Country stations nationwide cleared a path for the all-star single “Forever Country” on Friday morning (Sept. 16). The CMA Board of Directors worked closely with radio stations for a “roadblock,” ensuring that fans couldn’t miss the milestone recording that commemorates the CMA Awards’ 50th anniversary on Nov. 2.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern tells MusicRow, “For us, country radio and the fans that listen to music on country radio are so key to the fabric for distributing our music. Starting the song there on a Friday is a great way to get some energy.”
Underscoring the importance of business relationships, she says, “I give incredible credit to our Board of Directors and the radio industry. Just like a couple of years ago when they all got together and decided to create a unified radio remote for the CMA Awards in the fall. It really came out of them. We took the track to them and said, ‘Let’s brainstorm some ideas.’”
Arranged by songwriter/producer Shane McAnally, the single is a medley of “On the Road Again,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Thirty CMA Award winners, from several generations, lend their vocals to the single, with each artist singing a line or two.
“I think Shane McAnally is a genius and the way he was able to marry the three songs together makes it special,” Trahern says. “I mean, all of them are amazing songs. But when you weave the stories together and you think about some of those key lines—‘I’m on the road again, the life I love is making music with my friends,’ ‘I will always love you,’ ‘Country roads, take me home to the place I belong’ — together, those themes almost become a testament to our business. The life our artists spend on the road, their love for the fans, their love for the music.”
McAnally tells MusicRow, “While working on this project, I had to repeatedly pinch myself because this was truly beyond my wildest dreams. I have been obsessed and consumed with country music since I was 5 years old, and having the opportunity to collaborate with so many of my heroes is indescribable. This is truly a piece of history and I am honored to have been asked to contribute to anything that shines a light on this genre that has shaped my entire life.”
The single is being distributed by Universal Music Group Nashville. After the artists recorded their lines to the song, they returned to film their segments for a landmark music video that will be released on Tuesday (Sept. 20). Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards, the music video includes the following CMA Award winners: Alabama, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan,Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Vince Gill, Faith Hill,Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert,Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Ronnie Milsap, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride,Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Randy Travis, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood.
During a CMA Board meeting nearly two years ago, BBC Radio’s Director of Music Bob Shennan showed a similar video that promoted BBC Music. That video sparked the idea to try a country version. Not coincidentally, the “Forever Country” video will be premiering in the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously.
In February, Trahern met with director Joseph Kahn, who has won Grammys for his music video work on Emimem’s “Without Me” and Taylor Swift & Kendrick Lamar’s “Bad Blood.” She was joined by industry leaders Jason Owen (Sandbox Management), Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town), Joanna Carter (Capitol Records Nashville) and Chandra LaPlume (Taillight TV). Trahern credits Kahn with the idea of mashing up three songs, rather than just focusing on one classic. All three of the songs selected were made famous by past CMA Entertainer of the Year winners.
“You can imagine how hard it was to come up with the three songs,” Trahern says. “It went into a couple of different iterations, and any of the iterations would have been amazing videos, but Shane made a great track and one of the things that I’m just so thankful for our artist community. … Our artists all appreciate the history of where they came from. All 30 artists that are in the video are CMA Award winners so they know the importance of what it means to be respected by your peers.”
With the exception of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, the artists all filmed their portions during CMA Music Festival in June.
Trahern recalls, “The artists were so excited and did such a great job, every time we ran into them at one of the stages, they’d say, ‘Oh, I love the video, I can’t wait!’ And if there were fans around, we had to help quash it a couple of times,” Trahern says. “That’s been such a great problem to have happen because I’m just so proud of how our industry engaged with the project from Day One.”
To listen to “Forever Country,” visit Spotify.
Tyler Farr Releases Lead Single From Upcoming Album
/by Craig_ShelburneTyler Farr
Columbia Nashville artist Tyler Farr released the single “Our Town” on Friday (Sept. 16). Written by Liz Rose, Nathan Chapman and Seth Ennis, the single impacts country radio on Sept. 26.
It’s the lead single from Farr’s upcoming third album, due early 2017. The project was produced by Jim Catino and Julian King, who also produced Farr’s first two albums for the label.
“It’s been an interesting year for me with having to take time off after my micro-laryngeal surgery, but taking that time not only was a huge benefit for my voice, it was a benefit to my spirit. I had time to think, actually sit down and watch the news and see what is happening out there,” says Farr.
