Country Radio Hall Of Fame Honors Class Of 2018

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Harmon and Scott Evans (“Harmon And Evans”) formerly of KPLX/Dallas and WXTU/Philadelphia; Andy Ritchie and Alison Mencer (“Andy & Alison”) formerly of WIVK/Knoxville; Tim Fox, Tracy Berry, and Bill Barrett (“Barrett, Fox, And Berry”) at KKNU/Eugene, OR; Michael O’Malley of the Albright, O’Malley & Brenner consulting firm. Photo credit: Kayla Schoen

The Country Radio Broadcasters held the 2018 Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony Wednesday evening (June 20) in Nashville, inducting its latest Hall of Fame class which includes Michael O’Malley of the Albright, O’Malley & Brenner consulting firm, and the late Lisa McKay, VP/Programming at Curtis Media/Raleigh, who doubled as PD for WQDR.

The Air Personality category included Andy Ritchie and Alison Mencer (“Andy & Alison”) formerly of WIVK/Knoxville; Steve Harmon and Scott Evans (“Harmon And Evans”) formerly of KPLX/Dallas and WXTU/Philadelphia; and Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry (“Barrett, Fox, And Berry) still active at KKNU/Eugene, Oregon.

CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne, alongside surprise guests Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, presented Steve Wariner with the 2018 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award, while current CRB Board President Kurt Johnson presented Sr. VP/Market Manager for Emmis New York Charlie Morgan with the President’s Award.

Many past inductees were in attendance, including Jaye Albright, Beverlee Brannigan, J.D. Cannon, Charlie Chase, Tim Closson, Lorianne Crook, Jonathan Fricke, Dan Halyburton, Lon Helton, Mike Kennedy, Jim Mantel, Charlie Ochs, Joel Raab, and Tim Roberts.

The late Lisa McKay, VP/Programming at Curtis Media/Raleigh, who doubled as PD for WQDR was honored posthumously during the Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony. Pictured (L-R): Trip Savery, President & COO of Curtis Media Group, and McKay’s partner Bill Campbell. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Senior Vice President/Market Manager of Emmis New York, Charlie Morgan, was recognized as the recipient of the 2018 President’s Award. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Steve Wariner was honored with the 2018 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award at 2018 Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony on June 20, 2018, at Vanderbilt Marriott in Nashville, Tennessee. Pictured (L-R): Country Radio Broadcasters Board President Kurt Johnson, Steve Wariner, and CRB/CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Integrity Music Signs Martin Smith

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Martin Smith

Integrity Music has signed singer, songwriter and producer Martin Smith and has announced the July release of Smith’s first live album, Love Song For A City.

Whether as frontman of modern worship band Delirious?, lead singer of Army Of Bones or performing solo, Smith has written and released several of CCM/modern worship’s classic songs, including “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?,” “Waiting Here For You,” and “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever.”

“Having been part of Martin’s journey since our days together at Furious Records, it’s especially meaningful to me that he would continue to entrust his craft to Integrity Music over this next season,” says Jonathan Brown, President of Integrity Music. “Martin’s songs and music have had a significant impact on my life and the lives of countless others.”

 

Carolina Story Includes Several Nashville Dates on Upcoming Tour

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Husband and wife duo Carolina Story (Ben & Emily Roberts) will soon hit the road in support of their upcoming album Lay Your Head Down, due out July 13 via Black River Americana.

The duo’s album features new songs and newly-recorded versions of some older material and offers up a snapshot of their last 10 years of their lives as a couple. The duo wrote all of the material on the new album, which was mostly recorded at Nashville’s Sound Stage Studios and produced by Nick Autry.

Carolina Story’s tour will launch July 19, and will celebrate during the album’s release week with a Nashville show at The Black River Stage at The Well Coffeehouse on July 12, and a return performance to the Grand Ole Opry stage on July 14.

Carolina Story 2018 Tour Dates:
June 23 – Nashville, TN – Musician’s Corner
June 23 – Farragut, TN – Lawn Chair Concert Series
July 12 – Nashville, TN – The Well Coffeehouse (Album Release Show)
July 13 – Nashville, TN – Grimey’s In-Store
July 14 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry
July 19 – New York, NY – Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3
August 3 – Winston, OR – Riverbend Live **
August 4 – Portland, OR – Alberta Rose Theater **
August 5 – Chicago, IL – Tranquility Salon Company
August 6 – Milwaukee, WI – Boone & Crockett
August 7 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
August 8 – Fargo, ND – Dempsey’s Public House
August 9 – Sioux Falls, SD – Icon Lounge
August 10 – Lennox, SD – The Only One
August 12 – Helena, MT – Lewis & Clark Brewing Company
August 14 – Whitefish, MT – Great Northern Bar & Grill
August 16 – Seattle, WA – Lagunitas Brewing Company
August 18 – Seattle, WA – Substation
August 19 – Portland, OR – The Old Church
August 21 – San Francisco, CA – Hotel Utah Saloon
August 23 – Los Angeles, CA – Hotel Cafe
August 25 – Joshua Tree, CA – Joshua Tree Saloon
August 27 – Corrales, NM – Corrales Bistro Brewery
August 28 – Amarillo, TX – Six Car Pub & Brewery
August 29 – Austin, TX – Cactus Cafe
August 31 – Memphis, TN – Railgarten
September 7 – Knoxville, TN – Pretentious Beer Co.
September 8 – Gatlinburg, TN – Sugarlands Distilling Co.
September 27 – Lexington, KY – Willie’s Locally Known

** = Supporting Delta Rae

Americanafest Adds Nearly 100 Artists To Lineup

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The Americana Music Association is stacking the deck with artists for the upcoming Americanafest, slated for Sept. 11-16 in Nashville. On Thursday (June 21), the festival announced 99 more artists as part of its lineup, which will boast more than 250 artists total.

For the 19th consecutive year, the six-day festival and conference will welcome both rising artists and established Americana favorites. The second lineup announcement includes Amy Helm, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Ashley Monroe, Asleep at the Wheel, I’m With Her, Jedd Hughes, John Prine (and friends), Lucie Silvas, Mandy Barnett, Mindy Smith and more.

2018 Festival Wristbands are currently on sale to the public for $75. Available on their website and in Nashville at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music and The Groove, Festival Wristbands allow admission into all evening showcase venues and select sanctioned parties and events.

For more details on tickets to the Americana Honors & Awards, click here.

Second Round of Artists Confirmed to Play AMERICANAFEST® 2018:

Aaron Lee Tasjan
AHI
Amy Helm
Amythyst Kiah
Andrew Combs
Ashley Monroe
Asleep at the Wheel
Austin Lucas
Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons
Blackfoot Gypsies
Bobby Long
Bones Owens
Bottle Rockets
Buffalo Gospel
Caleb Caudle
Candi Staton
Carson McHone
CORDOVAS
Courtney Marie Andrews
Daniel Donato
Darling West
Doug Seegers
Esther Rose
Fanny Lumsden
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
Great Peacock
Greyhounds
Guthrie Trapp
Guy Davis
Hayes Carll
HYWAYS
I’m With Her
Ian Noe
J2B2 (John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band)
Jackie Greene
Jason Boland & The Stragglers
Jedd Hughes
Jill Andrews
Jim Lauderdale
Jim White
John Hiatt
John Paul Keith
John Prine and Friends
John Smith
Johnny Irion
Kaia Kater
Kelsey Waldon
Kirby Brown
Kristin Andreassen
Kyle Daniel
Leah Blevins
Lera Lynn
Logan Ledger
Lucie Silvas
Mando Saenz
Mandy Barnett
Mike Farris
Mindy Smith
Mipso
Molly Tuttle
My Politic
Nicki Bluhm
Ordinary Elephant
Peter Case
Phil Cook
Pony Bradshaw
River Whyless
Robbie Fulks with Linda Gail Lewis
Robby Hecht & Caroline Spence
Romantica
Ross Cooper
Ruby Boots
Ruen Brothers
Sam Morrow
Sarah Borges
Sugaray Rayford Band
SZLACHETKA
The Americans
The Andy Golledge Band
The Band of Heathens
The Josephines
The Last Revel
The Milk Carton Kids
The Nude Party
The Reckless Electric
The Suffers
THE WANDERING HEARTS
The Watson Twins
The Way Down Wanderers
Tim Bluhm
Tommy Ash
Treetop Flyers
Tyler Ramsey
Tyrone Cotton
Van William
Whitehorse
Will Hoge
William the Conqueror

Meghan Trainor’s Latest Album, ‘Treat Myself,’ Set For August

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Meghan Trainor is set to drop her third full-length album, Treat Myself, via Epic Records on Aug. 31. Pre-order for the new project goes live today and unlocks instant grat tracks of the songs “Let You Be Right,” “Can’t Dance,” and “No Excuses” as well as a brand new track “All The Ways.”

Trainor is signed with Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog Music as a songwriter.

“This album is my best work yet and I’m so proud of what we made,” said Trainor. “I say ‘we’ because I made this entire album with my family, my friends, and my fiancé. It’s everything I stand for and I’m excited to put an upbeat happy album out for the world.”

“All The Ways” will soundtrack a new marketing campaign for Target for the retailer’s new fulfillment services, like same-day delivery with Shipt and Drive up, showing guests all the ways they can shop at Target. The campaign launches June 24. A pre-order is live now for the Target Exclusive version of the album, including exclusive remixes of “All The Ways.” The campaign marks the second partnership between Trainor and Target, who teamed in 2016 to release a Target Exclusive of her second album Thank You.

Trainor is making several TV appearances in the coming weeks in support of the upcoming project, including tonight on a new episode of The Four on Fox 8/7c. Saturday, her Radio Disney Music Awards performance airs on the Disney Channel, and on Monday June 25, she co-hosts Today alongside Hoda Kotb in the morning and guests on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that evening.

DISClaimer: Florida Georgia Line, Joshua Hedley Pack Banjos, Fiddles On New Tracks

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Is it hot enough for ya?

Country music has summer sounds to either cool you down or heat you up. Your choice.

In the “cool” department is our Disc of the Day winner, Florida Georgia Line. These boys have never sounded better than they do on “Simple.”

The DisCovery Award honoree is the coolest dude in today’s listening session, a retro man named Joshua Hedley.

As for turning up the heat, I suggest Kane Brown, Garth Brooks and/or newcomer Rachel Wammack.

RACHEL WAMMACK/Hard to Believe
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Jason Reeves/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– The stuttering, double-time rhythm creates an undertow of excitement as the track commences. Her personable, conversational delivery of the verses shifts into a shimmering soprano pay-off on the choruses. Astonishingly accomplished. Play it.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Simple
Writers: Mark L. Holman/Michael Wilson Hardy/Tyler Reed Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Universal/Kobalt, no performance rights listed; Big Machine
– Wow. Utterly charming and utterly country, this is a perfectly delightful, toe-tapping summer song. The clear, uncluttered production and innocent, catchy-as-can-be song are both fabulously refreshing. All it takes is one listen, and you fall in love with it. Banjo. Whistling. Spelling. Yippee!

JOSHUA HEDLEY/I Never Shed A Tear
Writer: Joshua Hedley; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Third Man Records
– This man is our latest retro, back-to-basics country hero. His resonant baritone recalls Ray Price, and so does his steel-bedecked honky-tonk shuffle. The album is called Mr. Jukebox. If you love real country music, complete with twin fiddles, buy it now.

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GARTH BROOKS/All Day Long
Writers: Brooks/Mitch Rossell/Bryan Kennedy; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Pearl
– It’s deliberately crafted to sound like rowdy, old-school, honky-tonk Garth. And it succeeds admirably. Summer fun.

DANIELLE BRADBERY/Worth It
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Jeff Pardo/Molly Reed; Producer: Josh Kerr; Publishers: Songs of Universal/One Voice Global/Canal/Meaux Jeaux/Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears/Capitol CMG/Dayspring/Goes Something Like This/Warner-Tamerlane, SESAC/BMI; Big Machine (track)
– I remain a fan. This soaring ballad winningly asserts her self-worth in the most simple, direct fashion. She sings her face off on it.

LeANN RIMES & STEVIE NICKS/Borrowed
Writers: LeAnn Rimes/Darrell Brown/Dan Wilson; Producers: Darrell Brown, Waddy Wachtel, LeAnn Rimes & Stevie Nicks; Publishers: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– The Rimes project is an EP titled Re-Imagined that reinterprets some of her classics in mostly stripped-down arrangements. None is more stunning than this awesome duet. Stevie’s low-alto vocal harmony shadows LeAnn at every turn. These are two, for-real, sensational singing ladies.

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KANE BROWN/Lose It
Writers: Chase McGill/Kane Brown/William Bradfore Jr. Weatherly; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/Universal, no performance rights listed; RCA (download)
– Rocked-up young country that’s light on melody and heavy on rhythm. Lyrically, it’s a come-on that’s meant to sound sexy and exciting.

ELI YOUNG BAND/Love Ain’t
Writers: Ross Copperman/Ashley Gorley/Shane McAnally; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; Valory Music Co.
– Zippy and meaningful at the same time. You can bop along in oblivion or dig the message. It works either way. The song’s video about a vet’s rehab and his steadfast lover is stunning.

LEE BRICE/Rumor
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Kyle Jacobs/Lee Brice; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/Mike Curb, no performance rights listed; Curb
– I’m a big fan of this guy. This time around, he’s adopted a slightly gospel-y, blue-eyed soul vibe that sounds really cool. The small-town romance in the lyric is so warm and attractive.

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KELLY WILLIS/Back Being Blue
Writers: none listed; Producer: Bruce Robison; Publishers: none listed; Premium/Thirty Tigers
– I’ve always loved her singing, and it has been way too long since she had a solo album. Its title tune is a languid lament about being cheated on in a familiar, sad, resigned kinda way. Hubby/producer Robison keeps the track uncluttered and soulful. The electric guitar work is particularly groovy.

Industry Pics: Brett Eldredge, Zach Williams, Sara Evans, Shenandoah

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Brett Eldredge Grabs RIAA Gold

Pictured (L-R): John Esposito (Chairman & CEO, WMN); Brett Eldredge; Rob Baker (Longshot Management); Scott Hendricks (EVP A&R, WMN); Matt Signore (COO, WMN)

Brett Eldredge recently celebrated RIAA Gold certifications for two hit singles, including “The Long Way” and “Somethin’ I’m Good At.”

 

Zach Williams Celebrates RIAA Gold Certification

Pictured (L-R): Ryan Rettler, Just Management; Terry Hemmings, President & CEO, Provident Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment; Zach Williams; Blaine Barcus, VP A&R, Provident Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment

Earlier this week in Nashville, Provident Label Group/Sony Music artist Zach Williams was presented with the official gold plaque for his RIAA-certified Gold single “Chain Breaker,” surrounded by his family, management, and label team.

Sara Evans Earns NABEF Service To America Leadership Award

Pictured (L-R): Leslie Roberts (BMI Executive Director), Paul Karpowicz (Presiding Director of the BMI Board of Directors / President, Meredith Local Media Group), Sara Evans, Michael Fiorile (Chairman of the BMI Board of Directors / Chairman and CEO of The Dispatch Printing Company / Chairman and CEO of Dispatch Broadcast Group) and Pamela Williams (BMI Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Corporate Secretary of the BMI Board of Directors)

The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) presented Sara Evans with the NABEF Service To America Leadership Award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Service to America Leadership Award recognizes individuals and organizations responsible for improving the lives of others through extraordinary public service. It is considered NABEF’s highest individual honor.

 

Shenandoah Visits CMA

Pictured (L-R): CMA’s Brenden Oliver, Angela Stradler, Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon, Mike McGuire, Shenandoah’s Manager Cole Johnstone, Absolute Publicity’s Caroline Fields and Don Murry Grubbs. Photo courtesy of CMA.

Shenandoah visited the CMA Office on Music Row to perform a concert for the CMA staff to celebrate their new single “That’s Where I Grew Up,” which debuted at radio this week. Shenandoah is set to play Nash Icon’s Rhythm and Boots Fundraiser tomorrow night at 3rd and Linsley to raise money for Musicians on Call.

NASH Nights Live’s Elaina Smith Launches Series Highlighting Female Country Artists

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NASH Nights Live co-host Elaina Smith has teamed up with Nash Country Daily for an ongoing series featuring female country artists. The profiled artists will be featured on 90 websites under the Cumulus Media umbrella and more than 130 radio stations across the nation, with a reach of 400,000 people on Twitter and 180,000 people on Facebook.

In her debut post, Smith explains what readers can expect in future posts and curates her first #WomenWantToHearWomen Playlist. Each article will feature a female country artist with an accompanying opinion piece, interview, podcast, or playlist. Smith is making this a team effort, inviting readers and listeners to work with her to decide who will be featured and what they want to ask the artists.

The playlist currently features 14 artists, including Cam, Ashley McBryde, Clare Dunn, Abby Anderson, Maren Morris, Cassadee Pope, Kacey Musgraves, Stephanie Quayle, RaeLynn, Leah Turner, Lindsay Ell, Caitlyn Smith, Rachel Wammack and Kassi Ashton.

Max T. Barnes Receives Multiple BMI Million-Air Awards

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Max T. Barnes was recently presented with four Million-Air Awards from BMI, including one for his late father, Max D. Barnes, whose “Chiseled In Stone” reached one million broadcasts.

Max T. Barnes’ “A Night To Remember” and “How Your Love Makes Me Feel” have both received two million radio spins, while “Love, Me,” recorded by Collin Raye, has garnered four million radio plays.

The Million-Air Awards are given to songwriters, composers and publishers whose songs accumulate more than one million U.S. broadcast performances.

“This is a big surprise and an honor,” Barnes said. “I find it hard to imagine ‘Love, Me’ has been played four million times but I am very grateful. I know my dad received over a dozen of these but I know he would be thrilled, too!”

Ken Tucker To Join BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records As VP, Promotion

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Ken Tucker

BBR Music Group has named Ken Tucker as VP, Promotion for label imprint Wheelhouse Records. Wheelhouse Records’ roster includes Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kristian Bush, Runaway June and Walker McGuire. Tucker will begin work in his new role July 23.

Prior to joining Wheelhouse Records, Tucker served as Apple Music’s Nashville-based music programmer. Prior to being part of a team that launched both Beats Music and Apple Music, Tucker was the Managing Editor of consumer publication Country Weekly.

A former radio programmer and air personality, Tucker served in regional and national promotion positions at Warner Bros. Nashville, championing various artists including Blake Shelton.

As a writer and editor, his work appeared in Billboard, Mediaweek, The Hollywood Reporter and Radio & Records, among other publications. A former adjunct professor at Belmont University, Tucker is a past Chairman of the Academy of Country Music, a lifetime member of the Country Music Association and a member of the Leadership Music Class of 2007.

“Since his time at Warner Bros., his knowledge-base and relationships have only grown deeper and stronger,” says Jon Loba, EVP, BBR Music Group. “We are so excited to have someone with his broad base of experience and perspective join our family. Even more than that, I am thrilled to add someone with his integrity and heart who places such a high value on ‘win-win’ relationships. He will be an amazing leader for our Wheelhouse team and a strong passionate advocate for our artists!”

“No matter what segment of music business that Ken has been in and associated with, he has Always Excelled,” said Carson James, SVP of Promotion, BBR Music Group. “I’m so excited to have him lead our Wheelhouse Promotion Team for many years to come!”

Tucker will report to Carson James, SVP of Promotion, BBR Music Group.

BBR Music Group VP of Radio Syndication & Group Strategy, Renee Leymon, will continue to serve as the interim VP of Promotion for Wheelhouse Records. She can be contacted at renee@bbrmusicgroup.com or (615) 610-2118. Prior to July 23, Tucker can be reached at kentuckerwheelhouse@gmail.com or (615) 584-7100.