Lee Roy Parnell fans will be thrilled to know that he is releasing his first collection of new songs in 11 years this August with Vector Recordings’ Midnight Believer. The new project, due out Aug. 11, includes 10 tracks Parnell penned with Greg Barnhill, who he attributes with helping get him out of a musical slump of sorts.
“When Greg came to me with the idea of us getting together to write, I was experiencing something of a dry spell,” explains Parnell about the new music. “I hadn’t written anything in months and hoped the fog would lift but when you’re in a dry spell you always wonder, ‘What if the words don’t come…where is my ability to come up with fresh musical ideas?’ Greg saw through all that, lit a new fuse and just like that, we were off to the races. The songs were literally coming faster than we could write them down. Sometimes you just need a little help from a friend, and I certainly got lucky with Mr. Barnhill’s enthusiasm and encouragement.”
The new project includes some help from artists like Parnell’s dear friend Etta Britt and The Fairfield Four, who sang the “Keep On Walking” line repeated in the bridge of the song “Sunny Days.” It marks the second time Parnell has collaborated with the gospel legends.
“Some of you might remember our version of ‘John The Revelator’ for which we got a CMA Vocal Event of the Year nomination back in 1999,” says Parnell. “You can’t hear these four men sing together without feeling the Spirit move you. ‘Sunny Days’ would not be the same without them.”
Of course the album is infused with plenty of the blue-eyed soul that Parnell is known for as well.
“One of the best things about gaining some maturity is you finally find out ‘Who You Is and Who You Ain’t,’ admits Parnell. “That said, I’d have to say that the song ‘Too Far Gone’ on the new album best describes me as an artist, now. It’s clearly a Blue-Eyed Soul ‘Beat Ballad’ as Barry Beckett (of The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and my first producer) would call it. Barry really taught me how to make records. He taught me about groove, soul, vocal delivery and how to make every note count! The message here is in life and love we ebb and flow. We have good days and tough days. What counts is going the distance (or at least as far as you can).”
Pre-order for the new album begins today here. Parnell will debut the new music during a series of dates this Summer and Fall, including several “guitar army” dates with John Jorgensen and Joe Robinson. He’s clearly happy to be back making fresh new music for the fans and is eager to keep the momentum going. “Only now do I feel like I’m truly hitting my stride. Lifers don’t quit, you know. I’d like to keep making a record every 18 months of so…record with some friends of mine again. I want to keep making music that comes straight from the heart.”
Midnight Believer Track Listing:
1. Hours In Between
2. Midnight Believer
3. Pontchartrain
4. Too Far Gone
5. Sunny Days (Feat. The Fairfield Four)
6. Want Whatcha’ Have
7. Hair Of The Dog
8. Going Uptown
9. Tied Up And Tangled
10. Some Time Ago
Industry Ink: ACM Lifting Lives, Webster PR, Third Coast Talent
/by Lorie HollabaughACM Lifting Lives Gets Donation From Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
Pictured (L-R): Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Marketing Manager Jeff “Toad” Higginbotham; Academy of Country Music SVP, Operations and Events Erick Long; Academy of Country Music CEO Pete Fisher; Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Founder and Owner Chris Lowden
Reps from Stoney’s Rockin’ Country recently stopped by the Academy of Country Music office in Los Angeles with a surprise $17,819 contribution to the ACM Lifting Lives program from the ACM Party for a Cause events held in March and April in Las Vegas. Ticket proceeds from the Stoney’s Rockin’ Country events, including the ACM After Party for a Cause at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country and the ACM Party for a Cause: Tailgate Party presented by Country Rebel, will serve ACM Lifting Lives’ ongoing mission to improve lives through the power of music.
Webster Public Relations Inks Deal With Frank Foster
“Frank has been able to build so much of his career essentially on his own,” said Kirt Webster. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together!”
Third Coast Talent Signs Dion Pride
Garth, Luke, Dolly, Kenny, Toby, FGL Top ‘Forbes’ Highest-Paid Country Artist List
/by Lorie HollabaughChesney filled his coffers with $42.5 million this year not only with touring but also with his affiliations with Apple, Corona, and his own Blue Chair Bay rum. Bryan took in his $42 million chunk from the road but also makes a bundle from his Outdoor Channel reality show Buck Commander as well. Dolly cashed in on her 63-city tour during Forbes‘ scoring period but also enjoys lucrative paychecks from publishing as well as her theme park Dollywood to make her cool $37 million. And Keith and FGL both hauled in $34.5 million from music, touring and various endeavors.
The list was evaluated by compiling touring numbers from Pollstar and record sales data from Nielsen along with independent research on outside business ventures and endorsement deals. The estimates represent pretax income from June 1, 2016 through June 1, 2017; fees for managers, agents and lawyers are not deducted.
The list reflects a slight downswing in earnings across the top ten earners, from $393 million last year to $366 million in 2017, but the difference can be attributed to some artists playing fewer shows in the scoring period this year than last. However, income is apparently more evenly distributed this year. In 2016, only five acts topped the $30 million mark, in 2017, nine topped that mark.
The list can be viewed here.
In Pictures: Morgan Wallen, Hunter Hayes, Luke Combs
/by Jessica NicholsonMorgan Wallen Makes Opry Debut
Pictured (L-R): Dan Rogers, Director of Opry Marketing, Communications, and Artist Initiatives; Dirk Hemsath, Working Group Artist Management; “Whispering” Bill Anderson; Morgan Wallen; Eddie Stubbs; Mike Bachta, Working Group Artist Management
Hunter Hayes Visits Spotify
Luke Combs Uses Georgia Show To Give Back
Sally Hale and Luke Combs
During his set in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday evening (July 8), Luke Combs paused his rowdy, energetic show to make way for a special moment on stage. Earlier this year, Combs announced his brand new VIP Meet & Greet program established to benefit Camp Sunshine, a Georgia-based retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses, which Combs first learned of through his manager, Chris Kappy, and friends who have been impacted by the organization. At Saturday night’s show, Combs invited Sally Hale, Executive Director of Camp Sunshine, to join him on stage where he presented her with a donation of $22, 235.
“Camp Sunshine offers children fighting illnesses this awesome place to do what kids do best – be kids. I love everything about that because all kids deserve the chance to run, play and be carefree,” shares Combs. “I’m so honored that my fans and I are able to give back and be a small part of the impactful work Camp Sunshine is doing in these kid’s lives. They are the real heroes.”
Logan Mize To Release 12-Track ‘Come Back Road’ In July
/by Lorie HollabaughThe project includes cuts by writers like Josh Kear, Ross Copperman, Matraca Berg, The Warren Brothers, Rodney Clawson, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and more.
“I’ve never put my voice behind a bigger or better group of songs. I would love to see them connect with a grand scale audience that loves them as much as I do,” said Mize about the collection, which is available for pre-sale here.
The Kansas native’s musical roots run deep: his great uncle was Billy Mize, who was largely known for crafting and evolving the legendary Bakersfield sound of musical pioneers like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.
Come Back Road Track Listing:
1. Somebody To Thank (Josh Kear / David Frasier / Ed Hill)
2. Life’s a Party (Josh Kear / Mark Irwin / Chris Tompkins)
3. Cool Girl (Logan Mize /Daniel Tashian)
4. Come Back Road (Josh Kear / Rodney Clawson / Ross Copperman)
5. Better Off Gone (Abe Stoklasa / Donovan Woods)
6. All This Night Needs (Daniel Tashian / Matraca Berg/ Dave Berg)
7. Ain’t Always Pretty (Brett Warren / Brad Warren / Chris Stevens / Lance Miller)
8. Drinkin’ Buddies (Chris Gelbuda / Kylie Sackley)
9. Bands Make Her Dance (Logan Mize / Rodney Clawson / Luke Dick)
10. Catch a Fish (Logan Mize / Warren / Warren / Miller)
11. All Time (Luke Dick / Shane McAnally / Josh Osborne)
12. Big City (Daniel Tashian / Troy Verges)
Morning Radio Duo Tony & Kris Head To Knoxville’s WIVK
/by Lorie HollabaughThe new show fills the opening left by the departure of WIVK’s award-winning 20-year morning team, Andy & Alison, who announced last month that they are signing off from radio.
Tony & Kris have worked in the San Diego and Nashville markets previously and in network syndication with Premiere Radio Networks and United Stations Radio Networks. They met in 1991 after launching their radio careers in 1986 in the Gadsden-Anniston, AL, area. The two joined forces as an on-air team at country station WHMA in Anniston-Oxford, Alabama. “The Tony & Kris Show” ended its syndication run in May, marking over 25 years together as one of country radio’s longest-running success stories.
“The excitement level of the staff at the hiring of Tony & Kris speaks to their track record of success,” said Ken Salyer, Vice President/Market Manager Cumulus Media-Knoxville. WIVK and Tony & Kris are a perfect pairing for the future.”
“Andy & Alison left an indelible mark on Knoxville radio,” said Nikki Thomas, WIVK Program Director. “They will be a hard act to follow. Tony & Kris are excited to be moving to Knoxville and we’re excited to turn them into Big Orange fans, especially Kris. We’re enrolling him in “Roll Tide Rehabilitation” classes as soon as he arrives.”
“When we hung it up in May, we couldn’t have imagined this incredible opportunity would present itself,” said Tony. “Getting the band back together and working with a legendary station like WIVK and their winning team is the most exciting thing to happen to us since our first big break in San Diego 24 years ago.”
“I knew if I was going to come back to radio it would have to be to a proven winner of a station, with an amazing team involved,” added Kris about the new opportunity. “WIVK is the very definition of that. Add the fact that we’ll have the opportunity to feature and break new music on our weekend show and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Gibson Brands To Showcase Career Opportunities During Ryman Event
/by Jessica NicholsonThe event, which is free and open to the public, will allow attendees to explore career opportunities with Gibson Brands, including meeting with Gibson employees. Gibson Brands chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz will offer opening remarks. The event will also include appetizers, beverages, and live music.
Attendees can pre-register by signing up at Gibson’s Facebook page or at gibson.com.
Nielsen Partners With Nashville Project Music Graduate’s Startup
/by Eric T. ParkerMarcus Cobb. Photo: Sonia Ulrich
Nielsen Music announced on Tuesday, July 11 an agreement with Jammber, a cloud-based platform managing and tracking the entire music production process—streamlining workflow and bringing cohesiveness to what has traditionally been a fragmented process.
Jammber is the creation of Marcus Cobb, a graduate of Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Project Music, who has secured over $1.2 million in investor funding. Its cloud-based technology allows collaborators to digitally track credits, helping labels and artists file the proper forms in minutes to get paid. Jammber is based in Chicago, Illinois and Nashville, Tennessee.
Jammber will provide Nielsen Music with data about musical works for tools and charts, creating new views for clients. Nielsen Music will be unveiling additional information about these enhancements as the data is integrated into its systems.
“Nielsen Music is committed to providing measurement and insights across the greater music ecosystem,” said Erin Crawford, Sr. VP, Nielsen Entertainment and GM Music. “Working at the intersection of technology and music, Jammber is uniquely capable of collecting information that contributes to our overall mission.”
“The song creation data Jammber captures at the studio level will help power new charts, improve discovery on streaming platforms and will positively impact the lives of creatives all over the world by ensuring credit is given where credit is due,” said Cobb, Founder and CEO of Jammber. “Nielsen Music is best-in-class for providing insights globally through its deep understanding of industry data, which helps drive compensation for creators. With this exciting partnership, we’ll be able to take that one step further.”
For more information about Jammer, visit www.jammber.com.
Christian Lopez To Release ‘Red Arrow’ In September
/by Jessica NicholsonThe album, produced by Marshall Altman, finds Lopez expressing his views via his own songwriting efforts, and collaborating with writers including Dylan Altman, Gabe Dixon, Dave Berg, Tofer Brown, Mindy Smith, and more. The Milk Carton Kids’ Kenneth Pattengale appears on “Caramel,” which Lopez penned solo.
“So much of the previous record was written at home in West Virginia, long before I had a record deal,” Lopez says. “I had developed into a solo writer just out of circumstance. But touring and sharing a lot of time and miles with so many other inspiring musicians just lends itself to the spirit of collaboration.”
Red Arrow Track Listing:
1. Swim The River (Christian Lopez & Jordan Lawhead)
2. 1972 (Christian Lopez, Marshall Altman & Dylan Altman)
3. Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight (Christian Lopez, Gabe Dixon & Marshall Cunningham)
4. Silver Line (Christian Lopez, Jordan Lawhead & Dave Berg)
5. Someday (Christian Lopez & Marshall Altman)
6. Say Goodbye (Christian Lopez, Marshall Altman, Liz Longley & Jabe Beyer)
7. All The Time (Christian Lopez & Billy Montana)
8. Mexico (Christian Lopez & Tofer Brown)
9. Steel On The Water (Christian Lopez)
10. Caramel (feat. Kenneth Pattengale of Milk Carton Kids) (Christian Lopez)
11. Still On Its Feet (Christian Lopez, Josh Williams & Mindy Smith)
In Pictures: Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Florida Georgia Line, Lewis Brice
/by Haley CrowLittle Big Town’s Karen Fairchild And Kimberly Schlapman Co-Host The Talk
Pictured (back row, L-R): Sheryl Underwood and Julie Chen; (Front row, L-R): Sara Gilbert, Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild.
Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman joined CBS’s award-winning daytime series, The Talk, as guest co-hosts on Monday (July 10) along with hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert and Sheryl Underwood. Award-winning actress Edie Falco and Access Hollywood’s Natalie Morales served as the show’s guest.
Florida Georgia Line Rocks Sold-Out Fenway Park
Florida Georgia Line performs at Fenway Park as part of The Smooth Tour 2017. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line and Backstreet Boys celebrate their No. 1 hit “God, Your Mama, And Me.” Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Florida Georgia Line [click photo to enlarge]
Backstreet Boys joined FGL onstage for their heartfelt ballad, “God, Your Mama, And Me,” which ended in a surprise plaque presentation to celebrate the song’s No. 1 on country radio airplay charts.
Two more stadium concerts are on tap for this summer, with Backstreet Boys returning for massive shows at Minneapolis’ Target Field (July 29) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (August 12).
Lewis Brice Visits WSIX
Pictured (L-R): Social Pulse Media’s EJ Bernas, iHeart’s Gator Harrison, Lewis Brice, iHeart’s Ryan Mckiddy, Jessica Tigue and Zack Massey.
Lewis Brice visited WSIX in Nashville, the first stop on his “street week” radio and media tour. His debut self-titled EP is set to release on Friday, July 14.
Lee Roy Parnell To Release First New Album In Over Decade
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“When Greg came to me with the idea of us getting together to write, I was experiencing something of a dry spell,” explains Parnell about the new music. “I hadn’t written anything in months and hoped the fog would lift but when you’re in a dry spell you always wonder, ‘What if the words don’t come…where is my ability to come up with fresh musical ideas?’ Greg saw through all that, lit a new fuse and just like that, we were off to the races. The songs were literally coming faster than we could write them down. Sometimes you just need a little help from a friend, and I certainly got lucky with Mr. Barnhill’s enthusiasm and encouragement.”
The new project includes some help from artists like Parnell’s dear friend Etta Britt and The Fairfield Four, who sang the “Keep On Walking” line repeated in the bridge of the song “Sunny Days.” It marks the second time Parnell has collaborated with the gospel legends.
“Some of you might remember our version of ‘John The Revelator’ for which we got a CMA Vocal Event of the Year nomination back in 1999,” says Parnell. “You can’t hear these four men sing together without feeling the Spirit move you. ‘Sunny Days’ would not be the same without them.”
Of course the album is infused with plenty of the blue-eyed soul that Parnell is known for as well.
“One of the best things about gaining some maturity is you finally find out ‘Who You Is and Who You Ain’t,’ admits Parnell. “That said, I’d have to say that the song ‘Too Far Gone’ on the new album best describes me as an artist, now. It’s clearly a Blue-Eyed Soul ‘Beat Ballad’ as Barry Beckett (of The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and my first producer) would call it. Barry really taught me how to make records. He taught me about groove, soul, vocal delivery and how to make every note count! The message here is in life and love we ebb and flow. We have good days and tough days. What counts is going the distance (or at least as far as you can).”
Pre-order for the new album begins today here. Parnell will debut the new music during a series of dates this Summer and Fall, including several “guitar army” dates with John Jorgensen and Joe Robinson. He’s clearly happy to be back making fresh new music for the fans and is eager to keep the momentum going. “Only now do I feel like I’m truly hitting my stride. Lifers don’t quit, you know. I’d like to keep making a record every 18 months of so…record with some friends of mine again. I want to keep making music that comes straight from the heart.”
1. Hours In Between
2. Midnight Believer
3. Pontchartrain
4. Too Far Gone
5. Sunny Days (Feat. The Fairfield Four)
6. Want Whatcha’ Have
7. Hair Of The Dog
9. Tied Up And Tangled
10. Some Time Ago