Pictured (L-R): David Preston (BMI), Clay Bradley (BMI), Clint Black, Brinson Strickland (Collective Artist Management), Cass Scripps (UTA), John Zarling (615 Leverag + Strategy)
Chapter 659
All hail Clint Black!
The music community gave three cheers to the enduring greatness of this songwriting icon on Wednesday (Nov. 2) at BMI.
The first and biggest cheer was sent up by BMI, who’d invited everyone there to celebrate the star’s 60 million-air accomplishment. That means Black’s songs have been broadcast 60 million times, or the equivalent of 340 years of continuous airplay.
“It’s a privilege at BMI to represent you and your songs,” said the organization’s Clay Bradley, who presided. He called Clint Black, “one of the most influential songwriters in the modern era. He set the tone for the next generation of country stars.”
Black was the first star to emerge from what is known as “The Class of ’89,” a group that also included Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Garth Brooks and Travis Tritt. All of them were singer-songwriters who transformed the country genre.
The second cheer was sent up by the RIAA’s Jackie Jones. She presented Black with three new Gold Record certifications and one new Platinum Album. She noted that he already has RIAA certifications recognizing 15 million in sales.
Clint Black has seven Platinum-plus albums. Between 1989 and 2008, he placed 56 singles on the country charts, including 39 top-40 successes, 30 top-10 hits and 13 No. 1 smashes. He wrote or co-wrote all but three of them.
The third cheer of the event came from the Country Radio Broadcasters’ RJ Curtis. His CRB recognizes that the music of Black has had 38 billion audience impressions since 1990, and Curtis presented a plaque to mark that achievement.
“He started a movement in the country radio format,” said Curtis. “He was the first guy out of the gate. You talk about the Class of 1989: This guy was the Valedictorian. And his music has had staying power with listeners.”
“Clint Black songs become your songs,” added Bradley. “We all hear ourselves in these songs.”
The cheering squad included Dan Rogers, Mike Sirls, Caryn & Steve Wariner, Carol Ann Etheridge & Mark Ford, Shannon Sanders, Marcus K. Dowling, Craig Campbell, David Preston, Keb’ Mo,’ Brinson Strickland, Terri Brown, Dale Bobo, Steve Dorff, Teresa George, Jessie LaBelle, John Zarling, Dale Turner, Dan Wilson, Maureen O’Connor and Patrick Thomas.
The honoree was fresh from earning a standing ovation for his wildly entertaining performance at Sunday’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame banquet gala. Several in the BMI crowd were talking about his showmanship.
During his remarks, Black added two more names to his cheering section — his wife, the actor/singer Lisa Hartman, and his daughter Lily Pearl Black, a Belmont student who is working with mega-producer David Foster. Both Lisa and Lily have toured with Clint Black, doing singing spots during his shows.
Lisa’s duet with him, 1999’s “When I Said I Do,” won an ACM Award and was one of the BMI songs honored. Black has two other ACM awards, two CMA statuettes and a 1991 Opry cast induction.
“I’m standing here today….overwhelmed,” said Black to his admirers. “How honored I am that you all are here. It’s very humbling.
“It’s an honor to be in the business and a privilege to have so many people helping me,” he said. “This is a very special day for me. The songs got me here, and the songs have kept me here. This means more to me than you could possibly know.”
A video wall scrolled through the song titles being honored, while Black’s recordings echoed in the BMI lobby. A full bar offered after-work libations and a long buffet table was packed with barbecue sliders, fried chicken, pickles, cheeses, spreads, crackers, fruits, cured meats, olives and more. We all went home with commemorative black (of course) coins with gold lettering marking the BMI 60-million accomplishment.
After I egged him on, Wariner amused Sanders by doing slight-of-hand magic tricks with his black coin.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Music Row Gathers To Salute Clint Black
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): David Preston (BMI), Clay Bradley (BMI), Clint Black, Brinson Strickland (Collective Artist Management), Cass Scripps (UTA), John Zarling (615 Leverag + Strategy)
Chapter 659
All hail Clint Black!
The music community gave three cheers to the enduring greatness of this songwriting icon on Wednesday (Nov. 2) at BMI.
The first and biggest cheer was sent up by BMI, who’d invited everyone there to celebrate the star’s 60 million-air accomplishment. That means Black’s songs have been broadcast 60 million times, or the equivalent of 340 years of continuous airplay.
