[Updated] UMPG Acquires Criterion Catalog

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On the same day that UMPG announced its acquisition of Criterion Music Corporation, The Voice contestant Danielle Bradberry propelled one of Criterion’s catalog hits to No. 1 on the iTunes country chart by performing a show-stealing cover of “Maybe It Was Memphis” (see video below). The song, made famous by Pam Tillis in 1992, experienced an overnight resurgence with Bradberry’s version becoming the No. 1 Country track on iTunes, and Top 5 on iTunes overall.

As previously reported:
Criterion_Logo_ColorUniversal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has acquired Criterion Music Corporation and affiliated entities, it was announced today (May 7) by Zach Horowitz, Chairman & CEO, UMPG, and Bo Goldsen, President of Criterion.
Goldsen, who was responsible for signing Rosanne Cash (“Seven Year Ache”), Lyle Lovett (“If I Had a Boat”) and Rodney Crowell (“Shame on the Moon”), will continue as President of the company his father Mickey Goldsen founded in the 1950s.
Country titles include Highway 101’s “Somewhere Tonight,” Garth Brooks’ “Standing Outside the Fire,”  Pam Tillis’ “Maybe It Was Memphis,” John Michael Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” and Eddie Raven’s “I Got Mexico.” Additionally, the catalog includes cuts from Lee Hazlewood (“These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,”) Jackson Browne (“Doctor My Eyes”) and jazz musician Charlie “Bird” Parker (“Ornithology”).
“Over seven decades, the Goldsen family has built one of the finest collections of songs in contemporary music publishing,” said Zach Horowitz. “We are privileged that they have entrusted their legacy to UMPG.”
Criterion will relocate to UMPG’s Santa Monica, Calif. headquarters under the new acquisition. Loeb & Loeb represented Criterion Music in the transaction. Munger Tolles & Olson represented UMPG.
Criterion began after music publishing veteran Mickey Goldsen purchased Capitol Songs, the publishing endeavor he helped create for the newly founded Capitol Records in 1943.

Carrie Underwood To Perform 'Sunday Night Football' Opening Theme on NBC

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carrie-underwood-blown-away1Carrie Underwood, has been selected to perform “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” the opening theme for primetime television’s Sunday Night Football on NBC. Underwood, the season-four winner of American Idol, makes her Sunday Night Football debut on Sunday, Sept. 8 on NBC’s first SNF broadcast of the 2013 NFL season.
The game will feature a heated NFC East rivalry game when Dallas Cowboys host the New York Giants. The opening theme will continue each week kicking off Sunday Night Football every Sunday night throughout the NFL season on NBC.
“I am thrilled to be a part of NBC’s Sunday Night Football and am so honored they asked me,” said Underwood. “I have always loved football season, and it is so exciting to now become part of it every Sunday night!”
“Carrie Underwood was our first and only choice to perform the Sunday Night Football opening,” said SNF producer Fred Gaudelli. “She’s one of America’s most popular entertainers and the perfect fit for our show.”
Fellow country artist Faith Hill performed the theme from 2007 until 2012.

Chesney to Appear on 'Katie'

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chesneyKenny Chesney will appear on Katie with Katie Couric on May 13.
“Katie is so smart, and so good,” Chesney says of the woman whose talk show received multiple Emmy nominations in its first season. “When you talk to her, you can tell she doesn’t just understand, she gets it and that makes you want to really talk to her. That kind of interviewing is rare, and I’m so glad we were able to make it happen.”
The show, which also features two segments of First Responders in the Boston Marathon Bombing and a mother/daughter who were both injured, focuses on Chesney’s Spread The Love Fund, earmarked to help the injured get prosthetics
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“Meeting the firemen and policemen, EMTs and the doctor who was running the Marathon and broke through the police barricade to treat the injured,” the songwriter says, “was really a profound perspective giver. You look at those people, who didn’t think about their own safety, but helping others – and you realize what a hero really is!”
He also performed a stripped down version of his album Life On A Rock’s “Spread The Love” with guitarists Kenny Greenberg and Clayton Mitchell, the song the Wailers had recorded in Jamaica they asked Chesney to write lyrics for. Chesney’s portion of the money from all downloads of “Spread The Love” will go to the Spread the Love Fund.
Chesney’s No Shoes Nation Tour hits Dallas May 11 at Cowboys Stadium.

