Cumulus To Buy Citadel For $2.5 Billion

/by

Cumulus Media has reached an agreement to purchase rival radio broadcaster Citadel. The deal is valued at $2.5 billion in cash and stock.
Cumulus, under the leadership of chairman and chief executive Lew Dickey, had made bids for Citadel in the past. Those offers were rejected but led to exclusive negotiations in recent months.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Cumulus is the second largest radio station owner in the U.S., followed by Citadel as the third largest. Once combined the companies would own 572 stations across the country.
The largest radio broadcaster in the nation is Clear Channel Communications, with more than 800 radio stations.
The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

Randy Houser's Tour Bus Catches Fire

/by

Randy Houser’s tour bus caught fire this afternoon, destroying his gear, clothing and personal belongings. Houser and his crew were preparing for their concert tonight (3/9) in Isle of the Palms, SC when the crew noticed flames emanating from the rear suite of the bus. Thick black smoke billowed through the corridor and main cabin. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Houser and all the band and crew members were safely evacuated. In the midst of the chaos, he managed to take a video with his cell phone camera (below). “Fire is out. Lost all my clothes. I’m pretty sad, but so thankful we all got off safely,” said Houser. “That fire burned all through our home on wheels.”
Tonight’s show will go on as planned.

Photos: Toby Keith Debuts New Mezcal

/by

BMI recently hosted a Toby Keith press conference announcing his latest project, Wild Shot Mezcal, a 100% green agave spirit. Very few Mezcal products currently exist in the market and Keith plans to capitalize on that with his version of the traditional Mexican drink. Mezcal varies from agave-based tequila in its preparation method and the inclusion of the agave worm in the bottle. It is believed that the worm will bring wondrous experiences and every individual’s will be different.

(L-R): manager T.K. Kimbrell; Shock Ink’s Elaine Schock; Toby Keith; and BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley. Photo: Ash Newell

Miranda Lambert’s Platinum “House”

Columbia Nashville’s Miranda Lambert recently celebrated the Platinum certification of her Grammy Award winning single, “The House That Built Me.” The song is also nominated for the ACM Single Record of the Year, where Lambert has a total of 7 nominations.

(L-R): Sony Music Nashville CEO/Chairman Gary Overton; Sony Music Nashville VP Sales, Kerri Fox-Metoyer; Lambert; Sony Music Nashville VP Digital Business, Heather McBee; Lambert's manager Marion Kraft and Sony Music Nashville Sr. VP Marketing, Paul Barnabee. Photo: Alan Poizner

CMHOF Honors Wilson with Poets and Prophets Program

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum recently (3/5) honored Norro Wilson in its quarterly Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters series. Throughout the program, which included rare recordings and videos, Wilson discussed his time as a recording artist and his successful songwriting career that includes “The Most Beautiful Girl,” “A Picture of Me (Without You)” and “The Grand Tour.”

(L-R): Dan Penn, Red Lane, Joe Stampley, Norro Wilson, CMHOF Chairman Steve Turner, Dallas Frazier and John D. Loudermilk. Photo: Donn Jones

Edens Edge Make Opry Debut

Big Machine Records’ Edens Edge made its debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage with a warm welcome and introduction from Country superstar—and Summer 2011 tour mate—Brad Paisley this past Saturday night (3/5). The trio performed its debut single, “Amen,” for the sold-out crowd.

(L-R): Brad Paisley; Steve Buchanan, Pres. Grand Ole Opry Group; Dean Berner, Cherrill Green, and Hannah Blaylock of Edens Edge; Pete Fisher, VP/GM Grand Ole Opry; Virginia Davis, B.A.D. Management. Photo: Chris Hollo

UMG Names Lucian Grainge Chairman and CEO

/by

Lucian Grainge


Universal Music Group has given CEO Lucian Grainge the additional title of Chairman. Today’s announcement was made by UMG’s parent company Vivendi.
Grainge continues to report to Vivendi CEO Jean-Bernard Levy. He also continues as a member of the Vivendi management board, the company said in a statement.
This news follow last week’s official departure of former UMG Chairman Doug Morris. Morris was named CEO of competitor Sony Music.
More on Grainge’s background here.

Judds and Loretta Lynn Join ACM's Girls' Night Out

/by

The Judds and Loretta Lynn are the latest lineup additions to the ACM’s Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country tribute concert.
Previously announced performers include Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Reba and Carrie Underwood. These female artists will be honored at the taping on Monday, April 4, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. There will also be special guest duets, including Ronnie Dunn with Nettles, Rascal Flatts with Reba, Vince Gill with Underwood, and performances by Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and more to be announced.
The show is scheduled to air Friday, April 22, 9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT on CBS. Ticket sales from the special will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy.
For more information, please visit www.acmcountry.com or Ticketmaster.

Industry Ink Wednesday

/by

>>Warner Music Nashville is bringing back its successful Pickin’ On The Patio series. The party for industry guests lets the label showcase its rising artists. This summer’s dates will be May 26,  June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, and Sept. 22.
>>WKDF/Nashville has upped morning host Marty McFly to Program Director. He will continue his AM gig as well.
>>Carly Horvat‘s Back Porch Productions is offering backstage hospitality and artist gift bags. The company recently hosted Josh Thompson, Chuck Wicks, Thompson Square, Katie Armiger, Stealing Angels, and others at the Country Music Is Love Concert at the Hard Rock in Nashville.
>>BMI has created a discounted music license for members of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. The program gives them copyright clearance to perform live and recorded music at discounts of at least 30% less than BMI’s previous fee schedule, reducing the cost from about $332 per year, to about $230.
>>The MTSU Department of Recording Industry is seeking music businesses to have a table at its Career Day. The event is Thursday, March 17 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Bragg Mass Communications Building. For details or to register visit www.rimcareerfair.com.

Americana Music Association Concert Series

/by

Performers at the Americana Music Association Bluebird Series.

The Americana Music Association will present the third annual “Live at The Bluebird Cafe” concert series celebrating some of the genre’s best-loved and most influential performers. All proceeds will benefit the organization.

Performing will be Webb Wilder with Brad Jones and Hans Rotenberry (3/17), Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer (3/22), and Jerry Douglas (3/24).

Showtime for all performances will be 9 PM. For details visit www.americanamusic.org.

Happy Tales Humane’s Wednesday Night Wags Series

Burns and Poe will perform at Wednesday Night Wags.


Happy Tales Humane’s “Wednesday Night Wags” music series returns this month with 7:30 PM shows at The Basement, including a show tonight (3/9). Among the artists on the line-up are Burns & Poe, Lauren Lucas with special guests Gerry House & Rick Huckaby, and Daddy (Tommy Womack + Will Kimbrough).
Proceeds from the series will benefit Happy Tales Humane, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of animals in Middle Tennessee. Tickets are $10. For information, or to volunteer, visit www.happytaleshumane.com.

Take 6 For USN

Grammy and Dove Award-winning vocal group Take 6 will make a rare Nashville concert appearance at University School of Nashville’s Music Night tomorrow (3/10) at 7:30 PM/CT. The concert takes place at Ingram Hall at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. General admission tickets are $60, which includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Patron tickets are $125. Tickets can be purchased online at www.USN.org.

Bigger Picture Acquires Idea Den

/by

Nashville’s Bigger Picture Group has acquired online marketing and creative services company Idea Den, which will allow BPG to offer a wider array of services to its clients.
The acquisition also means staff expansion for Idea Den, which has added former Music City Networks partners Jon Wright and Dennis Thompson to the roles of Production Director and Senior Designer, respectively.
Founded in 2004 by Dale Manning, Idea Den has provided web solutions for a roster that includes Casting Crowns, Alice Cooper, Mandy Moore, Christian Kane, Switchfoot, Craig Campbell, The Harters, Steven Curtis Chapman and Jeremy Camp.
“The acquisition of Idea Den has positioned Bigger Picture uniquely amongst entertainment companies,” says Bigger Picture principal William Hein. “We now have a partner and a team that is leading the way in online excellence. Dale has brought an innovative spirit along with an impressive country and CCM client roster.”
In addition to the Bigger Picture roster, Idea Den will continue to provide web and creative services to Christian and Country artists.

Has Gwyneth Signed A Record Deal?

/by

Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow on the Sony CRS Boat Show. Photo credit: Alan Poizner


Reports of Gwyneth Paltrow signing a record deal are buzzing around the internet this week, but there is still no official word from any of the parties involved.
According to numerous sources including the New York Post and The Wrap, Paltrow has inked with Atlantic Records in a contract worth $900,000.
However, E online reports talking to Paltrow’s reps who will only confirm that negotiations are ongoing.
Paltrow has been a familiar face in Nashville during the last year, thanks to her filming the Country Strong movie in middle Tennessee and also singing on the soundtrack.
She surprised guests on Sony Music Nashville’s CRS boat show last week, appearing to host and duet with Tim McGraw on their song from the movie.
She has also been showing off her singing skills on the hit Fox show Glee, the CMA Awards, Grammys, and the Oscars.
But not everyone is on board with the actor-turned-singer scenario, particularly a columnist at The Atlantic who posted “5 Reasons Gwyneth Paltrow Shouldn’t Have Gotten a Record Deal.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/9/11)

/by

Can you be fabulously famous and a new face at the same time?
If your name is Jennette McCurdy, you can. Known by millions of teens for her role as sassy “Sam” on the Nickelodeon TV comedy series iCarly, 18-year-old Jeanette can’t go out to a restaurant without being mobbed. But in country music, she is a newcomer. Her handlers are currently taking her on a mall tour to introduce “Generation Love.” In my opinion, you’d have to be made of stone to resist it. Give the gal a DisCovery Award.
It will come as no surprise that Taylor Swift has the Disc of the Day. She may be out conquering the planet on her world tour right now, but she left behind plenty of killer tunes on her Speak Now album to keep on delighting us folks back home. “Mean” is definitely one of them.
LEAH SEAWRIGHT/On The Backroads
Writer: Leah Seawright/Frank Green; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Ineylue/Frank Thomas Green, ASCAP; SkyTone (www.leahseawright.com)
—She has an attractive little vocal rasp, but it is somewhat overwhelmed by the driving, rocking track.
ASHLEY GEARING/Five More Minutes
Writer: Ashley Gearing/Tiffany Goss/Nicole Witt; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: Curb/Curb Congregation/Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Curb
—She needs five more minutes saying goodnight to her boyfriend on the back porch. Daddy needs five more minutes before he gives his daughter away. And, you guessed it, the husband needs five more minutes at his dying wife’s bedside. Pretty, if predictable.
PAUL NUNN/Dead And Gone
Writer: Paul Nunn; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Paul Nunn, BMI; PN (www.paulnunnbanc.com)
—He sings with force and feeling, the production is perfect and the band is tight. The song, however, is way too wordy and meandering. Programmers will also not be thrilled to find that it clocks in at over four minutes.
TAYLOR SWIFT/Mean
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine (track)
—The wispy, melodic “Back to December” was just about a perfect single. This chunky little bopper goes in a totally different direction. Toe tapping, tongue tripping and terrific. Hang on for the multi-voiced finale.
THE STEVEN L. SMITH BAND/Pieces
Writer: Steven L. Smith; Producer: Bob Bender; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Vinyl (track) (www.slsmith.info)
—The title tune to Smith’s new CD is a stark, dark ballad. His shredded, barely-there voice is extremely effective in conveying the soul of a broken man. Celebrity guests on the album include Joe Bonsall, Jimmy Van Zant, Crystal Gayle and Glenn Duncan.
JENNETTE McCURDY/Generation Love
Writer: Tom Douglas/Heather Morgan/Ross Copperman; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Tomdouglasmusic/EMI Blackwood, BMI; Capitol Nashville
—Introduced at last week’s Capitol CRS luncheon, this soaring, inspirational and completely captivating anthem makes my heart pound with pleasure. She sings like a bird, Jay’s production is fabulous and the song is a minor masterpiece. Play this.
KIP BOARDMAN/Runnin’ Right
Writer: Kip Boardman; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Kip Boardman, no performance rights listed; Ridisculous (track)
—The groove is hypnotic, and his pop vocal has a drowsy, dreamy quality. Americana music programmers are probably the best audience for this.
EDEN’S EDGE/Amen
Writer: Skip Black/Hannah Blaylock/Catt Gravitt/Gerald O’Brien; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Sony-ATV/401 Kye/Fouche River/Kye ya con Dios/Ink Pen Mama/Songs of Maxx/Tunes of R and T Direct/Syd and Sophie, BMI/SESAC/SOCAN/ASCAP; Big Machine
—The no-good girlfriend has split, and the whole town is celebrating Jimmy’s liberation. Airy harmonies and a sunny lead vocal are just two of this single’s many charms.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Crazy Girl
Writer: Lee Brice/Liz Rose; Producer: Frank Liddell & Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria/Sony-ATV Timber/Hillsboro Valley, BMI/SESAC; Republic (CDX)
—When are the rest of you people going to get with it? Every single this Texas group has released has been splendid. This oomphy, mid-tempo outing is, too. I am going to keep raving about these guys until they get the big hit they deserve.
COLT FORD/Country Thang
Writer: Colt Ford/Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Jason Chance, Michael Zeuhsow & Dustin Burnett; Publisher: Average ZJS/Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe (CDX) (615-733-9983)
—The big guy rawks. He growls the verses, then bursts into melody on the choruses. Upbeat and infectious.