Kane Brown Celebrates First Platinum Single For ‘What Ifs’

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Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Kane Brown Marketing Lead Paige Altone, EVP Marketing/New Business John Zarling and Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman; Kane Brown; EFG Management’s Martha Earls; Dennis Reece, SVP, Promotion, RCA Nashville and Jim Catino, SVP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville. Photo: Alex Alvga

Kane Brown recently celebrated the Platinum certification of his single, “What Ifs,” featuring Lauren Alaina. The song is currently Top 5 and climbing on the country airplay charts and is at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart.

Co-written by Brown, Matthew McGinn, and Jordan Schmidt, “What Ifs” is from Brown’s chart-topping, self-titled RCA Nashville/Zone 4 album. During the celebration, Brown made plaque presentations to his fellow songwriters, as well as song publishers Tree Vibez and Universal Music Publishing.

On Oct. 6, Brown releases Kane Brown Deluxe Edition, which includes four new Dann Huff-produced tracks. One of those tracks, “Found You,” was released digitally on Sept. 8 and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. Fans who pre-order or pre-save Kane Brown Deluxe Edition will receive the track instantly here.

William Michael Morgan’s “I Met A Girl” Earns Gold

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Pictured (L-R): Back Row: Carter and Company’s Michael Taliaferro, Warner Music Nashville’s Chris Palmer, Scott Hendricks and Cris Lacy, WMM’s guitar player Jimmy Ritchey, Warner Music Nashville’s Lisa Ray and Megan Joyce | Front Row: Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO John Esposito, William Michael Morgan, Warner Music Nashville’s Kristen Williams, Carter and Company’s Joe Carter

William Michael Morgan‘s debut single, “I Met A Girl” has earned Gold certification from the RIAA.

WMN Chairman/CEO John Esposito surprised Morgan with a plaque commemorating the single. Morgan’s followup single “Vinyl” officially arrives at country radio today (Oct. 2).

 

Dolly Parton Partners With iHeartMedia For ‘I Believe In You’ Release

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Dolly Parton and iHeartMedia are teaming up for the launch of her first children’s album, I Believe In You, with a marketing campaign that includes a series of feature custom Ask Anything chats across seven participating shows. The Bobby Bones Show, Cody Alan’s portfolio of shows (CMT All Access, CMT After Midnite, CMT Radio LIVE), On with Mario Lopez, Most Requested Live with Romeo, and Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx will all participate in the chats, which will allow fans of all ages to ask Parton questions. Fans can submit questions for Dolly now at askanythingchat.com.

“Any time I get the chance to connect with my fans and answer their questions I enjoy it,” says Parton. “When I learned iHeart wanted to team with us to launch this album, I was thrilled since all the proceeds help get books in the hands of children.”

The release is available now at digital partners and at physical retailers on Oct. 13. Parton is currently trending at No. 1 and No. 2 on the iTunes Children’s Song chart with the title track and “Coat of Many Colors” from the new album.

Proceeds from the project will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program of The Dollywood Foundation, which has sent over 100 million books to children from birth to 5 years old in participating counties across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia. To further support the cause and the corresponding album, iHeart will be highlighting the Dolly project on their socials.

Parton will make her first in-studio appearance on The Bobby Bones Show on Monday, Oct. 9.

Country To Country 2018 Announced Headliners Faith Hill And Tim McGraw

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Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have been announced as the first headliners for Country to Country 2018 bringing their highly acclaimed and record setting Soul2Soul tour to this year’s event. Dates and times for the Soul2Soul tour have not been announced.

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have been dominating the music charts since the early ‘90s. They began touring together in 1996 on McGraw’s Spontaneous Combustion tour. In 2000 they created the Soul2Soul franchise with their record-breaking “Soul2Soul” tour, becoming that year’s top grossing and most successful U.S. tour. Their success continued in 2006-2007 when “Soul2Soul II” returned to the road, which was the most attended tour of the year in any musical genre and remains the highest grossing multi-year North American tour in country music history.

C2C will be held March 9-11 in London, Dublin, and Glasgow. The full line-up for C2C will be announced at the launch event on Friday Oct. 6 at London Bush Hall hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris. For tickets and more information visit c2c-countrytocountry.com.

At Least 50 Dead, 400 Injured At Route 91 Harvest Festival In Las Vegas

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Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

(Updated, Oct. 2, 9:42 a.m. CT)

The number of people injured by the shooting has increased to 400 at this time.