“It’s a privilege at BMI to represent you and your songs,” said the organization’s Clay Bradley, who presided. He called Clint Black, “one of the most influential songwriters in the modern era. He set the tone for the next generation of country stars.”
Black was the first star to emerge from what is known as “The Class of ’89,” a group that also included Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Garth Brooks and Travis Tritt. All of them were singer-songwriters who transformed the country genre.
The second cheer was sent up by the RIAA’s Jackie Jones. She presented Black with three new Gold Record certifications and one new Platinum Album. She noted that he already has RIAA certifications recognizing 15 million in sales.
Clint Black has seven Platinum-plus albums. Between 1989 and 2008, he placed 56 singles on the country charts, including 39 top-40 successes, 30 top-10 hits and 13 No. 1 smashes. He wrote or co-wrote all but three of them.
The third cheer of the event came from the Country Radio Broadcasters’ RJ Curtis. His CRB recognizes that the music of Black has had 38 billion audience impressions since 1990, and Curtis presented a plaque to mark that achievement.
“He started a movement in the country radio format,” said Curtis. “He was the first guy out of the gate. You talk about the Class of 1989: This guy was the Valedictorian. And his music has had staying power with listeners.”
“Clint Black songs become your songs,” added Bradley. “We all hear ourselves in these songs.”
The cheering squad included Dan Rogers, Mike Sirls, Caryn & Steve Wariner, Carol Ann Etheridge & Mark Ford, Shannon Sanders, Marcus K. Dowling, Craig Campbell, David Preston, Keb’ Mo,’ Brinson Strickland, Terri Brown, Dale Bobo, Steve Dorff, Teresa George, Jessie LaBelle, John Zarling, Dale Turner, Dan Wilson, Maureen O’Connor and Patrick Thomas.
The honoree was fresh from earning a standing ovation for his wildly entertaining performance at Sunday’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame banquet gala. Several in the BMI crowd were talking about his showmanship.
During his remarks, Black added two more names to his cheering section — his wife, the actor/singer Lisa Hartman, and his daughter Lily Pearl Black, a Belmont student who is working with mega-producer David Foster. Both Lisa and Lily have toured with Clint Black, doing singing spots during his shows.
Lisa’s duet with him, 1999’s “When I Said I Do,” won an ACM Award and was one of the BMI songs honored. Black has two other ACM awards, two CMA statuettes and a 1991 Opry cast induction.
“I’m standing here today….overwhelmed,” said Black to his admirers. “How honored I am that you all are here. It’s very humbling.
“It’s an honor to be in the business and a privilege to have so many people helping me,” he said. “This is a very special day for me. The songs got me here, and the songs have kept me here. This means more to me than you could possibly know.”
A video wall scrolled through the song titles being honored, while Black’s recordings echoed in the BMI lobby. A full bar offered after-work libations and a long buffet table was packed with barbecue sliders, fried chicken, pickles, cheeses, spreads, crackers, fruits, cured meats, olives and more. We all went home with commemorative black (of course) coins with gold lettering marking the BMI 60-million accomplishment.
After I egged him on, Wariner amused Sanders by doing slight-of-hand magic tricks with his black coin.
Industry Ink: Jeannie Seely, Nate Smith, Corey Kent, Sincerely Music Group
/by Liza AndersonJeannie Seely Given Proclamation & Honorary Membership From Musicians Union
Dave Pomeroy and Jeannie Seely. Photo: Courtesy of B! Noticed Public Relations.
Grand Ole Opry legend and Grammy-winning artist Jeannie Seely was surprised by Nashville Musicians Association President Dave Pomeroy with a proclamation and honorary membership to the Nashville Musicians Union, AFM Local 257 after her recent performance at the Opry.
“It was my honor to present Jeannie Seely with a Proclamation from the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, thanking her for all she has done for Nashville musicians over the years, including raising more than $45,000 for our Emergency Relief Fund from previous Dottie West Birthday Bash benefit concerts. She is a multi-talented force of nature, and after more than five decades in the business, she continues to be a role model and mentor for generations of female country music artists,” shares Pomeroy. “Our bylaws allow me to bestow honorary AFM 257 membership at my discretion, and Jeannie is the third person to receive this status after Glen Campbell and Charley Pride. We salute Jeannie and appreciate her many contributions to the Nashville musicians community and welcome her as a member of the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, Home of the Finest Musicians in the World!”
