In Pictures: Sam Hunt, Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Randy Travis, John Anderson, Shane Owens

/by

CMT’s Cody Alan Chats With Sam Hunt At RodeoHouston

CMT’s Cody Alan sat down with Sam Hunt before his performance at RodeoHouston on Monday (March 13). Alan’s exclusive interview with Hunt airs on CMT After MidNite and CMT Radio Live this Friday (March 17).

 

Brad Paisley And Chris Young Celebrate Back To Back Number Ones

Sony artists Brad Paisley and Chris Young celebrated back to back No. 1 singles for Paisley’s “Today” and Young’s “Sober Saturday Night” during C2C Festival in London last Friday (March 10).

 

John Anderson, Shane Owens And Randy Travis Hang At Texan Theater

Photo: Amerimonte Records

Up-and-coming country traditionalist Shane Owens has been tapped to open several shows for country legend John Anderson. While performing at Texan Theater in Greenville, Texas last Sunday (March 12), Anderson invited Owens on stage for a rousing rendition of “Chicken Truck.” The track is included as a duet with Anderson on Owens’ current album, Where I’m Comin’ From. Owens is currently promoting his newest radio single from the album, “All The Beer In Alabama.” Randy Travis serves as executive producer for the project.

Matthew Hargis Elevated To SVP At BMLG Records

/by

Matthew Hargis has been promoted to SVP, Promotion at BMLG Records. Since joining the label in 2011, Hargis has been a driving force behind such chart-topping singles as Florida Georgia Line’s breakthrough debut “Cruise,” the only country song to be certified Diamond by the RIAA. Hargis’ previous stops include positions at All Access and Capitol Records Nashville.

“Matthew has done outstanding work during his entire tenure at BMLG Records, garnering 21 No. 1 singles! His leadership, dedication and forward thinking is second to none and this well deserved promotion is reflective of six amazing years,” said BMLG Records President and BMLG EVP Jimmy Harnen.

“I want to thank Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen for the opportunity to grow as part of this amazing team,” said Hargis. “As leaders, the environment they have built at BMLG Records is one that not only inspires, but encourages new innovative ways of building artist’s careers. I am blessed to have such a great team of promotion executives at the BMLG Records ‘Ape Den’ to proudly work side-by-side with every day!”

Hargis can be reached at 615-324-7902 or matthew.hargis@bmlg.net.

Spirit Music Group Launches Production Music Division

/by

Pictured (L-R): Front: David Renzer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group and Alan Ett, CEO, Spirit Production Music. Back: Schuyler Moore of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP Jon Singer, COO/CFO, Spirit Music Group; and Ross Cameron, Vice President of Acquisitions and Business Development.

Spirit Music Group has formed a new division, Spirit Production Music, and has acquired the production music divisions of Alan Ett Creative Group (AECG), including the prestigious Opus 1 Music Library, The Music Collective and Audio Horizons companies. Announced today (March 14) by David Renzer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group and Jon Singer, COO/CFO, Spirit has tapped Alan Ett to lead the new division, which will be based in Los Angeles.

Through the deal, Spirit will acquire over 150,000 high quality production music tracks and will represent over 40 unique music libraries. Employees from both AECG and Spirit Music Group will be part of the new organization going forward.

The creation of Spirit Production Music marks the latest in a series of significant acquisitions by this independent music publishing operation. In July 2014, Spirit Music Group acquired Cal IV Entertainment, marking the company’s first presence on Nashville’s Music Row and bringing top writers and 25 No. 1 copyrights and top 10 singles into the fold. In January 2016, Spirit continued to expand its footprint through a deal with Frank Rogers, bringing another 40 No. 1 hits along with a roster of top artists and writers. In recent years Spirit also opened a London office and established Spirit Music Latino.

Nashville Songwriters To Benefit Music Health Alliance in Baltimore

/by

The Baltimore Orioles will host “Nashville’s Music Row Comes to the Ballpark,” an exclusive on-field concert at Ed Smith Stadium, on Friday, March 17. The second annual event will feature an in-the-round performance by a mix of hit Nashville songwriters and rising artists including Liz Rose, Laura Veltz, Jimmy Robbins, Ryan Beaver and Margaret Valentine. Country singer and songwriter Jenae Cherry, wife of Orioles pitcher Brad Brach, will perform as a special guest.

The evening will benefit Nashville’s Music Health Alliance, as well as early childhood literacy programs in Sarasota County, Florida, where the Orioles attend spring training. Details at www.orioles.com/arts.

CMA Celebrates Country Overseas During Packed Weekend

/by

(L-R): CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Wootton and CMA Board members Milly Olykan and Bob Shennan.

The CMA kicked off a busy weekend overseas celebrating country music with a sold-out CMA Songwriters Series show Thursday night at indigo at the O2 in London. The show featured performances by Kristian Bush, Mac McAnally, Maren Morris, Liz Rose, and Drake White.

The association also presented three International Awards throughout the weekend to Bob Harris, winner of the International Country Broadcaster Award; The Shires, who received the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award; and Richard Wootton, receiving the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award. The CMA International Awards are voted on by CMA International Membership, as well as a panel of U.S.-based industry members.

Amidst the festivities, CMA also hosted the U.K. Advisory Council to discuss the future of country abroad with guests including CMA Board members, promoters, record labels, talent agents, performing rights societies, and representatives from BBC Radio 2 and C2C. Country is rapidly gaining popularity among millennials in the U.K. and CMA’s research team unveiled studies demonstrating that trend during the Nashville Music and Brand Forum Friday in London with panelists and attendees including representatives from BBC, Sky TV, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, AEG, and more. Drake White and Charlie Worsham performed at the event.

The event was held as country fans packed the sold-out C2C Festival in the U.K. and Ireland last week, where Cam, Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, Reba, Maren Morris, Jennifer Nettles, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band and more performed.

The CMA Nashville Music and Brand Forum on Friday, March 10 at the Intercontinental Hotel at C2C in London. Pictured (L-R): Drake White, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Charlie Worsham, CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside

Charlie Daniels’ Memoir Coming in October

/by

Charlie Daniels is opening up about his life and career in his new memoir, Never Look at the Empty Seats, due out October 24 via the W Publishing Group. In the new book, fans will learn about Daniels’ rise from his post-Depression era childhood to becoming a Grammy winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee by focusing on the positives in life.

The “Devil Went Down To Georgia” singer’s career has spanned an incredible 60 years, and inside the memoir he shares stories, reflections, and rare personal photos plus offers sage advice to up-and-comers seeking a career in the music business.

“I’m extremely excited about the release of my new book. Quite a bit is known about my public life but there is so much more I’ve wanted to share, my early years, my faith, my struggles and the unique people and events which have had such an impact on who I am and what I do,” said Daniels.

“Although the phrase is at times overused, Charlie Daniels truly is a national treasure,” said Matt Baugher, SVP and Publisher of W Publishing Group. “His love for America and all it stands for is matched only by his immense talent as a singer, songwriter, and fiddle player. We’re honored to partner with this music legend in bringing his full story to the public for the first time. He’s had quite a ride.”

 

 

CMA Music Festival Performers Announced

/by

The Country Music Association has revealed numerous performers for its 2017 CMA Music Festival stages, including the Chevrolet Park Stage and Gildan Broadway Stage at the Hard Rock Cafe. CMA Music Festival will run June 8-11 in Nashville.

The Chevrolet Park Stage will include performances from Adam Craig, Adam Sanders, Bailey Bryan, Big Smo, Brooke Eden, Cale Dodds, Carly Pearce, Casey Donahew, Clare Dunn, Drew Baldridge, Jackie Lee, Jacob Davis, Jamie Lynn Spears, Jon Langston, Kristian Bush, Kyle Park, LANco, Lindsay Ell, Love and Theft, Luke Pell, Maggie Rose, Michael Tyler, Mo Pitney, Morgan Evans, Morgan Wallen, Muscadine Bloodline, Runaway June, Ruthie Collins, Ryan Beaver, Ryan Follese, Ryan Griffin, Steve Moakler, Sundance Head, The Railers, The Swon Brothers, Travis Collins, Trent Harmon, Walker Hayes, Walker McGuire, and Waterloo Revival.

The Gildan Broadway Stage at the Hard Rock Cafe lineup includes Abby Anderson, Alex Williams, Alyssa Michaela, Ashley Campbell, Ben Gallaher, Brandon Lay, Brandon Ray, Carter Winter, Chris Bandi, Colin Elmore & The Danville Train, Craig Wayne Boyd, Davisson Brothers Band, Dylan Schneider, Fairground Saints, Filmore, Hailey Whitters, Haley Georgia, Jillian Jacqueline,  Jo Smith, Jordan Rager, Kalie Shorr, Levon, Lillie Mae, Meghan Patrick, Natalie Stovall, Olivia Lane, REstless Road, Risa Binder, Ryan Kinder, Scooter Brown Band, Sean McConnell, Smithfield, Tara Thompson, Trea Landon, Tyler Rich, and Walker County.

Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

BREAKING NEWS: ACM Awards Announce New Artist Winners

/by

The Academy of Country Music has announced the winners in the new artist categories for the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Brothers Osborne earned the title of New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year Presented By T-Mobile. Maren Morris has been named New Female Vocalist of the Year Presented By T-Mobile, and Jon Pardi has been named New Male Vocalist of the Year Presented By T-Mobile.

Each of the winners will perform on the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2.

The awards mark the first ACM Award wins for Brothers Osborne, Pardi and Morris. Brothers Osborne are also nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at this year’s awards show, while Morris has an additional five nominations, including Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hero (as artist and producer), and Single of the Year for “My Church” (as artist and producer).

iHeartRadio Music Festival Returning To Las Vegas

/by

iHeartMedia’s annual iHeartRadio Music Festival will return to Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on Sept. 22-23.

The festival’s daytime village will return to the Las Vegas Village across from the Luxor Hotel and Casino on Saturday, Sept. 23. This area will feature live performances by both popular and emerging artists, including first revealed artists Flume, French Montana, Noah Cyrus, Judah & The Lion, Kelsea Ballerini, Hey Violet and All Time Low, with more to be announced.

The main stage performance line-up for the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Festival will be announced at a later date.

LifeNotes: Don Warden Passes

/by

Don Warden, a member of Porter Wagoner‘s Wagonmasters and longtime manager and confidante of Dolly Parton, passed away March 12.

The Mountain Grove, Missouri native was born March 27, 1929 to parents Rev. Charlie and Eva Jane Warden. He found his lifelong passion for music early following a two-year stint in the Army as an intelligence officer, and was soon playing steel guitar on the Ozark Jubilee and the Louisiana Hayride shows. Warden played with Red Sovine, The Wilburn Brothers, and Porter Wagoner on the “Porter Wagoner Show,” and the first standup Sho-Bud steel guitar was created especially for him by Shot Jackson Custom.

Warden eventually segued to the business side of the industry and spent 43 years working as Dolly Parton’s road manager. Of her longtime manager and friend Parton said: “I’ve known and loved Don Warden since I joined The Porter Wagoner Show in 1967. He was like a father, a brother, a partner and one of my best friends. I feel like a piece of my heart is missing today. Certainly a huge piece of my life is gone. Rest in peace Don and know for sure that I will always love you.”

Warden was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner, and a lifelong member of the Church of God. He was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2008.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois Ann Bybee Warden, son Charlie, grandchildren Courtney Warden Barlar and Chase Warden, and a sister Reba Brown of Oklahoma City.

Visitation will be held on March 16 from 1-2 p.m. at Christ Church with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will take place at Christ Church Memorial Gardens.