Dolly Parton. Credit: Fran Stine
Concord Music Publishing, the newly consolidated music publishing operation of The Bicycle Music Company and Imagem Music Group, has entered into an exclusive international publishing agreement with country entertainer and songwriter Dolly Parton.
The agreement, covering the UK, Germany, France, Latin America and other key territories around the world, includes Parton-penned classics such as “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Two Doors Down” and hundreds of songs in Parton’s Velvet Apple Music catalog.
“Dolly Parton is simply one of the most important and influential artists in popular music history,” says Concord Music’s Chief Publishing Executive Jake Wisely, who recently relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles. “We’re extremely grateful for this opportunity to work with her and her team and protect her incomparable legacy.”
Over the course of her 50 years in music, Parton has enjoyed diverse career roles including singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. She has earned 25 RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum awards, and 26 No. 1 country songs. Parton has had 42 Top 10 country albums and 113 charted singles in her career. She has topped 100 million records sold worldwide, and has earned eight Grammy honors, 10 CMA Awards, five ACM awards and three AMA awards. She is one of only five female artists to win the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year honor, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
“I am very proud and honored to be represented by such a capable and prestigious company as Concord Music Publishing. As I’ve always said, my songs are my children and I expect them to support me when I’m old and I’m expecting [Concord] to help me with that. I feel very confident that this is a perfect partnership,” Dolly shares.
Concord Music has offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Cleveland, London and Berlin. Following the combination of The Bicycle Music Company and recent Imagem Music Group acquisition, Concord’s publishing activities now count more than 380,000 copyrighted works, spanning nearly all musical genres. Concord Music’s publishing is managed via Bicycle, Boosey & Hawkes, Imagem, Razor & Tie Music Publishing and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
Concord Music’s recorded music portfolio contains more than 10,000 active album recordings and includes 244 GRAMMY winners and 371 titles that have been certified by the RIAA as either Gold, Platinum, multi-Platinum or Diamond. Concord Music’s record labels – Concord Records, Fantasy Records, Fearless Records, Loma Vista Recordings, Razor & Tie (including Kidz Bop) and Rounder Records – collectively release more than 100 new recordings per year within numerous musical genres. Concord Music’s historical labels, which are managed by its Craft Recordings division, include such storied imprints as Milestone, Musart, Nitro, Pablo, Prestige, Riverside, Specialty, Stax, Telarc, Vee-Jay and Wind-up.
Weekly Register: Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Top Albums Charts
/by Jessica NicholsonBMLG artist Taylor Swift retains her hold atop the Nielsen Soundscan overall albums chart, with reputation bringing in 256K in its second week. The album moved 1.238 million units in its first week just in the US.
Sony Music Nashville’s Tim McGraw and Faith Hill‘s first collaboration album, The Rest Of Our Life, debuts at No. 2 on the overall albums rankings, and at No. 1 on the country albums rankings, with 104K units moved in its debut week.
Garth Brooks‘ Anthology Part 1: The First Five Years debuts at No. 2 on the country albums chart (No. 4 overall) with 53K. Warner artist Blake Shelton‘s Texoma Shore is at No. 3 this week (No. 2 last week), with 33K. Sony artist Kane Brown‘s self-titled project is at No. 4 again this week, with 16K, followed by BMLG artist Thomas Rhett‘s Life Changes at No. 5, with 15K.
Other debuts this week include BBR artist Chase Rice‘s Lambs and Lions, debuting at No. 6 on the country albums chart with 15K. The BMG Tribute to Dan Fogelberg lands at No. 12 on the country charts, moving 7.9K.
On the country digital songs chart, LANCO’s “Greatest Love Story” tops the chart, rising from No. 3 last week to No. 1, with 16K sold this week (notching 391K to date). Tim McGraw and Faith Hill‘s album title track “The Rest of Our Life” is at No. 2 this week, with 14K. Chris Stapleton‘s “Broken Halos” lands at No. 3 (No. 2 last week) with 12K. Kane Brown‘s “What Ifs” (ft. Lauren Alaina) remains at No. 4 this week, with 11.9K.
Taylor Swift‘s “New Year’s Day” debuts at No. 5 on the country digital songs chart, with 11.4K.
Other notable debuts include Stapleton’s “Tryin’ To Untangle My Mind” which lands at No. 21 country with 6.1K. Meanwhile, Neal McCoy‘s “Take A Knee, My A**” jumps to No. 19 on the country digital songs chart, with 6.7K sold this week.
Information courtesy of Nielsen Soundscan.
