Fiddle Reportedly Belonging To Roy Acuff Donated To Kansas City Goodwill Store

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Just one more reason shopping thrift stores can pay off — you might just come across a musical treasure owned and played by a legend. According to a recent story in the Kansas City Star, a fiddle owned by the late Roy Acuff is up for auction in Kansas City after being donated anonymously to Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. The fiddle was given to the Goodwill store on North Oak and is now in the possession of Gary Raines, who runs Goodwill’s e-commerce program in Kansas City.

Acuff’s fiddles were made by his uncle, Evart Acuff, and each one was numbered. A sticker inside the fiddle that reads No. 19 says it was handmade in August 1945 in Maryville, Tenn (labeled as “Merryville” on the sticker). It was made of applewood from a tree on a family farm.

“We recognized right away that it was something special and we now have it up for auction,” Raines said. “We have no information on the owner. They just donated it and moved on. … The certificate of authenticity and other paperwork are copies but we are confident that it’s the real thing.”

The auction is open until 11 p.m. Saturday (central time) at shopgoodwill.com, which has published photos and other details of the instrument. The high bid on the instrument is currently $8,002.

Acuff, who died in 1992, was a Grand Ole Opry star known for hits including “Wabash Cannon Ball,” “Great Speckled Bird,” “Wreck On The Highway” and “Fireball Mail.” In 1942, Acuff formed the influential music publishing company Acuff-Rose. In 1962, Acuff was elected as the first living member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

BMI And Arista Celebrate LANCO’s First No. 1, Platinum-Selling “Greatest Love Story”

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Pictured (L-R) front: Lead guitarist Eric Steedly, Lead singer/songwriter Brandon Lancaster, Drummer Tripp Howell, multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, bassist Chandler Baldwin; (Back Row L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson Neon Cross’ Melissa Spillman, Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn. Photo: Steve Lowry

BMI and financial partner Pinnacle Financial welcomed Sony Nashville’s LANCO to its headquarters on Thursday, Jan. 4 to celebrate the No. 1 success of the quintet’s single “Greatest Love Story.” Cooper Samuels from Pinnacle Financial offered remarks about a donation on behalf of the band to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital.

Together, Sony Music Nashville COO/EVP Ken Robold and VP Sales Caryl Healey surprised LANCO with a Platinum plaque, commemorating a million sales of the title.

Formerly known as Lancaster & Company, the group originally released “American Love Story” on their 2015 EP before renaming the song ahead of the Arista Nashville impact date on March 6, 2017.

BMI’s Josh Tomlinson welcomed a crowd to the first No. 1 party of 2018, a solo-write by the group’s frontman Brandon Lancaster, who has writing credits on all 11 tracks (including four solo-writes) on their debut album Hallelujah Nights, available Jan. 19. Tomlinson presented Lancaster with a commemorative BMI Epiphone guitar for writing his first No. 1.

Lancaster is published by his producer’s Neon Cross together with Ben Vaughan‘s Warner/Chappell. On behalf of producer Jay Joyce, Melissa Spillman offered remarks.

“Congratulations Brandon and the team—here’s to many more” said Spillman before presenting military dogtags and artwork to the group. “We’ve made a donation to our debt at Warner/Chappell on your behalf,” she teased to the audience’s laughter.

Pictured (L-R): Drummer Tripp Howell, Lead guitarist Eric Steedly, Lead singer/songwriter Brandon Lancaster, Multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, bassist Chandler Baldwin. Pictured: Steve Lowry

For the label, Josh Easler from Arista noted, “This [No. 1] is a testament to the band as people, their management company and to the people they surround themselves with—they will outwork any band in this town.” Easler additionally noted the work of leader Steve Hodges, alongside his promotions staff Lauren Thomas, Abi Fishbone, Rusty Sherrill, Lisa Owen, Olivia Laster, Jenny Shearin and RG Jones.

While the full band performed select titles from their album, Lancaster offered his remarks.

