
The Academy of Country Music is announcing today (Feb. 9) its Radio Awards nominees for the 56th ACM Awards, including double nominations for KATI-FM in Jefferson City, MO, KKNU-FM in Eugene, OR; KNIX-FM in Phoenix, AZ; KSOP-FM in Salt Lake City, UT; KUZZ-AM/FM in Bakersfield, CA; KXKT-FM in Omaha, NE; WQDR-FM in Raleigh, NC; and WXBQ-FM in Bristol, VA.
The Radio Awards winners will be announced ahead of the 56th ACM Awards in April. The 56th Academy Of Country Music Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and will stream live and on demand on CBS All Access.
Two MusicRow reporting panel stations are among the nominees, WPAP’s ‘Dr.’ Shane Collins and Tess Connell for Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year, and WCOW in Sparta, WI for Small Market Station of the Year.
The full list of 56th ACM Awards nominations will be announced in the coming weeks.
56th ACM Radio Awards nominees are:
NATIONAL ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Big D and Bubba – Big D and Bubba
Cody Alan – CMT After MidNite
Kix Brooks – American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks
Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase – The Crook & Chase Countdown
Paul Koffy, Jasmine Sadry, Josh Jensen – Morning Koffy
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
Broadway – WDRQ-FM, Detroit, MI
Chris Carr & Company – Chris Carr, Kia Becht – KEEY-FM, Minneapolis, MN
McKaila Poppen Double-L – Lois Lewis – KNIX-FM, Phoenix, AZ
Tanner in the Morning – Rob Tanner – WSOC-FM, Charlotte, NC
Catherine Lane, Chris Allen, Captain Jim
The Morning Bull – George, Mo, Cowboy Dave – KILT-FM, Houston, TX
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
Dave & Deb – Dave Gunderson, Deb Turpin – KSOP-FM, Salt Lake City, UT
Lexi & Banks – Lexi Papadopoulos, Jared Banks – KUBL-FM, Salt Lake City, UT
Mad Dawg – WQDR-FM, Raleigh, NC
Obie & Ashley – Obie Diaz, Ashley Morrison – WWKA-FM, Orlando, FL
The Wake Up Call – Kelli Green, David Bugenske – KFRG-FM, Riverside/San Bernardino, CA
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
Buzz Jackson – KIIM-FM, Tucson, AZ
Geoff Emery – KUZZ AM/FM, Bakersfield, CA
Mo & StyckMan – WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN
Scott & Sarah in the Morning – Scott Wynn, Sarah Kay – WQMX-FM, Akron, OH
Steve Lundy & Gina Melton – KXKT-FM, Omaha, NE
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
Barrett, Fox & Berry – Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, Tracy Berry – KKNU-FM, Eugene, OR
Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning – ‘Dr.’ Shane Collins – WPAP-FM, Panama City, FL
Tess Connell
Erin and Matt In The Morning – Erin Hart, Matt Sharp – KATI-FM, Jefferson City, MO
Steve, Ben and Nikki – Steve Stroud, Ben Walker, and Nikki Thomas – WXBQ-FM, Bristol, VA
The Philip Gibbons Show – Philip Gibbons – WGSQ-FM, Cookeville, TN
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
KKBQ-FM – Houston, TX
KNIX-FM – Phoenix, AZ
KSON-FM – San Diego, CA
WKLB-FM – Boston, MA
WXTU-FM – Philadelphia, PA
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
KSOP-FM – Salt Lake City, UT
KNCI-FM – Sacramento, CA
WDSY-FM – Pittsburgh, PA
WSIX-FM – Nashville, TN
WQDR-FM – Raleigh, NC
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
KSKS-FM – Fresno, CA
KUZZ-AM/FM – Bakersfield, CA
KXKT-FM – Omaha, NE
WHKO-FM – Dayton, OH
WIVK-FM – Knoxville, TN
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
KATI-FM – Jefferson City, MO
KCLR-FM- Columbia, MO
KKNU-FM – Eugene, OR
WCOW-FM – Sparta, WI
WXBQ-FM – Bristol, VA
for KING & COUNTRY Go Deluxe with ‘Burn The Ships’ Collaborations and Remixes Edition
/by Lorie Hollabaughfor KING & COUNTRY is releasing a new expanded edition of their latest project with Burn The Ships (Deluxe Edition: Remixes & Collaborations), on March 26. The deluxe addition features the duo’s collaborations with Dolly Parton, Timbaland, and more.
