Josh Turner And Team Toast No. 1

BMI and ASCAP co-hosted a spirited celebration at Cabana on Tuesday, March 23 to honor the four-week #1 smash “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” Recorded by Josh Turner and co-written by Jim Beavers, Darrell Brown, and Jonathan Singleton, the song marks Turner’s third chart-topper and is the debut single off his February 2010 release, Haywire.

Pictured are (l-r): ASCAP’s Tim Dubois, co-writer Jonathan Singleton, Crosstown Songs’ Megan Galbraith and Darrell Franklin, MCA Nashville’s Van Haze, Kobalt Music Publishing’s Whitney Daane, MCA Nashville’s Royce Risser, co-writer Darrell Brown, Josh Turner, co-writer Jim Beavers, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, producer Frank Rogers, and BMI’s Jody Williams.

“Country Boys” Donate a Blessing

The Donate a Blessing Foundation and Florence, South Carolina’s Eagle 92.9 are joining forces to present The Country Boys Disaster Relief Benefit Concert Tour. Kicking off on April 2, 2010 at the Florence Civic Center, the concert commences an 18-month, 40-city concert tour. Proceeds from the concert benefit those who were devastated by the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

“We are proud to host the kick-off of this concert series,” says Kendall Wall, General Manager of the Florence Civic Center. The generosity of these country artists donating their time and talent for such a worthy cause is inspirational. We are looking forward to a great night of country music.”

The Country Boys include John Michael Montgomery, Bucky Covington, Flynnville Train, Dustin Wilkes and additional artists at various cities.

“We are encouraging other recording artists to join in our effort,” says Thomas Hammond Sr., founder of The Donate a Blessing Foundation. “We feel passionate about raising as much money for this relief effort as possible and have an electric concert series, too.”

People can support the cause by attending the live shows or by texting BLESS to 85944 to give a $5 donation which is automatically billed to the cell phone bill.

Marczewski Joins Nine North; EMI Looks At Leasing Back Catalogue

Stan Marczewski

Larry Pareigis, President/Nine North Records, has hired Stan Marczewski as Director Of Promotion, NE/MW, effective Monday, March 29.

Most recently, Marczewski worked for Sony Music Nashville as Manager, Strategic Marketing where he created opportunities for artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, and Brad Paisley. He was also involved in the early years of Little Big Town’s career as their day-to-day manager in addition to working with other artists on the RLM and Mission Management rosters.

Marczewki’s new position at Nine North realigns him with Pareigis and VP/Promotion and Marketing Tom Moran, his mentors in radio promotion when he started with Columbia Records Nashville in 2005.

“Stan’s passion and experience in promotion, management and marketing uniquely qualify him for the entrepreunrial challenges and promise that this new future holds,” says Pareigis. “Tom and I can’t be more thrilled that Stan’s signed up for this mission with us.”

Reach Marczewski by e-mail: stan@ninenorthmail.com or phone: 615-426-2260.

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London’s Times Online reports that EMI is interested in licensing its recorded music back catalogue to another major label because of its dire financial situation.

The news outlet reports that EMI’s owner Terra Firma is looking for a five-year licensing agreement for the North American back catalogue which includes music from cash cows like The Beatles and Blondie. Terra Firm hopes such an arrangement would draw £400m.

A June 14 deadline is looming for Terra Firma, because that is the day its creditor Citigroup could take control of EMI.

Cumulus Radiothon’s Huge Success

Cumulus Nashville is reporting that its 4th Annual Radiothon for the Nashville Rescue Mission was a huge success. Tuesday (3/16), all five of the cluster’s stations (SuperTalk 99.7-WTN; 92Q Nashville’s Big Station-WQQK; 95.5 The Wolf-WSM; 97.1 RQQ Nashville’s Rock Station-WRQQ; and i106-All the Hits-WNFN) went commercial-free from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the goal of raising enough money for 56,000 meals for Nashville’s homeless.

Listeners called in pledges and dropped off donations at Camper’s Corner RV Superstore and Lexus of Nashville ranging from one meal ($2.26) to thousands of dollars. Because of the generosity of people within the Nashville community and the range of the radio signals, the radiothon was able to reach its goal, raising around $120,000 with more pledges still rolling in.

“We are proud to have been a part of something amazing and issuing a call to action that will make a real impact on the Nashville community,” say Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cumulus Nashville.  “Thank you, Nashville, Smyrna, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and to all those in our listening area who answered the call. You never cease to amaze me.”

“We are grateful for Cumulus Broadcasting’s efforts on behalf of the poor and hurting of our community.  The outpouring of generosity from this year’s event will provide over fifty-thousand meals to hungry men, women and children arriving at our doors seeking help,” explains Don Worrell, President and CEO of the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Shoney’s® Catering donated food for all the workers of the radiothon this year.  Other sponsors for the radiothon include Fifth Third Bank and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Crook & Chase Reach “200” Milestone

Premiere Radio Networks has announced that, with the addition of 102.5 KNIX-FM in Phoenix, Arizona, The Crook & Chase Countdown has hit a broadcasting milestone of 200 stations. The Nashville-based program joined Premiere’s lineup in October 2009. Since then, the program has continued to grow and receive industry recognition, including a 2010 nomination for an Academy of Country Music Award in the “National On-Air Personality” category.

