Ed Hardy
Music industry veteran Ed Hardy, who served as President of Great American Country (GAC) for eight years, died on Sunday (July 31). He was 73.
Hardy was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Edward B. and Rita M. Hardy. He studied communications and journalism at Kent State University and spent 20 years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he attained the rank of Major.
Hardy started his career working at local radio stations throughout Ohio. He spent much of the mid-’90s building Deschutes River Broadcasting from a single AM/FM radio in Tri-Cities, Washington, to a collection of 19 stations, operating in markets across the Pacific northwest. When he sold his radio group, it led to the growth of Citadel Radio.
In 2000, Hardy became president of MeasureCast, the internet-streaming broadcast audience measurement company. He was also a consultant to MediaBlue/Nox Solutions, the top provider of web design, hosting and fulfillment products for nationally syndicated and network radio talk show hosts.
Hardy became President of GAC in 2004 when Scripps Networks acquired the network. In his eight years with GAC, he led the network through a move to Nashville and oversaw a complete brand transformation. He announced his retirement in 2012.
Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, Sarah Trahern, Ed Hardy. Photo: Courtesy of the CMA
Hardy was a very involved Music Row executive. He served on the CMA Board of Directors from 2005 to 2017 and the CMA Foundation Board from 2014 to 2021. Hardy also acted as CMA’s interim CEO in 2013, as well as president of the Board of Directors at W.O Smith Community Music School in Nashville. He also found time to spend five years as a reserve police officer.
Hardy was the current Chairman of Music City Inc. (the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Foundation Board). He was also active with Operation Song, which connects his military experience with his passion for music.
He received the CMA Chairman’s Award in 2013 for his outstanding service to the organization. In 2014, he was given the President’s Award from the Country Radio Hall of Fame.
Ed Hardy is survived by his wife Kim Susan Hardy; daughter Stephanie (Hardy) Kasbrick and son-in-law Jacob Kasbrick; grandchildren Emmie Jeanne and Bear Weller; and cousins Patrick M. Hardy, Thomas A. Hardy, Catherine A. Hardy and John J. Hardy.
Of Hardy’s death, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern shares, “They certainly broke the mold with Ed Hardy, and I am greatly saddened by his loss. One of my favorite memories working with Ed was when he led a coalition of us, including GAC and Scripps Networks, the NCVC and the Opry to host a nationwide telethon to help Nashville recover from the devastating 2010 floods. Thanks to his dedication, passion and refusal to take no for an answer, he made it happen and raised millions in relief. With a relentless competitive spirit, Ed aimed high and challenged those around him to do the same. He was fiercely loyal to friends, old and new, and carried an unwavering love of country music. My deepest condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO Butch Spyridon shares, “Ed Hardy served this organization in so many ways–first as a broadcast partner, then a sponsor, then a board member and then chairing both the NCVC board of directors and the board of our foundation. Through that, we developed a deep friendship that transcended work. It is very unusual to have a boss, mentor and friend all at the same time. He leaves a huge void and will be missed.”
More details to come regarding a celebration of Hardy’s life to be held at the W.O. Smith School of Music.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to W.O. Smith School, Daniel’s Center at MTSU, and Operation Song.
Jake Owen Notches 10th Career Chart-Topper With ‘Best Thing Since Backroads’
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Jake Owen has racked up his tenth No. 1 with “Best Thing Since Backroads,” which landed in the top spot on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.
The single, written by Ben Johnson, Jordan Minton, Hunter Phelps, and Geoff Warburton, was followed up by recent releases “Fishin’ On A River,” “Up There Down Here,” and the latest “1×1.”
“Let’s go! Boys and girls, the No. 1 song in all the land of country music,” Owen shared on social media. “Thank you so much, holy frickin’ cow. It’s a Monday and having the No. 1 song in America is unbelievable.
“I could not do this first and foremost without the songwriters; you guys wrote an incredible song that’s only elevating my career,” he continued. “I have 10 No. 1 songs–I can’t even wrap my head around that. It took me seven years to get my first No. 1, and to think all these summers later we’re still cranking them out. To the fans– oh my gosh, the fans. You are the best thing since backroads, you have given me this life, I love you guys. You make country music what it is and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Owen has been taking his hits to fans on his headlining “Up There Down Here Tour,” and will head to Canada on Friday (Aug,. 5) for an appearance at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival.