Starting with the Grammy-winning collaboration with Dolly Parton in 2019 for the duo’s Platinum-selling No. 1 track “God Only Knows,” Joel and Luke Smallbone have spent the last two years bridging gaps with their cross-genre collaborations. The 17-song project includes guest appearances by Dolly, Timbaland, Tori Kelly, Kirk Franklin, and more.
Recently, for KING & COUNTRY released their latest single and lyric video for “Amen (Reborn) [feat. Lecrae + The WRLDFMS Tony Williams],” a song about renaissance and renewal. for KING & COUNTRY first teamed up with Lecrae on his track “Messengers” in 2015, earning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song that year. Earlier this year, for KING & COUNTRY continued to expand their palette by joining with label mates Hannah Ellis and Jackson Michelson to release “Together (The Country Collaboration)” – a brand new rendition of the duo’s multi-week No. 1 hit.
“Thank you all for embarking on the Burn The Ships voyage over the last few years,” Joel and Luke shared. “Since the album’s release, there have been wonderful collaborations bringing with them new and fresh musical moments that we felt deserved to be grafted into this record’s story going forward. Our hope is this ‘complete edition’ brings with it a new emotion, depth, and spirit. This album no longer belongs to us or these other incredible voices who lent their talents to it, it belongs to you. It’s your stories, your heartfelt conversations, texts, FaceTimes and gifts that have inspired and re-inspired us along the way – honestly, you have given this catalog of songs a whole new meaning and life, and not only given us the courage to keep stepping forward, but have also helped us find redemption in our own stories.”
Tommy Lee James Signs Admin Agreement with Kobalt Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Jesse Willoughby (Kobalt Nashville), Kevin Lane (Kobalt Nashville), Tommy Lee James; (L-R, middle row): Morgan Brasfield (Kobalt Nashville), Stephanie Cox (Kobalt Nashville), Mark Abramowitz (Kobalt Nashville); (L-R, bottom row): Chelsea Kent (Worktape Junkie Management)
Tommy Lee James has signed an exclusive administrative agreement with Kobalt Music.
James’ songs have been recorded by Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, One Direction, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Joe Walsh, Celine Dion, Reba McEntire, Brooks and Dunn, and many others. He’s penned pop, rock, country and dance hits, and achieved nine Billboard and Mediabase No. 1 songs in the country market alone, including recent hits by Shelton and Stefani with “Nobody But You,” and Chesney with “All The Pretty Girls.”
“Tommy is the perfect fit for Kobalt. His track record speaks for itself and his ability to work in multiple genres across the globe allows for a lot of exciting collaboration. The global creative team as well as myself are very excited to welcome Tommy into the Kobalt family,” said Creative Director Kevin Lane.
“I’m so excited for this chance to work with the talented team at Kobalt!” said James. “Their global and interactive approach supports my international endeavors and expands exponentially my opportunities. I love writing songs and I’m grateful to be joining their amazing roster of writers!’
ACM Announces Radio Awards Nominees for 56th Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Academy of Country Music is announcing today (Feb. 9) its Radio Awards nominees for the 56th ACM Awards, including double nominations for KATI-FM in Jefferson City, MO, KKNU-FM in Eugene, OR; KNIX-FM in Phoenix, AZ; KSOP-FM in Salt Lake City, UT; KUZZ-AM/FM in Bakersfield, CA; KXKT-FM in Omaha, NE; WQDR-FM in Raleigh, NC; and WXBQ-FM in Bristol, VA.
