Country Music Hall of Fame group Alabama will celebrate five decades of music next year with a 50th Anniversary Tour. With nearly 30 live concerts already on the books, the first leg of the tour will sweep the United States.
“We never thought playing for tips at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that 50 years later we would still playing arenas, stadiums and festivals,” said Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “Teddy, Jeff and I are humbled at the amount of fans that are coming out to see us. We are finding out that we are playing to three generations of fans who have followed us and our music from day one. The fans are the ones responsible for our continued success on the road and we love them.”
“Randy, Teddy and I have loved making music, touring and being with our fans night after night,” said Jeff Cook. “It’s truly an experience that has created a bond between us and them that cannot be broken. The 50th Anniversary Tour will be full of surprises and great memories.”
Teddy Gentry added, “The group Alabama has become ‘America’s Country Band,’ we are told. We are proud to have been performing, writing songs and recording for 50 years. Come celebrate the music with us on our 50th Anniversary Tour in 2019. Each show will be a night to remember for us. We’ll be there to thank our loyal legions of fans for supporting three boys from Fort Payne, Alabama through thick and thin.”
The 50th Anniversary Tour kicks off on Jan. 10 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Additional dates will be announced soon.
Alabama 50th Anniversary Tour 2019 concert dates:
Jan 10: Detroit, MI – The Fox Theatre (w/ Chris Janson)
Jan 11: Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse (w/ Restless Heart)
Jan 19: Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Jan 20: Albany, NY – Times Union Center (w/ Exile)
Feb 14: San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Feb 15: New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center (w/ Tracy Lawrence)
Feb 28: Plant City, FL – Florida Strawberry Festival
March 1: St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
March 14: Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center (w/ The Oak Ridge Boys)
March 15: Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena (w/ Tracy Lawrence)
March 22: Springfield, MO – JQH Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
March 23: North Little Rock, AR – Verizon Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 5: Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 6: Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 12: Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 13: Hartford, CT – XL Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 26: Providence, RI – Dunkin’ Donuts Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 27: State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
May 31: Cedar Rapids, IA – U.S. Cellular Center
June 1: La Cygne, KS – Tumbleweed
June 6: Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Music Festival
June 7: Macon, GA – Macon Centreplex Coliseum (w/ The Marshall Tucker Band)
June 13 -16: Grand Junction, CO – Country Jam (performance date TBA)
June 15: Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
June 26: Minneapolis, MN – Target Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
June 27: Oshkosh, WI – Country USA
Sept 14: Peoria, IL – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
Kevin Welch Reigns No. 1 On Last MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Of 2018
/by LB CantrellKevin Welch finishes out 2018 on his seventh week at No. 1 on the last MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of the year. Ashley Gorley takes the No. 2 spot with songs performed by Chase Rice, Chris Lane, Eli Young Band, Lee Brice and Luke Bryan fueling him. Shane McAnally sits at No. 3, Luke Combs at No. 4 and Josh Osborne at No. 5.
There is not a female songwriter on the chart until No. 35, with Jessi Alexander.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind. The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart will resume in 2019 on January 14.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Jen Danielson Named Pandora’s Head Of Country Programming
/by Jessica NicholsonJen Danielson
Pandora has named Jen Danielson as Head of Country Programming at the company. Based in Nashville, Danielson will oversee programming for country music at Pandora, one of the most popular genres on the streaming service, which draws more than 30 million unique listeners to country music per month.
Danielson comes to Pandora after nearly a decade at CMT, where she most recently served as Director of Music Strategy. At CMT she oversaw the music video acquisition process for the network, working closely with record labels, publicists and artist managers to create and execute strategic marketing initiatives to enhance artist reach across all of the network’s platforms.
Pier30 Music Agency Partners With IV Quarter Management
/by Lorie HollabaughIV Quarter was founded by Kirk Teachout in April of 2018 and he has since been joined by managers Wade Evans and Kaylene Widdoes. This past summer IV Quarter signed five artists to its roster.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the team helping to grow these artist’s careers and we couldn’t be happier with our partnership with Kirk and the managers of IV Quarter. I am excited to see what 2019 brings and the opportunities that present themselves as we move forward. We are expecting great things from these artists – they are ones you’re going to want to keep an eye on,” says CEO of Pier30, Hannah Hoyt.
Pier30 agents Logan Schulz and Klint Ruud will be handling booking for the new artists.
CMA Launches New International Touring Series ‘Introducing Nashville’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA is releasing a new international touring series, “Introducing Nashville,” which launches in March in Australia and New Zealand featuring Brandy Clark, Devin Dawson, Lindsay Ell and Tenille Townes (Australia leg only), followed by an industry event in Tokyo including Frankie Ballard.
