Artist Updates (4/27/12)

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Lee Brice released his new album Hard 2 Love on Tuesday (4/24) and the lead single, “A Woman Like You,” has already hit No. 1. The next single, “Hard to Love,” is hitting radio now. Brice’s media blitz began with co-hosting duties on the No. 1 national morning show Today on March 20 and continues through the next two weeks. This week, Brice is back in New York promoting the new album and has already appeared on Fox & Friends, CNN’s Showbiz Tonight, and Imus In The Morning. On Monday (5/1), Brice will make his first appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, followed by an appearance on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (date TBD). He will also appear on the syndicated The Better Show on Wednesday (5/2). Later in the week, he will visit Fox News Channel’s Huckabee for an appearance that will air 5/12. Check www.leebrice.com more info and tour dates.

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Today (4/27) Larry Gatlin will join the Fox Business Network’s Willis Report at 4 pm and 7 pm CT, sitting on a panel for a group discussion on several hot-button news topics. For more information on Larry Gatlin, visit www.gatlinbrothers.com.

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RCA duo Love and Theft (Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson) will perform the hit single, “Angel Eyes,” during a scene in this week’s episode of ABC’s hit series, GCB, starring Leslie Bibb, Kristin Chenoweth, Annie Potts, Miriam Shor, Jennifer Aspen and Marisol Nichols. GCB airs on ABC Sunday, April 29 at 9 pm CT. To pre-order Love and Theft’s album, visit http://amzn.to/GQLGhu.

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Inside Music Row is celebrating the airing of its 250th episode this week, April 23-29. This week’s episode of Inside Music Row includes coverage of the ACM Awards, Darryl Worley and the new Grascals CD release. After a successful string of hits like “Have You Forgotten,” Worley has a new single out called “You Still Got It” that is climbing the charts and a new album is expected in summer. Check out the interview here. The show airs in Nashville on WNAB/CW58 every Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. CT.

Lee Ann Womack Covers McCartney, Collaborates With Crowell

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Lee Ann Womack is recording  a cover of Wings’ “Let ‘Em In,” written by Sir Paul McCartney, which will appear as the title track to a new country and roots collection benefiting The Women and Cancer Fund.

Womack is working with noted producer Phil Madeira for her part of the project, which also features contributions by Bruce Cockburn, Ollabelle, Teddy Thompson, Steve Earle and Allison Moorer, Buddy Miller, and Jim Lauderdale among others. A previous volume was released with McCartney’s blessing in 2011 and featured Phil Vassar, Sarah Darling, Steel Magnolia, SHeDaisy, and more.

“I’ve gone through long periods of time when I’ve sung ‘Let ‘Em In’ in my live shows, because I just think the song is so good,” said Womack. “I love what it says about bringing people together. So when Phil asked if I’d like to be a part of this, I was delighted!”

Womack also appears on a track called “Mama’s On A Roll” from the Rodney Crowell and Mary Karr collaboration Kin. Other guests on the project include Lucinda Williams, Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, and Kris Kristofferson.

Womack is currently finishing work on a follow-up to her 2008 album Call Me Crazy with ACM Producer of the Year and husband, Frank Liddell.

Cleaver Named President of Avenue Bank

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Kent Cleaver, a founding officer of Avenue Bank, has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer for the company. He has served as COO since Avenue Bank opened in July 2007.

“Kent is a tremendous leader at Avenue Bank, having been one of the founders,” said Avenue CEO and Board Chairman Ronald L. Samuels. “A transition like this is common for a company that experiences the growth we have. When Avenue Bank began, we had a small number of people wearing a number of different hats.

“Five years later, with total assets of $667 million and 98 employees, now is the right time for us to operate in more defined leadership roles, and Kent is excellent for this. He has been a dedicated partner from day one.”

In his new role, Cleaver will focus on business development as well as oversee and manage daily operations. As President, he also has a seat on the board of directors. He is a native Nashvillian with 33 years experience in the banking industry.

Samuels will continue as CEO and Chairman of the Board. He will lead Avenue’s strategic planning and community direction, as well as advising on planning and development.

Tyler Farr Headed For Opry Debut

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BNA Records newcomer Tyler Farr is set for his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night (4/28), where he will perform debut single, “Hot Mess.” Check out the track here.

“One of the most influential experiences in my life was the first time I went to the Opry,” explains Farr. “What made it so special was that I was backstage and my stepfather [was playing lead guitar onstage] next to George Jones. As he sang ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today,’ my arms filled with goosebumps. It was then that I knew The Grand Ole Opry was the heart and soul of country music.”

Farr sang his way through high school and went to college at Missouri State on a vocal performance scholarship. After two years in college, he packed up his car and headed to Nashville where he landed a gig at Tootsie’s playing the 10 pm – 2 am shift.

Since then he’s opened for Miranda Lambert, Jerrod Niemann, and spent a year on the road with Colt Ford.

Weekly Chart Report (4/27/12)

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Brett Eldredge (L) visited with WQYK/Tampa MD Jay Roberts (R) at Sunday’s (4/22) Fun 'n Sun concert and promoted his latest single “It Ain’t Gotta Be Love.”

LIFENOTE
Congratulations to KKWF/Seattle Morning host Fitz and wife Bethany on the birth of their new baby girl, Drew Lynnae. Drew was born Saturday (4/21) and both she and mother are doing well.

SPIN ZONE
You know you’ve had a pretty big hit when you can shed a few spins and stay at No. 1. And so Rascal Flatts’ “Banjo,” 16 weeks into its chart journey, holds for a third consecutive week in the CountryBreakout Chart’s top spot. But it could all change by next week: Eric Church’s “Springsteen” moves up to No. 2, and looks strong with a gain of 102 spins. Also eying the top position are Jason Aldean’s “Fly Over States” at No. 4 and Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” at No. 5.

Arista Nashville’s Kristen Kelly recently visited KPLX in Dallas to promote the release of her debut single “Ex-Old Man.” (L-R): Mark Phillips (KPLX Dallas), Kristen Kelly

Kip Moore might also have a big ole hit on his hands with “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck.” He’s at No. 10, and still adding on the rotations with each new chart. And to continue the hit parade, look at Keith Urban’s “For You.” It’s only three weeks old at this point, and already to No. 24. On top of that, it made a huge gain of 505 spins–the week’s largest–to move up from No. 42. There’s also an indie insurgence happening in the Top 40, with Shawna Russell’s “Waitin’ On Sunrise” (No. 31) and Tim Culpepper’s “Ghost” (No. 33) leading a pack that includes Darryl Worley (No. 35), Kaleb McIntire (No. 38), and Marlee Scott (No. 39).

King George Strait is ever the picture of consistency with “Drinkin’ Man” making a big debut at No. 57, which lands just in front of “Come On” by Eric Lee Beddingfield, last week’s top debut. This chart also features the solo country debut of Kelly Clarkson, whose “Mr. Know It All” is finding favor with country programmers at No. 68. Keep an eye out for upcoming singles from Neal McCoy (“Shotgun Rider”) and Jaida Dreyer (“Guy’s Girl”) as they prepare to debut.

Upcoming Singles
April 30
Kristen Kelly/Ex-Old Man/Arista
Little Big Town/Pontoon/Capitol
Montgomery Gentry/So Called Life/Average Joes
Jason Sturgeon/Time Bomb/Toolpusher
George Strait/Drinkin’ Man/MCA
JJ McCoy/Sunshine State

May 7
Randy Houser/How Country Feels/Stoney Creek
Michael Dean Church/That’s How We Roll/MDC Records
Bucky Covington/I Wanna Be That Feeling/eOne/New Revolution
Lewis Copeland/She’s Got It Going On/Phull/Jeff McClusky/Turnpike
Jason Thomas/Roll On/MD Records

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New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
George Strait/Drinkin’ Man/MCA – 57
Kelly Clarkson/Mr. Know It All/19-RCA – 68
LiveWire/Gone (Remix)/Way Out West – 75
Justin Haigh/People Like Me – 77
Josh Abbott Band/Touch/PDT – 79
Erica Nicole/Tell Me What You Think About Us/Heaven Records – 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Keith Urban/For You/Capitol – 505
Dierks Bentley/5-1-5-0/Capitol – 354
George Strait/Drinkin’ Man/MCA – 266
Kenny Chesney/Tim McGraw/Feel Like A Rock Star/BNA – 257
Luke Bryan/Drunk On You/Capitol – 208

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Keith Urban/For You/Capitol – 26
George Strait/Drinkin’ Man/MCA – 21
Neal McCoy/Shotgun Rider/Blaster – 13
Kelly Clarkson/Mr. Know It All/19-RCA – 11
Dierks Bentley/5-1-5-0/Capitol – 11
Edens Edge/Too Good To Be True/Big Machine – 11
Montgomery Gentry/So Called Life/Average Joe’s – 9
Little Big Town/Pontoon/Capitol – 9
Scotty McCreery/Water Tower Town/19/Mercury/Interscope – 8
Chris Young/Neon/RCA – 8
Rick Monroe/Crazy Not To/Render Records – 8
Love and Theft/Angel Eyes/RCA – 8

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Lucas Hoge/Give A Damn/Animal House – 195
Neal McCoy/Shotgun Rider/Blaster – 171
Scotty McCreery/Water Tower Town/19-Mercury-Interscope – 169
Jaida Dreyer/Guy’s Girl/Soundstream – 169
Adam Gregory/High On You/Calusa Entertainment-GMV Nashville – 167

Black River Entertainment’s Glen Templeton recently paid a visit to WYNK/Baton Rouge. (L-R): Templeton, Black River's Megan Good; WYNK Music Director Austin James; Black River's General Manager, Greg McCarn

Marlee Scott stopped by Thunder 102/WDNB in upstate New York to be a co-host on Ciliberto & Friends. She also helped Paul Ciliberto with his karate kick. (L-R): Michelle Semerano (Ciliberto & Friends), Scott, Ciliberto.

Charlie Cook On Air: Chrysler and Advertising

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Newsflash: Advertising works!

I guess those of us in radio have always known that. Otherwise why would we be playing 10-20 commercials per hour?

Chrysler Motors has discovered this recently. Considered the little sister of the Big Three automakers, Chrysler was way behind in the perception of the car buying public.

I grew up in Detroit and as a kid Chrysler was always behind GM and Ford. General Motors was SOOOOO big and Ford was the local company.

Chrysler tried so many things to chase primarily Ford. They went the muscle car route chasing the Mustang and then they finally hired Lee Iacocca after he left Ford. Mr. Iacocca went in a different direction and basically invented the minivan taking Chrysler to a specific winning position. (I understand that Mr. Iacocca was not the designer of the minivan but without his support it would have never happened.)

Fast forward to the last five years as the auto industry hit the skids. Radio was one of the biggest losers in this fall. Less car sales means less advertising. Less advertising means less disc jockeys. (It will be interesting to see if more car sales and thus more advertising means more disc jockeys. HAHAHA I crack myself up).

Two of the three American automakers took financial support from the US government in order to get through these bad times. Chrysler was one of the two and their future really did look gloomy.

But something has happened that has lifted Chrysler ahead of GM. Chrysler does not seem to be as stained with the bailout as GM, derisively referred to as Government Motors.

What has helped Chrysler climb out of the basement? Good ole advertising.

A lot of people will look back to the Clint Eastwood spot during the Super Bowl as a reason for the success but a recent survey found that this was more of a negative than a positive for Chrysler. The spot certainly got America’s attention but some thought that it was more a political endorsement than a car commercial.

Getting everyone’s attention was worth the effort though, as Chrysler got on people’s radar. Once the car buying public was attuned to Chrysler again their marketing started to make inroads.

You cannot sell something to someone unless you get their attention. Running a spot, any spot, in the Super Bowl will usually get people’s attention.

The car company launched a huge “comeback” theme campaign and introduced 16 new or redesigned models in the last couple of years. They had a lot to talk about and this has translated into a 25% increase in sales last year and just as importantly an increase in positive opinion with potential car buyers. The more often you see a Chrysler product on the road the better you feel about the car and it opens your mind to purchasing one.

A survey company named YouGov calculates a buzz score for products. Their results measure the difference between the positive and negative things people are saying about a company.

This month Chrysler measured a +17. The scale goes from -100 to +100 so +17 is better than it sounds.  And the +17 was good enough to best GM’s +15. Ford is at +37.

And to put this in better perspective, three years ago Chrysler scored -41.

This 57 point swing tells us that the trend for Chrysler is very good and you will begin seeing even more Dodge and Jeep products on the road. You will also be hearing more Chrysler advertising on the radio and that is good for us.

Bonnie Raitt To Receive Americana Lifetime Achievement Award

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Bonnie Raitt. Photo: Marina Chavez

Bonnie Raitt has been chosen by the Americana Music Association to receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance at the organization’s 11th Annual Honors and Awards, set for Wed., Sept. 12 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Raitt will also participate in the Artist Keynote Interview during the Conference. The in-depth interview, hosted by NPR Music’s Ann Powers, is slated for September 12 and open to conference attendees.

Raitt, a nine-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, launched Redwing Records in 2012 to release Slipstream, her first album in seven years.

Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement honor include Gregg Allman, Levon Helm, Wanda Jackson, Asleep at the Wheel, Jason & the Scorchers, Joe Ely, Alejandro Escovedo, Chris Hillman, and Emmylou Harris.

The annual AMA Awards ceremony, hosted by Jim Lauderdale with band leader Buddy Miller, is part of the 13th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference which will be held September 12-15 at the Downtown Nashville Sheraton.