The Radio Awards winners will be announced ahead of the 56th ACM Awards in April. The 56th Academy Of Country Music Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and will stream live and on demand on CBS All Access.
Two MusicRow reporting panel stations are among the nominees, WPAP’s ‘Dr.’ Shane Collins and Tess Connell for Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year, and WCOW in Sparta, WI for Small Market Station of the Year.
The full list of 56th ACM Awards nominations will be announced in the coming weeks.
56th ACM Radio Awards nominees are:
NATIONAL ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Big D and Bubba – Big D and Bubba
Cody Alan – CMT After MidNite
Kix Brooks – American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks
Lorianne Crook, Charlie Chase – The Crook & Chase Countdown
Paul Koffy, Jasmine Sadry, Josh Jensen – Morning Koffy
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
Broadway – WDRQ-FM, Detroit, MI
Chris Carr & Company – Chris Carr, Kia Becht – KEEY-FM, Minneapolis, MN
McKaila Poppen Double-L – Lois Lewis – KNIX-FM, Phoenix, AZ
Tanner in the Morning – Rob Tanner – WSOC-FM, Charlotte, NC
Catherine Lane, Chris Allen, Captain Jim
The Morning Bull – George, Mo, Cowboy Dave – KILT-FM, Houston, TX
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
Dave & Deb – Dave Gunderson, Deb Turpin – KSOP-FM, Salt Lake City, UT
Lexi & Banks – Lexi Papadopoulos, Jared Banks – KUBL-FM, Salt Lake City, UT
Mad Dawg – WQDR-FM, Raleigh, NC
Obie & Ashley – Obie Diaz, Ashley Morrison – WWKA-FM, Orlando, FL
The Wake Up Call – Kelli Green, David Bugenske – KFRG-FM, Riverside/San Bernardino, CA
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
Buzz Jackson – KIIM-FM, Tucson, AZ
Geoff Emery – KUZZ AM/FM, Bakersfield, CA
Mo & StyckMan – WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN
Scott & Sarah in the Morning – Scott Wynn, Sarah Kay – WQMX-FM, Akron, OH
Steve Lundy & Gina Melton – KXKT-FM, Omaha, NE
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
Barrett, Fox & Berry – Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, Tracy Berry – KKNU-FM, Eugene, OR
Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning – ‘Dr.’ Shane Collins – WPAP-FM, Panama City, FL
Tess Connell
Erin and Matt In The Morning – Erin Hart, Matt Sharp – KATI-FM, Jefferson City, MO
Steve, Ben and Nikki – Steve Stroud, Ben Walker, and Nikki Thomas – WXBQ-FM, Bristol, VA
The Philip Gibbons Show – Philip Gibbons – WGSQ-FM, Cookeville, TN
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
KKBQ-FM – Houston, TX
KNIX-FM – Phoenix, AZ
KSON-FM – San Diego, CA
WKLB-FM – Boston, MA
WXTU-FM – Philadelphia, PA
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
KSOP-FM – Salt Lake City, UT
KNCI-FM – Sacramento, CA
WDSY-FM – Pittsburgh, PA
WSIX-FM – Nashville, TN
WQDR-FM – Raleigh, NC
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
KSKS-FM – Fresno, CA
KUZZ-AM/FM – Bakersfield, CA
KXKT-FM – Omaha, NE
WHKO-FM – Dayton, OH
WIVK-FM – Knoxville, TN
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
KATI-FM – Jefferson City, MO
KCLR-FM- Columbia, MO
KKNU-FM – Eugene, OR
WCOW-FM – Sparta, WI
WXBQ-FM – Bristol, VA
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen’s Sales Surge
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Despite the firestorm that ensued after a video surfaced of Morgan Wallen yelling profanities including the N-word outside his Nashville home, his sales have curiously surged.
Wallen retains all of the top five country streaming songs again this week, with the top tune, “Sand in My Boots,” at No. 1 on the country streaming chart and No. 7 overall. The song garnered 11 million streams this week, now at 43 million RTD after 4 weeks.
