Dove Awards Nominations To Be Revealed On Facebook Live Tomorrow

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Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Citizen Way‘s Ben Calhoun are set to announce the 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees on Facebook Live tomorrow morning (Aug. 9) at 10 a.m. CST. 

The GMA Dove Awards celebrates the contributions of artists from every style of Christian/Gospel music, and nominees are determined by over 1,600 professional members. Winners will be voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500 members. Tickets for the Oct. 17 show in Nashville are now on sale.

Miller Harris Golf Tournament Set For September

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The 18th Annual Miller Harris Golf Tournament is now open for registrations. The event will be held Sept. 11 at the Temple Hills Country Club in Franklin TN.

Harris, who was one of the founding members of SOLID, passed away in 1999. The tournament was started through The Miller Harris Foundation which was set up to promote and support scholarships and organizations in Miller’s name. Those interested in playing can register at millerharrisfoundation.org/p/18th-annual-golf-tournament.

Florida Georgia Line’s ‘Roots’ Turn Platinum

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(L-R:) Michele Ballantyne, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Industry Relations, RIAA; Brian Kelley; Tyler Hubbard; Jonathan Lamy, Executive Vice President, Communications and Marketing, RIAA. photo credit: Justin Mrusek

Florida Georgia Line’s chart-topping Dig Your Roots album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The RIAA presented FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley with special plaques recognizing the achievement before their sold-out headline THE SMOOTH TOUR 2017 tour stop at the Jiffy Lube Pavilion in Bristow, Virginia Saturday night (Aug. 5). With this certification, the duo becomes one of only three country artists reaching platinum status in the last year, joining Miranda Lambert and Garth Brooks.

FGL is also the only country artist to notch a platinum album with three separate platinum or multi-platinum songs from that project: “God, Your Mama, And Me” (feat. Backstreet Boys), “May We All” (feat. Tim McGraw) and “H.O.L.Y.” (2X multi-Platinum). All three of the superstar duo’s studio albums have now reached platinum status.

This latest certification adds to FGL’s impressive precious metal collection: their breakout debut “Cruise” is the only country single to ever be certified diamond for sales and streams exceeding 10 million.

Sony Music Nashville Signs Ben Gallaher

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Pictured Seated (L-R): Jim Catino, SVP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville; Ben Gallaher;
Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman and SVP Legal & Business
Affairs Angie Magill; Standing (L-R): Gaines Sturdivant, Red Light Management, and
Sony Music Nashville’s EVP Marketing & New Business John Zarling, EVP/COO Ken
Robold and EVP Promotion & Artist Development Steve Hodges.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Ben Gallaher has signed a long-term recording agreement with Sony Music Nashville. Gallaher was previously signed to a development deal with the label.

On Friday Aug. 11, Gallaher will release his self-titled debut EP on Sony Music Nashville produced by Julian King and Jim Catino. To celebrate this release, he will perform at the Gulf Coast venue Flora-Bama on the Florida and Alabama state line three consecutive nights, Aug. 10-12.

SNG Music Signs Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin

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SNG Partners Steve Leslie, Marty Dodson, Gary Reamey Seated: Wyatt McCubbin & Carson Chamberlain. Photo: Amber Beckham Photography

SNG Music has added Carson Chamberlain and Wyatt McCubbin to its talent roster.

Chamberlain’s background includes stints as a musician, bandleader, tour manager, and VP of A&R for Mercury Nashville, and he has penned hits including Alan Jackson’s “Love’s Got a Hold on You,” “Everything I Love” and “Between the Devil and Me,” George Strait’s “The Best Day” and Billy Currington’s “Walk a Little Straighter” and “I Got a Feelin’.” Artists who have cut Chamberlain’s songs include Jamey Johnson, William Michael Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Hank Williams, Jr., John Michael Montgomery, Billy Ray Cyrus, Don Williams, Ronnie Milsap, and more. Chamberlain’s producing credits include projects for Easton Corbin, Mark Wills, and Billy Currington, among others.

Twenty-two year old McCubbin has been traveling to Music City since 2013 after graduating high school in Selma, Ohio. He has continued to perform throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, where he has shared the stage with legends such as the late Merle Haggard and George Jones, as well as Charlie Daniels, Dwight Yoakam, Easton Corbin, The Kentucky Headhunters and Josh Turner. His most recent songwriting credit is the title track of Jake Worthington’s latest EP, Hell of a Highway. McCubbin is gearing up to record his debut album, produced by Chamberlain, later this year.

“Carson and Wyatt are both very talented professionals and a great fit with our other SNG songwriters,” says the company’s Managing Partner Gary Reamey.

The two hit-makers join Mark Nesler, Marty Dodson, Zarni DeVette, Gary Reamey and Steve Leslie on the SNG roster.

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith Prepare To Ring In The Holidays With Annual Christmas Tour

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Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith are teaming up once again this year for their annual Christmas Tour, which will include Republic recording artist Jordan Smith, Season 9 winner of NBC’s The Voice, and a full symphony orchestra at each performance.

Presented by Balsam Hill, the 22-city tour will launch Nov. 11 in Omaha, Nebraska, and travel to major markets across the U.S., including Houston, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Tampa, and more.

“I started looking forward to this year’s tour after the final encore of last year’s tour!” exclaims Michael W. Smith. “Performing with Amy and Jordan – in front of a full symphony orchestra – is about as good as it gets for me!”

“Michael, Jordan and I have been looking forward to touring together again all year!” confirms Grant. “We had so much fun together last year, and it felt like our creative gifts complemented one another in a unique way. As we started to plan the show, it was our goal to enhance people’s experience of the Christmas season by providing them a night of exquisite music and a message of hope.”

In support of their longstanding relationship with Compassion International, Smith and Grant are exclusively meeting with as many as 200 people in each city who sponsor a child through the organization prior to the concert and through the website meetamyandmichael.com. The “Compassion Meet & Greet” is an opportunity to learn more about the Compassion International’s child sponsorship experience and will include a photo opportunity with the artists.

2017 Christmas Tour:
Sat. Nov. 11   Omaha, NE                 CenturyLink Center
Mon. Nov. 13  Denver, CO                Bellco Theatre
Tue. Nov. 14   Orem, UT                   UCCU Center
Wed. Nov. 15  Nampa, ID                  Idaho Center
Thu. Nov. 16   Kennewick, WA          Toyota Center
Fri. Nov. 17     Abbotsford, BC           Abbotsford Entertainment and Sport Center
Sat. Nov. 18    Everett, WA                Xfinity Arena at Everett
Sun. Nov. 19   Portland, OR               Moda Center
Sat. Nov. 25    Duluth, GA                  Infinite Energy Center
Sun. Nov. 26   Tampa, FL                  Amalie Arena
Thu. Nov. 30   Oklahoma City, OK     Crossings Community Church **
Fri. Dec. 1       Tulsa, OK                    BOK Center
Sat. Dec. 2      Grand Prairie, TX        Verizon Wireless
Sun. Dec. 3     Sugar Land, TX           Smart Financial Center
Tues. Dec. 5   Greensboro, NC          Westover Church **
Fri. Dec. 8       Kansas City, MO         Sprint Center
Sat. Dec. 9      Madison, WI                Alliant Energy Center
Sun. Dec. 10   Grand Rapids, MI        Van Andel Arena
Thu. Dec. 14   Van Wert, OH              Niswonger Performing Arts Center **
Fri. Dec. 15     Columbus, OH             Nationwide Arena
Sat. Dec. 16    Fairfax, VA                  Eaglebank Arena
Sun. Dec. 17   Hershey, PA                GIANT Center

* All dates and venues are subject to change without notice
** Amy Grant will not appear on these events

John Berry Brings ‘Songs And Stories’ To The Country Network, The Heartland Network

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Photo: Justin Kaicles

John Berry is sharing tunes and tales from 25 years in music during his new weekly show, Songs and Stories With John Berry, a 30-minute program which airs on The Country Network and The Heartland Network, and bringing along several artist friends to do the same. First season guests include Billy Ray Cyrus, Craig Morgan, Clay Walker, Mo Pitney, Lee Roy Parnell, Collin Raye, Neal McCoy, Billy Dean, Suzy Bogguss, Mark Wills and Delbert McClinton.

Each show is filmed at Nashville’s Douglas Corner, where Berry first showcased his music and earned his first major label deal. The show is produced by Jeff Moseley/CJM Productions.

Songs and Stories With John Berry airs on The Country Network each Monday night at 9 p.m. ET, with re-airings on Tuesdays (11 a.m./8 p.m. ET), Wednesdays (10 p.m. ET), Saturdays (3 p.m. ET) and Sundays (7 p.m. ET). The Heartland Network airs the program on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. ET, with re-airings on Fridays (5 p.m. ET), Saturdays (9 p.m. ET) and Sundays (7 p.m. ET).

“It’s hard to believe that the dream of a Songs and Stories TV series is now a reality and that the airing of it is upon us,” Berry says. “It was a magical time filming each episode and an honor to get to know these artist friends on a different level as they sang songs and shared their stories. I am excited to share it with viewers.”

In addition to The Heartland Network and The Country Network, the show can be seen on Keep It Country TV (Europe), The Family Channel, the Angel Two Network, AMG TV, and the VTN Network.

In 1995, Berry earned the Horizon Award honor from the Country Music Association. The same year, he earned a Grammy nomination for his hit single, “Your Love Amazes Me.” He also earned the Top 10 hits including “She’s Taken A Shine,” “Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye,” “What’s In It For Me,” and “You and Only You.”

iHeartMedia President Darren Davis Inks Four-Year Contract Extension

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iHeartMedia Networks Group has announced a four-year contract extension with President Darren Davis. Davis will continue to report to Bob Pittman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of iHeartMedia, Inc.

Under the new agreement, Davis will continue to oversee the success and close integration of the company’s extensive multi-platform assets, including the iHeartRadio Network, Premiere Networks, Total Traffic + Weather Network, and the NBC News Radio Network, as well as iHeartMedia’s in-house audio and visual creative agency. Davis will also continue as President of iHeartRadio, the fastest-growing digital audio service in the U.S. With over a billion downloads, iHeartRadio reached 100 million registered users this year.

“We’re pleased that Darren will continue to lead the integration of our Networks group that enables iHeartMedia to harness the unparalleled power, reach and scale of our digital and broadcast platforms,” said Pittman. “His twenty-five-years of experience working in every facet of iHeartMedia means he has a unique understanding of every aspect of our company — from our broadcast radio stations and iHeartRadio to our sales teams and partnerships, and how they can all work together to best serve our consumers, partners, affiliates and advertisers.”

“Since I was a kid, I knew I’d spend my life in radio,” said Davis. “I’ve seen a lot in the last twenty-five years as iHeartMedia has expanded into multiple platforms like the industry-leading iHeartRadio. There isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not amazed by iHeartMedia’s evolution, which is built on broadcast radio — my first love — and now provides one-of-a-kind programming, entertainment and opportunities to connect our advertising partners across our unparalleled range of multiple platforms in ways that no other company can. I’m thrilled to be continuing this journey.”

The executive began his career as an intern at iHeartMedia’s Adult Contemporary WASH-FM in Washington, DC in 1992, and celebrates his 25th anniversary with the company next month. He was named Program Director at WASH-FM at just 23 years old and has since worked as Regional Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Detroit and Chicago, Senior Vice President of Programming, and Executive Vice President and General Manager of National Programming before being named to his current position in 2014.  Davis also built and managed the Premium Choice national network and worked to develop iHeartMedia’s strategic national programming capabilities.

Nashville’s WJXA Names New Morning, Evening Show Hosts

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Pictured (L-R): Brandon O’Brien, Ricki Smith, Anna Marie

Following a lengthy national search, WJXA-FM/Nashville (Mix 92.9) has named Brandon O’Brien and Ricki Smith to its morning show team. They will join current producer/co-host Clint Redwine in the morning drive beginning Aug. 21.

Following the realignment of the morning show, radio personality Anna Marie has been transitioned to nights.

O’Brien previously served as PD/Afternoon Drive host for WUSH-FM in Norfolk, Virginia, while Smith was the AM drive co-host at WARH-FM in St. Louis.

WJXA/WNFN Operations Manager Barbara Bridges said, “I’m so excited to add Brandon and Ricki to the Mix Morning Show! These two individuals have a ton of talent and this combination with Clint will elevate an already successful morning show to the next level. We’re thrilled that this all came together!”

Brandon O’Brien commented, “Not only do I live in the greatest city in the world, I will also have an opportunity to be a huge part of the Nashville community and work alongside some amazing and talented folks at Midwest Communications/Nashville!”

Smith said,“A personality looks for nothing more than what happens every day with this incredible team of talented people in Nashville. I’m totally pumped about being able to contribute to Mix 92.9’s continued success.”

According to WJXA-FM/WNFN- FM Operations Manager Barbara Bridges, “Anna has a 20-year track record of success with our female audience and our fans absolutely love her! The warmth and connection she will bring to a special nighttime show will be amazing. I can’t wait to hear what we can do when Anna gets rolling!”

Anna Marie added, “I’m so excited! I love my listeners and this move gives me the opportunity to get closer to them. We’ve had a wonderful 20-year relationship so far and now we get a new time and space to get together. I expect beautiful things!”

BBR Music Group, BMG Partner With Kid Rock

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Pictured (L-R): Carson James, SVP of Promotion, BBR Music Group; Shelley Hargis, VP of Promotion, Red Bow Records; Rick Shedd, General Manager, BBR Music Group; Dan Gill, GM/SVP Sales, Recorded Music, BMG; Lee Trink, Dare Mighty Entertainment; Kid Rock; JoJamie Hahr, VP of Marketing, BBR Music Group; Lynette Garbonola, VP of Digital Media, BBR Music Group; Jon Cohen, EVP, U.S. Recorded Music, BMG; Jon Loba, EVP of BBR Music Group; Jason Murray, BMG Canada

BBR Music Group and BMG have teamed with Kid Rock to release the multi-platinum rock artist’s new music.

Upcoming new music will be released under the artist’s Top Dog Records in conjunction with BBR Music Group in Nashville and BMG in Los Angeles.