Craig Campbell & Peter Strickland. Photo: James Isaac Jones Photography
Music industry veterans Peter Strickland and Craig Campbell have launched Marathon Talent. The company combines Marathon Talent Agency and Campbell Entertainment management clients under a new full-service management and artist development business.
A Boston native, Strickland established Marathon Talent Agency in 2018 after rising to Chief Marketing Officer during his tenure at Warner Music Group. He helped launch the careers of Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry The Cable Guy, and others. He was recognized as a Top 50 Power Player by Billboard in 2015 and 2017, and is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Music.
Strickland brings clients Jon Wolfe, comedian Byron Kennedy, and pop artist Maeve Steele to the Marathon Talent roster, among others.
Campbell spent nine years at AristoMedia and 14 representing artists such as The Chicks, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry, and Patty Loveless at Sony Music/Sony BMG Nashville. He launched his publicity and artist management company in 2008. A native of Cincinnati, he is a graduate of MTSU’s Recording Industry Management Program and a 2013 alumnus of Leadership Music.
Campbell brings pianist Kory Caudill and traditionalist Tommy Townsend (with Space Colonel Management) to Marathon Talent, and will maintain a select group of publicity clients at Campbell Entertainment.
“Craig upholds the values of Marathon Talent, not only in his career but also in his daily lifestyle-being honest, dedicated, trustworthy resilient. His integrity is unshakable,” says Strickland.
“I admired Peter’s career from down the street, while he was at Warner and I was at Sony,” adds Campbell. “I really got to know him after he launched Marathon Talent Agency and was drawn to his passion for artists and their music. When he brought up the idea of combining our strengths, it was an easy and enthusiastic ‘yes.’”
Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Scott, More Join Forces With Porter’s Call For An ‘Evening Of Stories’
/by Lydia FarthingPorter’s Call, a non-profit dedicated to providing counsel, support, and encouragement for touring and recording artists and their families, has announced its 13th annual “Evening Of Stories.” All proceeds from the event will support the work of Porter’s Call.
Taking place Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. CT at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University, the evening will feature storytellers and musical guests, including British sailing legend and author Tracy Edwards and MBE and People’s Choice Award winner and author Carlos Whittaker. Musical guests will be Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Scott of Lady A, Cody Fry, and Anne Wilson.
“Every day, our team has the privilege of offering a safe and confidential space for artists to be off-stage and deal with the issues they face,” shares Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews. “Thanks to the sponsors and others who support and attend our annual event and believe in the art, wellness, and health of artists, we pride ourselves on creating a hope-filled event that is not just talent-packed but heart-changing. By being a part of ‘Evening of Stories,’ you can become a part of the larger story with us. We hope to see you there to share in an amazing evening at a world-class venue.”
Individual tickets for this year’s event will be available in early August. Sponsorships for “Evening Of Stories” are available for individuals, businesses, foundations, churches, or any group that wants to support the mission of Porter’s Call. They include priority seating for the show, a VIP reception, and recognition within marketing materials. Sponsor packages can be purchased through Ashley Holland at Ashley@porterscall.com or by calling 615-414-6291.
Porter’s Call has been bringing well-being and relief to recording artists and their families for more than 20 years. To date, the Porter’s Call team has spent more than 60,000 hours working for and with their clients, saving them millions of dollars on counseling fees.
Live Album From First Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam Set to Drop In August
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Daniels‘ very first Volunteer Jam at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville from 1974 is being released for the first time on Charlie Daniels & Friends: Volunteer Jam 1 – 1974 – The Legend Begins. The vintage record will drop on Aug. 26 via Blue Hat Records and BFD/Audium Nashville.
The 12-track album includes live performances from The Charlie Daniels Band with special guests Toy Caldwell and Paul Riddle of The Marshall Tucker Band,The Allman Brothers’ Dickey Betts, and Jamie Nichol. The previously unreleased project includes “Tennessee Waltz,” “Whiskey,” “Long Haired Country Boy,” “Caballo Diablo,” “Jambalaya,” “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again),” and more.
“The Volunteer Jam was a magical evening,” says Daniels’ longtime manager and Blue Hat Records President David Corlew. “There was no other event like it. There has never been and will never be. This is the first one. The beginning, where it all started. So let this first Jam be your melodic introduction to a musical legend like no other.”
Additionally on Aug. 26, Blue Hat and BFD/Audium Nashville will release a special vinyl edition of Charlie Daniels & Friends — Duets, exclusively available at Walmart stores. Originally released last July, the nineteen-track album features Daniels dueting with Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Brenda Lee, Gretchen Wilson and more.
Charlie Daniels & Friends: Volunteer Jam 1 – 1974 – The Legend Begins Track List:
1. Tennessee Waltz
2. Whiskey
3. Way Down Yonder
4. Long Haired Country Boy
5. New York City, King Size Rosewood Bed
6. Caballo Diablo
7. Jambalaya
8. Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer)
9. No Place To Go
10. The South’s Gonna Do It (Again)
11. Orange Blossom Special
12. Don’t You Lie to Me
Renee Blair Inks Publishing Deal With Round Hill Music
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Round Hill Music Nashville SVP/GM, Mike Whelan; Renee Blair; Round Hill Music Sr. Director of A&R, Bob Squance; Round Hill Music Director of A&R, Lindsay Will. Photo: Courtesy of Round Hill Music
CMT Next Women of Country artist Renee Blair has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music.
In the past year, Blair has amassed a total of 25 million streams across all platforms. She most recently released her tune “Good at Being Single,” and prior to that joined forces with 4x Grammy award-nominee Iggy Azalea and Empire Nashville artist Sophia Scott to release “Knock Yourself Out.” Next month, Blair will release a video for “Good At Being Single,” as well as her upcoming single “SPF Me.”
A Missouri native, Blair also hosts her own morning show on YoCo Nashville, and has opened up for the likes of Willie Nelson, Carly Pearce, and Walker Hayes on tour.
“I love being an artist, but there is no great artist without great songs,” Blair notes. “Being a songwriter is something I take so seriously and I’m always in pursuit of trying to better my craft. I’m so thankful to have found a new home at Round Hill to help nurture that skill and cheer me along!”
“We are impressed by Renee’s incredible work ethic and unique sound that she has crafted in her artistry,” adds Round Hill Senior Director of A&R Bob Squance. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the Round Hill Music family and to be part of her incredible career.”
Warner Chappell & Edgehill Music Publishing Sign Rob Williford
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Kent Marcus (Attorney), Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Julia Keefe (Edgehill), Tara Joseph (Edgehill); (L-R, front row): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Rob Williford, Josh Joseph (Edgehill)
Singer-songwriter and musician Rob Williford has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Edgehill Music Publishing.
Williford is a frequent collaborator of country hitmaker Luke Combs, having written his 2019 CMA Song of the Year, “Beautiful Crazy,” which went RIAA-certified double Platinum and ruled Billboard’s Country Music Airplay chart, holding the No. 1 spot for seven straight weeks. Williford also co-wrote Combs’ fast-rising hits “Forever After All” and “Doin’ This.”
Williford, a Gastonia, North Carolina native, is currently playing guitar and singing in Combs’ band on his stadium tour. The multi-faceted talent is also collaborating on a studio project with Kyle Cook of Matchbox 20 and producer David Mescon. The album, written and co-produced by Williford, is expected to be released later this year.
‘Damn Strait’ Co-Writers Move Up On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB Cantrell“Damn Strait” singer Scotty McCreery. Photo: Jeff Ray
Trent Tomlinson and Jim Collins, the co-writers on Scotty McCreery‘s “Damn Strait,” find themselves in the top 10 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Ernest Keith Smith remains at No. 1 this week. He is a co-writer on Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted On You” and “You Proof,” Jelly Roll’s “Son Of A Sinner,” and his own “Flower Shops.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Ben Johnson (No. 3), Morgan Wallen (No. 4) and Shane McAnally (No. 5) complete the top five this week.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Peter Strickland & Craig Campbell Join Forces To Launch Marathon Talent
/by Lydia FarthingCraig Campbell & Peter Strickland. Photo: James Isaac Jones Photography
Music industry veterans Peter Strickland and Craig Campbell have launched Marathon Talent. The company combines Marathon Talent Agency and Campbell Entertainment management clients under a new full-service management and artist development business.
A Boston native, Strickland established Marathon Talent Agency in 2018 after rising to Chief Marketing Officer during his tenure at Warner Music Group. He helped launch the careers of Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry The Cable Guy, and others. He was recognized as a Top 50 Power Player by Billboard in 2015 and 2017, and is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Music.
Strickland brings clients Jon Wolfe, comedian Byron Kennedy, and pop artist Maeve Steele to the Marathon Talent roster, among others.
Campbell spent nine years at AristoMedia and 14 representing artists such as The Chicks, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry, and Patty Loveless at Sony Music/Sony BMG Nashville. He launched his publicity and artist management company in 2008. A native of Cincinnati, he is a graduate of MTSU’s Recording Industry Management Program and a 2013 alumnus of Leadership Music.
Campbell brings pianist Kory Caudill and traditionalist Tommy Townsend (with Space Colonel Management) to Marathon Talent, and will maintain a select group of publicity clients at Campbell Entertainment.
“Craig upholds the values of Marathon Talent, not only in his career but also in his daily lifestyle-being honest, dedicated, trustworthy resilient. His integrity is unshakable,” says Strickland.
“I admired Peter’s career from down the street, while he was at Warner and I was at Sony,” adds Campbell. “I really got to know him after he launched Marathon Talent Agency and was drawn to his passion for artists and their music. When he brought up the idea of combining our strengths, it was an easy and enthusiastic ‘yes.’”
Monument Records Hires Glenn Noblit, Claire Karliak
/by Lorie HollabaughGlenn Noblit & Claire Karliak
Monument Records has added two staffers. Glenn Noblit has joined the label as Director, Regional Promotion, and Claire Karliak has been named Manager, Digital Marketing & Streaming.
Noblit comes to Monument with over two decades of radio promotion experience, having previously served as Director, National Promotion at Garth Brooks’ Pearl Records for the last five years. He has also spent time working for Studio2Bee, Warner Bros. Records, Lost Highway Records, AristoMedia, and Reviver Records.
“Having worked closely with Glenn during my radio days, and side by side with him my first several years in promotion, I know firsthand how lucky our Monument family is to have a professional of his caliber join our team,” says Monument VP of Promotion Luke Jensen.
“I’ve enjoyed watching the rise of Monument from afar,” says Noblit. “The artists are unique and compelling, the team is second to none, and I am grateful for the opportunity to now have a seat at the table as Monument continues to deliver hits and break great artists.”
Karliak joins the label from her previous position heading up the Label Services team at Big Yellow Dog Music, where she worked with their artists, songwriters, and creatives across platforms. A Belmont University graduate, Karliak will be responsible for the label’s digital marketing, including fan engagement, social media, and working with DSP partners.
“We are so excited to have Claire in this role,” says Monument GM Katie McCartney. “She comes with a fresh perspective on how to reach fans, and an enthusiasm for what we have built here at Monument, and where we can go. She will be a great addition to this team.”
PickleJar To Livestream Country Radio Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughPickleJar is set to host an exclusive livestream of the Country Radio Broadcaster’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, June 30.
Broadcasting live from the Virgin Hotel in Nashville, the live entertainment and cashless tipping platform will stream the ceremony through PickleJarPlus.com, as well as the CRB Facebook page starting at 7 p.m. CT.
PickleJar will make exclusive red-carpet interviews and photos available across all of their digital platforms and free for all users. Cocktail hour will kick off at 6 p.m. CT with Brian McFayden on site to conduct inductee and honoree interviews on the red carpet.
The ceremony, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, will honor eight new Hall of Fame inductees: Becky Brenner, Barry Mardit, Whitney Allen, Debbie Conner, Cathy Martindale and Rachel & Grunwald.
Bob Call was a 2021 selection but was unable to attend last year’s ceremony due to a last-minute family emergency. The Country Radio Hall of Fame deferred Call’s induction to the 2022 ceremony so he could be properly recognized.
The CRB Artist Career Achievement Recipient was recently announced as country icon, Trisha Yearwood.
“We are thrilled to work with RJ Curtis and his amazing team again to share the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony with the masses,” says PickleJar CEO Jeff James. “These inductees deserve to have their special moment shared with as many people as possible, and we are so thankful we can make that happen.”
This marks the second consecutive year that PickleJar has partnered with CRB to bring the event into the public’s homes. This partnership also extends to CRB’s annual Country Radio Seminar where PickleJar made their debut footprint this year with multiple activations and sponsorships throughout the week’s festivities.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Takes Top Spot On Streaming Songs Chart
/by Lydia FarthingLuke Combs makes a splash on this week’s top country streaming songs chart as his newest release, “The Kind Of Love We Make,” earns 12 million first-week streams. Combs also takes the third and fourth spots on the top country albums chart with What You See Is What You Get earning 19K in total consumption and This One’s For You nabbing 18K, according to Luminate data.
Elsewhere on the top country albums chart, Morgan Wallen remains in the top spot with Dangerous: The Double Album adding 52K in total consumption (1.2K album only/64 million song streams). Wallen also takes the fifth spot as If I Know Me gains 18K. Zach Bryan rounds out the top five at No. 2 as his American Heartbreak adds 28K.
On the songs sides, Wallen takes No. 2 with “You Proof” gaining 9.6 million streams, and No. 4 as “Wasted On You” adds 8.5 million streams. Bryan claims No. 3 with “Something In The Orange” earning 9.6 million, and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Fall In Love” takes fifth with 7.9 million streams.
Ray Charles’ ‘A Message from the People’ Gets 50th Anniversary Re-Release
/by Lorie HollabaughRay Charles’ Tangerine Records is celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of Charles’ most important and impactful albums, A Message from The People, with a special remastered anniversary edition available on vinyl, CD and all streaming services for the first time in more than a decade.
Originally released on April 4, 1972, A Message from The People remains one of Charles’ most celebrated albums, and among his most socially conscious work of his six-decade career. The landmark recording confronts poverty and injustice while offering a universal message of brotherhood and hope for peace.
The album includes classic tracks “They’ll Be No Peace on Earth Without All Men As One” and “Abraham, Martin and John,” the gospel-infused “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and “Heaven Help Us All.” It also features “Hey Mister,” played during a Congressional joint hearing in 1972 to speak on behalf of common citizens to a government that was widely seen as ignoring their needs.
Charles’ classic rendition of “America the Beautiful,” which quickly became our second national anthem and has inspired countless generations since its release 50 years ago, is also found on the collection. A new video of the iconic track has also been shared in honor of this historic release.