Pictured (L-R, back row): The Valory Music Co.’s Athena Puharic, Adams Burnes and Brooke Nixon, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Christy DiNapoli and Chris Palmer; (L-R, front row): co-writers Sean Douglas, Joe London, John Ryan, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI
Just days ahead of his sold-out Bridgestone Arena stop on his Very Hot Summer Tour, Thomas Rhett made time to celebrate two No. 1 songs with his co-writers on Wednesday (Oct. 9) on the BMI rooftop. Rhett and his co-writers Sean Douglas and Joe London celebrated “Sixteen” from Rhett’s 2017 album Life Changes, and his co-writers Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, Jacob Kasher and Ammar Malik toasted “Look What God Gave Her” from Rhett’s 2019 project Center Point Road.
Malik and Kasher were not able to make the party, but co-producers Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure were both on hand to celebrate.
The party was led by BMI’s Spencer Nohe.
Nohe let the audience know that “Look What God Gave Her” is Rhett’s thirteenth No. 1 hit, and that Center Point Road is the only country album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 in 2019. He then quickly invited BMI’s Leslie Roberts to speak.
“I first met Thomas Rhett almost ten years ago today, when his dad brought him in to get him signed up to BMI. I don’t think at that time we had any idea how his career was going to unfold. Over the past decade I have loved to be able to see him hit so many life-changing milestones,” Roberts said.
Roberts let the audience know that “Sixteen” writers Rhett, Douglas and London also co-wrote Rhett’s huge hit, and BMI 2016 Song of the Year, “Die A Happy Man.”
She also announced that “Look What God Gave Her” is Ryan’s first country No. 1, and Bunetta’s second.
“Nobody tells a story like Rhett,” Roberts said of Akins. “That’s why he’s received seven CMA Triple Play awards, he’s been BMI’s Songwriter of the Year not once, but twice, he’s had a country song on the chart [every day] for eight years, he was just awarded the ACM Songwriter of the Decade, and today we are celebrating 30th No. 1 single.”
Nohe announced that Pinnacle Bank had made a donation to Love One International in honor of the No. 1 songs.
Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson stepped up to talk about Bunetta, Ryan and London on behalf of Big Deal and Big Family.
“We love these guys and we’re so proud to be a good stewart to their music and their songs. They’re an amazing bunch of cats, and when they come to town, they’re really engaged in the town. They hang with us and they just love it here, and we love having them. They’re always pushing the envelop. We’re proud to represent you and have you here,” Robinson said.
Robinson also made sure to thank Big Machine, Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, as well as Virginia Davis and Harry Lyons at G Major. He made sure to recognize George Briner and the Valory Music Co. radio promotion staff.
“I’ve been watching this Ken Burns documentary,” Robinson said in closing. “The more things change, the more they stay the same. All these men and women were making this great music and pushing the envelope years ago, and everyone thought they were nuts. It took every bit of courage to make this stuff happen and make something different, and they’re all in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and that’s where you’re headed,” he said to Thomas Rhett.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson, BMI’s Spencer Nohe; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, BMI songwriters Sean Douglas and Joe London, co-producer Jesse Frasure. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI)
Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg echoed Robinson’s praise for the label, management and radio promotion staff.
Van Valkenburg was there to represent Douglas and Thomas Rhett. “We’re lucky to be able to work with the type of writers where it doesn’t matter if you’re L.A. or New York, you’re just great songwriters,” he said.
Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan was on hand on behalf of the absent Kasher and Malik. “We don’t do these things in L.A.,” she said. “I think that these are so important to recognize the creatives and the songwriters behind these songs.”
Jessi Vaughn from Warner Chappell echoed the praises for everyone involved, and was present to represent Akins.
BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and George Briner stepped up to the mic next to talk about Thomas Rhett. “If there was one word to describe Thomas Rhett, that would be collaboration,” Borchetta said. “It runs throughout his whole life. He includes everybody, he makes everybody part of the show, he makes everybody part of the team.”
Briner brought his Valory Music Co. radio promotion team on stage to make sure they were recognized.
Pictured (L-R, top row): The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner and Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson; (L-R, middle row): Warner/Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn, Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Spencer Nohe, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg; (L-R, bottom row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, BMI songwriters John Ryan and Rhett Akins, BMI songwriter and co-producer Julian Bunetta. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI
When it came time to hear from the collaborators, Ryan kicked it off. “It was a pleasure and privilege writing this tune and working on it with people I love. To have it be with TR, one of my favorite artists on the planet—and most eclectic. And finally to work with Rhett!”
Bunetta echoed Ryan’s thank you. “To get to learn from everybody here is great, this has to be the best looking No. 1 party in the world. Has there ever been a more handsome No. 1 party than this?” he joked.
London made sure to thank Rhett’s team, and his crew on the road. “Thank you to Dann and Jesse,” he added. “Every time I send a demo to these guys, I know I’m going to get it back and just be blown away.”
Douglas said, “Thanks to the town for being so welcoming and cool to some of these L.A. guys.”
Akins echoed everyone’s thanks. “God bless country music and just music in general,” he said. “We would not know any of these people or be friends with these people if it weren’t for music and the love of music.
“What a week,” Akins said. “I get to celebrate a No. 1 with my son, I get to play at Bridgestone Arena this weekend with my son, at midnight at Bridgestone Arena I will turn 50 years old, and we’re going to Shoney’s!” he joked.
When it came time for Rhett to speak, he made sure to thank everyone involved, including his muse and wife.
“I’m really glad to call you friends and co-writers, everybody on this stage,” Thomas Rhett said. “It’s really amazing to write songs with your dad. The fact that we get to tour together, we played Madison Square Garden together last week. That just doesn’t happen.
“I think there’s a couple of our friends from country radio here today, thank you for playing our songs,” he said. “I’ve got three weddings to pay for and three colleges to pay for, so I appreciate it,” Rhett joked.
Weekly Radio Report (10/11/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Signs Dylan Brady
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Tom Luteran, Sony/ATV; Tiffany Dunn, Loeb & Loeb; Alex Goodman, AMG Artist Management; Dylan Brady; Dane Schmidt, Sony/ATV; Katie Kerkhover, Sony/ATV and Josh Van Valkenburg, Sony/ATV | Photo: Dan Chuma
Songwriter-artist Dylan Brady has signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
The RECORDS/Columbia Records/Riser House Records artist has released tracks including “Over Us,” “I Hate California,” and his latest, “Boyfriend.” “Over Us,” his first release from his upcoming EP, has already earned more than 1 million in consumption across streams and views. He is managed by Alex Goodman, and signed with WME (Doug Neff) for booking.
Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney will serve as producer on his upcoming EP, alongside Brady and Andy Sheridan.
“We are thrilled to have Dylan join our Sony/ATV family,” said Katie Kerkhover, Creative Manager for Sony/ATV Music Publishing. “The first time I saw him perform, I was immediately a fan of his voice and songwriting. We’re very excited to be a part of his team and future!”
“Excited is an understatement for me right now. Signing to Sony/ATV is going to elevate my career in countless ways, starting with the music,” shared Brady. “I’m so grateful for my team here and cannot thank them enough for believing in me. Let’s go!”
DISClaimer: Brantley Gilbert Brings “Great Country Craftmanship” To “Bad Boy”
/by Robert K OermannBrantley Gilbert.
There’s an awful lot of pop music being marketed as “country” in today’s listening session.
But there are roses among the thorns. Chief among these is Brantley Gilbert. The “outlaw” star achieves new heights with “Bad Boy” and easily claims the Disc of the Day prize.
The DisCovery Award goes to Kentucky mountain boy Ian Noe. This is a singer-songwriter to be reckoned with as a true troubadour of working-class, small-town woes. Embrace his music at once.
RYAN GRIFFIN/Right Here Right Now
Writers: Ryan Griffin/Josh London/Jason Massey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– His plaintive tenor soars over a lively rhythm track augmented by electric guitars in an echoey sonic bed. The song is a “live-for-today” romantic come-on that’s attractive and hooky.
DAN + SHAY & JUSTIN BIEBER/10,000 Hours
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– A sugary sweet pop confection that’s a lot more Bieber than backroads.
IAN NOE/Between The Country
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Silver and Gold
– He’s an Appalachian troubadour from East Kentucky with a gripping way with a song. The slight echo on his voice and the stark production throw a spotlight on his storytelling skill on this dramatic murder ballad. A superb disc debut. By the way, Noe is showcasing tonight at the Exit/In. Seek an invitation from Sacks & Co.
THE MAVERICKS/Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
Writers: Waylon Jennings; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, Thirty Tigers
– The band slightly slows down this Waylon Jennings classic, adding harmonica, horns and some extra guitar jangle to the arrangement. The 1975 original has more snarl and snap.
TREA LANDON/What Feelin’ Good Feels Like
Writers: Landon/Danny Myrick/Bryan West; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– Rural imagery abounds in this wistful, airy ode to letting the silence in and slowing life down. The details in the lyric are just dandy.
MAREN MORRIS & HOZIER/The Bones
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, Columbia
– Even without Hozier, it was a pop performance. To his credit, his vocal sounds as “country” as hers does.
RUNAWAY JUNE/Head Over Heels
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BBR/Wheelhouse
– “I Can Buy My Own Drinks” has been one of the breakout, against-all-odds country success stories of 2019. The follow-up is a chronicle of a dating misadventure that’s frothy and cheeky.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/Bad Boy
Writers: Brantley Gilbert, Andrew DeRoberts, Josh Phillips; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Valory
– Exquisitely well written. I have repeatedly raved about his distinctive, haunting vocal tone. This illustrates what an underrated songwriter he is. The brushed-velvet ballad tells the story of a girl in love with a supposed delinquent as told from the point of view of her concerned mother. This is what great country craftsmanship sounds like. Brantley’s new Fire & Brimstone collection is out now. Get it.
BRANDON LAY/Still Rock and Roll
Writers: Brandon Lay/Shane McAnally/JT Hodges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; EMI
-He’s carrying a torch for a hottie who can still captivate with just a glance. It must be that insistent beat and impossibly catchy tune, because they wind up back together as the night winds down. Tap your toes and sing along.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH, JENNIFER HUDSON & REBA McENTIRE/I’m A Woman
Writers: none listed; Producer: Steve Tyrell; Publisher: none listed, Concord
-Chenoweth is a Tony winning Broadway star (You’re a Good Man Charley Brown, Wicked, etc.) and an Emmy winning TV actor (Glee, Pushing Daisies, etc.). Her new CD is For the Girls, and it salutes Patsy Cline, Barbra Streisand, Lesley Gore, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt and other women who have influenced her. She’s joined on this update of a feisty Peggy Lee classic by Reba and Oscar winner Hudson, and the result is delightful. Dolly is her duet partner on “I Will Always Love You.”
Thomas Rhett Celebrates Two Chart-Toppers: “Look What God Gave Her” And “Sixteen”
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): The Valory Music Co.’s Athena Puharic, Adams Burnes and Brooke Nixon, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Christy DiNapoli and Chris Palmer; (L-R, front row): co-writers Sean Douglas, Joe London, John Ryan, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI
Just days ahead of his sold-out Bridgestone Arena stop on his Very Hot Summer Tour, Thomas Rhett made time to celebrate two No. 1 songs with his co-writers on Wednesday (Oct. 9) on the BMI rooftop. Rhett and his co-writers Sean Douglas and Joe London celebrated “Sixteen” from Rhett’s 2017 album Life Changes, and his co-writers Rhett Akins, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, Jacob Kasher and Ammar Malik toasted “Look What God Gave Her” from Rhett’s 2019 project Center Point Road.
Malik and Kasher were not able to make the party, but co-producers Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure were both on hand to celebrate.
The party was led by BMI’s Spencer Nohe.
Nohe let the audience know that “Look What God Gave Her” is Rhett’s thirteenth No. 1 hit, and that Center Point Road is the only country album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 in 2019. He then quickly invited BMI’s Leslie Roberts to speak.
“I first met Thomas Rhett almost ten years ago today, when his dad brought him in to get him signed up to BMI. I don’t think at that time we had any idea how his career was going to unfold. Over the past decade I have loved to be able to see him hit so many life-changing milestones,” Roberts said.
Roberts let the audience know that “Sixteen” writers Rhett, Douglas and London also co-wrote Rhett’s huge hit, and BMI 2016 Song of the Year, “Die A Happy Man.”
She also announced that “Look What God Gave Her” is Ryan’s first country No. 1, and Bunetta’s second.
“Nobody tells a story like Rhett,” Roberts said of Akins. “That’s why he’s received seven CMA Triple Play awards, he’s been BMI’s Songwriter of the Year not once, but twice, he’s had a country song on the chart [every day] for eight years, he was just awarded the ACM Songwriter of the Decade, and today we are celebrating 30th No. 1 single.”
Nohe announced that Pinnacle Bank had made a donation to Love One International in honor of the No. 1 songs.
Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson stepped up to talk about Bunetta, Ryan and London on behalf of Big Deal and Big Family.
“We love these guys and we’re so proud to be a good stewart to their music and their songs. They’re an amazing bunch of cats, and when they come to town, they’re really engaged in the town. They hang with us and they just love it here, and we love having them. They’re always pushing the envelop. We’re proud to represent you and have you here,” Robinson said.
Robinson also made sure to thank Big Machine, Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, as well as Virginia Davis and Harry Lyons at G Major. He made sure to recognize George Briner and the Valory Music Co. radio promotion staff.
“I’ve been watching this Ken Burns documentary,” Robinson said in closing. “The more things change, the more they stay the same. All these men and women were making this great music and pushing the envelope years ago, and everyone thought they were nuts. It took every bit of courage to make this stuff happen and make something different, and they’re all in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and that’s where you’re headed,” he said to Thomas Rhett.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson, BMI’s Spencer Nohe; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, BMI songwriters Sean Douglas and Joe London, co-producer Jesse Frasure. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI)
Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg echoed Robinson’s praise for the label, management and radio promotion staff.
Van Valkenburg was there to represent Douglas and Thomas Rhett. “We’re lucky to be able to work with the type of writers where it doesn’t matter if you’re L.A. or New York, you’re just great songwriters,” he said.
Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan was on hand on behalf of the absent Kasher and Malik. “We don’t do these things in L.A.,” she said. “I think that these are so important to recognize the creatives and the songwriters behind these songs.”
Jessi Vaughn from Warner Chappell echoed the praises for everyone involved, and was present to represent Akins.
BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and George Briner stepped up to the mic next to talk about Thomas Rhett. “If there was one word to describe Thomas Rhett, that would be collaboration,” Borchetta said. “It runs throughout his whole life. He includes everybody, he makes everybody part of the show, he makes everybody part of the team.”
Briner brought his Valory Music Co. radio promotion team on stage to make sure they were recognized.
Pictured (L-R, top row): The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner and Big Deal Music’s Pete Robinson; (L-R, middle row): Warner/Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn, Prescription Songs’ Katie Fagan, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Spencer Nohe, Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg; (L-R, bottom row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Thomas Rhett, BMI songwriters John Ryan and Rhett Akins, BMI songwriter and co-producer Julian Bunetta. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for BMI
When it came time to hear from the collaborators, Ryan kicked it off. “It was a pleasure and privilege writing this tune and working on it with people I love. To have it be with TR, one of my favorite artists on the planet—and most eclectic. And finally to work with Rhett!”
Bunetta echoed Ryan’s thank you. “To get to learn from everybody here is great, this has to be the best looking No. 1 party in the world. Has there ever been a more handsome No. 1 party than this?” he joked.
London made sure to thank Rhett’s team, and his crew on the road. “Thank you to Dann and Jesse,” he added. “Every time I send a demo to these guys, I know I’m going to get it back and just be blown away.”
Douglas said, “Thanks to the town for being so welcoming and cool to some of these L.A. guys.”
Akins echoed everyone’s thanks. “God bless country music and just music in general,” he said. “We would not know any of these people or be friends with these people if it weren’t for music and the love of music.
“What a week,” Akins said. “I get to celebrate a No. 1 with my son, I get to play at Bridgestone Arena this weekend with my son, at midnight at Bridgestone Arena I will turn 50 years old, and we’re going to Shoney’s!” he joked.
When it came time for Rhett to speak, he made sure to thank everyone involved, including his muse and wife.
“I’m really glad to call you friends and co-writers, everybody on this stage,” Thomas Rhett said. “It’s really amazing to write songs with your dad. The fact that we get to tour together, we played Madison Square Garden together last week. That just doesn’t happen.
“I think there’s a couple of our friends from country radio here today, thank you for playing our songs,” he said. “I’ve got three weddings to pay for and three colleges to pay for, so I appreciate it,” Rhett joked.
NBC Special Highlights Dolly Parton’s 50 Years With Grand Ole Opry
/by Jessica NicholsonDolly Parton. Photo: Chris Hollo
Dolly Parton is the focus on a new NBC special set to air Nov. 26, titled Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Grand Ole Opry.
The two-hour special, which begins at 9 p.m. ET, will feature new interviews and a performance from Parton on the Opry stage. She will be joined by some of her superstar friends, including Emmylou Harris, Dierks Bentley, Chris Janson, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Margo Price, Hank Williams Jr. and others.
“I’m so thrilled to be celebrating my 50-year anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry,” Parton said. “I’m also excited that NBC wanted to share in this milestone with me. Together we hope to entertain a broader audience on what the Grand Ole Opry is and what it means to me. We have some special treats, surprises and great performances by some very talented artists and I’m looking so forward to sharing it with you.”
“Dolly Parton’s impact on country music is beyond description, and she remains a cherished icon,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs, NBC Entertainment. “Dolly will always have a home at NBC and we can’t wait for her to deliver her wonderful collection of hits to the Opry stage.”
“Since officially joining the Opry 50 years ago, Dolly Parton has taken the country music world — and the world, for that matter — by storm, taking her Opry roots with her,” said Dan Rogers, Opry Vice President and Executive Producer. “We are thrilled that the girl who grew up listening to the Opry with her family in the Smoky Mountains will be sharing the heart of the Opry live this week on the Opry stage and with millions of fans next month on NBC.”
Justin Gorman, Matthew Hickling and Hannah Dodson will executive produce. Man Alive Entertainment is producing.
Judah & The Lion Celebrates Platinum Certification
/by Jessica NicholsonJudah & The Lion with Ochsner Medical Center staffers. Photo: Jacob Ruth/Courtesy Musicians on Call
Nashville rock band Judah & The Lion were recently presented with an RIAA Platinum plaque for their hit “Take It All Back” on Oct. 9, during a Musicians On Call visit to play for patients at New Orleans’ Ochsner Medical Center.
In 2017, the band’s hit “Take It All Back” topped the alternative songs chart for three consecutive weeks, paving the way for a Best New Rock/Alternative Artist win at the 2018 iHeartRadio Awards. The band currently includes Judah Akers, Brian Macdonald and Nate Zuercher.
Musicians On Call is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year; since it’s launch, MOC Volunteer Musicians have performed for more than 750,000 patients. MOC’s Bedside Performance Program serves individuals in facilities ranging from children’s hospitals to adult facilities, VA hospitals and hospices in 20 major markets, including Nashville, New York, LA, Las Vegas, Miami, Washington, DC, Dallas, Phoenix, New Orleans, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and more.
Dwight Yoakam To Be Honored With BMI President’s Award
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI is celebrating the career of Dwight Yoakam by presenting him with its President’s Award at the company’s 67th annual BMI Country Awards, to be held at BMI’s Nashville office on November 12.
The BMI President’s Award is presented to songwriters who have distinctly and profoundly influenced the entertainment industry. In receiving the award, Yoakam will join an impressive list of past honorees that includes Kenny Chesney, P!nk, Harlan Howard, Brooks & Dunn, Pitbull, Adam Levine, Billy Sherrill, and Toni Braxton.
“To this day, no other artist has captured country music’s past and catapulted it into the future quite like Dwight Yoakam,” said Jody Williams, VP, Creative, Nashville. “Standing on the shoulders of Bakersfield legends, Dwight’s self-penned songs have made indelible marks on America’s musical culture. His career includes roles in most every facet of the entertainment business and we are thrilled to celebrate him with BMI’s Presidents Award.”
Yoakam has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, with five reaching the No. 1 spot on Billboard. He is a 21-time nominated, multiple Grammy award winner, who has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums. He is also the recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the Americana Music Association. In 2018, Yoakam launched his very own SiriusXM channel, Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat, featuring music from the icon’s extensive career and celebrating the Bakersfield sound and California Country. Yoakam will be exploring this theme further at his Wynn Las Vegas debut this December with a six-night residency entitled An Evening with Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat, performing a variety of music that influenced and created the Bakersfield and California Country Rock genres.
In addition to Yoakam’s award, this year, BMI will introduce a new honor, the Legacy Award. The inaugural award will go to the timeless “Rocky Top,” penned by legendary BMI writers Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. The Legacy Award will honor indelible classics that not only found commercial success, but have also found a life of their own in the consciousness of the public.
Sam Hunt, Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, ‘This Is Us’ Star Chrissy Metz Added To ‘CMT Artists of the Year’ Special
/by Jessica NicholsonCMT has revealed its lineup of performers and presenters for the 2019 CMT Artists of the Year special, set to air live from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. ET.
Sam Hunt, Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Maddie & Tae, This Is Us stars Chrissy Metz and Lonnie Chavis, iHeartRadio personality/entertainer/Dancing With the Stars winner Bobby Bones, and The Big Bang Theory‘s Johnny Galecki. Metz will perform in honor of first-time CMT Artists of the Year honoree Luke Combs, while two-time CMT Artists of the Year recipient Lady Antebellum will team with Hunt to honor Reba McEntire.
This year’s honorees include Combs, Carrie Underwood, Dan+Shay, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett and Breakout Artist of the Year Ashley McBryde. Vince Gill will present Reba with her “CMT Artist of a Lifetime” honor.
CMT Artists of the Year is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and SwitchedOn Entertainment’s John Hamlin; the Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino.
Industry Ink: Lady Antebellum, Chuck Wicks, Change The Conversation, Urban Writers’ Round
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A Jumps Into ‘Ocean’ With Industry Crowd
(L-R): Red Light Management’s Coran Capshaw, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Red Light Management’s Callie Cunningham, Billboard’s Melinda Newman Photo Credit: Hodges Usry
Lady Antebellum performed selections from their new album Ocean for
Chuck Wicks And Friends Support The Navy League
Back Row (L-R:) Mitchell Tenpenny, Gavin DeGraw, Chuck Wicks, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann. Front Row (L-R): Chase Irwin (Whiskey Row) and Rowan Pickering (Heartstrings Foundation)
Chuck Wicks hosted his first-ever “Chuck Wicks and His Super Famous Friends” at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row with special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Lee Brice. Proceeds from the event raised $14,000 for the Navy League of the United States. Other guests performing during the event included Jimmie Allen, Gavin DeGraw and Jerrod Niemann.
Dr. Jada Watson To Speak At Change The Conversation Event
Nashville Is Not Just Country Music Celebrates Anniversary
Nashville is Not Just Country Music celebrated its one-year anniversary of providing opportunities for the urban music community in Nashville with an urban writers’ round. The writers’ round took place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 7 at True Music Room in Cambria Hotel. The event included performances by 2LiveBre, Aaron Dews, Canon, Drew Castle, Krysten Simone, Robin Raynelle, Tahne and Tryon. During the event, which brought out approximately 200 attendees, Thalia Ewing, also known as “Muziqueen,” owner of Muziqueen Publishing and founder of Nashville is Not Just Country Music, awarded several attendees with special awards and gifts.
Bandsintown Launches Live Music Charts
/by Jessica NicholsonBandsintown has launched its Live Music Charts today, the first data-driven predictive charts illustrating current interest in artist touring activity.
The 24 Worldwide, US and City charts, powered by Bandsintown’s data insights based on interactions of its 50 million registered fans, weigh a formula that blends tracker growth and fan engagement.
Bandsintown, Bandsintown for Artists, and Hypebot will publish monthly Worldwide and US emerging and established artist charts, as well as weekly buzzing and emerging artist charts for 10 major US cities, including Nashville, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. International charts will also roll out in coming weeks.
Bandsintown has partnered with Billboard to present the Billboard + Bandsintown Tour Index, four exclusive weekly charts that will showcase the top overall and rising artists both domestically and globally.
“In a fast-growing streaming music world, there is nothing more true than real fans’ interactions and engagement at live music events to build successful and long-term artist careers,” said Fabrice Sergent, Bandsintown Managing Partner. “Bandsintown’s dataset is unique in the marketplace as it highlights national and local rising stars based on fans engagement in the real world. The Bandsintown Live Music Charts furthers Bandsintown’s mission to support developing artists.”