“What a wonderful surprise for me on the Opry Stage! This honor will always be very special to me as I feel like musicians are the unsung heroes and the backbone of our industry. Often an identifying ‘lick’ is as much a part of a hit recording as the ‘hook’ of the song or the unique performance of the artist,” adds Seely. “Thank you, Dave Pomeroy and AFM Local 257 for this honorary membership, and I accept on behalf of all the incredible musicians who have contributed to my career and those who continue to support me.”
Nate Smith Surprised With Gold Certification Plaque At Grand Ole Opry
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Meghan Kehoe; The Core Entertainment’s Tracy Martin, Chief Zaruk, Taylor Manns, and Simon Tikhman; Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman; Nate Smith; Sony Music Nashville’s Jen Way, Emily Butler, Amy Menz, Nicole Marinake, Jess Keifer, and Emmie Reitzug. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.
Rising Sony Music Nashville/Arista Nashville artist Nate Smith took the Grand Ole Opry stage on Tuesday evening (Nov. 1) for his NextStage artist debut, after recently being named the final member of the Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022.
Following his performance, Smith was surprised with a RIAA Gold certification plaque for his hit single “Whiskey On You,” which is currently Top 15 and climbing at country radio. The song has accumulated over 128 million total on-demand streams to date.
He will return to the Grand Ole Opry for the Opry NextStage Live In Concert show, presented by Geico, alongside other 2022 NextStage artists Elvie Shane, Breland, Restless Road, and Conner Smith on Nov. 20.
Corey Kent Goes Gold With Hit Single ‘Wild As Her’
Corey Kent with Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, Combustion Music, and WME team members. Photo: Adam Davis.
Up-and-coming country artist Corey Kent was surprised by Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, Combustion Music, and WME with a RIAA Gold certification plaque recognizing his breakout single “Wild As Her.”
The track has collected almost 140 million on-demand streams, and is approaching the Top 30 at country radio.
Trevor Perkins Relaunches Sincerely Music Group, Signs Nathan Wilson
Nathan Wilson and Trevor Perkins. Photo: Courtesy of Sincerely Music Group.
Publicist Trevor Perkins has announced the re-launch of his Sincerely Music Group management arm, as well as the signing of flagship artist Nathan Wilson.
Perkins first entered the publicity world in 2016, launching Perkins Publicity. His credits include work with David Morris, David J, Bryan Lanning, Becca Bowen, Logan Michael, and others.
“Joining the management realm was an absolute no-brainer,” says Perkins. “Throughout my years of publicity, I found myself helping artists in a larger way and laying a foundation for them to go on and reach further heights. I’m honored to start making this move into management, and building the next generation of music.”
Originally from Kentucky, Wilson came to Nashville in February 2022 to pursue music. He then went viral on TikTok, thus jump-starting his career. His single “Better Than You,” released in July, has already acquired more than 3 million organic streams with no DSP support. A teaser video for new song “Meant For You,” out tomorrow (Nov. 4), has been viewed over 400 thousand times on TikTok, and already has over 3,000 pre-saves.
“When I met Trevor, I admired his ambition and the direction I’ve watched him take with different artists throughout his career within the industry,” shares Wilson. “I truly believe that with Trevor as my manager that my career will only continue to rise to new heights throughout the next few years!”
Academy Of Country Music Announces New 2022-2023 Board Of Directors
/by Lydia FarthingThe Academy of Country Music has announced its newly-elected Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term.
“We’re kicking off an exciting new chapter in the rich history of the Academy, with the relocation and opening of our new Nashville headquarters, and the ACM Awards returning to Prime Video for an exclusive global livestream in May, as well as moving to the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters in Frisco, Texas for the first time. We’re so fortunate to have the dedicated group of individuals who have graciously agreed to serve on our Board of Directors,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “2023 is shaping up to be another monumental year for the Academy and our industry, and we know the guidance of these well-respected leaders will ensure the ACM’s success in the next year and for years to come.”
Previously announced ACM officer roles for the 2022-2023 term include Chair Chuck Aly, Vice-Chair Ebie McFarland, Vice-President Randy Bernard, Treasurer Carmen Romano, Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb, Parliamentarian Paul Moore, and Secretary Tommy Moore.
This year, 10 of the 13 qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by Aly, McFarland and Bernard. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.
