Pictured (L-R, top row): Mike Doyle and Bob Doyle; (L-R, bottom row): Graham Kothman and Andy Friday. Photo: Jake White
Major Bob Music, an independent Nashville-based publishing company owned by Bob Doyle, has promoted Andy Friday to Head of Creative and Graham Kothman to Creative Director.
Both Friday and Kothman joined Doyle’s team early in their careers and have risen from within. Their work impacts all artists, songwriters, and producers across the company’s integrated imprints, including Garth Brooks, Julia Cole, Maylyn, Zach Top, Nash Overstreet, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams, Colin Healy, and Brandon Matias, as well as the catalogues of Angelo Petraglia, Ruby Amanfu, and Jakub Vanyo.
Friday began working with Bob Doyle & Associates in 2010 as Sr. Director of New Media. He soon became part of the team behind The Band Perry’s country breakthrough, and in 2017 he began the transition into the publishing company as writer manager, working with Petraglia and Josh Farro.
Kothman joined Bob Doyle & Associates in 2019 while finishing his studies at Belmont University. The Bishop, California native brought graphic design and label services in house, quickly becoming a collaborator on all Major Bob and Bob Doyle & Associates efforts.
Major Bob GM Mike Doyle states, “Andy and Graham understand our culture and our primary vision of creative dedication to the goals of our writers and artists. They distinguished themselves through quarantine’s unusual circumstances and logistics and have worked overtime since. Andy and Graham have worked their way up, become indispensable, and brought new levels of awareness and abilities to our team-these promotions are simply an acknowledgement of what they’ve earned.”
Friday and Kothman can be reached at afriday@majorbob.com and graham@majorbob.com, respectively.
The company recently celebrated 36 years in business with over seventy No. 1 singles, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Awards, a SESAC Songwriter of the Year, and hits such as “Fancy Like” (Walker Hayes), “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Jameson Rodgers ft. Luke Combs), “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (Garth Brooks), “Crash and Burn” (Thomas Rhett), “Best Shot” (Jimmie Allen), “Done” (The Band Perry), “Where It’s At” (Dustin Lynch), “I Like The Sound Of That” (Rascal Flatts), and “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” (Billy Currington).
Brandi Carlile, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town, More Among ‘The Judds: The Final Tour’ Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughWynonna Judd has announced the special guests who will join her on the upcoming “The Judds: The Final Tour.”
Along with Martina McBride, who will join Judd on the road for the entirety of the tour, the Grammy winner will be accompanied by Brandi Carlile, Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill on select dates.
The 11-date arena tour kicks off on Friday, Sept. 30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and will make stops in Huntsville, Green Bay, Fort Worth, and more before concluding in Lexington at Rupp Arena on Oct. 29. Yearwood will join the festivities for a Nashville date at Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 28.
“It’s hard to believe that in just three weeks we’ll be stepping onstage for our first show in Grand Rapids,” Judd notes. “I continue to find myself both grateful and humbled by the unwavering support from my fellow artists, music community, and of course, the fans. I am looking so forward to celebrating The Judds music one final time. It will be a bittersweet experience, and one that I will never forget.”
Tickets for “The Judds: The Final Tour” are available here.
CAA Signs Singer-Songwriter Wade Bowen [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonWade Bowen. Photo: Katie Kauss
CAA has signed country singer-songwriter Wade Bowen.
Originally from Waco, Texas, Bowen serves as a contemporary link in a Texan chain of roots-rock poets stretching back more than 50 years. Utilizing both country and rock influences, he complements his gravely vocals with an organic sound.
He has released a dozen album–including six studio sets, two live collections, a gospel album and an ongoing series of buddy-country hits with fellow Texan Randy Rogers. Along the way, he’s scored his fair share of hits, and continues to perform nearly 200 shows nationwide each year, including multiple appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
His focus remains on writing songs with a literary quality and shifting his sonic territory to match his life, as evidenced by his uplifting lead single, “Everything Has Your Memory,” from his recent album Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth, which debuted Aug. 12 via Thirty Tigers.
Bowen is managed by Alicia Pruitt at Red Light Management. His attorney is Scott Safford at Safford/Motley PLC, his business manager is Fred Ford at FBMM Entertainment and his publicist is Ebie McFarland at Essential Broadcast Media.
Major Bob Music Promotes Andy Friday & Graham Kothman In Creative Department
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, top row): Mike Doyle and Bob Doyle; (L-R, bottom row): Graham Kothman and Andy Friday. Photo: Jake White
Major Bob Music, an independent Nashville-based publishing company owned by Bob Doyle, has promoted Andy Friday to Head of Creative and Graham Kothman to Creative Director.
Both Friday and Kothman joined Doyle’s team early in their careers and have risen from within. Their work impacts all artists, songwriters, and producers across the company’s integrated imprints, including Garth Brooks, Julia Cole, Maylyn, Zach Top, Nash Overstreet, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams, Colin Healy, and Brandon Matias, as well as the catalogues of Angelo Petraglia, Ruby Amanfu, and Jakub Vanyo.
Friday began working with Bob Doyle & Associates in 2010 as Sr. Director of New Media. He soon became part of the team behind The Band Perry’s country breakthrough, and in 2017 he began the transition into the publishing company as writer manager, working with Petraglia and Josh Farro.
Kothman joined Bob Doyle & Associates in 2019 while finishing his studies at Belmont University. The Bishop, California native brought graphic design and label services in house, quickly becoming a collaborator on all Major Bob and Bob Doyle & Associates efforts.
Major Bob GM Mike Doyle states, “Andy and Graham understand our culture and our primary vision of creative dedication to the goals of our writers and artists. They distinguished themselves through quarantine’s unusual circumstances and logistics and have worked overtime since. Andy and Graham have worked their way up, become indispensable, and brought new levels of awareness and abilities to our team-these promotions are simply an acknowledgement of what they’ve earned.”
Friday and Kothman can be reached at afriday@majorbob.com and graham@majorbob.com, respectively.
The company recently celebrated 36 years in business with over seventy No. 1 singles, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Awards, a SESAC Songwriter of the Year, and hits such as “Fancy Like” (Walker Hayes), “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Jameson Rodgers ft. Luke Combs), “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (Garth Brooks), “Crash and Burn” (Thomas Rhett), “Best Shot” (Jimmie Allen), “Done” (The Band Perry), “Where It’s At” (Dustin Lynch), “I Like The Sound Of That” (Rascal Flatts), and “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” (Billy Currington).
Kirby Smith Named Director Of A&R And Publishing At Riser House Entertainment
/by LB CantrellKirby Smith
Riser House Entertainment has hired Kirby Smith as Director of A&R + Publishing.
Riser House’s publishing division currently oversees the songwriting careers of Mitchell Tenpenny, Dallas Wilson, Michael Whitworth and Dillon Carmichael. On the records side, the roster includes Tenpenny (in partnership with Sony Nashville), Carmichael and Meghan Patrick, along with several label services clients.
Prior to joining Riser House, Smith served as Creative Director at WinSongs Music, where she worked closely with its founder and hit songwriter/producer Chris DeStefano. While there, Smith was instrumental in the signing of Emily Shackleton. Prior to her time at WinSongs, she spent time as the Creative Manager at Dallas Davidson’s Play It Again Music Group.
“I could not be more excited to join the team at Riser House,” shares Smith. “Jennifer Johnson and Brandon Perdue have done an incredible job growing and developing the publishing and label roster, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to learn from them. Riser House is a place of great people and great talent. I am looking forward to representing such an amazing group of both songwriters and artists.”
“Adding Kirby to our team was the definition of a no-brainer,” adds the recently-promoted Perdue. “We’ve collaborated on several things over the past few years, and her reputation around town is impeccable. In her short time here, Kirby has already proven to be an incredible champion for our creatives, and I know she will be a massive part of our continued growth over the next few years.”
Teresa George Exits Circle Network
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Teresa George
After helping to start Circle Network and serving as VP of Strategic Partnerships, Teresa George and the network have parted ways.
During George’s time at Circle, the network went from zero viewers to being available on linear, cable TV, OTT as well as to over 150 million users across such platforms as Roku, Peacock, Samsung, VIZIO, and more. With her on board, Circle was named Digiday’s Best Streaming TV Platform of 2021 and Pollstar’s No. 1 Livestreamer among all music genres in 2020.