ASCAP Honors Top Christian Songs

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ASCAP honored a plethora of artists and songwriters at last night’s (May 6) ASCAP Christian Music Awards, held at the Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tenn. After opening with a prayer, group Finding Favour began with an acoustic performance of “Slip On By.” Jon Egan, on the worship staff at Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., performed “Overcome,” and shared the story’s origin. Daniel Bashta also performed his self-penned song “God’s Not Dead.”
Phil Keaggy, who has recorded more than 50 albums and who dominated the Dove Awards’ Instrumental album award category from 1998-2001, was awarded with the Golden Note award. Keaggy’s close friends Chris and Jan Harris introduced Keaggy and congratulated him not only on the award, but on celebrating 40 years of marriage to wife Bernadette. ASCAP’s Paul Williams called Keaggy a “soul catcher, because when you play, you catch our souls.”
Keaggy did just that, when he brought the crowd to their feet in an extended standing ovation while he performed “Salvation Army Band” on acoustic guitar.
Other top awards handed out that evening included Christian Music Publisher of the Year, which Capitol Christian CMG took home for a 10th consecutive year. Song of the Year went to Matt Redman‘s “10,000 Reasons.” Matthew West was honored as Songwriter/Artist of the Year. Ben Glover, who has earned more than 20 No. 1 hits on both the Country and Christian charts was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
ASCAP’s Michael Martin and LeAnn Phelan were on hand to honor the writers and publishers of some of Christian music’s best-selling compositions.Those in attendance included Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Chris August, Jason Gray, Brandon Heath, Dan Muckala, Josh Wilson, The Afters and others.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Paul Williams, Phil Keaggy, ASCAP’s Michael Murphy, ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, Paul Williams, Phil Keaggy, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento.


Songs honored during the evening include:
1. “Carry Me To The Cross,” performed by Kutless and written by Nick de Partee. Publishers: Capitol CMG Music Publishing, Indecisive Music Publishing, Thirsty Moon River Publishing
2. “10,000 Reasons,” written and performed by Matt Redman. Publishers: Said and Done Music, sixsteps Music, Thankyou Music, worshiptogether.com songs
3. “White Flag,” performed by Passion ft. Chris Tomlin and written by Matt Redman. Publishers: Said and Done Music, sixsteps Music, Thankyou Music and worshiptogether.com songs
4. “God’s Not Dead,” written by Daniel Bashta and performed by Newsboys. Publishers: Go Forth Sounds, sixsteps Music, worshiptogethersongs.com
5. “Live Like That,” written by Ben Glover and performed by Sidewalk Prophets. Publishers: 9 T One Songs and Capitol CMG Publishing
6. “Proof Of Your Love,” written by Mia Fields, Ben Glover and Joel Smallbone and performed by For King and Country. Publishers: 9 T One Songs, Capitol CMG Publishing, Method To The Madness, Shankel Songs, Shout! Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing
7.”Busted Heart,” performed by For King and Country and written by Ben Glover and Joel Smallbone. Publishers: Method To The Madness, Screaming Norman Music, Shankel Songs, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing
8. “Jesus Friend of Sinners,” written by Matthew West and performed by Casting Crowns. Publishers: Combustion Music, Songs For Delaney and Warner/Chappell Music Publishing.
9. “Forgiveness,” Written and performed by Matthew West. Publishers: Combustion Music, Songs For Delaney, Warner/Chappell Music Publishing.
10. “Overcome,” written by Jon Egan, Benji Cowart and Michael Weaver and performed by Jeremy Camp. Publisher: Vertical Worship Songs
11.”I Need A Miracle” performed by Third Day, and written by David Carr, Mac Powell, Mark Lee and Tai Anderson.
12. “Trust In Jesus,” performed by Third Day, and written by David Carr, Mac Powell, Mark Lee and Tai Anderson.
13. “The Light In Me,” performed by Brandon Heath and written by Dan Muckala and Brandon Heath. Publishers: Big Skwawka Music, Wintergone Music.
14. “Good To be Alive,” performed by Jason Gray and written by Jason Gray and Brandon Heath. Publishers: Big Skwawka Music, Centricity Music Publishing, Nothing Is Wasted Music and Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
15. “Learning To Be The Light,” performed by Newworldson and written by Joel Parisien and Thomas Salter. Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
16. “Love Come To Life,” performed by Big Daddy Weave and written by Michael Weaver. Publishers: Weave Country, Word Music
17. “Redeemed,” performed by Benji Cowart and Michael Weaver and performed by Big Daddy Weave. Publishers: Weave Country, Word Music.
18. “One Thing Remains,” performed by Passion ft. Kristian Stanfill and written by Brian Johnson and Jeremy Riddle. Publishers: Bethel Music Publishing, Mercy Vineyard Publishing.
19. “The Hurt and the Healer,” performed by MercyMe and written by Bart Millard, Barry Graul, James Phillip Bryson, Nathan Cochran, Michael Scheuchzer, Robby Shaffer. Publishers: Wet As A Fish Music, Simpleville Music
20. “When Mercy Found Me,” performed by Rhett Walker Band, written by Jeff Pardo. Publisher: Simple Tense Songs
21. “You Lead,” performed by Jamie Grace and written by Tim Rosenau and David Wyatt. Publishers: Songs of Emack, Capitol CMG Publishing.
22. “Me Without You,” performed by TobyMac and written by David Garcia. Publishers: D Soul Music, Capitol CMG Music Publishing
23. “He Said,” performed by Group 1 Crew featuring Chris August and written by Ben Glover and David Garcia. Publishers: 9 T One Songs, Capitol CMG Publishing, D Soul Music.
24. “All This Time,” performed by Britt Nicole and written by David Garcia, Britt Nicole, and Ben Glover. Publishers: i T One Songs, Britt Nicole Publishing, Capitol Christian CMG Publishing, D Soul Music
25. “Center Of It,” performed by Chris August and written by Ben Glover and Chris August. Publishers: 9 T One Songs, Capitol CMG Publishing, Word Music