Newly Elected Members of the Board of Directors:
Scot Calonge
Jackie Campbell
Charlie Cook
Cyndi Forman
Margaret Hart
Deana Ivey
Chandra LaPlume
Chris Lisle
Cindy Mabe
Lee Thomas Miller
Curt Motley
Kristie Sloan
Adam Weiser
Rachel Whitney
Newly Appointed Director-At-Large Members of the Board of Directors:
George Couri
Benson Curb
Beville Dunkerley
Becky Gardenhire
Shannan Hatch*
Jeremy Holley
Frank Liddell
Jon Loba
Shawn McSpadden
Austin Neal*
Brian O’Connell
Rod Phillips
Kelly Rich
Tim Roberts
Scott Scovill
Sally Seitz
Laura Veltz
Candice Watkins
*Appointed to a one-year term to fill a previous vacancy
New Exhibit Spotlighting Ryman Auditorium’s Rich Rock History Open Now
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new Exhibition Hall at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium and Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have collaborated on a new exhibit, Rock Hall at the Ryman, showcasing the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history.
Now open to the public, Rock Hall at the Ryman honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have performed on the Ryman stage throughout its 130-year history. The exhibit features a selection of inductees, including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton, in addition to icons such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll.
Memorabilia is seen at the Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new Exhibition Hall at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
Housed in the Ryman’s newly-transformed 5th Avenue vestibule, the exhibit features instruments, stage costumes and personal artifacts, including Clapton’s “Blackie” model Fender Stratocaster guitar, Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins‘ outfit worn during a performance to induct Rush at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Jett’s red latex halter bra top worn onstage at Vans Warped Tour ’06, and Presley’s full-length belted suede coat worn c. 1970.
Entry to Rock Hall at the Ryman is included in all daytime tour tickets at the Ryman, which also includes a souvenir photo on stage, Soul of Nashville immersive theater experience, and other exhibits.
In celebration of the new exhibit, the Ryman will host a variety of shows featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Members U2’s Bono (Nov. 9), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Nov. 13), Smokey Robinson (Dec. 16), and a three-night residency with John Mellencamp (May 8-10), with more to be announced.
Earlier this year, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and joined 11 other rock institutions throughout the country, including Austin City Limits and Whisky a Go Go, among others.
Memorabilia is seen at the Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new Exhibition Hall at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium
Thomas Rhett Reveals Lineup For ‘Home Team Tour 23’
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett will kick off his new 40-city “Home Team Tour 23” next May in Des Moines, Iowa. Cole Swindell and Nate Smith will join Rhett on the U.S. tour.
After kicking off 2023 in Canada, the summer tour will visit Indianapolis, St. Louis, Boston, Baltimore, Dallas, Orlando, and more before wrapping in Nashville with a Bridgestone Arena show on Sept. 29.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale to Home Team Members and Citi cardmembers from Nov. 8- 10. General public on sale will begin Nov. 11 at ThomasRhett.com.
“Being on the road is one of my favorite places to be,” Rhett explains. “I can’t wait to see the joy on y’alls faces next year and with my buddies Cole Swindell and Nate Smith. We’re definitely gonna have a good time.”
“Home Team Tour 23” Dates:
5/4/2023 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
5/5/2023 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
5/6/2023 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
5/18/2023 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
5/19/2023 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
5/20/2023 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
6/8/2023 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena
6/9/2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
6/10/2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
6/15/2023 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena
6/16/2023 – Lafayette, LA – CAJUNDOME
6/17/2023 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena
6/22/2023 -Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
6/23/2023 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
7/6/2023 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
7/7/2023 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena
7/8/2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
7/13/2023 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
7/14/2023 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
7/15/2023 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena
7/20/2023 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
7/21/2023 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
7/22/2023 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
7/27/2023 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
7/28/2023 – Chicago, IL – United Center
7/29/2023 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
8/3/2023 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
8/4/2023 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
8/5/2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
8/17/2023 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
8/18/2023 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena
8/19/2023 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
9/14/2023 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena
9/15/2023 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
9/16/2023 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
9/21/2023 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
9/22/2023 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
9/23/2023 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
9/28/2023 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at The BJCC
9/29/2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Patrick Droney Signs With Warner Chappell Music
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Spencer Nohe (WCM), Patrick Droney, Genevieve Thompson (Mick Management), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Jessica Swan (Mick Management)
Warner Chappell Music has announced the signing of pop singer-songwriter Patrick Droney to a global publishing deal.
A native of South Jersey, Droney was a musical child who became enamored by New York City. He frequently gigged in Manhattan clubs and eventually attended the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU. Droney moved to LA and signed a publishing deal before relocating to Nashville in 2018 to make his self-titled EP.
He signed to Warner Records in 2019 and released his debut album State of the Heart in 2021. Droney played sold out shows across the country throughout 2022 and appeared on festivals such as Bonnaroo, Jazz Aspen and Hyde Park with the Eagles.
Of the deal with Warner Chappell, Droney shares, “I approach storytelling with reverence, and in regards to songwriting, believe that our unique truth is our power. Representing this truth in song connects the world intrinsically, as we all embody the same, but different, quintessence. There’s a responsibility here to help people articulate their states of heart and I’m proud to be working with the amazing team at Warner Chappell who champion this pursuit everyday.”
“Patrick has become a force to be reckoned with. His timeless and evocative lyrics transcend genres and deeply connect with listeners. We’re excited he’s entrusted us to be on this journey with him,” says Christina Wiltshire, Senior Director, A&R, WCM Nashville.
Spencer Nohe, Senior Director, A&R, adds, “Patrick is a writer’s writer and an artist’s artist. He is an exceptionally prolific talent who continues to raise the bar for himself and deliver timeless records. It’s an honor he’s entrusted us to partner with him for this next chapter of his career.”
2023 CMT Music Awards To Take Over Austin’s Moody Center On April 2
/by Lydia FarthingThe 2023 CMT Music Awards will air Sunday, April 2 live from Austin, Texas’ Moody Center for the first time ever, after being held in Nashville since its inception. The 2023 edition of the fan-voted show will premiere exclusively via the CBS Television Network, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Multi-Platinum entertainer Kelsea Ballerini will return as co-host for the third consecutive year. She revealed the news on Wednesday night (Nov. 2) during a surprise on-stage moment with country superstar Carrie Underwood as part of her sold-out “The Denim & Rhinestones Tour” stop at Moody Center. Underwood, who holds the title as the winningest artist in CMT history—notching a total of 25 trophies—was also revealed as the first performer for the 2023 show.
Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini announce 2023 CMT Music Awards on CBS at Moody Center. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for CMT
“Both Austin and Nashville are two of the world’s greatest music cities and we couldn’t be more excited to announce the return of the CMT Music Awards on CBS than with co-host Kelsea Ballerini surprising Carrie Underwood, our most awarded artist, in the middle of her incredible live performance at Moody Center—the exact venue where we’ll all be back exactly five months from today!” share the show’s Executive Producers, Margaret Comeaux, John Hamlin, Leslie Fram and Jason Owen. “Our fans are in for an unforgettable night of music with plenty of surprises, as the Live Music Capital meets Music City for the first time ever on a national stage in what will be a true country music extravaganza.”
“The programming team at Oak View Group and Moody Center has spent the past two years cultivating this relationship and working to endear CMT, CBS and Paramount to Austin and our new, world-class arena. CMT’s commitment to Austin reflects those efforts and we couldn’t be more grateful and excited to host them next year,” explains Michael Owens, Vice President of Programming, Moody Center.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome the CMT Music Awards to Moody Center in 2023! This event will have not only a huge financial impact on Austin and its tourism industry, but it will also showcase two of the top music brands globally, Austin as the live music capital of the world and Country Music Television,” adds Tom Noonan, President & CEO, Austin CVB.
Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini announce 2023 CMT Music Awards on CBS. Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images for CMT
Underwood is currently on her 43-city U.S. arena tour, which kicked off Oct. 15 and continues through spring 2023, with upcoming stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena.
Ballerini, an award-winning songwriter, producer and performer, recently released her fourth studio album, Subject To Change, and wrapped a sold out, 10-city headlining run. She is next appearing as part of the historic concert event “The Judds: Love Is Alive – The Final Concert,” premiering in March 2023 on CMT.
For its inaugural year on CBS, the 2022 CMT Music Awards delivered 5.89 million viewers—a 529% increase from June 2021—and dominated on socials with 2.7 billion impressions across platforms.
Additional details for the 2023 CMT Music Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.
Brett Tyler Re-Ups With Combustion Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Combustion President Chris Farren; Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan; Vice President Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom; Brett Tyler; Director of Operations Kelly Lyons; General Manager Keithan Melton. Photo: Combustion Music
Brett Tyler has extended his contract with longtime publisher Combustion Music Group.
Tyler has penned tracks for Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Jimmie Allen, Maren Morris and more. Two of his tunes currently hold the No. 31 and No. 54 spots on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her” and Kolby Cooper’s “Excuses,” and his song “Atta Girl” was released last month by Lainey Wilson. Songs from Tyler’s Apple Music Songbook playlist have amassed 600 million-plus streams.
Tyler earned his first No. 1 when he co-penned “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” by Jameson Rodgers (feat. Luke Combs) in 2020. Recent cuts include the title track from Hardy’s upcoming album, The Mockingbird & The Crow, “Ain’t Missing You” by Dylan Schneider, “Dancin’ in the Moonlight” by Chris Lane, “Why’d We Break Up Again” by Dylan Marlowe, and “Prettiest Girl I Don’t Know” by Troy Cartwright.
“We couldn’t be happier to continue our long relationship with Brett,” shares Combustion President Chris Farren. “He is a consistent hitmaker who always seems to be at the top of his game. In an environment of constant change, our long and fruitful relationship with Brett is not only a testament to his talent but to the whole Combustion team as well.”
“I’m looking forward to continuing my songwriting career with Combustion Music,” Tyler says. “They understand what I do, believe in me, and have encouraged me to pursue my approach and process of writing songs. I’m very excited about the team we have right now, and I love that they are as passionate and hard working as I am. I have a clear idea of what I want for my future, and Combustion sees that vision and is committed to creating more opportunities to get there.”
Jordan James Partners With Habitat For Humanity For Christmas EP Release
/by Liza AndersonCountry artist Jordan James has announced his holiday EP Christmas On My Mind will be available on Nov. 18 via Penumbra Records, an imprint of Eclipse Music Group.
The Atlanta native began singing and writing songs as a young boy. At the age of 12, James was selected to sing with Kenny Rogers as part of his annual Christmas concert, which awakened his passion for performing. His latest project features five seasonal classics.
“I wanted to make a timeless holiday record like the ones I grew up on. My producer Jeff Garrison‘s jazz arrangements really brought that vision to life. I’m proud of these songs and hope they are a part of the Christmas soundtrack for years to come,” he says.
James has teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build for the release. He will be fundraising during his 12 Days of Christmas campaign starting Dec. 12, highlighting a different way to support the cause each day.
“For me, the best part of Christmas is being home in Georgia with my family. There are many that do not have a place to call home,” James shares. “I’m proud to be a part of the Music Row community’s work with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. They help make the cost of a home something that regular hard-working people living right here in Nashville, Tennessee can afford.”
The Christmas On My Mind live show benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build will take place at Star Rover Sound on Dec. 6.
Christmas On My Mind Track List:
1. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
2. Holy Night
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
4. Silent Night
5. Last Christmas
BBR Music Group Announces Promotion & Hiring In Publicity Department
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Caroline Fields, Camryn Scharnhorst. Photos: Jessica Crans
BBR Music Group has announced the promotion of Caroline Fields to Director of Publicity, as well as the hiring of Camryn Scharnhorst to Manager of Publicity.
Fields joined BBR as Manager of Publicity in 2021. She has since been instrumental in the launch of artists such as American Idol winner Chayce Beckham, America’s Got Talent top 3 finalist Drake Milligan, and rowdy country outlier Kolby Cooper, as well as hit artist Dustin Lynch.
In her new role, Fields will serve as the day-to-day point person for numerous artists’ publicity, as well as continue to handle media relations, asset creation and strategy development and execution. Fields joined the label from Absolute Publicity, where she spearheaded publicity campaigns for Alabama, Shenandoah, Ricky Skaggs, the late Charlie Daniels and more.
As Manager of Publicity, Scharnhorst will manage the day-to-day publicity needs and messaging for many of the acts on the label group’s artist roster. She joins BBR from a career stint in country radio, where she has been working since she was a teenager. Most recently, she was the Account Manager for four large-market country radio stations in Kansas City, Missouri, where she oversaw developing and nurturing client relationships as well as scouting and executing on new business leads and accounts, in addition to planning, implementing, and promoting numerous marketing campaigns.
Both Fields and Scharnhorst report to SVP of Publicity, Jay Jones, and can be reached at caroline@bbrmusicgroup.com and camryn@bbrmusicgroup.com, respectively.