Alabama Tornado Relief Concert Raises Over $1 Million For Jacksonville State University

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(L-R): Jeff Cook (Alabama), JSU President John M. Beehler, Randy Owen (Alabama), Teddy Gentry (Alabama). Photo: Matthew Reynolds | JSU

The Alabama & Friends #JSUStrong tornado relief concert benefiting Jacksonville State University was a success despite a downpour of rain, which didn’t stop thousands in Jacksonville, Ala., from attending Wednesday night’s sold-out show. The concert generated a grand total of $1,280,000 for JSU, which includes funds from all ticket sales, sponsorships and in-kind donations.

At JSU’s Burgess-Snow Field, Country Music Hall of Famers Alabama assembled an all-star lineup of talent including Charlie Daniels, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Shenandoah, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green, Drake White, Home Free, John Berry, Gordon Mote, Darren Knight “Southern Momma,” Sixwire, Sweet Tea Trio, and SiriusXM’s Storme Warren, who all donated their time and talents to raise funds for the tornado-ravaged university.

“Teddy, Jeff and I are so proud of the artists who played this benefit for tornado damage at Jacksonville State University,” says Alabama frontman Randy Owen. “With over $70 million dollars in damages, we’re glad that we, along with our artist friends, were able to help raise over a million dollars Wednesday night. I graduated from JSU so it’s very personal for me. Teddy and Jeff said ‘let’s do this’ the day I called them after the tornado. #JSUSTRONG.”

“We are so thankful to Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook of Alabama and all the other artists, sponsors, and university personnel who worked together selflessly to make this event a huge success,” said JSU President John Beehler. “Not only was nearly $1.3 million raised to help us rebuild our campus, but smiles were put on the faces of thousands of attendees who have endured so much since the devastating tornado ofMarch 19. The impact of this concert will be felt for years to come.”

On March 19 of this year, JSU and the surrounding Jacksonville community was hit by a EF-3 tornado, severely damaging 23 buildings and impacting more than 50 more, and causing millions of dollars in damage. Further donations can be made to JSU’s tornado relief fund here.

Charlie Daniels performs with Alabama. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Opry City Stage At Times Square Suspends Operations

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Ryman Hospitality Properties has announced it has temporarily suspended operations at its Opry City Stage location in New York City as the company evaluates the venue’s market positioning, concept and operating strategy.

The four-level, 28,000-square-foot venue, which opened nine months ago at 1604 Broadway in the heart of Times Square, features a two-story restaurant, bar and multiple performance spaces. The venue’s nearly 100 employees were informed Thursday (Sept. 27) that the venue was suspending operations.

“As we have shared over the past several months, our Opry City Stage venue has taken longer to ramp up its operations than we initially anticipated and has unfortunately underperformed our revenue expectations this year,” says Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO Colin Reed. “We have decided that suspending operations at Opry City Stage while we evaluate the venue’s ground floor experience and operations is the appropriate course of action.

I would like to thank both our New York City-based employees as well as the artists who have performed at Opry City Stage for bringing an authentic slice of Southern culture to life in Times Square. We look forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.”

Ryman Hospitality Properties also oversees the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, 650 AM WSM, The Wildhorse Saloon, and Blake Shelton’s Ole Red properties in Nashville, Tennessee; Tishomingo, Oklahoma; and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

 

Big Loud Promotes Lloyd Norman

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Lloyd Norman

BIG LOUD has promoted Lloyd Norman to the role of VP, Creative and Digital.

“It’s been an amazing ride since I joined Big Loud in 2014,” shares Norman. “I have a tremendous amount of gratitude to be able to work with a company and roster of talented artists that strive for innovation. I could not be more excited for what the future holds. Thank you to the partners at Big Loud for their continued support. I love my Big Loud family!”

After joining the Big Loud family in April 2014, Norman has been responsible for leading a five-person team of content creators and digital marketers while overseeing all creative and digital needs behind the social and web channels of the company’s dynamic Records and Management rosters, including Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, Jillian Jacqueline, Mason Ramsey, and more. Boasting a strong personal career history, he previously ran his own creative agency working on the visual and social strategy for independent artists plus taught several design courses at SAE Institute and O’More College of Design.

