Jay Cruze Joins Average Joes Entertainment

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Jay Cruze

Average Joes Entertainment, label home to Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, Matt Stillwell, Josh Gracin and others, has hired seasoned radio pro, Jay Cruze to work radio promotion for the label. Cruze, who spent years with Clear Channel Communications in Augusta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Lexington, KY; Panama City Beach, FL; and most recently, Chattanooga, TN, is looking forward to getting back involved in radio, this time from a different perspective.

“To say I’m excited is definitely an understatement,” offered Cruze. “After seeing the business model, hearing the great music from Colt, Brantley, Matt and Josh and seeing what AVJ has on the horizon, I knew I HAD to be part of this!”

“As we continue to change the landscape of the business of music, Average Joes looks to add innovators with a similar vision and work ethic,” says Shannon Houchins, CEO of Average Joes Entertainment. “Jay Cruze furthers our viewpoint by bringing years of experience and a unique perspective to the team, and we are happy to have him on board.”

Cruze officially starts today (9/7) and can be reached by calling (423) 580-3549 or at [email protected].

Friday Photos: Radio Welcomes Artists

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Niemann In Kansas City
Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville’s Jerrod Niemann put his talents on display for listeners of WDAF (The Wolf)/Kansas City last week when he performed at Denim & Diamonds. During the show, Niemann conducted a contest to find the tallest man in the room, and it turned out to be WDAF programmer Dan Persigehl.

Jerrod Niemann (right) with WDAF's Dan Persigehl

• • •

Ms. Smith Goes to Asheville
Joanna Smith was in Asheville, NC this week visiting WKSF/MD Brian Hatfield, who helped the Columbia Nashville newcomer christen her new guitar case with a Kiss Country Bumper sticker. Smith is on the road promoting her debut single, “Gettin’ Married.”

WKSF's Brian Hatfield (left) with Joanna Smith

• • •

Carrie Goes to the Fair
Arista Records artist Carrie Underwood played the Minnesota State Fair this past Tuesday (8/31), where she caught up with KEEY (K102)/Minneapolis PD Gregg Swedberg and APD/MD afternoon man JD Greene.  Underwood is on the charts with “Mama’s Song,” the latest single from her CMA Album of the Year nominee, Play On.

Carrie Underwood (left) with KEEY's Gregg Swedberg

• • •

Josh Turner “All Over” San Diego
MCA Nashville artist Josh Turner was in San Diego recently visiting with New Country 95.7’s drive time team Tony & Kris in the Morning. Turner talked about his new single, “All Over Me.”

(l-r): Tony, Josh Turner and Kris

• • •

Weekly Chart Report (9/03/10)

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SPIN ZONE

Lofton Creek/Edge Recording artist Kelly Parkes was a guest on Barry Kent's morning show on WTHI/Terre Haute, Indiana this past week. Parkes is on the road promomoting her new single "Nothing Good Ever Happens After Midnight."

Lady Antebellum’s “Our Kind Of Love” is still feeling the love from radio as it earns a fourth consecutive week in the CountryBreakout No. 1 spot. Positions 2-6 are closing the gap, but remain unchanged for now. In fact the only movement in the top 10 comes courtesy of The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young,” which moves 8-7 and Reba’s “Turn On The Radio,” which jumps 11-8.

If the chart feels tight right now, just wait until the pack of new superstar singles reaches the Top 10. At positions 11-13, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland are already clumped together and charging forward with large spin gains. On the way a few positions back are Brad Paisley’s “Anything Like Me” at No. 19, Luke Bryan’s “Someone Else Calling You Baby” at No. 21, Zac Brown Band’s “As She’s Walking Away” with Alan Jackson at No. 25, and Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” at No. 28.

Programmers have also quickly responded to new tracks by sometime associates Jamey Johnson and James Otto. Johnson’s “Playing The Part” debuted last week at No. 70, and makes a giant leap to No. 53 with a gain of 173 spins. Otto’s brand new “Soldiers & Jesus” made its debut this week at No. 64, gaining 201 spins in the process. Also debuting in this chart edition are Badhorse’s “Mississippi Rain” at No. 76, Jaron & TLRTL’s “That’s Beautiful To Me” at No. 77, and Richie Fields’ “Wichita” at No. 80.

Frozen Playlists: KFTX, KICR, KUUB, KYKX, WKBQ, WBKR, WWYN



Upcoming Singles
September 7
Jaron &TLRTL/That’s Beautiful To Me/Jaronwood/Big Machine/Universal Republic
Ken Domash/Ding Dang Darn It/Spinville/Thunder Mountain
Walker Hayes/Pants/Capitol
James Otto/Soldiers & Jesus/Warner Bros.

September 13
Matt Kennon/You Can Still Wear White/BamaJam
Jewel/Ten/Valory
Carrie Underwood/Mama’s Song/19 Arista
Cody McCarver/I’m America/E1

• •  • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
James Otto/Soldiers & Jesus/Warner Bros. — 64
Badhorse/Mississippi Rain/Global Maximus — 76
Jaron & TLRTL/That’s Beautiful To Me/Jaronwood/Universal Republic/Big Machine — 77
Richie Fields/Wichita/Joint Journey — 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Carrie Underwood/Mama’s Song/Arista — 474
Zac Brown Band feat. Alan Jackson/As She’s Walking Away/Atlantic/Bigger Picture — 276
Taylor Swift/Mine/Big Machine — 262
Reba/Turn On The Radio/Starstruck/Valory — 257
Luke Bryan/Someone Else Calling You Baby/Capitol — 233

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Gretchen Wilson/I Got Your Country Right Here/Redneck Records/C05 — 255
Josh Kelley/Georgia Clay/MCA — 226
Derek O’Bannon/The Truth Talks Too Much — 37
Steve Richard/80 Acre Church/Force MP Entertainment — 202
Chris Heers/Happy Thought — 188

Two Week Most Added*
Artist/song/label — New adds
Carrie Underwood/Mama’s Song/19/Arista – 27
James Otto/Soldiers & Jesus/Warner Bros. – 19
Jamey Johnson/Playing The Part/Mercury – 15
Steve Richard/80 Acre Church/Force MP Entertainment – 15
Thompson Square/Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not/Stoney Creek – 11
Josh Kelley/Georgia Clay/MCA – 10

New artist Craig Campbell recently visited WDXB/Birmingham, AL to promote his debut single "Family Man" and share music from his upcoming album. (L-R): Rocco Cosco, Bigger Picture Group; Campbell; WDXB PD Tom Hanrahan; WDXB Promo Dir. Lacey Walker; and musician Shawn Bailey.

Easton Corbin at the backstage broadcast with WQDR at a tour stop in Raleigh. (L-R): Mad Dawg (Mike Biddle), Corbin, MD Billy Dukes and Steve Maher.

Atlantic/WMN artist Jesse Lee visits with KATC PD Nick Alan. (L-R): Alan, Lee, and new SW rep for WMN, Mark Niederhauser.

“House Foundation” To Close Its Doors

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Gerry House, longtime king of morning radio in Nashville, announced on the air this morning (9/3) that his show, The House Foundation, which airs on Clear Channel/WSIX will come to an end on December 15. House is calling it quits after 30 years in country radio, citing his desire to devote more time to other projects.

“I wanna sleep late, contemplate and feel great,” House said. “I will miss everyone on and off the air, but it’s time for me to do the other things I think about. The mostest fun ever is working with your friends. I also plan to travel and spend less time with my family.”

Gerry House and the House Foundation have won 3 CMA Awards, 7 ACMs, 8 Billboard Awards, 9 awards from R&R, 1 Marconi and just about every other accolade in country radio.

According to a WSIX press release, “House will remain on staff with WSIX as a contributor, writer and Consigliere.”

Secondary Programmers Address Change, Music and a Crowded Marketplace

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With the radio audience being offered more listening options than ever, the programmer’s job is constantly evolving to stay competitive. One not only has to keep a station sounding great, but also address the audience through social media and maintain that elusive balance between focus and diversity. We spoke with four of our CountryBreakout panelists about the current marketplace and while they don’t always agree on how to get it done, they know sitting still isn’t the answer.

“The biggest challenge is trying to keep the playlist fresh,” says Mike Thomas of KFAV/Warrenton, MO. “Having been around when the charts were moving at lightning speed, I realize that wasn’t the best scenario either. The economics of the music industry dictate the labels get the biggest bang for the buck out of every single but that same philosophy is also hurting the industry by limiting the number of talented artists.”

“I’m not so much about quantity as I am about quality,” says Don Brake of WHWK/Binghamton, NY. “I want a meaty playlist with lots of great music. When I have to start searching for a song to add, I’ll just simply cut the playlist by a song or two. When I have more deserving songs than I have spots, I might add one or two songs.”

Breaking new stars is critical for the industry, but it’s never easy—especially if you’re an independent artist. Secondary radio tends to be more open to new and independent music, but it’s no cakewalk. Our panelists do agree on one important criterion, however: for Pete’s sake, make it sound good.

“One of the biggest problems independent artists face is getting good quality recordings,” says Brake. “A great song is still a great song, but a great song with great production is better than one that is poorly produced.”

Tom Duke of KQUS/Hot Springs, AR agrees that an indie artist “has to have a good song just like anyone else and they should be able to sing. I have heard some songs that should never have been recorded and I have heard some singers that couldn’t sing.”

So it is doubly important for new and independent artists to bring their A-game when going up against established and familiar names. “Our audience already knows the established artists,” explains Ryan McCall of WGLR/Platteville, WI, “so they have an advantage when choosing between adding one of their releases or one from a new artist.”

“Listeners see a video by an established artist that I may not be on yet and they will request it,” adds Duke. “I am forced to get on those songs sometimes before I really want to and that leaves the independent/unknown artists out in the cold.”

But how does one decide what to play and how much to play it? Primarily listener passion and a certain amount of intuition, but charts can be helpful as well.

“The charts are important, but if I feel really strongly about a song, that may also lead to a quick add,” says Brake. “If that gut reaction is then backed up by listener response and especially in our online testing then I have no problem moving a song up my playlist faster than the national charts. I also have no problem holding a song back locally that I feel is moving up the charts too quickly. Songs that hit No. 1 in about 10 weeks are simply moving too fast most of the time. I want more equity in a song before I push it up to 50 spins a week.”

“Sometimes you just have to go with your gut in deciding what you think would work for your audience,” adds McCall. “Jaron & The Long Road To Love, Jerrod Niemann and now Walker Hayes are all gut records that have paid off for us this year.”

“I use the charts to get a feel of what the rest of the country is doing but you can never go wrong programming what your listeners want,” offers Duke. “I believe that by playing their requests, they seem to be happy and that is what I want.”

“It’s all about the listeners first,” agrees Thomas. “They are the ones who actually spend money to buy music. If the listeners like it, roll with it. And gut instinct has to come into play—as long as it doesn’t turn into arrogance and make you think you’re the god of music programming, a little personal influence can sometimes prove to be a good thing.”

Some stress the importance of committing spins to a song if it really works.

“Even with a bigger playlist it still is difficult to play all the songs I want each week,” notes McCall. “Our light rotation is 10 spins per week and I would not want to lessen that in order to make room for more songs. Anything under 10 spins is considered ‘test’ play. If a song starts getting played 7 or 8 times a week then it needs to become an official add. If you can’t commit to playing a song at least once a day, to me you are just testing it.”

“If you’re going to add a song, give it enough spins to get a fair shake on the chart and allow the listeners to hear,” agrees Thomas. “If you believe in a song enough to add it, one spin a week is not good enough to impact listeners.”

The one constant of the last few years has been change and for veteran programmers, that means acclimating to new duties and (sometimes begrudgingly) letting go of old ones in order to survive.

“The business today is all computerized,” says Duke. “The songs are in the computer, the liners are in the computer, and the commercials are there. You can put the computer on auto and go fishing. You couldn’t do that with records and carts. Give me the the records and carts. You actually had to time your show. It took talent to do that.”

“To think we thought going from vinyl to carts and carts to CDs were big changes,” says Brake. “Now all the music is on hard drive and we are trying to keep up with our website, our mobile club, sending
e-mails to our listener club and being relevant on Facebook. It’s a whole new ballgame and those who can adapt will continue to be the ones who produce the best overall product.”

Nashville Continues Eco-Friendly Concert Series

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Live On the Green, a free, outdoor concert series on Nashville’s Public Square, starts its second season on Sept. 9 with a star-studded lineup including platinum recording artists Five for Fighting and Tonic. The six-week concert series is produced by locally-owned radio station Lightning 100 in partnership with the Nashville Mayor’s Office and takes place every Thursday night from Sept. 9–Oct. 14, starting around 6:00 PM.

“Nashville is Music City and to live up to our name, we should have as much live music entertainment as possible,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said. “Live On the Green is a chance for people to enjoy our beautiful Public Square park – the only green roof on a municipal building in Nashville – and hear a diverse array of musical talent performed right on the steps of our Metro Courthouse.”

Held on a green roof that sits atop of a five-level subterranean parking garage with a rainwater collection system, Live On the Green is an eco-conscious concert series. A report compiled by Lightning 100 and ZERO Events found that efforts to minimize the carbon footprint of Live On the Green in 2009, including pledged future efforts, eliminated or prevented a total of 246 tons of CO2 emissions from entering the environment, which is the equivalent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 42 passenger vehicles.

