Bobby Bones Hosts Star-Studded 6th Annual Million Dollar Benefit Show

/by

Bobby Bones during the 6th annual Million Dollar Show. Photo: Reid Yarberry

Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots celebrated a sold-out 6th annual Million Dollar Show at the Ryman Auditorium last night (Feb. 22), raising over $200,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In addition to performances from Bones & The Raging Idiots, the show featured Parker McCollum, Randy Houser, Deana Carter, Michelle Branch, The Wreckers, Madeline Edwards and Dave’s Highway. Fans were also treated to surprise appearances from Dierks Bentley, Creed’s Scott Stapp, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, Morgan Evans and Jake Owen.

Addie Pratt performing with Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood at the 6th annual Million Dollar Show. Photo: Reid Yarberry

Highlights from the show included the touching moment when Kelley and Haywood were joined by a special guest, Addie Pratt, a country music fan and former St. Jude patient. With the Lady A members backing her on stage, Pratt sang “The Woman That I Am,” an original song she wrote alongside the two and producer Nathan Chapman.

Towards the end, Bones was also surprised with an award presented by Owen and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to recognize his avid support of the organization. Since 2014, Bones and The Bobby Bones Show have raised over $22 million for the cause. Additionally, the all-star event was recorded for an upcoming broadcast on Circle Network and iHeartRadio, with dates to be announced soon.

Bones is now gearing up to guest host The Rich Eisen Show next week, and recently served as co-host of this year’s Live from E!: Grammys red carpet alongside Laverne Cox.

Ernest Performs At Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Troubadour Kickoff Party

/by

Pictured (L-R, back row): Ben Hall, Zach Farnum, Ernest and Patrick Thomas. (L-R, front row): Katherine Smith, Katie Cline Moore and Lisa Purcell. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Ernest entertained members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour program at their annual kickoff party on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

The Troubadour membership program aims to engage young leaders, ages 21-45, in the museum’s mission, build lifelong relationships between members and the nonprofit museum, and create a special networking space that unites music lovers. For Troubadour members, the museum hosts quarterly networking events including concerts and exhibit previews.

The special show included hits “Flower Shops” and “What Have I Got to Lose,” from Ernest’s recently released deluxe edition of  Flower Shops (The Album). Earlier this month, the Variety Hitmaker was honored with a CMA Triple Play Award.

Ernest performing at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour program kickoff. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Ernest’s songwriting credits include Florida Georgia Line‘s “I Love My Country,” Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof,” “Wasted on You” and “More Than My Hometown” as well as Chris Lane‘s “Big, Big Plans,” Diplo‘s “Heartless” and Kane Brown‘s “One Mississippi.”

Reba McEntire Joins Upcoming Season Of ‘The Voice’ As Mega Mentor

/by

Reba McEntire. Photo: Robby Klein

Reba McEntire is set to appear on NBC’s The Voice this season. The superstar will serve as a Mega Mentor on season 23 of the four-time, Emmy-winning music competition, which premieres Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. CT.

She joins fellow coaches Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan and Blake Shelton to mentor the remaining artists, who have made it through the Battle Rounds as each team prepares for the Knockouts, beginning April 17. This isn’t McEntire’s first appearance on the show — she also served as Battle Advisor to Team Blake during the competition’s inaugural season, and returns to help as he coaches his final group of artists and bids farewell to the competition.

McEntire has 35 career No. 1s and has sold more than 58 million albums worldwide. She recently earned her 60th top 10 on the Billboard country chart, extending her record for the most top 10 hits among female artists. She plans to return to the road for the spring leg of her “Reba: Live In Concert” tour beginning March 9 in Jacksonville.

Chase Wright To Embark On ‘Hurt No More Tour’

/by

Chase Wright will embark on his new headlining “Hurt No More Tour” beginning March 24.

Named for Wright’s recent song “Hurt No More,” the 17-date journey comes on the heels of supporting multi-Platinum country group Parmalee on their tour. Wright says his growing fanbase is to thank for this new tour which kicks off in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Even when in the writing room, we always have the end goal of performing them live for fans,” Wright shares. “It’s what influences everything, that connection. I’m so grateful for the way this music has resonated with people across the country and that the moment has come to tour with all this new music.”

Last month, Wright, who is managed by Morris Higham and signed to Toby & Molly Music, released “Never Loved Before” which he co-wrote with Jeffrey East and Josh Kelley.

Kane Brown To Co-Host CMT Awards, Guest Star In ‘Fire Country’

/by

Photo credit: John Shearer

Kane Brown is set to return as co-host of the 2023 CMT Music Awards alongside Kelsea Ballerini, for Austin’s first major televised awards airing live from Moody Center on April 2 on CBS.

Brown, who was the most-nominated artist for the 2022 CMT Music Awards, will also perform during the show, teaming with wife Katelyn Brown for the broadcast world premiere of their multi-week No. 1 hit, “Thank God.” The history-making duet has over 210 million streams and cements the Browns as only the second married couple in country music history to earn a No. 1 on both the Billboard and Aircheck charts.

“Kane Brown is a genre-defying force and an electric live performer who continues to break barriers and smash records,” the CMT Music Awards producers share. “He and Kelsea are both seasoned pros and an unstoppable duo with mega charisma, star power and global appeal to match. We couldn’t pick a more dynamic pair to helm our show’s first ever move to Austin in what is sure to be one of our most memorable yet—and can’t wait for him and Katelyn to together share the stage for what will be an unforgettable, world premiere performance.”

The CMT Music Awards, country’s only entirely fan-voted award show, will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service as well as on demand. Essential-tier subscribers will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

Following the awards, Brown will make his acting debut on the new drama Fire Country on April 7 on CBS and Paramount+. Brown portrays Robin, an enigmatic, train-hopping outlaw on the run who helps injured patients on the scene of a crash in the episode.

“As soon as Kane stepped onto set it felt like he had been a part of the Fire Country family from the beginning,” shares series star and creator, Max Thieriot. “I was really blown away by how natural and honest he is in each scene. To top it off he’s just a wonderful person—kind, excited to learn and fun to be around… dude is the real deal!”

Brown’s most recent album, Different Man, includes the Platinum No. 1 single “One Mississippi,” and “Like I Love Country Music” which is his fastest rising No. 1 in the U.S. while also topping the Australian Country Radio chart and landing at No. 1 for 7 consecutive weeks at Canadian Country Radio. His most recent single “Thank God,” featuring wife Katelyn, has accumulated over 10 million streams in the first week, a career high for Brown.

Industry Ink: Corey Kent, Nashville Briefing, AIMP, CMHOF

/by

Corey Kent Hit “Wild As Her” Certified Platinum

Corey Kent, Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management and Combustion Music celebrate Kent’s smash hit single “Wild As Her” with a plaque commemorating R.I.A.A. certified Platinum status at SMN’s headquarters

Corey Kent recently celebrated his single “Wild As Her” reaching an RIAA Platinum certification with his teams from Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, and Combustion Music. Kent released “Wild As Her” on March 4, 2022, shortly before signing with Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Imprint.

For his rock-infused country sound, Kent draws inspiration from The Eagles, Keith Richards, Turnpike Troubadours and more. He has two albums out now—From The West LP and ‘21—both released via Combustion Music. With headlining and festival credits logged, Kent has been the supporting act for artists including Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Chase Rice, and more over the years.

 

Nashville Briefing Celebrates 30 Under 30 Honorees

Pictured (L-R): Will Tenney (SunPop), JJ Farrell (Jump Global), Nick Maiale (Jump Global), Blair Miller (Chaos Creators), Zak Kuhn (Nashville Briefing), Avery King Harris (Elicity PR), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb), Ali Patton. Photo Credit: Hannah Kik

The Nashville Briefing held its 30 Under 30 Celebration for some of the most powerful people in Nashville under age 30. Attendees ranging from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to successful young artists and executives joined the party at The 8th Room on Feb. 15. The music industry newsletter, in its third year of publication, presented this night alongside Stem.

“Last week we gathered many leaders in Nashville’s music industry to celebrate the next generation in the business, shine a spotlight on them and build community,” says Zak Kuhn, founder & CEO of The Nashville Briefing. “Three years in, being included on our 30 UNDER 30 list has already had so many benefits from networking, to creating new opportunities, to being more visible in the industry. We’ve built a community of honorees that […] continue supporting each other’s careers. I also want to thank Stem for all they are doing in Nashville and for being an amazing partner to the next generation.”

Some notable attendees included John Oates (Hall & Oates), Judah Akers (Judah & The Lion), Yelawolf, Copeland Isaacson (Head of Artist Partnerships – YouTube Nashville), Blake McDaniel (Agent, CAA), Spencer Crandall, Johnny Cloherty, (CEO, Songfluencer) Carla Turi (Editor, Spotify), Roxy King (A&R Director, Universal Music Publishing Group), Zach Farnum (117 Entertainment), Andre Herd (Director of A&R, APG), Rocky Block (songwriter, Big Loud) and duo Temecula Road (Warner Music Nashville).

 

 

AIMP Hosts “Things You Didn’t Know You Needed To Know” Panel

Pictured (L-R): Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Brent Daughrity (Anderson Benson), Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), Greyson Stephens (Big Machine Label Group), Trina Smith-Dort (Me Gusta Music), Emily Boardman (River House Artists)

The Association of Independent Music Publishers Nashville Chapter hosted a panel, “Things You Didn’t Know You Needed To Know,” on Feb. 17. This panel, moderated by Trina Smith-Dort (Owner, Me Gusta Music), tackled the collection of publishing royalties and the protections of copyright insurance.

Brent Daughrity (Partner, Anderson Benson) and Grayson Stepehens (Sr. Director of Royalties & Finance, Big Machine Label Group) were the event’s featured panelists.

AIMP, whose primary focus is to educate and inform music publishers about the most current industry trends and practices, hosted this event at the CMA offices in Nashville.

 

CMHOF Opens New Dick Curless Legacy Exhibit

Pictured (L-R): Terry Chinnock (Curless’s daughter), Peter Guralnick, Jake Guralnick, Michael Gray and Chuck Mead. Photo courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the new exhibit, “Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man From Maine,” this weekend with a special performance and discussion program.

This exhibit traces the life and legacy Dick Curless, including his hit song “A Tombstone Every Mile” and through his final album, Traveling Through. “Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man From Maine” features instruments, stage wear, and personal artifacts courtesy of the Curless family and is open through January 2024.

As the featured speakers for the evening, co-curator of the exhibit, Peter Guralnick, was joined by his son, Jake Guralnick, who produced Curless’ final album. The night also saw a tribute to Curless performed by Chuck Mead of BR549. Both the discussion and performance were filmed and will be available for streaming on the museum’s website.

BB Gun Press, MixedMediaWorks Merge To Form 2b Entertainment

/by

BB Gun Press and MixedMediaWorks have joined forces to form 2b Entertainment.

Based in L.A. and helmed by Luke Burland and Bobbie Gale, 2b Entertainment represents clients across the entertainment spectrum, including music, lifestyle, film, television, business and corporate, design and fashion. The firm specializes in a wide range of communication and media strategies, which encompasses legacy and emerging media, brand-building, thought leadership, influencer and lifestyle campaigns, integrated storytelling, talent acquisition, event planning and support, and more.

The company’s diverse roster includes Shania Twain, Steve Earle, Brian Tyler, Danny Elfman, Holly Humberstone, Josh Groban, Julian Casablancas, Justin Tranter, Maggie Lindemann, Meghan Trainor, My Chemical Romance, OK Go, Saleka Shyamalan, and many more. Corporate accounts include CITI, +1 Records, Laylo, Dad Grass, Muserk, and Cosm.

“MixedMediaWorks was founded on the principle that we only work on projects we believe in,” shares Gale. “It means we can remain completely dedicated to the select group of clients we take on. We’re excited to be working with Luke and her team as they share the same values: honesty, loyalty, hard work, open and constant communication and being the best partners to our clients.

“Our plan is simple: keep working with clients we love, deliver incredible results and have some fun along the way,” adds Burland. “God, I love this job.”

Canyon Star TV Unveils New Family-Friendly Streaming Platform

/by

Canyon Star TV has launched its new streaming platform featuring classic movies, documentaries, musical programs and thousands of hours worth of wholesome family entertainment.

Exclusive content includes Cheri Lucas (The Dog Expert), Victory Road with Lee Benton and thirty-nine episodes of The Joey Canyon Show, along with new music performances and over 25 original television shows that will soon begin production. Canyon Star TV also offers documentaries on Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, ABBA and The Beatles, cooking shows including Paula Dean’s Positively Paula, Justin Wilson Cajun Cookin’, Jill’s Inspiration Kitchen and Cookin’ with Butter as well as shows such as Live at Billy Bob’s Texas, Shotgun Red Variety Show, My Life My Songs with Jimmy Fortune, TruCountry with Heather Myles, Today’s Nashville and more.

