Weekly Chart Report (11/21/2012)

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SPIN ZONE

Joanna Smith recently stopped by 650AM WSM's "Coffee, Country and Cody" to chat with Bill Cody about her single, "We Can't Be Friends” and her spot on Chris Young's Liquid Neon Tour.

Rascal Flatts‘ “Come Wake Me Up” is No. 1 on the MusicRow Chart this week. Written by Johan Fransson, Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren and Sean McConnell, the song is the second single from the band’s eighth studio album, Changed. Last week’s chart topper Greg Bates‘ “Did It For The Girl” sits in the No. 2 position while Dierks Bentley‘s “Tip It On Back” jumps a position to No. 3. Darius Rucker‘s “True Believers” also jumps a spot to No. 4 while Kip Moore‘s “Beer Money” stays at No. 5.

The big mover this week is Carrie Underwood‘s “Two Black Cadillacs” debuting on the chart at an impressive No. 47.

With the holidays upon us, everyone at MusicRow wishes you and your family a very safe and happy holiday. This is the time of year to reflect and give thanks, and our biggest thanks go out to you, our readers and supporters. Happy Thanksgiving!

Frozen Playlists: WPPL, KFTX, WLJE, WKDZ, KVOM, KBXB, WEIO, KCNY, KVAY, WTHO, KZTL, KXIA, KWOX, WTRS, WTCR, WTCM, KXBZ, WDHR, WBYZ, WCMS, KTJJ, KGMN, KYKX, KITX, KCJC, KVVP, KWEY, KYEZ, KYTN, WXXK

Upcoming Singles
November 26
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/Sony Nashville

December 3
Lee Brice/I Drive Your Truck/Curb
Jillian Kohr/What You’ve Done
Josh Pruno/23rd Psalm/Lawrence Music Group
Big & Rich/Party Like Cowboyz/Warner Bros.-W.A.R.

Holiday Singles
Lorrie Morgan/Wrapped Up In Love/Octabrook Records
Craig Morrison/Santa Claus Boogie/Lucky 53s-GMV Nashville
Clinton Gregory/Peace On Earth Again/Melody Roundup Records
Kyle Park/Winter Wonderland

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/19-Arista Nashville – 47
Brooke Hudgins/80 Acres of Stars/VBC – 76
Dustin Lynch/She Cranks My Tractor/Broken Bow Records – 79
Lizzie Sider/Butterfly/Blue Steel – 80

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/19-Arista Nashville – 28
Kelly Clarkson w/ Vince Gill/Don’t Rush/19 Recordings-RCA Nashville – 13
Tim McGraw/One Of Those Nights/Big Machine – 10
Toby Keith/Hope On The Rocks/Show Dog-Universal – 10
Jana Kramer/Whiskey/WMN – 9
Tracy Lawrence/Stop, Drop, & Roll/Lawrence Music Group – 6
Thompson Square/If I Didn’t Have You/Stoney Creek – 6
Lee Brice/I Drive Your Truck/Curb – 6
George Strait/Give It All We Got/MCA – 6
Aaron Lewis/Forever/Blaster Records – 6

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Carrie Underwood/Two Black Cadillacs/19-Arista Nashville – 388
The Band Perry/Better Dig Two/Republic Nashville – 269
Tim McGraw/One Of Those Nights/Big Machine – 245
Jason Aldean/The Only Way I Know/Broken Bow – 198
Toby Keith/Hope On The Rocks/Show Dog-Universal – 196

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Michael Dean Church/Still Not Over You/MDC – 210
Hillbilly Vegas/Little Miss Rough And Tumble/Red Dirt Music Company – 205
Luke Pilgrim/Back Road Lullaby/MMG – 194
Brent Cobb/Love On Me/Carnival – 182
The Roys/Still Standing/Rural Rhythm – 173

High Valley made a recent visit to Madison, Wisconsin's WWQM/Q106 while promoting their US debut single "Love You For A Long Time." The trio just released the music video for the single. Pictured (L-R): Stan Marczewski (Rodeowave), High Valley's Bryan Rempel, High Valley's Curtis Rempel, Fletcher Keyes (PD, WWQM/Madison), High Valley's Brad Rempel

The Cadillac Black stopped in College Station, TX fresh off the ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd tour to visit the KORA 98.3 staff. The band’s lead single, “Get Your Buzz On,” from the self-titled debut album is currently available. Pictured (L-R): Kelby Ray, Neil Mason, KORA 98.3 PD Adam Drake, Jaren Johnston

Vince Gill, Amy Grant Celebrate Christmas At The Ryman

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Amy Grant and Vince Gill are set for a three night stand next month at the Ryman Auditorium. Their Christmas at the Ryman shows will be Dec. 18, 19 and 20. Details here.

Grant and Gill are also scheduled to perform at “A Celebration of Carole King and Her Music,” Dec. 4 at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. Jack Nicholson and Quincy Jones will co-host the star-studded evening which will feature performances by King, Alicia Keys, Herb Alpert, John Legend, Katy Perry, Lani Hall, Darlene Love and Nikki Yanofsky.

The event benefits Paul Newman’s The Painted Turtle Camp which provides life-changing support to children with serious illnesses and their families. The event is produced by Lou Adler and Kevin Duncan and sponsored by Clear Channel Media & Entertainment Los Angeles and iHeartRadio. Tickets are on sale at www.dolbytheatre.com.

Chesney To Perform at Cowboys v. Redskins Game

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Pictured L-R: Charlotte Jones-Anderson, Executive VP, Dallas Cowboys; Chesney; Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander, Salvation Army; and Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys. Photo: Kelly Alexander

Kenny Chesney will give a halftime performance during the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins game on Thanksgiving Day (11/22), starting at 3:15 PM/CT and airing on FOX. The performance at Cowboy’s Stadium in Arlington, TX will kick off The Salvation Army’s 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign.

The nationally televised show marks the 16th year the Dallas Cowboys have helped The Salvation Army launch the campaign. The Red Kettle Campaign collected a record $147.6 million last year. Funds support people in need during the holidays, including those still recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

Since the partnership between the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army began in 1997, the Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $1.5 billion with the help of multiple top-tier musical acts including Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

Supporters of The Salvation Army can also ring a virtual Red Kettle bell online at www.onlineredkettle.org, donate by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text the word “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Red Kettle Campaign.

Artist Action (11/21/12)

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Black River Entertainment’s Sarah Darling is in her element as the special guest on CMT’s Southern Fried Flicks With Hazel Smith. Known for her love of baking in addition to music, the episode featuring Darling premieres Sunday, Nov. 25 at 6PM CST and showcases the film Fireproof. Tune in to watch Smith and Darling dish over delicious southern favorites as they discuss the film, her new single and Darling’s upcoming album with producer Dann Huff.

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(L-R): Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry, Pete Fisher (VP and GM of the Grand Ole Opry) and Reid Perry

Republic Nashville sibling trio The Band Perry were recently featured on Noteworthy at The Opry where they performed “You Lie” and “Independence,” as well as gave an intimate interview on upcoming music, life on the road and more. The series captures live performances on The Opry stage and gives fans an in-depth look into the lives and music of some of Country’s biggest artists.

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WGN America anchor Steve Sanders and Jason Sturgeon

Toolpusher Records’ artist Jason Sturgeon takes the stage on WGN America on Wednesday, Nov. 21 to perform his popular single, “Simple Life.” The autobiographical song was the first single from Sturgeon’s debut ablum That’s Me. See a clip of the music video here.

Americana Music Assoc. Plans Spring Celebration

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Legendary Texas singer-songwriters Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen will perform at the 3rd annual Americana Spring Celebration on March 22-23 at Blackberry Farm, a world-class luxury resort situated in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The event will benefit the Americana Music Association.

“This event has become an important fundraiser for our organization and I can’t imagine a finer setting or two finer performers,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “It doesn’t get better than a weekend in the mountains with Lyle and Robert Earl!”

For more information visit www.blackberryfarm.com.

Weekly Register: Navigating The Holiday Highway To 2013

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As we prepare to load up the sleigh and head over the river and through the dale to Grandmother’s house for the annual turkey fest there’s several thoughts running through our mind. We think about that favorite casserole we’re looking forward to, a glass (or two) of Granny’s homemade rum-filled eggnog and yes, we wonder, “What about country sales?”

For the week ended 11-18-12, country scanned 901k album units. To break even with last year we now need to sell 1.257 million per week for each of the six weeks remaining in the 2012 sales season. This should be quite achievable, especially with two more Big Machine debuts lined up Rascal Flatts (11/19) and Florida Georgia Line (12/4) to help boost totals. (Country albums sold 2.2 million in the last week of 2011.)

Chartwise, country holds few surprises this week, except for the No. 7 debut from Aaron Lewis (21k). The lineup includes Swift (No. 1; 144k and nearing the 2 million mark), Aldean (No. 2; 40k) and then three holiday offerings from Lady A (No. 3; 34k), Shelton (No. 4; 29k) and McCreery (No. 5; 23k). Little Big Town (No. 6; 21k), Underwood (No. 8; 16k), Bryan (No. 9;16k) and Church (No. 10; 14k) round out the Top 10.

Clicking over to the country tracks department we see Florida Georgia Line reigning again this week with “Cruise” notching 80k more units and hitting Platinum status. The duo’s upcoming album debut is rumored to hit impressive 60-90k first week numbers which could make this act one of the year’s brightest success stories.

TEA Updates
MusicRow’s TEA Index sums physical, digital and TEA albums (track equivalent albums; 10 tracks=1 album) then calculates the percentage of total album sales that come from TEA. The idea is to measure the TEA effect against total album sales. (The numbers are gathered by industry sources from Nielsen SoundScan.) As a baseline, the 2011 full year TEA Index was 25% country and 27.7% all-genre.

After staying pretty flat for most of the year the TEA Index dipped in November to 29.07%. (See graph below.) We expect it will shrink further in December, before rising sharply in January. More album buyers come into the marketplace during the holiday season and tend to choose physical product for gifts. Those that do purchase digital gift cards, give them out under the Christmas tree, and so January TEA jumps as they get redeemed song by song.

Looking at a few of the underlying Country TEA Index numbers through 11-18-12, albums scanned 35.38 million units and track downloads totaled 145 million. Comparing the current stats (29.07%) to last year’s base line number (25%) shows a continued mouse-driven shift in consumer buying habits.

As our Thanksgiving sleigh merrily slides across the frozen tundra, it’s probably best to let some of the big picture issues facing our industry wait until we return from the holiday. For example, margins and profits?

In the meantime, be safe, hug your loved ones and enjoy the moment.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Tracy Lawrence Hosts Annual “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry

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With the help of friends on Tuesday (11/20), Tracy Lawrence celebrated another successful year frying more than 500 turkeys that will be served to thousands this Thanksgiving holiday.

Since 2006, Tracy Lawrence “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry has brought in an estimated 6,500 turkeys and provided more than 40,000 meals to the Nashville Rescue Mission to feed the homeless.

Teams of volunteers and sponsors such as Sam’s Club, NFL Titans, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard worked together to accomplish the mission. The NFL Titans cheerleaders cheered as people came to make donations while Lawrence’s music friends cooked turkeys for the cause.

“I am blessed to have so many friends who share the same passion that I do for those in need during the holidays,” said Lawrence. “From volunteers who labored all day to the person who came by to drop off a turkey, they all have contributed to the success of this event and I am very thankful for them.”

Pictured with Tennessee Titans (L-R): Ryan Mouton, Nate Washington, Tracy Lawrence, Rob Bironas, and Jordan Babineaux. Photo: Alex Torrez

Lawrence with U.S. Coast Guard members Chad Phillips, Commander Bob Helton, James Alter, Kevin Nicley, Brian Hunter, and Chris Snyder. Photo: Ryan Malone

Lawrence with the Sam's Club Team Photo: Alex Torrez

Jon Pardi Seeks Ultimate Party Animal in Contest

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Jon Pardi is gearing up to award a trip for two to his “End of the World Party” in Chicago on 12/21/12 through a contest on his Facebook page.

Known for his high energy stage performances, the Capitol Records Nashville artist seeks like-minded fans to send in photos that answer the question “Are You A Pardi Animal?” Personally chosen by Pardi, the grand prize winner and guest will receive airfare and hotel accommodations for the “predicted” end of the world in a party he will host at Joe’s on Weed Street.

The top 10 finalists who receive the most fan votes by Dec. 5 will receive an autographed copy of Pardi’s single, “Missin’ You Crazy.”

“We’ve named this the Year of the Pardi and if the world is really going to end that day, I can’t think of a better place to be than Joe’s on Weed,” said Pardi.

Pardi is currently touring on the Tie One On Tour with Frankie Ballard and Miss Willie Brown in support “Missin’ You Crazy.”

Snapshots (11/21/2012)

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(L-R): Tamara Saviano, Wendy Stamberger, Jeannie Naujeck, Kay Clary, busted photobomber Sherod Robertson, Taylor Holliday, Abby White. Photo: Steve Lowry

Kay Clary and Jody Williams

BMI hosted two-parties-in-one on Fri., Nov. 16. The event was a going away party for BMI’s Executive Director, Media Relations Kay Clary and an album release party for soul singer Charles Walker. He performed with a band featuring Charles Treadway, Pat Bergeson and Pete Abbott.

After the show, a reception was held for industry members to bid farewell to Clary who exited BMI after seven years of service. BMI, VP Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI VP, Writer-Publisher Relations Jody Williams says, “Kay Clary is a treasure.” And we all couldn’t agree more.

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently (11/17) honored Billy Sanford in its quarterly series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. Sanford played on hits for the Oak Ridge Boys (“Elvira”), Roy Orbison (“Oh, Pretty Woman”), Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”), Keith Whitley (“I’m No Stranger to the Rain”) and many others. Sanford is a longtime member of Don Williams’ band.

(L-R): Bob Moore, program host Bill Lloyd, Reggie Young, Jerry Kennedy, Jimmy Capps, Chip Young, Billy Sanford, Pig Robbins, Weldon Myrick, Wayne Moss, Norbert Putnam, Vice President of Museum Programs Jay Orr. Photo: Donn Jones

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Monthly concert series 45rpm saluted Connie Smith during a special installment on Nov. 7. The event was held at Douglas Corner. Created by steel guitar player Mike Johnson, songwriter Jimmy Melton, and UMPG’s Cyndi Forman, 45rpm highlights the great artists, songs, songwriters and producers from the ’60s and ’70s such as Mel Street, Don Williams, Gary Stewart, Gene Watson and Tammy Wynette. The band is led by Johnson and Melton, and includes some of Nashville’s top studio musicians.

(L-R): Mark Johnson, Cyndi Forman, Mike Johnson, Connie Smith and Jimmy Melton. Photo: Lisa Melton

DISClaimer: Carrie Underwood Rules (11/21/12)

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Carrie revs up.

Carrie Underwood rules. The Oklahoma-bred gal who cleverly calls her publishing company Carrie Okie has absolutely no challengers this week. She stands tall with the undisputed Disc of the Day.

Jay Jolley is a Detroit-area keyboardist and singer who has opened for many big names in the Midwest. His “It’s a Friday Thing” earns him the DisCovery Award for this edition.

THE CADILLAC BLACK/Get Your Buzz On
Writer: none listed; Producer: The Cadillac Black; Publisher: none listed; TCB (track)
—The guys in this Southern-rock trio used to be in the super Nashville pop/rock band American Bang. Their debut as a country act sounds like they haven’t drifted too far from their roots. This rocks in a party kinda way. Look for The Cadillac Black in upcoming episodes of TV’s Nashville. (Did you catch Lindi Ortega doing her new single on the show last week?)BIG & RICH/Party Like Cowboyz
Writer: John Rich/Big Kenny; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: J. Money/Kobalt/Big Love, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.  
—And speaking of party, these two practically patented the country-boys-on-a-rampage thang. This is straight from their typical playbook, complete with sung/spoken passages, screaming guitars and stomping beats.

AMBER HAYES/Any Day Is a Good Day
Writer: Amber Hayes/Bill Diluigi/J.P. Williams; Producer: Paul Compton; Publisher: Okie Girl/888 Red/Rio Bravo/Blonde Leading Blind, ASCAP/BMI; AOK  
—Simply lovely. Her sweetly wistful singing voice is perfectly framed by an airy production and pristinely placed harmony vocals. Plus, it has a message to warm your soul. I could definitely get used to listening to this wafting through the radio speakers.

AARON WATSON/Real Good Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: Aaron Watson, Sam Seifert & Wes Hightower; Publisher: none listed; HTK 
—Aaron Watson has rounded up a bevy of impressive guest stars on his new CD. Pat Green, Elizabeth Cook, Willie Nelson, John Anderson and Kevin Fowler all drop by. But on the set’s title tune, Mr. Watson is on his own. It’s a rapid romp with a pace that’s almost tongue tripping. Guitar and fiddle notes splatter all over the place.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Two Black Cadillacs
Writer: Carrie Underwood/Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Carrie Okie/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight/Words & Music/Raylene/BMG Crysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Arista
—Very atmospheric and mysterious. The brooding, swirling production surrounds her full-throated singing of a tale about a wife and a mistress evidently teaming up to do away with the man who deceived them.

NO JUSTICE/Shot in the Dark
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; NME/Smith Entertainment 
—Country-rock music with a slightly muddy sound. I’d have upped the tempo a tad and tweaked the tuning.

BUCK NECK-ED/Backroads
Writer: Cowboy/Bad News; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Raw
—Of the song’s co-writers, “Cowboy” is Chad Kaltenberg and “Bad News” apparently doesn’t have any other name. The band sounds competent enough, but the production is dreadful. “Garage” would be a compliment. Get a studio and a producer.

JAY JOLLEY/It’s a Friday Thing
Writer: Bill Edwards; Producer: Chuck Alkazian; Publisher: Edwardsongs, ASCAP; Double J (CDX) 
—With its menacing guitar work and minor-key melody, this has a cool “outlaw” vibe. Darkly compelling. Well done.

TYLER STEPHENS/Freedom Don’t Come Free
Writer: Scott Patrick/Courtney Patrick; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Aria/Five Star Country, BMI; Big Appal (CDX) 
—He sings flat and slurs his words.

OUTBOUND ROAD/Home to Me
Writer: B. Shannon/B. Vames/A. Jannotti; Producer: Alan Stein; Publisher: Cannon Biggs, BMI; Lure (CDX) 
—It seems to take forever to get to the title line. The gist of the power ballad is that big-city life isn’t for him.