The Combustion Music staff and “Don’t Ya” co-writer Ashley Gorley gathered at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday evening (Aug. 13) to celebrate Brett Eldredge‘s first chart-topping single. After a three-song performance Eldredge and the Combustion crew visited backstage with “Don’t Ya” co-writer Chris Destefano and Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg. “Don’t Ya” is Gorley’s 11th No. 1 as a songwriter. He has been with Combustion Music since 2001.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Chris Destefano, Chris Van Belkom, Brett Eldredge, Ashley Gorley, Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn

Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Chris Destefano, Chris Van Belkom, Brett Eldredge, Ashley Gorley, Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn.

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Matt Cottingham

Matt Cottingham


Entertainment law firm Petree Law has moved offices and announced a new hire. The law practice is now operating from 336 22nd Ave. N. in Nashville. Entertainment attorney Chip Petree has hired Matt Cottingham to join the firm as an associate. Cottingham started at Petree Law on Aug. 1; previously he worked with ICS Law Group for four years, specializing in entertainment, intellectual property and business law. He serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), and is a member of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Association.
Petree has represented a diverse client group including songwriters, artists, producers and music publishers since 2004. Prior to establishing Petree Law, he worked in the legal and business affairs departments for the RIAA, BMG Entertainment and MTV Networks. Petree continues to serve as general manager of Copyright Exchange, the Nashville-based consulting and brokerage firm he helped found in 2005.

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KatieAlphonso2013-111111

Katie Alphonso


SESAC has promoted Katie Alphonso to Manager, Royalty Distribution. Alphonso will supervise royalty distribution functions and related staff, including the processing, calculation and analysis of royalty distribution for broadcast and live music, as well as the compilation and distribution of royalty statements for all SESAC affiliates.
Alphonso joined SESAC in 2004, and has held numerous positions, including Data and Reporting Analyst, Copyright Administrator, Per Program Project Leader, and most recently, Domestic Royalty Administrator.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

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Clockwise from Top Left: Randy Owen, Jeffrey Steele, Will Jennings and Layng Martine, Jr.

Clockwise from Top Left: Randy Owen, Jeffrey Steele, Will Jennings and Layng Martine, Jr.


Will Jennings, Layng Martine, Jr., Randy Owen (Alabama) and Jeffrey Steele will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October, according to an announcement made today by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF).
The four new inductees will join the 188 existing members of the elite organization when they are officially inducted during the 43rd Annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 13th at the Music City Center. AT&T will again be a sponsor of the event.
“Among all the great songwriters who have put the music in Music City, only a few are elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” said Pat Alger, chair of the foundation’s board of directors. “This year we are delighted to bestow this honor upon Will Jennings and Jeffrey Steele in the songwriter category; Randy Owen in the songwriter/artist category, and Layng Martine, Jr. in the veteran songwriter category.”
Will Jennings’ songwriter credits include “Up Where We Belong” (Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes) and “My Heart Will Go On” (Celine Dion). Jeffrey Steele’s resume is known for “The Cowboy In Me” (Tim McGraw) and “What Hurts The Most” (Rascal Flatts). Layng Martine, Jr. is the tunesmith behind “Rub It In” (Billy “Crash” Craddock) and “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” (Reba McEntire). Alabama front-man Randy Owen popularized many of his own compositions with the band, such as “Feels So Right” and “Fallin’ Again.”

Gibson Brothers, Balsam Range Lead IBMA Nominations

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ibma90711The Gibson Brothers and Balsam Range led the nominations for the 2013 International Bluegrass Music Awards, which was streamed live from the Loveless Cafe Barn in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday evening (Aug. 14). The 2013 International Bluegrass Music Awards will be held on Sept. 26, hosted by Steep Canyon Rangers. The awards show will take place during World of Bluegrass, held Sept. 24-28 in Raleigh, N.C.
The Gibson Brothers, both individually and as a group, earned eight nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group, Album of the Year for They Called It Music, Song of the Year (“They Called It Music”) and Gospel Recorded Event. Member Eric Gibson earned two nominations including a nod as a songwriter for Song of the Year and in the Bluegrass Songwriter category. Gibson Brothers member Jesse Brock notched a nomination for Mandolin Player of the Year. The Gibson Brothers are the reigning IBMA Entertainer of the Year, and took home the Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year honor last year for “Singing As We Rise” with Ricky Skaggs.
Balsam Range was close behind with seven nominations, including nods as Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group, and two Song of the Year nominations, for “Any Old Road (Will Take You There)” and “Papertown.” They also earned nominations for Album of the Year (Papertown), Gospel Recorded Event and Recorded Event (for band member Buddy Melton’s “What’ll I Do” with Terry Baucom).
Additional nominees for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award include Blue Highway, Dailey & Vincent, and The Del McCoury Band.
Guitarist and performer Tony Rice and the late fiddler Paul Warren are set to be inducted in the IBMA Hall of Fame, while industry professional Keith Case, The East Mountain Boys, banjo player Vic Jordan, Charley Pennell and The McLain Family Band were named as recipients of the 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award.
Nominations for the 2013 International Bluegrass Music Awards include:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
 Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
The Del McCoury Band
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
The Boxcars
Sam Bush Band
Punch Brothers
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Any Old Road (Will Take You There),” Balsam Range, written by Carl Jackson, Marc Pruett & Jerry Salley
“Gentle on my Mind,” Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, written by John Hartford
“Papertown,” Balsam Range, written by Milan Miller
“The Story of the Day that I Died,” Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, written by Ashby Frank
“They Called It Music,” The Gibson Brothers, written by Eric Gibson & Joe Newberry
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Dear Sister, Claire Lynch, produced by Garry West, Compass Records
Hammer Down, The SteelDrivers, produced by The SteelDrivers & Luke Wooten, Rounder Records
The Old School, Peter Rowan, produced by Alison Brown, Compass Records
Papertown, Balsam Range, produced by Balsam Range, Mountain Home
They Called It Music, The Gibson Brothers, produced by Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber, Compass Records.
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Beulah Land” Marty Raybon, written by Squire Parsons, produced by Marty Raybon, Rural Rhythm
“Home on the River,” The Gibson Brothers, written by Austin Taylor, produced by Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber, Compass Records
“Row by Row,” Balsam Range, written by Ashleigh Caudill, produced by Balsam Range, Mountain Home
“Say Hello to Heaven,” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, written by Lewis N. Hyatt, produced by Doyle Lawson, Mountain Home
“When He Beckons Me Home,” Darin & Brooke Aldridge, written by George Shuffler, produced by Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Mountain Home.
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“By the Waters of the Clinch,” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, written by Doyle Lawson, produced by Doyle Lawson, Mountain Home
“Foggy Mountain Rock,” Tom Adams, Ron Block, J.D. Crowe, Charlie Cushman, Kenny Ingram, Jim Mills, Joe Mullins, Larry Perkins, Craig Smith, Ron Stewart, David Talbot & Tony Trischka, written by Louise Certain & Gladys Stacey, produced by Tim Austin, Rounder Records.
“New Jerusalem,” Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, written by Ricky Skaggs, produced by Ricky Skaggs, Skaggs Family Records
“Newton’s Grove,” Audie Blaylock & Redline, written by Richard Underwood, produced by Audie Blaylock, Rural Rhythm
“NoraBelle,” Darrell Webb Band, written by Darrell Webb, Rural Rhythm
“Pilgrim’s Knob,” Alan Bibey & Wayne Benson, written by Bill Monroe, produced by Alan Bibey & Wayne Benson, Pinecastle
RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Another Night,” Alan Bibey, Wayne Benson and Russell Moore, produced by Alan Bibey & Wayne Benson, Pinecastle
“Golden Ring,” Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out with Sonya Isaacs, produced by Barry Bales, Cracker Barrel
“On the Edge of Letting Go,” Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen with Tim O’Brien and Rob Ickes, produced by Frank Solivan & Brent Truitt, Compass Records
“This Old Guitar and Me,” Grasstowne with Ronnie Bowman, produced by Ronnie Bowman & Grasstowne, Mountain Fever Records
“What’ll I Do,” Terry Baucom with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Wyatt Rice, Steve Bryant & Buddy Melton; produced by Terry Baucom, Cindy Baucom and Ed Lowe; John Boy & Billy label
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Della Mae
Flatt Lonesome
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
The Spinney Brothers
The Darrell Webb Band
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jamie Dailey
Russell Moore
Tim O’Brien
Marty Raybon
Junior Sisk
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley
Sonya Isaacs
Claire Lynch
Amanda Smith
Rhonda Vincent
INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR

BANJO
J.D. Crowe
Mike Munford
Sammy Shelor
Ron Stewart
Scott Vestal
BASS
Barry Bales
Mike Bub
Missy Raines
Mark Schatz
Marshall Wilborn
FIDDLE
Jason Carter
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan
Bobby Hicks
Ron Stewart
DOBRO
Mike Auldridge
Jerry Douglas
Rob Ickes
Randy Kohrs
Phil Leadbetter
GUITAR
Jim Hurst
Tony Rice
Kenny Smith
Bryan Sutton
Josh Williams
MANDOLIN
Wayne Benson
Jesse Brock
Sam Bush
Sierra Hull
Adam Steffey
2013 International Bluegrass Music Special Award Nominations
BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR
Joe Mullins, WBZI, Xenia, Ohio
Ronnie Reno, Reno’s Old Time Music Festival, BlueHighways TV and RFD
Wayne Rice, KSON, San Diego, California
David Smith, North Dakota’s Prairie Public Radio
Tim White, Song of the Mountains, PBS
BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR
The 2013 Bluegrass First Class, Asheville, North Carolina
The 2012 Father’s Day Festival, Grass Valley, California
The 2012 Huck Finn Jubilee, Ontario, California
The 2012 Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival, Tunbridge, Vermont
Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, Bean Blossom, Indiana
BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR A RECORDED PROJECT
Dak Alley, Carl Jackson & Jimmy Metts (designers); Grace Notes; Carl Jackson; Voxhall Records
Erick Anderson (designer), Music To My Ears, Ricky Skaggs, Skaggs Family Records
Sue Meyer (designer), Doctor’s Orders, Don Rigsby, Rebel Records
Pharis Romero (designer), In Good Company, Bill Evans, Native & Fine Records.
Tom Rozum, Catherine Manning & Dave Weiland (designers); Chicken on a Rocketship; Chad Manning; Manning Music and Arts label
BEST LINER NOTES FOR A RECORDED PROJECT
Tom Adams; Foggy Mountain Special; Tom Adams, Ron Block, J.D. Crowe, Charlie Cushman, Kenny Ingram, Jim Mills, Joe Mullins, Larry Perkins, Craig Smith, Ron Stewart, David Talbot & Tony Trischka; Rounder Records
Fred Bartenstein, They’re Playing My Song, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Rebel Records
Jamie Lynn Brinkman, God Didn’t Choose Sides, Various Artists, Rural Rhythm Records
Carl Jackson, Carl Jackson, Voxhall Records
Don Rigsby, Doctor’s Orders, Don Rigsby, Rebel Records.
BLUEGRASS PRINT/MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR
Fred Bartenstein, editor, Bluegrass Bluesman: A Memoir by Uncle Josh Graves (book)
Derek Halsey, writer for the Herald Dispatch in Huntington, West Virginia and Bluegrass Unlimited magazine
Chris Jones, writer for Bluegrass Today
Ted Lehman, blogger for Ted Lehmann’s Bluegrass, Books & Brainstorms
Amy Reitnouer, editor of The Bluegrass Situation
BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Louisa Branscomb
Paula Breedlove
Mark “Brink” Brinkman
Eric Gibson
Donna Ulisse
MOMENTUM AWARDS
INDUSTRY, NEW PROFESSIONAL
Danny Clark, The Bluegrass Bus & LeRoy Troy PR
Martha Dantzic, Quicksilver Productions
Amy Reitnouer, The Bluegrass Situation
INDUSTRY, NEW FESTIVAL OR VENUE
Bluegrass on the Plains, Auburn, AL
The Festy, Roseland, VA
The Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival, Roanoke Island, NC
INDUSTRY, MENTOR
Stephen Mougin
Denise Stiff
Jon Weisberger
PERFORMANCE, VOCALIST
Amber Collins, Amber Collins & Turning Point
Robert Greer, Town Mountain
Sarah Harris, Trinity River Band
Isaac Moore, The Moore Brothers
Celia Woodsmith, Della Mae
PERFORMANCE, BAND
The Bankesters
Cumberland River
Front Country
Snyder Family Band
Town Mountain
PERFORMANCE, INSTRUMENTALIST
Bobby Britt, Town Mountain
Kimber Ludiker, Della Mae
Chris Luquette, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
Bryan McDowell, Claire Lynch Band
Zeb Snyder, Snyder Family Band
Special Awards and Distinguished Achievement Awards will be presented at a luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at the World of Bluegrass Business Conference in Raleigh, N.C. The Momentum Awards will be presented at the Showcase Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

On The Cover – Billy Currington (Aug./Sept. 2013)

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CoverPressEditMercury Records artist Billy Currington has garnered a string of seven No. 1 singles including “Don’t,” “Good Directions,” “Let Me Down Easy,” “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” “People Are Crazy,” “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” and “That’s How Country Boys Roll.”  He’s sold millions of albums and has been selected to tour with Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Sugarland and Carrie Underwood.  Currington recently headlined his own tour with support acts Kip Moore and David Nail. His multiple nominations include two 2010 Grammy nominations (Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song) for “People Are Crazy,” which also received nominations for Single and Song of the Year from the Academy of Country Music, as well as Single, Song and Video of the Year from the Country Music Association.
Currington will release his first album in three years, We Are Tonight, on Sept. 17. The highly anticipated album features the hit single “Hey Girl,” which was written by Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano and produced by Dann Huff. The single garnered Currington’s biggest first-week track sales ever and has remained in the Top 25 on the country singles sales chart for five consecutive weeks. Currington worked with three producers on We Are Tonight including longtime producer Carson Chamberlain, Dann Huff and Shy Carter.
Currington taps into the amazing Nashville songwriter community for We Are Tonight, as well as covering fellow surfer Jack Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes.” The album features intimate moments on “23 Degrees and South,” youthful nostalgia on the title track “We Are Tonight” and a fun, playful side on “It’s Hard To Be A Hippie” which features Willie Nelson.
Artist Name: Billy Currington
Label: Mercury Records
Current Album: We Are Tonight
Current Single: “Hey Girl”
Current Video: “Hey Girl”
Current Producer(s): Carson Chamberlain, Dann Huff and Shy Carter
Hometown: Rincon, Ga.
Management: John Dennis – Dennis Entertainment
Booking: Marc Dennis – CAA
Recent Hits: “People Are Crazy,” “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” and “That’s How Country Boys Roll”
Nominations/Awards: Nominated for 2010 ACM Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “People Are Crazy”; CMT Male Video of the Year nominee; Nominated for 2010 Grammy Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for “People Are Crazy”; Nominated for 2009 CMA Single of the Year, Video of the Year, Song of the Year for “People Are Crazy”; Nominated for 2006 CMA Music Event of the Year “Party For Two” with Shania Twain; Won CMT Music Award 2006 for Hottest Video of the Year for “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right”; Special TV/Film Appearances: Letterman, Leno, Fallon, Craig Ferguson, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2009)
Birthday: Nov. 19
Outside Interests: Fishing, paddle boarding, surfing
Musical Influences: Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Def Leppard, Michael McDonald
Favorite Record(s): Willie Nelson, Stardust; Kenny Rogers, Gideon; Maroon 5, Songs about Jane; any album by Michael Jackson
RIAA Certs to date: Enjoy Yourself (Album) Gold, “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” (Track) Platinum, “Good Directions” (Track) Platinum, “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” (Digital Track) Gold, “Let Me Down Easy” (Digital Track) Gold, Little Bit of Everything (Album) Gold, “People Are Crazy” (Digital Track) Platinum, “Good Directions” (Digital Single) Gold, “People Are Crazy” (Digital Single) Gold, Doin’ Somethin’ Right (Album) Platinum, Doin’ Somethin’ Right (Album) Gold, “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” (Digital Single) Gold

Little Big Town Celebrates Platinum

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(L to R): Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town Manager/Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen, Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO Lucian Grainge, Photo: Chris Hollo

(L to R): Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town Manager/Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen, Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO Lucian Grainge, Photo: Chris Hollo


UMG Nashville celebrated the RIAA Platinum certification of Little Big Town’s album Tornado last night (Aug. 13) at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan greeted the guests, proclaiming that the last 12 months has been a “year of firsts” for the band as members of the industry, friends and family celebrated the impressive milestone. A year ago, Little Big Town debuted their album Tornado in the very same symphony hall with a special performance of the album in its entirety. Members of the group, Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet and Kimberly Schlapman, each took the opportunity to thank the team members behind the album’s success.
Selling over a million units to date, Tornado spent five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country sales chart and has produced two No. 1 singles – “Pontoon” (double Platinum certified) and title track “Tornado.” LBT won their first Grammy award this year for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Pontoon,” as well as winning an Emmy Award for the “Good Afternoon” theme song for ABC’s Good Afternoon America. The group was also named CMA Vocal Group of The Year and ACM Vocal Group of The Year and headlined the sold-out Tornado Tour.
Little Big Town is currently touring with Keith Urban and Dustin Lynch in Urban’s Light The Fuse tour.

Chris Young Hospitalized, Several Shows Cancelled

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chris young A.M1
Singer-songwriter Chris Young has been hospitalized in Denver with a leg infection. The infection, whose origin is unknown, set in while Young was en route to a show in Kalispell, Mont.
Although the artist is in stable condition, his headlining show in Kalispell has been cancelled, along with his performances on Brad Paisley‘s “Beat This Summer Tour Presented By Cracker Barrel Old Country Store” on Aug. 15 in Penticton, BC, Aug. 16 in Mission, BC and Aug. 17 in Brownsville, Ore.
“I’m so sorry to disappoint the fans but I didn’t even know I was sick,” said Young. “One minute I was fine then suddenly I’m being rushed to the hospital. I look forward to being up and around and back on the road.”
Young plans to resume touring on Aug. 21 in Redding, Calif. His latest album A.M. will be released Sept. 17 on RCA Records Nashville.

Marv Green Celebrates 20 Years of Songwriting Success

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Warner/Chappell Music and THiS Music recently celebrated songwriter Marv Green’s 20+ years of hit-making success. Green’s compositions include songs recorded by Eric Church (“Creepin'”), Dustin Lynch (“Wild In Your Smile”), Reba (“Consider Me Gone”), Carrie Underwood (“Wasted”), Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (“Let’s Make Love”), Brooks & Dunn (“Proud of the House We Built”), Rodney Atkins (“Farmer’s Daughter”) and George Strait (“True”), among others.
Green was recently feted by performing a full set of his hits and new songs during an Aug. 7 performance at Nashville music venue The Basement. Lucky attendees not only enjoyed a stellar performance by Green but left with a commemorative CD featuring both hits and future hits.
The Santa Barbara, Calif. native captured his first No. 1 hit, “True,” recorded by George Strait in 1998. The following year he scored his second No. 1 with Lonestar‘s “Amazed,” spending eight weeks at No. 1. Green was honored by BMI with Song Of The Year Award in 2000, and was awarded the BMI Songwriter Of The Year in 2001. He also claimed the ACM Song Of The Year for “Amazed” as well as a Grammy nomination. The series of hits listed above followed, making Green one of Nashville’s most sought-after writers.

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music), Marv Green, Rusty Gaston (General Manager and Partner, THiS Music)

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (Executive Vice President, Warner/Chappell Music), Marv Green, Rusty Gaston (General Manager and Partner, THiS Music)

Harlow Promoted To Director, West Coast Promotion For Mercury Records Nashville

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Summer Harlow

Summer Harlow


Summer Harlow has been named Director, West Coast Promotion for Mercury Records Nashville. Harlow will report to Damon Moberly, VP Promotion of Mercury Records and will oversee all West Coast radio promotion efforts for the label group which represents artists including Billy Currington, Easton Corbin, Jennifer Nettles, Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone more passionate about the country format,” says Moberly. “We can’t wait to turn her loose in the West to begin working on behalf of our talented artists and their music.”
Harlow, a MTSU graduate, began her career at UMG Nashville in 2009 as an assistant and was then promoted to the position of Promotion Coordinator, first for MCA Nashville and most recently for all of UMG Nashville reporting directly to Royce Risser, SVP of Promotion.
Harlow is currently based in the Nashville office and will relocate to Denver, Colo., in the coming months. She can be reached at [email protected] or (615) 524-7566.
Additionally, Ashley Laws will be joining UMG Nashville as Promotion Assistant to Risser. Starting Aug. 19, Laws may be reached at [email protected].