Clarence Spalding Receives Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award

/by

Pictured (L-R): Bob Kingsley, Clarence Spalding, Jason Aldean

Clarence Spalding was honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award during an event held Wednesday night (Feb. 28)  at the Grand Ole Opry House. Spalding was honored for his impact on country music, and the evening benefitted the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported members of the country music community in need for more than 50 years.

Among the artists performing at the event were Jason Aldean, who also presented Spalding with his award, Terri Clark, Brooks & Dunn, Exile, Rascal Flatts, Reba, and Darius Rucker. Many of Spalding’s industry colleagues and friends were also a part of the honor including Steve Buchanan, Robert Deaton, John Esposito, Randy Goodman, Mary Ann McCready, Stan Moress, Brian O’Connell, Sally Williams and more.

Spalding got his start in the business while he was studying at the University of Kentucky and began booking acts into local bars. He soon began road managing the band Exile, and developed friendships and relationships throughout the industry. In the late ‘80s he joined Stan Moress’ management group, and settled in Nashville to work with artists like Lorrie Morgan, K.T. Oslin, Eddie Rabbitt, Mike Reid and Restless Heart. In 1993, Spalding joined Bob Titley Management and worked directly with the newly-signed Brooks & Dunn. Spalding’s management of the pair helped establish the duo as one of country music’s superstar acts, and the company eventually became Titley Spalding & Associates. In 2004, Spalding formed Spalding Entertainment, and the firm now boasts a powerhouse roster that includes Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark and others. In 2014 partnered with Maverick, a consortium of managers around the globe, to create broader opportunities for his clients.

The Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award was created in 2014 to recognize the most deserving individuals across the spectrum of record label/industry, creative/production and radio/media.

BREAKING: ACM Awards Announce Nominations

/by

Reba McEntire will return as the host for the 53rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, marking her fifteenth time as ACM Awards host. The 16-time ACM award winner announced the top nominees in several categories on CBS This Morning.

The 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards will take place April 15 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Chris Stapleton leads with eight nominations in five categories, including his first nod for Entertainer of the Year. Stapleton is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, and twice, as both artist and producer, in both the Album of the Year and Single Record of the Year categories; he received the Album of the Year nod for From a Room: Volume 1, and the Single Record of the Year nod for “Broken Halos.” He is also nominated twice, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of The Year category for “Whiskey and You.”

Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Thomas Rhett earned six nominations, including his second in the Male Vocalist of the Year category. Rhett is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, for both Album of The Year for Life Changes and Vocal Event of the Year for “Craving You” (featuring Maren Morris). Lastly, he is nominated for his first Music Video of the Year award for “Marry Me,” along with director TK McKamy and producer Dan Atchison.

Keith Urban earned five nominations including his eighth nod for Entertainer of the Year and eleventh nod for Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban is also nominated for Song of the Year for “Female,” and twice, as both artist and producer in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “The Fighter” (featuring Carrie Underwood). Urban won Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2000, and Top Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005. A win in the Entertainer of the Year category would also make him the eighth ever ACM Triple Crown winner.

Songwriter Shane McAnally received five nominations. He is nominated as Songwriter of the Year, and twice as songwriter in the Song of the Year category for Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” and Keith Urban’s “Female.” McAnally is also nominated in the Album of the Year category for Old Dominion’s album Happy Endings, and in the Single Record of the Year category as a producer in Midland’s single “Drinkin’ Problems.”

Reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Miranda Lambert received four nominations, including her twelfth nod for Female Vocalist of the Year. If she wins, it will be her ninth consecutive win in this category. She is the current record holder for most consecutive wins in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. Miranda is currently tied for the winningest artist in ACM history with 29 awards along with Brooks & Dunn. This year she is also nominated twice, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of The Year category for “Tin Man,” and for Video of the Year for “We Should Be Friends.”

Reigning New Female Vocalist of the Year Maren Morris received four nominations, including her second nod in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. Morris is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “Dear Hate” (featuring Vince Gill). She is nominated again in the category with Thomas Rhett for “Craving You.”

