Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Announced

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Robert Lawson, executive director of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, announced Steven Curtis Chapman, The Kentucky Headhunters, Exile, Skeeter Davis, The Hilltoppers, Old Joe Clark and Emory & Linda Martin will make up the 2013 class of Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum inductees.

“On behalf of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum board of directors and staff I am honored to announce the 2013 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Class,” said Lawson. “The 2013 class showcases why the state of Kentucky has produced some of the world’s greatest music achievers in all genres of music, and I am truly honored to recognize them with induction into the Hall of Fame.”

These artists will join other Kentucky native music professionals to be honored for their musical contributions around the world. The induction ceremony will take place on April 12, 2013 at the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballroom (430 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507). Tickets for the ceremony go on sale April 9, 2012. For more information please visit http://www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com.

Past inductees include Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, Keith Whitley, Crystal Gayle, Dwight Yoakam, Wynonna & Naomi Judd, Ricky Skaggs, Tom T. Hall, Bill Monroe and more.

Benefit News (3/15/12)

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Country artists Ty Herndon, Bucky Covington, Bo Bice, Carter’s Chord, and Mockingbird Sun were among the performers at the Autism Sings! benefits this week at Margaritaville in downtown Nashville. The event raised funds to benefit research efforts for Autism research.

(L-R): Autism Speaks Regional Director Kathy Streng, Bo Bice, Becky Robertson (Carter's Chord), Katie Chance, Emily Robertson (Carter's Chord), Joanna Robertson (Carter's Chord), Even Farmer (CMT host). Photo: Randi Radcliff

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Rodney Atkins recently teamed up with WRIL/the Big 106 and Massey Ferguson for an all-day radio drive to raise money for disaster relief to communities of Harrogate, TN; West Liberty, KY; and East Bernstadt, KY that were affected by recent storms. Atkins is a native of Harrogate. Donations can still be made through Atkins’ website here.

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Big Machine Records trio Edens Edge is teaming up with St. Louis Sam’s Club associates today (March 15) to raise awareness of hunger in the United States. Starting at 11 am, Edens Edge and Sam’s Club volunteers will load pallets of food into trucks and deliver the donation the St. Louis Area Foodbank. More info at outnumberhunger.com.

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Gilda’s Club Nashville is presenting “Humor, Heart and Hope: Laughter Through the Cancer Journey,” a program designed to inform and inspire attendees to use the power of humor while living with cancer. The program takes place at 6 pm on Tuesday, March 20, at the Gilda’s Nashville Clubhouse. More info here.

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Trace Adkins is offering fans who attend his Songs & Stories Tour a chance to see him from the first five rows and meet him backstage, and the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and NRA Country Cares. Packages are on sale at tickets-for-charity.com.

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(L-R): Woods, Lawrence

Tracy Lawrence was named an honorary Operation Troop Aid board member following his performance at Cadillac Ranch during Country Radio Seminar. Operation Troop Aid Founder/CEO Mark Woods presented Lawrence with the certificate, an honor shared by Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, and Darius Rucker.

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Darryl Worley has re-recorded “The Fishin’ Hole,” the iconic theme song from The Andy Griffith Show, in conjunction with the state of Tennessee to raise funds for fisheries. Fans can text FISH to 50555, which will add a $10 donation to the user’s phone bill to be received by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. See a video of the song here.

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Texas favorite Granger Smith is again partnering with the Boot Campaign to walk 100 miles in combat boots from South Austin to the Ft. Hood military post in Killeen. The campaign helps raise awareness of soldiers transitioning back home after combat. More info here. www.BootCampaign.com

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Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music will host SENSE Theatre – A Stage of Hope For Children With Autism at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 18. Performers will include Jeri Sager (CATS), singer/songwriter Tammy Vice, Ryan Michaels Band, SENSE Theatre “Bridges and Earworms” Summer Camp Participants, and members of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

Photo Spread: John Hobbs, Eli Young Band, Dustin Lynch

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Museum Honors John Hobbs with Nashville Cats Program
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently (3/10) honored John Hobbs in its quarterly series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. Hobbs discussed his life and career as a session musician including contributions to recordings by Deana Carter, Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Olivia Newton-John, Lionel Richey, Georg Strait and Shania Twain. He also discussed his role as bandleader for Vince Gill and producer for Gill, Collin Raye and LeAnn Rimes.