His Dangerous: The Double Album earned 149K in total consumption according to Nielsen, managing not only to stay at No. 1 on the country albums chart and No. 31 overall, but also seeing a 14% increase. His If I Know Me album jumped 35% this week with 22K in total consumption.
Wallen’s 2015 Stand Alone EP even entered the country albums chart at No. 82
Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get is at No. 2 this week, with 30K in total consumption according to Nielsen. His This One’s For You is at No. 4. Chris Stapleton‘s Starting Over rounds out the top five country albums with 15K.
Josh Osborne Reclaims Throne On ‘MusicRow’ Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellJosh Osborne
Josh Osborne rises to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, after having been at No. 2 behind Morgan Wallen for a few weeks. Osborne’s co-written “Beers And Sunshine” (Darius Rucker), “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” (Sam Hunt), “How They Remember You” (Rascal Flatts), “Never Be Sorry” (Old Dominion), “Next Girl” (Carly Pearce), and “7 Summers” and “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen) propel him to No. 1.
Wallen shifts down to No. 2 this week, and co-writer Ernest Keith Smith moved down to No. 4.
Ashley Gorley takes the No. 3 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credit on “Sand In My Boots” and “Warning” (Morgan Wallen), “Hole In The Bottle” (Kelsea Ballerini), “Single Saturday Night” (Cole Swindell), “We Were Rich” (Runaway June), and “What’s Your Country Song” (Thomas Rhett). Jesse Frasure rounds out the top five.
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.
TikTok, UMG Expand Global Alliance
/by Sarah SkatesUniversal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have announced a global agreement that delivers equitable compensation for recording artists and songwriters, and significantly expands and enhances the companies’ existing relationship. The agreement covers recorded music from artists at UMG’s labels, and songwriters with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
The companies have additionally pledged to experiment with exciting new features. TikTok users will now be able to incorporate clips from UMG’s full catalog of music, spanning the company’s iconic labels, songwriters and global territories.
TikTok has been a driver in creating major hit songs and artists, boosting emerging talent and re-introducing legacy acts to a new audience.
“This alliance sets an industrywide example of social media companies acknowledging, respecting and compensating the music creators whose songs are instrumental to their platforms,” said Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer of UMPG. “We appreciate TikTok’s partnership and look forward to working together to provide support and opportunities to our songwriters.”
Monday’s (Feb. 8) announcement follows last week’s news that UMG withdrew its catalog from TikTok competitor Triller.
Brian O’Neil Forms Constellation Management & Consulting, Signs Brooke Eden
/by LB CantrellBrooke Eden, Brian O’Neil
Nashville-based music manager, Brian O’Neil, has announced the formation of Constellation Management & Consulting, a full-service management and consulting practice specializing in artist development, brand management, and strategic consultation.
O’Neil previously served as Artist Manager & Head of Touring under Fletcher Foster at Iconic Entertainment Group, where he worked with artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Levi Hummon, and Joel Crouse. Prior to his time at Iconic Entertainment Group, O’Neil spent six years at Creative Artists Agency before transitioning into artist Management.
Constellation has signed BBR Music Group artist Brooke Eden, who launched her latest song, “No Shade” Friday, Feb. 5. The release of Eden’s latest single is the first of three, which will be accompanied by interconnecting music videos that brings fans on her journey to self-acceptance and love. The singles are produced by Jesse Frasure (Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown) and the music videos are directed by Ford Fairchild.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some of the greatest mentors and colleagues in the music business, and I’m looking forward to building a company that focuses on a well-rounded approach to creating businesses around the most compelling art and music of our time,” states O’Neil, President, Constellation Management & Consulting. “I’m honored to partner with Brooke Eden. Her voice, her songwriting, and her story have the opportunity to change the landscape of country music for the better, and I’m so proud to join her on the journey.”
“Brian has become the other half of my brain,” says Eden. “In the short time we’ve been working together, we’ve really found our groove. He’s the put-together to my creative chaos. He’s not afraid to put in the real work, and I feel very confident having him as my co-pilot as we navigate through this ever-changing musical landscape.”
The Marshall Tucker Band Inks With United Talent Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Marshall Tucker Band has signed with UTA (United Talent Agency) for exclusive worldwide representation.
The MTB will be celebrating 50 years since it was originally founded in Spartanburg, SC in 1972 next year. With the band’s gold anniversary on the horizon, MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray is excited for what the future holds. “There are no words to describe how excited we are that we will be working with United Talent Agency,” said Gray. “Individually and wholly, we feel as if this company is the organization to take us into our 50th year. Looking forward to seeing you all down the road!”
With hits like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It In A Love Song,” “Fire On The Mountain,” and “24 Hours At A Time,” the 5-times Gold, 3-times Platinum-selling Southern rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide and had songs featured in major films and TV shows including Breaking Bad, Blow, The Box, Swing Vote, Half Nelson, My Name Is Earl, Cold Case Files and Good Guys.
CMT named MTB’s “Can’t You See” the No. 4 Greatest Southern Rock Song, and their debut album, The Marshall Tucker Band, reigns as Gibson Guitar’s No. 5 Greatest Southern Rock Album.
50 Egg Music Signs Jacob Lutz
/by Sarah SkatesJacob Lutz
Songwriter Jacob Lutz has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with 50 Egg Music, the artist development and publishing company co-owned by Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, and Tali Canterbury.
Said hit songwriter Singleton, “I don’t know if I’ve ever picked up the phone to call Tali faster than the first time I heard Jacob sing. I didn’t know what we were gonna do, but knew we had to do something. Jacob’s voice is undeniable, his personality is one of a kind, his guitar playing is obviously ‘Jacob’ and no one else. He’s the thing we are all looking for.”
Lutz is a North Carolina native who grew up listening to Sam Cooke, Garth Brooks, and John Mayer. He brings those influences to new single “Same Love,” co-written with Blake Bollinger and Andy Albert. It follows his recent release “Lonely Heart.”
Since moving to Nashville, Lutz has opened shows for Combs, Ashland Craft, Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell and more.
“Jacob is one of the most talented artists I’ve ever met with a work ethic and determination to match,” said Canterbury. “I can’t wait to see the giant career he will have in music.”
“When I first met the 50 Egg Music crew there weren’t any doubts in my mind,” Lutz said. “Not only did they feel like family to me, but everyone else in town had nothing but good things to say. They are great at what they do and more importantly they are great people. Couldn’t imagine joining a better company/family to help take my dream to the next level.”
Since its inception, 50 Egg Music has been a part of 11 No. 1 songs. In addition to Lutz, the roster also includes Craft, Tyler Braden, Shane Minor, Rob Snyder, Kenton Bryant, Reid Isbell, Rob Pennington and Jenna LaMaster.
Parker McCollum Makes Opry Debut, Celebrates Platinum Plaque
/by Sarah SkatesParker McCollum on the Opry stage. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
MCA Nashville’s Parker McCollum made his debut performance at the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry Saturday night (Feb. 6).
A fan of classic country, Parker performed Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Middle Aged Crazy,” in addition to his No. 1 debut single “Pretty Heart.” A few weeks ago, labelmate Dierks Bentley invited Parker to make his debut performance on the show, and was on hand Saturday to introduce the up-and-comer.
Furthering the celebration, Jordan Pettit and Dan Rogers from Opry Entertainment surprised McCollum with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Platinum certification of “Pretty Heart.”
Since its release, “Pretty Heart” has consistently stayed in the Top 10 on the country streaming chart averaging almost 7 million streams a week. “Pretty Heart” is from Hollywood Gold, which debuted Top 10 on the Billboard country chart and marked the highest-selling debut country EP last year.
McCollum’s new single “To Be Loved By You,” which he cowrote with Rhett Akins, was most added at country radio upon its release.
Pictured (L-R): Opry Entertainment Group Director of Artist Relations and Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit, Parker McCollum, Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry