Whisperin’ Bill, Jamey Johnson, and More

/by

billBill Anderson is always busy. He has two songs on Joe Nichols’ forthcoming album, Old Things New, including “Cheaper Than A Shrink,” and the title track. In addition, Anderson has been tapped as the first musical guest on a brand-new show on RFD-TV called Larry’s Country Diner, which will be hosted by Larry Black and is scheduled to begin airing in late September.
—————————–

FREE DOWNLOADS: The debut single from Jamey Johnson’s next album, “My Way To You,” will be posted at www.jameyjohnson.com on Aug. 3. On Aug. 11, the digital e-single will be available for download at iTunes and all other digital partners. The follow-up album to Johnson’s critically acclaimed That Lonesome Song will hit stores this fall and will also be released on vinyl.

Rural Rhythm Records is offering a free song by bluegrass band Lou Reid & Carolina, “Left Handed Dreamer,” at Amazon.com tomorrow, to mark the July 28 release of their new album My Own Set of Rules.

——————————-

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on S. 369, The Performance Rights Act, on Tues., Aug. 4.

——————————-

Jeffrey Kurtis has exited Today’s Country Magazine and will return full-time to his rock focused music magazine The Guestlist.

——————————-

The local attorney who faked his own death was sentenced to five years probation, reports fellow SouthComm outlet the City Paper.

——————————-

“Daddy, Let’s Dance” by Jamie Tate is the first single from Bodell Records, a new  record label co-founded by Lane Caudell and Bob Crumley.

Reba Plots Album Promotion

/by
reba

Reba working radio: WKSJ/Mobile PD Bill Black and his wife Andrea prior to her performance last weekend in Alabama.

As Reba prepares for the Aug. 18 release of Keep On Loving You, her first solo studio album in six years, she is lining up the promotional opportunities.

On her TV schedule are Reba: Invitation Only (premiering 8/1 on DISH Network and 8/21 on CMT) and Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on 8/21. She will perform the album’s lead single “Strange” on ABC’s CMA Music Fest: Country’s Night To Rock special airing 8/31.

This Friday, July 31 at 7PM ET Reba will be on QVC to preview new music from the album, and give viewers the chance to pre-order it and receive a free copy of her autobiography, Reba: My Story.

Radio groups including CBS, Citadel and Clear Channel will be featuring exclusive interview content on their websites during release week.

She will be the August Artist of the Month on GAC and CMT, with enhanced exposure on TV, online and more. She will be spotlighted on numerous programs on the channels, as well as host CMT Music City Madness.

Other publicity coming in September includes Sirius-XM Artist Confidential (cross-promoted on United Airlines) and an AOL Sessions performance (cross-promoted on social network Bebo).

Aldean DVD Coming Aug. 25

/by

aldean2Country music fans swarmed the Knoxville Coliseum in March for a sold-out live concert DVD taping with platinum-selling country rocker Jason Aldean. The Eagle Vision set titled Wide Open Live & More will be in stores on Aug. 25. The 15-song hi-definition special captures Aldean’s high-octane stage show and includes his biggest radio hits, as well as fan-favorite album cuts. Bonus interview footage with the Georgia-native rounds out the 86-minute collection.

“This is the coolest thing we’ve ever done together as a band,” said Aldean from Los Angeles, where he was taping The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. “The energy in Knoxville was off the charts, and it’s just really special for us to have that night recorded. Now, people who might not be able to make it to one of the shows, but are curious to know what we do, can check it out too.”

A tease of the live DVD will debut as the new music video for Aldean’s current smash country love song “Big Green Tractor” beginning Fri., July 24 on MySpace Music’s homepage. The clip will also begin airing on video networks in the coming weeks.

Fans can catch Aldean headlining his Wide Open tour through the fall, as well as opening a handful of dates for superstar Keith Urban in the coming weeks. He will also tape an episode of E!’s highly rated late night talk show Chelsea Lately on Tues., July 28 and is a performer on ABC’s CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock on Aug. 31.

