Pictured (L-R): MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson; Ross Copperman; Tim Wipperman at the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 553
The 15th annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards event spread the love around as artists affiliated with the Columbia, EMI, Republic, Thirty Tigers and Arista imprints were honored.
The big winner, again, was Capitol Records Nashville. This imprint was named Label of the Year for the 13th time, and 12 of those wins have been consecutive.
“Thanks to everyone at MusicRow,” said label VP Bobby Young. “I appreciate all y’all. Thanks for all the great airplay.” He introduced his fellow promoters Ashley Laws and MaryBeth Watson on stage. “The best part of my job is working with talent,” Bobby added. And what talent: The Capitol roster includes Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Jon Pardi, Mickey Guyton and Dierks Bentley. They accounted for nine No.1 records on the MusicRow chart during the past year.
“Thank you for all your amazing, amazing support for three years running,” said BMLG Records VP Matthew Hargis accepting the Group/Duo award for the third consecutive year for Florida Georgia Line. “We appreciate you so much.” FGL has three CMA Duo honors, has one of country’s top-10 grossing tours and is an ACM Entertainer nominee.
“We certainly don’t take it for granted how supportive you are,” said Arista VP Josh Easler in accepting Carrie Underwood’s Female Artist MusicRow award. She is the CMA’s four-time Female honoree and is the only woman nominated for the ACM’s Entertainer of the Year in 2017, thanks to her “Storyteller Tour” playing to more than a million fans.
EMI VP Jimmy Rector accepted the Male award for Eric Church. This is his second MusicRow win. He won Album of the Year at the CMA’s. “Thank you to everyone in this room,” said Jimmy. “Eric is all about the fans, as you all know. And he knows that the best way to reach them is through you guys.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson; WGGC’s Greg Almond, MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson. MusicRow Awards 2.22.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Columbia’s Maren Morris won the Breakthrough artist award, thanks to earning a Grammy, winning the New Artist CMA award and getting six ACM nominations.
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson presided. “We absolutely love hosting this event every year,” he said. “I want you to know how grateful we are for these relationships.”
The periodical’s Troy Stephenson presented the Independent Artist of the Year award to Aaron Watson. As usual, the tireless road warrior was off doing a show.
“I think we all know Aaron’s independent spirit,” said Anthony “Gino” Genero of Thirty Tigers. “We thank each and every one of you for your spins. ““Independent music!” crowed Nancy Tunick. “MusicRow’s reporters have the independent spirit. We applaud you. We feel like it is a privilege to bring music to you.”
Troy also presented the MusicRow Reporter of the Year honor. It went to Greg Almond of WGGC in Bowling Green, KY. “Greg is a big supporter of new and independent artists,” said Troy.
“Thank you; this is pretty cool,” said Greg. “My motto is, ‘Work hard; be nice to people; and eventually you’ll be recognized for what you do.’”
Rachael Turner performs during the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
The Songwriter of the Year award went to Ross Copperman. “We all love songwriters,” said Sherod. “Ross has had six No. 1 songs on the MusicRow chart, all in one year.” They were “Setting the World on Fire” (Kenny Chesney), “Noise” (Kenny Chesney), “American Country Love Song” (Jake Owen), “Break on Me” (Keith Urban), “Confession” (Florida Georgia Line) and “I Know Somebody” (LoCash).
“I love you guys so much,” said Ross. “I love the [MusicRow Challenge] coins. You always make such a big deal out of No. 1 songs.” Added publisher Tim Wipperman, “If it weren’t for songwriters, the rest of us would just be digging ditches.”
In between the presentations, the publication presented two showcases. Alex Smith launches his first tour this year with his new Nashville band. He comes from two generations of working musicians and has already opened for Brett Eldredge and Uncle Kracker. Alex started with the rocking, upbeat “Fear of Missing Out,” introduced his newly-written, jaunty love song “Saving Grace” and wowed the crowd with his driving, insistent, high-energy debut single “Load It Up.”