As part of Canyon Star TV’s free streaming platform, viewers will also have access to live music videos, kids programming, talk shows, outdoor living and a growing amount of new faith-based programming.

“A little over five years ago, I had the vision of creating a streaming wholesome family network,” shares Joey Canyon, Owner & Co-Founder of Canyon Star TV. “A safe haven where parents could watch television with the whole family without fear of questionable language, improper sexual situations, horror, gore or violence. On Jan. 27 of 2023, Canyon Star TV became a global reality, and a true blessing for me and Kelly Kantz, my Co-Founder and President. We will continue to provide the very best in quality family entertainment.”

“After years of discussing and planning Canyon Star TV with the Owner and Founder Joey Canyon, I am beyond excited to see all of our hard work come to fruition,” says Kantz. “With the help of the wonderful producers and programmers, we have added fantastic programming and will continue to grow the outlet moving forward. I am very excited to share wonderful family-friendly programming with the world.”

Relative Music Group Welcomes Caroline Bouldin As Creative Director

/by

Caroline Bouldin

Relative Music Group has hired Caroline Bouldin as its new Creative Director. She joins the publishing and artist development company’s team after time with Jody Williams Songs as a Creative Manager.

“I am eager to help lead and grow one of the best songwriting rosters in Nashville,” says Bouldin. “I am enthusiastic about being a part of such an incredible team, working on behalf of our songwriters, and positioning the company for continued success.”

Founded by father/son duo Dennis and Jesse Matkosky in 2017, Relative Music Group is known for their wide variety of songwriters, most notably Michael Hardy who is also a Partner at the company.

“Caroline is a rockstar,” share Dennis and Jesse. “In the short time she has been here she has already added so much to our company.  We are so proud to have her at Relative.”

Samantha Steele Promoted To COO At Triple 8 Management

/by

Samantha Steele. Photo: Ashtin Paige

Samantha Steele has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Triple 8 Management.

In her new role, she will help lead a team of 30 managers, marketing, radio and partnership professionals and oversee operations, promote positive company culture and vision, and create solutions for internal communications and growth potential for both employees and clients.

“We want strong interconnectedness among everyone at Triple 8, and a working environment where people feel supported, inspired and that they’re never alone. Sam has a great history successfully managing and marketing artists and projects,” shares CEO/Founder George Couri. “This, when combined with caring for others, the company, and for the work we provide our clients, makes her, as COO, an important person to help us reinforce these core values. Life is short. In our time here, if we take care of people, they will take care of us, and everyone wins. Sam understands this better than anyone.”

Steele got her start in the music industry in 2008 via street team management and marketing before becoming General Manager at Good Time Inc. in 2010. Good Time was later acquired by Triple 8 Management in 2017. Under Steele’s management, Drew Holcomb sold over 350,000 albums and was dubbed “One of Americana’s Most Popular Stars” by Rolling Stone. Steele has also worked with Ellie Holcomb for her entire solo career, during which time Holcomb sold more than 300,000 records and published four books, the first being awarded the ECPA Bronze Award for sales of over 100,000 units. In total, Holcomb has sold more than 300,000 books under Steele’s guidance.

Additionally, Steele co-founded and produced the Moon River Music Festival alongside Drew Holcomb and Triple 8’s Executive Partner, Paul Steele. Since its inception, the event has grown into a 12,000-capacity festival in Chattanooga and is now partnered with Live Nation/C3 Presents while supporting the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Continually paying it forward through the years, Steele has served multiple non-profits through financial donations and community service. With a primary focus of aiding children, Steele has contributed her efforts toward such organizations as IJM, Compassion International, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, St. Jude, Outdoor Chattanooga, Mercy Multiplied, Last Minute Toy Store and American Red Cross.

“Sam Steele is a diamond,” notes client Drew Holcomb. “She has the rare capacity to effectively dream and execute a vision for her clients, while maintaining kindness and humanity in the process. Her promotion to COO is the least surprising news I have heard in years. I’m very proud to have Sam in my corner.”

Congratulate Steele at Sam@Triple8Mgmt.com.