No. 1 Party Toasts Whirlwind Hit 'Tornado'

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Pictured are, back row (l-r): Capitol Nashville’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s Jody Williams, and EMI Blackwood Music’s Josh Van Valkenberg; front row (l-r): Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet; and co-writers Delta Maid and Natalie Hemby. Photo by Rick Diamond

Pictured are, back row (l-r): Capitol Nashville’s Mike Dungan, BMI’s Jody Williams, and EMI Blackwood Music’s Josh Van Valkenburg; front row (l-r): Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet; and co-writers Delta Maid and Natalie Hemby. Photo by Rick Diamond


“We’d never heard a girl call herself a tornado,” said Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild yesterday (May 6) during a No. 1 party for “Tornado” at BMI, as she recalled the decision to record the song after hearing a rough demo. Penned by Natalie Hemby and Delta Maid, “Tornado” went on to become the title track of Little Big Town’s latest studio album and the band’s second chart-topper.
The song was the result of Hemby and Delta Maid’s first meeting—a meeting that almost didn’t happen.
It was Hemby’s last writing appointment of 2011, and Delta Maid’s last writing appointment during her first-ever visit to Nashville. For various reasons, they almost cancelled on each other. “Coming to Nashville was a massive dream,” shared Delta Maid, a native of Liverpool, England who grew up on a steady diet of traditional country music from Lefty Frizzell to Hank Williams. In recent years she has opened for Ray LaMontagne and Ron Sexsmith. Her career is being shepherded locally by manager Stuart Dill, who helped arrange her initial trip to Music City. “The first time I came to Nashville, I wrote a No. 1 song, which is mad,” she exclaimed. BMI’s Jody Williams presented a guitar to commemorate the occasion.
UMG Nashville boss Mike Dungan took the stage and described an “ugly” race to the pinnacle of the radio charts, with the goal of securing back-to-back No. 1s for Little Big Town. “We went to war,” he said as he handed over pointed crystal trophies he jokingly referred to as the “impaler award.” In fact, UMG was so proud of the accomplishment that several out-of-town team members flew in for yesterday’s party.
“We live for that passion and energy,” exclaimed LBT’s Phillip Sweet as he toasted the radio promotion crew.
Hemby, who also had a writing credit on Little Big Town’s previous No. 1 “Pontoon,” was celebrating her fourth No. 1 yesterday. The hot-as-fire tunesmith has at least two other current singles: “Don’t Rush,” by Kelly Clarkson ft. Vince Gill, and “Downtown,” by Lady Antebellum.
Josh Van Valkenburg, who works with Hemby at Sony/ATV, saluted her with a series of quotes from her peers. Among the touching tributes describing her character and talents: “a unique truth,” “liked and respected,” and “literally making history with her words and music.”
Hemby thanked her loved ones, including hubby Mike Wrucke, and her music biz parents who taught her the importance of integrity.
Representatives from CRS, CMA and Avenue Bank also toasted the writers and artists. Several people thanked Little Big Town producer Jay Joyce, who was absent from the event.
“We like the way this feels,” summed Fairchild.
Here’s betting they have that feeling many more times.

Industry Photos (5-7-13)

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LoCash Cowboys recently visited CMT, where the group previewed the video for “Chase A Little Love.”

Pictured (L-R): Brian Bayley, Alina Thompson, Preston Brust, Leslie Fram, Jen Morrison, Jordan Stephens, Jen Danielson, Chris Lucas, Stacey Cato

Pictured (L-R): Brian Bayley, Alina Thompson, Preston Brust, Leslie Fram, Jen Morrison, Jordan Stephens, Jen Danielson, Chris Lucas, Stacey Cato

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SESAC showcased talent at the 17th Annual Key West Songwriters’ Festival. Held at Key West’s Kelly’s eatery, the showcase was hosted by hit songwriters Lance Miller (“Beer With Jesus”) and Rob Hatch (“If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away”) and offered great performances from songsmiths such as Ken Johnson, Karyn Williams, Anthony Smith, Phillip Coleman, Cary Barlowe, Sherrie Austin and Andi Zack among others. The annual Key West Songwriters Festival revolves around five days of more than 20 free shows and over 100 performances from top songwriters and artists.

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Lance Miller, Rob Hatch, Shannan Hatch. Photo: Sheel

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Lance Miller, Rob Hatch, Shannan Hatch. Photo: Sheel

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The May edition of ASCAP‘s monthly writers-in-the-round at the Bluebird Cafe featured Kobalt Music songwriters Jessi Alexander, David Hodges, Josh Jenkins and Dennis Matkosky.

kobalt music ascap11

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kobalt’s Jeff Skaggs, Dennis Matkosky, Josh Jenkins, Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox and Brooke Yancey, David Hodges, Jessi Alexander and Kobalt’s Whitney Daane

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Members of the Warner Music Nashville were in attendance at the recent Best Cellars Dinner and enjoyed the Tom Black afterparty.

Pictured (L to R) Chantel Esposito, Co-chair John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Co-chair Tom Black, Scott Hendricks (SVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville).

Pictured (L-R): Chantel Esposito, Co-chair John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Co-chair Tom Black, Scott Hendricks (Sr. VP A&R, Warner Music Nashville)

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum presented its 34th annual Words & Music Night on April 30. Gretchen Wilson hosted the event, where Nashville-area students performed original songs accompanied by professional songwriters.

Pictured (L-R): Words & Music Outreach Coordinator David Bogart, School Programs Manager Natalie Lavine, Gretchen Wilson, Director of Education and Public Programming Ali Tonn and Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo by Donn Jones

Pictured (L-R): Words & Music Outreach Coordinator David Bogart, School Programs Manager Natalie Lavine, Gretchen Wilson, Director of Education and Public Programming Ali Tonn and Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo by Donn Jones.

McGraw's 'Highway Don't Care' Video Takes Dramatic Turn

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Tim McGraw and "Highway Don't Care" video director Shane Drake during the Google+ hangout.

Tim McGraw and “Highway Don’t Care” video director Shane Drake during the Google+ hangout.


With Tim McGraw’s latest single featuring guest appearances by some of music’s hottest stars, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, there was much to be expected from the “Highway Don’t Care” music video reveal, yesterday (May 6).
Directed by Shane Drake, the dramatic video takes an unexpected twist as it raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
“The first impetus of this idea came from my daughter, who is 16 years old and got her driver’s license today,” said McGraw. “We didn’t start out to turn it into a public service announcement, but as it developed and I thought about my two teenage daughters, I didn’t mind being preachy.”
The event was broadcast live around the world from Nashville’s Belcourt Theater, as the first-ever music video debut via a Google+ hangout session.
Audience members included guests from Vanderbilt’s LifeFlight team, who are featured in the video, in addition to industry, fans and students from Cookeville High School who were honored for creating awareness about the dangers of texting and driving.
Watch the 30-minute chat here; the official music video is below.
McGraw hit the road last weekend (April 2) with his Two Lanes of Freedom Tour, which is expected to run through the summer with Brantley Gilbert and Love and Theft. By the end of the tour, McGraw will have given away a customized 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT and will continue the HomeFront program, awarding mortgage-free homes to 31 veterans in need.

Nashville Gives Back

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benefit2
Nashville-based recording artists will come together on Sunday, May 12 at Music City’s 3rd & Lindsley concert venue for Music City Unites!, a benefit concert to raise funds for the victims of the Boston Marathon bomb attack. Artists confirmed to appear include Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), Collin Raye, Lee Roy Parnell, Gary Chapman, Trae Edwards, Wes Harllee and more to be announced.
Presented by Nashville Publicity Group, the concert event starts at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by Jack Daniel’s and Lightning 100, who will be broadcasting portions of the event live. Attendees are asked to donate $15 or more at the door, with 100 percent of proceeds going to assist victims of the Boston Marathon bomb attack via Nashville-based relief organization Conduit Mission.
For more information, contact Brian Mayes at Nashville Publicity Group, 615-771-2040 or [email protected].
benefit1
The Swinging Door Saloon will host a benefit concert for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Tuesday, May 14. Performers include The Grascals, Wade Hayes, Phoenix Drive and Bobby Chitwood. Hosted by Buzz Brainard, the concert will also include a silent auction.
Doors open at 6 p.m. A minimum donation for $20 is suggested, with all net proceeds donated to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Artist Updates (5-7-13)

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lady antebellum golden1Lady Antebellum‘s fourth studio album, Golden, releases today (May 7). The trio has released “Goodbye Town” as the second single from the project. The song was penned by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Scott Kear and Josh Kear backstage during the trio’s Own The Night 2012 World Tour.
 

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rascalflatts

Rascal Flatts


Due to the fan response to the previously announced Rascal Flatts and Journey concert in Hershey, Pa., an additional show has now been set for Aug. 4 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.  Tickets go on sale beginning Friday (May 10) at 10 a.m. Cassadee Pope is the special guest.
 

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Wade Bowen

Wade Bowen


Wade Bowen will host his 15th Annual Bowen Classic celebrity golf tournament and concert to benefit The Bowen Family Foundation on June 2 and 3 in Bowen’s hometown of Waco, Texas. Over the past four years, Bowen has raised nearly half a million dollars for various local organizations in need.  In light of recent events, Bowen has determined that this year’s event will benefit the townspeople and organizations affected by the recent tragedy in nearby West, Texas.
The event kicks off with an all-star concert on June 2 at Indian Springs Park (100 University Parks Drive between Franklin and Washington Ave.) featuring Bowen and friends, including Josh Abbott Band, Aaron Watson, Neal McCoy, Cody Canada & Seth James of The Departed, Willy Braun of Reckless Kelly, Charlie Worsham, Cody Johnson, Josh Weathers and others.
For more information visit wadebowen.com/classic.

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church-sliderAustin City Limits Music Festival will expand to two weekends this year, with more than 120 bands performing. Eric Church has been announced as a headliner for the festival, alongside entertainers MUSE, Kings of Leon and Lionel Richie. Court Yard Hounds, Holly Williams, the Mavericks, the Lone Bellow and Asleep at the Wheel are also among the artists performing.
The festival is set for Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13. For more information, visit aclfestival.com.

Industry Ink (5-7-13)

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Pictured (L-R): Red River Entertainment’s Chuck Rhodes, Michael Martin Murphey, and Murphey’s producer, Ryan Murphey.

Pictured (L-R): Red River Entertainment’s Chuck Rhodes, Michael Martin Murphey, and Murphey’s producer, Ryan Murphey.


Nashville’s Red River Entertainment, in partnership with RED Distribution, has signed Michael Martin Murphey. Murphey will be the label’s flagship artist, releasing a new album this summer. Murphey’s hits include 1982’s “What Forever’s For” and “Still Taking Chances,” 1987’s “A Long Line of Love” and “I’m Gonna Miss You, Girl,” and 1989’s “Never Givin’ Up On Love.”

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hannah bethel11

Hannah Bethel


PLA Media has added vintage country singer-songwriter Hannah Bethel to its roster. Bethel joins PLA’s current roster, which includes Lynn Anderson, the Johnny Cash Museum, The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden, and Emmylou Harris’ second annual WOOFSTOCK event.

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morgan frazier111

Morgan Frazier


Morgan Frazier, Sidewalk Records recording artist, has won the legendary John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She teamed up with Jim Bennett to write the winning offering, “All We Never Had Is Gone.” In preparation for her debut single “Yellow Brick Road,” Morgan has been crisscrossing the highways of America for the past 4 months being introduced to radio programmers. The debut record, which she co-wrote with Jim Brown and Steve Clark, was released to country radio.

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aristomediaThe AristoMedia Group has a full-time opening for an entry level Promotion/Marketing position. The applicant must be outgoing, with strong verbal and communication skills, and be proficient in databases, Photoshop, basic HTML and WordPress. A college degree is required. Applications are currently being accepted. Send resumes to: [email protected].