Sam Hunt received three nominations for his hit “Body Like A Back Road.” One nod in the Single Record of The Year category, and two, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of the Year category.

Reigning Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town, earned their twelfth nomination in the category. This would be their fourth consecutive win and fifth overall. They are also nominated for Album of the Year for Breaker, and Single Record of the Year for “Better Man.”

First-time Academy of Country Music Award nominee, Midland, received three nominations for Vocal Group of the Year, New Vocal Duo/Group of the Year, and Single Record of the Year for “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Eighteen-time ACM Award winner Tim McGraw and sixteen-time ACM Award winner Faith Hill received their first-ever nomination as a duo in the Vocal Duo of the Year category.

McEntire received her sixteenth nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year. This would be her eighth win in the category.

The following is the full list of final nominees. The Academy of Country Music’s professional membership selects the nominees and winners of the Academy of Country Music Awards.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Garth Brooks
• Luke Bryan
• Chris Stapleton
• Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Reba McEntire
• Maren Morris
• Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton
• Keith Urban
• Chris Young

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brothers Osborne
• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• LOCASH
• Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Lady Antebellum
• LANCO
• Little Big Town
• Midland
• Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Lauren Alaina
• Danielle Bradbery
• Carly Pearce
• Raelynn

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kane Brown
• Luke Combs
• Devin Dawson
• Russell Dickerson
• Brett Young

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
• High Valley
• LANCO
• LOCASH
• Midland
• Runaway June

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Breaker – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• California Sunrise – Jon Pardi
Producers: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• From A Room Vol. 1 – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records

• Happy Endings – Old Dominion
Producer: Shane McAnally
Record Label: RCA

• Life Changes – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Better Man – Little Big Town
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

• Body Like A Back Road – Sam Hunt
Producer: Zach Crowell
Record Label: MCA Nashville

• Broken Halos – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Records

• Drinkin’ Problem – Midland
Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Record Label: Big Machine Records

• I’ll Name The Dogs – Blake Shelton
Producer: Scott Hendricks
Record Label: Warner Bros.

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
• Body Like a Back Road – Sam Hunt
Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Universal Music Corp./Sam Hunt Publishing, Highly Combustible Music/I Love Pizza Music,/Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing/Who Wants to Buy My Publishing/Atlas Music Publishing, Anderson Fork In The Road Music/Smackville Music/Smack Songs LLC, Smack Hits

• Female – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon and Shane McAnally
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc./Rezonant Music/Plain Jane Songs, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./A Girl Named Charlie (BMI), Smack Hits/Smack Songs LLC (GMR)

• Tin Man – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Beat Up Ford Publishing (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI)/SWMBMGBMI/Lonesome Vinyl Music

• Whiskey And You – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Lee Thomas Miller, Chris Stapleton
Publishers: WB Music Corp./New Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./New Sea Gayle Music (BMI)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
• Black – Dierks Bentley
Director: Wes Edwards
Producer: Max A. Butler

• It Ain’t My Fault – Brothers Osborne
Director: Wes Edwards, Ryan Silver
Producer: Tiffany Davies

• Legends – Kelsea Ballerini
Director: Jeff Venable
Producer: Ben Skipworth

• Marry Me – Thomas Rhett
Director: TK McKamy
Producer: Dan Atchison

• We Should Be Friends – Miranda Lambert
Director: Trey Fanjoy
Producer: April Dace

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR*(Off Camera Award)
• Rhett Akins
• Ashley Gorley
• Hillary Lindsey
• Shane McAnally
• Josh Osborne

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
• Craving You – Thomas Rhett Featuring Maren Morris
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

• Dear Hate – Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill
Producers: Brad Hill, Maren Morris
Record Label: Columbia Nashville

• Funny (How Time Slips Away) – Glen Campbell And Willie Nelson
Producer: Carl Jackson
Record Label: Universal Music Enterprises

• The Fighter – Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood
Producers: Busbee, Keith Urban
Record Label: Capitol Nashville

• What Ifs – Kane Brown Featuring Lauren Alaina
Producer: Dann Huff
Record Label: RCA Nashville

Chris Young, Mike Huckabee Join CMA Foundation Board Of Directors

/by

The CMA Foundation has elected former Governor Mike Huckabee and RCA Records Nashville recording artist Chris Young to join its 12-member board of directors. Established as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining music education programs all across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education.

