Chris Tomlin, Lady A Top Christian Radio Chart

Chris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein

CCM superstar Chris Tomlin, with the help of country trio Lady A, has earned his 17th career No. 1 hit, as “Who You Are To Me” tops this week’s Billboard Christian Airplay chart. Tomlin co-wrote the inspirational track alongside Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott.

The song has earned more than 18 million global streams, becoming Tomlin’s biggest hit single since 2015’s “Good Good Father.” “Who You Are To Me” is included on Tomlin’s recent No. 1 album, Chris Tomlin & Friends, a collaboration project featuring Lady A, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, We The Kingdom, and more. “Who You Are To Me,” along with another track from the album, “Thank You Lord,” both hit Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart.

Tomlin is nominated for his first CMA Award, in the Music Event of the Year category for his work on Thomas Rhett’s “Be A Light,” which also features Scott, Reba and Keith Urban.

Jewly Hight, Marquis Munson Join Nashville Radio Station WNXP

Jewly Hight and Marquis Munson have been added to the staff at Nashville Public Radio’s 91.ONE, WNXP. Hight joins as Music Director, while Munson joins as Production Coordinator. WNXP will launch later this fall to offer a platform for Nashville’s diverse local music scene.

In September, Nashville Public Radio named Jason Moon Wilkins as the station’s Program Director.

“Jewly’s work and her passion for Nashville exemplify WNXP’s mission of bringing context to the music and connecting with the community,” Wilkins said. “And Marquis may be the most open- minded music fan I’ve ever met and WNXP listeners will love his welcoming on-air style.”

Acclaimed music journalist Hight arrived in Nashville in 2003 and became a music journalist for the Nashville Scene and a radio reporter at Nashville Public Radio’s 90.3 FM, WPLN News. She contributes to the NPR Arts Desk and NPR Music, and regularly crafts features on Nashville’s music scene for Morning Edition and All Things Considered. She has also written for the New York TimesVulture/New York Magazine, the Los Angeles Times and The Guardian.

“I never tire of exploring Nashville’s musical landscape in search of distinctive voices and visions, and I’m so ready to do that with the WNXP team,” Hight said in a statement.

Radio producer and journalist Munson most recently worked as morning show producer and on-air contributor at ESPN 102.5 The Game in Nashville. Munson has also served as Program Director for Tide 100.9 WTID and hosted a hip-hop show on R&B station WTUG.

“When I first moved to Nashville, I automatically assumed everyone just listened to country music, and it is a huge part of this city,” Munson said. “But one thing I look forward to, and another reason this position intrigued me, was the opportunity to explore other genres plus give these artists a platform to share their music and really show the world why they call this Music City.”

Tim McGraw Earns 44th Radio No. 1 Hit With “I Called Mama”

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw has earned his 44th career No. 1 radio hit with “I Called Mama,” a poignant reminder to stay close to those you love. The song has earned more than 72.7 million streams, and marks McGraw’s fourth decade of earning chart-topping singles, which matches his four-decade streak of No. 1 albums, which he marked with his 16th studio project Here On Earth, released earlier this year.

“I Called Mama,” which was written by Lance Miller, Marv Green and Jimmy Yeary, has become McGraw’s highest career chart debut and reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Digital sales chart.

McGraw’s own mother is featured on cover art for “I Called Mama.” In a recent media virtual Zoom call, McGraw recalled his mother’s devotion to their family.

“She found out she was pregnant with me during her senior year of high school,” he recalled. “She had me young and she didn’t get to graduate because I came along, and then she went through some terrible things early in my life. I know how tough she is, how resilient she is, how strong of a woman she is and how well she raised…me and my two sisters that all grew up together. One thing I really remember, and for her it was probably one of a hundred times that I didn’t see, but I can remember us being on our own, her and me and my two sisters…and her working three jobs just to try to keep the basics in line.”

The song marks McGraw’s first single release since he announced his return to Big Machine Label Group earlier this year. McGraw previously released three albums for Big Machine, including Two Lanes of Freedom (2013), Sundown Heaven Town (2014), and Damn Country Music (2015).

Cumulus Media Appoints Andy Winford As KSKS-FM Program Director

Cumulus Media has named Andy Winford as Program Director for 93.7 KISS Country/KSKS-FM in Fresno, CA. Winford will hold a dual role, continuing as PD for KAT Country 103/KATM-FM in Stockton/Modesto, CA.

Winford has 17 years of radio broadcasting experience and has programmed at KAT Country 103 since 2016.

