Anne Sarosdy-Yarbrough Joins Tenacity Promotion

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Nashville’s Tenacity Records recently announced that Anne Sarosdy-Yarbrough has been hired as its newest National Director of Promotions. The announcement was made last week during the label’s CRS showcase that included performances by Tenacity artists Darryl Worley and Bill Gentry.

“Anne is well-respected in the industry, and knows her music,” said label president Mike Kraski. ” We are honored to have her join the Tenacity team.”

Sarosdy-Yarbrough comes to Tenacity with over 25 years of experience, including time radio (in the DC market) and promotion gigs at Capitol/Liberty/Patriot, Curb Universal, Magnatone and Audium.

Congratulate her here.

Photo: “All Your Life” No. 1 Party

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The great tradition of musical family was the theme of the day, when BMI toasted the team behind The Band Perry’s No. 1 song “All Your Life” on Monday, Feb. 27. The song was co-written by Clara Henningsen with her father Brian, and was performed by one of the top family groups in country music. Clara and Brian Henningsen were also saluted—along with Clara’s brother Aaron—for co-writing TBP’s hit “You Lie.” Additionally, The Band Perry celebrated its self-titled Republic Nashville debut album reaching platinum status.

“Brian and Clara wrote a great song and we are so happy that they pitched it to us!” says Kimberly Perry. “We get such a great reaction from it live and the fact that it stayed in the #1 position for two consecutive weeks proves what a well-crafted song it is.”

BMI Assistant VP, Writer/Publisher Relations Clay Bradley presented the band and writers with silver cups for the achievement. BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta and Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen then presented TBP with a Platinum plaque for their self-titled album.

(L-R): (back row) BMI’s Clay Bradley, Republic Nashville’s Jimmy Harnen, Rainbow Skyline Music’s Paul Worley, EMI Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, producer Nathan Chapman, and Cactus Moser Music’s Cactus Moser; (front row) The Band Perry’s Neil, Reid, and Kimberly Perry; and co-writers Clara Henningsen and Brian Henningsen. Photo: Rick Diamond

KREK’s Dusty Edwards Passes

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MusicRow sends its condolences to family and friends of KREK/Bristow, OK MD Dusty Edwards, who passed away Friday (Feb. 24) in Tulsa. He was 49.

Known as Ron Schmidt to his family and friends, Edwards was born in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma and went on to serve in the United States Air Force after finishing high school. He joined KREK in 1992, where he worked for 20 years, including time as MD and on-air talent. Basketball was also a passion of his, and he served as the voice for Bristow Pirate basketball games.

Edwards had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in early February, and began chemotherapy treatment. Last week, he suffered a heart attack that left him in a coma. After a period with no change, he was taken off life support and passed away shortly after. He had taken leave from KREK in December 2011 prior to his diagnosis.

He is survived by his father Ronald Sr., mother Gladys, brother Donald (aka “Shorty”), sister Gidget, daughter Tascha, granddaughter Makayla, and two nieces and a nephew. His first grandson is also on the way. He was preceded in death by his brother David.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, March 1, at 11 am at the Freeland Center in Bristow, with interment to follow at Tecumseh Cemetery in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorial contributions be made to assist with medical bills, through a fund set up in his name. Contributions can be sent to Dusty Edwards Benefit Fund, c/o Community Bank, PO Box 1010, Bristow, OK 74010.

For correspondence, contact Gidget Miller, 15606 E. Tecumseh, Norman, OK, 73026.

CRS 2012 Attendance Shows Growth

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Country Radio Seminar 2012 showed an increase in attendance for the fourth consecutive year, rising 9.6 percent higher than last year’s totals.

A total of 2,904 registrants attended the gathering of country radio and music professionals held Feb. 22-24 in Nashville, including 2,190 full registrants (attendees, exhibitors, panelists and sponsors) and 714 participant registrants. Participants are attend individual CRS events or purchase single day seminar passes only. Total CRS attendance in 2011 was 2,649, up from 2,181 attendees in 2010.

“With attendance jumping nearly 10 percent this year, daily superstar performances, improved on-site conveniences and more event sponsors than ever before, CRS 2012 was a great success,” says CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne. “This is the fourth straight year we’ve enjoyed growth in our attendance numbers, and it really goes to show how the Country radio industry is not only remaining relevant, but thriving in today’s media saturated marketplace.”

CRS 2013 is scheduled for Feb. 27-March 1, 2013 at the Nashville Convention Center

Photos: CRS Late Nights

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L-R: Robert Carlton, Rachael Wollstadt, Courtney Cole, Robert Chavers, Kam Luchterhand, Celia Froehlig, John Alexander, Emily Hungate, Doug Johnson, Gordon Kerr, Nick Autry, James Lanier, Dawn Delvo, Greg McCarn, Brian Rhoads, Due West's Brad Hull; Katie McCartney, Megan Good, Due West's Tim Gates; Due West's Matt Lopez; Glen Templeton; Joe Carrol, and Sarah Darling

The Black River Entertainment team, following BRE Live, in the FISK room on Thursday (2/23) during CRS. Glen Templeton performed his new single, “Sing That Song Again” and Sarah Darling and Due West also performed new music from their upcoming releases.

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Average Joes Entertainment's staff and artist gather on stage after the label's "Dark Side of the Moonshine" event at The Patron Platinum Club.

Average Joes Entertainment President Tom Baldrica hosted the powerhouse indie labels “Dark Side of the Moonshine” event, Thursday evening (2/23) at The Patron Platinum Club located at The Bridgestone Arena. CRS attendees enjoyed performances by newcomer Rachel Farley, Texas chart toppers Kevin Fowler and JB and the Moonshine Band, followed with performances by Ira Dean and Matt Stillwell.  Montgomery Gentry closed the night ending with their recent Top 15 smash “Where I Come From.”

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L-R: Vince Benedetto, president and CEO of Bold Gold Media Group; Bob Saporiti, general manager of Savannah Music Group, Nashville; Paul Ciliberto, market manager and general manager of Bold Gold Media Group; Tommy Steele, singer/songwriter; Mark Wayne Glasmire, singer/songwriter; and Billy Block. Photo: Denise Fussell, Fussell Graphics

CRS patrons enjoy Billy Block’s show last week at the Rutledge.

Niemann Prepares Sophomore Album

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Sea Gayle/Arista singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann is releasing new single “Shinin’ On Me” today. The song is the first single from his upcoming as-yet-untitled sophomore album and was co-written by Niemann with Lee Brice, Rob Hatch, and Lance Miller. Dave Brainard is once again producing.

“I am so excited to release “Shinin’ On Me” as the first single from my second album,” shares Jerrod. “Not only does it represent some of the unconventional instrumentation on this record, it’s also intended to just make you wanna roll down the window on a bad day and smile with someone ya love.”

Jerrod’s major label debut Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury produced the RIAA-certified Platinum Digital single “Lover, Lover” and the Gold Digital single “What Do You Want.” Niemann is currently on the road with Miranda Lambert’s “On Fire” tour. See dates here.

CRS After-Hours: Photo ReCap

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L-R: Phil Vassar, Rodeowave Entertainment's Lori Hartigan and KUPL OM Scott Mahalick.

Nashville’s Past Perfect restaurant was packed Wednesday night (2/22) with Country Radio Seminar revelers at the Rodeowave/Blaster event headlined and hosted by Phil Vassar. Vassar’s latest single, “Don’t Miss Your Life,” drew the same tremendous reaction live as it has been receiving from radio programmers and listeners.

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Jana Kramer receiving a plaque containing a polaroid of her and every program director she meet along her promo tour. (L-R: Scott Hendricks, Peter Strickland, Jana Kramer, Chris Stacey, Chris Palmer, Chad Schultz.)

Warner Music Nashville kicked off CRS on Wednesday night (2/22) with their annual “Warner Wednesday” party at Nashville’s aVenue. The label’s roster rocked out to 80’s songs as part of this year’s party theme “Attack of the 80’s.”

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L-R: Tenacity National Promotion Directors Gary Greenberg and Anne Sarosdy, Darryl Worley, Tenacity label president Mike Kraski, Bill Gentry, Tenacity Senior VP of Promotion David Haley and National Promotion Director Jeff Davis.

The Ryman Room was overflowing with CRS attendees Wednesday night (2/22) when Tenacity Records threw its first CRS bash. Keeping it all about the music, Tenacity artists Bill Gentry and Darryl Worley performed their new music and kept the party going well into the night.

Sony Boat Show Combines New Artists and Seasoned Pros

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(L-R): Kix Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Kristen Kelly, Sara Evans, Jake Owen. Photo: Alan Poizner

Sony Music Nashville’s General Jackson Show & Dinner cruise is a time-honored tradition of Country Radio Seminar, and the 26th installment on Thursday night (Feb. 23) presented the label’s diverse roster from newcomers to seasoned pros. Storme Warren, Sara Evans, and Kellie Pickler served as hosts between performances.

Jake Owen kicked off the evening, performing his current single “Alone With You,” and adding the PG-13 concert ending “I can’t be your booty call.” He also delivered a thundering version of his No. 1 hit “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.”

New faces performing included Tyler Farr (on “Hot Mess” and “Hello Goodbye”), a soulful Kristen Kelly (on “You Love To Make Me Cry” and “Ex-Old Man”), and Casey James (on “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” and “Crying On a Suitcase”). Love and Theft, now a duo, came out to play “Angel Eyes” and their previous hit “Runaway,” with guitarist Josh Leo tossing in some sweet Knopfler-esque guitar solos for the extended jam. Josh Thompson stepped up for “I’m Comin’ Around,” and “Way Out Here.” Kix Brooks had his coming out as a solo artist with “Let’s Do This Thing,” and his debut single “New To This Town.”

A satellite acoustic stage (right in front of our table!) was reserved for acoustic performances from Pickler and Evans. Pickler played “Stop Cheating On Me” and “100 Proof” from her new album 100 Proof, and Evans played her classic “Suds In The Bucket” as well as “Anywhere.”

Pickler was a delight as host, expertly cracking wise with Warren and Evans. While waiting for headliner Carrie Underwood’s band to set up, she told a bawdy story about an ex who was obsessed with Sara Evans, prompting her to dye her hair much darker with disastrous results. Underwood joked, “I think we all learned why they asked me and not Kellie Pickler to host the CMA Awards.”

Underwood played her hit “Undo It,” as well as “Someday When I Stop Loving You,” before debuting her new single “Good Girl” which was emailed to programmers while we sat on the boat. The festivities wrapped up with an ensemble rendition of Young Rascals song “Good Lovin’” that featured Underwood, Evans, Kelly, Owen, and Brooks.

Industry Updates (2/24/12)

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Unsigned Only Music Competition

The newly launched Unsigned Only Music Competition is setting out to find talent. The competition’s judging panel includes Kenny Rogers, Kelly Clarkson, Cyndi Lauper, Craig Morgan, Angie Stone, 3 Doors Down, Jeremy Camp and Aaron Shust and more.

Mentors include Monte Lipman (President of Universal Republic); Pete Ganbarg (Executive Vice President/Head of A&R, Atlantic Records); David Wolter (Senior VP of A&R, RCA Records); Kim Stephens (President, Forward Entertainment and A&R/Capitol Music Group); Trevor Jerideau (VP of A&R, RCA Records); and Pete Giberga (Head of A&R, Razor & Tie Records) and more.

Entries are being accepted until March 5; must be original music except for the Vocal Performance category. Unsigned Only was created by The founders of International Songwriting Competition, Jim Morgan and Candace Avery. For more details click here.

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ASCAP Honors George Strait at UMG’s CRS Lunch

(L-R) Marc Driskill, George Strait Photo: Peyton Hoge

Vice President and General Manager of ASCAP Nashville, Marc Driskill presented George Strait with a guitar and plaque commemorating the superstar’s first No. 1 hit as a songwriter for “Here For A Good Time” during the UMG luncheon show at CRS this Wed (Feb. 22).

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CMA’s Complementary “Year of Radio” Memberships

The CMA is expanding its current 6,400 members this year by awarding year-long complimentary organizational memberships to all 2,033 country radio stations in the U.S. (valued at $200 each). In addition, PD’s and GM’s from each station will receive individual memberships (valued at $100 each).

CMA will send membership kits to stations this week including details of membership for medical insurance, telecommunications discounts, research and the ability to vote for the CMA Awards. Any current CMA radio member will be given an additional year of membership in the organization.

“Country radio professionals are among our best ambassadors and it is important for CMA to recognize their outstanding contributions to the Country Music format and make the vast resources of CMA available to support their efforts,” said CEO Steve Moore.

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Carter Twins Form Kingston; Make Nashville Debut

Kingston

Josh and Zach Carter, previously of the Carter Twins, debuted their new duo project called Kingston with a six-song set at 12th & Porter this week during CRS, inviting both fans and industry alike.

The new country duo performed several brand new tracks, including their new single “Dear Someone,” which will have a music video debuting within the next few weeks.

A copy of the duo’s EP was handed to the audience as they left.

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Flying Island at CRS

(L-R) Back: Coy Taylor (artist), Bonita Allen (FIE promo), Shooter Jennings (artist), Bucky Covington (artist), Gwen Sebastian (artist), Ty Herndon (artist) and Nancy Eckert, (FIE head). Middle: Jill Tomalty (FIE promo), Amber Hayes (artist), Levi Riggs (artist), Shelia Shipley (FIE promo). Kneeling: Brian Fee (FIE promo), Louis Newman (FIE head)

Flying Island Entertainment welcomed CRS attendees and their artists to Nashville on Feb. 21 at Rippy’s downtown with a karaoke contest.

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Anchor Down Signing

(L-R) Dan Hodges (Dan Hodges Music), Roger Springer and Anthony Corder (GM, Anchor Down)

Anchor Down Entertainment Welcomes Roger Springer to the roster, co-writer of releases by Mark Chesnutt (“I Might Even Quit Lovin’ You,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” “Let It Rain,” “Thank God for Believers”), Sammy Kershaw (“Matches”) and Love and Theft (“Dancing in Circles”).

 

Thompson Square Singer Loses Family Member [Updated]

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[Updated]

MusicRow offers its condolences to Thompson Square’s Keifer and Shawna Thompson, following the death of Shawna’s father last night (Feb. 23).

The band sent this statement through their publicist earlier today:

“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Shawna Thompson’s father George Michael “Mickey” Mcllwain passed away yesterday evening in Alabama after a valiant battle with cancer.  Shawna and her family were by his side when he passed. We ask that you please keep both Shawna and Keifer as well as Shawna’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Due to the loss, Thompson Square have elected to withdraw from the CRS 2012 New Faces show scheduled for tonight (Feb. 24).

Visitation will be held tomorrow evening (Feb. 25) at Lathan Funeral Home in Chatom, AL with graveside service to follow on Sunday, Feb. 26.