LANCO To Drop Debut Album, ‘Hallelujah Nights,’ In January
/by Jessica NicholsonArista Nashville group LANCO will release its debut major label album, Hallelujah Nights, on Jan. 19. The project, produced by Jay Joyce, will include the band’s recent No. 1 single, the Gold-certified “Greatest Love Story.”
LANCO includes lead singer/writer Brandon Lancaster, bassist Chandler Baldwin, multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, drummer Tripp Howell and lead guitarist Eric Steedly.
“We all go through more of the same experiences than we realize and songwriting is a process of observing those moments,” said Lancaster. “Our stories have different people, different names, different places, but they all have the same emotions attached to them. It’s not fantasy-related. To me, this album is about glorifying the reality of life.”
The project features co-writing credit from such Nashville hitmakers as Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Jeremy Spillman and Joyce.
Hallelujah Nights Track List:
1. Born to Love You (Brandon Lancaster/Ross Copperman/Ashley Gorley/Josh Osborne)
2. Long Live Tonight (Brandon Lancaster/Jason Reeves)
3. Pick You Up (Brandon Lancaster/Jeremy Spillman/Ben West)
4. Greatest Love Story (Brandon Lancaster)
5. We Do (Brandon Lancaster)
6. Trouble Maker (Brandon Lancaster/Jay Joyce/Jeremy Spillman)
7. Singin’ at the Stars (Brandon Lancaster/Jeremy Spillman)
8. Win You Over (Brandon Lancaster)
9. So Long (I Do) (Brandon Lancaster/Melissa Fuller/Jay Joyce)
10. Middle of the Night (Brandon Lancaster)
11. Hallelujah Nights (Brandon Lancaster/Jay Joyce/Jeremy Spillman)
BMI To Deck The Halls At Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI will be collecting new, unused and unwrapped gifts benefitting Toys for Tots for children up to age 14 at the holiday event, so attendees are encouraged to bring a donated gift to support this worthy cause.
Madame Tussauds To Unveil Randy Travis Figure In December
/by Lorie HollabaughMadame Tussauds Nashville in Opry Mills Mall is unveiling Randy Travis‘ wax figure to the public in a ceremony on Dec. 1. Travis’ figure will be added to a collection of over 50 celebrity images at the Nashville attraction, which features artists from all genres of music including country, rock, jazz, blues and pop.
Each Madame Tussauds figure is a work of art, involving teams of professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive research and take more than 300 measurements to recreate world-famous icons and achieve the kind of realism that has been at the heart of the 250-year Madam Tussauds legacy. The immersive experience in the museum takes guests through different eras in America’s musical history as guests enjoy a historical walk through America’s musical past and present with vivid scenes supporting the colorful cast of figures.
Cole Swindell To Launch ‘Reason To Drink’ Headlining Tour In 2018
/by Jessica NicholsonCole Swindell has no plans to slow down after he wraps his fourth annual Down Home Tour in January. Instead, Swindell will embark on his first career headlining tour, the Reason To Drink Tour, on Feb. 15 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Joining Swindell for each of the dates on his first headlining tour are two of country music’s biggest rising stars Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina.
Pre-sale tickets for the Reason To Drink Tour launch Nov. 28 and will go on sale to the public in most markets on Dec. 1. The tour is promoted by Live Nation.
Since he launched his career in 2014, the Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville recording artist previously opened tours for Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Dierks Bentley.
“I am excited to be able to take everything I have learned while on the road the last four years watching all that Luke, Jason, Kenny, Dierks, Tyler and Brian did as headliners.” said Swindell. “Everything from how they treat their fans, their high-energy performances, to how they treated EVERYONE on the tour. They were great examples of how much work it takes for a successful tour. I can honestly say I’ve learned from the very best in the business. I’m ready to get out there with two of my friends, Chris Janson and Lauren Alaina. Start to finish, it’s going to be an amazing show and we’re ready to share it with you all.”
Cole Swindell’s Reason To Drink Tour Dates:
Feb. 15: Allentown, Pa.; PPL Center
Feb. 16 Manchester, N.H.; SNHU Arena
Feb. 17: Uncasville, Conn.; Mohegan Sun Arena
Feb. 22: Brookings, Sd. Swiftel Center*
Feb. 23: Madison, Wis.; The Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center
Feb: 24: Columbia, Mo.; Mizzou Arena*
March 2: Hershey, Pa.; Giant Center
March 3: Kingston, R.I.; Ryan Center
March 8: Asheville, N.C.; Asheville Civic Center*
March 9: Fayetteville, N.C.; Crown Coliseum*
March 10: Columbia, S.C.; Colonial Life Arena*
March 15: Saginaw, Mich.; Dow Event Center
March 16: Kalamazoo, Mich.; Wings Event Center
March 17: Bloomington, Ill.; Grossinger Motors Arena*
March 22: Huntington, W. Va.; The Big Sandy Superstore Arena
March 23: Roanoke, Va.; Berglund Center
March 24: Corbin, Ky.; The Arena
April 6: Temecula, Calif.; The Summit at Pechango Casino
April 7: Los Angeles; Greek Theater
* tickets onsale Dec 8
Rezonant Music Publishing And Wrensong Publishing Enter Into Joint Venture Deal
/by Lorie HollabaughRezonant Music Publishing was established in 2016 by founding partners and publishing veterans Wipperman (Nashville) and Garry Velletri (New York), along with financial consultant Alan Walter (Los Angeles). The company’s roster includes Ross Copperman, Kevin Kadish, Hillary Lindsey (in partnership with BMG,) Jake Scherer and Isaac Fox, and Matt Jenkins’ catalog (in conjunction with Combustion Music).
“I have great respect for Ree and the publishing company she and her father Reyn created in 1983,” Wipperman said. “Ree has guided the careers of many talented songwriters who have written some of country music’s most memorable songs. We can’t wait to see what additional milestones we can accomplish together.”
Wrensong/Reynsong/ReHits was established by father/daughter team Reyn and Ree Guyer. Ree Guyer moved to Nashville in 1985 after celebrating her first No. 1 song, “Little Things,” written by Billy Barber and recorded by the Oak Ridge Boys. The catalog has had three CMA/Grammy songs of the year: “Where’ve You Been,” “Whiskey Lullaby” and “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” and has also had 24 No. 1’s.
“Working with Tim and his incredible team at Rezonant will be the next great story for Wrensong,” Guyer said. “While we will remain in our current location, and will continue to operate as a small boutique publisher, partnering with Rezonant will give our current roster and those writers we sign in the future a deeper reach.”
Garth, Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett, More Pay Tribute To Dan Fogelberg On New Album
/by Lorie HollabaughSales from the album will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation, a cause near and dear to Dan’s wife, Jean Fogelberg. In 2008, a year after Fogelberg passed away from prostate cancer, Jean released “Sometimes A Song,” a Valentine’s Day gift to her from Dan, and donated the proceeds to PCF. Each year since then she has designed the annual PCF Holiday Cards to help raise money and awareness for the cause.
“I will be forever grateful to these amazing artists for giving their time and talents to honor Dan and to help fund the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s research programs to find a cure for prostate cancer,” said Jean Fogelberg about the new album.
“We are blessed and grateful to Jean for her steadfast and devotional support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and our work to defeat this cancer that continues to take the life of a man every 20 minutes,” said Jonathan Simons, MD, president and chief executive officer, PCF. “With her help and the support of all of Dan’s fans who purchase this beautiful tribute album, research gets that much closer to the day when loved ones are no longer lost to prostate cancer.”
A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg track listing:
1. Phoenix performed by Garth Brooks
2. Nether Lands performed by Donna Summer
3. Better Change performed by Michael McDonald
4. Longer performed by Amy Grant/Vince Gill
5. Same Old Lang Syne performed by Train
6. Don’t Lose Heart performed by Dobie Gray
7. Old Tennessee performed by Fool’s Gold/Denny Henson and Tom Kelly
8. As the Raven Flies performed by Casey James
9. Sutters Mill performed by Randy Owen
10. Run for the Roses performed by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Richie Furay
11. Hard to Say performed by Boz Scaggs
12. Part of the Plan performed by Eagles
13. There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler performed by Jimmy Buffett
14. Leader of the Band performed by Zac Brown
Big Deal Songwriter Ross Ellis Finds Momentum
/by Sherod RobertsonRoss Ellis
Country music singer and Big Deal Music Group songwriter Ross Ellis heads towards the new year with a new EP and industry spotlight, gaining momentum with every step.
As evidence of this momentum, Ellis was recently named a Highway Finds artist by SiriusXM. “Being the next Highway Finds is such an honor,” says Ellis. “I’m excited to get my music out and am so grateful to the fans and their incredible support!” He was also recently added to the Spotify New Boots playlist.
Ellis has been developing his songwriting and artistry for the last three years since his move to Nashville. Among his recent accomplishments, he was selected to be in the Association of Independent Music Publishers Songwriter’s Class of 2017 with SiriusXM’s Highway Finds alum Ashley McBryde.
Ellis debuted his first single, “Home For The Weekend” on SiriusXM’s The Highway channel with Buzz Brainard from his new EP Home For The Weekend and performed an unreleased version of his song “Ghosts.” The EP was produced by Brad Tursi, songwriter and lead guitarist in Old Dominion. Booked by WME, Ellis has been touring and opening for acts such as Big Machine’s Brett Young.
His new EP, comprised of two sides, “Home For The Weekend” (Ross Ellis/Scott Stepakoff/Jason Gantt) and “Good Old Days” (Ross Ellis/Allison Veltz/Lindsey Jackson), serves as an introduction to the newcomer.
Ellis was born and raised in the small town of Monterey, Louisiana. At fifteen he started the band, Wayside, with his cousin and some high school friends. The band gained a strong following through his college years playing venues across Louisiana and Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Ellis moved to Nashville. In less than a year of working part time jobs and playing writers rounds, he caught the attention of BMI’s Bradley Collins. Soon after, Ellis signed a publishing deal with Big Deal Music Group.
Stream “Home For The Weekend” via Spotify.
Dolly Parton Inks International Deal With Concord Music Publishing
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton. Credit: Fran Stine
Concord Music Publishing, the newly consolidated music publishing operation of The Bicycle Music Company and Imagem Music Group, has entered into an exclusive international publishing agreement with country entertainer and songwriter Dolly Parton.
The agreement, covering the UK, Germany, France, Latin America and other key territories around the world, includes Parton-penned classics such as “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Two Doors Down” and hundreds of songs in Parton’s Velvet Apple Music catalog.
“Dolly Parton is simply one of the most important and influential artists in popular music history,” says Concord Music’s Chief Publishing Executive Jake Wisely, who recently relocated to Nashville from Los Angeles. “We’re extremely grateful for this opportunity to work with her and her team and protect her incomparable legacy.”
Over the course of her 50 years in music, Parton has enjoyed diverse career roles including singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. She has earned 25 RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum awards, and 26 No. 1 country songs. Parton has had 42 Top 10 country albums and 113 charted singles in her career. She has topped 100 million records sold worldwide, and has earned eight Grammy honors, 10 CMA Awards, five ACM awards and three AMA awards. She is one of only five female artists to win the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year honor, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
“I am very proud and honored to be represented by such a capable and prestigious company as Concord Music Publishing. As I’ve always said, my songs are my children and I expect them to support me when I’m old and I’m expecting [Concord] to help me with that. I feel very confident that this is a perfect partnership,” Dolly shares.
Concord Music has offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Cleveland, London and Berlin. Following the combination of The Bicycle Music Company and recent Imagem Music Group acquisition, Concord’s publishing activities now count more than 380,000 copyrighted works, spanning nearly all musical genres. Concord Music’s publishing is managed via Bicycle, Boosey & Hawkes, Imagem, Razor & Tie Music Publishing and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
Concord Music’s recorded music portfolio contains more than 10,000 active album recordings and includes 244 GRAMMY winners and 371 titles that have been certified by the RIAA as either Gold, Platinum, multi-Platinum or Diamond. Concord Music’s record labels – Concord Records, Fantasy Records, Fearless Records, Loma Vista Recordings, Razor & Tie (including Kidz Bop) and Rounder Records – collectively release more than 100 new recordings per year within numerous musical genres. Concord Music’s historical labels, which are managed by its Craft Recordings division, include such storied imprints as Milestone, Musart, Nitro, Pablo, Prestige, Riverside, Specialty, Stax, Telarc, Vee-Jay and Wind-up.
Funeral Services Announced For Mel Tillis
/by Sherod RobertsonFuneral arrangements have been announced for the late Mel Tillis who passed away early Sunday morning, November 19.
Visitation for Tillis will be held on Monday, November 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sykes Funeral Home (424 Franklin St.) in Clarksville, Tennessee. A public funeral service will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m. at Mount Hermon Baptist Church (2204 Jarrell Ridge Rd.) with a private burial to follow.
A preceding service will take place at the Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church in Silver Springs, Florida this Saturday, November 25 at 3:00 p.m.
Out of respect for the family, attendees are asked to refrain from photographing, filming, or live streaming either service.
Additionally, the Tillis family is planning a January public memorial service open to fans and the music industry. The event will be held in Nashville with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Following a lengthy struggle to regain his health, country music legend Mel Tillis passed away early Sunday morning, November 19, at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. Tillis battled intestinal issues since early 2016 and never fully recovered. The suspected cause of death is respiratory failure. Tillis was 85.
Read full obituary here.