Grammy Awards Fall In Demo Ratings, Remain Steady In Viewership

/by

During Sunday evening’s (Feb. 10) Grammy Awards, several artists took victory laps including Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Childish Gambino, but the evening’s final ratings don’t match the creative triumphs.

According to deadline.com, the 61st annual Grammy Awards show earned a 5.6 rating in the adult 18-49 demo, creating a new all-time demo low for awards show and undercutting last year’s record low of a 5.9 final rating.

The 2019 show, which returned to Los Angeles following last year’s airing from New York, pulled in 19.9 million total viewers, staying roughly on par with the 19.8 million viewers that watched in 2018.

Though 2019’s viewership stayed steady with last year’s numbers, the 2018 Grammy ratings represented a staggering 21 percent tumble from 2017, which boasted a 7.3 rating/18-49 and 23.97 million viewers.

In 2016, which featured country-turned-pop artist Taylor Swift taking home the top Album of the Year honor for 1989, the show aired on a Monday night and drew in 24.95 million viewers, as well as a 7.7 rating.

Dan + Shay, Warner Music Have A “Tequila” Night Following Grammy Win

/by

Pictured (L-R):Max Lousada (CEO of Recorded Music, WMG/Chairman & CEO, Warner Music UK); Dan Smyers; Shay Mooney; John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN)

Warner Music Nashville duo Dan + Shay celebrated a milestone evening on Sunday, taking home their first Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance during the pre-telecast portion of the evening, for their smash hit “Tequila.” Then the duo’s Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney performed “Tequila” on the live telecast. The polished rendering became the most-Shazamed of the evening, and “Tequila” shot to No. 3 on the all-genre iTunes chart.

The track has earned nearly 400 million streams, making it the most-streamed country song in 2018.

“Thank you to the Recording Academy, everybody who voted for us, all the incredible artists in our category. That’s the beautiful thing about Nashville and country music – we are all family,” said Smyers upon accepting the award, adding, “Thank you to our co-writers Jordan Reynolds and Nicolle Galyon, [we] couldn’t do this without a great song.”

Dan + Shay’s new single “All To Myself” impacts radio today (Feb. 11) and has already earned 50 million on-demand streams and more than 360,000 track equivalents. “All To Myself” comes on the heels of their four-week No. 1 viral sensation “Speechless.”

Live Nation Makes Deal With Williamson County Venue Graystone Quarry

/by

Live Nation has partnered with Graystone Quarry Events to take advantage of the 138-acre rock quarry site in Franklin, Tennessee, to create a new amphitheater. The 7,500-seat facility will open in 2020 with a full season of concert events produced by Live Nation.

Graystone Quarry has a rising profile as an upscale destination for weddings, corporate meetings, and private parties. The amphitheater will be positioned at the base of a limestone rock quarry surrounded by cliffs up to 100 feet tall. The reclaimed quarry was active 50 years ago, with the rock used in the construction of Highway 65 through Williamson County.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Graystone Quarry to our portfolio of venues and provide artists with another amazing amphitheater to connect with their fans,” said Tom See, President of Live Nation Venues. “With our partner Graystone Quarry Events, Live Nation will deliver Tennessee concert-goers countless unique and memorable live event experiences starting in 2020.”

“We envision this venue hosting some of the most popular touring groups coming to Nashville,” said Brian Traeger, President of Live Nation Tennessee. “The spectacular natural backdrop, alongside modern-day amenities the space will offer are going to create a phenomenal experience for both artists and fans.”

“We’re focused on delivering memorable concert experiences which also include great food, comfortable seating, and convenient parking in a natural and inspiring outdoor setting ideal for enjoying a night of music and fun with friends,” said Rick McEachern, Owner at Graystone Quarry. “And we’re delighted to have Live Nation’s event expertise and talent roster to bring this new venue to life.”

SOURCE Nashville Announces Hall Of Fame Inductees

/by

SOURCE Nashville has announced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. They include:

Sarah Brosmer (WMFD Radio, Ray Stevens Music, MusiVerse, a division of PolyGram, Compleat Records, MCA Records, Sony Records, Lytle Management)

Gayle Hill (Epic Records, G Hill & Company, Sound City Tours)

Beverly Keel (Nashville Banner, Polydor Records, American Profile, People magazine, Tennessean, UMG Nashville, MTSU)

Grace Reinbold (World Wide Media, What A Trip! Inc., rockUnashville)

Judi Turner (Country Music Association, Network Ink, Turner & Company, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Leadership Music)

Trisha Walker-Cunningham (Radio Luxembourg London, UK, MC Promotions London, UK, TWI, Trisha Walker International, Nashville, Tennessee)

Erika Wollam-Nichols (Greater Nashville Arts Foundation, Pro-Tours, NSAI, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, WPLN; Nashville Public Radio, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, The First Amendment Center, The Bluebird Cafe)

Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, this year marks the 17th anniversary of the SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards. Set for Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium (401 Gay Street, Nashville, TN 37201), the annual awards will honor and induct a select group of women into the SOURCE Awards Hall of Fame.

SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement.

Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks.

The Valory Music Co. Ups Ashley Sidoti

/by

Ashley Sidoti

The Valory Music Co. has named Ashley Sidoti to the newly-created title of Senior National Director, Promotion & Marketing, effective immediately. Most recently serving as National Director, Promotion & Marketing, she will continue to build relationships between radio and the label’s artist roster, which includes Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Justin Moore, Aaron Lewis, Eli Young Band, Tyler Rich and Delta Rae.

“We are pleased to announce the promotion of Ashley to Senior National Director,” said The Valory Music Co. GM George Briner. “She came into the Valory Music world as an intern back in 2008 and since then has grown through the ranks, continuing to contribute to the success of The Valory Music Co. and Big Machine Label Group every day.”

“I’m thankful for Scott, George and Chris’ continued trust and confidence in me and this team,” said Sidoti. “I’m so proud of all we have built, and I know that it’s still only the beginning. I look forward to continuing to grow the Valory Music Co. – loud and proud!”

Ashley can be reached at 615-574-7827 or via ashley.sidoti@valorymail.com.

Ashley Gorley Takes Second Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

/by

Ashley Gorley maintains the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week for the second week. Gorley was MusicRow‘s 2018 Songwriter of the Year at the CountryBreakout Awards. The 2019 Songwriter of the Year honor will be given Wednesday (Feb. 13) at the 2019 Awards.

Repeated from last week, Kevin Welch is at No. 2 and the 2019 Grammy “Best Country Song” co-writer, Shane McAnally, is at No. 3. Brett James follows at No. 4.

Bobby Pinson moves into the top five with Dierks Bentley’s “Burning Man” and Eric Church’s “Some Of It” propelling him.

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.

Reba Sets Return As ACM Awards Host, Reveals Upcoming Album Tracklist

/by

Reba McEntire surprised viewers during Sunday evening’s Grammy broadcast, revealing she will return to host the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7 from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. This marks the 16-time ACM winner’s 16th time hosting the event. She will announce the nominees on CBS This Morning Feb. 20.

McEntire also announced her upcoming studio album, Stronger Than The Truth, coming April 5 on Big Machine Records. The 12-track album was co-produced by Reba and Buddy Cannon, and follows her Grammy and Dove Awards-winning album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope.

Reba co-wrote a couple of tracks on the new project, including “No U In Oklahoma” (alongside Ronnie Dunn and Donna McSpadden) and “In His Mind” (alongside Liz Hengber and Tommy Lee James). Other songwriters on the album include Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore and Shelley Skidmore on “Tammy Wynette Kind Of Pain,” and Allen Shamblin and Steve Seskin on “Cactus In A Coffee Can.” Hillary Lindsey, Dallas Davidson and James Slater co-wrote “The Clown.”

“The response to Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope reinforced my love for recording songs that speak to the heart. So when I started selecting songs for this album, I stuck with that same formula – go with the songs that touch my heart, and hopefully when you hear me singing it, they’ll touch yours too. That honesty once again revealed itself,” expressed Reba. “I grew up on an 8,000-acre family ranch singing at dance halls, honky-tonks and rodeos with my brother and sister. Stronger Than The Truth takes me back to that kind of country music that I grew up with. I haven’t gotten to do that in a while, so I’m thrilled to pieces to release this new music.”

Stronger Than The Truth Track List:
1. “Swing All Night Long With You” | Written by Sidney Cox, Jon Randall
2. “Stronger Than The Truth” | Written by Hannah Louise Blaylock, Autumn McEntire
3. “Storm In A Shot Glass” | Written by Mary Browder, Will Robinson, Leslie Satcher
4. “Tammy Wynette Kind Of Pain” | Written by Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore, Shelley Skidmore
5. “Cactus In A Coffee Can” | Written by Steve Seskin, Allen Shamblin
6. “Your Heart” | Written by Kellys Collins
7. “The Clown” | Written by Dallas Davidson, Hillary Lindsey, James Slater
8. “No U In Oklahoma” | Written by Reba McEntire, Ronnie Dunn, Donna McSpadden
9. “The Bar’s Getting Lower” | Written by Kellys Collins, Erin Enderlin, Liz Hengber, Alex Kline
10. “In His Mind” | Written by Reba McEntire, Liz Hengber, Tommy Lee James
11. “Freedom” | Written by Jay Brunswick, Tommy Cecil, Jaida Dreyer, John Pierce
12. “You Never Gave Up On Me” | Written by Billy Aerts, Burton Collins

Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern Announces New Music Row Location

/by

Carolyn Lethgo and Josh Distad, the owners of Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern.

The music will keep going at Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern in Nashville.

In January, the Music Row-area gathering spot announced it would be closing its 16th Ave. S. location. Now, Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern has announced it will open a new Music Row location, located at 9 Music Square S. Doors will open after renovations are made to the building.

Del and Dane Bryant, sons of the late Boudleaux and Felice Bryant (Nashville’s first professional songwriters), are leasing the property to the tavern.

After being evicted from their former location due to their landlord’s development plans, Bobby’s changed ownership. Since October, they have diligently sought a new location.

“This new location is more than perfect for local songwriters and all our friends who have loved hanging out at Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern throughout the decades,” said Josh Distad, the bar’s co-owner and a songwriter himself.

“Honoring the Bryant family’s songwriting legacy is the thread that makes this happy-ending story for Bobby’s Idle Hour so compelling,” said Corrie Rich, the tavern’s realtor. “This success is a reflection of the good people of Music Row.”

“We are beyond ecstatic and can’t stop jumping for joy about this new location!” said Carolyn Lethgo, one of the new owners of Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern. “Music Row and Bobby’s fit together like a hand in a glove.  We were made for each other and I’m honored to be part of the new leadership team.”

 

Sony Music Nashville Parties With Clive Post-Grammys

/by

Pictured (L-R): Kane Brown, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, Clive Davis, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Rob Stringer, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Nashville Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music UK Jason Iley, and Luke Combs attend the Sony Music Entertainment 2019 Post-Grammy Reception at NeueHouse Hollywood on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images for SME

Sony Music Nashville celebrated the 61st Annual Grammy Awards Sunday night (Feb. 10) at the Sony Music Entertainment 2019 Post-Grammy Reception at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Kane Brown (RCA Nashville) and Best New Artist nominee Luke Combs (River House Artists/Columbia Nashville) presented the Grammy for Best Country Album while multi-nominee Maren Morris (Columbia Nashville) performed alongside Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, and Katy Perry in tribute to Parton’s 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year honor.

Nashville Band Carverton’s Lead Singer Dead At Age 24

/by

Kyle Yorlets was shot and killed outside his North Nashville residence on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 7.

Yorlets, 24, was a guitarist and the lead singer of the up-and-coming Nashville pop/rock band Carverton. His murder made national headlines because of the youth of the alleged perpetrators. His assailants were five juveniles – three girls, ages 12, 14 and 15, and two boys, ages 13 and 16.

The musician grew up on a dairy farm near Carlisle, PA. He graduated from Belmont University in May 2017. Yorlets formed Carverton with bass player Michael Wiebell, drummer Christian Ferguson and guitarist Michael Curry in 2014.

The group issued its debut EP in the summer of 2017. It posted its upbeat debut single, “Callin’ It Quits,” at the same time. The rocking, humorous “Hollywood” became its first music video the following month.

Carverton promoted its music throughout 2018 with club and festival bookings, an appearance on WMTS radio at MTSU and an aggressive social media presence.

The group’s current YouTube video for “Wildside” features the lead singer and his band mates performing atop the downtown hotel Cambria. It was released last month.

Other Carverton tunes include “By Myself,” “Misery,” “Pretty Little Monster” and “Veins.” The band had planned an album release show for its new Chasing Sounds collection on March 30.

In addition to performing in Carverton, Kyle Yorlets worked in the Nashville restaurant Pastaria and was a bartender at Milk & Honey.

The accused killers of Yorlets were driving a stolen Chevrolet truck. According to police, they accosted him in the alley behind his house on Torbett Street. After taking his wallet, they demanded his car keys and killed him when he refused to turn them over.

After ditching the truck, the minors drove a stolen Hyundai to the Walmart on Charlotte Pike, where they were apprehended.

The surviving members of Carverton established a GoFundMe account to aid the family of Kyle Yorlets. A memorial service was Monday, Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m.in the Chapel at Belmont University.