Corey Kent Sells Out First Headlining Show In Music City
/by LB CantrellCorey Kent performs to a packed Basement East. Photo: Templin Hammack
Newly signed RCA Nashville artist Corey Kent packed out the Basement East on Friday night (July 29) for a high-energy show.
Following an entertaining set by opener Faren Rachels, Kent started his show with a fan-favorite, “Feels A Lot Like This.” His talent was evident from the moment he opened his mouth as he effortlessly combined Justin Timberlake-esque runs and gravely hollers throughout the night.
Kent often spoke about his journey to becoming a breakout country artist. The Oklahoma native told the story of his move to Nashville, saying that he was able to land a publishing deal and started writing songs for other artists, but didn’t find that to be fulfilling.
“I found myself with what I thought was my dream job. I was writing songs for a publishing company here in town, but I was writing songs for other people. I found out that my dream job wasn’t writing songs for other people, it was writing my songs and playing them for the good people of Nashville, Tennessee like you tonight.
“I was so busy with ‘chasing the dream’ when I lived here that I was taking for granted the things in life that really matter,” Kent said. “One day I woke up and realized that the dream I was chasing I had right in the palm of my hands. I just wasn’t even paying attention.”
In a standout moment, Kent then sang an unreleased song, a coming-of-age tune likely called “How You Know You Made It,” that references the dream he was always chasing: happiness.
Throughout the evening, Kent thrilled concert-goers with fan-favorites “Same Thing,” “Highway,” “There’s Always Next Year,” and “Gold.” He also took on some classic covers, too, putting his own spin on The Marshall Tucker Band‘s “Can’t You See,” Kenny Chesney‘s “Keg In The Closet,” and The Beatles‘ “Come Together.” His rocking band more than kept up.
In another standout moment, he sang an acoustic version of Travis Tritt‘s “Great Day To Be Alive,” smiling into the raucous crowd.
When it came time for him to perform his wildly successful debut single, “Wild As Her,” the crowd was amped up. Every hand in The Basement East went up as the talented singer delivered the TikTok trendy bridge, “I don’t wanna fix her, I just wanna kiss her / Fuel a little fire in her soul.”
“This song is changing our lives,” he said. “[When we released it], we had no big team behind us or a bunch of money promoting what we were doing. We relied on the every day person to listen to our music and if they liked it, to tell their friends about it.
“That’s exactly what happened with this song. For over two straight weeks, this was the most streamed country song in the entire world!” Kent said with a grin. “We’d love it if you sang it along with us.”
The Basement East obliged, singing every word.
Applications Now Open: MusicRow’s 2022 Publisher Issue Directory
/by LB CantrellNew applicants for inclusion in the Publisher company directory for the upcoming MusicRow Publisher Issue print magazine are now being accepted through Aug. 12. Along with the directory with contact information for Nashville’s publishing community, the issue also features exclusive editorial content focused on this essential segment of our business.
To submit your company for consideration, complete and submit this form.
For questions, please contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com. To reserve ad space in the 2022 Publisher issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Become a subscribed member of MusicRow here to make sure you don’t miss the annual Publisher Issue.
