Pictured (L-R): Kat Higgins, Kenny Chesney, Brett James, Adam James. Photo: Allister Ann
“Nobody’s done country music better than Kenny Chesney. Period,” said hit songwriter and publisher Brett James. That was the sentiment as the industry gathered to celebrate the country music titan’s 34th No. 1 song, the wistful “Knowing You.”
The tune was co-written by newly inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Brett James, along with Kat Higgins and Adam James. It was Brett’s 26th No. 1 country hit, and Kat and Adam’s first.
BMI’s Clay Bradley led the celebration. He promised that BMI would catch up on all the No. 1 parties that were missed due to the pandemic.
Representatives from Warner Chappell, BMG, Kobalt, and 3 Ring Circus were on hand to gush about their songwriters.
Pictured (L-R): Publisher Pat Higdon, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Producer Buddy Cannon, Brett James, Kat Higgins, Kenny Chesney, Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito, Adam James, 3 Ring Circus’ Jeffrey Steele, Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, BMI Vice President of Creative Clay Bradley. Photo: Allister Ann
Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn spoke on Brett James, who has teamed with Kenny on many of his hits (“When The Sun Goes Down,” “You Save Me,” “Went Out Last Night”).
Ben was also the first of many to recognize the hard work of the Warner Music Nashville promotion team, calling out Kristen Williams and Shari Roth for their leadership in getting “Knowing You,” a country waltz, up the charts.
“From the minute this song was pitched, recorded, and discussed, there was nothing but love and belief for this song,” Ben said, before plugging the song for the ACM’s second-round ballot.
BMG’s Chris Oglesby, who Ben referred to as ‘the reverend,’ doted on Kat Higgins. “I met Kat Higgins a long time ago through the legendary Pat Higdon. Her songs blew me away. They were filled with heart, color, and life,” Chris said. “She approaches every day with wide-eyed wonder and excitement. I’m so proud to represent you.”
Chris also recognized Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, “Knowing You” co-producer Buddy Cannon, the Warner team, and the creators of the music video—which he aptly plugged for ACM voters.
3 Ring Circus’ Jeffrey Steele and Casey Le’Vasseur spoke about Adam James. They both highlighted Adam’s originality and hard work, with Jeffrey saying his early tapes reminded him of songwriting great Roger Miller. Adam grasped his heart in shock at the compliment.
Warner Music Nashville head John Esposito brought the color to the celebration, as usual. He read off many of Kenny’s impressive stats, recognized his scrappy promo team, and talked about how happy he was to be with industry friends in person.
Espo highlighted that Kenny Chesney is the “people’s superstar,” as dubbed by the Los Angeles Times.
The label head remembered the late night phone conversation that led to Kenny’s joining Warner Music Nashville in 2018. “He said ‘I’m gonna be a Warner Brothers record artist,'” Espo recalled. After grabbing a bottle of wine to celebrate, Espo ended the call with, “Kenny F*cking Chesney is going to be a Warner Brothers artist!”
When it came time to hear from the songwriters, Kat Higgins stepped up to the mic first with her infectious energy.
“Kenny, thank you for being the people’s superstar,” Kat said. “He cares about his fans, and them having that attachment with him, so he wants to deliver song after song for them….To have one in the many hits of yours is a dream for me.”
Pictured (L-R): Kenny Chesney, Grandmother to Adam James Luella Mar, Adam James. Photo: Allister Ann
Adam James echoed Kat’s sentiment. He said that he had asked Kenny who his dream cut was when he moved to town, to which Kenny responded as George Strait.
“I still haven’t gotten it,” Kenny yelled up to the stage, to which Adam responded “I got some ideas if you want to get together.”
“You don’t need me to tell you this, but that’s who you are for so many people,” Adam said. “Kenny Chesney is it.”
The new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer, Brett James, gushed about his co-writers and song partner Kenny.
“Kenny has meant so much to me as a friend and as a partner. He’s meant the world to my career,” Brett said. He also recognized Kenny’s team, saying “You can’t find anybody that has anything bad to say about you or your organization.”
When it was time for the man of the hour to speak, he emerged from his place in the crowd. The humble star had been beaming up at the songwriters and executives for the majority of the celebration, letting them have their moment.
Kenny remembered his first No. 1 record, and commented on how excited he was for Kat and Adam. “I know how hard that is. I know the path you have to cut to get to sit up here. I’m so proud of you both,” he said.
“You don’t hear these kinds of songs, or I haven’t in a while. It was so simple and so real. So beautiful and melodic,” Kenny said. “The first time I heard it, there was a lot of people that came up for me: some had passed, some were not in my life anymore. That’s the genius of the song, it’s not very specific on either/or. I felt like a lot of people would really relate to if if I did in both of those ways.”
After thanking his expansive team, the country giant summed: “I’m so thankful that I get to be the person who gets to get up on stage for the rest of his life and sing this kind of song…Thank you for being here.”
Eric Church To Open 6-Story Lower Broadway Spot, Chief’s
/by LB CantrellEric Church. Photo: Joe Pugliese
Eric Church will be the next country artist with a spot on Nashville’s lower Broadway.
The multi-Platinum superstar will open Chief’s in a six-story property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, which was formerly The Cotton Eyed Joe.
Partnering with real estate and hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin, the co-owners have plans to begin renovating the food, beverage and live entertainment space this year.
“I remember driving through downtown Nashville over 20 years ago with a pawn shop guitar, riding shotgun in a beat-to-hell truck just trying to chase a dream,” shares Church. “Chief’s is the culmination of catching that dream. Like everything else we do in our career, I wouldn’t even attempt a project like this if I didn’t think it would be the best, so that’s what Chief’s will be: the best.”
Rodney Scott. Photo: Angie Mosier
The North Carolina native plans to tap into his roots when it comes to the cuisine at Chief’s, with renowned Charleston pitmaster and James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott bringing his Whole Hog BBQ to Music City.
“I am beyond excited to not only bring Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ to Music City, but to also partner with my good friends Eric and Ben on this project,” says Scott. “Anyone who knows me, knows that I love music – so the opportunity to expand the brand in partnership with an award-winning musician makes this project extra special! I can’t wait to share our Carolina roots and our whole hog BBQ with the incredible people of Nashville.”
Church, who set the Nissan Stadium concert attendance record of 56,521 across the river from where Chief’s will stand, has been closely involved in the planning process for the venue. Chief’s will reflect his storied career of 30 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum singles – from his Sinners Like Me debut through current Top 15-and-climbing single “Heart On Fire” and beyond.
With this announcement, Church will join his peers Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, and more on Nashville’s Broadway.
“Bringing a seated music venue to Lower Broadway while revitalizing and preserving a historic building is exactly the kind of investment Nashville’s entertainment sector needs,” notes Mayor John Cooper. “I thank the partners involved for keeping the character of the building while creating a new concept for locals and our visitors to enjoy.”
“Pairing Eric’s talent and passion for music and his work ethic with a new restaurant, bar, performance hall and more downtown is a recipe for success,” adds Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO, Butch Spyridon. “The fact that he is doing this in a historic building that will transform the gateway to historic Second Avenue is truly a bonus as that street recovers from 2020’s unfortunate incident.”
“I am partnering with my closest friend and, in my opinion, the greatest hotel entrepreneur on earth, Ben Weprin, and the greatest barbecue chef in the world, Rodney Scott,” continues Church. “Together we will create an experience unique to Nashville and absolutely unparalleled in the world of music, food, fellowship and entertainment. This is my hometown. This is personal. This matters. Every detail of Chief’s will feel that way. I cannot wait to get started. See you in 2023.”
Keith Urban Takes Over Some Of Adele’s Caesars Palace Dates For His Las Vegas Residency
/by Lydia FarthingKeith Urban. Photo: Andy Snyder
Keith Urban has announced five new performance dates for his Las Vegas residency, “Keith Urban Live – Las Vegas.”
Hosted at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the added shows will take place March 25, 26 and 30, and April 1 and 2. The new dates will take place ahead of the previously announced Memorial Day Weekend shows on May 27 – 29.
Some of Urban’s new dates were originally slated to host British pop singer Adele‘s residency, “Weekends With Adele.” Scheduled to perform two shows each weekend until April, the entertainer suddenly cancelled all 24 shows only 24 hours before she was due to play the first show on Jan. 21. In an Instagram post, Adele cited issues due to COVID and delivery delays as her reason for cancellation.
Packed with hit songs, showmanship and signature unpredictability, Urban’s residency shows are billed as an arena-sized production in a theater setting, up close and personal.
Tickets go on sale to the public starting Monday, Jan. 31 at 12 p.m. CT. Members of The ‘Ville, Keith Urban’s official fan club, and Citi cardholders now have access to a presale.
Urban will also be hitting the road for the North American leg of his “The Speed Of Now World Tour” on June 17 at Tampa’s MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. Ingrid Andress will join him.
Spotify For Artists Launches New ‘Made To Be Found’ Microsite
/by Lydia FarthingSpotify for Artists has launched Made to be Found, a new website aimed to serve as a guide for artists to understand the different ways music is discovered by fans on Spotify.
