NBC Picks Up Series Based on Lambert’s Childhood

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For over a year Miranda Lambert has been shopping around a TV series based on her childhood as the daughter of private investigators.

NBC has purchased rights to the dramedy and Lambert will executive produce along with her manager Marion Kraft, according to Deadline Hollywood. Also on board as executive producers are Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment and Chad Hodge, who will write the series.

The show is reportedly about a couple running a successful detective agency and raising teenagers. Bev Lambert, Miranda’s mom, will consult.

NBC is also home to The Voice, the hit singing competition where Blake Shelton is a judge.

Lambert’s project was previously linked to ABC Family.

Snapshots (8/31/2012)

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Pictured (L to R): Steve Moore (The Shalom Foundation Chairman and Founder), Joe Galante, Martina McBride, Dr. Ken Moore (Board of Directors The Shalom Foundation, Mayor of Franklin, TN). Photo: Kimberly Galardi Photography

Last week (8/21), Martina McBride headlined Nashville’s Hymns, Hams & Jams concert from Loveless Barn in support of The Shalom Foundation. The event raised funds in support of its medical program in Guatemala.

In addition, the event featured performances from Bob DiPiero and live auction with host Storme Warren. Auction items included tickets to the 2012 World Series, Nashville Predators VIP packages, Peter Nappi footwear, a private bus party, exclusive tickets and backstage experiences with Brad Paisley, The Band Perry and Zac Brown Band.

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Pictured (L-R): Public Programs Coordinator Abi Tapia, Harold Bradley, Justin Davis, Emily West, Bob Mater, Sarah Zimmermann, Brad Albin, Mandy Barnett, Jeff Taylor, Jessi Alexander, Jimmy Capps and John Minick. Photo: Donn Jones

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted two programs on Saturday (8/25) to celebrate the opening of Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You. Cline’s daughter, Julie Fudge, and widower, Charlie Dick, along with George Hamilton IV, Jan Howard, and Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley participated in the panel discussion.

Bradley later served as bandleader for a musical tribute to the late singer, featuring Jessi Alexander, Mandy Barnett, duo Striking Matches and Emily West.

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Pictured (L-R): Lisa Whited, Donna Adams, Teresa Smith, Trace Lawrence, Sherry McDonald, Susan Maynard. Photo: Alex Torrez

Tracy Lawrence recently presented a check to Lace Up 4 Pink and Susan G. Komen of Greater Nashville for $5,000 each, helping to battle breast cancer. The funds were raised through the second annual Tracy Lawrence Golf & Concert For A Cure held in April 2012.

Lawrence is scheduled to receive the Wilson County Humanitarian Award on September 25, honoring his philanthropy and charitable efforts in the community. In addition, he will take part in the upcoming Music With A Mission Concert on October 14, at the Schermerhorn.

“Pontoon” Hits Platinum, LBT Preps Album Release

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Little Big Town has earned a RIAA Platinum certification for “Pontoon,” the smash single from their upcoming album Tornado, in stores September 11. The track, which was written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird and Barry Dean, is the group’s fastest selling-single to date and has spent four weeks as a No.1 country digital download.

To coincide with the release of Tornado, LBT will make coast-to-coast television appearances, including ABC’s Good Morning America (9/10) and a performance during the premiere week of The Ellen DeGeneres Show (9/13). The band will also perform on the upcoming ABC Television Special CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock (9/17) and will also be featured on CMT’s Unplugged Series, which will premiere on CMT.com September 11 and on CMT September 18.

The group has also been selected to perform at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 37th Annual Honors Gala on Tuesday, October 23 at the legendary Ciprianis on 42nd St in New York. LBT will join fellow performer Grace Potter and presenters to help pay tribute to honorees Russell Simmons, Del Bryant, Edward Walson and Randy Jackson. The special evening includes a star-studded red carpet, musical performances by some of today’s greatest performers and attendance by celebrity friends and families. The night also includes a fantastic cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation and world-class silent auction to raise funds for cancer and AIDS research.

