With a career spanning four decades, Reba is a powerful recording artist, a dynamic and compelling performer, a shrewd businesswoman, a star of television, film and Broadway and a versatile entertainer. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will pay tribute to this multi-talented artist with the biographical cameo exhibition Reba: All the Women I Am, which opens in the museum’s East Gallery on Aug. 9, 2013, and runs through June 8, 2014.
“Reba is the most successful female country performer of her generation, and a major influence on many of the female recording artists who have followed her,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “Her achievements and accolades are almost too numerous to mention: She has sold more than 40 million records, charted nearly 60 Top Ten singles and 24 #1 hits, and been honored with nearly 50 major awards, including two Grammy awards, the Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year award and the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year award; she is also one of only four entertainers in history to receive the National Artistic Achievement Award from the U.S. Congress. And, of course, she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
“It’s impossible to overstate Reba’s impact on country music, and her contributions go well beyond recording,” Young continued. “She heightened production values for country concerts, adding elaborate stages, video screens and multiple costume changes. Such innovations are now de rigueur on the tours of top country artists. Furthermore, through her work on Broadway, in film, and as the star of two television comedies, Reba has helped to heighten and expand the profile of country music, lifting all boats in her magnificent wake. We are looking forward to telling the rich, inspiring and always entertaining story of one of country music’s brightest lights.”
Reba Nell McEntire was born in McAlester, Okla. on March 28, 1955, and grew up in Chockie, Okla., on a cattle ranch. Influenced by their mother, Jackie, who was a talented singer, Reba and her siblings Pake and Susie began performing as the Singing McEntires while in high school.
In 1974, Reba sang the national anthem at the National Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City; cowboy singer Red Steagall heard her and financed a recording session, which led to her signing with Mercury Records in 1975. She garnered her first NO. 1 singles in 1982 and 1983 with “Can’t Even Get the Blues” and “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving.”
After a move to MCA Records in 1983, Reba produced a slew of now-classic country hits including “How Blue,” “Somebody Should Leave,” “Whoever’s in New England,” “The Last One to Know” and many more. During this time, music videos became an important vehicle for reaching fans; Reba’s clip for “Whoever’s in New England” sparked an interest in acting, and in 1990 she appeared in her first film, Tremors. She went on to appear in 10 more films, to date.
In March 1991, Reba suffered a personal tragedy when seven members of her band, her road manager, and the pilot and co-pilot of a chartered private jet were killed in a plane crash. Reba took an extended break from touring and recorded the album For My Broken Heart. The record, which included “Is There Life Out There” and “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” became one of her best sellers.
Throughout the 1990s, Reba continued her chart success: Her many hits during the decade include “The Heart Won’t Lie” (with Vince Gill), “Does He Love You” (with Linda Davis) and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.”
In January 2001, Reba starred in the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun. She parlayed that success into her own comedy series, Reba, from 2001 to 2007, Reba starred in her own hit comedy series, Reba. In 2008, she left MCA Records and signed with Valory Music Group, a subsidiary of Big Machine Records. Her first album for the label, Keep on Loving You, was released in August 2009; it featured the No. 1 single “Consider Me Gone.”
In 1988 Reba founded Starstruck Entertainment, a multi-dimensional corporation encompassing booking, management, music publishing, a recording studio and transportation services. In 1989, she married her manager, Narvel Blackstock; he continues to oversee Starstruck’s many enterprises.
Although Reba was awarded country music’s highest honor in 2011 with her election to the Country Music Hall of Fame, her career shows no signs of slowing down: She is currently starring in the ABC comedy Malibu Country; her most recent album, All the Women I Am, spawned the No. 1 hit “Turn on the Radio.”
Sara Evans, The Band Perry Set For Rock The South Festival
/by Jessica NicholsonThe two-day outdoor festival, held in Cullman, Ala., will celebrate all aspects of southern life, including food, music, sports and personalities. The festival will include a “Barbeque Row” featuring some of the finest barbecue in Alabama and a special meet and greet with SEC football legends, hosted by Alabama sports figure Jay Barker.