Made to Be Found details how music goes from distribution and playlist pitching, to three key pathways to reaching listeners: editorial curation by Spotify (Lorem, New Music Friday), personalized algorithmic recommendations (Discover Weekly, Radio & Autoplay, Mixes, Songs to Sing in the Shower), and fan-led streaming (fan-made or artist playlists, artist profiles, catalog pages). Through the new site, Spotify will recommend actions artists can take to grow and engage their audiences on the platform.
Spotify is also rolling out a new beta feature in Spotify for Artists that provides a detailed view of the source of streams. Breaking down each track, artists will be able to see how each source is contributing to their music over the past month across their full catalog. The feature also includes engagement stats, such as streams per listener, saves, and playlist adds.
The company is also investing in tools to help artists build fanbases on the platform, outlining ways for artists to take control of their growth on Spotify. Some of these strategies include perfecting artist profiles, pitching to playlist editors, sharing music through Spotify’s social integrations, creating Promo Cards, uploading Canvases to tracks, and creating Marquee campaigns.
To learn more about the new Made to be Found website and Spotify’s new artist-focused features, click here.
MusicRow To Announce CountryBreakout Award Winners On Feb. 23
/by LB CantrellIn place of the annual Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, MusicRow will announce the winners of the 20th annual CountryBreakout Awards virtually on Feb. 23.
Now in its 20th year, the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards celebrate those who have dominated country radio’s secondary market. Winners in eight categories are determined by spins on the secondary market stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel each week.
Winners will be revealed on all MusicRow online platforms, including our website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, on Feb. 23.
Each winner will be featured in MusicRow‘s Country Radio & Streaming issue, also out Wednesday (Feb. 23).
Big Machine Label Group Elevates Three In Royalty Department
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kimberly Baker, Amanda Duke, Kaitlyn Russell.
Big Machine Label Group has promoted Kimberly Baker to Director of Royalty Accounting and Income Analysis, as well as Amanda Duke and Kaitlyn Russell to Royalty Analysts.
As Director of Royalty Accounting and Income Analysis, Baker is responsible for overseeing contractual payments and detailed earnings reporting for all Big Machine Label Group artists, producers and publishers.
Baker is supported by Duke and Russell, who together support finance operations across BMLG’s four imprints: Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records and Big Machine/John Varvatos Records.
Joining the label group in 2016 as Senior Royalty Analyst, Baker shares: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the exceptional team at Big Machine. I look forward to expanding my role as we continue our journey together.”
Baker, Duke, and Russell can be reached at kimberly.baker@bmlg.net, amanda.duke@bmlg.net, and kaitlyn.russell@bmlg.net, respectively.
Kenny Chesney Commemorates 34th No. 1 ‘Knowing You’ With Industry Celebration
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Kat Higgins, Kenny Chesney, Brett James, Adam James. Photo: Allister Ann
“Nobody’s done country music better than Kenny Chesney. Period,” said hit songwriter and publisher Brett James. That was the sentiment as the industry gathered to celebrate the country music titan’s 34th No. 1 song, the wistful “Knowing You.”
The tune was co-written by newly inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Brett James, along with Kat Higgins and Adam James. It was Brett’s 26th No. 1 country hit, and Kat and Adam’s first.
BMI’s Clay Bradley led the celebration. He promised that BMI would catch up on all the No. 1 parties that were missed due to the pandemic.
Representatives from Warner Chappell, BMG, Kobalt, and 3 Ring Circus were on hand to gush about their songwriters.
Pictured (L-R): Publisher Pat Higdon, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Producer Buddy Cannon, Brett James, Kat Higgins, Kenny Chesney, Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito, Adam James, 3 Ring Circus’ Jeffrey Steele, Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, BMI Vice President of Creative Clay Bradley. Photo: Allister Ann
Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn spoke on Brett James, who has teamed with Kenny on many of his hits (“When The Sun Goes Down,” “You Save Me,” “Went Out Last Night”).
Ben was also the first of many to recognize the hard work of the Warner Music Nashville promotion team, calling out Kristen Williams and Shari Roth for their leadership in getting “Knowing You,” a country waltz, up the charts.
“From the minute this song was pitched, recorded, and discussed, there was nothing but love and belief for this song,” Ben said, before plugging the song for the ACM’s second-round ballot.
BMG’s Chris Oglesby, who Ben referred to as ‘the reverend,’ doted on Kat Higgins. “I met Kat Higgins a long time ago through the legendary Pat Higdon. Her songs blew me away. They were filled with heart, color, and life,” Chris said. “She approaches every day with wide-eyed wonder and excitement. I’m so proud to represent you.”
Chris also recognized Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, “Knowing You” co-producer Buddy Cannon, the Warner team, and the creators of the music video—which he aptly plugged for ACM voters.
3 Ring Circus’ Jeffrey Steele and Casey Le’Vasseur spoke about Adam James. They both highlighted Adam’s originality and hard work, with Jeffrey saying his early tapes reminded him of songwriting great Roger Miller. Adam grasped his heart in shock at the compliment.
Warner Music Nashville head John Esposito brought the color to the celebration, as usual. He read off many of Kenny’s impressive stats, recognized his scrappy promo team, and talked about how happy he was to be with industry friends in person.
Espo highlighted that Kenny Chesney is the “people’s superstar,” as dubbed by the Los Angeles Times.
The label head remembered the late night phone conversation that led to Kenny’s joining Warner Music Nashville in 2018. “He said ‘I’m gonna be a Warner Brothers record artist,'” Espo recalled. After grabbing a bottle of wine to celebrate, Espo ended the call with, “Kenny F*cking Chesney is going to be a Warner Brothers artist!”
When it came time to hear from the songwriters, Kat Higgins stepped up to the mic first with her infectious energy.
“Kenny, thank you for being the people’s superstar,” Kat said. “He cares about his fans, and them having that attachment with him, so he wants to deliver song after song for them….To have one in the many hits of yours is a dream for me.”
Pictured (L-R): Kenny Chesney, Grandmother to Adam James Luella Mar, Adam James. Photo: Allister Ann
Adam James echoed Kat’s sentiment. He said that he had asked Kenny who his dream cut was when he moved to town, to which Kenny responded as George Strait.
“I still haven’t gotten it,” Kenny yelled up to the stage, to which Adam responded “I got some ideas if you want to get together.”
“You don’t need me to tell you this, but that’s who you are for so many people,” Adam said. “Kenny Chesney is it.”
The new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer, Brett James, gushed about his co-writers and song partner Kenny.
“Kenny has meant so much to me as a friend and as a partner. He’s meant the world to my career,” Brett said. He also recognized Kenny’s team, saying “You can’t find anybody that has anything bad to say about you or your organization.”
When it was time for the man of the hour to speak, he emerged from his place in the crowd. The humble star had been beaming up at the songwriters and executives for the majority of the celebration, letting them have their moment.
Kenny remembered his first No. 1 record, and commented on how excited he was for Kat and Adam. “I know how hard that is. I know the path you have to cut to get to sit up here. I’m so proud of you both,” he said.
“You don’t hear these kinds of songs, or I haven’t in a while. It was so simple and so real. So beautiful and melodic,” Kenny said. “The first time I heard it, there was a lot of people that came up for me: some had passed, some were not in my life anymore. That’s the genius of the song, it’s not very specific on either/or. I felt like a lot of people would really relate to if if I did in both of those ways.”
After thanking his expansive team, the country giant summed: “I’m so thankful that I get to be the person who gets to get up on stage for the rest of his life and sing this kind of song…Thank you for being here.”
Chaz Corzine Appointed Executive Director Of Belmont’s Fisher Center For The Performing Arts
/by Steven BoeroChaz Corzine. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University
Belmont University has appointed music industry veteran Chaz Corzine as the Executive Director of the new Fisher Center For The Performing Arts.
Corzine and his staff will will lead the Fisher Center’s artistic vision, help shape the strategic program direction, and assist in building a brand that communicates the center as a place of hope-inspiring community engagement through art and storytelling. He officially begins his new position on Feb. 14.
“I could not be more grateful for the opportunity and experiences I’ve had working with artists like Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Amy Grant and others,” says Corzine. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with legendary artists, and I now get to take those years of experiences and turn my focus to what will become a legendary venue. The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University is a world-class facility with unlimited potential. What a gift I’ve received to have had the career I’ve had and to now focus all I’ve learned on helping introduce the Fisher Center to the world.”
The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, September 24, 2021.
Corzine, a 35-plus-year music industry veteran, has spent his career negotiating major endorsement and sponsorship agreements, and implementing and leading some of the largest ticket selling and grossing concert tours. He has sold film rights and seen his projects gain theatrical release, and represented dozens of recording and book deals. Corzine has also seen his artists garner Grammys, American Music Awards, Dove Awards, Gold Medallion Awards and numerous other achievement and humanitarian awards.
“I first met Chaz several months ago when CeCe Winans so graciously and beautifully sang as part of my Inauguration festivities,” says Belmont President, Dr. Greg Jones. “In the months since, I’ve discovered what extraordinary experience Chaz possesses from his time in the pop, Christian and gospel music worlds, along with a deep network of entertainment industry colleagues and an ambitious vision that’s visible in every endeavor he undertakes.
“Most importantly, Chaz shares the God-sized dreams we have for the Fisher Center to draw the world’s finest artists, performers and storytellers to enrich and inspire our campus and community,” Jones says. “The Fisher Center provides Belmont an extraordinary opportunity for something new to happen both at this University and in Nashville, and Chaz’s experience and character is exactly what we need to get there.”
Corzine has served as a partner at The MWS Group, a creative content company he co-founded in 2009, which has served to manage the career and ancillary businesses of Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, Olympic Gold Medalist and commentator Scott Hamilton, author Frank Peretti and others.
“Working with Chaz over the past almost 38 years has been a blessing indeed,” says Smith. “Not too many people can say they’ve had the same manager for that long. He will be greatly missed but I wish him nothing but happiness and prosperity in his new role. Belmont is fortunate to have him on their team!”
The university’s newest building dedicated to music and the performing arts was finished in the fall of 2021. The 1,700 seat multi-functional performance hall most recently hosted the nationally televised “Christmas at Belmont” concert, featuring more than 600 student musicians. Read more about the Fisher Center here.
Dolly Parton & Duncan Hines Team Up On New Line Of Southern-Style Desserts
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton
Some of Dolly Parton‘s favorite family recipes are now available in a new line of Southern-inspired desserts thanks to a new partnership between Dolly and Duncan Hines.
Dolly-inspired products in the new line include cake mixes and frostings such as Coconut Cake and Banana Puddin’ Cake, and beginning in March they can be found in the baking section of grocery stores and mass retailers across the country.
“I have always loved to cook and, growing up in the South, I especially love that authentic Mom and Pop kind of cooking,” shares Parton. “I am excited to launch my own line of cake mixes and frostings with Duncan Hines, bringing that sweet, Southern-style baking experience I enjoy to others.”
To introduce the partnership, Duncan Hines is offering the limited-edition Dolly Parton’s Baking Collection, while supplies last. The collection gives Dolly fans the chance to be the first to try her new line of cake mixes and frostings before they hit shelves this spring.
“Duncan Hines is beyond thrilled to partner with Dolly Parton, one of the most revered and beloved women in the world, on a new line of products that are steeped in Southern comfort and inspired by Dolly’s family recipes,” says Audrey Ingersoll, Duncan Hines brand director. “We are excited to see this partnership–facilitated by Dolly’s licensing agency, IMG–evolve for years to come.”
Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, More To Perform At 2022 iHeartCountry Festival
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood
The iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One will make its triumphant return this year on Saturday, May 7 at Austin’s new Moody Center.
Now in its ninth year, the 2022 lineup will feature Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Maren Morris, Dustin Lynch, Jimmie Allen, Scotty McCreery, Cody Johnson, and more. The festival will once again be hosted by on-air personality Bobby Bones.
“Country music fans across the country look forward to the iHeartCountry Festival each and every year,” says Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartCountry. “We are thrilled to have such an incredible lineup perform at this year’s show and are especially excited to bring our nationally recognized event to the new Moody Center in Austin for the first-time.”
Capital One Cardholders have access to special pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. CT through Thursday, Feb. 3. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 4 at 12 p.m. CT.
iHeartMedia’s more than 150 country stations across the U.S. will also broadcast the event live in their local markets and online on Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. CT.
The iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One is a part of iHeartMedia’s roster of events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Wango Tango and iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.
John Berry Inks Distribution Deal With Gaither Music Group For New Album, ‘Find My Joy’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Gaither Music Group President Paul Sizelove, John Berry, and Leadership Artists President Brian Smith. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Grammy award-winning country artist John Berry has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Gaither Music Group for his upcoming 10-song, faith-based project, Find My Joy.
“Gaither Music Group is honored to partner with John and his team for this special recording,” says Paul Sizelove, president of Gaither Music Group. “John has impacted countless people with his songwriting, performances and radio hits. He has developed a brand of faith and family that brings uplifting entertainment as well as encouragement to listeners, and we are excited to introduce his renditions of these timeless songs on the Gaither platforms.”
Along with Gaither Music Group, Berry’s extended team also includes Leadership Artists for management, B! Noticed Public Relations and The Press House for publicity, and Atomic Music Group for booking.
Berry is currently booking his upcoming 2022 tour in support of the new album, which will kick off Feb. 11 in Greensboro, Georgia and visit Milwaukee, Panama City, and more through June with additional dates soon to be added. For a full list of dates, click here.