CMT and iHeartMedia have renewed their partnership and multi-year extension, continuing a platform that includes radio, television, digital and social. In addition to this content partnership renewal, iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks will also support CMT’s Next Women of Country artists with new syndicated programming that will air weekly.

CMT’s Next Women of Country: Artist of the Month will highlight music from a different female artist each month, and launched on Jan. 1 with CMT Breakout Artist of the Year (and recent CMA New Artist of the Year winner) Ashley McBryde. The feature will include new music as well as a dedicated interview with Cody Alan that will play each Wednesday throughout the month on “CMT After Midnite” and “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan.”

Alan has signed on to continue as host of both programs, while the renewed deal allows Premiere Networks and CMT to continue their distribution and production partnership for both “CMT After Midnite” and “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan”; the deal also extends Alan’s hosting duties for “CMT Hot 20 Countdown.” Ashlee McDonald has also extended her agreement as Exec. Producer of CMT Radio Content and Programming Partnerships.

Pictured (L-R): Brittani Koster, Sarah Headley, and Giuliana Mignone

Big Loud has promoted Brittani Koster to Director, Southwest Promotion for its Records division. She previously served as Promotion Coordinator and will continue to report to VP, Promotion Stacy Blythe.

The company has also added two employees with Sarah Headley taking on Promotion Coordinator duties, and Giuliana Mignone assuming Data & Research Coordinator duties.

Headley previously worked in social media and public relations for national trade brands and music festivals and has a degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. Mignone is currently a senior at Belmont University and will graduate in May. She was previously an intern at Big Machine Records.

Jimmy Wheeler Feted At Provident Goodbye Luncheon

Pictured (L-R): Terry Hemmings, Jimmy Wheeler.

Jimmy Wheeler was celebrated at a goodbye luncheon hosted by Provident Label President Terry Hemmings and the Provident Team, to celebrate Wheeler’s 30 years with Provident/Sony Music. His career with the label included positions ranging from Sales, Radio, Marketing, and Distribution, and the luncheon was heavily attended with over 100 guests including colleagues, artists, managers and others. Wheeler’s official last day with the company was Dec. 31, 2019. Wheeler can be reached at jimmywheeler090@gmail.com or 615-210-7772.

Robby Turner Recovering From Auto Accident

Robby Turner. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Pedal steel player Robby Turner has been hospitalized after a serious auto accident last Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2019). His truck was totaled in the accident in Nashville as he was driving home from a gig.

Turner has recorded with artists including the Dixie Chicks, Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Randy Travis. He has also recorded and toured with the Highwaymen. In July 2019, Turner was celebrated as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Nashville Cats series.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up for those wanting to help pitch in for Robby’s medical expenses.

The Steeles Ink With StowTown Records

(L-R): Nate Goble (StowTown co-owner), Jeff Steele, Ernie Haase (StowTown co-founder), Brad Steele, Wayne Haun (StowTown co-founder)

The Steeles, comprised of Jeff and Sherry Steele and their son Brad, have signed with StowTown Records. The Steeles’ first StowTown project will release in Spring 2020, and the first single will ship to radio later this month.

“I worked with The Steeles 25 years ago,” said Stowtown co-owner and producer Wayne Haun. “Most gospel music fans know our rich history together. It’s been at least 10 years since I last got to work with them and this just feels like going back home. Not much has changed – except Brad has grown up to be a powerhouse musician and songwriter in his own right!”