Pictured (L-R) back: David Macias, J.R. Schumann, Brian O’Connell, Mike McVay, and Gogi Gupta; (front): Leslie Fram, John Esposito, and Bobby Bones. Not pictured: Shane McAnally. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Innovation in Music Awards
Several of Nashville’s top music executives were on hand for Tuesday evening’s (June 6) inaugural Innovation In Music Awards ceremony, held at The Westin Nashville. Awards founder and Cold River Records leader Pete O’Heeron welcomed guests before introducing host for the evening, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus.
The evening’s lengthy list of honorees include Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, Cumulus Media/Westwood One’s Mike McVay, Thirty Tigers’ David Macias, SMACKSongs’ Shane McAnally, Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell, CMT’s Leslie Fram, iHeartMedia’s Bobby Bones, Gupta Media’s Gogi Gupta, SiriusXM’s J.R. Schumann, and radio recipients Tim Roberts (WYCD/ Major Market), Bev Rainey (KBQI/Medium Market), and Kory James (KPLM/Small Market). According to O’Heeron, the inaugural class of winners will be part of the process in selecting next year’s Innovation In Music honorees.
Two other individuals were recognized with a “Makes Shit Happen” (MSH) award, alternatively named the “Makes Stuff Happen” award; an award that honors individuals who are known as hard working, dedicated, and exemplifying that of a forward thinker. This year’s MSH awards went to Gregg Swedberg of KEEY/Minneapolis and Tony Grotticelli of Universal Music Group Nashville.
CMT’s Leslie Fram, recipient of the Innovation In Music, National Media honor, is known for being a champion of female artists. Fram launched both CMT’s Women of Country franchise, and with fellow industry executives Tracy Gershon and Beverly Keel, launched the Change The Conversation series to initiate discussions regarding the obstacles for female artists and songwriters in the music industry. This night, she again championed a female artist, by giving up her award acceptance time slot to allow UMG Nashville artist Mickey Guyton to perform.
Guyton offered a cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow,” a nod to Fram’s early career work in rock radio, where she was the first to play songs from Arcade Fire, Shawn Mullins, White Stripes, and more.
KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards honored Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell, the evening’s Live/Touring category winner. She offered heartfelt remarks from watching O’Connell’s passion for touring and for artists. “I would watch him get this great whiteboard and watch him map out city after city, and artist after artist. He started numerous festivals, and has made each of them a brand within themselves,” she said, as O’Connell brought a round of laughter from the audience as he lit a cigarette onstage. “They can’t stop me from smoking here,” he quipped.
Rod Phillips recalled how Innovation In Music, National Radio recipient Bobby Bones failed to tell him that he would be playing “Buy Me A Boat,” a single by Chris Janson, a charismatic singer-songwriter largely unknown outside of Nashville circles.
“Playing that song made a career, and we made Chris an ‘On The Verge’ Artist,” recalled Phillips. Janson went on to sign with Warner Music Nashville, led by fellow Innovation In Music honoree John Esposito.
Performers during the evening included Warner Nashville’s Hunter Hayes, Warner Nashville/300 Entertainment’s Bailey Bryan, Cold River Records’ Drew Baldridge, and Monument Records artist Walker Hayes. In addition to a solo performance, Hayes was joined by songwriter Josh Osborne to honor McAnally, the Innovation in Music, Artist & Creative honoree, with a medley of McAnally’s songs, including “Follow Your Arrow,” “Alone With You,” “Different For Girls,” and more. Kristian Bush offered an inspirational speech on the risks and fearlessness required to be a true innovator and creator.
Brett Eldredge was on hand to honor Innovator of the Year honoree, Esposito.
“I was the first artist that John signed to Warner. I had dinner with him at The Palm and that dinner was by far one of the most important meetings of my life,” Eldredge said. “I knew this guy would do things for me that no one else would, so I love you for that, brother. One of my biggest inspirations is Frank Sinatra. Not a lot of country artists love Frank Sinatra, but this is my passion. He happened to love the same. We’ve drank gallons of whiskey through the years together and traveled across the country and it’s been amazing. You do amazing things for not only me but so many artists. You take risks and that’s what it takes. You follow your heart and your heart is music.”
In closing the ceremony, O’Heeron promised that the awards show’s auspicious inaugural year is only the beginning, and that he hopes to grow the event into a multi-day affair. “We want to be the SXSW of Nashville,” he summed.
Blake Shelton Celebrates Partnership With Smithworks Vodka (…and some karaoke)
/by Sherod RobertsonBlake Shelton welcomes Smithworks Vodka to the heart of country music on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka).
Thanks to country music kingpin Blake Shelton, Smithworks® Vodka is now available in Tennessee as it expands to the heart of country music. The award-winning Smithworks Vodka expanded its roots this week by rolling out in Nashville just before CMA Fest gets underway.
Smithworks debuted the American-made vodka alongside Shelton, who the company refers to as an “essential member of the Smithworks family.” The private celebration was held on Tuesday (June 6) at WannaB’s in Nashville and gave lucky guests the opportunity to enjoy their favorite vodka drink including Blake’s Pick, Shelton’s drink of choice, consisting of Smithworks® Vodka and lemon lime soda, garnished with a lime wedge.
“A huge part of my life has been rooted in my involvement with country music and my ties to Nashville,” said Shelton. “With the brand’s expansion to Tennessee, I’m excited to bring our American-made vodka to the place that’s a second home for me.”
Before informally judging energetic rounds of karaoke from the invited guests, which included co-host Hoda Kotb of NBC’s Today Show, Shelton spoke with MusicRow about what he looks for when partnering with certain brands such as Smithworks.
“It’s got to be authentic,” says Shelton. “It’s got to be something that makes good sense for me. I’ve done things in the past that I look back on and maybe I shouldn’t have done that. But I’m fortunate enough to have gotten to a place in my career and in my life that if it doesn’t make good sense for me personally and I’m not passionate about it, I’m not going to do it. I’m lucky enough to surround myself with people that do get that [marketing] part of it. For me, I just know what I like.”
Blake Shelton and Hoda Kotb celebrate the expansion of Smithworks Vodka in Nashville, Tennessee at karaoke bar WannaB’s on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka.
Launched in early 2016, Smithworks® Vodka has already won a coveted gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its quality and craftsmanship.
“Crafted with pride and rooted in a passion to create a spirit that embodies the values of the Heartland, Smithworks celebrates the importance of enjoying moments in life with good people and great drinks,” said Troy Gorczyca, Brand Director, Smithworks. “We are excited to share Smithworks with consumers in Music City and across Tennessee because they share the same pride and passion in creating their music as Smithworks has for its vodka.”
It is available in select markets across the U.S. including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and now Tennessee.
Blake Shelton welcomes Smithworks Vodka to the heart of country music on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka
Florida Georgia Line Gets Their Shine On With Plenty Of Metal For May
/by Lorie HollabaughFGL’s “H.O.L.Y.” was certified multi-platinum in May, with sales of three million copies. The duo also reached platinum status with three other songs, “May We All,” “Confession,” and their Backstreet Boys collaboration, “God Your Mama And Me,” which was also certified gold.
Platinum Single:
Brett Young, “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Florida Georgia Line, “May We All,” “Confession,” and “God Your Mama And Me”
Gold Single:
Artists Of Then, Now, and Forever: “Forever Country”
Brantley Gilbert, “The Weekend”
Florida Georgia Line, “God Your Mama And Me”
Kelsea Ballerini, “Yeah Boy”
Thomas Rhett, “Star Of The Show”
Hillsong United, “Touch The Sky”
Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”
Harry Styles 2018 Tour Openers Include Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, Warpaint
/by Jessica NicholsonHarry Styles, Kacey Musgraves
Harry Styles has been burning up the Top 200 sales chart with his self-titled solo album, moving 193,000 in traditional album sales when his album made its debut the week of May 12.
Now Styles, who first rose to fame as a member of boy band One Direction, will welcome a trio of artists including Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, and Warpaint to open several of his upcoming shows in 2018.
Musgraves will join tour stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (6/12), Dallas’ American Airlines Center (6/5), Houston’s Toyota Center (6/7), New York City’s Madison Square Garden (6/21), and Los Angeles’ The Forum (7/13), among other stops.
For a full list of tour dates, visit hstyles.co.uk.
Dismas House Sells 16th Avenue South Property In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughThe property includes a 3,928 square foot home constructed in 1920 with beautiful hardwood interiors. The listing information with Cherry & Associates stated the property could be subdivided as a residence available for renovation and conversion to an office on a 10,000-plus square foot lot and a 10,000 square foot-plus vacant lot.
Dismas, a provider of housing and programs for ex-offenders, plans to build a new 46-room, 23,000 square foot home with 76 beds near the Lentz Public Health Center that will provide programs and accommodations for its residents.
In Pictures: Carrie Underwood, Michael Ray, LANCO, Craig Campbell, Lewis Brice, Lee Brice
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood And Fans Get Preds Pride
Carrie Underwood celebrates during her annual fan club party. Photo: Jeff Johnson [Click to enlarge photo]
Michael Ray Helps Officially Open First Tennessee Park Twitter Vending Machine
Ray entertained the crowd with an acoustic set including his hits “Kiss You in the Morning” and “Think a Little Less,” took photographs with fans and signed giveaway items from the machine.
LANCO’s “Greatest Love Story” Gets Mural Treatment
Arista Nashville band LANCO celebrated a new interactive mural featuring their current single, “Greatest Love Story.” The mural, located in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, includes 3D spray-painted images including a replication of Paris’ Love Lock Bridge. Nashville visitors can chalk-in their own names on the mural’s locks through October.
Craig Campbell Hosts Charity Events To Raise Funds For Colorectal Cancer Research
Pictured (first row, L-R): Jerrod Niemann, Trent Harmon, Mindy and Craig Campbell, Nascar driver Scott Lagasse, Jr.; (second row): Michael Ray, Keifer and Shawna Thompson (Thompson Square), Parmalee’s Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox and Josh McSwain; (third row): Winning bidder Glen Templeton, Jackie Lee, Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson and emcee Eddie Garcia (“The Bobby Bones Show”). Photo: Xpressive Images By Jamie
Red Bow Records’ country artist Craig Campbell hosted the 5th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and 3rd One Million Strong Benefit in Nashville, TN on Tuesday (June 6). Also a Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) national spokesperson, he started this campaign to bring awareness to the disease that killed his father at age 36. Both events combined raised over $180,000 for colorectal cancer education, research and prevention.
Lewis Brice Hosts Seventh Annual Lewispalooza
Pictured (L-R): Singer/songwriters Jerrod Niemann, Michael Ray, Drew Dixon, Jimmy Stanley, Kristen Kelly, Lewis Brice, Lee Brice, artist managers Lee Willard, Norman Jacob, Zach Farnum and singer/songwriter Jon Stone of American Young. Photo: Mindy Small/Getty Images
The seventh annual Lewispalooza was held on June 6 outside Tin Roof Demonbreun and raised funds for Hope Song, a non-profit using music to help give cancer patients hope. Lewis Brice and friends played host to a crowd of fans and industry alike through the nearly six-hour concert.
Performing guests included Jerrod Niemann, Michael Ray, American Young, Love and Theft, Kristen Kelly and many more. Lee Brice showed up for a special performance of his new single “Boy” during Niemann’s set.
Artist Updates: Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, Jessie James Decker, Gretchen Wilson, Striking Matches
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini Releases New Single
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini released a new single, “Legends,” from her highly anticipated second album, to radio this morning (June 7). The song—an anthem of storybook love penned by Ballerini with Forest Glen Whitehead and Hillary Lindsey—is available today on all digital streaming and sales platforms. She’ll debut the track live tonight at the CMT Music Awards.
Thomas Rhett Extends Partnership With Budweiser
Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett has extended his partnership with Budweiser, and will take part in the brand’s latest commercial. The singer-songwriter and Budweiser first teamed for his 2016 tour.
Jessie James Decker To Release Live EP
Epic Records (Sony) singer/songwriter Jessie James Decker will release her live project, Blackbird Sessions EP this Friday, June 9. Recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Blackbird Sessions features live covers of several of Decker’s favorite songs. The five-track project includes remakes of Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain,” along with a stripped rendition of “Girl On The Coast” from her recently released EP, Gold.
New Gretchen Wilson Album Coming In June
Striking Matches To Preview New Music With Nashville Shows
This time, the duo teamed with producer Kennedy, known for work with Silver Sun Pickups, for their recently-completed sophomore album, due on Capitol Records later this year. The new album incorporates the duo’s blues and pop influences.
Country Music Association Names VP, Marketing
/by Jessica NicholsonLizzie Daniel
The Country Music Association has named a new VP, Marketing. In her new role, Lizzie Daniel will provide strategic leadership to CMA’s marketing, media planning, creative services, digital initiatives, and international strategies, including content development and distribution planning.
Daniel will report to CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside.
“I am excited to welcome Lizzie to the team at CMA,” said Whiteside. “Lizzie has a proven track record of building long term strategic relationships with her vibrant spirit and passion for creating and launching innovative and compelling digital, marketing, technology, media, and partnership programs. On top of that, she has a warm personality, great sense of humor, and she will be a great leader and team member at CMA.”
She previously served as VP of Brand Solutions at Tinder/Match Group, which includes 40+ properties including Match, OKCupid and more. She was promoted twice over her almost three years at Match Group building a sales team from three to 11 in the first year. Daniel launched the first native ad solutions on Tinder partnering with Anheuser Busch’s Bud Light and Wrigley’s Orbit Gum for the first campaigns.
Her previous career stops include Luxury Advertising Sales Director for online boutique/shoppable magazine Editorialist, Advertising Manager for Rolling Stone, and Promotions & Style Advertising Director for Nashville Lifestyles. Her career has also included time at Dreamworks Records, iHeart/Clear Channel Communications and Mercury Records.
“Joining CMA is a lifelong career dream come true. I am thrilled to join such an iconic association that impacts lives and gives back to the community through music education while creating engaging content and performances by artists through CMA’s core initiatives,” stated Daniel. “I look forward to collaborating with everyone in the industry and especially working with such exceptional leaders as Sarah Trahern and Damon Whiteside.”
Jake Owen, Old Dominion, RaeLynn Perform At Pandora’s Sounds Like Country Event
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen performs onstage during the Pandora Sounds Like Country at Marathon Music Works on June 6 in Nashville. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Pandora Media)
Pandora held its third annual Sounds Like Country event Tuesday night (June 6) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works leading up to the CMA Music Festival and the CMT Music Awards. Jake Owen, Old Dominion, and RaeLynn Performed for the crowd at the event. Today’s Country is the second most-played station on Pandora and 55 million of Pandora listeners have listened to country on Pandora in the past year. Jake Owen, who is in the 99th percentile of all artists in Pandora station adds, has more than 1.7 billion total spins on Pandora.
Brett Tursi and Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion perform onstage during Pandora Sounds Like Country at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Pandora Media)
RaeLynn (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Pandora Media)
Jason Aldean Reveals Post-CMT Awards Pop-Up Show
/by Jessica NicholsonJason Aldean
Jason Aldean will pay tribute to the late Gregg Allman as part of tonight’s CMT Music Awards, but after the show, the country entertainer will put on a full-band show for free at Nashville’s Walk of Fame park. The concert will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. CT.
Walk of Fame park is located across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is currently featuring Aldean’s exhibit Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy. The exhibit runs through Nov. 5.
Aldean is nominated for Male Video of the Year (“Lights Come On”) and CMT Performance of the Year (“Hicktown” from CMT Concert of the Summer).
Top Music Executives, Creatives Honored At Inaugural Innovation In Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R) back: David Macias, J.R. Schumann, Brian O’Connell, Mike McVay, and Gogi Gupta; (front): Leslie Fram, John Esposito, and Bobby Bones. Not pictured: Shane McAnally. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Innovation in Music Awards
Several of Nashville’s top music executives were on hand for Tuesday evening’s (June 6) inaugural Innovation In Music Awards ceremony, held at The Westin Nashville. Awards founder and Cold River Records leader Pete O’Heeron welcomed guests before introducing host for the evening, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus.
