Luke Bryan on GMA, Kip Moore on Today Show

Luke Bryan has been tapped to perform during Good Morning America’s “Summer Concert Series” on Friday, July 13. Fans can catch his performance between 7:00-9:00am on ABC. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information on how to attend, click on the GMA web site at gmaconcerts.com.

“I have a big smile on my face every time I talk about being on Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series,” says Bryan. “Life’s good. To be a kid from Leesburg, Georgia, and to now be at the point in my career where I’m performing on Good Morning America in the heart of New York City at one of the most recognizable places in the world makes me super excited. It’s gonna be fun.”

Bryan is celebrating his fifth No. 1 single this week, as “Drunk On You” tops the country radio chart.

• • • •

MCA Nashville singer-songwriter Kip Moore will release his new single, “Beer Money” on July 9. The song is the follow-up to his gold-certified No. 1 hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” which he will perform on NBC’s Today on July 4.

Moore had a hand in writing every song on Up All Night, his debut album, including his new single, which he co-wrote with Blair Daly and Troy Verges.

“It’s an easy-going feel-good song for people who are sitting in that town with nothing to do. That is the town that I grew up in,” says Moore, who was raised in Tifton, Ga., near the Florida line.

Moore has been touring extensively, performing his own shows and joining Billy Currington and David Nail on the road. He will join Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour in the fall.

Florida Georgia Line, Bleu Edmondson Supporting The Boot Campaign

Florida Georgia Line, comprised of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, have pledged their commitment to the troops by putting on their own pairs of Boot Campaign military issue combat boots and “taking a walk in a soldier’s shoes.”

Supporters of The Boot Campaign purchase boots with all proceeds going to partner military charities that help with a variety of physical and emotional issues facing returning soldiers. The Boot Campaign wants Americans to put the boots on to “symbolically walk in the shoes of our military men and women to remember their service and sacrifice.”

Kelley says, “Anything that we can do to help our soldiers past, present and future and their families, we are thankful to be a part of. This cause really hits close to home; my uncle and cousin both served overseas and my grandfather was awarded two purple hearts during his active duty. We are proud to be a part of The Boot Campaign and thrilled to have them on the road with us for the Country Throwdown Tour. We hope to see all the country fans at the show put their boots on and join us in supporting our veterans as they return home.”

Florida Georgia Line’s debut single “Cruise” is currently No. 39 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. Visit www.FloridaGeorgiaLine.com for more artist info.

• • • •

Bleu Edmondson

Texas rocker Bleu Edmondson is donating proceeds from digital sales of his latest single, “Black and White,” a poignant song about a young man’s struggle to find work and his decision to join the military, to The Boot Campaign.

The tune penned by Edmondson and producer Dwight A. Baker is featured on his current CD, The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be and first appeared on The Boot Campaign’s fundraising compilation CD, When They Come Back.

Edmondson says, “We didn’t start out trying to write a tribute to our men and women in uniform, but I’m sure glad that’s how it turned out.”

Larry Murray, Director of Operations for The Boot Campaign, was delighted to once again team with Edmondson on this song saying, “Bleu’s management contacted us to say he wanted to donate the money from the digital sale of “Black and White” to our organization, and of course, we were thrilled  but when they said he also plans to earmark one of his summer concerts as a Boot Campaign fundraiser, we were knocked out by his generosity.”

Visit www.BleuEdmondson.com to support The Boot Campaign by downloading the song, “Black and White.”

Photos: Jaida Dreyer, Tracy Lawrence, Bucky Covington, Charles Kelley

Jaida Dreyer Signs With BRC, Makes Opry Debut
Streamsound artist Jaida Dreyer, who recently signed with BRC for exclusive booking representation, made her Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night (6/23). Dreyer performed her upcoming single “Confessions,” which will officially be released to radio next month. Her debut album, produced by Streamsound co-founder Byron Gallimore, is set for release later this year.

(L-R): Mike Wilson, Streamsound Records; Bobby Roberts, CEO, Bobby Roberts Company; Jaida Dreyer; Lance Roberts, President BRC; and Matt Rizor, Agent BRC

 

Bucky Covington Fans Get Surprise
Fans at Bucky Covington‘s concert at Wild Bill’s in Duluth, GA got a treat last Friday (6/22) when Lady A’s Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley joined him onstage following their concert at nearby Gwinnett Center. Kelley and Covington sang a cover of John Mellencamp’s “Hurts So Good.”

Covington and Kelley. Photo: Dan Harr/MusicNewsNashville.com

 

Tracy Lawrence’s Film Debut
Tracy Lawrence recently spent a week on the film set of L.A. Dirt in Mobile, Ala., where he made his acting debut. L.A. Dirt is the story of a young man’s dream to become a champion dirt track racer. Lawrence’s character is the uncle of lead character Ty Hargrove, played by Michael Roark.

Tracy Lawrence on the set of L.A. Dirt with fellow cast members Madeline Thelton, and Michael Roark. Photo: Alex Torrez

Springsteen to be Honored as MusiCares Person of the Year

Bruce Springsteen will be honored as the 2013 MusiCares Person of the Year on Friday, Feb. 8 2013, it was announced by Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow and MusiCares Foundation Board Chair Scott Pascucci.

The event will be held in Los Angeles during Grammy Week two days prior to the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. Proceeds from the benefit gala dinner and concert, now in its 23rd year, will support MusiCares. Composer/producer Rob Mathes will serve as musical director. The week’s events will culminate with the 55th Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. CBS will broadcast the ceremony live at 8 pm ET.

Springsteen is being honored for his extraordinary artistic accomplishments as well as his significant charitable work over the years. His recording career began almost 40 years ago with the Columbia Records album Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. and includes landmark recordings such as Born to Run and Born in the U.S.A., both of which have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame an in 2009, he was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. Springsteen’s latest album, Wrecking Ball, was released in March.

“Bruce Springsteen is a truly gifted and Renaissance artist of our time, a national treasure, and an exemplary humanitarian,” said Portnow. “His career is a testament to the power of creative excellence, and his contributions as a philanthropist speak to the tenacity of the human spirit. We are privileged and honored to pay tribute to Bruce this year as our MusiCares Person of the Year.”

Ray Scott Inks Management/Booking Agreement

Ray Scott recently inked a new management and booking agreement with AStar Promotions. The singer’s latest album Rayality contains new single “Those Jeans” and a video shoot is in the works. 

Trace Adkins recorded Scott’s tune “If The Sun Comes Up” for the Act Of Valor film soundtrack, released in February.

Frank Lena is CEO of AStar Promotions, which has offices in Nashville, Chicago, and Lake Geneva, WI. “We believe Ray is a perfect match with his creativity, unique writing style and performances that engage audiences from all walks of life,” says Lena. “He connects with people because he is ‘real’ and it’s a natural complement to AStar’s business model.”

Scott is set for a Fri., Sept. 14 performance at Nashville’s Hard Rock Café to kick off the Ray Scott & Friends Country @ the Rock Concert Series.

Best know for his 2005 Warner Bros. album My Kind of Music, Scott has since released Crazy Like Me and Rayality.

For information on booking contact Joey Adams at 615-618-7646 or joey@astarnow.com.

New B.o.B. Video Features Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift sings the hooky chorus in the new song by rapper B.o.B. The video for “Both of Us” premiered yesterday (6/27) on MTV.

Among the Nashville locations used in the video are Melrose Billiards and Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish. Director Jake Nava shot the video showcasing everyday triumphs and struggles of the working class. See the “Behind the Video” clip posted below.

The track is the third single from B.o.B.‘s Atlantic Records release Strange Clouds. The underdog championing lyric features Swift singing, “I wish I was strong enough to lift not one, but both of us.”

Swift and the rapper first met in October 2011 when he was a surprise guest at the Dallas Cowboy Stadium stop on her Speak Now tour. They dueted on his hit “Airplane.”

Warner Nashville Hosts “Pickin’ on the Patio”

Warner Music Nashville will host its Pickin’ On The Patio party today (6/28), featuring Warner/Chappell writers Jedd Hughes, Jay Clementi & Tim James and special guest Blaster Records’ Brother Trouble.

Doors open at 5:00 pm and show starts at 5:30 pm. Food and drinks will be served during performances. Pickin’ On The Patio is held the fourth Thursday of every month, from May to October, on the WMN Patio. Mark your calendars for the next one on July 26.

Photo Show: City National Salutes SOURCE, Creative Nation, WMBA

Creative Nation Showcase at The Basement
Monday night (6/25) Creative Nation songwriters Luke Laird and Barry Dean rounded up co-writers Rhett Akins, Brett Eldredge, Ashley Gorley, Natalie Hemby, Matt Jenkins, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Jonathan Singleton for a performance at The Basement. The group debuted 10 songs to an industry crowd during the event that marked Creative Nation’s first show since the company announced its grand opening last month.

