Tucker Wetmore performs at the Hard Rock Stage on Saturday, June 8 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The Country Music Association hosted its 51st CMA Fest this past weekend (June 6-9), ushering in the next half-century of bringing country music to fans around the world.
Pictured (L-R) Meagan Bennington, Miller Guth, Shaboozey, Dustee Jenkins, Jackie Augustus, and Anthony Langone celebrate Shaboozey’s Platinum certification at Spotify House at CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
This year’s festival brought fans from all 50 states and 46 countries to Nashville. With multiple stages spread throughout the city, attendees heard from more than 300 performers. Most of CMA Fest is free of charge, with the option to buy tickets or passes to shows at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater, as well as admission to Fan Fair X in Music City Center. Artists donate their time to appear at CMA Fest so that a portion of ticket proceeds can directly benefit music education initiatives across the country through the CMA Foundation.
“What an incredible four days and nights! This year’s CMA Fest has truly been a celebration of community and collaboration,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From Country icons returning to the Fest stage, to emerging acts reaching new audiences for the first time, seeing the fans and the industry embrace our genre in such a meaningful way has been the perfect way to kick off our next 50 years. We can’t wait for 2025!”
Dolly Parton kicks off CMA Fest with a special conversation hosted by Rachel Smith on the CMA Close Up Stage. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Highlights from CMA Fest 2024 were limitless. Global superstar Dolly Parton kicked off the festival on Thursday morning with a special conversation at Fan Fair X. Shaboozey shut down the streets of Nashville during his CMA Fest-debut set, as did Tucker Wetmore, with his performance on Lower Broadway spilling out onto Broadway.
In addition to the epic nights at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater, artists performed for fans on the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage, Good Molecules Reverb Stage and Hard Rock Stage. Labels and other entertainment companies also staged takeovers of Nashville bars and event spaces to showcase their artists. Spotify continued its residency at Ole Red this year for the beloved Spotify House takeover, which kept fans hoping for a spot inside all weekend.
Megan Moroney performs at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
At Nissan Stadium, Post Malone, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thomas Rhett and more kicked things off on Thursday night. Friday night featured Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, Gretchen Wilson and Luke Bryan; while Saturday night attendees heard from Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, The War And Treaty and Terri Clark. For the final night of music at Nissan Stadium, fans enjoyed sets from Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Josh Turner, Carly Pearce, Bailey Zimmerman and Hardy. Each night featured surprise guests and rising acts showcased on smaller stages in the stadium.
At Ascend Amphitheater, fans packed the venue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Thursday, “Celebrating 60 Years of Curb Records” offered performances from Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Sawyer Brown, Tim Dugger, Hannah Ellis, Harper Grace, Kelsey Hart, Pitney Meyer and Dylan Scott. Friday night kicked off with “Brett Young and Friends,” hosted by Danae Hayes and saw the country star bringing artists to the stage including Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Sam Fischer, Charles Kelley, Needtobreathe, Restless Road, Lily Rose and Shaylen. And on Saturday, Tracy Lawrence hosted a night with friends, welcoming several artists including Priscilla Block, Charles Esten, Riley Green, Lee Greenwood, Randy Houser, Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn and Chris Young.
Pictured (L-R): Blake Shelton and Post Malone perform onstage at Spotify House during CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
During the day, when fans weren’t braving the heat at the free outdoor stages, they escaped to the air conditioned Fan Fair X at Music City Center. The 170,000-plus square feet venue featured meet and greets, music, merch and more. Click the link to see highlights from day-time events on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
CMA Fest, the three-hour primetime television special hosted by Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde, airs on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. central on ABC and streams next day on Hulu.