Patty Hixon, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Fresno, said, “I am thrilled to have Andy join our team in Fresno. KISS is a formidable brand in Central California and having Andy take on this new challenge along with programming KAT Country in Modesto will provide a wonderful synergy never before seen in Central California. Two very historical brands will be super-serving our listeners during this most critical time in our lives. Andy has great knowledge of both markets and platforms…He’ll be a great asset to KISS!”
Winford added, “I couldn’t be more excited to lead Central California’s most powerful country brand. The cupboard is full of excellent talent and a sales and marketing team second to none. Time to go to work!”

Weekly Radio Report (9/25/20)


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BMI, Beasley Media, Xperi HD Radio Launch New ‘100 Years Of Hit Makers’ Series


BMI, Beasley Media Group, and Xperi’s HD Radio are launching a new series called “100 Years of Hit Makers,” which is part of a year-long campaign to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the first commercial radio broadcast in the U.S., and to highlight the continuing importance of radio, especially in our current climate.

The series will take noted songwriters from the country, rock, R&B, and hip-hop genres and offer fans a behind the scenes glimpse into the writing of their hits. Among the writers included in the series are John Oates, Ed Roland of Collective Soul, Jesse Frasure, Daniel Tashian, and many others as well as up-and-coming writers from the genres. “100 Years of Hitmakers” will air on 33 Beasley Media Group radio stations, as well as on demand at bbgi.com/hitmakers.

“After years of close partnership, we’re thrilled to celebrate this landmark anniversary with our friends at Beasley Media Group and Xperi’s HD Radio,” said Mason Hunter, AVP, Creative, BMI Nashville. “Songwriting and the radio have been deeply intertwined throughout the last century. Songs find new life on the radio and we’re honored to help elevate the significant connection between the art of songwriting and radio in this series.”

“Many of us in radio, including myself, pursued a career in broadcasting because of our passion for music,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. “As we celebrate the centennial of radio, it is an honor to be part of such a great tribute to the hit makers who have helped shape the course of the entertainment business throughout the last 100 years.”

“Radio has never been more important as a source of information, breaking news, and entertainment, than it is today,” said Joe D’Angelo, Xperi’s Senior Vice President Radio.  “Xperi’s HD Radio is proud to continue its mission of amplifying consumers’ enjoyment of radio as it moves into its next 100 years.  We are delighted to join BMI and Beasley Media Group to celebrate this radio milestone with some of the most exciting songwriters and hitmakers making music today.”

Xperi’s HD Radio is the most successfully deployed digital radio system worldwide, with 2,500+ stations and 70 million receivers in the market.

Label Execs To Discuss Lessons Learned In 2020 During CRS360 Panel


The next installment of the Country Radio Broadcasters’ CRS360 series, titled “Record Labels: 20 Things We’ve Learned In ’20,” is set to take place Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. CT.The new episode will examine how the music industry has learned to expose, engage, and further develop artists and music over the past six months. Promotion, marketing, digital, and social media executives from the Nashville label community will share “20 Things We’ve Learned In ’20,” along with discussing practices that might remain when “the new normal” settles in.  In order to more thoroughly share this important content, September CRS360 will be an expanded, 75-minute session.

The webinar will feature panelists Matt Brum (Big Machine Label Group), David Friedman (VP/Promotion, UMG Nashville), Shelly Hargis Gaines (VP/Promotion, Broken Bow Records), Laura Hostelley (Dir./Marketing, Triple Tigers Records), Laurel Kittleson (VP/Artist Development & A&R, Curb Records), Maurisa Pasick (Mountain Road Records), and Shari Roth (National Director of Radio & Streaming, WEA Nashville). The panel will be moderated by Michelle Tigard Kammerer (Sr. Director, National Promotion, Big Machine Label Group).

“For September’s CRS360, we’ll focus on the music industry, with a stellar and diverse panel, sharing ’20 Things We’ve Learned In ’20,’ as they relate to promotion and marketing of new music,” said CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis. “It’s an understatement to say the past six months have been disruptive, for obvious reasons, but a positive unintended consequence has been a period of innovation and creativity perhaps never seen before in our business. We’re excited and proud to shine the spotlight on our label friends, and the incredible work they’re doing every day for their respective artists.”

Those interested in registering for Record Labels: 20 Things We’ve Learned In ’20” can sign up here. A limited number of slots are available based on a first-come, first-served basis. Last month’s installment of CRS360, “The Workplace Ain’t What It Used to Be. Now What?”  discussed managing expectations and maximized productivity when we return to the workplace, and is now available for playback along with other previous CRS360 webinars at countryradioseminar.com/crs360.

Apple Launches Apple Music Radio


Apple has announced two new live global radio offerings on Apple Music.

Beats 1 will be renamed Apple Music 1 and two additional radio stations are launching, including country station Apple Music Country and Apple Music Hits, spotlighting music from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s.

“For the past five years, if ever there was a meaningful moment in music culture, Beats 1 was there bringing human curation to the forefront and drawing in listeners with exclusive shows from some of the most innovative, respected, and beloved people in music,” said Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music, Beats, and International Content.

“Now, Apple Music radio provides an unparalleled global platform for artists across all genres to talk about, create, and share music with their fans, and this is just the beginning. We will continue to invest in live radio and create opportunities for listeners around the world to connect with the music they love.”

Apple Music 1 has studios in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York and London and is led by cornerstone presenters including Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, Brooke Reese, Dotty, Hanuman Welch, Matt Wilkinson, Nadeska, Rebecca Judd, and Travis Mills, and offers a lineup of shows from the biggest names in music, including Action Bronson, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Joe Kay, Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, Vince Staples, and The Weeknd, as well as new shows from Aitch, Kerwin Frost, HAIM, Lady Gaga, Nile Rodgers, Travis Scott, Young M.A, and many more.

Apple Music Country will be led by daily on-air hosts Kelleigh Bannen, Ty Bentli, Bree, Alecia Davis, Ward Guenther, Nada, and Tiera, plus weekly shows from Ashley Eicher and Kelly McCartney. Fans can also enjoy new exclusive shows from artists like Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, BRELAND, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Morgan Evans, Florida Georgia Line, Pat Green, Willie Jones, Chrissy Metz, Midland, Rissi Palmer, The Shires, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen, alongside shows from producers and songwriters like Dave Cobb, Jesse Frasure, and Luke Laird, and journalist Hunter Kelly.

Apple Music Hits will be helmed by daily on-air hosts Jayde Donovan, Estelle, Lowkey, Jenn Marino, Sabi, Nicole Sky and Natalie Sky, George Stroumboulopoulos (“House of Strombo”), along with special shows from Ari Melber and others. Fans can also tune in to hear new exclusive shows from artists like Backstreet Boys, Ciara, Mark Hoppus, Huey Lewis, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, and more.

Riser House Records Shuffles Promotion Team

Pictured: Jeff Davis, Roger Fregoso

Riser House Records has reorganized its promotion staff, with Jeff Davis taking the helm of the East Coast region, and Roger Fregoso taking over the West Coast region. Sally Allgeier remains the Central Region Director and Shannon Edge serves as Coordinator. Each reports to Riser House’s new Sr. VP Promotion, Bob Reeves.

“His love of music & tenacious promotion skills makes him a perfect player for the new Riser House three-regional configuration,” Reeves says of Davis.

Reeves adds, “I’m thrilled to be reunited with my former colleague, Roger Fregoso (who segues from the same post at 19th & Grand) shared time with me and Sally at Reviver/1608/DavMo. His immitigable spirit, passion & dedication to the format will be a boon to the new team and I can’t wait to get started working with them all!”

Davis and Fregoso will begin their new roles on Monday, Aug. 17. Davis can be reached at jeff@riserhouse.com. Fregoso can be reached at roger@riserhouse.com.

19th & Grand will announce their new West Coast Regional soon.

Taylor Swift Returns To Country Radio With “Betty”


Taylor Swift is returning to country radio with the harmonica-laced ballad “Betty,” from the superstar’s recently-released album folklore. Country radio stations in Nashville, New York, and Tulsa are among those already playing the track, though its official add date is Aug. 17.

“Betty” will be worked to country radio by Universal Music Group’s MCA Nashville imprint (Swift signed to Universal Music Group in 2018). Swift is a co-writer on the song, which she also co-produced alongside Jack Antonoff and The National’s Aaron Dessner.

Swift’s most recent song to gain traction in the country market came with last year’s “Soon You’ll Get Better” (ft. The Chicks), which reached No. 10 on the Hot Country Songs chart. In 2018, “New Year’s Day,” the closing track to Swift’s album reputation, reached No. 41 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart.

One week after Swift surprised fans with the unexpected release, folklore has become the top-selling album of 2020, with more than 2 million in global sales and more than half a billion total streams on audio and video in seven days. The album reached No. 1 on iTunes in more than 85 countries.

Swift is the only female artist to have seven albums each sell at least 500,000 copies in a single week, with the albums Fearless, Speak Now, RED, 1989, reputation, Lover, and now folklore.

Last week, folklore broke the global record for first day album streams on Spotify by a female artist with 80.6 million streams and delivered the most-streamed pop album on Apple Music in 24 hours with 35.47M streams.