Spirit Music Nashville Appoints Katie Flynn, Kara Jackson Creative Directors

Katie Flynn, Kara Jackson.  Photos by Jessica Steddom and Graham Dodd

Katie Flynn and Kara Jackson have joined Spirit Music Nashville as Creative Directors. Both will report to Frank Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville.

Flynn joins the Spirit team from Universal Music Publishing Group, where she worked for four years in Executive Assistant, Creative Assistant, and Catalog Manager roles. She earned her degree in Entertainment Industry Studies and Music Business from Belmont University.

Jackson comes to Spirit from BMG, where she served as Creative Coordinator. She graduated from DePauw University with a major in communications as part of the Media Fellows program.

Spirit Music Group was founded in 1995 and is one of the world’s leading independent music publishers, owning and/or managing more than 75,000 songs spanning seven decades and every musical genre. Spirit’s portfolio consists of over 200 No. 1 Billboard hits and over 450 Top 10 songs.

Bob Kingsley Steps Away From Country Top 40 Hosting Duties Due To Cancer Battle

Bob Kingsley. Photo: Provided by Westwood One

Legendary country radio personality Bob Kingsley, host of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 radio countdown, is stepping away from the mic temporarily, after revealing he is battling bladder cancer.

According to a recent Facebook post from Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Kingsley says he is working with the Country Top 40 team and KCCS Productions, as well as Westwood One, to determine a temporary plan as Kingsley focuses on his treatment.

I have always prided myself in delivering the truth to you—my friends in the Country music industry, my fellow radio broadcasters, and all of the loyal listeners around the world—and today, well, today the truth does not come in the form of a story behind the song, or anything else, but in the reality of what is going on with yours truly. I want to let you know that I have been diagnosed with bladder cancer. While there is no doubt that the immediate road ahead will push me and challenge my resolve, I want you to know I am blessed to be working with the very best in the medical profession, and they have a plan to deal with this awful disease. The faith you have placed in me is something I treasure, and that support has allowed me to do what I love in this wonderful industry for 60 years. I have no intention of stopping anytime soon, but for a moment, I need to ask for your patience as I step away from the mic and focus on my treatment. Those of you who know me personally, know I would not be here today, and could not continue in this moment without my beautiful bride of 30 years, Nan. Her strength is unmatched, and she is by my side every step of the way. My amazing team at the Country Top 40 and KCCS Productions, and our extended family at Westwood One, will be following up very soon with our temporary plan. And I do have to say, we are very far down the road on a concept we have been working on for a while in conjunction with this year’s CMA Awards—one that I thought I would get to be a part of over the next several weeks. That, however, is not going to be possible, but I am looking forward to hearing it from the other side of the speakers. You know friends, I’ve made a career out of #1s, and right now my #1 goal is getting back on the air to create more memories we’ll all be able to share, surrounded by the music we all love. I thank you in advance for the prayers and well wishes…they mean more to me than you could ever know.

Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 also announced this morning they are partnering with the CMA to spotlight female voices in the format, each week seeing a hit-making female artist take a turn behind Kingsley’s mic–with confirmed artists including Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, Martina McBride and more.

Beginning the weekend of Oct. 12-13 and running through the weekend of Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Kingsley will turn over the mic to country music’s most impactful female artists as the powerhouse women help countdown the week’s top 40 biggest hits. Throughout each episode, each guest artist will play their big hits, songs from their new albums, their favorite songs either performed or written by females, and each week’s Milestone segment will spotlight CMA Female Vocalist nominees and winners through the years.

Kingsley is a member of the Country Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2016 was inducted to the National Radio Hall of Fame.

 

Sam Hunt’s New Song “Kinfolks” Set For Release Tomorrow

Sam Hunt is world premiering his brand new song, “Kinfolks,” co-written with longtime collaborators Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers and Josh Osborne, and releasing it on all digital and streaming platforms tomorrow, (10/10). The new song officially impacts at country radio on Oct. 14.