“I truly enjoyed helping grow the network, handling marketing, digital, PR, music industry and affiliate relations, sponsorships and working closely on the original TV shows,” George shares.
While seeking her next adventure, George is currently teaching a digital media class at Lipscomb University as an adjunct professor and working as a producer on a nationally syndicated holiday TV special.
George can be reached at george.teresa@outlook.com
Callista Clark Named Opry Nextstage Artist For September
/by Lorie HollabaughCallista Clark. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Callista Clark is the latest addition to the Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022. The Big Machine Records artist will make her NextStage debut with Opry performances on Saturday, Sept. 10 and Friday, Sept. 23.
The 18-year old’s top 20 debut “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” was one of country radio’s most successful new artist debuts of 2021. Clark will release her first full-length album, Real To Me: The Way I Feel, on Oct. 14. The album features 10 tracks, including her latest single “Gave It Back Broken.” Billboard featured Clark two years in a row on their annual “21 Under 21” list, and she was also the youngest member ever named to CMT’s Next Women of Country in its 2022 class.
“Since my first trip to Nashville when I was 11, the Grand Ole Opry has seemed like the dreamiest stage,” Clark says. “I was over the moon when they chose me to be the newest NextStage artist. I am so thankful to have the support of my Opry family.”
Opry NextStage collaborations include live performances, strategic marketing support and short-form documentary-style storytelling created by Opry Entertainment’s content team. Opry NextStage presents rising artists who are making standout music at the forefront of their careers through the Opry’s marketing platforms, which are set to deliver more than 100 million impressions.
Clark is the fifth act to join the 2022 class that includes Elvie Shane, Morgan Wade, Breland and Restless Road. The two previous NextStage classes have featured artists such as Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green and Tenille Townes, who all went on to earn ACM New Male and Female Artist of the Year trophies following their Opry NextStage debuts. NextStage launched in 2019 with an inaugural class that included Green, Tegan Marie, Townes and Travis Denning.
Sierra Hull Announces Headlining Tour This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughSierra Hull. Photo: Em Wailis
Sierra Hull will be hitting the road for a series of headlining shows throughout September and October with support from Lindsay Lou and Taylor Rae on select dates.
The tour kicks off Sept. 18 in Louisville, and will feature a full-length set of fan-favorites and new songs, including the premiere of a specially-commissioned piece written for the FreshGrass Festival on Sept. 23. Other cities on the trek include Cincinnati, Asheville, Charleston, Bakersfield and more.
Hull will wrap the year as a featured guest with Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) in November and Béla Fleck’s “My Bluegrass Heart Tour” in December.
A two-time Grammy nominated artist and songwriter, Hull is also a four-time recipient of IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year, the first woman to ever receive this distinction.
Sept. 18 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival
Sept. 21 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall ^
Sept. 22 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge ^
Sept. 23 – North Adams, MA – FreshGrass Festival
Sept. 24 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge +
Sept. 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall +
Sept. 28 – Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall +
Sept. 29 – Boone, NC – Appalachian Theatre +
Sept. 30 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station *
Oct. 1 – Raleigh, NC – Wide Open Bluegrass
Oct. 2 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House +
Oct. 4 – High Point, NC – Ziggy’s ^
Oct. 5 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern ^
Oct. 6 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere ^
Oct. 7 – Big Stone Gap, VA – Blue Highway Festival
Oct. 8 – Pelham, TN – CaveFest
Oct. 14 – Bakersfield, CA – World Records
Oct. 15 – Seaside, CA – Rebels and Renegades Music Festival
^ with Lindsay Lou
+ with Taylor Rae
* with The Infamous Stringdusters
Justin Moore Nabs 11th No. 1 On ‘With A Woman You Love’
/by Lydia FarthingThe Valory Music Co. recording artist Justin Moore earned his latest No. 1 at country radio this week with the rise of “With A Woman You Love,” marking Moore’s 11th trip to the top.
Penned by Moore, alongside Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill and Jeremy Stover, the track follows the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter’s most recent chart-topper “We Didn’t Have Much.”
The Arkansas native recently took on the role as co-host of the sports radio show “Morning Mayhem,” which airs weekly on 103.7 The Buzz. He also co-hosts The Justin Moore Podcast, giving fans a behind-the-scenes peek into his life, featuring celebrity guests like Matthew McConaughey, Travis Tritt, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi and more.
