Bailey Zimmerman Joins Warner Music Nashville, Elektra Music Group Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Jacob Fain (SVP A&R, Head of Research / Analytics, Elektra Music Group), Simon Tikhman (CEO & Co-Founder, The CORE Entertainment), Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Bailey Zimmerman, John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Nashville) Scott Frazier (Artist Manager, 10th Street Entertainment), Chief Zaruk (CEO & Co-Founder, The CORE Entertainment), Mike Easterlin (President, Elektra Music Group)

Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Music Group have added breakout country singer-songwriter Bailey Zimmerman to their roster of artists.

The 22 year-old was born and raised in the small town of Louisville, Illinois. He grew up listening to country radio on long hauls across state lines with his father, who owned a trucking business, while back at home his mom instilled in him an appreciation for the power chords and edgy vocals of ’80s hair rock.

The rising artist currently averages nearly five million global streams a week and has independently earned nearly 100 million global streams to date since the release of “Never Comin’ Home” in 2021. Zimmerman has attracted more than 675k TikTok followers and just released an acoustic version of his most recent fan-favorite track, “Fall In Love.”

Bailey Zimmerman is co-managed by Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk of The Core Entertainment and Chris Nilsson and Scott Frazier of 10th St Entertainment.

Chris Fabiani Elevated To National Director, Radio At Warner

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Chris Fabiani

Warner Music Nashville has elevated Chris Fabiani to National Director, Radio. He fills the vacancy left by Anna Cage, who rose to VP Radio earlier this year. Fabiani previously served as Regional Manager for the south on team WEA.

Fabiani served as Director of Promotion and Artist Engagement at Universal Music Group until 2020. He spent more than a decade with UMG, including six years as Director of Midwest Promotion at EMI.

“Fabs has always approached record promotion with a holistic marketing perspective, which is something that is becoming increasingly more valuable in today’s radio landscape,” Cage notes. “We can’t wait for him to get started in this new role!”

Ray Mariner, currently covering the west, will transition into Fabiani’s former role. Additional radio department hires will be announced in the coming weeks.

Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Gabby Barrett, More To Play CMA Fest

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CMA Fest has announced the initial lineup for this year’s in-person festival taking place June 9-12 in downtown Nashville following a two-year postponement due to the pandemic.

“We’ve been waiting two years to host country music fans from coast to coast and every corner of the world,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Now we’re two months out and the excitement is palpable! We can hardly wait to bring the country community back together in June.”

Taking the nightly Nissan Stadium stage this year are Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Russell Dickerson, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Parker McCollum, Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Zac Brown Band and more.

The Chevy Riverfront Stage returns with a slate of talent that will keep fans moving each day with performances by Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Tenille Arts, Priscilla Block, Danielle Bradbery, Breland, Blanco Brown, Callista Clark, Easton Corbin, Jessie James Decker, Travis Denning, Lindsay Ell, Ernest, Morgan Evans, Tyler Farr, Larry Fleet, Hardy, Home Free, Ryan Hurd, Lanco, Chris Lane, Jon Langston, Locash, Maddie & Tae, Kameron Marlowe, Scotty McCreery, Niko Moon, Parmalee, Michael Ray, Tyler Rich, Jameson Rodgers, Dylan Scott, Elvie Shane, Matt Stell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Tenille Townes, Drake White and Lainey Wilson. The full lineup and stage listings can be found below.

Fans can access a limited number of four-day passes, plus newly-announced single night tickets, for the Nissan Stadium nightly concerts at CMAfest.com or through the CMA Box Office. A portion of ticket proceeds will be invested in high-quality music education programs throughout the U.S. via the CMA Foundation.

Elle King & Miranda Lambert Celebrate History-Making Chart-Topper

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Elle King and Miranda Lambert‘s Grammy-nominated single “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” has reached No. 1 on both Billboard’s Country Airplay and the Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts.

The Platinum-certified track topping the charts marks the first time a female duet has reached the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart since Reba McEntire and Linda Davis’ “Does He Love You” in 1993. It also makes King and Lambert the second female duet to top Billboard’s Country Airplay chart since its creation in 1990.