Rachael Turner took the stage to introduce her torrid, smoldering new single “Hurts Don’t It.” She got excellent response from her sultry ballad “I Don’t Love You” and closed with a fiery, power-packed performance of “Aftershock.” Rachael has been singing professionally since girlhood and holds two degrees in music from Belmont University. She records for Rust Records, one of Music City’s most durable independent labels.
The crowd included a number of other artists. We spotted SaraBeth, Sarah Dunn, Courtney Dickinson, towering hunk Travis Rice, Robby Johnson, Ali Morgan, Melissa Mickelson and African-American country newcomer Tony Jackson, who has already had 10 million video views for his revival of the George Jones classic “The Grand Tour.”
Industry fabulons attending included Tim McFadden, Aaron Crisler, Ron Huntsman, Martha Moore, Susan Collier, Sherrill Blackmon, Scott Thomas of Silverado Records, Terri Brown, Chris Diestler, Preshus Tomes, Chuck Thompson, Kristi Manna, Steve O’Brien, Lisa Smoot and Eric Chesser.
The Wednesday afternoon event was staged for the first time at The Listening Room downtown. The club laid out complimentary nachos, loaded with the works – cheese, refried beans, ground round, guacamole, sour cream, hot green peppers, salsa and the like.
Alex Smith performs during the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 2.22.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
2017 Country Radio Hall of Fame Honorees Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (clockwise, from top left): Tim Closson, The Good Morning Guys, Joe Wade Formicola, Charlie Ochs, Jim Mantel, Linda Lee, Mel Owens
The Country Radio Hall of Fame “Class of 2017” inductees were announced during today’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2017 Opening Ceremonies by Capitol Nashville’s Lady Antebellum. Six radio personalities and three off-air broadcasters will be honored, and include Tim Closson, Charlie Ochs, Mel Owens in the radio category and Joe Wade Formicola, Linda Lee, Jim Mantel, and The Good Morning Guys (KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO) in the on-air category.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the Country format.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner will be held in Nashville on Wednesday, June 21st, at a location to be announced soon.
Radio Category:
Tim Closson
Best known for his 15-years at WUBE/Cincinnati, Closson programmed the station from 1990-2004, when WUBE became the market’s dominant 25-54 radio station and achieved national prominence. During this time, Closson also served as VP/Programming for AMFM Chancellor, overseeing programming for Country radio stations Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Houston. Prior to his arrival in Cincinnati were held programming, music, and on-air positions at KHAK/Cedar Rapids, IA and WAXX/EAU Clare, WI. In both markets, he helped the stations achieve CMA Station of the Year awards. Closson is a past member of both the CRB Agenda Committee and its Board of Directors.
Charlie Ochs
Ochs began his radio career in 1962, and has covered every facet of the business at some of the format’s legendary calls letters, including: On-air/Music Director for KNIX/Phoenix; PD/mornings at KIKK/Houston; VP/General Manager for WQYK/Tampa; VP/General Manager WMZQ/Washington DC; and Sr. VP/CBS RADIO/Tampa. OCHS is the founder of his own consultancy, Ochs Media, and still handles day-to-day radio responsibilities for BEASLEY MEDIA/TAMPA.
Mel Owens
Owens has spent his entire career at KUZZ/Bakersfield, beginning as a sales executive in 1971. Since then, he has risen to Sales Manager; Station manager; VP/Buck Owens Production Company; and CEO/Buck Ownes Production Company. Owens currently serves as President/Buck Owens Production company. During his watch, KUZZ has been one the most honored Country stations in America. KUZZ was awarded CMA Station of Year honors in 1998, 2002, and 2009; and ACM Station Of the Year awards in 1999, 2009, and 2012. Additionally, KUZZ is a six-time winner of the NAB Crystal Award for Community Service.
