Maddie & Tae’s ‘Die From A Broken Heart’ Goes Double Platinum
Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr. (Back Row, L-R): Colton Thomas, Jeremy Little, Shane Smith, Dave Lapsley. Photo: William Hamilton
Award-winning duo Maddie & Tae recently earned RIAA Double Platinum status on their record-breaking No. 1 smash hit “Die From A Broken Heart.” To help celebrate and present the plaques to Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr were their longtime friends and bandmates Colton Thomas, Jeremy Little, Shane Smith, and Dave Lapsley.
“These guys have been on this wild ride with us and they believed in us even when we may have doubted ourselves,” says Kerr. “We are a family!”
When “Die From A Broken Heart” topped the country airplay charts, Maddie & Tae became the first and only female twosome with multiple No. 1’s. The track was also named one of Billboard’s Top 10 Country Songs of 2020 and was a standout track on the pair’s critically acclaimed sophomore album The Way It Feels.
Big Machine Label Group Receives Great Place To Work Certification
Big Machine Label Group has been certified by global authority on workplace culture Great Place to Work, joining previously certified companies like Hulu, Comcast, AT&T, Cisco, and Bank of America. Leading the industry with the most rigorous, data-based model for quantifying employee experiences, Great Place to Work’s Trust Model is the standard for ensuring every employee is consistently having a positive work experience.
The study revealed that BMLG employees have an overwhelming sense of pride in what the company accomplishes. The report also noted that BMLG has a significantly higher percentage of employees declaring it is a great place to work compared to those at typical U.S.-based companies. Big Machine Label Group has also been named twice in leading business media brand Fast Company’s annual ranking of the Most Innovative Companies.
The coveted Great Place to Work status comes as Big Machine nears the close of its 15-year anniversary. Over the past year, the label group has achieved numerous monumental milestones across its artist roster including Florida Georgia Line becoming the first country act to earn two RIAA Diamond Single Awards, Thomas Rhett earning the ACM Entertainer and Male Artist of the Year trophies, Carly Pearce winning her first CMA and ACM awards, and Lady A earning a Grammy nomination.
Bob Morelli Celebrates One Year Anniversary Of Cool Is Forever Consulting
Bob Morelli. Photo: Donna Morelli
Long Island-based Cool is Forever Consulting LLC, owned by former Sony Music RED President, Bob Morelli, celebrated their one year anniversary.
“After a successful 14 years as President of Sony RED, I have happily and smoothly transitioned to the Founder and CEO of my own company, Cool is Forever Consulting LLC,” says Morelli. “It’s pretty exciting and rewarding helping either an artist, a label, or an industry partner move their agenda along and find success. Starting out as an indie record store owner, then paying my dues in sales, then a marketing executive, to finally running both a major and indie distribution company and a label group… I’ve gotten pretty good at a wide variety of things that help my clients.”
Cool is Forever Consulting specializes in big picture strategies, tactical marketing, sales initiatives, negotiating distribution, and label deals. It also offers a full team providing service in digital marketing, online advertising, social media, creative, data analytics, A&R, and influencer marketing.
Kasey Cleckler Launches Executive Coaching Company Cape + Anchor
Kasey Cleckler
Music industry member Kasey Cleckler has launched her executive coaching venture Cape + Anchor.
With over 15 years industry experience in business management and touring, Cleckler brings knowledge of the intricacies of the entertainment industry that is instrumental in the success of coaching in that space. Her career in business management started at Flood Bumstead McCready and McCarthy where she was an Account Manager responsible for the day-to-day management of business for multiple Grammy-award winning artists that toured extensively both nationally and internationally.
“I see a special place for coaching in the music industry,” explains Cleckler. “It’s an important time of personal and professional change and adaptation. For an industry that is known for recreating itself again and again, this is work that will be fruitful in improving the entertainment business along with the lives and relationships of those who work in it. I’m excited to work alongside creative thinkers and leaders in music as they define and create the way forward for themselves and their businesses.”
Through Cape + Anchor, Cleckler aims to provide tools for individuals and organizations to improve communication and teamwork, create a successful business and touring culture, navigate personal and professional change, and improve adaptability.