“’Drunk’ is number 1! Elle is one of my favorite artists and one of my favorite people to be around. I am proud to call her my friend and I’m so glad she asked me to do song this song with her,” Lambert shares. “The fact that a duet by two women hasn’t been a No. 1 in country music since 1993 is crazy to me. So that we got here today means even more because it’s bigger than us. Thanks Reba and Linda for paving the way. Elle King, I love you and your spirit. Thanks to everyone who played, streamed and sang along with us on ‘Drunk.’ Now let’s get drunk and not wanna go home!”

YouTube video

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” which has over 275 million streams worldwide, was named a finalist for Top Rock Song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. The track also hit No. 1 on both Billboard’s Rock Digital Sales Chart and Country Digital Sales Chart upon its release in February of 2021.

Moon River Music Festival Unveils Full 2022 Lineup

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Moon River Music Festival Presented by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors has unveiled its full 2022 lineup. Returning to Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Coolidge Park on Sept. 10-11, ticket pre-sale is open now with tickets going on sale to the general public on April 14.

The 2022 list of Moon River performers includes Leon Bridges, The National, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Band of Horses, Local Natives, Zach Bryan, Greensky Bluegrass, Lucius, Charley Crockett, Keb’ Mo’, Mat Kearney, Briston Maroney, JP Saxe, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Hiss Golden Messenger, Wild Rivers, Natalie Hemby, Wilderado, Maggie Rose, Abraham Alexander, Daniel Nunnelee, and Madeline Edwards.

This year, Moon River Music Festival will also offer Friday and Saturday night shows at The Signal. Kicking the weekend off on Friday will be Futurebirds and The Wild Feathers with a late-night show on Saturday with Valley plus Moody Joody. Tickets for these shows will go on sale beginning April 15.

“Moon River weekend continues to be my favorite of the year. This year’s lineup is stacked from top to bottom,” Festival Founder and Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors bandleader Drew Holcomb shares. “Can’t wait to gather with our friends and family again on the river in Chattanooga. See you there!”

Some of Moon River Music Festival’s most unique & beloved experiences will return this year, including The Treehouse, Lookout Lodge, and Tennessee Tavern. More details will be announced in the coming months.

Warner Chappell Music Signs Pop Singer-Songwriter Jake Scott

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Jake Scott. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music

Jake Scott has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Scott has penned hits for dozens of artists and has racked up over 500 million global streams in addition to averaging over three million monthly listeners on Spotify alone with his own songs, such as “Like No One Does,” “Tuesdays,” and “Favorite T-Shirt.” His most recent single, “Texas Girl,” a love song for his wife Rachel, marks his first major label release with Elektra Records.

Katy Wolaver, Senior Vice President, A&R, WCM notes: “As a songwriter, Jake has the perfect creative blend of heartfelt penmanship and relentless work ethic, which are key to being successful in this industry. He has created a strong catalog in a short amount of time, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be in business with him as his career is primed to take off.”

A Fayetteville, Arkansas native who is based in Los Angeles, Scott has written for Jason Mraz, Aloe Blacc, Morgan Wallen, Ben Rector and Carrie Underwood. As an artist, he dropped one song per month from the beginning of 2018 until the end of 2020, and sold out his very first headline tour. Scott opened up Lany’s 2021 fall tour and just kicked off 2022 with a 21-date headlining trek across North America.

“As I’ve followed Jake’s career, I’ve been blown away by the special connection he’s made with his fans through vulnerable lyrics and ability to relay the human experience through his music,” Spencer Nohe, Senior Director, A&R, WCM Nashville shares. “We’re looking forward to amplifying his voice and helping him elevate to the next level of his promising career.”

“The moment I wrote my first song I knew it was all I ever wanted to do,” Scott adds. “I still wake up most days and can’t believe music is my job. It’s a dream come true to say the least. And as anyone in this business will tell you–Warner Chappell is the best of the best. They’re the songwriting family I’ve always wanted to be part of, and that day is finally here. Another dream come true. I’m honored and excited to partner with Warner Chappell and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

2022 CMT Music Awards Take Over Nashville With Stunning Performances, Collaborations

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Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

The 2022 CMT Music Awards took over Music City on Monday night (April 11), showcasing performances from some of country music’s biggest and fastest-rising stars and honoring the best country music videos from the last year.

Pictured: Kacey Musgraves introducing The Judds. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

Among the evening’s performance highlights were legendary mother-daughter duo The Judds reuniting for their first televised performance in over 20 years as the pair sang “Love Can Build A Bridge.” Introduced by country superstar Kacey Musgraves, The Judds delivered the powerful tune in front of Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, backed by a full choir.

Other notable moments were Keith Urban kicking off the high-energy show with his infectious “Wild Hearts,” Cody Johnson‘s jaw-dropping rendition of “‘Til You Can’t” from the Broadway stage in the middle of downtown, last-minute co-host Kane Brown delivering his No. 1 hit “One Mississippi,” co-host Kelsea Ballerini premiering her brand-new single “Heartfirst” from her backyard in quarantine, Carrie Underwood‘s high-flying version of “Ghost Story” from her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency,” and Kenny Chesney giving a sneak peek of his upcoming summer stadium tour as he closed the show with “Beers In Mexico.”

Pictured (L-R): Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook and Kimberly Schlapman, Jimmie Allen, Monica, and Little Big Towns Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

This year’s CMT Music Awards also featured an impressive mix of never-before-seen collaborations, including Mickey Guyton and Black Pumas teaming up for a world-premiere performance of “Colors;” Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams joining forces for a duet of Adams’ classic hit “Heaven;” and Jimmie Allen, Monica, and Little Big Town sharing the stage for a touching, premiere performance of their song “Pray.”

The big winners of the night were Aldean, Underwood, and Johnson, who each took home two of the prized CMT buckles. Aldean and Underwood’s hit duet “If I Didn’t Love You” was honored with the coveted Video of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year award, while Johnson earned the Male Video of the Year (“‘Til You Can’t”) and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year (“Dear Rodeo (from CMT Campire Sessions)”). This year’s awards marked Aldean’s first Video of the Year win, and further extended Underwood’s record as the most awarded artist in CMT history with 25 wins.

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for CMT)

Miranda Lambert walked away with the CMT buckle for Female Video of the Year for her hit “If I Was A Cowboy.” The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year also took the stage with the debut television performance of the tune, complete with fireworks for the packed crowd.

Other winners included Maddie & Tae (Duo/Group Video of the Year, “Woman You Got”), Parker McCollum (Breakthrough Video of the Year, “To Be Loved By You”), George Strait (CMT Performance of the Year, “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone (from CMT Giants: Charley Pride)”), and Taylor Swift (CMT Social-Trending Comeback Song of the Year, “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”).

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

Mickey Guyton & Black Pumas. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

Cody Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

Tim Warnock Joins Loeb & Loeb

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Tim Warnock has joined legal firm Loeb & Loeb in the Litigation department in Nashville. Warnock will focus his practice on commercial and intellectual property litigation in federal and state courts.

Tim Warnock

Warnock also has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience in corporate, entertainment, copyright, IP and construction litigation matters. He is listed as a Rule 31 mediator approved to conduct court-ordered mediations by the Alternative Dispute Commission established by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

“Tim’s skills as a litigator and problem-solver add great depth and dimension to our IP and entertainment capabilities in Nashville and beyond. He will be an extremely valuable addition to the Loeb team,” says Nashville co-office administrative partners Derek Crownover and Tiffany Dunn in a joint statement.

“Tim has a successful track record inside and outside the courtroom and is trusted by his clients to resolve the most difficult of issues,” adds Chris Carbone, co-chair of Loeb & Loeb’s Litigation department. “His addition to our team significantly expands the range of services we are able to offer our clients across all markets.”

“Loeb & Loeb’s entertainment and IP work in Nashville is legendary. I am thrilled by this exciting opportunity to join such a well-known and well-respected team,” shares Warnock.

Warnock’s arrival follows the addition of five other leading litigators–Lauren Fried, John Gatti, Michael Donner, Devin Donohue and Thomas Lombardi–across the firm’s offices since the start of the year.

Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean Among Big Winners At 2022 CMT Music Awards

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

The 2022 CMT Awards are a wrap following the ceremony on Monday night (April 11) at Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, and Cody Johnson all walked away with two trophies during the star-studded evening.

The show was hosted by actor Anthony Mackie, Kane Brown, and Kelsea Ballerini, who tested positive for COVID yet managed to still host from her home and perform from her backyard.

Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood. Photo: Courtesy of CMT

Underwood, who performed her song “Ghost Story” dangling from aerial silks during the show, continues her reign as the most awarded artist in CMT history with a total of 25 career wins with her wins for Video of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year with Aldean for “If I Didn’t Love You.”

