Country Music Association Celebrates 60th Anniversary

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Pictured (L-R): CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and Nashville Mayor David Briley. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Metro Government

The Country Music Association celebrates its 60th anniversary Tuesday (Sept. 25), as the United States Senate, House of Representatives, and the City of Nashville proclaim Sept. 25, 2018 as Country Music Association Day. The CMA will host a special invite-only anniversary celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 26 in Nashville.

Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. The organization, which started with 160 members, has grown to more than 7,400 industry professionals around the world representing every aspect of the business. The organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advance the growth of country music around the world.

The CMA Awards annually recognize outstanding achievement in the format and is the longest-running music awards program on network television. In addition to the CMA Awards, the organization presents several annual accolades including CMA Broadcast Awards, CMA Touring Awards, CMA Triple Play Awards, International Awards, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, which CMA established in 1961 to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor.

CMA Fest, the longest-running annual four-day Country Music festival, takes place in downtown Nashville each summer and is taped for a three-hour network television special. Ticket proceeds from the festival go directly to helping enrich and sustain music education programs across the country through CMA’s nonprofit arm, the CMA Foundation, thanks to every artist donating their time. The CMA Foundation, which was established in 2011, has invested more than $21 million in over 87 programs across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations.

In addition to its television properties, the CMA Songwriters Series presented by U.S. Bank hosts intimate performances around the globe, having presented more than 100 shows.

Lori McKenna Extends Publishing, Management Deal With Creative Nation

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Pictured (L-R): Luke Laird (Songwriter/Co-Founder), Kelsey Granda (Publishing), Christina Wighton (Publishing), Rachel Burleson (Management), Lori McKenna, Jeff Skaggs (Publishing), Shaina Botwin (Publishing), Beth Laird (Co-Founder/CEO), and Brandon Gill (Management). Photo: Katie Kauss

Lori McKenna has extended her publishing and management agreements with Creative Nation. The Grammy award-winning songwriter has been a writer and artist at Creative Nation since April 2015.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Lori over the last three years and we are excited to have the opportunity to continue to expand upon what we’ve built together. Lori is a songwriter’s songwriter and it’s been incredible to watch what she has accomplished. She continues to set the bar and carve her own path as a songwriter and artist,” Creative Nation’s Co-Founder and CEO, Beth Laird, says.

“I’m excited to continue on with my Creative Nation team of people who work so hard to make sure my time in music is spent simply making music. My life in music has always surpassed my dreams of it and that has so much to do with Beth and Luke and the amazing people that make up Creative Nation,” McKenna says.

McKenna made history as a songwriter in 2016, becoming the first woman ever to win the CMA’s Song of the Year two years in a row, for her co-write on Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” and writing Tim McGraw’s No. 1 “Humble And Kind” solo. Both songs also clinched back-to-back Grammy wins for Best Country Song. In 2017, she became the ACM’s first female Songwriter of the Year. Her other hits include “Cry Pretty” (Carrie Underwood), “I Want Crazy” (Hunter Hayes), “God Made Girls” (RaeLynn), and “Sober,” “Your Side of the Bed,” and “Happy People” (Little Big Town). Her catalog also includes songs recorded by Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Reba, Alison Krauss, Brandy Clark, The Cadillac Three, Jillian Jacqueline, Ashley Monroe, and Eli Young Band, among others.

Keith Urban To Host Australia’s ARIA Awards

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Keith Urban. Photo: Mark Seliger

Keith Urban has been tapped to host the 32nd Annual ARIA Awards, Australia’s Grammy Awards, on Nov. 28 in Sydney. It will be his first appearance at the ARIA’s in over a decade since he joined John Butler onstage in 2007 for a performance. Urban has won five ARIAs, but this will mark his first time hosting the event.

“ARIA is honored and excited to welcome back superstar Keith Urban to join us in Sydney to celebrate the 2018 ARIAs.” said Dan Rosen, Chief Executive ARIA. “To have one of Australia’s biggest stars host this year’s ceremony is just phenomenal. Australian music fans are in for a real treat.”

Earlier this year, Urban’s first studio album in nearly two years, GRAFFITI U debuted at No. 1 in Australia along with No. 1 positions in Canada and the United States. Urban remains the only male country artist to debut at the top of the all genre charts simultaneously in three countries (U.S., Canada and Australia), a feat that no other male country artist has achieved once, no less twice. His previous album, the Platinum-selling RIPCORD, was the second highest-selling album in Australia in 2016 and spent 27 weeks in the Top 10 and 46 weeks in the Top 20 of the ARIA Albums Chart. Urban is no stranger to the ARIA charts with a total of 14 ARIA Platinum-selling singles and albums.

He will head to Australia in February on his GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR, where it’s already seen sell-outs in Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane.

DisClaimer: Carrie Underwood, Adam Hambrick Lead With Soaring, Sensitive New Tracks

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Adam Hambrick, Carrie Underwood

It’s a Capitol Nashville day here at “DisClaimer.”

The label has both the Disc of the Day with Carrie Underwood’s glory-hallelujah sound and the DisCovery Award winner with sensitive new troubadour Adam Hambrick.

But they’re not exactly resting on their laurels over there at BMLG. That label group has two of today’s strongest challengers, Thomas Rhett and Brett Young.

Toss in winners from Mercury’s Billy Currington and the independently released Thompson Square and you have the makings of a fine listening session.

BILLY CURRINGTON/Bring It On Over
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: Round Hill/Natalia’s Music Money/Warner-Tamerlane/Ritten By Rettro/WB/Thankful For This/Pinetucky Road/Telemitry RHythm House/Songs of Roc Nation, BMI/ASCAP; Mercury
– This guy has a seemingly unerring gift for hearing a hit. This crunchy, catchy ditty is like an ear worm. And as if the song isn’t cool enough, there’s a layered, multi-voice production, an echoey atmosphere and a bubbling rhythm track. Crazy good.

WATERLOO REVIVAL/Wonder Woman
Writers: George Birge/Cody Cooper/Marv Green/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Jason Massey; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
– Generic, routine country-pop.

LINDSAY ELL/Champagne
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Walker Hayes/Fred Wilhelm; Producer: Kristian Bush; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek/BBR
– I fail to hear what this has to do with country music.

THOMAS RHETT/Sixteen
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Sean Douglas/Joe Spargur; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure/Thomas Rhett; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket On the Line/Sony-ATV Ballad/Eastman Pond/Big Deal Beats/Brodsky Spensive/Nice Life/Words & Music, BMI; Valory Music
– Single #5 from the Life Changes CD is a slice of teen-age life with some dandy turns of phrases and truthful vignettes. Naturally, it ends with a look back from adulthood. But on the way there, your ears will fall in love with the lilting honesty and warm approach. Richly rewarding.

MORGAN EVANS/Day Drunk
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Lindy Robbins/Morgan Evans; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Warner Bros.
– Fall might be upon us, but Morgan has a summer song that’s as bright as sunshine. The video features footage of him with Kelsea, frolicking in tropical splendor.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Love Wins
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Brett James; Producers: David Garcia/Underwood; Publishers: Carrie-Okie/Universal/Brentwood Benson/D Soul/CapitolCMG/Songs of Brett/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
– A full-throated, inspirational shout to the heavens about the ultimate victory of brotherhood over violence, prejudice, madness and hatred. I’m in.

ADAM HAMBRICK/Rockin’ All Night Long
Writers: Adam Hambrick/Kelly Archer/Pete Good; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Publishers: ole Red Cape/RED Like the Sunset/Stars and Stripes and Maple Leaf/Crack the Glass/Downtown DMP/Garda/King Pen/Songs of Downtown, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; Capitol/Buena Vista
– Sweet and charming. His yearning tenor recalls the innocence of youth on a spree, “drinking up every moment ‘til it’s gone.” Hambrick has a reputation as a songwriter for others on Music Row. This debut puts a spotlight on him as a performer. Welcome to the winner’s circle, buddy.

BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight
Writers: Brett Young/Ben Caver/Justin Ebach/Charles Kelley; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; BMLG
-Sexy. A romantic swoon. A crooning come-on.

THOMPSON SQUARE/Masterpiece
Writers: Keifer Thompson; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; T2
– I am so fond of these two. This lovely song compares the creation of their love to the great works of Shakespeare, Beethoven, Da Vinci and other one-of-a-kind geniuses. An anthem for all lovers, everywhere. Truly uplifting — it will make you want to hold tightly to whoever is dear to you.

TEGAN MARIE/I Know How To Make A Boy Cry
Writers: Tegan Marie/Nathan Chapman; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– This is loaded with hooks and personality. I could have done without the “na-na-na” passages, but otherwise it’s enormously listenable.

CMT’s All-Female ‘Artists Of The Year’ Special To Honor Loretta Lynn

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Loretta Lynn

In a year of celebrating the achievements of women in country music, CMT today announced that Loretta Lynn will be honored with the “Artist of a Lifetime” award presented by Ram Trucks at this year’s all-female CMT Artists of the Year event premiering live Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Academy Award winner and Coal Miner’s Daughter actress Sissy Spacek will bestow the award to Lynn, who joins previous recipients of the honor including Shania Twain (2016), Kenny Rogers (2015), and Merle Haggard (2014).

“I’m always so proud when I receive any awards for my music, but when I heard it was this year’s “Artist of a Lifetime” award it made me really happy,” says Lynn. “It’s an honor to be able to make music that people enjoy and I’m really excited to have a new album coming out. Thank you CMT for acknowledging me with this award and for honoring the women in country music at Artists of the Year.”

A self-taught guitarist and songwriter, Lynn was one of the most distinctive performers in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s and has more than five decades of recording and touring to her credit. Her songs tackled boundary-pushing topics drawn from her own life experiences as a wife and mother. “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Fist City” and “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” are just three of Lynn’s 16 country No. 1 singles. She has sold over 45 million records worldwide. Lynn’s latest studio album, Wouldn’t It Be Great, (Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment) will be released Friday, Sept. 28.

In 1980, Spacek starred as Lynn in the acclaimed biopic Coal Miner’s Daughter, winning the Oscar and Golden Globe Award for her performance. Spacek also swept the New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics, National Board of Review, and National Society of Film Critics Awards for her portrayal of the country music legend. Some of Spacek’s other film credits include A Home at the End of the World, The Straight Story, Affliction, JFK, The Long Walk Home, Hot Rod, Night, Mother, Four Christmases, Get Low, The Help and The Old Man and The Gun.

For the first-time ever the annual CMT Artists of the Year special is dedicated to the women of country music—past, present and future. This year’s all-female “Artists of the Year” celebration will honor Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott.

As in past years, the event will feature surprise musical pairings and guests that will be announced at a later date. In addition, CMT will feature a day-long “Women of Country Music” takeover across all CMT platforms where music lives including music hours on CMT, the 24/7 digital channel CMT Music and CMT Radio’s widely-syndicated shows “CMT Radio LIVE” and “CMT After Midnite” to encourage and inspire increased female airplay on Oct. 17.

Former CMT Artists of the Year honorees include Blake Shelton (2015), Brad Paisley (2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012, 2016), Cast of “Nashville” (2015), Chris Stapleton (2015, 2016, 2017), Eric Church (2012), Florida Georgia Line (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Hunter Hayes (2013), Jason Aldean (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Keith Urban (2017), Kelsea Ballerini (2016), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Kenny Rogers (2015), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Little Big Town (2015), Luke Bryan (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Merle Haggard (2014), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Sam Hunt (2015, 2017), Shania Twain (2016), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Thomas Rhett (2016), Tim McGraw (2013) and Toby Keith (2012).

BMI Files Court Petition Against North American Concert Promoters Association

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BMI has filed a petition in federal rate court against the North American Concert Promoters Association (NACPA) to determine rates for live concerts that more fairly reflect the value its affiliates’ music brings to the U.S. live concert industry and are more in line with global industry standards.

“The music created by songwriters and composers and enjoyed by American music fans is the backbone of the live concert industry, yet the rate paid to BMI for the use of its affiliates’ music vastly undervalues that contribution,” said Mike Steinberg, Executive Vice President, Licensing & Creative, BMI. “We have spent nearly five years attempting to finalize new rates with NACPA that more closely align with the higher rates NACPA members have already agreed to pay to other PROs, both internationally and in the U.S.  Instead, NACPA is attempting to shortchange BMI affiliates and rely on outdated rates that do not reflect the evolution of the music industry or take in to account the expanded revenue streams that result from the performances of BMI music. We believe we have a compelling case and look forward to presenting our positions to the Court.”

BMI’s full petition can be read here.

Joe Galante Named To Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Board

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Joe Galante

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced that music industry executive Joe Galante has joined its Board of Directors. Galante is the former Chairman of Sony Music in Nashville and former President of RCA Records in New York City.

Galante’s appointment to Cumberland’s Board as an independent director was effective Sept. 19, 2018. Galante is also currently on the Board of Directors of Pinnacle Financial Partners, as well as the Country Music Association, and chair of the CMA Foundation.

He began his career at RCA Records in New York, followed by a transfer to RCA Nashville where he served as a director at the label, followed by the role of Vice President Promotion and Marketing. At the age of 32, he became the youngest person ever named to run a major country music record label. In 1990 he was named the President of RCA Records in New York. He returned to Nashville as Chairman to run the RCA and BNA labels there. Under his leadership, RCA Records was the number one country label for 11 consecutive years. He then served as Chairman of Sony Music Nashville for six years. He was presented with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award by the Opry Trust to honor his work in country music.

“We are delighted to welcome Joe Galante to our Board of Directors. His successful business track record, entrepreneurial and public company experience make him a valuable new member of our Board,” said A.J. Kazimi, Chief Executive Officer of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. “We are fortunate to be headquartered in Nashville, one of the country’s most successful cities in the 21st century. Our two largest industries here are healthcare and entertainment, and we now have leaders of both those industries helping to build our company through their participation on our Board.”

Cumberland’s Board of Directors also includes Joey Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of Acadia Healthcare; Dr. Gordon Bernard, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Jamie Jones, former Managing Partner of KPMG LLP’s Middle Tennessee operations, Jon Griggs, Former Vice President Human Resources at Warner-Lambert Company, Caroline Young, former President of the Nashville Healthcare Council and current President of Nashville Health, and Ken Krogulski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Asset Management LLC, who also all serve as independent directors.

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. develops, acquires, and commercializes brands for the hospital acute care, gastroenterology, and oncology market segments. The company’s portfolio of FDA-approved brands includes:

• Acetadote® (acetylcysteine) Injection, for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning;
• Caldolor® (ibuprofen) Injection, for the treatment of pain and fever;
• Kristalose® (lactulose) for Oral Solution, a prescription laxative, for the treatment of chronic and acute constipation;
• Omeclamox®-Pak, (omeprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin) for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and related duodenal ulcer disease;
• Vaprisol® (conivaptan) Injection, to raise serum sodium levels in hospitalized patients with euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia;
• Ethyol® (amifostine) Injection, for the reduction of xerostomia (dry mouth) in patients undergoing post-operative radiation treatment for head and neck cancer and the renal toxicity associated with the administration of cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian cancer;
• Totect® (dexrazoxane hydrochloride) Injection, for emergency oncology intervention, to treat the toxic effects of anthracycline chemotherapy in case of extravasation (drug leakage from the bloodstream into the tissues).

Keb’ Mo’ Looking West To Headline 2019 Tour

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Photo: Fresh Design

Grammy-winning Americana artist Keb’ Mo’ is headlining a series of solo acoustic shows across the western coast next year.

TajMo, his 2017 collaboration project with legendary blues musician Taj Mahal, earned Keb’ Mo’ his fourth Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Additionally, TajMo earned Album of the Year and Contemporary Blues Album of the Year at the 39th Annual Blues Music Awards, while Keb’ Mo’ took home the title of Contemporary Blues Male Artist of The Year.

Young blues songwriter, Jontavious Willis, will open all shows throughout the tour.

The tour kicks off in Oregon in May. Additional shows and markets for the 2019 tour are to be added and released at a later date.

Keb’ Mo’s 2019 West Coast Tour are as follows:
May 7: Rogue Theater (Grants Pass, OR)
May 8: Arkley Center for the Performing Ars (Eureka, CA)
May 9: Cascade Theatre (Redding, CA)
May 10: The Fox Theatre (Redwood City, CA)
May 11: Golden State Theatre (Monterey, CA)
May 14: Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center (Livermore, CA)
May 15: Harris Center (Folsom, CA)
May 16: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (Santa Rosa, CA)
May 18: Poway Center For The Performing Arts (Poway, CA)
May 19: Thousand Oaks Alliance for the Arts (Thousand Oaks, CA)
May 21: Fox Theatre (Tucson, AZ)
May 22: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Scottsdale, AZ)

E! People’s Choice Awards Finalists Announced

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The 2018 People’s Choice Awards finalists were announced Monday (Sept. 24). Keith Urban is in the all-genre Male Artist of 2018 running, alongside Drake, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes and Bruno Mars. He is also nominated for Country Artist of 2018, alongside Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton.

I Can Only Imagine, inspired by the story of CCM group MercyMe‘s rise to prominence, is nominated for Family Movie of 2018, alongside A Wrinkle In Time, Christopher Robin, Incredibles 2,and Hotel Transylvania 3.

Voting is currently open, and ends Oct. 19. The People’s Choice Awards will air Nov. 11 on E! live from the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif. beginning at 9 p.m ET/PT.

ALBUM OF 2018
Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy
Camila Cabello, Camila
Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes
Ariana Grande, Sweetener
Nicki Minaj, Queen

SONG OF 2018
Ariana Grande, “No Tears Left to Cry”
Shawn Mendes, “In My Blood”
Selena Gomez, “Back to You”
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin, “I Like It”
BTS, “Idol”

MALE ARTIST OF 2018
Drake
Keith Urban
Ed Sheeran
Shawn Mendes
Bruno Mars

FEMALE ARTIST OF 2018
Taylor Swift
Cardi B
Ariana Grande
Camila Cabello
Nicki Minaj

COUNTRY ARTIST OF 2018
Thomas Rhett
Luke Bryan
Carrie Underwood
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

FAMILY MOVIE OF 2018
Incredibles 2
A Wrinkle in Time
Hotel Transylvania 3
I Can Only Imagine
Christopher Robin

Apple Officially Closes On Shazam Acquisition

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Apple announced it has completed its acquisition of Shazam, one of the world’s most popular and highly-rated music apps, used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Following the announcement on Monday (Sept. 24), the company plans to soon make Shazam’s music-recognizing abilities free to users by eliminating ads.

“Apple and Shazam have a long history together. Shazam was one of the first apps available when we launched the App Store and has become a favorite app for music fans everywhere,” said Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music. “With a shared love of music and innovation, we are thrilled to bring our teams together to provide users even more great ways to discover, experience and enjoy music.”

Apple announced its intent to acquire Shazam in 2017. Shazam, which was founded in 1999, has been downloaded over 1 billion times around the world, and users identify songs using the Shazam app over 20 million times each day, Apple reports.