Carbon offset efforts made throughout the entire event series last year included recycling, use of reusable, sustainable and biodegradable materials, healthy food vendors, organic merchandising, drinking water tents, engaging participants with green initiatives, leased equipment and energy-efficient lighting and sound. In addition, Lightning 100’s Team Green Adventures continues to organize efforts, such as tree plantings, to further offset the event’s carbon footprint. These same sustainable practices will continue with this year’s concert series.

Lester Turner Jr., President of Tuned In Broadcasting, Inc. and Live On the Green Executive Producer said: “Live On the Green is an opportunity for us to showcase the incredible talent of Nashville’s emerging rock artists in a free outdoor series that includes national touring acts.”

Artists confirmed to date include:
Sept. 9 – Tonic, Five For Fighting, Hightide Blues
Sept. 16 – Dr Dog, Special Guest, The Apache Relay
Sept. 23 – The Wailers, Special Guests
Sept. 30 – Next Big Nashville Night
Oct. 7 – Band of Horses, Bryan Cates, Special Guest
Oct. 14 – JJ Grey & Mofro, Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights, Special Guest

Live On the Green is presented by Lightning 100, Miller Lite, Hard Rock Cafe, Team Green Adventures, Now Playing Nashville.com, TVA “Green Power Switch”, Second Harvest Food Bank, Coca-Cola, DoubleTree Hotel Downtown, Sitemason and Friendly Artic Printing & Design.

More information about Live On the Green is available online at www.liveonthegreen.net.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/1/10)

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You say you want some tempo tunes? Well, step right up.

This week’s stack of platters contains a bevy of boppers. Marty Stuart, The McClymonts, Blaine Larsen, Mason Douglas and Eric Heatherly are all tapping their toes. Margaret Durante and Jewel are both breezy, too.

Eric, Marty and Blaine were the competitors for Disc of the Day. By virtue of his superbly phrased vocal, Blaine Larsen wins the prize.

Who is Mason Douglas, and where has he been all my life? I don’t know when I have heard a more accomplished debut single. And he wrote it all by hisself. Give that man a DisCovery Award.

MARK COOKE/Can’t Cheat In A Small Town
Writer: Don Goodman/Abby Boyken/Brad Wolf; Producer: J. Gary Smith & John Smith; Publisher: Rainy Graham/Big Hitmaker’s/Little Tornadoes, BMI; Cotton Valley (www.markcooke.com)
—His phone starts ringing the minute another man’s car pulls into her driveway. Now that’s what I call a tiny hamlet. An energetic production, loaded with guitar licks.

MARTY STUART/Little Heartbreaker
Writer: Marty Stuart/Ralph Mooney; Producer: Marty Stuart; Publisher: Marty Stuart, BMI; Sugar Hill/Superlatone (track) (www.martystuart.net)
—Itchy, twitchy neo rockabilly that’s splendidly written and sung. An awesome return to form. And given Marty’s co-writer, would you be surprised to learn that it is blessed with some of the greatest chiming steel playing I’ve heard all year? Play this.

CLINT MARTIN/The Lady She Is
Writer: none listed; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Clint Martin; Publisher: none listed; CM (www.clintmartinband.com)
—The track is big and beefy. His vocal is not.

JEWEL/Ten
Writer: Jewel/Dave Berg; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Jewel; Publisher: Wiggly Tooth/EMI April/Cal IV/Stupid Boy, ASCAP; Valory Music
—The percussion is mysteriously overbearing, particularly considering her whispery soprano performance. The song is cleverly penned, revolving around a couple counting to ten to avoid conflict. You guessed it. By the time she gets to “10,” she’s in his arms again.

CRAIG CAMPBELL/Family Man
Writer: Craig Campbell/Jon Henderson/Joel Shewmake; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Melodies of Bigger Picture/Acoustic Peanut/Murrah/Bug/Michael Murrah/Katank/Warner-Tamerlane/Big Hits of Amylase, SESAC/BMI; Bigger Picture (ww.craigcampbell.tv)
—There’s nothing especially distinctive or memorable about his singing. But the song is sturdy, and the track gets the job done.

BLAINE LARSEN/Leavin’
Writer: Paul Brandt; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publisher: Rio Bravo/Foothillbilly, BMI; Treehouse/Stroudavarious  (www.blainelarsen.com)
—Blaine’s welcome comeback continues with this superbly produced tempo tune. His dynamic vocal dips into a lower register, has hushed passages and soars upward as he heads to the title. Terrific work by all concerned. I hung with it right to the ringing finale, and then I played it again.

MASON DOUGLAS/Anything Can Happen
Writer: Mason Douglas; Producer: Greg Strizek; Publisher: Wild Cateclysm/Little Biscuit/Chobe, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.masondouglasmusic.com)
—Wow. This guy’s wedding song takes off like a rocketship and blazes across your brain with its jets firing wide open. Power and drive to spare. The CD is titled My Wild Heart, and you can bet I’ll be playing the rest of it.

ERIC HEATHERLY/Mona Lisa
Writer: Eric Heaatherly; Producer: Eric Heatherly; Publisher: Psychobilly, ASCAP; EH (track) (www.myspace.com/ericheatherly)
—Eric new CD is called Painkillers, and it’s available online for just ten bucks. He continues to be one of the most brilliantly catchy songwriters around. This single from it rocks so fiercely that it just might give you whiplash. Spin this and prepare to grin from ear to ear while you bop around the room.

MARGARET DURANTE/Mississippi’s Crying
Writer: Shelly Fairchild/Stephony Smith; Producer: James Stroud & Stephony Smith; Publisher: Silvery Dog/Souljet, BMI; 9 North/emrose/Stroudavarious (www.margaretdurante.com)
—You might recall Ms. Durante as the lady who had out that cool country cover of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” a few months ago. She’s back with a new label and production team. “Mississippi’s Crying” was previously on an Emily West project. I thought it sounded like a hit when I heard it then, and I still think it does.

THE McCLYMONTS/Save Yourself
Writer: none listed; Producer: Adam Anders; Publisher: none listed; EMG/Fontana/
Universal (track) (www.themcclymonts.net)
—This femme trio harmonizes perfectly on the choruses. The track bops relentlessly. The song does nothing for me.

Brooks Takes “Country Countdown” On The Road

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Brooks & Dunn’s Last Rodeo Tour will come to a close tomorrow night (9/2) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. While it may be the duo’s last concert together, this will not mark the end of life on the road for Brooks, who hosts the nationally syndicated American Country Countdown for Citadel Media.

Throughout 2011, Brooks will broadcast the weekly show at least once each month from the studio of a different radio affiliate. With more than 350 stations airing the popular music program, there will be no shortage of choices. Also planned for 2011 is the American Country Countdown Concert Series. In six markets between May and October, Brooks will serve as master of ceremonies for live shows featuring an array of established country artists as well as talented newcomers. The concerts are scheduled to be held in Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, DC.

“I’m looking forward to taking our radio show on the road next year and spending more time with the local affiliates that broadcast American Country Countdown each weekend,” said Brooks. “This will be a fantastic opportunity to create some unique listener events and have direct contact with devoted country music fans. The concert series will showcase several of our industry’s top names and also introduce some of its rising stars.”

In addition to his long list of chart-topping hits with Brooks & Dunn, Brooks has also been recognized as one of radio’s top broadcasting talents. In 2009, he was named National Radio Personality of the Year by the Country Music Association – the first time the award has been won by a performing artist. He has also been nominated as National On-Air Personality by the Academy of Country Music.

“Having Kix in our portfolio provides our network a true leadership position in country syndication,” said Carl Anderson, SVP of Programming and Distribution for Citadel Media. “His level of dedication to the show and our affiliates is unmatched and has taken ACC to new heights. Partnering with him to take the program on the road while also delivering a magnificent concert series for our listeners will drive 2011 success for our advertisers and our stations.”

Details on where and when the American Country Countdown tour bus will be rolling will be available at www.ACCTop40.com beginning in 2011.

CMA’s 2010 Broadcast Awards Finalists

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Final nominees for the nation’s top Country radio stations and broadcast personalities were delivered to Country Radio today (8/31), when Steel Magnolia revealed the 2010 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year finalists live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The announcements were carried live to Country radio stations by CMA’s official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks.

The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) and broadcast live by ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will return to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night” for a third year.