Weekly Chart Report (8/31/2012)

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A mono-stricken Thomas Rhett (L) recently stopped by CMT Radio Live to catch up with Cody Alan, who strapped on his surgical mask as precaution. Rhett’s new single “Beer With Jesus” just made an impressive debut at No. 77 on the MusicRow chart

SPIN ZONE
Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” has now spent five weeks at No. 1 on the MusicRow chart. It’s not an all-time record, but it’s certainly the longest stretch in a couple years. The last time a record stayed on top this long was back in 2010, when LBT’s Capitol Records brethren Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum both enjoyed five weeks at No. 1 with “Come Back Song” and “Our Kind Of Love,” respectively.

Speaking of Lady A, the trio is at No. 2 with “Wanted You More” and in good position for a takeover. Unless, that is, they don’t get usurped by a red hot collection of singles from No. 3 to 6 including Zac Brown Band’s “The Wind,” Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl In Town,” Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah,” and Hunter Hayes’ “Wanted.” Applying the pressure are Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” at No. 7 and Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride” at No. 8.

While in Los Angeles, Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr visited with KKGO to promote his new single "Hello Goodbye.” He’s pictured here with KKGO PD Tonya Campos.

And for Darius Rucker’s part, he has the biggest debut of the week with his new single “True Believers,” which hits No. 57 in its first week charting. Other new singles faring very well include Taylor Swift’s massive “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” which moves to No. 24 in its third week, Dierks Bentley’s “Tip It On Back” at No. 28, and Eli Young Band’s “Say Goodnight” at No. 40.

Frozen Playlists: KBOE, KGMN, KVVP, KWEY, KXKZ, KYYK, WKKW, WKWS, WXXK

Upcoming Singles
September 4
Kix Brooks/Bring It On Home/Arista
Thomas Rhett/Beer With Jesus/Valory

September 10
High Valley/Love You For A Long Time/Eaglemont-Rodeowave
Phoenix Stone/100 Proof Moonshine/Stonehall-Nine North-Turnpike
Kacey Musgraves/Merry Go ‘Round/Mercury
JT Hodges/Sleepy Little Town/Show Dog-Universal
Gloriana/Can’t Shake You/Emblem-WAR

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Darius Rucker/True Believers/Capitol – 57
Craig Morgan/More Trucks Than Cars/Black River – 71
Lonestar/The Countdown/4 Star Records – 76
Thomas Rhett/Beer With Jesus/Valory – 77
Reggie Shaw/Someone I Can’t Live Without/Wynnesong Records – 78

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Darius Rucker/True Believers/Capitol – 424
Dierks Bentley/Tip It On Back/Capitol – 300
Eli Young Band/Say Goodnight/Republic Nashville – 291
Luke Bryan/Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye/Capitol – 249
Alan Jackson/You Go Your Way/ACR/EMI Nashville – 226

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Darius Rucker/True Believers/Capitol – 35
Eli Young Band/Say Goodnight/Republic Nashville – 18
Dierks Bentley/Tip It On Back/Capitol – 14
Alan Jackson/You Go Your Way/ACR/EMI Nashville – 13
Thomas Rhett/Beer With Jesus/The Valory Music Co. – 13

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Zach Paxson/Good Luck With That/FutureGrass – 216
Bucky Covington w/Shooter Jennings/Drinking Side of Country/eOne – 210
Pat Green/All Just To Get To You/Sugar Hill – 203
Kevin Fowler/Here’s To Me And You/Average Joe’s – 191
Tim Dugger/Tennessee/Curb – 181

Dustin Lynch shared his new self-titled album with WKIS/Miami at his album release party at Cowboys Davie. Lynch's "Cowboys and Angels" lands at No. 16 on the MusicRow Chart this week. (L-R): PD Ken Boesen, Lynch and Broken Bow’s Lee Adams

Radio and music industry friends gathered at Belmar Country Club in Norman, OK for a Toby Keith golf outing and new music listening event. Keith's latest single, "I Like Girls That Drink Beer," from his upcoming Nov. 13 album release takes the No. 18 spot on the MusicRow chart. (L-R): TK Kimbrell, Tom Travis (KTST), Wade Jessen, Joe Patrick, Laurie Gore (SDU), Mark Wright (SDU President), Macy Morgenthaler (SDU), Bob Moody, Robin Rhodes, Keith, Abby Zellmar (WMAD), Lon Helton, Nathan Cruise (SDU). Lisa Owens (SDU), Bill Mayne (CRB) and Kevin Christopher (KJKE). Kneeling: Greg Sax (SDU), Smokey Rivers (KNIX), Rick Hughes (SDU), Steve Powers (WKSJ) Rick Moxley (SDU) Mick Anselmo (KMNB), Rob Morris (KMNB)

