Industry Ink: Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Dillon Carmichael, More

Eric Church Receives North Carolina Award For Fine Arts

Pictured (L-R): DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson, Eva Clayton, Priya Kishnani, Eric Church, Governor Roy Cooper, Mickey Michaux, Stanley Riggs, and David Zucchino.

Country music star Eric Church, along with five other distinguished North Carolinians, were recently presented with the North Carolina Award by Governor Roy Cooper.

The other 2022 honorees include the Honorable Eva Clayton for Public Service, Honorable Mickey Michaux for Public Service, David Zucchino for Literature, Dr. Stanley Riggs for Science, and Dr. Priya Kishnani for Science.

As the state’s highest honor, the award recognizes significant lifetime achievements in the areas of fine arts, which was given to Church, as well as literature, public service, and science. Established by the General Assembly in 1961, the awards were first given in 1964. Since then, more than 250 notable natives have been honored by the state of North Carolina.

 

Cody Johnson Joins Pandora’s Billionaire Club

Pictured (L-R): Howie Edelman, Durango Artists; Ben Kline, WMG; Buzz Brainard, SiriusXM; Cody Johnson; Cris Lacy, WMG; and Alina Thompson, SiriusXM Pandora.

COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville singer-songwriter Cody Johnson was recently awarded the Pandora Billionaires plaque. This achievement marks more than one billion streams on the music service. Johnson, a Platinum-selling, two-time CMA Award winner was surprised with the news following his CMA performance rehearsal during an interview with SiriusXM’s Buzz Brainard.

“This is all because of the fans, they did this,” Johnson explains. “They’ve stuck with me for many years and never cease to surprise me in their constant support and involvement.”

Johnson’s current Pandora streams have notched 1.5 billion, and he has been added to Pandora’s Country Billionaires Radio in celebration of the honor.

 

Dillon Carmichael Raises Nearly $20K At Wilmington, North Carolina Benefit Show

Pictured (L-R): WAZO PD/ AM co-host Jason “Foz” Fosdick, AM co-host Michaela Batten, and Dillon Carmichael.

Riser House Records artist Dillon Carmichael headlined a special cancer benefit concert in Wilmington, North Carolina, raising nearly $20,000 for his drummer’s sister last weekend. The concert also included sets from Nashville artist Jason Cross and local talent Asia Daye.

Held at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, the capacity crowd endured inclement weather from tropical storm Nicole as Carmichael performed a 90-minute set. Carmichael’s camp, along with support from Make Wake Artists management and Riser House, acted to help Lisa Collins Stophel, an 18-year paramedic veteran, cover medical expenses for her cancer treatments. Stophel was diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Bowel Cancer last August.

Carmichael visited the WAZO studios in Wilmington and talked with Z1075 morning show “Foz in the Morning starring Michaela” ahead of the performance.

 

Terry McBride Earns Trailblazer Award, Country Music Single Of The Year At Texas Country Music Awards

Terry McBride. Photo: Courtesy of Richlynn Group.

Terry McBride was honored with the Trailblazer Award on Sunday night (Nov. 13) at the Texas Country Music Awards held at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. He also won Country Music Single of the Year for his song “Wild Horses,” performed by Kin Faux (featuring McBride). He co-wrote the song with fellow Texan Jim Beavers.

The Trailblazer Award honors McBride’s career as frontman of McBride & The Ride, a solo artist, and his massive list of songwriting credits for both himself and other artists. He has received 13 awards from BMI in his career for cuts with Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, and more.

“As a proud Texan it was truly an honor to receive the Trailblazer Award from the TCMA,” McBride shares. “Growing up, most of my favorite artists and songwriters came out of Texas and I burned up the road from my hometown of Lampasas to Austin to see my hero’s perform in person every chance I could get, so to be recognized by my home state in front of a house full of talented Texans at last night’s event is a night I won’t soon forget.”

McBride & The Ride, who have recently reunited and are releasing their first offering of new music in over two decades, performed their latest single “Marlboros & Avon” at the ceremony.

 

Medical Musical Group Hosts 2022 National Veterans’ Day Concert

Medical Musical Group hosts the 2022 National Veterans’ Day Concert. Photo: Courtesy of 117 Entertainment.

The Medical Musical Group hosted the 2022 National Veterans’ Day Concert in Nashville on Nov. 10. The concert benefitted children of military families who battle cancer at Vanderbilt, St. Jude’s, and Shriners Hospital. The show also strived to raise awareness about veteran’s physical and mental health.

Special guests included the Rhonda Vincent and new country duo War Hippies. Veterans, as well as the Nashville community came out to celebrate the special holiday.

The Medical Musical Group is America’s premiere chorale and symphony orchestra comprised of musically-gifted doctors, nurses, volunteers, and others in the medical field. Well-renowned musicians and directors from the group include Victor Wahby (Senior Conductor), Joe A. Fitzpatrick (Chorus Master), and Joseph Car (Associate Conductor).

Granger Smith Announces New Album & Acting Debut

Granger Smith. Photo: Ian Schexnayder.

Granger Smith released his latest album Moonrise today (Nov. 18).

The multi-Platinum selling country artist and Amazon best-selling author also announced his acting debut as the star of the upcoming PureFlix film Moonrise, out Dec. 15. Produced by Smith and John Marlin, every track on the new record will be featured in the movie.

In the film, Smith plays Will Brown, a country artist with three kids who has lost his wife in a tragic accident and seeks redemption with his music and family. He felt connected to his character after reading the script, having gone through tragedies himself, and asked to hear the songs. After discovering there wasn’t any, Smith took on the role of musical supervisor and wrote all of the music for the motion picture.

While in his trailer between scene shoots, Smith went through old songs he had never finished. He began piecing them together, writing and recording all of them within a span of five months.

“I definitely didn’t expect to record an album this year (or at least in this way)!” says Smith. “Last holiday season when I accepted the lead role in the movie, I spoke with the director about a song mentioned prominently in the script called ‘Forever Forward’ among others. I said, ‘Can you send me this song, so I can learn it?’ and she replied, ‘Oh, we don’t have that yet, but we’ll find it!’

“So, I decided the easiest thing to do would be to write the songs to fill in the gaps for the film,” he continues. “Before long, I had 12 brand new songs and a complete album. This was so different than any other process of music making that I’d been involved with, and I loved every minute of it.”

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He will premiere the official music video for “In This House” from the Moonrise album and film tonight (Nov. 18) at 6 p.m. CT while responding to fans’ reactions and questions. To tune in, click here.

Moonrise Track List:
1. Never Been (Granger Smith, Ben Stennis, Brad Rempel, William Blake Bollinger)
2. I Wanna (Steven Olsen, Corey Crowder, Granger Smith)
3. Tailgate Church Pew (Granger Smith, John Marlin)
4. Still Find You (Justin Wilson, Granger Smith, Andy Albert, Jordan Schmidt)
5. Damn Guitar (Granger Smith)
6. In This House (Thomas Marc Archer, Granger Smith, Matt Alderman, Mitchell Tenpenny)
7. Broke In (Granger Smith, Jared Mullins, Cameron Montgomery)
8. Something Is Changing (Granger Smith, John Marlin)
9. Black Suit (Granger Smith, Dusty Saxton, John Marlin, Chris Lee)
10. Something To Go On (Granger Smith, Rodney Clawson, Kyle Fishman, Justin Wilson)
11. Forever Forward (Granger Smith, John Marlin)
12. Moonrise (Andy Albert, Jordan Schmidt, Granger Smith, Justin Wilson)

Chart Action: Brantley Gilbert Debuts At Country Radio

Brantley Gilbert‘s “Heaven By Then” impacts country radio this week.

The single, which features Blake Shelton and Vince Gill, debut at No. 29 on Billboard, No. 43 on Mediabase and No. 54 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Writers on the song include Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps and Taylor Phillips.

“‘Heaven By Then’ came out of a conversation during a writers retreat in Texas that we do every year,” Gilbert shares. “A guitar ended up in Hardy’s lap, which is usually a good sign that it’s about to turn into something special. I think we all knew that as it was being written. It came to life that night.

“To have Blake Shelton and Vince Gill on the song meant so much to me. Those two brought so much to the table and gave it a voice I didn’t have. We were all in separate places when we recorded, but it was a cool way for everyone to put their spin on it. They just did what felt natural and sonically you hear that,” he concludes.

“Heaven By Then” is the lead single from Gilbert’s latest album, So Help Me God. He is currently on tour with Five Finger Death Punch.

For more chart data, click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records Sign Singer-Songwriter Megan Moroney

Megan Moroney

Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records have signed rising artist Megan Moroney. The singer-songwriter announced the news during her opening slot on Warren Zeiders‘ Nashville stop of “The Up to No Good Tour.”

