
Lauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle leads this year’s GMA Dove Awards nominees, earning six award nominations, including Song of the Year for her smash hit “You Say,” as well as Artist of the Year.
Duo for KING & COUNTRY, and Gospel mainstay Kirk Franklin, earned five nods each. Among for KING & COUNTRY’s nods are Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“joy.”), and Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (for “God Only Knows”). Franklin’s nominations include Gospel Artist of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year (“Love Theory”), among others.
Also nominated for Artist of the Year are Hillsong UNITED, MercyMe, and TobyMac.
Artist of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY, Curb / Word Entertainment
Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Music / Capitol CMG
Lauren Daigle, Centricity
MercyMe, Fair Trade
TobyMac, Forefront / Capitol CMG
Song of the Year
“Counting Every Blessing” – (writers) Chris Llewellyn, Gareth Gilkeson, (publishers) Capitol CMG Paragon, Rend Family Music
“Everything” – (writers) David Garcia, Toby McKeehan, (publishers) Achtober Songs, D Soul Music, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing
“joy.” – (writers) Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Matt Hales, Seth Mosley, Stephen Blake Kanicka, Tedd Tjornhom, (publishers) 9t One Songs, Ariose Music, CentricSongs, Curb Wordspring Music LLC, Fleauxmotion Music, Kilns Music, Method to the Madness, Shankel Songs, Shaun Shankel Pub Designee, Stephen Blake Kanicka Publishing, These Tunes Go To 11, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“Known” – (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Capitol CMG Paragon, Crucial Music Entertainment, EGH Music Publishing
“Living Hope” – (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs
“Only Jesus” – (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Highly Combustible Music, House of Story Music Publishing, My Refuge Music, One77 Songs
“Red Letters” – (writers) David Crowder, Ed Cash, (publishers) Alletrop Music, Inot Music, sixsteps Music, worshiptogether.com songs
“The Breakup Song” – (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli, (publishers) Bartatronic Millaphonic, D Soul Music, Francesca Music, Tunes of MercyMe, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing, Word Music LLC
“Who You Say I Am” – (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing
“Won’t He Do It” – (writers) Loren Hill, Makeba Riddick-Woods, Rich Shelton, (publishers) SONGSBYMAK, Janice Combs Publishing, EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Nieze World Music, One Dynasty Music
“You Say” – (writers) Jason Ingram, Paul Mabury, Lauren Daigle, (publishers) CentricSongs, Fellow Ships Music, Flychild Publishing, So Essential Tunes
New Artist of the Year
Aaron Cole, Gotee Records
Austin French, Fair Trade
Josh Baldwin, Bethel Music
Kelontae Gavin, MBE / Tyscot
Riley Clemmons, Sparrow Records / Capitol CMG
Gospel Artist of the Year
Jekalyn Carr, Lunjeal Music Group
Kirk Franklin, Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Records
Koryn Hawthorne, RCA Inspiration
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Motown Gospel
Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration
Worship Song of the Year
“Build My Life” – (writers) Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, Pat Barrett, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Capitol CMG Genesis, Housefires Sounds, Kaple Music, Martin Karl Andrew, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music Thankyou Music worshiptogether.com songs
“Living Hope” – (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs
“Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” – (writer) Elyssa Smith, (publisher) UR Global Publishing
“Who You Say I Am” – (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing
“Yes I Will” – (writers) Eddie Hoagland, Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, (publishers) All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs, HBC Worship Music, Hickory Bill Doc, Jingram Music Publishing, So Essential Tunes, Upside Down Under
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Only Jesus” – Casting Crowns, (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West
“God Only Knows” – for KING & COUNTRY, (writers) Joel Smallbone, Jordan Reynolds, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone, Tedd Tjornhom
“The Breakup Song” – Francesca Battisteli, (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli
“You Say” – Lauren Daigle, (writers) Jason Ingram, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury
“Known” – Tauren Wells, (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Blessings On Blessings” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy, (writer) Anthony Brown
“Make Room” – Jonathan McReynolds, (writer) Jonathan McReynolds
“Love Theory” – Kirk Franklin, (writer) Kirk Franklin
“Unstoppable” – Koryn Hawthorne, (writers) Kid Class, Makeba Riddick, Robert D. Reese