NSAI Celebrates Successful Josh Turner Benefit

/by
nsai

Pictured (L-R): Modern Management’s Ted Greene; NSAI President, Grammy-nominated songwriter Steve Bogard; Anderson; Turner; Camp; NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and McLaughlin. Photo Credit: Bev Moser

On Wednesday night (7/22), multi-platinum MCA recording artist and award-winning songwriter Josh Turner headlined the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s inaugural “It All Begins With A Song” Performance Series at the Wildhorse Saloon. During the sold-out show, he invited special guests/hit songwriters John Anderson, Shawn Camp and Pat McLaughlin to the stage for acoustic sets. The packed-house was treated to Turner’s hit singles, including “Long Black Train,” “Firecracker” and “Another Try.” Turner was also presented with a Lifetime Membership to NSAI for his continued support.

Artist Items: Azar, Martina, More

/by
Pictured left to right: Chris Borchetta (Ride Records), Steve Azar and Mike Hammond (WIVK-FM).

Pictured left to right: Chris Borchetta (Ride Records), Steve Azar and Mike Hammond (WIVK-FM).

During a recent concert performance at Cotton Eyed Joe’s in Knoxville, more than 100 fans participated in a “Moo La Moo” dance contest, based on the hilarious dance featured in Steve Azar’s new music video. He presented the lucky winner with an autographed “Delta Soul Logo” guitar. “Moo La Moo” is the lead single from his forthcoming CD, Slide On Over Here (8/4). Fans can learn the “Moo La Moo” dance by signing up for email updates at www.steveazarlive.com, and downloading the instructional video. The dance was created by the video’s star, comedian/actor Gary Valentine (King of Queens).

—————————————–

Earlier this year, Martina McBride sang her current single, “I Just Call You Mine,” as part of a dream-date evening on ABC’s The Bachelorette. Now, the love song will once again be featured in the show, as “I Just Call You Mine” sets the musical mood for a look back at special moments from throughout the season when the season finale airs this Monday, July 27, at 8 PM ET.

—————————————–

Orleans, the American music masters with hits Still the One, Dance with Me and Love Takes Time, shared their music and entertainment expertise with the captivated crowd at Legacy Days during NAMM. "Larry Hoppen. at the Radisson Hotel in Nashville on Saturday, July 18th. The two remaining original members Larry and Lance Hoppen were joined alongside their drummer and former Elton John band member Charlie Morgan. Orleans performed their classic hits and offered a first hand perspective on developing and surviving a career in the entertainment industry

Orleans ("Still the One," "Dance with Me") performed at NAMM, held recently in Nashville. Original members, Larry and Lance Hoppen, were joined by drummer and former Elton John band member Charlie Morgan, to perform their hits and offer a first hand perspective on developing and surviving a career in the entertainment industry.

—————————————–
Downloads of Trailer Choir’s “Beer Gut” have been on the increase for 12 consecutive weeks, with digital sales jumping 139% in the past two weeks alone. Over the past month, Trailer Choir’s digital sales have seen an impressive increase of 232%. Their ringback sales went up 61% and ringtone sales rose 54% becoming the #1 downloaded ringtone for the label, Show Dog Nashville.

—————————————–

With their first set of new studio material since 2003, Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with God & Guns, due out Sept. 29 on Loud & Proud / Roadrunner Records. It was recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009 with noted rock producer Bob Marlette.

—————————————–
Tracy Lawrence will be acknowledged as an Honorary Citizen of San Antonio by the City of San Antonio, TX. The ceremony is in recognition and appreciation of his numerous visits there and his philanthropic endeavors. The presentation will take place on Friday, Aug. 14, prior to his performance at Cowboys Far West.
—————————————-

Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ will put out their first record in 12 years. Great American Bubble Factory will be released Sept. 29 on Vintage Earth Music with marketing and distribution provided by Nashville’s Thirty Tigers/RED.

Americana Awards Tickets Now On Sale

/by

americana-logoTickets for the 8th Annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony, scheduled for Sept. 17 at the Ryman Auditorium, went on sale today (7/24). Presented by the Gibson Foundation, the Awards will be hosted by Jim Lauderdale along with Buddy Miller and his all-star band. This year’s show will bring appearances by Asleep at the Wheel, Sam Bush, the Belleville Outfit, Rodney Crowell, The Gourds, Nanci Griffith, Raul Malo, John Prine and many others. It is the capstone event of the 10th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, set for Sept. 16-19 in Nashville.

