Pickler Enjoys Making “100 Proof”

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Kellie Pickler will release her third album, 100 Proof, on Jan. 24, 2012. Pickler set out to get back to her southern roots on this project and make a traditional, fresh sounding country album. To achieve this, she enlisted accomplished producers Frank Liddell (Miranda Lambert and Lee Ann Womack) and Luke Wooten.

“I’m just happy to be making country music,” said Pickler. “I hope everyone enjoys the new music as much as I’ve enjoyed making it!”

The album opener “Where’s Tammy Wynette,” written by Jimmy Ritchey, Don Poythress and Leslie Satcher, sets the tone. Pickler co-wrote six of the 11 songs including “Long As I Never See You Again” which she wrote with songwriters Dean Dillon and Dale Dodson.

Pickler’s upcoming album is available for pre-order on Amazon.

Lineup For Tootsie’s Birthday Bash

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The McClymonts

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will celebrate its 51st Birthday in downtown Nashville on Nov. 23. Rocking country group The Kentucky HeadHunters, bluegrass duo The Roys, Australia group The McClymonts and others will be gracing the outdoor stage on Broadway starting at 12 noon prior to the Kid Rock concert at the Ryman Auditorium.

“Last year having Kris Kristofferson, Terri Clark, Randy Houser and Mel Tillis was the beginning of what has become an annual event – The Tootsie’s Birthday Bash!,” says Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith. “Knowing how Kid Rock has agreed to partner with Tootsie’s and co-brand his Ryman show as part of our Birthday Bash is just proof of what we are creating here.”

The Kentucky HeadHunters will celebrate its new album Dixie Lullabies with a Nov. 19 concert at Third & Lindsley in Nashville.

The Kentucky HeadHunters (L) and The Roys (R)

Industry Ink: BMG Chrysalis Moves Into New Offices

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Ronnie Dunn performed at the 2011 Talk Media Conference & Talk Show Boot Camp in Dallas over the weekend. Pictured (L-R): Skip Bishop (Sony Music Nashville SVP Promotion), Lew Dickey (Cumulus CEO), Dunn, Dan Bennett (Cumulus Dallas VP Market Manager), and Mike McVay (Cumulus SVP of Programming).


• BMG Chrysalis moved into new digs last week. The publisher is now operating at 29 Music Sq. E., Nashville, TN 37203. Phone number remains (615) 329-3999.

• Rodeo Entertainment, the company started by New York based industry vets Jeff Rabhan and David Schulhof, is working in partnership with Clear Channel Radio to assemble a country boy band. The nationwide search visits Nashville on Nov. 18. There will be an open call, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Nashville Ballroom (817 2nd Ave. S.). Details at countryboybandsearch.com.

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Quarterback Records’ Matt Gary to the office while he was in Los Angeles recently. He performed new single “Beautiful Life," along with cuts from his EP, "I’m Just Sayin’” and signed up for professional ACM membership. (L-R): Academy of Country Music CEO Bob Romeo & Matt Gary. Photo: Michel Bourquard

• Chris Carson has exited Debut Broadcasting to form Yellow Drum Media. He spent almost nine years at Debut as script writer, show producer and voice talent. Yellow Drum Media offers media services, including script writing, production, VO Talent, one-off radio specials, and ISDN radio tours. Yellow Drum Media is producing syndicated radio programs: “The Texas 10” and “The Red Dirt Countdown.” Carson also serves as the executive producer for Jim Brickman’s long running show, “Your Weekend,” distributed to AC/Hot AC formats by Cumulus Media. Contact him at [email protected], (615) 294-3781, or www.yellowdrummedia.com.

• Singer and songwriter Liz Anderson is resting in a local hospital following complications of heart and lung disease. She had several hits and has penned songs for Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Del Reeves, her daughter Lynn Anderson, and many others. Anderson co-founded the Nashville Songwriters Association International along with husband Casey.

• Doug Fraser’s Nashville-based event marketing and brand development company The Art of the Game is producing and directing the Opening Ceremonies of the 2011 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, to be held Nov. 4-5 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Set to perform are Marlee Scott, Brittini Black, Andrea Young and Mark Boylan. The races will air on ESPN networks. The Art of the Game has also handled events for Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, CMA, NARAS, Delta, and more.

• XCEL Talent Agency dancers will be performing at the CMA Awards, and also appear in the new films Footloose, and Joyful Noise, as well as Sonia Leigh’s debut music video.

EYB’s “Crazy Girl” Certified Platinum

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It’s official: people are going mad for Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl.” The Republic Nashville group’s breakout hit single has now been certified Platinum by the RIAA for download sales exceeding 1 million. It also recently hit No. 3 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart, and is sitting pretty at No. 2 on both Billboard/MB monitored charts.

The video for “Crazy Girl” has amassed an impressive 6 million views so far on YouTube, and the band is scheduled to perform the song Thursday, Nov. 3 on Late Show With David Letterman. Following their television appearance, EYB will rejoin their opening slot on Dierks Bentley’s fall tour. They are also currently nominated for an American Country Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

“The saying be careful what you wish for because you just might get it, is really coming true this year for us,” said James Young. “Having a platinum single is one of the things we’ve always dreamed about. Thank you to the fans and country radio for allowing us to do what we love night after night, and for truly making our dreams come true.”

Nashville’s Thomas Nelson To Be Acquired

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Nashville’s venerable book publisher Thomas Nelson will be acquired by HarperCollins Publishers, the companies announced yesterday (10/31). The amount of the transaction was not revealed, and the deal is expected to close by the end of the calendar year.

Thomas Nelson is one of the country’s leading inspirational publishers. Among its offerings is the current No. 1 bestseller Heaven Is For Real, and the books of many popular authors, such as Billy Graham, Max Lucado, and Dave Ramsey.

“We are excited to be joining HarperCollins Publishers,” said Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “We believe this transaction represents an attractive strategic fit for our company. With HarperCollins’ resources and capabilities to draw on, we will capitalize on the many opportunities in this rapidly changing world of publishing.”

ACAs Announce Show Performers

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Co-hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, along with country music’s Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry, are set to perform at the American Country Awards. The second annual ACAs will air live on FOX from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Mon., Dec. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed.)

The two-hour event will also feature appearances by Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the men of “Pawn Stars” (Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell.)

Voting for all categories remains open for fans until Friday, Nov. 11 at www.theacas.com. Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Friday, Dec. 2.

American Country Awards is executive-produced by Bob Bain (Teen Choice 2011, Kids’ Choice Awards). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.

New Gig For Jules Wortman

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Jules Wortman

Jules Wortman has been named VP of Public Relations for TNA Entertainment, home of TNA Impact Wrestling. With almost two decades of experience, she operates her namesake company, Wortman Works Media & Marketing.

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, the top-rated program on Spike TV, airs in over 120 countries worldwide. It is the home to such well-known professional wrestlers as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, Sting, as well as Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, and James Storm.

Wortman’s career includes time at Warner Bros. Records, and MCA Records, as well as work with CMT, Chevrolet, Sony Music, ACA Awards, Billy Ray Cyrus, Blake Shelton, Rodney Atkins, Big & Rich, and Red Light Management.

In the new role, Wortman reports to TNA President Dixie Carter. “Jules is one of the most talented PR executives in the business today,” explains Carter. “In addition to her media skills, her creativity and strategic thinking is what really sets her apart from the rest. I am so excited about the exposure I know she will bring to Impact Wrestling, our talent, as well as TNA’s other ventures.”

“I have been watching the trajectory of TNA Entertainment for several years,” adds Wortman. “I love entertainment, period. But to be involved in such a creative force coupled with extremely talented and gifted athletes, as well as a staff full of energy and the knowledge of how to grow a unique and very popular brand, is something I am ready to sink my teeth into.”

Wortman Works will remain available for special projects, with Lindsey Bynum still on board.

Wortman is involved with the T. J. Martell Foundation, Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Middle Tennessee, and is the founder/owner of Jewelweed Design Studio and Mercantile in Gallatin, Tenn.

She can be reached at [email protected].

Bentley Announces International Tour

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Dierks Bentley announced today (10/31) that his Country & Cold Cans Tour will go international during 2012. International dates are scheduled to kick off in Vancouver, BC on Feb. 15. Following the Canadian leg of the tour, Bentley will travel Down Under for five headlining shows with Australian country star Lee Kernaghan.

Bentley’s current single “Home” is off his upcoming sixth Capitol Nashville studio project that is slated for release in early 2012. Fans can catch the Country & Cold Cans Tour in the states this weekend in Kent, OH (11/3), Danville, IL (11/4) and Springfield, IL (11/5). For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

Of Bentley’s two sold out Country & Cold Cans shows in NYC, the New York Times said, “Mr. Bentley was master of the party, the musical equivalent of buying a round for everyone in the bar.”

International Country & Cold Cans 2012 Tour Dates:
2/15   Vancouver, BC
2/16   Kamloops, BC
2/17   Prince George, BC
2/18   Dawson Creek, BC
2/19   Edmonton, AB
2/21   Calgary, AB
2/22   Saskatoon, SK
2/23   Winnipeg, MB
3/9     Toowoomba, QLD
3/10   Brisbane, QLD
3/13   Melbourne, VIC
3/15   Canberra, ACT
3/17   Hunter Valley, NSW

Artists Reflect On New RFD-TV Show

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Eddie Stubbs and Trace Adkins on set. photo: Chris Hollo

New television show, Reflections From The Circle, premieres on RDF-TV Sunday, Nov. 6. The series will give an exclusive look into the personal lives of country artists Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Kellie Pickler and Josh Turner. In their individual episodes, each artist will reflect on their careers through interviews on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry with TV and WSM radio personality Eddie Stubbs.

The famous Opry House circle holds personal significance for all the artists appearing on the show. Turner was officially welcomed to the Opry family there by Gill, who says he’ll always remember singing “When I Call Your Name” while Roy Acuff looked on just a foot away. Meanwhile, Adkins took the opportunity during his Opry debut to propose to his wife and, years later, announced from the circle that he and his wife were expecting a baby. Bentley celebrated his official Opry induction inside the circle with his beloved dog, Jake. And Daniels invited one of his favorite acts, Montgomery Gentry, to join the Opry family while they stood on the circle of wood. Following last year’s Nashville flood, Daniels later returned with the duo to sing “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” on the Opry House’s re-opening night.

Reflections From The Circle is scheduled to air Sundays at 7:00 PM/EST. The show’s first season schedule is as follows:

Sunday, Nov. 6 – Vince Gill
Sunday, Nov. 13 – Trace Adkins
Sunday, Nov. 20 – Dierks Bentley
Sunday, Nov. 27 – Josh Turner
Sunday, Dec.  4 – Kellie Pickler
Sunday, Dec.  18 – Charlie Daniels

Faith Quesenberry-Malloy Launches New Venture

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Craig Morgan recently stopped by the RED distribution offices in NYC to play new music from his upcoming release, including current single "This Ole Boy.” (L-R): Greg McCarn, GM, Black River Entertainment; Faith Quesenberry-Malloy, Honor Music Ent.; Craig Morgan; Bob Morelli, President, RED.

Longtime artist manager Faith Quesenberry-Malloy has launched her own outfit, Honor Music & Entertainment. Joining her at the new company is client of ten years, Craig Morgan.

Quesenberry-Malloy has more than 20 years experience, including most recently a partnership with Vector Management.

Morgan is signed to Black River Entertainment and is busy promoting his current single and upcoming album.

Quesenberry-Malloy is based in Nashville and can be reached at [email protected] or (615) 668-9720.