The 52nd CMA Fest will take place in Nashville from Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley and MaryAnn Keen, Meg McRee, BMI’s Nina Carter and Opry Entertainment Group’s Sean Lupton before McRee’s set at the Ryman and BMI Block Party. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
Sam Williams performs at the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck. Photo: Chris Hollo
Pictured (L-R): (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Liz Cost, Caryl Atwood and Ken Robold; Kameron Marlowe; SMN’s Jen Way, Red Light Management’s Kaitlin Madewell; SMN’s Fred Rubenstein; Lauren Zimmerman; Steve Hodges and Madeline Lary celebrate Marlowe’s new Gold certification at ACMA for Campy Sony. Photo: Adam Davis
Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Rohan Kohli, Bailey Zimmerman, Cris Lacy and Mary Catherine Rebrovick before Zimmerman’s debut performance on the CMA Fest Nissan Stadium main stage. Photo: Courtesy of WMN
Pictured (L-R): Amazon’s Country Heat Weekly host Kelly Sutton, Thomas Rhett and host Amber Anderson at the Closeup Stage. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon
Pictured (L-R): WME’s Barrett Sellers, 33 Creative’s Tina Crawford, Avery Anna and manager 33 Creative’s David Fanning at Spotify House
Mitchell Tenpenny celebrated the release of his new EP with the team from Martin Guitar at a Sony Nashville event at ACME Feed & Seed. Photo: Courtesy of the Richlynn Group
Hall Of Fame Songwriter Mark James Passes
/by Robert K OermannMark James
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame songwriter Mark James died at age 83 on June 8.
James was behind such enduring hits as “Suspicious Minds,” “Hooked on a Feeling” and “Always On My Mind.” In addition to his many honors in Music City, he was also a multiple Grammy Award winner in L.A. and a 2014 inductee into the national Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York.
Mark James was born Francis Rodney Zambon in Houston. He learned to play the violin as a child, and switched to guitar as a teenager. His stage name came about in 1960 when local club owners had difficulty pronouncing his birth name.
In the early 1960s, he recorded a series of local singles, including “Jive Note,” “Running Back” and “She’s Gone Away.” But his musical progress was halted by military service in Vietnam. Upon his return, he relocated to Memphis at the urging of singer B.J. Thomas, who had been a childhood friend in Houston. In Memphis, James went to work with producer Chips Moman.
Produced by Moman, B.J. Thomas recorded the first of James’s successful songs, 1968’s “The Eyes of a New York Woman.” The singer followed it with two more James compositions in 1969, “Hooked on a Feeling” and “It’s Only Love.”
Mark James also continued to record, himself. Moman produced his version of “Suspicious Minds” for Scepter Records in 1968. It was not a hit, but Moman took the song to Elvis Presley. Using the same arrangement as the James version, Presley recorded “Suspicious Minds.” It became the superstar’s last No. 1 hit. He also had late-career hits with the Mark James songs “Raised on Rock” (1973) and “Moody Blue” (1976).
In 1973, Mark James issued his self-titled debut LP on Bell Records. Again, it was not a hit. But his songwriting career continued. He teamed up with Johnny Christopher and Wayne Carson to create “Always on My Mind.” Brenda Lee put it out in 1972, but it was not a notable success. Elvis Presley fared somewhat better with the song the following year, scoring a British hit with it.
Brenda Lee returned to the songwriter’s catalog and recorded “Sunday Sunrise” in 1973. It became a top 10 country hit, and Anne Murray had a hit with the song in Canada. Mac Davis scored a big 1974 pop hit with James’s “One Hell of a Woman.”
Also in 1974, the Swedish rock band Blue Swede issued a driving new version of “Hooked on a Feeling.” It became a No. 1 pop smash and an international sensation. In 1976, Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter turned “Suspicious Minds” into a big country hit. B.J. Thomas had pop success with “Everybody Loves a Rain Song” in 1978.
John Wesley Ryles brought “Always on My Mind” back as a country hit in 1979. Then Willie Nelson picked it up in 1982. This time, the song became a titanic pop and country success, winning James a pair of Grammy Awards as Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year. It also won the CMA Award as Song of the Year. “Always on My Mind” came around again in 1988 when the British pop band The Pet Shop Boys had a dance-club smash with it in both the U.S. and England.
Dozens of artists have recorded songs from the Mark James songbook. They include Fine Young Cannibals, The Persuasions, Dwight Yoakam, Roger Whittaker, Dee Dee Warwick, Helen Reddy, Johnny Winter, Del Reeves & Billie Jo Spears, B.B. King, Eddy Arnold, Englebert Humperdinck, Cissy Houston, Floyd Cramer, Little Milton, The Stylistics, Charlie McCoy, Vicki Carr, Ray Peterson, The Partridge Family, Ronnie Milsap, Jose Feliciano, The Sweet Inspirations, Percy Sledge, Lou Rawls, The Box Tops, Millie Jackson and Al Hirt.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Mark James attended UCLA’s film scoring program and studied at the American Film Institute. He began to work composing film soundtracks, beginning with 2001’s Trade Day.
Meanwhile, his classic “Hooked on a Feeling” popped up in such films as Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Mark James songs have also been used on the soundtracks of such hit movies as Kramer Vs Kramer, Honeymoon in Vegas, Breathless, Someone to Watch Over Me, Practical Magic and Frequency.
In 2000, BMI named Mark James one of its top songwriters of the 20th century. This placed his name alongside such legendary figures as Elton John and Paul McCartney.
A visitation will take place on Thursday, June 20 at the Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee at 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. central time. A service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to consider donating to the Songwriters Hall of Fame to support its essential programs and initiatives benefiting songwriters worldwide. James’ family also welcomes messages of condolence, stories and memories at forevermarkjames@gmail.com.
Industry Ink: Peter Frampton, Craig Campbell, Micah Christopher, More
/by John Nix ArledgePeter Frampton Honored With 2024 Les Paul Spirit Award
Michael Braunstein & Peter Frampton. Photo: Mitch Conrad
On Sunday (June 9), the 109th birthday of Les Paul, legendary musician Peter Frampton was presented with the 2024 Les Paul Spirit Award at the Gibson Garage Nashville, in partnership with Gibson Gives. The one-of-a-kind award was crafted from a piece of wood taken from Les Paul’s acoustic wall at his Mahwah home, and was hand-carved by Les and his son Rusty.
Craig Campbell Celebrates 10th Annual Cornhole Challenge With The Kinkead Entertainment Agency
Pictured (L–R): Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s Ben Costello, Greg Scott, Craig Campbell, Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s Bob Kinkead, Julie Devereux, Remi Heitzman and Maddog Management’s Maddy Grossl. Photo: Bill McClintic
Craig Campbell kicked off CMA Fest week by raising over $28,000 at his 10th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on June 4. Among those in attendance were members of the The Kinkead Entertainment Agency team.
The event wrapped with a performance by Campbell at the Dr. Pepper AMP Stage on Sunday (June 9).
Newcomer Micah Christopher Inks With Jeff Roberts Agency
Micah Christopher
Nashville based singer-songwriter Micah Christopher has signed with Jeff Roberts Agency (JRA) for booking representation in preparation for brand new music. In addition to booking with JRA, he is also managed by BrickHouse Entertainment
“From our first meeting with Micah, it was readily evident how talented and capable he was to become a special artist in the faith-based genre,” shares Matt Roberts, JRA General Manager. “He has roots that are tied into the local church and writes songs that come from those authentic experiences. We’re honored and excited to partner with both BrickHouse Entertainment and Micah Christopher.”
BrickHouse Entertainment’s Chase Swayze adds, “Alongside JRA, BrickHouse is excited to be working with Micah Christopher and looking forward to all his future endeavors. We are continually honored to partner with incredible artists like Micah to advance the Gospel through music.”
The Missouri native served in a local church as a worship leader for more than a decade before relocating his family to Nashville to pursue music. His goal is to point people to Jesus through his music and life. Through his partnership with JRA, he will be on the road this summer as a part of a “Community Worship Nights” tour.
Synapse Publishing & Entertainment Expands Roster
Sarah Harralson
Recording Academy member Sarah Harralson has signed a multi-year publishing and recording deal with Synapse Publishing & Entertainment.
The multi-instrumentalist and Knoxville native has penned multiple albums as well as an original children’s book, Turtle Tears. Harralson has contributed to various philanthropic endeavors, including The America for Bulgaria Foundation, Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Musicians On Call (MOC). She was recently honored by the latter with the Don Solomon Golden Ukulele Award presented to her for providing nearly 20,000 visits to patients over the past ten years.
In addition to this, Synapse’s Delaney Ann has completed another week-long tour promoting her music in Texas. Her recent track, “This Ain’t Country Club,” has garnered over 20,000 streams, 500,000 TikTok views and will released to radio later this month.
Kashus Culpepper Signs With Big Loud Records
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): Seth England (CEO / Partner, Big Loud), Kashus Culpepper and
Jay Harren (Manager); (L-R, back row): Patch Culbertson (EVP / GM, Big Loud Records), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Nate Yetton (VP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Stacy Blythe (SVP of Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records) and Jeff Tanner (SVP of Business Affairs, Big Loud). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Rising country crooner Kashus Culpepper has signed with Big Loud Records.
“Truly honored to be a part of the Big Loud family,” Culpepper shares. “They’ve believed in my music and songs since the beginning. Their intense love of music, and the rich history of it all matches mine, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded by like-minded people. I’m so excited to be part of this lineup of artists that I’ve listened to for so long. Once again, thank you for believing in my music! Much love!”
Raised in east central Alabama, Culpepper has turned heads with his unique sound that blends country, soul, blues, folk and rock. After finding his voice in church, his growling delivery was curated by studying the likes of Robert Johnson, Louis Armstrong, The Avett Brothers, Ray LaMontagne, Stevie Wonder, Howlin’ Wolf, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Sr., Wilson Pickett, Bill Withers, Nina Simone and more.
During a U.S. Navy deployment in Rota, Spain in 2020, Culpepper picked up the guitar and started playing cover songs requested by his platoon mates around bonfires on base. Once he started writing his own original tunes, he was off to the races.
“The moment I heard Kashus Culpepper’s powerhouse voice I passionately knew that I wanted to work with him,” says Nate Yetton, Big Loud Records VP of A&R. “Kash has vast knowledge and enthusiasm for various genres of music both past and present, and we quickly saw how the combination of immense talent and exceptional taste would be distinguishable pillars of his artistry. I’m beyond thrilled for Big Loud Records to have formed a creative partnership with Kashus Culpepper.”
“Kash is a one-of-one artist,” adds Seth England, Big Loud CEO/Partner. “He’s got raw ability and star quality, and the songs to back all of that up. We’re proud to partner with Kash and help introduce him to the world.”
Culpepper will release the first single of his career, “After Me?,” on June 21. After notching his first headlining home-state show at Mobile’s Soul Kitchen Music Hall, Culpepper impressed across several CMA Fest performances last week. Throughout the summer he will join Needtobreathe’s national touring run and Charley Crockett’s “$10 Cowboy Tour” as well as The Marcus King Band Family Reunion 2024.
Culpepper is represented by CAA’s Jeff Krones, Jacob Lapidus and Chris Burrus, and managed by Jay Harren.
Jelly Roll’s ‘Halfway To Hell’ Hits No. 1 On Country Radio Charts
/by Liza AndersonJelly Roll‘s “Halfway To Hell” hit No. 1 on the country radio charts this week.
Featured on his debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel, the song marks the award-winning artist’s fifth consecutive No. 1 and fourth at country radio via Stoney Creek Records. He announced the news during his live performance at Nissan Stadium, where he co-hosted the CMA Fest concert special set to air on June 25.
“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from my fans and country radio,” said Jelly Roll. “It’s a testament to the power of music that I am here at all and I’ve never been more inspired to keep creating. Thank you to everyone that has made this possible. I’m ready to share more music soon…very soon,” he added.
Additionally, Jelly Roll released his new song, “I Am Not Okay,” today (June 12) and will kick off his “Beautifully Broken Tour” in August.
Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, More Among Country Bay Music Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, clockwise) Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Diplo. Photo: Courtesy of AR Entertainment
Zac Brown Band and Carrie Underwood top the lineup for this year’s upcoming Country Bay Music Festival Nov. 9-10 at the Miami Marine Stadium.
This year’s lineup has been expanded and will also include Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Gabby Barrett, Chayce Beckham, Niko Moon, and Redferrin. Rounding out the festival roster are rising stars such as Chase Matthew, Willie Jones, RVSHVD, Owen Riegling, Dee Jay Silver, Orlando Mendez, Ryan Montgomery and DJ ILLMANIK.
“The success of last year’s Country Bay Music Festival was immensely rewarding,” says Nelson Albareda, CEO of Loud And Live. “As a first-year festival, we not only hosted a premier country music festival in Miami featuring stellar artists, but also provided an exceptional experience for our music fans and partner sponsors. The festival reaffirmed our city’s reputation as a vibrant playground and established Miami as a must-visit destination for country music enthusiasts from around the world.”
In addition to the main stage performances, festival goers can immerse themselves in a variety of activities and food vendors including the new Country Carnival, offering breathtaking views from the southern swings and plenty of fun-filled games, sweets and treats. Apart from the rides, festival attendees can put their line dancing skills to the test or challenge the mechanical bull at the revamped Saloon. The Boots and Beer Garden serves up a chill sports bar vibe while at the GrubMarket you can indulge in a food lover’s paradise.
Country Bay Music Festival Tickets will be available for purchase beginning June 14 at 9 a.m. CT.
CMA Fest 2024 Brings Music From Over 300 Artists To Fans
/by LB CantrellTucker Wetmore performs at the Hard Rock Stage on Saturday, June 8 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The Country Music Association hosted its 51st CMA Fest this past weekend (June 6-9), ushering in the next half-century of bringing country music to fans around the world.
Pictured (L-R) Meagan Bennington, Miller Guth, Shaboozey, Dustee Jenkins, Jackie Augustus, and Anthony Langone celebrate Shaboozey’s Platinum certification at Spotify House at CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
This year’s festival brought fans from all 50 states and 46 countries to Nashville. With multiple stages spread throughout the city, attendees heard from more than 300 performers. Most of CMA Fest is free of charge, with the option to buy tickets or passes to shows at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater, as well as admission to Fan Fair X in Music City Center. Artists donate their time to appear at CMA Fest so that a portion of ticket proceeds can directly benefit music education initiatives across the country through the CMA Foundation.
“What an incredible four days and nights! This year’s CMA Fest has truly been a celebration of community and collaboration,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From Country icons returning to the Fest stage, to emerging acts reaching new audiences for the first time, seeing the fans and the industry embrace our genre in such a meaningful way has been the perfect way to kick off our next 50 years. We can’t wait for 2025!”
Dolly Parton kicks off CMA Fest with a special conversation hosted by Rachel Smith on the CMA Close Up Stage. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Highlights from CMA Fest 2024 were limitless. Global superstar Dolly Parton kicked off the festival on Thursday morning with a special conversation at Fan Fair X. Shaboozey shut down the streets of Nashville during his CMA Fest-debut set, as did Tucker Wetmore, with his performance on Lower Broadway spilling out onto Broadway.
In addition to the epic nights at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater, artists performed for fans on the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage, Good Molecules Reverb Stage and Hard Rock Stage. Labels and other entertainment companies also staged takeovers of Nashville bars and event spaces to showcase their artists. Spotify continued its residency at Ole Red this year for the beloved Spotify House takeover, which kept fans hoping for a spot inside all weekend.
Megan Moroney performs at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
At Nissan Stadium, Post Malone, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thomas Rhett and more kicked things off on Thursday night. Friday night featured Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, Gretchen Wilson and Luke Bryan; while Saturday night attendees heard from Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, The War And Treaty and Terri Clark. For the final night of music at Nissan Stadium, fans enjoyed sets from Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Josh Turner, Carly Pearce, Bailey Zimmerman and Hardy. Each night featured surprise guests and rising acts showcased on smaller stages in the stadium.
At Ascend Amphitheater, fans packed the venue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Thursday, “Celebrating 60 Years of Curb Records” offered performances from Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Sawyer Brown, Tim Dugger, Hannah Ellis, Harper Grace, Kelsey Hart, Pitney Meyer and Dylan Scott. Friday night kicked off with “Brett Young and Friends,” hosted by Danae Hayes and saw the country star bringing artists to the stage including Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Sam Fischer, Charles Kelley, Needtobreathe, Restless Road, Lily Rose and Shaylen. And on Saturday, Tracy Lawrence hosted a night with friends, welcoming several artists including Priscilla Block, Charles Esten, Riley Green, Lee Greenwood, Randy Houser, Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn and Chris Young.