“We’ve been together as a band for years. I remember 3-4 years ago, we had these songs this dream and this vision,” Lancaster praised. “We started getting exposed to this industry and how hard people work to make what we hear on the radio, the things we see on TV and the things we buy a reality. One by one the people in this room believed in us. We are fortunate to be on the road to see the impact y’all are having. You are changing people’s lives because you allow people like us to impact fans. Thank you so much this has been the journey of a lifetime!”

LANCO performs. Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured (L-R): Lead guitarist Eric Steedly, Drummer Tripp Howell, Lead singer/songwriter Brandon Lancaster, Multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, bassist Chandler Baldwin, MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Steve Lowry

MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson presented the band with No. 1 Challenge Coins for its chart-topping success on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Chart. Brooke Sanders from the CRB noted “Greatest Love Story” had earned 216,855 spins, reaching an audience of over 9.85 million. The CMA’s Brandi Simms presented the group with CMA Medallions. Country Aircheck‘s Lon Helton presented plaques for Lancaster, the band and Arista Nashville.

LANCO will release “Born To Love You” as their next single.

Mickey Gilley Recovering Following Car Accident

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Mickey Gilley and his son were involved in a car accident earlier this week, on Jan. 3. The pair were returning to Branson after an event in Texas and rolled over numerous times off the interstate. Both Gilley and his son are recovering with minor injuries, and Gilley sustained a fractured ankle and a fractured right shoulder along with some bumps and bruises in the accident. 

Due to the injuries, Gilley is forced to reschedule his Jan. 6 show at The Texas Theatre in Greenville, Texas. While the new date will be announced in the coming weeks, he plans to resume his normal touring schedule on January 20 at the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, Florida.

“I had an accident yesterday. We rolled a car about three times over,” Gilley explains to fans via Facebook, “I have a fractured left ankle and a fractured right shoulder. I am having a hard time walking because I have a big boot on my left leg. But other than that I’m doing pretty good. To be 81 years old and put myself through what I’ve been through it’s kinda tough sometimes on the old man but I don’t intend to retire. I will be out there on the road and I’ll see you real soon.”

Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo Announces Full 2018 Lineup

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced its full lineup for 2018, featuring a mix of country, rock, R&B, and Spanish pop artists. Among those performers set to take the stage for the event, which runs from Feb. 27-March 18, are Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Leon Bridges, Kelsea Ballerini, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, OneRepublic, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band and Thomas Rhett.

As previously announced, Garth Brooks will open and close this year’s event, with shows on Feb. 27 and March 18.

RodeoHouston will debut a new state-of-the-art stage at NRG Stadium for 2018.

“In addition to a fantastic entertainment lineup, RODEOHOUSTON 2018 will feature a brand new, star-shaped stage with top-of-the-line technology that will greatly enhance the presentation and place fans closer to the entertainers inside NRG Stadium,” said Joel Cowley, Rodeo president and CEO.

Tickets will go on sale next Thursday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m., through AXS Ticketing via rodeohouston.com. Customers may enter the Online Waiting Room between 9:30 and 9:59 a.m. At 10 a.m., customers in the waiting room will be randomly selected to enter the store to purchase tickets.

2018 RODEOHOUSTON Stage in NRG Stadium, Feb. 27 – March 18

Tuesday, Feb. 27 Garth Brooks
Wednesday, Feb. 28 – Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by BHP Little Big Town
Thursday, March 1 Blake Shelton
Friday, March 2 – Black Heritage Day, sponsored by Kroger Leon Bridges
Saturday, March 3 Kelsea Ballerini
Sunday, March 4 Alessia Cara

Monday, March 5 – First Responders Day, presented by BP Rascal Flatts
Tuesday, March 6 Jason Aldean
Wednesday, March 7 Thomas Rhett
Thursday, March 8 Luke Bryan
Friday, March 9 Chris Young
Saturday, March 10 Cody Johnson
Sunday, March 11 – Go Tejano Day Calibre 50

Monday, March 12 Zac Brown Band
Tuesday, March 13 J Balvin
Wednesday, March 14 OneRepublic
Thursday, March 15 Keith Urban
Friday, March 16 Chris Stapleton
Saturday, March 17 – RodeoHouston Super Series Championship Brad Paisley
Sunday, March 18 – RodeoHouston Super Shootout®, presented by Crown Royal Garth Brooks

30A Songwriters Festival Announces Final Lineup

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The 9th annual 30A Songwriters Festival, set for Jan. 12-15, has announced some additional confirmed artists for the 2018 celebration. Newly confirmed artists include Rita Wilson, John Fullbright, Lilly Hiatt, Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s, Deana Carter, Amy Lavere, Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel, and more. The festival will feature 185 songwriters at over 30 venues in South Walton County.