Individual Awards tickets are $55 via Ticketmaster, the Ryman Box office or here. Conference registration, here, also includes one ticket to the awards show. Conference rates go up after Aug. 31.

BRMG & Cherry Heart Ink Joint Venture For Ty Williams

/by

Pictured l to r seated: Jimmy Nichols, president, BRMG, Ty Williams, Gratton Stephens, president/ceo Cherry Heart Music Standing: Rick Baumgartner, vp/gm BRMG, Tonya Ginnetti, vp/director of artist relations, BRMG, Shelby Kennedy, svp/coo, Cherry Heart Music & co-producer and James Hudson, co-producer.

Pictured (L-R) seated: Jimmy Nichols, president, BRMG; Ty Williams; Gratton Stephens, president/CEO Cherry Heart Music. Standing: Rick Baumgartner, VP/GM BRMG; Tonya Ginnetti, VP/Dir. of artist relations, BRMG; Shelby Kennedy, SVP/COO, Cherry Heart Music & co-producer; and James Hudson, co-producer.

Black River Music Group and Cherry Heart Music have partnered in a joint venture to release the debut album from Ty Williams. Under terms of the agreement, Cherry Heart Music will oversee development and recording of the project, while Black River Music group will handle the marketing and promotion.

James Hudson and Cherry Heart’s Shelby Kennedy co-produced the album. Bringing a country-rock sound, the debut single and video, “Barn on the Rooftop,” will be released in August. The video includes cameos by The Daily Buzz’s Kia Malone and Mitch English.

Michelle Branch Showcases For Radio/Industry

/by
mb

Pictured (l-r): Jay Frank, CMT; Branch; Bill Bennett, Executive VP, Warner Bros. Records; Gator Michaels, Sr. VP Promotion, Warner Bros. Records Photo Credit: K. England Photography

Local music executives and radio programmers visiting from out of town turned out for last night’s Michelle Branch showcase, hosted by Warner Bros. Records at Cellar One on 1st Ave. in Nashville. During the intimate dinner and show she performed past hits and songs from her upcoming album. The programmers are in Nashville for agenda planning meetings for CRS 2010.

UMPG Signs Hunter Hayes

/by
Photo (l-r): (seated) Hayes. (Back row) Manager Ansel Davis, UMPG Creative Director Cyndi Forman and UMPG Nashville President Pat Higdon. Photo: Kay Williams

(Seated) Hunter Hayes; (Back row L-R) Manager Ansel Davis, UMPG Creative Director Cyndi Forman, and UMPG Nashville President Pat Higdon. Photo: Kay Williams

UMPG announces the signing of 17- year-old singer/songwriter Hunter Hayes to its roster of hit makers. With accomplishments claimed only by a seasoned entertainer, Hunter currently plays over 10 instruments and is continually adding to his musical repertoire. As a young child he appeared on several network television shows and played for many dignitaries including then President Clinton.

Jennifer Nettles Still on Vocal Rest

/by

Country Music Powerhouse Duo's First Network TV Special Will Air August 3 As the two time consecutive reigning Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year launches their follow-up combo CD/DVD, "Live on the Inside," to hit stores August 4, the night before Sugarland will send viewers a cinematic postcard from their tour in their first network TV special.

Nettles is on vocal rest, but Sugarland's first network TV special, Love On The Inside, will air Aug. 3 on ABC. The CD/DVD of the same name will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart the next day.

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles has received doctor’s orders to rest her voice for the next week due to complications of vocal strain and overuse. The problem is related to the viral tonsil condition the singer has been battling since January.

This will affect Sugarland’s tour dates from now through July 25th, including stops in Utah, Nevada and Arizona. The Love On The Inside tour will resume July 30 in Bend, OR. Nettles and Kristian Bush have posted a video message for fans addressing the situation at www.sugarlandmusic.com.

The July 24th date in Primm, NV has been postponed until 8/6/2010, while it has not yet been determined whether the Sandy, Utah and Phoenix, AZ shows will be rescheduled.