“My God (feat. Mr. Talkbox)” – Nashville Life Music, (writer) Dwan Hill
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Longing For Home” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (writers) Ernie Hasse, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun
“We Are All God’s Children” – Gaither Vocal Band, (writers) Benjamin Gaither, Sara Beth Terry, Todd Suttles
“How Great Thou Art (feat. Sonya Isaacs)” – Josh Turner, (writer) Stuart K. Hine
“I Know I’ll Be There” – Karen Peck & New River, (writers) Dave Clark, Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun
“Even Me” – Triumphant Quartet, (writers) Jason Cox, Jeff Bumgardner, Kenna Turner West
Inspirational Film of the Year
Breakthrough – (director) Roxann Dawson, (producers) DeVon Franklin, Jessica Dunn
Indivisible – (director) David G. Evans, (producers) Darren Moorman, David G. Evans, Esther Evans
Run The Race – (director) Chris Dowling, (producers) Darren Moorman, Jake McEntire, Ken Carpenter
Unbroken: Path to Redemption – (director) Harold Cronk, (producers) Matt Baer, Mike Elliot
Unplanned – (directors) Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon, (producers) Cary Solomon, Chris Jones, Chuck Konzelman, Daryl C. Lefever, Fabiano Altamura, Jason Stafford, Joe Knopp, Mark Cheatwood, Megan Harrington, Sheila Hart
The Dove Awards are to be held live Tuesday, October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee and will air on TBN on Sunday, October 20, 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST
UMPG Signs Hillsong To European Administration, Writer Development Agreement
/by Lorie HollabaughThe agreement includes both Hillsong Music Publishing and SHOUT! Music Publishing. Hillsong Music Publishing is the publishing arm of Hillsong Church, which has locations in 23 countries and 200,000 people attending services every week. UMPG will work with Hillsong to provide publishing administration services for the church’s catalogue in Europe. The deal will also allow for UMPG and Hillsong to collaborate in writer development opportunities, as well as new joint signings.
SHOUT! Music Publishing is home to an international roster of composers, writers and catalogues, including Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood, Reuben Morgan, Benjamin Hastings, Alex Pappas, Aodhan King, Hannah Hobbs, Melody Wagner, Ryan Taubert and most recent signing, Josh Grimmett (GOODBOYS).
“The administration agreement with Hillsong is a fantastic relationship that has grown from initially exploring collaborative and creative ideas to formalising a partnership in a unique environment,” said Dougie Bruce, UMPG UK. “We are looking forward to integrating their writers into our team and identifying key opportunities across the music sphere. UMPG will also handle some 11,000 existing works, and new signings and songs will further increase this catalogue.”
“UMPG are leaders in the music publishing world and we’re looking forward to exploring the opportunities for our song writers and have great respect and trust in their team,” said Steve McPherson, Publishing Manager of Hillsong. “We have had fruitful relationships within the Universal family in different parts of the world for many years and we’re very excited to extend this to the UK and Europe.”
CAA Promotes Katie Anderson To Music Leadership Team
/by Jessica NicholsonKatie Anderson. Photo: CAA
CAA has promoted Nashville-based Katie Anderson to its music leadership team, MusicRow has confirmed. In her new role, she will work with Co-Heads Darin Murphy, Brian Manning and Marc Dennis (Nashville) as well as Darryl Eaton, Rob Light, Mitch Rose and Rick Roskin (Los Angeles).
“We’re thrilled for Katie as she assumes her new role. Over the years, she has proven to be an invaluable colleague and friend whose insights and expertise will continue to be a true asset to the department.” Roskin said.
Anderson previously served as an executive in strategy and operations at CAA, and began working in the company’s music department in 2006.
Industry Ink: Blake Shelton, ACM, BMI
/by Jessica NicholsonBlake Shelton Celebrates RIAA Cert
Pictured (L-R): Scott Hendricks, Blake Shelton and John Esposito attend the No. 1 Party for “God’s Country” at Ole Red on Aug. 07, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
Blake Shelton recently celebrated his two-week No. 1,“God’s Country” with his team at Warner Music Nashville. The song has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Pictured (L-R): Shane Tarleton, Scott Hendricks, Blake Shelton, John Esposito and Narvel Blackstock. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI
Cody Webb Visits ACM
Pictured (L-R): Greg Burroughs, Copperline Music Group; Cody Webb; RAC Clark, Interim ACM Executive Director; Rusty Harmon, Copperline Music Group. Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music welcomed Copperline Music Group’s Cody Webb to the office while he was in Los Angeles recently. While at the Academy, Webb performed his current single, “Jon Boat,” along with a few other songs from his self-titled EP, Cody Webb.
BMI Partners With Warner Chappell For New Sounds of Nashville
Hatch Foundation Holds Music Licensing Symposium
/by Haley CrowMatt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, leads a panel discussion.
Yesterday (Aug. 13), the Hatch Center—the policy arm of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation—hosted a symposium entitled “Music Licensing in the 21st Century.”
Speakers included Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice; Gordon Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters; Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers; Michael O’Neill, President and CEO of Broadcast Music, Inc; and Orrin G. Hatch, Chairman Emeritus of the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.
“What an honor to have so many music luminaries here in our own backyard,” said Hatch. “As a lifelong songwriter myself, I have long advocated on behalf of the talented men and women who contribute greatly to our arts and culture through their work in the recording industry. Today we heard insightful commentary from a handful of policymakers who are committed to building on the coordinated effort between lawmakers and stakeholders that resulted in the Music Modernization Act last year.”
“In true Orrin Hatch fashion, today’s symposium brought together two sides of an issue to work towards a unifying solution,” said Matt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation. “The focus of our discussion was on striking a balance in music licensing: We need a regulatory environment that allows our broadcasters to thrive, but we also need consent decrees that work for our songwriters and publishers. The biggest takeaway from today is that we can do both.”
Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice
Gordon Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters
Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
Michael O’Neill, President and CEO of Broadcast Music, Inc.
Staff Promotions At NSAI
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (clockwise from top left): Goad, Hudson, Perry, Parker
The Nashville Songwriters Association International has promoted four staffers. Nina Goad has been promoted to Executive Assistant to NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison. Goad will also assist Herbison and NSAI’s Director of Operations Jennifer Turnbow on legislative and advocacy work.
Leah Hudson has been named NSAI member representative-member events director, and will assume responsibility for NSAI’s Tin Pan South and both of NSAI’s Summer Song Camps. McKenzie Parker has been named NSAI Chapter Director, overseeing NSAI’s 100 chapters around the world. Brooke Perry has been appointed Fulfillment and Production Manager, handling production and logistics for the Nashville Songwriter Awards, Tin Pan South, Sponsorships, and assisting Turnbow.
Hunter Hayes To Release Album ‘Wild Blue (Part 1)’ On Friday
/by Jessica NicholsonDuring his visit to NBC’s Today, Hayes thanked his fans for sticking with him through the past few years.
“You’ve been patient and you’ve also given me the strength to be here.” he said. “I was originally going to put out the album on the anniversary of my debut album, because I felt like I was picking up where I left off there, but I decided I couldn’t wait any longer.
Over the past several months, Hayes has introduced fans to selections from the project, including “Dear God,” “One Shot,” and “One Good Reason.” Last night, he released the title track from the album, “Wild Blue.”
Lauren Daigle, for KING & COUNTRY, Kirk Franklin Lead 50th Annual Dove Awards Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonLauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle leads this year’s GMA Dove Awards nominees, earning six award nominations, including Song of the Year for her smash hit “You Say,” as well as Artist of the Year.
Duo for KING & COUNTRY, and Gospel mainstay Kirk Franklin, earned five nods each. Among for KING & COUNTRY’s nods are Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“joy.”), and Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (for “God Only Knows”). Franklin’s nominations include Gospel Artist of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year (“Love Theory”), among others.
Also nominated for Artist of the Year are Hillsong UNITED, MercyMe, and TobyMac.
Artist of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY, Curb / Word Entertainment
Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Music / Capitol CMG
Lauren Daigle, Centricity
MercyMe, Fair Trade
TobyMac, Forefront / Capitol CMG
Song of the Year
“Counting Every Blessing” – (writers) Chris Llewellyn, Gareth Gilkeson, (publishers) Capitol CMG Paragon, Rend Family Music
“Everything” – (writers) David Garcia, Toby McKeehan, (publishers) Achtober Songs, D Soul Music, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing
“joy.” – (writers) Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Matt Hales, Seth Mosley, Stephen Blake Kanicka, Tedd Tjornhom, (publishers) 9t One Songs, Ariose Music, CentricSongs, Curb Wordspring Music LLC, Fleauxmotion Music, Kilns Music, Method to the Madness, Shankel Songs, Shaun Shankel Pub Designee, Stephen Blake Kanicka Publishing, These Tunes Go To 11, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
“Known” – (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Capitol CMG Paragon, Crucial Music Entertainment, EGH Music Publishing
“Living Hope” – (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs
“Only Jesus” – (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Highly Combustible Music, House of Story Music Publishing, My Refuge Music, One77 Songs
“Red Letters” – (writers) David Crowder, Ed Cash, (publishers) Alletrop Music, Inot Music, sixsteps Music, worshiptogether.com songs
“The Breakup Song” – (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli, (publishers) Bartatronic Millaphonic, D Soul Music, Francesca Music, Tunes of MercyMe, Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing, Word Music LLC
“Who You Say I Am” – (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing
“Won’t He Do It” – (writers) Loren Hill, Makeba Riddick-Woods, Rich Shelton, (publishers) SONGSBYMAK, Janice Combs Publishing, EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Nieze World Music, One Dynasty Music
“You Say” – (writers) Jason Ingram, Paul Mabury, Lauren Daigle, (publishers) CentricSongs, Fellow Ships Music, Flychild Publishing, So Essential Tunes
New Artist of the Year
Aaron Cole, Gotee Records
Austin French, Fair Trade
Josh Baldwin, Bethel Music
Kelontae Gavin, MBE / Tyscot
Riley Clemmons, Sparrow Records / Capitol CMG
Gospel Artist of the Year
Jekalyn Carr, Lunjeal Music Group
Kirk Franklin, Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Records
Koryn Hawthorne, RCA Inspiration
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Motown Gospel
Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration
Worship Song of the Year
“Build My Life” – (writers) Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, Pat Barrett, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Capitol CMG Genesis, Housefires Sounds, Kaple Music, Martin Karl Andrew, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music Thankyou Music worshiptogether.com songs
“Living Hope” – (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs
“Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” – (writer) Elyssa Smith, (publisher) UR Global Publishing
“Who You Say I Am” – (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing
“Yes I Will” – (writers) Eddie Hoagland, Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, (publishers) All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs, HBC Worship Music, Hickory Bill Doc, Jingram Music Publishing, So Essential Tunes, Upside Down Under
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Only Jesus” – Casting Crowns, (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West
“God Only Knows” – for KING & COUNTRY, (writers) Joel Smallbone, Jordan Reynolds, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone, Tedd Tjornhom
“The Breakup Song” – Francesca Battisteli, (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli
“You Say” – Lauren Daigle, (writers) Jason Ingram, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury
“Known” – Tauren Wells, (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Blessings On Blessings” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy, (writer) Anthony Brown
“Make Room” – Jonathan McReynolds, (writer) Jonathan McReynolds
“Love Theory” – Kirk Franklin, (writer) Kirk Franklin
“Unstoppable” – Koryn Hawthorne, (writers) Kid Class, Makeba Riddick, Robert D. Reese
“My God (feat. Mr. Talkbox)” – Nashville Life Music, (writer) Dwan Hill
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Longing For Home” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (writers) Ernie Hasse, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun
“We Are All God’s Children” – Gaither Vocal Band, (writers) Benjamin Gaither, Sara Beth Terry, Todd Suttles
“How Great Thou Art (feat. Sonya Isaacs)” – Josh Turner, (writer) Stuart K. Hine
“I Know I’ll Be There” – Karen Peck & New River, (writers) Dave Clark, Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun
“Even Me” – Triumphant Quartet, (writers) Jason Cox, Jeff Bumgardner, Kenna Turner West
Inspirational Film of the Year
Breakthrough – (director) Roxann Dawson, (producers) DeVon Franklin, Jessica Dunn
Indivisible – (director) David G. Evans, (producers) Darren Moorman, David G. Evans, Esther Evans
Run The Race – (director) Chris Dowling, (producers) Darren Moorman, Jake McEntire, Ken Carpenter
Unbroken: Path to Redemption – (director) Harold Cronk, (producers) Matt Baer, Mike Elliot
Unplanned – (directors) Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon, (producers) Cary Solomon, Chris Jones, Chuck Konzelman, Daryl C. Lefever, Fabiano Altamura, Jason Stafford, Joe Knopp, Mark Cheatwood, Megan Harrington, Sheila Hart
The Dove Awards are to be held live Tuesday, October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee and will air on TBN on Sunday, October 20, 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST
Warner Chappell Music, Round Hill Music Announce Global Partnership
/by Jessica NicholsonWarner Chappell Music has inked an exclusive sub-publishing agreement with Round Hill Music. Warner Chappell will administer Round Hill copyrights around the world, excluding the United States, the British Isles and the Nordics. Warner Chappell Music will also explore creative opportunities for Round Hill songs and songwriters across the globe.
“In less than a decade, Round Hill has built an extraordinary collection of evergreen copyrights and iconic catalogs, while at the same time signing some of today’s most exciting and gifted songwriters,” said Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair & CEO Guy Moot and Co-Chair & COO Carianne Marshall. “The global potential is enormous, and all of us at Warner Chappell around the world are thrilled to partner with Josh, Richard, Neil and the entire Round Hill team to find new avenues and audiences for this amazing body of work.”
“Carianne and Guy have a vision for Warner Chappell that works really well for the Round Hill catalog overseas,” said Round Hill Music President Neil Gillis. “We know and respect their team, and we are looking forward to a long and wonderful partnership.”
Round Hill was founded in 2010 by Josh Gruss along with Richard Rowe and Neil Gillis. Its catalog includes hit songs such as “Happy Together,” “All of Me,” “She Loves You,” “Video Killed The Radio Star,” “Calendar Girl,” “Living In America,” “Cool Kids,” “Best Day Of My Life,” “Fever,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “Total Eclipse Of The Heart,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Bye, Bye, Bye,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Cherry Pie,” “Land of A Thousand Dances,” I Feel Good,” “Marry You,” “What A Wonderful World,” and many more.
Some of Round Hill’s current artists and songwriters include Valerie Broussard, Brittany Howard, Des Rocs, Topaz Jones, Morgan Taylor Reid, Tim Myers, Cobi, Thutmose, Mama Haze, Gramatik, Shawn Hook, TT the Artist, Palm Springsteen, Marc Broussard, REZZ, Nick Waterhouse, Confidence Man, Bones UK, Katie Pruitt, Mr. Gabriel, Ryan Shaw, Langhorn Slim and bands such as American Authors, Yonaka, Bronze Radio Returns, SHEL, Sleater-Kinney, Lettuce, Florida Georgia Line, Too Many Zooz, Royal Teeth, VHS Collection, and Umphrey’s McGee.
Round Hill Nashville’s roster of hit songwriters includes Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Jimmy Robbins, Wade Kirby, Eric Arjes, and Danny Myrick. Through a partnership with Big Loud, Round Hill Nashville also represents writers like Craig Wiseman, Rodney Clawson, Sarah Buxton, and Matt Dragstrem.
RIAA Certifications: Chris Stapleton’s ‘Traveller’ Hits 4x Multi-Platinum
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has revealed a slate of recent Gold and Platinum certifications. Chris Stapleton‘s breakthrough debut solo album Traveller, which released in 2015, has been certified 4x Multi-Platinum as of July 24.
So far in August, Platinum single certifications have included Chase Rice‘s “Eyes On You,” the Jason Aldean/Miranda Lambert collaboration “Drowns The Whiskey,” and Kelsea Ballerini’s “Miss Me More.” Old Dominion‘s “Hotel Key” has been certified Gold as has their album Happy Endings. Lauren Daigle‘s “You Say” has been certified 2x Multi-Platinum.
In July, Maren Morris‘ debut album HERO was certified Platinum, while Keith Urban‘s 2018 album Graffiti U was certified Gold.
Blake Shelton earns three Gold and Platinum certifications for his singles “I Lived It,” “I’ll Name The Dogs,” and his latest chart-topper “God’s Country.” Stapleton’s signature rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” reaches 6x Multi-Platinum status.
Newcomer Morgan Wallen celebrates a Platinum single with “Whiskey Glasses,” as does Jimmie Allen with “Best Shot.”
Albums
Chris Stapleton, Traveller – 4x Multi-Platinum
Maren Morris, HERO – Platinum
Keith Urban, Graffiti U – Gold
Old Dominion, Happy Endings – Gold
Single Certifications
Chase Rice, “Eyes On You” – Platinum
Jason Aldean ft. Miranda Lambert, “Drowns The Whiskey” – Platinum
Kelsea Ballerini, “Miss Me More” – Platinum
Old Dominion, “Hotel Key” – Gold
Lauren Daigle, “You Say” – 2x Multi-Platinum
Blake Shelton, “I Lived It”- Gold
Blake Shelton, “I’ll Name The Dogs” – Platinum
Blake Shelton, “God’s Country” – Platinum
Keith Urban, “Somebody Like You” – 2x Multi-Platinum
Brett Eldredge, “Love Someone” – Gold
Chris Stapleton, “Tennessee Whiskey” – 6x Multi-Platinum
Chris Stapleton, “Millionaire,” – Platinum
Chris Stapleton, “Broken Halos” – 2x Multi-Platinum
Morgan Wallen, “Whiskey Glasses” – Platinum
Scotty McCreery, “This Is It” – Platinum
Hillsong Worship, “Who You Say I Am (Live)” – Gold
Casting Crowns, “Oh My Soul”- Gold
Casting Crowns, “Thrive” – Gold
Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be” – 8x Multi-Platinum
Lee Brice, “Rumor” – Platinum
Russell Dickerson, “Blue Tacoma” – Platinum
Maren Morris, “GIRL” – Gold
Maren Morris, “The Bones” – Gold
Jimmie Allen, “Best Shot” – Platinum
Tim McGraw, “Something Like That” – Platinum
Tim McGraw, “Just To See You Smile” – Platinum
Tim McGraw, “Live Like You Were Dying” – 3x Multi-Platinum
Tim McGraw, “When The Stars Go Blue” – Platinum
Tim McGraw, “The Cowboy In Me” – Gold
Tim McGraw, “I Need You” – Platinum
Tim McGraw, “Where The Green Grass Grows” – Gold
Tim McGraw, “Real Good Man” – Gold
Tim McGraw, “My Next Thirty Years” – Gold
Tim McGraw, “My Best Friend” – Platinum
Industry Ink: CMA, Big Loud/Maverick, Russ And Tori Taff
/by Lorie HollabaughCMA To Host Neon Nashville Showcase At German Festival
The CMA is hosting a showcase, “Neon Nashville,” on Sept. 18 at Hamburg, Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival to help further country music’s international expansion. CMA will host a panel and networking reception during the festival as well. The showcase will feature performances by Ingrid Andress, Blanco Brown, Ilse DeLange (from the Netherlands) and Rachel Wammack. In addition to the festival, attendees can take part in the Reeperbahn Festival Conference and attend a panel titled “It Sounds Like Country,” which will explore the growing popularity of country in the European market and the diversity of the genre. The panel includes industry professionals Milly Olykan (CMA Vice President of International Relations & Development, USA), Sarah Casey (United Talent Agency Agent, U.K.), Fred Casimir (BMG Executive Vice President, Global Repertoire & Marketing, Germany) and Oliver Hoppe (Wizard Promotions Managing Director, Germany).
Ryan Kroon Joins Big Loud/Maverick Management Team
Photo Credit: Nick Swift
Ryan Kroon has joined BigLoud/Maverick as a day-to-day manager. An Oregon native and graduate of the University of Oregon, Kroon moved to Nashville in 2015 and got his start at Triple 8 Management, followed by four years at Red Light Management, where he handled day-to-day duties for Sam Hunt plus new talents Everette and Conner Smith.
“When someone of Ryan’s caliber shows interest in joining our company, we jump at the opportunity to bring him in,” shares Big Loud partner/manager Chief Zaruk. “He is a true professional in every way and we cannot wait to see what he brings to our rapidly-growing team!”
Russ And Tori Taff To Receive ASCAP Golden Note Award
Taff has earned six Grammy Awards and 18 Dove Awards during his 40-year career. He was barely out of his teens when he was asked to join the gospel group The Imperials as their lead singer, and a few years later pursued his own solo career. Taff’s lyrics, often co-written with his wife Tori, chronicled his personal spiritual path. To date, he has recorded 11 solo albums, including industry benchmarks Medals, Russ Taff and Under Their Influence. His classic singles include “We Will Stand,” “I’m Not Alone,” “Not Gonna Bow” and “Eagle Song.” Grammy-nominated songwriter and author Tori Taff co-wrote I Still Believe: A Memoir of Wreckage, Recovery, and Relentless Love, a book and documentary film that chronicles her husband’s life from childhood to stardom and from his hidden struggle with alcohol to his path to recovery. The book and film were released earlier this year.