“As an organization we’ve been able to build a model of giving that is unique and innovative to the field, but most importantly, that model has been the catalyst for creating real impact in music classrooms and programs across the country,” said Joe Galante, Chairman of the CMA Foundation. “As we continue to advance social change, it’s incredibly important to continue expanding our executive board of directors with dynamic leaders.”

He added, “Governor Huckabee led an impressive administration while serving the state of Arkansas and his policy experience with education reform is something we are fortunate to be able to learn from.”

Additionally, “Chris Young, a product of music education, brings a strong voice both on and off the stage eager to drive our agenda forward with new ideas and a strategic vision making him an industrious addition to our board.”

Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested over $20 million in 84 programs across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and with community outreach organizations. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, proceeds from the annual CMA Fest are used to drive the CMA Foundation’s social impact and unique model of giving.

Industry Ink: Universal Music Group Nashville, Academy of Country Music

/by

Pam Russell Exits Universal Music Group Nashville

Pam Russell

UMGN VP, Sales Pam Russell’s role has been eliminated after 30 years with the company. She can be reached at pamwrussell@icloud.com or by phone 615-294-4928.

 

ACM Welcomes Dylan Scott

Pictured (L-R): Dylan Scott with ACM CEO Pete Fisher. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott to the office while he was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Scott performed his current chart-rising single, “Hooked,” and songs from his self-titled deluxe edition album, Dylan Scott, including Platinum-certified hit, “My Girl.”

 

LiveXLive Media Partners With Country 500 Festival

/by

LiveXLive Media, Inc., a global digital media company focused on live entertainment, partnered with Country 500, a country music festival on the grounds of the Daytona International Speedway, in a multiyear agreement brokered by AEG Global Partnerships.

The partnership names LiveXLive the festival’s official livestreaming and video-on-demand (VOD) partner. Country 500 takes place Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, and features Toby Keith, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Sugarland, and more. This is LiveXLive’s first livestream of a country music festival and builds on its livestreaming festival slate, which includes Bumbershoot, Seattle; Rock in Rio, Rio de Janeiro; and Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, San Francisco; among others.

“Expanding into the country music scene is a natural extension for LiveXLive and adds to our growing festival lineup,” said Rob Ellin, CEO and chairman of LiveXLive. “Country 500 hosts some of the biggest names in the genre, and we can’t wait to share the performances from this festival to fans across the globe.”

Kiefer Sutherland Signs New Music Management, PR Deals

/by

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland is joining The Fitzgerald Hartley Co. roster, in association with longtime manager and producer Jude Cole, for music management, and Adkins Publicity for music PR/Publicity representation. APA’s Steve Martin will continue overseeing North America and international live music booking.

In 2016, Sutherland released the project Down In A Hole, followed by a sold-out North American and European tour, and has also made appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, Stagecoach and Glastonbury Festival.

It’s Official: Spotify Files For $1 Billion IPO

/by

Spotify announced Wednesday (Feb. 28) that it plans for an initial public offering, officially completing an F1 filing with the Security and Exchanges Commission. The company will go public under the ticker SPOT on the New York Stock Exchange.

Documents state the company is targeting a $1 billion IPO.

Spotify says it is present in 61 countries and its platform includes 159 million monthly active users and 71 million premium subscribers, as of Dec. 31, 2017.

“Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity by giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by these creators,” Spotify said in the filing.

‘Music City’ Singer-Songwriter Jessica Mack To Release Album In March

/by

Singer-songwriter Jessica Mack has a lot to celebrate this week with the March 1 premiere of CMT’s music-themed docu-series, Music City, in which Mack has a featured role, and the March 2 release of her full-length project, One Love.

The project is produced by Andrew Bergthold (Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Ginny Owens, Big Daddy Weave), Bobby Campbell (Nashville, Logic, Mary J. Blige), Josh Bronleewe (Sanctus Real, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey) and Nate Dodge (E!, MTV, Oxygen).

“Jessica Mack’s persuasive, pop vocals fused with her stellar storytelling-songwriting skillset represents the BEST of the NEW ‘Music City,’ Nashville, TN,” added Shereé Spoltoré, President of Global Songwriters Connection and mentor to Mack.

One Love Official Track Listing
“Sonic Boom” (Jessica Mack, Andrew Bergthold, Mike Van Soest)
“You Are The One” (Jessica Mack. Bobby Campbell, Justin Haplin)
“Mixtape” (Jessica Mack, Kristina Kidd, Andrew Bergthold)
“A Million Ways” (Jessica Mack, Bobby Campbell, Justin Halpin)
“Still Out There” (Jessica Mack, Brett Rutledge)
“Drive” (Jessica Mack, Robert Andrew Vischer)
“Lay It Down” (Jessica Mack, Tony Wood, Josh Bronleewe)
“Only You” (Jessica Mack, Bobby Campbell, Justin Halpin)
“If You Could” (Jessica Mack, Bobby Campbell, Justin Halpin)
“Because You Love Me” (Jessica Mack, Nate Dodge)
“Brand New” (Jessica Mack, Andrew Bergthold)
“Let Jesus” (Jessica Mack, Cory Wigal)

When asked about making her national television debut in “Music City,” Mack said, “Being cast for ‘Music City’ was such an honor and an unexpected blessing! To be a part of a show that inspires people to dream big and go after it – that’s what I’m all about. I’m thankful to share my journey with all who watch!”

“Music City” is an eight-episode series created by renowned executive producer Adam DiVello (MTV’s “The Hills” and “Laguna Beach”), following a group of young adults as they enter the next phase of their lives while chasing dreams of success, fame, and romance in Nashville. Confronted with everyday decisions that carry high stakes for their careers, their relationships, and their futures, they must navigate the rocky road on their journeys of self-discovery. “Music City” premieres on CMT this Thursday, March 1 at 10 p.m. ET/ 9 p.m. CT.

Jake Owen Rejuvenates Mellencamp Classic On New Single

/by

Jake Owen is paying homage to a heartland classic on his brand new single, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” which reunites Owen with producer Joey Moi and marks his first release for Big Loud Records. The singer got the thumbs up from Mellencamp himself on the new track, which was important to him as he went about reinventing the rock and roll gem.

“I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” evokes a warm-weather romance set to one of rock’s essential classics, John Mellencamp’s “Jack & Diane.” Based around the 1982 hit’s iconic melody, Owen reinvents the feel-good rock staple a bit.

“I never release a song without the intention of stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park,” said Owen. “When I first heard ‘I Was Jack (You Were Diane),’ I thought, ‘How can I do this and re-create what is already a classic song?’ But the more I listened to it, the more I saw my own life growing up. The original ‘Jack & Diane’ was about ‘two American kids growing up in the heartland’ and that image is exactly what so many country songs are based on. Plus, the most important thing to me and my team is that we sent the song to Mellencamp and he digs the track. Getting his stamp of approval sealed the deal for me that this song should be our debut single.”

Along with the new single Owen has recorded a breezy new tune, “Something to Ride To,” that is also being released to all digital music partners today.

He’s set to launch his 2018 “Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour” with special guests Chris Janson and Jordan Davis this Summer with the majority of shows taking place at baseball stadiums across the country.

YouTube video

Leadership Music Class Of 2019 Applications Due Today

/by

The deadline to apply for Leadership Music’s Class of 2019, its historic 30th class, is Wednesday, Feb. 28, ending at midnight. Applications from established industry leaders will be accepted online only at leadershipmusic.org.

The selection process begins in early March, and applicants are notified of their selection in late May.

The eight month, Nashville-based, education program begins in September and is designed to create understanding among music industry professionals and promote teamwork. Participants are required to attend all-day sessions once a month, plus opening and closing retreats during the program.

Leadership Music has graduated more than 1,100 music industry-related executives since 1990.