“The 30A Songwriters Festival is a unique cultural event like no other in this area. The Festival brings together nearly every South Walton community and many businesses to showcase our home as a destination not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its musical and creative excellence, which is the purpose of the Cultural Arts Alliance,” says Jennifer Steele, the Executive Director and Festival Co-Producer.

Additional confirmed artists for the festival include Lauren Staley & Jason Morrow (The Whiskey Gentry), Raelyn Nelson Band,  Diane Gentile with Alfonso Velez, Airpark, Alan Rhody, Amilia K Spicer, Andi Zack-Johnson, Becca Mancari, Ben Glover, Billy Montana, Blake Bollinger, Blake Guthrie, Boukou Groove, Bradley Cole Smith, Brian White, Chas Sandford, Courtyard Saints, Crystal Bowersox, Dan Bern, Dave Franklin, Dead Rock West, Don DiLego, Donnie Sundal, Ella Blue, Gabe Dixon, Jade Jackson, Jaimee Harris, Jennifer Lynn Simpson, Jeremy Lister, Joe Leathers, Johnny Irion, Jonathan Mitchell, Karyn Williams, Granville Automatic, Hugh Mitchell, I’MAGENE, Korby Lenker, Kyle LaMonica, Kyle Mitchell, Lily Winwood, Marc Harris & Jab Wilson, Max Gomez, Max McCann, The AJ Ghent Band, Nicole Chillemi, Parker & Parker, Paul Burch, Phil Madeira, Sarah Peacock, Shannon LaBrie, Skylar Gudasz, Sterling Fletcher, The Sundogs and The Haraway Brothers, Tommy Womack, TOWNE, Tyler Flowers, Ingrid Graudins, Wildlife Specials, Wyatt Edmondson, and Wyatt Espalin.

Weekly Chart Report 1/5/18

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Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Nashville-Based Third Man Records Signs Rapper SHIRT To Roster

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SHIRT

Jack White‘s Nashville-based indie label Third Man Records has signed its first rapper to the roster, inking a deal with New York-based artist SHIRT. SHIRT’s debut Third Man album, Pure Beauty, will release Feb. 9.

The label released a video for the song “Flight Home.”

Third Man Records and Jack White have previously worked with hip-hop groups and artists including Insane Clown Posse, Nas, Q-Tip, and Black Milk.

YouTube video

Ray Stevens Preps CabaRay Music Venue Grand Opening

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After nearly two years of excavation, construction, furnishing and outfitting, country and comedy music legend Ray Stevens is finally ready to unveil his new state-of-the-art Nashville showroom, CabaRay. Today, Stevens announced his grand opening celebration set to take place Jan. 18, 19 and 20.

“This whole process has been a real labor of love for me,” says Stevens. “It took some time to get the building fully constructed and iron out all the kinks but I’m thrilled to say we’re finally ready to open the doors to the public. We’d hoped to open last year… but better late than never!”

CabaRay is an homage to the producers, musicians, songwriters and artists who “made Nashville Music City,” according to Stevens. The venue’s interior is wallpapered with recording studio photos of sessions where hits like “Pretty Woman,” “El Paso,” “Ahab the Arab,” and many others were born. The showroom features six red leather banquette booths named for Nashville record producers Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley, Shelby Singleton, Fred Foster, Jerry Kennedy and Billy Sherrill.

“This is a uniquely Nashville facility that celebrates the city and the industry I love and that has been so very good to me,” notes Stevens.