“When I think of ‘kinfolks,’ when I think of that phrase,” says Hunt, “I think of my family, but also I think of my people back home – beyond family. It’s my buddies who’ve been a part of my story from the beginning. I’ve made a lot of new friends and met a lot of new people who are important to me since I’ve moved away, but that core group is still my core group. It’s like that old saying, ‘you can’t make old friends.’” Hunt leans on that sentiment, exemplifying the importance of bringing a new relationship into the mix and comfortability of home.

Hunt has been dropping hints for “Kinfolks” all week with images and lyrics on his socials teeing up the highly-anticipated new release. He’s currently in the studio finishing up a new album expected in the new year, and gave a taste of new music to a packed Bud Light House Party event in Calgary last month, performing the reflective “Sinning With You” for an eager crowd.

SMACK Promotes Robin Palmer To Chief Creative Officer

Robin Palmer

SMACK’s Robin Palmer has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer, where she will oversee and help grow SMACK’s songwriter roster, offering a vision for the company’s publishing strategy, identifying new talent and nurturing writers.

Texas native Palmer began her career in 1983 after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University. Prior to working at SMACK, she worked at publishing companies including The Writers Group, EMI Music Publishing, and Froehlig Palmer Music. In 2008, Palmer began a working relationship with Shane McAnally, which evolved into SMACK Songs.

McAnally says, “There wouldn’t be a SMACK without Robin Palmer. Her incredible gift of developing songwriters and recognizing diamonds in the rough is what this company is built on. The privilege of working beside her over the past decade has changed my life and I am so excited for her to expand her creative reach.”

“When Shane and I first started working together, we didn’t know what a little dream could grow into,” says Palmer. “I’m so thankful for Shane, Josh (Osborne), Michael (McAnally Baum) and this talented SMACK team for continuing to trust me with these amazing songs and songwriters. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.”

Dennis J. Johnson, Beloved Spouse Of Artist Manager Fletcher Foster, Passes

Dennis J Johnson

Dennis J. Johnson, beloved spouse of artist manager Fletcher Foster, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2019 after complications from a brave four-year battle with multiple myeloma. Through it all, he never lost his kind spirit, sweet smile and attention to detail. He was 62.

Dennis was born on November 24, 1956, to Garnes and Phyllis Johnson from Arcadia, California. He attended Arcadia High School, where he played the clarinet as a member of the Arcadia Apache Marching Band. This is where his love for marching band competitions began and as a teenager he marched in the Pasadena Rose Parade.

Dennis attended Pasadena City College, receiving an Associates of Arts degree in Design. He also attended Cal Poly in Pomona, California receiving a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with an emphasis in Advertising.

Dennis began his career in brand design only to move on to his dream job with the Walt Disney Company, working at Disneyland with many Fortune 500 companies. During that time, he met his life partner and future husband Fletcher Foster. He later worked at Miss Universe Pageant and in 1995 he moved to Nashville. His love of theme parks led him to work at Universal Studios Entertainment complex in Orlando, Florida as Vice President of Brand Development.

Dennis left the entertainment world to pursue his own home décor, design, manufacturing and distribution company. He created products found at Target, Belk, Coldwater Creek and boutique shops.

He also paralleled his love of homes by pursuing a career in residential real estate. Dennis was the recipient of the Silver Award of Excellence from the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors honoring significant achievement in real estate sales and salesmanship.

Dennis enjoyed music, art, film, skiing, tennis and football. His love of travel took him throughout the world to places such as Jerusalem, Palestine, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, Europe and Africa.

Being influenced by his travel with Fletcher, it inspired his creativity for home design—building two homes with Fletcher. He wanted their home to be as comfortable for guests as it was for them. He would focus on every detail. Entertaining and sharing their home with others for charitable events was also important. He loved to give back and share with others.

On August 1st, 2019 Dennis fulfilled his dream of marrying his best friend and love of thirty years, Fletcher.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Garnes and Phyllis Johnson. He is survived by his husband Fletcher, his siblings Jerry Johnson (Linda) and Judy Hopkins (Dale), nieces Deanna, Kimi, Britney, Ashley, and Nicole…and his two furry companions Mason and Zach.

A celebration of his life is being planned in Nashville and California for friends and family.

Third Man Records Releases ‘Striped: The Story Of The White Stripes’ Podcast

Third Man Records released the first two episodes of Season One of its new podcast Striped: The Story Of The White Stripes, hosted by Sean Cannon. In season one, music journalist Cannon takes you through the early years of The White Stripes by talking to the people who witnessed it firsthand — from a young Jack White practicing loudly in his attic, to The White Stripes wowing their tourmates Pavement in late 1999. You’ll hear from members of The MC5, Pavement, The Raconteurs, The Detroit Cobras, The Dirtbombs, The Soledad Brothers, filmmaker Lance Bangs, and more.

“Lately I’ve been afraid of getting in a car crash and having my last dying words be ‘shit, I really should’ve gotten the White Stripes story down for posterity,’” Third Man co-founder and White Stripes archivist Ben Blackwell said. “This is my attempt to avail myself to somewhat less lame last words.”

You can listen to the first two episodes via Apple Podcast.

Adam Doleac Signs With Arista Nashville

Pictured (seated, L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman/CEO, Randy Goodman; SMN’s Director A&R, Margaret Tomlin; Adam Doleac; Lightcave Entertainment’s Eric Garcia, WME’s Sloane Logue. (Standing, L-R): SMN’s Sr. Director Marketing, Liz Cost; and SMN’s VP Digital Strategy, Ed Rivadavia; WME’s Brian Jones; SMN’s SVP Sales/Streaming, Caryl Atwood; SMN’s COO/EVP, Ken Robold; SMN’s SVP Legal/Business Affairs, Angie Magill; SMN’s EVP Promotion/Artist Development, Steve Hodges; Arista Nashville VP Promotion, Josh Easler. Photo: Alan Poizner

Sony Music Nashville has signed singer/songwriter Adam Doleac to the Arista Nashville imprint. Doleac’s “Famous,” which he co-wrote with Andy Skib and Bobby Hamrick, will officially ship to country radio as his first Arista Nashville single on Dec. 16.

Doleac moved from his native Mississippi to Nashville in 2010, and later signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Besides penning the majority of his own music, Doleac co-wrote the track “Don’t,” which was featured on Darius Rucker’s album For The Last Time.

ET Brown, Lydia Schultz Promoted At SESAC

ET Brown, Lydia Schultz

SESAC has promoted ET Brown and Lydia Schultz, who will share dual management roles leading SESAC’s Nashville Creative Services department. Brown and Schultz have each been promoted to Sr. Director, Creative Services. In their new roles, they will work closely with President and COO, Kelli Turner, who’s based in Nashville, and report to Sam Kling, SVP of Creative Operations.

The move follows the exit of former SESAC VP, Creative Services Shannan Hatch, who recently joined music publishing outfit Fourward Music as President.

In his expanded role, Brown will manage SESAC Pop/Rock and Americana genres. In addition, Brown will lead the efforts of identifying and cultivating new talent while working closely with industry organizations to develop opportunities that bring value to SESAC songwriters and publishers.

Schultz will manage the country genre in Nashville while providing support and guidance to existing affiliates as well as discovering new talent in the songwriting community. Schultz will continue to generate and maintain long-standing relationships within the industry while developing new songwriter initiatives.

“I’m proud to announce the respective promotions of both ET and Lydia,” says Kling. “As a team, both ET and Lydia have worked seamlessly to ensure second-to-none service to the songwriting community over the years. Their passion for music and complementary skill sets, along with their close-knit relationships, only reinforces why they are best suited to lead the Nashville Creative Services team.”

Brown joined SESAC’s licensing team in 2009 quickly moving to the Creative Team in 2010. He has worked closely with Skid Row, Nothing More, Blackstone Cherry, Killswitch Engage, as well as Americana greats Margo Price, Jim Lauderdale, Webb Wilder, Hayes Carll, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. His deep admiration for the craft of songwriting has been instrumental in curating and participating in events throughout the community including the Nashville Film Festival, GRAMMY Next, and TONS. Brown is a graduate of Belmont University, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in the Music Business program. He is a member of the Americana Association, AIMP, CMA, ACM and the Recording Academy.

Schultz joined the SESAC Creative Services team in 2016. Since then, she has supported SESAC affiliates Blanco Brown, Matt McGinn, Michael Whitworth, Erin Enderlin, Jenny Tolman and many more. She has curated SESAC’s monthly Bluebird Show, SESAC CMA acoustic shows, as well as songwriter events in the Southeast region. Schultz is continually offering feedback on music and guidance on developing artists and songwriters. Prior to her time with SESAC, she worked for Magic Mustang Music as Creative Director; Broken Bow in their legal and finance department; and assisted songwriting legend JD Souther. Schultz graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Music Business program. She has participated in SOLID, GRAMMY NEXT and is a member of the Americana Association, AIMP, CMA, ACM and the Recording Academy.

Keith Urban Announces First Official European Tour In Over A Decade

Keith Urban is heading overseas for his first official European tour in more than a decade next Spring, titled Keith Urban Live. The tour kicks off May 2 in Amsterdam and will include stops in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, as well as four stops in the UK.

Urban is celebrating his 40th Top 10 single with his latest hit “We Were.” The song was co-written by Eric Church, Ryan Tyndell and Jeff Hyde.

Keith Urban Live Tour European dates:
May 2:         Amsterdam
May 5:          London
May 8:          Manchester
May 12:        Glasgow
May 14:        Birmingham
May 20:        Munich
May 22:       Frankfurt
May 23:       Cologne
May 25:        Hamburg
May 26:        Berlin
May 29:        Copenhagen
May 30:        Stockholm
May 31:        Oslo

 

Morgan Wallen To Launch Whiskey Glasses Roadshow Tour

Morgan Wallen has announced a brand-new headlining tour for 2020. The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Morgan Wallen’s Whiskey Glasses Roadshow will kick off Jan. 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and roll through May 1 in Denver, featuring special guests Jon Langston and Ashland Craft. The tour will hit 19 cities nationwide including Indianapolis, Raleigh, Boston, Atlanta, Houston, and more.

“This year so far, I’ve mostly played shows as the opening act. While I love that, and appreciate everyone who’s made that possible, I’m ready to get into rooms where I know the energy will all be directed towards our music and our production,” shares Wallen. “It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to headline, so I can’t wait to see some of the same faces I’ve gotten to know from before and get to know a bunch of new ones. I know it’s going to be the best one yet. Jon is one of my good buddies and has his own star rising, so I’m super pumped he accepted the offer to come out. Ashland is a new talent, one that most aren’t familiar with yet, but that will change soon. So I ask y’all to show up early and show both of them love. You won’t be disappointed.”

Pre-sales for tickets begin October 14 and will go on-sale to the general public October 18. As 2019 winds down, Wallen’s heartbreaker “Chasin’ You,” is making gains at country radio and he joins Luke Combs’ sold-out Beer Never Broke My Heart tour.

MONSTER ENERGY OUTBREAK TOUR PRESENTS: MORGAN WALLEN’S WHISKEY GLASSES ROADSHOW Tour Dates:
January 2 | Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live
January 3 | Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
January 4 | Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre
January 9 | New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore
January 10 | Houston, TX – House of Blues
January 11 | Irving, TX – Toyota Music Factory
January 16 | Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park
January 17 | Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room
January 18 | Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
March 19 | Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
March 20 | Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
March 21 | North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
April 9 | Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
April 11 | Boston, MA – House of Blues
April 17 | Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
April 23 | San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
April 29 | Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House
April 30 | Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
May 1 | Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium