George Strait To Release 'Love Is Everything' May 14

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george strait album2211111George Strait is set to release his highly anticipated 40th studio album, Love Is Everything, on May 14 on longtime label home MCA Nashville. Strait rejoined veteran producer Tony Brown to co-produce the album, which features 13 new tracks. Love Is Everything includes four songs written or co-written by Strait, who penned many alongside his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon.  Love Is Everything will be available in stores and at all digital retailers.
In the midst of his two-year final U.S. tour, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, Strait recently set an all-time attendance record at Reliant Center when he closed out this year’s Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, performing to a crowd of 80,020 fans. The tour has so far sold out 16 of 16 venues played.
‘Love Is Everything’ track listing:
1.  I Got A Car
2.  Give It All We Got Tonight
3.  Blue Melodies
4.  I Just Can’t Go On Dying Like This
5.  I Thought I Heard My Heart Sing
6.  That’s What Breaking Hearts Do
7.  When Love Comes Around Again
8.  The Night Is Young
9.  Sittin’ On The Fence
10.  I Believe
11.  Love Is Everything
12.  You Don’t Know What You’re Missing
13.  When The Credits Roll
 
 

Artist Updates (3-25-13)

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Katie Armiger was recently invited to become an honorary “Friends and Family” member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Pictured (L-R): Rachel Weingartner (Membership Manager, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum), Pamela Johnson (Vice President of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum), Karen Krieschen (Cold River Records), Jay Orr (Vice President, Programs), Erica Johnson (Cold River Records), and Katie Armiger

Pictured (L-R): Rachel Weingartner (Membership Manager, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum), Pamela Johnson (Vice President of Development, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum), Karen Krieschen (Cold River Records), Jay Orr (Vice President, Programs), Erica Johnson (Cold River Records), and Katie Armiger.

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RED Bow Records’ Rachel Farley  stepped onto the famous Grand Ole Opry stage on Friday (March 15) for the first time in her musical career. The evening was quite surreal for Farley, considering it was only six years prior that she visited the Opry as a spectator to see one of her musical idols, Martina McBride, during her very first trip to Nashville.
“The first step in that circle, you always hear people talk about it, but wow,” Farley told America’s Opry Weekend immediately following her performance. “Wow, I mean, you just had to take a deep breath and take it in. It was amazing.”

Photo 1: Pictured (L-R): Shelley Hargis, Michael Knox, Rachel Farley, Pete Fisher. Photo 2: Rachel Farley makes her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Photo 1: Pictured (L-R): Shelley Hargis, Michael Knox, Rachel Farley, Pete Fisher. Photo 2: Rachel Farley makes her Grand Ole Opry debut.

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steak and burger dinner111The Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (Williamson County Club locations – Fairview & Franklin) will host the 24th Annual Steak & Burger Dinner on May 2, 2013. This year’s event will feature CCM artist Michael W. Smith. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and features a silent auction, a dinner and a performance from Smith. As adults enjoy hamburgers, Club kids will be treated to a special steak dinner. Each table will consist of six adults and two kids so that event attendees learn about the kids in a unique setting.

Event proceeds support educational programs and outreach to over 500 kids, ages 5 to 18, served annually at the two Williamson County Club locations (Fairview & Franklin). Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee operates five Club locations in both Davidson and Williamson Counties and serves over 2,000 kids total annually. More information can be found at www.SteakAndBurgerDinner.com.

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lynch2Dustin Lynch will make his late night TV debut tonight (Monday, March 25) when he performs his current single “She Cranks My Tractor” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The performance is slated for 10:35 p.m. CT.

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Collin Raye, Mark Wills, Jim Ed Brown, Jan Howard, Eddy Raven and David Ball provided their support to the newly launched HonorOne Campaign by recording public service announcements and detailing their personal experiences with the military.
The PSAs challenge Americans to make a pledge of $10 to the organization which assists service men honorone111and women and their families. For each $10 spent at HonorOne.org, the supporter will receive a God Bless the USA Reminder Coin. 100 percent of the profits are donated to the best military charities, including those that provide vital family and post-traumatic stress disorder counseling for soldiers returning from the battlefield. For more information, or to support the HonorOneCampaign, please visit honorone.org.
 

Trace Adkins Taps Collaborators For "Love Will…"

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traceadkinsTrace Adkins rounded up numerous collaborators for his upcoming album, Love Will... Set for release May 14 via Show Dog-Universal Music the project features guests Colbie Caillat, the Harlem Gospel Choir and Exile. His eleventh studio album has tracks produced by Tony Brown, Mark Wright, Frank Rogers, Kenny Beard and Mickey Cones.
Each week until the release, fans can hear a new song at www.TraceAdkins.com. This week, fans can stream “Watch The World End” featuring Caillat.
The Harlem Gospel Choir backs Adkins on the title track “Love Will” and Exile joined him on a new version of one of the band’s biggest radio hits, “Kiss You All Over.”
Fans can pre-order Love Will… via online retailers beginning April 2. Those who pre-order on iTunes will receive an instant download of “Watch The World End.”
Also at www.TraceAdkins.com, fans can complete online tasks to win prizes, including a trip to the live finale of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice in New York City or a cruise aboard Country Cruising 2014.
Adkins has career sales totaling over 10 million units.
Love Will… track listing
1. When I Stop Loving You*
2. So What If I Do**
3. Come See Me***
4. Right Now**
5. Every One Of You**
6. The Altar Of Your Love***
7. Kiss You All Over (Featuring Exile)***
8. If The Sun Comes Up***
9. Say No To A Woman
10. Watch The World End (Featuring Colbie Caillat)
11. Love Will (Featuring Harlem Gospel Choir)
Produced by Frank Rogers
*Produced by Tony Brown & Mickey Jack Cones
**Produced by Mark Wright, Kenny Beard & Mickey Jack Cones
***Produced by Kenny Beard & Mickey Jack Cones

Big Deal Music Signs Administration Agreement with BMG

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big deal musicBig Deal Music, the newly formed publishing company reuniting longtime Chrysalis Music colleagues Kenny MacPherson, Dave Ayers and Jamie Cerreta with Michael McDonald and Pete Robinson, have signed an expansive administration agreement with BMG.
Under the agreement, BMG will provide global state-of-the-art administration and pro-active exploitation services to the Big Deal catalog in North America, Germany, UK, Scandinavia, France, Benelux, Spain & Italy. The deal further provides a framework, when appropriate, for the two companies to sign talent jointly.
Big Deal will continue in its mission of finding and nurturing unique talent. Artists already signed to the Big Deal roster include My Morning Jacket, Jim James, The Black Angels, Ethan Johns, Missy Higgins, FIDLAR, The Walkmen, Korey Dane and songwriters Brad Tursi and Lee Anna McCollum.
“We’re all very happy to be in business with BMG,” MacPherson commented. “Several of us have a long history with Chrysalis Music so there’s a comfort level here knowing we’ll be working alongside many of our friends. We look forward to growing our business along with them.”
Hartwig Masuch, CEO of BMG Rights Management, said: “I am absolutely excited to be working closely with Kenny again, one of the most credible people in the music industry and somebody I’ve known since our days at Warner Chappell in the late ’80s.”
Laurent Hubert, president Creative & Marketing at BMG Chrysalis US, added, “Kenny, Dave and Jamie at Big Deal are proven A&R aces. We are thrilled to pair our creative visions and administer a company focused on maximizing opportunities for exceptional songwriters.”

[Updated] Spin Doctors Music Group's Erik Blumenfeld Passes

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Erik Blumenfield

Erik Blumenfield


Erik Blumenfeld, Director of New Business Development with Spin Doctors Music Group, passed away suddenly on March 20. He was 30 years old.
He was instrumental in fundraising efforts for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Nashville and SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development). He was also an avid golfer and traveler.
Blumenfeld graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in public relations.
Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Anna and Evan Marr Fogelman; brother, Cole A. Blumenfeld; sister in-law, Shara Burnham; grandparents, Jennie and Monroe Knight, Marilyn Marr Klepak and Dr. and Mrs. M.J. Fogelman; and girlfriend Brinn Black. He was preceded in death by his father, Peter S. Blumenfeld.
A graveside service will be held today, Monday, March 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Nashville, The American Cancer Society, or The Springboard Entertainment Foundation. Online condolences may be made here.
A Nashville memorial service is in the works but details have not been announced.

Nashville Signings (3-25-13)

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Big Tractor Music has signed hit songwriter Rachel Proctor. As a recording artist with BNA Records, Proctor released a pair of Top 20 hits, including her debut single “Days Like This,” followed by “Me and Emily,” before deciding to focus entirely on her songwriting career. She has had songs recorded by artists including Jewel, Martina McBride, Lauren Alaina, Jessica Simpson, Kenny Loggins, Jana Kramer and Gary Allan, among others.
“I have known Rachel for many years and I am delighted to get a chance to represent her and her music,” Big Tractor Music general manager Clay Myers said.  “I truly feel that Rachel is one of Nashville’s top female writers.”
“We are excited to have Rachel join our family,” said Scott Hendricks, president/owner, Big Tractor Music. “She has consistently delivered great songs for many years and we believe artistically she will rise to new heights.”

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks, Rachel Proctor and Clay Myers

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks, Rachel Proctor and Clay Myers

  
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corey smith1Entertainment management and production company, The Collective has signed Corey Smith for management. Smith, who has sold more than 1.3 million digital singles and 250,000 albums as an independent artist, will join The Collective clients Sara Evans, Linkin Park, Counting Crows, Enrique Iglesias, Slash, Kelly Rowland, Megan & Liz and Jimmy Cliff.

Keith Urban's 'Light The Fuse Tour 2013' Launches Second Leg in October

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Keith UrbanKeith Urban has added a second leg of 17 concerts to his ‘Light The Fuse Tour 2013’ that will get underway on Oct. 18 in Omaha, Neb. Additionally, shows in Austin, Albuquerque and at Denver’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater have been added to the newly dubbed “Light The Fuse Tour 2013” first leg.
Tickets for “Light The Fuse Tour 2013,” with Little Big Town and special guest Dustin Lynch, will go on sale nationally beginning on Friday, April 5.
The “Light The Fuse Tour 2013” first leg kicks off on July 18 in Cincinnati and concludes on Oct. 5, after 28 outdoor shows highlighted by Urban’s first performance at Los Angeles’ famed Hollywood Bowl. The second leg gets underway in Omaha before 17 arena shows conclude in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 8.
 

KEITH URBAN’S “LIGHT THE FUSE TOUR 2013” SECOND LEG

Oct. 18– Omaha, Neb. –CenturyLink Center
Oct. 19–Oklahoma City–Chesapeake Energy Arena
Oct. 20–Springfield, Mo.–JQH Arena
Oct. 25–Tulsa, Okla.–BOK Center
Oct. 26–Bossier City, La.–CenturyLink Center
Oct. 27–Lafayette, La.–Cajundome
Nov. 8–Kansas City, Mo.–Sprint Center
Nov. 9–Des Moines, Iowa–Wells Fargo Arena
Nov. 10–Peoria, Ill.–Peoria Civic Center
Nov. 14–Manchester, N.H.–Verizon Wireless Arena
Nov. 15–Uncasville, Conn.–Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 16–Uncasville, Conn. –Mohegan Sun Arena
Nov. 22–State College, Pa.–Bryce Jordan Center
Nov. 24– Toledo, Ohio–Huntington Center
Dec. 6–Greenville, S.C.–Bi-Lo Center
Dec. 7–Charleston, W.V. –Charleston Civic Center
Dec. 8–Louisville, Ky.–KFC Yum! Center

