Endurance Music Group Expands Staff With Two New Additions

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Tony Lemonis & Alannah Schwartz

Endurance Music Group has expanded its creative team and its administration division with two new staffers, Tony Lemonis and Alannah Schwartz.

As a Senior Data Analyst, Lemonis will play a critical role in royalty and catalog data analysis and management, and will also assist with new acquisitions.

Lemonis comes to Endurance with nearly a decade of experience in research and data analysis and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social science. He has an extensive background in both the finance and media industries, and has contributed analyses to top podcasts, radio programming, bestselling books, and award-winning documentaries.

“Tony’s unique skill set is exactly what we need to leverage the ever-increasing volume of data generated by our growing catalog of assets and to make EMG even more competitive in catalog acquisition negotiations,” shares EMG Senior Vice President Mark Ahlberg. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team!”

In her role as a Catalog Manager, Schwartz will work with the EMG creative team to provide administrative assistance, as well as marketing and promotional support for the roster of songwriters and artists.

Schwartz graduated from Belmont University’s Curb College Music Business program this year. She previously worked as Licensing Coordinator at Me Gusta Music, handling both publishing licensing and label administration for a variety of clients. She is an active member of AIMP and SOLID,  where she serves on the Ambassadorship Committee. 

EMG President Michael Martin adds, “Alannah’s experience in publishing, licensing, and administration will be a great asset to the EMG creative team. Her skills will provide key support to our staff and roster of songwriters, and we look forward to her impact and growth at EMG.”

Live On The Green Returns For Labor Day Weekend

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Live On The Green

Lightning 100, Nashville’s independent radio station, has announced the return of Live On The Green after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Slated for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-5, this year’s event will take place at Nashville’s Public Square Park.

“In 2020, we turned to our Nashville listeners to help Save Our Airwaves,” shares Lester Turner, President of Tuned in Broadcasting, Lightning 100 and the Executive Producer of Live On The Green. “We were humbled by the way the community stepped up to keep the music playing on Nashville’s Independent Radio… Lightning 100 celebrates all things local, delivering on our commitment to serve our community–which includes presenting Live On The Green as a free, multi-day festival again in 2022.”

 

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Among the first acts added to the 2022 lineup are Moon Taxi, The Shindellas and LadyCouch, as announced exclusively on 100.1 FM yesterday (June 15). The full lineup and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

Live on the Green will continue to be free and open to the public with five-day premium packages available for purchase, including Reserved Seating, Lightning 100 Lounge, or VIP Plaza. These upgrades will be available beginning Friday, June 17 at 10 a.m. CT.

Warner Music Nashville Adds Avery Anna To Artist Roster

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Pictured (L-R): WMN Co-President Ben Kline, Avery Anna, and WMN Co-President Cris Lacy

As announced during a special CMA Fest performance at Ascend Amphitheater on Saturday (June 11), Warner Music Nashville has added Avery Anna to its artist roster.

As schools turned to virtual learning during the pandemic, Anna began filming videos of herself singing. Two years later, the Arizona native is celebrating her high school graduation with more than 1.5 million followers and 26 million likes on TikTok.

Before her performance on Saturday night, WMN co-presidents Ben Kline and Cris Lacy presented Anna with a YouTube plaque commemorating over 100,000 subscribers. During her set at Ascend, she performed her viral hit “Narcissist,” which is nearing 70 million global streams and has already topped SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown.

“There is a spirit of poetic ease and confidence with which Avery writes, plays, and sings,” shares Lacy. “It belies her age, and you can’t help but be captivated by that much talent and joy coming from the stage.”

Anna will be hitting the road on select tour dates throughout the summer as she prepares to release new music later this year.

Her team includes 33 Creative artist management and WME.

Chris Stapleton’s Career Highlighted In New Country Music Hall Of Fame Exhibit

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Chris Stapleton‘s musical career will be chronicled in a brand new exhibit at the Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum, “Chris Stapleton: Since 1978,” presented by Ram Trucks.

Stapleton’s 1966 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard electric guitar, used during the recording of his song “Traveller.” This item will be on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s upcoming exhibition on Chris Stapleton, opening on Friday, July 1. Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Opening July 1 and running through May 14, 2023, the exhibit will shine a spotlight on Stapleton’s multi-faceted career, from his Kentucky roots and success as a Nashville songwriter to his rise to stardom as one of country’s most unique voices.

Items featured in “Chris Stapleton: Since 1978” include Stapleton’s first guitar amplifier; a 1960s Gibson GA-8 Discoverer; the Pendleton flannel jacket, Dee Cee denim western shirt, and Manuel leather vest worn by Stapleton on the album cover of his 2015 album Traveller; and much more.

A powerhouse singer, songwriter and musician, Stapleton has collaborated with artists ranging from Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Bare and Carlos Santana to Justin Timberlake and P!nk. Before his breakout success with his quadruple-Platinum album Traveller, he proved his musical mettle for more than a decade as one of Nashville’s in-demand songwriters.

Gary Allan (“Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey”) and Patty Loveless (“Higher Than the Wall”) were among the first to release songs written by Stapleton in 2003, but he scored his first Billboard No. 1 hit as a songwriter with Josh Turner’s “Your Man” in 2006. As a songwriter, Stapleton has also earned Billboard No. 1s with Kenny Chesney (“Never Wanted Nothing More”), Darius Rucker (“Come Back Song”), Luke Bryan (“Drink a Beer”) and Thomas Rhett (“Crash and Burn”), as well as three of his own recordings.

Chris Stapleton wore this Pendleton flannel jacket, Dee Cee denim western shirt and Manuel leather vest on the album cover of Traveller. This item will be on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s upcoming exhibition on Chris Stapleton, opening on Friday, July 1. Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

In addition to his own hits, more than 170 of his songs have been recorded by artists, including Alison Krauss and Union Station, George Strait, Sheryl Crow, Lee Ann Womack and more.

“Chris Stapleton is a powerful and emotive singer, a prolific and poetic songwriter and a skilled and expressive guitar player,” shares Kyle Young, CEO for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “His rise as a successful artist may have seemed instantaneous to many, but he has been a force in country music for more than 20 years–whether writing hit songs for other country artists or contributing to studio recordings. Throughout it all, he has maintained his own unique perspective by staying true to his authentic self and artistic vision, and he continues to open the door to country music for new fans across generations and genres.”

Jon Pardi Sets Release Date For Upcoming Project ‘Mr. Saturday Night’

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Jon Pardi has announced he’ll release his fourth studio album, Mr. Saturday Night, on Sept. 2 through Capitol Records Nashville. The project’s lead track “Last Night Lonely” has already hit the top 15 at country radio and racked up more than 55 million global streams.

The 14-song collection will also feature latest release, “Fill ‘Er Up,” and 12 additional new tracks. Mr. Saturday Night was produced by Bart Butler, Ryan Gore and Pardi, the same team behind the boards of his third studio release Heartache Medication, nominated for Album of the Year by both the CMA and ACM.

“A lot of time was spent living with the songs on this record,” shares Pardi. “There is more life experience on Mr. Saturday Night than any album I’ve released before. I chose ‘Mr. Saturday Night’ as the title track because it’s special to me. I’ve been hanging onto it for three years and can’t wait for people to hear it, and the rest of these songs.”

Jon Pardi and his Red Light Management team join the UMG Nashville staff for a Mr. Saturday Night listening party ahead of the Sept. 2 album release. Photo: Katie Kauss

Pardi stopped by the UMG Nashville office Tuesday (June 14) to preview the new album for label staff in addition to his team at Red Light Management.

The mutli-Platinum entertainer will bring his hits and brand new music coast to coast on his “Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour,” kicking off July 14 in Irving, Texas. He’ll hit the stage in major markets along with Lainey Wilson and Hailey Whitters in Las Vegas, Boston, New York and more, wrapping with a show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on Oct. 1.

Brian Kelley Returns To Big Machine Label Group As Solo Artist

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Brian Kelley & Scott Borchetta. Photo: Nick Rau

Diamond-selling singer-songwriter Brian Kelley has returned to BMLG for the release of his future solo projects. Signed to Big Machine Records, Kelley will debut the patriotic “American Spirit” on July 1.

Kelley produced and wrote “American Spirit” alongside Jake Rose, with Blake Redferrin and Canaan Smith also credited as songwriters. The cover art was hand-painted by Penley (aka Steve Penley), which resonated with Kelley whose “Poppy”—John Edward Kelley—served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a prisoner of war, earning two Purple Hearts.

“Everyone at Big Machine gives a giant and warm welcome-back to Brian Kelley,” shares Big Machine Label Group President, CEO, and Founder Scott Borchetta. “Our results together are historic, and we look forward to building on this incredible foundation as BK enters an extremely creative season with us.”

This marks new music for Kelly, who released his debut solo effort Sunshine State of Mind in 2021 via Warner Music Nashville and embarked on his “Made by the Water Tour” after over a decade as one half of Grammy-nominated duo Florida Georgia Line.

Kelley will also take the stage tonight (June 15) during opening night of May We All: A New Country Musical, stepping into the rotating role of “Bailey Stone” at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. Also serving as a producer under his production company CuzBro Productions, the musical will run through July 17.

“It feels good to be home at Big Machine with Scott Borchetta and the team! Their work ethic, heart, creativity, and commitment to winning is what led me back,” adds Kelley. “We’ve worked so well together on many successful projects in the past, and I couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter. I’m grateful for this opportunity and honored to collaborate with Scott again! Off to the races!”

Under BMLG, FGL became the first and only country act to achieve two RIAA Diamond-certified singles with 11x Platinum, No. 1 breakout “Cruise” and 11x Platinum, No. 1 “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha. They tallied 19 career No. 1 singles, 16.1 billion global streams, sold more than 32.9 million tracks and 4.7 million albums worldwide, logged 1.9 billion video views, and played to over 4 million fans spanning massive headline tours. The duo also earned multiple CMA, ACM, and Billboard Music Awards.

Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million To Vanderbilt For Pediatric Infectious Disease Research

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Pictured: Dolly Parton and longtime friend, Naji Abumrad, MD. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton.

Dolly Parton has made another impressive donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), this time donating $1 million to the hospital’s pediatric infectious disease research to help in the fight against infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus.

Ongoing research in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases includes understanding how viruses and bacteria cause disease, understanding and preventing resistance to antibiotics, preventing and treating infections, diagnosing and treating infections in children with cancer, and research to define the impact of childhood infections throughout the world.

“I love all children. No child should ever have to suffer, and I’m willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible,” Parton explains.

The country legend previously made a $1 million gift to VUMC in April 2020 in honor of her longtime friend, Naji Abumrad, MD, Professor of Surgery, to increase scientific knowledge and advance the battle against COVID-19. VUMC’s researchers have tested an array of already existing drugs in clinical trials aimed at reducing life-threatening symptoms associated with COVID-19 and focused on entirely new therapies that could effectively treat and prevent the infection.

“We are deeply honored by Dolly’s contribution to our research mission,” adds Mark Denison, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. “For over 40 years our division has been a national and international leader in studies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of life-threatening infections, and this gift will accelerate our work and support new ideas.”

Among Parton’s other gifts to VUMC was a transformational contribution to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Pediatric Cancer Program in honor of Abumrad and her niece, Hannah Dennison, who was successfully treated for leukemia as a child at Children’s Hospital.

“Dolly’s previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives,” says Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of VUMC and Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole. It speaks volumes about her passion for people, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

Industry Ink: Dustin Lynch, ‘CMT Crossroads,’ Craig Campbell, PLA

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Dustin Lynch Joins Pandora’s Billionaire Club

Pictured (L-R): Marian Wolf (VP, Chief of Staff, BMG US), Thomas Coesfeld (CFO, BMG), Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville) Dustin Lynch, Beville Dunkerley (Head of Country Talent Relations, SiriusXM & Pandora), Thomas Scherer (President Repertoire & Marketing, BMG Los Angeles and New York), Joe Gillen (CFO, BMG North America). Photo: Cooper Smith

Before his pop-up CMA Fest performance at Nissan Stadium on Thursday night (June 9), Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch was presented with a plaque by Pandora for surpassing two billion lifetime spins since his 2012 breakout.

“Wow, this is such an honor. Pandora, thank you so much for sharing my music all around the world,” shares Lynch. “It’s been 10 amazing years of reaching milestone moments and this is definitely one I won’t forget! I’m constantly blown away by the continued support from everyone, especially fans, and I’m just so grateful. We’re only getting started!”

Lynch’s latest single, “Party Mode,” off his fifth studio album Blue in the Sky, is currently in the top 25 at country radio. The multi-Platinum entertainer will continue on his “Party Mode Tour” into the fall. For a complete list of tour dates and tickets, click here.

 

Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton Team Up For New CMT Crossroads Episode Airing Tonight

Mickey Guyton, Black Pumas, and CMT Staff at the taping of CMT Crossroads: Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton. Catherine Powell/Getty for CMT

Black Pumas and country star Mickey Guyton headline the newest installment of CMT Crossroads: Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton.

Following a world-premiere collaboration at this year’s 2022 CMT Music Awards, the threesome reunite for a night of high-energy performances and stripped back, soulful renditions of each other’s greatest hits, including Black Pumas’ “Fire” and “Confines,” and Guyton’s “Black Like Me” and “Better than You Left Me.”

The show will premiere tonight (June 15) at 9 p.m. CT with an immediate encore at 10 p.m. CT. Additional encores will air Sunday, June 19 at 11 a.m. CT on CMT and Thursday, June 23 at 4 p.m. CT and 7 p.m. CT on MTV Live.

 

8th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge Raises Over $25K

Celebrities and friends gather for the 8th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge

Craig Campbell recently hosted his 8th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge at Losers Bar & Grill in Nashville, raising more than $25,000 for national nonprofit Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC).

This year’s winners were Andrew Millsaps, half of music duo Neon Union, and John Smyth, a caregiver for his sister Denise who was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). In attendance was Jerrod Niemann, Chuck Wicks, Ryan Charles, Abby Anderson, Alexandra Kay, Holly Stocks, Drew Baldridge, Heath Sanders, Thomas Mac, Ian Munsick, Leo Brooks, Lucas Hoge, and Ethan Payne.

“It never ceases to amaze me how many people come out to support this event,” Campbell shares. “I have to give a huge thank you to all of my artist and celebrity friends who came out to play, all of our wonderful sponsors, volunteers, and all of the amazing friends and family behind the scenes who make this happen.”

Campbell’s father passed away with colorectal cancer at age 36. Since then, he, his friends and family have now raised over $354,000 for Fight CRC.

 

PLA Media Adds Case Hardin To Its Artist Roster

Case Hardin. Photo: LaRae Russell

PLA Media has added Texas country singer Case Hardin to its artist roster. Case has logged two No. 1 hits on the Texas Regional Radio Report with “Alcohol Abuse” and “When You Roll That Way.”

A native of San Angelo, Texas, Case began his music career in 2013 when he made his American Idol debut.  In 2016, he released his debut album, Over Fort Worth. Throughout his career, Case has toured with Aaron Watson, Pat Green, Eli Young Band, Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Kyle Park, Randall King, Casey Donahew, Roger Creager, Mike Ryan, Josh Ward, Cory Morrow, Jason Boland, Radney Foster, Dwight Yoakam, Tracy Byrd, and more.

His new release, “Honky Tonk Highway,” was written by Bernie Nelson and Phil O’Donnell. PLA will be directing Case’s media outreach for his current release and forthcoming album Lucky Him, which will be available this summer.

“When hit writer Bernie Nelson tells you to listen to someone, you do it. He has some of the best ears in the business. Case is an authentic representation of Texas country and we are proud to be a part his team,” says PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis.

Stone Aielli Inks With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Leslie Roberts (BMI), Will Overton (WCM), Stone Aielli, Matt Cottingham (attorney), and Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Singer, songwriter, and producer Stone Aielli has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Aielli moved to Nashville from Charlottesville, Virginia in 2016. Having spent most of his life close to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, he worked continuously collecting song ideas while operating his farm, until finally moving to Nashville to pursue a career in songwriting.

He has penned songs for numerous artists, including Priscilla Block‘s current single “My Bar” and fan-favorite “I Bet You Wanna Know.” He has also worked with Lexie Hayden on her track “Go To,” Emily Rose on “She’s Got Wings,” and landed two regional No. 1s on Texas radio with Kylie Frey’s “Horses in Heaven” and “I Do Thing.”

He currently writes with artists and songwriters signed with major labels and publishers in Nashville, Los Angeles, Texas, and London.

Garth Brooks To Wrap North American Stadium Tour With Stop In Houston

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Becky Fluke

Garth Brooks has announced that his last stadium date in the U.S. will take place in Houston, Texas on Aug. 6 at NRG Stadium. The show marks Brooks’ first Houston tour stop in over seven years, and the first time the tour has played NRG Stadium.

Tickets for the in-the-round seating show will be on sale Friday, June 24 with an eight-ticket limit per purchase. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks.

Brooks launched “The Stadium Tour” in March 2019, which has broken stadium attendance records at every stop so far. Pollstar announced at the end of 2021 that “The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour” was the best selling country music tour of 2019.

In 2017, Brooks finished the three-and-a-half-year long “Garth Brooks World Tour” with Trisha Yearwood. The tour sold over 6.3 million tickets, making it the biggest North American tour in history and the biggest American tour in the world.