Midland Makes Debut Headlining Show At Ryman Auditorium
Pictured (L-R): Ryman’s Director of Concerts, Chrissy Hall; Midland’s Jess Carson; SVP Programming & Artist Relations and Grand Ole Opry GM Sally Williams; Midland’s Mark Wystrach and Cameron Duddy. | Photo Credit: Steve Lowry
Midland made their Ryman Auditorium debut show a sold-out event on Sunday (May 5). In addition to offering their own hits including “Drinkin’ Problem,” “Burn Out,” and their current single, “Mr. Lonely,” the trio brought out Chris Isaak for a rendition of “Wicked Game,” and Brooks & Dunn for a rendering of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” their collaboration on Brooks & Dunn’s recent Reboot album.
Cody Johnson Brings Classic Country To Sold-Out Ryman Show
Pictured (L-R): Cumulus/WKDF Nashville’s Charlie Cook, WPOR Portland’s Jon Shannon, Cody Johnson, Warner Music Nashville’s EVP of A&R Cris Lacy, the labels EVP/GM Ben Kline (in front), the labels COO Matt Signore, and Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Radio Seminar RJ Curtis
Cody Johnson offered a string of classic country sounds to his sold-out Ryman Auditorium Show on Saturday (May 4). In addition to his own songs, such as his hit “On My Way To You,” he took the time to cover George Strait’s “Troubadour.”
High Valley Honored With Gold Certification Plaque From RIAA
Pictured (L-R): Justin Luffman (VP Artist Development, WMN); Ben Kline (EVP / GM, WMN); Curtis Rempel; Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, WMN); Brad Rempel; Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, WMN); Sally Williams (General Manager, Grand Ole Opry / Sr. Vice President, Programming & Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment). Photo credit: Grand Ole Opry, LLC / Chris Hollo
Duo High Valley celebrated the Gold-selling success of their debut major label single “Make You Mine,” on Friday night (May 3) on the Grand Ole Opry stage. WMN executives Ben Kline (EVP / GM) and Cris Lacy (EVP A&R) surprised brothers Brad and Curtis Rempel with plaques celebrating the track’s RIAA Gold certification. “Make You Mine” has earned more than 50 million on-demand streams since its release. The duo is currently promoting their latest release “Single Man.”
Carly Pearce Leads Amazon Music Panel At Music Biz Conference
Pictured (L-R): Amazon Music Senior Music Curator Emily Cohen and Carly Pearce
During the annual Music Biz Conference, Amazon Music and Women In Music hosted a special event at the Dream in Nashville, titled Women Who Rock.
“All I’ve ever wanted is to be a country entertainer and because of women like Dolly, Trisha, Reba, Faith, I was inspired to find my voice,” Pearce said. “Thank you to Amazon Music and Women In Music for creating this event and supporting my dreams so I can be a light to others!”
Tomorrow (May 7), Carly will appear on NBC’s TODAY to perform her latest Big Machine Records single “Closer To You” and announce the 2019 CMT Music Awards nominations. She took home Breakthrough Video of the Year for her debut “Every Little Thing.” The fan-voted show airs LIVE from Music City’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5.
Industry Pics: Midland, Cody Johnson, High Valley, Carly Pearce
/by Jessica NicholsonMidland Makes Debut Headlining Show At Ryman Auditorium
Pictured (L-R): Ryman’s Director of Concerts, Chrissy Hall; Midland’s Jess Carson; SVP Programming & Artist Relations and Grand Ole Opry GM Sally Williams; Midland’s Mark Wystrach and Cameron Duddy. | Photo Credit: Steve Lowry
Midland made their Ryman Auditorium debut show a sold-out event on Sunday (May 5). In addition to offering their own hits including “Drinkin’ Problem,” “Burn Out,” and their current single, “Mr. Lonely,” the trio brought out Chris Isaak for a rendition of “Wicked Game,” and Brooks & Dunn for a rendering of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” their collaboration on Brooks & Dunn’s recent Reboot album.
Cody Johnson Brings Classic Country To Sold-Out Ryman Show
Pictured (L-R): Cumulus/WKDF Nashville’s Charlie Cook, WPOR Portland’s Jon Shannon, Cody Johnson, Warner Music Nashville’s EVP of A&R Cris Lacy, the labels EVP/GM Ben Kline (in front), the labels COO Matt Signore, and Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Radio Seminar RJ Curtis
Cody Johnson offered a string of classic country sounds to his sold-out Ryman Auditorium Show on Saturday (May 4). In addition to his own songs, such as his hit “On My Way To You,” he took the time to cover George Strait’s “Troubadour.”
High Valley Honored With Gold Certification Plaque From RIAA
Pictured (L-R): Justin Luffman (VP Artist Development, WMN); Ben Kline (EVP / GM, WMN); Curtis Rempel; Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, WMN); Brad Rempel; Cris Lacy (EVP A&R, WMN); Sally Williams (General Manager, Grand Ole Opry / Sr. Vice President, Programming & Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment). Photo credit: Grand Ole Opry, LLC / Chris Hollo
Duo High Valley celebrated the Gold-selling success of their debut major label single “Make You Mine,” on Friday night (May 3) on the Grand Ole Opry stage. WMN executives Ben Kline (EVP / GM) and Cris Lacy (EVP A&R) surprised brothers Brad and Curtis Rempel with plaques celebrating the track’s RIAA Gold certification. “Make You Mine” has earned more than 50 million on-demand streams since its release. The duo is currently promoting their latest release “Single Man.”
Carly Pearce Leads Amazon Music Panel At Music Biz Conference
Pictured (L-R): Amazon Music Senior Music Curator Emily Cohen and Carly Pearce
During the annual Music Biz Conference, Amazon Music and Women In Music hosted a special event at the Dream in Nashville, titled Women Who Rock.
“All I’ve ever wanted is to be a country entertainer and because of women like Dolly, Trisha, Reba, Faith, I was inspired to find my voice,” Pearce said. “Thank you to Amazon Music and Women In Music for creating this event and supporting my dreams so I can be a light to others!”
Tomorrow (May 7), Carly will appear on NBC’s TODAY to perform her latest Big Machine Records single “Closer To You” and announce the 2019 CMT Music Awards nominations. She took home Breakthrough Video of the Year for her debut “Every Little Thing.” The fan-voted show airs LIVE from Music City’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5.
UMG Nashville Adds Hannah Wilson As Director, A&R
/by Jessica NicholsonHannah Wilson
UMG Nashville has expanded its A&R department with new hire Hannah Showmaker Wilson as Director of A&R. Prior to UMG Nashville, Wilson worked at Parallel Entertainment and, most recently, she served as Creative Director at Big Loud working with some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Rodney Clawson, Craig Wiseman and Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard.
“For years I have admired Hannah’s song sense and ability to find talent,” says Brian Wright, EVP of A&R for UMG Nashville. “Her passion and excitement for music is second to none. We are excited to have her on our UMG A&R team.”
The UMG Nashville artist roster includes Adam Hambrick, Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Travis Denning, and Vince Gill.
Wilson can be reached at Hannah.Wilson@umusic.com or at 615-524-7500.
UMG Nashville Adds Hannah Wilson As Director, A&R
/by Jessica NicholsonHannah Wilson
UMG Nashville has expanded its A&R department with new hire Hannah Showmaker Wilson as Director of A&R. Prior to UMG Nashville, Wilson worked at Parallel Entertainment and, most recently, she served as Creative Director at Big Loud working with some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Rodney Clawson, Craig Wiseman and Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard.
“For years I have admired Hannah’s song sense and ability to find talent,” says Brian Wright, EVP of A&R for UMG Nashville. “Her passion and excitement for music is second to none. We are excited to have her on our UMG A&R team.”
The UMG Nashville artist roster includes Adam Hambrick, Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Travis Denning, and Vince Gill.
Wilson can be reached at Hannah.Wilson@umusic.com or at 615-524-7500.
Tanya Tucker Signs With Fantasy Records
/by Jessica NicholsonBrandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings. Photo Credit: Derrek Kupish
Fantasy Records has signed Tanya Tucker, who is set to release a new album in late summer 2019. Produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings, While I’m Livin’ will mark Tucker’s first release of all new material since 2002’s Tanya.
“Tanya Tucker is an original outlaw who bucked the country music establishment and became a living legend in the process – which makes Fantasy her perfect home,” said Fantasy Records president, Margi Cheske. “We’re thrilled to work with Tanya, Brandi and Shooter and help bring this stunning new album to the world.”
At the age of 13, Tucker earned her first country hit with “Delta Dawn,” in 1972. During her career, she has earned 23 Top 40 country albums, with 40 singles reaching the Top 10, as well as 10 No. 1 singles. Along with “Delta Dawn,” those hits include “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” “It’s a Little too Late,” “Trouble,” and more.
Tanya Tucker Signs With Fantasy Records
/by Jessica NicholsonBrandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings. Photo Credit: Derrek Kupish
Fantasy Records has signed Tanya Tucker, who is set to release a new album in late summer 2019. Produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings, While I’m Livin’ will mark Tucker’s first release of all new material since 2002’s Tanya.
“Tanya Tucker is an original outlaw who bucked the country music establishment and became a living legend in the process – which makes Fantasy her perfect home,” said Fantasy Records president, Margi Cheske. “We’re thrilled to work with Tanya, Brandi and Shooter and help bring this stunning new album to the world.”
At the age of 13, Tucker earned her first country hit with “Delta Dawn,” in 1972. During her career, she has earned 23 Top 40 country albums, with 40 singles reaching the Top 10, as well as 10 No. 1 singles. Along with “Delta Dawn,” those hits include “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” “It’s a Little too Late,” “Trouble,” and more.
Carly Pearce Signs With Morris Higham Management
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Kyle Quigley, Carly Pearce, Clint Higham. Photo: Dustin Stout
Carly Pearce has signed with Morris Higham Management, working with Clint Higham and Kyle Quigley. The Kentucky native is expected to release her sophomore album on Big Machine Records following the success of Every Little Thing. Her latest offering, “Closer To You,” is already Top 30-and-rising at country radio.
“Building the right team is just as important as making the right music,” said Pearce. “I look at the way Clint and his team build artist’s careers and couldn’t think of anyone else that I would want to work alongside to take my career to the next level. I can’t wait to see where we go together!”
“Carly has the ability to connect with audiences in the same way iconic artists like Reba and Dolly have done for decades,” stated Higham. “She represents everything that’s great about country music—strong vocals, vivid stories and an honest heart. We are honored to have the opportunity to help Carly build her own legacy.”
Already in 2019, Carly has been nominated for ACM Awards New Female Artist of the Year and iHeartRadio Music Awards Best New Country Artist after winning both 2018 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year and Radio Disney Music Award The Freshest!—Radio Disney Country Best New Artist. She is currently on Jason Aldean’s Ride All Night Tour, amplifying a co-headline run earlier this year and major stints with Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Thomas Rhett.
Morris Higham Management oversees the careers of artists including Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, Ryan Griffin, Brandon Lay, Carlton Anderson, and Michael Ray.
Carly Pearce Signs With Morris Higham Management
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Kyle Quigley, Carly Pearce, Clint Higham. Photo: Dustin Stout
Carly Pearce has signed with Morris Higham Management, working with Clint Higham and Kyle Quigley. The Kentucky native is expected to release her sophomore album on Big Machine Records following the success of Every Little Thing. Her latest offering, “Closer To You,” is already Top 30-and-rising at country radio.
“Building the right team is just as important as making the right music,” said Pearce. “I look at the way Clint and his team build artist’s careers and couldn’t think of anyone else that I would want to work alongside to take my career to the next level. I can’t wait to see where we go together!”
“Carly has the ability to connect with audiences in the same way iconic artists like Reba and Dolly have done for decades,” stated Higham. “She represents everything that’s great about country music—strong vocals, vivid stories and an honest heart. We are honored to have the opportunity to help Carly build her own legacy.”
Already in 2019, Carly has been nominated for ACM Awards New Female Artist of the Year and iHeartRadio Music Awards Best New Country Artist after winning both 2018 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year and Radio Disney Music Award The Freshest!—Radio Disney Country Best New Artist. She is currently on Jason Aldean’s Ride All Night Tour, amplifying a co-headline run earlier this year and major stints with Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Thomas Rhett.
Morris Higham Management oversees the careers of artists including Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, Ryan Griffin, Brandon Lay, Carlton Anderson, and Michael Ray.
Gorley, Hardy, Copperman Top MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley is at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with nine titles this week, including Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young,” Chase Rice’s “Eyes On You,” Eli Young Band’s “Love Ain’t,” Lee Brice’s “Rumor,” Chris Lane’s “I Don’t Know About You,” Dierks Bentley’s “Living,” Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes,” Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads” and LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song.”
Michael Hardy is just behind Gorley at No. 2, Ross Copperman at No. 3, Jordan M. Schmidt at No. 4 and Shane McAnally at No. 5.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to 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.
Gorley, Hardy, Copperman Top MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley is at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with nine titles this week, including Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young,” Chase Rice’s “Eyes On You,” Eli Young Band’s “Love Ain’t,” Lee Brice’s “Rumor,” Chris Lane’s “I Don’t Know About You,” Dierks Bentley’s “Living,” Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes,” Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads” and LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song.”
Michael Hardy is just behind Gorley at No. 2, Ross Copperman at No. 3, Jordan M. Schmidt at No. 4 and Shane McAnally at No. 5.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to 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.
Rob Beckham, Bill Simmons Form Management Company The AMG
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young. Photo: John Shearer
Industry vets Rob Beckham and Bill Simmons have formed “the AMG,” an artist management group. Beckham, former partner and co-head of WME Nashville and Simmons, partner of Fitzgerald-Hartley (who announced its dissolvement earlier this morning) will continue to manage Simmons’ long-time management clients Brad Paisley and Chris Young.
More details on the new venture will be available soon.