CabaRay features dinner service for 500 patrons downstairs with beverage service for over 200 more upstairs in theatre-style seating. The Bill Lowery High Spirits Emporium is a true piano bar, featuring Nashville favorite John Jonethis on keys. The venue also includes a lobby gift shop, chock full of souvenirs.

Stevens’ current plan is to host his own weekly dinner shows— Thursday through Saturday evenings. As the year progresses, he plans to add Wednesday night shows, as well as bring in outside talent to perform in the venue.

In addition to serving dinner, drinks and entertainment, the facility will also act as the production studio for Stevens’ popular CabaRay Nashville TV show, airing nationally on Public Television. The building will eventually house the office operations of Ray Stevens Music publishing companies, recording studio and real estate interests, all within the 35,000 square foot building.

CabaRay is located in West Nashville at 5724 River Road. Free parking is available for nearly 300 vehicles, as well as several tour buses.

CMA Songwriters Series Announces ‘Front And Center’ 2018 Season

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The Country Music Association’s CMA Songwriters Series presented by U.S. Bank has once again partnered with public television’s live music series “Front and Center” for its 2018 season, featuring one-of-a-kind performances from Clint Black, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert.

The eighth season of “Front and Center” kicks off this month with all episodes airing nationally on public television. See below for initial airings in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville. Exact air dates and times for each episode vary by market and are subject to change.

Kane Brown & Luke Combs
New York, Jan. 14 at 11:30 p.m. on THIRTEEN
Los Angeles, Jan. 21 at 2 a.m. on KCET
Nashville, Feb. 2 at 11 p.m. on WNPT

Miranda Lambert
New York, Feb. 10 at 11:30 p.m. on WLIW
Los Angeles, Feb. 11 at 2 a.m. on KCET
Nashville, Feb. 23 at 11 p.m. on WNPT

Clint Black
New York, March 10 at 11:30 p.m. on WLIW
Los Angeles, March 11 at 2 a.m. on KCET
Nashville, March 23 at 11 p.m. on WNPT

Country Music icon Clint Black is joined by John Rich for a performance packed with behind-the-scenes stories and a selection of Black’s career-spanning greatest hits. Rising Country star Kane Brown is joined by top tunesmiths Tom Douglas and Josh Hoge and performs songs including “Used To Love You Sober” and “Heaven” in a show that also features CMA Awards New Artist of the Year nominee Luke Combs, who welcomes hit songwriters Thomas Archer, Ray Fulcher and Rob Williford, performing songs including “One Number Away” and “Hurricane.” Thirteen-time CMA Awards winner and reigning Female Vocalist Miranda Lambert shares the stage with 14 songwriters that contributed to her double-Platinum album, The Weight of These Wings, and performs songs including “Vice” and “Highway Vagabond” among many others.

This season’s Front and Center will also feature performances from Sheryl Crow, Liam Gallagher, Nile Rodgers, Seal and more.

Bob Kingsley’s CRS Acoustic Alley Lineup Revealed

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The lineup has been released for one of Country Radio Seminar’s most anticipated events, the annual “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.”  Twelve hit songwriters will perform at the Feb. 6 event, which is sponsored by Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, with support from First Tennessee Bank and ASCAP Nashville. Rhett Akins, Chris DeStefano, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, JT Harding, Hillary Lindsey, Heather Morgan, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, Matt Rogers, Cole Taylor, and Troy Verges are all set to perform during the evening. 

Bob Kingsley will host this show, which has become one of the seminar’s most notable after-hour events. This year’s Acoustic Alley will be held from 7 p.m. until midnight in the Legends Ballroom (level 2) at The Omni in Nashville. A cash bar will be provided, and a CRS badge will be required for admittance.

“Nashville’s creative community gets kick-started every day by the men and women who gather on Music Row to write the songs at the heart of it all,” said Kingsley. “Every year, Acoustic Alley brings together many of the best of those writers to give us a glimpse into the place where creativity turns into hits. Great writers singing their hits? It makes for a great evening!”

The $699 final registration rate for Country Radio Seminar 2018 is available at CountryRadioSeminar.com and  a limited number of Omni Nashville rooms are still available.