Click here to see the other nominees revealed this morning. Additional CMA Award final nominees will be announced tomorrow, Sept. 1 (8:30 AM/All time zones) on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

CMA BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
National
“The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) –  Jim Owens Entertainment and Premiere Radio Networks
“CMT’s Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“The Lia Show” (Lia Knight)  – Dial Global

Major Market
“Ben & Matt Show” (Ben Campbell and Matt McAllister) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
Paul Schadt Morning Show” (Paul Schadt, Meg Butterly, and Geof Knight) – WKKT, Charlotte/Gastonia, N.C.; Rock Hill, S.C.
“The Laurie DeYoung Morning Show” (Laurie DeYoung) – WPOC, Baltimore, Md.
“Steve Austin” (Steve Austin) – WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
“Randy and Dave” (Randy Price and Dave McKay) – WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla.
“Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray in the Morning” (Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens) – WUSN, Chicago, Ill.

Large Market
“Bucky & Bob: The Talk of Austin” (Bucky Godbolt and Bob Cole) – KVET, Austin, Texas
“Karen, Scott and Radar in the Morning” (Karen Dalessandro, Scott Dolphin, and Tony “Radar” Hess) – WMIL, Milwaukee/Racine, Wis.
“The House Foundation” (Gerry House, Mike Bohan, Richard Falklen, Al Voecks, and Duncan Stewart) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
“Eddie Stubbs Show” (Eddie Stubbs) – WSM, Nashville, Tenn.
“Chris Carr & Company”  (Chris Carr, Jeffrey “Maverick” Bolen, and Jason Statt) –WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio

Medium Market
“Mornings with Brian and Kellie” (Brian Pierce and Kellie Michaels) – KFDI, Wichita, Kan.
“The Kat 103 Morning Show with Steve Lundy, Gina, and Craig” (Steve Lundy, Gina Melton, and Craig Allen) – KXKT, Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
“Tom & Becky in the Morning” (Tom Owens and Becky Palmer) – WBBS, Syracuse, N.Y.
“Kevin Richards Show” (Kevin Richards) – WGNA, Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.
“Andy & Alison and the Morning Crew” (Andy Ritchie, Alison Mencer, and Jimmy Holt) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.

Small Market
“Scotty and Carissa in the Morning” (Scotty Cox and Carissa Loethen) – KCLR, Jefferson City, Mo.
“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene/Springfield, Ore.
“The Good Morning Guys” (Brian Gary, Todd Harding, and Susan Moore) – KUAD, Ft. Collins/Greeley, Colo.
“The Jess Wright Show” (Jess Wright and David Conrad) – WFRE, Hagerstown, Md.; Chambersburg/Waynesboro, Pa.
“The Dex and Mo Show” (Bill Poindexter and Melissa Turner) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.

CMA RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
Major Market
KEEY – Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
KWJJ – Portland, Ore.
WIL – St. Louis, Mo.
WSOC – Charlotte/Gastonia, N.C.; Rock Hill, S.C.
WYCD – Detroit, Mich.

Large Market
KAJA – San Antonio, Texas
KASE – Austin, Texas
KVET – Austin, Texas
WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
WTQR – Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, N.C.

Medium Market
KFDI – Wichita, Kan.
KXKT – Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
WBBS – Syracuse, N.Y.
WGNA – Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y.
WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.

Small Market
KCLR –Jefferson City, Mo.
KUAD – Ft. Collins/Greeley, Colo.
WFRE – Hagerstown, Md.; Chambersburg/Waynesboro, Pa.
WGSQ – Cookeville, Tenn.
WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.

Jerrod Niemann’s No. 1 and Jesse Lee Visits KJUG

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Songwriter Dan Pritzker actually wrote “Lover, Lover” for his band Sonia Dada in 1992, and the tune, originally titled “You Don’t Treat Me No Good,” was a #1 hit for the group in Australia. Jerrod Niemann’s recording of Pritzker’s hit marks his very first climb to the top spot as an artist. Niemann earned his first #1 as a songwriter with Garth Brooks’ “Good Ride Cowboy.” BMI feted Niemann’s accomplishment on Aug. 23 in their Music Row offices.

(L-R) BMI’s Jody Williams, engineer Brian Kolb, producer Dave Brainard, Sea Gayle Music’s Chris Dubois, Jerrod Niemann, songwriter Dan Pritzker, Sony Music’s Gary Overton, BMI’s Perry Howard, Sea Gayle Music’s Frank Rogers, and Sony Music’s Skip Bishop.

Jesse Lee challenged KJUG PD Dave Daniels (L) and APD/MD Adam Jeffries (R) to some animated rock, paper, scissors. To figure out the score realize that paper covers rock, but scissors cut paper. MusicRow called Daniels to find out what stakes the trio might have been wagering, but he was unavailable for comment.

(L-R) Dave Daniels, Jesse Lee and Adam Jeffries.