The shows will help introduce current artists to international audiences for the first time, and each tour stop will replicate a Nashville writers round, with artists appearing together in an acoustic lineup, performing and talking about their careers and personal stories.
Since 2012, CMA has invited more than 40 songwriters and artists overseas to familiarize audiences with the breadth and heritage of the country genre. The CMA Songwriters Series will continue to present songwriters to international fans with a focus on the importance of the craft of songwriting.
“We are excited to invest in artists who are building international careers and to help place them in front of fans in multiple cities who seldom experience Nashville artists live,” said Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development. “Launching the first Introducing Nashville tour with these distinct artists, each of which occupy such different lanes musically, illustrates the broad range of sounds coming out of Nashville and the country genre.”
Introducing Nashville 2019:
March 18: Lismore, Australia – Lismore City Hall
March 19: Brisbane, Australia – The Old Museum
March 21: Sydney, Australia – The Factory Theatre
March 22: Canberra, Australia – The Abbey
March 23: Melbourne, Australia – Athenaeum Theatre
March 26: Auckland, New Zealand – Tuning Fork
Warner/Chappell Music Promotes Alison Junker To A&R Manager
/by Jessica NicholsonAlison Junker
Warner/Chappell Music (WCM), the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has promoted Alison Junker to A&R Manager. This appointment will expand on Junker’s previous role as A&R Coordinator, focusing on her efforts to discover and collaborate with a diverse roster of talent.
“Alison began her career here at Warner/Chappell right out of college, and it’s been so rewarding to watch her progress and establish herself on Music Row,” said Ben Vaughn, President of Warner/Chappell Nashville. “She’s proven herself to be fearless in stepping into this industry, and we look forward to her continued development.”
Junker began her career as an A&R intern at Warner Music Group, and later became an A&R Assistant at Warner/Chappell Nashville, a role she held for nearly three years.
She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Music Business, and is currently working with her alma mater to launch a songwriter internship program through WCM. Outside of work, Junker serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the Nashville chapter, a non-profit organization that provides volunteers to advocate for the best interests of child victims of abuse in court.
Chris Renzema Joins Centricity Music Roster
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Centricity Music VP of Finance Ben Stauffer, VP of Publishing Chad Segura, CEO Caren Seidle, Chris Renzema, General Manager Steve Ford, Sr. VP of A&R John Mays
Chris Renzema has signed a recording and publishing deal with Centricity Music.
Hailing from Grand Rapids, MI before moving to Nashville in 2015, Renzema’s music pairs folk-rock musicianship with storytelling and lyrical heart. His self-produced indie projects have brought worship songs to churches across the country, and the 23-year-old is working on new music to be released in 2019.
“Our entire team connected immediately with his voice and songwriting, and his personality felt like a natural fit for our family of artists and staff,” Centricity A&R Director Matt Ewald said. “We also saw the kind of connection he’s already made with listeners and knew we wanted to be part of helping that develop further.”
Tony Lucca Signs With Demolition Music
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Nate Cook, Steve Bloch – Creative Consultant, Pete Sallis, Tony Lucca, Jon D’Agostino – President, Drew Smith, Jamie Dryburgh – Creative Manager, Shane Barrett – Song Plugger, Michael August – Creative Manager, Adam Searan
Tony Lucca has signed with Demolition Music for publishing.
Lucca, a 2012 alum from The Voice who made it all the way to the finals, moved to Nashville in 2013. He recently released a single that pays homage to his new hometown, “Nashville,” and is working on a new album for 2019.
“Tony is the A+ triple threat who writes, plays, sings and has the experience we need to craft songs for the country, pop and sync markets,” says Demolition President, Jon D’Agostino.
“Demolition is the perfect addition to Tony’s team and vision.” Says, Tom Derr, manager, Rock Ridge Music.
“Jon D’Agostino has brought an inspired work ethic to Nashville and leads by example,” says Lucca. “Demolition has a distinct family feel to it and one that I’m proud to be a part of. “
Chris Lane Celebrates Platinum Single At Sold-Out New York Show
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Big Loud’s Clay Hunnicutt, Big Loud’s Marc Rucker, Big Loud’s Nikki Wood, Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jensen Sussman, Chris Lane, Big Loud’s Lloyd Norman, Big Loud’s Candice Watkins, Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jodi Dawes
Chris Lane got a surprise last Thursday (Dec. 13) at his sold-out New York City show at Irving Plaza when Big Loud Records President Clay Hunnicutt walked onstage to deliver the news that his single, “Take Back Home Girl” is Platinum. Hunnicutt presented Lane with a plaque commemorating one million in sales for the smash, which has earned hundreds of millions of combined streams as well.
“I’m literally at a loss for words,” Lane said to the crowd before thanking those who supported the song. “It takes a whole team of everybody, and country radio I love you guys. Thank you so much for believing in me. To the fans, thank you so much for this. I love you guys. This is special. I can’t wait to hang this up in my house.”
“Take Back Home Girl” features Tori Kelly, and the two have hit major national stages to perform the collaboration throughout the year, appearing on both NBC’s TODAY and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The track, penned by Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller and David Garcia, was the lead single from Lane’s sophomore album Laps Around The Sun.
Lane is currently on the road on his coinciding headline Laps Around The Sun tour, and has added four dates to the tour in January before it wraps Jan. 19.
Jan. 10: Dubuque, IA – Five Flags Center
Jan. 17: Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Jan. 18: Greenville, SC – Blind Horse Saloon
Jan. 19: Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
Alabama Announces 50th Anniversary Tour
/by LB CantrellCountry Music Hall of Fame group Alabama will celebrate five decades of music next year with a 50th Anniversary Tour. With nearly 30 live concerts already on the books, the first leg of the tour will sweep the United States.
“We never thought playing for tips at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that 50 years later we would still playing arenas, stadiums and festivals,” said Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “Teddy, Jeff and I are humbled at the amount of fans that are coming out to see us. We are finding out that we are playing to three generations of fans who have followed us and our music from day one. The fans are the ones responsible for our continued success on the road and we love them.”
“Randy, Teddy and I have loved making music, touring and being with our fans night after night,” said Jeff Cook. “It’s truly an experience that has created a bond between us and them that cannot be broken. The 50th Anniversary Tour will be full of surprises and great memories.”
Teddy Gentry added, “The group Alabama has become ‘America’s Country Band,’ we are told. We are proud to have been performing, writing songs and recording for 50 years. Come celebrate the music with us on our 50th Anniversary Tour in 2019. Each show will be a night to remember for us. We’ll be there to thank our loyal legions of fans for supporting three boys from Fort Payne, Alabama through thick and thin.”
The 50th Anniversary Tour kicks off on Jan. 10 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Additional dates will be announced soon.
Alabama 50th Anniversary Tour 2019 concert dates:
Jan 10: Detroit, MI – The Fox Theatre (w/ Chris Janson)
Jan 11: Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse (w/ Restless Heart)
Jan 19: Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Jan 20: Albany, NY – Times Union Center (w/ Exile)
Feb 14: San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Feb 15: New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center (w/ Tracy Lawrence)
Feb 28: Plant City, FL – Florida Strawberry Festival
March 1: St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
March 14: Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center (w/ The Oak Ridge Boys)
March 15: Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena (w/ Tracy Lawrence)
March 22: Springfield, MO – JQH Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
March 23: North Little Rock, AR – Verizon Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 5: Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 6: Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 12: Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 13: Hartford, CT – XL Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 26: Providence, RI – Dunkin’ Donuts Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
April 27: State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
May 31: Cedar Rapids, IA – U.S. Cellular Center
June 1: La Cygne, KS – Tumbleweed
June 6: Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Music Festival
June 7: Macon, GA – Macon Centreplex Coliseum (w/ The Marshall Tucker Band)
June 13 -16: Grand Junction, CO – Country Jam (performance date TBA)
June 15: Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
June 26: Minneapolis, MN – Target Center (w/ The Charlie Daniels Band)
June 27: Oshkosh, WI – Country USA
Sept 14: Peoria, IL – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
Sony Music Nashville Promotes Margaret Tomlin
/by LB CantrellMargaret Tomlin. Photo: Cameron Powell
Sony Music Nashville announced today the promotion of Margaret Tomlin to Director, A&R.
“Margaret has displayed impeccable instincts for spotting talent and song material for the SMN roster. She has forged strong relationships with our artists, managers, and publishers,” said Jim Catino, Executive Vice President, A&R. “She is ready for this next step in her career where she will be responsible for multiple artists as direct A&R support.”
An alumna of Syracuse University’s Bandier Program, Tomlin joined SMN as Representative, A&R in 2015 and was most recently Manager, A&R. During her tenure with the company, Tomlin has contributed to identifying new talent and placing songs within in the roster, including cuts for Carlton Anderson, Kane Brown, and Rachel Wammack. Her previous posts include catalog assistant at BMG Nashville.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working with our roster of exceptional artists, and to Randy Goodman, Jim Catino, and Taylor Lindsey for their support and mentorship,” said Tomlin. “The passionate team at Sony Nashville and the artists we sign and develop both energize and inspire me each day. It is truly a privilege to be a part of such a remarkable chapter in music.”