Pictured (L-R): Beth Laird, Creative Nation Co-Owner and General Manager; Luke Laird, Creative Nation Co-Owner and Songwriter/Producer; Kacey Musgraves; Natalie Hemby; Shane McAnally; Brett Eldredge; and Barry Dean, Creative Nation Songwriter. Photo: Thomas Gentry

 

City National Salutes SOURCE Honorees
City National Bank celebrated this year’s SOURCE Award recipients with a fun Nash Trash tour of Music City followed by dinner at Virago. The awards, honoring pioneering females in the music business, will salute Shelia Shipley Biddy, Connie Bradley, Karen Conrad, Judy Harris, Pat Rolfe, Kay Smith and Judy Wray. All of this year’s honorees are founding members of the organization. The 10th annual SOURCE Awards will be held Aug. 23 at the new home of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at Municipal Auditorium.

Pictured (L-R) Back Row: Sarah Brosmer, Bebe Evans, Debbie Linn, Betty Sanders, Lisa Palas, Linda Payne, Judi Turner, Martha Henderson, Susan Myers, Karen Morgan, Kay Clary, Sally Williams, Holly Bell, Lainie Allbee, Trina Smith, Sherri Lynn - Jugg Sister, Courtney Crist, Pamela Johnson, Erika Wollam Nichols, Diane Pearson; Front Row: Mary Unobsky, Lori Badgett, Jessica Rogers, Brenda Kay - Jugg Sister, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Karen Conrad, Judy Harris, Kay Smith, Judy Wray, Pat Rolfe, Laurie Hughes, Katie Plauche Morris and Mandy Gallagher.

 

WMBA Meeting Welcomes Cindy Heath
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) welcomed Monarch Publicity’s Cindy Heath as the guest speaker for the organization’s monthly membership meeting at NSAI last week. Heath, who also serves on WMBA’s Board of Directors, shared her experience of navigating the music business and gave insight on being a female entrepreneur.

Pictured (L-R): Front Row: Amery Fridenstine, Trina Lloyd-Weidner, Becky McIntosh; Middle Row: Brandi Simms, Cindy Heath, Becky Lynn Street; and Back Row: Kama Upton, Leona Edwards

Walker to Host 5th Annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament

Clay Walker will host his 5th Annual Clay Walker Charity Classic golf tournament June 29-July 2 at California’s renowned Pebble Beach Resort.

Celebrity participants will include former NBA players Clifford Robinson and John Starks, WFAN’s Ann Liguori, T Bone Burnett, singer/songwriter Sarah Marince, and actor Anthony Anderson. Proceeds from the event will go toward Walker’s Band Against MS initiative, to raise awareness of the disease.

“This is going to be an incredible few days and Pebble Beach is one of the most beautiful places in the world!” says Walker. “I am thrilled and grateful to be able to raise awareness and funds for a disease that affects so many by combining two of my favorite things, golf and music.”

More info here.

Dustin Lynch Plans Debut Album

Broken Bow Records rising artist Dustin Lynch will release his self-titled debut album on Tuesday, August 21.

Produced by Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten, Dustin Lynch will feature 13 tracks, 10 of which were written or co-written by Lynch himself. A full track listing is included below.

Lynch’s debut single “Cowboys and Angels,” which the artist co-wrote with Tim Nichols and Josh Leo, is currently climbing all the charts. In MusicRow’s most recent CountryBreakout Chart, it gained 103 spins and hit No. 21, and the video has already surpassed one million views on YouTube. Additionally, the track has sold over 250,000 downloads since its release.

For Dustin’s tour dates, visit dustinlynchmusic.com.

Dustin Lynch track listing:
1. “She Cranks My Tractor”  — (Dustin Lynch, Brett Beavers, Tim Nichols)
2. “Waiting”  — (Justin Weaver, Dustin Lynch, Kelly Archer)
3. “Cowboys and Angels”   —  (Dustin Lynch, Josh Leo, Tim Nichols)
4. “Wild in Your Smile”  — (Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Marv Green)
5. “Last Lap”   — (Dustin Lynch, Kelly Archer, Justin Weaver)
6.  “Sittin’ Pretty”  — (John Edwards, Jason Sever, Steve Bogard)
7. “Yeah Yeah Yeah”   — (Phil Barton, Jaron Boyer, Rodney Clawson)
8. “Rock You Sweet”    — (Dustin Lynch, Jason Sever, Tim Nichols, Brett Beavers)
9. “Unwind It”   —  (Dustin Lynch, Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers)
10. “Hurricane”  — (Steve Bogard, Dustin Lynch, Jason Sever, Will Doughty)
11. “Dancing in the Headlights”   — (Josh Leo, Tim Nichols, Dustin Lynch)
12. “Name On It”    —  (Dustin Lynch, Justin Weaver, Kelly Archer)
BONUS TRACK:   “Your Plan”   —  (Dustin Lynch)