New Collection Examines Campbell’s Storied Career

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Readers Digest recently released The Legendary Glen Campbell, a new 3-CD collection spanning the singer’s entire career. The set includes sixty of Campbell’s best-known recordings from 1962 to 2008. Campbell’s classic hits like “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston” and “Gentle On My Mind” are included alongside out of print rarities.

The Legendary Glen Campbell is available now exclusively at Readersdigeststore.com for $38.

Campbell, this year’s 2012 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last year. He ends his farewell tour June 30 in Bayfield, WI. His final studio album Ghost on a Canvas is also available for purchase now.

KREK’s Edwards Suffers Heart Attack

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MusicRow sends its thoughts and prayers to family and friends of Dusty Edwards, longtime KREK/Bristow, OK MD. Yesterday (Feb. 22) Edwards suffered a heart attack, leaving him in a coma. Edwards was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in early February and began chemotherapy to combat the disease. He had taken leave from KREK in December 2011 before his diagnosis.

He is currently on life support at St. Francis in Tulsa, and he will be removed if there is no significant change in the next day. Edwards’ many friends from the music community and beyond have created a Facebook page to send their well-wishes and prayers.

Since I’ve known him, Edwards has been a fixture at Country Radio Seminar—he has always loved the gathering and looks forward to it every year. Indeed, it’s a great event but it’s just not the same when one of the family can’t be here to share it.

Adele and Houston Lead Post-Grammy Sales Boom

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If you had put money down on who would fare well following the Grammy Awards, the smart bet would have been on multi-category winner Adele. And sure enough, the British songbird came out on top, according to sales data from Nielsen SoundScan.

Adele’s 21, which has been at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 sales chart for 21 consecutive weeks now, continues to dominate. Following the singer’s big night at the Grammys, 21 moved 730k units—the album’s largest sales week since its release and the highest post-Grammy album sales increase in SoundScan history. The previous title-holder was Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me, which swept the Awards in 2003 and sold 621k the week following. RTD grand total for 21 is now up to 7.4 million. Additionally, Adele’s debut album 19 had its largest-ever sales week with 87k sold.

Whitney Houston’s untimely passing created a renewed interest in her work, with sales of her self-titled first album up 113% and the Bodyguard soundtrack up 123%. Houston’s Greatest Hits package was up 174%, selling 175k combined physical/digital.

Among country artists, Grammy winners Lady Antebellum returned to No. 1 by moving over 37k copies (physical and digital) of Own The Night. Despite their very brief performance intro for Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars also sold admirably, bringing in 36k units sold for an increase of 178%.

Swift had a great week as well. The Big Machine star got to play her hit “Mean” on the Grammy stage and the song experienced a 183% sales jump to 63k units. Sales of Swift’s Speak Now were up 60%. Band Perry and Blake Shelton were also rewarded for their show appearances; TPB’s self-titled debut experienced a sales upswing of 22% and Shelton’s Red River Blue was saw a 21% increase.

Other artists got the Grammy bump as well. Bruno Mars’s Doo-Wops and Hooligans got a 133% increase to sell 38k units. Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto moved 35k for a 26% increase, and two performances plus a win helped the Foo Fighters’ Wasting Light sell 23k copies for a 134% surge.

Feb/March ’12—On the Cover: Jana Kramer

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If you ask Jana Kramer to describe her life in this very moment she would say, “Dreams really do come true.” The singer/songwriter/actress has already had success with three songs that were featured on The CW’s One Tree Hill, where she plays the firecracker actress, Alex Dupre. Kramer also debuted a fourth song on One Tree Hill in mid-January.

Growing up in Michigan, Kramer is no stranger to the rich history of Country music, crediting one of her favorite memories to baking cookies with her grandmother while listening to Patsy Cline. These little moments are one of the many reasons why Kramer hopes to share her music with others.

Kramer recently released her first official debut single “Why Ya Wanna,” which debuted with a record-breaking 55 radio adds. Kramer says the song is something everyone can relate to. “When I first heard the song, I was hooked immediately. It was literally everything I was going through and more, so it meant a lot to record a personal song that became my first single.” Kramer added, “I have to thank country radio for believing in me. I’m beyond humbled and excited for this amazing start to my music career.”

Management: McGhee Entertainment
Label: Elektra Nashville
Album Title: TBD
Producer: Scott Hendricks
Single: Why Ya Wanna
Booking: CAA
Influences: James Taylor, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Patty Griffin
Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
Birthday: Dec 2
TV / Film: One Tree Hill, Entourage, Friday Night Lights 
Interesting facts Kramer knew how to throw a spiral from age 5 and figure skated for 13 years. Her favorite sport is hockey. Kramer can also speak German.
Outside Interests: Horseback riding and all things sports
Twitter: @kramergirl
Facebook: www.facebook.com/janakramermusic

CRS 2012 Research Study Reveals Non-P1 Preferences

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Country Radio Seminar’s 2012 research study was delivered at the Nashville Convention Center yesterday (Feb. 22), and focused on the attitudes and preferences of country fans beyond the P1 listener.

Conducted by Edison Research and presented by company President Larry Rosin, this year’s study surveyed over 1,000 country fans ages 18-54. These “non-P1” listeners comprised 65 percent of total country fans, which make up about 40 percent of the overall interviews conducted.

Among the findings:

—Local and live personalities make for the most important competitive advantage for AM/FM stations in a fragmented media marketplace where potential listeners can also choose Pandora or Spotify. Rosin drove this point home to thunderous applause. “Every time we voicetrack a daypart or fire a local radio personality, we are shaving away our advantage as an industry.”

—Non P1s are more than twice as likely to be new (within the last 10 years) fans of the country format.

—One in six non-P1’s prefer country music from the 1960’s and 1970’s.

—Ninety percent of the non-P1’s feel Country makes a positive contribution to America. Four out of five say lyrics in country songs express their feelings.

—Non-P1’s are more likely to be church-goers than P1’s.

—Non-P1’s are more likely to be aware of Pandora, iHeartRadio or Spotify and less inclined to regularly listen to AM/FM.

Rosen used the analogy of Marshall Field’s flagship downtown department store in early 20th century Chicago, when there were no other options. As the city grew and the population spread to the suburbs, closer alternatives popped up and people began to abandon the central store. Field had to go find customers where they lived. AM/FM stations have held that flagship status for a long time, but now other alternatives are popping up. Rosin urged the crowd to meet potential listeners where they are using new technologies, with live/local personalities.

Full CRS 2012 Country Radio research study is available at www.edisonresearch.com.

Hank Jr. Tour To “Take Back the Country”

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Hank Williams Jr. will begin his multi-city “Take Back The Country” tour on March 3 in St. Augustine, FL with guests Jamey Johnson, Chris Young, Josh Thompson, George Thorogood and .38 Special joining on select dates. So far, 16 shows have been scheduled.

Bocephus has a new album on the horizon, including new material written within weeks of his 2011 controversial remarks.

Take Back the Country Dates:

3/03– St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
3/04– Plant City, FL – Florida Strawberry Festival
4/06– Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum (w/ .38 Special)
4/07– Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre (w/ .38 Special)
4/13– Duluth, GA – The Arena at Gwinnett Center (w/ .38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
4/14– Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum (w/ .38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
4/27– Southaven, MS – Landers Center (w/ Josh Thompson and Jamey Johnson)
5/11– Evansville, IN – Ford Center (w/ .38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
5/12– Dayton, OH – Nutter Center (w/ .38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
5/18– Bossier City, LA – Centurylink Center (w/ .38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
5/19– Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena (w/ Jamey Johnson)
7/27– Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days (w/ Chris Young)
8/04– Davenport, IA – Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
8/16– Louisville, KY – Kentucky State Fair, Freedom Hall (w/ George Thorogood)
8/17– Des Moines, IA – Iowa State Fair, Grandstand (w/ George Thorogood)
8/18– Sedalia, MO – Missouri State Fairground (w/ George Thorogood)

Pre-CRS After Hours With BMLG

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(L-R) Back: Jay DeMarcus, Chris Thompson, James Young, Joe Don Rooney, Jon Jones, CMT’s Brian Philips, Cherrill Green, and Dean Berner. Middle: Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, Sunny Sweeney, Thomas Rhett, Gary Levox, Mike Eli, Martina McBride, Hannah Blaylock and Greg Bates. Front: Justin Moore, CMT’s Cody Alan, Brantley Gilbert, Neil Perry, Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen and Ella Mae Bowen

reporting by Eric Parker and Jon Freeman

There was barely any breathing room left for guests who came out to see the star-studded lineup at Big Machine Label Group’s invite-only CRS party at 3rd & Lindsley on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

CEO Scott Borchetta co-hosted the event with CMT Radio Live personality Cody Alan who, at times, made offstage balcony banter with CMT host Samantha Stephens.

Party arrivals walked a 45 foot red carpet where they could have their photo taken with a variety of BMLG artists from all three imprints.

Guests were treated to two hours of star-power, beginning with Martina McBride. The powerhouse vocalist kicked-off the evening with “Independence Day.” “I usually have a whole set to warm up to that song,” she said after performing the signature, followed by her current hit anthem,“I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”

New music was showcased from Ella Mae Bowen, Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, and The Band Perry. New Republic artist Greg Bates featured “For The Girl.” Edens Edge captivated with “Amen” and debuted new single “Too Good To Be True.” Justin Moore revealed his next single “‘Til My Last Day.” Eli Young Band and Sunny Sweeney were also present.

Headliners Rascal Flatts were introduced by the “Banjo” music video, which was also included in their set along with “Life Is A Highway” and “Fast Cars and Freedom.” Jay DeMarcus broke the mood after performing the ballad “I Won’t Let Go,” “Couple skate is over, we are now going back to group skate.”

Gift bags were distributed as guests left, inside was a BMLG hoodie and a save the date invitation for a formal announcement for the “Outnumber Hunger” partnership between the label group and General Mills to fight hunger.

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Following that party, CRS attendees and industry professionals flocked over to Mercy Lounge to see a midnight set from Grammy-winning band The Mavericks, who just signed with Valory Music. Despite the late hour, fans packed the venue and were rewarded with a blistering, spectacular hour-and-a-half performance of old favorites and new material from their forthcoming album due later in 2012.

Vocalist Raul Malo showed off his exemplary pipes, and was backed with intensity by bandmates Robert Reynolds, Paul Deakin, and Eddie Perez as well as a righteous brass section. Songs performed included “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” “What A Crying Shame” “Dance The Night Away,” “There Goes My Heart,” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”

Even as the clock ticked past 1 AM, the radio/industry crowd was lively—dancing and twirling to each new selection in the middle of the Mercy Lounge floor. When’s the last time you ever saw a group of country PDs and industry folks do that?

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/22/12)

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Everybody’s trying to introduce new artists, so do you think it might be Country Radio Seminar week or something?

More than half of the contenders in this week’s column are baby acts. But despite the plethora of newcomers, I didn’t find one that I thought deserved a DisCovery Award.

On the other hand, there were plenty of Disc of the Day contestants. So many, in fact, that I’m giving out Male, Female and Group honors. The Male Disc of the Day prize belongs to Hunter Hayes, who sounds like he has a real breakthrough single with “Wanted.” The Female is my longtime favorite Kellie Pickler with her “100 Proof.” The Duo/Group disc is unquestionably Thompson Square’s striking “Glass.”

Party on, conventioneers.

LISA MATASSA/Wouldn’t You Like to Know
Writer: Lisa Matassa/Don Rollins/Jody Gray; Producer: Jody Gray & Don Rollins; Publisher: Strike the Match/Curtis E. Flush/Smyth of Tunes/Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; 9 North/itiswhatitis (www.lisamatassa.com)
—The gals giggle and whisper to each other in the dance club, keeping the guys in the dark about what is going on. The production has a rocking, country-funk backbeat, and Matassa sings with plenty of oomph.

KELLIE PICKLER/100 Proof
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BNA (ERG) ()
—Their love might be soaked in sauce, but it’s the real thing. Beautifully done.

THOMPSON SQUARE/Glass
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek (ERG) ()
—This extremely well-written love ballad points to the fragility of romance. The harmony blend is just perfect, and the ear-tickling track ebbs and swirls. Spin this.

CLINT MARTIN/I Love Being Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Clint Martin; Publisher: none listed; CM (www.clintmartinband.com)
—This is a textbook example of what country rock is supposed to sound like. He sings with a down-to-earth drawl, and the band kicks butt behind him. Stinging guitar work, crisp percussion and righteous energy.

AARON LEWIS/Endless Summer
Writer: Aaron Lewis; Producer: James Stroud & Aaron Lewis; Publisher: WB/Greenfund, ASCAP; R & J (www.aaronlewismusic.com)
—He shows off confident lung power here. It’s the same old song, the one about country kids hanging out and having summer fun, but you have to wonder a little about someone who name-checks Jason Aldean and Miley Cyrus in the same lyric. I never liked Staind as a rock band, but I have to confess that with this single, its lead singer’s transition to country is complete.

KRISTEN KELLY/Ex-Old Man
Writer: Kristen Kelly/Paul Overstreet; Producer: Tony Brown & Paul Overstreet; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Scarlet Moon, BMI; Arista Nashville ()
—He was cheating on her with her best girlfriend. Then he gets tired of the girlfriend and hits on her again. No wonder she’s ticked off. Funky fun.

HUNTER HAYES/Wanted
Writer: Troy Verges/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Songs From the Engine Room/Happy Little Man, BMI; Atlantic ()
—Not to be confused with the 1990 Alan Jackson smash with the same title, this song’s a tenor-voiced ballad wherein he wants to make her feel wanted. Hayes’ perfectly expressed vocal is a thing of wonder, and the melody is magnetic. I hear a hit.

BRAD WOLF/Too Many Mondays
Writer: Brad Wolf/Don Goodman/Sharon Resnick; Producer: Johnny Morris, Buddy Resnick & Don Goodman; Publisher: Big Hitmakers/Circle South/Little Tornadoes, BMI; Motion ()
—The blue-collar lyric is so strong that it really doesn’t matter that he sounds like he’s struggling to stay on pitch. Raucous barroom shenanigans.

CLAUDIA LEE/Hollywood Sunset
Writer: Max DiCarlo/Adam Iscove; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; CLM 96 (www.claudialeelive.com)
—This pert blonde is featured on the CW TV series The Hart of Dixie. She’s 15 and sounds almost exactly like Taylor Swift.

LORI SMITH/What’s in it for Me
Writer: Bucky Jones/Tom Shapiro/Ron Hellard; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Universal Polygram/McBeck, BMI/ASCAP; 615 (615-776-2060)
—Not to be confused with the 1994 John Berry hit with the same title, this one’s a slow, sultry ballad pleading for lasting love. She has an interesting voice with a slight vibrato that’s particularly ear-catching when she dips into her dark alto register.

GMA Announces Dove Nominations

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The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced today (2/22) the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees at a press conference held at The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, GA. The announcement also streamed live at hearitfirst.com.

Nominees were announced by Grammy nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, BET “Lift Every Voice” host CoCo Brother, Daytime Emmy nominated comedian Chonda Pierce and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles.

“The GMA is excited to again honor the artists, songwriters and creative individuals in our community through the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards” said Jackie Patillo, GMA’s Executive Director.  “This event not only celebrates great work, but provides a platform to further our mission of exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music.”

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees include:

Song of the Year
“Alive”; Natalie Grant
“Blessings”; Laura Story
“Celebrate Me Home”; Perrys
“Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)”; Casting Crowns
“Hold Me”; Jamie Grace
“I Smile”; Kirk Franklin
“I’ve Been Here Before”; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
“Please Forgive Me”; Gaither Vocal Band
“Who Am I”; Jason Crabb
“Your Great Name”; Natalie Grant

Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris August
Chris Tomlin
Jason Crabb
Kirk Franklin
Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Vocalist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Laura Story
Mandisa
Natalie Grant

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
David Crowder*Band
Gaither Vocal Band
NEEDTOBREATHE
The Isaacs
Casting Crowns

Artist of the Year
Jason Crabb
Laura Story
LeCrae
The Isaacs

New Artist of the Year
Beyond The Ashes
Dara Maclean
Jamie-Grace
Royal Tailor
The City Harmonic

Producer of the Year
Bernie Herms, Brown Bannister
Ed Cash
Ian Eskelin
Michael Sykes
Wayne Haun

For a complete list of all of the GMA Dove Awards nominees, click here.

Atlanta will host the Dove Awards for a second time at the Fox Theatre on Apr. 19, 2012. For more information, visit www.gospelmusic.org and www.hearitfirst.com.

CRS Presents 2012 Humanitarian Awards

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(L-R) DeMarcus, Clarence Spalding, Bill Mayne (CRS Executive Director), LeVox, Chooljian, Culotta, Rooney. Photo: Bev Moser

The CRS 2012 Humanitarian Awards were distributed this morning (Feb. 22) by CRS President Mike Culotta and Radio Ink’s Lois Chooljian immediately following the CRS Keynote Address. Humanitarian awards are presented for notable public service initiatives that improve the quality of life for the communities they serve.

Rascal Flatts members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney received the previously announced Artist Humanitarian Award for their exceptional humanitarian efforts. The Trio donated $3 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in 2010 and currently serve as celebrity spokespersons for the national suicide prevention organization, The Jason Foundation, and have been members of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet for the past seven years.

“It’s a little uncomfortable to be recognized for something we feel we should be doing,” remarked DeMarcus after the band received their award on stage. “We have been so blessed with an amazing career, to pay the blessings forward seemed the most natural thing to do.”

Small Market Winner: 106.9 KMOK/Lewiston, ID was instrumental in local humanitarian efforts in 2011, including National Night Out Against Crime, Pet of the Week, Lewis Clark Animal Shelter’s Dog Swim, Coats for the Cold, Annual Life Safety Day, United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life, Earth Day, Jackson Baldwin Foundation, Jog for Jugs, Wounded Warriors Project and Cruising to Clarkston.

Medium Market Winner: 107.7 WIVK/Knoxville, TN contributed to fundraising efforts helping raise more than $12.9 million in 2011. Campaigns included the HonorAir Radiothon, Voices from the Front, Coats for the Cold, Stuff the Bus, a Susan G. Komen benefit concert and the Teddy Bear Round Up, Real Steel movie premiere, Buddy’s Race Against Cancer, Fantasy of Trees for Children’s Hospital, Great Rubber Duck Race for Boys & Girls’ Club, ADA Step Out Walk and Knoxville Zoo.

Large Market Winner: 97.1 WLHK/Indianapolis, IND continued support for Habitat For Humanity in 2011 with a five bedroom house build at the Indiana State Fair, hosted a Santa’s Secret Star benefit concert for the Salvation Army, debuted its Christmas Angel Cheri’s Chores program, partnered with the Colts for the Big Blue Drive-Through for tornado relief and was instrumental in efforts supporting the victims at the Indiana State Fair tragedy.