Crook and Chase commented, “We welcome KNIX with open arms to our family of affiliates!  It’s all about teamwork, and we are blessed to be working with the best!”

“KNIX is the definitive Country music brand in Arizona, and we’re excited to further solidify that position by adding Crook & Chase to the lineup,” says KNIX Program Director Mark Medina. The show has deep heritage, while still sounding current and fresh.”

Each week, Crook and Chase count down the top thirty country songs as they welcome stars including Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and many others.

Matt Hargis Promoted At Capitol; Absolute Publicity Adds Mary Michael

Steve Hodges, Senior Vice President, Promotions for Capitol Records Nashville announced today (3/16) the promotion of Matt Hargis to Director Regional Promotion for the Southeast. He will replace Angela Lange who has joined EMI Records Nashville as Vice President of Promotion.

Hargis has been with Capitol Records Nashville since 2006 and has most recently spearheaded national radio syndication and special projects for the label which is home to Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Kenny Rogers, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Emily West, Jennette McCurdy and Walker Hayes.

“Matt is one of the hardest working individuals in the music business,” explains Hodges. “I’m elated that he has agreed to take over the Southeast Region.  He has been, and will continue to be, an integral part of our Capitol team.”

“I am very excited to tackle this new challenge,” shares Hargis. “I want to thank Mike Dungan, Steve Hodges and Shane Allen for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to continue building on the great partnership Angela Lange has worked so hard to cultivate between Capitol Nashville and all of our radio friends in the Southeast.”

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Don Grubbs and Mary Michael

Publicist Mary Michael has joined the Nashville-based firm Absolute Publicity, Inc. as Managing Partner and Account Executive. Absolute Publicity is headed by President and CEO Don Grubbs. Effective immediately, Michael will be overseeing the company’s plans for expansion, and assist with publicity services for the roster which includes Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Pam Tillis, WWE’s Mickie James, Jeff Cook, Danielle Peck, American Idol’s Mishavonna, Pro-wrestling Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler, Scott Lindsey, Nash Street and Tay Humphrey.

Contact them at:

Don Murry Grubbs, President / CEO
o. 615.275.8380
don@absolutepublicity.com

Mary Michael, Managing Partner
o. 615-310-1159
mary@absolutepublicity.com

1009 16th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212

John Rich At Marathon Post-Show; Local Cumulus Radiothon

On Saturday, April 24, 2010, the Country Music Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will celebrate its 11th annual running in Music City. John Rich will headline the post-race concert at the Bridgestone Arena that night at 7:00 p.m., joined by special guest Cowboy Troy, and opening acts Heidi Newfield and Jerrod Niemann.

The concert is open to the public and tickets are now on sale for $35 at the Bridgestone Arena box office, and Ticketmaster.

The Country Music Marathon is a weekend celebration complete with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, YMCA Country Music Kids’ Marathon and post-race concert. Adam Zocks is the event’s General Manager.

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Tomorrow, Tues. March 16, is the Cumulus Nashville Radiothon to benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission. All five of the radio cluster’s stations (SuperTalk 99.7-WTN; 92Q Nashville’s Big Station-WQQK; 95.5 The Wolf-WSM; 97.1 RQQ Nashville’s Rock Station-WRQQ; and i106-All the Hits-WNFN) will go commercial-free from 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. to raise money for the mission.

The stations want listeners to know that $2.26 is the cost of a meal for a homeless man, woman or child. Throughout the day, jocks will make their own “listener requests,” relying upon the generosity of their audiences to make donations by calling 877-294-GIVE or 877-294-4483 or in person at Camper’s Corner RV Superstore (730 Gallatin Pike North in Madison).

Mayne Named Exec. Dir. of CRB

Bill Mayne

The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) Board of Directors has named Bill Mayne CRB Executive Director, effective April 1, 2010. Mayne, a radio veteran and owner of Nashville-based Mayne Street Consulting, had been serving as the organization’s interim director in recent months.

Mayne says he is “honored by this opportunity…and the confidence shown in me by the CRB Board of Directors. This organization has a clear vision, a great staff and a dedicated Board to help craft the future course for the Country Radio Seminar and all its associated endeavors. CRS 2010 was a successful first step in the process of serving the best interest of Country radio and the Country music industry in the years to come.”

The CRB’s flagship event, Country Radio Seminar, closed on Feb. 26 with a 3.5 percent year-to-year increase in attendance, totaling 2,181 registrants.

“It became evident, during the difficult transitional period leading up to CRS 2010, that Bill had the leadership, passion and vision to steer the organization in the direction it needs to go,” reports CRB President Mike Culotta. “We are confident that CRB is in good hands going forward.”