“I’m so excited that Jay and I are bringing the Rock the South Festival to Alabama,” said Evans. “Living in the South, we know what good music sounds like, what good BBQ tastes like, and have a deep love for our sports heroes. Rock The South brings those three things together in a way that has never been done before, and I can’t wait to share the experience with the fans.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public March 29. A limited number of special festival packages will also be available. 1,000 2-Day Platinum packages ($89) including seating directly behind the VIP section and an official festival t-shirt will be available as well as 500 2-Day VIP packages ($169) that includes seating in the VIP area in front of the stage, an official festival t-shirt, laminate, VIP parking, private VIP concessions and more. One-day General Admission is $30, two-day General Admission is $49. Admission is free for children age 5 and under.
Berklee To Honor Willie Nelson, Carole King, Annie Lennox
/by Jessica NicholsonThis year’s honorary doctorate recipients are being recognized for their achievements and influence in music and for their enduring contributions to American and international culture. Past recipients include Duke Ellington (the first, in 1971), Dizzy Gillespie, Smokey Robinson, Steven Tyler, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Juan Luis Guerra, Loretta Lynn, Paco de Lucía, David Bowie, the Edge, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Chaka Khan, Bonnie Raitt, George Clinton, Alison Krauss, Kenneth Gamble, and Leon Huff.
On commencement eve, as is Berklee’s tradition, students will pay tribute to the honorees by performing music associated with their careers at the Agganis. The concert and ceremony are not open to the public.
Pistol Annies Release 'Annie Up' Album Cover, Track Listing
/by Jessica NicholsonPistol Annies has revealed the album cover and track listing of its upcoming sophomore album, Annie Up, which releases on May 7. The second release from Pistol Annies members Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley will also be available anywhere vinyl is sold, including http://smarturl.it/ AnnieUpVinyl.
The project features 12 songs wrestling with raw life experience, from the bluesy temptation-filled “I Feel A Sin Comin’ On” to the drudgery of a couple resigned to stay together in “Unhappily Married.”
The confessional “Being Pretty Ain’t Pretty” was inspired by a Tweet that Monroe sent that she had just bought a ton of makeup and makeup wipes to take it all off. “Women are warriors and we go into battle everyday with the stuff we wear,” said Presley. Lambert adds, “You spend all this money for make-up and eyelashes and spray tanners just to wipe it all off at the end of the night.”
Track Listing for Annie Up:
1. I Feel A Sin Comin’ On – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
2. Hush Hush – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI)
3. Being Pretty Ain’t Pretty – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
4. Unhappily Married – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
5. Loved By A Workin’ Man – Angaleena Presley (ASCAP)
6. Blues, You’re A Buzz Kill – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
7. Don’t Talk About Him, Tina – Miranda Lambert/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
8. Trading One Heartbreak For Another – Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
9. Dear Sobriety – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe (BMI)
10. Damn Thing – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
11. Girls Like Us – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
12. I Hope You’re The End Of My Story – Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley (BMI/ASCAP)
Country Music Hall of Fame To Honor Reba With Exhibit
/by Jessica Nicholson“Reba is the most successful female country performer of her generation, and a major influence on many of the female recording artists who have followed her,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “Her achievements and accolades are almost too numerous to mention: She has sold more than 40 million records, charted nearly 60 Top Ten singles and 24 #1 hits, and been honored with nearly 50 major awards, including two Grammy awards, the Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year award and the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year award; she is also one of only four entertainers in history to receive the National Artistic Achievement Award from the U.S. Congress. And, of course, she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
“It’s impossible to overstate Reba’s impact on country music, and her contributions go well beyond recording,” Young continued. “She heightened production values for country concerts, adding elaborate stages, video screens and multiple costume changes. Such innovations are now de rigueur on the tours of top country artists. Furthermore, through her work on Broadway, in film, and as the star of two television comedies, Reba has helped to heighten and expand the profile of country music, lifting all boats in her magnificent wake. We are looking forward to telling the rich, inspiring and always entertaining story of one of country music’s brightest lights.”
Reba Nell McEntire was born in McAlester, Okla. on March 28, 1955, and grew up in Chockie, Okla., on a cattle ranch. Influenced by their mother, Jackie, who was a talented singer, Reba and her siblings Pake and Susie began performing as the Singing McEntires while in high school.
In 1974, Reba sang the national anthem at the National Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City; cowboy singer Red Steagall heard her and financed a recording session, which led to her signing with Mercury Records in 1975. She garnered her first NO. 1 singles in 1982 and 1983 with “Can’t Even Get the Blues” and “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving.”
After a move to MCA Records in 1983, Reba produced a slew of now-classic country hits including “How Blue,” “Somebody Should Leave,” “Whoever’s in New England,” “The Last One to Know” and many more. During this time, music videos became an important vehicle for reaching fans; Reba’s clip for “Whoever’s in New England” sparked an interest in acting, and in 1990 she appeared in her first film, Tremors. She went on to appear in 10 more films, to date.
In March 1991, Reba suffered a personal tragedy when seven members of her band, her road manager, and the pilot and co-pilot of a chartered private jet were killed in a plane crash. Reba took an extended break from touring and recorded the album For My Broken Heart. The record, which included “Is There Life Out There” and “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” became one of her best sellers.
Throughout the 1990s, Reba continued her chart success: Her many hits during the decade include “The Heart Won’t Lie” (with Vince Gill), “Does He Love You” (with Linda Davis) and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.”
In January 2001, Reba starred in the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun. She parlayed that success into her own comedy series, Reba, from 2001 to 2007, Reba starred in her own hit comedy series, Reba. In 2008, she left MCA Records and signed with Valory Music Group, a subsidiary of Big Machine Records. Her first album for the label, Keep on Loving You, was released in August 2009; it featured the No. 1 single “Consider Me Gone.”
In 1988 Reba founded Starstruck Entertainment, a multi-dimensional corporation encompassing booking, management, music publishing, a recording studio and transportation services. In 1989, she married her manager, Narvel Blackstock; he continues to oversee Starstruck’s many enterprises.
Although Reba was awarded country music’s highest honor in 2011 with her election to the Country Music Hall of Fame, her career shows no signs of slowing down: She is currently starring in the ABC comedy Malibu Country; her most recent album, All the Women I Am, spawned the No. 1 hit “Turn on the Radio.”
MusicRowPics: Ash Bowers Artist Visit
/by Caitlin RantalaAsh Bowers visited MusicRow headquarters earlier this month (March 4) to talk about his upcoming album Shake It Off. The Tennessee native wrote nine out of the 12 songs on the record.
He played an acoustic set that included his current single, “Red,” currently out at radio, along with “Driving Nails,” “Shake It Off” and “Justice.”
For more information on Bowers and his music, visit ashbowers.com.
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Tim McGraw Bio-Comic to be Released
/by Caitlin Rantala“It was fun to do,” McIntee said, of working on the comic. “Tim has had a wider career and area of interest than people might think. I loved the chance to do something with a hint of the Western, to go with the musical genre. I think his fans will enjoy that tone to it.”
This is not Bluewater’s first foray into the country music world. The comic book publisher recently released a bio-comic on Taylor Swift. Bluewater also has Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley comic books in production.
To order the comic book in print exclusively at Comic Flea Market for $3.99, click here.
Digital copies will also be available for $1.99. Download the comic to your e-reader from iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Google Books, DriveThru Comics, Wowio, iVerse, and more.
Artist Updates (3-19-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonThe entertainer played a large role in the design of several of this year’s sunglass styles, including the on trend metal aviator appropriately named “KC.” Other Kenny Chesney Costa sunglasses in the 2013 collection include the new retro Prop, and a re-introduction of the popular Grand Catalina, Caballito and Hammerhead.
“I took my time working on the design of these glasses, because more than just looking good, I wanted to know they’d work at the beach, on a boat or on the road. I’m always moving, so I need sunglasses that can keep with me,” said Chesney. Five dollars from the sale of each pair of Kenny Chesney Costa sunglasses will be donated to the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to ocean and coastal conservation programs.
Each of the new Kenny Chesney Costa sunglass styles will retail from $129 to $199 and will be available for purchase while supplies last at participating authorized Costa retail partners and online at costadelmar.com.
Pictured (L-R): Pat Murray, president, Coastal Conservation Association; Kenny Chesney; Amanda Perryman, marketing manager, Costa Sunglasses; Brett Palmer, president, AbiJack Management
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Yarn’s Robert Bonhomme, Rick Bugel, RPM Management’s Amanda Fletcher, Yarn’s Andrew Hendryx, Blake Christiana, Whizbang’s Jennifer Wolczyk, Yarn’s Rod Hohl,and RPM’s Scott Siman.
RPM Management’s Brooklyn-based Americana band Yarn has recently signed a music licensing deal with Whizbang.
“We are excited to represent Yarn for music licensing placements,” said Whizbang’s President Jim Scherer. “They are musically unique among our clients and have a talent we think will resonate with those in the licensing world.”
Whizbang has secured hundreds of placements for its clients in films, television, commercials, video games, and more. Founded in 2000 by industry veteran Scherer, the company’s long-term relationships with film and television studios and networks, advertising agencies and music supervisors combined with its reputation for finding innovative and creative artists drive the company’s successful work on behalf of its clients and licensees.
Concert tickets are on-sale beginning Friday (March 22) for $35 plus applicable service charges and are available via the Ryman box office, ryman.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. For preferred VIP seating ($50), contact the Second Harvest Food Bank at 615-329-3491. Proceeds from the concert to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in their efforts to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. For more information, visit secondharvestmidtn.org.
Dial Global Names CEO
/by Sarah SkatesDial Global CEO Paul Caine
Audio content syndicator Dial Global has announced that Paul Caine will become its Chief Executive Officer and a member of the company’s board of directors effective April 5. Caine’s appointment coincides with the resignations of existing CEO Spencer Brown, and President Ken Williams, also effective April 5.
Dial Global maintains exclusive rights to distribute for broadcast prominent live events including the Grammys, the NFL primetime games (including the Playoffs and Super Bowl), and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The company supplies more than 8,500 radio stations and other distribution platforms.
Caine spent the past 23 years at Time Inc. where he led the development of digital formats for some of the world’s most storied media brands. He has also created and sold highly successful multi-platform programs for many top advertisers. He ran Time Inc.’s Style & Entertainment Group (PEOPLE, InStyle, Entertainment Weekly) before becoming Chief Revenue Officer and Group President of the company’s Advertising Group.
Artist Snapshots (3-19-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood continued to spread country music around the globe by taking her international “Blown Away Tour” to Ireland and to the United Kingdom. Her sold-out dates in Dublin and Belfast were not only her debut performances, but also marked her first visit to the countries of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Underwood wrapped up her trip in London by closing the “C2C:Country To Country” Festival at the O2 Arena.
Carrie Underwood performs at the C2C: Country To Country Festival. Photo: Matthew Sperling
At the sold-out Belfast show at Waterfront Hall during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Underwood invited a couple who happen to be some of her biggest Irish fans onto the stage where the gentleman proposed to his girlfriend of 10 years. As Underwood and the teary audience looked on, his girlfriend said yes to thunderous applause from the enthusiastic crowd.
A fan proposes to his girlfriend during Underwood’s concert in Belfast. Photo: Matthew Sperling
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Back in the States, Luke Bryan entertained over 75,000 fans at the Houston Rodeo. It marked Bryan’s first performance at the Houston Rodeo as a headliner and the largest crowd of his career. At the close of the show, the rodeo reported that this was the second-largest crowd in their history.
“I may have said it last year,” Bryan said from the rodeo stage, “but I grew up dreaming of playing the Houston Rodeo. To sell this place out on a Saturday night is a country boy’s dream!”
Photo: Michael Monaco
Photo: Michael Monaco
• • •
More than 40,000 people from over 35 countries joined the Jason Crabb Love Is Stronger CD Release Celebration held recently at Free Chapel, where Pastor Jentezen Franklin welcomed Jason Crabb along with special guests, producers Jay DeMarcus (of Rascal Flatts) and Wayne Haun, and New York Times Bestselling Author Andy Andrews.
A very special moment came when producers of the project, DeMarcus and Haun were asked to join Crabb onstage for a look behind the making of the project, Love Is Stronger.
Fellow Grammy® Award Winner, Micah Massey, interviews producers Jay DeMarcus, Wayne Haun and Jason Crabb.
Photo by Dan Harr / AdMedia
Keds Partners For Swift's RED Tour
/by Eric T. ParkerThroughout the length of the tour, Keds will run a series of giveaways including seat upgrades and backstage tours in every city. Inside each venue at the Keds pop-up Style Studio, fans will be able to receive exclusive access to ordering and girls will be encouraged to share their stories of bravery, self-confidence, friendship and style for the Fearlessly video set.
“The tour shoe is the first of its kind and is a really unique memento of the concert experience,” said Rick Blackshaw, president, Keds. “We can’t wait to meet our fans and help inspire as many girls as possible to be fearless.”
The 23-year-old singer’s tour kicked off this past week (March 13) in Omaha, Neb. and continues through September.