Amy Grant Celebrates ‘Heart In Motion’ 30th Anniversary With Fall Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughAmy Grant is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her iconic album, Heart In Motion, which will re-release on July 9. To further celebrate the milestone, Grant is heading out on tour this fall beginning in Beaver Creek, Colorado on Aug. 5.
Grant will visit 39 cities this fall, including Denver, Houston, Spokane, Baltimore, Phoenix, and two Los Angeles area shows in Beverly Hills and Anaheim. The new show will include songs spanning Grant’s four-decade career, including hits from Heart In Motion in celebration of its anniversary.
Digital pre-orders have launched on the album with the instant grat track “Don’t Ever Want To Lose It (Wind In the Fire)” available now. Along with all the original Heart In Motion remastered tracks, the double disc anniversary edition will also include never-before-released tracks and updated remixes of the hit singles. Beginning July 30, for the first time since its original release, the album will also be remastered on vinyl.
Amy Grant Fall 2021 Tour:
Aug 5 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center
Aug 6 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theater
Aug 7 – Salina, KS – Stiefel Theater
Aug 14 – LaGrange, GA – Sweetland Amphitheater
Aug 15 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns
Sept 8 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
Sept 9 – Medford, MA – The Chevalier Theater
Sept 10 – Baltimore, MD – Modell Performing Arts Center
Sept 11 – Richmond, KY – Eastern Kentucky University
Sept 16 – New Philadelphia, OH – Performing Arts Center
Sept 17 – Greensburg, PA – Palace Theater
Sept 18 – Warsaw, IN – Wagon Wheel Center
Sept 20 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
Sept 21 – Dayton, OH – Schuster Center
Sept 22 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center
Sept 23 – Durham, NC – Carolina Theater of Durham
Sept 25 – Charlottesville, VA – Paramount Theater
Sept 26 – Bristol, TN – Paramount Center for the Performing Arts
Oct 1 – Franklin, TN – Tennessee Weekend
Oct 2 – Franklin, TN – Tennessee Weekend
Oct 3 – Franklin TN – Tennessee Weekend
Oct 8 – Greeley, CO – Union Colony Civic Center
Oct 9 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater
Oct 10 – Boise, ID – Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
Oct 11 – Spokane, WA – First Interstate Center
Oct 13 – Bellingham, WA – Mount Baker Theater
Oct 14 – Eugene, OR – McDonald Theater
Oct 15 – Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center
Oct 16 – Bakersfield, CA – Fox Theater
Oct 18 – San Jose, CA – California Theater
Oct 19 – Grass Valley, CA – Center for the Performing Arts
Oct 20 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove
Oct 22 – Beverly Hills, CA – Saban Theater
Oct 23 – Chandler, AZ – Chandler Center for the Performing
Oct 24 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Theater
Oct 26 – Lubbock, TX – Buddy Holly Center
Oct 27 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theater
Oct 28 – Houston, TX – Arena Theater
Oct 29 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theater
Industry Ink: Maddie & Tae, Big Machine, Bob Morelli, Kasey Cleckler
/by Lydia FarthingMaddie & Tae’s ‘Die From A Broken Heart’ Goes Double Platinum
Pictured (Front Row, L-R): Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr. (Back Row, L-R): Colton Thomas, Jeremy Little, Shane Smith, Dave Lapsley. Photo: William Hamilton
Award-winning duo Maddie & Tae recently earned RIAA Double Platinum status on their record-breaking No. 1 smash hit “Die From A Broken Heart.” To help celebrate and present the plaques to Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr were their longtime friends and bandmates Colton Thomas, Jeremy Little, Shane Smith, and Dave Lapsley.
“These guys have been on this wild ride with us and they believed in us even when we may have doubted ourselves,” says Kerr. “We are a family!”
When “Die From A Broken Heart” topped the country airplay charts, Maddie & Tae became the first and only female twosome with multiple No. 1’s. The track was also named one of Billboard’s Top 10 Country Songs of 2020 and was a standout track on the pair’s critically acclaimed sophomore album The Way It Feels.
Big Machine Label Group Receives Great Place To Work Certification
The study revealed that BMLG employees have an overwhelming sense of pride in what the company accomplishes. The report also noted that BMLG has a significantly higher percentage of employees declaring it is a great place to work compared to those at typical U.S.-based companies. Big Machine Label Group has also been named twice in leading business media brand Fast Company’s annual ranking of the Most Innovative Companies.
The coveted Great Place to Work status comes as Big Machine nears the close of its 15-year anniversary. Over the past year, the label group has achieved numerous monumental milestones across its artist roster including Florida Georgia Line becoming the first country act to earn two RIAA Diamond Single Awards, Thomas Rhett earning the ACM Entertainer and Male Artist of the Year trophies, Carly Pearce winning her first CMA and ACM awards, and Lady A earning a Grammy nomination.
Bob Morelli Celebrates One Year Anniversary Of Cool Is Forever Consulting
Bob Morelli. Photo: Donna Morelli
Long Island-based Cool is Forever Consulting LLC, owned by former Sony Music RED President, Bob Morelli, celebrated their one year anniversary.
“After a successful 14 years as President of Sony RED, I have happily and smoothly transitioned to the Founder and CEO of my own company, Cool is Forever Consulting LLC,” says Morelli. “It’s pretty exciting and rewarding helping either an artist, a label, or an industry partner move their agenda along and find success. Starting out as an indie record store owner, then paying my dues in sales, then a marketing executive, to finally running both a major and indie distribution company and a label group… I’ve gotten pretty good at a wide variety of things that help my clients.”
Cool is Forever Consulting specializes in big picture strategies, tactical marketing, sales initiatives, negotiating distribution, and label deals. It also offers a full team providing service in digital marketing, online advertising, social media, creative, data analytics, A&R, and influencer marketing.
Kasey Cleckler Launches Executive Coaching Company Cape + Anchor
Kasey Cleckler
Music industry member Kasey Cleckler has launched her executive coaching venture Cape + Anchor.
With over 15 years industry experience in business management and touring, Cleckler brings knowledge of the intricacies of the entertainment industry that is instrumental in the success of coaching in that space. Her career in business management started at Flood Bumstead McCready and McCarthy where she was an Account Manager responsible for the day-to-day management of business for multiple Grammy-award winning artists that toured extensively both nationally and internationally.
“I see a special place for coaching in the music industry,” explains Cleckler. “It’s an important time of personal and professional change and adaptation. For an industry that is known for recreating itself again and again, this is work that will be fruitful in improving the entertainment business along with the lives and relationships of those who work in it. I’m excited to work alongside creative thinkers and leaders in music as they define and create the way forward for themselves and their businesses.”
Through Cape + Anchor, Cleckler aims to provide tools for individuals and organizations to improve communication and teamwork, create a successful business and touring culture, navigate personal and professional change, and improve adaptability.
Luke Bryan Peaks On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryLuke Bryan earns his first No. 1 of 2021 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Waves.” In April, the single swept that charts as the most added and highest debut for its impact week, debuting at No. 35 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Writer credit for “Waves” goes to Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd, and Chase McGill. The song also appears on the deluxe version of Bryan’s album Born Here Live Here Die Here.
Bryan has announced several gigs for 2021, the Proud To Be Right Here Tour kicking off in July and The 2021 Farm Tour in September. Planning ahead in 2022, he also announced the return of Crash My Playa for January and a Vegas residency for February.
Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart.
Jess Soccorsi Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): VP of CURB | Word Christian A&R and Publishing, Jonathan Mason; Jess Soccorsi; Senior Director of Publishing and A&R Trevor Mathiesen, VP of CURB|Word Pop A&R and Publishing Joel Timen
Jess Soccorsi has signed with Curb | Word Music Publishing.
Soccorsi, a multi-genre singer-songwriter, moved to Nashville in 2015 to pursue a career in music. Originally from West Virginia, she lived in Colorado for years where she wrote primarily worship and pop music. She also spent much of her time leading worship, helping equip other worship leader-writers, and traveling abroad. While studying music for a year in London, Soccorsi expanded her production experience which inspired her indie pop project SÜ.
In 2019, Soccorsi released “Cathedrals” and “Right Here” which blend dream pop ballads with electro-tinged beats. She co-wrote her most recent single, “Til The End of Time,” with fellow artist Silverberg, which debuted in June 2020. She has also had placements in The Hills, Siesta Key, and Ex On The Beach.
Luke Combs, Priscilla Block, CeCe Winans Added To NASCAR Weekend In Nashville
/by Steven BoeroNASCAR’s triple-header weekend from June 18-20 at the Nashville Superspeedway has added Platinum-selling country artist Luke Combs, Gospel legend CeCe Winans, and up and coming singer Priscilla Block to an already star-packed lineup.
Winans, a twelve-time Grammy winning singer who has sold over 5 million records, will be offering the invocation at Sunday’s (June 20) sold-out Ally 400 race representing Life Church Nashville. Meanwhile, Combs will get to say the most famous words in motorsports as the grand marshal for the Ally 400. Block, a 25-year-old Universal Music Group Nashville recording artist, will sing the national anthem for Sunday’s race.
As previously announced, Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson will be performing the pre-race concert on Sunday and will be joined by country music legend John Anderson. Country singer and Tennessee native Brandon Lay will perform the national anthem prior to Saturday’s (June 19) Tennessee Lottery 250 Xfinity Series races. Local singer and winner of the fan voted “NASHCAR Superstar” Sweepstakes, Brenna Bone will also perform the national anthem before the Rackley Roofing 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night (June 18.)
The race weekend will also feature local sports figures on top of the country music talent. Nine-year NFL veteran and former member of the Tennessee Titans from 2013-14, Brendan Pollard, will wave the green flag as the Honorary Starter for the Ally 400 on Sunday. Shea Ralph, a seven-time national champion and current Vanderbilt University head women’s basketball coach, will serve as the Honorary Starter for the Tennessee Lottery 250 on Saturday.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Thomas Rhett & Rhett Akins, Pryor & Lee, Shy Carter & Friends
/by Robert K OermannCountry music can rock you, touch your heart, or tickle your funny bone, and all three of those are in today’s DisClaimer.
You wanna rock? Let Shy Carter and his buddies show you how. If sentiment is what you crave, settle in with Pryor & Lee. As for humor, may I introduce you to today’s goofy DisCovery Award winner, Toby T. Swift?
My dad has been gone for several years, but Thomas Rhett’s is still very much with us. In fact, they played the Opry together last weekend. So as a sweet salute to Father’s Day, play his Disc of the Day winner, “Things Dads Do.”
DIRT REYNOLDS / “Battleship Chains”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Dishen; Label: Ditto
— This is a Nashville country-rock band. The song is a Georgia Satellites goldie. It rocks, but could use some production polish.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Rescue Me”
Writers: Matt McGinn/Chris Young/Christian Stalnecker/Josh Hoge/Mark Holman; Producer: Chris Young/Mark Holman; Label: RCA Nashville
— I’m not sure I understand the reasoning behind taking a singer this strong and doubling the vocal track, but the sound is intriguingly “different” for him. The ballad pleads for her hand in a novel way. Toward the end, we do get to hear his vocal phrasing unadorned by production. I remain a fan.
PRYOR & LEE / “Good Ol’ Dogs & God”
Writers: Adam Wood/Doug Johnson/Elvie Shane/Trent Fisher; Producer: Doug Johnson; Label: Black River
— Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee are dog lovers. Next Wednesday (June 23), they are doing a virtual concert for 130 animal-rescue organizations nationwide in conjunction with this single release. The gist of the ballad’s dobro-laced lyric is unconditional love, which is what you can count on from both your dog and your God. “Best friends, amen,” they sing. These two singers were roommates when they competed individually on The Voice. As a duo, they pack a punch.
THOMAS RHETT / “Things Dads Do”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Matt Dragstrem/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— Sunday is Father’s Day, and who better to have a tender papa ballad than this guy? Singer-songwriter dad Rhett Akins launched one of our most consistent contemporary country hit makers. No wonder Thomas has crafted something so well written and perfectly produced. An emotional bullseye.
LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL / “Perennial Bloom”
Writers: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Fantasy
— This jangly country rocker is the single from the band’s new album, A Few Stars Apart. The record’s release party is at the Basement East on Wednesday (June 23). Lukas has papa Willie’s high, reedy tenor tone, but with a tougher edge. And he seems to be gaining strength with each new release. Americana programmers also take note.
GABBY BARRETT / “Footprints On The Moon”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Zach Kale; Producer: Ross Copperman/Zach Kale; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— This uber-produced, empowering, pop-rock banger says that anything is possible for you. After all, there are human footprints on the moon. Gabby goes for a three-peat.
TOBY T. SWIFT / “Cicada Love Call”
Writers: Toby T. Swift; Producer: none listed; Label: TTS
— Totally dumb and totally hilarious. He compares an ex-wife to a 17-year cicada who has come back to bug him. I love his oafish delivery as well as his flat-footed melody. Ya gotta love the lyric. Essential listening.
ZAC BROWN BAND / “Same Boat”
Writers: Zac Brown/Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music
— A summer jam, for sure. The bouncy tempo, upbeat hippie message and band vocal harmonies are all back, as strong as ever. Bop along.
RESTLESS ROAD / “Bar Friends”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Jordan M. Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Tyler Filmore; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
— This catchy thumper is a rousing celebration of buddy drinking. It’s such a toe tapper that it’s hard to sit still while it unspools. The trio continues to show promise.
JASON ALDEAN / “Heaven”
Writers: Bryan Adams/Jim Vallance; Producer: none listed; Label: BBR
— Aldean has been singing this classic Bryan Adams ballad in his concerts for years. Now the studio version is an Amazon exclusive. It’s a reminder that he really can sing, which isn’t always evident in his rock-’em-sock-’em performances.
SHY CARTER, COLE SWINDELL, DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Beer With My Friends”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— It’s a rowdy, shout-along, gang performance of a barroom banger that sounds exactly like a party. Raise a glass, turn it up and sing with them.
KAMERON MARLOWE / “Tequila Talkin’”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Kameron Marlowe/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
— I still dig his Southern-fried singing voice with its hints of r&b. This slow-burn romance tune simmers like a steamy summer afternoon. The video debuts today on YouTube.
Charlie Daniels To Be Honored With Duets Album Featuring Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, More
/by Lydia FarthingPhoto: Erick Anderson/eafoto
Several artists have come together to pay tribute to the late Charlie Daniels on a new collaborative album, Charlie Daniels & Friends – Duets, which will be released via Blue Hat Records & BFD/Audium Nashville. Walmart is exclusively carrying the project, which will be available on Friday, July 16 at all Walmart locations and at walmart.com. Daniels, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, died last year (July 6, 2020) from a hemorrhagic stroke. He was 83.
The nineteen-track compilation features Daniels singing and picking with a slew of top-notch stars including Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Brenda Lee, Gretchen Wilson, Marty Stuart, and more.
“It goes without saying that it’s been a rough year for my mom and I, our CDB family and dad’s fans,” says Daniels’ son, Charlie Daniels Jr. “But his music will live on forever, and we’re happy that this Duets collection will add to his legacy.”
The album includes several of Daniels’ biggest songs such as “Long Haired Country Boy” with Brooks & Dunn, as well as an additional version with the late Hal Ketchum and John Berry, “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again)” with Keith Urban on guitar, “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye” with Montgomery Gentry, and “Waco” with Garth Brooks singing harmony, as well as classic tunes like “Jackson” with Wilson, “Let It Be Me” with Lee, and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” with Gill.
“The process of putting this project together was a wonderful time of reflection and it became an overwhelming reminder of how great these tracks are,” explains Blue Hat Records President and Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. “The best of the best joined Charlie in sharing musical styles and great songs. Thanks to all who participated in honoring Charlie.”
Charlie Daniels & Friends – Duets Track Listing:
1. What’d I Say (with Travis Tritt)
2. Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours (with Bonnie Bramlett)
3. Jackson (with Gretchen Wilson)
4. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (with Vince Gill)
5. Maggie’s Farm (with Earl, Gary and Randy Scruggs)
6. Daddy’s Old Fiddle (with Dolly Parton)
7. Like A Rolling Stone (with Darius Rucker)
8. Evangeline (with The Del McCoury Band)
9. Let It Be Me (with Brenda Lee)
10. Long Haired Country Boy (with Brooks & Dunn)
11. God Save Us All From Religion (with Marty Stuart)
12. Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye (with Montgomery Gentry)
13. Jammin’ For Stevie (with Brad Paisley)
14. Waco (with Garth Brooks singing harmony vocals)
15. The South’s Gonna Do It (Again) (with Keith Urban on guitar)
16. All Night Long (with Montgomery Gentry)
17. Texas (with Ray Benson and Lee Roy Parnell)
18. Southern Boy (with Travis Tritt)
19. Long Haired Country Boy (with Hal Ketchum and John Berry)
Chris Lane Announces Fill Them Boots Tour To Begin In October
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Lane is set to play 31 dates on his new Fill Them Boots Tour, which kicks off Oct. 28 in Memphis at the Soundstage at Graceland and runs through next March. The tour will include support from Tyler Rich, Ernest, and Lily Rose throughout the cross-country run.
Pre-sale for tickets begins June 22 at 10 a.m. local time, with public on sale beginning June 25 at 10 a.m. local time at Ticketmaster.com.
Lane is currently climbing the charts with his new single “Fill Them Boots.” The Big Loud Records hitmaker continues to surprise fans with new tracks including the sun-soaked “Summer Job Money,” tender tribute “That’s What Mamas Are For,” and a collaboration with Dustin Lynch on the no-worries anthem “Tequila On A Boat.” He also penned the sentimental “Ain’t Even Met You Yet,” in advance of the birth of his son, Dutton Walker Lane – born on June 8 to Lane and wife Lauren.
Jon Wood Signs Publishing Deal With Peermusic
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Kendall Lettow, Creative Director, Peermusic; Justin Weaver, songwriter/producer; Jon Wood; Michael Knox, Senior Vice President, Peermusic Nashville; and Matt Michiels, Senior Creative Director, Peermusic. Photo: Annelise Loughead
Jon Wood has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with Peermusic.
At 21, Wood left his hometown of Wake Forest, North Carolina to chase his dreams in Nashville. After only five months, songwriter and producer Justin Weaver reached out and the duo quickly began writing together in early 2019, recording two EPs before the end of that year. Wood spent 2020 writing, recording, and playing shows and is currently working on putting out new music.
“Jon has really grown as an artist and writer over the past couple of years under the guidance of Justin Weaver,” says SVP of Peermusic Michael Knox. “I’m excited to watch him continue to grow to the next level.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Michael Knox and the entire Peermusic creative team. With the support of Peermusic and Justin Weaver, I know that I have the right team in place and I’m grateful for their belief in me. Looking forward to what’s to come!” shares Wood.
ABC, Country Music Association Extend Broadcast Agreement Through 2026
/by Lydia Farthing“Over the past 15 years, we have built a true partnership with ABC, and we are thrilled to continue our relationship through 2026,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “As television viewers are now consuming content in so many new and exciting ways, we are eager to work with the entire ABC team on creating additional paths to bring country music to audiences everywhere. As our genre continues to evolve and broaden, we look to this partnership as a key driver in expanding country music’s reach.”
“Continuing our long-standing relationship with CMA is a top priority and opportunity—together, we bring unforgettable experiences to our audiences that capture the heart and soul of the country music community,” says Rob Mills, EVP, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “We look forward to delivering many more memorable moments with celebrated icons as well as aspirational artists and are proud to be the home for these incredible and distinguished specials.”
The CMA Awards are the longest-running, annual music awards program on broadcast television, having debuted on ABC in 2006. Last year’s awards delivered ABC’s biggest Wednesday audience this season in entertainment, reaching more than 21 million viewers and generating nearly 9 million social video views across Facebook and Twitter.