Chesney, Parmalee, Urban Give Back

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Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney is among the headliners for Rock The Ocean‘s inaugural Tortuga Music Festival, slated for April 13-14 at Ft. Lauderdale Beach in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Gary Allan, Eli Young Band, Kip Moore, Gary Clark, Jr., Avett Brothers, Sister Hazel and others are also on the bill. Sponsored by Landshark Lager and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Ocean Conservancy, the festival aims to raise awareness for marine conservation and issues affecting the world’s oceans. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Dec. 15.

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Parmalee

Stoney Creek’s Parmalee will host a live Stageit show Tuesday, Dec. 18 and will donate a portion of proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The show will be held in the studio where the band is currently recording their debut full-length album. For more information, click here.

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The 2013 Keith Urban Calendar is on sale to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The calendar features photos taken by fans during the singer’s concerts and submitted to his fan site. Since 2003 the Keith Urban Calendar has raised more than $750,000 for the hospital. For more information, visit keithurbanfans.com.

‘Country Weekly’ Adds To Editorial Staff

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Jon Freeman

Lisa Konicki, Editor-in-Chief of Country Weekly, recently announced key changes to the magazine’s editorial department. Joseph Hudak was promoted to Managing Editor, and Jon Freeman was hired as Deputy Editor.

Hudak joined Country Weekly in August and has since helped further establish the consumer publication’s brand. Hudak previously worked was Senior Editor at TV Guide Magazine.

As Deputy Editor, Freeman will help oversee Country Weekly’s digital components, including CountryWeekly.com. Freeman most recently served as Managing Editor of MusicRow.

DISClaimer: Nashville owns Christmas music

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Michael Bublé and Blake Shelton during "Michael Bublé: Home for the Holidays." Photo: Chris Large/NBC

Nashville owns Christmas music.

For one thing the CCM genre resides here, and Christmas is the time of year that endorses what those artists do all year long. Country performers are also unafraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, which is what Christmas music asks you to do. So they annually turn in some of the best holiday albums. This sterling crop of platters even includes one from our pop/rock community.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Blake Shelton. But draw nigh unto Steven Curtis Chapman and Donna Ulisse as well. The DisCovery Award goes to Marie Miller for her creative take on “Silent Night.”

Marie Miller on the monitor from her "Silent Night" video shoot.

GORDON MOTE/Go Tell it on the Mountain
Writer: traditional; Producer: Gordon Mote, Ben Fowler & Michael English; Publisher: public domain; New Haven 
—Session keyboardist extraordinaire Mote has had quite a year, performing at both the Country and Gospel Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. On his holiday CD, The Star Still Shines, he tickles the ivories rapidly on this traditional spiritual while singing lead fronting a rocking gospel choir. Recommended, as is the album’s super-rollicking “Hay Baby.”

BLAKE SHELTON & MICHAEL BUBLE/Home
Writer: Michael Buble/Alan Chang/Amy Foster; Producer: Brent Rowan & Scott Hendricks; Publisher: I’m the Last Man Standing/Ihan Zhan/Songs of Unversal/Almost October, SOCAN/BMI; Warner Bros.
—Country’s Entertainer of the Year has Cheers It’s Christmas as his holiday offering. On it, he teams with pop crooner Buble on this lilting, wistful ballad for those who are far from home during this season. Soft strings underscore two beautifully tender vocal performances.

MARIE MILLER/Silent Night
Writer: Marie Miller/Seth Jones; Producer: Seth Jones; Publisher: Curb Songs/Magdalen Spring/Tunes of R and T Direct, ASCAP/SESAC; Curb
—It’s the traditional carol, but this arrangement pretty much jettisons the original melody in favor of a cool, inventive pop tune. She sings in a wafty soprano with ear-catching flips up into falsetto notes. Strings sigh, guitars ripple and the rhythm section serves softly choppy backing while her vocals become ever more layered. Absolutely lovely.

JOHN ANDERSON/Christmas Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: Shannon Houchins; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
—John Anderson is back! He can be found on the compilation An Average Joes Muddy Christmas alongside Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Bo Bice, Josh Gracin and the label’s other stars. John is in fine voice on this simply produced country ditty. It’s just him, acoustic guitar, fiddle and some harmony singers, so it sounds like a demo. But it’s just great to hear his voice again.

DONNA ULISSE & RICK STANLEY/All the Way to Bethlehem
Writer: Donna Ulisse/Kerry Chater/Lynn Gillespie Chater; Producer: Keith Sewell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Chater Songs/ASCAP/BMI; Hadley Music Group
—The title tune to Ulisse’s holiday CD is performed as a duet between Mary and Joseph as her time draws near. The bluegrass accompaniment is sterling, as are the perfectly matched voices. The reason this album is such a welcome gem is that all of its 11 songs are new country Christmas compositions by her. Future country Christmas record makers ought to mine this collection for repertoire.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/A Holly Jolly Christmas
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Paul Worley & Lady Antebellum; Publisher: St. Nicholas, ASCAP; Capitol
—Lady A’s holiday offering, On This Winter’s Night, kicks off with my least favorite Christmas song of all time. The big-band arrangement and the group’s flawless harmonies are mighty efforts toward making it listenable. Indeed, the whole CD is inventively arranged. It also features the whitest interpretation ever of the r&b chestnut “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”

SUPE & THE SANDWICHES/I’m Gonna Be Santa Claus for Christmas
Writer: Michael R. Granda; Producer: Michael Supe Granda; Publisher: Missouri Mule/Bug, BMI; Missouri Mule
—This pop Nashvillian performs a truly autobiographical tune on his CD Cool, Cool Yule. The former Ozark Mountain Daredevil now has a white beard and is, indeed, appearing as Santa in the community this year. The quasi-Dixieland romp is full of good humor and cheer. Recommended.

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN/Christmas Time Again
Writer: Steven Curtis Chapman/Caleb Chapman; Producer: Steven Curtis Chapman & Brent Milligan; Publisher: Chappy Campers/Primary Wave/Wixen, BMI; Provident
—CCM superstar Chapman has a new CD titled Joy that is half familiar favorites and half original tunes. Its single is one of the latter. It’s a soulful bopper with a nicely raspy vocal, a dandy drumming backbeat and some chesty male backup singing. This guy simply doesn’t know how to make a bad record. Splendid work…again.

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI/O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Writer: traditional; Producer: Ian Eskelin; Publisher: public domain; Fervent/Curb
—Her version of this traditional is taken at a stately pace with her aching voice fronting a string section and piano. As the track progresses, extra voices enter, the strings swell louder, the piano becomes more elaborate and the overall texture becomes grander. You’ll find it on her CD titled, simply, Christmas.

SCOTTY McCREERY/Santa Claus Is Back In Town
Writer: none listed; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed; Mercury/19
—Most of the Christmas with Scotty McCreery CD is comprised of familiar fare. He is surprisingly soulful on this blues chestnut, giving it oomph, rasp and growls in all the right places. He ends it with a “C.C. Rider” rave-up, Elvis style. The whole project is a Gold-selling pleasure.

Star-Studded Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert to Air Tonight

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Thirty-six U.S. networks, global television partners, select movie theaters, Clear Channel radio stations and various streaming websites will broadcast 12-12-12, The Concert for Sandy Relief, tonight (12/12) live from Madison Square Garden.

The concert’s organizers, hoping to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy victims in the tri-state area, have scheduled a lineup of superstar performers, including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, The Who, Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Bon Jovi, David Grohl, Chris Martin, Alicia Keys, Eddie Vedder, and Roger Walters.

“This has become a global event,” Zena Burns, VP of digital programming platforms for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, told Mashable. “Between TV, radio and online streaming on YouTube, Hulu, AOL, iHeartRadio and Time Inc brands, the concert will reach nearly 2 billion homes worldwide as the most widely distributed music event in history.”

12-12-12, The Concert for Sandy Relief, begins at 7:30 p.m. ET. A complete list of broadcast partners carrying program can be found here.

An online store has been set up with 12-12-12 merchandise with all proceeds benefitting the Robin Hood Relief Fund, to ensure donations reach non-profit groups helping Hurricane Sandy victims. For information on donations, click here.

William Morris Endeavor Adds To Artist Roster

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LiveWire, Photo: Dave Summerlin

William Morris Endeavor (WME) has signed country band LiveWire to its artist roster.

“We are very excited to be a part of the WME roster,” says LiveWire lead guitarist and founder, Bobby DeGonia. “It is a huge step for us and we look forward to great things to come from this.”

LiveWire released its debut album, Livin‘, on Way Out West Records in November. LiveWire includes DeGonia (lead guitar/harmony vocals), Andy Eutsler (lead vocals/acoustic guitar), Danny Bell (rhythm guitar/harmony vocals), Cory Shultz (fiddle/harmony vocals) and Landon Rolfe (bass guitar).

William Morris Endeavor represents numerous country entertainers, including Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and The Band Perry, among others.

The Recording Academy Names Lifetime Achievement Honorees

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Glenn Gould, Charlie Haden, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Carole King, Patti Page, Ravi Shankar and The Temptations have been named as Lifetime Achievement Award recipients by the The Recording Academy.

Additionally, Marilyn & Alan Bergman, Leonard & Phil Chess and Alan Livingston have been named Trustee Award honorees; while Ikutaro Kakehashi & Dave Smith and Royer Labs are Technical GRAMMY Award recipients.

“Each year, The Academy has the distinct privilege of honoring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, via a release. “Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.”

Patti Page‘s smooth vocal style blended country and pop music. Her version of “Tennessee Waltz” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Country charts in 1950. “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window,” “All My Love (Bolero)” and “I Went To Your Wedding” each topped the Billboard Top 100 chart.