Mark Your Calendar—August 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughSingle/Track Releases
August 1
Morgan Wallen/You Proof/Big Loud
Walker Hayes/Y’all Life/Monument
Cody Jinks/Loud and Heavy/True Grit/16 Camino
Chance Tomke/Rock You Country/Pine Ridge Records
August 5
Ben Rector feat. Thomas Rhett/What Makes A Man
Craig Campbell feat. Trea Landon/Things You Do In A Truck/Grindstone Records
Jennifer Hart/18/Records Nashville
Jesse Labelle/My Last Broken Heart
Matt Jordan/One More Round/MJ Music
August 8
Tyler Braden/Try Losing One/Warner
Tiera Kennedy/Found It In You/Valory
Jarrod Turner/Love Ain’t Got No Time To Waste/SSM Nashville
August 12
Karen Waldrup/Just Ain’t Love
August 15
David Seering/The Vow/PCG Records
August 16
Ginnie Terry/Talking Dirty/MC1 Nashville
August 19
Liddy Clark/Potential
August 22
Brooke Moriber/Savior/Reviver Records
Lauren Reno/Bottle’s Worth a Dime/Majestic Ape Records
Kaylee Bell/Keith
August 26
Caroline Kid/Wyoming
Album/EP Releases
August 5
Travis Denning/Might As Well Be Me/Mercury
Dylan Scott/Livin’ My Best Life/Curb Records
CJ Solar/The Future’s Neon/Raining Bacon Records
August 12
Steve Moakler/Make A Little Room
Wade Bowen/Somewhere Between The Secret And The Truth/Thirty Tigers
Mitch Bradford/Close
August 12
Frank Ray/Getcha Some/BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records
Gretchen Peters/The Show: Live From The UK/Proper Music Group
Stefanie Joyce/Marlboro Reds & Motel Rooms/ONErpm
August 19
Tyler Hubbard/Dancin’ In The Country/EMI Records Nashville
Kolby Cooper/Boy From Anderson County To The Moon/BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records/Combustion Music
August 26
Charlie Daniels/Charlie Daniels & Friends: Volunteer Jam 1 – 1974 – The Legend Begins/Blue Hat Records/BFD/Audium Nashville
Ingrid Andress/Good Person/Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records
Kameron Marlowe/We Were Cowboys/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville
Alexander Ludwig/Highway 99/BBR Music Group/BMG
Jim Lauderdale/Game Changer/Sky Crunch Records
Bri Bagwell/Corazón y Cabeza
Industry Events
August 15
Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament
August 23
ACM Party for a Cause
SOURCE Awards
August 24
ACM Honors
August 30
MusicRow Awards (online)
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Announces Class Of 2022
/by LB CantrellThe Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) has announced its class of 2022.
Shania Twain, Steve Wariner, Hillary Lindsey, Gary Nicholson and David Malloy will join the iconic 223-member Hall in October, according to an announcement made on Tuesday (Aug. 2) by Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors, and Mark Ford, the NaSHOF executive director.
Pictured (L-R): Mark Ford (NaSHOF executive director); inductees Steve Wariner, Hillary Lindsey, David Malloy and Gary Nicholson; Sarah Cates (chair of NaSHOF Board of Directors). Not pictured, inductee Shania Twain. Photo: Bev Moser
“This is always one of my favorite days of the year—when we announce our incoming class and begin their journey to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in October,” shared Cates at the 2022 inductee announcement. “I’m especially gratified to note that—for the first time since 2009—two of our inductees-elect are women.”
Ford introduced each member of the new class to make remarks. Lindsey and Nicholson represent the contemporary songwriter category, Malloy is in the veteran songwriter category, Twain is the contemporary songwriter/artist and Wariner is the veteran songwriter/artist.
The talented songwriters will be officially inducted during the 52nd annual Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Sunday, October 30, at the Music City Center.
Hillary Lindsey’s songwriter credits include “Jesus Take The Wheel” (Carrie Underwood), “Girl Crush” (Little Big Town) and “Blue Ain’t Your Color” (Keith Urban). Gary Nicholson’s resume is known for “That’s The Thing About Love” (Don Williams), “One More Last Chance” (Vince Gill) and “She Couldn’t Change Me” (Montgomery-Gentry). David Malloy’s hits include “Drivin’ My Life Away” (Eddie Rabbitt), “Suspicions” (Eddie Rabbitt; also Tim McGraw) and “Love Will Turn You Around” (Kenny Rogers).
Shania Twain recorded many of her self-penned hits, including “You’re Still The One,” “Come On Over” and “Forever And For Always.” Steve Wariner popularized many of his own compositions, including “You Can Dream Of Me,” “Where Did I Go Wrong” and “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven.”
“This is just absolutely mind-blowing to me. It truly is,” Lindsey shared when giving her remarks. “I am extremely humbled to be a part of this year’s class of nominees. The thought of my name even being thrown in the hat is mind-blowing to me. I want everyone to know I am so grateful and thankful for this honor.”
“I came here in 1980 and I’ve attended many Hall of Fame inductions through the years. I never imagined things would evolve and, after these 42 years, this would actually occur,” said Nicholson. “I am a product of this environment, this community of amazing songwriters and publishers. It was that synergy and that community that shaped me and gave me a way.”
“I never really thought I would be in here,” said Malloy. “To be here with these great talents who I admire so much, I’m so grateful and so thankful to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.”
Wariner told the story of forming his publishing company and of his training as a writer. “There’s so many other writers who probably deserve this more than I do, but none that will appreciate it any more, I can guarantee you that,” he said.
Twain wasn’t able to attend.
Erin Burr Named VP Of Media Relations At RIAA
/by Lorie HollabaughErin D.D. Burr. Photo: Katie Kauss
Erin Burr has joined the RIAA as VP of Media Relations.
In her new position, Burr will lead the Association’s press and media outreach. The industry veteran spent over a dozen years in the communications department at Big Machine Label Group in Nashville and previously worked at the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Burr is a past “Next Big Thing” honoree by MusicRow Magazine and was nominated for the CMA’s Touring Awards “Publicist of the Year” in 2018. Her work at Big Machine also led to past nominations for PR Week’s Campaign of the Year and In-House PR Team of the Year.
“Erin Burr has built a career helping artists break through and tell their stories on the biggest media stages in the world,” said RIAA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mitch Glazier. “And now at RIAA she can expand on that incredible track record advocating for smart policies that support all music creators and strengthen the foundation for the entire recorded music industry for years to come. We are thrilled Erin is joining the RIAA team.”
“As I celebrate my first year as a DC resident, it’s exciting and serendipitous to begin this new professional adventure. I am grateful to Mitch, Michele [Ballantyne] and the incredible RIAA community for the warm welcome and look forward to amplifying and advocating for fellow creators in the recorded music industry,” said Burr.
Burr can be reached at eburr@riaa.com.
The RIAA also added Jonathan Mancera as Digital Strategist and Ashley Donald as Studio and Stage Manager.
Zach Bryan Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan
With three solely-written songs currently rising on the country charts, breakout artist Zach Bryan hits No. 4 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. He is propelled by his songs “Something In The Orange,” “Quittin’ Time,” and “Summertime Blues.”
Ernest Keith Smith remains at the top of the chart for the seventh consecutive week. He is a co-writer on four charting songs, including Wallen’s “Wasted On You” and “You Proof,” Jelly Roll’s “Son Of A Sinner,” and his own “Flower Shops.”
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Stone Country Records Adds Tara Shayne To Team, Ron Bradley Moves To Quartz Hill Records
/by Lydia FarthingRon Bradley & Tara Shayne
Stone Country Records has added Tara Shayne as Director of Promotion. She will take over west coast promotion duties for the label, which includes Easton Corbin and Ben Gallaher.
Shayne has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, most recently working the west coast region for Riser House and Blue Mountain Records. She will report directly to Stone Country Records’ VP of Promotion & Marketing, Jim Malito.
“Tara comes highly recommended to us by radio programmers, and we are excited to have her join our Stone Country Records family!” Malito shares.
Shayne can be reached at Tara@stonecountryrecords.com.
Additionally, Stone Country Records Director of Promotion Ron Bradley has joined sister label Quartz Hill Records in the same role. He will take over west coast promotion duties for multi-Platinum selling entertainer Joe Nichols, as well as Thompson Square and Nate Barnes.
Bradley will report directly to Quartz Hill’s VP of Promotion & Marketing, Will Robinson. Bradley’s former email (Ron@stonecountryrecords.com) will continue to work for the near future, and his new email will be Ron@quartzhillrecords.com.
Beloved Music Industry Veteran Ed Hardy Passes
/by LB CantrellEd Hardy
Music industry veteran Ed Hardy, who served as President of Great American Country (GAC) for eight years, died on Sunday (July 31). He was 73.
Hardy was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Edward B. and Rita M. Hardy. He studied communications and journalism at Kent State University and spent 20 years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he attained the rank of Major.