He adds, “I saw that the world today isn’t the same one that I remember from my youth, back before I left my own hometown, and it got me thinking. Man, there’s a lot of anger, hate and straight-up disrespect for others that seems to show no end. That doesn’t sit well with me. Where did faith, hope and love go? In my town I see constant reminders of how life used to be, and I miss that. It’s not all bad, I still do see some good things happening and I hope with ‘Our Town’ my fans can take a second and share that feeling and conviction with me, because buddy it’s strong.”
In Pictures: Hunter Hayes, Chris Young, Dan + Shay, Cassadee Pope, Dustin Lynch, Gary Morris
/by Eric T. ParkerHunter Hayes Samples New Tracks With iHeart, SoundCloud
Pictured (L-R): Justin Cole, Zack Massey, Hunter, Jackie Tigue, Gator Harrison, Rod Phillips
Hunter Hayes recently played new music for iHeart in his personal studio. The singer also sampled three new titles on his SoundCloud for fans.
Chris Young Previews Life On The Road With SiriusXM
Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Storme Warren, Chris Young, Cassadee Pope, and Dustin Lynch. Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Nashville
Chris Young gave listeners a sneak peek of new music during an exclusive one-hour special on SiriusXM’s The Highway on Tuesday (Sept. 13). In addition to Young, the live event also featured solo acoustic performances and collaborations by the headliner’s tour mates Dan + Shay, Dustin Lynch and Cassadee Pope. The second leg of Young’s headlining I’m Comin’ Over Tour kicks off Sept. 29 in Bakersfield, California.
Webster Public Relations Signs Gary Morris
Pictured (L-R): Kirt Webster, President/CEO; Gary Morris
Webster Public Relations has signed Gary Morris to its publicity roster. The versatile performer enjoyed numerous hit records on country radio as well as the stage – where he became one of the first major country music performers to conquer Broadway in the 1980s, in the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. He also contributed to the production’s million-selling soundtrack. Morris also paired with Linda Ronstadt for a run of the Puccini opera La Boheme.
Morris signed a recording deal with Warner Brothers in 1980, and hit No. 8 with “Headed For A Heartache.” The success led to more hits, such as the 1984 CMA Song of the Year “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” Morris stayed at the top of the charts with “Baby Bye Bye,” “I’ll Never Stop Lovin’ You,” “100% Chance Of Rain” and “Leave Me Lonely.” His single “Lasso The Moon” was featured in the motion picture Rustler’s Rhapsody, and his 1986 duet with Crystal Gayle, “Makin’ Up For Lost Time,” was included in the soundtrack to the 80s hit TV series Dallas. Morris’ acting career also included a stint in the ’80s with the Dynasty spinoff The Colbys.
Morris has spent the past few years touring.
Industry Ink: PLA Media, MV2 Entertainment, Deluge Music
/by Jessica NicholsonPLA Media Welcomes Alyssa Bonagura To Roster
Alyssa Bonagura
Public relations and marketing firm PLA Media has added Alyssa Bonagura to its roster as she prepares for the release of her upcoming album, Road Less Traveled, on iTunes on Sept. 23. Bonagura will perform at the ASCAP Shady Grove Stage presented by City Winery at Pilgrimage Music Festival, before holding her album release show at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on Sept. 28.
The Franklin, Tennessee native has had songs recorded by Steven Tyler (“I Make My Own Sunshine”), Jana Kramer (“Circles”), and Jessie James Decker (“Lights Down Low”).
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Alyssa, having known her since she was little,” said PLA Media President Pam Lewis. “I have always loved and believed in her parents, Kathie and Michael, both as professionals and people. She grew up on the road, along with a lot of hard work, the talent is in the genes! They raised a truly amazing woman and we look forward to great things.”
Nora Collins Preps First Single, “Recover”
MV2 Entertainment artist and SESAC-affiliated singer-songwriter Nora Collins‘ releases her self-titled EP to iTunes and Spotify on Friday (Sept. 16). The EP includes Collins’ first single, “Recover.” Collins co-wrote four tracks on the five-song EP, including the follow-up single “Guess I Woulda Known By Now,” which will release later this fall. Prior to signing with MV2 Entertainment, Collins self-released four albums.
“Recover” was co-produced by Tony Harrell and David Fanning.
Nora Collins EP track listing:
1. “Recover” (written by Sarah Turner, Terry McBride, David Fanning)
2. “Guess I Woulda Known By Now” (written by Nora Collins, John Kennedy)
3. “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” (written by Nora Collins, Jenee Fleenor, Buddy Owens)
4. “Miss Me Off The Whiskey” (written by Nora Collins, Buddy Owens)
5. “Go” (feat. Reid Isbell) (written by Nora Collins, Reid Isbell, Larry McCoy)
Deluge Music Signs Susan Ruth
Pictured (L-R): Stephanie Greene, Mark Friedman, Susan Ruth and David Robkin
Deluge Music has added Susan Ruth to its roster.
“Susan is an amazingly talented songwriter, most recent cuts include Reba and Lonestar to name just a few. We look forward to a very productive future with Susan” states Deluge Music President Mark Friedman.
Weekly Chart Report (9/16/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Loretta Lynn Returns With First Christmas Album Since 1966
/by Craig_ShelburneLoretta Lynn will issue a new holiday album, White Christmas Blue, on Oct. 7 via Legacy Recordings. She recorded the songs at Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with producers Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash.
Lynn co-wrote the title track with Shawn Camp, who also sings and plays guitar on the track. White Christmas Blue is her first collection of seasonal songs since 1966.
The 12 studio performances also include new versions of two original compositions (“Country Christmas” and “To Heck With Ole Santa Claus”) which first appeared on Country Christmas (1966); traditional carols (“Away in a Manger,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night”); and seasonal pop standards (“Winter Wonderland,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas”). The album concludes with Lynn’s heartfelt recitation of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Lynn released a new country album, Full Circle, on Legacy Recordings in March.
Exclusive: CMA’s Sarah Trahern Feels The Love In “Forever Country” Single
/by Craig_ShelburneCountry stations nationwide cleared a path for the all-star single “Forever Country” on Friday morning (Sept. 16). The CMA Board of Directors worked closely with radio stations for a “roadblock,” ensuring that fans couldn’t miss the milestone recording that commemorates the CMA Awards’ 50th anniversary on Nov. 2.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern tells MusicRow, “For us, country radio and the fans that listen to music on country radio are so key to the fabric for distributing our music. Starting the song there on a Friday is a great way to get some energy.”
Underscoring the importance of business relationships, she says, “I give incredible credit to our Board of Directors and the radio industry. Just like a couple of years ago when they all got together and decided to create a unified radio remote for the CMA Awards in the fall. It really came out of them. We took the track to them and said, ‘Let’s brainstorm some ideas.’”
Arranged by songwriter/producer Shane McAnally, the single is a medley of “On the Road Again,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Thirty CMA Award winners, from several generations, lend their vocals to the single, with each artist singing a line or two.
“I think Shane McAnally is a genius and the way he was able to marry the three songs together makes it special,” Trahern says. “I mean, all of them are amazing songs. But when you weave the stories together and you think about some of those key lines—‘I’m on the road again, the life I love is making music with my friends,’ ‘I will always love you,’ ‘Country roads, take me home to the place I belong’ — together, those themes almost become a testament to our business. The life our artists spend on the road, their love for the fans, their love for the music.”
McAnally tells MusicRow, “While working on this project, I had to repeatedly pinch myself because this was truly beyond my wildest dreams. I have been obsessed and consumed with country music since I was 5 years old, and having the opportunity to collaborate with so many of my heroes is indescribable. This is truly a piece of history and I am honored to have been asked to contribute to anything that shines a light on this genre that has shaped my entire life.”
The single is being distributed by Universal Music Group Nashville. After the artists recorded their lines to the song, they returned to film their segments for a landmark music video that will be released on Tuesday (Sept. 20). Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards, the music video includes the following CMA Award winners: Alabama, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan,Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Vince Gill, Faith Hill,Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert,Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Ronnie Milsap, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride,Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Randy Travis, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood.
During a CMA Board meeting nearly two years ago, BBC Radio’s Director of Music Bob Shennan showed a similar video that promoted BBC Music. That video sparked the idea to try a country version. Not coincidentally, the “Forever Country” video will be premiering in the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously.
In February, Trahern met with director Joseph Kahn, who has won Grammys for his music video work on Emimem’s “Without Me” and Taylor Swift & Kendrick Lamar’s “Bad Blood.” She was joined by industry leaders Jason Owen (Sandbox Management), Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town), Joanna Carter (Capitol Records Nashville) and Chandra LaPlume (Taillight TV). Trahern credits Kahn with the idea of mashing up three songs, rather than just focusing on one classic. All three of the songs selected were made famous by past CMA Entertainer of the Year winners.
“You can imagine how hard it was to come up with the three songs,” Trahern says. “It went into a couple of different iterations, and any of the iterations would have been amazing videos, but Shane made a great track and one of the things that I’m just so thankful for our artist community. … Our artists all appreciate the history of where they came from. All 30 artists that are in the video are CMA Award winners so they know the importance of what it means to be respected by your peers.”
With the exception of Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, the artists all filmed their portions during CMA Music Festival in June.
Trahern recalls, “The artists were so excited and did such a great job, every time we ran into them at one of the stages, they’d say, ‘Oh, I love the video, I can’t wait!’ And if there were fans around, we had to help quash it a couple of times,” Trahern says. “That’s been such a great problem to have happen because I’m just so proud of how our industry engaged with the project from Day One.”
To listen to “Forever Country,” visit Spotify.
Target To Release Garth Brooks’ 10-Disc Set With New Music
/by Jessica NicholsonComplete track lists, pricing and pre-sale information for Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection will be released later this fall.
“Target has always been a friend to artists and their music. I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to be partnering with them,” said Brooks. “This holiday season is going to be amazing with a new album, plus a boxed set with never-before-released music from the vault and music you can’t hear or get anywhere else.”
“Simply put, Garth is in a league of his own. He is unquestionably one of the most accomplished and celebrated musicians, with a fan base that spans all ages and genres,” said Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “We’re thrilled to welcome Garth into the Target family, and are confident that the boxed set we’ve created with him, which we’ll offer for an unbeatable value, will be at the top of many wish lists this holiday season.”
Artist Updates: Kid Rock, Michael Ray, Abi
/by Craig_ShelburneKid Rock Plans Fish Fry And Concert At Fontanel
Kid Rock
Kid Rock is confirmed for the Second Annual Fish Fry at Fontanel near Nashville on Oct. 7 and 8. Each day will include a full show by Kid Rock as well as food trucks and the Nashville debut of Kid Rock’s American Badass Beer. Muddy Magnolias, The Steel Woods, Tim Montana and The Shrednecks, Tim Watson, and Michigan Rattlers will also perform. Tickets are $99 and $75 for reserved seating and $45 for general admission lawn seating.
Michael Ray Announces Fall Tour
Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray will launch his Think A Little Less Tour on Oct. 14 in Phoenix at Cowboys Saloon.
The tour will continue through Nov. 26 in Rome, Georgia. His singles include “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Real Men Love Jesus” and “Think a Little Less.” He released his major label debut album in August 2015.
“So incredibly excited and grateful for my first official headlining tour,” Ray said. “Ten years of hard work has led me to this point. Lots of incredible music in store as well as a few surprises. Can’t wait to see you all out there!”
Abi Sets Tour Dates With Pentatonix
Abi
Abi, a Nashville-based country/pop artist also known as Abi Ann, has been selected to support the second leg of the Pentatonix World Tour, opening shows for the band as well as Us The Duo. The tour will begin Oct. 17 in San Jose, California, and conclude Nov. 22 in Houston. Over the summer, the singer performed at NASCAR events all over the country. She is working on new music scheduled for early 2017.
Starstruck Writers Group Signs Evan Coffman
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Bradley Collins, BMI; Courtney Allen, Creative Director; Starstruck; Evan Coffman; Cliff Williamson, Starstruck.
Starstruck Writers Group has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter and producer Evan Coffman.
The southwest Arkansas native moved to Orlando, Florida, in his early 20s and began producing local and national acts like Twenty One Pilots, Halestorm and Matt Hires. In 2015, he moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting. Since then, he has earned cuts with The Lacs (Average Joes Entertainment) and Waterloo Revival (Show Dog Records).
“I knew during our first meeting that I wanted to sign Evan. Not only are his songs and tracks fresh and unique but he works harder than anyone I know. His dedication to creating the best music paired with his work ethic are two things that are sure to make him a success in Nashville and beyond,” said Starstruck Creative Director Courtney Allen.
“I love things that sound different,” Coffman said. “I love mashing up genres to find something that sounds a little left of center, something unique. I felt that Starstruck got me and allowed me to do what I do. Cliff Williamson and Courtney Allen made me feel at home and like I was family. Courtney has been on my side since our first meeting. She is and will be a big reason for my success in Nashville. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to join the Starstruck family.”
GMA Dove Awards Reveal More Performers, Presenters
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced additional performers and presenters for the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Hillsong UNITED, Natalie Grant and Tamela Mann will perform. Donnie McClurkin, KB, Priscilla Shirer and Ryan Stevenson will present.
These new appearances join already announced hosts for KING & COUNTRY and Tye Tribbett, as well as performers TobyMac, Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy, Steven Curtis Chapman and Hollyn. Blanca and Travis Greene will host the pre-telecast.
When the evening’s nominees were recently announced, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong UNITED, Chris Tomlin, Kirk Franklin and Bill Gaither were among the top nominees.
The awards show will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the awards show on Sunday, Oct. 16. Tickets are now on sale at the Allen Arena box office or online.