Underwood’s Rockin’ New Single

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The lead single from Carrie Underwood’s third album, Play On, is out now and fans can hear it at her official Web site and on YouTube. The rock influenced song “Cowboy Casanova” offers a cautionary word about a sneaky man. Underwood wrote the track with Mike Elizondo and Brett James, one of the writers behind her GRAMMY-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
Originally slated to arrive at country radio on Sept. 8, the leak of a rough, unfinished version of “Cowboy Casanova” prompted a rushed-to-radio delivery of the real single late Wednesday evening.

A four-time GRAMMY Award winner, ACM Entertainer of the Year, and reigning, three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner, Carrie is continuing work on Play On, which releases on November 3. She is again teamed with Mark Bright, who produced her Carnival Ride collection as well as seven tracks from Some Hearts.

Since the release of her debut album, Some Hearts, in 2005, Underwood has amassed sales of more than 10 million with her first two albums.

Hirings and Signings

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Lou Ramirez

Lou Ramirez has been hired as Southeast Director of Promotion & Marketing for Golden Music Nashville, the new record label launching flagship act Williams Riley. Ramirez comes from KAJA-FM in San Antonio where was APD/MD and on-air personality. Effective Tuesday, Sept. 8, he will report to Darlene Starr, National Director of Promotion & Marketing, and Brad Howell, VP of Promotion & Marketing. Ramirez can be reached at lou@goldenmusic.biz or 210-240-4001.
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Roots music label Lonesome Day Records, home to Ralph Stanley II, Blue Moon Rising, Larry Cordle, and Fred Eaglesmith, has added several new consultants. Bob Morrison of Chart Noise will advise the record label as General Manager and Consultant. Alexis Kelly of LiveWire Entertainment will oversee Sales and Marketing. Vanessa Parker-Davis of Splash! Public Relations, will oversee Publicity and consult with Artist Development. Both Kelly and Davis garnered major label experience before going out on their own. Lonesome Day Records has just completed an agreement with E1 Entertainment Distribution (formerly Koch Entertainment) through Cooking Vinyl Records, to distribute their product worldwide. Randall Deaton, President and Owner of Lonesome Day Records started the label in 2002 and released the first recordings in 2004.

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Sammy Sadler has signed with Stevens & Ellis Management for personal management. His new album, Heart Shaped Like Texas (coming on Sept. 29 on E1 Music – formerly Koch) contains the single  “I’ll Always Have Denver,” featuring guest Steve Wariner, who wrote the song along with Bill Anderson. Sadler will be performing a showcase on Thursday at 6 p.m. at 12th & Porter.

Dave Ramsey To Give CRS Keynote

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dave-ramseyProminent author, radio personality and money management expert Dave Ramsey has been announced as the Keynote Speaker for next year’s CRS 41, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn. Ramsey will deliver the Keynote Address immediately following the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m.

“Following in the footsteps of last year’s success with marketing expert Seth Godin, we are extremely pleased to welcome Dave Ramsey,” says CRB Executive Director Ed Salamon. “His insight and expertise in the field of finance is something that all of our attendees will benefit from, particularly in this economic transition.”

Ramsey’s latest best-selling book is titled The Total Money Makeover, and has sold more than 1 million copies. His nationally syndicated radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show,” is heard by nearly 4.5 million listeners each week on more than 450 radio stations in the United States.

“Dave Ramsey is a perfect addition to the agenda for CRS 41. He can certainly teach us all a thing or two about successful marketing and finance and how to parlay your expertise into multiple, profitable but compatible businesses. I have no doubt Dave will set the tone for another successful CRS,” says CRB President Becky Brenner.

Early bird and installment plan registration for CRS 41 is currently available online at www.CRB.org or by contacting the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487.

Ingram Sets World Record For Radio Interviews

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Jack Ingram is a awarded a Guiness World Record by Adjudicator Laura Plunkett.

Jack Ingram is a awarded a Guiness World Record by Adjudicator Laura Plunkett.

Country music marathon man Jack Ingram dove headfirst into the release day of his new album Big Dreams & High Hopes by setting the Guinness World Record this morning for “Most Consecutive Radio Interviews In A 24 Hour Period.”

Ingram notched 215 interviews across most of the 50 states and parts of Canada, Ireland and Australia, easily shattering the previous record of 96 interviews. 

Ingram began interviews in New York City yesterday (8/25) at 8:00 AM at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge and continued through the night. He wrapped the session this morning with a performance of the album’s lead single “Barefoot and Crazy” on Fox & Friends.

CMT.com exclusively streamed the event, and recorded a record number of viewers in what is also the longest continuous stream the site has ever attempted. “After the last 24 hours, I officially have nothing left to say,” concluded Ingram.

Ingram will continue the momentum by jetting straight to his home state of Texas to play Dallas tonight and Austin on Thursday before rounding out the week opening three shows for Toby Keith in California.

Carroll Makes Video, Darling Chats, Ingram Tries For World Record

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Carroll searches for a runaway in his new video "Hurry Home."

Jason Michael Carroll’s latest video, “Hurry Home,” tells the story of a father anxiously awaiting word from his runaway daughter. Carroll portrays a friend helping search for the missing girl.

The story hits close to home because when he was a child, Carroll’s aunt was missing for more than 15 years after running away. “I felt that if we were going to make a video for ‘Hurry Home,’ it was important to try to do something to help, even in a small way,” he says, “and that’s why we chose to include information at the end of the video about the National Runaway Switchboard.”

The video for “Hurry Home” is online now at www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com.
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CMT.com will be streaming live as country star Jack Ingram attempts to break the world record for most radio interviews in a 24-hour period beginning Tuesday, August 25 at 8:00 a.m., ET.  A first for CMT.com, the website will have video and audio of this event live from New York City as Ingram conducts 215 total back-to-back radio interviews during this time. CMT Radio Live host Cody Alan will conduct the final interview with the singer as the event concludes on Wednesday morning. The live stream will be available beginning Tuesday by going to CMTLive.CMT.com.

This event is to promote Ingram’s new album Big Dreams and High Hopes, out tomorrow (8/25).

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sarahdTomorrow (8/25) Black River artist Sarah Darling will conduct a live, on-line chat for fans. The chat will take place at 7:00 PM (Central) on Darling’s StickAm page. Fans can connect via www.sarahdarling.com. Questions are now being accepted at questions@sarahdarling.com.

New Music From Dolly and More

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dollyDolly Parton’s latest single, “Change It,” is from the Broadway Musical, 9 to 5. It is being delivered exclusively through AirPlay Direct.

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Radney Foster has added a slew of tour dates in support of his album Revival, to be released Sept. 1 on his own Devil’s River label. The project features Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker. The title track and first single for Texas radio is “A Little Revival.” In Nashville, Foster is set for an In-Store at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music on Sept. 16, and a Sept. 18 show at the Americana Festival at the Mercy Lounge.
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Nashville-based ALL Entertainment has announced “Somebody Who Would Die for You” as its first single from flagship artist Buddy Jewell. It will ship to radio Aug. 31 with New Revolution Entertainment handling promotion. “Somebody Who Would Die for You” was written by Mark Narmore and Adam Wheeler.

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Brady Seals' southeast radio promo tour kicked off in Huntsville at WDRM where he debuted his new single "Ho Down" on the Dan & Dingo morning show. WDRM air staff shown here from left to right: A.J. McCloud, Dingo, Dan McClain, Brady Seals, Jim Tice, Stuart Langston.

Brady Seals' southeast radio promo tour kicked off in Huntsville at WDRM where he debuted his new single "Ho Down" on the Dan & Dingo morning show. WDRM air staff shown here from left to right: A.J. McCloud, Dingo, Dan McClain, Brady Seals, Jim Tice, Stuart Langston.

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Guy Clark will release Somedays The Song Writes You, his second CD with Dualtone Music Group, on Sept. 22. Clark co-wrote all the album’s songs, some with old friends including Rodney Crowell and Shawn Camp, as well as some with newer artists Patrick Davis, Jedd Hughes and Ashley Monroe. Catch Clark Wed., Sept. 23  at The Belcourt Theater.
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Becky’s Schlegel’s new single, “So Embarrassing,” arrived at Country radio last week via CDX Volume 481, and it can also be downloaded here. It is the debut single from her upcoming CD, Dandelion, on Lilly Ray/IGO Records (distributed by Select-O-Hits). It features renowned singer/instrumentalist Randy Kohrs on background vocals.
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Emerald River recording artist Julia Burton shipped her latest single “Party Down” to radio on Aug. 17. The track is available to radio programmers on CDX Volume 481 and will be distributed via Play MPE. “Party Down” is featured on Burton’s debut album Woman From the Country, scheduled for release later this year.
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Nashville based, Grammy-nominated, singer-songwriter and producer Tom Wurth releases the re-mixed and mastered project, If The Road Runs Out, on Sept. 8. The album comes from Echelon Records, a newly established independent label headed by Mike Dinwiddie, who is also the Mayor of Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Strait’s Sales, CMA’s Songwriters Series, Redmond’s New Company

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straittwangAs reported in this morning’s @MusicRow sales analysis article, George Strait’s new release is the top selling album in the U.S. this week. Twang debuted at No. 1 today on The Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart selling over 155,000 units. This is the fourth time in Strait’s career that a new release has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart.

King George co-wrote three songs on the MCA Nashville album, including the debut single, “Living for the Night.” His son Bubba also scored some writing credits. To view a rare on-camera interview with Strait, click here.

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Chuck Wicks

Chuck Wicks

The CMA Songwriters Series hits New York City once again as Joe’s Pub welcomes an evening with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters on Wednesday, September 9 (6:30 and 9:30 PM/ET). It will be hosted by renowned tunesmith Bob DiPiero (“Blue Clear Sky,” “Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl”), and other participating songwriters include Chuck Wicks (“Stealing Cinderella,” “All I Ever Wanted”), Marv Green (“Amazed,” “Wasted,” “It Just Comes Natural”), and Ashley Gorley (“All American Girl,” “Don’t Forget to Remember Me,” “You’re Gonna Miss This”). Tickets are $25 each. For information about Joe’s Pub or to order tickets, visit www.joespub.com.