Lambert Brings Pistol Annies On Tour

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Pistol Annies are scheduled to perform on Miranda Lambert’s On Fire tour beginning April 26 in Fresno, CA. The trio featuring Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley had its live debut last April on the CBS special, Girls’ Night Out.

The title track to the group’s acclaimed album Hell on Heels quickly reached Gold Certification and has garnered many accolades including Nashville Scene’s Top Album, Top New Artist and Top Duo or Group categories as selected by over 70 critics nationwide.

“We have chemistry as friends, we have chemistry on stage, and we have chemistry in our writing,” says Lambert. “It’s one of my favorite times during my show because I get to step into a different role.” What began on a whim during a writing session a few years ago has become a musical journey for the ladies.

The Pistol Annies will perform with Lambert on the following dates:

4/26 Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
4/27 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
5/10 Omaha, NE – CenturyLink Center
5/11 Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center
5/12 Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion
5/17 Tallahassee, FL – Tallahassee Leon Civic Center
5/18 Southaven, MS – Landers Center
5/19 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
6/1 Virginia Beach, VA – Patriotic Festival
6/2 Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center
6/3 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
6/8 Indianapolis, IN – Klipsch Music Center
6/9 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field
6/10 Detroit, MI – Comerica Park
6/14 Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
6/15 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
6/16 Maryland Heights, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
6/21 Corpus Christi, TX – American Bank Arena
6/22 Beaumont, TX – Ford Park Arena
6/23 New Orleans, LA – UNO Lakefront Arena

Special guests Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann will continue to support Miranda on these upcoming dates.

Chief Compensation—Salaries Are Just The Starting Point

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The exorbitant income of top media executives is making headlines this week. And salaries are just a starting point for financial compensation.

Performance bonuses often add to the already lucrative base salaries of many bosses. Comcast Chief Executive Brian Roberts and NBCUniversal Chief Executive Steve Burke scored more than $5 million each last year for positive performance. This was included in pay packages that totaled $26.9 million and $23.7 million, respectively, according to SEC filings obtained by The LA Times.

Similarly, poor performance can result in a hit to the pocketbook. Netflix Chief Executive Reed Hastings raked in $9.3 million in 2011, but because the company struggled through last year, his compensation for 2012 will be lower. He will maintain his $500,000 salary but have a 50 percent slash in the initial value of his stock option allowance from $3 million to $1.5 million. The Times reported on Hastings, and Sony Chief Executive Howard Stringer’s compensation cut which brought his earnings to about $4.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

Retention bonuses for renewing contracts can also contribute to the bottom line. Ticketmaster Chief Executive Nathan Hubbard scored a $2 million bonus late last year from parent company Live Nation when he extended his contract through 2015. The new contract includes a 20% salary raise for 2012, up to $750,000, an additional bonus which could near the $1 million mark, and up to 200,000 shares in the company. Back in 2010 his total compensation was $5.7 million.

Think those packages are high? Here’s more from the LA Times:
CBS Corp. Chief Executive Leslie Moonves—$69.9 million
Discovery Communications Chief Executive David Zaslav—$52.4 million
Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman—$43 million
Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Robert Iger—$31.4 million
Time Warner Inc. Chief Executive Jeffrey Bewkes—$25.9 million.

On the talent end of the spectrum, American Idol host Ryan Seacrest re-upped with the hit show this week, inking a two-year deal for $15 million per year—a 50 percent bump from his previous salary of $10 million.

In a world of haves and have-nots, the media industry is a reflection of reality. In April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report showing annual median pay of radio and TV announcers was $27,010 in 2010.

George Jones Cancels Concert Dates

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Country Music Hall of Fame member George Jones has postponed his concert performances through May 20, while he continues to recuperate at home in Franklin.

Jones was originally hospitalized in late March to treat an upper respiratory infection. According to a statement from his publicist, Jones’ condition has improved greatly but his doctors are ordering an extended mandatory recovery time. Canceled dates are below.

In other Jones news, he recently posted a video about his recovery and also publicly addressed some family turmoil with his daughter Georgette. The Tennessean has an article with Georgette’s side of the story, and Nashville’s Fox 17 had the story last night (4/25).

Canceled dates:
April 28 Caruthersville, Mo, Lady Luck Casino
May 11  Pembroke, Ont., Pembroke Memorial Centre
May 12  Rama, Ont., Casino Rama
May 13  Kahnawake, QC, Kahnawake Sports Complex
May 15  Halifax, NS  Halifax Forum
May 16  Woodstock, NB, Carlton Civic Centre
May 18  Bouctouche, NB, Civic Centre
May 19  New Glasgow, NS, New Glasgow Stadium
May 20  Yarmouth, NS, Mariner Centre