Jon Loba, EVP at BBR Music Group (label home to Route 91 Harvest Festival performer Jason Aldean) released the following statement.

“We are horrified by the events in Las Vegas overnight and relieved to report that all of our artists, their teams, and our staff are safe and uninjured. The country music community is a family and our listeners are a part of that family.  They put food on our tables and allow our artists and staff to live our dreams by going to events like last night. While our artists and staff are safe, our hearts are broken for those listeners in our extended family who just wanted to share a night of great music and the camaraderie that is the hallmark of country music.”

(Original post, Oct. 2, 7:23 a.m. CT)

At least 50 people are dead, and more than 200 injured, after a gunman opened fire on partygoers attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival Sunday night (Oct. 1) in Las Vegas. The event is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

The shooter, whom NBC identifies as Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada, opened fire from a room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort shortly after 10 p.m. Headliner Jason Aldean was performing onstage during the time of the shooting.

According to CNN, the shooter is dead.  Off-duty police offers are also among those struck by gunfire, according to police.

Initially, police were searching for 62-year-old Marilou Danley, believed to be a companion of the shooter. However, after making contact with Danley, police no longer consider her a person of interest.

Aldean took to social media shortly after the events occurred to reassure fans that he and his team are safe.

“Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken#stopthehate”

Others in the country music community also expressed their shock and heartbreak.

*This is a developing story*

Sara Evans And The All-American Rejects Join Live In The Vineyard Lineup

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Live In The Vineyard has added some artists to its 19th installment of the exclusive music, food and wine festival that takes place amidst the lush scenery of the boutique wineries in Napa on November 3-5.

Additions to the lineup include The All-American Rejects and Sara Evans, who will be joined by HAIM, Julia Michaels, ZZ Ward, Eric Paslay, Lindsay Ell, Jessie James Decker, Dave Barnes, Gregory Darling and previously announced artists LeAnn Rimes, Ocean Park Standoff, David Shaw & Zack Feinberg of The Revivalists, JOSEPH and Magic Giant.

The festival has quickly become one of the most sought-after tickets across the country, giving attendees exclusive access to artists, top tier wine makers, and world-renowned chefs during the unique three-day event. Fans can check out more information and enter for a chance to attend at liveinthevineyard.com.

Live In The Vineyard and the Academy of Country Music will be kicking off a year-long partnership at the festival, which will also include one-of-a-kind events for country music fans throughout 2018.

Gotee Records Signs Aaron Cole

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Gotee Records has added Aaron Cole to the label’s roster. Cole’s debut single, “Right On Time,” features Gotee founder and CCM artist TobyMac.

“Right On Time” debuted Christian Hot AC radio this week at No. 27 on the charts and as the No. 1 most added and the highest spin increase of the week.

“It’s been a long time since Gotee has signed a hip-hop/R&B artist,” shares TobyMac. “Honestly, I’ve just been waiting for the right person. And I’m really excited to say….we’ve finally found that artist in Aaron Cole. He is extremely gifted, dedicated to his craft and truly passionate about God. Aaron is READY, ready to use his gift of music to light it up in a way that only he can, and the timing is perfect.”

Cole’s voice has been featured on songs by Hollyn, Canon, Deraj and DJ Maj. In 2016, Cole was noted by Essence Magazine as one of 16 gospel artists to watch. His 2016 EP If I Can Be Honest debuted top 30 on the iTunes Rap/Hip Hop albums charts.

Dan Fogelberg Tribute Album Available For Pre-Order Today

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Dan Fogelberg fans eagerly awaiting the release of A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg, the tribute project that is set for release November 17, can get a taste of the upcoming album by pre-ordering it digitally on iTunes beginning today. Those pre-ordering will receive tracks from the collection, a download of “Hard to Say,” performed by Boz Scaggs, and “Longer,” performed by Amy Grant and Vince Gill, on October 13. “I always loved Dan’s music and getting the opportunity to sing on the High Country Snows record, over 30 years ago, is still a great memory for me,” said Gill, fondly recalling his first association with Fogelberg.

Produced by Fogelberg’s wife, Jean, Norbert Putnam, his lifelong friend/manager, Irving Azoff, and Chuck Morris, the homage to Fogelberg will be released through BMG.

The collection contains recreations of some of Fogelberg’s biggest hits, including “Longer,” “Hard to Say,” “Leader of the Band,” (performed by Zac Brown), and “Same Old Lang Syne,” (performed by Train.)  A moving rendition of “Part of the Plan,” from 1974’s Souvenirs, performed by the Eagles, is also included on the album.

“A good thing never dies and that ‘good thing’ is Dan’s music,” said Garth Brooks about Fogelberg’s influence. “As for me, my life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man. That man is Dan Fogelberg, and he will live forever in those of us who have let his gift bring so much light to our paths.

A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg track listing:

  1. Phoenix performed by Garth Brooks
  2. Nether Lands performed by Donna Summer
  3. Better Change performed by Michael McDonald
  4. Longer performed by Amy Grant/Vince Gill
  5. Same Old Lang Syne performed by Train
  6. Don’t Lose Heart performed by Dobie Gray
  7. Old Tennessee performed by Fool’s Gold/Denny Henson and Tom Kelly
  8. As the Raven Flies performed by Casey James
  9. Sutters Mill performed by Randy Owens
  10. Run for the Roses performed by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Richie Furay
  11. Hard to Say performed by Boz Scaggs
  12. Part of the Plan performed by Eagles
  13. There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler performed by Jimmy Buffett
  14. Leader of the Band performed by Zac Brown

Luke Bryan Added As ‘American Idol’ Judge For ABC

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Luke Bryan. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Luke Bryan has signed on as judge for American Idol for its first season on ABC along with the recently announced Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. Ryan Seacrest will return to host the series. The panel will make their debut appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday, October 4.

“I’m excited at the chance to help some deserving artists reach their dreams,” said Bryan. “To be in a position in my career to help facilitate this along with the other judges is just a complete honor. It’s gonna be a blast!”

“Luke and Lionel are the perfect additions to round out our panel of judges for American Idol on ABC,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. “In their respective genres of music, both Luke and Lionel possess insurmountable popularity and award-winning talent that are undeniable, and we are lucky that they will help in paving the way for hopefuls pursuing their dreams on our stage.”

Trish Kinane, president of Entertainment Programming, FremantleMedia North America, executive producer and showrunner of American Idol, said, “We have taken our time to get the right mix of amazing talent for the new Idol judging panel. Our viewers expect musical credibility, passion and a true concern for the contestants; and with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie joining the brilliant Katy Perry, we have two more world-class musical powerhouses eager to get to work and identify the next generation of superstars.”

Peter Hurwitz, CEO and president of 19 Entertainment-parent Core Media Group, said, “This extraordinary panel of judges speaks volumes about the continued power of the American Idol brand. We are thrilled to have Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan join Katy Perry and, ultimately, millions of viewers as we begin this new era on ABC.”

Yesterday, Bryan kicked off his ninth annual Farm Tour performing in six cities through October 7. Since the tour’s inception in 2009, Bryan has awarded 50 scholarships to a local student from a farming family within the communities the tour has played. Bryan will also continue his Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour through October.

When American Idol debuted in the U.S., the series pioneered the reality-competition genre and held an unmatched record for being the highest-rated series for nearly a decade. The series also ushered in second-screen audience participation, being the first to introduce text-based and mobile voting. The Idol format has taken on original versions in 55 countries around the world, and American Idol itself has played to a worldwide audience of over 460 million across 53 countries. At its new home on ABC, American Idol will continue to be a force in the television landscape, reaching every corner of the country in its search for the next great music sensation.

American Idol is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin along with co-executive producer, Megan Wolflick. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.

Superstar Lineup Announced For Country Rising: Nashville Gives For Hurricane Relief

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Update (10/4/17): The on-sales date for Country Rising has been postponed in light of the recent tragic events in Las Vegas on Oct. 1. No new on-sale date has been released.

Original Post:

Country music’s biggest stars have rallied to announce plans on Nov. 12 for Country Rising, a benefit concert to support those in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and additional Caribbean islands who have been impacted by the recent hurricanes.

The Nashville Bridgestone Arena event will include performances by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, George Strait and Carrie Underwood. Tickets and VIP packages for the event go on sale next Friday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. CT on Ticketmaster.com. Additional artists and more details will be announced over the coming weeks at CountryRising.org.

The Nashville music community has also stepped on board, with AEG and Live Nation teaming up as the official show promoters working alongside organizer Red Light Management, Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators. COUNTRY RISING will benefit The Country Rising Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which was established to support charitable initiatives to help victims of the September 2017 hurricanes — Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. In the course of rebuilding lives disrupted by these devastating storms, there are immediate needs and there also will be long-term needs. This fund will strategically support both as they emerge.