Mayne is a Country radio and music industry veteran with senior level experience in radio broadcasting, including programming and operations management at KZLA/KLAC (Los Angeles), KSCS/WBAP (Dallas) and KASE (Austin). His resume also includes work in artist development, management and at record labels, where he was Sr. VP GM and VP Promotion at Warner Bros. Nashville, and VP of Promotion and Artist Development at 903 Music. His Mayne Street Consulting provides guidance in radio, marketing, management and artist development to clients such as CRB, Inc., GAC, IEBA, Nexshow, Dualtone Records, Muscle Shoals Music Group, Fame Records and RGK Entertainment. Mayne also serves as current President of the Academy of Country Music.

CRS 2011 will be held March 2-4, 2011, at the Nashville Convention Center. Visit www.CRB.org for more information.

New Artists Ignite at Radio

Steel Magnolia Making History
Big Machine duo  Steel Magnolia’s Top 15 hit, “Keep On Lovin’ You,” has become the highest charting debut single from a male/female country duet act in the 66-year history of Billboard’s Top Country Songs Chart. The song currently sits at No. 14.

Steel Magnolia is a multiple ACM Award nominee (Top Vocal Duo of the Year and Top New Vocal  Duo). This Saturday (3/13) the duo will perform on the Grand Ole Opry. You can find more information here.

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Radio Loving Jerrod Niemann’s “Lover, Lover”
Sea Gayle/Arista Records artist Jerrod Niemann is feeling the love at country radio as his single, “Lover, Lover” leads the pack as the most-added new song hitting country radio playlists this week. The writer of Garth Brooks’ “Good Ride Cowboy,” Niemann’s vocal talent takes center stage on “Lover, Lover” as the Kansas native tackles all nine vocal parts on a song he remembers “Lover, Lover” from 1993, when it charted for group Sonia Dada.

“Just from the first moment I heard it, it always made me feel good,” he says. “I found myself singing it over the years, and I loved how it was so acoustic driven and also relied a lot on harmonies.”

MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann recently cheered “Lover, Lover” as “a groove-soaked hand clapper with a rumbling undertow and some super stacked chorus harmonies. Pretty dang catchy and irresistible.”

The digital single of “Lover, Lover” hit i-Tunes this past Tuesday (3/9), and
Niemann’’s album is slated to arrive later this year. Niemann has been playing selected dates with his friend and co-writer Jamey Johnson, including upcoming shows March 19 in Asheville, NC, and March 20 in Knoxville, TN. Click here for more Jerrod Niemann news and information.

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Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy” Goes Top 30
Curb Records artist Lee Brice is heating up the Billboard country singles charts, cracking the Top 30 this week with his latest single “Love Like Crazy.”

Written by Doug Johnson and Tim James and produced by Doug Johnson, the song offers advice on how to make young love and a career last a lifetime. “Love Like Crazy” is from Niemann’s forthcoming debut album Picture Of Me, to be released in 2010.

With cuts by Jason Aldean, Adam Gregory, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, and Garth Brooks, Brice has long since established himself as a hit songwriter. In fact, Brooks’ smash hit version of his “Good Ride Cowboy” was the first song in Billboard chart history to debut at #1.

You can learn more about Lee Brice here.

ACM Announces Radio Award Winners

Today (3/12) the Academy of Country Music announced the full list of radio award winners that will not be televised on the upcoming ACM Awards due to time constraints. The ceremony will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 18 at 7:00 PM CT on CBS.

Cody Alan, the host of CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, was named National On-Air Personality of the Year. CMT Radio Live is CMT’s premiere country music and entertainment radio show. Alan has received numerous national awards, including DJ of the Year from Country Radio Broadcasters. He has also been honored at the Grand Ole Opry and featured in USA Today and GQ. A five-time Radio and Records Music Director of the Year, Alan’s accolades also include honors from Billboard and the Radio Music Awards.

BNA Records artist Craig Morgan, a member of the Academy of Country Music’s Board of Directors, and Executive Director, Bob Romeo called all the winners this morning to surprise them with the news.

Winners in radio categories will be invited to receive their awards at a private reception in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 17, the day prior to the ACM Awards.

For the second year in a row, individual On-Air Personality of the Year winners (or one individual from the teams who win Personality of the Year categories) will be invited to participate in the awards telecast as the voices for bumpers leading into commercials.

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR WINNERS:

NATIONAL – Cody Alan – CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan
MAJOR MARKET – Ben Campbell & Matt McAllister – KNIX-FM – Phoenix, AZ
LARGE MARKET – Gerry House, Mike Bohan, Al Voecks, Duncan Stewart, Richard Falken –  WSIX-FM – Nashville, TN
MEDIUM MARKET – Buzz Jackson – KIIM-FM – Tucson, AZ
SMALL MARKET – Jess Wright – WFRE-FM – Frederick, MD

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR WINNERS: (NOTE TIES IN MAJOR, MEDIUM & SMALL)

MAJOR MARKET – KMPS‐FM – Seattle, WA
MAJOR MARKET – KSCS-FM – Dallas, TX
LARGE MARKET – WQDR‐FM – Raleigh, NC
MEDIUM MARKET – KIZN-FM – Boise, ID
MEDIUM MARKET – KUZZ AM/FM – Bakersfield, CA
SMALL MARKET – WGSQ-FM – Cookeville, TN
SMALL MARKET – WUSY-FM – Chattanooga, TN