Lightnin’ Hopkins, a Texas country/blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist, recorded approximately 1,000 songs. Hopkins’ distinct guitar styling earned him a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.

An invitation-only ceremony will be held during GRAMMY Week on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 while a formal acknowledgement will be made during the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, which will be held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. The Grammy Awards will broadcast live beginning at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Rachel Holder Fights Texting and Driving

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Rachel Holder

Newcomer Rachel Holder has joined Dallas-based marketing company The Time Group for a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving. As part of the No Text and Drive Campaign, the Curb Records artist has released a national public service announcement video (watch the psa here).

A free mobile app accompanies the release and features more information and an opportunity for users to receive a free No Text and Drive thumb band when they download the app on their smartphone.

“Statistics prove that you are 23 times more likely to crash if you text and drive. Our hope is to create awareness and cause teens to think twice before texting and driving. If this campaign saves just one life, then it will be a success,” says Margaret McKoin, president of The Time Group, via a release.

Holder adds, “I am proud to be an advocate for safe driving. We encourage teens to wear the thumb bands as a simple reminder to make them think before they text and drive because no text is worth a human life.”

YouTube video

‘American Idol’ Goes To NAB Hall of Fame

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American Idol, the reality musical competition series that launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Jennifer Hudson, Phillip Phillips and many other artists, will be the television inductee into the National Association of Broadcasters’ Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The series will be honored at the 2013 NAB Show Television Luncheon, to be held April 8 in Las Vegas.

The FOX series returns for a 12th season in 2013 with a special two-night premiere, set to air on January 16 and 17. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the show’s judging panel will include returning favorite Randy Jackson, as well as new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.

The show is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of Core Media Group, and FremantleMedia North America, and is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment. Trish Kinane (FremantleMedia North America), Ken Warwick (FremantleMedia North America) and Nigel Lythgoe (CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions) also serve as executive producers.

American Idol will join previous NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame television inductees including Betty White, Garry Marshall, Meet the Press, Bob Newhart, The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, Ted Koppel, M*A*S*H, 60 Minutes, The Today Show and Star Trek.

Sony/ATV To Launch “Nashville Guitars & Bars” Initiative

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In January, Sony/ATV Music Publishing will launch the artist development initiative “Nashville Guitars & Bars.” As part of the initiative, Sony/ATV will send two singer-songwriters each month to perform at The Tin Roof locations in Cincinnati, Louisville, Ky., Indianapolis and Lexington, Ky.

Singer/songwriters Joey Hyde and Cheryl LuQuire will kick-off the tour with four performances: Jan. 22 at The Tin Roof in Cincinnati, Jan. 23 at The Tin Roof in Louisville, Jan. 29 at The Tin Roof in Indianapolis and Jan. 30 at The Tin Roof in Lexington.

Subsequent events in the music series will follow the same pattern each month: two artists traveling between the four cities (two cities per week), followed by a new pair of artists the next month.

“Sony/ATV is committed to developing artists, which benefits both them and our roster of talented songwriters,” said Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s President/CEO, Nashville, via a statement. “These events will allow our new artists to build their road chops, develop their fan base, and do what they do best – entertain music lovers. Fans will get to discover and connect in an intimate setting with artists who will one day take home our industry’s biggest awards.”

For more information, visit nashvilleguitarsandbars.com.

 

Sony Promotes Keith Gale

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Keith Gale

Keith Gale has been promoted to Senior Vice President, National Promotion, RCA Nashville.

Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville, announced the promotion. “Keith does an incredible job leading and motivating the RCA Promotion staff,” he said. “Combining his nearly 20 years of experience with RCA along with his focus and drive, Keith and his staff have delivered record-breaking hits for Sony artists like Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, Jake Owen, and Love and Theft. He certainly deserves this promotion.”

As Senior Vice President, Gale will continue to be responsible for the development, implementation and supervision of the strategic and tactical radio promotional plans for all of RCA Nashville’s projects. The RCA Nashville roster includes Bush Hawg, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Love and Theft, Jake Owen, Pistol Annies, Joanna Smith and Chris Young.

Gale added, “I’m so appreciative of the faith that Gary Overton has shown in our RCA team. I’m flattered by this promotion, and will continue to work hard to earn it every day.”

Reporting directly to Overton are Keith Gale, Arista Nashville VP National Promotion Lesly Tyson, and Columbia Nashville VP National Promotion Norbert Nix.

In 1994, Gale started with RCA Nashville as Northeast Regional Manager. He was promoted to Director, National Promotion in September 1997, then to Senior Director in September 2000. Prior to RCA Nashville, he was Promotion and Marketing Director for WXTU in Philadelphia, PA. He earned a B.A. in Communication, with a specialty in Radio, TV & Film at Glassboro State College in Glassboro, NJ. Gale is a native of Ridgefield Park, NJ. He resides in Nashville, TN.