Dan Rogers.
Newly-appointed Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers launched his career as an intern at the Grand Ole Opry in 1999, though according to one childhood photo, his acquaintance with the venerable 94-year-old institution runs at least as far back as Rogers’ kindergarten year.
“We took a tour of the Grand Ole Opry and I don’t know what I was thinking at that point, but I certainly wasn’t thinking about fast forwarding to today and this happening,” Rogers tells MusicRow.
A childhood photo of Dan Rogers at the Grand Ole Opry.
Since beginning his professional career at the Opry, Rogers has rotated though a myriad of roles in marketing, communications, artist relations and production. He has become a regular fixture backstage at the Opry, earning the affectionate nickname “Opry Dan.”
In his new role, Rogers will oversee the show’s more than 200 annual performances. The promotion came in the wake of the news that Sally Williams was exiting to take on a new role at Live Nation as President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy.
“I feel like this opportunity has come to me at the perfect time in my Opry career. I’ve been learning for 20 years and I’ve been learning from different leaderships. No one is every fully prepared to take on any role, but the past two decades, it’s been more about a long steady education and work.” he says.
Rogers discussed his new role and what is ahead for the Grand Ole Opry.
MusicRow: Going forward, how do you see the Opry changing—and how do you see it staying the same?
That is a great question and almost a quote of a past Opry advertising slogan that was pitched. We never went with it, but I’ve never forgotten it. It was “The Grand Ole Opry, it always changes. The Grand Ole Opry, it never changes.” That’s my philosophy as well. You have to hold tight to some of the things that have made the Opry what it is over the course of 94 years. Then you always have to have an eye out to the future to attracting new fans who will become the folks who are tuning in or doing whatever it is…handheld device…to connect to the Opry.
In the past few years, we have seen more newcomers be inducted into the Opry—artists such as Dustin Lynch, Luke Combs and Kelsea Ballerini. Do you see that trend continuing?
The Opry membership has always been about the relationship the Opry artists have with the Opry, its fans and country music in general. And that, in my vote, will never change. Whether it’s Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, the Oak Ridge Boys who became members relatively recently or Charlie Daniels, who joined the Opry late in his career but is quick to say it is a career highlight. Relationships will always be at the core of Opry membership and speaking of teamwork, that is certainly not a decision made by one person. Our senior leadership will continue to be very active in those decisions. An even wider net of people will make those decisions, because that is part of what makes the Opry so special.
In 2025, the Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Though that anniversary is still a few years away, what ideas and plans are already being looked at to celebrate?
Funny enough, I do have a 100th anniversary digital folder that I have asked folks to contribute to and have just been adding the occasional items.
From a license plate, to a really fun network TV project, to a way of honoring all of our Opry members, past and present. There will be no end to what we want to accomplish for that, because obviously that is a great opportunity. The Opry will likely be the only radio show that ever will be able to claim a 100th anniversary.
What does that anniversary mean you for personally?
It is an undeniable honor for me personally, but the most exciting part of that, and this job, is the great folks with whom I’ll work to make it happen. I can’t imagine what a monumental task and responsibility that will be. And so many folks that have been here with me for so long that will be on board. The Opry calls itself a family a lot and it feels that way when you walk into a meeting and sit across from [Director of Talent and Logistics] Gina Keltner, who has been here a long time with me. A lot of the tech services folks a lot of them have been here even longer than I have.
Looking over your two decades with the Opry, what have been some of your favorite memories?
Every time someone is surprised with an Opry member invitation. That never gets old. Songwriters say their favorite [song] is the one they just wrote, and my favorite Opry moments are the most recent. We just celebrated Jesse McReynolds’ 90th birthday with a chorus of mandolin that was unforgettable. It was amazing to see Carrie Underwood surprise the audience by not just welcoming Kelsea Ballerini into the Opry family, but then singing [Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit] “Walkaway Joe” with her.
I’ve timed my entrance into the Opry House just right a time or two just so I got to walk up the artist entrance alongside Loretta Lynn, who talked and laughed the entire way. All I could think of was, “If my mom back home could see me now,” because she’s such a Loretta Lynn fan. It’s also the Opry moments that will soon be. I can’t wait for Oct. 12th when Dolly Parton celebrates 50 years with us. All you have to say is “Dolly Parton, Grand Ole Opry” and you know it will be unforgettable.
We worked with Trisha Yearwood to celebrate her 20th Opry anniversary and we worked with her to craft moments onstage that would be unforgettable, like an appearance with Garth [Brooks] and a collaboration with Ricky Skaggs, who had invited her to join the Opry.
Then, we were able to surprise Trisha herself by having Emmylou Harris come out to introduce her. I think that rocked her world, for a split second, anyway. It was the perfect combination of working with an artist so they had their great onstage moment, but also working to surprise her with something that would only happen at the Opry as well.
SMO’s New Album ‘This One’s For You’ Set For August
/by Lorie HollabaughProduced by David Ray of Dammit Boy Entertainment, Eric “WeeWee” Flemming and DJ Orig, This One’s For You, is 100-proof, old-school SMO. Along with the leadoff track, “Boss 2.0,” SMO co-wrote all 12 tracks on the album.
From the country-rap banger “Tear Da Mud Up,” featuring DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, to the prideful anthem, “How I Roll,” featuring Colt Ford and David Ray, to SMO’s cannabis journey on “Colorado Bound” with Afroman, the new album delivers the signature sound fans have come to know and love from the entertainer. Essential playlist songs also include the outdoorsman’s ode to hunting, “Bone Splitta,” featuring Cypress Spring and D-Ray, and the title track, “This One’s For You.”
“As always, I have handcrafted a buffet of backwood adventures and life lessons for my kinfoke to enjoy,” said SMO. “This album is a true representation of where I am in life as a man, a father, a son, and a leader for my people.”
SMO’s autobiography, MY LIFE IN A JAR: The Book of SMO also hits Amazon.com at the end of the summer from publisher Baker & Taylor, with the e-book dropping August 22, and the hard-cover hitting stores in early September. Co-written with Jake Brown, SMO will release the audiobook version by the end of the year.
Ashley Gorley Reigns, Jon Nite Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley reigns at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart again this week, while HARDY remains at the No. 2 spot. Hillary Lindsey maintains the No. 3 spot, and Blanco Brown moves up to No. 4.
“Knockin’ Boots” (Luke Bryan) and “Living” (Dierks Bentley) co-writer, Jon Nite, moves his way up to the No. 5 slot this week.
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 only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Breaking: Clay Hunnicutt Joins Big Machine Label Group
/by Jessica NicholsonClay Hunnicutt. Photo: Delaney Royer
Clay Hunnicutt has joined Big Machine Label Group in a general manager role for its Big Machine imprint. Hunnicutt was previously President and Partner for independent label Big Loud.
Current Big Machine general manager Jim Weatherson will remain through the transition before he moves into a consulting role.
“I have worked with Clay Hunnicutt throughout my career on the radio side and record side,” says BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “He is a consummate professional with a tireless work ethic and boundless creativity. He is the perfect compliment to our executive team and I’m sure he will turn great results. I also want to thank Jim Weatherson, who has been attached to the BMLG in one way or another since our inception. He helped to launch the ground-breaking Nash Icon label and then led Big Machine through a very successful leadership transition. Jim came to me a year ago to discuss his exit strategy and the timing of this announcement dovetails perfectly for what Jim wants to do. His DNA is imprinted at the label group.”
Hunnicutt says, “Scott Borchetta and I have talked about working together for years and it’s exciting that we were finally able to put it together, especially during such a dynamic time for Big Machine. There’s an amazing team already in place and I can’t wait to jump in and see where we can take the Big Machine artists together.”
At Big Loud Records, he led a team that developed and promoted such chart-topping acts as Jake Owen and Morgan Wallen. Previously spending 27 years in radio, he served as a Program Director throughout the southeast, including Nashville and Atlanta, before ultimately overseeing Clear Channel’s national programming initiatives. In 2014, iHeartMedia elevated Hunnicutt to Executive Vice President and General Manager National Programming Platforms and Vice President/Brand Manager of Country Programming. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association and the Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) and is a member of the 2005 Leadership Music Class.
Martina McBride Reveals Ninth Annual Joy Of Christmas Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMartina McBride is ringing in the holiday season this year with her The Joy of Christmas Tour, which will kick off Nov. 29 and run through Dec. 21 and visit San Antonio, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and more. For the ninth consecutive year, McBride will deliver jubilant renditions of timeless holiday classics during the festive tour.
“This show is so much fun to do,” says McBride. “We have everything from classic hymns like ‘O Holy Night’ to fun, big band swing classics like ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’ It’s all a very visual, the songs are well-loved, and you leave with a warm feeling. I love to think of entire families, from grandparents to grandchildren, enjoying The Joy Of Christmas. It’s really a show for the whole family.”
Martina McBride Joy Of Christmas Tour Dates:
11/29/19-Biloxi, MS: Beau Rivage Theatre
11/30/19-Lake Charles, LA: Golden Nugget
12/1/19-San Antonio, TX: Majestic Theatre
12/3/19*-Tyler, TX: R. Down Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center
12/5/19**-Green Bay, WI: Resch Center
12/7/19**-Prior Lake, MN: Mystic Lake Casino
12/6/19-Springfield, IL: Sangamon Auditorium
12/12/19-Wallingford, CT: Oakdale Theatre
12/13/19-Philadelphia, PA: The Met
12/14/19-Boston, MA: Lowell Memorial Auditorium
12/15/19-Newark, NJ: Union County PAC
12/19/19-East Lansing, MI: Wharton Center
12/20/19*-Chicago, IL: Rialto Square Theatre
12/21/19*-St. Louis, MO: Lindenwood University
*on sale now
**on sale 8/23
Brothers Osborne Reveal Details On ‘Live At The Ryman’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughBrothers Osborne are set to release their new album, Live At The Ryman, digitally on Oct. 11. Recorded during their three-night, sold-out run at the famed auditorium earlier this year, the album will feature the band’s Platinum-certified hits such as “Stay A Little Longer” and “It Ain’t My Fault” as well as fan favorites like “Weed, Whiskey And Willie” and “Love The Lonely Out Of You.”
Special album packages including unique merch items will be available on their website and members of The Family fan club will receive exclusive access to the album starting Oct. 10.
John and TJ Osborne’s current Top 40 single “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You)” will be included on the new live record, and the duo recently released a sentimental video for the track. The Maryland natives are set to reunite with Chris Stapleton on tour later this Fall, and will also open select dates for Willie Nelson, including Farm Aid on Sept. 21.
Live At The Ryman Track Listing:
SoundExchange To Offer New Music Licensing Service For Podcasts
/by Jessica NicholsonPodcastmusic.com currently has a database of more than 700,000 production and music bed tracks; the collaboration will provide global license for all rights needed to use feature music in a podcast, including master use, performance, synchronization, and mechanical rights. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, the podcast industry is forecasted to produce more than $1 billion in advertising revenue by 2021.
“The podcast industry is rapidly growing, and this collaboration will provide SoundExchange’s music creators—both labels and publishers—with an additional way to monetize their work by making their music available on Podcastmusic.com if they choose,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “Our collaboration with SourceAudio will make the process of licensing music simpler through a one-stop licensing marketplace.”
“Currently there is no simple way for a podcaster to acquire rights for feature music in their podcasts. We are solving that by working with SoundExchange,” said Geoffrey Grotz, CEO/Co-Founder of SourceAudio. “By connecting with SoundExchange’s community of music creators including labels, artists, publishers and songwriters, and benefitting from their deep expertise, we will be able to deliver a high-quality repertoire of music for podcasters.”
Music creators interested in making their sound recordings available for podcasts can visit podcastmusic.com/rights-holders for more information.
Chris Young Is Tequila Comisario’s New Global Ambassador
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: Steve Davis (Tequila Comisario), Steve Rice (Tequila Comisario), Chris Young, Rick Darnell (Tequila Comisario), Luis Costa (Elite Beverage International), Rob Beckham (The AMG)
Photo: Jeff Johnson
Chris Young has partnered with Tequila Comisario as the brand’s new global ambassador. The new partnership was announced last night at a VIP event from the singer’s sold-out headlining concert at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine. The multi-award winning tequila brand is joining forces with Young for a major national marketing campaign, launching this month, to further position its ultra-premium tequila.
Available in three expressions including the mixable Blanco, and the perfectly aged, Reposado and Añejo, the small-batch tequilas are double-distilled and cold-filtered, made from the finest, hand-selected 100% Blue Weber Agave which is grown in the rich, red clay soil and cool climate of the Jalisco Highlands in Mexico for a minimum of seven years and harvested at the optimum time to produce the ultra-premium tequila.
In addition to a nationwide marketing and advertising campaign, Young will make appearances with Tequila Comisario at Applejack Wine & Spirits (Aug. 12 in Denver) and Costco (Aug. 16 Scottsdale, Arizona).
“We are very delighted to officially welcome Chris Young to our family! Our ultra-premium tequilas are intended for the savvy and sophisticated connoisseur in-the-know and looking for a quality tasting experience. Our Blanco makes an incredible margarita and is wonderfully smooth straight up” said Luis Cota, President and CEO for Elite Beverage International. “With over four decades in the wine and spirits industry, I can truly say, that our portfolio of premium tequilas will surprise even the most refined palate.”
“I’m so proud to be working with Comisario Tequila,” said Young. “It’s exciting to be a small part of their growth in the marketplace, and it’s truly the finest tequila I’ve ever had.”
Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers Discusses New Leadership Role [Interview]
/by Jessica NicholsonDan Rogers.
Newly-appointed Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers launched his career as an intern at the Grand Ole Opry in 1999, though according to one childhood photo, his acquaintance with the venerable 94-year-old institution runs at least as far back as Rogers’ kindergarten year.
“We took a tour of the Grand Ole Opry and I don’t know what I was thinking at that point, but I certainly wasn’t thinking about fast forwarding to today and this happening,” Rogers tells MusicRow.
A childhood photo of Dan Rogers at the Grand Ole Opry.
Since beginning his professional career at the Opry, Rogers has rotated though a myriad of roles in marketing, communications, artist relations and production. He has become a regular fixture backstage at the Opry, earning the affectionate nickname “Opry Dan.”
In his new role, Rogers will oversee the show’s more than 200 annual performances. The promotion came in the wake of the news that Sally Williams was exiting to take on a new role at Live Nation as President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy.
“I feel like this opportunity has come to me at the perfect time in my Opry career. I’ve been learning for 20 years and I’ve been learning from different leaderships. No one is every fully prepared to take on any role, but the past two decades, it’s been more about a long steady education and work.” he says.
Rogers discussed his new role and what is ahead for the Grand Ole Opry.
MusicRow: Going forward, how do you see the Opry changing—and how do you see it staying the same?
That is a great question and almost a quote of a past Opry advertising slogan that was pitched. We never went with it, but I’ve never forgotten it. It was “The Grand Ole Opry, it always changes. The Grand Ole Opry, it never changes.” That’s my philosophy as well. You have to hold tight to some of the things that have made the Opry what it is over the course of 94 years. Then you always have to have an eye out to the future to attracting new fans who will become the folks who are tuning in or doing whatever it is…handheld device…to connect to the Opry.
In the past few years, we have seen more newcomers be inducted into the Opry—artists such as Dustin Lynch, Luke Combs and Kelsea Ballerini. Do you see that trend continuing?
The Opry membership has always been about the relationship the Opry artists have with the Opry, its fans and country music in general. And that, in my vote, will never change. Whether it’s Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, the Oak Ridge Boys who became members relatively recently or Charlie Daniels, who joined the Opry late in his career but is quick to say it is a career highlight. Relationships will always be at the core of Opry membership and speaking of teamwork, that is certainly not a decision made by one person. Our senior leadership will continue to be very active in those decisions. An even wider net of people will make those decisions, because that is part of what makes the Opry so special.
In 2025, the Opry will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Though that anniversary is still a few years away, what ideas and plans are already being looked at to celebrate?
Funny enough, I do have a 100th anniversary digital folder that I have asked folks to contribute to and have just been adding the occasional items.
From a license plate, to a really fun network TV project, to a way of honoring all of our Opry members, past and present. There will be no end to what we want to accomplish for that, because obviously that is a great opportunity. The Opry will likely be the only radio show that ever will be able to claim a 100th anniversary.
What does that anniversary mean you for personally?
It is an undeniable honor for me personally, but the most exciting part of that, and this job, is the great folks with whom I’ll work to make it happen. I can’t imagine what a monumental task and responsibility that will be. And so many folks that have been here with me for so long that will be on board. The Opry calls itself a family a lot and it feels that way when you walk into a meeting and sit across from [Director of Talent and Logistics] Gina Keltner, who has been here a long time with me. A lot of the tech services folks a lot of them have been here even longer than I have.
Looking over your two decades with the Opry, what have been some of your favorite memories?
Every time someone is surprised with an Opry member invitation. That never gets old. Songwriters say their favorite [song] is the one they just wrote, and my favorite Opry moments are the most recent. We just celebrated Jesse McReynolds’ 90th birthday with a chorus of mandolin that was unforgettable. It was amazing to see Carrie Underwood surprise the audience by not just welcoming Kelsea Ballerini into the Opry family, but then singing [Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit] “Walkaway Joe” with her.
I’ve timed my entrance into the Opry House just right a time or two just so I got to walk up the artist entrance alongside Loretta Lynn, who talked and laughed the entire way. All I could think of was, “If my mom back home could see me now,” because she’s such a Loretta Lynn fan. It’s also the Opry moments that will soon be. I can’t wait for Oct. 12th when Dolly Parton celebrates 50 years with us. All you have to say is “Dolly Parton, Grand Ole Opry” and you know it will be unforgettable.
We worked with Trisha Yearwood to celebrate her 20th Opry anniversary and we worked with her to craft moments onstage that would be unforgettable, like an appearance with Garth [Brooks] and a collaboration with Ricky Skaggs, who had invited her to join the Opry.
Then, we were able to surprise Trisha herself by having Emmylou Harris come out to introduce her. I think that rocked her world, for a split second, anyway. It was the perfect combination of working with an artist so they had their great onstage moment, but also working to surprise her with something that would only happen at the Opry as well.
Apple Music’s Analytics Dashboard Now Open To All Artists
/by Jessica NicholsonApple Music For Artists, which Apple launched in beta form last year, has now officially launched as a web dashboard, along with an app for iOS. The dashboard offers artists analytical data, including how often a song is played, daily listeners, song purchases, as well as the number of radio spins on Apple Music’s stations. There is also basic demographic information about an artist’s listeners, including age and gender, though the data cannot be cross-referenced.
Artists can see insights into how a song or artist is performing in various cities in over 100 countries; this data can be viewed in list form or on a visual heat map.
A separate “insights” section of Apple Music for Artists also provides data on trends and week-over-week performance. Apple Music For Artists also integrates data from Shazam, allowing artists to see their top Shazam cities and countries.
New Releases: Miranda Lambert, Temecula Road, Crystal Gayle, Kelsey Waldon, Doublecamp
/by LB CantrellMiranda Lambert Releases “Mess With My Head”
Miranda Lambert continues to fuel anticipation for her upcoming studio album, releasing her latest track “Mess with My Head” today on Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville.
“‘Mess with My Head’ is a departure from anything that I’ve done before,” said Lambert. “It has a real rock edge. Part of that comes from my co-writers, Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby, and the other part of that comes from spending time in New York City. Being there has put a new energy into my music and my writing.”
Temecula Road Releases New Song “Never Knew I Needed You”
Country trio Temecula Road released a brand new song, “Never Knew I Needed You,” today (August 9) on all digital platforms. The new track, written by the trio’s Dawson Anderson, along with Ben Goldsmith and Lindsay Rimes and produced by Andrew DeRoberts (Devin Dawson, Kip Moore, Eli Young Band, Jillian Jacqueline), is their second new song of the summer, a follow-up to “Fades” which hit No. 3 on Radio Disney Country’s Top 50 Chart.
“This song embodies that familiar saying of love finds you when you least expect it,” says the trio’s Dawson Anderson. “When writing it, we tried to capture that feeling of love hitting you out of nowhere.”
Crystal Gayle Releases “Ribbon Of Darkness” Today With Lyric Video, From Forthcoming New Album You Don’t Know Me
Grammy-award winning country music singer and Grand Ole Opry member Crystal Gayle released “Ribbon Of Darkness” digitally today (August 9), kicking off the pre-sale for her forthcoming album, You Don’t Know Me, available everywhere Sept. 6th from Southpaw Musical Productions/BFD/The Orchard.
“I am so excited that my new album You Don’t Know Me is finally coming out on September 6th,” said Gayle. “You can now listen to ‘Ribbon Of Darkness,’ one of my favorite tracks. ‘Ribbon Of Darkness’ was written by Gordon Lightfoot and was a hit for Marty Robbins and Connie Smith. It was the first song I ever sang on the Grand Ole Opry. I hope you like it!”
Kelsey Waldon Releases Second Single From White Noise/White Lines, Called “Sunday’s Children”
Kelsey Waldon released a new song from her upcoming album today (August 9). “Sunday’s Children” comes as the second single from White Noise/White Lines following the previously released “Anyhow.”
White Noise/White Lines will be released October 4th on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records.
Nashville Indie-Pop Duo, Doublecamp, Release New Song “Dreamers”
Photo: Emma Delevante
Nashville Indie-Pop duo, DOUBLECAMP, is released their new song “DREAMERS” today (August 9) across all digital music platforms. The new offering is the second commercial release for the duo comprised of Joe Neary and Jordan Burmeister, both of whom share writing credits for the song.
DOUBLECAMP made their debut with the May release of “Feel Like Me” and once again, for “DREAMERS,” the duo tapped local Nashville production collective Red Giraffe (Kelly FitzGerald, Paul Rogers, Jimmy Mansfield), to produce.
“‘Dreamers’ is all about the dreamlike feeling of falling for someone,” says Joe Neary. “From the start, the recording process was all about creating a sound that presented a landscape and another way to tell the story.”