The evening’s lengthy list of honorees include Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, Cumulus Media/Westwood One’s Mike McVay, Thirty Tigers’ David Macias, SMACKSongs’ Shane McAnally, Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell, CMT’s Leslie Fram, iHeartMedia’s Bobby Bones, Gupta Media’s Gogi Gupta, SiriusXM’s J.R. Schumann, and radio recipients Tim Roberts (WYCD/ Major Market), Bev Rainey (KBQI/Medium Market), and Kory James (KPLM/Small Market). According to O’Heeron, the inaugural class of winners will be part of the process in selecting next year’s Innovation In Music honorees.
Two other individuals were recognized with a “Makes Shit Happen” (MSH) award, alternatively named the “Makes Stuff Happen” award; an award that honors individuals who are known as hard working, dedicated, and exemplifying that of a forward thinker. This year’s MSH awards went to Gregg Swedberg of KEEY/Minneapolis and Tony Grotticelli of Universal Music Group Nashville.
CMT’s Leslie Fram, recipient of the Innovation In Music, National Media honor, is known for being a champion of female artists. Fram launched both CMT’s Women of Country franchise, and with fellow industry executives Tracy Gershon and Beverly Keel, launched the Change The Conversation series to initiate discussions regarding the obstacles for female artists and songwriters in the music industry. This night, she again championed a female artist, by giving up her award acceptance time slot to allow UMG Nashville artist Mickey Guyton to perform.
Guyton offered a cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow,” a nod to Fram’s early career work in rock radio, where she was the first to play songs from Arcade Fire, Shawn Mullins, White Stripes, and more.
KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards honored Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell, the evening’s Live/Touring category winner. She offered heartfelt remarks from watching O’Connell’s passion for touring and for artists. “I would watch him get this great whiteboard and watch him map out city after city, and artist after artist. He started numerous festivals, and has made each of them a brand within themselves,” she said, as O’Connell brought a round of laughter from the audience as he lit a cigarette onstage. “They can’t stop me from smoking here,” he quipped.
Rod Phillips recalled how Innovation In Music, National Radio recipient Bobby Bones failed to tell him that he would be playing “Buy Me A Boat,” a single by Chris Janson, a charismatic singer-songwriter largely unknown outside of Nashville circles.
“Playing that song made a career, and we made Chris an ‘On The Verge’ Artist,” recalled Phillips. Janson went on to sign with Warner Music Nashville, led by fellow Innovation In Music honoree John Esposito.
Performers during the evening included Warner Nashville’s Hunter Hayes, Warner Nashville/300 Entertainment’s Bailey Bryan, Cold River Records’ Drew Baldridge, and Monument Records artist Walker Hayes. In addition to a solo performance, Hayes was joined by songwriter Josh Osborne to honor McAnally, the Innovation in Music, Artist & Creative honoree, with a medley of McAnally’s songs, including “Follow Your Arrow,” “Alone With You,” “Different For Girls,” and more. Kristian Bush offered an inspirational speech on the risks and fearlessness required to be a true innovator and creator.
Brett Eldredge was on hand to honor Innovator of the Year honoree, Esposito.
“I was the first artist that John signed to Warner. I had dinner with him at The Palm and that dinner was by far one of the most important meetings of my life,” Eldredge said. “I knew this guy would do things for me that no one else would, so I love you for that, brother. One of my biggest inspirations is Frank Sinatra. Not a lot of country artists love Frank Sinatra, but this is my passion. He happened to love the same. We’ve drank gallons of whiskey through the years together and traveled across the country and it’s been amazing. You do amazing things for not only me but so many artists. You take risks and that’s what it takes. You follow your heart and your heart is music.”
In closing the ceremony, O’Heeron promised that the awards show’s auspicious inaugural year is only the beginning, and that he hopes to grow the event into a multi-day affair. “We want to be the SXSW of Nashville,” he summed.