LeAnn Rimes To Receive ASCAP Golden Note Award

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LeAnn Rimes will be honored with the ASCAP Golden Note Award in a special ASCAP Experience session broadcast on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. CT.

The award presentation by ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams will segue into an exclusive conversation with Variety’s Chris Willman and Rimes. In “The Story So Far: Celebrating 25+ Years of LeAnn Rimes,” Rime will talk with Willman about her life in music and how her artistry and humanitarian work intertwine, including her recently released album, God’s Work.

The presentation will also feature congratulatory video tributes from Reba McEntire, Diane Warren, Rob Thomas, Mickey Guyton, San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir, David Gray and Aloe Blacc.

“From the moment we first heard her immortal recording of “Blue”–back when she was just 13 years old–we knew that LeAnn was a voice for the ages,” Williams notes. “In the 25 years since, we have watched her navigate her evolving career with grace, artistry and humanity. Her passion, clarity and emotion have won her fans around the world and truly set her apart as a songwriter.”

This award joins Rimes’ collection of accolades, which span back to her early teens. She has won two Grammys, 12 Billboard Music awards, two World Music awards, three ACM awards, two CMA awards and one Dove Award.

In 1997, at age 14 she became the youngest solo artist ever to win a Grammy, and in the same year became the first country artist to win Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. In the time since, Rimes has developed into a multifaceted artist, selling over 48 million albums worldwide.

The ASCAP Golden Note Award is presented to genre-spanning songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous recipients include Tom Petty, Blondie, Garth Brooks, Lee Ann Womack, Alicia Keys, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Duran Duran, Jeff Lynne, Lionel Richie and Alan Jackson, among others.

Ryman Auditorium Unites With Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame To Open New Exhibit

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Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium has announced its latest major exhibition in partnership with Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, “Rock Hall at the Ryman,” will open on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The interactive exhibit will live in the venue’s newly transformed 5th Avenue vestibule, and will showcase the Ryman’s impact on rock & roll history.

While the Ryman is known as the Mother Church of Country Music, it was officially named a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark earlier this year, joining 11 other institutions throughout the nation, including Austin City Limits, Whisky a Go Go and more. “Rock Hall at the Ryman” honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have performed on the Ryman’s sacred stage throughout its 130-year history.

The exhibit features a number of inductees, such as James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton, in addition to country music icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams. Items on display will include Clapton’s “Blackie” model Fender Stratocaster guitar played on the Journeyman tour in the early 1990s and again in 1995; Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins‘ outfit worn during the performance to induct Rush at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; Jett’s red latex halter bra top worn onstage at “Vans Warped Tour ’06;” and Presley’s full-length belted suede coat worn circa 1970.

The renowned locale will also host a variety of shows featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Members like U2’s Bono (Nov. 9), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Nov. 13), Smokey Robinson (Dec. 16) as well as a three-night residency with John Mellencamp (May 8-10), with more to be announced.

Access to “Rock Hall at the Ryman” is given with all daytime Ryman tour tickets. For more information, click here.

Georgia Price Joins Smack Management Team

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Georgia Price

Georgia Price has joined the Smack management team as Management Coordinator. In her new role, she will handle administrative duties for Robert Carlton, Senior Vice President of Development, while also assisting his larger management team.

Originally from Clayton, North Carolina, Price moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University where she graduated with a degree in Music Business. This position follows her internships for management companies, such as Smallbone Management and Q Prime South, and publishing companies, including King Pen Music.

“Our management team has been stretched so thin over the last 15 months. Georgia stepped in as an intern this past summer and immediately made herself irreplaceable,” says Carlton. “I’m excited and relieved to have her officially join our team full-time!”

“I have admired the team at Smack since before moving to Nashville,” says Price. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside and continue learning from them. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this team!”

Toby Keith To Receive BMI Icon Award At Upcoming 2022 BMI Country Awards

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BMI will celebrate Toby Keith at the 70th annual BMI Country Awards by presenting him with the BMI Icon Award.

Held at BMI’s Nashville office on Nov. 8, the ceremony will be hosted by BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley. During the evening, BMI will also crown the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year, as well as salute the writers and publishers of the 50 most-performed songs of the year from BMI’s country catalog.

The BMI Icon Award is given to exceptional songwriters in recognition of their influence on generations of creators. Keith will join an impressive list of fellow recipients, including Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Williams, Jr., Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Patti Labelle, James Brown and more.