KEITH URBAN’S “LIGHT THE FUSE TOUR 2013” FIRST LEG (previously announced)

**ADDED DATES IN BOLD**

July 18–Cincinnati, Ohio–Riverbend Music Center
July 19–Twin Lakes, Wis.–Country Thunder
July 20–Monticello, Iowa–Great Jones County Fair
July 25–Charlotte, N.C.–Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 26 –Raleigh, N.C.–Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre
July 27–Atlanta –Verizon Amphitheatre
Aug. 4–Detroit–DTE Energy Music Center
Aug. 8–Columbia, Md.–Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug. 9–Canandaigua, N.Y.–CMAC
Aug. 10 –Boston–Comcast Center
Aug. 15–Austin, Texas- -Austin360 Amphitheater
Aug. 16 –Houston–Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Aug. 17–Dallas–Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug. 22–Birmingham, Ala.– Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Aug. 23–St. Louis- -Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 24–Indianapolis–Klipsch Music Center
Aug. 28–Albuquerque, N.M.- -Sandia Casino Amphitheater
Aug. 30–Denver, Colo.- -Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Sept. 12–Cleveland, Ohio–Blossom Music Center
Sept. 13–Pittsburgh- – First Niagara Pavilion
Sept. 14–Camden, N.J.– Susquehanna Bank Center
Sept. 21–Mountain View, Calif.- -Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sept. 22–Sacramento, Calif.–Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sept. 27–Los Angeles–Hollywood Bowl
Sept. 28–San Diego-Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sept. 29–Phoenix, Ariz.– Desert Sky Pavilion
Oct. 4–Tampa, Fla.–Live Nation Amphitheatre Tampa
Oct. 5–West Palm Beach, Fla.–Cruzan Amphitheatre
* Keith Urban and Little Big Town Only
 

ACM Announces Brand Partnerships for Second Annual ACM Experience

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acmThe Academy of Country Music has entered into four high-profile brand partnerships with Cabela’s, Dr Pepper, Kraft and RAM Trucks that will enhance fan participation and attendance at the free, open-to-the-public ACM Experience, a family-friendly country music lifestyle event held April 5-7, 2013 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The partnerships include ACM and Cabela’s Great Outdoors Archery event on April 6, featuring Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kix Brooks, Easton Corbin, Chris Janson, Justin Moore, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett and A&E’s Duck Dynasty stars Willie Robertson and Jep Robertson will test their skills on bow hunting, using Cabela’s state-of-the-art equipment.
The Diet Dr Pepper Red Carpet Experience is a photo area duplicating the red carpet arrivals line at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Craig Campbell and Thomas Rhett will be featured guests at the event, where they will sign autographs and take photos with fans. Fans can also sample Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper TEN and Diet Dr Pepper.
More than a dozen food vendors and food trucks will offer meals at the Kraft Country Kitchen.
A one-of-a-kind Ram 25,000 square foot interactive outdoor Ram Ride and Drive test track will pair riders with professional drivers to experience the Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The Ram Ride and Drive is comprised of several obstacles including a 13-foot climb where passengers experience the traction capabilities of a Ram pickup truck when driving over a 30-degree angle Ram Mountain. Easton Corbin and Thompson Square will be signing autographs in the Ram Ride and Drive arena during the weekend as well.
Additionally, the ACM Expo Presented by Roper will encompass more than 200,000 square feet of shopping, interactive booths, gaming, dining and more.
“We’re excited that some of America’s most well-known brands have partnered with the ACM to create engaging and unique experiences for fans,” said Teresa George, Sr. VP, Brand Integration and Strategic Partnerships for the Academy of Country Music.
 
 

Rascal Flatts To Launch 'Live & Loud' Tour in May

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rascalflattsRascal Flatts will launch a brand new tour this summer, Farmers Insurance Presents Rascal Flatts “Live & Loud.”  The 34-city run will launch on May 31 in Jones Beach, N.Y. at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre with special guests The Band Perry and 2012’s The Voice winner Cassadee Pope. Rascal Flatts wrapped their “Changed Tour” earlier this month.

2013 Farmers Insurance Presents Rascal Flatts “Live & Loud” dates:
May 31–Jones Beach, N.Y.–Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre
June 2–Holmdel, N.J.–PNC Bank Arts Center
June 6–Atlanta–Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
June 7–Tampa, Fla.–Live Nation Amphitheatre Tampa
June 8–West Palm Beach, Fla.–Cruzan Amphitheatre
June 14–Boston–Comcast Center
June 15 Hartford, Conn.–Comcast Theatre
June 16–Saratoga Springs, N.Y.–Saratoga Performing Arts Center
June 23–Grand Junction, Colo.–Country Jam USA
June 27 Detroit–DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 28–Cleveland, Ohio–Blossom Music Center
June 29–Indianapolis–Klipsch Music Center
July 18–Eau Claire, Wis.–Country Jam USA
July 19–Stateline, Nev.–Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena
July 23–Paso Robles, Calif.–California Mid State Fair
July 25–Cheyenne, Wy.–Cheyenne Frontier Days
Aug. 2–Gilford, N.H.–Meadowbrook
Aug. 3–Bomanville, ON–Mosport Park Raceway/Boots & Hearts Festival
Aug. 9–Wichita, Kan.–INTRUST Bank Arena
Aug. 10–Tulsa, Okla.–BOK Center
Aug. 16–St. Louis–Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Aug. 17–Chicago–First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug. 18–Sioux City, Iowa–Tyson Events Center
Sept. 5–Cincinnati–Riverbend Music Center
Sept. 6–Pittsburgh–First Niagara Pavilion
Sept. 7 Darien Center, N.Y.–Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center
Sept. 12–Phoenix–Desert Sky Pavilion
Sept. 13–San Diego–Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sept. 14–Irvine, Calif.–Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sept. 26–Virginia Beach, Va.–Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
Sept. 27–Raleigh, N.C.–Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
Sept. 28–Washington, D.C.–Jiffy Lube Live
Oct. 3–Las Cruces, N.M.–Pam American Center/ New Mexico State University
Oct. 4–Lubbock, Texas–United Spirit Arena
Live Nation is the national tour promoter. For more information, visit rascalflatts.com or livenation.com.
 

Industry Ink (3-25-13)

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Country Music Hall of Fame songwriter Bobby Braddock was honored last week with a resolution from both houses of the state General Assembly, recognizing him for his contribution to the arts in Tennessee.

Pictured (L-R): Senator Douglas Henry and Bobby Braddock

Pictured (L-R): Senator Douglas Henry and Bobby Braddock

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curb-logoCurb Records’ Manager of Promotion Eric Mellencamp has exited the company. He can be reached at 615-509-2661 or at ericmellencamp@gmail.com.

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FGLFOR REAL1

Republic Nashville’s Florida Georgia Line‘s “Get Your Shine On,” has been certified Gold by the RIAA for shipments exceeding 500,000. The breakout duo will perform the smash on Great American Country’s ACM New Artist Of The Year Special tonight (March 25) and Wednesday morning (March 27) on ABC’s LIVE with Kelly & Michael. 

 
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 The CMA Songwriters Series returned to the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Wednesday (March 20) with performances from Songwriters Hall of Fame member and CMA Songwriters Series host Bob DiPiero, two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Lorrie Morgan, former CMA Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year Ronnie Milsap, and BMI Award-winning songwriter Jim Beavers.

lorrie morgan cma songwriters series1

Pictured (L-R): Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan, Bob DiPiero and Jim Beavers. Photo: Lisa Nipp/CMA