No. 1 Party: A Thousand Horses Are Smoking Hot

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): ASCAP’s Jon Nite, ATH’s Graham Deloach, Zach Brown, and Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Katherine Susemichael, Kelsey Hamrick, and Andrew Thoen. (Front row): BMLG’s Matthew Hargis, BMI’s Ross Copperman, BMLG’s John Zarling, ATH’s Michael Hobby, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Stacy Blythe and Angie Coonrod. Photo: Steve Lowry

South Bar & Restaurant in Nashville was the site for celebrating the No. 1 song “Smoke,” by Republic Nashville’s A Thousand Horses. It is the band’s debut single and their first No. 1.

The event was hosted by BMI and ASCAP and started with Perry Howard recognizing BMI writers Ross Copperman and A Thousand Horses’ Michael Hobby, who co-wrote the song with ASCAP’s Jon Nite. It is also the first No. 1 single produced by Dave Cobb.

“Smoke” marks the first No. 1 for Hobby as a writer and as an artist. It is Copperman’s fourth chart-topper as a writer.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad took to the stage to congratulate Nite on his fourth No. 1 and said that he currently has four other songs on the chart, and is a 2015 CMA Triple Play Award recipient.

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): ASCAP’s Jon Nite, ATH’s Graham Deloach, Zach Brown, and Bill Satcher, BMLG’s Katherine Susemichael, Kelsey Hamrick, and Andrew Thoen. (Front row): BMLG’s Matthew Hargis, BMI’s Ross Copperman, BMLG’s John Zarling, ATH’s Michael Hobby, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Stacy Blythe and Angie Coonrod  MEDIA ONLY – https://bmlg.box.com/s/4b2c8wtb7140nojjesd34pu3h39e9tvd Photo Credit: Steve Lowry Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh VanValkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad MEDIA ONLY – https://bmlg.box.com/s/6bw18ma9gwb4es43mbv2x7l6c8jpleha Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured: (L-R): (back row): Warner Chappell’s Travis Carter, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, BMI’s Perry Howard, ATH’s Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher and Graham Deloach. (Front row): Producer Dave Cobb, BMI’s Ross Copperman, ASCAP’s Jon Nite, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Steve Lowry

Executive Vice President of Republic Nashville, Jimmy Harnen, made it known that this was the 15th No. 1 song for the label in only six years. He thanks the band’s manager Scott McGhee for bringing them to his attention, which led to them being signed to the label.

Harnen introduced Big Machine President and CEO, Scott Borchetta and congratulated him on his 171 No. 1 songs. Borchetta reciprocated by saying, “there isn’t anyone I trust more than Jimmy Harnen. When he came to me and said he wanted to sign this band, I had never heard them but it didn’t matter because Jimmy was so passionate about them.”

Copperman remembered going to see the band for the first time. “I feel like I was watching a historical moment. They are so good for our format.”

Nite said that A Thousand Horses plays rock ‘n’ roll music and “the format that we have today has allowed that to happen. I appreciate you guys for playing the music your soul wants to play.”

Hobby called his band “a band of brothers,” and said, “we’ve been doing this a long time together and to share this experience with you guys is pretty amazing.”

Also making presentations were Travis Carter of Warner/Chappell, Josh Van Valkenburg of Sony/ATV, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and reps from the CMA and CRB.

Lynn Anderson’s Final Recording Goes To Radio

lynn anderson drift away gospelIn the final months of her life, Lynn Anderson completed the recording of new album Bridges. From that project, “Drift Away Gospel” was the cut she selected to be the first single. The song is now being released to country radio.

Anderson’s daughter, Lisa Sutton, says, “Bridges is Mom’s first religious CD in her long career of making music. It has been our soundtrack the past few months and now it’s become the perfect memoir. Like a gift left behind, delivered as only Mom can… It’s almost like it was meant to be.”

Nancy Tunick’s GrassRoots Promotion is spearheading promotion efforts.

Anderson passed away on July 31 at age 67.

No. 1 Party: “Love Me Like You Mean It”

Pictured (l-r): Black River Entertainment's Gordon Kerr and Celia Froelig, Kerr, Whitehead, Ballerini, Carpenter, Parallel Music Publishing's Tim Hunze and ASCAP's Mike Sistad. Photo by Ed Rode.

Pictured (l-r): Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr and Celia Froehlig, Josh Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead, Kelsea Ballerini, Lance Carpenter, Parallel Music Publishing’s Tim Hunze and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Ed Rode

It was a celebration of “firsts” at the ASCAP building in Nashville on Monday, Aug. 10. Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini scored her first No. 1 as an artist and songwriter with her hit “Love Me Like You Mean It.” It is the debut single from Ballerini’s first album titled, The First Time.