Toby Keith. Photo: Richard McLaren

“We are honored to present Toby Keith with this year’s BMI Icon Award. Since the release of his single ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy’ in 1993, Toby has been the gold standard of songwriting in the modern era of country music,” Bradley shares. “Toby is not only a stellar songwriter, musician and producer whose songs have amassed millions of performances; he is also a true humanitarian. With 11 USO tours under his belt, he continues to commit to honoring and serving our troops worldwide. No one is more deserving of this honor.”

In 2021, Keith was bestowed the National Medal of Arts, inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and honored with the ACM’s Merle Haggard Spirit Award. He has received the BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award three times, and his hit single “As Good As I Once Was” was awarded BMI’s Country Song of the Year in 2006.

Keith also achieved quite the songwriting feat as he wrote a No. 1 hit every year for 20 straight years, among them being “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer For My Horses” and “As Good As I Once Was.” In 2018, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his debut No. 1 single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” with the re-release of his debut album.

Throughout his career, Keith has sold more than 40 million albums and has had 32 singles hit No. 1. As a songwriter, he’s notched 26 No. 1s, 11 of which he wrote on his own. Altogether, he has garnered more than 10 billion streams and 100 million radio spins.

Outside of music, Keith’s annual golf classics fund the Toby Keith Foundation and OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for families of children dealing with critical illnesses. Additionally, in 2014, he was given the Spirit of the USO Award for his work with the organization, which has included 11 tours and more than 285 events.

More details regarding the upcoming 2022 BMI Country Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ashley McBryde To Join The Grand Ole Opry Family

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Pictured( L-R): Patti Roets (friend), Martha Wilkins (Mom), Ashley McBryde, Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, Nate Burleson

Award-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The five-time 2022 CMA nominee was surprised during an in-studio appearance on CBS Mornings by Opry member Garth Brooks, who was live on the hallowed Opry stage

At the close of McBryde’s interview, anchors Gayle King, Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil shared with her that someone wanted to speak with her, cutting to a live shot of Brooks.

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“This is part of a family that keeps growing,” he noted. “Well you know where I am standing here in the circle of wood. On behalf of the Opry, and myself as an Opry member, we would love for you to consider becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

A surprised McBryde instantly answered, “It would be the great joy and the great honor of my life.” Brooks replied, “The Opry is the longest living family in music history. You belong in it; we need you and you will make it stronger for decades to come.”

She remarked, “Winning Grammys and being a member of the Opry are the two greatest things that could ever happen to you as an entertainer. I’ve always said I would earn it. This is a surreal moment.”

“Beginning with her triumphant first night on our stage, Ashley has already been a part of some incredible Opry moments in her young career,” explains Dan Rogers, Opry Executive Producer. “We’re thrilled that her seemingly limitless talent will be on display and that she’ll be a part of this very special show for years to come.”

McBryde’s new album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, was released last Friday. Her Opry induction date will be announced in the coming weeks.

Kate Willingham Rises To Manager & Director Of Digital At Activist Artists Management

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Kate Willingham

Kate Willingham has been promoted to Manager & Director of Digital at Activist Artists Management. She is based in Activist’s Nashville office.

In this expanded role, Willingham will support the client teams and social media strategies, and will liaise with outside digital agencies and run digital point for the Activist social media channels. She will continue to report to Founding Partner Matt Maher for her management initiatives, and will also report to Chris Ruff, Head of Global Marketing regarding digital marketing matters.

Willingham joined Activist Artists Management as an assistant to Maher in the Nashville office in 2018 and was promoted to Associate Manager in 2020. She is a graduate of College of Charleston, where she earned her BA in Arts Management with a concentration in Music Business.

“Kate’s social media focus helps our artists stay connected to their fans on a daily basis,” comments Maher. “Her keen sense of what feels real and authentic for each artist and her ability to understand the digital landscape is invaluable.”

Activist’s roster includes The Lumineers, Alec Benjamin, Empire of the Sun, the Grateful Dead, Dwight Yoakam, Brittney Spencer, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and more.

Brooke Mansfield Joins Riser House As Sr. Director Of Digital Strategy

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Brooke Mansfield. Photo: Colby Crosby

Brooke Mansfield has been named Sr. Director of Digital Strategy at Riser House Entertainment.

Mansfield joins Riser House from her previous post as Sr. Digital Strategist at The Artist Management Group, where she worked with Kat & Alex, Payton Smith, Chris Colston, Jordan James, Liv Charette, and Essex County. Prior to her time at The AMG, she worked on the digital marketing team at Capitol CMG, bolstering projects including Chris Tomlin’s country collaboration album Chris Tomlin & Friends and Kari Jobe’s “The Blessing.”

“Brooke is exceptionally sharp and is a natural leader,” notes Riser House Entertainment President and Co-Founder Jennifer Johnson. “She brings innovative ideas daily, and we are thrilled to have her lead Digital and Strategy at Riser House.”

“We could not be happier to have Brooke on team Riser House,” Riser House Entertainment Head of Marketing/Product Manager Megan Schultz continues. “Her experience and knowledge on all things digital strategy have already proven to be extremely valuable. She is the perfect addition to the team, and her passion and creativity for digital initiatives is unmatched. We look forward to having her to be a large part of the growth of Riser House.”

“I am so proud to be part of Riser House,” adds Mansfield. “Jennifer Johnson has truly created an unparalleled team, and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with such talented artists. I am so excited to use my digital background to strategically help our roster reach new heights.”

Singer-Songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter Signs With WME

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Pictured (L-R): WME’s Adi Sharma, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Mackenzie Carpenter, G Major Management’s Virginia Bunetta and Samantha Thornton. Photo: Courtesy of WME.

Rising artist Mackenzie Carpenter has signed with WME for global representation.

Since scoring a record deal with The Valory Music Co. in May, the Georgia native has released her successful first single, “Can’t Nobody,” as well as the brand new “Huntin’ Season,” which follows a TikTok video of her performing the track at a songwriter’s round that collected over six million views.

Carpenter’s first cut as a songwriter, “Villain” recorded by Lily Rose, notched No. 1 on the iTunes Country chart after attending Belmont University in Nashville.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Mackenzie to the WME family,” shares WME Nashville office Co-Head Joey Lee. “Her songwriting and artistry are unmatched. Big things are on the horizon, and we’re excited to be a part of her journey.”

Carpenter is developing a strong fanbase both online and on the road. The 23-year-old has opened for Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Craig Campbell, Ryan Hurd and Conner Smith. Currently, she in the studio recording her debut project.

Adam Doleac Slates ‘Barstool Whiskey Wonderland’ Tour For 2023

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Adam Doleac. Photo: Cal & Aly

Arista Nashville/Sony Music Nashville’s Adam Doleac has announced a new 2023 headlining trek named after his brand new album, Barstool Whiskey Wonderland. The tour will feature special guest Alana Springsteen.

Doleac will visit 27 cities on the tour, which begins Feb. 9 in Dallas with stops in Boston, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and more through May 6.  Tickets will go on sale this Friday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. local time.

His debut album, Barstool Whiskey Wonderland, features 18 tracks including “Fake Love,” a collaboration with Danielle Bradbery, that was penned by Hardy, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris and Jordan Schmidt.

Lainey Wilson To Be Honored As Breakout Artist Of The Year At 2022 CMT Artists Of The Year

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Lainey Wilson. Photo: Alysse Gafkjenon

Lainey Wilson will be honored as Breakout Artist of the Year at the upcoming 2022 CMT Artists Of The Year, premiering Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. CT on CMT.

“When it came to naming Breakout Artist, Lainey Wilson was unquestionably our only choice this year,” notes Leslie Fram, SVP, Music & Talent, CMT. “Not only is she a powerhouse performer and tremendously gifted songwriter with contagious energy and drive, she is just starting to show the world her range and versatility, as evident by her upcoming role on hit series Yellowstone. From naming her as part of the Next Women of Country franchise in 2019 to watching her shine on our CMT Music Awards stage with one of the most memorable performances this year, we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate Lainey’s much-deserved successes and cheer her on for all that’s next!”

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Wilson has a growing string of No. 1s, including the Platinum-certified “Things A Man Oughta Know” and “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell. Her two latest singles, “Heart Like a Truck” and “wait in the truck” with Hardy, both continue to climb the charts as she readies to drop her new album, Bell Bottom Country, on Oct. 28.

This year, she has garnered three wins at 2022 ACM Awards and is the leading nominee at November’s CMA Awards, where she notches six nods. Wilson will also play upcoming dates with Luke Combs, and this fall will make her acting debut on the series Yellowstone.

“This past year has been a wild ride,” Wilson explains. “To be considered for this award reinforces that the years of hard work my team and I have put in was all worth it. The team at CMT feels like family, and the way they genuinely support artists on their platform is so special and important for dreamers like me.”

Wilson has a strong history with CMT, first named to its Next Women of Country franchise in 2019. This past April, she performed “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell on the 2022 CMT Music Awards. She has also been featured in an episode of CMT Digital’s hit series CMT Campfire Sessions.

Broadcasting from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the evening will salute Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Walker Hayes with special performances, guests and congratulatory moments. Alan Jackson will be named Artist of a Lifetime.

Additional honorees, performers and presenters for the 90-minute special will be announced soon.