Johnson took home Male Video of the Year for ‘Til You Can’t,” and Digital First Performance of the Year for Dear Rodeo (from CMT Campfire Sessions).

The show also made some history as The Judds made their first televised appearance in 20 years during the evening, performing their 1990 hit “Love Will Build A Bridge” backed by a gospel choir.

Miranda Lambert notched her 12th career win for Female Video of the Year for “If I Was A Cowboy,” while legend George Strait won his first-ever CMT Award for “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone (from CMT Giants: Charley Pride).”

Newcomer Parker McCollum and country duo Maddie & Tae each won their very first CMT Music Awards last night as well, for Breakthrough Video of the Year for “To Be Loved By You” and Duo/Group Video of the Year for “Woman You Got,” respectively.

The 2022 CMT Music Awards Winners Include:
Video of the Year
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood – “If I Didn’t Love You”

Female Video of the Year
Miranda Lambert – “If I Was A Cowboy”

Male Video of the Year
Cody Johnson – “Til You Can’t”

Duo/Group Video of the Year
Maddie & Tae – “Woman You Got”

Breakthrough Video of the Year
Parker McCollum – “To Be Loved By You”

Collaborative Video of the Year
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood – “If I Didn’t Love You”

CMT Performance of the Year
George Strait – “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone (From CMT Giants: Charley Pride)”

CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year
Cody Johnson – “Dear Rodeo (From CMT Campfire Sessions)”

CMT Social Only: Trending Comeback Song of the Year
Taylor Swift – “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”

Tanya ‘Mother’ Tucker Returns To Mother Church

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Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Living legend Tanya Tucker returned to the historic Ryman Auditorium for a special performance on Sunday (April 10) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her country music classic, “Delta Dawn.”

The two-time Grammy winner, affectionately referred to as “Tanya Mother Tucker” by her diehard fans for her independent and rule-breaking spirit, delivered a stellar performance that will be remembered for a lifetime by the lucky fans and friends that procured a seat to the sold-out show.

Tucker began the show with a somber performance of the David Allan Coe cover, “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone)” that garnered her first of many standing ovations.

The show was advertised as an evening that would “welcome a few surprise guests,” but this show continuously over delivered, creating a series of non-stop, jaw-dropping moments as each “surprise” guest appeared from the shadows.

When you bring out the legendary Brenda Lee as a surprise guest on the third song of the night, you know you’re in for a special experience. It may have only been April, but the crowd easily got into the spirit when these two country rockers sang Lee’s holiday standard, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Jeannie Seely and Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Next up was the incomparable Opry star Jeannie Seely, who joined Tucker for their rendition of “Don’t Touch Me” that earned a Grammy for Seely back in 1967.

A master in showmanship, Tucker delivered hit after hit and moment after moment.

Tanya Tucker and LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Derrek Kupish

After performing “Strong Enough to Bend” and then bringing out LeAnn Rimes to sing “Love Me Like You Used To,” Tucker admitted, “Tonight’s full of surprises. The first one was me getting into these pants!” Her sassy wit continued throughout the night taking the captivated audience through interwoven stories between her songs and guest performers.

Delbert McClinton joined Tucker on “Tell Me About It,” followed by Jessi Colter performing “Storms Never Last.”

Legendary country songwriter Sonny Throckmorton performed “The Cowboy Rides Away” which created one of George Strait’s early hits in 1985. Tucker’s daughter, Layla Tucker, wowed the crowd with her upcoming single, “The Way I Am,” which was also written by Throckmorton. And it was apparent Mama Tucker hadn’t wandered too far off stage when we heard the proud, supportive mom shout, “Get it, girl!”

Tanya Tucker and Ty Herndon. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Ty Herndon sauntered to the stage to perform “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” with Tucker, a song she dedicated to her late parents for their enduring love for each other.

Performances continued during the night with guests T. Graham Brown, Leigh Nash, Paul Overstreet, Jason D. Williams, and more.

Session musician great Charlie McCoy, who played on the original one-take recording in 1972 of “Delta Dawn” by a 13-year-old Tucker, came out on stage for the crescendo of the evening.

Tucker flawlessly began performing “Delta Dawn” with both heart and gratitude after acknowledging its significant impact on her career. One by one, all the previous guest performers joined her on stage, escalating the spirit in the Ryman that night until we had all finished singing those poignant lyrics, “To take you to His mansion in the sky.”