On-Air Category:
Joe Wade Formicola
During his 1987-1995 run in mornings at WWWW (W4)/ Detroit Formicola was honored with the 1988 CMA Personality of the Year award. In 1995, he joined crosstown Country WYCD/Detroit. He was a nationally syndicated personality with WESTWOOD ONE from 2010-2015. Early career stops included serving as PD of KENR/Houston in 1979 before moving on to the OM/PD chair at WKIX/Raleigh, NC.
Linda Lee
Lee has spent her 21-year career exclusively in Country radio, all of them in the city where she was born and raised: Detroit, MI. Lee started at WYCD in 1994 as an unpaid intern for the morning show, co-hosted by 2015 CRHoF inductee Karen Daelessandro. In 1995, Lee handled part time shifts at crosstown WWWW (W4)/DETROIT, then moved to evenings. She re-joined WYCD in 1996 as morning show producer/co-host and was paired with fellow 2017 inductee, Joe Wade Formicola. Lee segued to afternoons in 1998 and has stayed there since, working with three different on air partners, including current co-host, Rob Stone. Lee and former co-host Chuck Reeves (now WYCD morning host) won the CMA Personality of the Year award in 2011. Lee was honored with a GRACIE Award in 2014 and the Michigan Assn of Broadcasters Personality of Year award in 2010 and 2015.
Jim Mantel
A 35-year vet of Country radio, Mantel’s career began in Texas, where he worked at KNFM/Odessa, KRYS/Corpus Christi, and KKBQ/Houston.Those stints preceded a long and successful stay in mornings at WGAR/Cleveland which ran from 1992-2010. Mantel was honored with the CMA personality of the Year 1993, and was a 2005 inductee to the Ohio Radio and TV Broadcasters Hall of. His successful career continues today, hosting mornings at WRNS/Greenville, NC.
Good Morning Guys – KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO: Brian Gary, Todd Harding, Susan Moore
Gary and Harding were first paired as the “Good Morning Guys” on KUAD in 1988. They were joined by Moore in 2000 and went on to win CMA Small Market Personality of the Year awards in 2008 and 2013. The team has also been honored as Colorado Broadcaster Assn. Morning Show of the Year four times, and NAB morning personalities of the year three times (2009, 2010, 2013). The show’s signature charitable event is “28 hours of Hope” in which they stay on the air for 28 consecutive hours to raise money for three local charities in Northern Colorado. Their efforts have raised more than a million dollars over the years.
Dan+Shay Celebrate First Ryman Auditorium Appearance
/by Jessica NicholsonDan+Shay. Photo: Rob Norris
Dan + Shay celebrated their first appearance at historic Ryman Auditorium, as part of the rising duo’s Obsessed Tour.
“This is just the best night of my entire life,” Shay Mooney told screaming fans at Nashville’s most iconic live music venue.
“I had this dream, and Shay had this dream, too,” Dan Smyers said, “and we moved here because we wanted to do this. … If it weren’t for our fans sharing our music and spreading the word … we wouldn’t be here.”
The duo’s Smyers and Mooney moved to Nashville five years ago to chase their musical dreams.
Much of the sold-out crowd stood for the entirety of the performance, joining in harmony to tracks like current single, “How Not To,” “When I Pray For You,” a ballad the duo penned for the major motion picture The Shack, their recent No. 1 “From the Ground Up,” and the duo’s first No. 1, “Nothin’ Like You” as well as their Platinum-certified hit “19 You + Me,” among the 18-song set.
Mooney showed off a series of powerful vocal runs as part of “Kiss Me Like Crazy,” prompting Smyers to say, “You are at the Ryman Auditorium watching the greatest singer in country music.”
The duo also offered a few covers like Jon Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love A Bad Name,” The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” and CeeLo Green’s “Forget You.”
“We just sold out the Ryman tonight,” Mooney said. “That’s insane.”
The duo’s Obsessed Tour continues Friday in Knoxville, Tennessee, with dates across the U.S. and Canada through the spring.
Justin Moore Celebrates Sixth No. 1 Single
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): BMI Songwriter Natalie Hemby, ASCAP Songwriter Matt Dragstrem, BMI Songwriter Rodney Clawson and The Valory Music Co.’s Justin Moore. Photo: Steve Lowry
Justin Moore raised a glass to his sixth No. 1, “You Look Like I Need A Drink,” and its songwriters Rodney Clawson, Natalie Hemby and Matt Dragstrem. Fittingly surrounded by a vast selection of beverages at Nashville venue SOUTH, the ASCAP and BMI hosted event drew a large crowd of revelers and well-wishers including producers Jeremy Stover, Julian Raymond and BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. The latter two marked their first No. 1 hit as producers.
The first single from Moore’s fourth studio album, Kinda Don’t Care, “You Look Like I Need A Drink,” acted as a catalyst for the project’s success. He achieved his third No. 1 spot on the country charts upon the album’s release and produced his second single, “Somebody Else Will.”
Moore will make his late-night debut on March 7 when he performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC.
Pictured (L-R): Back Row – VMC’s Ashley Sidoti, Don Gosselin, George Briner, Brad Howell, Adam Burnes, Brooke Nixon and Amy Staley. Front Row – VMC’s Lauren Simon, BMI songwriter Natalie Hemby, ASCAP Songwriter Matt Dragstrem, BMI Songwriter Rodney Clawson, Justin Moore and BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Steve Lowry
Bobby Karl Works The 2017 ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Awards
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson; Ross Copperman; Tim Wipperman at the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 553
The 15th annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards event spread the love around as artists affiliated with the Columbia, EMI, Republic, Thirty Tigers and Arista imprints were honored.
The big winner, again, was Capitol Records Nashville. This imprint was named Label of the Year for the 13th time, and 12 of those wins have been consecutive.
“Thanks to everyone at MusicRow,” said label VP Bobby Young. “I appreciate all y’all. Thanks for all the great airplay.” He introduced his fellow promoters Ashley Laws and MaryBeth Watson on stage. “The best part of my job is working with talent,” Bobby added. And what talent: The Capitol roster includes Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Jon Pardi, Mickey Guyton and Dierks Bentley. They accounted for nine No.1 records on the MusicRow chart during the past year.
“Thank you for all your amazing, amazing support for three years running,” said BMLG Records VP Matthew Hargis accepting the Group/Duo award for the third consecutive year for Florida Georgia Line. “We appreciate you so much.” FGL has three CMA Duo honors, has one of country’s top-10 grossing tours and is an ACM Entertainer nominee.
“We certainly don’t take it for granted how supportive you are,” said Arista VP Josh Easler in accepting Carrie Underwood’s Female Artist MusicRow award. She is the CMA’s four-time Female honoree and is the only woman nominated for the ACM’s Entertainer of the Year in 2017, thanks to her “Storyteller Tour” playing to more than a million fans.
EMI VP Jimmy Rector accepted the Male award for Eric Church. This is his second MusicRow win. He won Album of the Year at the CMA’s. “Thank you to everyone in this room,” said Jimmy. “Eric is all about the fans, as you all know. And he knows that the best way to reach them is through you guys.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson; WGGC’s Greg Almond, MusicRow Chart Director Troy Stephenson. MusicRow Awards 2.22.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Columbia’s Maren Morris won the Breakthrough artist award, thanks to earning a Grammy, winning the New Artist CMA award and getting six ACM nominations.
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson presided. “We absolutely love hosting this event every year,” he said. “I want you to know how grateful we are for these relationships.”
The periodical’s Troy Stephenson presented the Independent Artist of the Year award to Aaron Watson. As usual, the tireless road warrior was off doing a show.
“I think we all know Aaron’s independent spirit,” said Anthony “Gino” Genero of Thirty Tigers. “We thank each and every one of you for your spins. ““Independent music!” crowed Nancy Tunick. “MusicRow’s reporters have the independent spirit. We applaud you. We feel like it is a privilege to bring music to you.”
Troy also presented the MusicRow Reporter of the Year honor. It went to Greg Almond of WGGC in Bowling Green, KY. “Greg is a big supporter of new and independent artists,” said Troy.
“Thank you; this is pretty cool,” said Greg. “My motto is, ‘Work hard; be nice to people; and eventually you’ll be recognized for what you do.’”
Rachael Turner performs during the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
The Songwriter of the Year award went to Ross Copperman. “We all love songwriters,” said Sherod. “Ross has had six No. 1 songs on the MusicRow chart, all in one year.” They were “Setting the World on Fire” (Kenny Chesney), “Noise” (Kenny Chesney), “American Country Love Song” (Jake Owen), “Break on Me” (Keith Urban), “Confession” (Florida Georgia Line) and “I Know Somebody” (LoCash).
“I love you guys so much,” said Ross. “I love the [MusicRow Challenge] coins. You always make such a big deal out of No. 1 songs.” Added publisher Tim Wipperman, “If it weren’t for songwriters, the rest of us would just be digging ditches.”
In between the presentations, the publication presented two showcases. Alex Smith launches his first tour this year with his new Nashville band. He comes from two generations of working musicians and has already opened for Brett Eldredge and Uncle Kracker. Alex started with the rocking, upbeat “Fear of Missing Out,” introduced his newly-written, jaunty love song “Saving Grace” and wowed the crowd with his driving, insistent, high-energy debut single “Load It Up.”
Rachael Turner took the stage to introduce her torrid, smoldering new single “Hurts Don’t It.” She got excellent response from her sultry ballad “I Don’t Love You” and closed with a fiery, power-packed performance of “Aftershock.” Rachael has been singing professionally since girlhood and holds two degrees in music from Belmont University. She records for Rust Records, one of Music City’s most durable independent labels.
The crowd included a number of other artists. We spotted SaraBeth, Sarah Dunn, Courtney Dickinson, towering hunk Travis Rice, Robby Johnson, Ali Morgan, Melissa Mickelson and African-American country newcomer Tony Jackson, who has already had 10 million video views for his revival of the George Jones classic “The Grand Tour.”
Industry fabulons attending included Tim McFadden, Aaron Crisler, Ron Huntsman, Martha Moore, Susan Collier, Sherrill Blackmon, Scott Thomas of Silverado Records, Terri Brown, Chris Diestler, Preshus Tomes, Chuck Thompson, Kristi Manna, Steve O’Brien, Lisa Smoot and Eric Chesser.
The Wednesday afternoon event was staged for the first time at The Listening Room downtown. The club laid out complimentary nachos, loaded with the works – cheese, refried beans, ground round, guacamole, sour cream, hot green peppers, salsa and the like.
Alex Smith performs during the MusicRow Awards. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
MusicRow Awards 2.22.17 © Moments By Moser Photography
Nashville Film Festival Announces 2017 Music Committee
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jeremy Ash, Capitol CMG Publishing; Randall Foster, Ole – Committee Chair; Andy Moats, Avenue Bank; Ciara Shortridge, Disney Music Group Nashville; Anastasia Brown, Format Entertainment; Jake Basden, Big Machine Label Group; Liz Rogers, Anacrusis; ET Brown, SESAS; Katie Jelen, Secret Road Music Services (Committee Co-Chair); Mackenzie Robert, Nashville Film Festival; Jennifer Wolczyk, Whizbang, Inc.
The Nashville Film Festival has announced the members of its Music Committee for 2017. The committee strives to connect the Nashville music industry with the global film and TV business. This year’s festival is April April 20-29, and the slate of films to be shown at this year’s festival will be announced in the next few weeks.
This year’s committee members include Jeremy Ash, Capitol CMG Publishing; Randall Foster, Ole (Committee Chair); Andy Moats, Avenue Bank; Ciara Shortridge, Disney Music Group Nashville; Anastasia Brown, Format Entertainment; Jake Basden, Big Machine Label Group; Liz Rogers, Anacrusis; ET Brown, SESAS; Katie Jelen, Secret Road Music Services (Committee Co-Chair); Mackenzie Robert, Nashville Film Festival;Jennifer Wolczyk, Whizbang, Inc.; Leslie Fram, CMT; Jim Scherer, Whizbang, Inc.; Aaron Mercer, Wool & Tusk; Joel Timen, Word Entertainment; Stacey Widlitz, Songwriter; Devon Devries, Big Yellow Dog Music; Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP; Craig Currier, Peer Music; Josh Collum, Sorted Noise; Shannan Hatch, SESAC; Ali Harnell, AEG TMG; Kristen Dabbs, Ready Set Management; Shea Fowler, Cornman Music; Jeff Gordon, Carlin Nashville.
On The Cover – Little Big Town (Feb./Mar. 2017)
/by Haley CrowLittle Big Town is featured as the cover artist for MusicRow Magazine’s 2017 CountryBreakout Awards Issue.
Consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook, the Grammy award-winning group Little Big Town releases The Breaker Feb. 24 on Capitol Records Nashville. The band’s seventh studio album features its fastest-rising single to date, the No. 1 song “Better Man,” written by Taylor Swift. The Breaker’s release coincides with the “Little Big Town at the Mother Church” Ryman Auditorium residency, the first ever in the celebrated venue’s 125-year history.
MusicRow Magazine’s 2017 CountryBreakout Awards Issue honors the artists, label imprint, and songwriter who have garnered the most spins on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart over the past year. This issue also features interviews with Pandora’s Tim Westergren, NPR Music/World Cafe’s Ann Powers, Radio Disney’s Phil Guerini, The Johnny Cash Museum founder Bill Miller, and delves into the world of radio tours with newcomers Chris Lane and LoCash.
Single copies of MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Awards Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $10, and are included with yearly subscriptions at no additional cost.
Jimmy Chapin Upped to Big Machine Label Group Director, International
/by Lorie HollabaughJimmy Chapin has been promoted to Big Machine Label Group Director, International. Chapin joined the label in 2011 and has served in several roles, most recently as Sr. Manager, International. In 2015, he played a key role within BMLG’s expansion into the UK, liaising with the London-based team and contributing to the worldwide success of artists like Thomas Rhett, The Cadillac Three and Maddie & Tae.
Chapin’s elevated duties will enable him to further develop album and tour campaigns in over 20 countries outside the US including Japan, Australia, UK, Ireland, Germany, Holland and China. During his tenure, BMLG’s International department has secured exclusive deluxe album releases in Japan for Cheap Trick and Steven Tyler, a Brazilian duet between Florida Georgia Line and Luan Santana as well as top-selling album releases for artists across the label group’s five imprints.
“Jimmy has a great understanding and know-how in our key ex-US territories and has truly become the glue for our global strategies,” said BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue furthering BMLG’s expansion outside of the US and to be part of such an innovative company,” shared Chapin. “It is a true honor to work with Scott, Andrew, and the amazing International team here at BMLG.”
Chapin is based in BMLG’s Nashville headquarters and can be reached at jimmy.chapin@bmlg.net and 615-324-7063.
ACM Radio Award Winners Announced
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Academy of Country Music announced Wednesday (Feb. 22) the full list of radio award winners for the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year®.
This is the fourth ACM National On-Air Personality of the Year win for Lon Helton of Country Countdown USA. The show previously won the award in 2013.
ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
NATIONAL Lon Helton – Country Countdown USA
MAJOR MARKET (TIE) George, Mo & Cowboy Dave – KILT-FM – Houston, TX
Rob & Linda Show – Rob Stone & Linda Lee – WYCD-FM – Southfield, MI
LARGE MARKET Q Morning Crew – Mike, Marty and Janie – WQDR-FM – Raleigh, NC
MEDIUM MARKET Steve & Gina in the Morning on Kat 103.7 – KXKT-FM – Omaha, NE
SMALL MARKET Scotty Cox & Cara Denis – KCLR-FM – Columbia, MO
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
MAJOR MARKET KKBQ-FM – Houston, TX
LARGE MARKET WUBE-FM – Cincinnati, OH
MEDIUM MARKET WIVK-FM – Knoxville, TN
SMALL MARKET KKNU-FM – Eugene, OR
Radio award winners are not televised due to time constraints during the live telecast of the 52nd ACM Awards. Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return to host for the second consecutive year. The ACM Awards® are produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Winners in radio categories will be invited to accept their award onstage at ACM Party for a Cause® at The Joint in Las Vegas during a fan-filled concert as part of The Week Vegas Goes Country® the day prior to the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards.
Bonnaroo Releases 2017 Daily Schedule
/by Lorie HollabaughThe daily schedule for Bonnaroo 2017, slated for June 8-11 in Manchester, Tennessee, has been announced.
Over 100 artists will appear at the event, headlined by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Weeknd, and, in an exclusive, first-ever Bonnaroo headline performance, U2 performing a set that will include a 30th anniversary celebration of their career-defining 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.
Cam and Margo Price are set to perform on the Sunday shows at Great Stage Park, while Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real are part of the Saturday lineup and newcomer Luke Combs performs during the Thursday set. Other artists performing throughout the four-day event include Lorde, Chance The Rapper, Dua Lipa, and dozens more.
Tickets including General Admission, VIP, and the brand new Platinum Pass are on sale now exclusively via bonnaroo.com.
NSAI Hosts Huge No. 1 Bash
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Nashville Songwriters Association International honored 35 Nashville-associated writers Monday night (Feb. 21) at a huge No. 1 party at its headquarters at the Music Mill on Music Row. The event recognized songwriters who contributed to songs that topped the Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot or Mediabase charts from August 2016 to November 2016.
The Stephen Foster Award (in recognition of extraordinary service to the songwriting community) was also presented to John A. Hardaway, Senior Sales and Marketing Executive for Brown-Forman Corporation. The party was sponsored by Klindt, Cole & Associates with drinks provided by Jack Daniels.
NSAI No. 1 Songs Recognized:
“Peter Pan”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Lee and Forest Glen Whitehead
Recorded by: Kelsea Ballerini
“Head Over Boots”
Writers: Luke Laird and Jon Pardi
Recorded by: Jon Pardi
“From The Ground Up”
Writers: Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney and Chris DeStefano
Recorded by: Dan + Shay
“American Country Love Song”
Writers: Ross Copperman, Jaren Johnston and Ashley Gorley
Recorded by: Jake Owen
“Eye Of The Storm”
Writers: Ryan Stevenson and Bryan Fowler
Recorded by: Ryan Stevenson featuring GabeReal
“Different For Girls”
Writers: JT Harding and Shane McAnally
Recorded by: Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King
“Middle Of A Memory”
Writers: Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell
Recorded by: Cole Swindell
“You Look Like I Need A Drink”
Writers: Rodney Clawson, Natalie Hemby and Matt Dragstrem
Recorded by: Justin Moore
“I Know Somebody”
Writers: Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover
Recorded by: LoCash
“Thy Will”
Writers: Bernie Herms, Hillary Scott and Emily Weisband
Recorded by: Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
“Today”
Writers: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois and Brad Paisley
Recorded by: Brad Paisley
“Move”
Writers: Luke Bryan, Michael Carter and Jay Clementi
Recorded by: Luke Bryan
Pictured (L-R): NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison with John A. Hardaway and Lee Thomas Miller