“No one knows this at all, but here goes nothing,” she said from the stage. “Last week, I signed a record deal with Sony Music. I’m very thankful and couldn’t do it without the people have supported me.”

 

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Moroney also let the crowd know that her viral sensation “Tennessee Orange” will be her debut single at country radio.

The tune took off on social media after Moroney posted a TikTok of her singing the hook about a Georgia Bulldogs fan falling for a Tennessee boy. “Tennessee Orange” was written by Moroney, Ben Williams, David Fanning, and Paul Jenkins, and is currently at No. 19 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

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According to Billboard, Moroney’s team also includes PunchBowl Entertainment’s Juli Griffith for management, UTA’s Elisa Vazzana for booking, and Alexandra Kolea for tour management.

Jordan Davis Hits No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart

“What My World Spins Around” by Jordan Davis makes its way to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. Davis wrote the single with Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd. The single will appear on his recently announced album, Bluebird Days.

“This song is a reflection of me writing what I know from the place I am in my life, and letting that drive the music,” shares Davis.

Last week, Davis won the CMA Song of the Year award for his Platinum certified single “Buy Dirt” marking his first CMA win. The award was given to Davis and his co-writers Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, and Matt Jenkins. Click here to read more about the awards.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Capitol Christian Music Group Announces Staff Promotions

Pictured (L-R): Karrie Dawley, David Gutekunst, David Sylvester, and Joe Brazil

Capitol Christian Music Group has announced multiple staff promotions in Business Affairs, Operations and Publishing.

Karrie Dawley has moved up to SVP, A&R, and David Gutekunst has been promoted to SVP, Publishing. Meanwhile, Joe Brazil has been named SVP, Business Affairs, and David Sylvester will now serve as SVP, Operations.

“We are so excited to announce the promotions of David Sylvester, Joe Brazil, Karrie Dawley and David Gutekunst,” share co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. “We want to recognize and honor the hard work of these key staff members and the roles they have played in the success of our company, and our relationships with our artists and writers. We are confident they’ll achieve even more in their new roles.”

Dawley began her career in radio promotion at Provident Label Group in 2003, followed by a position at Word Records as their Creative Director, Publishing. She later joined EMI/CMG in A&R, working with Mandisa and Kari Jobe, followed by a role at Essential Records as Creative Director, Publishing where she signed several writers, including Ethan Hulse and Red Rocks. She has spent the past five years as VP of Publishing at CCMG, signing writers including Hank Bentley and Jeff Sojka to the group.

“I’ve spent the last five years being thrilled that I get to wake up each day and serve the writers and artists at CCMG,” Dawley notes. “Learning from and working alongside Brad, Hudson and Casey [McGinty] has been a master class in leadership. I am so thankful for their belief in me over the years. Now, more than ever I am hopeful & excited about the team at CMP and just in awe of the artists and writers we get to work with and support each day. I am so looking forward to working with David as we build upon the amazing legacy at CCMG.“

Gutekunst’s music business career began with CCMG as Manager, Interactive Marketing in 2004, supporting and building the Worship Together brand. In 2014, he was promoted to Director, Digital Marketing & Strategy, which led to his most recent position as VP, Church Resources since 2017.

“It has been an honor to serve alongside our incomparable CCMG team, connecting the songs created by our best-in-class roster of artists and writers to the global church,” Gutekunst shares. “Brad, Hudson, and Casey are exceptional leaders and I am grateful for their belief in me over the years, and in this season. I am excited to partner with Karrie, and energized by the opportunity to help guide our market-leading publishing business into the future.”

Sylvester has been with CCMG since 1998 when he joined the team as Marketing Coordinator. Since then, he has held several leadership roles, including Manager, Regional Marketing, Director, Product Marketing and VP, Marketing & Operations.

“I’m excited to further serve our world-class artists and writers in this new role, and am grateful to Hudson and Brad for this opportunity and their continued trust,” Sylvester says. “As the music industry continues to change and evolve at a quicker pace, I’m focused on how CCMG can continue to resource our artists and help their music reach the broadest audience possible.”

Brazil began his role as head of Business Affairs for CCMG in 2013. He launched his career at Star Song Communications, which was acquired by EMI Christian Music Group–the predecessor of CCMG–where Brazil worked for several years. Brazil subsequently worked for the Music Row office of Loeb & Loeb, and later opened an entertainment law practice, representing labels, publishers, artists and songwriters.

“I am thankful to Brad and Hudson for this opportunity, and to be part of an industry-leading team that flexes as needed with innovative and creative deals in a fast-changing market,” Brazil adds, “and who continues to serve its artists, songwriters, and business partners with the highest level of excellence.”

Dolly Parton Expands Fragrance Collection

Dolly Parton. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Dolly Parton and Scent Beauty have continued their partnership with a variety of new fragrance products just in time for the holiday season.

A new Dolly: Smoky Mountain Eau de Parfum will be available exclusively via HSN this season, while Dolly’s Front Porch Collection, which features four scents, will be available at Walmart. Parton’s inaugural fragrance, Dolly: Scent From Above, will be available at Walmart, Walgreens and Perfumania in Eau de Toilette, body lotion, body cream and more.

Parton will return to HSN the weekend of Dec. 3-4  as the network exclusively premieres an animated video for her original recording of “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” as featured on the new Ultimate Deluxe Edition of her No. 1 album A Holly Dolly Christmas.

“I am so happy about the embrace we’ve had with our Scent From Above fragrance launch last year,” notes Parton. “That success has allowed me to experiment with new scents and bring different, inspiring fragrances into the world with the Front Porch Collection, which includes my Smoky Mountain fragrance. Nothing gets me more excited than to create something that brings people joy. And with this year’s new products, I drew on many of the memories from my youth to deliver a collection that I believe is really special.”

Parton, who continues to expand her line of products and brands, was recently inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Highlights from the ceremony will air this Saturday (Nov. 19) on HBO and HBO Max.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Plan Their Return To The ‘CMT Crossroads’ Stage

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss will reunite on the CMT Crossroads stage, as the network celebrates the 20th anniversary of its iconic television franchise. CMT Crossroads: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss will premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. CT, exclusively on CMT.

Revered for their solo careers as well as their collaborations, Plant and Krauss first teamed up for an episode of CMT Crossroads in 2008 following the release of their six-time Grammy-winning album Raising Sand.

14 years later, amidst a worldwide tour, they return to the CMT stage on the heels of three 2023 Grammy nominations for their latest project, Raise The Roof, including Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song (“High And Lonesome,” written by Plant & T Bone Burnett), and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Going Where The Lonely Go”).

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The anniversary special will feature a night of captivating performances as the two artists present hits from their collaborative albums, including “High And Lonesome,” “Can’t Let Go,” and “Gone Gone Gone” as well as classics such as Led Zeppelin’s “Rock And Roll” and “When the Levee Breaks.”

“Since its debut in 2002, CMT Crossroads has been instrumental in breaking down perceived barriers between genres and carving out a place in television history,” notes Margaret Comeaux, SVP, Production, Music & Events, CMT. “What better way to celebrate 20 years of incredible musical pairings than to reunite the beloved duo of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss as we reflect upon and celebrate the magic of 70+ episodes of this trailblazing series.”

Encores are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 9:30 p.m. CT and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. CT.

Jameson Rodgers & Co-Writers Share A ‘Cold Beer’ At The Commodore Grille

Pictured (L-R, front row): Brett Tyler, Jameson Rodgers, Alysa Vanderheym, Hunter Phelps; (L-R, back row): Lauren Thomas, Columbia Nashville; MaryAnn Keen, BMI; Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP; Lydia Schultz Cahill, SESAC. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

Jameson Rodgers celebrated his second No. 1 single, “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” at the Commodore Grille on Wednesday (Nov. 16).

Rodgers wrote the single with Hunter Phelps, Brett Tyler, and Alysa Vanderheym. The track features Rogers’ River House Artists/Sony Music Nashville label-mate Luke Combs.

The party was hosted by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. The Commodore Grille was chosen as its location because Rodgers met Phelps at a writer’s round there many years ago.

ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston served as emcee for the celebration. “It’s awesome that we’re at The Commodore Grille where Hunter and Jameson met and used to play rounds. That’s pretty full circle,” she said. “I’ve know these guys for a long time and couldn’t be happier or more proud. They’re two very deserving people.”

Pictured: Jameson Rodgers speaks to the crowd. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill was on hand to speak about affiliate Vanderheym, who was celebrating her first No. 1 song.