According to Big Loud Records President Clay Hunnicutt, the ongoing success of their artists and the momentum building behind the label’s newest clients speaks to Norman’s value as a top-level playmaker in Country and beyond.

“Lloyd has been a long-standing, integral part of Big Loud,” Hunnicutt says. “His leadership and forward-thinking have benefited the company and all the artists in too many ways to count. We are glad he will continue to help us grow Big Loud into the next few years and beyond, with clear vision and amazing talent!”

That sentiment was echoed by Big Loud partner Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, another industry veteran who co-founded Big Loud’s innovative business model.

“Lloyd has proven over the years to be invaluable to our companies. He has thrived at every challenge and opportunity we have thrown his way during his time at Big Loud,” Zaruk adds. “He continues to learn and grow within Big Loud while setting new industry standards in the field of creative and digital content. We could not be happier to have Lloyd continue to be a massive part in the continued growth and future of Big Loud.”

Big Loud was founded as a partnership between Craig Wiseman, Seth England, Zaruk, and Joey Moi, four industry veterans with a vision to bring song publishing, artist development, management, production, and promotion under one roof. The organization scored its first win when it helped launch the career of Florida Georgia Line – one of the most successful country duos in history – and in 2015 the partners expanded their firm with the creation of Big Loud Records, led by Hunnicutt.

After helping Florida Georgia Line achieve superstardom, Big Loud has gone on to introduce breakout country star Chris Lane, a high-flying vocalist with a smooth-R&B vibe whose debut single, “Fix,” proved a runaway hit. The song became a Gold-certified No. 1 success in 2016, and marked an unlikely feat for Big Loud – scoring their first chart-topper with the label’s very first release.

Since then, the label has gone on to add country superstar Owen and rising talent Wallen to its roster, scoring another pair of No. 1 smashes with “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” and Platinum-certified “Up Down” (featuring Florida Georgia Line), respectively. Lane has since posted two more Top 10 hits (“For Her,” “Take Back Home Girl” featuring Tori Kelly), while fresh-faced phenom Ramsey is chart-climbing with his debut single, “Famous.”

Balsam Range Named Entertainer of the Year At 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards

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Balsam Range

Balsam Range was among the big winners at the 29th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award during the festivities at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 27. This marks the second win for the North Carolina-based group, who won the award previously in 2014.

Other winners taking home trophies throughout the evening included Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Po’ Ramblin Boys, Sierra Hull, and the Travelin’ McCourys. A full list of winners is included below. The Awards were voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).

“Congratulations to this year’s awards recipients and all of the nominees,” said Paul Schiminger, Executive Director of IBMA. “Being recognized by your professional peers with the highest honors in bluegrass music is quite an achievement, considering the number of incredible artists and recordings in our music today.  This is a moment for everyone in the bluegrass community to feel proud and celebrate the many accomplishments of the past year.  It is no wonder the appreciation of bluegrass is growing every day.”

The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Awards recipients:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Balsam Range

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (this is the band’s 8th win in this category, with the last win in 2007)

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
The Travelin’ McCourys (the band’s first award, although members of the band have won many awards individually)

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“If I’d Have Wrote That Song”– Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (artist), Larry Cordle/Larry Shell/James Silvers (writers) (the band’s first award in this category)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Rivers & Roads– Special Consensus (artist), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label) (the band’s first win in this category)

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF A YEAR:
“Speakin’ to That Mountain”– Becky Buller (artist), Becky Buller/Jeff Hyde (writers), Crepe Paper Heart(album), Stephen Mougin (producer), Dark Shadow Recording (label)

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE:
“Squirrel Hunters”– Special Consensus with John Hartford, Rachel Baiman, Christian Sedelmyer, and Alison Brown (artist), Traditional arranged by Alison Brown/Special Consensus (writers), Rivers & Roads(album), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR:
“Swept Away”– Missy Raines with Alison Brown, Becky Buller, Sierra Hull, and Molly Tuttle (artists), single release, Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Brooke Aldridge (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Buddy Melton (his second win in this category, previously in 2014)

BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Ned Luberecki (his first win in this category)

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Tim Surrett (his second win in this category, previously in 2015)

DOBRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Justin Moses (his first win in this category)

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Michael Cleveland (his 11thwin in this category, previously in 2015)

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Molly Tuttle (her second win in this category, previously in 2017)

MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Sierra Hull (her third win in this category, previously 2016 and 2017)

Previously announced inductees into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame– Ricky Skaggs, Paul Williams, Tom T. and Dixie Hall– were honored at the show.

At the Special Awards Luncheon held earlier in the day, the recipients of the following awards were also announced:

BLUEGRASS BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR:
Steve Martin (Northern Kentucky-based host of “Steve Martin’s Unreal Bluegrass”)

BLUEGRASS EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Bluegrass on the Green– Frankfort, IL

BEST LINER NOTES FOR A RECORDED PROJECT (tie):
Craig Havighurst – The Story We Tell by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Peter Wernick – Carter Stanley’s Eyes by Peter Rowan

BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR A RECORDED PROJECT:
Lou Everhart – A Heart Never Knows by The Price Sisters

BLUEGRASS PRINT/MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR:
Neil Rosenberg

BLUEGRASS SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
Jerry Salley

SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR (first year presented):
Ben Surratt

The previously announced 2018 Distinguished Achievement Award recipients – George Gruhn, Christopher Howard-Williams, Curtis McPeake, Walter Saunders and Chris Thile– were also honored during a luncheon.

Provident Label Group Promotes Brian Dishon, Dean Diehl

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Provident Label Group has announced two staff promotions, with Brian Dishon being elevated to Senior Vice President of Marketing. In addition, Dean Diehl has been named Senior Vice President of Strategy and New Business.

Dishon was formerly Vice President of Marketing for the label. As Senior Vice President, he will oversee marketing, promotions, digital, creative, and label operations for Essential Records and Reunion Records. Dishon began his label career in Radio Promotion at Sparrow Records in 1997. In 2007, he transitioned to Vice President of Promotion at Provident Label Group, and two years later moved over to be Vice President of Marketing.

“Brian’s promotion is a reflection of his hard work and dedication as well as his leadership and experience,” Terry Hemmings, CEO/President, Provident Label Group states. “He is an excellent team builder and we are pleased to have him continue as part of our management team in this new position.”

Diehl was formerly the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Provident Label Group. As Senior Vice President for Strategy and New Business Diehl will work closely with all divisions within Provident Music including Provident Label Group, RCA Inspirational, Provident Films, Essential Worship, and Essential Artist Services in developing strategic plans for the future as well as innovating around new business opportunities.

Dishon shares, “I’m grateful to Terry Hemmings and Dean Diehl for this opportunity at Provident. I love the Christian music business and the hope that artists sing about to encourage people in their faith. I cherish the team of people I get to work with and I look forward to guiding Provident Label Group into what the music business of tomorrow will be.”

Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music, whose labels include Provident Label Group, RCA Inspiration, Essential Worship and Essential Music Publishing, is home to an artist roster including Casting Crowns, Zach Williams, Third Day, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene, Matt Maher, Tenth Avenue North, Marvin Sapp, and more.

 

LANCO Extends Hallelujah Nights Tour Into 2019

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LANCO has added additional dates to its Hallelujah Nights Tour, with the 2019 leg kicking off on Jan. 9 at Joe’s in Chicago. The 26-city run in 2019 will take LANCO to the Midwest and Canada, visiting Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Calgary, and more.

On Oct. 2 the first tickets to select cities will be available to the “FANCO” fan club before tickets go on sale to the public Oct. 5 beginning at 10 a.m. local time on LANCO’s website.

“It’s been a long time coming for us with this new live show and after hearing how many fans asked us to come to their city there was no way we couldn’t add some more dates,” said Lancaster. “These past few years on the road have solidified who we are and we’re looking forward to sharing this chapter with our fans. We can’t wait to roll that energy over into 2019 and bring to life our album Hallelujah Nights on stage.”

The group’s multi-week No. 1 hit “Greatest Love Story,” just went double-platinum, while the track’s sole writer/lead singer Lancaster became the first member of a group to ever win NSAI’s Songwriter/Artist of the Year.

HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR DATES:
Jan. 9: Chicago, Ill. – Joe’s on Weed St
Jan. 10: Milwaukee, Wis. – The Rave
Jan. 11: Rosemont, Ill. – Joe’s Live
Jan. 12: Minneapolis, Minn. – Varisty Theater
Jan. 16: Salt Lake City, Utah – The Depot
Jan. 17:  Boise, Idaho – Knitting Factory Concert House
Jan. 18: Seattle, Wa. – The Showbox
Jan. 19: Portland, Ore. – Wonder Ballroom
Jan. 20: Vancouver, BC- Commodore Ballroom
Jan. 22: Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
Jan. 23: Edmonton, AB – The Ranch Roadhouse

Weekly Chart Report (9/28/18)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

Country Music Association Celebrates 60th Anniversary

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Lee Brice performs at CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA

The Country Music Association (CMA) celebrated its 60th anniversary Wednesday evening (Sept. 26) with an invite-only industry party at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Throughout the night, more than 20 acts performed 60 years of country hits, backed by Joe Denim and an All-Star Band.

After welcoming remarks from CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Jeannie Seely kicked off the evening with a stunning performance of “Who Needs You.” Michael Ray and Craig Wayne Boyd performed back-to-back Merle Haggard classics, with Ray singing “Okie from Muskogee” and Boyd singing “The Fighting Side of Me.”

Halfway to Hazard performed Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town” in a moving tribute to Troy Gentry, while Hilary Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Jr., performed her father’s “Old Habits.” Backstage, Lee Greenwood and Larry, Steve & Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, sang an impromptu version of Greenwood’s hit “God Bless The U.S.A.,” which the Gatlin Brothers provided background vocals for on the original 1984 recording.

Artists joined Trahern and CMA staff on stage for a birthday toast and sing-a-long rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Lee Brice closed the evening with a performance of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition.”

Pictured: Jamie O’Neal and Julie Roberts perform at CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA

RaeLynn and Michael Ray perform at CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA

Country artists and Joe Denim and the All-Star Band join CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and CMA Senior Director of Awards and Industry Relations Brandi Simms to toast CMA’s 60th Anniversary at the Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Tammie Arroyo/Shutterstock

Pictured: Steve Gatlin, WME Co Head and CMA Board President Elect Rob Beckham, The Fitzgerald Hartley Co., Partner and CMA Board Chair Bill Simmons, Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Rudy Gatlin, and Craig Wayne Boyd attend CMA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration at Wildhorse Saloon Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA

The Last Bandoleros To Launch October Residency

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Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville band The Last Bandoleros will launch a Nashville residency at Layman Drug Company every Tuesday of October. Along with an offer of free tacos and beer, “Taco Tuesdays with The Last Bandoleros” will feature new music, special guests and more. Sponsors include Nada Tacos, Codigo Tequila and Topo Chico.

“We’ve finally all settled at home here in Nashville after being on the road for the past two years,” said guitarist/vocalist Derek James. “We thought having a free weekly residency would be a great way for some of the local community who don’t yet know us to hear our music for the first time.”

“We also wanted to bring a taste of our culture to these shows,” added bassist/vocalist Diego Navaira. “So we thought… Bandos, tacos and tequila!”

The Last Bandoleros (James, Navaira, guitarist/vocalist Jerry Fuentes and percussion/vocalist Emilio Navaira) have spent much of the past few years on the road. Music icon Sting handpicked them to join his 57th and 9th World Tour before heading out on their own headlining dates across the country and abroad.

Fans can RSVP at thelastbandoleros.com.

Keith Urban Returns For Third Year Headlining Nashville’s New Year’s Eve

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Keith Urban. Photo: Mark Seliger

Keith Urban will headline Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville for a third year in a row, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced today. The tenth annual event will take place at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and is free and open to the public.

Additional artists in the lineup includes Peter Frampton, genre-bending rock/pop band Judah & the Lion, critically acclaimed pop rock singer/songwriter Caitlyn Smith, contemporary soul and rock artist Devon Gilfillian and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Sirius XM host Storme Warren and Today In Nashville personality Kelly Sutton will serve as emcees. The event will include the traditional Music Note Drop and accompanying fireworks display to ring in the New Year.

“Keith is the perfect artist to headline this signature Nashville event, and we’re excited to have him back for a third year,” said Ronnie Smith, Head of Corporate Bank, Regions Bank, and chairman of the NCVC board of directors. “Keith’s an incredible performer and an even better partner. He’s a global entertainer who takes Nashville to the world and invites his fans to experience Music City for themselves. His great music includes many different influences and will cap off a lineup of outstanding performers representing many different genres.”

Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31.