Hardy started his career working at local radio stations throughout Ohio. He spent much of the mid-’90s building Deschutes River Broadcasting from a single AM/FM radio in Tri-Cities, Washington, to a collection of 19 stations, operating in markets across the Pacific northwest. When he sold his radio group, it led to the growth of Citadel Radio.
In 2000, Hardy became president of MeasureCast, the internet-streaming broadcast audience measurement company. He was also a consultant to MediaBlue/Nox Solutions, the top provider of web design, hosting and fulfillment products for nationally syndicated and network radio talk show hosts.
Hardy became President of GAC in 2004 when Scripps Networks acquired the network. In his eight years with GAC, he led the network through a move to Nashville and oversaw a complete brand transformation. He announced his retirement in 2012.
Pictured (L-R): Troy Tomlinson, Sarah Trahern, Ed Hardy. Photo: Courtesy of the CMA
Hardy was a very involved Music Row executive. He served on the CMA Board of Directors from 2005 to 2017 and the CMA Foundation Board from 2014 to 2021. Hardy also acted as CMA’s interim CEO in 2013, as well as president of the Board of Directors at W.O Smith Community Music School in Nashville. He also found time to spend five years as a reserve police officer.
Hardy was the current Chairman of Music City Inc. (the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Foundation Board). He was also active with Operation Song, which connects his military experience with his passion for music.
He received the CMA Chairman’s Award in 2013 for his outstanding service to the organization. In 2014, he was given the President’s Award from the Country Radio Hall of Fame.
Ed Hardy is survived by his wife Kim Susan Hardy; daughter Stephanie (Hardy) Kasbrick and son-in-law Jacob Kasbrick; grandchildren Emmie Jeanne and Bear Weller; and cousins Patrick M. Hardy, Thomas A. Hardy, Catherine A. Hardy and John J. Hardy.
Of Hardy’s death, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern shares, “They certainly broke the mold with Ed Hardy, and I am greatly saddened by his loss. One of my favorite memories working with Ed was when he led a coalition of us, including GAC and Scripps Networks, the NCVC and the Opry to host a nationwide telethon to help Nashville recover from the devastating 2010 floods. Thanks to his dedication, passion and refusal to take no for an answer, he made it happen and raised millions in relief. With a relentless competitive spirit, Ed aimed high and challenged those around him to do the same. He was fiercely loyal to friends, old and new, and carried an unwavering love of country music. My deepest condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO Butch Spyridon shares, “Ed Hardy served this organization in so many ways–first as a broadcast partner, then a sponsor, then a board member and then chairing both the NCVC board of directors and the board of our foundation. Through that, we developed a deep friendship that transcended work. It is very unusual to have a boss, mentor and friend all at the same time. He leaves a huge void and will be missed.”
More details to come regarding a celebration of Hardy’s life to be held at the W.O. Smith School of Music.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to W.O. Smith School, Daniel’s Center at MTSU, and Operation Song.
Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Rock And A Hard Place’ Enters The Top 5 Streaming Songs
/by Lydia FarthingBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Chris Ashlee
Warner newcomer Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock And A Hard Place” creeps into the top five country streaming songs this week. The follow-up single to his viral “Fall In Love,” the new track comes in at No. 4 with 8.7 million streams this week, according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof” resumes its spot at the top of the country streaming songs chart, adding 10 million streams. Luke Combs‘ “The Kind of Love We Make” falls to No. 2 with 10 million streams, while Zach Bryan‘s “Something in the Orange” keeps its spot at No. 3 with 8.9 million streams. Cole Swindell‘s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” closes out the top five, adding 8.1 million streams this week.
Wallen also continues to dominate the top country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album. The record-setting project gained 49K in total consumption (1.1K album only/60 million song streams) last week. Wallen also claims the No. 4 spot as If I Know Me adds 17K in total consumption. Bryan’s American Heartbreak keeps its spot at No. 2 with 23K in total consumption. Combs takes up the remaining two spots as Growin’ Up remains at No. 3 with 22K and This One’s For You jumps into No. 5 at 17K.