(L-R): Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr, Nashville Cat David Briggs, Hobbs, Nashville Cat Eddie Bayers and program host Bill Lloyd. Photo: Donn Jones

Dustin Lynch’s Opry Debut
Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch fulfilled a lifelong dream earlier this month when he made his debut in the Grand Ole Opry’s hallowed circle. He performed hit single “Cowboys and Angels” and “She Cranks My Tractor.” Hailing from nearby Tullahoma, Tenn., Lynch grew up listening to and visiting the Opry and aspiring to one day earn the honor of gracing its stage.

Photo: 2012 Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo

EYB Gives Boost to St. Jude
Eli Young Band recently headed to Towson University in Maryland to help the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity raise money for St. Jude. Area radio station WPOC/Baltimore sponsored EYB’s mini concert and the groups’ combined efforts garnered nearly $2,000. The band played songs from its Republic Nashville album, including the No. 1 platinum-selling hit “Crazy Girl,” and latest single “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” EYB is headlining the Keep On Dreamin’ Tour and will open for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Australian tour beginning next week.

Photo: Courtesy of Republic Nashville/Cliff Blake

CMT Hits the Streets With “Concrete Country”

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The Farewell Drifters

CMT.com has launched a new online performance series called Concrete Country that will feature independent singer/songwriters performing their original music in the streets of downtown Nashville. CMT will also debut the new blog “CMT Edge” which will highlight roots musicians and be curated by writer/producer Craig Shelburne.

“It’s not just our job. We’re as passionate as our fans are about finding the best new artists, whether they’re performing in a club, garage or on the sidewalk like Concrete Country,” said Martin Clayton, vice president, CMT.com. “We want country fans to think of CMT.com first when they’re looking for new music, from the superstars to an entire untapped genre of alt-country, roots musicians.”

Featured performers on Concrete Country include roots artists like Lydia Loveless, The Farewell Drifters, Caitlin Rose, Jason Boland, Will Hoge, and Robert Ellis.

Toby Keith Scheduled For Several TV Appearances

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Toby Keith will make several high profile television appearances beginning tonight, March 14. His media journey stems from the success of his viral sensation “Red Solo Cup,” which was featured on an episode of Glee.

Tonight, NBC’s EXTRA will feature a segment about Toby. The episode airs at 12:05 am CT for Nashville residents. Tomorrow (March 15), Toby is sheduled for an appearance on NBC’s The Ellen DeGeneres Show, followed by a visit with The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday, March 16. As March wraps up, Toby will appear on the popular late night talk show Chelsea Lately (E!) on Tuesday, March 27.

The video for “Red Solo Cup” has recently eclipsed 15 million views, and even spawned a Cledus T. Judd parody. Toby is also scheduled to perform on the 47th Annual ACM Awards, April 1.

 

Industry Ink (3/14/12)

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Country-rock group Parmalee recently signed a publishing deal with Nashville’s Gallo and Landers Music. The North Carolina group also recently inked a recording contract with Stoney Creek Records.

“Our team feels very fortunate to get to work with a talent like Parmalee,” said Gallo and Landers Music’s Jim Landers, “and I look forward to seeing great things happen with them.”

(L-R): Almon Law’s Noah McPike; Gallo and Landers Music's Jim Landers; Parmalee’s Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, and Josh McSwain; Gallo and Landers Music's Greg Gallo; and BMI’s Bradley Collins. Photo: Drew Maynard

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Cindy Collins has announced the formation and launch of C2 Managment, with services in artist development and management. Collins’ first client, Maggie Eckford, recently earned a placement deal with Razor and Tie. Collins career includes time with CMT, and more recently with Spalding Entertainment where she worked with Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts.

“I will always appreciate the guidance Clarence provided during my time with the firm, and I am now thrilled to begin this new chapter with such a genuine and exceptional talent as Maggie Eckford,”says Collins.

Reach her at [email protected].

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The deadline to enter the inaugural Unsigned Only Music Competition has been extended until April 11, 2012. The contest to find unsigned talent features celebrity judges Cyndi Lauper; Kenny Rogers; Angie Stone; 3 Doors Down; Charlie Daniels; Jeremy Camp; Manchester Orchestra; Craig Morgan; Robert Smith (The Cure); Kelly Clarkson; and more. More info here.

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The 2012 International Entertainment Buyers Association Conference will take place in Nashville October 7-9, and the organization’s board is currently planning the event. IEBA also recently announced the endowments of three new scholarships: one in honor of Barry Jeffrey of WME at John Brown University; one in honor of Steve Tolman of LogiCom Project Management at Murray State University; and one in honor of Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts, also at Murray State.

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PCG Nashville and Crawdad’s Classics Gourmet Flavorings recently launched the “Flavor of Music,” a weekly series featuring artists in development at PCG Nashville. Hosted by radio personality Rick Marino, the showcases are held 6-8 pm on Tuesdays at Red Rooster (1530 Demonbreun). Eight artists will be featured in total, and the first artist showcase took place on Tuesday (March 13) with Lauryn Taylor Bach. Next up on March 20 is Samantha Landrum. There is also an Android app for the series available here.

Warner Music Nashville Adds Two Staffers

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Warner Music Nashville has added two new team members.

Katie Bright will be joining the WMN radio promotion department starting Mon., March 19. She was most recently working at Diane Richey Promotions.

Bright is filling the Northeast Regional post that previously belonged to George Meeker. She will report directly to Bob Reeves. Meanwhile, Meeker is exiting to open a State Farm Insurance agency. Reach her at [email protected].

Also, Jessica Campbell has joined the publicity department where she is handling events, interviews and tour press. She makes the move from Creative Artists Agency and is reporting directly to Tree Paine. Contact her at [email protected].

“On Demand” Chart Arrives, Added To Billboard Hot 100 Formula

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Billboard, Nielsen and NARM’s digitalmusic.org announced the creation of the first-ever subscription services “On-Demand Songs” chart, the data from which will also be included in the Billboard Hot 100. On-demand streaming data is now factored into the chart’s ranking, a formula that also incorporates digital download and physical single sales, as well as radio airplay.

In coordination with digitalmusic.org’s Subscription Music Work Group and powered by Nielsen BDS, the On-Demand chart measures every on-demand play request from MOG, Muve Music, Rdio, Rhapsody, Slacker and Spotify. Data from Zune and Sony Music Unlimited is expected to be added in the future. Nielsen began tracking streaming in 2005, and recorded over 4.5 billion streams in the first 70 days of 2012.

“Billboard always recognizes trends in the way fans experience music. With some of these services growing exponentially and integrating into the social web, the time is right to launch a streaming chart and to incorporate this activity into the Hot 100,” said Bill Werde, Billboard’s editorial director.

“The last year has seen an explosion of both subscribers and traffic to music subscription services, and the business is now contributing meaningfully to the music industry’s growing digital music revenues. This chart marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the music subscription business,” said Bill Wilson, VP of Business Development and Digital Strategy, NARM/digitalmusic.org. “The new Billboard chart is the definitive endorsement of the importance of the music subscription market and, as Nielsen continues to track tremendous growth, its influence can only become more important in the future.”

The Hot 100 formula will now account for data from the On-Demand songs chart, as well as non-demand radio streams from Rhapsody and Slacker, video requests on Akoo, and audio on-demand from MySpace and Guvera. Yahoo! radio streams and on-demand videos will continue to contribute to chart rankings.

The first No. 1 on the On-Demand Songs chart goes to fun. and its hit “We Are Young,” featuring Janelle Monae, which had a total of 1.1 million streams. The track also lands atop the updated Billboard Hot 100 for a second consecutive week.

The updated Hot 100 and On-Demand Songs charts will be available on Billboard.com and Billboard.biz tomorrow (March 15), and featured in the March 24 print edition of Billboard, which hits newsstands March 16.

Craig Morgan to Guest Star on “Army Wives”

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L-R: Wendy Davis, Catherine Bell, Craig Morgan, Kim Delaney and Kelli Williams. Photo: Angeline Herron

Craig Morgan will make his acting debut as a guest star on Lifetime’s hit drama Army Wives, and the episode airs March 18 at 9 pm ET.

Army Wives, Lifetime’s most successful series, returned to prime time television for its sixth season earlier in March. Morgan’s guest appearance will feature performances of his current single and title track from his Black River Entertainment album, “This Ole Boy,” and This Ole Boy album cut “Love Loves a Long Night.”

Dickson, TN will also get special recognition on Sunday night’s episode of Army Wives. Morgan will be introduced with the true-to-life mention that he served 10 years in the US Army, is a recipient of the USO Merit Award and hails from Dickson. Although Morgan is used to being in front of a camera as the host of award-winning show Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors, this marks the singer’s first scripted television appearance.

Fans can also enter to win a piece of Craig Morgan history, as the Grand Ole Opry member’s appearance on Army Wives is supported with a sweepstakes on Opry.com. Click here for more information.

MusicRow Debuts TEA Sales Index

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2011 TEA benchmarks were 25% country; 27.7% all genre.

The Country Music Sales Landscape is evolving rapidly. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Country tracks are up 19.4% (7% for all genre) and digital album sales are up 30.8% (19.4% all genre) YTD 2012. These numbers show a significant increase in the adoption of digital music by country fans, albeit several years behind the all genre crowd.

Digital album sales are included in SoundScan album sales, which has been the coin of the realm in measuring industry health. But track sales are generating large revenues, and frankly becoming too important to ignore. The TEA index is one of several coming metrics designed to fold track sales back into the discussion.

TEA Index Methodology
We will update the TEA index around the middle of each month. Here’s how it works. We take the total YTD track sales and divide the number by 10 to get TEA (track equivalent albums) units. We then add the TEA albums to the digital and physical albums to get a total. Lastly we determine what percentage of the total is contributed by TEA units.

The percentage shows at a glance how the marketplace is changing. For example, the 2011 TEA index for country music was 25.08% (all genre 27.77%). Three months into 2012 the country TEA index has already risen to almost 31%—a 24% increase.

Looked at another way, the index is dependent upon the balance between tracks and albums. For example, if album sales fall and tracks remain constant, the index rises. Conversely, if album sales increase and track sales remain constant or ebb then the index falls.

TEA Talk
The higher TEA index scores at the start of the year can probably be explained by the post holidays gift card phenomenon when people get new gifts and then rush online to redeem them in the form of buying tracks. But we are also seeing track sale spikes generated by award shows like the Grammys, as well as reality shows such as American Idol and The Voice and sitcoms Smash and Glee which encourage “instant gratification” track purchases.

This past week the index dropped, partially because of some special 25¢ digital album offers, first from Google and then echoed by Amazon which successfully stimulated album downloads (more about that below.) Special sales like this highlight another disconnect between SoundScan numbers and actual industry health—pricing. For example, country album sales last year were down a modest 1.8%. No big deal until you start to realize that albums were selling for less last year than in previous years, so revenues were more seriously compromised than the 1.8% would indicate and of course profits also suffered.

Weekly Sales Shout Out
Lady Antebellum’s Own The Night was the largest single happening of the week for country album sales. Its sales increased 437% W/W. The trio benefited from the aforementioned 25¢ sales price on Google Music—an offer that really “clicked” with fans. Sales moved from 20k to 108k with a whopping 90% of the sales in the digital format!

Informed readers will recall that after last year’s Lady Gaga low debut-week pricing, Billboard added a new chart rule saying it would not include album units sold for less than $3.49 during their first four weeks of release in SoundScan. But Own The Night, now in its 26th week, is way past the four week rule.

Luke Bryan also deserves mention with the No. 2 and No. 3 positions on this week’s country album chart. His Spring Break 4 debut hit almost 30k downloads (it was digital-only) and Tailgates and Tanlines scanned over 17k.