High Valley visited WBCT in Grand Rapids, MI supporting the upcoming single "Love You For A Long Time," co-written by lead singer Brad Rempel. (L-R): Bryan Rempel (High Valley), Doug Montgomery (Clear Channel/Premium Choice), Teddi Bonadies (Rodeowave Entertainment), Brad Rempel (High Valley), Dave Taft (APD, WBCT/Grand Rapids), Curtis Rempel (High Valley) and Stan Marczewski (Rodeowave Entertainment)

Billy Joel Inks With Rondor Music and UMPG

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Front row (L-R): Zach Horowitz, Chairman & CEO, UMPG Worldwide; Billy Joel; Lance Freed, President of Rondor Music. Back row (L-R): Michael J. Sammis, EVP Operations and CFO Worldwide, UMPG; Don Ienner, Consultant; Todd Kamelhar, Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman; Lee Eastman, ESQ, Eastman & Eastman; David Kokakis, SVP/Head of Business Affairs/Business Development, UMPG.

Music icon Billy Joel has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing administration agreement with Rondor Music and Universal Music Publishing Group Worldwide (UMPG), it was announced today (8/30) by Lance Freed, President of Rondor, and Zach Horowitz, Chairman and CEO of UMPG Worldwide. The agreement encompasses Joel’s entire catalog of music.

Since scoring his first success in the early 1970s, Joel’s albums have gone on to sell over 150 million copies globally, including over 75 million in the U.S. Standards written solely by Joel include “Just the Way You Are,”  “Only the Good Die Young,” “Movin’ Out,” “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” “She’s Always a Woman,” “My Life,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “Tell Her About It,” “Uptown Girl,” “The Longest Time,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” to name just a few.

In the United States and Canada, where his publishing has been self administered, the new deal with Rondor will start Oct. 1. Outside those territories, the Rondor/UMPG arrangement will begin Jan. 1, 2013 when his current administration deal expires.

His catalog was previously self-administered in the U.S. and he has not been with a publishing company in the U.S. since the 1980’s. Under the new agreement he is exploring synch licensing opportunities for the first time.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Billy Joel has chosen to bring his songs to Rondor and UMPG,” said Horowitz. “There are few songwriters in the history of music that have created a catalog of such hits, depth and quality. With Rondor’s distinctive focus and care, and UMPG’s global scale, administrative infrastructure and network of worldwide sync specialists, we are uniquely positioned to maximize the extraordinary opportunities that exist for Billy’s music.”

“Publishing is a cornerstone of the music business, one of the reasons songs live and thrive around the world years after they’ve been written or recorded,” explained Joel. “Rondor and Universal Music Publishing Group understand the complexities of music publishing in general and the nuances of my catalog in particular. The successful ongoing administration of my songs is in good hands under the stewardship of Rondor and UMPG.”

“Billy’s catalog is one of the greatest in contemporary music,” added Freed. “His songs are melodic and memorable, and he writes conversationally in universal themes that are timeless and borderless. Billy’s music is as important to his era as George Gershwin and Irving Berlin’s were to theirs. It’s truly an extraordinary privilege to welcome Billy to Rondor.”

Darryl Worley Plans Tennessee River Run Weekend

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Darryl Worley

Darryl Worley’s Tennessee River Run will take place in downtown Savannah from September 13-16, concluding with a concert in downtown Savannah (9/15) with Worley, David Lee Murphy, John Anderson, Badfinger, Black Oak Arkansas, Zoe Z (vocalist and cellist) and the 2012 Battle of the Bands winner.

The Cowboy Boots, Cocktail Dresses and Country Music Songwriters in the Round on Thursday, (9/13) on the lawn of Mayor, Bob Shutt and his wife’s historic Savannah home. The  fourth and final in the 2012 series of Worley’s Songwriters’ Series, sponsored by Bumpus Harley-Davidson in Collierville, Murfreesboro, and Jackson, the series has raised more than $113,000 to date.

The Tennessee River Run Golf Tournament takes place Friday, (9/14), at Shiloh Golf Course in Adamsville, and the Battle of the Bands finale will be that night at 8:00 pm at Freddy T’s in Pickwick. The bass tournament will begin on Saturday, (9/15) with a 5K run, a motorcycle poker run, a youth fishing tournament and an arts and crafts fair.

Every activity raises funds for the Darryl Worley Foundation, which supports a variety of organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center and the Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center.

Tickets available for $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. For more information, visit www.tnriverrun.org.

 

MusicRowPics: Rick Monroe Artist Visit

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Yesterday (8/29), Rick Monroe took a break from touring to stop by MusicRow headquarters. The Florida native played several songs, including his current single “Crazy Not To.”

“The next song I’m going to play for you will be better, I promise,” Monroe said before sharing a second song, aptly called “Better.”

Recently, Monroe has been on tour with Pat Green, Eric Church, Josh Thompson and Randy Hauser. He shared that he’s in the process of planning an another tour. With shows sponsored by Jagermeister (whose logo was etched into his guitar), it was only fitting that Monroe’s final song was titled “Great Minds Drink Alike.”

His Part One EP was released earlier this May on Render Records and is available on iTunes.

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CMHoF, Keith Urban Team For Education Program

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The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will host an educational program featuring Keith Urban on Thurs., Sept. 6 at 10 AM/CT. Selected Metro Nashville Public School high school students will be able to attend All Access: Keith Urban in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Although the program is not open to the public and the school registration period is closed, the event will be live-streamed at www.countrymusichalloffame.org and www.keithurban.net. Interested educators and music fans are encouraged to watch online. The 75-minute program will be moderated by Museum Editor Michael Gray.

“In this special program, students will hear Keith talk about the craft of songwriting, his influences and creative inspirations, seminal moments in his career and more,” explained Ali Tonn, the museum’s director of education and public programs. “They will also have the opportunity to ask him questions. This program is the first of its kind for the museum and will serve as a ‘pilot’ of sorts; we hope to be able to offer more All Access educational programs when our museum expansion is completed in 2014.”

Urban has for years been a generous supporter of the museum: His annual We’re All for the Hall concerts, which began in 2009, have raised approximately $1.5 million to date, and exponentially increased awareness of the institution and its mission.

Adkins’ New Song Resonates With Political Audience

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Trace Adkins sang his topical new song “Tough People Do” during a Citizens United charity event in Tampa on Tuesday (8/28), causing some to declare it an anthem for the GOP.

Written by Chris DuBois, Joel Shewmake, and Jason Matthews, “Tough People Do” has been recorded by Adkins for his upcoming album, which does not yet have a title or release date. He recently debuted the song at a concert in New York.

The lyrics (chorus below) embody a spirit of strength and survival during times of economic struggle, a message that Adkins wanted to share with the political crowd.

“Tough people pull themselves up by the bootstraps
When they hit hard luck
And they stay strong and they keep on fightin’
Like they don’t know how to lose
See, tough times don’t last
Tough people do”

“That’s the point of this song,” Adkins told USA Today’s Brian Mansfield. “That’s what we have in our DNA. That’s what we come from. That’s who we are. That’s what this country needs to be reminded of. We still have the wherewithal, still have the muscle to straighten out this incredibly twisted frame that we’re driving on.”

Eric Church’s Band Members Host Charity Golf Tournament

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Eric Church‘s touring band mates including bassist Lee Hendricks with other band members Jeff Cease, Jeff Hyde, Driver Williams and Craig Wright, along with set carpenter Michael Todd Stembridge, will host the inaugural “Put A Club In My Hand” golf tournament at Nashville’s Gaylord Springs on September 25 to benefit MusiCares.

“I lost a lot of equipment in the Nashville flood, but MusicCares came in immediately and helped me recover from those financial losses,” said Hendricks. “We, as a band, would love to see Music City step up and repay them for helping to alleviate so much hardship within our community, and also acknowledge what they do on a daily basis to make sure all of us are taken care of.”

Thirty-six industry professionals and musicians are invited to compete in the 18-hole four-man scramble. Complimentary food and prizes including a PRS guitar and a Hawiian vacation package will be awarded for a long-drive competition, a closest-to-the-pin contest and a putting contest.

“I could not be more proud to have my guys step up and decide to do something on their own,” said Church. “They realized how much they had been helped and wanted to ensure other people would have that opportunity in the future. I certainly will be supporting their efforts and want everyone else to join me.”

For more information or to register, click here and enter the password “Swingsteen2012” where prompted. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Deanna Kenisell.