Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is being honored as the 2021 Friend of Education by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). The award is given annually to an individual or organization for their contributions to preK-12 education.
Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly’s nonprofit based in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Originally launched in 1995, the program quickly became the preeminent, global, early childhood book-gifting program.
Inspired by Dolly’s father’s inability to read or write, Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books free of charge to families, through funding from Dolly and local community partnerships. Evaluations of the program have documented children’s increased readiness for kindergarten and better phonological awareness, as well as increased frequency of being read to by parents and caregivers.
“Because of the Imagination Library’s commitment to early literacy and to children and their families, parents read aloud more to their children and are more comfortable reading,” says Byron Ernest, chair of the NASBE Board of Directors. “We are so proud to award NASBE’s Friend of Education award to this exemplary organization. They epitomize everything NASBE stands for.”
In 2018, the Imagination Library reached an incredible milestone of 100 million books gifted since its inception, and in 2020 it surpassed 150 million books. As of August 2021, the Imagination Library gifts over 1.8 million specially-selected, high quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland.
“The Imagination Library exemplifies what NASBE values: equity and excellence in the education of all children,” comments Robert Hull, NASBE President and CEO. “The Library has inspired the love of reading in our youngest children, making it possible for children in all circumstances to thrive in school and support lifelong learning.”
“We are honored to receive this recognition from NASBE for the work of the Imagination Library,” adds Jeff Conyers, President of the Dollywood Foundation. “We believe, as NASBE does, that every child, regardless of income, should have access to books from the very beginning, and we are committed to making Dolly’s vision a reality for children across America and around the world.”
Riley Green Announces “We Out Here” Tour Kicking Off In November
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green will play 15 dates this winter on his new “We Out Here” tour, kicking off Nov. 3 in Athens, Ga. and running through February 2022. He’ll be joined by special guests Corey Smith, Kameron Marlowe and Mike Ryan on select dates.
Green will showcase fan favorites such as the Platinum-certified “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” the No. 1 Gold hit “There Was This Girl,” and the latest music from his new album, Behind The Bar.
“It’s been a great summer gettin’ back to playing to shows and being in front of fans again,” says Green. “Now I’m lookin forward to going into arenas this fall with Corey Smith, Mike Ryan and Kameron Marlowe. It’s gonna be an awesome tour.”
Tickets will be available beginning this Friday (Sept. 17) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
Green is currently on the road with Dierks Bentley’s “Beers On Me” tour.
“We Out Here” Tour Dates:
Nov 3 – Athens, GA
Nov 4 – Huntsville, AL
Nov 5 – Pikeville, KY
Nov 6 – Augusta, GA
Jan 6 – Columbia, SC
Jan 7 – Atlanta, GA
Jan 13 – Knoxville, TN
Jan 14 – Savannah, GA
Jan 15 – Albany, GA
Jan 27 – Columbus, GA
Jan 28 – Biloxi, MS
Jan 29 – Birmingham, AL
Feb 3 – Southhaven, MS
Feb 4 – Tupelo, MS
Feb 5 – Chattanooga, TN
Thomas Rhett Continues Chart-Topping Streak With “Country Again”
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett. Photo: Spencer Combs
Multi-Platinum recording artist Thomas Rhett has taken his 18th trip to the top of the charts with his latest No. 1 song, “Country Again.” The song acts as the defining title track for his fifth studio double album Country Again: Side A which was released in April.
The single has topped both the Billboard Country and Mediabase/Country Aircheck Charts, while previously earning the top spot at Canadian country radio for two consecutive weeks. It also marks Rhett’s 12th consecutive No. 1, which is the longest current active streak in the format and topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for two consecutive weeks.
“This song is so special to me, because every line really is autobiographical,” Rhett says. “But it’s also a song about centering yourself and reconnecting with the things that are truly important to you; which is different for all of us. Being able to share this song with fans each night on the road finally and seeing how it’s resonating with them is something I will never take for granted.”
Rhett’s five studio albums have rendered 18 multi-Platinum and Gold chart-toppers and 10 billion global streams. The 8x ACM Award winner has also earned two CMA Awards, four Grammy nominations, and trophies from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Awards and iHeartRadio Awards.
Rhett’s headlining “Center Point Road Tour” continues in Syracuse, New York; Holmdel, New Jersey; Mansfield, Massachusetts; and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio this weekend.
Bridgestone Arena To Enforce COVID-19 Entry Protocols
/by Steven BoeroDierks Bentley at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Zach Belcher
Effective Oct. 2, all guests age 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours prior to all Bridgestone events, the venue announced yesterday (Sept. 13). The new policy is scheduled to remain in place through at least Nov. 15.
Guests under the age of 12 will be required to wear a mask at all times while inside the venue or must present a printed or digital negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours prior to the event.
“Throughout the pandemic we have been consistent in stating that the health and wellness of all arena guests, Predators fans, our employees, players and performers is our number one priority,” says Sean Henry, President and CEO of Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators. “Just two months ago, we believed that we were returning to a sense of normalcy, but unfortunately, with the impact of the delta variant, that has not been the case. We are united with health care professionals in our belief that the only way to end this pandemic is to get more people vaccinated.”
“The Metro Public Health Department appreciates Bridgestone Arena consulting with us to develop their enhanced COVID Entrance Protocol,” says Hugh Atkins, Director, Bureau of Environmental Health Services. “Bridgestone Arena’s protocol not only helps protect event attendees, but also encourages vaccination, which is our best tool for ending the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In addition to these newly announced policies, Bridgestone Arena will continue to recommend that all guests wear masks except while actively eating and drinking in the venue. Arena management also acknowledges that some specific tours may impose additional requirements to those being announced today; such additional requirements will be communicated and enforced if and when necessary.
An announcement will be made at the beginning of each month reaffirming or altering procedures and protocols for the next 75 days, but could be modified in the interim as all policies and procedures remain subject to change. Arena officials will continue to work with local, state, and federal governments and health agencies to monitor all pertinent COVID-19 activity to make the most prudent decisions during these evolving times.
For more information on the specific protocols, click here.
Luke Combs Jumps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs jumps from No. 15 to No. 6 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The country hitmaker is a co-writer on three of his charting songs, including “Forever After All,” “Cold as You,” and “South On Ya.”
Combs’ “Cold As You” and “South On Ya” co-writer Jonathan Singleton rises one spot to No. 2. In addition to his Combs co-writes, Singleton is credited on Lainey Wilson’s “Things A Man Oughta Know” and Zac Brown Band’s “Same Boat.”
Ashley Gorley maintains his position at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the ninth consecutive 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.
Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani Celebrate Back-To-Back No. 1 Hits
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): “Nobody But You” co-writers and artists Ross Copperman (BMI), Tommy Lee James (BMI), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Josh Osborne. (Not pictured: co-writer Shane McAnally). Photo: Steve Lowry
Blake Shelton recently celebrated his 27th and 28th Country Airplay No. 1 singles, “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere,” with his wife and featured artist, Gwen Stefani.
Both Platinum-certified singles have racked up over 200 million streams a piece and mark Stefani’s first and second No. 1 country singles.
“Nobody But You” was co-written by Ross Copperman (BMI), Tommy Lee James (BMI), Josh Osborne (ASCAP), and Shane McAnally (ASCAP/GMR). Osborne, Copperman and Matt Jenkins (ASCAP) co-wrote “Happy Anywhere.” All songwriters were honored by the songs’ performing artists and their respective publishers on the BMI Creative Patio in one of the first celebrations of its kind since the start of the pandemic.
“Happy Anywhere” co-writers and artists Ross Copperman (BMI), Matt Jenkins (ASCAP), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Josh Osborne (ASCAP. Photo: Steve Lowry
The outdoor party featured presentations from BMI’s Clay Bradley, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, and executives from Combustion Music, SMACKSongs, Sony Music Publishing, Still Working Music Group, Tape Room Music, and Warner Chappell Music.
Later that evening, The Voice coach performed for a packed house at Bridgestone Arena for his “Friends and Heroes 2021” Tour.
Weekly Register: Lauren Alaina Is ‘Sitting Pretty’ With Top Country Song & Album Debut
/by Lydia FarthingLauren Alaina
Mercury Records’ Lauren Alaina nabs the top country song and album streaming debut this week. Her third full-length album, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World, debuts at No. 21 on the country charts, earning 7,200 first-week streams (3,400 album only, 4.4 million song streams). Her single “Getting Over Him,” featuring Jon Pardi, is the top country songs debut at No. 84 with 2.1 million first-week streams, according to Nielsen.
The multi-Platinum artist recently spoke with MusicRow about the album as well as her busy upcoming fall season. To read the interview, click here.
Walker Hayes keeps his spot at the top of the country streaming songs chart with “Fancy Like,” which gained another 12 million streams for a total of 123 million RTD. Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris rise to second as “Chasing After You” adds 7.3 million streams, while Nelly & Florida Georgia Line fall to third with “Lil Bit” earning 6.9 million streams this week. Luke Combs‘ “Forever After All” stays at No. 4 with 6.3 million streams.
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood seal the top five on the country streaming songs chart with “If I Didn’t Love You” adding 5.9 million streams. For two consecutive weeks, the superstar duet has topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album continues its reign at No. 1 on the country streaming albums chart, earning 40,000 streams this week. Wallen’s 2016 album, If I Know Me, also re-enters the top five at the No. 5 spot with 14,000 streams. Combs remains in second with What You See Is What You Get and third with This One’s For You earning 24,000 and 16,000 streams, respectively. Hayes’ keeps his spot at forth with Country Stuff garnering 14,000 streams.
Tune In: ‘Loretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising’ Benefit Airs Tonight
/by Lorie HollabaughIn response to the Humphreys County and Middle Tennessee flood relief, Loretta Lynn‘s ‘Friends: Hometown Rising’ benefit is set to air live from the sold-out Grand Ole Opry tonight (Sept. 13).
Fellow artists and friends Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Chris Janson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Breland, Brittney Spencer and Keith Urban are set to perform from the famed venue. The live concert, hosted by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and Apple Music’s Nada, will air on Circle Network at 7 p.m. CT and will be live streamed on Circle All Access.
“It’s so heartwarming to see everyone in our hometown to step up to help those in need,” shares Lynn. “I’m honored that some of my best friends in Nashville have been so eager to help, too, and I can’t wait to watch the great show they put on. I hope you’ll tune in with me!”
All proceeds from the show will benefit United Way of Humphreys County. Those wanting to help can click here or text TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321.
Kelly Sutton Joins WSM Radio ‘Coffee, Country & Cody’ Show
/by LB CantrellKelly Sutton. Photo: Cameron Powell
Kelly Sutton will join WSM’s radio and television show Coffee, Country & Cody alongside Bill Cody and Charlie Mattos. Sutton is set to join the team as the show’s Co-Host and Entertainment Reporter beginning Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 7 to 10 a.m.
Sutton is an Emmy-winning TV anchor with two decades of experience, interviewing a myriad of country artists for outlets including ABC.com, TuneIn Radio, and OneCountry.com. She has also co-anchored local television programs Today in Nashville (WSMV) and Tennessee Mornings (WZTV).
“I am over the moon to be joining my friends Bill, Charlie and Eric on Coffee, Country & Cody,” shares Sutton. “Bill and I have known each other for years and this feels like such a natural fit. I get to wake up and drink coffee and talk about country music with my friends!”
In 2021 Sutton launched Connected with Kelly, a weekly YouTube series with guests that have included Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Kane Brown and more. Sutton also hosts Y’all Access With Kelly Sutton on radio and is the voice of Country Heat on Amazon Music.
“Not only am I excited about the talent that Kelly brings to Coffee, Country & Cody, I am thrilled that we are adding someone so ingrained in the country music community and recognizable to country music fans,” says WSM Radio Director of Content and Programming, J. Patrick Tinnell. “I know Kelly to be warm, fun and entertaining; and I’m certain the WSM Radio and Circle TV audience will love her as much as the WSM family already does.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Named NASBE’s 2021 Friend of Education
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is being honored as the 2021 Friend of Education by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). The award is given annually to an individual or organization for their contributions to preK-12 education.
Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly’s nonprofit based in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Originally launched in 1995, the program quickly became the preeminent, global, early childhood book-gifting program.
Inspired by Dolly’s father’s inability to read or write, Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books free of charge to families, through funding from Dolly and local community partnerships. Evaluations of the program have documented children’s increased readiness for kindergarten and better phonological awareness, as well as increased frequency of being read to by parents and caregivers.
“Because of the Imagination Library’s commitment to early literacy and to children and their families, parents read aloud more to their children and are more comfortable reading,” says Byron Ernest, chair of the NASBE Board of Directors. “We are so proud to award NASBE’s Friend of Education award to this exemplary organization. They epitomize everything NASBE stands for.”
In 2018, the Imagination Library reached an incredible milestone of 100 million books gifted since its inception, and in 2020 it surpassed 150 million books. As of August 2021, the Imagination Library gifts over 1.8 million specially-selected, high quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland.
“The Imagination Library exemplifies what NASBE values: equity and excellence in the education of all children,” comments Robert Hull, NASBE President and CEO. “The Library has inspired the love of reading in our youngest children, making it possible for children in all circumstances to thrive in school and support lifelong learning.”
“We are honored to receive this recognition from NASBE for the work of the Imagination Library,” adds Jeff Conyers, President of the Dollywood Foundation. “We believe, as NASBE does, that every child, regardless of income, should have access to books from the very beginning, and we are committed to making Dolly’s vision a reality for children across America and around the world.”
RIAA Mid-Year Music Industry Revenue Report Shows Growth For Recorded Music
/by LB CantrellIn its mid-year streaming report for 2021, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is reporting growth for recorded music revenues in the U.S. According to the RIAA, revenue for recorded music grew 27% in the first half of 2021 versus the prior year, from $5.6 to $7.1 billion at retail value.
The strongest contributor to recorded music revenue growth has continued to be paid subscriptions, which comprises nearly two-thirds of total revenue, averaging more than 80 million paid subscriptions for the first time.
The effects of COVID-19 are still evident on revenue accrued by the music industry, with year-over-year comparisons significantly impacted by store closures, tour cancellations, and other disruptions from both 2020 and 2021.
To read commentary about the report from RIAA Chairman and CEO, Mitch Glazier, click here.
Click here for the full report.