The three other co-writers on the song, Josh Kerr, Forest Glen Whitehead, and Lance Carpenter, were also recognized as No. 1 songwriters for the first time.

Additionally, Whitehead was credited for his first No. 1 as a producer.

Black River Entertainment’s label team can also now say they have a No. 1 single.

“Love Me Like You Mean It” also marks Ballerini as the first solo female to take her debut single to No. 1 since Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” in 2006.

During the event, Michael Martin and Mike Sistad of ASCAP welcomed the crowd and introduced the song’s publishers to honor their writers. Taking to the mic were Parallel Entertainment’s Tim Hunze and Black River’s Celia Froehlig.

Also on hand to speak were CRB’s Bill Mayne, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and Brandi Simms of the CMA.

Lance Carpenter encouraged everyone to “Get your tissues out because I got mine.” He remembered the writing session for the song as a “fun night” and was “thankful to be standing up here today.”

Josh Kerr also shed proud tears as he described that day as a dream come true and simply unbelievable. Kerr is also a co-writer on Ballerini’s current single “Dibs,” and two other songs on the album.

Forest Glen Whitehead thanked Ballerini for allowing him to produce the song.

As Bellerini spoke to the crowd, she said that it’s important to always look forward, and added that it is equally important to not forget to look back. “I look back and remember that this song wasn’t supposed to work, but it did,” she said. “Looking back is so beautiful. I love you all and I mean it.”

Ballerini and ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta

Ballerini and ASCAP EVP of Membership John Titta.

Tracy Lawrence Radio Show Scores Syndication

Tracy Lawrence

Tracy Lawrence

Tracy Lawrence’s radio show, Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence, will make it syndicated debut at 12 p.m. CT, Sunday, Aug. 16 on Nashville’s WSM-AM.  

The three-hour show, produced by Silverfish and syndicated through Compass Media Networks, features hits from the 1980s, ‘90s and early 2000s, interviews and special guests (which have previously included Reba McEntire, John Anderson, and more), contests, prizes and audience interaction through calls and social media. 

“I’m so excited about WSM picking up my show,” Lawrence said. “It is such a huge thing for the show to be heard not only in Nashville but through all of our affiliates around the country. I started hosting ‘Honky Tonkin’’ in January with the desire to keep more of the traditional country sound alive with an emphasis on honky-tonk music. I feel that there is such a huge demand from the fans for this [type of programming], and with WSM picking up the show, it really validates that point. Let’s keep it country.”

Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence has secured more than 30 stations in its first six months of existence.

“Tracy Lawrence is one of the core artists of our format who can genuinely reach out to his fans and constantly builds an audience that is loyal and true to him,” said Dean Warfield, program director for 650 AM WSM.

Lawrence has over a dozen radio hits (“Sticks and Stones,” “Alibis,” “Texas Tornado,” “Time Marches On,” “Paint Me A Birmingham,” “Find Out Who Your Friends Are”), and over 13 million albums sold. He does almost 100 live appearances each year.

Tracy Lawrence radio show

Weekly Chart Report (8/7/15)

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Phillips Fills iHeartCountry Leadership Vacancy

RodPhillips15

Rod Phillips.

iHeartMedia has announced Rod Phillips as leader of its Nashville-based iHeartCountry team after the departure of Clay Hunnicutt to Big Loud Records.

With more than 20 years experience, Phillips previously served as iHeartMedia’s Senior Vice President of Programming for the Southeast Region. Additionally, he has been the Program Director and on-air personality for KISS 103.5 in Chicago, and Operations Manager for iHeartMedia’s Miami-Ft. Lauderdale cluster. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky.

The iHeartCountry team also includes Brand Coordinators Doug Montgomery, Steve Geoffries, Gregg Swedberg and Chad Heritage. Personalities and shows including Tige and Daniel; The Crook and Chase Countdown; CMT After Midnight With Cody Alan; and The Bobby Bones Show, which Phillips helped develop.

The brand hosts its iHeartRadio Country Festival and original programing like Artists On The Verge, Artist Integration Programs, iHeartRadio Album Release Parties, its Country Music Summit. There are more than 140 country broadcast radio stations signed onto the brand across the U.S., reaching more than 97 million listeners per month.

“Because country is also one of the closest-knit music and radio communities, it’s important that iHeartCountry has a leader like Rod who knows both the people behind the music and the nuances of the format,” said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms, iHeartMedia. “Given his programming experience with more than 40 Country stations, Rod is the right person to lead the iHeartCountry team and continue to build our Country platform for the benefit of our listeners, advertisers and the country music community.”

“I’m thrilled to have this amazing opportunity; country music is truly my passion and being able to collaborate with all of our incredible country brands, and the country music community directly, will be a privilege,” said Phillips.

No. 1 Party: ‘Don’t It’ Celebrates Top Nashville Songwriters

Pictured (l-r): "Don't It" co-writers Ross Copperman and Ashley Gorley, Billy Currington, and co-writer Jaren Johnston Photos by Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): “Don’t It” co-writers Ross Copperman and Ashley Gorley, Billy Currington, and co-writer Jaren Johnston. Photo: Ed Rode

The CMA Office in Nashville was host to a celebration of Billy Currington’s “Don’t It” as a No. 1 hit song on Monday August 3.

Hosted by ASCAP and BMI, Currington and songwriters Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley and Jaren Johnston were all honored and were addressed several times as some of the best in town.

ASCAP’s Mike Sistad recognized Johnston as a tireless worker who performs every weekend as the front man for The Cadillac Three, and then gets up every morning during the week to write a hit songs. “Don’t It” is Johnston’s sixth chart topper.

“I definitely need to thank my parents, who are here today,” said Johnston. “My dad used to put money in my account when I didn’t have any. I’d go and buy shoes instead of water and bread. Somehow, that worked out for me.”

Those in attendance were reminded of Gorley’s accomplished career so far. He has had over 300 of his songs recorded with 21 No. 1 songs, including Luke Bryan’s current No. 1, “Kick The Dust Up.”

Gorley stated, “I know it takes a nation to make this happen and we don’t take it for granted. There is a long list of people that need to be thanked.”

Leslie Roberts of BMI congratulated Copperman on this, his 4th No. 1 as a songwriter. He also has three songs currently on the chart. (Jake Owen’s “Real Life,” Keith Urban’s “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” and Brett Eldredge’s “Lose My Mind.”) In addition to being a hit songwriter, Copperman is also an accomplished producer.

“Don’t It” has become Currington’s 10th No. 1 song as an artist. He said this was the first song pitched to him for his sixth studio album, Summer Forever, which was produced by Dann Huff. He praised his Mercury Nashville promo team.

Also taking to the mic were UMGN Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan, Sony ATV’s Sr. VP Josh Van Valkenburg, Combustion Music’s VP Chris “The Falcon” Van Belkom, Cooper Samuels of Avenue Bank (who announced a charitable contribution to ACM’s Lifting Lives) and representatives from CRB and CMA.

Pictured (l-r, front row): Co-writer Ross Copperman, Billy Currington, and co-writers Ashley Gorley and Jaren Johnston; (back row) ​Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Warner Chappell Music Publishing's Ben Vaughn, BMI's Leslie Roberts, Sony ATV Music Publishing's Josh Van Valkenburg, Combustion Music's Chris Van Belkom and ASCAP's Mike Sistad

Pictured (L-R, front row): Co-writer Ross Copperman, Billy Currington, and co-writers Ashley Gorley and Jaren Johnston; (back row) ​UMGN Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan, Warner Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, Combustion Music’s Chris Van Belkom and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad

Weekly Chart Report (7/31/15)

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Industry Ink: Jerrod Niemann, Mickey Jack Cones, Renegade Radio, Songwriters For Second Harvest

Niemann’s “Blue Bandana”

Jerrod Niemann’s “Blue Bandana” was the most-added song at country radio this week, with a career high of 83 first-week stations added on Billboard and Country Aircheck. The Sony staff bandana-ed up in tribute and gathered with Niemann to celebrate the feat at the label.

Pictured: (L-R): FRONT – Arista Nashville Regional Promotion Managers Lauren Thomas and Rusty Sherrill; Jenny Shearin, Promotion Specialist, Arista Nashville; CENTER – Andy Elliott, Director, National Promotion, Arista Nashville; Lesly Tyson, VP, Promotion, Arista Nashville; Christy Garbinski, Promotion Representative, Sony Music Nashville; R.G. Jones, Director, Promotion/Strategy & Analysis; and, BACK – Steve Hodges, EVP, Promotion & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville; Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Jerrod Nieman; Ken Robold, EVP & COO, Sony Music Nashville; and, John Sigler, Director, National Promotion, Arista Nashville

Pictured: (L-R): Front– Arista Nashville Regional Promotion Managers Lauren Thomas and Rusty Sherrill; Jenny Shearin, Promotion Specialist, Arista Nashville; Center – Andy Elliott, Director, National Promotion, Arista Nashville; Lesly Tyson, VP, Promotion, Arista Nashville; Christy Garbinski, Promotion Representative, Sony Music Nashville; R.G. Jones, Director, Promotion/Strategy & Analysis; and, Back – Steve Hodges, EVP, Promotion & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville; Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville; Jerrod Nieman; Ken Robold, EVP & COO, Sony Music Nashville; and, John Sigler, Director, National Promotion, Arista Nashville

Cones Wedding in Mexico

Producer Mickey Jack Cones (Joe Nichols. Trace Adkins, Dustin Lynch) married Shannon Danielle Harvey July 25 on the Mexican island of Isla Mujeres where they are also honeymooning. The guests of the ocean front wedding included 24 of their immediate family members from Texas and Alabama, and friends.

Micky Jack Cones

Shannon Danielle Harvey and Micky Jack Cones

renegade radioLynn Goes Renegade

Robby Lynn has joined Renegade Radio Nashville as host of the morning show from 8-12 noon Monday-Fridays. Lynn will continue his Sunday’s Kind Of Country show, which he has hosted for the past 20 years, from Music City, and will also host a special show on Tuesdays, Hometown Check-In, where calls will be made back to his hometown of Vidor, Texas to check out what is happening in and around the city. He will also host a writer’s rounds show where he will interview a new songwriter each week.

unnamed-11Tomato Love

Local songwriters will take to the stage to help the hungry at “For The Love Of Tomatoes,” a food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Aug. 10. Leah Turner, SaraBeth, Jordyn Stoddard, Sandra Lynn, Colby Dee, Sasha McVeigh, Lindsey Highlander, April Kry, and Mary Sarah will perform at the benefit at Dan McGuinness Irish Pub at 6 p.m., and canned goods will be accepted at the door for admission. All proceeds will go directly to Second Harvest.

Industry Ink: Valory, MV2, Bear Family Records

Shari Roth

Shari Roth

Shari Roth To Exit Valory, Postion To Be Filled

The Valory Music Co. is looking for a new team member to fill the Northeast Promotions Director position as Shari Roth pursues other endeavors beginning Aug. 31.

Requirements include a winning attitude, passion for music, creative mind, ability to travel, ability to communicate with radio and the desire to win.

Resumes should be sent to SVP/Promotion George Briner at george.briner@valorymail.com.

MV2 Entertainment Signs Robert Arthur

MV2 Entertainment has signed writer Robert Arthur to a publishing deal. The South Carolina native spent years on the road playing guitar for Brad Paisley, Jeff Bates, Melody Crittenden and most recently The Henningsens, and has written for both EMI and indie publisher Baccerstick Music before coming to MV2.

Arthur has had numerous cuts by artists including Chris Young, Trace Adkins, and Paisley, including co-writing Paisley’s Grammy® nominated track “Playing with Fire.” Additionally, Arthur has experienced success in the Gospel genre including the CCM No. 1 “Please Come Back” with Michelle Tume and “Over The Cross” by Eighth Day.

“We are so excited about having Robert Arthur onboard with MV2,” said General Manager Tony Harrell. “He brings depth and experience as a writer as well as being a great musician.”

“I couldn’t be more proud and honored to be part of the MV2 family,” shared Arthur. “This is a great group of people, who all share my philosophies on life, family, business and music. I am confident that I will flourish and grow here as songwriter. I look forward to a long successful relationship with MV2.”

Pictured: (L-R): Clay Myers, Robert Arthur, Chip Petree (Arthur's attorney), and Tony Harrell

Pictured: (L-R): Clay Myers, Robert Arthur, Chip Petree (Arthur’s attorney), and Tony Harrell.

Belmont’s Don Cusic Celebrates Bear Family Birthday

Bear Family Records recently celebrated its 40th anniversary at the company’s headquarters in Bremen, Germany. Bear is known for its multi-disc releases and boxed set books that chronicle an artist’s career, including projects on Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Johnny Horton. Among those celebrating at the event were Richard Weize, founder of Bear Family Records, and Belmont University’s Don Cusic.

Pictured (L-R): Richard Weize, founder of Bear Family Records, and Don Cusic. Photo by Tony Byworth

Pictured (L-R): Richard Weize (left), founder of Bear Family Records, and Don Cusic. Photo: Tony Byworth