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Joe Redmond

Joe Redmond has launched Redmond Promotional Services in addition to retaining his position as a promotion executive with Nashville-based Edgehill Music & Media. His extensive experience in record promotion includes senior posts at Warner Bros. Records Nashville, Mediabase, MJI Broadcasting, Lofton Creek Records, Robbins Nashville and Imprint Records. Redmond began his career in radio, working throughout Louisiana as a station manager, sales manager, operations manager, PD and MD.

Redmond Promotional Services has already secured three clients. It will specialize in tracking and analyzing information about song activity at radio, including chart numbers, adds, stations spins, syndication and frozen playlists. It will strive to deliver that information in an easy to understand package.

Sneak Preview of CRS 41

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crs-41Organizers of this year’s Country Radio Seminar have tweeked the format of the educational panels for the coming event, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2010, at the Nashville Convention Center. Panels which were previously tailored to radio station market size, will offer information that can be applied to all  markets, as well as the music industry as a whole.

In response to comments from attendees, the Agenda Committee is making sure that no more than three panels will be held simultaneously. Also, the Sales panels which previously took place the same day have been redistributed throughout the three days of the seminar.

Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s agenda highlights:

Wednesday, Feb. 24: The as-yet-unannounced Keynote Speaker, followed by the Universal Music Group luncheon and showcase, the songwriter event KCRS Live!, the Music City Jam hosted by Taylor Swift, and panels such as Bob Rosner’s “Workplace 911” and “The Taylor Effect,” about the marketing strategies that have been successful for the superstar.

Thursday, Feb. 25: Examples of panels might include: “So You Think You Know How to Do An Artist Interview? You’re Wrong!” “The Great Playlist Debate: Can Passive Be Passionate?” and a special research project. Other events include Sony Music Entertainment’s luncheon and showcase, and BMI/Country Aircheck’s WCRS Live!

Friday, Feb. 26: Friday kicks off with the newly renamed Power Breakfast (formerly Manager’s Breakfast), followed by the Capitol luncheon and showcase. Panels on Friday cover the already confirmed: “PPM Affects Every Facet of Our Industry, and This Means You!” “Arbitron vs. Nielsen” and “51 Great Promotional Ideas in 50 Minutes.” CRS 41 closes with the New Faces of Country Music® Show and Dinner. Performers have yet to be announced.

Registration, a detailed agenda and confirmed panelists can be viewed at the Country Radio Broadcasters Web site: www.CRB.org.

Dierks Celebrates “Sideways” With Tailgate Party

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Dierks Bentley’s team celebrated his latest No. 1, “Sideways,” with a Summer Tailgate Party outside the Sony/ATV offices on Monday, August 10th. Bentley co-wrote the hit with Jim Beavers and it is the second consecutive chart-topper form his album Feel That Fire. His new single is the romantic tune “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes.” Bentley is currently on Brad Paisley’s American Saturday Night tour.

Pictured L--R: BMI's Jody Williams, Jim Beavers, Sony ATV's Troy Tomlinson, ASCAP's Connie Bradley, Dierks Bentley, ASCAP's Pat Rolfe, producer Brett Beavers, Capitol Records Nashville's Mike Dungan, and ASCAP's Mike Sistad.
Pictured L-R: BMI’s Jody Williams, Jim Beavers, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, ASCAP’s Connie Bradley, Dierks Bentley, ASCAP’s Pat Rolfe, producer Brett Beavers, Capitol Records Nashville’s Mike Dungan, and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad.

Brad Allen’s Upstart Working With Buddy Jewell, New Revolution

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Brad Allen

Brad Allen

Brad Allen has launched ALL Entertainment and signed Buddy Jewell as the first artist. After 20 years  in the music business, Allen is weaving his record label management, production, and publishing experience into a full-service entertainment company. The multi-genre, multi-format operation will also handle CCM artists as well as house a movie/DVD division. Allen most recently co-headed A&R at Midas Records and co-produced Adam Gregory’s single “Crazy Days.”

ALL Entertainment has partnered with New Revolution Entertainment to handle radio promotion of Jewell’s first single, due mid-September. This agreement re-aligns Allen with promotion vets Rob Dalton and Jeff Solima, who together reached the top of the Country Music charts with Emerson Drive’s No. 1 single for Midas, “Moments.” New Revolution is also working with new group Gloriana, helping drive its debut single into the Top 15 of the national country charts.

Buddy Jewell

Buddy Jewell

Stay tuned—Allen hints at a number of other announcements on the horizon.

Jewell’s self-titled debut album on Columbia Records was certified Gold, and garnered two back-to-back top five hits with “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out the Rain (Lacey’s Song).”