Industry vet Barry Freeman passed away on Friday, Jan. 10 in Palm Springs, California. He was 83.
Freeman enjoyed a multifaceted 52-year career in the music industry. Freeman had over 1,000 radio interview tours and radio concert specials under his belt, plus countless Number One singles as a promotion man.
A native of Paterson, New Jersey, Freeman was born the son of Martin “Ticker” and Esther Freeman. Ticker rose to fame as musical director for Dinah Shore and Andy Williams, and penned the hit song for Shore’s hit, “So Dear To My Heart,”— the title song of the 1948 Disney film of the same name. He instilled a love for music in his son, and Barry Freeman parlayed that passion into a career which began at Coral Records in 1956, where he learned the ropes of radio promotion plugging singles for Debbie Reynolds, Rosemary Clooney, Buddy Holly, and numerous other stars of the era.
Between 1958 and 1969, Freeman worked his way up via regional positions for United Artists Records in Los Angeles, Harmon Records in New York, legendary Kapp Records in Chicago and then back to the West Coast as an independent promoter, driving songs including Jeannie C. Riley’s “Harper Valley PTA” to the top of the charts.
He eventually landed jobs in radio promotion first as Head of West Coast Promotion for Capitol Records in 1970. Instrumental in the careers of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Steve Miller Band, Helen Reddy, Linda Ronstadt, and others, Freeman was lured away in 1974 by Atlantic Records to head their West Coast promotion. While at Atlantic, Freeman notched hits for the likes of Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Bette Midler, AC/DC, Foreigner, Bad Company, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and many more.
By 1981 the industry executive shifted to radio, being named Head of Talent Acquisition for Westwood One. Responsible for securing programming for their live radio shows and interview tours, Freeman inked deals with multiple artists for special-event broadcasts. In 1984 Freeman pivoted to Entertainment Radio Networks as Head of Artist Relations, booking two syndicated radio shows of the 1980’s and 1990’s: Hitline USA and Countryline USA. In 1994, Freeman segued to Nashville during the early 90’s country boom, assuming the role of Bureau Chief and VP/Country for upstart trade magazine Network 40. After a two-year run growing the trade magazine, Freeman returned to radio, remaining in Music City to helm the Mid-south office of ABC Radio Networks in 1996.
After three years at ABC, and after a run on the road as an independent promotion rep for Warner Music Group comedy acts including Bill Engvall, in 2000 Freeman formed FM Entertainment, a company focused on booking morning show radio interviews. Following his retirement in 2008 Freeman battled a long run of health challenges.
Freeman is survived by his daughters Felicia Maliani and Debra Goelz, sons-in-law Dave Goelz and Michael Maliani, grandchildren Vincent, Marissa, Gianno, Benjamin, and Amy, and brothers Robbie, Michael, and Richard. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Los Angeles home of friend Lark Baskerville on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Those wishing to attend should notify Debra at goelz.debbie@gmail.com.
Lady Antebellum Celebrates 10th No. 1 With “What If I Never Get Over You”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMLG’s Mike Rittberg, RIAA’s Jackie Jones, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Dave Haywood, BMLG’s Allison Jones, Red Light Management’s Callie Cunningham. Photo: BMLG Records
Lady Antebellum has notched their 10th career chart-topping single with “What If I Never Get Over You,” which crowns both the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart, as well as Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart this week.
“What If I Never Get Over You,” which has also been certified Gold by the RIAA, has earned more than 163 million streams and is the first single from the trio’s album Ocean, which released via BMLG Records in November.
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood joined their BMLG Records crew to celebrate their very first No. 1 single together; the trio joined the label in September 2018.
“The moment we heard ‘What If I Never Get Over You’ we knew it was going to be an integral piece of Ocean,” Haywood said. “It has been a long time since we released a mid-temp longing duet like this which is so much of who we are and how we started. It sort of felt like coming home and we are grateful to the team behind us and country radio for believing in the song as much as we did from the start.”
They will launch the Ocean 2020 Tour in May, with openers Jake Owen and Maddie & Tae.
Brooks & Dunn Announce First Nationwide Tour In Ten Years
/by LB CantrellBrooks & Dunn
Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn revealed today (Jan. 14) that they will hit the road this summer for their first nationwide tour in ten years. Kicking off in St. Louis, MO on May 15, the Brooks & Dunn REBOOT 2020 Tour will hit 18 announced cities.
Tickets will be available first as part of the Live Nation Country Megaticket and more information will become available at brooks-dunn.com in the coming weeks. Live Nation is the official tour promoter.
“So much for ‘we quit,’ huh?” quipped Ronnie Dunn. “That horse that we were afraid of riding into the ground apparently didn’t share our sentiment…he gotta fire in his belly raring to go another round or two. I like the ring of it…’Brooks & Dunn ride again!’”
“The memories of playing live are what have kept the fire burning for us,” shared Kix Brooks. “Performers who have had the kind of nights like we’ve had with our fans, can never really let that go. Live is where we’re most at home, and it’s gonna feel good to be back in the saddle, let’s rodeo! We’ll see y’all out there on the trail.”
Brooks & Dunn REBOOT 2020 Tour Official Dates:
5/15 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
5/16 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
5/22 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
5/23 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
5/29 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
5/30 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
6/5 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
6/6 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
6/26 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
6/27 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
8/28 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
8/29 – Burgettstown, PA – S&T Bank Music Park
9/4 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
9/5 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/10 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
9/11 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/18 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
9/19 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Universal Music Group Nashville Signs Chrissy Metz
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R, back row): River House Artists Director of Creative/A&R Zebb Luster, UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville EVP A&R Brian Wright, UMG Nashville EVP & COO Mike Harris; (L-R, front row): UMG Nashville EVP Promotion Royce Risser, Chrissy Metz, River House Artists Founder/Owner Lynn Oliver-Cline
Universal Music Group Nashville has signed a recording deal with This Is Us star Chrissy Metz, who is working on her debut country album to be released later this year. The label first began working with Metz via her role in the 20th Century Fox movie Breakthrough, which featured Metz performing the song “I’m Standing With You.”
Metz is also set to produce the upcoming inspirational mountaineer movie Gorge in the works with Amazon, and recently released the memoir This Is Me, which topped the New York Times Bestseller list.
Last year, Metz made her debut performance on the Academy of Country Music Awards with a rendition of “I’m Standing With You,” where she was joined by Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae & Mickey Guyton. She now counts these artists among her labelmates.
“To say I am excited to fulfill a lifelong dream is an understatement,” shares Metz. “Music has always been my first love and to be working alongside Cindy and the incomparable team at UMG is truly a gift!”
“Chrissy Metz is simply tapped into America’s emotional conscience,” explains Cindy Mabe, President, Universal Music Group Nashville. “Music was her first love and no matter if she’s singing, acting, writing or just being, she’s always real, powerful and fully connected with her audience. I can’t wait to put her musical story into the world and I’m so inspired to bring her into the Universal Music Group Nashville family.”
Tim McGraw Announces Here On Earth Tour With Guests Luke Combs, Midland, Ingrid Andress
/by Jessica NicholsonTim McGraw is returning to the road in 2020, announcing his Here On Earth Tour on Monday morning (Jan. 13). Luke Combs will join McGraw for two stadium shows in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, while Midland and Ingrid Andress will join on all tour dates.
The tour launches June 10 in Syracuse, New York. Notably, there have been no Nashville dates announced for the tour.
“Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to be outside in the summertime playing music. Everyone is there, sharing the moment, having fun and letting loose,” says McGraw. “To be here on earth in this moment, together, sharing our love for music and getting through all that life is throwing us—that’s what it’s all about.”
The Live Nation-produced tour will begin on sales in February.
McGraw also announced a new song, “Way Down,” featuring songwriter and new Warner Music Nashville artist Shy Carter, who has written songs including Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away,” Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue,” Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” and Keith Urban’s “Never Comin’ Down,” which also featured Carter on vocals.
Here On Earth Tour Dates:
July 10: Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
July 11: Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
July 12: Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena
July 16: Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
July 17: Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
July 18: Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
July 23: Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
July 24: Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
July 25: Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
July 30: Canandaigua, NY – Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
July 31: Burgettstown, PA – S&T Bank Music Park
Aug. 1: Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 6: Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Aug. 7: Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Aug. 8: Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Aug. 13: Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Aug. 14: Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
Aug. 15: San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Aug. 21: Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Aug. 22: Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Aug. 27: Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Aug. 28: Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
Aug. 29: Portland, OR – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
Sept. 4: Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium (with Luke Combs)
Sept. 12: Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park (with Luke Combs)
Sept. 17: Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
Sept. 18: Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sept. 24: St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sept. 25: Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Sept. 26: Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Shy Carter Signs With Warner Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto credit: Greg Noire
Singer-songwriter Shy Carter has signed with Warner Music Nashville.
As a songwriter, Carter has penned hits including Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away,” Rob Thomas’ “Someday,” Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Speak To A Girl,” Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue,” Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” and Keith Urban’s “Never Comin’ Down,” which also featured Carter on vocals. As an artist, Carter previously released titles including The Fountain of Juice in 2017. In 2015, Carter’s single “Bring It Back” (ft. Aleon Craft) on Latium/RCA Records earned nearly 4 million streams on Spotify. He has been featured on songs from Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, Aston Merrygold, and more.
Ashley Gorley Kicks Off 2020 Atop The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellThe 2019 Songwriter of the Year, Ashley Gorley, is kicking off 2020 in a place he’s grown accustomed to: atop the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. With co-writer credits on Brett Young’s “Catch,” LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song,” Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young” and Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads,” Gorley sets himself up for another chart-dominating year.
Laura Veltz follows Gorley with credits on “The Bones” (Maren Morris), “To A T” (Ryan Hurd) and “What If I Never Get Over You” (Lady Antebellum). Jesse Frasure takes third with credits on “Blessings” (Florida Georgia Line), “One Big Country Song” (LOCASH), “One Thing Right” (Marshmello & Kane Brown) and “Remember You Young” (Thomas Rhett).
Luke Combs takes the No. 4 position and Zach Crowell rounds out the top five.
The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Kane Brown Kicks Off Staples Center 20th Anniversary Celebration
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown played his record-breaking sellout show at L.A.’s Staples Center last Thursday night (Jan. 9), making him one of only 11 country acts to have sold out the historic LA arena in the venue’s 20-year history.
In partnership with the Staples Center’s 20th anniversary celebration, Brown took to the stage to perform fan-favorites including “Learning,” as well as his four No. 1 hits, “Heaven,” “What Ifs,” “Lose It” and “Good As You.” Special surprise guest Marshmello also showed up to join Brown for their single, “One Thing Right” which was officially certified Platinum and has more than half a billion streams to date. Brown also gave fans a sneak preview of new music and future collaborations, performing two new tracks for his fans including “Take Me Home” with country trio Restless Road.
Brown joins the elite club of country acts selling out Staples Center, which also includes Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, George Strait, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain and Tim McGraw. He is the first artist in Billboard history to Top all 5 Billboard Country charts simultaneously, and with his 4X Platinum certification of “Heaven,” he also became one of only five country acts with multiple quadruple Platinum hits, joining Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt and Taylor Swift.
Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman, EFG Management Owner Martha Earls, Kane Brown, ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. Photo Credit: Chase Hentges
Pictured (L-R) at a reception prior to Kane Brown’s Staple Center show are: Sony Music Nashville Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman; EFG Management Owner Martha Earls; Sony Music President, Film and TV A&R Tom Mackay; Sony Music EVP, Film, TV, and Commercial Licensing Paula Erickson; Kane Brown; NBC’s “This Is Us” actor and “Good As You” music video star Lonnie Chavis; Producer Dann Huff. Photo Credit: Chase Hentges
Radio Veteran Barry Freeman Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughIndustry vet Barry Freeman passed away on Friday, Jan. 10 in Palm Springs, California. He was 83.
Freeman enjoyed a multifaceted 52-year career in the music industry. Freeman had over 1,000 radio interview tours and radio concert specials under his belt, plus countless Number One singles as a promotion man.
A native of Paterson, New Jersey, Freeman was born the son of Martin “Ticker” and Esther Freeman. Ticker rose to fame as musical director for Dinah Shore and Andy Williams, and penned the hit song for Shore’s hit, “So Dear To My Heart,”— the title song of the 1948 Disney film of the same name. He instilled a love for music in his son, and Barry Freeman parlayed that passion into a career which began at Coral Records in 1956, where he learned the ropes of radio promotion plugging singles for Debbie Reynolds, Rosemary Clooney, Buddy Holly, and numerous other stars of the era.
Between 1958 and 1969, Freeman worked his way up via regional positions for United Artists Records in Los Angeles, Harmon Records in New York, legendary Kapp Records in Chicago and then back to the West Coast as an independent promoter, driving songs including Jeannie C. Riley’s “Harper Valley PTA” to the top of the charts.
He eventually landed jobs in radio promotion first as Head of West Coast Promotion for Capitol Records in 1970. Instrumental in the careers of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Steve Miller Band, Helen Reddy, Linda Ronstadt, and others, Freeman was lured away in 1974 by Atlantic Records to head their West Coast promotion. While at Atlantic, Freeman notched hits for the likes of Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Bette Midler, AC/DC, Foreigner, Bad Company, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and many more.
By 1981 the industry executive shifted to radio, being named Head of Talent Acquisition for Westwood One. Responsible for securing programming for their live radio shows and interview tours, Freeman inked deals with multiple artists for special-event broadcasts. In 1984 Freeman pivoted to Entertainment Radio Networks as Head of Artist Relations, booking two syndicated radio shows of the 1980’s and 1990’s: Hitline USA and Countryline USA. In 1994, Freeman segued to Nashville during the early 90’s country boom, assuming the role of Bureau Chief and VP/Country for upstart trade magazine Network 40. After a two-year run growing the trade magazine, Freeman returned to radio, remaining in Music City to helm the Mid-south office of ABC Radio Networks in 1996.
After three years at ABC, and after a run on the road as an independent promotion rep for Warner Music Group comedy acts including Bill Engvall, in 2000 Freeman formed FM Entertainment, a company focused on booking morning show radio interviews. Following his retirement in 2008 Freeman battled a long run of health challenges.
Freeman is survived by his daughters Felicia Maliani and Debra Goelz, sons-in-law Dave Goelz and Michael Maliani, grandchildren Vincent, Marissa, Gianno, Benjamin, and Amy, and brothers Robbie, Michael, and Richard. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Los Angeles home of friend Lark Baskerville on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Those wishing to attend should notify Debra at goelz.debbie@gmail.com.
Lauren Daigle Celebrates Platinum Album, Double Platinum Single In Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jason Ingram, 12Tone co-founder Steve Bartels, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury, CEO and Founder of maddjett Leigh Holt, Centricity CEO Caren Seidle
Lauren Daigle, along with members of her management and label teams at maddjett Management, 12Tone Records, and Centricity Music, gathered on Thursday (Jan. 9) to celebrate the crossover contemporary Christian music and pop star’s Platinum success with her project Look Up Child, as well as the double Platinum success of her single “You Say.” A throng of well wishers from Nashville’s music industry turned out at Nashville’s venue The Cordelle for the party.
“I’m so grateful to have gathered with colleagues and friends to celebrate the success of Look Up Child,” said Daigle’s manager, maddjett’s Leigh Holt. “Having everyone together under one roof to honor the art and impact of this historic record made for an incredible night. This album is the result of the hard work and sacrifice of so many talented people. As a community, we are all so proud of this project and the impact it has had around the world.”
Look Up Child debuted at No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Album chart in September 2018. Last year, the album earned Daigle a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, while “You Say” earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song/Performance. The track also earned Daigle her first No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
The album marks Daigle’s second Platinum album, following her 2015 release How Can It Be. In addition to the double Platinum success of “You Say,” Daigle has earned the Platinum single “Trust In You,” as well as gold singles “First,” “How Can It Be,” and “Rescue.”
Lauren Daigle.
Pictured: Michael Wadina, Leigh Holt, Lauren Daigle, Kimberly Hopkins, Liz Zinke
Lauren Daigle with CCMG staffers.
Pictured: Jason Ingram, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury
Country Music Association Announces International Awards Nominees
/by Jessica Nicholson“CMA continues to be inspired by and grateful for the support of our international partners in expanding and evolving the country music genre globally,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to honor the industry executives, broadcast partners and artists who have impacted the country music community outside of the United States as this year’s CMA International Awards nominees.”
2020 CMA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS – NOMINEES:
JO WALKER MEADOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in his/her country.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign based territory.