Pictured (L-R): Blake Shelton and Post Malone perform onstage at Spotify House during CMA Fest 2024. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify
During the day, when fans weren’t braving the heat at the free outdoor stages, they escaped to the air conditioned Fan Fair X at Music City Center. The 170,000-plus square feet venue featured meet and greets, music, merch and more. Click the link to see highlights from day-time events on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
CMA Fest, the three-hour primetime television special hosted by Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde, airs on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. central on ABC and streams next day on Hulu.
The 52nd CMA Fest will take place in Nashville from Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley and MaryAnn Keen, Meg McRee, BMI’s Nina Carter and Opry Entertainment Group’s Sean Lupton before McRee’s set at the Ryman and BMI Block Party. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
Sam Williams performs at the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck. Photo: Chris Hollo
Pictured (L-R): (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Liz Cost, Caryl Atwood and Ken Robold; Kameron Marlowe; SMN’s Jen Way, Red Light Management’s Kaitlin Madewell; SMN’s Fred Rubenstein; Lauren Zimmerman; Steve Hodges and Madeline Lary celebrate Marlowe’s new Gold certification at ACMA for Campy Sony. Photo: Adam Davis
Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Rohan Kohli, Bailey Zimmerman, Cris Lacy and Mary Catherine Rebrovick before Zimmerman’s debut performance on the CMA Fest Nissan Stadium main stage. Photo: Courtesy of WMN
Pictured (L-R): Amazon’s Country Heat Weekly host Kelly Sutton, Thomas Rhett and host Amber Anderson at the Closeup Stage. Photo: Courtesy of Amazon
Pictured (L-R): WME’s Barrett Sellers, 33 Creative’s Tina Crawford, Avery Anna and manager 33 Creative’s David Fanning at Spotify House
Mitchell Tenpenny celebrated the release of his new EP with the team from Martin Guitar at a Sony Nashville event at ACME Feed & Seed. Photo: Courtesy of the Richlynn Group
Weekly Register: Shaboozey Shakes Up Country Albums Chart With New Project
/by Liza AndersonShaboozey
Shaboozey‘s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going shakes up the country albums chart this week, debuting at No. 2 with 50K in total consumption (7.8K album only/49 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time maintains its No. 1 streak with 71K (1.2K album only/90 million song streams), while his Dangerous: The Double Album drops to No. 3 with 43K (443 album only/56 million song streams). Zach Bryan‘s self-titled album shifts down to No. 4 with 36K (3.1K album only/43 million song streams), followed by his American Heartbreak at No. 5 with 31K (1K album only/40 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Wallen and Post Malone‘s “I Had Some Help” continues to hold the top slot with 40 million new streams, adding to 215 million ATD. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” takes No. 2 again with 33 million streams, adding to 254 million ATD, as Bryan’s “Pink Skies” stay at No. 3 with 27 million new streams, adding to 58 million ATD. Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 4 with 14 million streams, adding to 787 million ATD, while Dasha‘s “Austin” returns to No. 5 after three weeks with 13 million new streams, adding to 149 million ATD.
BMG Extends With Jelly Roll, Partners With Republic Records For His Next Album
/by LB CantrellPictured (L–R): Republic’s Monte Lipman, Jelly Roll, BMG’s Jon Loba and Republic’s Avery Lipman. Photo: Courtesy of BMG
Jelly Roll has extended his current label partnership with BBR Music Group (BBRMG), BBRMG imprint Stoney Creek Records and BMG music publishing. BMG has simultaneously entered into a worldwide deal with Republic Records for his next album.
The news was announced by newly-promoted BMG President of Frontline Recordings for North America Jon Loba and Republic Records Founder & Chairman Monte Lipman. The alliance between the two labels is focused on maximizing Jelly Roll’s impact across multiple genres with an expansion of marketing into new territories. BMG and Republic Records are set to release the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s next project later this year.
“I couldn’t have accomplished what we’ve done with Whitsitt Chapel and all that’s happened in the last year without the support and belief I’ve had from Thomas Coesfeld, Jon Loba and the rest of the team at BBR,” Jelly Roll says. “Being able to now also work with Republic, Monte and his team—I’ve never been more inspired musically and I am looking forward to releasing this new music with great partners.”
Loba shares, “Jelly Roll embodies artistry and independence. His authenticity is the key to his success. He continually uses his platform to not only captivate audiences with his music but also to uplift communities. As an artist, he is a true trailblazer, as a human being, he has left a legacy of both talent and kindness, winning over fans all around the world. We are proud of everything we have accomplished together and look forward to achieving even more success in the future.”
“Jelly Roll is a global icon who’s rewritten the rule book and continues to smash traditional boundaries, all on his own terms. His strength, determination and creative vision is that of legends. We’re honored to join his strategic partnership with Stoney Creek Records, BMG and trusted hitman and consigliere John Meneilly,” says Lipman.
Jelly Roll’s new song “I Am Not OK,” set to premiere tomorrow (June 12), serves as the first single from his forthcoming collection. The new album will follow his debut country project, Whitsitt Chapel, which became the biggest country debut album in Billboard consumption chart history upon release and scored multiple No. 1 hits across the country and rock charts.
Jon Pardi & ‘Your Heart Or Mine’ Creators Commemorate No. 1 At The Nashville Palace
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul, Capitol Records Nashville’s Chris Schuler, SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, UMPG’s Missy Roberts and ASCAP’s Mike Sistad;(L-R, front row): Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Ryan Gore, Justin Ebach, Jon Pardi, Bart Butler and John Pierce. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Members of the music community came together to commemorate Jon Pardi‘s sixth No. 1, “Your Heart Or Mine,” yesterday (June 10) at The Nashville Palace.
The Capitol Records Nashville artist and Ryan Gore co-produced “Your Heart Or Mine” with Bart Butler, who co-wrote the tune alongside Justin Ebach and John Pierce. The song is featured on Pardi’s latest studio album, Mr. Saturday Night, and serves as the follow-up to fellow chart-topping track “Last Night Lonely.”
With a silver disco ball glittering above, the rustic music venue housed rowdy energy as the five collaborators took their seats onstage. The BMI, ASCAP and SESAC-hosted celebration was emceed by BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, who kicked off the party by welcoming the “Your Heart Or Mine” crew and sharing a few words about Pardi, Gore and Butler. Keen then introduced ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, who took the mic to talk about Pierce, before handing it off to SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill. After speaking about Ebach, Cahill invited Pinnacle Bank’s David DeVaul to stage.
Presentations were then made by both UMPG Nashville’s Missy Roberts and event sponsor Studio Bank’s Rox Cox. Cox shared that Studio Bank had made a special donation to The Starlight Fund on behalf of the artist and songwriters. Created by Pardi and his wife Summer, The Starlight Fund seeks to support youth enrichment in trade, agriculture and construction.
Another presentation was made by Capitol Records Nashville’s Chris Schuler before Gore had the floor to make his remarks and express his gratitude. Butler, Ebach and Pierce followed by giving thanks to all those involved in the hit. Lastly, Pardi was passed the mic and thanked his record label for giving him creative freedom as well as all of the party attendees, his band and everyone who has ever pitched him a song—regardless of whether or not he has recorded it.
“It’s always fun celebrating a No. 1 song, and it always means so much to songwriters and publishers. That’s why I record songs I wrote and that’s why I record songs I didn’t, because I see what it does for everybody,” he stated, adding, “I ain’t done yet. I want more No. 1s, we can get more. I start writing in August, so send me some dates.”
The MLC Seeking Songwriter Candidate Suggestions For Board Of Directors & Committees
/by Madison HahnenThere is one songwriter representative position on the Board of Directors. The candidate will sit for three-year terms with the opportunity to be re-elected. Seats are filled in accordance to The MLC’s bylaws.
Additionally, the MLC has three committee songwriter seats open. One is on the Dispute Resolution Committee, where they will recommend policies and procedures to the board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership. The two seats on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee will recommend policies and procedures to the board pertaining to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties. Elected committee candidates will serve for three-year terms and are eligible for re-election.
The board and committees meet regularly, with all meetings taking place virtually so travel is not required. More information on the Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here.
Suggestions for songwriter seats will be accepted until July 11.