With new music on the way, Moore will continue on his “Country On It” arena tour, which will make upcoming stops in Montana and Washington on Sept. 15, 16, and 17. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
Blake Shelton Announces ‘Back To The Honky Tonk Tour’ For 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton has announced his headlining “Back to the Honky Tonk Tour,” which will kick off Feb. 16 and run through March 25. Carly Pearce and rising artist Jackson Dean will join Shelton for the shows.
The award-winning entertainer will visit Knoxville, Birmingham, Tampa, Louisville, Kansas City, Pittsburgh and more on the trek. Tickets for the 18-date run will go on sale Friday, Sept. 16 and Friday, Sept. 23.
“There’s nothing like getting out on the road and taking music to the fans,” Shelton shares. “I feel just as excited to step on stage and perform as I did the very first time. I know my tour mates Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean feel the same, and I can’t wait for y’all to get to know them better. Break out the hats and boots, ‘cause we’re going back to the honky tonk!”
Shelton’s latest single, “No Body,” became the most added song at country radio upon impact in August. He will perform the track tomorrow night (Sept. 8) on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon before taking the Grand Ole Opry stage on Sept. 10.
“Back to the Honky Tonk Tour” Dates:
February 16 // Lincoln, NE // Pinnacle Bank Arena
February 17 // Sioux Falls, SD // Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
^February 18 // St. Paul, MN // Xcel Energy Center
^February 23 // Greensboro, NC // Greensboro Coliseum
*February 24 // Knoxville, TN // Thompson-Boling Arena
February 25 // Birmingham, AL // Legacy Arena at the BJCC
March 2 // Jacksonville, FL // VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
^March 3 // Tampa, FL // Amalie Arena
March 4 // Orlando, FL // Amway Center
March 9 // Louisville, KY // KFC Yum! Center
March 10 // Columbus, OH // Nationwide Arena
^March 11 // Indianapolis, IN // Gainbridge Fieldhouse
March 16 // Little Rock, AR // Simmons Bank Arena
March 17 // Oklahoma City, OK // Paycom Center
^March 18 // Kansas City, MO // T-Mobile Center
March 23 // Cincinnati, OH // Heritage Bank Center
^March 24 // Pittsburgh, PA // PPG Paints Arena
*March 25 // Buffalo, NY // KeyBank Center
*Tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 16 at 12 p.m. local time.
^Tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. local time.
In Pictures: Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks Festival Returns With Star-Studded Weekend
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Dierks Bentley hosted his Seven Peaks Music Festival over Labor Day Weekend in its new location of Villa Grove, Colorado in the San Luis Valley. The three-day camping festival featured a host of surprise collaborations and spontaneous moments throughout the weekend.
Friday’s ‘90s night included performances by Rapidgrass, The Frontmen (Richie McDonald of Lonestar, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart and Tim Rushlow of Little Texas) and Tracy Lawrence. Bentley’s Hot Country Knights wrapped the weekend’s first night with a raucous set that saw Lawrence return to the stage for a crowd singalong.
Hardy & Dierks Bentley. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Campers returned on Saturday for shows on the festival’s second stage, known as the Whiskey Row Stage, by Alanna Springsteen, Jackson Dean, Rapidgrass, as well as a surprise bluegrass pop-up set by Bentley.
Seven Peaks’ main stage lineup was also filled with high-energy sets by Boy Named Banjo, Travis Denning, Lainey Wilson and Hardy, who invited both Wilson and Bentley up for collabs during his set. Headliner Morgan Wallen brought down the house to close out the Saturday night shows.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Sunday featured sets by Caitlyn Smith, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jordan Davis and Ashley McBryde, while the Whiskey Row Stage hosted Aaron Raitiere, Ashley Cooke, Kendell Marvell, The Red Clay Strays and Ray Fulcher. Bentley hopped up on stage a few times throughout the day during a mass singalong of “Wagon Wheel” with Old Crow Medicine Show, and during The Red Clay Strays set.
Bentley closed out the weekend with guests during his show, including McBryde, Davis and surprise guest Peyton Manning, who appeared on stage and invited the Hot Country Knights back to the stage for a rousing rendition of “Friends In Low Places.”
Hot Country Knights. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom