Pictured (L-R): The 2019 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of inductees: Gregg Lindahl, Ron Morton and Charlotte Wise appearing on behalf of Bobby Denton, Charlie Monk, Kyle Cantrell, Mac Daniels, and Jeff Garrison / Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography
Chapter 626
The Country Radio Hall of Fame banquet is on a roll again.
This annual event has struggled to survive in past years, but Wednesday night (June 19), the 350+ attendees were packed shoulder to shoulder. The celebrants were backed up all the way to the far walls of the ballroom in the Vanderbilt Marriott.
“I want to thank everyone for supporting this event,” said CRB executive director R.J. Curtis. “This is a big night: It’s our largest turnout ever.”
Current CRB board prez Kurt Johnson attributed the comeback to Bill Mayne, the evening’s first honoree. He has been the organization’s exec for the past 10 years, and has now retired.
“None of us would be here tonight, were it not for this man.” Johnson related. “Bill Mayne said, ‘I can save this. I can build this.’ He is a Music Row treasure.”
Johnson called Mayne, “the man who saved the organization” before presenting him with the President’s Award.
“I am humbled, truly,” said Mayne. “This President’s Award is about people….It’s about service, giving back. I am such a blessed man.”
Pictured (L-R): CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, 2019 CRB President’s Award recipient Bill Mayne, and CRB/CRS Executive Director, RJ Curtis. / Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography
The banquet also inducted six new men into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Founded in 1974, this Hall now has 173 members. It is an outgrowth of Country Radio Seminar, which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year.
Each of the new inductees was introduced by a current member of the Hall. Sirius/XM honcho J.R. Schumann did the honors for Charlie Monk. Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton offered video tributes.
“I’ve waited so long for this, I’m not gonna thank a damn soul,” said Monk. “75 or 80 per cent of the people in this room tonight thought I was already in the Hall of Fame.
“Thank you. I love you, every one.”
Monk’s acceptance speech was astonishingly brief. His was the shortest of the night, even when you include the onstage ribbing from his wife, Royce Monk.
The late Bobby Denton (1940-2014) was a legend of radio in East Tennessee. He put Dolly on the air when she was a singing teen and coined the UT sports phrase, “It’s Football Time in Tennessee!”
Hence, Peyton Manning’s video tribute. A recording of Dolly singing “Davy Crockett” with Denton-tribute lyrics was also played.
Singer Con Hunley accepted on Denton’s behalf: “Bobby was a great friend of mine for nearly 50 years,” said Con. “He was very instrumental in my career. I loved him. I miss him every day. I am so proud and honored to stand in for the one-and-only Bobby Denton.” The inductee’s family and WIVK colleagues added to the honor.
Inductee Gregg Lindahl has worked for 20 years at 10 stations in seven different markets, including Oklahoma City, Charlotte, Chicago and Nashville.
“I worked with some terrific teams…and I share this honor with my teammates and coaches,” said Lindahl. “I received — and continue to receive — more from country radio and country music than I ever gave. And I continue to be blessed.”
Charlie Chase inducted Kyle Cantrell. This Music City radio vet is known as a longtime Opry announcer, WSM-AM program director and Sirius/XM’s “Bluegrass Junction” host and gospel programmer.
“This business has been so good to me,” said Cantrell. “I don’t know why the Lord set out this path for me. But I thank Him for country music, for the friends I’ve known over the years. I would be literally nothing without Him. “This is a dream that I have greatly enjoyed.”
Bobby Kraig and Charlie Ochs induced Mac Daniels, whose radio-exec career blossomed in Dallas, Austin, Detroit and Washington D.C.
“There’s a lot of love in this room,” said Daniels. “It’s the love of country music, which I consider to be the best damn music made.
“What an incredible honor. It’s still unbelievable that I’m going to be in these ranks. “This journey has been more than I ever imagined. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all. And I love country music.”
Mick Anselmo inducted Jeff Garrison, who stated, “I never thought I’d be here tonight….It’s a humbling honor to be in the Country Radio Hall of Fame. I can truly say it’s been a wonderful life.”
Pictured: BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba, CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, Dustin Lynch, CRB/CRS Executive Director, RJ Curtis. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography
Garrison has spent the majority of his career in such Texas markets as Houston, Austin and San Antonio. He has also programmed country for CBS Radio and Cox Media.
Prior to the awards ceremony, the attendees were serenaded by Dustin Lynch. He did an acoustic, two-song set consisting of his career-launching “Cowboys and Angels” and last year’s “Good Girl.”
“Thank you for changing my life,” said Lynch, before departing for an Opry performance. He became a cast member on the show last September.
John Marks, John Zarling, Jon Loba, Jonathan Fricke, Mike Craft, Mike Kennedy, Mike Sistad, Bob Kingsley, Bobby Young, Charlie Cook, Lorianne Crook, Tim McFadden, Jim Ed Norman, Jerry Salley, Jeff Harris, Beverlee Brannigan, Coyote Calhoun, Maurice Minor and Scott Siman mingled.
Other fabulons working the room included Neal Spielberg, Paul Allen, Chuck Aly, Suzanne Lee, Tracy Gershon, Lon Helton, Rhonda Forlaw Atkins, Lee Ann Photoglo, George Briner, Ken Tucker, Phyllis Stark, Erv Woolsey and Bill Cody.
We dined on salad greens with dried cranberries, walnuts and blue cheese, followed by baked chicken breasts, mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots and asparagus with cheesecake dessert.
Meanwhile, a storm raged outside, downing power lines and tree limbs. We were oblivious. We also chose to overlook the facts that the hotel was surrounded by construction fencing and had no lobby.
Pictured: BBR Music Group’s Dustin Lynch kicked off the 2019 Country Radio Hall of Fame event on July 19 with a special performance. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography
Nashville Singer-Songwriter Emily Weisband Makes Artist Debut With Warner Records Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonEmily Weisband first made a name for herself as one of Nashville’s most talented new songwriters. She earned a Grammy for her work as a co-writer on “Thy Will,” for Hillary Scott and The Scott Family, and has penned songs for artists including Camila Cabello, BTS, Dan+Shay, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey.
Now, she has released her debut music for Warner Records, “Identity Crisis,” a song that stemmed from a conversation Weisband had with her therapist.
“I was telling her, ‘Man, I feel like I have to be so many different people for so many different people’,” Emily explains. “I go to my church and I’m the overly sexual hot girl. I go to the bar and I’m the overly spiritual girl. They all feel like me but none of them are me’. So she says, ‘Listen. Emily is a conference table. Sitting here right now is sexual Emily and spiritual Emily, confident Emily and scared Emily. All of these Emilies are here. They’re all you. You were made to be all these things. But you’ll be living your most authentic life when you realize that in every place you go and to every person you talk to, you get to decide who heads the meeting.’”
“We are made up of layers and dynamics and gray area for days,” Emily summarizes, “and I’m proud to say that I will spend every day of the rest of my life in a total Identity Crisis, learning to pick which side of me to let shine that day.”
Weisband, a Virginia native, moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. In 2014, she signed with THiS Music Publishing/Warner Chappell and began accumulating cuts for other artists. It wasn’t until 2015 that she had three distinct opportunities to look at doing her own music.Within the course of a few days she was approached by two different A&Rs to record her own work, but it didn’t feel right until she got a third call from Mike Elizondo, whose producer credits include Dr. Dre, Eminem, Twenty One Pilots, and Keith Urban, and he bought her a ticket to L.A.
“He was just like family right away,” she remembers. “The fact that he believed in the same things I do made me feel peace about crossing that line.”
Brett Young To Release Acoustic EP In September
/by Jessica NicholsonBrett Young will release The Acoustic Sessions on Sept. 13. The five-song EP includes stripped-down renderings of songs from his BMLG Records project Ticket To L.A. The EP also includes a rendition of his No. 1, Gold-certified single, “Here Tonight.”
New tracks and videos will be released monthly, leading up to the EP’s full release on Sept. 13. The first release is a performance of “Catch,” recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios. July 19 will see the release of “Don’t Wanna Write This Song,” followed by the Aug. 16 release of “Chapters” ft. Gavin DeGraw and “Ticket To L.A.,” which will release Sept. 13.
THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS Track List
1) “Here Tonight” (Brett Young, Ben Caver, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley)
2) “Catch” (Brett Young, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley)
3) “Don’t Wanna Write This Song” (Brett Young, Zach Crowell, Sean McConnell)
4) “Chapters” (Brett Young, Ross Copperman, Gavin DeGraw)
5) “Ticket to L.A.” (Brett Young, Zach Crowell, Jon Nite)
2019 Live On The Green Festival Lineup Announced
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup has been revealed for the 11th annual Lightning 100 Live On The Green Music Festival at Nashville’s Public Square Park. This year’s festival will kick off on Thursday, Aug. 15 and run through Labor Day weekend, with a mix of local and national talent including Gary Clark Jr., Grace Potter, O.A.R., Lake Street Dive, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, JOHNNYSWIM, Mat Kearney, Todd Snider, Guster, The Strumbellas, Steve Earle and more.
Also performing this year are Wilder Woods, Yacht Rock Revue, Amanda Shires, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, American Authors, Marcus King Band, Boy Named Banjo, Jukebox The Ghost, Yola, Will Hoge, Grizfolk, MORGXN, Lucie Silvas, Illiterate Light, BAILEN, Lindsay Ell, Maggie Rose, Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Brummies, The Daybreaks, Them Vibes, Stephen Day, Smooth Hound Smith, Scott Mulvahill, Erin Rae, Los Colognes, Airpark, Briston Maroney, Laura Reed, Forest Fire Gospel Choir, Wild Love, and the winner of Lightning 100’s Music City Mayhem battle of the bands contest, Creature Comfort.
Live On The Green offers an exclusive VIP area for guests with access to the Lightning 100 Lounge and benefits including exclusive stage access, private restrooms, comfortable shaded areas with open seating, complimentary snacks, as well as complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Full season, weekend, and single show VIP tickets are on sale now at liveonthegreen.com.
Weekly Chart Report (6/21/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
RED Creative Group Signs Baker Grissom
/by Jessica NicholsonBaker Grissom
RED Creative Group has signed Baker Grissom. The Arkansas native’s debut five-song EP, Saturdays & Sundays, just released. He has also collaborated with writers including Casey Beathard, Cole Taylor, Mark Irwin, Wynn Varble, Big Al Anderson and more.
“Baker is a true wordsmith. Combine that with his authentic phrasing and easily identifiable vocal and you have the firmest foundation you could ask for as a publisher,” said Brooke Antonakos, VP of Creative at RED.
“Baker has a lyrical strength that is well beyond his years as a writer. He has made early believers in many of Nashville’s best writers, and continues to elevate his craft. The future could not be brighter for him,” says Owner/President of RED Creative Jeremy Stover.
Grissom joins RED’s roster which includes UMG artists Adam Hambrick (Capitol/Buena Vista) and Travis Denning (Mercury), Kelly Archer, Nathan Spicer and Stover. RED has earned more than 200 cuts, including hits for Tim McGraw, Brett Young, Dan + Shay and Justin Moore, among others.
Major Music Industry Companies Sign “Code Of Best Practice” Against Streaming Manipulation
/by Jessica NicholsonA variety of music companies, including three major labels (UMG, Warner, and Sony) as well as an assortment of major publishers, industry organizations and streaming services, have partnered to release a 21-point “code of conduct” aimed at eliminating fake music streams.
The code of conduct defines streaming manipulation as “the artificial creation, by human or non-human means, of online or offline plays on audio and audio-visual streaming services, i.e., where those plays do not represent genuine listening.” This includes the artificial creation of music plays by an automated process (including “bots” and “click-farms,” but excluding any playback functionality available as part of the relevant streaming services.)
“Manipulating streamed music causes economic harm to streaming services, right holders and musicians alike. Any such manipulation distorts data and affects royalty streams for those who invest in, create and distribute music. This code is a signal from across the industry of our determination to tackle it where it arises. The motivation is ever greater translation and fairness. The Code contains measures to be taken by everyone in the industry to detect and mitigate against this problem. It’s great to see such collaboration from across publishing, labels and service providers,” commented International Confederation of Music Publishers Director General John Phelan.
Other industry players who support the code include publishers UMPG, Sony/ATV, Kobalt, and Concord, streaming services including Amazon, Spotify and Deezer, and industry organizations such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), and the Recording Academy.
However, it is noted that the code is not legally binding and that it does not affect the terms of private agreements between rights holders and streaming service providers.
To read the full Anti-Stream Manipulation Code of Best Practice, visit icmp-ciem.org.
Audio Consumption: Millennials, Gen Z Lead The Way
/by Jessica NicholsonThe study, released by Ipsos and commissioned by iHeartMedia, found that podcasts represent nearly 10 percent of audio listening among millennials and that 82 percent of podcast listeners also listen to radio on a weekly basis. The study found that radio continues to be the top audio choice for Gen Z, and that podcasts are replacing online video as a popular choice for many during work and school hours. The popularity of smart speakers also continues, as study participants with smart speakers at home spent 47 percent more time listening to radio during prime hours (8-10 p.m.) than listeners without smart speakers.
The study also found that 65 percent of audio listening is done outside the home, most often in the car. The study found that radio accounts for 65 percent of in-vehicle audio listening. On a weekly basis, broadcast radio reaches 85 percent of consumers, and that radio has twice the daily listening reach of streaming, reaching 69 percent of consumers vs. streaming music’s 34 percent reach.
“Audio is hot right now and a must for marketers looking to reach increasingly elusive and fractured audiences. If you look at the data, it’s undeniable that consumers are listening more and watching less and this study outlines when, where and why,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “Contrary to some misperceptions, it shows we are living in an audio-first world by drilling down a more granular overview of audio listenership and showing what a day-in-the-life of the average listener is like when it comes to media consumption.”
The study, conducted in March 2019, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 6,016 consumers aged 13–64 who listen to 1+ audio platform at least once a week.
Brett Eldredge, Warner Music Nashville Toast Chart-Topping Song “Love Someone”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R) back: Justin Newell (Coordinator, Radio & Streaming, WMN); Chad Schultz (VP Radio Marketing, WMN); John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Brett Eldredge; Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); Tom Martens (VP Radio & Streaming, WMN); Matt Signore (COO, WMN); front: Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, WMN); Emilee Warner (Sr. Director, Artist Development, WMN); Angela Lange (VP Country Promotion, Q Prime); Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Streaming, WMN); Katie Bright (National Director, Radio & Streaming, WMN); Tim Foisset (VP Streaming, WMN)
Warner Music Nashville’s Brett Eldredge joined his label team on Wednesday (June 19) for a special toast to commemorate his seventh No. 1 country single, “Love Someone.” The song has earned more than 75 million streams. Eldredge recently announced a string of tour dates in Europe to start 2020, with stops in Germany, Netherlands and across the UK. In addition to select tour dates, Eldredge is currently writing and recording for his next project.
Country Stampede Rebrands As Heartland Stampede, Announces Luke Combs As Headliner
/by Jessica Nicholson“The Country Stampede had a great run for 23 years in Manhattan; our team members and sponsors are like family. We also have a strong partnership presence in the greater Topeka area, both with media partners and sponsors, and we are excited to bring the Heartland Stampede to Topeka, Kansas,” says Wayne Rouse, president of Heartland Stampede.
Country Stampede launched in 1995 and has featured artists including Taylor Swift, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw and more. The festival brings in an estimated eight million to the economy each year.
“Having the Heartland Stampede as the anchor of Topeka’s events gives a whole new meaning to our goal of being a festival city,” said Brett Oetting, president of Visit Topeka. “Wayne and his team have been tremendous to work with and we are excited to begin planning for 2020 and beyond. Heartland Motorsports Park is the perfect venue and this is a testament to Chris Payne’s commitment to Topeka.”
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Country Radio Hall Of Fame Inducts Six
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): The 2019 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of inductees: Gregg Lindahl, Ron Morton and Charlotte Wise appearing on behalf of Bobby Denton, Charlie Monk, Kyle Cantrell, Mac Daniels, and Jeff Garrison / Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography
Chapter 626
The Country Radio Hall of Fame banquet is on a roll again.
This annual event has struggled to survive in past years, but Wednesday night (June 19), the 350+ attendees were packed shoulder to shoulder. The celebrants were backed up all the way to the far walls of the ballroom in the Vanderbilt Marriott.
“I want to thank everyone for supporting this event,” said CRB executive director R.J. Curtis. “This is a big night: It’s our largest turnout ever.”
Current CRB board prez Kurt Johnson attributed the comeback to Bill Mayne, the evening’s first honoree. He has been the organization’s exec for the past 10 years, and has now retired.
“None of us would be here tonight, were it not for this man.” Johnson related. “Bill Mayne said, ‘I can save this. I can build this.’ He is a Music Row treasure.”
Johnson called Mayne, “the man who saved the organization” before presenting him with the President’s Award.
“I am humbled, truly,” said Mayne. “This President’s Award is about people….It’s about service, giving back. I am such a blessed man.”
Pictured (L-R): CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, 2019 CRB President’s Award recipient Bill Mayne, and CRB/CRS Executive Director, RJ Curtis. / Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography
The banquet also inducted six new men into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Founded in 1974, this Hall now has 173 members. It is an outgrowth of Country Radio Seminar, which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year.
Each of the new inductees was introduced by a current member of the Hall. Sirius/XM honcho J.R. Schumann did the honors for Charlie Monk. Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton offered video tributes.
“I’ve waited so long for this, I’m not gonna thank a damn soul,” said Monk. “75 or 80 per cent of the people in this room tonight thought I was already in the Hall of Fame.
“Thank you. I love you, every one.”
Monk’s acceptance speech was astonishingly brief. His was the shortest of the night, even when you include the onstage ribbing from his wife, Royce Monk.
The late Bobby Denton (1940-2014) was a legend of radio in East Tennessee. He put Dolly on the air when she was a singing teen and coined the UT sports phrase, “It’s Football Time in Tennessee!”
Hence, Peyton Manning’s video tribute. A recording of Dolly singing “Davy Crockett” with Denton-tribute lyrics was also played.
Singer Con Hunley accepted on Denton’s behalf: “Bobby was a great friend of mine for nearly 50 years,” said Con. “He was very instrumental in my career. I loved him. I miss him every day. I am so proud and honored to stand in for the one-and-only Bobby Denton.” The inductee’s family and WIVK colleagues added to the honor.
Inductee Gregg Lindahl has worked for 20 years at 10 stations in seven different markets, including Oklahoma City, Charlotte, Chicago and Nashville.
“I worked with some terrific teams…and I share this honor with my teammates and coaches,” said Lindahl. “I received — and continue to receive — more from country radio and country music than I ever gave. And I continue to be blessed.”
Charlie Chase inducted Kyle Cantrell. This Music City radio vet is known as a longtime Opry announcer, WSM-AM program director and Sirius/XM’s “Bluegrass Junction” host and gospel programmer.
“This business has been so good to me,” said Cantrell. “I don’t know why the Lord set out this path for me. But I thank Him for country music, for the friends I’ve known over the years. I would be literally nothing without Him. “This is a dream that I have greatly enjoyed.”
Bobby Kraig and Charlie Ochs induced Mac Daniels, whose radio-exec career blossomed in Dallas, Austin, Detroit and Washington D.C.
“There’s a lot of love in this room,” said Daniels. “It’s the love of country music, which I consider to be the best damn music made.
“What an incredible honor. It’s still unbelievable that I’m going to be in these ranks. “This journey has been more than I ever imagined. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all. And I love country music.”
Mick Anselmo inducted Jeff Garrison, who stated, “I never thought I’d be here tonight….It’s a humbling honor to be in the Country Radio Hall of Fame. I can truly say it’s been a wonderful life.”
Pictured: BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba, CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, Dustin Lynch, CRB/CRS Executive Director, RJ Curtis. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography
Garrison has spent the majority of his career in such Texas markets as Houston, Austin and San Antonio. He has also programmed country for CBS Radio and Cox Media.
Prior to the awards ceremony, the attendees were serenaded by Dustin Lynch. He did an acoustic, two-song set consisting of his career-launching “Cowboys and Angels” and last year’s “Good Girl.”
“Thank you for changing my life,” said Lynch, before departing for an Opry performance. He became a cast member on the show last September.
John Marks, John Zarling, Jon Loba, Jonathan Fricke, Mike Craft, Mike Kennedy, Mike Sistad, Bob Kingsley, Bobby Young, Charlie Cook, Lorianne Crook, Tim McFadden, Jim Ed Norman, Jerry Salley, Jeff Harris, Beverlee Brannigan, Coyote Calhoun, Maurice Minor and Scott Siman mingled.
Other fabulons working the room included Neal Spielberg, Paul Allen, Chuck Aly, Suzanne Lee, Tracy Gershon, Lon Helton, Rhonda Forlaw Atkins, Lee Ann Photoglo, George Briner, Ken Tucker, Phyllis Stark, Erv Woolsey and Bill Cody.
We dined on salad greens with dried cranberries, walnuts and blue cheese, followed by baked chicken breasts, mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots and asparagus with cheesecake dessert.
Meanwhile, a storm raged outside, downing power lines and tree limbs. We were oblivious. We also chose to overlook the facts that the hotel was surrounded by construction fencing and had no lobby.
Pictured: BBR Music Group’s Dustin Lynch kicked off the 2019 Country Radio Hall of Fame event on July 19 with a special performance. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen Photography