“It’s no secret how hard it is to have a No. 1 song in this business or how hard it is to even get a cut or a single,” she said. “Something that I really admire about Alysa is no matter the room, no matter the day, no matter the moment, she’s always bringing the vibes. Always bringing great energy.”

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen spoke on behalf of Brett Tyler, who was also celebrating his first No. 1.

“Brett is an incredible person. He’s not only hilarious, but an incredible friend, he’s a sweet husband and he’s very smart on the business side as well. With all of that, combined with his insane talent as a writer, we will be celebrating many more No. 1 songs,” Keen said.

Combustion’s Chris Farren was the first publisher to speak about and present plaques to writers Rodgers and Tyler.

“This is so satisfying,” Farren said. “To see their talent, focus, and perseverance—them not taking no for an answer and just doing great work—[the fact that it] took eight years to get a No. 1 is unbelievable. Now the doors are open for both of you guys.”

Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes and Kelly Bolton presented the writers with coozies for their “cold beers”—and Tape Room writer Phelps got a Yeti cooler.

“We get to work with Hunter every day. He literally turns in a smash hit every day. This crew is so fun to watch win,” Rhodes said.

Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel presented plaques to the crew and talked about the journey of “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” noting that it had been pitched around a lot but landed right where it needed to be: back in Rodgers’ hands.

“This was one of those songs that was not about ‘if’ but ‘when’,” he said. “It just needed to land where it started, with Jameson.”

Castle bound’s Andy Friday spoke about Vanderheym, who was nominated for a Grammy this week, too.

Columbia Nashville’s Lauren Thomas was on hand to talk about Rodgers’ accomplishments. “Jameson, you are one of 10 artists since 2015 to have their first singles go back-to-back No. 1,” she said.

When it was time for the writers to speak, Vanderheym went first. She thanked her publishers, mentors, co-writers, Rodgers and Combs, and producers. She made sure to call out Tina Crawford and Chandler Thurston for their early influence in her career.

“They set up my calendar as a young writer, helped make my brand, and dealt with me. I love them so much and I share this with them,” she said.

Phelps was up next. “It means a lot to get to celebrate a No. 1 spot in this spot. I met Jameson here literally 10 years ago back there at the bar,” Phelps said. He called out all of his publishers for their hard work–as well as the village who helped get “Cold Beer Calling My Name” to No. 1.

Tyler gave a funny and heartfelt speech when he got up to speak. He gave special attention to each person he thanked. “It’s always great to write songs with friends. It’s even more meaningful to have your first No. 1 song with them,” he said.

Rodgers took the same approach as Tyler—keeping things funny and sweet when thanking his village.

“There’s a lot of people in this room that I love,” he said. “This is nothing but a full-circle moment for me.”

Rodgers thanked his co-writers, publishers, label team, managers, and family—telling anecdotes about each one.

Allie Colleen Inks With APA Nashville

Pictured (L-R): APA Nashville’s Casey Brosten, Jennifer Hludzik, Allie Colleen, APA Nashville’s Jeff Hill, and B! Noticed PR & Management’s Bev Moser. Photo: Moments By Moser.

Rising singer-songwriter Allie Colleen has signed an exclusive booking deal with APA Agency.

No stranger to the music industry, Colleen is a Belmont University graduate from Owasso, Oklahoma. Her debut single, “Work In Progress,” is a sweet sentiment regarding her introduction to the music industry co-written with hit songwriter Marcus Hummon and studio engineer Greg Beick. Her debut album Stones was released in November 2021, and her empowering single, “Halos and Horns,” produced by country stars Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann, made its debut in May of 2022. Her most recent single, “Feels Like,” was released in August.

With over 35 festival and theater performance dates across the country and internationally in 2022, Colleen has been building her following. The burgeoning entertainer starts off 2023 with shows in Tennessee (Jan. 21), California (Feb. 15-16), Las Vegas (Feb. 17), and more.

“My team and I are very excited about this new road season with APA. We are so grateful to have spent the time we did at our previous agency regardless of the decision for change. We cannot wait to return to previous venues as well as see some new places and faces along the way,” Colleen notes. “Come see me on the road everyone!! APA will assist on all booking inquiries going forward and I cannot wait for the opportunities ahead.”

“APA is excited to welcome Allie Colleen to our expanding roster. Allie’s undeniable talent, rising star power, and work ethic are a great fit for our team and new culture at APA,” shares Jeff Hill of APA. “We are all looking forward to getting her and the band out on the road to new audiences.”